Franklin Square/Elmont Herald 08-07-2025

Beloved educator Al Harper dies at 65

Parents, community advocates and school staff share words of affection

By RENEE DeloRENZo

rdelorenzo@liherald.com

Al Harper, a beloved educator and administrator in the Elmont School District, died on July 28, at age 65.

Funeral services were held at Memorial Presbyterian Church, in Roosevelt, on Aug. 2. Harper was buried at St. Charles Resurrection Cemetery, in Farmingdale.

Harper served as assistant principal of Elmont Memorial High School from 1995 to 2002, then as principal for the following three years. In 2005 he was promoted to superintendent of the district, a job he held for 15 years before he retired in 2020.

“He was just such a special person,” said Jon Johnson, an Elmont parent and president of the Men of Elmont mentorship program. “He could be a very whimsical, funny person at times. But when it came to school, he was very serious.”

Harper was born and raised in Queens, and graduated from Howard University in 1981 with a degree in communications. He was a huge basketball fan, and Johnson, who lived in Queens at ContinuED on pAgE 21

Screenwriter’s oddball comedy series aims for spotlight

By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com

Franklin Square native

Jason “Jay” Alvino and his creative team are hoping their personal stories and artistic voice can help their latest animated television project find its place on screen.

Alvino, a screenwriter and former visual effects artist, cocreated the animated series Beefy Frank with longtime friend and collaborator Mike Carlo. In July, the pair announced that a third collaborator, Christy Karacas, a producer best known for Superjail! and Ball-

masterz: 9009, has been added to the team as an executive producer.

Carlo is an experienced animator currently working as a supervising director at Nickelodeon Animation Studios, and Alvino most recently won Best Unproduced Screenplay at the Sleepy Hollow International Film Festival for his project, Low Life, in 2024.

Alvino, H. Frank Carey High School class of 1991 alumnus, began working in the film industry shortly after graduating. With absolutely no college experience, he began making connections in the industry and working as a VFX artist. As

a lover of all things horror, Alvino worked on several B-movie horror projects.

For Alvino, the journey to this point has been filled with setbacks—health complications, industry shifts, and multiple project rejections—but it’s also been a story of perseverance and passion.

Alvino was diagnosed in 1998 with a rare autoimmune disease, pemphigus. The disease causes blistering of the skin and mucous membranes, producing patchy painful, red sores all over the body.

“It was just the weirdest thing that, you know, I became this monster in my opinion,”

Alvino recalled. “I looked like something I would make in one of my horror movies.”

He has undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy at NYU Langone Hospital during flareups. The disease became so prominent that he was in and out of the hospital for nearly two years. Eventually, Alvino began

reentering social circles, and in 2002, he was introduced to Carlo through Alvino’s cousin. The two quickly began bonding over shared creative interests, especially horror films, music, and storytelling. They began collaborating professionally when Carlo contributed concept art and storyboards for

7

Courtesy Elmont School District

Al Harper, 65, a longtime educator and former superintendent of the Elmont School District, died on July 28. He was remembered for his leadership, mentorship and decades of service.

Back-to-school info for the 2025-26 school year

By SARA LODESPOTO Intern

As the summer comes to a close, many parents have begun preparing their children for the school year. Here are some things to keep in mind before students walk through the doors on the first day.

Registration

Each school district has different ways to register children for the upcoming school year on their websites. The Sewanhaka School District has a printable application for registration, whereas the Elmont School District has an online form on its parent portal. The Franklin Square School District has different forms depending on whether the student is new to the district or enrolling in the district for the first time. Once the application is completed for Franklin Square schools, parents can call the Central Registration Office to finalize it. For more information about specific districts, parents can search their respective district’s website.

Immunization

Once the student is enrolled in their respective school district, the parent will need to make sure their child has all vaccination requirements. Each school district’s website has a complete list of immunization requirements for each grade. Sewanhaka’s website has also outlined specific athletic forms for each of the five schools in the district. According to the New York State Depertmant of Health, parents must provide proof of their child’s up-to-date vaccinations, or a valid medical exemption, within 14 days of the first day of school. To find out what vaccinations students need from their physician, search Health.NY.gov.

Cell Phone Policy

With the rise of cell phone use in schools, many districts are implementing new rules to restrict children’s access to phones in the upcoming year that are in line with Gov. Kathy Hochul’s policy. As of Aug. 1, the Franklin Square School District is requiring all students to keep internet enabled devices in their backpacks or lockers while on school premises. Similarly, the Sewanhaka school district announced during a July 8 Board of Education meeting that cell phones must be left in lockers, unless on a school field trip or if seniors leave campus for lunch. As of press time, the Elmont School District has not released a public statement on their cell phone policy, bu parents can regularly check the website for more updates.

Herald file photo

Parents across Elmont, Franklin Square, and Sewanhaka school districts are preparing for the new school year with registration, immunizations, and new policies.

Youth fashion gala raises $6,500 for Haiti

Selene Ferdinand hosted the 5th annual fundraiser through her nonprofit, Meera Empowerment

By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com

Meera Empowerment hosted its 5th annual Fun Fashion Show Fundraiser Gala, raising over $6,500 to support children in Haiti through the Kedner Stiven Foundation.

The gala, hosted at Le Spot Café in Elmont on July 26 from 4:30-7:30 p.m., drew nearly 100 guests for an evening of charity and glamor as 10 of the nonprofit’s ambassadors took to the stage modeling an assortment of looks and styles.

In attendance were both current and former ambassadors, who volunteer for the nonprofit’s yearly events and help spread its mission of youth empowerment throughout Elmont, Franklin Square, Valley Stream and beyond.

Founded by Selene Ferdinand, 12, of Elmont, the nonprofit aims to improve self-confidence, foster community connections, honor civic duty and support youth both locally and internationally.

Selene said the event was a success and she was overwhelmed with pride for all those who helped make the event possible.

“I’m actually so happy and so proud of how everything came together,” Selene said. “I’m so proud of all the ambassadors, and it was such an amazing moment to see that everything we’ve been working toward throughout the year paid off.”

During the gala, Selene honored several attendees and longtime Meera Empowerment collaborators in recognition of their support for the nonprofit throughout the five years it has been uplifting the community.

Honorees included Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, County Legislator Carrié Solages, photographer Troy Alexander, You’re Our Unity founder LeShawn Walker, and Elmont Cultural Center founder Mimi Pierre-Johnson. Selene also surprised longtime volunteer and supporter Rachelle Lewis with an honor.

To kick off the fashion show, Selene delivered an opening speech before transitioning into the formal wear category. Young ambassadors, many of whom are students in the local community, strutted down the runway displaying their looks with confidence.

Next was the cultural category, which consisted of colorful garments and a dance performance by a performing arts group that presented both an African and hip hop dance in celebration of diverse cultural roots.

After concluding the fashion show with the casualwear category, guests were served a dinner of Caribbean food as honors and citations were awarded by Selene, Michaelle Solages, Carrié Solages and a representative from Rep. Laura Gillen’s office.

Selene said planning for the event began in January. “There were many late nights,” she said, explaining that much of the nonprofit’s work throughout the year culminates at the fashion

show.

Selene hosts several yearly events during through her nonprofit, aiming to achieve her mission of philanthropy and youth activism. Among those events are her annual school supply drive, holiday fundraiser, Easter egg hunt and prom attire giveaway.

Rachelle Lewis, an Elmont parent who has volunteered with Meera Empowerment since Selene first founded it, was shocked when Selene surprised her with the award. She recalled handing out awards on stage alongside Selene during the fashion show, following the order outlined in the event program.

However, Selene went off script and announced she had another award to present, which took Lewis by surprise. When Selene announced her name, she was shocked. Selene then thanked Lewis for all she’s done for the nonprofit over the years.

According to Lewis, who met Selene’s mother, Savitre Ferdinand, through the Elmont Parent Teacher Association when Selene was still new to the school district, Selene and the nonprofit have grown and matured over the years.

She recalled the first fashion show Selene hosted in which her main responsibility was choosing colors, followed by the second fundraiser in 2021 in which Selene began taking on a public speaking role.

In 2022, for the third annual fashion show, Lewis said Selene had fully embraced the role as a creative director, taking ownership over the event and full responsibility of the planning, such as directing the flow of the models, choosing the music, and deciding what she will say during her speech.

“It’s really just her growing and taking on that responsibility,” Lewis said of Selene. “It’s been a blessing for us

here in Elmont when Meera Empowerment grows.”

As for the community, Lewis said Selene’s nonprofit work sets a great example for other kids in Elmont, who are learning how to focus their energy on making the community better.

“There are so many things that could be changed or need to be changed,” Lewis said, “or maybe something you’re passionate about. Seeing someone so young like Selene go at itshe’s such a great role model for anyone in the community.”

Michaelle, who has been attending Meera Empowerment’s fashion show since it began five years ago, said the event is an opportunity for local youth to come together and learn what it means to serve the community. She also commended Selene’s ongoing efforts to keep youth engaged in public service.

“Elmont has always produced the best and brightest,” Michaelle said. “Selene really exemplifies why Elmont is one of the greatest towns on Long Island.”

Not only are children in the community confident, she continued, but they are giving back to their fellow neighbors and residentsan effort Michaelle says is admirable.

“Selene is focused on the right things,” Michaelle said. “I appreciate the opportunity to be involved in the life of a young lady who I know is going to do great things for our community.”

Selene is already thinking ahead to next year’s event and more ways she can serve the community she loves.

“We want to make it bigger and better next year,” Selene said, hoping to secure a larger venue for next year’s fashion show. “We want to invite even more people to come and see what Meera Empowerment is doing.”

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Meera Empowerment ambassadors and honored guests celebrate the successful close of the organization’s 5th annual Fun Fashion Show Fundraiser Gala.

A youth and teen performing arts group energizes the crowd with an African and hiphop dance during the cultural category of the Meera Empowerment fashion show.

Subtitled “Getting Older Without Getting Old” this new book starts with the premise “... imagine bringing a whole lifetime of knowledge, experience, skills, talent, relationships, wisdom (and, let’s face it, money) to two or three more decades ahead of you in which to leverage all those assets into an ongoing wonderful experience.” With the Baby Boomer generation far outliving and “outhealthing” any prior generation, we are in the era of the “superager”, founded upon seven pillars.

Attitude: Believing in exciting new possibilities, optimism is a major life extender. Purposes and goals are a result of an active curiosity about the potential for the gift of these years. Practice a positive thinking booster program everyday. Search for “positivity apps” and get daily positive quotes. They work!

Awareness: Whereas older adults previously accepted the advice of professionals as gospel, today’s superagers are avid consumers of information. The challenge today is the approach to information gathering and the curating of the “informational torrent”. Tips and techniques for searching and filing your information are provided.

Activity: Keeping fit, mentally and physically delves into the nine components, arising out of the Blue Zones Project, for extending longevity — move naturally, have a purpose (worth an extra 7 years!), downshift, the 80% rule for eating, plant-based diet, moderate alcohol, faith-based community family, social networks.

Accomplishments: Viewing post-65 as a continued opportunity to grow and achieve goals, this section outlines myriad ways to continue personal growth. As the authors point out, “Accomplishment, promoted by longevity, produces even further longevity.”

Attachment: The health risks of loneliness are well documented. Superagers reach for more connection, often digitally. New adult communities are arising right on college campuses, creating exciting new intergenerational possibilities.

Avoidance: Avoiding ageism, especially against oneself, means challenging your own and society’s outdated views on aging — stereotypes as to what older adults look and act like.

Autonomy: The dazzling new array of living options, and various means for affording them are explored, including using the home as an asset. For more, visit superagingnews.com.

Crime watCh

Petit LarCeny

Police said a victim reported a man removed ten pairs of women’s clothing from the Target on Hempstead Turnpike, in Elmont, on July 9 at 1:47 p.m.

According to police, Shayna Granger, 30, of Jamaica, and Shauna John, 29, of Brooklyn, were arrested for shoplifting at the Target on Hempstead Turnpike, in Elmont, on July 19 at 2:29 p.m.

Robbin Abrams, 58, of Elmont, was arrested for shoplifting at the Target on Hempstead Turnpike, in Elmont, on July 20 at 7 p.m., police said.

Authorities said Tarsem Singh, 68, of South Richmond Hill, was arrested for shoplifting at the Home Depot on Hempstead Turnpike, in Elmont, on July 22 at 6:25 p.m.

Joseph Cruz, 35, of the Bronx, was arrested for shoplifting at the Home Depot on Hempstead Turnpike, in Elmont, on July 25 at 2:46 p.m., police said.

Police said Thomas Donohue, 59, of Elmont, was arrested for shoplifting at the Target on Hempstead Turnpike, in Elmont, on July 29 at 2:15 p.m.

Ihinrereolowa Femi-Fatukasi, 20, of Elmont, was arrested for shoplifting at the Target on Hempstead Turnpike, in Elmont, on July 29 at 9:38 p.m., according to authorities.

Authorities said Gyanchand Bhulai, 59, of Brooklyn, was arrested for shoplifting at the Home Depot on Hempstead Turnpike, in Elmont, on July 30 at 11:10 a.m.

According to police, Caterina Tolomeo, 63, of Elmont, was arrested for shoplifting at the Primark on Old Country Road, in East Garden City, on July 30 at 3:21 p.m.

CriminaL misChief

Police said a victim reported an unknown man for damaging his front door frame at his home on Dauntless Parkway, in Elmont, on July 26 at 11:20 p.m.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

news brief

MTA proposes new LIRR ticket price hike

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority has proposed a series of fare and toll increases set to take effect in January 2026, pending approval this fall.

The proposal includes an average 4.4 percent fare hike for Long Island Rail Road one-way peak, monthly, and weekly tickets.

City tickets would rise by 25 cents, bringing off-peak fares to $5.25 and peak fares to $7.25, with monthly fares capped at $500. It would mark the first LIRR fare increase since August 2023.

Significant ticketing changes are also

proposed: all one-way mobile and paper tickets would activate upon purchase and expire after four hours.

The MTA also plans to replace roundtrip tickets with a new “Day Pass” valid until 4 a.m. the following day.

Additionally, bridge and tunnel tolls for E-ZPass users would increase by 7.5 percent, raising most tolls to $7.46 and some to $2.80. This would be the first toll hike since 2023.

–Renee DeLorenzo

Nassau HOF class of 2025 announced

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

The Nassau County High School Athletics Hall of Fame will hold its 2025 induction ceremony Oct. 7 at the Crest Hollow County Club. For more information and tickets, go to www.sectionviii. org. Here’s a list of local honorees.

Ray Adams (Long Beach)

For the past 28 seasons, the Long Beach wrestling program has achieved remarkable success under the direction of Baldwin alum Adams. During that span, the team has a dual meet record of 328-110-1, winning the New York State Dual-Meet championship in 2016 and 2017. Adams has led Long Beach to an incredible 16 Conference titles and five Nassau County crowns.

Adams’ dedication to developing athletes at a very high level is palpable by the 168 All-County wrestlers he has coached. Of those, 11 went on to become state champions, 48 became Nassau County champions, and 42 were AllState wrestlers. Adams’ impact on wrestling goes beyond wins and championships. A member of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame (Class of 2022), has been greatly recognized for his contributions, earning him Nassau County Coach of the Year three times.

Steve Costello (MacArthur)

Costello has been one of Nassau County’s elite baseball coaches for more than three decades at MacArthur High School. His teams have consistently won and have experienced deep playoff runs, resulting in three Nassau County championships, two Long Island titles and a New York State Class B title in 1994 with a record of 29-0.

Costello’s incredible success throughout the past 32 seasons has made him one of the premiere baseball coaches in county history. He is in the top five all time in career wins with over 575. He also earned the Michael Kostynick Memorial Award Coach of the Year honors three times. Additionally, Costello would take over the role as MacArthur’s varsity girls soccer coach in 2022. It was no surprise that in his first year at the helm, the Generals would go 15-1-2 and capture Nassau and L.I. Class AA championships.

Gina, Vicky and Rosie DiMartino (Massapequa)

It is a genuine honor to have one member of a family become a high school soccer star.

So what is there to say about a family that produces not one, not two, not three, but an astounding four All-Long Island players. That’s what made the DiMartino sisters so special. Each was a star in her own right. Each led teams to

championships. Each earned multiple individual honors. Gina, Vicky and Rosie DiMartino followed elder sister Christina into soccer stardom. Each proved to be winners while leading Massapequa to Nassau and New York State crowns.

Gina was a sensation at Massapequa. She led the Chiefs to two state soccer titles. She set the school scoring record. She won the Mike Clarke Award as the best player in the county. She was a two-time All-Long Island selection and has been inducted into the Long Island Soccer Players Hall of Fame. Victoria (Vicky) was an All-Long Island firstteam selection as a junior in 2005 and led Massapequa to the county, regional and state titles as a senior. She was chosen for the United States Under-17 World Cup team in New Zealand.

Ronald Gustafson (Wantagh)

A common theme runs throughout

the career of “Gus” Gustafson when competed as a member of Wantagh High School’s cross-country and track & field teams: Unprecedented success. As “leader of the pack”, Gustafson’s running career was impeccable. In cross country, he led the Warriors to two Nassau County Class B team championships and he was a three-time individual champion from 1962-64. Wantagh would win the New York State cross country team title in 1962 and he would win the NYS individual championship in 1963 and 1964. In track, Gustafson was a threetime Nassau County champion in the 3200-meter race.

William ‘Bill’ Hedgecock (Wantagh & Lynbrook)

Hedgecock was a fixture in Nassau County track & field and cross country for 41 years. His former players describe Coach Hedge as more than a coach –he’s a legend, a mentor, and someone

who left a lasting impact on everyone lucky enough to know him. He exhibited an extensive knowledge of both sports at Lynbrook and Wantagh. His career began at Lynbrook for 11 years from 1969-80.

In 1981, Hedgecock moved over to Wantagh, where he was the head coach in cross country and spring track for the next three decades. During his tenure, Bill’s teams amassed a staggering 1,207 wins (819 in XC and 388 in track) with only 102 losses. He led his teams to 50 undefeated seasons, two New York State cross country championships at Wantagh (boys in 1986, girls in 1992) and 37 Nassau titles between the two schools.

Quint Kessenich (Lynbrook)

Aside from being an extraordinary three-sport star at Lynbrook, Kessenich, a 1986 graduate, was also a bit of an introvert. All of which is ironic since he is now a vocal ESPN broadcaster for lacrosse, wrestling, football and other sports. Kessenich was an outstanding athlete in high school. He starred as a soccer player and was a two-time Nassau wrestling champion for the Owls. However, it was on the lacrosse field that he was truly extraordinary.

Kessenich was considered to be the top high school lacrosse goaltender in the country as a junior and senior, and twice was named All-American. He starred at the collegiate level at Johns Hopkins, becoming a rare four-time AllAmerican for the Blue Jays. He also was twice the recipient of the Ensign C. Markland Kelly Award, given to the best goaltender in collegiate lacrosse.

Courtesy Levittown Schools Steve Costello has racked up more than 575 wins and three county titles as MacArthur’s baseball coach.

Courtesy Nassau County Athletics

Lynbrook’s Quint Kessenich was a three-sport star for the Owls and one of the top lacrosse goaltenders in the country in the mid-1980s.

Creative team has faith in new TV project

Alvino’s film projects.

“We both had the same twisted sense of humor and love for horror,” Carlo said. “It just made sense.”

Alvino founded Wicked EFX, a Brooklyn-based studio, in 2005, moved to California in 2008 to work at Quantum Creations—where he worked on projects including Tron Legacy and Sucker Punch—and eventually, after another pemphigus flareup, shifted to screenwriting full time in 2010.

After moving back to Franklin Square in 2017, he rekindled his relationship with Carlo, who was working on a strangely unique project—Beefy Frank.

The concept for the series originated from Carlo’s early idea of a monstrous character, but it evolved into a darkly funny narrative about a mutant decapitated hot dog head trying to reintegrate into normal life after his ties to the mafia landed him in prison—a rich blend of horror, personal history, and cultural absurdity.

“It’s very much influenced by Long Island culture and just how ridiculous and lovable our families are,” Carlo said. “The stories are real; the humor is real. It’s weird, it’s original—and that’s what we’re leaning into.”

The creative pair began developing the show around 2017 and pitched Beefy Frank to several studios including Netf-

lix, Amazon, and Comedy Central—and even had it optioned by a studio.

After early studio interest waned, the project stalled but was revived when Adult Swim showed promise in 2020 and gave the project new life. Carlo and Alvino created a sample animation to showcase the show’s tone, characters, and humor.

However, Carlo said the team doesn’t know where they stand with Adult Swim anymore, explaining that the studio has quietly “fell off” without official word as to whether they still want to work with the team.

Though the project is still in development, the creators are preparing to shop it around again—this time with their completed short animation and Karacas’ backing.

“We’re trying to make so much noise that they have to pay attention to us,” Alvino said of the project.

“We’re not waiting around for a studio to give us permission anymore,” Carlo added.

Karacas recalled reading Alvino’s script and being thoroughly impressed by it. After meeting in person, the two hit it off and initiated a friendly relationship. Karacas said he was drawn to the originality of the concept and the way it tapped into a cultural voice not often explored in animation.

“I just really liked the project,” Karacas said. “Jay’s an amazing writer, and

Mike is such a talented animator. When they asked me if I’d be an EP, it was a no-brainer.”

According to the team, taking creative chances is not something studios are willing to do anymore. With the industry increasingly turning to corporate control and using calculated risks to maximize profits, projects like Beefy Frank are often passed for being too weird or unusual.

“I think things need to be authentic and exciting and real,” Karacas said. “There’s a huge audience for this, and I think it’s very relatable and funny.”

Karacas is a firm believer that people shouldn’t care what anyone thinks as long as they love what they’re creating. He said it’s refreshing to see Beefy Frank be such an original idea and inspired by a culture many connect with.

“I really believe in the project,” Karacas stressed. “I think this could be huge.”

Alvino and Carlo share Karacas’s optimism and believe that if the team wants to get the show made, it’s up to them to make it happen.

“We had ups and downs, and there were times we thought it was dead,” Carlo said. “Jay’s been through a lot, but he never gave up. And that’s what keeps this thing alive.”

For Alvino, this is a passion project and something he believes represents a

Square native

alvino, a screenwriter, co-created the animated series “Beefy frank,” a dark comedy rooted in Long island life.

deeply human part of the industry, which he worries will disappear without original projects like Beefy Frank.

“All the frustrations I’ve been dealing with,” Alvino said, “I’m trying to channel it into something positive because I think storytelling is essential to our culture and humanity.”

Courtesy Jason Alvino franklin

Jason “Jay”

RichnerLive Gala celebrates

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Herald Community Media held its first ever Health & Beauty Awards of Long Island Gala, presented by RichnerLive on July 16, people from across the Island flooded into the ballroom of The Heritage Club at Bethpage to get a glimpse of the beautiful honorees this year’s had to offer.

“This evening we celebrate the people and organizations shaping the future of health and beauty,” said Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications and publisher of Herald Community Media, “Those whose innovation, leadership and dedication are making a lasting difference in our community.”

Regarding launching this new program, RichnerLIVE Executive Director Amy Amato shared, “This is a remarkable group of professionals who do more than just excel at what they do. They uplift, empower, and heal our community every single day. Whether helping someone feel beautiful, recover their strength, or simply feel seen and supported, this work touches lives in profound ways. It’s an honor to recognize that impact here tonight.”

Over 40 honorees were presented with awards in various categories pertaining to the health and beauty industry on Long Island, including Spa 505, Tranquility 3 Spa & Salt Cave and more.

Following the VIP cocktail hour which offered networking and a shopping and vendor experience for attendees, event emcees Krista Bennett DeMaio, founder of Pretty Local and Mae Caime, CEO and transformational architect of aMAEzing Midlife and Beyond kicked off the evening’s program and ceremony with a panel discussion on the industry.

Featured panelists included Dr. Luis Fandos, founder and CEO of Alluring Age Anti-Aging and Wellness Center, Dr. Helen Hsieh, founder and medical director of Vibrance 360, and Catherine Canadeo, CEO and founder of Health and Wellness Corp, who all also received awards later in the evening.

“With the new technology that we now have available, we can identify abnormal cellular processes that are going on,” Fandos said, “And by correcting those, any beauty treatments that you do will have a much longer lasting effect.”

Hsieh discussed common myths within the health and beauty industry. “More is not always better. Just the right amount is better than more. If you eat too much, it’s not good for you,” she said.

Canadeo mentioned the importance of addressing stress for one’s health. “It’s very important to be mindful of ourselves. We get distracted on a day to day basis and our emotional wellbeing is crucial. It is essential to glow from within,” she said.

Atul Bhatara, founder and CEO of Atul Skincare was amongst the honorees for the Achiever category. His skin-

care focuses on using safer ingredients in their products. Being born with cerebral palsy, he’s been able to defy the odds and be a voice for the disabled community.

“Throughout this journey, a lot of people didn’t believe in me. Don’t let somebody else’s opinion of you become your reality,” Bhatara said, “You control your own reality. Fear is false evidence appearing real, fear does not exist. It’s just something that comes up in your mind when you get overwhelmed.”

Constance Korol, CEO of Meta 180, received an award in Holistic Integrative Health. Her business centers around helping individuals dealing with issues from anxiety to physical ailments with a holistic approach both in-person and virtually. “Most of my clients, when I’m with them for some time, they’ll say ‘I just never knew that I could feel this way.’ That’s really the best part is seeing my clients grow,” Korol said.

Honoree, Dr. Linda Harkavy, was a recipient of the Science & Skin award. Harkavy is the president and medical director of Form & Function Aesthetics

and Wellness, which uses different devices and equipment to treat various physical issues. Harkavy said, “It’s a broad based aesthetic and wellness practice. The aesthetics came along with me because looking beautiful is a part of feeling great.”

These honorees were nominated not only by RichnerLive, but by people with-

in their communities as well. To see a complete list of the winners, visit RichnerLive.com/health-beautyawards/2025-honorees.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to The Maurer Foundation. For more information on the event or other events by RichnerLive, visit RichnerLive.com.

Photos by Tim Baker/Herald

EMCEE’s and Honorees (Left) Mae Caime and (Far right) Krista Bennett DeMaio speak with our panelists: (Left to right) Dr. Luis Fandos, Catherine Canadeo, and Dr. Helen Hsieh.

Our lovely gift bags sponsored by our amazing honorees

Attendees at the Heath & Beauty Awards

Health and Beauty innovators

Melissa Baptiste/Herald Atul Bhatara from Atul Skincare.

Melissa Baptiste/Herald Alice Khalkad from House of Skin.

Tim Baker/Herald Jim Wang from Spa 505.

Melissa Baptiste/Herald

Linda Mashkabova, FNP from The Beauty Cellar NY.

Tim Baker/Herald Tom Amigdalos from PureCare Pharmacy and Wellness.

Melissa Baptiste/Herald

Linda Harkavy, MD from Form and Function Aesthetics and Wellness.

Tim Baker/Herald

Sarah K. Girardi, MD, FACS from Tideline Center for Health & Aesthetics.

Melissa Baptiste/Herald Meredith Vandegrift, MD, FACS from Vandegrift Plastic Surgery.

Melissa Baptiste/Herald

Sharon Grasso, Ingrid Dodd, Dana Persico from the Rebranding Menopause Postcast.

Tim Baker/Herald

Luis Fandos, MD, FAAAM, FABAPM from Alluring Age Anti-Aging and Wellness Center with Amanda Fandos, Jessica Jordan, Pina Prainito and Jasmin Joya.

Melissa Baptiste/Herald Ali Artz from Ambiance Salon and Spa.

Melissa Baptiste/Herald

Samara S. Churgin, MD, FACS from Churgin Plastic Surgery.

Tim Baker/Herald Marisa Russell from Meadow & Bark.

Melissa Baptiste/Herald Donna Arigo from ISDIN USA.

Tim Baker/Herald

Leticia Huston from HER Spa Room & Benefit Cosmetics/LVMH.

Melissa Baptiste/Herald

Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS from Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery.

Tim Baker/Herald

Ladies from Tranquility 3 Spa & Salt Cave: Therese Montanile, Angela Cui (honoree), Angela Wang and Maria Spatola.

Neighbors unite for annual block party

The Locustwood Gotham Civic Association hosted its annual block party on Sussex Road July 26

By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com

Elmont showed its neighborhood pride during its annual block party on Sussex Road as residents enjoyed an afternoon of summer fun.

Organized by the Locustwood Gotham Civic Association on July 26, the event included music, food, vendors, lemonade stands, basketball games, bouncy houses, an ice cream truck, face painting, a magician and much more.

That’s what life is, you know? We look over each other.

Among local businesses that donated supplies were Sapienza Bake Shop, Belmont Deli and Grill, King Umberto, Nolan’s Cuisine, Wings ‘n’ Things and Yardies. Vendors served food such as jerk chicken, pastries and sandwiches, along with fresh grilled corn.

MaRgaRET PiERRE Elmont resident

Officers from the Nassau County Police Department Fifth Precinct, including Deputy Inspector Alan Hirsch and Sergeant Eric Finn, attended the event and provided children a unique opportunity to hop inside a squad car and learn about the tools officers use when on duty.

Bob Barker, president of the civic association, said he was grateful to all who participated and donated supplies to support the block party, as well as for the beautiful weather that made it possible to enjoy the festivities outside.

“A special thank you to all those who really made it a success,” Barker said. “The weather was perfect. Everyone was really ecstatic about how well the block party was organized. It was phenomenal.”

In one of the more emotional moments during the party, residents gathered to recognize Vilna Desir, a longtime Elmont resident who had recently turned 100 years old and died on July 22. She lived on Sussex Road for decades.

Barker said he stopped the music and assembled the Desir family and neighbors for a moment of silence in remembrance of the Desir’s mother.

“It was very touching,” Barker said. “They were really surprised and accepted it with a lot of humor and gratitude.”

Margaret Pierre, Vilna’s daughter, said Vilna was a wonderful mother and hard worker. “She was always looking after her kids,” she said.

After Vilna’s passing, Pierre said she couldn’t enjoy the block party for long because she had to plan the funeral. But, when Councilman Tom Muscarella and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages both presented citations to the family, she said it was emotional. “I was touched,” she said.

Pierre said that’s the spirit of Elmont, and bringing people together is

the way community members show their support for one another. Watching kids running with joy and neighbors laughing together, she said, is a special

experience not every community is lucky enough to enjoy.

“That’s what life is, you know?” Pierre said. “We look over each other.”

for

According to Muscarella, who presented the citation to Vilna’s family in person, the efforts of Barker and the civic association in organizing the event, and recognizing the family, is why Elmont is such a close-knit community.

“I was honored to present he citation to the Desir family in memory of their mother Vilna,” Muscarella wrote in an email to the Herald. “Elmont is a wonderful community and I’m grateful to Bob Barker and the Locustwood Gotham Civic Association for everything they do in making our home a great place.”

The civic association, led by Barker and his board, organizes the block party each year to bring the community together, show their support and give them a reason to celebrate.

“This is always what we do,” Barker said. “You just have to have everybody on board to make these things a success.”

Bob Barker, president of the Locustwood Gotham Civic Association, and his wife Hermian Barker smile during Elmont’s annual block party which Bob helped organize.

Tim Baker/Herald photos DJ Karl Deriggs plays music for block party attendees, keeping the energy high as families gathered

the party.

Fakir Eusuf, of Elmont, left, and Kaylonda Martin enjoy cotton candy, one of the many sweet treats for guests to enjoy at the block party.

Tori Lamb, 6, left, and her sister Giana Lamb, 3, smile near the bouncy house during an afternoon of festivities.

Shane Miller, left, grills food alongside Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, one of the local leaders who joined the community celebration.

Gillen visits air traffic control in Westbury

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Staffing shortages, safety concerns, the need to update equipment and aircraft noise were the topics when U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen met with Federal Aviation Administration officials and air traffic controllers in Westbury last week.

“I think everyone can agree TRACON/N90 and other air traffic control towers are understaffed, have outdated technology, long hours and compulsory overtime, which is contributing to wider spread burnout and fatigue,” Gillen said on July 29 outside the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control facility that is known by its acronym.

TRACON/N90 manages aircraft approaching and departing from the metropolitan area’s airports, generally within a 30- to 50-mile radius.

I

in Philadelphia.

“I’m so glad the inspector general is finally looking into the impact of moving N90 air traffic controllers, and what this has done to New York airport cancellations and the safety of our passengers,” Gillen said.

will continue to work with Secretary Duffy in a bipartisan fashion to make sure we are keeping the skies over the busiest airways in the country safe.

LAuRA GILLeN U.S. Representative

Gillen put pressure on the FAA and federal Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy that resulted in an audit of a decision last year to relocate a dozen air traffic controllers from TRA-

The FAA relocated air traffic controllers who monitored Newark Liberty Airport, one of the busiest in the country, from TRACON/ N90 to Philadelphia. Controllers overseeing Newark subsequently experienced a roughly 90-second blackout of radar and radio contact with air traffic due to a burned copper wire on April 28. Another 90-second outage followed on May 9, caused by failures of communication infrastructure.

“The FAA’s reckless decision to relocate Newark air traffic controllers from N90 on Long Island to Philadelphia put our safety at risk and made it more difficult for our air traffic controllers to manage the nation’s busiest airspace,” said Gillen.

The incidents raised concerns about system redundancy, controller staffing and training and operational resilience. The audit will also review the FAA’s

planning and risk-assessment process and its operation response to flight delays, safety incidents and cancellations.

Gillen said she was also determined to address the issue of low staffing of air traffic controllers and the risks it poses to passenger safety.

make sure we are keeping the skies over the busiest airways in the country safe — safe for passengers, and to minimize cancellations and delays,” she said.

“I will continue to work with Secretary Duffy in a bipartisan fashion to

During a discussion of air traffic safety at a July 16 hearing of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, Duffy said, “Our goal is to make air travel not just safer, but also more efficient.”

Courtesy Office of Laura Gillen

U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen responded to questions from reporters outside the New York Terminal Radar Approach Control facility in Westbury on July 29.

Firefighters convention returns to Long Island

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

The Firefighters Association of the State of New York will host its 153rd Annual Convention Thursday through Saturday at the Hyatt Regency Long Island, in Hauppauge.

The event is expected to draw more than 1,000 attendees, including volunteer firefighters from across New York, vendors and dignitaries. It will mark the 15th time the association has held its convention on Long Island since the organization was founded in 1872.

“We are very happy for the return of the FASNY convention to the Long Island region,” the organization’s president, Eugene Perry, said. “We are proud to welcome firefighters and guests from across New York state back to our vibrant and historic convention.”

Organizers estimate that the three-day event will generate about $1.1 million in economic activity for Suffolk County, with nearly 1,500 hotel-room nights expected to be booked as well as dining, social events and other spending.

The association is partnering with Discover Long Island, the region’s official tourism agency, to support the convention.

“Our organization is committed to driving economic impact through tourism, and our dedicated sales team works year-round to bring major meetings and events like these to Long Island,” Discover Long Island’s interim CEO, Mitch Pally, said. “We are proud to host these dedicated individuals who serve communities across the state, and look forward to showcasing Suffolk County’s hospitality, natural beauty and distinctive appeal.”

The convention will open with the annual golf tournament at the Wind Watch Golf & Country Club, adjacent to the Hyatt Regency. Attendees will also take part in training sessions, FASNY’s annual meetings and ceremonies honoring outstanding service.

A highlight of the event will be a keynote address by Chief Patrick Kenny, author of “Taking the Cape Off: How to Lead Through Mental Illness, Unimagina-

ble Grief and Loss.” Kenny will speak on first responder mental health.

“I’ve heard him speak before, and his story is very moving,” Perry said. “Attendees should be ready with tissues.”

Other scheduled events include the annual Heroes Awards and a Friday-evening Tailgate for Heroes and scholarship fundraiser, featuring the Long Islandbased band Peat Moss and the Fertilizers.

Michael Barry, president of the Suffolk County Fire Chiefs Council and a 41-year member of the Medford Fire Department, said the convention is about more than celebration and tourism.

“We hope this event brings out people and they can understand the value of a volunteer fire service and all that it does,” Barry said. “It’s about compromise and sacrifice — giving up time from family to complete training and respond to calls, all to help your community.”

Perry agreed. “This year’s convention promises to be a meaningful celebration of service, tradition and unity,” he said. “We look forward to a memorable and successful event that honors firefighting and inspires the future of volunteer service.”

Perry added that the members of the FASNY board were pleased that Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine recently approved legislation that gives volunteer firefighters preference for affordable housing in the county, which will enable many young recruits to stay on Long Island, make their homes here and continue their volunteer fire service.

FASNY represents approximately 80,000 volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel statewide. For more information about the convention, visit fasny.com/ events/2025-annual-convention.

Courtesy FASNY

Eugene Perry, president of the Firefighters Association of the State of New York, right, spoke at last year’s convention with Ed Tase, a former FASNY president.

Your HealtH and Wellness — with a focus on fitness for life

Exercise: The best prescription for the family Everyone off the couch!

You might think that getting fit means spending hours upon hours at the gym, sweating and getting on machines may seem like torture devices. Certainly not true. In fact, reaping the benefits of exercise doesn’t have to take a huge time commitment nor does it have to be torturous. It can actually be quite fun and something for everyone in the family to commit to!

Start with activities you love

If you’ve had problems making exercise a regular part of your life, then you probably only think of exercise as something you have to do in the gym. But that’s just not true! Things like walking, dancing in your living room, bowling and even cleaning the house can count as exercise as long as you’re getting a little out of breath when you’re doing them.

So sit down and make a list of all of the active things you do and find a way to make at least one of them a part of your day, every day. Then, after a few months of making those activities habits, try new ones or more traditional workouts like a group exercise class. As you get in the habit of being active and start to get more fit, you might just be amazed and what activities you like.

Embrace the power of 10

Think you can’t get heart-health benefits

from just 10-minute bouts of activity? Think again. Ten minutes of walking three times a day has been shown to lower blood pressure more effectively than a longer 30-minute bout of walking. Something as simple as walking before work, over lunch and after dinner is a fabulous way to squeeze in exercise no gym required!

It’s not just about cardio

When people think of heart-healthy exer-

Tcise, they generally think of aerobic or cardio activities like jogging. But did you know that strength training (think lifting weights or doing bodyweight exercises like push-ups and lunges) can improve the health of your ticker, too?

When you lift weights at a moderate intensity, you get your heart rate up. This means that you’re working both your muscular system and your cardiovascular system. And when you make your muscles stronger,

you make your body stronger, which helps everything. So definitely do some resistance training a few times a week.

Use exercise to de-stress

Stress plays a critical role in heart health, and exercise is great at kicking stress to the curb. Learn to see exercise not as something that you have to do, but instead as something you want to do because it makes you feel good. While most workouts will pump up your feel-good endorphins, workouts like yoga, Pilates and Tai Chi are especially good for de-stressing and improving the mindbody connection. Try ‘em!

Support those efforts with the whole foods

Of course, working out as awesome as it is is only part of the heart-health equation. Eating a nutritious diet that’s rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats is key to overall health, along with helping to give you the energy you need to power through those workouts and your everyday life.

Photo:You want long-term health — for body and mind? Move, move, move. The American College of Sports Medicine recommends 30 minutes of moderate-intensity cardiorespiratory exercise five days a week or 20 minutes of high-intensity exercise three days per week.

Keep Yourself Safe From Ticks Before a Hike, Run, or Round of Golf HEALTH MEMO

icks are on the march and heading for you and your family—unless you take precautions.

The Fordham Tick Index, which assesses the risk of encountering ticks in the New York area, was at its highest level of 10 on a 10-point scale as of mid-July, based on an increase in the tick population and the diseases they carry, most notably Lyme disease.

Over the last three years, New York State has averaged more than 17,500 new cases of Lyme disease each year, with more than 19,000 cases reported in 2023, according to the state’s Department of Health. What is more, Suffolk County reported the highest number of Lyme disease cases in the country between 2019 and 2022, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Long Island’s tick season runs from spring through fall, with peak activity from May to June and again from August to November. Aaron E. Glatt, MD, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Chief of Infectious Diseases and Chair of the Department of Medicine, recommends the following steps to protect yourself from illnesses spread by ticks (and mosquitoes):

• Apply EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus to clothing and exposed parts of your body (be sure to follow the instructions on the product label for safe and effective use).

• When hiking or gardening, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes/sneakers to reduce exposed skin areas. For extra protection, tuck your pants into your socks when in wooded terrain or thick vegetation.

• Wear light- or bright-colored clothing, like white, tan, yellow, or orange, which makes it easier to spot ticks.

• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin insecticiderepellent. Do not apply on the skin.

• Ticks congregate in grassy and wooded areas, so stay in the

Aaron E. Glatt, MD, Chief of Infectious Diseases and Chair of the Department of Medicine at Mount Sinai South Nassau recommends using fine-tipped tweezers to remove a tick and cleaning the site and your hands thoroughly after removal.

center of trails. Avoid tall grass and leaf litter. Golfers need to be aware of their increased risk when searching for balls in heavy rough and untamed parts of the course.

• After concluding outdoor activities, check your clothing, hair/head and hairline, armpits, between and toes, and entire body for ticks.

• Take a shower as soon as possible, which can help wash off unattached ticks, and consider putting the clothing in a dryer on high heat for 10 minutes to kill any attached ticks. To remove a tick, Dr. Glatt recommends the following steps:

• Use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull straight out with steady, even pressure. Avoid twisting or jerking the tick. Dispose of the tick by wrapping it in tape or flushing it down the toilet.

• After removing the tick, clean the bite site and your hands with rubbing alcohol or soap and water.

If you are bitten by a tick, Dr. Glatt says to be on guard for these symptoms of a tick-borne illness: fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, joint pain, or a rash.

“In 60-80 percent of Lyme disease cases, a rash with a bullseye center will appear around or near the site of the bite,” said Dr. Glatt. “If this rash develops as well as any other symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor or go to the emergency room immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment will prevent more serious complications, including chronic severe headaches, painful arthritis, swelling of the joints, and heart and central nervous system problems.”

The Long Island flagship hospital of the Mount Sinai Health System, Mount Sinai South Nassau operates 911-receiving emergency departments at its Oceanside and Long Beach campuses and is the only Trauma Center on the South Shore of Nassau County. In a medical emergency, dial 911.

For more information about Mount Sinai South Nassau or a physician referral, call (516) 632-3000 or visit mountsinai. org/southnassau.

mountsinai.org/southnassau

Queens-Long Island Renal Institute offers Home Hemodialysis/ Certified Home Health Care available through Parker Jewish Institute

Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), a 2025 Bests of Long Island winner and located at The Parker Jewish Institute, now offers a state-of-the-art Home Hemodialysis Program for people battling kidney disease. Those patients who also require Certified Home Health Care can access it conveniently through QLIRI’s affiliate, Parker Jewish Institute.

With QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program, patients can transition from an in-center setting to receiving hemodialysis from the comfort of their home, using the Tablo Hemodialysis System. Enrolled patients are first trained by a registered nurse. The nurse provides step-by-step guidance four days a week over the course of four weeks, or longer if necessary. With this training, patients learn to use the system before transitioning to the convenience of home hemodialysis.

If needed, patients of Parker’s Certified Home Health Care Agency receive individualized nursing, medical, and rehabilitation services, so they can maintain maximum independence in the comfort of their homes. Home-care services can include skilled-nursing care; physical, occupational and speech therapy; home-health aides; medical social services; medical supplies; and 24-hour telephone availability.

Call (718) 289-2600 with questions. To learn more about QLIRI’s Home Hemodialysis Program, visit qliri.org.

For more on Parker’s Certified Home Health Care, visit parkerinstitute.org.

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

Queens Long Island Renal Institute • 271-11 76th Ave., New Hyde Park • (718) 289-2600

Queens-Long Island Renal Institute is located at the Parker Jewish Institute.

Parker Jewish Institute showcases healing power of music with Sur Sagar ensemble

Amusical ensemble at the Parker Jewish Institute brings harmony and wellness to residents and patients alike.

The ensemble is known as Sur Sagar, which means “Ocean of Melody” in Hindi. It features five women from the Institute’s long-term care residence at Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit. The Indian Cultural Unit is the first of its kind in the region, accommodating the rehabilitation, healthcare and cultural needs of older adults in New York’s growing Indian population.

At Parker, members of Sur Sagar come together in song to create something special. Beyond their enchanting melodies, Sur Sagar represents the therapeutic power of music in elder care. Music therapy can help reduce anxiety, improve cognitive function and provide a powerful outlet for emotional expression for older adults. While Parker’s residents and patients diligently participate in physical, occupational and speech therapies that nurture their bodies, these musical gatherings nourish their spirits, helping

them to feel at ease so that they can heal.

The enthusiasm and unity of Sur Sagar members illuminate the profound impact of culturally meaningful activities. As part of Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit, these sessions incorporate familiar melodies and rhythms that resonate deeply with residents, awakening cherished memories and creating moments of pure joy.

Sur Sagar embodies the essence of Parker’s Indian Cultural Unit. The unit fosters the understanding that healing and

care must address the physical being while also honoring cultural identity and nurturing the soul through art and expression.

About The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation<

The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation is headquartered in New Hyde Park, New York. The facility is a leading provider of Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care. At the

Parker Jewish Institute • (718) 289-2212

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research. Parker Jewish Institute features its own medical team, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice. Parker Jewish Institute is also home to Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), providing patients with safe, comfortable Hemodialysis treatments in a relaxed setting, as well as PRINE Health, a Vascular Center offering advanced vascular services. The Center and QLIRI further Parker’s ability to expand access to essential health-care services to adults in the greater New York metropolitan area. For more information, visit parkerinstitute. org or call (877) 727-5373.

Library hosts friendly puzzle showdown

Teams raced against the clock to complete identical jigsaw puzzles during a friendly competition hosted by the Franklin Square Public Library on July 18. Participants worked together to see who could finish the puzzle first, turning the challenge into a spirited and social event. The race offered a fun way for community members to beat the summer heat and enjoy time together — making everyone a winner in the end!

STEPPING OUT

Long Islander adds “JOY” Off-Broadway

By Iris Wiener

Jerome Vivona knew from a young age that he was meant to tell stories. From performing at his Bayville elementary school, to “West Side Story” and “Guys and Dolls” at North Shore High School, he found there was a freedom in theater that was especially unique.

An accomplished performer, writer, producer, director, and choreographer, Vivona (Broadway’s “Seussical,” “Kiss Me Kate”) returns to the New York stage, Off-Broadway, in “JOY: A New True Musical.” Running now through Aug. 17, it’s based on entrepreneur Joy Mangano. Vivona plays Judge Jeremiah Abernathy (an integral figure in Mangano’s life), and is also a standby for other roles.

Vivona is right at home with JOY, which is mostly set at Mangano’s childhood residence on Long Island. As a teenager, Vivona was an avid athlete working part-time at an East Norwich ski shop (where he once helped Billy Joel and Christie Brinkley), and initially decided to attend college on a soccer scholarship; however, thanks to the encouragement of his teachers, he found that the calling to be a dancer was stronger.

At age 17 he entered a Sea Cliff studio and said, “I want to be a professional dancer.” He trained privately for six to eight hours each day for six months until he had caught up with the more experienced dancers.

“I worked very hard, and with the studio’s tutelage I ended up at the Joffrey Ballet School,” says Vivona. “[Afterwards,] I was very fortunate to tour with ballet companies.”

His life took another incredible turn when, at 23, he first met Jerome Robbins, for whom he was about to audition for “Jerome Robbins’ Broadway.”

“He took a liking to me and I took private rehearsal sessions with him in which I learned all of the ‘West Side Story’ choreography. Working with him and his believing in me was a seminal part of my career.”

Vivona went on to tour with Robbins’ show nationally and internationally, which was followed by a turn in the Paris production of “West Story,” where he met his wife, performer and dancer Michelle Vivona. It wasn’t long before he made his Broadway debut in “Guys and Dolls.”

“JOY” entered his life through the connections and friends he’s made through the years.

Jerome Vivona’s commanding presence is well suited to his latest project.

“My relationships are what brought me back and my friends having a belief that I would be the right fit. I’m really thrilled that [director] Lorin Latarro and choreographer Joshua Bergasse gave me the opportunity because the show is beautiful, powerful and uplifting.”

As he puts it: ‘JOY’ is about the dynamics of a family and how that can change your trajectory in life if you let it. It’s a powerful story about one woman who found herself in a situation where she had her back up against a wall, and she was able to create this mop that allowed her to change her family’s life and the lives of countless others. It really is ‘joy,’ and I think that what we need right now is a story that makes us feel good about humanity.”

As the only native Long Islander in “JOY,” Vivona helped with the authenticity of the actors’ dialect.

“During rehearsals we had a dialect coach who was going to play a recording for the actors to help with their speech,” Vivona says. “Instead … I was the reference for them. Whenever Betsy [Wolfe, who plays Mangano] said, ‘How do you say this?’ they would look for me and ask how to say ‘mop’ or ‘car door.’ They even asked me to record my mom saying a couple of things.”

Vivona also spoke with the production team about local towns, mascots and street names.

“Any time there was something that didn’t ring true to Long Island, I would mention it,” he says. “It feels like home [on stage], and it feels good to be representing Long Island in a show about Long Island and someone as successful as Joy. I’m proud to be telling her story.”

At 58, Vivona stands by the same values he held true when he was raising his children, who graduated from the East Meadow School District.

“I’ve always taught them that you should follow your dreams and believe in what your impact can be,” he says.“This show has taught me that I can continue to believe in myself and that being on stage telling a story is what I’m all about.

When Vivona is not performing, he and Michelle can be found in Mineola, where they own and operate American Theatre Dance Workshop, an award-winning conservatory-type performing arts school.

With new projects on the horizon, Vivona surely wouldn’t mind seeing “JOY” head to Broadway.

“I don’t think you leave the theater without a smile on your face and maybe a tear in your eye.”

“JOY: A New True Musical” is at the Laura Pels Theatre, 111 West 46th St., New York. Tickets are available at joythemusical.com or by calling (833) 274-8497.

‘My Son The Waiter’

Brad Zimmerman celebrates the 10th anniversary of his hit comedy

“My Son The Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy, with a sequel; “My Son The Waiter: A Jewish Tragedy & Still Not Famous! His long journey to follow his show biz dream and his parents who suffered through it continues with plenty of laughter along way. Brad moved to New York and “temporarily” waited tables for 29 years, while pursuing his career as an actor. After many years, he finally got a role on the Sopranos and work as a comedian opening for Joan Rivers, George Carlin and Brad Garrett. He tells of his pursuit, along with stories about his childhood, family, and misbegotten love life with warmth, wit, self-deprecating humor, and wicked charm. Zimmerman also examines the trials and tribulations of waiting on tables — particularly for someone not exactly invested in that career, and with little tolerance for persnickety diners.

Friday, Aug. 1, 8 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 2, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 3, 2 p.m. Through Aug. 24. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org.

‘The Rocketman Show’

Remember when rock was young? You will when you blast off into the stratosphere with this electrifying tribute to the Rocketman himself. With a nostalgic setlist, this is a must-see for Elton John fans — of all generations. Rus Anderson, Elton John’s official body double for his Farewell Yellow Brick Road world tour launch, recreates an early Elton concert complete with flamboyant costumes actually worn by Elton himself. Elton’s greatest hits, wildest outfits and outrageous stage antics come to life again as Anderson brings you the magic and live persona of a young Elton like no other. He storms around the stage with a fun-loving sense of flamboyance; part diva, killer vocalist, fierce piano player, all rock ‘n roller. This is a detailedv version of Elton John’s ‘70s shows that’s not to be missed. Anderson’s painstaking attention to detail includes wearing Elton’s iconic boots, glasses and jumpsuits from 1973, as well as a sparkly Swarovski tuxedo from ‘84.

Friday, Aug 8, 8 p.m. $82, $71.75, $60.25, $49.25, $37.25, $35. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Courtesy Daniel G. Weiss

Production photos courtesy Joan Marcus

The true story of entrepreneur and inventor Joy Mangano now comes to life on stage, with Betsy Wolfe, top right, in the title role.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

On Exhibit

Aug

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “At Play,” surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainment-related activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the Folies-Bergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.

•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

•Time: Ongoing

•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

In concert

Aug

8

Denise and Rocco take the audience back to the musical hits of the ‘50s through ‘90s. Enjoy Doo Wop, Motown, disco, Latin and more at Elmont Memorial Library. No registration required. First come, first seated.

•Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

•Time: 12:30-2 p.m.

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

Mindful morning

View Nassau County Museum of Art’s galleries in a small group session. Take time to observe, question and reflect without hurry, distraction, or judgment. Explore one or two works of art in the galleries, with intention as you focus on color, texture, form and personal connections during the series of three sessions. Join for as many sessions as you like. Each will be a different opportunity to enjoy art together. Program is capped at 12 people. $20 per session, $10 members. Registration required.

•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

•Time: 10-11 a.m., also Aug. 22

•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

Bacon, Mac and Cheese Fest

What could be better than

Aug 16

The Midtown Men

• Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

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

Aug

12

Adult Paint Night

Celebrate the joy of color with a guided painting session at Franklin Square Public Library. Join Madhumita as she helps attendees create a beautiful landscape with acrylic paint. Stepby-step guidance for all skill levels will be provided. Leave with a canvas full of happiness!

•Where: 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square

• Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

•Contact: Visit franklinsquarepl. org or call (516) 488-3444

Aug

13

Family movie night

•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Former stars of the Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning jukebox musical “Jersey Boys,” reunited as The Midtown Men, are back with their ‘60s vibe at Eisenhower Park. During their time in the mega-hit musical, these talented artists — Tony Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony Award nominee J. Robert Spencer — shared the stage for over 1,000 performances. The highoctane musical tour de force that took the Jersey Boys phenomenon to Broadway and beyond, is now rocking the stage as a concert. These Broadway veterans, with their powerhouse band, are realizing the dream they brought to life as the iconic Four Seasons. The dynamic foursome now celebrates the music that defined the 1960s. The Midtown Men is the next chapter for these accomplished entertainers, making them the first vocal group ever formed by the principal cast of a high-profile Broadway show. Not only have they continued to win over audiences of all ages in nearly 2,000 live shows, their selftitled debut album, The Midtown Men: Sixties Hits was met with critical acclaim and garnered five star album reviews across iTunes and was followed by their first radio single “All Alone On Christmas” with producer Steven Van Zandt and members of Springsteen’s E Street Band.

Baconfest? Combining it with Mac and Cheese Fest, of course! Come sample dishes, drinks and desserts, plus hear live music by Chrome on Friday night and Touch the ‘80s Plattdeutsche Park Restaurant. $8 cover fee.

•Where: 1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square

•Time: 5-10:30 p.m.; also Aug. 9

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

Rock on at the park

Get in the groove with The Boss Project, the Bruce Springsteen tribute band at Eisenhower Park.

•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

•Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Aug 9

Backpack Giveaway

Get ready for school with the Jamaica Square Improvement League during its annual backpack giveaway! Students in grades K-6 can pick out a new backpack for free at Hendrickson Avenue Par. Children must be present to receive a backpack. First come, first serve. While supplies last.

•Where: Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

•Time: Noon-3 p.m.

•Contact: Claudine Hall at (516) 429-1557

Unbox A-Saurus for Us!

Dr. Patricia Osiris visits with young paleontologists-in-training at Long Island Children’s Museum’s new stage production. This interactive theatrical experience invites visitors to join the eccentric paleontologist (a.k.a. “Dr. Patti”) as she attempts to reveal a neverbefore-seen dinosaur specimen — if only she can figure out how to open the crate it’s locked in. Along the way, the audience becomes key players in solving problems, sparking laughter and exploring the world of dinosaurs in a lighthearted “scientific” comedy that blends imagination and learning. $5 with museum admission, $10 theater only.

•Where: Museum Row, Garden City

•Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also Aug 20

•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

Casino Night

Franklin Square and Munson Fire Department invites all to their casino night fundraiser. Play

blackjack, roulette, craps and Texas hold ‘em, also enter for a chance to win a three-day, two-night stay in Las Vegas or Atlantic City. $30 per person, or two tickets for $50. Includes $100 in chips, dinner, dessert and a door prize raffle.

•Where: 841 Liberty Place, Franklin Square

•Time: 6:30-11 p.m.

•Contact: Call (516) 384-4456 for tickets and more information

Undercover at Trotters

Undercover is back at Trotters for a fun night of live music, performing high energy dance and party tunes!

•Where: 1050 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square

•Time: 9 p.m.-12:30 a.m.

•Contact: trottersbarandgrill. com or call (516) 355-5681

Aug 11

Fossil Fun Step into the shoes of a young paleontologist in this hands-on art and science activity at Long Island Children’s Museum. Create fossil rubbing art to take home at the drop-in program. For ages 3 and up.

•Where: Museum Row, Garden City

Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. See 2024’s live-action animated adventure “Paddington in Peru.” Paddington returns to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, who now resides at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown family in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues when a mystery plunges them into an unexpected journey. Starring Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Ben Whishaw.

•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: Movie begins at dusk

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Aug

25

Franklin Square Library Board meets

The public is invited to attend the library’s Board of Trustees meeting.

•Where: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square

• Time: 6-8:30 p.m

•Contact: Visit franklinsSquarepl.org or call (516) 488-3444

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

Former superintendent remembered fondly

the time, recalled crossing paths with him while playing in a local basketball program.

Harper earned a master’s degree in special education from Adelphi University in 1993, and a professional certification in administrative supervision from the City University of New York Graduate Center the following year.

He began his education career in the New York City school system, teaching middle school science and special education. He soon moved into leadership roles, serving as a grade-level dean and special education dean, training teachers and leading multicultural programming. His efforts to address discrimination and injustice included helping with the implementation of Project Reach, which empowers teens to fight inequality in the community.

When Johnson moved to Elmont in 1995 and his oldest son, Kenneth Thompson, began attending Elmont Memorial, he and Harper reunited. They worked closely together after Johnson was elected an Elmont Board of Education trustee in 2012.

“We forged a great relationship from that,” Johnson said. “I had known him, but our bond got even stronger.”

One of Johnson’s fondest memories of Harper is of the letter of recommendation he wrote for Johnson’s daughter, Renayla Johnson, who had applied to

Howard University in 2019, just before she graduated from Elmont Memorial. Four years later, Renayla graduated from Howard.

“I always hold that near and dear, because he didn’t have to do that,” Johnson said. “That was our friendship. He did that out of pure kindness. He was proud of her.”

Aubrey Phillips, an Elmont parent and a former school board trustee, said he was shocked and saddened to learn of Harper’s sudden death. Phillips met Harper in 2000, when Phillips was first elected to the board.

“I have a great deal of affection for him,” Phillips said. “He gave to this district more than the district gave to him.”

the pushback was racially motivated, especially considering Harper’s prior work addressing racism in the schools.

“I know of the beating he took on behalf of this community,” Phillips said. “I know exactly how much pain he suffered through just for applying.”

I wonder if he had sufficient time on earth to appreciate his own impact on the thousands of children that he taught.

Phillips recalled that when the superintendent’s position opened in 2005, with the retirement of then Superintendent Maria Palandra, Phillips, along with three other board trustees, the Rev. Kenneth Williams, Elsy Guibert and Joy Madera, encouraged Harper to apply.

Aubrey PhIllIPs Elmont parent

After securing the position, Harper faced criticism from parents in the district. He was the first African American superintendent, and Phillips said that

Enter from Monday, July 28, 2025 through Tuesday, August 26, 2025.

Harper handled the criticism with grace, Phillips said, often sacrificing his ego for the sake of the children with his head held high. Known for his open-door policy and his focus on improving parent involvement, Harper’s leadership helped expand board diversity and community engagement.

One of his most poignant achievements, Phillips said, was his support of the Elmont Jazz Masters program, which had begun in 2002 under Palandra. Harper fought to keep the program, which introduced young students to blues and jazz by artists like John Coltrane and Duke Ellington.

“The school band was an exemplar for what happens when you demand excellence for children,” Phillips said.

Stacia Walfall, principal of Clara H. Carlson Elementary, and Shawnée Warfield, principal of Alden Terrace Elementary, both said that Harper was an inspi-

ration to all who worked under him.

Walfall met Harper in 2000, when he was assistant principal at the high school and she was a teacher and basketball coach in the community.

“Mr. Harper was the heartbeat of Elmont,” Walfall said. “He was as genuine as they come. He treated everyone like they were family. He’d give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.”

Warfield met Harper in 2008, when he hired her as assistant principal at Alden Terrace. As a leader, she said, Harper helped others grow into leadership roles.

“He was our mentor,” Warfield said. “I know that Stacia and I will continue to carry the torch of excellence that he shared with us. And we will continue to do that through life.”

Harper’s impact on students uplifted generations, Warfield said, and helped them reach their full potential. Many graduates who now have families of their own saw him as a father figure, she added.

“We need to make sure, as leaders, we pass it on to our administrators, teachers and our children,” Walfall said.

According to Phillips, Harper’s impact cannot be fully captured by words. “Al was much, much more than everything that anyone could say, including me,” Phillips said. “I wonder if he had sufficient time on earth to appreciate his own impact on the thousands of children that he taught.”

Students star in summer theater production

Students from all five schools in the Sewanhaka Central High School District participated in a summer theater production of Once on This Island, from July 17–18, at the Elmont Memorial Library Theatre.

According to a news release from the district, the production was part of a continuing partnership between the district and local theater company Plaza Theatrical, which has worked with the district on summer performances for the past three years. Students auditioned in June and began rehearsals shortly afterward.

Once on This Island is a one-act, coming-of-age musical based on My Love, My Love; or, The Peasant Girl by Rosa Guy, a Caribbean retelling of Hans Christian Andersen’s The Little Mermaid.

Sewanhaka Superintendent Regina Agrusa, the news release continued, said the program gives students the opportunity to perform in a professional theater setting and thanked Plaza Theatrical for its collaboration.

This fall, the district will again partner with Plaza Theatrical for a middle school production of The Lion King Jr.

High School Football Preview is coming!

Get ready for an action-packed season with the 2025 High School Football Preview. Your ultimate guide to the upcoming year in local high school football. This special section highlights the teams, standout players, key matchups, and expert analysis of what to expect under the Friday night lights.

Don’t miss out, advertising in the Football Preview. Call your Marketing Representative today at 516-569-4000 x 250!

Ad deadline - August 28th Issue date - September 18th

Sunday, August 17 at 5:05 p.m. Contest ends August 10th midnight with the winner chosen on August 11th Directions

–Renee DeLorenzo

Courtesy Sewanhaka Central High School District

Students from across the Sewanhaka Central High School District take the stage at the Elmont Memorial Library Theatre during the summer production of Once on This Island, from July 17-18.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26 10AM-12:30PM ROCKVILLE

August 7, 2025 —

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR ARGENT SECURITIES INC., ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006M1, Plaintiff, Against LYSTRA M. RAMRATTAN AS HEIR AND ADMINISTRATRIX TO THE ESTATE OF SURDASH

RAMRATTAN; RANDALL S. RAMRATTAN AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SURDASH

RAMRATTAN; LYSTRA M. RAMRATTAN AS GUARDIAN OF CHELSEA K. R. RAMRATTAN WHO IS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SURDASH RAMRATTAN; ET AL Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 01/10/2019, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 8/19/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1069 Concord Street, Franklin Square, New York 11010, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Franklin Square in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York. Section 33 Block 380 Lot 260 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $882,483.61 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 003792/2015 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.

Ellen Durst, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 6/11/2025

File Number: 17-300381 CA 154635

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE ASSET BACKED SECURITIES CORPORATION HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES AMQ 2006-HE7 ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES AMQ 2006-HE7, Plaintiff, vs. JANET BARNES, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on December 17, 2018, and an Ex Parte Order Amending Judgement of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 3, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 746 Meacham Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situated, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 0032, Block 00699-00 and Lot 00031. Approximate amount of judgment is $620,821.14 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #001699/2015. Lawrence Weinreich, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 154795

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. SAMMY TORRES, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 5, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 3, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 9436 241st Street, Floral Park, NY 11001. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Bellerose in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 32, Block 009 and Lot 132. Approximate amount of judgment is $495,482.82 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604678/2023. Cash will not be accepted. Adrienne Flipse Hausch, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 154793

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF NASSAU

DITECH FINANCIAL LLC, -againstMERITUS MALIVERT, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on July 18, 2018, wherein DITECH FINANCIAL LLC is the Plaintiff and MERITUS MALIVERT, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTHSIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME

COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on September 04, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 83 NORFOLK DRIVE WEST, ELMONT, NY 11003; and the following tax map identification, 37Q18-13. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN AT ELMONT, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 001512/2012. Janine T. Lynam, 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. 154923

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF POPULAR ABS, INC. MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-4, Pltf. vs. THEYCESLYN FREEMAN, et al, Defts. Index #610776/2019. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Jan. 28, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on September 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 32 Cerenzia Boulevard, Elmont, NY 11003 a/k/a Section 32, Block 672, Lot 00001. Said property known as and by Lot No. 1 in Block 645 on a certain map entitled, “Amended Map of Argo Village, N.Y., owned by Argo Homes Inc., 481 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, New York, surveyed by Howard J. Teas, Civil Engineers and Surveyors, Homeland Building,

Malverne, N.Y., June 23, 1947 under file Number 4421. Approximate amount of judgment is $520,118.02 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law. JOHN BOKLAK, Referee. HILL WALLACK, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 260 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor, Ste. 940, New York, NY 10016. File No. 20292-1223 - #102415 154909

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. BANK OF AMERICA, N.A. S/B/M TO BAC HOME LOANS SERVICINGM LP F/K/A COUNTRYWIDE HOME LOANS SERVICING LP, Pltf. vs. JOSEPH GIRARDI, et al Deft. Index #602428/2023. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered June 3, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on September 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a 122 Grange Street, Franklin, NY 11010 a/k/a Section 35, Block 184, Lot 9 (lot group 9-10). Said property located in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, known and designated as and by Lots 9 and 10 in Block 519 on a certain map entitled “Map of Garden City Terrace, Section 2, Nassau County, N.Y. owned by and developed by Fairbank Realty Corporation Inc., November 9, 1925 and surveyed by William H. Parry” and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on March 5, 1926 as Map #595, Case #613. Approximate amount of judgment is $606,380.01 plus cost and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. LAUREL KRETZING, Referee. HILL WALLACK LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 261 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor, Ste. 940-941, New York, NY. #102368 154905

To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU INDEX NO.: 613594/2024

D/O/F: August 2, 2024 SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Premises: 1268 Langdon Street Elmont, NY 11003 CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC, Plaintiff, -againstMARC S. JEAN; MARIE D. JEAN; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; NEDLY DEGUERLA A. AGENOR; JEAN WALNER AGENOR a/k/a JEAN W. AGENOR; ASHLEY AGENOR; KEESANDRA K. AGENOR; WALMONDE G. AGENOR a/k/a MONDE GERDA AGENOR; WALKINS R. AGENOR; and Unknown heirs at law of Marie R. Agenor, respective heirs-atlaw, next-ofkin, distributes, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming, under by or through said defendants who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance lien or otherwise, any right, title or interest in and to the premises described, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to Plaintiff; Defendants.

TO THE ABOVE-NAMED

DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); the United States of America may appear or answer within 60 day of service hereof; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against

you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Jeffrey A. Goodstein, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Nassau County, entered July 18, 2025 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office.

THE OBJECT OF THE ACTION is to foreclose a mortgage recorded in the Office of the Nassau County clerk on August 16, 2010 in Liber Book M 35059, Page 954, covering premises k/a 1268 Langdon Street, Elmont, NY 11003 a/k/a Section 35, Block 34, Lot 285-287.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

DATED: July 24, 2025 New York, New York Ryan E. Hertzel, Esq. HILL WALLACK LLP

Attorneys for Plaintiff 261 Madison Avenue, Ste 940 New York, NY 10016

Phone: 929-594-2228

Email: rhertzel@hillwallack.co m #102474 155003

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, -againstCHARLES PIERRELOUIS, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on January 28, 2019, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION is the Plaintiff and CHARLES PIERRE-LOUIS, 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 9, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 46 HATHAWAY AVENUE, ELMONT, NY 11003; and the following tax map identification: 32-407-113. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ELMONT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 007990/2015. Lawrence Saul Farbman, 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. 154982

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

or Call (516) 379-4245.

EDITOR/REPORTER

Available! Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com

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 fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour.

Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $34,320 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE

and

and

Is a doorbell camera enough? Part 2.

Spacious Bayside Home!

WQ. We have a doorbell camera, and understand that it’s a deterrent to would-be burglars, but as we’re renovating our home, can we “design” in other ways to keep people from robbing it? We keep seeing reports on the neighbor app of our door camera about people checking out houses in the area, and we’re very concerned. Any ideas would be appreciated.

A. Continuing from last week, I recommend hurricane glass windows, which are a costly upgrade that resist high winds, flooding and flying debris from blowing in the window and creating instant havoc. Although fire rescue has to use a special tool to get the windows open, since they’re hard to break, the windows will deter a robber by costing them time, if they’re even successful at doing more than creating a small hole in the reinforced panes.

Remember, anything that can delay a burglar for more than 60 seconds is an advantage, because a robber wants to get in and out quickly. Bars on windows can be avoided by using hurricane glass, and I only advise installing them on basement windows, where they are less seen but useful.

If your area is considered a high-crime vicinity, steel security shutters can also be employed. To keep the appearance of your home from being compromised to look like the county jail, steel roll-down shutters can be designed into overhangs above the windows and doors, to be employed when the home is unoccupied. But I think it adds to the message that you’re away, and only advise installing them if it’s your last resort for protection.

Garages are a great entry point, often neglected. Consider that you increase a burglar’s time frame to enter with an attached garage. They lift the door, spend whatever amount of time they need to break the lock on the interior door, and once the garage door is back down, they now have a staging area to sort your jewelry, medications and expensive computers and appliances before packing up to move out. With a cellphone in hand, their getaway car is at the ready, waiting for the call. Installing security pins or locks by drilling into the garage door track(s), and remembering to use them when you’re away for a prolonged time, is a very important deterrent.

If there are roofs under upper-story windows, install alarm devices there as well when you install alarms on first-floor openings. Even though 80 percent of break-ins occur on ground floors, the other 20 percent are either basements or second floors. Burglars dressed as painters and carrying ladders often go unnoticed. According to the National Center for Policing Innovation, 40 percent of breakins use no force at all.

Clear concealing landscaping from the exterior walls of the home, especially near windows and doorways. Limit greenery to no more than two feet in height, and only install fences of the see-through variety.

There’s still more to be covered next week.

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Enough with our obsession with conspiracies

politics has always been marked by conspiracy theories. There was the theory that President Franklin Roosevelt had prior knowledge of the attack on Pearl Harbor, but allowed it to happen to force the United States to enter World War II. In the 1950s, the founder of the John Birch Society wrote a manifesto concluding that President Dwight Eisenhower was a Soviet agent. More recently, there was the Sept. 11 “truther” theory that the administration of President George W. Bush had advanced notice of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, and might have actually planned them.

Today, with social media and artificial intelligence, conspiracy theories are more rampant than ever. What allows these theories to thrive is that, by their very nature, they are inherently difficult, if not impossible, to disprove. They are based on assorted often unrelated facts, rumors, conjecture and speculation.

The ongoing furor over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case is a classic example of a conspiracy theory run amok and creating a conspiracy on top of itself. For years the Trump camp peddled rumors that the Biden administration was hiding FBI files to protect prominent Democrats who were involved in the Epstein scandal, and that Epstein’s jail-cell suicide was actually an inside-job murder. Once in office, however, with complete access to all Justice Department and FBI files and records, Trump administration officials had to announce that they could find nothing irregular: There was no secret list of names, and Epstein had in fact committed suicide. This caused apocalyptic shrieks of outrage from the fringes of MAGA world, led by the likes of Tucker Carlson. Now Trump officials were being accused by the president’s own supporters of likely collusion with myriad coconspirators such as former President Joe Biden, Israel and Mossad. The Democrats also feigned outrage, insisting that Trump must be covering his own guilt.

no one was more surprised when Donald Trump was elected than Vladimir Putin.

The illogic of all this was, of course, that if the “files” did incriminate Trump, why didn’t the Biden administration disclose that when it had full access to the Epstein records? If congressional Democrats are so dedicated to transparency and so concerned about full disclosure, why did they do and say nothing when they were in control? And why would candidate Trump have made an issue of Epstein if he thought it would remotely incriminate him? Hopefully the Trump camp will learn that trafficking in unverified conspiracy theories is not only wrong, but it can come back to bite them.

To me, the most baseless — and insidious — theory was the false narrative that there was Russian collusion with the Trump campaign during the 2016 election. The main propagators of this “Russia hoax” were former CIA Director John Brennan, former FBI Director James Comey and former Director of National Intelligence James Clapper. I was on the Intelligence Committee during this saga, and sat through endless months of testimony in a secure committee room three floors

below ground in the Capitol. There wasn’t one bit of evidence connecting the Trump campaign to Russia. There was, of course, the salacious and thoroughly discredited “Steele dossier,” which was in fact a political opposition memo prepared for Hillary Clinton’s campaign and based on false information from a former Russian spy. Yes, Russia had attempted to interfere in the 2016 campaign, as it always has. But Russia’s intention was to weaken Hillary Clinton’s expected presidency.

No one was more surprised when Donald Trump was elected than Russian President Vladimir Putin. It’s only now, with much of this information declassified, that I can discuss details that I learned at the time. This hoax was a true threat to democracy, undermining a duly elected president and tying down his administration with intrusive investigations for more than half of his first term of office.

It’s time for Americans to ignore the conspiracy nuts on all sides and address the real and serious issues that confront our nation.

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

Buyer’s remorse is no consolation for the

losers

Have you ever heard of the term “buyer’s remorse”? It’s been a while since I’ve heard those words, but lately I’ve been hearing them from some of my friends who are Republican members of Congress when they refer to President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill. He wanted it passed by July Fourth, and he got his way. Now that it is law, some of the Republicans who voted for it are confessing to me that maybe it went a little too far in cutting agencies and programs.

Having served in the State Legislature, I can understand what happens when a member is confronted with having to support a bill that’s nearly a thousand pages long. You may know about some of the provisions, but it’s impossible to know every section when you only have a few hours before the final vote. One of the reasons why these bills are crafted to be so thick is

because leadership knows that some parts of them couldn’t pass if they were presented as single bills. My friends in Congress aren’t alone in their misgivings about the Big Beautiful Bill. Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley agonized for weeks over its deep Medicaid cuts, because hundreds of thousands of his state’s voters rely on Medicaid to survive. Hawley was agonizing on behalf of those hardworking citizens who don’t deserve to lose their benefits. Despite wringing his hands and suffering sleepless nights, he voted for the bill when it reached the Senate. Two more cases in point are Maine Sen. Susan Collins and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Both went public with their concerns about the cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which provides food assistance to more than 40 million people nationally. For days on end, the two senators expressed their concerns about their constituents losing access to food stamps that are a life-or-death necessity. But when push came to shove, they both voted for the cuts.

B ut what happens when all these budget cuts are the hot topic next year?

Hawley must have had buyer’s remorse, because a few weeks after the bill became law, he introduced his own bill, which would restore many of the Medicaid cuts. Obviously Hawley’s upset was hypocritical, because you don’t vote for such far-reaching cuts and then introduce a bill restoring them. This was a good example of the lack of conscience surrounding the actions that were taken.

The SNAP program has for years been a target of conservatives who maintain that it and other safety-net programs like it are abused and unnecessary. And there is no doubt that some SNAP beneficiaries have used food stamps to buy beer instead of milk and bread. But the vast majority of people who get food stamps are the aged or have disabilities, and who meet the tests for approval. In the months and years ahead, it will be no consolation to those who lose their benefits that their representatives in Congress voted in favor of the Big Beautiful Bill and then had pangs of guilt about its impact.

There is also no doubt that there are

some parts of the bill that are worthy of support, but mixing the good with the bad results in mostly bad for the needy and good for the people who won’t have any sleepless nights about the tragedies that will happen on the other end of the income spectrum. Few House members who voted for the bill will suffer at the ballot box. Many serve in districts that would elect Attila the Hun if he were nominated for the seat.

The problem for fair-minded House and Senate members is that the program cuts are not a secret, and will be publicized extensively next year at election time. The latest national polls show that the legislation has high negative numbers, which won’t fade from the minds of the people who are the victims of the cuts, or many other voters.

I was surprised that about a half-dozen members of Congress from New York and surrounding states expressed their unhappiness in the Big Beautiful Bill to me. Sadly, however, their buyer’s remorse may be too little, too late come November 2026.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.

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tSupport your local volunteer firefighters

he Firefighters Association of the State of New York will hold its 153rd annual convention in Hauppauge from Thursday to Saturday. While the event is an opportunity to celebrate the service and sacrifice of New York’s 80,000 volunteer firefighters, it is also a moment for reflection — a chance to confront the urgent challenges facing fire protection services in our communities.

Volunteer fire departments have long been essential to public safety across the state, which has more than 1,600 of them. On Long Island alone there are nearly 180 volunteer departments, which respond to emergencies of every kind, from house fires and highway accidents to natural disasters and medical calls. And they do it all without pay. It’s no exaggeration to say that these volunteers — and the emergency medical technicians and paramedics who work alongside them — are among the most selfless public servants we have.

Yet despite their critical importance, these departments face steep recruitment and retention challenges. The number of active volunteer firefighters in New York state has declined markedly in recent decades, from roughly 120,000 in the early 2000s, even as call volumes have nearly doubled over the past 30 years, from 750,000 to 1.4 million annually, according to state figures, and training demands continue to rise due to expanded safety regulations.

Balancing work, family and extensive training is no small feat, especially for volunteers. The result is that many departments are stretched thin, struggling to maintain robust crews and

letters

We need more open-minded politicians like Tom Suozzi

To the Editor:

ensure timely responses to emergencies.

That’s where the state firefighters association steps in — and why its convention deserves more than ceremonial attention. For over 150 years, the organization has served as the voice and support system for volunteer fire service statewide.

FASNY advocates for funding, offers educational resources and legal guidance, provides mental health support, and promotes recruitment campaigns such as Is There a Fire In You?, which encourages everyday New Yorkers to consider joining their local department.

The Hauppauge convention will bring together more than 1,000 firefighters, instructors and leaders. Discussions will focus not just on tactics and technology, but on issues such as firefighters’ mental health, peer support programs and the evolving needs of a modern volunteer force. These conversations matter. They have real-world implications for the safety of firefighters and the resilience of the communities they serve.

Mental health, in particular, is an area that demands greater attention. Of course firefighting is dangerous, but it is also emotionally taxing. Volunteers often respond to traumatic events involving neighbors and loved ones — a severe house fire that kills or injures its occupants, or a disaster like Hurricane Sandy. Without proper support systems in place, these experiences can take a huge toll on emergency responders. FASNY has made great strides in breaking down the stigma around mental health care in the fire service, but continuing community awareness of the

Re U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi’s op-ed, “Why I care about immigration — and why all of us should,” in last week’s issue: Suozzi voiced a clear understanding of the immigration issues and called, once again, for a bipartisan solution to a problem that impacts everyone in this country. He has taken this bipartisan stand on many issues for as long as I’ve been following him, including his previous time in Congress.

I, and many others, are re-energized that Mr. Suozzi returned to Congress. Yes, I would have loved to have him replace Kathy Hochul as our governor, but he can, hopefully, do so much more good if he can generate a following in Congress for more bipartisan solutions to the problems we face.

I consider myself one of those independent voters who try to see both sides of an issue. There are times when I agree with the Democratic platform, such as

challenges these men and women face is crucial as well.

How can you show support for these selfless volunteers?

First, get to know your local department. Attend an open house. Follow its social media accounts. Volunteer departments rely on community awareness to grow their ranks and raise funds.

Second, support the volunteers’ fundraising efforts. Many departments operate on limited budgets, depending heavily on donations and local drives to raise the money to pay for essential equipment. Whether it’s from a resident or a business, a contribution — financial or in-kind — can go a long way toward ensuring their readiness.

Third, talk to young people about the value of volunteerism. FASNY’s Junior Firefighter programs are an excellent way to introduce teens to public service and give them a sense of civic responsibility.

Finally, consider whether you might have “the fire in you.” Even if running into burning buildings isn’t for you, departments have many support roles — from administrative help to public education — for which willing hands are always needed. Simply stop in at a local firehouse or call them to learn more.

Volunteer firefighting is a tradition rooted in community, courage and compassion. As Long Island continues to grow, the need for well-supported fire departments becomes more urgent. The FASNY convention is a timely reminder that while these men and women may serve without pay, they should never serve without appreciation, resources or help.

The town supervisor’s seat belongs to the people

imagine preparing to vote in an important election. You do your homework, weigh the positions of the candidates, and are set to make your voice heard. But before you can cast your ballot, you find out that the decision has already been made behind closed doors, without your input, without a vote, and without any accountability.

That is exactly what is happening right now in the Town of hempstead.

Supervisor Donald clavin is stepping down early. That is his decision. But what is unacceptable, and frankly unethical, is the Town Board’s apparent plan to skip over the voters and quietly appoint his handpicked successor, Nassau county Legislator John Ferretti, to the job just months before an election. That is not leadership; it is manipulation.

The strategy is clear. Ferretti is already running for town supervisor in November. If the board appoints him now, he will get to run as an incumbent. That means the full benefits of the job — the title, taxpayer-funded mailers, public appearances and media coverage — all before he has earned a single vote. It is a political cheat code, and it is rigged against the public.

w

ay too often

in the Town of Hempstead, the party bosses usurp the voters.

If this plan moves forward, it would not be the first time. In fact, it would mark the seventh time in the last 11 successions that a hempstead town supervisor was chosen not by voters, but by party insiders. This is not an isolated incident; it is a pattern. And it should concern anyone who values democracy and transparency.

When people say the system is rigged, this is exactly what they’re talking about.

Let’s be clear. There is already someone in place who should step in: Senior councilwoman Dorothy Goosby, the longest-serving member of the Town

Letters

on gun control, where we have absurdly allowed guns to proliferate across our nation into the hands of criminals and, worse, the mentally ill who are the predominant perpetrators of mass shootings.

And there are times I agree with Republican stands, including the recent government spending cuts, which the bipartisan Government Accountability Office has been touting for years. No, I don’t condone all of the cuts, and I’m hopeful that some will be restored as a clearer picture of what is being done comes into focus.

But the overspending that we have allowed our federal government to do for the past 50 years, under both Democratic and Republican presidents, is absurd. We need to get past the anger at President Trump, who can easily infuriate even Republicans with his outlandish rhetoric, and see that much of what he is doing will benefit the majority of people.

We need to look at the math, and whether it adds up or dilutes the benefits to all of us. I’m not convinced that Trump has done that, but shaking things up and making cuts is long overdue.

And last, I would like Suozzi to run for president in 2028. The Democrats do not have a viable candidate right now, so let me be one of the first, for whatever it’s worth, to endorse Suozzi. We need someone like him, with a vision of bringing both sides of the political spectrum to the table.

If you look at the history of our elec-

Board and the current deputy supervisor. So why look outside the board to appoint a new supervisor? Because a sitting supervisor controls the town’s messaging, appears on every official mailer and gets to shape the public narrative. Giving that platform to one candidate while denying it to the other is not just unfair, it is anti-democratic.

The truth is, this kind of one-party rule is exactly what brought us the largest tax hike in recent history. While the insiders maneuver for power behind closed doors, the public is left with the bill — literally. The same group that wants to install a supervisor without your vote just passed a property tax increase on your home of over 12 percent. That is the cost of unchecked control, and it is time we said “enough.”

This town deserves better than secret deals and insider politics. The supervisor’s office belongs to the people, not the party bosses. That’s why I have proposed straightforward ethics

reform to ban these kinds of appointments in the future. Under my proposal, if a supervisor steps down early, the deputy supervisor would serve as the interim replacement, and the voters, not the board, would choose a new leader in the next scheduled election or a special one.

Simple, fair, democratic. It is similar to what former supervisor, now U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen proposed, but was rejected by clavin’s allies on the board. That’s why we need new blood.

When the same party holds power for decades, it gets comfortable and careless. It stops asking for your vote and starts making decisions in the shadows. But democracy demands more than backroom deals and power swaps. It demands accountability. It demands integrity. And most of all, it demands that we trust the voters to decide who leads them.

To every resident in the Town of hempstead: Your vote should never be treated as a formality. It should be the only thing that matters. Let’s make sure it stays that way.

Joe Scianablo is the Democratic candidate for Town of Hempstead supervisor.

Framework by Tim Baker

tions over the past 75 years, you’ll see that fringe candidates don’t win presidential elections, no matter on which side of the aisle they sit. On the other hand, some of our most effective presidents were those like John F. Kennedy, Lyndon Johnson and Ronald Reagan, who fostered bipartisan politics.

RIchARD S. KAhN Glen Cove

How about some new ideas, Jerry?

To the Editor:

Jerry Kremer’s column in the July 24-30 issue, “It’s long past time to shut down the cellphone,” highlighted exactly what is wrong with the Democratic Party today. Mr. Kremer spend the first half of his op-ed bemoaning current politics — in particular, the devastating “One Big Beautiful Bill,” especially for the most vulnerable among us — but offered no hint of a remedy. If he is illequipped to lead or advise the next generation of voters, perhaps he should step aside and allow someone who can. Instead, Kremer spent the second half of his column belittling a dynamic young Democratic candidate, Zohran Mamdani, who has energized voters with policy ideas that address the real needs of New Yorkers — many of whom are the prime targets of the cuts that so distress Kremer. If Mamdani is inexperienced, our veteran Democrats should

be throwing their weight behind him and offering support and expertise. I cannot fathom why institutional Democrats such as Kremer would prefer Andrew cuomo, a sexual predator, or Eric Adams, an indicted alleged criminal, over a, yes, young, but moral, galvanizing upstart. Younger Demo-

crats do not want corrupt, lecherous and unrepentant leaders, and we do not want complacency. If Kremer can’t see that, perhaps he should shut down his phone and put down his pen.

At the Great Canoe Race in Cow Meadow Park — Freeport

Joe sCianaBLo

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