Hempstead Beacon 07-02-2026

Tribute to

Julia Cuttone/Herald Duane Jackson, a noted historian, educator and Navy veteran, spoke at St. George’s Church about the portion of American history — the Revolutionary War era — which he has studied.

School vote gets a do-over

By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com

The New York State Education Department has ordered the Hempstead Union Free School District to hold a new election for one Board of Education trustee seat after annulling the results of the May 19 race, in the wake of allegations that district Clerk April Keys, who oversaw the election, mishandled absentee ballots and those mailed in early.

The revote is scheduled for Aug. 17, after state Education Commissioner Betty A. Rosa directed the district to conduct a new election within 60 days.

The district had petitioned Rosa to invalidate only the trustee election, leaving the voterapproved school budget and capital reserve proposition unchanged.

destroyed, because their remnants were collected in a large bag — as was the case with the envelopes that would otherwise help determine the number of applications that were mailed in.

“This appeal does not arise from a routine election challenge, a candidate’s dissatisfaction with the outcome, or isolated procedural missteps,” the petition stated. “Rather, it presents a disturbing pattern of conduct and systemic failures that strike at the core of the electoral process itself.”

By JULIA CUTTONE Correspondent

The Hempstead Public Library turned historic St. George’s Church into a living archive as Hempstead village Mayor, Waylyn Hobbs Jr., honored Duane Jackson with a Recognition Award for his work as a historian, educator and a Navy veteran.

Residents, local leaders and history enthusiasts filled the room on June 27 — one week before the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary — eager to learn more about Jackson’s mission to preserve the legacy of the 1st Rhode Island Regiment and its ties to the Hudson Valley and to present a living history program highlighting the role of African American soldiers in the American Revolution.

Jackson, of upstate Buchanan, has spent decades researching the lives of early American soldiers. An author and active member of several Hudson Valley historical societies, he is best known for spotlighting the 1st Rhode Island Regiment, one of the most diverse units to fight in the Revolutionary War. He is also a 2022 inductee into the New York State Veterans Hall of Fame.

“I am happy to be here today as we know the history and we are celebrating America’s 250th anniversary,” Hobbs said. “We are so proud of this church and the history that raised the building.”

The church parish is older than the nation as it was established in 1702. It is one of the

The district’s 51-page petition, filed on June 17, alleged multiple irregularities involving election materials, absentee ballots and election procedures that undermined the integrity of the trustee race. Ballots were discarded in a garbage bag that was recovered in a dumpster outside the district’s administrative building, according to an investigation by The Nassau County District Attorney Office.

The district stated in the petition that it was impossible to determine the exact number of cast ballots that were

On election night, incumbent Trustee Victor Pratt received 288 votes, defeating challengers Gwendolyn Jackson, Eugenia Girtman and Caprice Rines. District officials claimed that most of the votes comprised of absentee and early mailed-in ballots, because Pratt finished in third in the machine-vote tally.

District Superintendent Gary Rush said his primary concern throughout the state’s review was receiving a decision so the district could move forward.

“I just wanted the commissioner to make the decision as far as what is she is going to do. I didn’t want the district to remain in limbo,” Rush said. “That’s what my focus was. I just wanted a decision to be made so we’d know how to CoNtiNueD oN pAGe 2

District officials aim for transparency in local school elections

move forward, and once she made a decision, I was just kind of relieved.”

Rush declined to discuss the specifics of the ongoing investigation but said that the district was focused on ensuring that the Aug. 17 election is conducted properly.

“I think it’s important to make sure that we put some safeguards in place so that the process is done with fidelity,” Rush said, referring to following all required election procedures.

At a special meeting on June 25, the Board of Education appointed Alexander Hernandez as acting district clerk. The appointments were approved in a 3-2 vote, with Joylette Williams, LaMont Johnson, Jeferry Spencer voting in favor of the resolution and Pratt and Trustee Elise Nicholson voting against it.

Rush said that the district remains focused on preparing for the upcoming school year, despite the election controversy.

“Outside of this incident, this was a great year with the Board of Education,” he said. “I hate that this has to put such a dark mark on all the positives that took place.”

The district has not released details about next month’s voting, but Rush said that the voting process will follow the same procedures and polling hours used in the May election.

Photos courtesy New York State Education Department

A torn ballot cast for Hempstead Board of Education candidate Gwendolyn Jackson, who finished second, with 207 votes, in the May 19 election.

Rainbow Run brings color, community to Eisenhower Park

By JULIA CUTTONE Correspondent

Eisenhower Park was bursting with community spirit and color on June 20, as runners, families, and local supporters gathered for the Never Stop Running Foundation Rainbow 5K Run, held at Field 2. The event kicked off at 9 a.m. under warm early‑summer skies and brought together participants of all ages, from competitive runners to those simply enjoying a vibrant jog or walk through one of Nassau County’s most iconic parks.

Organizers emphasized that the Rain bow Run is more than a fitness event, it is a community‑building tradition supported by volunteers who lined the course with water, encouragement, and rain bow‑themed energy. Parking Lot 2 quickly transformed into a lively pre‑race hub as families unloaded strollers, coolers, and color gear.

Aidan Kaplan, Assistant Director at PFY — a Bellmore based division of the Long Island Crisis Center that provides advocacy, education, and supportive ser vices for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults — shared that he has been with the agency for 12 years, growing from intern to ser vices coordinator, manager, and now

Assistant Director. He shared that PFY’s mission is to enhance the health and well ness of the LGBTQ+ community through education, supportive services, and per sonal development across Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens Counties.

Founded in 1993 as the first suburban LGBTQ+ center in the United States, PFY has expanded from a single part‑time drop‑in program to more than 30 pro grams offered across two locations and a mobile health fleet operating daily. All money raised from the Rainbow Run directly supports PFY’s free programs and services, with most funding benefiting LGBTQ+ youth to ensure no client ever pays for care.

For Kaplan, “Pride Month is about belonging, especially for young people who walk into PFY feeling isolated. Pride creates visibility that reminds them they are part of something beautiful, celebrat ed, and affirmed.”

As East Meadow welcomes summer, the Rainbow Run once again stood out as a highlight on the community calendar, blending fitness, fun, and togetherness in one vibrant morning at Eisenhower Park. Race results can be found on EliteFeats. com/race results/?ID=25154.

Julia Cuttone/Herald photos

Runners lined up in Eisenhower Park last week for the Never Stop Running Foundation Rainbow 5K Run.

Emily Chester, who was the top female finisher, along the race path.

Pao Wang, of Westbury, was all smiles during the 5K.

Jeremiah German, of Garden City, participated in the 5K. Organizers emphasizes that the Rainbow Run is a community‑building tradition.

Emily Chester, who was the top female finisher, along the race path.

Michael David Grajeda Suazo, 18, of Hempstead, was fatally stabbed Sunday night in the village, according to Nassau County police.

Fatal stabbing in Hempstead Blood drive to honor fire fighter

Michael David Grajeda Suazo, 18, was fatally stabbed in Hempstead on June 28, according to Nassau County police.

Officers responded to a report of an injured person at about 9:25 p.m. in front of 545 Fulton Ave., where they found the man suffering from stab wounds to the torso, police said.

Grajeda Suazo, a resident of the vil -

lage, was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead by a doctor. The investigation remains ongoing. Police ask anyone with information about the incident to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1 (800) 2448477 or call 911. All calls are confidential.

— Jeffrey Bessen

As we celebrate 250 years of our nation’s independence, we are reminded that strength is found in our communities.

For years, our home has been right here on Long Island. We are proud to stand alongside the local organizations, neighbors, and companies that keep our region thriving today.

we are building the next chapter of our story.

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

The East Meadow Fire Department is preparing to host a Community Blood Drive in memory of Carol Gyss-Gravely, a longtime firefighter, emergency medical technician and nurse, as the region continues to face a critical blood shortage.

The blood drive is scheduled for July 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the department’s headquarters on East Meadow Avenue. Complimentary hot dogs and water will be available for donors.

While the event aims to help replenish the local blood supply, it will also honor Gyss-Gravely, whose decades of service left a lasting impact on the East Meadow community.

Gyss-Gravely’s connection to the department began as a teenager when she joined the East Meadow Junior Fire Company. She later became active in the Ladies Auxiliary, serving two terms as president while supporting the department’s firefighters. She also joined Rescue Company No. 5, where she spent years serving the community as an emergency medical technician.

It was through the fire department

that she met her husband, former Capt. David Gravely. The couple built a life together and raised their son, David.

On Jan. 24, 2026, David and Carol Gravely were involved in a serious motor vehicle accident in Florida. Carol died from injuries sustained in the crash. She was 64.

The need for donors remains especially important during the summer months. Blood donation organizations across New York are urging residents to give blood as donations typically decline while hospital demand remains constant.

According to the New York Blood Center, which supplies blood to hospitals throughout the region, donations often drop during the summer because schools are out of session, workplace blood drives become less frequent, and many regular donors are traveling.

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins are welcome. To make an appointment, call (800) 933-2566 or visit NYBC.org.

Each donor will receive a voucher redeemable for two complimentary tickets to select home games for the 2026 New York Islanders regular season at UBS Arena.

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Herald file photo

Courtesy Metro

The East Meadow Fire Department will host a community blood drive on July 26 in memory of longtime emergency medical technician, nurse and volunteer Carol GyssGravely, whose decades of service left a lasting impact on the community.

Hempstead honors Revolutionary War historian and reenactor

oldest parishes in the United States and received a royal charter from King George II in 1735.

Through lectures, community programs and his work as a Revolutionary War re-enactor, Jackson brings the colonial era off the pages of historical books and into contemporary times. His presentations trace the regiment’s movements through the Hudson Highlands, the challenges soldiers faced, and the broader fight for independence.

“Freedom has never been free,” Jackson said, “it has always been subject to some kind of government to take individual freedoms from us, the people of this land. Now it is up to us today to make sure our children and grandchildren survive the fight, every day, to fight for freedom that we all have today.”

The event also shined a light on Hempstead’s own Revolutionary War roots, a chapter of local history many residents may not know. During the war, the village was home to many British loyalists, known then as Tories, and after the Battle of Long Island, British troops used St. George’s Church as both their command post and place of worship.

Local lore adds an extra touch of character, the rooster weathervane above the church steeple, is said to carry sixteen bullet marks left by Hessian soldiers who used it for target practice.

“In most cases there are many, many more countries that are older than the

United States, but there is only one place that has the beginning that we had,” Jackson said. “No matter where you are from New Jersey, New York, Staten Island, we are all a part of this family.”

American forces eventually took control of the church under Ezekiel Cornell of Rhode Island, whose arrival dramatically changed its purpose. Cornell reportedly banned prayers for the Brit-

Our experienced and certified Pre K teachers are passionate

ish Crown, repurposed the communion table as a dining surface for his troops, and transformed the Episcopal church on Front Street into a military storehouse. Today, both the church and its rectory are recognized as National Historic Landmarks, preserving the memory of those turbulent years.

The Hempstead Public Library’s event blended local heritage and community

pride; reminding those in attendance that history is not distant. It lives in the places that are passed by every day, and in the people dedicated to keeping those stories alive.

“Thank you all so much for inviting us to share this moment in history because we make it everyday,” Jackson added. “This is our history. This is our home.”

Julia Cuttone/Herald

Hempstead village Mayor, Waylyn Hobbs Jr., center, honored Duane Jackson, right, with a Recognition Award on June 17.

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LONG ISLAND’S 2026 STAYCATION GUIDE

Celebrate America’s 250th at the Cradle of Aviation Museum!

Summer 2026 Starts Here.

2026 Summer Bucket List

❑ See a real Lunar Module ❑ Watch a Giant-Screen Movie ❑ Walk the Air & Space Trail ❑ Discover Aviation History

❑ Sit in an Airplane Cockpit

❑ Eat Astronaut Ice Cream

This year, skip the airport lines, expensive hotels, and rising travel costs. America’s 250th anniversary is happening right here in your own backyard.

Join us for a summer-long celebration of aviation, innovation, exploration, and discover with special exhibits, family events, and full-dome films on Long Island’s largest screen!

From early air fields to the Moon, Long Island helped shape America’s story. Come celebrate where history took flight.

Scan the QR code or visit www.cradleofaviation.org/celebrate250 for a complete list of ongoing celebrations and special events.

LONG ISLAND’S 2026 STAYCATION GUIDE

HERALD SPORTS

A salute to 2025-26 sports champions

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

It was a banner season for not only the New York Knicks but also for many high school athletic teams in the Herald’s coverage area. Listed are the top team accomplishments, in chronological order.

1. Seaford girls soccer

It was a full-circle moment for Kaylie Conklin and 11 other Seaford seniors. Conklin scored off a rebound in the 11th minute of the Nassau Class A girls’ soccer championship game Nov. 1 and that’s all the offense the Vikings needed to capture their second county title in four years, 1-0 over Plaindege. The lone goal originated from a corner kick off the foot of Meghan Stovall, and Grace Cullingford was credited with the assist. Goalkeeper Caden Calderaro had the shutout.

2. Oceanside girls soccer

Fresh off its first county title in 45 years, Oceanside’s girls soccer engineered another historic victory Nov. 2, fending off surging Syosset, 2-0, to repeat as Nassau Class AAA champions. The Sailors won it behind a lights-out performance from goalkeeper Ella Murray and goals from Ava Bowers and Gianna Visone. Bowers scored unassisted in the 9th minute and assisted on Visone’s insurance goal in the 51st minute. Oceanside also took its first Long Island title, defeating Northport 1-0 on Cathryn Evans’ overtime goal Nov. 8.

3. South Side girls soccer

South Side had to work overtime and beyond to capture its third county title in the past five seasons. For a second straight game, the Cyclones needed some penalty kick magic to emerge as Nassau Class AA girls’ soccer champions. After battling top-seeded Garden City to a 1-1 draw through 80 minutes of regulation and 30 minutes of overtime in the final, they outscored the Trojans 4-3 in PKs Nov. 2. Molly Barry, South Side’s sixth shooter, delivered the golden PK goal and immediately jumped into the waiting arms of goalkeeper Abby Gruner, who not only made two dynamic PK saves but also scored.

4.

South Side girls volleyball

South Side’s 32-year wait ended. The Cyclones won the New York State Class A girls’ volleyball championship Nov. 22, outlasting Williamsville South 25-22, 18-25, 25-18, 18-25, 15-12 in Glens Falls. It was their second state title in program history and first since 1993, when the program captured the Class B crown. The decisive fifth set embodied everything about the Cyclones’ resilience.

They fell behind 5-1 before storming back with a 7-2 run sparked by two kills and a serving ace from Keira Mullaney. They led 8-7 at the side switch, and after Williamsville tied it at 11, the Cyclones seized control by scoring four of the final five points to claim the title.

5. Seaford football

To win a county championship, the Seaford football team needed to exorcise some demons. On Halloween, the Vikings suffered their lone loss of the season to a scary good Plainedge team at their intimidating home stadium. In a true team effort, Seaford put the memories of that defeat to bed by defeating the Red Devils, 21-7, to capture the Nassau Conference IV title Nov. 22. Seaford’s opening statement was a 12-play, 65-yard drive in which quarterback Michael Spinella (165 yards, two touchdowns) went 7-of-8, connecting with Mark Villeck and Peter Barone as well as Brian Falk, who capped the drive with a 3-yard touchdown run to put the Vikings in front.

6. Wantagh football

Down 14 points to Bethpage early in the second quarter of the Nassau Conference III football championship game

Nov. 22, Wantagh didn’t flinch. The fourth-seeded Warriors cut the margin to one by halftime and eventually built a 14-point lead of their own before holding on for a 28-21 victory over the Golden Eagles. Luke Martini had three offensive touchdowns and an interception on defense. It marked the first time in program history Wantagh has captured back-to-back county titles. It lost 19 players from last year’s Nassau Conference IV and Long Island Class IV championship team.

7. Massapequa football

Massapequa’s football team made history Nov. 28, defeating Ward Melville, 14-12, to win the Long Island Class I title. The Chiefs joined William Floyd as the only teams in the Long Island Championship’s 33-year history to win three consecutive Class I crowns. The Colonials did so from 2005-07. And Massapequa, which topped Oceanside for the Nassau Conference I crown, did it by going undefeated for the ninth time in program history and the second time in the last three years.

8. Plainedge girls basketball

The No. 4 seed in the Nassau Class A girls’ basketball playoffs left no doubt

who’s No. 1. Junior-led Plainedge capped a sensational county tournament run March 6 with a resounding 48-28 victory over Floral Park in the championship game. “It’s really amazing and unbelievable,” said Allison Younghans, who led all scorers with 17 points. It’s the second county title in five seasons and third all-time for the Red Devils, who beat Shoreham-Wading River for the L.I. title. Maddie Belz scored 10 points off the bench, and Peyton Wise and Michela Netto added 9 and 7 points, respectively.

9. South Side boys basketball

In a packed Farmingdale State College gymnasium March 7, South Side gave Roslyn a taste of its own medicine, dropping a season-high 82 points in capturing the Nassau Class AA boys basketball championship game by a 15-point margin. Roslyn averaged 75 points but was held to 20 in the opening half and 67 on the night as the Cyclones captured their second county title in four years. South Side went on a 22-2 run from the last bucket of the first quarter to the end of the opening half, to take a 32-20 halftime lead. Trevor Walsh recorded eight of his career-high 23 points during the surge, while Ryan Schmitt, John Pericolosi, Connor Erickson and Kieran Vetter combined for the other 14 points.

10. Baldwin boys basketball

It was a freak accident at a practice in early January when Rian Gittens heard the pop in his knee and immediately thought the worst. “I thought my season was over,” the senior forward said. It was another example of adversity in a season full of it for the Baldwin boys basketball team. So when the Bruins were slow coming out of the gate and trailed by 13 in the second quarter of the Nassau Class AAA championship game March 7, it was just the latest obstacle for Baldwin to hurdle. Enter Gittens, who in his first game back from a torn MCL provided the needed offensive spark to help top-seeded Baldwin defeat Port Washington, 47-40, to win a sixth consecutive county title.

11. Baldwin girls basketball

In a Baldwin’s once-comfortable 19-point lead over Walt Whitman in the Long Island Class AAA girls’ basketball title game whittled down to five with less than three minutes remaining when its lone returning starter from last season’s state championship team made sure it wouldn’t be her high school finale. Senior guard Alyssa Polonia’s long trey from the top of the key with 2:46 to go provided the dagger in Baldwin’s 54-46 victory March 11. Her four free throws in the final minute sealed the program’s

Erik Lee/Herald

Massapequa won its third straight Long Island football title.

BRINGING

Local teams celebrated historic seasons

eighth L.I. crown in head coach Tom Catapano’s 17 seasons at the helm. Polonia had a team-high 17 points, Malia Robinson added 11 and Ajeya Nicholas chipped in 8.

12. MacArthur flag football

Alexa Coppola caught a pass through the heavy rainfall from junior quarterback Gina Iannuzzi and toe-tapped in the back of the end zone to secure MacArthur’s first flag football county title May 23 at LIU Post over Plainedge, 13-9, in the Class B championship game. On fourth and goal from the 9-yard line, Iannuzzi rolled right and found a leaping Coppola, who got one foot down with just a few turf pellets between her toe and the white out-of-bounds line. The Generals went on to capture the L.I. Class B crown.

13. Massapequa girls lacrosse

Massapequa girls lacrosse ran away with the Nassau Class A championship May 27, defeating Syosset 13-5 to take the county title in convincing fashion. Savanna Appleton led the way with four goals and four assists. In a three-game playoff stretch that also included victories over East Meadow and Port Washington, Massapequa outscored opponents 43-10, a commanding run as the top seed. The Chiefs have won nine county championships in the last 11 years, including six straight since 2021.

14. South Side girls lacrosse

Tara Cody was unfazed when South Side’s girls lacrosse season hung in the balance in the final minute of the Nassau Class C final against Wantagh May 28. The senior goalie squared up for her

second free position shot in a matter of minutes in a tie game, but unlike the first attempt Cody made a crucial low stick save. Cody’s clutch stop, one of her eight on the day, set the stage for more heroics at the other end of the field when freshman Juliet Diorio scored with just 2.3 seconds left to propel South Side to an 8-7 victory and a repeat county title.

15. Massapequa softball

Dropping three straight games to Oceanside didn’t faze defending Nassau and Long Island Class AAA softball champ Massapequa. The Chiefs, who fell twice to the Sailors during the regular season and dropped the best-of-three county finals series opener, stayed alive with a wild come-from-behind victory in Game 2 and kept the momentum going in the third and deciding game for a repeat. Samantha Dolan went 3-for-4 with five RBIs, Sienna Erker scored three runs and pitcher Alexa O’Mallon scattered five hits as Massapequa squeaked past Oceanside, 7-6, May 29 for its fifth county title in six years.

16. Wantagh boys lacrosse

Wantagh captured its third straight Nassau Class C boys lacrosse championship June 1, rolling to a 15-7 victory over South Side. Warriors goalie Gianni Passaro came up huge, making 15 saves. Martini, Matt Giacobello and Sean Stachlik each had three goals and one assist, Joe Nicholson and Carter Loughman had two goals and two assists apiece, and Devin Paccione had two goals to lead Wantagh’s high-octane offense. The Warriors advanced to beat Sayville, 12-11, for their second straight Long Island title.

17. Wantagh softball

It was fitting the Long Island Class A softball championship game ended with a strikeout from Wantagh’s Lucy Olore. The junior pitcher fanned 12 and provided all the offensive support she’d need with a two-run single in the top of the first inning of the Warriors’ 3-0 victory over two-time defending champion Miller Place June 6. It was Wantagh’s third L.I. title and first since 1990 — also won on the same date that year.

18. Calhoun softball

Five days after capturing their first Nassau County title, the Colts added another chapter to the history books. Calhoun had never played for a Long Island softball title before June 6, but the Colts proved more than worthy of sharing the same stage with defending Class AA champion East Islip. Featuring a wicked curveball, sophomore pitcher Sophia Nicastro was dialed in. She struck out 14 and allowed only six baserunners in a dominant performance to lead a 7-1 victory.

19. Kennedy baseball

It was a dream season for Bellmore JFK baseball. After dramatically winning their first county championship, the Cougars claimed their first Long Island crown, defeating Hauppauge, 9-3, to win the Class AA title June 6. Ryan Yormack set the tone with a leadoff double in the first inning and scored on an error. A sacrifice fly by Matt Toliplano gave the Cougars a 2-0 lead. Dylan Babek got the win on the mound and Derek Yormack retired all six batters he faced for the save.

20. Plainedge baseball

With Plainedge’s Taylor Nitsch and Kings Park’s Everett Zarzicki on the mound, it wasn’t going to take many runs to come away with the Long Island Class A baseball championship June 6. And it was the bat of an unlikely source, Dylan Loccisano, who provided all the offense the Red Devils needed to capture their first L.I. title since 2012. The backup catcher’s two-run, basesloaded single to right with two outs in the bottom of the fourth inning was all Plainedge needed to secure a 2-0 victory.

21. Massapequa baseball

Massapequa ace Jack Scannapieco was back and made sure the Chiefs were back on top of the mountain, defeating Liverpool, 7-1, to capture the New York State Class AAA baseball championship at Binghamton University June 13. Scannapieco earned the win, allowing one earned run on five hits, while striking out five with one walk in five innings. Joe Genova went 3-for-3 with two RBIs and two runs scored for Massapequa, which defeated Port Washington for the Nassau County title and Connetquot for the Long Island crown.

22. Massapequa boys lacrosse

The freight train known as Massapequa’s boys lacrosse team made one final stop in Geneva. The Chiefs’ offense hummed like a locomotive once again, producing at least four goals in every quarter of their 19-9 victory over West Genessee in the New York State Class A championship game June 14. Rocco Spallina had four goals and Nolan Wieczorek and Jake Byrnes added hat tricks.

Continued FRoM PReViouS Page

Media Origin Inc./Herald

alyssa Polonia and Baldwin captured the L.i. Class aaa crown.

Erik Lee/Herald Kennedy’s baseball team made history with the program’s first county and Long island titles.

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Edward Jones

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Kenneth Lysak Jr. Lynbrook

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Leg. Samuel Gonzalez

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LMN Printing of NY, Inc.

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Community, Businesses and Leaders

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Lucy Viggiano

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Public Adjuster

Luis A. Vazquez, President

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Maple Pointe

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Maureen Early

Lead Community

Affairs Specialist

Reworld™ Waste Solutions

Maxine Mayreis, DC, DACS

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Chiropractor

Melissa A. Matassa

Insurance Agency Owner

GEICO Lynbrook

Merrill Zorn-Jensen

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Michael G. McGinty

Mayor

Village of Island Park

Michael P. Shannon

East Meadow Upholsterers  emupholsterers.com

Michael Taylor

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Mimi Pierre Johnson

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Elmont Cultural Center

National Security

Brokerage

Insurance

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Olena Nicks

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County Legislator

Paris Popack

Community Advocate

Lawrence

Attorneys at Law

Peruvian American

Chamber of Commerce of LI

Holbrook

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Peter Johansen

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American Legion Cathedral

Post 1087

Phyllis Katzen

Lic. Assoc. Broker

ReMax Beach

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Raindew Plandome

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Manhasset

Ralph Anderson

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AK Associates

Richard Passariello

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Sunoco

Richie & Diane Krug  Coldwell Banker

Real Estate  East Meadow

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Samuel Nahmias

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Sandy Wein, Owner Atlantic Beach

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AMERICA

By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com

Joe Gaeta remembers spotting mines off Normandy

When Joe Gaeta looks at the American flag today, the feeling is simple.

“I’m proud of myself,” he said.

The Wantagh resident turned 99 on March 9, making him one of the last surviving members of the generation that fought and served during World War II. More than eight decades after helping support the Allied invasion of Normandy, Gaeta still carries memories of the war — and of the unlikely journey that took him there.

Gaeta grew up in the Ravenswood section of Long Island City during the Great Depression. Life was difficult. His family of five lived in a one-bedroom apartment, and there was no refrigerator, only an icebox, filled with blocks of ice delivered to the neighborhood.

“We didn’t have heat,” he recalled. “We had kerosene, and all our clothes stunk of kerosene.”

His parents worked at a local cigar company, as did many of their neighbors. Gaeta attended P.S. 83 but never went to high school. Instead, he entered the workforce and later became a laborer in construction.

At 17, with many of his older friends already serving, Gaeta decided he wanted to enlist.

“All my friends were gone,” he said. “I told my father I wanted to go.”

His parents were not thrilled by the decision, but they signed the paperwork, allowing him to join the U.S. Navy.

T

Gaeta served aboard a ship that transported troops to Normandy during the D-Day campaign. While thousands of soldiers stormed the beaches, he spent much of his time below deck in the engine room, making sure gauges and equipment were functioning properly.

“I didn’t see nothing,” he said with a laugh. “I was in the engine room.”

But he certainly heard the battle. During breaks, the sounds of gunfire and explosions echoed around the ship. After the invasion, his vessel helped recover American soldiers from the water.

“We picked up a lot of dead bodies,” he recalled quietly. “I was 17-years-old.”

Gaeta was among the youngest men aboard his ship. While many of the sailors around him worried about wives and children back home, the teenager’s concerns were much different.

Veterans reflect on service, role in American history

“A lot of guys had families,” he recalled. “Me, I’m 17-years-old. I’m talking about the Yankees and the Giants.”

Decades later, he still remembers viewing the war through the eyes of a teenager.

“To me, it was a great adventure,” he said. “It really didn’t dawn on me until I was about 21 what I did.”

o me, it was a great adventure. It really didn’t dawn on me until I was about 21 what I did.

— JOE GaETa

One of Gaeta’s most important contributions came because of his exceptional eyesight. Navy officials recognized his ability to see long distances and frequently assigned him to the crow’s nest whenever the ship entered dangerous waters.

Twice, he spotted enemy mines.

The discoveries allowed naval crews to destroy the mines and alter the routes of ships following behind, helping protect countless service members.

“They made all the ships behind us take a different route,” Gaeta said proudly.

For his efforts, he received a reward that still makes him smile more than 80 years later: a day off and a steak dinner with the ship’s chef.

“They made a big deal out of me,” he said.

After the war, Gaeta returned home to a difficult job market as thousands of veterans searched for work. He found a path into the bricklayer’s union and built a career in the trades.

Today, he remains active with veter-

an’s organizations, including AMVETS and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. During local parades, he often rides at the front.

“I’m the only World War II veteran,” he said. “When I walk in there, they make a big deal out of me.”

For Gaeta, service was never about recognition. But he hopes younger generations appreciate the sacrifices made by those who wore the uniform.

“You’re giving your life for your country,” he said. “It’s not something everybody does.”

Seaford Legion leader on service, sacrifice after 9/11 return to duty

For David VanderWerf, military service wasn’t a single chapter in his life — it was something he returned to when the country called again.

VanderWerf, adjutant of Edwin Welsh Jr. American Legion Post 1132 in Seaford and first division commander in the Nassau County American Legion, first enlisted at 17 in the National Guard and Reserve. But after the Sept. 11 attacks, he found himself drawn back to active duty.

“The impetus behind joining the regular Army was 9/11,” he said.

Raised in Glen Rock, N.J., VanderWerf said his interest in the military began early through a love of history and military simulation games with his father. Family members also served, including an uncle who flew bombing missions in World War II and another who spent decades in the Army Reserve.

After reentering service in 2003, VanderWerf deployed to South Korea,

where he spent nearly three years stationed near the Demilitarized Zone. There, he worked in combat arms on M1 Abrams tanks, serving as a driver, loader, gunner and briefly a tank commander.

A typical day, he said, began with physical training before long hours maintaining and repairing tanks in the motor pool. But the job also came with moments of high tension. He recalled monthly alerts simulating a potential North Korean attack, including one during the period when North Korea conducted its first nuclear test.

“We didn’t know why we were on alert at the time,” he said. “We were just ready.”

He also remembers the heavy responsibility of training soldiers who were later deployed to Iraq, some of whom were injured or killed in combat.

Despite those experiences, VanderWerf said morale among troops remained strong, grounded in camaraderie and shared purpose.

Today, VanderWerf has continued that sense of service through the American Legion, where he helps veterans navigate benefits, assists with community programs and participates in military funeral honors.

“Veterans and their families sacrificed a lot,” he said. “Freedom’s not free.”

For VanderWerf, the transition back to civilian life led him into leadership roles in restaurants and, later, continued community service on Long Island. But he said the core lesson of his military experience remains the same: service does not end when the uniform comes off.

Wantagh honors Revolutionary War patriot Thomas Jackson

As Wantagh residents gathered to honor veterans this Memorial Day, one of the community’s earliest patriots was remembered once again: Thomas Jackson, a Revolutionary War soldier whose roots run deep in the history of the hamlet.

Born on Dec. 24, 1754, in a house that once stood near present-day Jones Avenue, Jackson became an active supporter of the American cause during the fight for independence. Historical records show that he signed Queens County’s “Petition of Association” on Jan. 19, 1776 — a local declaration of support for the colonies’ break from British rule.

Jackson served as a private in the 4th Regiment of New York troops and helped defend local interests during the Revolutionary War. On Aug. 13, 1776, he received bounty funds for men assigned to protect livestock in Queens County before the Battle of Long Island, preventing supplies from falling into Brit-

Courtesy Joe Gaeta

World War II veteran Joe Gaeta remembers his military service with pride.

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AMERICA

ish hands. He also participated in the capture of Fort St. George in 1780.

Following the war, Jackson remained a prominent local resident. In 1803, he built a large home in what is now Wantagh.

Jackson died on Nov. 29, 1842, and is buried in the Jackson Cemetery on Wantagh Avenue. More than 180 years later, his grave continues to serve as a reminder of Wantagh’s connection to the nation’s founding and the sacrifices made by its earliest patriots.

Reflecting on service during ‘forgotten war’

For Anthony Heckl, memories of military service stretch back more than seven decades, but some moments remain as clear as ever.

Heckl, a longtime Seaford resident and member of the Edwin Welsh Jr. American Legion Post 1132, served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953 during the Korean War. Though he was only 19 when he enlisted, the experience left a lasting impression.

By ANDREW FRANCIS

afrancis@liherald.com

Laura Smith and Stacey Rose, whose ancestors have served in the U.S. military since the Revolutionary War, were named the co-grand marshals of the Village of Freeport’s Memorial Day Parade. Despite the parade being cancelled due to rain, the pair were honored during an indoor ceremony.

I’m just proud to know that I’m part of these courageous people’s bloodline, and it informs me.

StACEy RoSE

Co-grand marshal, Freeport Memorial Day Parade

Smith is an attorney who lives in Seaford and has many ties to Freeport, including owning a home in the village. She is a descendant of Revolutionary era figures Adam Smith and Benjamin Raynor, the latter the namesake of Raynortown, which eventually became Freeport.

Adam Smith joined patriotic brigades along the Long Island’s North Shore at 44 years-old, while Raynor was only 20 when he joined the fight for American independence.

Laura Smith said that she was tremendously honored by the invitation to be one of the grand marshals, and hoped that the values her family, and so many others, have fought for are maintained today.

“These guys kind of bucked a trend, since it was very loyalist around here on the South Shore,” she said, referring to

For generations of heroes, anniversary offers time to reflect

“I was 19 when I went in and 22 when I came out,” Heckl said.

A native of Manhattan, Heckl said his path into military service began almost by accident. During a New Year’s Eve gathering in 1950, a friend in the National Guard challenged him to enlist. Two days later, Heckl and another friend signed up.

His service took him from California to Korea and later Japan. Assigned to a construction engineer unit, he worked in supply, helping ensure soldiers had the equipment and clothing they needed.

The memory that stayed with him most was not the military work itself, but the devastation he witnessed in Korea.

“When I got there, it was the poverty and the devastation,” Heckl recalled. “It made me wonder what it’s all about. Why war?”

Korea’s harsh winters presented another challenge. Heckl remembered shortages of winter clothing and boots, making it difficult to keep troops supplied during the bitter cold.

One of his proudest accomplishments was helping make sure soldiers in his company had the gear they needed.

“We were trying to keep the troops in clothing,” he said.

Not every memory was difficult. Heckl fondly recalled helping build a 250-bed hospital in the city of Taegu. When the project was completed, he and his fellow soldiers were thanked by the nurses.

“At the end of it, all the nurses kissed us,” he said with a laugh.

Returning home after the war was not always easy. Unlike veterans of other conflicts, many Korean War veterans felt their service received little public recognition.

“At least the Vietnam veterans got cursed at,” Heckl joked. “They didn’t even know I was gone.”

Today, after more than 60 years on Long Island, Heckl remains active with the Seaford American Legion, where he continues to honor the friendships, service and sacrifices that defined his generation.

Grand marshals honor their Revolutionary War ancestors

Smith and Raynor. “It was kind of a dangerous thing to do, and certainly unpopular that they did go against the tide.”

Smith also added that the legacies of

her ancestors inspire her to want to see the values of independence and fair representation upheld in today’s America.

“The government should be behold-

en to the people and should adhere to what it is that the people want, and not to forget that it’s for the people of the country,” she said. “Some people, they seem to be forgetting that.”

Rose, who has lived in Freeport for 40 years, is a substitute teacher at John W. Dodd Middle School, also in the village. She is a descendant of Benjamin Lattimore Sr., an enslaved Black man who was freed and later served in continental armies in New York during the Revolutionary War.

Lattimore’s descendants leading up to Rose have been very involved military service, abolitionist movements and civil rights. She speaks highly of the inspiration that her relatives provide and boldly works with her family to honor their legacy through publicly discussing the harsh treatments that Black U.S. service members and citizens often faced during the past 250 years.

“There’s a lot of Black American’s who have served in various capacities,” Rose said. “(President George) Washington didn’t want us in the military, but we were losing.”

Despite the wounds of persistent racism, Rose added she is honored to “give voice to my ancestors and give voice to everyone who served and continues to serve.”

“I’m just proud to know that I’m part of these courageous people’s bloodline, and it informs me,” Rose said during the Freeport ceremony. “It informs me the work is not over. Democracy is always a work in progress, a fragile idea. Today’s patriots are those who give military service for our country. … Our 250th anniversary is a time to reflect and think about the sacrifice of those who are no longer with us.”

Deliah Roberts/Herald

Stacey Rose, left, and Laura Smith, right, the two grand marshals for the parade, with Marie Carmel Houanche, chaplain of American Legion William Clinton Story Post 342.

Andrew Francis/Herald

Despite the rain, Phillip Matragas, Mayor Robert Kennedy and Laura Smith were still able to briefly enjoy riding in a Mustang convertible after the Memorial Day ceremony.

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AMERICA

By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com

During the 250 years of its existence, the United States has experienced many domestic and global triumphs in large part due to the sacrifices and contributions of the millions of individuals who served in the military in various capacities.

In recognition of the ongoing service active-duty military members and veterans have offered this nation, several Long Island veterans shared their reflections on their service and what the celebration of the country’s 250th anniversary signifies to them.

Bill Morris, North Bellmore

Morris served in U.S. Army from 1962 to 1965, and was stationed in Arlington, Virginia, as a part of the Old Guard that watches over the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. The memorial serves as a symbolic resting place for the many soldiers who died and whose remains were unidentifiable due to the state of the body, poor record keeping or technological limitations of the time.

DHe expressed that it was an honor to be a part of the Old Guard and serving the country in a unique way. In addition to guarding the tomb, he was a part of different ceremonies at the White House and parades at the Washington Monument.

espite all of our differences, the country goes on — and we celebrate our heritage and our victories.

— BILL MoRRIS

Morris also was a part of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy’s funeral in 1963 when JFK was assassinated in Dallas. When asked about what America 250 signifies to him, he reflected on how much history he had been a part of.

“It signifies that I’m getting old, because I remember the 200th anniversary,” he joked. “(The 250th) anniversary just shows that the country, despite all of our differences, goes on and we celebrate our heritage and we celebrate our victories.”

For America’s 250th, looking back on service

Photos courtesy Bill Morris

Bill Morris said he’s been “honored” to have participated in several emotional ceremonies, including the funeral of President John F. Kennedy.

Bill Morris has received several recognitions and awards for his service in the Old Guard.

Morris added that he hopes to see the U.S. government provide additional support for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and encourages the country to care more for veterans.

“There’s way too many veterans on the street,” he said. “Too many on drugs. They need more care, they need more mental health (resources), they need more benefits. And I know the Veterans Affairs are trying to do that.”

Lomonaco Angelo, Lynbrook

Angelo, a U.S. Navy veteran who served from 1951 to 1955, also worked as a New York City police

American Legion chaplain.

Deliah Roberts/Herald Herald reporter Andrew Francis with U.S. veteran Marie Carmel Houanche at the 2026 Freeport Memorial Day Ceremony at Freeport High School.

officer for 20 years. He said that the nation’s 250th birthday is “meaningful” and he also hopes to see the legacy of veterans honored better.

“People, don’t forget the veterans,” he asks, mentioning “the different eras to World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, until the present.”

Angelo does his part to try to honor fellow veterans by volunteering at the New York State Veterans Home in St. Albans.

Marie Carmel Houanche, Freeport

Houanche was a nurse in the U.S. Army for 20 years being sta-

tioned in Houston, Texas and other areas of the country. Despite retiring from the military in 2011, she has remained tied to it by serving as chaplain at the American Legion’s William Clinton Story Post No. 342 in Freeport.

Despite having not been a typical soldier, Houanche said that her experiences were transformative since she was required to still meet the same physical fitness requirements that regular soldiers met. She also learned how to speak French, Korean, French, Creole, Spanish, English and a bit of Russian throughout her life of service.

Houanche said that America’s 250th anniversary is both a celebration of progress and independence.

There’s way too many veterans on the street. They need more care, more mental health resources and more benefits.

— BILL MoRRIS

“The reason that we celebrate the 250th anniversary is because we have our freedom and independence, and if it wasn’t for the military, all the different branches working together, we wouldn’t be free today.”

Stephen Nicolino, Freeport

Nicolino, who recently celebrated his 94th birthday, was a U.S. Air Force traffic controller from 1952 to 1956. After graduating from high school, the same day as the Korean War started, he reported to basic training at the now closed Sampson Air Force Base in Seneca Lake, New York, and went on to be stationed at bases in Massachusetts and England. Following his service, he went on to graduate from Hofstra University with a degree in business administration. When asked about America 250, he said that he and his family have loved the U.S. for over a century.

“My parents came from Italy in 1921 and never looked back,” Nicolino said. “He became a citizen within five years of being here in the United States.”

Nicolino’s family ties to service and patriotism extends to his brother Benedetto Nicolino, who was a Suffolk County police officer in the 1950s and 1960s who would become the first Long Island police officer with a K-9 dog.

Courtesy Marie Carmel Houanche

Marie Carmel Houanche worked as a nurse in the U.S. Army for 20 years before serving as an

AMERICA

Look into the future

Julianna M. Birch Elementary School

Samuel G. Birch Elementary School

Hannah N. Birch Elementary School

Maddy K. Birch Elementary School

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON, F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR REGISTERED HOLDERS OF CWABS, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-12, Plaintiff AGAINST ISAIAH GREEN AKA ISAIAH H. GREEN, DEBORAH GREEN, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 6, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM, premises known as 41 Grant St, Hempstead, NY 11550. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Hempstead, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York, SBL# 36-487-34. Approximate amount of judgment $590,575.95 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605056/2023. Peter L. Kramer, Esq., Referee Tromberg, Miller, Morris & Partners, PLLC 39 Broadway, Suite 1840 New York, NY 10006 25-000575 90204 160617

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: NASSAU COUNTY. LOAN FUNDER LLC, SERIES 5918, Pltf., vs. LEGACY INV. & MANAGEMENT GROUP, et al, Defts. Index #602818/2025. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered May 21, 2026, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Courthouse, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on July 15, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. prem. 161 Fairview Blvd., Hempstead, NY 11550 a/k/a Section 34, Block E, Lots 361-362. Approx. amt. of judgment is $510,631.88 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of

sale. BRIAN J. DAVIS, Referee. DEUTSCH & SCHNEIDER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 79-37 Myrtle Avenue, Glendale, NY. File No. LF-582#103024 160704

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST GEORGE HINES, JR., DONNA HINES, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 21, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 15, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 164 Fairview Boulevard, Hempstead, NY 11550. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Village and Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 44 Block 31 and Lots 125, 352-353. Approximate amount of judgment $432,504.19 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615787/2022. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-001366 90175 160615

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County of Nassau PennyMac Loan Services, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST Roselore Chavre, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 19, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 64 Beebe Avenue, Hempstead, NY 11550. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and

improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 36, BLOCK: 263, LOT: 33. Approximate amount of judgment is $497,106.24 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 614038/2018. This sale may be subject to the US Dept of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Real Estate Reporting Rule. In such event, all purchasers are required to provide the information needed for proper reporting in accordance with the terms of sale. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Mark Ricciardi, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-093122-F00 89791 160609

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU MIDFIRST BANK, Plaintiff AGAINST CHRISTIAN FELICIANO, ZINOVIA IOANNOU, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 6, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 15, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 1062 Central Avenue, South Hempstead, NY 11550. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at South Hempstead, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 36 Block 190 and Lots 328, 380 and 381. Approximate amount of judgment $279,413.15 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #610946/2024. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 24-000240 90163 160613

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A

MR. COOPER, -againstPATRICIA THELIAN, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on June 6, 2024, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A MR. COOPER is the Plaintiff and PATRICIA THELIAN, 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 July 22, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 27 RICHARD STREET, WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY 11552; and the following tax map identification: 35-628-13. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN MUNSON, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 611057/2019. Lisa Segal Poczik, 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. 160766

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST BETTY JOHNSON FREEMAN AKA BETTY JOHNSON

INDIVIDUALLY AND AS SURVIVING SPOUSE OF

WILLIAM FREEMAN, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 25, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 20, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 82 Beebe Avenue, Hempstead, NY 11550. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 36 Block 263 Lot 24 (L.G. 24-26). Approximate amount of judgment $388,488.60 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #606077/2023. Fabiana I. Talarico, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-002054 90212 160751

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice hereby given that a license, application ID NA-0240-25-139240 for Wine, Beer and Cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell Wine, Beer and Cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 287 Fulton Avenue, Hempstead, NY County of Nassau for On Premises Consumption. “La Finca Catracha Restaurant & Bar Inc. dba El Rancho Alegre Restaurant. 160898

LEGAL NOTICE SUMMONS IN TAX LIEN FORECLOSURESUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NASSAU - TOWER DB XII TRUST 2022-1, Plaintiff, against DERRICK ANDRE CRUTCHLEY AS ANCILLARY ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF DERRICK HUBERT GUY CRUTCHLEY, JACQUELINE MARLOW AS HEIR AND DISTRUBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF FRANCIS CRUTCHLEY, DENISE MARLOW AS HEIR AND DISTRUBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF FRANCIS CRUTCHLEY, NICOLA MARLOW AS HEIR AND DISTRUBUTEE OF THE

ESTATE OF FRANCIS CRUTCHLEY, and DERRICK J. CRUTCHLEY AS HEIR AND DISTRUBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF FRANCIS CRUTCHLEY if living, et. al., Defendants. Index No. 623340/25. To the above-named Defendants -YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action within twenty days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service or within thirty days after service is completed if the summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. Plaintiffs designate Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the county in which the property a lien upon which is being foreclosed is situated. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to the Order of the Hon. Jeffrey A. Goodstein J.S.C., dated May 20, 2026. The object of this action is to foreclose a Nassau County Tax Lien covering the premises located at School District 1, Section 36, Block 054 Lot 91 on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau and also known as 122 West Graham Avenue, Hempstead, New York. Dated: June 16, 2026.

BRONSTER LLP

Attorneys for Plaintiff TOWER DB XII TRUST 2022-1

By: Josef F. Abt, Esq. 1325 Avenue of the Americas, 12th Fl. New York, NY 10019 (347) 246-4776 160885

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, AS SUCCESSOR-ININTEREST TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE J.P. MORGAN MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST 2006-ACC1, ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-ACC1, Plaintiff, AGAINST IBRAHIM SAMIR

JAGHAB, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on June 3, 2025.

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 July 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 19 Sammis Pl, Hempstead, NY 11550.

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 Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 34, Block 186 and Lot 234, 235.

Approximate amount of judgment $893,692.63 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #002631/2017. Christine Mendola Grillo, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 160859

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST JOSE D. AREVALO; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 24, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 28, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 49 Oak Avenue, Hempstead, NY 11550. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being

at Hempstead, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 36 Block: 048 Lot: 295. Approximate amount of judgment $398,325.21 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #608838/2025. Ronald Ferraro, Esq., Referee FEIN, SUCH & CRANE, LLP 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800 Rochester, NY 14614 FSLNY038 90364 160869

LEGAL NOTICE BID #5 HEMV 2026-2027 NOTICE OF BID CANCELLATION INC. VILLAGE OF HEMPSTEAD

99 James A. Garner Way Hempstead, New York 11550

To All Interested Bidders: Please be advised that the Incorporated Village of Hempstead is hereby cancelling the solicitation for: “ANNUAL BOILER MAINTENANCE AT 1 HELEN KELLER WAY” which was advertised in the Notice to Bidders dated June 26, 2026, with bids scheduled to be received and publicly opened on July 21, 2026, at 10:00 A.M.

Accordingly, no award will be made pursuant to this solicitation. All submitted bids, if any, will be returned in accordance with Village procedures. The Village reserves the right to issue a revised solicitation for this work at a later date. Interested parties are encouraged to monitor future bid advertisements for additional information. By Order of the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Hempstead Date of Notice: 07/02/2026 OFFICE OF TREASURER 161026

To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

LEGAL NOTICE BID #6 HEMV 2026-2027

NOTICE OF BID CANCELLATION INC. VILLAGE OF HEMPSTEAD

99 James A. Garner Way Hempstead, New York 11550

To All Interested Bidders: Please be advised that the Incorporated Village of Hempstead is hereby cancelling the solicitation for:

Public Notices

“ANNUAL ELECTRICAL MAINTENANCE AT 1 HELEN KELLER WAY” which was advertised in the Notice to Bidders dated June 26, 2026, with bids scheduled to be received and publicly opened on July 21, 2026, at 10:00 A.M.

Accordingly, no award will be made pursuant to this solicitation. All submitted bids, if any, will be returned in accordance with Village procedures. The Village reserves the right to issue a revised solicitation for this work at a later date. Interested parties are encouraged to monitor future bid advertisements for additional information.

By Order of the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Hempstead Date of Notice: 07/02/2026 OFFICE OF TREASURER 161027

LEGAL NOTICE

SUMMONS-SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF NASSAUGITSIT SOLUTIONS, LLC, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS SEPARATE TRUSTEE OF GV TRUST 2025-1, Plaintiff, -againstTAMARA K. CHUCHRO A/K/A TAMARA KESHIA BRYAN, AS POSSIBLE HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ANNIE BRYAN; IDRIAN BRYANT, AS POSSIBLE HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ANNIE BRYAN; THE UNKNOWN HEIRS-ATLAW, NEXT-OF-KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, \EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS AND PARTIES HAVING OR CLAIMING, UNDER, BY OR THROUGH THE DECEDENT ANNIE BRYAN, BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT, TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE PREMISES

DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN; IMC MORTGAGE COMPANY A/K/A INDUSTRY MORTGAGE COMPANY, L.P., INC. DBA IMC MORTGAGE COMPANY AND DBA COREWEST COMPANY AND DBA AMERICAN MORTGAGE REDUCTION; “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #10” inclusive, the names of the ten last name Defendants being fictitious, real names unknown to the Plaintiff, the parties intended being persons or corporations having an interest in, or tenants or persons in possession of, portions of the mortgaged premises described in the Complaint, Defendants - Index No. 601578/2026 Plaintiff Designates Nassau County as the Place of Trial. The Basis of Venue is that the subject premises is situated in Nassau County. To the above named DefendantsYOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your Answer or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance upon the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the date of service or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York. If you fail to so appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated June 11, 2026. NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME - If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing

the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (GITSIT SOLUTIONS, LLC, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS SEPARATE TRUSTEE OF GV TRUST 2025-1) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Jeffrey A. Goodstein A.J.S.C. Dated: June 11, 2026 Filed: June 16, 2026. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 113 Dartmouth Street, Hempstead, NY 11550.

Dated: January 20, 2026 Filed: January 22, 2026 Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, Attorney for Plaintiff, By: Karen B. Olson, Esq., 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591 Phone: (914) 345-3020 161003

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY WEBSTER BANK N.A., Plaintiff against PRIMROSE CAMPBELL, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered March 25, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100

Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 6, 2026 at 2:00PM. Premises known as 507 Queen Street, North Hempstead, NY 11590. Sec 10 Block 325 Lot 19. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Westbury, County of Nassau, State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $217,122.45 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 615804/2023.

During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. 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. 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.”

Property is being sold subject to a second mortgage.

Robert J Aiello, Esq., Referee File # NY202300000441-1 161005

and

part

a roundtable discussion hosted by Gillen at Le Spot Cafe, in Elmont, in April. Elected officials and advocates gathered to discuss legislation extending Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants.

Lawmakers speak up for TPS

Lawmakers representing Elmont, home to a large Haitian American population, are condemning a U.S. Supreme Court decision on June 25 allowing the Trump administration to move forward with terminating Temporary Protected Status for Haitian recipients.

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages her brother, Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages, who are of Haitian heritage, said the ruling threatens families who have built lives in the United States and could have significant humanitarian and economic consequences for Long Island.

U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen weighed in as well, saying the decision “puts our friends’ and neighbors’ lives at risk,” and argued that it could force Haitian TPS holders to return to a country still facing severe violence and instability.

Gillen said she had “stood shoulder to shoulder” with the Haitian community on Long Island throughout efforts to oppose the termination of TPS, and has continued to advocate for protections at the federal level. She said she has “fought this termination in the courts,” and pledged continued action in Congress to extend legal safeguards.

She also described Haitian TPS recipients as “a fundamental part of our vibrant identity on Long Island,” and warned that removing them would have both humanitarian and economic consequences.

Michaelle Solages strongly condemned the ruling, calling it “a devastating betrayal of America’s values.” She said that TPS exists to protect people fleeing crises, and pointed to conditions in Haiti, including “unprecedented levels of gang violence, political turmoil, economic collapse and insecurity,” arguing that returning people under those circumstances would be dangerous and irresponsible.

Solages added that Haitian families are deeply embedded in communities across New York, and that they work as nurses, educators, small-business owners and essential workers and have built long-

in April about the ramifications of removing protected status for Haitian immigrants.

term lives in the United States. The Supreme Court decision, she said, sends what she called a “chilling message” by prioritizing politics over people and undermining the humanitarian intent of TPS. Solages called on Congress to act quickly to provide permanent protections for TPS holders.

Carrié Solages warned that the decision would have ripple effects across Long Island, and that it could destabilize the local economy and create fear and uncertainty in immigrant communities. He urged residents to contact the New York City Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs Immigration Legal Support Hotline at (800) 354-0365, or call 311 and say, “Immigration legal.”

Solages urged families to seek help early, stressing that trusted legal guidance is critical as immigration policies continue to shift and uncertainty grows.

— Hailey

Fulmer

Hailey Fulmer/Herald photos

Rep. Laura Gillen, far left, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages took

in

Rep. Laura Gillen spoke at Le Spot Cafe, in Elmont,

BEACON

In Congress, July 4, 1776

The Declaration of Independence was first published on July 6, 1776, in a newspaper, the Pennsylvania Evening Post. We are proud to commemorate that high point in American journalism by reprinting that historic document.

WHERALD

hen in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the Powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good.

He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them.

He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only.

He has called together legislative bodies at

places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures.

He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness of his invasions on the rights of the people.

He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within.

He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws of Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands.

He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers.

He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone, for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries.

He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people, and eat out their substance.

He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislature.

He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power.

He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their acts of pretended legislation:

For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us:

For protecting them, by a mock Trial, from Punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States:

For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world:

For imposing taxes on us without our consent:

For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury:

For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences:

For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies:

For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws, and altering fundamentally the forms of our Government:

For suspending our own legislature, and declaring themselves invested with Power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever.

He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us.

He has plundered our seas, ravaged our Coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people.

He is at this time transporting large armies of foreign mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy of the Head of a civilized nation.

He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands.

He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages, whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions.

In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free People.

Nor have We been wanting in attention to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends.

We, therefore, the representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the state of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the Protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our Sacred Honor.

The Declaration was signed first by John Hancock, president of the Continental Congress, and then by 55 others representing the 13 original states.

Prioritizing public participation in local government

With celebrations of America’s 250th birthday in full swing here and across the nation, Nassau County residents are experiencing the steady erosion of their ability to exercise their free-speech rights and directly petition the representatives they elect.

That is in direct conflict with the foundational principles of our nation, which were built around an essential core of representative democracy and free speech. We can — and must — reverse this disturbing trend.

In January, during the organizational meetings to codify the rules for this term of the Legislature, the majority, led by Presiding Officer Howard Kopel, changed the rules so members of the public were only permitted to speak on the day’s agenda at the beginning of the committee meetings — before officials had the opportunity to present important information about the items being voted on. Previously, public comment was allowed after committee members deliberated and before votes.

Alongside my Democratic colleagues,

I voted against this rule change, and we have repeatedly urged Kopel to remove this unnecessary barrier to meaningful public participation. Unfortunately, those requests appear to have fallen on deaf ears, because no response or justification has been provided as of this writing.

Public participation is a cornerstone of good government. Residents deserve the opportunity to comment on matters before their elected representatives take action, particularly on issues that directly affect their communities. Limiting that opportunity diminishes transparency, reduces public trust and weakens the connection between government and the people it serves.

greater civic engagement.

The first step would be to immediately revert to the previous rules of the Legislature, which would allow the public to comment on committee items after they have witnessed the full public airing of key details.

A rule change in the Legislature is a bad sign for those with opinions to share.

The rule change in the Legislature is a symptom of a larger climate in which the aim is to stifle opposing voices, reduce transparency, cut off access, and discourage and disengage the public so that those in power can operate without proper oversight.

As we have witnessed in Nassau County and across the nation, such a climate is a breeding ground for mistakes, short-sighted decisions and even corruption. Locally, we can take three important steps in the short term to chart a course toward transparency and

In addition, the presiding officer would serve the public well by lifting the one-hour cap on public comment at meetings of the full Legislature when a calendar item or a contemporary issue generates significant public interest. Currently, once the hour expires, residents must wait until the end of the meeting to weigh in. Previous presiding officers, however, have allowed all speakers to comment at the start of the meeting, no matter how long it took, when attendance and a desire to speak demanded it. It is our job to listen, and we should not be using the rules of the Legislature as a tool to discourage public participation. Finally, the Legislature should hold meetings in the evening. Scheduling them at 1 p.m. is a disservice to those who want to attend but cannot because they must prioritize their jobs. As economic challenges increasingly pressure local families, most simply cannot afford to take several hours off from work to attend a legislative meeting.

Evening meetings would provide greater accessibility and convenience for constituents who want to participate in their local government and speak directly with the representatives they elected to serve them. Matters of significant public interest, controversial issues, and legislation with a substantial impact on residents would be scheduled during evening sessions to maximize opportunities for public engagement and participation. Daytime sessions would be reserved primarily for procedural, administrative and operational matters, as well as time-sensitive issues requiring prompt action by the Legislature.

In life, our actions reveal our priorities, and how we operate at the Legislature demonstrates our philosophy as public servants. Nassau residents deserve a government that is transparent, open and responsive — one that respects their voices and encourages their input in the pursuit of a better, more prosperous life for all who live here. Embracing a more balanced approach would promote transparency, strengthen public trust and ensure that working families, seniors, students and other community members have a meaningful opportunity to participate in the legislative process and have their voices heard.

Viviana L. Russell, of Westbury, represents Nassau County’s 2nd Legislative District.

FrAmeWork by Tim Baker

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