By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Kimberly Minto has loved fashion since her childhood, often trying on her mother’s clothes and playing with her makeup. A fashion girl through and through, as Minto describes herself, she grew up in Elmont, experimenting with outfits and establishing a style of her own as a teenager.
But as a lifelong wheelchair user due to cerebral palsy, her options have been limited. Lacking the mobility to wear certain styles or the dexterity to follow more com -
plex makeup tutorials, Minto found that she had to keep her looks simple, and told herself that this limitation was something she had to accept.
“I told my mom I wanted to help the disabled community in some way,” Minto recalled saying when she was just 12. “I said it with such conviction. Then I completely forgot about it until she reminded me recently.”
Now in her 30s, Minto has taken it upon herself to change the fashion industry by launching Sitting Beauty Magazine, a subContinued on page 2
By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com
Universal Interactions, an Elmont-based nonprofit that hosts community events across the neighborhood, is looking to expand its work with the potential launch of an after-school program for local children.
The group was co-founded in 2023 by Fenol LaRock, 23, and brothers Christiano and Antonio Marcello, also 23, graduates of Elmont Memorial High School’s Class of 2020.
LaRock said he would like the afterschool program to include workshops, lectures, sports, and other activities designed to teach financial literacy, fitness, health, engineering, robotics, and other technical skills that prepare students for success after graduation.
ty really is. I want them to go into the world saying they have a better understanding of what they should do.”
I just want to be one of those key pillars in the community help build a foundation for the youth
FENol laRoCk Co-founder,
Universal Interactions
“There’s a lot of different needs the community has,” LaRock said. “I want kids to really start learning what reali-
The nonprofit currently runs several community events throughout the year, including an annual Black History Month celebration in February, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament in July, and its upcoming Thanksgiving dinner and holiday pajama party. Each event is designed to bring neighbors together, and LaRock said they expect more than 500 guests at each this year. LaRock and the Marcello brothers began coordinating events in 2021 but officially launched the nonprofit after their gatherings grew in size. The 3-on-3 basketball tournament, inspired by one previously organized by State Sen. Jack Martins at Dutch Broadway Park, was revived by the trio in July 2022 and drew more than 800 participants.
The three co-founders also Continued on page 12
scription-based digital publication dedicated to adaptive fashion for people with disabilities. The monthly magazine formally launched in Spring 2024.
Minto graduated from Hofstra University in 2015 with a degree in marketing. On campus, she was used to people coming up and asking about her wheelchair — until, one day, a fellow student surprised her.
“I was prepared for that kind of question,” Minto recounted, “but instead, she complimented my shoes. I was stunned for a minute.”
It was a pivotal moment. Minto realized her fashion sense could be a conversation starter, and that she didn’t have to be defined by her disability.
She started a blog about fashion and her experience as a disabled woman in 2021, just for fun. She talked with friends who were also wheelchair users about their struggles to find clothing that suited their needs.
“I was struggling to find adaptive options,” she said. “I kept thinking if there was a central place for the community to get these tips. I did my research, but none of them were fashion and beauty related.”
That was when Minto decided to do it herself.
In May 2023, she entered the Viscardi Center’s IdeaSpark program, hosted in partnership with the Heinz Institute for
Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Iona University. The intensive seven-week program, conducted virtually, offers mentorship and educational resources to disabled entrepreneurs searching for funding for their business ideas.
Minto competed against 12 contestants across the country in the program’s Pitchfest competition, which culminated in July 2023. “It’s to give individuals with disabilities the knowledge of how to be an entrepreneur,”
Marisol Chappell, assistant director of the Heinz Institute, explained.
Peer mentors meet with contestants twice a week during the program, helping them refine business ideas and prepare pitches to be presented at the end.
Chappell said. “She’s giving a voice to individuals with disabilities, especially young ladies.”
At the end of the program, the contestants awaited the results. Minto was sure she wouldn’t win. After the third- and second-place winners were announced, she told herself over and over that she would not hear her name.
T here are certain things that can be improved in the industry … I’m thrilled to see it progress.
Kimberly minTo Founder, Sitting Beauty Media
“This is a population that is really deserving,” Chappell said, “and they’re so eager to learn everything about entrepreneurship.”
Minto stood out, Chappell said, because of her consistent focus and active participation. Always eager to meet new mentors, she asked questions throughout the process, and went above and beyond in every aspect of her business venture.
“I think she had something unique that you don’t really see in the market,”
Then she was announced as the winner. “I was in disbelief,” she said.
She wheeled over to her mother, who was on the phone in the living room of their house in Elmont and mouthed that she had won. “I was quietly screaming,” Minto laughed.
She was awarded $4,000 to launch Sitting Beauty Media.
Christina Loggia, an adviser at Farmingdale State College’s Small Business Development Center, described Minto as a hard worker who adapts well to changes in her business ideas.
After Minto won the contest, Loggia said, she began meeting with her weekly to discuss the magazine, including website design and marketing. “Kim is always on top of things and very eager,” Loggia said. “She’s so organized and driven, so we kind of moved along quickly.”
Minto was prepared to launch the
magazine online within a few months of planning. Now she and Loggia meet monthly to strategize marketing and promotion.
“I didn’t even know there was a term called ‘adaptive fashion,’” Loggia admitted. “The idea of a fashion magazine focused on adaptive fashion was very intriguing to me, and I felt she could really be a landmark business in this space.”
Making the most of her experience in a wheelchair, Loggia said, Minto is on a mission to help others, using her skills in marketing to turn her ideas into reality. Now she conducts research, writes articles, designs the magazine and connects with contributors and brands in the industry to generate stories that best serve her readers.
She also attends networking events and speaking engagements to share her experience, hoping to inspire more people in the community to push the boundaries of the fashion industry.
She said she was excited to see more brands adopt disability-friendly options and retail spaces that can accommodate wheelchair users. By making small changes, she said, those who are differently abled can enjoy things they want to be part of, like fashion.
“There are certain things that can be improved in the industry,” Minto said. “Over the past 10 years, it has really grown, and I’m thrilled to see it progress.”
in Franklin Square, hosted third annual picnic at the Plattdeutsche on Sept. 6
By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com
America Lodge 2245 hosted its third annual Picnic in the Park, celebrating an afternoon of Italian heritage and family, at the Plattdeutsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square on Sept. 6.
Nearly 150 guests from Lodge 2245 and other neighboring lodges gathered in the Biergarten and participated in lively conversations, family-friendly games of giant Connect 4 and Jenga, and raffles that raised more than $5,500 — $1,000 of which contributed to the lodge’s scholarship fund and will be granted to students who excel in studies pertaining to Italian language and culture.
The event included an array of picnic foods such as barbecue chicken, ribs, bratwurst, pork loin, hamburgers, and sausage and peppers. For dessert, guests were treated to tea, coffee, watermelon and a crowd favorite at the Plattdeutsche — crumb cake.
Thirty raffle baskets lined tables next to the picnic benches and were filled with prizes such as gift certificates to local restaurants, catering vouchers, puppets, toys, blankets, children’s books, first aid kits, hot sauces, cookbooks, donuts, coffee, mugs and much more.
“People are just incredibly, incredibly generous when it comes to this event,” said Maria Passalacqua, a member of the lodge for nearly five years who chaired the event. “That’s what makes it successful. Everybody said it was phenomenal and it was better than last year.”
Passalacqua credited the lodge’s members for helping her plan the picnic. In particular, she thanked Jeanette and Bianca LaVeglia for creating 10 out of the 30 raffle baskets and Freddie Pittella, who she said is “the muscle” behind the team.
County Legislator John Giuffre was in attendance, whom Passalacqua said is a member of the lodge and a benefactor of the picnic. His donation, along with sponsorship from John Koziarz, president of the New York City- and Long Island-based construction firm RJ Industries, Inc., helped Passalacqua lower the per-person cost of the event from $53 to $45.
She also thanked the Plattdeutsche staff for their attentive service, including manager Debbie Hickey, who Passalacqua said is phenomenal.
Kathy Sanfilppo, immediate past president of Galileo Galilei Lodge 2253, the Hicksville chapter of the Order of Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, attended the Sept. 6 picnic and said Passalacqua “outdid herself.” Sanfilppo, who has known Passalacqua for more than 10 years, said she always notices the hard work Passalacqua puts into her events.
“She just really makes it all work,” Sanfilppo said of Passalacqua. “She keeps her hand on everything she wants to make sure runs well.”
One of her favorite parts of being a
member of the organization, Sanfilppo said, is the family she’s built over the years she’s been involved. Not only does she attend meetings at her Hicksville lodge and chair her own events, such as supermarket bingo, but she attends events of other lodges across Long Island.
“You’re always meeting new people,” Sanfilppo said. “Every lodge has open doors, and we’re always looking for more members.”
She explained that while members can only hold membership at one lodge, most events are open to members of neighboring lodges and nonmembers who are interested in learning about the organization. She stressed that members do not need to be of full Italian heritage to join, and events like street fairs, dinners, feasts, conventions and fundraisers are a great opportunity to be part of a larger community and contribute to great causes.
Marie Geneva Frank, a member of Lodge 2245, said she joined the lodge two years ago after attending one of its movie screenings in Bellmore. That’s where she met Passalacqua, she recalled, and she has been a member
ever since.
“I have found such happiness in the group,” Frank said of the lodge. “It’s like another family. I have no sisters, so I found a bunch of people I just really enjoy being with. Whenever you need help, they’re there.”
Frank co-chairs Thursday night bocce games at Rath Park through the lodge alongside Cindy Lampasi, another member. Frank’s 92-year-old mother, Helen Geneva, is also a member and attends meetings, events and the lodge’s book club.
For this year’s picnic, Frank volunteered to help Passalacqua decorate raffle baskets and used her 14 years of experience as a florist to create decorative arrangements and tie bows around the baskets. She and her mother attended the picnic together to enjoy an afternoon out in the sun laughing with other members.
“It’s a wonderful day,” Frank said. “It’s good to get together as one large family. It’s a unique group of wonderful people, and I’m glad to be a part of it.”
Events are an opportunity for Frank to try things she never would have thought she could, she said. She had never fished before, but she attended
this year’s fishing trip in August and found herself having a great time. She’s also met authors through the book club and chatted with them during meetings — an experience she never would have been a part of unless she was a member of the lodge.
She also noted that attending events is a great way to raise money for causes supported by the Sons and Daughters of Italy.
Passalacqua said funds raised from the event not only go toward future meetings and events coordinated by the lodge itself, but also toward charitable causes including the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation, which supports patients with thalassemia.
“It’s all about supporting each other and having a good time outside of our meetings,” Passalacqua said. “You really get a chance to meet each other, sit and relax, and enjoy each other’s company. That’s why I keep doing it.”
For more information about the lodge and future events, visit AmericaLodge2245.com.
“Protecting Your Future” has been Ettinger Law Firm’s motto since we began in 1991. These words have deep meaning to us and our clients. Following are eight ways an Ettinger Elder Law Estate Plan protects your future:
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court proceedings on disability (guardianship proceedings) and on death (probate court proceedings).
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Sewanhaka Central High School District’s varsity football players prepared for the upcoming season by taking part in a Football Leadership Academy, aimed at building leadership skills and team culture, which concluded on Aug. 27.
The program, led by Lamar Lee of Limitless Learning, focused on helping student athletes understand the broader responsibilities of being interscholastic athletes. Sewanhaka is the first district on Long Island to take part in the academy, according to a news release from the district.
Each of the district’s five schools hosted three individual sessions with Lee, the news release said, who discussed heightened expectations for high-profile athletes and the importance of fostering an inclusive and positive team environment.
All five football teams gathered for activities and group discussions, the
news release continued. Players explored themes of belonging and personal identity by writing down five words that describe who they are.
Lee then challenged participants to follow his instructions with their eyes closed, folding and tearing a piece of paper.
The results varied, the news release said, demonstrating that each person interprets directions differently.
The session closed with a conversation about the power of language on and off the field, highlighting how words can unite or divide people.
According to the district, plans are underway for the district’s boys and girls basketball teams, along with cheerleaders, to take part in a Leadership Academy before the start of the winter sports season.
–Renee DeLorenzo
■ WEB SITE:
IT’S IMPOSSIBLE TO tell Malverne/East Rockaway’s boys’ soccer team is coming off a winless 2024 campaign. To say the Rockin’ Mules have enjoyed an incredible start would be an understatement. Moya has been front and center of a club with four wins in its first five matches. He leads Nassau County in goals with 12 and has three or more games with at least a hat trick. He scored 5 times in wins over Valley Stream South and Clarke.
Friday, Sept. 19
Girls Soccer: Manhasset at Carey 3 p.m.
Girls Soccer: Mepham at Calhoun 5
Girls Soccer: South Side at Oceanside 5 p.m.
Football: Farmingdale at Oceanside 6 p.m.
Football: South Side at Division 6 p.m.
Football: New Hyde Park at East Meadow 6:30 p.m.
Girls Volleyball: Freeport at Baldwin 6:45 p.m.
Football: Long Beach at Glen Cove 7 p.m.
Football: Plainedge at C.S. Harbor 7 p.m.
Football: Lynbrook at Carle Place 7:15 p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 20
Football: Floral Park at Carey 11:00 a.m.
Boys Soccer: Lynbrook at Plainedge 12 p.m.
Football: Wantagh at Elmont 12:30 p.m.
Football: V.S. North at Hewlett 1 p.m.
Football: Baldwin at Garden City 2 p.m.
Football: Roosevelt at Calhoun 2 p.m.
Football: Lawrence at East Rockaway 2 p.m.
Football: Roslyn at Kennedy 2 p.m.
Football: West Hempstead at Malverne 2 p.m.
Football: Sewanhaka at V.S. South 2 p.m.
Football: MacArthur at Mepham 3 p.m.
Football: Port Washington at Freeport 3 p.m.
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a fall sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
By NICK MONGIOVI sports@liherald.com
For the Carey girls’ soccer team, winning conference titles has become second nature. Over the past three seasons, the Seahawks have been promoted to three new conferences, with this year’s being AA-2.
In three games thus far, Carey is 1-1-1, with a 2-1 victory over Plainview in the Sept. 6 opener, a 3-3 draw with Long Beach Sept. 9, and a 1-0 loss to Calhoun Sept. 11.
Two of the three captains have put together stellar performances through just three games. Junior center attacking midfielder Gabriella Perna recorded one goal and two assists while junior and All-County center defensive midfielder Amelia Kamalara recorded a goal and an assist. Senior centerback Ava Iori, the third captain was left off the statsheet, but her time may arise as she’s leaned on heavily by her teammates.
“They’re [Perna and Iori] people that the girls can go to, they’re always bringing the team together,” Carey coach Chris Posillico said. “They push each other, making sure everyone does the right thing. Those are the type of girls you want to run the team.
Brian Ballweg/Herald
“We have a lot of leaders on this team and a lot of girls that shine,” he added. “Amelia is much more mature than her age shows. Even though she’s the best player on the field, she’s always pushing other people, she’ll always be working the hardest in a drill. Sometimes your best players can be the laziest at practice. Her work ethic is just incredible.”
Talented sophomore Daisy Buja and the Seahawks are looking forward to another big season on the pitch following a 7-win 2024 campaign.
The ‘fearless’ senior goalkeeper in Madison Gonzalez is leaned on by Posillico. Her tall stature and athletic ability gives her team security in the back end. “She’s one of the best goalkeepers in the county,” Posillico said.
Posillico’s roster had five eighth graders in spite of a 7-4-1 record last season. He thinks that experience can only help his team, moving forward.
“They were awesome for us last year, but this year as freshmen they just seem so much older,” Posillico said. “They play at such a high level of travel, bringing that to our team is super helpful because they already know the game and they play at such a high-level. I feel like they’re wiser than the average high school player.”
A player that’s not listed as a captain but acts like one in the way that she leads is sophomore and 2024 AllCounty award winning striker Laura Maya.
“She sees the game really well, same thing with [right back] Juliana Tonkin, even though she’s a freshman,” Posillico said. “She’s always loud on the field, you know where she is, she’s always calling for the ball. Those are things that are hard to teach, so those two definitely, Ava and Amelia, even though they’re my captains. If something is going on with the team, they’ll be the first ones to say, ‘okay, I’ll pull the girl aside and talk to her.’ I’m lucky to have a really good group.”
Daisy Buja, who earned herself an All-County honorable mention a season ago as a freshman, is poised for a breakout season. “Physically for a 10th grader, she’s tall, has great athleticism and she sees the field really well,” Posillico said. “She’s really calm on the ball which is not something that’s easy to teach. She’s an anchor in the midfield.”
Coming up on the ledger for Carey is a match at Manhasset this Friday at 5 p.m.
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Diana Lattanzio, of Franklin Square, has been recognized in the 2025 Best Lawyers Award for Elder Law, according to a news release from Russo Law Group, a New York elder law and estate planning firm.
“This honor reflects Diana’s dedication and outstanding expertise in elder law,” said Vincent Russo, founding partner of Russo Law Group, in the release.
“We are proud to see our attorneys recognized for the exceptional service they provide to families navigating elder law, estate planning, and related matters.”
Since 1983, Best Lawyers has identified top attorneys through peer-review
surveys and editorial review. The selection process relies on feedback from attorneys regarding the professional abilities of their peers within the same region and practice area, according to the release.
Russo Law Group, founded by Russo in 1985, specializes in elder law, estate planning, and trusts and estates. The firm provides legal services to individuals and families throughout New York, with a focus on Medicaid planning, long-term care, estate administration, and special needs planning, the release said.
–Renee DeLorenzo
cancer awareness walk set for Oct. 5
In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program will host the annual Dr. Elsy Mecklembourg-Guibert Memorial Breast Cancer Walk/Run/Roll on Sunday, Oct. 5, at Arthur J. Hendrickson Park in Valley Stream, from 3 to 5 p.m.
The event pays tribute to survivors, supports those undergoing treatment, and honors lives lost to breast cancer. The memorial walk commemorates Dr. Mecklembourg-Guibert, a community leader and advocate for health and cancer awareness.
For details, call (516) 599-2972 or email District22@NYassembly.gov.
–Renee DeLorenzo
OCTOBER 4, 2025 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
With new Time-of-Day Rates, 3 PM to 7 PM is now “me time.” By doing chores that use a lot of electricity before or after those hours on weekdays, you take advantage of the times when energy costs less to produce. So, think laundry at 12 PM. Read a book or catch up on emails at 4 PM. Dishes at 8 PM. It’s all about timing your savings and saving your time. Some of the appliances that use the most energy are shown below.
Learn more. Scan the QR code or go to psegliny.com/timeofday.
For the complete terms and conditions, go to psegliny.com/timeofday/terms.
Seahawks, marching
H. Frank Carey High School kicked off its homecoming festivities with a spirited parade on Sept. 13, beginning at 11 a.m. along Caroline Avenue, according to a news release from the Sewanhaka Central High School District.
The parade, which marked the start of a day filled with school pride and community celebration, was led by the Franklin Square Fire Department and Nassau County Police, the release stated. Carey’s marching band, cheerleaders, Pirettes and members of the homecoming court joined the procession with smiles and enthusiasm.
H. Frank Carey science teacher Karine McGuiness served as this year’s Grand Marshal, riding in a Jeep decorated with orange and black balloons, the news release said. The parade concluded with the crowning of Homecoming Royalty Michael Agostino, king, and Casey Govaert, queen.
The festivities carried into the afternoon as the Seahawks football team took on Valley Stream South Senior High School, the news release continued, securing a decisive 35-0 victory. During halftime, spectators enjoyed performances from the marching band, Pirettes and varsity cheerleaders, the release said.
The Sewanhaka district described the 2025 homecoming as a memorable celebration that brought together students, staff, families and community members in a shared display of Carey spirit.
lead community in spirited celebration on Sept. 13
By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com
A celebration of Long Island heroes is back — with a twist. On Oct. 22, the annual event hosted by the American Red Cross on Long Island will take place in the morning: The inaugural two-hour breakfast will be held at the Heritage Club at Bethpage, in Farmingdale, at 8 a.m.
And after years of having three or so honorees, the Red Cross will honor six heroes in categories including Community Impact Hero, First Responder Hero, Global Citizenship Hero, Disaster Hero and Military Hero. “This was just brought to our attention by our wonderful board and volunteers saying, ‘There are a lot more people that deserve some recognition,’” the organization’s CEO, Jose Dominguez, said.
Luv Michael is the Community Impact Hero honoree this year. Founded in 2015, Luv Michael is a nonprofit created by Michael Kessaris and his parents, Dr. Dimitri Kessaris and Dr. Lisa Liberatore, which is dedicated to producing meaningful work and independent living opportunities for young adults on the autism spectrum.
This year’s First Responder Heroes are Officers Timothy Deegan and Matthew Walling. These graduates of the
Nassau County Police Academy demonstrated exceptional bravery on Jan. 5, when they responded to an off-duty crash involving a fellow officer, and swiftly provided lifesaving care while awaiting EMS.
Dr. Tochi Iroku-Malize is the Global Citizenship Hero being honored. The president of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the founding chair of the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Iroku-Malize dedicated her career
to expanding accessibility to family medicine and shaping a more inclusive future for health care.
The Disaster Hero of the year is Jennifer Keane. When a referee collapsed mid-game, Keane quickly prepared an automated external defibrillator and made a lifesaving intervention. As an athletic director and a certified athletic trainer, she had the ability to stay in control under pressure.
Mel Cohen is this year’s Military Hero honoree. A U.S. Air Force veteran
For more than 50 years, Long Island Reach has been a trusted source of help and hope, providing mental health services, substance use treatment, and educational support. From counseling individuals struggling with addiction to operating the Harriet Eisman Community School for students who don’t thrive in traditional classrooms, the mission has remained clear: supporting the community in times of need.
That mission is as urgent as ever. “We’ve been through crises before, and we’re confident we’ll continue to help — but we can’t do it without the support of people in the community,” says Executive
Director Joe Smith.
While some government funding is received, it is not enough to sustain the full scope of services. Fundraising and community generosity are essential, and one of the most significant events is the fall Rock for Recovery concert. Held on the rooftop of the Allegria Hotel on October 16, Rock for Recovery brings together local bands, donated food, and neighbors for a lively
and a retired Suffolk County police officer, Cohen has spent his life serving the community in honor of his brother Gerald, who died in Vietnam. He supports veterans across New York state, as well as Gold Star families, while staying active in various organizations including Vietnam Veterans of America and Wreaths Across America.
Along with the six honorees, two teens will be honored as Youth Heroes. Charlie Dubofsky and Sydney Hassenbein founded the HERO Project, a peersupport group for grieving students, after both experienced personal losses. The group allows middle and high school students to experience and share their grief in a safe space.
Active on Long Island for over 100 years, the American Red Cross on Long Island continues to serve the area and recognize its local heroes. “The mission of the Red Cross is to alleviate human suffering in so many different categories,” Dominguez said. “It is possible through the generosity of our donors and the time of our volunteers.”
All proceeds raised during the fundraiser will allow the Red Cross to continue its mission of helping those affected by disasters like hurricanes, fires and other crises. For more information on the organization and on attending the event, visit RedCross.org/LIHeroes.
evening overlooking the ocean — with proceeds directly supporting programs.
The need is real. Long Island Reach currently serves more than 700 individuals each year, touching thousands of families over the decades.
“There isn’t a family that hasn’t been touched by one or more of the struggles our programs address,” Smith notes.
Despite challenges ranging from Hurricane Sandy to the opioid epidemic and the pandemic, Long Island Reach has persevered, adapting to serve the community through every storm. Board Chairperson Scott Nigro emphasizes that public awareness and
ongoing support are vital: “We need people to open their hearts as well as their wallets.”
Community members can help by attending events, donating online, volunteering, or spreading the word. As Smith says, “It’s a great cause. It’s also a lot of fun.”
Learn more at longislandreach.org.
For more information on how you can support Long Island Reach, scan here or visit https://longislandreach.org/
returned to Men of Elmont, the high school mentoring program they participated in as students, to serve as mentors. They said the experience inspired them to extend similar opportunities to younger generations.
“We always wanted to be an outlet for the younger generation to connect with the older generation,” Christiano said. Christiano, who was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder as a child, said planning an after-school program is especially important to him because of his own struggles with mental health.
“I was going through a lot,” Christiano recalled of his time in high school. “But I knew how much being together helped me.”
Creating a safe space for children to gather, rather than being isolated the way many were during the Covid-19 lockdown, can help foster togetherness and support, he said.
Antonio recalled how remote learning during the pandemic disrupted his education, forcing him to complete schoolwork on tablets rather than in the classroom with his peers. That period, he said, deeply affected what should have been an important time experienced with friends and family.
But the brothers said that being part of sports teams, family gatherings and community events helped them recover from those challenges. Now, they want
to give other children the same opportunities to heal and grow.
LaRock echoed that sentiment, adding that the mentorship he received in high school stayed with him long after graduation. Many of his peers, he said, benefitted from the structure and bonds created by those programs.
“The people who are a product of the program are people that are well-off,”
LaRock said. “The best thing you can do is come back to your community and give back to those kids.”
According to LaRock, Universal Interactions aims to do just that, by providing children with time, attention, and resources to develop skills that are sometimes overlooked by adults. Many kids are misunderstood, he said, but the programs they plan to provide through the after-school program can bridge that gap.
activities. He said he is grateful for his own childhood — filled with sports and community involvement — but understands not everyone has that experience.
“I want kids to have the same outlet we had as kids,” Antonio said. “Men of Elmont really helped shape our lives in the community.”
Antonio added that mentorship gave his own life meaning, and his goal is to impact others the same way.
“That’s what life is really about at the end of the day.”
That’s why the three men have been strong advocates for the promised Elmont Community Center, a project pledged by New York Arena Partners after the contract to build UBS Arena and Belmont Park Village was signed in 2019. The center has yet to materialize, however.
Christiano MarCello Co-founder, Universal Interactions
Christiano described Universal Interactions as an outlet for people of all ages to build stronger community bonds. “We just want to use our talents and gifts to put people together,” he said.
For Antonio, co-founding the nonprofit was also about steering children away from social media and encouraging them to participate in face-to-face
He envisions the afterschool program including reading and literacy components to help students improve academically. But he acknowledged that a project of this scale requires significant funding, and some costs may need to be covered by the co-founders themselves.
What would be most helpful in making the program a reality, Antonio said, would be funding and volunteers.
“We know there’s funds out there,” he said. “We just want the funds to be allocated to the right things.”
Christiano noted that the group also struggles to find a permanent location. Renting event space long-term has proven difficult, he said, because of financial constraints.
“We feel like if a community center was built, there would be space for us to consistently do what we do currently,” Christiano said. “We want to have an event space where we can collaborate with parents and give them a safe space to bring their kids every day.”
The co-founders believe an afterschool program is not only good for children but necessary. It would give them a place to learn new skills, stay out of trouble, and discover their talents.
“When you have something to aim for, you want to do the right things,” Christiano said. “When you strive for something, you want to make sure you have a good life.”
LaRock agreed, stressing that programs provide structure and discipline for kids, particularly those whose parents work evenings. He recalled that his own parents worked long hours, but after-school activities gave him the foundation he needed to succeed.
“I just want to be one of those key pillars in the community,” LaRock said. “Use my time and energy to help build a foundation for the youth.”
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FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 19TH
The PGA of America will host Youth Day at the 2025 Ryder Cup on Sept. 25, at Bethpage Black, furthering its commitment to helping the game grow through PGA Jr. League and local youth initiatives.
PGA Jr. League players from the Metropolitan PGA Section and local high school students are invited to attend free of charge with a ticketed adult. Youth Day provides access to Ryder Cup practice rounds and the decisive Junior Ryder Cup singles matches, featuring the top 24 junior golfers from the U.S. and Europe.
The Junior Ryder Cup, established in 1997, has launched the careers of some of golf’s biggest stars, including Jordan Spieth, Justin Thomas, Scottie Scheffler, Lexi Thompson, Rose Zhang and Rory McIlroy.
A select group of participants will also take part in Beyond the Green, a career exploration program led by the PGA of America REACH Foundation. The event will feature New York-based sports organizations and brands, with youth representatives from groups such as First Tee of Metropolitan New York, The Bridge Golf Foundation and 100 Black Men of New York. Youth Day attendees will also be invited to the Ryder Cup opening ceremony that evening.
As part of the PGA’s mission to
their uniforms last month.
increase inclusion and participation, juniors ages 15 and under receive free admission on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday of Ryder Cup week with a ticketed adult (limit two juniors per adult). Tickets for juniors are available only at the Main Spectator Entrance on the day of play.
Additionally, PGA Jr. League Day at Ryder Cup Live will take place on Sept. 27, at Rockefeller Center. Players wearing their PGA Jr. League jerseys will enjoy a watch party, simulator competition, activities, prizes and raffles. For more, go to Bit.ly/3VaI8EN.
For more information, visit RyderCup.com.
By Abbey Salvemini
Hofstra University Museum of Art opens its gallery to “Love Is The Message: Photography by Jamel Shabazz,” an inspiring exhibition honoring the decades-long creative output of the renowned street photographer. With his keen eye, Shabazz’s powerful images reflect pop culture, fashion and especially hip-hop, spanning the 1980s through today. The exhibit is on view in the Emily Lowe Gallery though Dec. 16.
Shabazzz’s striking black-and-white and color photography radiates joy and human connection, offering a deep sense of empathy and cultural pride. Alongside his photographs, visitors can also explore his personal collection of cameras, artwork and memorabilia.
“Jamel Shabazz is history, and it is a real gift that we are able to share this with our community,” Museum Director Sasha Giordano says.
As Giordano puts it, so thoroughly articulated in her forward in the exhibition catalogue: “Community is the heart of a museum.”
The exhibit was conceived with this spirit and curated by “Team Love,” a collective partnership composed of Shabazz; Robert Dupreme Eatman; Dr. Bilal Polson, principal of Northern Parkway School in Uniondale, Erik Sumner, art educator at Northern Parkway School; and the Hofstra University Museum of Art. Over two years, slowly and carefully, through meeting after meeting, the exhibition took shape from concept to fruition.
With Team Love’s valuable insights, “Love Is The Message”honors 50 years of Jamel Shabazz’s artistic achievement and is his first solo exhibition on Long Island — a fitting location as he is a longtime resident of Hempstead.
“Love Is the Message” explores how Shabazz’s work occupies a vital space at the intersection of art, activism and cultural storytelling. Deeply influenced by trailblazers like Gordon Parks, Shabazz embraces the camera not just as a creative tool, but as a means of witnessing everyday life within Black and Brown communities. Shabazz centers dignity, resilience, and beauty in his portraits by capturing not only how his subjects look, but how they live and love. His lens is one of empathy, inviting viewers not simply to observe but to feel and to witness the quiet strength of a
father holding his child, the joy in a group of friends dressed for a block party, or the pride in a young person striking a confident pose. In this way, Shabazz’s work does more than document; it cultivates understanding, mends division and illuminates the shared humanity that connects us all.
“Jamel wanted the team to put fourth an exhibition that showed love of community, friends, family and music,” Giordano explains.
As for Shabazz, he considers this retrospective a significant honor.
“When I look at the current situation of the country and the world, this exhibition is one of the most important shows of my life because we need love in the world right now,” he says. “I’m sharing my work to help inspire the next generation by using this universal global language of photography to create conversation.”
• Now through Dec. 16
• Programs require advance registration; call (516) 463-5672 to register
• Emily Lowe Gallery, behind Emily Lowe Hall, Hofstra University’s South Campus, Hempstead
Shabazz commutes to his day job daily but returns to his Hempstead studio, where he immerses himself in reflection and creativity.
“The Town of Hempstead offers me a space where I can get into deep thought and develop my ideas,” he says.
Among the many photographs and artifacts on view, Shabazz shares that a photograph of his mother holds especially deep meaning for him. Entitled “‘The Giver of Life,’ it’s the work of which he is most proud.
“I went out to Jones Beach with my mother and I caught an incredible photograph of her with bread in her hand as the seagull approaches her. She’s never experienced anything like that before.”
Beyond that moment, his eye offers his special perspective on the world around us.
“My objective was to contribute to the preservation of culture for this generation. It is my hope that the younger generations can look at my work and get a glimpse of the style and culture of back in the day. I want young people to understand the importance of love and see the power of photography,” he adds.
As always, related programming enhances the viewing experience. Upcoming on Oct. 1, 6-7:30 p.m., join Giordano for an exhibition tour. She’ll discuss the community collaboration that shaped the exhibit, offering insight into the artist’s creative process and the legacy of love reflected in the work.
Meet the man behind the camera at “Love Is the Message: A Conversation with Jamel Shabazz,” on Oct. 23, 10 a.m.-noon. He’ll talk about his creative process, personal influence and the impact of his work documenting everyday life in Black and urban communities. It’s followed by an audience Q&A session.
The events schedule also includes “Feel the Love – Experience the Photography of Jamel Shabazz with a Heart Meditation,” on Nov. 6. Denise Peterson, of Denise Peterson Yoga, brings mindfulness and meditation techniques to the art experience.
NYC Ska Orchestra
The NYC Ska Orchestra blends the exuberant musical layers of the jazz era with Jamaican roots music. The top-notch musicians, led by arranger-trumpeter-vocalist Kevin Batchelor, deliver a lively concert that surely will lead you to want to get up out of your seat and dance. This 20-piece big band features star turns from celebrated octogenarian percussionist/vocalist Larry McDonald and master drummer Carl Wright. Alongside a powerhouse collective of instrumental artists from the reggae recording scene, band members have performed with Peter Tosh, Bob Marley, Lee “Scratch” Perry, Toots & the Maytals. Together they play a non-stop selection of lush original compositions and arrangements of songs from the richly historic and culturally iconic Jamaican musical styles of 1950s and ’60s ska, mento, rocksteady and jazz.
Friday, Sept 26. 8 p.m. $42, $37 members. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
Contemporary jazz saxophonist/ multi-instrumentalist Vincent Ingala and his electrifying band bring their funky grooves to the Madison Theatre. Declared by Jazziz Magazine as “one of the most exciting artists to emerge this past decade,” Ingala remains an unstoppable, creative force in urban contemporary jazz. His career includes10 #1 Billboard hits, 23 Top 10 singles, with more to come from his latest release and eighth album, “Escape With Me.” Ingala’s unique dual ability to electrify fans while connecting emotionally with them has made him one of the genre’s most popular talents on the scene today. He draws the audience in; becoming part of an exciting musical experience that bridges the gap between the music of his father’s R&B, funk and soul collection ( which he was heavily immersed in) and Ingala’s well executed horn lines.
Saturday, Sept. 20, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45. Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444.
Fall Back with Jim Papa
Jim Papa performs the greatest hits of years gone by at Elmont Memorial Library. No registration is required. First come, first seated.
• Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
• Time: 12:30-2 p.m.
• Contact: ElmontLibrary.org, or call (516) 354-5280
Rescuing Families hosts monthly craft fundraiser, kicking off the fall season with Eddie Pons for his famous paint night! $40 includes all supplies needed for the project, along with coffee, tea, water, soda and other light refreshments.
• Where: Rescuing Families Headquarters, 983 Lewiston St., Franklin Square
• Time: 7-9 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 697-9403, or email rescuingfamiliesinc@ gmail.com
Franklin Square Historical Society Fall Festival
Celebrate the season during the Franklin Square Historical Society’s annual fall festival at Franklin Square Historical Museum. With vendors, food, raffles and music! Rain date is Sept. 27.
• Where: 861 Naple Ave., Franklin Square
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Contact: Visit FSHistoricalSociety. org or call (516) 775-7260
Foxtrot Like Gatsby
You can dance like Daisy and Gatsby! Join dance historian and teacher Susan de Guardiola at Old Westbury Gardens to learn to dance a simple 1920s-style foxtrot — the lively original foxtrot as it was danced before modern ballroom style! This beginner-friendly class will teach you a simple 1920s-style foxtrot interspersed with a lighthearted history of the early days of the foxtrot. No partner is needed and no experience is necessary!
• Where: Barn at Orchard Hill, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: Noon-1 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
In concert
Simply Magic visits Elmont Memorial Library with classic songs of yesterday and today. No registration is required.
Get ready to sing along — Queen-mania is back on Long Island. Almost Queen, the acclaimed tribute band, is set to return to the Paramount stage, bringing with them the soaring vocals, electrifying guitar riffs, and theatrical flair that defined one of rock’s most legendary groups. Almost Queen isn’t just another cover band. Their performances are carefully crafted to honor the spirit of Freddie Mercury, Brian May, John Deacon, and Roger Taylor while delivering a concert experience that feels fresh and alive. The lineup features Joseph Russo as the dynamic and charismatic Mercury, Steve Leonard as guitar virtuoso May, Randy Gregg as bassist Deacon, and John Cappadona as drummer Taylor. Together, they recreate Queen’s iconic sound with impeccable four-part harmonies, precise musical interludes, and the kind of stage energy that pulls audiences to their feet. Attention to detail sets the band apart. From authentic costumes to faithful renditions of classic hits like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You,” and “Somebody to Love,” the band captures both the power and the playfulness of Queen’s original shows. Their devotion to accuracy — paired with undeniable chemistry on stage — has earned them a loyal following that grows with every tour. $108.75, $98.25, $76.25, $64.75, $54.25, $48.75.
• Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
• Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
• Contact: ElmontLibrary.org, or call (516) 354-5280
Gatsby’s Swingin’ Scavenger Hunt
Old Westbury Garden’s Gatsby Weekend celebration the 100th anniversary of “The Great Gatsby,” continues with a family adventure. The jazz artists are late for Gatsby’s big bash and lost in the gardens! Hunt for jazz players hidden in the landscape. Check off your findings then and return to Westbury House for a special prize.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Gatsby in the Gardens: Art Deco
Experience the glamour and bold design of the Roaring Twenties through contemporary artwork inspired by the opulence of Long Island’s Gold Coast. This juried exhibition at Light Court Hallway celebrates the era’s iconic fashion, architectureand luxury in true Art Deco style.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Get the kids ready to join in an oversized “block” party at Long Island Children’s Museum! Stack them, crawl through them or team up to make dream designs come true. Back by popular demand these giant, lightweight blocks turn playtime into extraordinary adventures. Construct castles, mazes, fantastical creatures or secret hideaways in this incredible exhibit experience. Imagination Playground blue blocks provide a blank canvas for children to express their creativity and bring their ideas to life. Giant and lightweight, these blocks encourage hands-on exploration and problem-solving, collaboration and spatial awareness. Through Nov. 2.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
All games are non-instructional and open to anyone.
• Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
• Time: 1:30-4:30 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
• Contact: ElmontLibrary.org, or call (516) 354-5280
Little Learners
25
Art Lab
Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to handson materials, artmaking, and inspiration from artists and techniques. Young kids, ages 2-5, build critical thinking skills, expand vocabulary, and support imaginations as they play, create and explore. This week use blocks to stamp patterns for geometric art. $4 with museum admission.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Ompahfest
21
Join the biggest celebration of GermanAmerican culture of the year at Plattdeutsche Park. Dancing, live music, imported goods, games, raffles, contests and much more. Adult admission is $12. Kids 10 and under get in for free. Bands include Bavarski, die Spitzbuam, The Austrian Boys and Johnny Koening.
• Where: 1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square
• Time: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.
• Contact: parkrestaurant.com or call (516) 354-3131
The Fabulous Clusters
All-Star Revue
Enjoy hits from the ‘50s to the ‘80s with the Fabulous Clusters, a vocal group that guarantees a memorable experience that will have you singing and dancing all night long!
• Where: Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
• Time: 2-3:30 p.m.
• Contact: ElmontLibrary.org, or call (516) 354-5280
Are you game?
Bring some friends and make some new ones at Elmont Memorial Library’s game night.
29
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 Rd., Franklin Square
• Time: 6-8:30 p.m.
• Contact: FranklinSquarePL.org or call (516) 488-3444
Franklin Square Civic Association meets The Franklin Square Civic Association invites everyone to its general meeting. All residents are welcome to help improve the community!
8
• Where: Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road
• Time: 7-8:45 p.m.
• Contact: Visit FSQCivic.org
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Citibank N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST Kathleen Brancaleone, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 27, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 30, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 497 Tulip Avenue, Floral Park, NY 11001. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Floral Park, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 32, Block: 273, Lot: 26. Approximate amount of judgment $542,666.53 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #609197/2019. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-091795-F00 86936 155349
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR SOUNDVIEW HOME LOAN TRUST 2007-OPT1, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-OPT1, -againstLESLY TURNIER, 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 June 23, 2025, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR SOUNDVIEW HOME LOAN TRUST 2007OPT1, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-OPT1 is the Plaintiff and LESLY TURNIER, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME
COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on October 8, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 1662 WOODSTOCK STREET, ELMONT, NY 11003; tax map identification 32-605-242; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ELMONT, IN THE TOWNSHIP OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK . Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 620320/2023. Georgia Papazis, Esq., as 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. 155524
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, -againstJEAN ZACARY JOSSELIN, 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 June 23, 2025, wherein NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING is the Plaintiff and JEAN ZACARY JOSSELIN, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, NORTH SIDE STEPS, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on October 8, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 750 MEACHAM AVENUE, ELMONT, NY 11003; tax map identification 32-699-30; and
description: 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.: 601062/2024.
Brian J. Davis, Esq., as 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. 155526
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING OF THE FRANKLIN SQUARE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, IN THE COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Education of the Franklin Square Union Free School District, in the County of Nassau, New York, has adopted a resolution on August 6, 2025, authorizing a Special District Meeting of the qualified voters of said School District to be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at 8:00 o’clock A.M. (Prevailing Time) in the school designated in each election district bounded and described hereinafter, for the purpose of voting on the following Bond Proposition: BOND PROPOSITION
RESOLVED:
(a) That the Board of Education of the Franklin Square Union Free School District, in the County of Nassau, New York (the “District”), is hereby authorized to construct alterations and improvements to all District school buildings and sites thereof (the “Project”), substantially as described in a plan prepared by H2M Architects + Engineers, which is on file with the District Clerk and available for public inspection, (the “Plan”), including (as and where needed)
roof and window reconstruction and/or replacement; fire alarm, communication, emergency lighting and HVAC system upgrades; ceiling replacement; installation of door access controls; exterior masonry, building envelope and interior wall improvement; replacement of artificial turf; turf field and parking lot lighting upgrades, and roadway and parking lot improvements, all of the foregoing to include the original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus and ancillary or related site, demolition and other work required in connection therewith; and to expend therefor, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and to the financing thereof, an amount not to exceed the estimated total cost of $37,951,946; provided that the costs of the components of the Project may be reallocated among such components if the Board of Education shall determine that such reallocation is in the best interests of the District;
(b) that a tax is hereby voted in an amount of not to exceed the estimated total cost of $37,951,946 to finance such cost, such tax to be levied and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as shall be determined by said Board of Education; and
(c) that in anticipation of said tax, bonds of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $37,951,946 and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable. Such Bond Proposition shall appear on the ballots to be used for voting at said Special District Meeting in substantially the following condensed form:
BOND PROPOSITION YES NO
RESOLVED:
(a) That the Board of Education of the Franklin Square Union Free School District is hereby authorized to construct alterations
and improvements to all District buildings and sites thereof, substantially as described in a plan prepared by H2M Architects + Engineers, and to expend not to exceed $37,951,946 therefor; (b) that a tax is hereby voted in an amount of not to exceed the estimated total cost of $37,951,946 to finance such cost, such tax to be levied and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as shall be determined by said Board of Education; and (c) that in anticipation of said tax, bonds of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $37,951,946, and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the voting will be conducted on voting machines and the polls will remain open from 8:00 o’clock A.M. to 9:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) and as much longer as may be necessary to enable the voters then present to cast their ballots. A qualified voter shall vote at the place hereinafter designated within the school district election district within which such qualified voter resides.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law, or pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law and has voted at an annual or special district meeting within the last four (4) calendar years, he or she is eligible to vote at this Special District Meeting. If a voter is registered and eligible to vote under Article 5 of the Election Law, he or she is also eligible to vote at this Special District Meeting. All other persons who wish to vote must register.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, the voters may register with the Clerk of said School District at her office in the District Administration Office, 760 Washington Street,
Franklin Square, New York, between the hours of 8:00 o’clock A.M. and 3:30 P.M. (Prevailing Time), when school is in session at any day prior to October 16, 2025 to add any additional names to the Register to be used at the aforesaid Special District Meeting, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register provided that at such meeting with the District Clerk of said School District he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of the District Clerk of said School District to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such Special District Meeting for which the Register is prepared. The Register so prepared pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk, at her office in the District Administration Office, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on Thursday, October 16, 2025, between the hours of 8:00 o’clock A.M. and 3:30 P.M. (Prevailing Time), on each day prior to the day set for the Special District Meeting, except Sunday, on Saturday October 18, 2025 by advance appointment only and at each polling place on the day of the vote.
AND FURTHER NOTICE
IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. An application for registration as a military voter can be requested from the office of the District Clerk at her office in the District Administration Office, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York, between the hours of 8:00 o’clock A.M. and 3:30 P.M. (Prevailing Time), when school is in session. The application is also available on the website of the Franklin Square Union Free School Districthttps://www.franklinsq uare.k12.ny.us/ under “Voter Information.”
The application for registration must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 o’clock
P.M. (Prevailing Time) on September 26, 2025. In the request for an application for registration, the military voter is permitted to designate his/her preference for receiving the application for registration by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail.
AND FURTHER NOTICE
IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the District may submit an application for a military ballot during school business hours from the District Clerk at her office in the District Administration Office, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York. The application is also available on the website of the Franklin Square Union Free School Districthttps://www.franklinsq uare.k12.ny.us/ under “Voter Information.” Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk by 5:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) on September 25, 2025. In the request for an application for a military ballot, the military voter is permitted to designate his/her preference for receiving the application for a military ballot, and the military ballot, by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail. All qualified military voters’ ballot application and military ballot must be returned by mail or in person. Ballots for military voters shall be distributed to qualified military voters no later than twenty-five days before the election, September 26, 2025. Military ballots must be received by the District Clerk one (1) day before the close of the polls, on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, and must show a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or must show a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or (2) not later than 5:00 P.M. (Prevailing Time) on the day of the Special District Meeting and be signed and dated by the military voter and one witness, with a date ascertained to be not later than the day before the Special District Meeting.
A list of persons to whom military ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the Office of the District Clerk on and after Thursday, October 16, 2025, between the hours of 8:00 o’clock A.M. and 3:30 P.M. (Prevailing Time), on each day prior to the day set for the Special District Meeting, except Sunday, on Saturday October 18, 2025 by advance appointment only, and on October 21, 2025, the day set for the Special District Meeting. Any qualified voter then present in a polling place may object to the voting of the ballot upon appropriate grounds by making his or her challenge and the reasons therefore known to the Inspector of Election before the close of the polls. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for early mail ballots and absentee ballots will be obtainable during school business hours from the District Clerk beginning September 23, 2025. The application is also available on the website of the Franklin Square Union Free School Districthttps://www.franklinsq uare.k12.ny.us/ under “Voter Information.” Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than September 23, 2025 and at least seven (7) days before the Special District Meeting, October 14, 2025, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the Special District Meeting, October 20, 2025, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Early mail ballots and absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 P.M. (Prevailing Time), on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. A list of persons to whom early mail ballots and absentee ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the Office of the District Clerk on and after Thursday, October 16, 2025, between the hours of 8:00 o’clock A.M. and 3:30 P.M (Prevailing Time), on each day prior to the day set for the Special District Meeting, except Sunday, on Saturday, October 18, 2025 by
advance appointment only, and on October 21, 2025, the day set for the Special District Meeting. Any qualified voter then present in a polling place may object to the voting of the ballot upon appropriate grounds by making his or her challenge and the reasons therefore known to the Inspector of Election before the close of the polls. A challenge to an absentee ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should have applied for an early mail ballot. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a description of the boundaries of the election districts as designated by the Board of Education is filed with the records of the District and available for inspection by any qualified voter in the Office of the District Clerk, at 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York, during regular business hours and that said election districts and the respective schools in each where the voting and registration herein provided shall take place generally described as follows:
THE FIRST ELECTION DISTRICT
Place of Registration John Street School and Voting: John Street Franklin Square, New York
Beginning at the point of intersection of the rear lot line of the properties fronting on the west side of Claflin Boulevard projected northerly to the center line of Hempstead Turnpike; thence easterly along said center line to the easterly boundary line of the school district; thence southerly and westerly along the said boundary line to the rear lot line of the properties fronting on the westside of Dogwood Avenue; thence northerly along said rear line to its intersection with the rear lot line of the properties fronting on the north side of Plato Street and the projection thereof easterly; thence westerly and along the said projection and the rear lot line of the properties fronting on the east side of Jefferson Street; thence northerly along said rear lot line and along the center line of the
brook and projection thereof northerly to the center line of Naplo Avenue; thence easterly along said center line to the projection southerly and the rear lot line of the properties fronting on the westerly side of Claflin Boulevard; thence northerly along said projection and the said rear lot line to the point or place of the beginning. (Excluding Jackson Street).
THE SECOND ELECTION DISTRICT
Place of Registration Polk Street School and Voting: Polk Street Franklin Square, New York
Beginning at the intersection of the westerly boundary line of the school district and the intersection of the center line of Hempstead Turnpike; thence easterly along said center line of Hempstead Turnpike to the intersection of the back lot line of Claflin Boulevard; thence southerly along the rear lot line of the properties fronting on the westerly side of Claflin Boulevard to the center line of Naple Avenue; thence westerly along the said center line to the center line of the brook; thence southerly along said center line and the rear lot line of the properties fronting on the easterly side of Jefferson Street including properties fronting on Jackson Street to the rear lot line of the properties fronting on the northerly side of Plato Street; thence easterly along said rear lot line and the projection thereof easterly to the rear lot line of the properties fronting on the west side of Dogwood Avenue; thence southerly along said rear lot line to the southern boundary line of the school district; thence westerly and northerly along the said boundary line to the point or place of beginning.
THE THIRD ELECTION DISTRICT
Place of Registration Washington Street School and Voting:
760 Washington Street Franklin Square, New York
Beginning at the northwesterly corner of the school district (at Fernwood Terrace); thence easterly along said boundary line to the northeasterly
corner of the school district; thence southerly along the easterly boundary line of the school district to the center line of Hempstead Turnpike; thence westerly along the said center line to the intersection of the westerly boundary line of the district; thence northerly along said line to the point of origin.
Only qualified voters who are duly registered will be permitted to vote.
BY THE ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Dated: August 6, 2025
Laura Langstrand District Clerk 155513
LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE REUNIÓN
ESPECIAL DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR
LIBRE DE FRANKLIN SQUARE UNION, EN EL CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK
POR LA PRESENTE, SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Franklin Square Union, en el condado de Nassau, Nueva York, ha adoptado una resolución el 6 de agosto de 2025, autorizando una Reunión Especial del Distrito de los votantes calificados de dicho distrito escolar, que se hará el Martes, 21 de octubre de 2025 a las 8:00 a. m. (hora oficial local) en la escuela designada en cada distrito electoral delimitado y se describe aquí, con el propósito de votar sobre la siguiente Propuesta de bonos: PROPUESTA DE BONOS SE RESUELVE: (a) Que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Franklin Square Union, en el condado de Nassau, Nueva York (el “Distrito”), por la presente está autorizada a construir alteraciones y mejoras a todos los edificios escolares del Distrito y sus sitios (el “Proyecto”) sustancialmente, como se describe en un plan preparado por H2M Architects + Engineers, que está archivado con la Secretaria del Distrito y disponible para inspección pública, (el “Plan”), incluyendo (según y donde sea necesario) la reconstrucción de techos y ventanas o su reemplazo; actualizaciones de alarma contra
incendios, comunicación, iluminación de emergencia y del sistema HVAC; reemplazo de techos; instalación de controles de acceso a puertas; mejora de la mampostería exterior, la envolvente del edificio y de la pared interior; reemplazo de césped artificial; mejoras en la iluminación de los campos de césped y estacionamientos, y mejoras en caminos y estacionamientos, todo lo anterior para incluir el mobiliario original, equipo, maquinaria, aparatos y sitios auxiliares o relacionados, demolición y otros trabajos requeridos en relación con estos; y para gastar para ello, incluyendo los gastos preliminares y los gastos conexos y su financiación, una cantidad que no exceda del costo total calculado de $37,951,946; siempre que los costos de los componentes del Proyecto puedan reasignarse entre dichos componentes si la Junta de Educación determina que tal reasignación es en el mejor interés del Distrito; (b) que, por la presente, se vota un impuesto por una cantidad que no exceda el costo total calculado de $37,951,946 para financiar tal costo, dicho impuesto se recaudará en cuotas en los años y en las cantidades que determine dicha Junta de Educación; y (c) que, en previsión de dicho impuesto, por la presente se autoriza la emisión de bonos del Distrito en una cantidad principal total que no exceda los $37,951,946 y, por la presente, se vota un impuesto para pagar los intereses de dichos bonos a medida que los mismos venzan y sean pagaderos. Dicha Propuesta de bonos aparecerá en las boletas que se usarán para votar en la Reunión especial del Distrito sustancialmente de la siguiente forma condensada: PROPUESTA DE BONOS SI NO
SE RESUELVE: (a) Que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Franklin Square Union,
por la presente, está autorizada a construir alteraciones y mejoras a todos los edificios del Distrito y sus sitios, sustancialmente como se describe en un plan preparado por H2M Architects + Engineers, y a gastar sin exceder $37,951,946 para ello; (b) que, por la presente se vota un impuesto por una cantidad que no exceda el costo total calculado de $37,951,946 para financiar tal costo, dicho impuesto se recaudará en cuotas en los años y en las cantidades que determine dicha Junta de Educación; y (c) que, en previsión de dicho impuesto, por la presente se autoriza la emisión de bonos del Distrito en una cantidad principal total que no exceda los $37,951,946 y, por la presente, se vota un impuesto para pagar los intereses de dichos bonos a medida que los mismos venzan y sean pagaderos.
TENGA EN CUENTA que la votación se hará a cabo en máquinas de votación, y las urnas permanecerán abiertas de 8:00 a. m. a 9:00 p. m. (hora oficial local) y tanto más tiempo como sea necesario para permitir a los votantes presentes emitir sus votos. Un votante calificado votará en el lugar designado en la presente en el distrito electoral del distrito escolar en el que reside dicho votante calificado.
Y, POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, que el registro personal de votantes se requiere según el Artículo 2014 de la Ley de Educación, o según el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral. Si un votante se ha registrado hasta ahora según el Artículo 2014 de la Ley de Educación y ha votado en una reunión anual o especial del distrito en un plazo de los últimos cuatro (4) años calendario, él o ella es elegible para votar en esta Reunión Especial del Distrito. Si un votante está registrado y es elegible para votar bajo el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral, él o ella también es elegible para votar en esta Reunión Especial del Distrito. Todas las otras personas que quieran votar deben registrarse. Y, POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, que los votantes pueden registrarse con la Secretaria de dicho
Distrito Escolar en su oficina en District Administration Office, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York, entre las 8:00 a. m.y 3:30 p. m. (hora oficial local), cuando la escuela está en sesión en cualquier día antes del 16 de octubre de 2025, para agregar cualquier nombre adicional al Registro que se usará en la mencionada Reunión Especial del Distrito, en cuyo momento cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que se coloque su nombre en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión con la Secretaria de Distrito de dicho Distrito Escolar, se demuestre o compruebe, a criterio de la Secretaria de Distrito de dicho Distrito Escolar, que en ese momento o después él o ella tiene derecho a votar en la Reunión Especial de Distrito para la que se prepara el Registro. El Registro así preparado según el Artículo 2014 de la Ley de Educación se archivará en la Oficina de la Secretaria de Distrito, en su oficina, en District Administration Office, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York, y quedará disponible para inspección por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito a partir del jueves 16 de octubre de 2025, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 3:30 p. m. (hora oficial local), en cada día anterior al día fijado para la Reunión Especial del Distrito, excepto los domingos, el sábado 18 de octubre de 2025 solo con cita previa y en cada lugar de votación el día de la votación. Y, POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, que los votantes militares que no estén registrados actualmente pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del distrito escolar. Puede pedir una solicitud de registro como votante militar en la oficina de la Secretaria de Distrito, en su oficina, en District Administration Office, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 3:30 p. m. (hora oficial local), cuando la escuela está en sesión. La solicitud también está disponible en el sitio web del Distrito Escolar
Libre de Franklin Square Unionhttps://www.franklinsq uare.k12.ny.us/ en “Voter Information” (Información del votante). La solicitud para el registro debe recibirse en la oficina de la Secretaria de Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. (hora oficial local) del 26 de septiembre de 2025. En la solicitud de registro, el votante militar puede designar su preferencia para recibir la solicitud de registro por correo, transmisión por fax o correo electrónico.
Y, POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, que los votantes militares que son votantes calificados del Distrito pueden presentar una solicitud para una boleta militar durante el horario de atención escolar de la Secretaria de Distrito, en su oficina, en District Administration Office, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York. La solicitud también está disponible en el sitio web del Distrito Escolar Libre de Franklin Square Unionhttps://www.franklinsq uare.k12.ny.us/ bajo “Voter Information” (Información del votante). Las solicitudes completadas debe recibirlas la Secretaria del Distrito antes de las 5:00 p. m. (hora oficial local) el 25 de septiembre de 2025. En la solicitud de una boleta militar, el votante militar puede designar su preferencia para recibir la solicitud para una boleta militar por correo, transmisión por fax o correo electrónico. Todas las solicitudes de boleta de votantes militares calificados y la boleta militar deben devolverse por correo o en persona. Las boletas para los votantes militares se distribuirán a los votantes militares calificados a más tardar veinticinco días antes de las elecciones, el 26 de septiembre de 2025. Las boletas militares debe recibirlas la Secretaria de Distrito un (1) día antes del cierre de las urnas, el martes 21 de octubre de 2025, y debe mostrar una marca de cancelación del correo postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o debe mostrar un endoso de recibo fechado por otra agencia del Gobierno
de los EE. UU.; o (2) a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. (hora oficial local) el día de la Reunión Especial del Distrito y estar firmada y fechada por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha determinada que no sea posterior al día antes de la Reunión Especial del Distrito. Una lista de personas a las que se les entregan boletas militares estará disponible para su inspección a los votantes calificados del Distrito en la Oficina de la Secretaria de Distrito a partir del jueves 16 de octubre de 2025, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 3:30 p. m. (hora oficial local), en cada día anterior al día fijado para la Reunión Especial del Distrito, excepto los domingos, el sábado 18 de octubre de 2025 solo con cita previa, y el 21 de octubre de 2025, el día fijado para la Reunión Especial del Distrito. Cualquier votante calificado presente en un lugar de votación puede objetar la votación de la boleta por motivos apropiados, declarando su impugnación y las razones al inspector de elecciones antes del cierre de las urnas. Y, POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, que las solicitudes de boletas por correo enviadas con antelación y las boletas de voto en ausencia se podrán obtener durante el horario de atención de la escuela con la Secretaria de Distrito a partir del 23 de septiembre de 2025. La solicitud también está disponible en el sitio web del Distrito Escolar Libre de Franklin Square Unionhttps://www.franklinsq uare.k12.ny.us/ bajo “Voter Information” (Información del votante). Las solicitudes completadas debe recibirlas la Secretaria de Distrito a más tardar el 23 de septiembre de 2025 y al menos siete (7) días antes de la Reunión Especial del Distrito, el 14 de octubre de 2025, si la boleta debe enviarse por correo al votante, o el día antes de la Reunión Especial del Distrito, el 20 de octubre de 2025, si la boleta se va a entregar personalmente al votante. Las boletas por correo enviadas con antelación y las boletas de voto en ausencia debe recibirlas la Secretaria
de Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. (hora oficial local) del martes 21 de octubre de 2025. Una lista de personas a las que se emiten boletas por correo enviadas con antelación y boletas de voto en ausencia estará disponible para la inspección de los votantes calificados del Distrito en la Oficina de la Secretaria de Distrito a partir del jueves 16 de octubre de 2025, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 3:30 p. m. (hora oficial local), en cada día anterior al día fijado para la Reunión Especial del Distrito, excepto los domingos, el sábado 18 de octubre de 2025 con cita previa solamente, y el 21 de octubre de 2025, el día fijado para la Reunión Especial del Distrito. Cualquier votante calificado presente en un lugar de votación puede objetar la votación de la boleta por motivos apropiados, declarando su impugnación y las razones al inspector de elecciones antes del cierre de las urnas. Una impugnación de una boleta de voto en ausencia no se puede hacer sobre la base de que el votante debería haber solicitado una boleta por correo enviada con antelación. Y, POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, de que una descripción de los límites de los distritos electorales designados por la Junta de Educación se presenta con los registros del Distrito y están disponibles para su inspección por cualquier votante calificado en la Oficina de la Secretaria de Distrito, en 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York, durante horario de atención habitual, y que dichos distritos electorales y las respectivas escuelas en cada uno de ellos, donde se harán la votación y el registro previstos en este documento, se describen en términos generales de la siguiente manera:
EL PRIMER DISTRITO ELECTORAL Lugar de registro y votación: John Street School John Street Franklin Square, New York
Comenzando en el punto de intersección de la línea trasera de los terrenos que dan al lado oeste de Claflin Boulevard, proyectada
hacia el norte hasta la línea central de Hempstead Turnpike; desde allí hacia el este a lo largo de dicha línea central hasta la línea límite este del distrito escolar; desde allí hacia el sur y el oeste a lo largo de dicha línea límite hasta la línea trasera de las propiedades que dan al lado oeste de Dogwood Avenue; desde allí hacia el norte a lo largo de dicha línea trasera hasta su intersección con la línea trasera de las propiedades que dan al lado norte de Plato Street y su proyección hacia el este; desde allí hacia el oeste y a lo largo de dicha proyección y la línea trasera de las propiedades que dan al lado este de Jefferson Street; desde allí hacia el norte a lo largo de dicha línea trasera del lote y a lo largo de la línea central del arroyo y su proyección hacia el norte hasta la línea central de Naplo Avenue; desde allí hacia el este a lo largo de dicha línea central hasta la proyección hacia el sur y la línea trasera del lote de las propiedades que dan al lado oeste de Claflin Boulevard; desde allí hacia el norte a lo largo de dicha proyección y dicha línea trasera del lote hasta el punto o lugar de inicio. (Excluyendo Jackson Street).
EL SEGUNDO DISTRITO ELECTORAL
Lugar de registro y votación: Polk Street School Polk Street Franklin Square, New York
Comenzando en la intersección de la línea límite oeste del distrito escolar y la intersección de la línea central de Hempstead Turnpike; desde allí hacia el este a lo largo de dicha línea central de Hempstead Turnpike hasta la intersección con la línea trasera del terreno de Claflin Boulevard; desde allí hacia el sur a lo largo de la línea trasera del terreno de las propiedades que dan al lado oeste de Claflin Boulevard hasta la línea central de Naple Avenue; desde allí hacia el oeste a lo largo de dicha línea central hasta la línea central del arroyo; desde allí hacia el sur a lo largo de dicha línea central y la línea trasera de las propiedades que dan al lado este de Jefferson
Street, incluyendo las propiedades que dan a Jackson Street, hasta la línea trasera de las propiedades que dan al lado norte de Plato Street; desde allí hacia el este a lo largo de dicha línea trasera del lote y su proyección hacia el este hasta la línea trasera del lote de las propiedades que dan al lado oeste de Dogwood Avenue; desde allí hacia el sur a lo largo de dicha línea trasera del lote hasta la línea límite sur del distrito escolar; desde allí hacia el oeste y el norte a lo largo de dicha línea límite hasta el punto o lugar de inicio.
EL TERCER DISTRITO ELECTORAL
Lugar de registro y votación: Washington Street School 760 Washington Street Franklin Square, New York
Comenzando en la esquina noroeste del distrito escolar (en Fernwood Terrace); de allí hacia el este a lo largo de dicha línea límite hasta la esquina noreste del distrito escolar; de allí hacia el sur a lo largo de la línea límite este del distrito escolar hasta la línea central de Hempstead Turnpike; de allí hacia el oeste a lo largo de dicha línea central hasta la intersección con la línea límite oeste del distrito; de allí hacia el norte a lo largo de dicha línea hasta el punto de origen.
Solo los votantes calificados que estén debidamente registrados podrán votar.
POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN Fecha: 6 de agosto de 2025
Laura Langstrand Secretaria de Distrito 155515
LEGAL NOTICE
REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff - against - SHIRLEY GARTNER, et al Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on March 1, 2024. 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 the 9th day of October, 2025 at
2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Floral Park, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Premises known as 100 Geranium Avenue, Floral Park, NY 11001.
(S/B/L#: 32./188/41 and 42)
Approximate amount of lien $782,990.97 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 000151/2018. Karen C. Grant, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170
Tel. 347/286-7409
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: August 11, 2025
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 155605
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 30th day of September, 2025, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend
Section 197-5 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “ARTERIAL STOPS” at the following locations:
ELMONT
HEATHCOTE ROAD (TH 407/25) - STOP - All traffic traveling eastbound on 106th Avenue shall come to a full stop.
HEATHCOTE ROAD (TH 407/25) - STOP - All traffic traveling westbound on 106th Avenue shall come to a full stop.
HEATHCOTE ROAD (TH 407/25) - STOP - All traffic traveling eastbound on 109th Avenue shall come to a full stop.
HEATHCOTE ROAD (TH 407/25) - STOP - All traffic traveling westbound on 109th Avenue shall come to a full stop.
WOODMERE EAST PARK COURT (TH 414/25) - STOP - All traffic traveling southbound on Southgate Drive shall come to a full stop.
FORDHAM LANE (TH 423/25) - STOP - All traffic traveling eastbound on Hargale Court shall come to a full stop.
ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: September 16, 2025
Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
JOHN FERRETTI
Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 155740
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Section 202-48 of the code of the Town of Hempstead entitled, “Handicapped Parking On Public Streets,” a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 30th day of September 2025, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, to consider the adoption of a resolution setting aside certain parking spaces for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons at the following locations:
BELLMORE MADISON AVENUEwest side, starting at a point 40 feet north of the north curbline of Beltagh Avenue, north for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-420/25)
ELMONT
MARSHALL STREETsouth side, starting at a point 48 feet west of the west curbline of Covert Avenue, west for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-418/25)
LEVITTOWN
COTTON LANE - east side, starting at a point opposite the southwest curbline of Surrey Lane, south for a distance of 27 feet.
(TH-417/25)
ROOSEVELT
RONALD PLACE - west side, starting at a point 63 feet south of the south curbline of East Fulton Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-425/25)
UNIONDALE
LAWRENCE STREETeast side, starting at a point 95 feet south of a point opposite the southwest curbline of Shady Street, south for a distance of 21 feet.
(TH-436/25) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons:
LEVITTOWN PARKER AVENUEwest side, starting at a point 212 feet south of the south curbline of Coleridge Street, south for a distance of 24 feet.
(TH-466/03 - 11/18/03)
(TH-410/25) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: September 16, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 155757
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead
Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on The 30th day of September 2025, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following locations:
EAST MEADOW
RUGBY STREET (TH 409/25) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the east curbline of Prospect Avenue, east for a distance of 40 feet.
RUGBY STREET (TH 409/25) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Prospect Avenue, east for a distance of 40 feet.
MERRICK AVENUE (TH 434/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the north curbline of Walter Street north for a distance of 60 feet.
MERRICK AVENUE (TH 434/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the south curbline of Walter Street south for a distance of 30 feet.
ELMONT
HEATHCOTE ROAD (TH 407/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - from the north curbline of 106th Avenue, north for a distance 20 feet.
HEATHCOTE ROAD (TH 407/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - from the south curbline of 106th Avenue, south for a distance 30 feet.
HEATHCOTE ROAD (TH 407/25) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - from the north curbline of 106th Avenue, north for a distance 30 feet.
106th AVENUE (TH 407/25) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - from the west curbline of Heathcote Road, west for a distance 35 feet.
106th AVENUE (TH 407/25) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - from the east curbline of Heathcote Road, east for a distance 30 feet.
106th AVENUE (TH 407/25) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - from the west curbline of Heathcote Road, west for a distance 28 feet.
106th AVENUE (TH 407/25) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO
CORNER - from the east curbline of Heathcote Road, east for a distance 30 feet.
HEATHCOTE ROAD (TH 407/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - from the north curbline of 109th Avenue, north for a distance 25 feet.
HEATHCOTE ROAD (TH 407/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - from the south curbline of 109th Avenue, south for a distance 30 feet.
109th AVENUE (TH 407/25) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - from the west curbline of Heathcote Road, west for a distance 30 feet.
109th AVENUE (TH 407/25) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - from the east curbline of Heathcote Road, east for a distance 30 feet.
109th AVENUE (TH 407/25) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - from the east curbline of Heathcote Road, east for a distance 30 feet.
109th AVENUE (TH 407/25) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - from the west curbline of Heathcote Road, west for a distance 28 feet.
OCEANSIDE FORTESQUE AVENUE (TH 421/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Ayers Place, south for a distance of 30 feet.
MERRICK
SENECA PLACE (TH 214(B)/25) East SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 12 feet south of the south curbline of Smith Street, south for a distance of 38 feet.
WOODMERE FORDHAM LANE (TH 423/25) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Hargale Court, north for a distance of 40 feet.
FORDHAM LANE (TH 423/25) East SideNO STOPPING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 17 feet opposite at a point north of the south curbline of Hargale Court, north for a distance of 60 feet. ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” from the following location: MERRICK
SENECA PLACE (TH 214/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO
18,
CORNER - from the south east curbline of Smith Street, south for a distance of 50 feet.
(Adopted 6/17/25)
WOODMERE
CEDAR LANE (TH 54/16) South SideNO
PARKING ANYTIMEstarting at a point 55 feet east of the east curbline of Irving Place, east for a distance of 73 feet.
(Adopted 4/12/16) ALL PERSONS
INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: September 16, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI
Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 155739
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF NASSAU
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS
II TRUST 2006-AR8 MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2006-AR8, -againstPUBLIC
ADMINISTRATOR OF NASSAU COUNTY, 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 June 27, 2025, wherein THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO JP MORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET MORTGAGE INVESTMENTS II TRUST
2006-AR8 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES
2006-AR8 is the Plaintiff and PUBLIC ADMINISTRATOR OF NASSAU COUNTY, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the
undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, NORTH SIDE STEPS, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on October 20, 2025 at 2:30PM, the premises known as 44 CARNEGIE AVENUE, ELMONT, NY 11003; tax map identification 32-359-20-22 AND 67; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ELMONT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 600402/2018. Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., as 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. 155773
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST AND FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-ASAP3, ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, -againstWILLIE MAE POUNCY, 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 June 27, 2025, wherein HSBC BANK USA, N.A., AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST AND FOR
THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-ASAP3, ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES is the Plaintiff and WILLIE MAE POUNCY, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, NORTH SIDE STEPS, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on October 20, 2025 at 4:00PM, the premises known as 14 KEIL STREET, ELMONT, NY 11003; tax map identification 37-381-95, 103, 104 & 105; and description: 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.: 616643/2023. Thomas A Montiglio Jr., Esq., as 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. 155775
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR MORGAN STANLEY HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2006-3, MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-3, -againstRAMON FRANCISCO, 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 June 18,
2025, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR MORGAN STANLEY HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST 2006-3, MORTGAGE PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-3 is the Plaintiff and RAMON FRANCISCO, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, NORTH SIDE STEPS, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on October 22, 2025 at 3:00PM, the premises known as 165 RANDOLPH AVENUE, FRANKLIN SQUARE, NY 11010; tax map identification 35-21-102 & 238; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT FRANKLIN SQUARE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK . Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 602425/2023. Thomas R. Scanlon, Esq., as 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. 155769
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY ELM CAPITAL LLC, Plaintiff against LEON THOMAS, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) The Frank Law Firm P.C. 71 New St Huntington NY 11743 (516) 246-5577
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated October 23, 2017 and recorded October 25, 2017, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder on the North Side steps of the
Councilwoman Laura Ryder, left, and Supervisor John Ferretti join a family as
their seat checked as part of the Town of Hempstead’s Child Car Seat Safety Inspection Progra, which is returning this fall throughout September and
The Town of Hempstead is hosting its Child Car Seat Safety Inspection Program this fall, offering families free appointments with certified technicians throughout September and October.
Run by the town’s Department of Public Safety, the program allows parents and guardians to have their car seats checked for proper installation, recalls, and defects. Each 30-minute inspection reviews whether the seat is suitable for a child’s age, weight, and height. Families must provide this information, along with the car seat’s model, to ensure accurate guidance.
The program will run from Sept. 17 through Oct. 29, with appointments available from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The nearest inspection sites include Oct. 15 at Rath Park in Franklin Square and
Sept. 24 at Echo Park in West Hempstead.
Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby said the program empowers parents by teaching them proper installation methods, while Councilman Tom Muscarella noted its convenience and accessibility. Councilman Chris Schneider added that certified inspections reduce risks and protect lives.
Appointments are required and will be scheduled on a first-come, firstserved basis. Families can call the Town of Hempstead Department of Public Safety at (516) 538-1900 ext. 7709, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or visit hempsteadny.gov/218/child-carseat-safety-program.
–Jordan Vallone
Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on October 17, 2025 at 3:00PM All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being, and identified on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York. Premises known as Section 32 Block 379 Lot 0114. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 605736/2016. Tony D’Anzica, Esq., Referee 155733
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, -againstMAHMOOD ALI, 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 September 20, 2024, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION is the Plaintiff and MAHMOOD ALI, ET AL., are the Defendants. 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, NORTH SIDE STEPS, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on October 21, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 276 BENSON AVENUE, ELMONT, NY 11003; tax map identification 32-493-81, 82 & 83; and description: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK . Premises will be sold subject to provisions of
filed Judgment Index No.: 617170/2019. Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., as 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. 155767
Projct Engneer I (Bellport, NY): Rview & anlyze blueprnts & d
R
M
Constrctn Mgmt or rel & 1 yr exp as Projct Engneer, Civl Engneer, or rel psition. Alterntively, emplyr also accpts Bach or equiv in Civl Engnerng, Constrctn Mgmt or rel & 2 yrs exp as Projct Engneer, Civl Engneer, or rel psition. Salr y: $100,131/yr Mail resume to: HR, Integrated Structures Corp., 4 Pinehurst
Constrctn Mgmt or rel & 1 yr exp as Projct Engneer, Civl Engneer, or rel psition. Alterntively, emplyr also accpts Bach or equiv in Civl Engnerng, Constrctn Mgmt or rel & 2 yrs exp as Projct Engneer, Civl Engneer, or rel psition. Salry: $100,131/yr Mail resume to: HR, Integrated Structures Corp., 4 Pinehurst Dr, Bellport, NY 11713.
A reader from Bellmore, Steven Vella, wrote to question my recent column in which I addressed bomb shelters and the related specific construction of P.T. boats (“In today’s world, bomb shelters are part of the conversation,” July 24-30).
I stated that gunite concrete has some of the highest construction strength, at over 6,000 pounds per square inch, and that swimming pools and “P.T. boats are as strong as steel, and when all of the layers of steel reinforcement rods are contoured into the shape of a boat hull, the ships prove capable, as they did in World War II, of catching exploding torpedoes and absorbing the impact.” P.T. stands for patrol torpedo, and P.T. boats were meant to be lighter, swifter craft for short-range reconnaissance and rapid deployment of torpedoes to attack enemy ships. Vella, a World War II buff, pointed out that he was only aware, through a relative who worked for the Elco Boat Company, in Bayonne, New Jersey — a major builder of P.T. boats for the U.S. Navy — that “the keel is a 70-foot-long piece of 6 x 6 Alaskan spruce. The stem is of American oak. The frames (ribs) are of African mahogany. Sides and bottom of the hull are double-planked mahogany with canvas laid in marine glue in between the diagonally spaced planking.” I misstated that the steel-rod-reinforced construction was used for P.T. boats, when it was actually used for slower-moving landing craft, such as the type used at the beach landing at Normandy, and for barges shipping supplies. The slower-moving craft needed to be heavily reinforced because they were, presumably, easier targets.
Unlike today, where we can instantly find information on almost any topic using our cellphones, I sat in my Methods and Materials classes in architecture school, 50 years ago, and listened to professors explain the physical and chemical properties as well as the applied uses of materials in construction, without the ability to research or fact-check. I never forgot the story related to us about the strength of the concrete, the application to Navy vessels and the story of torpedoes being trapped without exploding, in the sides of some boat hulls. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to confirm the type of concrete used, or that the boats in which the cement and steel reinforcement were applied weren’t P.T. boats, back then.
The concrete type was still steel-reinforced, but it was fero-cement, and not gunite. Gunite is cement that is sprayed using a high-pressure gun, often referred to as a cannon, and the mix is semi-dry cement and sand. The actual concrete hulls that the Navy engineers came up with were made of handapplied cement over steel reinforcing rods. Concrete and steel are used together in many different configurations, because concrete is extraordinarily strong in compression and highly resistant to crushing, and steel is highly tensile or flexible. When applied together, the combination provides great resistance to impacts, such as bombs. So thank you, Steven, for your noteworthy question.
© 2025 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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As the new school year begins, Franklin Square has much to be proud of and much to look forward to. Over the past year, our students have achieved meaningful gains in reading, writing, mathematics and science. These results, measured by both state assessments and district tools, reflect not only the efforts of our students and teachers, but also the support of families and the broader community. Strong schools and strong communities rise together, and Franklin Square is proof of this success. Our vision for the year ahead began with feedback from across the district. During our summer retreat, administrators studied what community members, staff and students have shared in recent ThoughtExchange surveys over the past few years. From that feedback came five pillars that will guide our work: innovation, academic excellence, joyful learners, connectedness and care. These aren’t just words. They are values voiced by our school community, and they provide a frame-
Bwork for decisions in every area of our district.
Franklin Square is also adapting to new statewide requirements. A recently enacted law bans the use of personal internet-enabled devices, such as phones and smartwatches, during the school day, except in very specific situations. While this law is aimed at schools, it speaks to a larger point: Young people learn best when distractions are minimized and routines are clear. This adjustment will take time, but ultimately it will create a better environment for focus, connection and growth.
on Oct. 21, balloting on a multifaceted capital improvement bond.
The conversation that will shape this fall, however, extends beyond day-to-day learning. On Oct. 21, Franklin Square residents will have the opportunity to vote on a proposed capital improvement bond totaling $37.95 million. This proposal is about ensuring that the schools at the heart of our community remain safe, modern and accessible for decades to come.
The plan addresses critical projects in all three schools — roof and window repairs, upgraded safety and security systems, improved ventilation and air quality, and site improvements to make buildings more accessible. It also
includes replacing the artificial turf and adding lighting on the large field at Washington Street School. This isn’t just a school field. It is a community space used by students, local organizations and athletes from H. Frank Carey High School. The field is a shared resource that is used by hundreds of community members from across our town each week.
Some may ask, why now? The answer is, we don’t really have a choice. These are critical projects that are necessary. We don’t have any fancy projects in this bond, and we know that addressing these needs today will protect both our schools and the investments that taxpayers have already made in them.
Financially, the timing is also responsible. If approved, the project would qualify for state building aid, which would cover a significant portion of the cost and reduce the impact on local taxpayers. The cost for the average taxpayer would be roughly $2 to $4 a month — closer to $4 by 2039.
We are committed to transparency. In the coming weeks, we will provide clear explanations of every project. A presentation on the bond will be held at the
Oct. 8 Board of Education meeting, at Washington Street School, at 7:30 p.m. We encourage all community members to attend.
I also invite you to join me for Coffee with the Superintendent on Monday, Oct. 6, at 7 p.m., also at Washington Street. This is an informal chance to ask questions, share ideas and meet your neighbors. All community members are welcome, though we kindly ask that you RSVP by calling Lisa at (516) 505-6975.
If you have a question about the bond, please email bond2025@franklinsquare.k12.ny.us. Responses will be provided through our Frequently Asked Questions document, available on the district website, at franklinsquare.k12. ny.us/o/fsufsd/page/2025-bond.
The October vote is an important moment for Franklin Square. Strong schools do more than educate children. They support property values, strengthen neighborhoods and create spaces where the entire community gathers. They reflect who we are and what we want for the future.
On Oct. 21, polls will be open for the bond vote from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. at your local elementary school. We encourage all eligible community members to exercise their right to vote.
Dr. Jared Bloom is superintendent of the Franklin Square Union Free School District.
eing a former elected official, I am asked frequent questions about political matters. Some are about national developments or personalities, but lately, almost all are about New York City’s mayoral contest. For most of this year, many people, city and suburban voters, have been transfixed by fear about the possibility that a total unknown, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, could become the city’s first socialist mayor.
My initial comments have been intended for city dwellers who failed to show up at the June Democratic primary and are now brooding about the potential of having someone so controversial and unqualified running a city of more than 8 million people. I remind them that the city primary elections now use a ranked-choice voting system, which favors unknown candidates, who may have little funding but know how to run a campaign. Mamdani was able to raise a substantial amount of money through
small donations, and ran a professional campaign that is now the envy of the political establishment. The first political shockwave was on primary night, when, early in the evening, it became evident that he would be the clear winner. He won so handily that his opponent, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, made an early concession speech.
UBy the time the sun was up the following day, my telephone was ringing off the hook. While the summer months are usually la-la time, the inquiries continued on a daily basis. In August I switched my responses from “I don’t know” to “Let’s see who will run against Mamdani,” hoping that Mayor Eric Adams, Cuomo and the Republican candidate, Curtis Sliwa, would agree on one independent challenger who could give Mamdani a real contest. But now the September clock is ticking, and there is daily buzz about who will stay in the race and who will drop out. Behind the scenes, prominent conservatives, such as the philanthropist Ronald Lauder and the supermarket mogul John Catsimatidis, have been trying to get either Adams or Sliwa, or both, to drop out. But because both men
have massive egos, there has been a lot of pushback, though Adams has appeared to leave the door open to “a challenge where my country calls me.”
nless there’s a show of humility, New York City will be led by a political novice.
The “country” Adams is referring to is President Trump, who has made it clear that he doesn’t want Mamdani to win. Even though having a socialist mayor would give Republicans a great issue against traditional Democrats, the president is a New Yorker at heart and has many interests to protect if the city were to take a downturn. It’s possible that Adams will be enticed to drop out, and that may have happened by the time this appears, but even then the picture would still be cloudy if Curtis Sliwa stays in the race.
A recent Siena Research/NY Times poll concluded that if the only candidates in the race were Cuomo and Mamdani, Mamdani would win 48 percent of the vote, and Cuomo 44 percent. But those figures may not take into account how, in a race that tight, voters in all political parties might coalesce around Cuomo because of their fear of the Democratic designee. I expect that on Election Day it will be a three-person contest, because Sliwa
is hard-nosed, and the winner will be Mamdani.
There is another facet to this New York City battle. Few city elections have ever attracted national attention, but this one is attracting national and even international poll watchers. The Republican Party would love for Mamdani to win, so they could label all Democrats socialist sympathizers. Gov. Kathy Hochul endorsed Mamdani over the weekend, but many other major Democratic officeholders have yet to take a position on the race. The few who have were almost forced to act, because their party base is made up of all factions, which include socialist backers.
The November date of destiny is coming at us quickly. There are an impressive number of young voters in the city who have been smitten by Mamdani’s pledge of free buses, rent freezes and public grocery stores. But they don’t pay the real estate taxes and support the infrastructure that make New York the most important city in the world. And if the political novice gets elected, all of New York City and state will suffer.
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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he United States has long prided itself on being a nation in which political differences are aired by way of ballots, not bullets. In recent years, however, violence has too often invaded our public square, shattering lives, feeding a general atmosphere of fear and distrust, and undermining the democratic ideals we claim to cherish.
As we count down to Election Day on Nov. 4, we must recommit to the principle that civil political discourse — not intimidation, assault or bloodshed — is the only legitimate path forward.
Consider the troubling list of recent events. On Jan. 6, 2021, rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol, brutally attacking police officers in an effort to halt the peaceful transfer of power to then President-elect Joseph Biden, a Democrat. Five people died in the rioting. Since then, President Trump, a Republican, has survived two assassination attempts.
In 2022, Paul Pelosi, the husband of former Democratic House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, was bludgeoned with a hammer in the Pelosis’ home in San Francisco. In April of this year, a man attempted to burn down the residence of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, a fellow Democrat.
In June, Minnesota State Rep. Melissa Hortman, a Democrat, was killed in a targeted attack at her home, along with
Blakeman has a narrow definition of ‘safe’
To the Editor:
Re County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s op-ed last week, “Protecting our kids and keeping Nassau County safe”: Blakeman’s myopia ought not be ours. Though the Nassau County Police Department is top-notch in both competence and compensation, “safety” is a far broader sentiment than armed personnel.
With the most foreclosures in the metropolitan region, Nassau is not a safe place for those who can’t keep up with the Joneses. Our growing population of residents dependent on food bank services, absentee landlords and gig work surely appreciate our police, but don’t feel safe from economic predation. And neither drivers nor pedestrians are especially safe in Nassau, and the roadways themselves would win no awards.
Our famed police are no comfort to anyone viewed through ICE-eyes as dusky, dusty or dawdling. We are not yet saved from Nassau’s dual-action dysfunctional
her husband, Mark Hortman. In a separate incident, Minnesota State Sen. John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife were wounded, allegedly by the same gunman.
On Sept. 10, one day before our national commemoration of the worst terrorist attack on U.S. soil, the assassination of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk shook the nation.
All of these acts, though politically motivated in different ways, shared a tragic theme: a rejection of reasoned debate in favor of violence. The perpetrators’ actions defied both justice and ethics. Political leaders, regardless of party, must unequivocally denounce violence not only when it is directed at their allies, but also when it strikes their adversaries.
The answers to bitter disagreements can be found instead in the very foundation of American law: our Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech, association and petition. These rights were spelled out so that individuals and groups could argue, persuade and organize without fear of reprisal.
Violence, by contrast, seeks to silence opponents permanently. It is not an expression of political conviction but rather a repudiation of it — an attempt to destroy debate rather than contribute to it. That is why every civilized society criminalizes assault, murder and terrorism. To resort to such methods is not
only to break the law but also to tear at the moral fabric that holds communities together.
Violence corrodes democracy itself. When citizens and leaders live under constant threat, they retreat from public engagement. Ordinary people withdraw from activism. Elected officials alter decisions out of fear for their families’ safety. Journalists censor themselves to avoid becoming targets. These chilling effects shrink the civic space, and create an atmosphere of suspicion and anger.
The way forward requires a cultural shift that emphasizes respect, empathy and resilience even in the face of profound disagreements. Everyone from students to business executives to politicians to the media should refuse to share disinformation, avoid demonizing those with whom we have differing opinions and welcome calm, reasoned argument that can change minds more effectively than threats ever could.
Passionate debate is fine. Disagreement is natural in a diverse society, and progress often emerges from that vigorous discussion. In stark contrast, every time a political leader is targeted, every time a citizen is attacked for his or her beliefs, the American experiment itself is weakened.
At this point in our country’s history, the stakes could not be higher. We must choose civility over cruelty, and persuasion over violence.
irefighters across Long Island, especially volunteers, face growing risks not just in the line of duty, but also from the very gear meant to protect them. That’s because many of the region’s fire departments — including those in Nassau and Suffolk counties as well as Brooklyn and Queens — have relied on turnout gear and firefighting foam that contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, a class of synthetic chemicals now strongly linked to a variety of serious health problems. As a result, many fire service personnel around the region deal with repeated and prolonged exposure to toxic compounds, often without access to safer alternatives.
The issue has become even more concerning as PFAS have leached into the water and soil, which ultimately caused widespread contamination. While federal and state agencies have begun to address this ongoing issue, the occupational health risks tied specifically to firefighters remain insufficiently prioritized.
The PFAS Alternatives Act — first introduced in Congress in July 2023 — presents a targeted and science-driven response. By investing in the development of PFAS-free turnout gear and training programs focused on reducing exposure, the legislation advances measures that protect not only full-time firefighters, but also volunteers.
ESince the 1950s, PFAS have become a staple in various commercial goods because of their remarkable resistance to extreme temperatures and moisture. The problem is that, because of their strong carbon-fluorine bond, these so-called “forever chemicals” don’t break down easily. Instead, they accumulate in the environment and even the human body, triggering many catastrophic illnesses, including cancer, immunosuppression, liver damage, Type 2 diabetes in women, and developmental delays in children. These medical facts prompted the Environmental Protection Agency to issue an advisory stating that no level of PFAS is considered safe, and even the slightest exposure can have serious repercussions. Unfortunately, this danger is almost unavoidable for hundreds of firefighters on Long Island, in nearly 70 fire depart-
property-tax regime, its failed bus patrol tax, its Nassau University Medical Center mess nor wasteful BLAKEMAN signage. Nassau’s water safety is in question. Discoveries of buried chemical toxins and depleted shorelines threaten real estate, and the police cannot arrest viruses. Nassau has enough police, but not enough security.
BRIAN KELLY Rockville Centre
To the Editor:
On Sept. 12, the day after 9/11, the National Day of Service and Remembrance, PSEG Long Island, National Grid and the nonprofit General Needs came together to host the first-ever Veteran Warm Up event, serving more than 100 local veterans. At this drivethrough event, veterans received bedding, pillows, heaters, LED light bulbs and information about financial and energy-efficiency
programs designed to help them keep warm when the weather gets colder.
Why would PSEG Long Island step into this role? The answer is simple: because veterans are our neighbors, and many are among the most vulnerable members of our communities. Long Island is home to one of the largest populations of veterans in the country, and too many of them face challenges related to housing, health and employment. At PSEG Long Island, we believe our responsibility goes beyond keeping the lights on — we have a duty to support the well-being of the communities we serve.
That’s why, year after year, our employee-volunteers give their time, energy and compassion at events that provide direct aid to veterans and other neighbors in need. Collaborating with organizations like General Needs amplifies that impact, ensuring that resources reach those who need them most.
This commitment to community is an extension of our mission: to provide safe, reliable energy while also strengthening the fabric of the neighborhoods we call home. By supporting veterans, we
ments in Nassau County and over 100 in Suffolk County. Despite their critical roles in safeguarding their communities, these brave firefighters are often forced to respond to emergencies using contaminated equipment.
quipment meant to protect them contains harmful ‘forever chemicals.’
This public health issue has also led to a big wave of legal battles involving the firefighting community. Thousands of firefighters nationwide have filed lawsuits in multidistrict litigation to hold chemical manufacturers, such as 3M and DuPont, accountable for distributing hazardous products without providing proper warnings about the dangers. As of early last month, there were more than 12,000 active cases. Although this mounting legal pressure indicates a growing awareness among victims of their right to hold chemical manufacturers liable, it also underscores the urgent need for legislative solutions.
The PFAS Alternatives Act is a crucial federal initiative aimed at tackling the severe health risks firefighters are compelled to confront because of their prolonged exposure to PFAS. First introduced by U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick in July 2023 and reintroduced by Rep. Debbie Dingell and other lawmakers this May, the bill reflects a longstanding and even growing concern over firefighter
safety. The bipartisan group that initiated it included Long Island Reps. Andrew Garbarino and Michael Lawler, as well as former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, all of whom signed on as cosponsors, recognizing the urgent need for action in New York state.
The latest iteration of the legislation prioritizes a vital investment of $25 million annually, through fiscal year 2029, for the innovation and testing of PFASfree turnout gear. Besides this, a $2 million yearly budget is likewise set to be allocated during the same period to support training programs that will help first responders reduce PFAS exposure while safer gear is being developed. This funding is particularly critical on Long Island, where many volunteer fire departments continue using contaminated equipment simply because affordable alternatives are unavailable.
But for the region and the entire state to fully benefit from this legislation, local leaders must strongly support its immediate ratification and effective implementation. Until PFASfree equipment becomes standard statewide, firefighters will continue to confront serious risks from the very gear that’s supposed to safeguard them.
Jonathan Sharp is chief financial officer of the Environmental Litigation Group, a firm that helps fast-track compensation claims filed by victims of toxic exposure and their families.
At the Town of Hempstead sunrise Sept. 11 memorial service — Town Park Point Lookout
honor their service and sacrifices while building a culture of understanding and respect that benefits us all.
The Veteran Warm Up event is just one example of how PSEG Long Island strives to live out its values of safety, security and service. We do this because it’s the right thing to do — for our veterans and for our communities.
Interim president and chief operating officer, PSEG Long Island
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