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State grant to fund Freeport’s park renovations By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com

Andrew Francis /Herald

Celebrating the funding for Martin Luther King Jr. Park were members of the Freeport-Roosevelt Branch of the NAACP, Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy, Assemblyman Noah Burroughs, and village trustees.

The Village of Freeport has been granted $150,000 in state funding, which will be allocated to renovate Martin Luther King Jr. and Bishop Frank O. White parks, officials said. Assemblyman Noah Burroughs helped secure the grant, $100,000 of which will be earmarked mainly to renovate the floor of the basketball court at MLK Park on Stevens Street. In addition to typical recreational use, the court has been commonly used by local community organizations, for basketball tournaments and children’s summer programs. The park’s bathrooms will also be addressed with the funds. James and Theresa Aydelott, founders and leaders of the Sports, Empowerment, Leadership Academy, one of the major users of the park, have been staunch advocates for the park’s refurbishment, once again bringing attention to its needs in late August. CoNtiNued oN PAge 5

Molloy’s Learning Bus brings STEM to local schools By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com

Freeport Public Schools are partnering with Molloy University, in Rockville Centre, on a new program at the university, a unique interactive learning experience called the Learning Bus. The initiative has proven to be a meaningful weekly educational adventure for elementary and college students alike. Molloy’s Learning Bus is a part of a national initiative led by educational organization BioBus and is a fully equipped mobile teaching laboratory. University students studying education and social work lead

children through a variety of activities focusing on science, technology, engineering and math — the STEM subjects. The program began during Molloy’s spring semester, when the Learning Bus traveled to the Farmingdale and Central Islip school districts. This fall, Freeport’s fifth- and sixth-grade classes at the Caroline G. Atkinson Elementary School have gotten in on the fun as well. The Learning Bus stops at the school on most Wednesdays for about an hour, and will continue offering mobile lessons through the end of Molloy’s semester in December. “We have a longstanding

relationship with Freeport,” Vicky Giouroukakis, associate dean of Molloy’s School of Education and Human Services, told the Herald. “They provide placements for our student teachers … So we really value this collaboration, and we hope to partner with them again in the future.” Molloy students majoring in social work have joined their education-focused counterparts on the Learning Bus. “We want them to get out and do as many engaged learning opportunities as they can,” Lisa Newland, ch a i r o f t h e u n ive r s i t y ’s Department of Social Work, said. “So we felt that this was

an opportunity for them to work on their engagement, certainly working on their comfort with different populations.” Roughly 825 Atkinson students from 42 classes are taki n g p a r t i n t h e p ro g r a m , according to Principal Tameeka D. McNeil. She said that thanks to the work of Auriel Watson, the Freeport

district’s assistant superintendent for cur riculum and instruction, and Grants Director Catalina Castillo, the students have benefited from the weekly interactive instruction. “Our students now take an assessment in fifth grade, and we wanted to really bring learning outside of the classCoNtiNued oN PAge 12

October 15, 2026 — FREEPORT HERALD

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A Babylon man has pleaded guilty to charges connected to a hit-and-run that occurred in Freeport earlier this year. The incident resulted in the death of a 66-year-old man. Michael Bonner, 41, pleaded guilty on Oct. 7 before Judge Caryn Fink to charges of leaving the scene of an incident and not reporting it resulting in a death and tampering with physical evidence. Bonner previously pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned before the same judge in April. Narcizo de Jesus Guerra Lopez was allegedly struck by Bonner’s vehicle, a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban, as he was crossing East Merrick Road near South Main Street in Freeport at about 8 p.m. on March 25. The vehicle was uninsured and unregistered. After being taken to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital shortly after the hit-and-run, Lopez died from his injuries on April 3. Bonner continued driving, allegedly tried to remove stickers from his vehicle that would make it more easily identifiable and then fled to the Carolinas. He was found by local law enforcement when he re-entered New York on March 28, and was later pulled over and arrest by Hempstead police officers and the Nassau County Police Department on April 4. Bonner is due back in court on Dec. 10, and is expected to face a sentence of

one to three years in prison. Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly and her office is recommending a harsher penalty of two to six years in prison. “Michael Bonner struck Narcizo de Jesus Guerra Lopez in the crosswalk and heartlessly left him to die in the street,” Donnelly said in a news release. “The defendant methodically attempted to cover his tracks and fled the state, leaving a grieving family behind to pick up the pieces. Today’s guilty plea makes it clear that no one can run from their crimes in Nassau County.” Surveillance cameras at a 7-Eleven on Sunrise Highway in Oceanside place Bonner and his car less than half a mile from the scene of the hit-and-run four minutes before it occurred. Cellphone data later obtained by the Nassau County Police Department also place Bonner at the scene of the hit-and-run at the time of the crash. At some point on the night of the crash, detectives say that Bonner removed the large, red sticker from his vehicle’s rear windshield before fleeing the state. The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attor ney Nicole Vota of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau of Nassau County. Bonner is represented by Raymond Baierlein. –Andrew Francis

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FREEPORT HERALD — October 15, 2026 Deliah Roberts/Herald photos

Freeport and Nassau County community leaders and politicians showed their support for the five Hispanic Heritage Month honorees.

Freeport honors Hispanic heritage heroes By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com

The Village of Freeport came together at the Freeport Recreation Center to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Under the theme “Collective Heritage: Together, We Are More,” or “Unidos, Somos Más,” the village celebrated five Hispanic honorees. Freeport’s Hispanic Heritage Celebration occurred on Oct. 7 in the Freeport Recreation Center’s program room. Hispanic Heritage Month is recognized nationally and celebrates the Hispanic icons and families from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15 each year. The honorees for the event were Lieutenant Boris Herrera-Barillas of the Freeport Police Department, Sylvia Moreira, an Archer Street School teacher, Second Assistant Chief Julio Rodriguez of the Freeport Fire Department, Jennifer Lascala-Gomez, president of the Freeport Little League, and Jared Bermudez, the president of the Youth Council of the Freeport-Roosevelt NAACP, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, branch. In addition to the special awards and recognition given to the five honorees, groups from Freeport Public Schools gave performances during the event. The Giblyn Hot Steppers from the Leo F. Giblyn Elementary School and the Dodd Mariachi Club, representing John W. Dodd Middle School, provided musical entertainment harkening to some of the student’s own Hispanic heritage. Both of Bermudez’s parents are immigrants from El Salvador, and he says he proudly wears that heritage. “Hispanics are not just a side note to Freeport,” he told the Herald. “We are plenty with not only our numbers, but our contribution to this village.” Bermudez said that he believes Hispanic Heritage Month is important to not only recognize notable heroes, but also appreciate the community of locals who “work themselves to the bone to better their village.”

Allois Simpkin-Douse, Freeport-Roosevelt NAACP Youth Council advisor, Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, and veteran Marie Carmel Houanche were a part of the celebration’s colorful crowd. “Being honored by the village of Freeport is, to me, a dream come true so quickly,” he said, being the youngest honoree this year. “I’ve always loved Freeport and have always found myself back in Freeport one way or another. I do my best to be connected with the community and to help out wherever I can, so this is just, to me, a reason to keep going.” In addition to the hundreds of supporters who attended the celebration, local officials showed their support, including Freeport Mayor Robert T. Kennedy, Deputy Mayor Jorge Martinez, Village Trustees Evette Sanchez and Jacques Butler, and Town of Hempstead Councilman Chris Schneider.

Members of the Freeport Little League supported its president Jennifer Lascala-Gomez. The John W. Dodd Middle School Mariachi Club performed for the event. The Giblyn Hot Steppers from the Leo F. Giblyn Elementary School also performed for the Hispanic Heritage celebration in Freeport.

October 15, 2026 — FREEPORT HERALD

How will architects use A.I.? Ask The Architect

Q. There’s been a lot of controversy about A.I. lately, and I’m wondering what it has done for architects. Do you see a threat to your job, or has it been helpful? Will it lower the cost of architects? What do you see in the immediate future?

A. As Yogi Berra once said, the future ain’t what it used to be. It’s getting closer all the time. Artificial intelligence is a way to solve problems faster using computers. I wish it were so, that A.I. saved time and money, especially for planning, drawing and building. The process of developing a project — a renovation, addition or new building — has many stages. First there’s what’s referred to as “scope of work,” that is, putting together an outline of the needs to be fulfilled, the onte eeper study of limitations, such as laws (building and zoning codes) and physical restrictions (weather, water and other influences), the process of getting all the spaces to flow together and be sized well, the material selections, structural analysis, the creation of the pretty picture to make the project look good, then the process of documenting everything into a set of construction plans showing how all the thousands of parts go together. There will come a time when the assembly part of the process, on screen and paper, will be faster, because the computer processing is faster, but because each stage also includes human emotion, unwritten local rules and owner decisions, unless humans just step aside, the computer can’t read minds, at least not yet, and the process will still need human guidance for a long time to come. I’ve been able to develop artistic renderings of what a project will look like in an hour (with multiple voice command edits) instead of a day, but the computer will assemble parts in ways that may be physically impossible if not closely monitored, such as balconies protruding from buildings with no way to get out onto them, handrails running into windows, floors too thin to be structurally sound — blunders that a human can catch but A.I. hasn’t perfected, yet. Each part of the process has tasks that A.I. is helpful with, such as researching the most applicable section of a building code to determine if a selected window opening, set of stairs or fire safety equipment is correct. But A.I. can also select the wrong version of a law, one that’s outdated, and A.I. won’t know the difference. If a human doesn’t realize the error, problems move forward and can cause delays instead of saving time. Another problem is described as “garbage in, garbage out,” a phrase known in the computer industry since its beginnings. If the input isn’t clear and concise, the output is open to failure. Humans will need to sharpen their skills, too!

© 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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Criminal misChief On Sept. 29, Freeport police officers arrested a person for allegedly breaking a window at a local business without authority to do so. The accused was placed under arrest and transported to Freeport Police Headquarters.

Grand larCeny On Oct. 2, Freeport police officers arrested an individual who allegedly was found to have removed property for a local business without authority to do so. The individual was transported to Freeport Police Headquarters for arrest processing.

drivinG intoxiCated On Oct. 4, the Freeport Police Department arrested a subject who was stopped for a traffic violation and was soon after found to have been operat-

ing a motor vehicle while intoxicated. The subject was transported to Freeport Police Headquarters for arrest processing.

lost ProPerty On Sept. 29, Freeport police officers secured a report for an individual who misplaced their vehicle’s license plates following the sale of said vehicle. No criminality is currently suspected. On Oct. 2, the Freeport Police Department secured a report of a local condemned residence that had an unsecure window. The premises were resecured and no criminality is currently suspected. On Oct. 3, officers from the Freeport Police Department secured a report for an individual who found a New York State license plate laying on a roadway. The registered owner of the plate was unable to be contacted.

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.

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Beach Avenue in Freeport, Freeport resident Zaneta allegedly showed signs of Lachapelle was arrested by intoxication when she was the Freeport and Nassau stopped, and was arrested County police departments without incident. Her for alleged aggravated intoxdaughter was released into icated driving. Lachapelle’s the custody of a f amily 10-year-old daughter was in friend. the car with her at the time Lachapelle faces charges of her arrest in Freeport. of aggravated driving while Nassau County’s Public Information Office reports Zaneta LachapeLLe intoxicated, driving while intoxicated, endangering the that Lachapelle, 43, was welfare of a child, and variarrested on Oct. 9 at about 10:10 p.m. Freeport officers stopped ous traffic law violations. She was Lachapelle in her 2015 Nissan in the arraigned on Oct. 10 at the First Disvicinity of North Grove Street and trict Court in Hempstead. Lena Avenue. Lachapelle, who lives on North Long –Andrew Francis

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MLK and Bishop White parks get $150K The remaining $50,000 will go toward repairs at Bishop White Park, named after the late minister who led Freeport’s Zion Cathedral. Burroughs mentioned that the money will ensure the bathrooms are compliant under the Americans with Disabilities Act, making it accessible to more residents. The park, at 100 Parsons Ave., was previously called Northeast Park before being renamed in June 2017, a few months after the bishop’s death. His son, Frank A. White, currently serves as Zion Cathedral’s senior pastor and is the CEO of the Cedarmore Corporation, a church-affiliated community organization that frequently uses the park for its programs. On Oct. 7, Burroughs, Village of Freeport officials and members of the Free por t-Roosevelt Branch of the NAACP gathered on MLK Park’s currently cracked-filled basketball court to celebrate the state’s check presentation. “There’s a lot of time and effort put in here by our assemblyman to coordinate and actually provide this grant,” Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy said during the check presentation. “This is 25,000 square feet of new decking that will go in here and be sealed and repainted for our basketball courts. Our kids don’t have to run around in the streets at nighttime. We have it illumi-

Andrew Francis/Herald

the basketball court and bathrooms at martin Luther King Jr. park in freeport will be renovated, promising a better looking and more welcoming environment for residents. nated, the parks are open, and they can come here and play good, exciting basketball here.” Kennedy added that he appreciated Burroughs and the state deciding to fund the renovations without the possibility of raising taxes for village residents.

“There’s a lot more things that I want to do within this village,” Burroughs said during the check presentation, adding that he and Kennedy have expressed interest in obtaining funding to refurbish other village parks. “I’m happy and grateful that I could

do this,” he added. Kennedy declined to give a specific timeframe for when renovations at either park would be completed, but he said that once the village actually receives the funding, officials will promptly begin the process of bidding out contracts for the construction and deliver the new-look parks efficiently. Donna Raphael, president of the Freeport-Roosevelt NAACP, expressed her appreciation for the $150,000 state grant to renovate the two parks. “We are here to support and advocate so that our residents have a safe place to play, to convene, to be able to also meet with their families,” she said. “So, this (MLK) park, as well as Bishop White’s park, is extremely important for us to make sure that we work with the mayor and, of course, our assemblymember, Noah Burroughs.” Village Deputy Mayor Jorge Martinez also spoke about Freeport’s diversity, and how caring for the community’s public spaces helps better ensure everyone can feel adequately supported. “We’re probably the most diverse community in New York state or the country, so it’s really important that we have a nice balance at our parks,” he said. “Not only is education important, but also athletic support. So, it’s good for kids to come out here and enjoy (our parks).”

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FREEPORT HERALD — October 15, 2026

Continued from page 1

BRiNgiNg local spoRts home eVeRY weeK

spotlight athlete

HERALD SPORTS

Freeport knocking on playoff door By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com

JACKSON LANGEVIN OCEANSIDE Senior SOCCER TO SAY LANGEVIN has been on a tear this season would be an understatement. One of only two Nassau County boys soccer players to have double-digits in goals (12) and assists (11) entering this week’s action, he’s as big a reason as any Oceanside is close to securing the top seed in the Class AAA playoffs. The Sailors were undefeated through 13 games. Langevin’s top performance came Sept. 30 when he scored a hat trick in a 4-3 win over Syosset.

games to watch Friday, Oct. 16 Boys Volleyball: Lawrence at Hewlett...............4:30 p.m. Girls Soccer: Division at East Meadow............4:30 p.m. Girls Volleyball: Clarke at Lawrence ......................5 p.m. Girls Volleyball: Plainedge at V.S. North ................5 p.m. Football: Lynbrook at ERock/WHemp ..................6 p.m. Football: Mepham at Long Beach ........................6 p.m. Football: Plainedge at South Side .......................6 p.m. Football: Syosset at Farmingdale ....................6:30 p.m. Football: Port Wash at Oceanside. ..................6:30 p.m. Football: New Hyde Park at MacArthur.................7 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 17 Girls Soccer: Kellenberg at Oceanside ...............10 a.m. Girls Volleyball: Oceanside at Massapequa........10 a.m. Girls Volleyball: Lynbrook at V.S. South...............10 a.m. Girls Volleyball: Kennedy at Calhoun ..................10 a.m. Football: Bethpage at Wantagh.......................1:30 p.m. Football: Herricks at Uniondale ......................1:30 p.m. Football: Carey at Garden City ........................1:30 p.m. Football: Kennedy at Calhoun ........................1:30 p.m. Football: Roosevelt at Baldwin........................1:30 p.m. Football: Lawrence at North Shore..................1:30 p.m. Football: Massapequa at East Meadow ..........1:30 p.m. Football: Sewanhaka at Elmont ......................1:30 p.m. Football: Malverne at Seaford .............................2 p.m.

Give knee pain a red card.

Freeport’s girls’ soccer team is looking to make history. And the Red Devils aren’t interested in being one-hit wonders. There’s a chance the Red Devils, should they win out in their final two games of the season, make a longawaited return to the postseason. But even if Freeport falls just short of the Nassau Class AAA playof fs, the wheels are in motion for sustained success. The Red Devils enter the stretch drive of the regular season having won seven of their last eight games. A play-in playoff berth is possible should Freeport (7-3-0) win its final two games — a g ainst ‘AAA’ opponents Hicksville and Uniondale. “The focus for our team is making history, breaking through those ceilings. That’s what we’re going to continue to build towards. If it’s not this year, then the years to come,” Freeport coach Lauren Gates-McGee said. “We’re thinking long term. It’s more than just a season for us. With such a really young team, our focus is to continue to build the program.” It was a slow start for the Red Devils, who dropped their opening two matches to Valley Stream Central and Great Neck North. But those defeats came while Red Devils coaches Gates-McKee and Sarah Campbell were still tweaking the lineup. A 5-0 win over Hempstead on Sept. 9 followed, and Freeport started rolling, earning decisive victories against

Justine Stefanelli/Herald

Sabrina Ligone is a captain and part of a strong midfield that has the Red Devils at 7-3 with two games left. Malver ne/East Rockaway, Elmont and Great Neck South. The 6-1 triumph over Malverne/East Rockaway Sept. 18 was especially big for the Red Devils’ confidence. “The mor ning of that g a m e, we h a d t h e g i rl s exchange letters with each other. They drew names, and they just wrote what it meant to be a teammate with that player,” Gates-McGee said.

“We walked in not only with the mindset of manifesting that win and focusing on our technique and skill, but we also came in with this great togetherness that made us believe that every single game is winnable.” Even after a 5-1 defeat at Glen Cove on Sept. 30, the Re d D ev i l s i m m e d i at e ly rebounded to defeat Sewanhaka, Roosevelt and, last Saturday, Westbury, 7-0.

Junior Andrea Fuentes Chacon scored four goals in that victory against Westbury, while sophomore Keiry Herrera Martinez contributed three assists and Jerelyn Arevalo and Wendy Villeda added one goal and one assist apiece. Unlike last season, the scoring load is shared. Arevalo was a breakout star as a freshman. This season, as a sophomore captain, she has nine goals and six assists and has plenty of help in the attacking third. There’s Villeda, a freshman who has 14 goals and six assists and has scored a hat trick in four separate games, as well as the potent midfield partnership of freshman Khloe Salcedo and senior captain Sabrina Ligonde, who has 4 goals. That fearsome foursome has led the Red Devils to 47 goals on the season, good for third in Conference AAA/ AA-3. Helping lock things down defensively have been sophom o r e s C r i s t e l Re q u e n a Ramos and Haydee Gamboa Velasquez, who moved from central midfield to shore up the backline, which also features Her rera Mar tine z, wh i l e s e n i o r m i d f i e l d e r Rebecca Hernandez Guzman has dominated physically for a Freeport team that is also seeking success off the field. “Our team belief is character, academics, and then athletics,” Gates-McGee said. “Our players are not only successful on the pitch, but they’re also finding their pathway moving forward into post-secondary plans with their academics, and just being proud of their team and their community.”

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October 15, 2026 — FREEPORT HERALD

OC2003_RM_Herald_Strip_10.25x2.5_Heart.indd 1

9/2/26 2:46 PM

Mulé seeks sixth term in county’s 6th District aferrari@liherald.com

Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé is seeking a sixth term representing District 6, hoping to continue work on infrastructure improvements, affordable housing and several longstanding community projects in Baldwin and Freeport. Mulé, 64, a Democrat from Freeport, has served in the Legislature for nine years. Before that, she was a Freeport village trustee and a member of the Board of Education. With more than two decades in elected office, she said her experience and relationships with community organizations and government officials have helped her address constituents’ concerns. A social worker with a master’s degree in social work, Mulé said her background influences how she approaches public service. “I like the fact, again, it’s the social worker in me that I can help people in very little and impactful ways, big and small,” she said. If re-elected, Mulé hopes to complete several projects, including the restoration of the historic Kellogg House, in Baldwin. Exterior renovations have been completed, but the interior remains unfinished. She also wants to see the former Oakwood Beach Club property, in Baldwin transformed into public waterfront green space, though she acknowledged that the county does not own the property, complicating redevelopment efforts. Another priority is improving Freeport’s Brookside Preserve and expanding community involvement in its upkeep. Affordability is another central issue in her campaign. Mulé criticized the Republican majority in the Legislature for declining to consider proposals from Democrats, including a gas tax holiday and reductions in some county fees. She said that a gas tax holiday, similar to one previously approved with bipartisan support, would pro-

6 th LEGISLATIVE DISTRICT

Allyson Ferrari/Herald

Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé is campaigning for another term, focusing on affordability, infrastructure improvements and community revitalization. vide relief to residents facing higher fuel costs. Mulé also supports reducing mortgage recordingrelated fees and business licensing costs, arguing that some county charges place unnecessary financial burdens on residents. Addressing county spending, Mulé said that public safety funding should remain a priority, but she questioned the Blakeman administration’s increased reliance on outside legal counsel, which she believes presents an opportunity to reduce expenses. Housing affordability is another concern. Mulé supports increasing affordable housing for young adults

and seniors, including proposed developments in Baldwin and Freeport. She emphasized, however, that additional housing must be accompanied by infrastructure improvements. She pointed to aging sewer systems and past sinkholes along Grand Avenue in Baldwin as examples of infrastructure requiring attention. For Baldwin, Mulé identified downtown revitalization as a particularly pressing issue. Although the county has completed major roadway improvements along Grand Avenue, she said additional progress depends largely on the Town of Hempstead, which oversees zoning and development approvals. On public safety, Mulé supports strengthening cooperation between police and mental health professionals when responding to people experiencing crises. She also wants greater transparency in police recruitment, and more diversity. She believes her established relationships with county departments, school districts and local organizations distinguish her from her Republican challenger, Benjamin Jackson. Looking ahead, Mulé said constituents should judge her performance by tangible progress on projects such as the Kellogg House, Brookside Preserve and Oakwood Beach Club, along with infrastructure improvements and funding secured for District 6. “It’s a level of trust and a level of knowledge and a level of experience,” she said.

In repeat bid, Jackson focuses on affordability By ALLYSON FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com

After over four decades as a contractor and years of involvement in Freeport civic organizations, Benjamin Jackson says his approach to local government is rooted in a lesson he learned from his father: If you see a problem, don’t complain about it — do something about it. Jackson, 64, the Republican candidate in the County Legislature’s 6th District, is making another bid for the seat, with a focus on affordability, infrastructure, housing and public safety. The longtime Freeport resident said his experience as a business owner, zoning board member and president of the village Chamber of Commerce has shaped his belief that government can operate more efficiently while remaining responsive to residents. “I like helping people,” Jackson said. “I like getting things done.” Among his top concerns is affordability, which he said is closely tied to the tax burden on county residents. He argued that government should more closely scrutinize its spending and look for inefficiencies before committing additional taxpayer dollars. “I think taxes and affordability go hand in hand,” Jackson said. “I think we need somebody to actually look at it and say, ‘OK, why are we spending this money here? Can’t we do this a little differently?’” Reducing taxes, he said, could make homeownership more attainable, particularly as younger residents struggle with the combined costs of housing and property taxes. He also pointed to delays in the permitting process as another obstacle to affordability, argu-

Allyson Ferrari/Herald

Benjamin Jackson, a longtime Freeport resident and business owner, is the Republican candidate in the Nassau County Legislature’s 6th District. ing that development projects can be held up for years and that approvals could be streamlined without eliminating necessary oversight. Those affordability concerns extend to housing, an issue Jackson said requires balancing the county’s need for more homes with the capacity of its existing infrastructure. While he supports increasing the housing supply, including affordable housing, he said

that development should be approached community by community rather than with a one-size-fits-all strategy. “Do we need more housing? There’s no doubt about it,” Jackson said. “We need affordable housing. There’s no doubt about it.” Having served on Freeport’s zoning board for over a decade, Jackson described himself as pro-development, and said he supports transit-oriented development. He added, however, that additional housing should be accompanied by improvements to roads, sewers, water systems and utilities, and argued that local communities should play a role in determining how development moves forward. “Every community is different,” Jackson said. “The needs of every community are different.” Public safety is another of his priorities, and he said he wants to ensure that county police officers have the equipment and resources they need. He also pointed to traffic safety as a quality-of-life concern, recalling that he contacted Freeport officials about drivers speeding near his office, where there is also a school bus stop. Police subsequently stepped up enforcement in the area, he said. That same emphasis on addressing residents’ everyday concerns, Jackson said, would guide his approach if he were elected. He said he would maintain an opendoor policy and make himself readily available to constituents, while acknowledging that he wouldn’t be able to solve every problem. “Just watch what I do,” Jackson said when asked how residents could measure his performance. “I can’t guarantee I can fix everybody’s problem. I can’t get a cat out of the tree, but I will do my best.”

FREEPORT HERALD — October 15, 2026

By ALLYSON FERRARI

October 15, 2026 — FREEPORT HERALD

From the NFL and education to tackling policy By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com

Democratic Assemblyman Noah Burroughs, who represents New York’s 18th District, has kept himself busy in service of others since ending his professional football career in 2003. He credits his time as a civics teacher, and his father’s work as a civil rights leader, for having prepared him for his transition to local and state politics. Burroughs, 55, a Hempstead resident, was elected as a village trustee in 2021 after running unsuccessfully two years earlier. At the time, he taught civics, social studies and English in the Hempstead school district, but after concluding that local political representation was lacking, he decided to give up teaching and run for the Assembly. “I would have conversations with so many elected officials about the things that I wanted to do [in the community], and the answers were just wrong,” Burroughs said. He wanted, for example, to make scholarships more accessible to students, but when he shared the idea with an official, Burroughs recounted, the response was focused on athletic opportunities and ignored academic ones. The people who could help weren’t helping, he concluded, “so I said, if I continue to let this happen, there’s going to be a lot more kids left behind.” Burroughs won the District 18 seat in 2024 as the Democratic and Working Families candidate, and is hoping to be re-elected and take on more issues. Prioritizing building good relationships not only with constituents, but with government officials on both the state and local level, he said, has helped him effectively represent the district and provide needed resources

18 th ASSEMBLY DISTRICT

Christina Arlotta/Herald

Noah Burroughs plans to continue addressing infrastructural needs and affordability if he is re-elected to the Assembly to continue representing District 18. to its communities. One of his biggest triumphs, he said, was alleviating financial strain on public school districts. “Charter schools are really plaguing my district in particular,” Burroughs said. “The state aid that goes to [public] school districts is decreased because of charter schools. Roosevelt, Uniondale, Baldwin, West Hempstead — they’re getting affected.” This year, Burroughs said, he successfully fought for a 2 percent maximum increase for most school dis-

tricts’ budgets, to help ease their monetary stress. He also spoke proudly of planned investments in water infrastructure across the district, and recent development in Hempstead’s Mirschel Park, on Atlantic Avenue and Terrace Avenue, in what he described as traditionally one of the least desirable places in the community. “We wanted to invest in the worst part, which is in Hempstead, and that’s Terrace Avenue,” Burroughs said. “In the past it’s gotten a lot of negative press, but it’s a small amount of people that do these things. So we’re not going to shy away from investing in that part of the community.” While he acknowledged that an Assembly member’s role is limited when it comes to reducing taxes, Burroughs said he is committed to addressing the rising cost of utilities and insurance. And he added that what separates him from his challenger, Republican Charlene Jackson, is his greater understanding of politics and what he can promise. “One of the reasons that it was a smooth transition for me into politics is because I taught it,” Burroughs said. “I want to save money as much as possible. You got to understand your job, and I think that’s one of the things that I can bring, because people could come in, and they don’t understand government.”

Jackson is asking voters to look beyond the ‘R’ By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com

Charlene Jackson has worked for and with politicians for decades, from Democratic New York City Mayor Ed Koch in the 1980s to the current Republican Nassau County executive, Bruce Blakeman. Now, Jackson says, she is prepared to represent the residents of Hempstead, Lakeview, Roosevelt and parts of Freeport and Uniondale — the 18th Assembly District — in Albany. The 60-year-old Republican has worked in community assistance, research, education, criminal defense and consulting, and now serves as special counsel for the county assessor’s office. Jackson said she now sees a need for her to serve local communities in the political realm. “I was raised in a minority community and made a commitment to help uplift those communities,” she said. “Oftentimes what I see is that our communities are not making real choices when it comes to elections. We’d get candidates, but they wouldn’t necessarily be good candidates. And if they had a ‘D’ behind their name,” she added, referring to Democrats, “our communities, unfortunately, just press ‘D’ all the way. And so I’m challenging that.” Jackson said she has been a proud Republican since she was in college during the Reagan administration, and that she believes she shares “core values” with minority communities that should appeal to voters. Her extensive bureaucratic experience, she said, has given her an understanding of government that will help her improve constituents’ lives. “I understand how resources flow from the federal

Andrew Francis /Herald

Charlene Jackson, 60, says her long career of civil service and an understanding of family values would benefit her in representing the 18th Assembly District. government to the state to the county to the villages, townships, et cetera, and how we can . . . get a lot of resources based upon the demographics of the minority community,” Jackson said. Her priorities include small-business development, providing additional funding for school districts and addressing the rising cost of utilities across Long Island. “We shouldn’t have monopolies on our utilities

if they’re charging us anything and everything, and we have no control over that,” she said. “We really have to take a close look at that, to see where there are economies of scale and where we can make it more affordable.” Jackson expressed her opposition to what she called “unfunded mandates” from the Democratic state leadership that she said do not take into account the unique needs of some communities. She specifically called for community-by-community evaluation of taxation and housing policies. “We value the independent nature of our communities,” Jackson said. “We value the ability to be able to control and make decisions for our community. We don’t want stuff shoved down our throats.” Another initiative she said she is interested in developing in the Assembly is additional programs for students to explore a range of career opportunities, making training, internships and jobs more accessible to graduates of public schools. This can be done, she said, through grant writing, with which she has a great deal of experience, and using private funding to keep property taxes low. Jackson pledged to bring the “educational background, practical experience and proof of delivery” to district representation that she said her opponent, incumbent Noah Burroughs, cannot. She has criticized his introduction of legislation that she claims is more self-beneficial than community-oriented, like a now-defeated bill that would have reduced penalties for failure to pay child support. “I’m a community person,” she said. “This is not about Charlene. It’s about how I can be of service to my community.”

What’s neWs in and out of the classroom

Students at the Archer Street Elementary School in Freeport received 200 new backpacks to help them start the school year. The bags came thanks to partnerships between Freeport Public Schools and several community leaders. With high costs of living in and around Nassau County not being helped by the extensive needs students have for each school year, community partners stepped in to assist students at the Archer Street School. The community partners who contributed the bookbags were New York State Senator Siela Bynoe, Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé, JetBlue and José Cuevas, vice president of John F. Kennedy International Airport’s Terminal 5 Fraport USA. The Archer Street School community, which contains over 400 students, was significantly helped at the beginning of their 2026-2027 school year. “Our community partners play an important role in supporting our students and families,” Freeport Public Schools Superintendent Fia Davis said. “We are deeply grateful for their generosity and continued commitment to helping our students begin the school year prepared, confident and ready to learn.” –Andrew Francis

Courtesy Freeport Public Schools

School district administrators and local leaders rallied in support of the bookbag initiative at the Archer Street School.

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FREEPORT HERALD — October 15, 2026

HERALD SchoolS Archer Street School gets community support

Joshua Kugler takes the helm at Mount Sinai

October 15, 2026 — FREEPORT HERALD

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com Dr. Joshua Kugler has spent nearly 25 years caring for patients at Mount Sinai South Nassau. Now, he is taking on a new role at the Oceanside hospital, as it enters what he describes as one of the most consequential periods in its history. Kugler, 57, was recently named interim president of Mount Sinai South Nassau, succeeding Dr. Adhi Sharma, who retired earlier this summer after leading the hospital since 2021. Kugler, a longtime emergency medicine physician and former chair of the hospital’s Emergency Department, said his focus will be on continuing the hospital’s expansion while preserving the community-oriented culture that has kept him there for decades. “I am focused on the expansion of advanced services for our patients on the South Shore of Nassau County while ensuring the safety and well-being of our patients and staff,” Kugler said. The hospital has undergone a dramatic transformation in recent years, including the opening of the Fennessy Family Emergency Department and a four-story Feil Family Pavilion for expanded critical care capacity. The campus is also in the midst of bringing new surgical capabilities to the South Shore. On Sept. 29, four of nine newly constructed operating rooms opened, including highly specialized rooms designed for cardiac and neurological procedures. “It gives you a lot of perspective,” Kugler said. “Everybody is part of a team.” The expansion is part of a roughly $500 million capital program that has included new parking lots for staff and patients, a new cafeteria, the new operating rooms, and the emergency room. “They’re beautiful critical care spaces, and that’s about touching people when they’re at their most vulnerable,” he said. “People are vulnerable, the families are vulnerable, and patients can be at great risk. Now, we have beautiful spaces for them.” For Kugler, the growth represents more than new buildings and equipment. It is part of a long-running effort to give South Shore residents access to increasingly advanced care closer to home. “I was never a big fan of transplanting people,” Kugler said, recalling his years in the emergency department. “It’s really humbling as an emergency room doctor to stabilize a patient in the emergency room, connect with the family, and then have to tell them, ‘I’m sorry, we can’t provide the level of care needed here.’” Kugler said the ability to provide more complex care locally can ease the burden on patients and their families, particularly when serious illness requires repeated hospital visits. His connection to the South Shore extends well beyond his role at the hospital, giving him a personal investment in the community he serves. Kugler was born in Brooklyn and grew up on Long Island. Before becoming a physician, he worked as a lifeguard at Jones

Beach and Robert Moses and became an EMT, experiences that helped shape his desire to work in medicine. “Even during that time of my life, I really loved saving lives,” Kugler said. “I’ve always found myself moved by the ability to take care of others and giving myself to others.” He attended Duke University, where he earned a degree in zoology and physics, then subsequently served in the U.S. Navy. The Navy supported his medical education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, where he earned his medical degree in 1995 and continued his education at Harvard University, receiving a Master of Health Care Management. He later completed an emergency medicine residency at North Shore University Hospital, where he served as chief resident. Kugler joined Mount Sinai South Nassau in 2001 as an emergency medicine physician and became clinical chair of the Department of Emergency Medicine in 2004. He also served as chief medical officer from 2007 to 2009 before returning to lead the Emergency Department. He remained closely involved with the hospital through Superstorm Sandy, the aftermath and the closure of Long Beach Medical Center. After the storm devastated Long Beach, Kugler helped advocate for expanded emergency medical services on the barrier island. The effort eventually led to the development of Mount Sinai South Nassau’s emergency department in Long Beach, which he said was intended to ensure residents could receive care without having to cross the bridge to Oceanside. “They felt isolated by the superstorm.

People left, doctors left, offices closed. Urgent care was the most important thing,” Kugler explained. “They wanted to stay home, and they deserved to have the same access to care.” His involvement in Long Beach continued through his role as the city’s medical director. “I think the bottom line there is that you build trust with people,” Kugler said. “And in healthcare, now more than ever, we need to build trust.” That philosophy is also how he approaches his new position. “This hospital has always done amazing things for the community,” Kugler said. “But beyond that, we are part of that community.” As interim president, Kugler is particularly focused on the safety and wellbeing of patients and staff, as well as the challenges facing the healthcare workforce. He pointed to staffing pressures, an aging workforce and the increasing number of older patients requiring care as challenges facing hospitals nationwide. “Safety and wellbeing are my top priorities, but I worry about the burnout and the fact that society has so much pressure on it right now,” Kugler said. For Kugler, that growth and mission is closely tied to the hospital’s relationship with the larger Mount Sinai Health System. The combination of clinical care, research and medical education gives Mount Sinai South Nassau access to expertise and resources that can be brought to patients on Long Island. “The idea that ‘we find a way’ is really true here,” Kugler said. “We always find a way to take care of our patients and do it in a better, more meaningful, compassion-

Courtesy Mount Sinai South Nassau

Dr. Joshua Kugler has been named interim president of Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital.

ate way.” As he takes over the hospital, Kugler said he hopes to maintain that culture while building on the foundation established by Sharma. His next chapter, he said, will be defined by continued growth, but also by maintaining personal connection that he believes distinguishes the hospital. “As long as you treat everyone with respect, something I have learned, very early on in my career, is that everybody is important, and everybody has a superpower,” Kugler said. “My job is to help everyone be successful in their own ways. I am honored to lead our team during this critical time.”

Kugler is taking the lead for MSSN amid its expansion, which includes nine new operating rooms.

Courtesy Mount Sinai South Nassau

News brief Tax preparer fleeced IRS out of millions

F ree por t resident David Chaplin was sentenced on Oct. 8 to 23 and a half years to life for alle gedly kidnapping and assaulting an estranged girlfriend in 2024. Chaplin reportedly threatened the victim for several weeks after the incident before she reported his actions to law enforcement. Chaplin, 58, was convicted on June 23 in Nassau County related to a long list of charges levHerald file ied against him by the Nassau David Chaplin faces 23 and a half years to life County District Attor ney’s for charges including assault, drug possession office on behalf of the unnamed victim. and endangering the welfare of a child. The charges include kidnapout of fear of retaliation from Chaplin. ping in the second de g ree, The victim sustained multiple injuattempted assault in the first degree, criminal possession of a controlled ries in the assault, including a broken substance in the fourth degree, assault arm and orbital bone. She reportedly stopped seeing the in the second degree, three counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the defendant, yet, she remained in contact third degree, endangering the welfare with him. The county district attorof a child, menacing in the second ney’s office says that this was due to her degree, aggravated harassment in the affection for the defendant’s daughter. On July 4, 2024, the victim tried to second degree and criminal contempt drop off several items for the child at in the second degree. “David Chaplin kidnapped his vic- Chaplin’s house, but was confronted by tim, subjected her to extreme violence Chaplin as she returned to her car. He allegedly brandished a gun and threatand threatened her over the course of weeks to manipulate her,” said Nassau ened her with it if she reported his County District Attorney Anne Donnel- actions to law enforcement. Two days later, Chaplin texted the ly. “The woman courageously came forward despite fearing for her life, and victim and said he was going to shoot because of her bravery this defendant and kill her, which prompted her to finally contact the authorities. The will now spend decades behind bars.” Donnelly detailed in a press release Freeport Police Department, with that according to the investigation, the assistance from the Nassau County victim and Chaplin were dating when Police Department, arrested Chaplin she visited him and his two-year-old the same day. During the arrest, Chaplin was daughter one day. Following an argument between the two adults, Chaplin found to be in possession of cocaine. In assaulted the victim and beat her with a subsequent search of his home, which his fists and a wooden “bat-like object.” Chaplin consented to, police found an unloaded and defaced firearm that was All of this occurred in the vicinity of determined to still be operable. Chaplin’s daughter. This case is being prosecuted by The victim reported that she was in and out of consciousness for hours Assistant District Attorney Louis Stoafter the assault. The next morning, ber and Deputy District Court Bureau she went to the hospital, where medical Chief Melissa Salsone. The defendant staff notified the police about her inju- is represented by Donald Rollock, Esq. ries. However, the victim did not speak –Andrew Francis to law enforcement officers, reportedly

PUBLIC NOTICE

than $1 million in fees for her services for these false returns, which included a percentage of any tax refund clients got. As a result of Beltre’s scheme that went on for years, the IRS improperly issued nearly $11 million in tax refunds to her clients and failed to collect several millions of dollars. As a result, Beltre will have to pay back the U.S. government $11,629,000 in restitution. “Beltre conducted a massive fraud on the government by falsifying documents and brazenly lying in order to line her own pockets with taxpayer money,” said Joseph Nocella Jr., U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. “Today’s sentencing should serve as a warning to corrupt tax preparers that federal programs and the treasury are not ATMs that they can loot with impunity, and also that the price to pay for such brazen conduct is a prison sentence.” The IRS’ Criminal Investigation unit was also a part of the investigative efforts, and Special Agent in Charge Harry T. Chavis Jr. took time to condemn Beltre’s actions further. “Beltre’s fraudulent PPP [Paycheck Protection Program] loans which she used to buy a home in the Dominican Republic are the antithesis of what these funds were intended for,” he said. –Andrew Francis

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A Freeport woman, Damaris Beltre, was sentenced to four years in prison in federal court in connection to charges of wire fraud and preparing false tax returns. Beltre will have to pay over $11.6 million in restitution in connection to her crimes. Beltre, 59, was sentenced on Oct. 8 in a Central Islip federal court by U.S. District Judge Sanket J. Bulsara following her guilty plea on Jan. 28. Beltre admitted to defrauding the U.S. Small Business Administration by submitting false Covid-19 aid applications in her capacity as a company owner. Beltre owned and operated multiple corporate entities based in Freeport that offered tax preparation and other financial services. From approximately Jan. 2021 through April 2024, Beltre allegedly prepared and supervised employees who helped her prepare false and fraudulent individual income tax returns for her taxpayer-clients, and then submitted them to the Internal Revenue Service, IRS. The tax returns that Beltre prepared and had prepared for her clients listed false dependents and fraudulently claimed tens of millions of dollars in Covid-19-related tax credits and motor fuel income tax credits to directly reduce tax liability and provide refunds to clients that they were not entitled to. Beltre’s clients reportedly paid more

FREEPORT HERALD — October 15, 2026

Man gets 25 years to life for kidnapping girlfriend

October 15, 2026 — FREEPORT HERALD

Atkinson students hop on the Learning Bus Continued from page 1

room,” McNeil said. “So they were able to partner through a grant and make this possible for us.” Recent activities in which Molloy students led Atkinson grade- schoolers included crafting “g ratitude jars” and dissecting owl pellets — the undigested parts of an owl’s food. Some of the college students expressed their appreciation for the opportunity to work with the kids from Freeport. Vicky “This experiGiouroukakis ence has been Associate dean, amazing for me,” Molloy University Brianna Paino, a School of Education senior education and Human Services student, stated. “We get to teach the same lesson repetitively and see a variety of different classes. The repetition helps me to practice and gain confidence with my teaching skills.” D’Onna Brown, a junior social work major, also wrote in a statement, “These

e really value this collaboration, and we hope to partner with them again in the future.

Courtesy Sydney Donovan

Hundreds of freeport students are taking part in the Learning Bus program. teaching experiences help build my confidence when speaking in front of others and participating in group activities. … I believe this will help me in my

LOCAL CARE, WHEN YOU NEED IT

future career as a social worker.” Giouroukakis explained that Molloy is currently renting the Learning Bus from BioBus thanks to a grant from the

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HECTOR MELGAR, DPT Hector Melgar is a loving husband, proud father of three daughters, and passionate servant of God and his community. He was born in El Salvador, but lived in Brentwood 30 years. He is a doctor of Physical Therapy and a Board-certified specialist in clinical electrophysiologic testing. He graduated Cume Laude from Hunter College school of Physical Therapy, in the year 2000, and got his clinical

doctoral degree from Montana University in 2017. He has been serving the Brentwood, Bay Shore, and Central Islip communities for 24 years. He is best known for his excellence in spine and orthopedic rehabilitation. He is the founder and president of Clinica Bienestar an article 28 diagnosis and treatment center. Clinica BIENESTAR, has allowed him to achieve his professional goal to provide quality and multidisciplinary health care services in one-stopshop. His professional goal is to provide the best healthcare services in the Brentwood community where families may receive comprehensive and expeditious medical services with a tender touch of personal care.

October 15, 2026

awareness

We’re Stronger Together

FREEPORT HERALD — October 15, 2026

body / mind / fitness

October 15, 2026 — FREEPORT HERALD

Request your FREE copy of Dr. Darrow’s Book, Preventing Decline Visit: HBCAbookoffer.com

Don’t wait until hearing loss changes your life. MAKE YOUR HEARING A PRIORITY. Call today to schedule your comprehensive hearing evaluation.

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There are Eight Things You May Not Know About Your Hearing

ctober is National Audiology Awareness Month. Hearing loss rarely arrives as silence. More often, people sound as though they mumble, restaurants become exhausting, and the television gets louder. Dr. Keith Darrow of Hearing and Brain Centers of America shares eight things worth knowing. 1. You hear with your brain. Ears collect sound; the brain interprets it. When signals weaken, listening takes more effort. Hearing loss can increase cognitive strain even when it seems mild. 2. Hearing is not understanding. You may hear someone speaking yet miss the words, especially in background noise. A speech-innoise test can reveal difficulties a screening misses. 3. Listening can be tiring. Straining to follow conversation may leave you fatigued, irritable or struggling to remember what was said.

4. Hearing affects connection. Repeated misunderstandings can lead people to withdraw from family gatherings and activities they enjoy. 5. Ringing deserves attention. Persistent or worsening tinnitus should be evaluated. It may affect sleep, focus and mood. Sudden hearing loss requires immediate medical care. 6. Balance matters too. Hearing and balance systems share the inner ear. Dizziness, unsteadiness or unexplained falls

warrant assessment. Sudden or severe symptoms need medical attention. 7. Noise adds up over time. Lower earbud volume, take breaks from loud places and wear hearing protection when needed. Ringing after loud events is a warning sign. 8. Care continues beyond a device. A comprehensive evaluation, individualized treatment and followup help address hearing clarity and changing needs.

Hearing loss has been associated with cognitive decline, falls and social isolation, though it does not by itself cause dementia. Dr. Darrow encourages people to catch changes early. If conversations are becoming work, consider a comprehensive hearing evaluation. To schedule with Hearing and Brain Centers of America, visit hearingandbraincenters.com or call (516) 212-0691. Request Dr. Darrow’s book, Preventing Decline, at www.hbcabookoffer.com.

Call (516) 212-0691 or visit www.hearingandbraincenters.com to schedule your appointment today!

Herald Content Studio articles are produced by the Herald's marketing division and independent of the newsroom. The Herald may be compensated by featured companies or purchases made through these articles, which does not constitute the Herald's endorsement.

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Established to provide comprehensive resources to women for issues pertaining to breast health and disease. Programs and services are designed to assist patients and families to manage their diagnosis, treatment and recovery.

SUSAN G. KOMEN FOR THE CURE The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation site provides updated cancer research and offers practical breast health tips. The site also includes information about Race for the Cure. A helpline is available. Susan G. Komen for the Cure 877 GO KOMEN (800-462-9273) ww5.komen.org

LIVING BEYOND BREAST CANCER LBBC is a national nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering all women affected by breast cancer to live as long as possible with the best quality of life. Programs and services include the helpline, conferences, teleconferences, networking programs, newsletters, publications and recordings. Living Beyond Breast Cancer Survivors’ Helpline 888-753-5222 www.lbcc.org

BREAST CANCER HELP, INC. Since its inception, Breast Cancer Help has taken a multlipronged approach to combating breast cancer on Long Island, according to the organization. Breast Cancer Help, Inc. 745-520-3075 breastcancerhelpinc.org

CANCER CARE, INC. Provides support services (including on-line and on-site support groups), education, information, referrals and financial assistance. A Long Island office is located in Woodbury. Cancer Care, Inc. 800-813-HOPE 516-364-8130 (Long Island) www.cancercare.org

Lean on Me Breast Cancer Network Inc. 516-829-6609 www.leanonmebcn.com

MID NASSAU LEND A HELPING HAND, INC LAHH provides customized services to breast cancer patients in hopes of relieving some of the stress and worry a cancer diagnosis and ensuing treatment creates. It addresses the needs of women in the Long Island communities of Carle Place, Garden City, Hempstead, East Meadow, Mineola, Westbury and Uniondale. Mid Nassau Lend A Helping Hand, Inc. (LAHH) 888-420-1030

HEWLETT HOUSE Hewlett House, located in Hewlett, is a community learning resource center offering many support programs, outreach, education, research, Reiki, Tai Chi, chair yoga, wig program, counseling, art center, music and pet therapy. All at no charge in a home enviornment. Hewlett House 516-374-3190 hewlett-house.org

PATIENT ADVOCATE FOUNDATION Co-pay relief program provides direct financial support to insured patients, who must financially and medically qualify to access pharmaceutical co-payment assistance. The Foundation also assists patients with medical debt crisis, insurance access issues and job retention. Patient Advocate Foundation 866-512-3861 www.copays.org

NATIONAL LYMPHEDEMA NETWORK Nonprofit organization that provides patients and professionals with information about prevention and treatment of this complication of lymph node surgery. Call the hotline for referrals. National Lymphedema Network 800-541-3259 www.lymphnet.org

Knowledge is power

SUPPORT/RESOURCE

continued from page 6

SHARE: SUPPORT SERVICES FOR WOMEN WITH BREAST OR OVARIAN CANCER

Offers peer-led support to women with breast or ovarian cancer, their families and friends. Services include hotlines, support groups, wellness programs, educational forums and advocacy activities. SHARE: Support Services for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancer 866-891-2392 www.sharecancersupport.org

AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY The American Cancer Society is a nationwide, community-based health organization dedicated to the fight against cancer. Free information on treatment, reconstruction, sexuality and relationships. Offers prevention, education, advocacy, emotional support and other services for all types of cancer and referrals for the ACSsponsored “Reach for Recovery” program. American Cancer Society 800-ACS-2345 www.cancer.org

Y-ME NATIONAL BREAST CANCER ORGANIZATION Provides support, counseling and information. Tips for talking with family and friends (including children). Partner Match program, a service for those supporting women through breast cancer, and a guide, When the Woman You Love Has Breast Cancer. Also Your Shoes, a 24/7 breast cancer peer support center. Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization 800-221-2141 www.y-me.org

LONG BEACH BREAST CANCER COALITION This group’s mission is to promote awareness, advocate for increased funding for research into the causes of breast cancer, and for improved methods of detection and treatment; and assistance in securing access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment. Long Beach Breast Cancer Coalition 516-943-3404 longbeachbcc.com

ROCKVILLE CENTRE BREAST CANCER COALITION

NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE

Education and advocacy of breast cancer research, providing support services to those in Rockville Centre and neighboring towns who have been diagnosed with breast cancer.

Provides information on all aspects of cancer and on clinical trials.

Dedicated to addressing the concerns and issues unique to young women with breast cancer.

National Cancer Institute 800-4-CANCER www.cancer.gov

Young Survival Coalition 877-YSC-1011 www.youngsurvival.org

CLEANING FOR A REASON

LEAN ON ME BREAST CANCER NETWORK

The Breasties mission is to empower those affected by breast and reproductive cancers by igniting strength and positivity through connection, free retreats, wellness activities, events and an all-inclusive resourceful online community. The hope is to spread the message that whatever you are going through — you are not alone. The Breasties thebreasties.org

House cleaner service at no charge, each person with cancer receives one general house cleaning per month for two consecutive months. Note from doctor needed.

Network that provides free support services to breast cancer patients and their families, including education, wellness seminars, group support and annual retreat. Patient care packages include information kits, necessity bags, wigs, and post-surgical bras and fittings.

A WORLD OF PINK (AWOP)

Educational breast health programming focusing on breast cancer prevention, healthy lifestyle choices, early detection and risk reduction. Presentations offered at no charge for high schools, colleges, community groups and businesses. Maurer Foundation For Breast Health Education 631-524-5151 www.maurerfoundation.org

Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition www.rvcbcc.org

THE BREASTIES

This nonprofit is a health facility dedicated to providing comprehensive aftercare and education for all women who have chosen or due to health reasons undergo breast surgery. A World of Pink (AWOP) 516-513-1275 • 631-364-9684 aworldofpink.com

CASTING FOR RECOVERY Unique retreat program that combines breast cancer education and peer support with the therapeutic sport of fly-fishing, at no cost to participants. Casting For Recovery 631-252-7195 www.castingforrecovery.org

MANHASSET WOMEN’S COALITION AGAINST BREAST CANCER (MWCABC) Helps residents of Manhasset and nearby communities who are coping with breast cancer. Outreach Program provides information, emotional support, wellness retreats, gifts of hope, housecleaning, financial assistance and transportation services. Manhasset Women’s Coalition Against Breast Cancer (MWCABC) 516-627-2410 www.manhassetbreastcancer.org

NUMC BREAST IMAGING CENTER

PINK AID

Screenings with no out-of-pocket expense for those in need. Also providers of Cancer Services Program, a comprehensive cancer-screening and counseling service where breast, cervical and colorectal screenings are regularly performed free of charge for women and men who qualify. NUMC Breast Imaging Center 516-572-3300 www.numc.edu/our-services/diagnosticimaging/

Through a partnership with Support Connection, Pink Aid offers a support hotline for breast cancer patients and survivors. Services offered include ongoing emotional support and navigational support to help in finding resources. The hotline is open Monday to Friday yearround. Pink Aid 1-800-532-4290 www.pinkaid.org

Cleaning For A Reason 877-337-3348 www.cleaningforareason.org

MAURER FOUNDATION FOR BREAST HEALTH EDUCATION

PINK PURSE Provides emergency aid for individuals who need support due to their breast cancer diagnosis. Funds are offered to help pay for non-medical, household expenses. Pink Purse www.pinkaid.org/pa/pink-aid-pink-purse

CURE MOMMY’S BREAST CANCER Financial assistance, moral support, and educational information to those in need of financial assistance while suffering the burdens of breast cancer as well as other forms of cancer. Assistance with insurance premiums, rent, utility bills, home cleaning services, and transportation costs to special schools for sick children. Cure Mommy’s Breast Cancer 516-967-1148 www.curemommy.org

YOUNG SURVIVAL COALITION

Lean On Me Breast Cancer Network 516-829-6609 leanonmeny@gmail.com www.leanonmeny.org

THE FIVE WISHES The Five Wishes refers to a comprehensive approach that discusses advanced directives with individuals and families. The Five Wishes offers legal documents, support resources for patients and professionals, and links to pertinent information that social workers often use with individuals dealing with a lifethreatening illness. The Five Wishes 850-681-2010 info@fivewishes.org www.fivewishes.org

ROCKING THE ROAD FOR A CURE Rocking the Road for a Cure Inc., is a community-based non-profit organization founded to provide free educational and homebound wellness programs, case management, counseling, recreational therapy and other support services for women and men going through the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Rocking The Road For A Cure 516-417-1911 rockingtheroadforacure@gmail.com https://rockingtheroadforacure.org

SHARSHERET

Free mammograms, ultrasounds, molecular breast imaging and biopsies to qualified medically underserved and uninsured residents of Nassau and Suffolk County.

A national organization of cancer survivors dedicated to addressing the unique concerns of young Jewish women facing breast cancer. It also provides culturally sensitive support to young Jewish women who are newly diagnosed with breast cancer as well as to those facing the risk of developing breast cancer, and offers related resources for Jewish communities and health care organizations.

Mercy Medical Center Breast Cancer Survivorship Program 516-705-1399 mercymedicalcenter.chsli.org

Sharsheret 866-474-2774 info@sharsheret.org www.sharsheret.org

MERCY MEDICAL CENTER BREAST CANCER SURVIVORSHIP PROGRAM

FREEPORT HERALD — October 15, 2026

CANCER Guide BREAST

October 15, 2026 — FREEPORT HERALD

HEALTH MEMO

Comprehensive breast cancer care close to home

early 2,400 women on preserve as much of the Long Island (and nearly healthy breast and 300,000 in the United States) surrounding tissue as possible. will be diagnosed with breast If mastectomy, an operation to cancer over the next year. remove the breast, is required, Studies indicate that breast there are many options for cancer patients who get their breast reconstruction. These care close to home achieve include implant and tissue better health outcomes and reconstruction and nipplequality of life. sparing mastectomy, among Mount Sinai South Nassau others. remains committed to offering Implant reconstruction a community-based, involves placing the implant comprehensive, and beneath the skin and over the collaborative network of breast chest muscle. If safe and health services. appropriate for the patient, Christine Hodyl, DO In addition to the new breast nipple-sparing mastectomy Director of Breast Health Services at imaging, biopsy, and removes breast tissue, but Mount Sinai South Nassau and her team chemotherapy services at provide a full range of clinical and support leaves the nipple, areola, and services for breast cancer patients. Mount Sinai-Wantagh, the breast skin intact. Other hospital’s network includes approaches require taking Mount Sinai Doctors-Greenlawn Breast Health, excess tissue from another part of the body and the Gertrude & Louis Feil Cancer Center in transferring it to the chest wall. This procedure Valley Stream, Mount Sinai South Nassau Breast is known for its long-lasting results and natural Health, and Mount Sinai South Nassau Women’s appearance. Imaging in Oceanside. Surgery for invasive breast cancer may also “Our physicians work together to provide the involve nearby lymph nodes. Additional full spectrum of clinical and support services, treatments, such as hormonal therapy, radiation from clinical studies to screening and diagnosis therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of to treatment and counseling,” said Christine them, may follow surgery. To reduce hair loss Hodyl, DO, Director of Breast Health Services. during chemotherapy, eligible patients are Detecting cancer in its earliest stage saves offered DigniCap® scalp cooling therapy. lives. The American Cancer Society recommends As an approved National Clinical Trial that women may begin annual screening Network Affiliate site within the Mount Sinai mammograms at age 40. However, for those at Health System, Mount Sinai South Nassau is increased risk due to genetic mutations like seeking patients for a clinical study to BRCA1/BRCA2, or women who have received determine whether digital mindfulness radiation therapy in the past to treat cancers meditation-based intervention can support the such as breast, lung or esophageal the screening mental health of younger breast cancer recommendation is as early as age 30. survivors with symptoms of depression. The Radiologists at the Center for Women’s study compares the effectiveness of live, Imaging use advanced technologies, including instructor-led mindfulness intervention delivered digital mammography, high-resolution over Zoom to an app-based, self-paced ultrasound, and breast MRI, to detect breast program. disease in its earliest stage. Genetic counseling Eligible participants include breast cancer is also available. survivors who were diagnosed at or before age If a malignant lesion is detected, Dr. Hodyl 50, have completed their primary treatment at and Mount Sinai South Nassau’s team of breast least six months before the trial start date, and surgeons use advanced techniques that aim to report depressive symptoms. Call (516) 632-

3312 or (516) 632-3349 for enrollment information. Education and advocacy are essential pillars of the comprehensive care provided by Mount Sinai South Nassau Breast Health, which will host its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Event on Tuesday, Oct. 20 from 10 a.m.–2 p.m. in the hospital’s conference center. To register, call (516) 632-3346. Meanwhile the Center for Women’s Imaging (located at 440 Merrick Road), in collaboration with the hospital’s Community Education Department, will host its annual No-cost Breast Screening Day on Sunday, October 25. An appointment is required and can be scheduled by calling (516) 255-8220. The hospital’s Vaxmobile offers no-cost, no-appointmentnecessary breast cancer risk assessment. For the Vaxmobile’s schedule, email vaxmobile@ mountsinai.org or call (516) 377-5333. Mount Sinai South Nassau is accredited by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers and is an American College of Radiology-designated Comprehensive Breast Imaging Center. To schedule a consultation or for more information, call (516) -632-3350 or visit mountsinai.org/southnassau

One Healthy Way Oceanside, NY 11572 • 877-SOUTH-NASSAU (877-768-8462) • www.mountsinai.org/southnassau Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

FREEPORT HERALD — October 15, 2026

Breast Cancer Awareness Month Event Knowing breast cancer exists is not enough. Join us for a seminar on breast health. Guest Speakers:

Christine Hodyl, Director, Breast Services

Jessica Coyer, PsyD, PMH-C Manager, Ambulatory Behavioral Health

Mindy Scheer, DO Director of Breast Imaging, Center for Women’s Imaging

Gail Crawford, MSN, RN Clinical Program Manager

Diana Tjaden, PT, DPT, CLT Clinical Director, Full Circle Ivy Rehab

Geri Barish Executive Director, Hewlett House

Joanna Formont, LMHC Executive Director, SIBSPlace

Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 10 am - 2 pm Mount Sinai South Nassau Conference Center IN-PERSON, or on ZOOM for those unable to join in person. Registration required for Zoom, please register by October 18 by scanning the QR Code, or by visiting: https://mountsinai.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_m5v_WuUyTDSIu0HBM4RVfQ#/registration For more information, please call Camiele Ward, 516-632-3350. Early Detection Saves Lives | La Detección Temprana Salva Vidas This event designates 3 CME / CNE *None of the planners for this educational activity have relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. *The speaker has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose. *No commercial support was received for this activity. Mount Sinai South Nassau is accredited by The Medical Society of the State of New York (MSSNY) to provide continuing medical education for physicians. Mount Sinai South Nassau designates this live activity for a maximum of (3) AMAPRA Category 1 Credits.™ Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

October 15, 2026 — FREEPORT HERALD

OVERCOME THROUGH COURAGE & STRENGTH

Let’s ﬁnd a cure! RICHNER From all of us at

C O M M U N I C A T I O N S

2 Endo Blvd., Garden City • 516-569-4000

INC

Gospel stars take tour stop in Freeport

FREEPORT HERALD — October 15, 2026

Award-winning gospel music group Anthony Brown and group therAPy and fellow star artist Maurette Brown Clark made a stop in Freeport as a part of their concert tour. Zion Cathedral was the second stop on the 11-city tour titled “The Therapy Tour.” Concertgoers filed into Zion Cathedral on Oct. 9 for concert and worship experience. Prior to the Freeport concert, which is the only concert stop in the Northeast U.S., the tour kicked off on Oct. 2 at the Transformation Center Church in Savannah, Georgia. The Therapy Tour is advertised as a spiritually healing experience through the presence of God. The next tour stop is Oct. 16 at the New Generation Church in Mobile, Alabama. The rest of the stops will be in North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, Delaware and Tennessee. The tour will conclude on Nov. 13 at the Morning Star Baptist Church in Woodlawn, Maryland. Doretha Sampson, Shirley Daley, Ashia Bello, Nicole Wilson, Cherlita Claiborne, Martellies Warren, Gabriel Hansborough and Javan Bowden make up group therAPy, which got its start with Brown in a self-titled album in August 2012. The album reached an 130th placement in The Billboard 200 and 3rd on the Gospel Albums charts. Since then, the group has released six more albums in addition to singles,

Deliah Roberts/Herald

Zion Cathedral’s Bishop Frank A. White, center in jacket, hosted Anthony Brown, members of group therAPy, and Maurette Brown Clark in the church’s sanctuary. highlighted by songs like “Worth” and “Trust in You.” Maurette Brown Clark, a Long Island native, is a more seasoned gospel artist, having several albums chart highly on the Billboard Gospel Albums

since her solo debut in 1998. Prior to that, Clark was a part of Richard Smallwood’s singing group Vision since its inception in 1996 before his death late last year. She has released five solo albums

Friday, November 20, 2026 8:00AM - 12:30PM | Registration at 7:30AM Hilton Long Island, Melville Keynote Speaker

Erin Colton Lead Anchor News 12 Long Island

Featured Executive Panel Carol Allen President + CEO People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union HIA-LI Board Member

Terri Alessi-Miceli President & CEO HIA-LI

Carol Gomes CEO & COO Stony Brook University Hospital

Anne Shybunko-Moore CEO and Owner GSE Dynamics Inc. HIA-LI Board Member

Moderator Domenique Camacho Moran Partner Farrell Fritz P.C.

Keynote

Featuring

Legacy Award

Executive Panel

Breakout Sessions Vendors Networking

To purchase tickets, visit www.hia-li.org

For more information on sponsorship opportunities, contact Anthony Forgione at aforgione@hia-li.org or call (631) 708-9005 UBS ARENA | BELMONT PARK, NY

with songs “Just Want to Praise You” and “It Ain’t Over” as standouts. To learn more about The Therapy Tour, please visit thetherapytour.com. –Andrew Francis

October 15, 2026 — FREEPORT HERALD

STEPPING OUT The Knights with Emanuel Ax

Courtesy Mike Pollock Courtesy Schirmer Theatrical

There’s something strange in the neighborhood … “Ghostbusters returns to the big screen.”

Jack o’lanterns illuminate the season, hand carved to perfection.

The spirits are stirring Cue the season of spooks

By Karen Bloom

he nights are getting longer, the pumpkins are glowing and Halloween is officially in the air. It’s time to embrace the spooky season. Let’s get started! Follow the glow: The Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns Pumpkin patches have their moment. But a pumpkin trail? Now that’s a Halloween tradition worth following. This fall, the wooded grounds of Usdan Summer Camp for the Arts in Wheatley Heights once again become a glowing autumn wonderland for The Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns. The 4,200-foot loop winds through the property, surrounded by more than 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins and illuminated objects — 10,000 glowing elements in all — creating a dazzling nighttime spectacle that feels part art show, part Halloween celebration and part magical mystery tour. Now in its 13th season on Long Island, Rise has become a seasonal favorite for families, pumpkin enthusiasts and anyone who enjoys a little October magic. Along the trail, pumpkins of all shapes, sizes and personalities light the way, joined by colorful inflatables and other illuminated creations. And just when you think you’ve seen it all, there’s even a spot to stop and show off your dance moves, complete with disco lights and music. Because what Halloween adventure would be complete without a little dancing? Longtime fans may remember Rise from its first eight seasons at Old Westbury Gardens. Its current home at Usdan offers something new: a longer trail that allows visitors to wander deeper into the woods and enjoy a more immersive experience. “We found this trail to be perfect,” says Mike Pollock, executive producer of Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns. “The entire trail is wooded, which allows us to deliver the most gorgeous show we’ve ever done! The trail is longer than in the past so your experience will be longer! This is the spookiest walk on Long Island.” Spooky, yes. Frightening, no. There are no creatures lurking in the shadows, no actors

jumping out along the path and no surprise scares. As Pollock puts it simply: “No scares.” Instead, the magic comes from the pumpkins themselves. A team of 100 handpicked artists carves each one individually, giving the jack o’lanterns an impressive range of personalities and expressions — from eerie and sinister to goofy and downright adorable. Taken together, the thousands of glowing creations turn the trail into an enormous outdoor gallery of Halloween art. The spectacle certainly has a following. About 40,000 visitors make their way through the trail each year, taking in the glowing pumpkins, snapping photos and soaking up the sights, sounds and spirit of the season. Walk at your own pace — it takes anywhere from 45 minutes to one hour and 15 minutes — to enjoy it all. “The artistry of these pumpkins is spectacular and you will not see anywhere else,” Pollock adds. So grab a sweater, gather the family and follow the glow. The Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns is open weekends and select weeknights through Nov. 1. Tickets must be purchased online at jackolanterns. com; no tickets are available on site. The trail is located at 185 Colonial Springs Road, Wheatley Heights. Ready for some slime? Who ya gonna call? Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, of course. The LIU Post campus gets a serious dose of supernatural fun when Ghostbusters in Concert arrives Sept. 20 at 6:30 p.m., bringing the beloved 1984 comedy classic to the big screen — with a live orchestra, plenty of ’80s nostalgia and a whole lot of Halloween spirit. The film screening may be the highlight, but Families are encouraged to arrive at 4:30 p.m. for Halloween-themed festivities in the Goldsmith Atrium. Expect ’80s hits performed live, a costume contest judged by the Tilles Cabaret Company — made up of LIU musical theater students — plus prizes, photo opportunities, snacks and plenty of chances to get into the spirit before the ghosts take over. And yes, there will be an Ectomobile. An on-site replica of the Ghostbusters’ iconic vehicle will be on display, courtesy of Roger Browner, vice president of Hicksville-based AutoMat Custom & Restoration. It’s the perfect backdrop for a family photo before heading into the main event. Adding another special touch, guests can meet the Long Island Ghostbusters, a cosplay charity group appearing on behalf of the Prevent Cancer Foundation. Bellmore resident and Ghostbusters actor Joe Cirillo will also be on hand. Cirillo, who spent 20 years as an NYPD officer before launching a second career in film, was originally scouted by director Mike Nichols. That eventually led to his role as the Police Captain in the original “Ghostbusters” — his on-screen debut. He went on to portray numerous police officers and authority figures on screen, operate film security companies and publish his autobiography. Then it’s time to cue the proton packs. The classic “Ghostbusters” starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd and the rest of the unforgettable crew, is presented on a large HD cinema screen, synchronized with a live performance of Academy Award-winning composer Elmer Bernstein’s score. The result promises to be a larger-than-life way to experience the comedy, ghosts and supernatural mayhem of the classic film. Costumes are not just welcome — they’re encouraged. Those hoping to compete in the costume contest should arrive and register by 5:30 p.m.; everyone else can simply come dressed for the occasion and enjoy the festivities. So grab your proton pack, perfect your best ’80s look and get ready for some supernatural fun. Visit tillescenter.org for tickets and more. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville.

Pianist Emanuel Ax joins the adventurous chamber orchestra for a spirited program of Mozart concertos and more, opening with the overture to Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges’s L’amant anonyme. From there, Ax takes center stage in Mozart’s Piano Concertos Nos. 17 and 25 — two contrasting works that showcase his melodic brilliance, expressive depth and wit. The Knights bring their signature sense of camaraderie and discovery to repertoire. Founded by violinist Colin Jacobsen and cellist Eric Jacobsen after late-night chambermusic sessions with friends, the ensemble has built a reputation for breaking down the barriers between performers and audiences.

Sunday, Oct. 18, 3 p.m. Tickets available at tillescenter.org. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville.

Daughtry 20 Years Unplugged Experience Daughtry’s catalogue in a stripped-back acoustic setting, reframing the songs that have soundtracked arenas, rock radio milestones, and some of the most deﬁning moments of the band’s career. Their lastest tour follows the release of “Shock To The System,” the complete edition of Daughtry’s two-part project via Big Machine Rock. For an artist whose songs have always lived at the intersection of power and vulnerability, 20 Years Unplugged sees Daughtry strip down some of their biggest and most meaningful tracks, distilling them to their purest form and bringing fans closer to the songs and unmistakable voice that carried the band through two decades of connection, evolution, and success.

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 8 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.

oct

15 to attend.

Zoning Board of Appeals meets

CALENDAR

• Where: Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont • Time: 7:30 p.m.; also Oct. 25, 2 p.m. • Contact: PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870

The Zoning Board of Appeals holds their next meeting at Village Hall. All interested residents are welcome

• Where: 46 North Ocean Ave. • Time: 6:30 p.m. • Contact: (516) 377-2200

oct

• Where: 1450 Tanglewood Road, Rockville Centre • Time: 6-9 p.m., continues Oct. 17-18, Oct. 23-25 • Contact: (516) 764-0045

Coming Out Day

Freeport Pride hosts a second fall mixer at Jeremy’s Ale House to celebrate community, pride and personal identity. Proceeds also support the organization’s scholarship fund. • Where: 239 Woodcleft Ave. • Time: 7 p.m. • Contact: pridefreeport@gmail.com

Indigenous People Exhibit

The Shinnecock people began living on Long Island 13,000 years ago — and photographer Jeremy Dennis wants us to remember they are still here. His exhibit “Living Conduit: Indigenous History and Present Day is now on view at Freeport’s South Ocean Gallery. The show, which coincides with Indigenous Peoples’ Day, includes images from his Sacredness of the Hills collection, a series of photographs representing the disturbance of indigenous burial sites on Long Island. All are invited to attend the opening reception. Also register for a free artist talk and workshop on Oct. 24, beginning at 2:30 p.m. • Where: South Nassau Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 228 South Ocean Ave., Freeport • Time: 3:30-5:30 p.m. • Contact: Sign up at office@ snuuc.org or by calling (516) 623-1204

Let’s Meet And Network On Long Island

Join in this community business networking dinner. Share advice, grow your business network, and enjoy a casual evening. Free and fun. Separate checks. RSVP needed.

Spookyfest

Spookyfest, a Halloween adventure for families, returns on select evenings at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning. Enjoy seasonal fun: a non-scary Enchanted Forest walk with friendly characters, arts and crafts, face painting, fortune telling and Halloween music, along with a Spooky Woods experience featuring zombies and other scary characters. Tickets are $22 for nonspooky attractions and $27 for all attractions. Tickets are required for ages 2 and older.

oct

• Where: Oceanside IHOP, 2971 Long Beach Road, Oceanside • Time: 6-7:30 p.m. • Contact: Register for Evite at lmnoli.com or call Mark at (516) 993-0053

Anthony Rodia

Anthony Rodia is back with his “Insanely Funny” tour, an all-new stand-up showcase packed with sharp observations, spot-on impressions and plenty of larger-than-life characters. Building on the success of his previous outing last year, this is his biggest and most ambitious yet, on the Paramount stage for two performances. A first-generation Italian-American raised in Westchester, Rodia discovered his knack for comedy early on. After dabbling in open mics in his 20s, he took a detour into the automotive world as a finance manager at a luxury car dealership. Then, in 2019, he took the leap back to comedy, leaving his day job to pursue stand-up full time. Drawing on family life, Italian-American culture, parenting and the everyday absurdities of modern life, Rodia has a knack for turning the familiar into the hilarious. His observational humor, self-deprecating • Where: The Paramount, 370 wit and uncanny impressions have made him a rising star, while his viral social media New York Ave., Huntington videos — including his wildly popular Uncle Vinny character — have introduced his • Time: 7 p.m. comedy to millions of fans. The result is a style that feels less like a performance and more • Contact: ticketmaster.com like hanging out with your funniest friend. or paramountny.com

Nassau Lionel Operating Engineers Open House Check out Long Island’s largest operating O-gauge layout, run by club members since 1983. • Where: 2953 Hempstead Tpke., Levittown (rear entrance, lower level) • Time: 1-4 p.m., also Oct. 18

Skating With Skeletons Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to come Monster Mash their way across the museum’s synthetic, indoor ice rink with a crew of skeletons friends —no skates required! This playful reimagining of the family favorite sock skating exhibit enables everyone to slip into the seasonal spirit. Opening weekend adds even more seasonal fun with Skate, Rattle & Roll and Cutest Pumpkin in the Patch. • Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City • Time: Ongoing, through Nov. 1 • Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

‘The Song of the Cello’

Visit Old Westbury Gardens for an evening of chamber music. Ensemble-in-residence Poetica Musica Quartet welcomes all to enjoy the rich, expressive tones

of the cello. Renowned cellist Eugene Moye joins pianist Yasmin Alami for an evening of masterful performances featuring works by Brahms, Casals, Rachmaninoff, Mendelssohn, and others.The program includes Johannes Brahms’ Cello Sonata No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 38, Pablo Casals’ “The Song of the Birds,” Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Vocalise,” and additional selections celebrating the depth, warmth, and versatility of this beloved instrument. A preconcert talk proceeds the concert at 7:30 p.m.; a Meet-the-Artists reception with light refreshments follows the concert in the West Porch. $30; $25 seniors and members. • Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury • Time: 8-9:30 p.m. • Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

oct

Boating certification course

The Jones Beach Power Squadron offers a free New York Statecertified America’s Boating Course (ABC) at Wantagh Park. Open to boaters and anyone interested in learning more about safe and responsible boating.

• Where: 21 King Road, Wantagh • Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m., also Oct. 27, Nov. 3, Nov.10.. • Contact: P/C Ed Figueroa, AP-ACN, at (516) 816-4919 or capted36@gmail.com for registration and more

oct

‘The Elephant Man!

Plaza Theatrical Productions stages the historical drama a gripping true story of resilience, dignity and the search for acceptance. It is based on the life of John Merrick, who lived in London during the latter part of the nineteenth century. A horribly deformed young man — the victim of rare skin and bone diseases — he becomes the star freak attraction in traveling sideshows. Found abandoned and helpless, he is admitted to London’s prestigious Whitechapel Hospital. Under the care of celebrated young physician Frederick Treves, Merrick is introduced to London society and slowly evolves from an object of pity to an urbane and witty favorite of the aristocracy and literati, only to be denied his ultimate dream — to become a man like any other. $49.50, $45 seniors.

NoV The 27th Annual Long Island Jolson Festival

Society President Jan Hernstat invites all to participate in the annual tribute to Al Jolson, rescheduled. With Ed Greenbaum’s unique outtakes from “The Jolson Story, Noah Diamond as Grouch Marx, comedian Jeff Greenberg, with Tony Babino’s “The Heart of Al Jolson, and more. Tickets are $54.95. • Where: Lambrou’s Catering Hall, 4073 Austin Blvd., Island Park • Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. • Contact: Jan Hernstat at (516) 678-3524

NoV Christie Jones: ‘Long Island Color Field Study

Bring the family to Long Island Children’s Museum to learn about current Artists’ Corner artist Christie Jones. Make art based on her work to take home at the drop-in program. For all ages. • Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City • Time: Noon-2 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or (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.

FREEPORT HERALD — October 15, 2026

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October 15, 2026 — FREEPORT HERALD

liherald.com/legals and use our convienient portal. LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF Nassau, First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation, Plaintiff, vs. Jennifer Jones, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Default Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, Amendment of Caption and Nunc Pro Tunc Relief duly entered on November 7, 2019, 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 November 12, 2026at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 38 Frankel 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 Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 209 and Lot 151. Approximate amount of judgment is $345,498.96 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604903/2019. Cash will not be accepted. Charles Casolaro, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF Nassau, Wilmington Savings Fund SocIEty, FSB, as Owner Trustee of the Residential Credit Opportunities Trust IX-B, Plaintiff, vs. Eric J. Ligon a/k/a Eric Ligon a/k/a Eric Hunter, as Administrator and Heir to the Estate of Ray Hunter a/k/a Ray H. Hunter, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 8, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau

front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 154 Harris 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 Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55, Block 249 and Lots 221-222. Approximate amount of judgment is $104,781.68 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615275/2023. Jared A. Kasschau, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 255725-1 LEGAL NOTICE . NOTICE OF SALE OF COOPERATIVE APARTMENT SECURITY BY VIRTUE OF A DEFAULT In a Loan Security Agreement dated December 7, 2021 executed by Kim T. Fakira, debtor to Wells Fargo, N.A., secured party via assignment, will cause a public sale of the security consisting of 490 shares of stock plus Parking Space and/or Garage, if applicable, of Hawthorne Gardens Owners Corp. all right title and interest in and to a Proprietary Lease between said Corporation and debtor for Apartment F26 in the building known as 153 SMITH ST REET , FREEPORT, NY 11520 together with all fixtures and articles of personal property now or hereafter affixed to or used in connection with said apartment on November 5, 2026 at 9:00am on the north facing front steps of the Nassau County Court House, 262 Old Country Rd., Mineola, NY 11501, in satisfaction of an indebtedness. Apartment is sold "AS IS" AND POSSESSION TO BE OBTAINED BY THE PURCHASER. Said sale is subject to: payment of all sums due, if any, to Hawthorne Gardens Owners Corp. and the consent if necessary, of said corporation; any existing tenancy;

PUBLIC NOTICES said corporation; any existing tenancy; payment of all expenses and fees of the secured party with respect thereto; terms of sale and auctioneers fees; flip tax; State, City and County transfer tax. The secured party reserves the right to bid. Terms: an official bank or certified check made payable to Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC., for ten (10%) percent of the price bid. No cash accepted. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC. 900 MERCHANTS CONCOURSE WESTBURY, NEW YORK 11590 (516) 280-7675 LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT- COUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR J.P. MORGAN MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST 2007-CH4 ASSET BACKED PASS-THROUGH 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 October 22, 2026 at 3:30 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,

17-002618. Tiffany Frigenti, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLP Attorneys for Plaintiff 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 162495 LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, LOAN FUNDER LLC, SERIES 17204, Plaintiff, vs. SCIENTIFIC OPTIONS LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 22, 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 October 27, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 47 East 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 Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62, Block 76 and Lot 6. Approximate amount of judgment is $510,340.31 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #602528/2023. Louis Imbroto, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 250938-1 162498 LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2016-CTT, Plaintiff, vs. CARLOS MEMBRENO, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 26, 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 October 27, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 166

2:00 p.m., premises known as 166 Porterfield Place, 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 Village of Freeport, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 88 and Lot 17. Approximate amount of judgment is $649,164.15 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #002455/2016. Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 254205-1 162500 LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS CERTIFICATE TRUSTEE OF BOSCO CREDIT II TRUST SERIES 2010-1, Plaintiff against DARIO RODRIGUEZ A/K/A FRANCISCO J. RODRIGUEZ, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Kelley Kronenberg, 111 Broadway, Suite 1205, New York, NY 10006, (800) 484-4381. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered June 23, 2026, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on October 26, 2026 at 2:00PM. Premises known as 117 Washington Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575. Sec 55 Block 485 Lot 13. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Roosevelt in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $172,988.37 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 609585/2019. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social

place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Christy Demelfi, Esq., Referee File # 02308607 162502 LEGAL NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF NASSAU FLAGSTAR BANK, FSB Plaintiff, Against ALCIDES CURTIS; et al Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 12/08/2016, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 11/2/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 28 Archer Street, Freeport, NY 11520, and described as follows: 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 62 Block 48 Lot 1 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $505,778.66 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 006561/2014 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine. Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573 Dated: 9/17/2026 File Number: 17-301715 CA 162595 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. Bank National Association, as Indenture Trustee for Towd Point Mortgage Trust 2019-4, Plaintiff AGAINST Alcides Curtis; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 27,

For additional assistance call 516-569-4000 ext. 232 DEADLINE: Firday evening, 5:00pm Last minute notices: 9am on Monday morning

of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 27, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on November 16, 2026, at 2:00PM, premises known as 27-29 Russell Place, 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 Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54 Block 72 Lot 10. Approximate amount of judgment $596,972.14 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 616218/2024. Foreclosure Auctions will be held "Rain or Shine." Cherice P. Vanderhall, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: September 28, 2026 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR NEW CENTURY HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2005-C, ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, Plaintiff, Against DAISY JIMENEZ, KARLA GARCIA, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 08/12/2026, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 11/19/2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 333 Hudson Ave., Roosevelt, NY 11575, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Roosevelt, in the Town of Hempstead, County of

in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 36 Block 513 Lot 10 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $836,432.64 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 008891/2015 Scott H Siller, Esq., Referee. Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504 Dated: 10/6/2026 File Number: JIMENEZ MB LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff against - ARMANDO VENTURA A/K/A ARMANDO A. VENTURA, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on September 30, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 12th day of November, 2026 at 4:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Premises known as 67 Mount Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. (Section: 55, Block: 233, Lots: 209 and 210) Approximate amount of lien $778,953.35 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 608163/2019. Cary David Kessler, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 Dated: September 16, 2026 During the COVID-19

HERALD

2026 During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 010750/2008. Lisa B. Singer, 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.

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE GSAA HOME EQUITY TRUST ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-10, -againstSCOTT RICHARDSON, 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 July 17, 2026, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF THE GSAA HOME EQUITY TRUST ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-10 is the Plaintiff and SCOTT RICHARDSON, 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 November 18, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 96 WASHBURN AVENUE, FREEPORT, NY 11520-2309; and the following tax map identification: 55-246-135, 136 & 137. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED

LEGAL NOTICE UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation 1. Publication Title: FREEPORT HERALD. 2. Publication No. 318500. 3. Filing Date: October 1, 2026. 4. Issue Frequency: Weekly. 5. No. of Issues Published Annually 52. 6. Annual Subscription Price: $52. 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 2 ENDO BLVD, GARDEN CITY, NY 11530 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, Nassau County, NY 11530. 9 Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor. Publisher: Richner Communications, Inc., Stuart Richner, 2 ENDO BLVD, GARDEN CITY, NY 11530. Editor: ANDREW FRANCIS, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, Nassau County, NY 11530. Managing Editor: JEFF BESSEN, 2 ENDO BLVD, GARDEN CITY, NY 11530. 10. Owner: Richner Communications, Inc., 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, Nassau County, NY 11530; Clifford Richner, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, Nassau County, NY 11530; Stuart Richner, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, Nassau County, NY 11530. 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other

Bondholders, Mortgagees, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 Percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None. 12 Not applicable. 13. Publication Title: FREEPORT HERALD. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: September 17, 2026. 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: a. Total No. Copies: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 5000; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 5200. b. Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions stated on Form 3541: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 20; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 26. (2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions Stated on Form 3541: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 2534; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 2501. (3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mails including Sales Through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, and Counter Sales, and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 557; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 688. (4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 0; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0. c. Total Paid Distribution: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 3111; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 3215. d. Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (by Mail and Outside the Mail): (1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County as Stated on Form 3541: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 822; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 814. (2) Free or Nominal In-County as Stated on Form 3541: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 280; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue

280; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0. (3) Free or Nominal Rate Copies Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 0; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 0. (4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 500; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 800. e. Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 1602; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 1614. f. Total Distribution: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 4713; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 4829. g. Copies Not Distributed: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 287; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 371. h. Total: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 5000; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 5200. i. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months, 66.01%; Actual No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date, 66.58%. 16. This Statement of Ownership will be printed in the October 15, 2026issue of this publication. 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager, or Owner: Stuart Richner, Owner; Date: October 1, 2026. I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material information requested on the form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including civil penalties).

FREEPORT HERALD — October 15, 2026

PUBLIC NOTICES

Joe Klein/Herald photos

Fundraisers like these go to support the dozens of volunteer Freeport firefighters that help keep the community and its neighbors safe. Neighboring fire trucks also took part in the fundraiser, as Roosevelt Fire Department’s Engine Number Three got scrubbed down by Javian Baenn. Freeport and other Nassau County firehouses commonly assist each other during emergencies.

Freeport firefighters hold its car and fire truck wash Members of the Freeport Fire Department hosted a car and firetruck wash on the Nautical Mile. The event helped raise funds for the department and its volunteer firefighters. The annual fundraiser was led out by Freeport’s Fire Hose Five Fort Apache f i re h o u s e, s t at i o n e d o n Leonard Avenue in Freeport, on Sept. 19. The event had originally been scheduled for Sept. 13, but had to be rescheduled due to inclement weather. For about four hours, residents and other supporters came down to Freeport’s Nautical Mile to get their Clarence Bryan getting to work on scrubbing down ve h i c l e s s c r u b b e d a n d one of the vehicles. washed by the volunteer firefighters. Costs of $20 per Haunted Car Show, will be hosted at the car and $25 for sports utility vehicles same location on Oct. 18 from noon to 5 were charged. p.m. featuring a costume contest, giveThis fundraiser was one of several aways and more. Tickets to spectate done by a Freeport firehouse this year. start at $10, tickets for vendors and drivHundreds attended a car and bike show ers seeking to display their rides can be at the Vigilant Hose Company Number purchased online at tickets.thefoat.com/ Two on Broadway. teamexit. –Andrew Francis A sequel event, the Spooktacular 5.0

October 15, 2026 — FREEPORT HERALD

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opinions

n idea floated by our Center for Cost Effective Government would provide incentives for homeowners and businesses on Long Island to switch to lawns that require less watering and less fertilizer. We Long Islanders love our lawns. A wellwatered and manicured layer of sod in front of a single-family home always looks great. For many, these lawns are emblematic of the American dream, a piece of post-war suburban heaven. But lawns can be resource-intensive. They require extensive maintenance, which can include huge use of water. With rising water bills on Long Island, any opportunity to save money would be welcome. Then there is the environmental impact of the massive quantities of fertilizer we use to support our charming green lawns. Traditionally, Long Island-

ers tend to use Kentucky bluegrass, which is kelly-green, flush and pleasant to the eye, but it also requires a great deal of watering and fertilizer. Tall fescue grass, on the other hand, requires about 33 percent less nitrogen fertilizer than Kentucky bluegrass — roughly 2 to 3 pounds of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet annually, compared with higherinput lawns. Tall fescue generally requires 1 to 1½ inches of water per week, about 25 percent less than Kentucky bluegrass. It handles heavy use and wear much better than fine fescues or Kentucky blue. It grows well in various soil types found across the region, and tolerates moderate shade. The Berkshire Botanical Garden notes that alternative seeds such as creeping red, hard fescue and chewing fescue can reduce fertilizer and water needs by half. While the Kentucky grass has roots of 4 to 8 inches, fescue roots go much deeper — up to 2 to 3 feet, to tap water in the ground.

The North and South Rivers Watershed Association notes that watering a 1-acre lawn with just 1 inch of water consumes 26,000 gallons — more than it takes to fill a 16- by 32-foot swimming pool. So how do we change our culture on Long Island to begin a transition to more environmentally friendly grass seed? The answer is, the same way we promote change in other areas — by creating monetary incentives. The city of Redlands, Calif., does just that for more environmentally friendly lawns. Its Water Conservation turf rebate gives homeowners $1 per square foot of grass that is replaced with drought-tolerant or irrigationless landscaping, up to $1,000. The rebate comes back to them as a credit on their water bill. The program involves a preliminary inspection, and a post-replacement inspection confirms the work and releases the credit. Why not have a similar incentive put in place through the Suffolk Coun-

ow about rebates for trading grass for drought-tolerant or irrigationless landscaping?

ty Water Authority, or through the county’s sewer and cesspool program that was passed via a referendum in 2024? Communities that pool together and convert a certain percentage of their lawns to the new turf could become eligible for further credits, thereby spurring a we’re-all-in-it-together movement. And to start it all off, municipalities can serve as role models by taking the lead in transitioning to these more environmentally appropriate grasses. We realize this isn’t for everyone. Some people just love their Kentucky bluegrass. And that’s why it shouldn’t be a mandate. But incentives never hurt anyone. The state Department of Environmental Conservation is shortly going to hold hearings on ways to reduce fertilizers on Long Island. How about starting with this turf-friendly tax credit? Steve Levy is executive director of the Center for Cost Effective Government, a fiscally conservative think tank. He has served as Suffolk County executive, as an assemblyman and as host of the podcast “On the Right Side.”

We’re limiting legal refugees to white South Africans

urrent federal policy limits legal refugee admissions essentially to white South Africans, specifically Afrikaners. Congressional candidates, including incumbents, on Long Island and beyond need to state whether they support this policy, which has existed without sufficient Congressional or public attention. The public has a right to know. On Jan. 20, 2025, the first day of his second term, President Trump issued an executive order titled “Realigning the United States Refugee Admissions Program.” It imposed a ban on a program that has for decades — with longstanding bipartisan support — provided a legal way for refugees fleeing persecution in other countries to be vetted and, if approved, resettled in this country. On Oct. 30, the administration announced an exception to the ban: It would limit the number of refugees admitted to the United States to 7,500 — a dramatic decline from the target of 125,000 in 2024 — and they would mostly be white South Africans. As the Associ-

ated Press reported at the time, the federal notice “made no mention of any other specific groups to be admitted besides the white South Africans, known also as Afrikaners.” Afrikaners, it should be noted, have a long history of supporting and implementing white supremacy. It was Afrikaners who led the South African government after World War II, when it created a formal system of racial apartheid. As NPR Illinois reports, “In 1948, the Afrikaner-led government began to implement apartheid, a system of institutionalized racial segregation that benefited whites. Black people and other non-white South Africans were displaced and dispossessed. Apartheid ended in 1994 with the formation of a new, democratic government led by anti-apartheid activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Nelson Mandela.” On May 26, the Trump administration announced that it would admit another 10,000 white South Africans as refugees, while essentially continuing to ban people from other countries. The State Department issued data on Aug. 5, revealing that the U.S. had accepted 10,258 refugees in the fiscal year, all but three of whom were South Africans.

On Sept. 25, Trump issued a Presidential Determination limiting refugee admissions in the new fiscal year, which started Oct. 1, to an additional 17,500, primarily Afrikaners from South Africa. No other country was mentioned. Afrikaners aren’t simply among those being admitted. They are virtually the only people being admitted. That’s clearly a statement of principle rather than a reflection of the state of the world. The president is only required to inform Congress, so Congress may avoid taking a position, but clearly the president can make changes during the new fiscal year, as he did previously. At a minimum, Congress should state how this policy reflects American values, and if members support or oppose it. By his actions, Trump is using the legal refugee admissions policy primarily to bring to the U.S. members of the Afrikaner community, which implemented white supremacy through apartheid in South Africa. By his actions he is publicly affirming that system. It’s important to keep in mind that the U.S. had its own systems of apartheid against Blacks: slavery and then Jim-Crow segregation. The president’s

rump’s actions are a clear signal to white supremacists in the U.S.

actions are a clear signal to white supremacists in the U.S. that he wants to extend that legacy. After all, from Day One of the Trump administration, the combination of the president’s executive orders, related Congressional actions and sought-after Supreme Court decisions have removed Blacks from federal jobs without cause, and stripped them of civil rights that ensured their right to vote and their right not to be denied housing due to discrimination based on race and other protected attributes. This Afrikaner resettlement in the U.S. is a stunning act by the president. It deserves to be discussed and debated by those seeking to serve in Congress. Candidates for Congress on Long Island, including incumbents, need to make clear whether they support this federal policy. The federal refugee admissions program was created by an act of Congress, the Refugee Act of 1980. How can Congress not care about how the program is used? The question — Do you support the current federal policy on refugee admissions? — is one that requires a simple yes or no answer. Yet that answer will speak volumes about each candidate. Elaine Gross is founder and president emerita of ERASE Racism, the regional civil rights organization based on Long Island.

FREEPORT HERALD — October 15, 2026

Our lawns can be less dependent on water and fertilizer

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Main Street can’t sit out the A.I. revolution

ast month, 50 Long Island small businesses gathered at Stony Brook University to finish something few of their owners would have imagined a year ago: six months of training in artificial intelligence. The LIA-AI Growth Academy was free to participants. It was run by the Long Island Association’s foundation, funded by Google.org and taught by Stony Brook’s technology and A.I. experts, along with advisers from the Long Island Small Business Development Center. It was open only to companies with 20 or fewer employees, and graduates received a $5,000 grant to put A.I. to work in their businesses. Long Island’s municipalities, chambers of commerce and educational institutions must find ways to replicate this terrific program. The stakes are high, because A.I. is the first technology in a long time that can favor the little guy. For most of the last century, size was destiny. A big company could afford an IT department, inhouse lawyers, a finance team and analysts poring over its data, and the corner store could not. A.I. erases much of that advantage. A contractor can turn handwritten notes into clean estimates and keep three job sites on schedule. A hardware store can spot the items that are gathering dust and the ones that keep selling out. A two-lawyer firm can summarize a 200page lease before lunch. Corporations spent millions of dollars on tools that now cost a small business a modest

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letters Keep up the good work, Herald To the Editor: Re your editorial, “Celebrating newspapers and local reporting” (Oct. 1-7): Congratulations to the Herald on its excellent coverage of local news, and then some. I am a subscriber, a supporter and a believer in journalism — freedom of the press is essential, especially at this time in our country. With so much information and misinformation, I rely on the professionalism, honesty and thorough investigative reporting of newspapers across the country, and the Herald in particular. Thank you for covering Long Island and our neighborhoods. You keep us informed. May you and your journalists continue your important work. MARGUERITE WESTBROOk Lynbrook

monthly subscription. We know the objection, because we hear it from every owner we talk to: Who has the time? Small-business owners already work long weeks. They answer the phones, make payroll, chase invoices and sweep the floor. Adding “Learn A.I.” to that list sounds absurd. But few things a business owner can do will pay off more than a few hours spent learning these tools. The time invested comes back every week — in invoices sent faster, schedules built in minutes and paperwork that no longer eats the weekend. Owners don’t have to figure it out alone. The LIA should announce a second cohort, and we hope it’s much bigger. The Long Island SBDC at Stony Brook offers free one-on-one advising, and the state SBDC network now runs a dedicated A.I. program. In Nassau, Hofstra University’s Entrepreneurship Assistance Center has teamed up with the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce on a series of practical A.I. workshops for local business owners, a model every chamber on Long Island should copy. Hofstra’s ideaHUb incubator also connects young companies with mentors and student interns. Farmingdale State College has launched a bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence that blends business and computer science, and Long Island University is building its own A.I. offerings. Nassau and Suffolk community colleges and our public libraries offer affordable continuingeducation and tech classes. Business

owners should use them. A.I.’s promise doesn’t mean we should be naïve about its dangers. The same tools that help a bakery balance its books can write a convincing scam email or clone a child’s voice to con a grandparent. Bad actors are already using A.I. for fraud, impersonation and deepfakes. Any A.I. training should also teach owners how to protect themselves from these scams. The bigger problems are not for the deli owner to solve. That job belongs to Albany and Washington. Lawmakers need to set clear rules: real penalties for A.I.enabled fraud and impersonation, disclosure when content is A.I.-generated, transparency from the companies building these systems. A.I. will likely eliminate jobs — especially the entry-level clerical, customer-service and bookkeeping work that has started countless Long Island careers — so government budgets must account for retraining workers whose jobs change or disappear. Embracing the technology and demanding guardrails are not contradictory. They are two halves of the same responsible approach. A.I. is coming to Long Island’s economy whether Main Street is ready or not. The LIA, Hofstra and other local institutions have shown what readiness looks like. But they can’t train 100,000 Long Island small businesses on their own. That will take every town hall, chamber, library and college on the Island pulling in the same direction, and it needs to start now.

opinions

he Press Club of Long Island was among the press organizations that, along with newspapers and other media, voiced their opposition to the move by President Trump last month to ban journalists from three major media outlets from the White House. However, a U.S. District Court judge responding to a lawsuit brought by the three outlets — CNN, MS Now and Politico — issued a restraining order directing the White House to lift the prohibition. Judge Timothy Kelly, appointed by Trump in 2017, ruled that the media outlets had shown a “high likelihood of success” with their claim that their due-process rights had been violated. The PCLI issued a statement condemning Trump’s action, saying, “Press freedom is at the heart of our democracy and a constitutional right.” The statement continued: “The vital role of journalists cannot be overstated, Journalists inform the public and hold power to account. Restricting journalists from the White House undermines the pub-

lic’s right to factual and independent reporting and only serves to weaken the transparency upon which our democracy is dependent.” “We proudly stand with our fellow journalists and call for a reversal of this decision immediately,” the PCLI said. As the founding president of the press club in 1974, spurred in encouraging its formation by the jailing of a journalist for not divulging a confidential source, I am proud of its action. It is now one of the largest chapters of the Society of Professional Journalists, which describes itself as “the nation’s most broad-based journalism organization, dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism.” Trump said he was barring those media outlets’ access to the White House because, as he wrote on Truth Social, “Media Outlets shouldn’t be able to constantly write or report FICTION and LIES when they’re covering the President of the United States, the Trump Administration, or the United States of America.” The Manhattan-based New York Press Club issued a statement saying, “Trump’s latest attack on the First Amendment in banning Politico, MS

nd groups like the 52-year-old Press Club of Long Island know better.

LeTTers Town should come clean on tax increases To the Editor: When is the Town of Hempstead going to stop using deceptive accounting practices to hide the fact that it’s raising our taxes? By removing Sanitation Department budgets from the town’s main budget and creating separate special district budgets, the town can raise taxes through those districts while claiming that it isn’t raising town taxes. The money and the tax burden doesn’t disappear; it’s simply moved out of the main budget, to where taxpayers are less likely to see it. What’s to stop those sanitation districts from raising taxes after Election Day? Another deceptive practice the town has used for decades is burying revenue labeled “miscellaneous” in its General Fund, which has now accumulated $50.2 million. The town should disclose how much of that revenue comes from the utility bills of Liberty Water, PSEG and National Grid customers. Liberty is seeking a 37 percent rate increase next year, in part because of the everincreasing taxes it pays to the town and county — taxes ultimately paid by Liberty customers on utility property that

Now and CNN from covering the White House is yet another slap in the face to freedom of the press in the United States.” It went on: “All media outlets, the Congress, Republicans, Democrats and independents, and the public should come together to denounce this breach of American democracy. The president continues to diminish the people’s right to be informed about the news of the day from the White House and limits the public’s right to know by restricting access and admitting only those in agreement with him.” The Washington, D.C.based Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, which describes itself as “the leading pro bono legal services organization for journalists and newsrooms in the U.S.,” filed a friend-of-thecourt brief accompanying the outlets’ lawsuit. Bruce D. Brown, its president, said, “Amid so many attacks from the Trump administration on journalists, this one has really struck a chord because the public can easily get its head around what has happened here. The president has kicked news organizations out of the White House because he does not like the news they report. That is a brazen violation of the First

should be tax-exempt. LI Clean Air Water & Soil has asked the town to put all tax revenue from Liberty Water into a separate fund to help finance the South Nassau Water Authority’s acquisition of the system. Had the Town done this decades ago, we could have had public water by now, like 95 percent of New Yorkers. Then there’s the sale of real property as a one-time gimmick to balance the budget, along with taking $30 million from reserves. Neither should be used to fund recurring expenses, practices that run contrary to sound government financial management. Joe Scianablo, the Democratic candidate for town supervisor, is right to shine a light on the town’s “miscellaneous” revenue. It may be time for State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli to investigate the town’s finances and expose the deceptive practices being used to conceal tax increases. Perhaps Hempstead needs its own version of the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority to bring transparency and accountability to its finances. CLAUDIA BORECKY Co-director, LI Clean Air Water & Soil Ltd. and president, Bellmore Merrick Democratic Club Merrick

Amendment that the courts should quickly reverse in order to protect the public interest.” Status, an online media review, said the “press ban comes amid a broader pattern of threats and attempts by Trump to muzzle the media during his second term.” It declared, “Suffice to say, such behavior is far more aligned with authoritarian leaders than the person who is supposed to be the leader of the free world. Trump, however, does not seem to mind. Asked by reporters what message his ban sends to countries like China that are ‘repressive’ against journalists, Trump disturbingly responded: ‘I think we’re repressive also.’” The founders of the United States, the framers of the U.S. Constitution, created a system of checks and balances among the three branches of the federal government — the administrative, legislative and judicial branches — and a free press to serve as a watchdog of them all. Said Thomas Jefferson: “Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost.” That system should be treasured and live on. Karl Grossman has been an investigative reporter in a variety of media for more than 50 years. He is a professor of journalism at the State University of New York at Old Westbury.

FrAmework by Tim Baker

A ghoulish gathering on Chestnut Street – Oceanside

FREEPORT HERALD — October 15, 2026

The president pretends there’s no freedom of the press

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Women’s health & wellness talks

SPEAKERS & SPECIAL GUESTS SNEAK PEAK! STAY TUNED...MORE TO BE ANNOUNCED!

KEYNOTE KEYNOT STEPHANIE MCNALLY, MD, FACOG, FACS, MSCP E

Medical Director, Katz Institute for Women’s Health, System Director of the Center for Menopause and Midlife Health, and Vice President,OB/GYN Service Line, Northwell Health’s Central Market.

EMCEE

KRISTA BENNETT-DEMAIO JOHN LAYLIEV MD, FACS Pretty Local Editor Herald LI Beauty Scene