Chris Colucci/Herald as larger groups of picketers were protesting at penn Station and other sites, smaller demonstrations were held at the Long Beach train station, which included LiRR employee and Freeport resident nick iacono, second from left.
LIRR strike ends after three days Back on track: Service resumes at Freeport station
By BRIAN KAChARABA & ANDREW FRANCIS Of the Freeport Herald
The three-day Long Island Rail Road strike ended late Monday after five unions and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority reached a tentative agreement following several days of negotiations, officials announced during an evening news conference. Over 5,000 commuters relied on LIRR trains going through the Freeport train station.
Union and MTA representatives announced the deal after talks resumed in the afternoon and continued into the evening, ending the work stoppage that had halted service and caused widespread travel
disruptions across Long Island and into New York City.
“We have good news tonight,” said Kevin Sexton, vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and spokesman for the LIRR Bargaining Coalition. “We’re pleased to announce that the parties have reached an agreement.”
Sexton said details of the agreement would not be released immediately, citing the need for member review ahead of ratification votes. However, radio station WYNC reported that the four-year deal includes retroactive pay and expires in July 2027.
“Due to the nature of the negotiations, we cannot discuss the specifics,” Sexton said.
Continued on page 9
Board trustees elected, school budget accepted
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
Gabriela Castillo, Edward Gordon and Michael Pomerico were elected to serve as Freeport Board of Education trustees in Tuesday’s budget vote and school board election.
The district’s proposed budget of $260 million was also approved by voters, by a count of 1,342 to 526. The spending plan is $9.8 million, or 3.99 percent, larger than the current budget.
There was no tax levy increase for the third consecutive year.
Ibefore retiring in 2019, will serve a two-year term, beginning immediately.
Incumbents Scott Richardson and Dina Skeffrey received 473 votes and 429 votes respectively. Beverly Jouissance, who was elected to the school board last year before being removed, received 217 votes, and Marie Carmel Houanche had 204.
will be vetting upcoming personnel appointments, reviewing consultant contracts and associated fees.
MIChAEl PoMERICo
The Freeport Memorial Library’s spending plan, totaling $7.23 million, passed as well, 1,437 to 406.
Newly elected school board trustee
Castillo, who served on the school board from 2019 to 2022, received 1,352 votes; Gordon, 1,343; and Pomerico, another former trustee, 1,314. Castillo and Gordon will start their terms on July 1. Pomerico, who sat on the board for 12 years
Before the election, Pomerico told the Herald that if he, Castillo and Gordon were voted in, they would use their majority on the five-member board to elect Pomerico as president and Castillo as vice president in July.
“While I wait for my running mates to get appointed, I will be vetting upcoming personnel appointments, reviewing consultant contracts and associated fees,” Pomerico told the Herald after the results were released Tuesday night at the Caroline G. Atkinson Elementary School.
Continued on page 16
Students finish NYU’s Scholars Academy
On May 2, eight Freeport High School students successfully completed the New York University (NYU) Langone Envision Scholars Academy, capped off by a closing ceremony and poster presentation at the NYU Grossman Long Island School of Medicine Research and Academic Center.
Watching our students present their research with such confidence and professionalism is truly inspiring.
Gisselle Campbell-Ham Principal, Freeport High School
Students Julissa Rodrigues, Deanna Reyes, Alyssa Majano, Genesis Gomez, Kayson Walker, Daniel Martinez, Gabriella Ramirez and Amanda Felix were selected for this highly competitive and rigorous program this school year. Throughout the year, they participated in monthly sessions at the NYU Langone Hospital Long Island Research Center in Mineola, collaborating with third-year medical students, college students and practicing physicians to investigate current medical issues impacting their communities.
“Watching our students present their research with such confidence and professionalism is truly inspiring,” Freeport High School Principal Gisselle CampbellHam said. “Their participation in the NYU Langone Envision Scholars Academy reflects not only their dedication and hard work, but also their commitment to making a meaningful impact in the field of health sciences. We are incredibly proud of all they have accomplished.”
Freeport High School students came to the NYU Langone Hospital Long Island Research Center in Mineola to
on medical research projects with medical students.
At the closing ceremony, students proudly presented their original research projects and were recognized for their dedication, academic achievement and professionalism. This ongoing partnership with NYU Langone provides meaningful, real-world learn-
ing experiences that expand students’ exposure to careers in medicine and post-secondary opportunities while strengthening student interest in health sciences.
Offshore wind, solar and storage power New York’s next chapter
New York’s energy debate is often framed as a question of transition. But for many experts, environmental advocates and utility officials, the more immediate issue is one of necessity. Electric demand is rising, infrastructure is aging and customers are grappling with utility costs, all while the state works to reduce pollution and prepare for future growth.
The fastest way to add more power to the grid is through renewable energy paired with battery storage. Offshore wind, solar power and battery energy storage have become central to the conversation because they can diversify the grid, provide stable sources of energy and reduce environmental impact.
The New York Independent System Operator has predicted energy demand will increase by 65% by 2040, putting pressure on an already strained electric system that still relies heavily on aging
fossil-fuel infrastructure.
“Our electricity needs are increasing,” said Doug Schmid, environmental science professor at Nassau Community College and executive committee member of the Sierra Club Long Island Group. “The New York State plan for our energy future is counting on 9,000 megawatts of offshore wind energy. We need it.”
Renewable energy advocates also point to the environmental and public health benefits tied to reducing combustion emissions.
“The wind blows, the turbines turn, and energy is produced,” said Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment. “The air quality is not impacted.”
Esposito said communities are
already experiencing the effects of climate change through rising seas, heavier rainfall and coastal damage, concerns that directly affect Long Island’s economy, tourism industry and shoreline infrastructure. Insurance costs in flood-prone areas are also becoming a growing issue.
Though renewable energy projects have faced opposition and misinformation campaigns funded by fossil-fuel interests, advocates say offshore wind, solar and battery storage together offer a practical path toward meeting future energy demand, improving affordability, creating jobs and reducing emissions.
–Andrew Francis
Andrew Francis/Herald
work
Photo taken by a fisherman of a whale at an offshore wind farm near Long Island.
Photo credit: Captain Paul Eidman
L.I.’s Revolutionary War story on stage
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
On May 16 and 17, the Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center hosted its first set of productions inspired by the 250th anniversary of the U.S. by performing “Colonies vs The Crown.” The play tells the story of how colonists living on Long Island were divided in 1775 between remaining loyal to England or embracing the ideas of independence and cession to form a new nation.
This play was originally written and performed at the St. George’s Episcopal Church in Hempstead, where most of the play takes place, in 1975, and was redone a year later at the Freeport Presbyterian Church before Regina Feeney, the Village of Freeport historian, found a copy of the script at the Freeport Historical Society.
“I brought it up to the Arts Council and said, ‘Would you guys consider redoing it?’” Feeney said. “Robyn (Workman) said, ‘We could probably do something together at Sparkle (on Stage).’ So that’s how that all came about.”
Workman, who is the owner of Sparkle on Stage and served as the director and producer of “Colonies vs The Crown,” said that Feeney was a tremendous help to the production beyond providing the script. The Freeport Historical Society and Sparkle on Stage partnered together to earn a $5,000 250 Commemoration Grant from the Robert David Lion Gardiner Foundation, which helped fund the costs of historically accurate costumes, printing and other production expenses.
“Colonies vs The Crown,” predominantly features speeches by some of the most influential figures in the towns of Hempstead and Oyster Bay prior to the Revolutionary War and the brutal British Occupation of Long Island from 1776 to 1783.
These figures included stern British loyalists like Colonel Richard Hewlett, played by Workman, Reverend Leonard Cutting, played by Matthew Cavanagh, and Gabriel Ludlow and Judge Thomas Jones, both played by Alessandra Laucella.
Their opponents were the rebellious American colonists who spoke out about the harshness of brutal rule and the disenfranchisement that King George III, played by Penelope Escoto. Ava Mentor, as Adrian Onderdonck, Kathryn Kuehn, as Martin Schenck, and Jackie Anner Kimlingen, as Samuel Townsend, were the American rebels.
Along with the acting performances, the Folkestra Music Group provided live background music that was inspired by British and American music of the late eighteenth century.
Feeney hopes that more Freeport residents and Long Islanders recognize the importance of the region’s history and how it can provide a lesson of dealing with conflict today.
“(This play shows) how we don’t understand the revolution, especially on Long Island, how it was a civil war and that we weren’t all patriots,” Feeney
After the success of “Colonies
continue the
Penelope Escoto delivered a memorable singing performance of “You’ll Be Back,” from the Broadway play “Hamilton,” as King George III.
said. “We were split between patriots and loyalists, and what people don’t understand is that for seven years we’re going to be occupied territory, and times are really hard. The lesson that gets learned is that we persevered and at the end of the seven years we have to come together and we have to govern.”
Another Sparkle on Stage production celebrating America 250 will be a performance of an originally written play “Almost Hamilton,” on June 27. Tickets and further details are already available on Sparkle on Stage’s website.
another drama production,
Young performers, Ava Mentor and Kathryn Kuehn, portrayed the bold revolutionary figures Adrian Onderdonck and Martin Schenck. During the years leading up to the Revolutionary War, Onderdonck and Schenck faced off with many of the British loyalists that were on Long Island and were not in favor of secession.
The inspired performances of the Sparkle on Stage actors were backed up by the British and American inspired music performances by the Folkestra Music Group.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
vs The Crown,” Sparkle on Stage has scheduled
“Almost Hamilton,” to
America 250 celebrations in Freeport.
Crime watCh
LarCeny
On May 11, Freeport Police officers arrested a person for an alleged larceny at a local business, after the individual was found to have removed property from the location without authority to do so. The individual was transported to Freeport Police Headquarters for arrest processing.
assauLt
arson
On May 11, Freeport Police officers, alongside Nassau County investigators, arrested Elder Lopez Avalos, 27, of Baldwin in connection to a string of vehicle fires that were set in the area. According to the Nassau County Police Department, Avalos migrated to the U.S. illegally from Guatemala and is currently in the custody of ICE.
ProPerty inCidents
(3.8 oz.)
4 Caramel Apple Tartlets (4 oz.)
1 Omaha Steaks Seasoning (3 oz.)
8
Steaks Burgers (4 oz.)
On May 9, Freeport Police officers arrested a subject for allegedly striking another person in the head with a bottle, which caused several injuries. The alleged assailant was transported to Freeport Police Headquarters for arrest processing.
On May 8, a report was brought to the Freeport Police Department that detailed a local business owner finding a bicycle that had been left in front of his business for several days.
On May 11, Freeport Police officers got a report of two individuals in a local business who got into an argument over the business not selling vapes. The argument led to one of the individuals headbutting the other, which caused minor injuries. No arrests were made.
On May 9, a report was taken by the Freeport Police Department from a man who observed an unknown man going into his driveway and going through his driveway and car without permission to do so. No items were reported to be removed and no arrest was requested.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
news brief
“Joyspan”
Subtitled “The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half”, this book reflects the natural progression of our desire to increase our lifespan (the number of our years), to increasing our healthspan (the number of our healthy years), to increasing our joyspan (the number of our joyful years). The author defines joy as an inner feeling of well-being or contentment, as opposed to happiness, which comes and goes, often according to external circumstances.
Burnight writes, “To thrive in old age means to live a fulfilling, purposeful, and satisfying life despite the challenges of aging. It involves maximizing physical health, cognitive function, emotional well-being, social connections, and a sense of meaning. Thriving doesn’t mean being free of all health problems or challenges, rather, it emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and the ability to find joy and value in life.”
Research shows that those who thrive late in life:
Grow: They continue to explore and expand
Connect: They put time into new and existing relationships
Adapt: They adjust to changing and challenging circumstances
Give: They share themselves
As a Professor of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Dr. Burnight was struck by the radical difference in how people experienced their own aging process. “For some it is a frustrating, degrading, painful trajectory of ever-increasing decline. For others, there is visible delight, spirituality, and joy in occupying their eighth, ninth, and tenth decades.”
The thieves of joy are (1) comparison with others (2) frustration with health and mobility limitations (3) feeling like you are a burden (4) feeling heartbroken over the loss of a loved one, and (5) feeling defeated as if your best days are behind you. Nevertheless, she says, “Like the sun, joy is always there. But when it’s hidden by clouds, we mistakenly say it’s gone. Joy is resilient and can break through the clouds because it’s an innate part of the human experience.”
“One might say that following this doctor’s prescription will increase your “joyspan” and decrease your “oyspan”!
School bus crash leaves several injured
At a little after 3 p.m. at the intersection of Merrick Road and South Long Beach Avenue, a passenger vehicle collided in the back of a school bus. No deaths have been reported.
According to bystanders, a gray sedan was speeding down South Long Beach Avenue while a school bus traveling down Merrick Road was making a left turn. The driver of the sedan failed to avoid the school bus, leading to the car being squashed underneath one of the bus’ rear wheels.
Freeport police and other first responders arrived at the scene of the accident and were able to get the sedan
out from underneath the bus. Bystanders also told the Herald that the driver was freed by emergency services using the Jaws of Life tool to open up the car.
A representative of the Freeport Police Department said that the no one was killed by the accident and only minor injuries have occurred to the drivers and passengers involved. The Freeport Police Department were unable to provide further details on the crash by press time. The crash remains under investigation.
–Andrew Francis
Andrew Francis/Herald
The Roosevelt school district is one of a few district to have a delay in announcing their voting results.
Roosevelt’s school budget and election results delayed
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
Results of the Rossevelt Union Free School District’s budget vote and school board trustee election have been delayed, according to the district.
On May 19, Roosevelt residents were set to elect two school board trustees and vote on a proposed budget of $151 million for the 2026 to 2027 school year, which is a decrease of nearly $1.5 million compared to the current year’s budget.
In a statement to the Herald late Tuesday night, a spokesman for the Roosevelt school district, Brian Stieglitz said, “Unfortunately, due to the overwhelming amount of affidavit ballots, the Roosevelt school district is unable to certify the results of the election tonight. We will send you the results as soon as possible once they verify those ballots this week.”
One school board trustee seat, previously occupied by school board President Belinda Monroe, who is not seeking re-election, is being contested by Alfred Taylor and Veronica Walters. Taylor is a former Roosevelt school board president, and Walters is a daycare provider
in the hamlet of Roosevelt.
The second seat is currently occupied by Emily Moore, who is running for reelection against challenger Frank Abel, a band director at Roosevelt High School and community leader.
The two election winners will serve three year terms from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029.
Shaneiqua Butts-Bell, Roosevelt’s interim assistant superintendent for business and operations, presented the proposed budget to the school board and community members during a budget hearing on May 5 at Roosevelt High School, and outlined the key factors driving the district’s spending. Aside from the total proposed budget decreasing about one percent, Butts-Bell highlighted that the school district will maintain a tax cap levy of one percent, well below the state allowed tax cap of 7.38 percent.
“We have maintained a consecutive one percent tax levy increase for the third consecutive year,” she said. “At the same time, state aid has decreased by approximately $1.7 million. Despite this, we have been able to maintain stability through our local planning and internal reallocations.”
PUBLIC NOTICE
Date: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 • Time: 6:00pm Place:
Mental health dog walk at Cow Meadow
The South Shore Guidance Center, which is part of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies, marked a major milestone this past week by gathering hundreds of Long Islanders at Freeport’s Cow Meadow Park for the 10th Annual Spring Fling Dog Walk for Mental Wellness.
The anniversary event brought together community members, local officials and their four-legged companions in a shared show of support for mental health awareness and services.
“This year’s walk was especially meaningful as we celebrated ten years of building connections and advancing mental health awareness in our community,” Lisa Burch, president and CEO of EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies, said. “Seeing so many people come out in support year after year is a powerful reminder that there is a need to keep mental health a priority here on Long Island.”
The event, which acknowledges May as Mental Health Awareness Month, brought together Long Islanders for a lively day along Freeport’s waterfront, featuring activities, entertainment and opportunities to connect with South Shore Guidance Center staff and learn more about available mental health services. Families and attendees of all ages took part in the festivities, creating a welcoming and supportive environment centered on wellness and community.
In recognition of the event’s milestone anniversary, Village of Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy and his dog Mickey served as grand marshals, leading participants along the route.
Adding to the day’s atmosphere were special performances by the Freeport High School Modern Music Ensemble, NJROTC, Color Guard, John W. Dodd Middle School’s Select Chorale and SWA Steppers and the Leo F. Giblyn Elementary School Hot Steppers.
“Our community continues to show up in such a meaningful way for this event,” Irene Rodgers, EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies’ chief development and engagement officer, said. “The enthusiasm and support received during the walk reinforces how important it is to create spaces where people can come together, have fun and feel connected while supporting a critical cause.”
The EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies is comprised of three organi-
This is the tenth annual Dog Walk for Mental Wellness event that the South Shore Guidance Center has hosted.
zations; South Shore Guidance Center, EPIC Long Island and the Epilepsy Foundation Long Island. These organizations provide advocacy and healthcare resources for communities throughout the region. The South Shore Guidance Center in Freeport is an outpatient behavioral health clinic within
the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies, offering a full range of services to meet the needs of children, adoles-
cents, adults and families across Long Island.
–Andrew Francis
Photos courtesy Lola Rivera
Hundreds of pets and their owners participated in the South Shore Guidance Center’s Dog Walk.
Village of Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy and his dog Mickey led the dog walk ahead of participants like these.
Local artist selected for L.I. art showcase
The work of Freeport artist Fernando Carpaneda will be featured in the highly competitive 2026 Long Island Biennial at The Heckscher Museum of Art in Huntington. The art display, which is one of the region’s most respected exhibitions, will be open to public viewing from May 16 to Sept. 13.
Carpaneda’s painting “Boldly Unafraid: Confronting Prejudice with Pride,” was chosen from a highly selective pool of submissions, underscoring a significant milestone in his career.
261 artists made a collective 598 artwork submissions for this year’s Biennial, with only 74 pieces by 70 artists chosen by judges. Carpaneda is proud to be one of the selected artistic voices from across Nassau and Suffolk counties.
This recognition follows Carpaneda’s most recent solo exhibition at the Arkell Museum, marking a particularly dynamic period in his artistic trajectory. He says that his selected Biennial work addresses “urgent contemporary themes surrounding LGBTQIA+ identity and visibility, making its presentation especially timely within ongoing social and political conversations.”
Now in its ninth iteration, the Long Island Biennial continues to strengthen connections between regional artists and their communities. The 2026 exhibition, titled “Just Powers,” draws conceptual inspiration from the Declaration of Independence and “Eclipse of the Sun”
Carpaneda’s artwork will be in The Heckscher Museum of Art alongside other acclaimed artists until Sept. 13.
by German artist George Grosz. Together, these historical touchstones invite reflection on power, national ideals and civic life.
These ideas bring together the Long Island Biennial artists and their artworks, who respond to the tensions seen in how democratic ideals are interpreted, challenged and reimagined in the
present day. In the case of Carpaneda, his focus remains on how modern society interacts with queer culture.
The exhibition was juried by Tripoli Patterson, founder of Tripoli Gallery, photographer and professor Andreas Rentsch of Lycoming College and Lauren Rosati, associate curator of modern and contemporary art at The Metropoli-
evokes themes of queer pride.
tan Museum of Art. It was curated by The Heckscher Museum of Art’s Consulting Curator of Contemporary Art Meredith Brown.
Tickets to The Heckscher Museum of Art to see the 2026 Long Island Biennial are available online at heckscher.org. –Andrew Francis
Photos courtesy Fernando Carpaneda Fernando Carpaneda’s artwork often
Balboni returns to Adelphi as its president
By ALLYSON FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com
Adelphi University has named Michael Balboni, a former state lawmaker and a longtime public servant, as its 11th president.
Balboni, who will take office June 1, is the first Adelphi graduate, the first Adelphi parent and the first Long Island native to lead the Garden City university. He succeeds Interim President Christopher K. Storm Jr., who will move into the newly created role of senior executive vice president of academic affairs and provost. Christine M. Riordan was Adelphi’s 10th president.
“This transition is a homecoming for me, a true full-circle moment,” Balboni said. “Because I know Adelphi from almost every possible angle, I have an intimate understanding of the DNA of this university and the transformative power of the education it provides.”
Balboni graduated cum laude from Adelphi in 1981 with a degree in biology, and has remained closely connected to the university, including as an adjunct faculty member and, most recently, as chair of the board of trustees. He built a career in law, government and public safety, serving in the Assembly and State Senate and later as New York’s deputy secretary for public safety.
Balboni said he plans to serve as Adelphi’s “chief external advocate,” using his experience in government, law and public policy to raise the university’s profile, expand partnerships and pursue new funding.
“I plan to leverage my professional network and my knowledge of the legislative landscapes in Albany and Washington, D.C., to elevate our institutional visibility,” he said.
He added that he will pursue state and federal grants, build corporate partnerships and work to raise Adelphi’s regional and national profile.
William Fuessler, acting chair of the university’s
board of trustees and chair of the presidential search committee, said Balboni’s background makes him well suited to lead the university at a challenging time for higher education.
“To thrive, Adelphi requires an innovative leader and a proven executive capable of navigating complex financial and operational headwinds,” Fuessler said. “Michael Balboni brings precisely this expertise.”
Fuessler added that Balboni’s public- and privatesector experience will help the university secure resources and support institutional growth.
Balboni takes over as colleges and universities nationwide face pressure from shifting enrollment patterns, rising costs and growing scrutiny over the value of a college degree. Adelphi, he said, is entering that period in a position of strength.
Adelphi received a record 17,000 first-year applications for the upcoming fall semester, and has posted record first-year enrollment in two of the past three years, Balboni said. The university also has a balanced budget, a stable financial outlook and a $282 million endowment, up 69 percent since 2016.
“For workforce readiness, proving the return on investment of a degree is critical,” he said.
Affordability, efficiency and new partnerships will be central to his presidency, Balboni explained, as Adelphi works to demonstrate the value of a college degree. The university will focus on aligning programs with market demand in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and health care, while expanding internships, externships, job shadowing and study abroad opportunities.
“I want to make sure our students all have the experiential opportunities through internships, externships, job shadowing and study abroad,” Balboni said, “so they have real-world experiences employers want.”
Courtesy Adelphi University
Michael Balboni will take office June 1 as Adelphi University’s 11th president. He will be the university’s first graduate, the first Adelphi parent and the first Long Island native to hold the position.
MTA and five unions reach tentative deal
“What I can say is we are looking forward to our members getting back to work and doing what they do best, which is serving the region.”
He added that premature disclosure of details could complicate ratification.
“We don’t want to fail ratification,” Sexton said. “If they get part of this story through the media, it may impact their decision.”
The agreement is subject to a 30-day period in which union members will review and vote on the tentative deal before it becomes official. Union members were reportedly seeking a 9.5 percent raise.
The shutdown began after five railroad unions, which included the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen and the Transportation Communications Union, went on strike at 12:01 a.m. Saturday following the expiration of a federally mandated cooling-off period. The work stoppage led to widespread inconveniences and headaches for commuters across Long Island, with shuttle buses operating on limited routes and riders urged to work remotely where possible.
Sexton also said tensions escalated late in negotiations Friday night when the railroad introduced proposed health care contributions for newly hired employees, an issue, he added, that had
not been part of previous bargaining discussions.
Union members began picketing at 7 a.m. on Saturday at key locations, including the Babylon and Ronkonkoma LIRR stations and Penn Station.
On Saturday morning, picketers also began demonstrating at the Long Beach station, less than a block away from the crowded farmers market at Kennedy Plaza.
“We’re striking until our union leaders can come to an agreement with the MTA,” Nick Iacono, a Freeport resident and locomotive engineer, said on the picket line. “We’ll be here in shifts, every day for 12 hours, until it’s resolved.”
Some Freeport residents had voiced support for the unions and their strike, while many remained concerned about their own commutes, jobs and livelihoods that the strike had briefly negatively impacted.
“I’m a restaurant server who relies on trains to get to and from work,”
Nancy Lee said prior to the strike. “Who’s going to pay my mortgage while I lose shifts?”
Gov. Kathy Hochul said the agreement was reached after continued bargaining focused on balancing worker pay with affordability for commuters and taxpayers.
“I’m truly pleased to share that the
five Long Island Rail Road unions and the MTA were able to come together and reach a fair deal this evening,” Hochul said. “The contract achieved two principles: protecting affordability for Long Islanders and commuters while giving fair wages to the employees.”
Hochul said roughly 3,500 LIRR employees would receive raises under the agreement, while fare and tax increases will not be part of the deal.
“I also did not accept a deal (that would) compromise affordability for Long Islanders,” she said. “At a time when everything is going up, I’m not going to allow taxes or fares to go up. Period. Full stop. Got it done.”
Officials said the LIRR would begin restoring service in phases starting Tuesday at noon, with limited hourly electric service on four main branches before expanding systemwide service later in the day. The MTA said contingency bus service that operated during the shutdown would continue Tuesday morning before being phased out as train service ramps up.
Additional details on full system restoration are expected as crews complete inspections, reposition equipment, and return employees to scheduled assignments, officials added.
This marked the first LIRR strike since June 17, 1994, a work stoppage that lasted two days before a contract settlement was reached.
train service was halted at the freeport station
HERALD SCHOOLS
Board of Ed. president and teachers honored
Three members of the Roosevelt Union Free School District were recognized at a special awards dinner hosted by the educational services organization SCOPE. The event was the 25th Annual Awards Dinner, and was held at Villa Lombardi’s in Holbrook.
School Board President Belinda Monroe received the School Board Service Award, while Kirsten Roberts and Eric Amadeo were each honored with the Teacher Service Award. Their recognition highlights their dedication, leadership and lasting contributions to the Roosevelt school community.
“These outstanding individuals exemplify the commitment and passion that define the Roosevelt school district,” Shawn Wightman, Roosevelt superintendent of schools, said. “We are incredibly proud of Belinda Monroe, Kirsten Roberts and Eric Amadeo for this well-deserved recognition. Their work continues to inspire our students, staff and community every day.”
The annual SCOPE Awards Dinner celebrates excellence in education across Long Island. This year, a total of 192 individuals were recognized in five categories, School Board Service, Community Service, Teacher Service, Support Staff Service and Administrator Service.
The Roosevelt school district congratulates all honorees recognized at this year’s celebration and applauds SCOPE for its continued dedication to honoring excellence in education.
–Andrew Francis
Giblyn students explore STEM through VR
Second grade students at the Leo F. Giblyn Elementary School in Freeport engaged in hands-on, interactive learning experiences through a collaboration with Morrison Mentors, a Long Island nonprofit.
The initiative brought a series of engaging activities to the students based in science, technology, engineering and math. The activities included various kinesthetic activities, virtual reality exploration, slime making, 3D printing and drones. The experiences allowed students to embrace curiosity and creativity while learning.
Morrison Mentors caters their activities to make learning both meaningful and fun, while deepening the students’ understanding of STEM topics through instructor guidance.
“Experiences like these truly bring learning to life for our students,” Giblyn Principal Amy Lederer said. “By partnering with Morrison Mentors, we are able to provide opportunities that spark curiosity, promote critical thinking and inspire our students to see themselves as future innovators, all while building the skills they need for success both in school and beyond.”
–Andrew Francis
Roosevelt School District Board of Education President Belinda Monroe was recognized with the School Board Service award.
Photos courtesy Freeport Public Schools Students got to test out drone technology and other activities provided by Morrison Mentors.
Photos courtesy Roosevelt Union Free School District Eric Amadeo was also recognized with a Teacher Service Award.
Giblyn students got to learn using virtual reality goggles.
County panel kicks off anti-fraud campaign
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
Throughout the country, an easily overlooked category of crime has become a multi-billion-dollar industry: Insurance fraud costs consumers $806 billion every year, taking financial bites out of construction, transportation, real estate and other industries. Long Island’s local business leaders are sharing their strategies to avoid contributing to that statistic.
Some 160 business owners and employees welcomed advice from elected officials, security firms and fellow business people at a panel at the Morrelly Homeland Security Center in Bethpage on May 13.
This was the first panel connecting government agencies and local businesses to share information about fighting insurance fraud, according to John Capece, Nassau County’s consumer affairs commissioner.
“This is the first time in Long Island history that we have a meeting with all the building departments and the Department of Consumer Affairs to host a seminar for training and for communication,” Capece said.
The panel, sponsored by the Long Island Builders Institute, is intended to be the first of many. Capece conceived of the idea to kick off a larger effort to improve consumer safety by helping community members and local businesses identify and avoid malicious actors.
“We want to stop them because they prey on the elderly and the vulnerable people that don’t understand contracts … they get sucked into something where they think they’re going to save so much money and they don’t,” Capece said. “We want to educate the
Panelists discussed the optimal ways of handling everything from home improvement contractor licensing, permitting, solar installations and contracting oversight to responding to fraudulent insurance and
training certificates and staged construction accidents, as well as other topics impacting homeowners and the building industry.
Panelist Gina Farese is a solar energy entrepreneur and a member of Nassau County’s Home Improvement Advisory Committee and many other groups in the industry. She has seen many cases of improper business dealings, ranging from roofing coverage to workers who aren’t on a contractor’s official payroll.
“There’s a lot of things that are broken and so far gone, and I’m seeing so many homeowners get, unfortunately, taken,” Farese said. “So many people just care about their bottom line … at the end of the day, it’s just making sure that the homeowners are protected properly, and educating people.”
Mary Harkins serves as counsel to the county’s Department of Consumer Affairs. She advises Capece and the department on the interpretation of local laws, with a focus on contract violations.
“Now we’re able to address it more proactively, rather than just reacting,” Harkins said. “Our licensing division is about, like, six people, some part-time, and we’re dealing with 10,000 licenses plus about 800 new applications per year. It’s a lot of responsibility, but in reality, we’re moving on it.
“We’re trying to uncover the really great contractors out there,” Harkins added. For bad actors in the industry, the department, she said, is “trying to identify them and take corrective action.”
The number one way to protect yourself against risk, Capece said, is to verify that any contractor in your home is legitimately licensed.
For more information, call Nassau County Consumer Affairs at (516) 571-2465.
Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald Panelist Gina Farese and Nassau Consumer Affairs Commissioner John Capece advised more than 160 community members about the risks of insurance fraud.
News brief
Caroline G. Atkinson School students collaborated with one another during a special literacy lesson. The sixth grade student participants strengthened their reading comprehension and language skills.
Atkinson students enhance their literacy
Sixth-grade students at the Caroline G. Atkinson School are strengthening their literacy skills through collaboration. In a recent lesson, the students focused on text structure and problem solving by working together and putting together physical sentence puzzle pieces.
As part of their literacy learning, students are working to recognize how authors organize information to present challenges and the solutions that follow. Through guided practice and collaborative activities, students are learning to
piece together key details, improving their comprehension and critical thinking skills.
Classroom instruction has included close reading of informational texts, group discussions and hands-on exercises that hep students identify problems presented in a text and evaluate the solutions provided. These strategies support deeper understanding and help students build a strong foundation in reading and analytical thinking.
–Andrew Francis
Courtesy Freeport Public Schools
STEPPING OUT
By Karen Bloom
The holiday weekend may feel a little different this year with the beloved FourLeaf Air Show shifting to over to Fourth of July as part of the celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Still, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the unofficial start of summer, including a patriotic drone show to fill in for the annual flying spectacle that will illuminate the night sky over Jones Beach on May 24.
No matter how the weekend unfolds, one tradition remains firmly in place: gathering around the grill for a barbecue with family and friends.
Of course, no Memorial Day barbecue would be complete without the familiar favorites — juicy burgers sizzling over an open flame, hot dogs nestled in toasted buns and steaks grilled to smoky perfection. But today’s cookout offers far more than the traditional staples. By adding dishes with bold marinades, fresh seasonal ingredients and unexpected sweet-and-savory flavors, hosts can bring new energy to the holiday barbecue while still honoring the classics everyone loves.
The beauty of grilling is its versatility. From colorful kebabs and charred vegetables to caramelized fruit and herb-infused sides, even the simplest ingredients take on extra flavor over the fire. The tried-and-true will always remain a go-to, but the holiday is also the perfect opportunity to refresh the menu with creative twists and crowdpleasing additions that may just become new favorites.
Spicy Mustard Chicken Kebabs
Kabobs add sizzle to the season. With their easy preparation and quick cooking time, kabobs are a simple way to enjoy many of your favorite fresh flavors.
Sizzle into summer
Fire up Memorial Day
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 pound raw boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper
• 1 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
To make sauce, place 3 tablespoons mustard in medium bowl. Add oil and garlic powder, and whisk until uniform. Cover and refrigerate. To make marinade, in small bowl, combine vinegar with remaining 2 tablespoons mustard. Stir until uniform.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place chicken and marinade in large sealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal.
Gently knead marinade into chicken through bag. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, if using wooden skewers, soak 4 in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Alternately thread marinated chicken and onion chunks onto 4 skewers. Bring grill to mediumhigh heat.
Brush both sides of kebabs with sauce. Grill kebabs for 5 minutes with grill cover down.
Flip kebabs and grill for 6 to 8 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Enjoy.
Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip
Enhance the flavor of fruits and veggies at your barbecue. Try another way to eat pineapple by grilling it and pairing with a lime dip for a tasty treat.
• 1 pineapple
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 3 tablespoons honey
Lime Dip:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
Peel pineapple; cut into wedges.
In resealable plastic bag, combine brown sugar, lime juice and honey. Add pineapple wedges, seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate 1 hour.
To make dip: In small bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in yogurt, honey, brown sugar, lime juice and lime zest. Cover and refrigerate.
Heat grill to medium heat.
Remove pineapple wedges from plastic bag; discard marinade. Grill pineapple wedges, covered, 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Serve with dip.
Grilled
Lemon Chive Corn
Grilling adds an extra special flavor to corn on the cob. Try it with a lemon chive butter topping.
• 4 ears fresh sweet corn, in husks
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Pull back husks from each ear of corn, leaving husks attached to base. Remove corn silk. Fold husks back around corn; tie at end of each ear with string or strip of outside corn leaves. Soak in cold water 30 minutes. Drain.
Place corn on grill, uncovered, 20 to 30 minutes or until tender, turning often. Meanwhile combine butter, chives and lemon juice.
Serve corn with lemon-chive butter.
‘Cold Beer on a Saturday Night’
Spring blooms with a taste of summer as Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band bring their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to the Paramount stage, celebrating the music of Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett, and Zac Brown Band. Long Island–based and led by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, the group also features Linn DeMilta (Lovely Linn) on lead and backing vocals, Luis Rios on guitar, Frank Stainkamp on keyboards, Dan Prine on bass, and Mike Vecchione on drums. Together, they’ve spent more than a decade channeling the laid-back spirit of beach-country favorites. With a setlist built for singing along, the band blends crowd-pleasing hits with an easygoing, sun-soaked energy that evokes margaritas, ocean breezes and carefree nights where, as they like to say, it’s always “5 o’clock somewhere.”
Saturday, May 23, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Decoration Day
Step back into time to when Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Throughout weekend, the living-history site comes alive with the sights, sounds and traditions of the 19th century, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into how Long Islanders once marked the occasion.Stroll the village while enjoying period craft demonstrations, storytelling and stirring brass band concerts that echo through the historic streets. The weekend culminates with the signature Decoration Day observance, re-creating the holiday as it was first commemorated in the early 1870s. Costumed Civil War “veterans” lead a patriotic parade and heartfelt ceremony honoring departed soldiers, capturing the spirit, pageantry and reverence of an earlier era. The parade and ceremonial program begin at 2:15 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, May 2324, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage. Visit oldbethpagevillagerestoration.org or call (516) 572-8409.
Spicy Mustard Chicken Kebabs Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip
Grilled Lemon Chive Corn
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
MAY
Decoration Day
Step back in time at Old Bethpage Village Restoration during a Decoration Day program honoring those who served. With brass band entertainment, ceremony and parade.
• Where: 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage.
• Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., also May 24
• Contact: oldbethpagevillagerestoration. org or (516) 572-8409
Paint With A Princess Children are invited for painting activities with Disney’s Jasmine and Aladdin, hosted by Sparkle on Stage.
• Where: Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center, 195 Woodcleft Ave.
• Time: 3-5 p.m.
• Contact: sparkleonstage.org or (516) 240-1188
MAY
26
Memorial Day Parade
The village welcomes all to its Memorial Day Parade and Commemoration. Meet up with the community, starting in the parking lot of Freeport High School, ending across from Freeport Memorial Library.
• Where: Brookside Avenue
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Contact: (516) 697-9900 or (516) 410-9994
Harmonize With Long Island Harmonizers
Love to sing? So do the Long Island Harmonizers. The chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society is a chorus of more than 20 singers, now welcoming new members. The ensemble performs four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style, entertaining audiences at libraries, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and local events. All are welcome to visit one of their weekly rehearsals. Come listen, meet the chorus, and — if you’d like—join in and sing. No musical experience is necessary, just a love of singing and a desire to have fun making music together.
• Where: Faith Lutheran Church, 231 Jackson Ave, Syosset
• Time: Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
• Contact: Call: Rich, (516) 521-4779, or Dennis, (516) 680-8036, or visit longislandharmonizers.org
jun 16
Gary Clark Jr.
Blues-rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter has built a reputation as one of the most exciting live performers of his generation. Blending electric blues, rock, soul, R&B, and hints of hip-hop, his sound is both rooted in tradition and boldly modern. His guitar tone often recalls legends like Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, but his songwriting, socially aware lyrics, and willingness to experiment make him stand out as a contemporary artist. On stage, he is known for extended solos, dynamic arrangements, and emotionally charged vocals that move from soft falsetto to gritty growls, making every Gary Clark Jr concert feel unforgettable. Anyone who has listened to a Gary Clark Jr. album or watched the four-time Grammy Award winner perform live knows that he’s a gifted multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and performer. And never more so than on his last album, 2019’s illuminating This Land. But while This Land signaled a breakthrough in displaying his musical versatility beyond the blues, his latest album, JPEG RAW, represents a quantum leap.
MAY 27
Freeport BOE meets The Freeport Board of Education holds it annual budget public hearing. All are encouraged to attend.
• Where: 58 Seaman Ave.
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: freeportschools.org or (516) 867-5265
Walking Wednesdays
Freeport Memorial Library
welcomes all to participate in 45-minute walk with the pace set by the group. All fitness levels are welcome. The goal is to meet people and keep moving. The library will arrange off-site meet-ups to encourage visiting other parts of the beautiful village. If it rains, walk at the Freeport Recreation Center.
• Where: 144 W. Merrick Road
• Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• Contact: (516) 379-3274 or freeportlibrary.info
Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum stages “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!,” back at the museum by popular demand. With a script written
by Mo Willems, the creator of the award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), this show is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party! It’s not easy being the Pigeon since you never get to do anything. But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can finally do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon.; also May 28-29
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Brick Builders
Old Westbury Gardens welcomes families to spend an afternoon exploring, building and creating together! Brick Builders invites children and their grownups to
was in the original Broadway production, with CAP21 alumni and current students. Performances are scheduled throughout the four-day run.
• Where: Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: Varied times, through May 31
• Contact: madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444
MAY 30
Tunes with New Yacht City Band Sparkle on Stage hosts the band in concert. Enjoy the songs of the ‘70s and ‘8’s that you love to sing and groove to.
• Where: Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center, 195 Woodcleft Ave.
• Time: 8-10 p.m.
• Contact: sparkleonstage.org or (516) 240-1188
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
enjoy building a LEGO Friends Flower Stand with Roses Kit. The program begins at the beech tree and includes a guided walk through some of the featured exhibit Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects made with LEGO bricks. After the tour, head to the Barn at Orchard Hill to build a LEGO kit to take home
For ages 5+. | $24 per child (includes admission, guided tour, and LEGO kit). $22 per adult (includes admission and guided tour), with member discount. Registration required.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
‘Something Rotten! The Musical’
See the comedy musical, set in the 1590s, which follows two playwright brothers competing with William Shakespeare as they attempt to create the world’s first musical. From tap dancing eggs to beautiful love stores, this musical really has it all. Songs include “A Musical!,” “It’s Hard to Be the Bard,” and “Welcome to the Renaissance.” The cast is comprised of New York City professionals, including David Hibbard, who
Sprout and Bloom Families can dig in and get their hands dirty at Long Island Children’s Museum. The museum welcomes all to celebrating all the beautiful May flowers by planting your own at the drop-in program. Take it home and watch it grow!. For ages 3+.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: Noon-2 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
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.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. NORVELLA NEWMAN A/K/A NORVELLA L. NEWMAN, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 2, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 3, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 285 South Bayview Avenue a/k/a 285 Bayview Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, Incorporated Village of Freeport, County of Nassau and State of York, Section 62, Block 135 and Lot 109. Approximate amount of judgment is $916,271.53 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #602760/2023.
Keith Lavallee, Esq., Referee
Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.:190407-3 159953
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, -againstMICHAEL L. WILLIAMS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF WILLIE WILLIAMS, 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 March 13, 2026, wherein MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC is the Plaintiff and MICHAEL L. WILLIAMS,
AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF WILLIE WILLIAMS, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on June 1, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 16 SCHERER PLACE, ROOSEVELT, NY 11575; and the following tax map identification: 55-315-137, 138, 139 & 140.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ROOSEVELT, 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.: 613456/2021. Fabiana Talarico, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 159949
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. FIRST START, LLC, Pltf. vs. TRIDENT EQUITIES LLC, et al, Defts. Index #600121/2023. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Oct. 1, 2024, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on June 4, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. premises k/a 325 South Main Street, Freeport, NY 11520 a/k/a Section 62, Block 44, Lot 430. Approximate amount of judgment is $370,585.75 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health of safety
concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Sale will be held, “rain or shine.” MERIK AARON, Referee.
MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 575 Underhill Blvd., Ste. 224, Syosset, NY 11791. #102921 159947
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. BANK TRUST, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST JEAN P. JOHNSON A/K/A
JEAN P. FERGUSON A/K/A JEAN
FERGUSON-JOHNSON; ET AL., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 30, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 4, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 68 Washburn Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 55. Block: 251 Lot: 282. Approximate amount of judgment $854,470.08 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #000304/2014. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Janine Lynam, Esq., Referee FEIN, SUCH & CRANE, LLP 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800 Rochester, NY 14614 AYSJN078 89733 160001 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that a public auction for a used vehicle sale will be held on May 26, 2026 on the website www.auctionsinternati onal.com. Bidders must register on website prior to bidding. Vehicles are sold “as is” condition and do not come with vehicle
keys. Vehicles pictures and descriptions can be found on website when bid is live. Vehicles must be paid through the website prior to removal of vehicle. Vehicles are located at 390 E. Clinton Avenue, Roosevelt NY 11575. 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee; Gray; VIN: 1J4GR48K55C523371; Owner: Wayne Huey of 2832 Bruner Ave 1, Bronx, NY 10469 *2007 Kia Sedona; Gray; VIN: KNDMB233876173866; Owner: Renee McDonough of 157 59 27th Ave, Flushing, NY 11354
*2010 Chevrolet Equinox; Gray; VIN: 2CNALDEW4A6371649
; Owner: Boris Mizhquero-Yunga of 276 Mountain Grove St, Bridgeport, CT 06605
*2009 Chevrolet Malibu; Black; VIN: 1G1ZK57B59F169309; Owner: Glendon Cateau of 716 E. 45th St, Brooklyn, NY 11203
*2007 Dodge Sprinter; White; VIN: WD0PE845X75208525; Owner: Haim Tobaly of 21 Weyant Dr, Cedarhurst, NY 11516
*2004 Toyota Corolla; Blue; VIN: 2T1LR32E04C317785; Owner: Luis V. Peraltamorban of 1934 Harrison Ave 5E, Bronx, NY 10453
*2006 Lexus ES250; Black; VIN: JTHCK262382022200; Owner: Klein Georges of 185 Rutland Rd, Hempstead NY 11550
*2014 Audi AS4; Gray; VIN: WAUBGAFL5EA082964
; Owner: Dominique Blackman of 8400 Lindbergh Blvd Apt 716, Philadelphia PA 19153
*2010 Honda Accord; Black; VIN: 1HGCS2B85AA004466; Owners: Mike Eli Landaverde and C.L. Landaverde of 69 Hewlett St, Hempstead NY 11550
*2005 Nissan Altima; Red; VIN: 1N4AL11D75N900462; Owner: Timothy Wanser of 1141 Norbay St, Franklin Square NY 11010
*2002 Acura MDX; Blue; VIN: 2HNYD188X2H530024; Owner: Zaynah Witter of 632 Nauer Ct, Elmont, NY 11003
*2016 Nissan Sentra; Gray; VIN: 3N1AB7AP1GY299861; Owner: Nissan Infiniti Lease Trust of PO Box 254648 Sacramento, CA 95865
TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DEPARTMENT OF
HIGHWAYS Antonio Fanizzi Commissioner 160208
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: NASSAU COUNTY. BOARD OF MANAGERS OF YACHTSMAN’S COVE CONDOMINIUM, Pltf. , vs. JEAN VALLES, Deft. Index #614756/2025. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered April 30, 2026, I will sell at public auction on the Nort Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on June 11, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., prem. k/a 531 Ray Street, Unit 4, Freeport, NY 11520 a/k/a Section 54, Block 315, Lot 446. The real property above described in a Unit shown on the Plans of a Condominium prepared and certified by Barrett, Bonacci and Van Weele. P.C., and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on the 17th day of January 2017, as Map No. 0285 defined in the Declaration of Condominium entitled Yachtsman’s Cove Condominium made by Ray Street Commons LLC under Article 9-B of the New York Real Property Law dated January 17, 2017 and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on the 17th day of January, 2017 in Liber 13462 of Conveyances at Page 496; with the improvements therein contained situate and being a part of a Condominium in Village of Freeport, Nassau County and State of NY, known and designated as Home No. 4 together with a 4.1666% undivided interest in the Common Elements of the Condominium hereinafter described as the same is defined in the Declaration of Condominium. Approx. amt. of judgment is $ 15,217.25 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. SCOTT H. SILLER, Referee. JAY L. YACKOW, Attys. for Pltf., 355 Post Avenue, Ste. 201, Westbury, NY 11590. #102969 160189
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU Bank of America, N.A., Plaintiff -againstCharlie Robinson, Jr., executor and beneficiary of the estate of Fennie Robinson, Travis S. Jones, if living and if he/she be dead, any and all persons who are spouses, widows, grantees, mortgagees, lienor, heirs, devisees, distributees, or successors in interest of such of the above as may be dead, and their spouses, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors in interest, all of whom and whose names and places of residences are unknown to Plaintiff, People of the State of New York, United States of America, New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, TD Property Maintenance LLC, Terrell Hill, Commissioner of Social Services of NYC, North Shore University Hospital Clinical Practice Plan, Asset Servicing Corp dba ZapMyTax dba Property Assessment Correction Group, The LCF Group, Inc., People of the State of New York by Village of Mineola, and Nassau County Traffic and Parking Violation Agency, Defendants. Index No.: 611610/2023
Filed : May 6, 2026
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in whichthe mortgaged premises is situated. TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your Answer or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the attorneys for the plaintiff within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service; or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York; or within sixty (60) days if it is the United States of America. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.
NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF
SOUGHT
THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure $50,000.00 and interest, recorded in the office of the clerk of the County of Nassau on October 01, 2007 in Liber Book M32382, Page 833 covering premises known as 61 Grenada Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575.
The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.
NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.
Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.
Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
Dated: Bay Shore, New York
May 5, 2026
Frenkel, Lambert, Weisman & Gordon, LLP
BY: Karen Sheehan, Esq.
Attorneys for Plaintiff 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, New York 11706 (631) 969-3100
Our File No.: 01-097057-F00 160203
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, MCLP ASSET COMPANY, INC., Plaintiff, vs. JAIME L. BARRESI AS ADMINISTRATRIX AND SOLE HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF MARYANN FROEHLE, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 23, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 234 Miller Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Freeport, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62, Block 162 and Lots 225 and 324. Approximate amount of judgment is $690,308.67 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605877/2023. Patricia A. Rooney, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 223530-1 160126
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST LUIS M. CORDERO, ELIZABETH MATEUS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 9, 2025, 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 June 16, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 18 Hotchkiss Place, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 55 Block: 395 Lot: 75. Approximate amount of judgment $486,818.66 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold
Public Notices
subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #614432/2022. Joseph M. Terino, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 21-001160 89820 160150
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that an On-Premise Restaurant Wine License, NYS Application ID: NA-0240-26-112073 has been applied for by Opportunity Pancakes LLC d/b/a IHOP serving beer, wine and cider to be sold at retail for on premises consumption in a restaurant, for the premises located at 133B West Sunrise Highway Freeport NY 11520. 160368
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, GITSIT SOLUTIONS, LLC, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS SEPARATE TRUSTEE OF GITSIT MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST BBPLC1, Plaintiff, vs. UNKNOWN HEIRS OF THE ESTATE OF MARJORIE CHAPMAN, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 16, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1 Scherer Place a/k/a 1 Scherr Place, Roosevelt, NY 11575. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Roosevelt, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55, Block 476 and Lot 9 a/k/a P/O 505. Approximate amount of judgment is $755,130.87 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #621094/2024.
Brian J. Carmody, Esq., Referee
Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 242936-2 160364
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC, Pltf. vs. TIFFANY LOPEZ, et al Deft. Index #604471/2023. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered August 13, 2024, I will sell at public auction on the north side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on June 25, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a 185 Sportsmans Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520 a/k/a Section 62, Block 89, Lot 11, Lot Group 11-12. Approximate amount of judgment is $483,349.08 plus cost and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. JANE SHRENKEL, Referee., MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf. 575 Underhill Blvd., Ste. 224, Syosset, NY. #102923 160366
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County of Nassau The Bank of New York Mellon FKA The Bank of New York, As Trustee For The Certificateholders CWALT, INC., Alternative Loan Trust 2006-32CB, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-32CB, Plaintiff AGAINST James A. Crittenden, Jr. a/k/a James Crittenden, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on December 8, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 22, 2026 at 2:30 PM premises known as 65 Sagamore Street, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected,
situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 55, BLOCK: 375, LOT: 1186-1189.
Approximate amount of judgment is $367,839.74 plus interests and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 609700/2024. This sale may be subject to the US Dept of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Real Estate Reporting Rule. In such event, all purchasers are required to provide the information needed for proper reporting in accordance with the terms of sale. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Fay Mattana, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT
WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-100333-F00 89935 160253
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU CALCON MUTUAL MORTGAGE LLC DBA ONETRUST HOME LOANS, Plaintiff AGAINST MARTECH LLC, PARKER HART LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 14, 2025 and a Substitute Referee Order entered May 21, 2025, 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 June 22, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 335 South Main Street, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62 Block 44 Lot 391. Approximate amount of judgment $647,773.64 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600764/2023. Jaime
Ezratty, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003831 89808 160128
Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR J.P. MORGAN MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST 2007-CH4 ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-CH4, Plaintiff, AGAINST ELAINE GLENN AS EXECUTRIX UNDER THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF VERA N. PERSON, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on April 15, 2026.
I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 18, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 56 Forest Ave, Freeport, NY 11520. Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. 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 Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 55, Block 344 and Lot 224. Approximate amount of judgment $604,517.80 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #002618/2017 / 17-002618.
Tiffany Frigenti, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 160259
Castillo, Gordon, Pomerico
win
trustee seats handily
A separate budget proposition authorizing the use of $2.5 million in capital reserve funds, was also approved, 1,545 to 283.
Despite the budget’s success, several residents have noted their concern with the fact that one line in it, administrative expenses, more than doubled from this school year to next, from $120,000 to over $280,000. Others suggested online that the district was “wasting” funds on the Perkins Group, its district’s consulting firm, with costs ranging into tens of thousands of dollars.
The district has continued to pay reassigned former Superintendent Fia Davis while its lawsuit against her is still being addressed in court. Since Davis’s reassignment, the district also paid Alice Kane, who was hired as interim superintendent, for nearly a year before she returned to retirement on April 1. Shakirah Miller took over the interim position on April 2.
During several budget presentations, district administrators did not clarify whether the increase in administrative spending was attributable to three superintendent salaries or other factors.
Pomerico, Castillo and Gordon had attracted a great deal of vocal support for their campaign from Freeport residents. Over the past few weeks, the trio pledged to make school board operations more transparent. One key group that backed them was the Freeport Teachers Association.
“The Freeport Teachers Association stands in full support of the Castillo, Gordon and Pomerico team for our school board,” Patricia Langan, the union’s president, told the Herald. “The educators of this district wish to devote our time, skills and love to the children of Freeport. Under the current board, we have been battling poor working conditions, compliance issues and retaliatory behavior. We need change.”
Langan added that the FTA believes that trio have “no agenda but our students’ welfare.”
“This team will weed out the dishonesty and the corruption that has damaged the people who educate and protect the children of Freeport,” Langan said. Not all voters were as confident in the winners. Pomerico, in particular, was the subject of some ire from district residents after she made controversial comments about transgender students when asked about diversity, equity and inclusion during a candidates forum at John W. Dodd Middle School last Friday.
“Everybody should be the same — but there is one place where I draw the line,” Pomerico said. “If you’re born a male, you’re born a male. If you’re born a female, you’re born a female. I shouldn’t have males — just because this week or this year, you want to think you’re a girl, and you should go in the girls’ locker room. I’m against that.”
Freeport Pride, an organization that focuses on advocacy and resources for the village’s queer communities, published a lengthy news release focusing on the perceived “reduction or disruption of outside services” connected to anti-bullying and LGBTQ advocacy, in addition to alluding to Pomerico’s public comments.
“As an organization, we want to be absolutely clear: all students, including LGBTQ+ students, deserve dignity, respect, safety and support within our schools,” the statement read.
It went on to acknowledge that several candidates, including Pomerico, made clear statements against harassment and discrimination of all students, but expressed frustration in what it deemed inadequate or inconsistent support of LGBTQ communities by district administrators. Freeport Pride’s Facebook account did show support for Pomerico, Castillo and Gordon.
Pomerico was sworn in as soon as the election results were made official. He was scheduled to take part in his first school board meeting on Thursday at 5 p.m. at Freeport High School, after
the Herald went to press.
Continued from page 1
Courtesy Christian Rodriguez gabriela Castillo, 46, will return to the freeport Board of education. She last served in 2022.
Courtesy Quinn Parker eddie gordon, 43, has worked previously as a coach and mentor of freeport youth.
Herald file michael pomerico was the Board of education president before retiring in 2019.
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Live where refined design meets the rhythm of the sea. The Boardwalk offers a rare opportunity to own an oceanfront
Do
I need to file a plan just to build a stone wall?
Q. I planned and started building a stack stone wall in my front yard, but I was stopped by a building inspector. He told me the wall was structural, and needed a professional plan to be approved before I could do the rest of the work. It’s just a landscape wall instead of a fence or hedges at my front sidewalk, so why should it matter? A lot of my neighbors have them, and he told me to file a complaint, and he would check the others out, but I don’t want to tell on my neighbors. What do you suggest?
A. The rules on retaining walls aren’t as clear as for other things you could build. A wall, in most communities, fits into a few different categories.
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If it’s a retaining wall, meaning it holds something back, like your front lawn from the sidewalk or your neighbor’s lawn from your driveway, it’s definitely structural, and has drainage conditions you have to show on professionally prepared plans. The wall can’t hold back water from draining, or it could collapse. It must have a frost-depth foundation, which means that, since frost can permeate the ground to a depth, in our zone, of 3 feet, there must be a support wall with a spread footing at least 3 feet deep in the ground to limit heaving during extreme freezing, like we had for most of January this year, as you may recall.
It may be possible to build with less concrete, on supports spaced several feet apart and a shallow type of footing called a grade beam, but that still has to be calculated to make certain it won’t crack and heave under the extreme forces of frozen ground. The majority of people I meet have no idea about the upward force that develops when moisture in the soil freezes and expands, but it does occur in colder weather, and you only need a small amount of movement to cause the wall to move.
Stacked stone is, essentially, loose, and can move. It may be considered a safety hazard because the individual pieces of stone can fall, or be carried away or thrown, such as by accident, involving people or vehicles. While this kind of wall may harken back to simpler historical times, you are best to avoid the problem and construct a wall that is safer and less difficult to get approved. Stack stone walls may look great on an old New England farm, but not necessarily in a populated suburb.
As for your neighbors, there are rules we all have to follow, including them. I had to legalize a wall in the process of doing an entire home, and discovered that my client’s wall lined up with the neighbors’ walls on both sides. The worst part was that all the walls were built beyond the front property line, on the municipal right-of way. Curiously, only my client had to file a zoning variance request.
More next week.
© 2026 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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OpiniOns
Keeping neighborhood traditions and values alive
Recently I attended an early-cut screening of a documentary on Farrell’s Bar in Brooklyn. The film is about much more than just a bar.
Though the world is always turning, these days it seems as if it’s turning more rapidly than ever. Traditions, values and principles are changing dramatically, and some are gone forever. None of us, of course, should want to live in the past or resist progress, which can bring so much good and improve our lives. But in the rush toward progress, we can’t afford to abandon institutions that encourage friendship and lasting bonds, especially in these fast-paced times.
Farrell’s is a legendary institution that has survived the rush of time. Now in its 93rd year — it opened just after the end of Prohibition — it remains a central neighborhood place for the Windsor Terrace community. It’s an oasis of calm in a desert of turmoil. Farrell’s has never betrayed its blue-
collar culture, embodied in its support for cops, firefighters and veterans. (Though newer, the Good Life, in Massapequa Park, and the Embassy Diner, in Bethpage, are cut from that mold.) Farrell’s isn’t far from Brooklyn Prep, where I went to high school, and a short distance from where my father grew up and my grandparents lived until the late 1970s.
Though I’d heard about Farrell’s and read about it in Pete Hamill’s stories, I stopped in for the first time during my very unsuccessful campaign for New York state attorney general in 1986. One of my closest friends and biggest supporters was Jimmy Boyle, who had been president of the FDNY’s Firefighters Union and a fixture in union politics for years. Boyle thought Farrell’s would be an ideal location for a campaign stop.
small part of it true, I climbed up on a chair in the middle of the room and began my speech by admitting that “even though my father was a cop, I have to say, you guys aren’t half bad yourselves.”
i had a small role in cementing the legacy of a legendary hometown bar.
After much friendly booing and catcalls, I thanked those guys for their support and assured them that I’d always be there for them. (A sad footnote: Boyle’s son, Michael, was one of the 343 firefighters killed on Sept. 11, 2001.) Though I went on to lose the election by 1.2 million votes, I had been a winner in Farrell’s, and for the next few years I’d stop by periodically to relive the one bright moment of the campaign.
independent filmmakers Jay Cusato and Rob Martin to produce a documentary on the bar, as a living metaphor for neighborhoods and good people who refuse to allow their values and lasting memories to be plowed over.
On March 8, 2020, Cusato and Martin interviewed me at my home, one of many people they talked to. At the time, their project was close to completion — or so they thought. The coronavirus hit New York before the week was out, and the documentary was put on ice. I actually thought they’d abandoned it until just last month, when Cusato contacted me to let me know that, in the spirit of Farrell’s, they had stayed on the project, titled “Why Farrell’s?” and invited me to a private screening at the St. Francis College campus on Livingston Street in downtown Brooklyn.
Sure enough, when I arrived just before noon that September day, Boyle had packed the place with loud, supportive firefighters, and a few cops had found their way in. It was as enthusiastic and as friendly a reception as I’ve ever gotten in politics. After Boyle gave me a phenomenal introduction, only a
Later, when I was in Congress, I would join Brooklyn friends from high school and make pilgrimages to Farrell’s. Though they couldn’t drink on the job, two detectives on my security detail, Jimmy Skopek and Melissa Zimmerman, took a particular liking to Farrell’s, especially its old-neighborhood flair.
Then, about 10 years ago, a friend of mine from Massapequa, Pat Fenton, wrote a well-received Off-Broadway play centered on Farrell’s. That inspired
OIt was a great experience. Though several interviews remain to be done, and sound and lighting issues need to be worked out, “Why Farrell’s?” is outstanding, so accurately depicting the values that the bar is doing so much to preserve. My role was minor, but I’m proud to be part of what is truly a meaningful work of art.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
It’s way too early to name things after Trump
ver the past few months, I’ve attended many social events, at which I shared a few drinks and conversation with friends from both political parties. Those gatherings have given me an open window into the rapidly emerging fracture among lifelong Republicans as well as the sharp divisions among Democrats. Democrats are always arguing, so it’s been the Republican fissures that have surprised me the most. Regardless of what the pollsters tell you, President Trump is tearing these lifelong partisans apart. There is division about the president’s arguments with the pope and deep concern about the impact of the war in Iran on the party’s chances in November. But the one issue that seems to evoke even more angst is Trump’s encouraging his name to be plastered on anything and everything that is brandable.
George Washington’s name appears
in all kinds of places across the country, including the national capital. The city was named after him while he was still in office, but he strongly opposed it and tried to block the effort when it was brought before Congress. Washington surrendered his military role when the Revolution ended, rejected efforts to have himself declared king and stepped down after two terms as president. His greatness was not only that he led the country, but that he declined a number of honors.
Let presidents serve. Let citizens judge. Let history name the buildings.
Have other presidents drawn the line? During Gerald Ford’s presidency, Congress passed a bill to name a federal building in Grand Rapids, Mich., after him. Ford refused to sign it, saying he knew of no federal building named for a president still in office and did not want to establish a precedent. President Harry Truman also resisted such honors, and once wrote emphatically that he had no desire to have roads, bridges or buildings named after him. His supporters wanted the Marshall Plan to bear his name, but Truman said the plan deserved the name of its author.
Clearly, the temptation to name things after politicians isn’t limited to one party. Members of Congress have long attached their names to federal buildings, courthouses, highways and bridges. Sen. Mitch McConnell has five buildings named after him in Kentucky.
And every president has been surrounded by supporters who want to flatter him, celebrate him and turn policy into legacy. The danger is especially high in our age of branding, social media and permanent campaigning. That is exactly why every president, irrespective of party, should draw the line when there is an effort to rename everything in sight after him. There is something unhealthy in a republic when a president uses public property to enlarge his own image. This isn’t a Republican or Democratic concern — it’s an American concern. The presidency belongs temporarily to one person, but the government belongs permanently to the people. Public buildings, passports, coins, agencies and national institutions should not become personal billboards for whoever hap-
pens to occupy the Oval Office.
There is also a moral difference between a grateful nation honoring a leader after history has had time to judge him, and a president accepting — or encouraging — public honors while he is in office. This isn’t a question of whether a president is admired. The pollsters have attested to the fact that Trump is supported by 85 percent of registered Republicans. But there will be ample time for our country to render honors unto this president and those who follow him.
We need to have a law that applies equally to all parties. That law should prohibit the naming of entities, structures and objects after a sitting president. It must apply equally to Trump and all those who follow him.
Our founders worried about this issue. They knew that republics can decay not only through force, but also through flattery. Let presidents serve. Let citizens judge. Let history name the buildings.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.
Memorial Day means more than barbecues
Memorial Day weekend arrives each year with familiar signs that summer is finally at hand. Beaches begin to fill. Backyard grills fire up. Families and friends gather after months of work, school and routines that too often keep them apart. Across Long Island, from Jones Beach to Montauk, the holiday has long marked the unofficial beginning of a season people eagerly await.
There is nothing wrong with celebration. In many ways, that freedom to enjoy ordinary moments with the people we love is part of what generations of Americans fought to preserve.
But Memorial Day asks something more of us as well.
Especially as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Americans should remember that Memorial Day is not simply another three-day weekend on the calendar. It is one of the country’s most solemn observances — a day set aside to honor the men and women who died while serving in the United States military.
That distinction matters.
Veterans Day honors all who served. Armed Forces Day recognizes those currently in uniform. Memorial Day is specifically for those who never came home.
Their sacrifice stretches across every generation of American history. From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War,
from the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, over 1 million service members gave their lives believing the country they defended was worth that sacrifice.
Many came from communities across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Their names appear on memorial plaques, downtown monuments and flags lining local streets. Long Island itself carries deep connections to America’s military history.
Roughly 1,180 Long Islanders died in World War II: 855 from Nassau and 325 from Suffolk. At least 552 service members lost their lives in the Vietnam War.
After the Sept. 11 attacks, 56 Long Islanders died in Iraq and Afghanistan.
From Revolutionary War sites to Gold Star families who sacrificed during the wars of the past two decades, our region has long contributed to the nation’s service and sacrifice. Memorial Day offers communities an opportunity not only to recognize that history but also to share it with those of younger generations.
As America prepares to commemorate 250 years of independence in July, this Memorial Day carries even greater weight. Anniversaries often invite celebration, reflection and pride. But they should also invite humility. The freedoms Americans treasure did not sustain themselves across two and a half centuries. They endured because generation after generation answered a call to serve, often at extraordinary personal cost.
It can be easy for the deeper meaning of Memorial Day to become overshadowed by travel plans, social gatherings and retail sales. Modern life moves quickly, and holidays increasingly blur together into commercial events disconnected from their origins. But Memoria Day deserves more intentional remembrance — and that does not always require grand gestures.
Attending a local parade or remembrance ceremony before heading to a barbecue is one way to honor the fallen. Visiting a veterans’ memorial or cemetery and taking a few quiet moments to read the names engraved there is another. Americans can also observe the tradition of flying the flag at half-staff until noon, and share stories with children and grandchildren about relatives who served, ensuring that those stories are not lost.
Honoring sacrifice does not diminish the joy of the weekend. In fact, it deepens it. Gratitude gives meaning to celebration. A nation that remembers its fallen understands more clearly the value of the freedoms it enjoys. This year, amid the sound of waves, fireworks and laughter that will soon define the summer season, Americans should make room for remembrance, too. Memorial Day is not ultimately about the start of summer; it is about the cost of freedom, the weight of service and the obligation of a grateful nation never to forget those who gave everything in its defense.
opinions When government puts people before politics
Lately, it seems we hear constant reports of how divided we are, and how this division creeps into the halls of government. Make no mistake about it, this polarization threatens democracy, and as citizens, we get shortchanged, because the focus is on the fight rather than the people and how we can best serve them.
Nevertheless, I remain proud to represent Assembly District 21 in Albany, where I witness many examples of government working for people, and the less contentious initiatives that often aren’t reported, but do get accomplished.
Every day I see bipartisanship — coalitions that work toward the greater good, and individual legislators of both major parties working tirelessly on behalf of their districts. I believe it’s important to keep seeking and finding those alliances, especially when the news of the day becomes so overwhelmingly disheartening.
A good example of what can happen when government puts people before politics happened recently in Albany,
when my bill, A.6804, was passed unanimously by both houses of the Legislature. I introduced it after meeting with the NYS Association of County Clerks, which described an ongoing privacy problem with the potential to do great harm to vulnerable people. The measure provides protection to families when they need it most.
The state’s county clerks joined me in an effort to protect personal information.
When someone becomes mentally incapacitated as the result of any one of a variety of causes, an Article 81 Guardianship proceeding can be filed with a county Supreme Court so that a responsible adult can be legally appointed to manage the person’s finances for them. The court considers evidence of the need for guardianship, and can approve or deny the request. That evidence includes personal information about the person alleged to be incapacitated, including a Social Security number, banking information and other financial records. Incredibly, under current law, those records are publicly accessible, leaving some of our most vulnerable citizens in grave danger of identity theft, fraud and violations of their privacy.
In New York, county clerks are elected, and one of their responsibilities is
Framework by Ellen Jaret
the management and filing of these records. When requested by a citizen, they are obligated to release them. Given what we know about identity theft and the devastating consequences, however, the clerks association joined forces in an effort to change state law to prevent the release of information that should remain private. The clerks represent people from all 62 of the state’s counties — the entire political spectrum, and people from urban, rural and suburban communities.
In this instance, a coalition of bipartisan elected officials united as a formidable force to protect the personal information of citizens who often don’t have the ability to advocate for themselves. In their communication with me, the county clerks stated, “Unlike most court records, the files in these cases are replete with personal and account information, a treasure trove for identity thieves.” They made it perfectly clear to everyone that action was necessary. It was alarming to hear them describe the reasons legislation was vital to safeguard people going through these hearings.
When I introduced A.6804, I received immediate support from Democrats and
Republicans alike. Assembly members from Long Island, Westchester, Queens, western New York and the Capital Region signed on as cosponsors. This is an issue that few New York residents are aware of, unless and until an Article 81 is needed for them or a loved one. Thus far, many have navigated the proceedings without any requests for, or violation or exploitation of, their personal information. The county clerks recognized the very real threat that exists under current law, and worked hard to change it.
I am optimistic that Gov. Kathy Hochul will sign this legislation into law. I remain keenly aware that there are many more issues we need to find consensus on. This is just one example of what can happen when we work toward the common good, set aside political differences and do the right thing.
Imagine what our government could accomplish if we could all work together this way on other issues. As a member of the Assembly, I will continue to search for that common ground and work toward consensus. That is our responsibility to the people who elected us. The story of this bill’s origins and success is a roadmap for how it happens. We simply need to follow it.
Judy Griffin represents the 21st Assembly District.
Overlooking Mgarr Harbour on the Mediterranean island of Gozo— Malta
