Merrick Herald 06-20-2024

The future awaits Bellmore-Merrick graduates

Summers kicks off with above average temps

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

Summer officially begins June 20, and with it comes a heatwave that is expected to last through this weekend. The Town of Hempstead is doing its part to help keep residents safe and cool, offering extended beach and pool hours, and a variety of places people can go to get out of the sun and “beat the heat.”

And while the heat wave should break sometime this weekend; another one may be on its tail. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s climate outlook is again projecting “hotter than usual” conditions across the U.S. between June 29 and July 12, including areas affected by the current one.

Bellmore-Merrick’s high schools graduated earlier this month, in three separate ceremonies filled with cheers, positive affirmations and memories. Julissa Hernandez, Allison HernandezGuzman and Evrocina Hanna at John F. Kennedy High School’s graduation. Story, more photos, Pages 3 and 10. W e have amenities that are going to help cool you down.

Homegrown art on display features work of Lauren Reiss, and her mom

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

Throughout the month of June, patrons of the North Bellmore Public Library will have the opportunity to view artwork rooted in local history.

Lauren Reiss, an artist who grew up in the community and now resides in Baldwin, is this month’s resident artist, and her work in the display spaces around the library will be featured alongside the work of another special artist: her mom, Mildred Scherpich.

Reiss was born in 1958 to Harold and Mildred Scherpich. She grew up in North Bellmore, with

her three older sisters, Millie, Nancy and Faith. Reiss graduated from Jerusalem Avenue School, which is now a Nassau BOCES facility with the same name, and later Wellington C. Mepham High School. Reiss fondly recalled visiting the North Bellmore library with her mom, in the days when it was still a wooden frame house.

“I remember the building,” she said. “I have very fond memories of this little old house, the library — the creaky floorboards. And now I live in a 97-year-old house, with creaky floorboards.”

Reiss got married in 1973, and later moved to Queens. She has lived in Baldwin for the last 40 years because it was close to her parents, who

The heat wave — which began unseasonably early on June 18 — has affected most of the northeast. It has left most of the tristate area in an “extreme caution” zone, meaning the heat index could be as high as 103 degrees. The heat index is a measure of how hot it really feels outside, taking things like humidity and temperature into account.

DoN Cl AViN Supervisor Town of Hempstead

At a June 17 news conference, standing alongside Town Clerk Kate Murray, and three lifeguards at Veterans Memorial Park, Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin said while in the sun, temperatures will likely feel over 100 degrees throughout the end of this week and weekend.

“In the Town of Hempstead, we not only have great lifeguards, but we have amenities that are going to help cool you down,” he said.

When out in the sun, a person could perceive the temperature as being higher by up to 15 degrees. In New York City and Long Island, the highest heat index in the forecast is 98 degrees on Friday, June 21.

To “beat the heat,” Town of Hempstead beaches — which normally close at 6 p.m. — are open to 7 p.m. throughout the heat wave’s duration. Pools, like the ones in Veterans

Continued on page 14

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

HERALD SchoolS

Students take part in living wax museum

All the stars were out at Saw Mill Road Elementary School as students were able to dress up as their favorite athlete, entertainer or historical figure and give some background and history to their friends and family.

The fifth grade class at Saw Mill hosted it’s annual living wax museum, allowing

students to get into the part after weeks’ of biography writing in class. Students began by talking about the importance of biographies as well as giving a little background and introductions into who they were playing.

Students then gave a small speech about the person they were portraying, being asked to focus on the early life of each figure and focus on the challenges and hardships that they had to face to get to where they are today. Family members and other students were invited to roam around and learn about each figure, from famous athletes like Jalen Brunson and Pete Alonso, to notable historical figures like Albert Einstein and Princess Diana. “It’s really

impressive how much they learned during the process,” said teacher Melissa Mignoli “It’s amazing to see their hard

work come together in their writing piece and in this culminating celebration.”

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Photos courtesy North Bellmore School District

Saw Mill Road Elementary School Principal Jeff Rosof greeted fifth graders who portrayed the famous figures they research in a living wax museum on June 11.

Isabella Rodriguez, was Olivia Rodrigo, Rebecca Daud, was singer Zendaya, and Trinity Hanna portrayed Princess Diana.

Celebrating the Class of ’24: A new chapter begins

Bellmore-Merrick’s John F. Kennedy High School’s Class of 2024 was celebrated on the school field amid a sea of fanfare, family and friends on June 9.

Principal Gerard Owenberg spoke with pride of the seniors, specifically about “their hard work and leadership.” Senior chorus members serenaded the crowd as well.

Valedictorian Gabriella Tejada and salutatorian Cole Wasserman addressed the crowd. Tejada spoke about how her success is conditional upon faith, ambition and integrity.

“For faith, I hope that each of you has faith in yourselves and in your ability to make a positive impact on others,” she emphasized. “Be ambitious and aim to surpass your high expectations. Develop a sense of intrinsic motivation and keep pushing for-

Class officers

Marlee Goldberg, , Marci Baldinger, Max Broder and Emmy Rosenberg were honored for their service with sashes labeling their positions

ward through hard work. Finally, have integrity, by rooting yourself in your values and having a commitment to good character. The future is unknown, however, by rooting ourselves in our values and positivity, we can navigate anything the world throws at us.”

Wasserman recanted about how he and peers “were always on the move” in high school. “We go from school, to sports, to work, to all of our other commitments,” he said. “All these experiences have molded us. Each small event throughout our time here has allowed us to grow into the people we are today. Yet I don’t think most of us, myself included, stop to appreciate all of these experiences. But we really should.”

Board of education trustee Dr. Nancy Kaplan also offered a positive sendoff message to the graduates.

Board trustees Gina Piskin and Dr. Nancy Kaplan, Assistant Superintendent of Business Mikaela Coni and Board President Janet Goller congratulated Class of 2024 graduates

Photos courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

Valedictorian Gabriella Tejada, right, and salutatorian Cole Wasserman, left, represented the JFK Class of 2024 at the graduation ceremony

Dylan Friedman, Maxwell Frank, Jacob Franklin and Anthony Formisano before the graduation ceremony

Members of John F. Kennedy High School’s Class of 2024.

Crime Briefs

Man arrested; driving drunk with juvenile

Three juveniles were arrested for an attempted burglary on June 16, around 10:35 p.m. in Merrick.

According to Nassau County Police Department detectives, officers responded to Merrick Bicycles, at 1829 Merrick Avenue, where there was a burglary in process. They found three juveniles, ages 13, 14 and 16 at the scene of the incident.

It was determined the 13-year-old and 17-year-old were also responsible for a robbery to the same business on May 24, 2024 and June 8, 2024.

ceny, and criminal possession of stolen property. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

The 14-year-old was charged with attempted burglary. He was issued an appearance ticket and released.

Man arrested for public lewdness

An East Meadow man was arrested for public lewdness on June 16, for an incident that occurred on June 12 around 7:50 p.m.

The 13-year-old was charged with two counts of burglary, attempted burglary, grand larceny, petit lar-

The 17-year-old was charged with two counts of burglary, attempted burglary, grand larceny, petit larceny, criminal possession of stolen property, possession of burglar tools and criminal mischief. He was arraigned on June 17 at the First District Court in Hempstead.

— Jordan Vallone

According to Nassau County Police Department detectives, a 9-year-old female was in front of her house on Falcon Street, when a white work van parked across the street. The male operator approached her and motioned for her to come over to the vehicle.

She approached him, and he then exposed himself. After, she ran back

inside and advised her father of the incident.

Jhonathan Fuentes, 29, was arrested for the incident on June 16. He was charged with public lewdness and endangering the welfare of a child. He was arraigned on June 16 at the First District Court in Hempstead.

Detectives ask that anyone with information regarding the above incident, or if they feel they were also a victim, to call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.

— Jordan Vallone

Two men suffer electrical burns at Newbridge Road Park

An electrical incident left two people injured on June 14 at Newbridge Road Park.

According to Nassau County Police Department detectives, around 11:30 a.m., a 62-year-old man

was working in the electrical service room in the park, when he was electrocuted, causing burns to his arm and stomach.

A second victim, a 39-year-old man, suffered burns to his arm

while trying to help.

The 62-year-old was airlifted to a nearby hospital by the Nassau County Police Department’s Aviation Unit.

The younger victim was taken to

a nearby hospital by a Bellmore Fire Department Ambulance. Both victims are in stable condition. The investigation is ongoing.

— Jordan Vallone

Why Some Estate Plans Fail

Clients lose legal clarity when their treating physician determines that they are unable to handle their legal and financial affairs. Once the client becomes legally disabled, it is too late to prepare and sign new legal documents. Obviously, the same is true when a client dies.

Time and again we find that the client’s legal documents were prepared many years ago and are either inadequate from a personal or professional point of view. It may be that the wrong person is in charge due to any number of circumstances -- illness, unavailability, estrangement, death, etc. In other cases, the power of attorney, the will or the trust is legally inadequate. Examples of this may be that the client had the power of attorney done many years earlier by a general lawyer, but failed to have it reviewed or replaced by an elder law attorney when they got older. Thus they end up with a power of attorney that is not strong enough to move assets out of their name or to set up a trust to protect their assets. Under Medicaid, it’s move it or lose it.

Countless wills and trusts do not reflect

the current state of the law when a client dies, especially regarding New York and Federal estate taxes. These laws change every few years as administrations change.

The problem arises out of the fact that law firms are traditionally unwilling to take the responsibility to keep their clients informed as to law changes or to review their clients’ estate plans on a regular basis — to make certain the plan will work when the client needs it — not when they wrote it many years earlier.

To overcome the problem of facing a death or disability with an outdated plan, we provide a free review of our clients’ estate plan every three years. Having used this approach for over three decades, we have saved thousands of clients countless problems and, when something happens to one of our clients, we know who they are since the relationship has been maintained. In addition, Ettinger Law Firm does not charge for phone calls or emails in order to encourage communication when personal or legal issues arise.

GreGory Foutz

Jhonathan Fuentes

Retired teachers mark important anniversary

The Bellmore-Merrick Retired Teachers Association celebrated the 40th Anniversary of the Bellmore-Merrick United Secondary Teachers union last month at Stella’s Restaurant in Bellmore. Approximately 35 members attended the event, as did the association’s co-presidents, Mike Dolber and Joan Kleinman, New York State United Teachers Retiree Council District 17 President Ken Ulric, BMUST Secretary Meg Hirsch, and Rob Walsh, current president of BMUST.

Attendees reflected on the important role that the teachers association played in promoting academic excellence in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District since its founding in 1984.

The Bellmore-Merrick Retired Teachers Association recently commemorated the 40th anniversary of the Bellmore-Merrick United Secondary Teachers Union last month, bringing together many years of former teachers.

Co-presidents Dolber and Kleinman spoke of the union’s support of lower class size, quality professional development for faculty, and educational initiatives such as the Meadowbrook Alternative Program. BMUST engagement in the community was also highlighted. The union has participated in local street fairs, delivering “Toys for Tots” at Nassau University Medical Center, the annual Breast Cancer Awareness Walk at Jones Beach, and, recently, assisting with the district’s food pantry. Sharon Wisla, former BMRTA president, presented a slideshow of BMUST’s history. The retirees also commemo -

rated and reminisced about the teacher strike of October 1974. An oral history of the strike, including the experiences of many of those present at the luncheon, was presented.

BMRTA distributed the flyer to all current BMUST members to remind them of the teacher’s association’s history and efforts. The retirees were thankful for the cooperative relationship that developed

between BMUST, the district’s central administration, and the BMCHSD Board of Education.

“The luncheon was a great occasion for us to reconnect with people we may not have seen for a while, and to celebrate our careers, our union, and our history,” Dolber said.

— Jordan Vallone

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There is absolutely no fee or other charge in New York State when you make “pre-arrangements”. Moreover when you pre-fund those arrangements through the Pre-Plan Trust there is no additional expense in establishing the trust account. A trust account that remains under your control and your funds are FDIC insured.

No commission, no set-up fees, no extra expenses. Just accurate, helpful information, and a plan that conforms to all New York State Regulations and SSI-Medicaid regulations as well. An enhanced rate of interest on the Pre-Plan Trust enables us to guarantee the funeral home costs when a complete funeral is arranged and paid for.

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Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Retired Teachers Association

The event, at Stella’s Restaurant in Bellmore, served as a way for many retired teachers to connect and reflect.

Thomas L. Kearns

Cricket tournament a big hit in Nassau

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

The International Cricket Council’s Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Tournament proved a bit hit in Nassau County, highlighted by the much-anticipated and sold out India-Pakistan match June 9.

Nassay County Executive Bruce Blakeman called the event, which kicked off with a practice match June 1 and concluded 11 days later with the United States taking on India at Eisenhower Park, “the Super Bowl on steroids.”

Cricket is the second most-popular sport in the world behind soccer and the world’s third most-watched sporting event behind only the FIFA World Cup and Tour de France. It was introduced in the United Kingdom during the 16th century. It has since grown in immense popularity in South Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Southern Africa and the West Indies — many parts of the globe that have been influenced by British imperialism over the centuries.

The T20 tournament, which is both the youngest and shortest version of international cricket, featured matches — usually lasting around three-and-ahalf hours — played this month not only in East Meadow, but also in Dallas, southern Florida and the West Indies. All eight matches in East Meadow began at 10:30 a.m., to align with mid-afternoon television audiences in Europe and prime-time slots in South Asia.

The pitch at Eisenhower Park was shipped in from Australia, and kept in Florida during the winter months before being dropped in the temporary, modular stadium, which seated more than 34,000 fans.

Every seat was filled for the IndiaPakistan rivalry match with tickets going on the secondary market for a minimum of $1,000 after fees. Large viewing parties were held in Seaford as well as in Queens at Citi Field, with India fans celebrating a 119-113 victory following several weather delays. Matches between those two nations usually attract massive audiences. More than 400 million people watched the IndiaPakistan 2011 World Cup battle. That’s more than triple the viewing audience of the most recent Super Bowl.

This year marked the first-ever appearance in the tournament for the United States, which pulled off one of the sport’s biggest upsets of all-time June 6 in Dallas with an overtime win against Pakistan. India defeated the U.S. in the East Meadow finale before a crowd of more than 31,000.

The U.S. is led by Aaron Jones, Steven Taylor, Nitish Kumar, Shayan Jahangir, Corey Anderson, Harmeet Singh, Shadley Van Schalkwyk, Andries Gous, Monank Patel and Jessy Singh.

The United States faced India June 12 in the last of eight ICC T20 World Cup matches held at Eisenhower

The tournament brought international attention to Nassau, which hosted a number of international dignitaries from countries like Pakistan, India, Canada and Bangladesh. It also attracted fans from around the globe.

Kalyan Gopaluni attended the U.S. victory over Canada in Dallas, where he resides, and traveled to New York for two matches, India-Pakistan and IndiaU.S.

“I’m a huge cricket fan and play in a cricket league,” Gopaluni said. “I’ve been looking forward to this tournament for a long time. The atmosphere at India versus Pakistan was electric. The stadium was shaking. I think they did a great job as host.”

Virginia Talati, from Georgia, and her soon-to-be 8-year-old son, Hasmukhal, who has been playing cricket for five years already, flew in from Georgia to attend the finale at Eisenhower.

“We flew up last night and going back home tomorrow,” she said. “We’re really excited. My son asked last week if we can go see a match and we made it his birthday present.”

The tournament generated a large amount of revenue for the county, which Blakeman is expected to announce at a later date.

Borrelli’s Italian Restaurant saw business boom each day of the event during a normally slow time, 2:30-4:30 p.m., owner Frank Borrelli said. Parking

Virginia Talati and her son, Hasmukhal, flew in from Georgia to check out the cricket action.

allowed for up to 50 cars and “You could see from all the different license plates and from the customers I’ve spoken to, this attracted people from all over the country and the world,” Borrelli said.

The U.S. advanced to the tournament’s Super Eight stage after its match against Ireland in Florida was washed out last Friday.

The championship takes place June 29 in Barbados.

Tony Bellissimo/Herald photos

Park.

Flags of both competing countries were displayed on the pitch and national anthems sung prior to each match.

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Supporting efforts of Encarnacion family

By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

To honor the memory of Joshua Encarnacion, a memorial committee is gearing up to raise money to build a basketball court in his honor.

Last September, Joshua, 11, who resident in Wantagh, died after a battle with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma. Also known as ARMS, it is a rare type of cancer that starts as a growth of cells in the soft tissue that supports and connects the body’s organs. Following his death, Joshua’s family, PTAs and community members came together to create the Joshua Memorial Court Committee.

According to Michael Byrne, a committee member and a friend of the Encarnacion family, the committee contacted the Wantagh school district earlier this year to propose renovating the outdoor basketball court at Mandalay Elementary School and renaming it the Joshua Encarnacion Memorial Court to honor his memory. Joshua, who was a student at Mandalay, had a lot of friends who miss him, according to Byrne.

“The ultimate goal here is to give kids a place to remember him,” he said. “Whether they’re going to shoot hoops or they’re going to play deck hockey, they’ll have a spot to kind of go and hang out and also talk about their friend.”

According to the GoFundMe page for the memorial, the court would be fenced

in, and would have all-weather surface court flooring. Committee members hope the area could also host pickleball, volleyball, deck hockey and other recreational activities. The project is supported by the committee, along with school district leaders, the PTAs at all five Wantagh schools, and the Encarnacion family.

To help raise money for the project, Byrne said, the committee will host a comedy fundraiser night in Joshua’s memory on June 26 at the Brokerage in Bellmore. Committee members sold 150 tickets in the first week of June, Byrne said, and, as of last weekend, around 35 tickets were left to sell out the venue.

“People have been very receptive to help out,” Byrne said.

Byrne said that Joshua was an outstanding athlete who loved sports. He played basketball in a Catholic Youth Organization league that Byrne coached, wrestled and played flag football. What made him special, Byrne noted, was how he put his teammates’ needs above his own.

“He’s not the kid that was going to run over you and show you that he’s better than you,” Christopher Encarnacion, Joshua’s dad, said. “He’s going to better you at the same time that he’s bettering himself.”

Joshua was one of six children, and was described by his father as “a sweet boy, a good kid and very caring child.” He would talk to the other kids who were

Speaking truth to power

port. Around 700 people attended his funeral last September at St. Francis de Chantal Roman Catholic Church. The following day, Mulcahy’s hosted a memorial event celebrating his life, which attracted almost 1,500 people.

John Theissen, executive director of the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, helped organize and cover the expenses of the Mulcahy’s event, Christopher Encarnacion said. Theissen’s nonprofit helps sick and underprivileged children, and Encarnacion said he was grateful for the support.

“John Theissen is a great man,” he said.

wrestling and playing football, and teach them how to improve.

“He was giving,” Jeannette Encarnacion, Joshua’s mother, said. “He loved his friends. He loved to be goofy.”

When he was undergoing chemotherapy at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park, community members would donate money, send cards and drop off cookies and flowers, Christopher said.

When Joshua died, his father recalled, the community showed tremendous sup-

When Joshua was being treated at the medical center, his father recounted, he would play bingo and other games, and give his prizes to other kids on his floor. Inspired by his son’s generosity, Encarnacion said he plans to start a foundation, the Josh Helps Children Foundation, to help other children and families who are going through or went through what his family did with Joshua.

“He was an all-around great kid,” Jeannette said. “When he was here, when he was present, he knew we wanted to do something. Unfortunately, he didn’t live to see what we’re going to do someday for other families and other kids that are going through what he went through.”

For more information on donating, visit tinyurl.com/Joshua-memorialcourt.

Courtesy Christopher Encarnacion Joshua Encarnacion was 11 when he died of a rare form of cancer in September. His parents formed a committee to help build a basketball court in his name. An event next week kicks off fundraising efforts.

Siblings reflect on time at Cricket World Cup

By Brian norman Intern

People from all over the globe were represented in early June at the T20 Men’s Cricket World Cup at Eisenhower Park — even some people from right down the street.

Siblings Prisha and Praneel Gowda from just up the road in East Meadow were able to participate in the tournament in unique ways. Prisha, a sophomore from East Meadow High School, was a volunteer flag bearer for certain matches of the tournament, while her brother, Praneel, served as a chaperone for all anthem and flag bearer’s. The Herald heard from Prisha and Praneel, who eagerly shared their experiences.

Prisha Gowda

My name is Prisha Gowda. I am a sophomore at East Meadow High School. It was a wonderful experience volunteering as a flag bearer in the ICC T20 World Cup. We were so excited that the World Cup was being played in New York, right in our hometown. I volunteered for two games, South Africa vs Netherlands and India vs Pakistan.

This was my first experience of watching a cricket match in a stadium. I learned about the rules in the South Africa vs Netherlands game, which was a closely contested game.

We carry flags of two competing nations, and an official ICC flag onto the field of play and into position for the national anthem ceremony.

This was a once in lifetime opportunity to be part of the ICC Cricket World Cup and gain access to the field of play.

It was truly an amazing experience.

Praneel Gowda

My name is Praneel Gowda. I (volunteered) as a chaperone for anthem and flag bearer kids at ICC T20 World Cup conducted in Eisenhower park in East Meadow.

(The) India vs Pakistan match was watched by more 400 million people across the world and approximately 34,000 inside the stadium.

India vs Pakistan was a completely different experience. This game was completely packed with close to 30,000 people and it was a great experience to watch an exciting game between two fierce rivals. The environment was electrifying and even though I was new to this game, I thoroughly enjoyed the game with my friends. It was a memorable experience.

I would like to thank the ICC for this opportunity — this was a once in a lifetime experience to be flag bearer for a T20 match. It was such a wonderful experience and a great honor to be holding the flag and witness it.

We volunteers practiced in (the) Nassau Cricket Stadium under the supervision of ICC technical staff. We had rehearsals (the week before the games began), and also before the game started.

We learned about the respect held for the flags which we were holding. The flag should not touch the ground at anytime (and we learned) how to furl and unfurl the flag, and how to tilt the flag.

BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN

NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

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FREE LAKESIDE

THEATRE CONCERTS

EISENHOWER PARK, East Meadow | Parking Field #6 All Events weather permitting. Call 516-572-0200 for up-to-date information.

JUNE

Saturday, June 15

8:00-9:30pm Ja Rule at Mitchel Field Athletic Complex

Sunday, June 16 ..................

Indian American Night

Wednesday, June 26

Greek American Night

Saturday, June 29 ...............

6:00-8:30pm

7:00-9:30pm

6:00-8:30pm

Chinese American Night Sunday, June 30 6:00-8:30pm Israeli American Night

JULY

We are so happy and excited that the World Cup is being played in New York. History was made on Long Island as the first-ever Cricket World Cup in the U.S was held at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow.

I live just 5 minutes away from the stadium. There was plenty of support for both teams and the crowd was fantastic.

Cricket has been played by my parents since childhood. When I tried batting for the first time, it was so much fun and I loved it. I have played cricket a couple of times with my dad and enjoy playing the game.

Twenty countries are competing for the 2024 T20 World Cup trophy in a 55-match tournament.

As a chaperone, I (was) responsible for managing around 10 anthem and flag bearer kids every day. There are a total of eight games played in New York. My role (was) to manage these kids, pick them up from their assigned spot in a school bus and take them to practice inside the stadium.

It (was) my responsibility to take care of them till their parents pick them up in the evening.

Many of these kids had taken days off from school to participate in this first Cricket World Cup hosted in U.S., and they all are very excited. These kids were fun to work with.

When these kids are holding the flag during the national anthem, it’s a great feeling that reflects the value of respect, unity and national pride that are often associated with sports and international competitions.

It was a great honor and a wonderful experience to witness flag bearers holding the flag and anthem kids bringing the players for the national anthem.

Monday, July 1 7:00-9:30pm

German American Night

Wednesday, July 3 5:30-10:00pm

TD Bank’s Celebrate America Fireworks & Show featuring The Allmost Brothers Band & Chicken Head Rocks

Friday, July 5 Fireworks Rain Date

Saturday, July 6

7:00-9:00pm

So Good – The Neil Diamond Experience

Sunday, July 7 6:00-8:00pm Opera Night with Christopher Macchio

Monday, July 8

5:00-6:30pm

Senior Afternoon Concert: The Excellents and The Demensions Thursday, July 11 7:00-10:00pm

Rock of Ages Tribute: Shoot 2 Thrill - AC/DC Completely Unchained - Van Halen Return to Paradise - Styx

Friday, July 12

7:00-9:00pm

Streetfighter – Rolling Stones Tribute

Saturday, July 13

7:00-9:00pm

Misty Mountain – Led Zeppelin Tribute

Sunday, July 14

6:00-9:00pm

Harry Chapin Tribute Show & Food Drive with The Harry Chapin Band and Will Sing For Food

Monday, July 15

7:00-9:00pm The Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra

Thursday, July 18................ 7:00-9:30pm Rodgers & Hammerstein’s “A Grand Night for Singing” by Plaza Productions

Friday, July 19

Creole American Night

Saturday, July 20 ................

7:00-9:30pm

7:00-9:00pm

Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway Sunday, July 21 6:00-8:30pm Bangladeshi American Night

Monday, July 22 .................. 7:00-9:00pm

Italian American Night

Thursday, July 25

7:00-9:00pm

Barometer Soup - A Tribute to Jimmy Buffet

Friday, July 26 ................. 7:00-9:00pm Doo Wop Show: Johnny Farina of Santo & Johnny, Phil Cracolici and The Mystics, Vito Picone and The Elegants, Jimmy Gallagher of The Passions

Saturday, July 27

7:00-9:00pm

The Hilarious Hitmen, a Comedy Musical Spectacular

Sunday, July 28

Korean American Night

Monday, July 29

6:00-8:30pm

5:00-6:30pm

Senior Afternoon Concert: The Fireflies and The Devotions AUGUST

Friday, August 2

7:00-9:00pm

Dancing Dream – ABBA Tribute

Saturday, August 3

6:30-9:30pm Salute to Vets Show with Face to Face & American Bombshells

Sunday, August 4

6:30-8:30pm The Midtown Men featuring Stars from the Original Cast of Jersey Boys

Monday, August 5................

7:00-9:30pm Irish American Night

Thursday, August 8

Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack

Friday, August 9 ..................

7:00-9:00pm

7:00-9:00pm 45 RPM

Saturday, August 10

7:00-9:00pm

This is Garth featuring JD Leonard

Sunday, August 11 ..............

6:30-8:30pm Living Colour

Monday, August 12

5:00-6:30pm Senior Afternoon Concert: Vinnie Medugno & The Chiclettes

Thursday, August 15

7:00-9:00pm UB40 : Red Red Wine Tour

Friday, August 16

7:00-9:00pm Zac Brown Tribute Band (ZBTB)

Saturday, August 17

7:00-9:00pm Doo Wop Show: Manhattan Skyline, Stan Zizka & The Del Satins, Larry Chance’s Earls

Sunday, August 18 .............. 4:00-8:00pm Pakistani American Night

Monday, August 19

7:00-9:30pm Ukrainian American Night

Thursday, August 22 ........... 7:00-9:00pm Let’s Sing Taylor - Taylor Swift Experience

Saturday, August 24

7:00-9:00pm Disco Unlimited

Sunday, August 25 .............. 7:00-9:00pm Don Felder former lead guitarist of The Eagles

Friday, August 30

7:00-9:00pm That Motown Band

SEPTEMBER

Sunday, September 1 ......... 7:00-9:00pm The Purple Experience - Prince Tribute

Sunday, September 8

5:00-7:30pm Turkish American Night

Saturday, September 14 ....

7:30-10:00pm World Renowned Puerto Rican Salsa Orchestra

Friday, September 20

7:00-10:00pm

Legendary House DJ TBA with LI’s Own DJ Theo opening

Sunday, September 29

2:00-9:00pm Latino American Night

Blankets or Chairs

Prisha Gowda

Praneel Gowda

Caps off to Calhoun’s graduating class

Sanford H. Calhoun High School’s Class of 2024 was celebrated on the school field under clear skies and a canopy of blue and white on June 9.

Nicole Hollings noted that the ceremony was her 10th graduation as principal. She commended the Class of 2024 for how special they are as a collective whole.

“They have made Calhoun better because of all they did for this community, and I am blessed and proud to know them,” she said.

Board Trustee Megan Ryan also offered positive remarks for the graduating class.

Joseph Darcourt presented a cello performance as his salutatorian address.

“For me, this piece represents ‘shake it up,’” he explained. “It embodies the spirit of embracing change, taking risks, and celebrating the present. Playing it for you today is a tribute to our shared experiences and the bright

future that awaits all of us. And as we take the next step on our life paths, let’s remember to shake it up.”

After reciting a quote by Mother Teresa, valedictorian Fiona Wong focused on what “doing things with great love” really entails.

“There’s no wrong combination of what you choose to pursue, within Calhoun’s walls or through outside passion projects,” she said. “And it doesn’t matter if it’s just one commitment or multiple: what matters is choosing this passion based on what we individually believe in, and giving everything we have to make an impact. To me, impacts can be big or small - they’re defined by the effort we pour into making a difference for the people around us. We may not be able to solve a world crisis, yet, but we can raise awareness around our community. That goes back to Mother Teresa’s words: we all have the power to make small impacts with great passion, dedication, and love.”

Photos courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Charlotte Tannenbaum showed off Calhoun’s decorations congratulating Class of 2024 graduates.

Justine Ivory, Alexa Barend, Nickolas Mascary and Ayana Mascary celebrated the milestone of graduating high school.

Asra Iqbal and Sophia Hines said their farewells to Calhoun High School.

Erika Gallo, Robyn Stockmar, Jordan Lipkin and Julieann DiNapoli following the graduation ceremony.

Tanner Kranmas, Mark Restivo, Kevin Scott, Jake Jagtiani and Max Jose gathered after the graduation ceremony.

STEPPING OUT

Your landscape — create a special spot just for you

Get outside and go serenely

By Karen Bloom

Imagine stepping outside your home this summer and entering a world of serenity. The gentle crunch of gravel beneath your feet. The rhythmic sound of trickling water with nature’s calming presence can de-stress and promote inner peace. This is the essence of a Zen garden, a haven of tranquility inspired by Japanese aesthetics and philosophy.

So, how do you create your own relaxing space at home? Garden designer Fiona Jenkins offers some insight. Grab your gardening tools — even get the kids involved — and get started.

Art of Simplicity: Creating the Foundation

Zen gardens are all about cultivating a harmonious balance between natural elements and negative space. Gravel forms the very foundation, representing the vastness of the sea or impermanence of life. Raking it into smooth patterns — like waves or ripples — becomes a meditative practice in itself.

“The rhythm of the rake against the gravel adds another layer of tranquility, inviting you to focus on the present moment.” Jenkins advises. “Use light-colored gravel — like white, cream or gray — to enhance the feeling of serenity and evoke a sense of vastness.”

Carefully placed rocks and stones add structure and balance. Larger rocks can symbolize mountains, according to Jenkins, anchoring the space. Imagine them as islands of stability amid the ever-changing sea of gravel.

Smaller stones can represent stepping stones on a path to enlightenment. Arrange your rocks and stones with intention, considering their size, shape, color, and the spaces between them. These spaces — known as “ma” in Japanese — are just as important as the elements themselves, adding to the sense of balance and tranquility.

Nature’s Soothing

Sounds

Water, a symbol of life and purification, plays a vital role in traditional Zen gardens. The gentle gurgle of trickling water is a natural stress reliever, proven to lower blood pressure and heart rate. Consider incorporating a small water basin with a bamboo spout, creating a calming focal point.

A tabletop fountain with a smooth rock base can add a touch of movement and sound without overwhelming the peaceful atmosphere.

“Keep the water feature simple and integrate it seamlessly with the surrounding rocks and gravel,” Jenkins says. “For a touch of whimsy, consider adding a small koi fish or two — their graceful movements adding another layer of life to your serene oasis.”

Limit Plant Selection: A Celebration Of Form

Zen gardens traditionally incorporate minimal plants, allowing the other elements to take center stage. Carefully chosen plants will enhance the aesthetic and create a sense of harmony with nature.

Choose low-maintenance evergreens with interesting shapes or textures, such as dwarf pine, bonsai or ornamental grass. These plants require minimal pruning and maintain a sense of order within the garden. A strategically placed patch of moss can add a touch of softness and evoke tranquility.

“Consider strategically incorporating a single flowering shrub to add a burst of color during its blooming season,” Jenkins says.

Lighting For Tranquil Evenings

Subtle lighting can elevate the atmosphere allowing you to enjoy your sanctuary even after sunset. String lights hung overhead or strategically placed

lanterns can cast a warm, inviting glow.

“Step out after a long day and be greeted by the soft glow of your lanterns and the gentle murmur of water,” Jenkins says. “It’s a perfect invitation to unwind and de-stress.”

Solar-powered lights are another great option, as they require no wiring and provide illumination throughout the night.

Create A Focal Point To Draw The Eye

A focal point adds a touch of interest.

“It should be something that inspires calmness and contemplation, inviting you to focus your mind and appreciate the beauty of your creation,” Jenkins explains.“Your focal point could be a beautiful stone lantern, its soft light casting a warm glow. Or consider a small statue of Buddha radiating peace, or a strategically placed bonsai tree with its meticulously pruned branches, a testament to patience and dedication.”

Comfort And Contemplation: A Place To Relax

Since this is a space to unwind and escape daily stresses, you’ll want to include a comfortable seating area where you can chill out and appreciate your creation. A simple wooden bench or cushions will suffice. If space allows, add a small table for enjoying a cup of tea or for meditating.

“Imagine yourself sitting amid the calming elements of your garden, listening to the sounds of nature and letting go of the day’s worries,” Jenkins says.

Personalize Your Sanctuary

While Zen gardens have a traditional aesthetic, don’t be afraid to incorporate some elements that reflect your own personality.

“The key is to create a space that resonates with you and fosters peace and well-being,” Jenkins adds.

A small wind chime with a calming melody adds a touch of whimsy. Also consider a piece of art depicting nature or a fragrant flowering plant, even perhaps a small birdbath to attract feathered friends.

“Embrace the simplicity of Zen design, lose yourself in the meditative act of raking the gravel, and allow the calming presence of nature to wash over,” Jenkins says. “Remember, your Zen garden is a reflection of your inner world.”

Photos courtesy Fiona Jenkins

Creating a Zen garden is not just about landscaping; it’s about cultivating a personal sanctuary for relaxation and mindfulness. With a little planning and inspiration, you can transform your outdoor space into a special retreat.

Morgan James

The powerhouse vocalist, Broadway veteran and concert favorite hits all the right notes when she visits the Landmark stage. Soulful singersongwriter Morgan James’ voice is her instrument, and through it she can communicate anything. It is a gift that she has expertly trained, and meticulously nurtured, James has cultivated a world of fans with her viral YouTube videos, and she loves connecting with them on social media and at her live shows. With her own channel, James has amassed more than 250 million views on YouTube (and climbing). Over the last several years, she has established herself as a touring powerhouse, playing with her band and symphony orchestras. Her latest full album, ‘Nobody’s Fool,’ is a luminous love letter to ‘90s R&B, featuring nine new songs, and one cover of Jeff Buckley‘s ‘Everybody Here Wants You.’

Friday, June 21, 8 p.m. $53, $48, $43. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

‘Across The Universe’

The Beatles live on — in the form of The Fab Faux. The acclaimed band brings out the best Beatles moments, appearing on the Paramount stage. With a commitment to the accurate reproduction of The Beatles’ repertoire, they treat the seminal music with unwavering respect, known for their painstaking recreations of the songs (with emphasis on the later works never performed live by The Beatles). The Fab Faux’s musical virtuosity — in actuality five New York Citybased musicians — upends the concept of a Beatles tribute band. Far beyond being extended cover sets, their shows are an inspired rediscovery of The Beatles’ musical magic. In addition to their notefor-note accuracy, the band is famous for blurring the lines slightly and injecting their own musical personalities into the performances. That’s The Fab Faux experience.

Saturday, June 22, 8 p.m. $55, $35, $30, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Get The Led Out

Get The Led Out rocks out with their tribute to what many consider rock ‘n roll’s greatest band, in “A Celebration of the Mighty Zep,” on the Paramount stage, Friday and Saturday, June 28-29, 8 p.m. From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, GTLO has captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin and brought it to the concert stage. The six veteran musicians who make up the Philadelphia-based group delivers Led Zeppelin live with the all passion and fury these blues-soaked, groove-driven rock anthems deserve. Utilizing the multi-instrumentalists at their disposal, GTLO re-creates songs, in all their depth and glory, with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed. When you hear three guitars on the album, GTLO delivers three guitarists on stage. No wigs or fake English accents, the band brings what the audience wants — a high energy Zeppelin concert with honest, heart-thumping intensity with a strong focus on Led Zeppelin’s pivotal early years. They touch on the deeper cuts that were seldom, if ever heard in concert. GTLO’s approach to performance of this hallowed catalog is not unlike a classical performance. “Led Zeppelin are sort of the classical composers of the rock era,” says lead vocalist Paul Sinclair. “I believe 100 years from now they will be looked at as the Bach or Beethoven of our time. As cliche as it sounds, their music is timeless. $75. $45, $30. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

Discover • Explore • Next Door

Family theater

Families will enjoy another musical adventure, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, in its final weekend on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Saturday, June 22, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Sunday, June 23, 2 p.m.

Back by popular demand after a sold-out 2023 run, see Pigeon, Bus Driver, and some zany passengers sing and dance their way to help Pigeon find his “thing” in this upbeat comedy based on Willems’ popular Pigeon books.

Featuring a live band to bring the jazzy score to life, audiences will thoroughly enjoy singing and flapping along with The Pigeon and friends. The audience is part of the action, in this innovative mix of songs, silliness and feathers. It’s an ideal way to introduce kids to theater and the humorous stories from Willems’ books.

$10 with museum admission ($8 members), $14 theater only.

Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

On exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Urban Art Evolution,” is a comprehensive exhibit featuring a diverse range of compositions from the 1980s through the present by creators who were based in the rough and tumble downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and close surrounding neighborhoods.

Artists pushed the boundaries of what was considered “art” with a primary focus on street/graffiti art. The exhibit’s scope, guest curated by art collector/gallerist Christopher Pusey, offers an even broader view from other creative residents, who worked inside their studios but still contributed to the rich fabric of the downtown art scene from different vantage points and aesthetics.

Works include sculpture, paintings, photography, music, and ephemera from many noted and influential artists. On view through July 7. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Barnaby Bye

The band returns to My Father’s Place, Saturday, June 29, 8 p.m. Come celebrate the music, the memories and the good times with Billy, Bobby, Peppy and Mike! Doors open at 6 p.m., concert is at 8 p.m. 221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn,. For tickets/information, visit MFPProductions.com or call (516) 580-0887.

2024 Zoetry Live

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Iota Theta Zeta chapter, hosts a night of poetry and spoken word at Merrick Clubhouse on Friday, June 28, 7 p.m.-9 p.m. $25 for guests and $30 for performers. All funds raised will be put toward the sorority’s scholarship program. 2550 Clubhouse Road.Visit IotaThetaZetaChapter.com for more information.

Circle of Spirits

Psychic medium Robert E. Hanson performs a spectacular reading, Sunday, June 23, 10-11:30 a.m. To participate in the reading, a $25 deposit and a $150 cash payment at the door are required. Up to six people can be read. This event is open to the general public for viewing. 1754 Merrick Ave., Merrick. For more information, visit RobertEHanson.com.

Celebrate Israel

Salute Israel, while welcoming Eisenhower Park’s summer concert season, at the annual Celebrate Israel concert, presented by Jewish Community Relations Council of Long Island, Sunday, June 30, 6 p.m. Israeli superstar Raviv Kaner performs. Bring seating. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For more information, visit Facebook. com/jcrcli.

In concert

Dance the night away as Decadia plays tribute music from the ‘80s and beyond, Tuesday, July 2, 7:30 p.m., at Newbridge Road Park in Bellmore. The concert is sponsored by the Town of Hempstead. Those attending are asked to bring a chair or blanket. Visit HempsteadNY. gov for more information.

All-Star Comedy Show

Governor’s Comedy Clubs and GovsRadio.com present a rare opportunity to see many of their best weekend comics on one night, at The Brokerage Bellmore, on Thursday, June 20, starting at 8 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Only ages 16 and over. Two item minimum per person. $14 general admission. 2797 Merrick Road. For more information, visit Brokerage.Govs.com.

Real Talk book discussion

Join author Jeanette McCurdy in a discussion of her New York Times bestselling memoir “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” at Merrick Library, on Thursday, June 27, 6:307:30 p.m. Digital copies of the book are available on Libby, and print copies of the book are at the Welcome Desk. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is required. 2279 Merrick Ave. For further information, visit MerrickLibrary.com.

Having an event? Items on The Scene 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 thescene@liherald.com.

Film Screening

Visit Nassau County Museum of Art for a viewing of “Wild Style,” a 1983 film regarded as the first hip-hop movie, Saturday, June 29, 3 p.m. A hybrid project that exists as both a musical and a documentary, the film features hip-hop pioneers of the period, including Fred “Fab Five Freddy” Brathwaite, Lee Quiñones, Lady Pink, The Rock Steady Crew, The Cold Crush Brothers, Queen Lisa Lee of Zulu Nation, Grandmaster Flash, and Zephyr, who play themselves in a loosely scripted story shot entirely in the South Bronx, the Lower East Side, and MTA subway yards.

A Q&A follows with director Charlie Ahearn and critic-curator, Carlo McCormick. Seating is limited and reservations required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Free-Play retro gaming

Get your game on at this exciting retro gaming event, presented by Long Island Retro Gaming, at North Bellmore Public Library, on Monday, June 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Open to all. No registration required. 1551 Newbridge Road. For more information, visit NorthBellmoreLibrary.org.

Summer sounds

Visit Eisenhower Park for its Noontime Concert series, Wednesday, June 26, noon-2 p.m. The Long Island Harmonizers perform four-part barbershop a cappella. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. Their repertoire ranges from traditional barbershop to the Great American Songbook and Elton John. Bring seating. For information, visit NassaucCountyNY.gov.

Friday Night Car Show

The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores holds its Friday Night Car Show, through Oct. 4, at the Bellmore LIRR parking lot. Show opens at 6 p.m., closes at 10 p.m. Free for all spectators; admission for cars is $5. For more, visit BellmoreChamber. com.

‘All Shook Up’

Sunrise Theatre Company presents the jukebox musical “All Shook Up,” featuring songs by Elvis Presley, Sunday, June 23, starting at 2 p.m., at Bellmore Movies And Showplace. 222 Pettit Ave. To purchase tickets and fore more information, call (516) 218-2782 or visit SunriseTheatreLI.com.

Summer is in full swing; safety is a priority

Memorial Park, normally close at 7 p.m., and are also open one additional hour, closing at 8 p.m.

“It’s a great opportunity for when the kids are getting out of school, maybe you’re getting out of work a little bit late, to beat the heat,” he said. “These are generally temperatures we see in July and August, but we want to do right by the residents who do right by us.”

It is not just the pools and beaches that people can visit to cool down, Clavin said. Senior centers around the municipality are also serving as cooling

centers and are open from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Times may be adjusted, according to the temperature outside.

Senior centers in Baldwin, Bellmore, Elmont, Franklin Square, Levittown, Oceanside, Roosevelt, and Salisbury are all operating as cooling centers.

With such warm weather, Clavin advised exercising caution, by doing things like wearing sunscreen, and monitoring your time outside.

“Be prepared,” he said. “Make sure you’re hydrated and in addition to that, let’s not forget about our little ones — our dogs and our cats. Don’t leave them outside. Temperatures are going to be extreme. Make sure that they have water and some shade as well.

“It’s a transition week,” he added. “You have a lot of schools that are either going full down to half day. We want to make sure you’re aware of it. You have your options here at the beaches, at our pools.”

Summer is in full swing after Thursday, and Clavin said the last thing anyone wants to hear about is a tragedy. Even though hours will

Summer is here — and not without a heat wave. a period of excessive heat is expected to last through this weekend, and another may follow at the end of June. Hempstead Supervisor don Clavin spoke about how residents can stay cool and safe.

return to normal once the heat wave ends, summer facilities are open, and staying safe is key.

“We always want to hear it was a great day down at our beach, catching a wave — we don’t want tragedy,” he said. “These are simple steps that everybody needs to remember — hydrating, cooling centers, extended hours, sunscreen, a hat. Whatever it may be.”

All information about Town of Hempstead pools and beaches can be found online at HempsteadNY.gov.

While all pools opened Father’s Day weekend, an accident involving an electrical worker at Newbridge Road Pool in Bellmore on June 14 has led to it close temporarily. Town officials are working closely with PSEG to resolve the problem and hope to open the pool soon. Clavin said those who attend that pool should pay attention to the Town of Hempstead’s social media sites, where you can find information regarding its closure and reopening.

Long Island’s most anticipated new oceanfront community is now open. At The Breeze, each rental unit opens you to a

Jordan Vallone/Herald photos

Clavin and town Clerk Kate murray with lifeguards at Veterans memorial park offered tips to help residents “beat the heat.”

A connection in art, decades in the making

still lived in the house she grew up in on Scriven Avenue in North Bellmore, Reiss said.

A teacher for the visually impaired, Reiss worked at the same school she once attended as a child. That school is now operated by BOCES.

Reiss’s interest in art began before the coronavirus pandemic, she said. She took a class with a friend, and found herself enjoying creating pieces with colored pencils.

“I thought, colored pencils?” she said. “Kids do this — I could do this. Well, it’s not as easy. As it turns out, it’s a bunch of layering.”

Photos courtesy Lauren Reiss

Lauren reiss, an artist originally from north Bellmore, holds her painting, on the right, and a charcoal piece created by her mom, mildred Scherpich, in 1937. their artwork is on display at the north Bellmore public Library through the end of June.

From there, she continued to venture into different mediums, learning onestroke painting with acrylics, watercolor, abstract and more over the last decade. She has enjoyed taking classes from time-to-time, perfecting her skills. Reiss has even dabbled in “plein-air painting,” which is the act of painting outdoors — focusing on whatever is in front of you.

Throughout her journey in art, Reiss has been — and sometimes unknowingly — connected to her mom, who died in 1989. It was then, Reiss said, that she began to learn things about her mom she had not previously known.

“It wasn’t until my mom died, and we were sitting around in a circle in the church with the pastor, wanting us to describe the woman that he was going to give a service for,” Reiss recounted. “I listened to my family describing a woman I never knew. I didn’t know about my mom’s artwork. I hadn’t seen my mother’s artwork until recently.”

Reiss described her mom as “an extremely talented, self-taught, creative woman.” She mastered the concert piano, created her own dolls when Reiss was a child, and learned how to refurbish antique furniture, among many other things. But what Reiss didn’t know was that her mom was a painter, just like her.

Since her mom’s death, Reiss has acquired a few of her mother’s works, either from their childhood home, or through relatives who had items. Much of her mom’s work is on display next to Reiss’s at the library.

“I don’t have much of my mother’s work, some of it is just practice pieces, like doing a hand or something like that,” she said. “But others are complete and frameable.”

Looking back on her childhood, Reiss said she always recalled her mom pushing her to be creative.

“She has purchased an art kit for me — I might have been about eight or

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST

nine,” she said. “It (had) some pencils, a pad, a kneaded erase. It taught me perspective and the coloring wheel, and she felt that was important for me to know. I do remember that she did not like me having coloring books — she thought that would stop my creativity.”

What makes Reiss’s exhibit even more interesting is that her mom was instrumental in the creation of the new North Bellmore library — the one that stands today on Newbridge Road, which was built in the 1960s.

“My mom worked very hard to have a new library built,” Reiss said. “Education was extremely important to my mom. She had been an orphan, and her education was interrupted. So this was extremely important to her, and she emphasized that everybody she came in contact with, and she felt that the new library was needed in the community.

“She and a friend group worked very, very hard at arranging and getting approval for a new library to be built,” Reiss added. “But my mom never got credit for it. And that’s one thing I’d really like the community to know about.”

Reiss’s display has been dubbed a “homecoming” — as both her artwork, and her mom’s, takes the spotlight in North Bellmore for the first time ever, together.

Having this art show with her mom is extremely sentimental for Reiss.

Describing a family photo from her childhood, Reiss said, “Seeing me on my mom’s lap, both of us artists — and now doing this art exhibit together — it’s just all of a sudden taken on a whole new perspective.”

Their artwork could be viewed at the North Bellmore library, at 1551 Newbridge Road, through the end of the month. For more information, visit NorthBellmoreLibrary.org.

Alys Balbes; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 5, 2018 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 July 1, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2599 Orr Street, Merrick, NY 11566-4745. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 63 Block 135 Lot 861. Approximate amount of judgment $588,637.31 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 014715/2013. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Irene Villacci, Esq., Referee

LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: May 15, 2024 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832 147072

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY WELLS FARGO BANK N.A., AS TRUSTEE, FOR CARRINGTON MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-NC4 ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, Plaintiff against ABRAHAM KLEIN, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered June 8, 2018, 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 July 9, 2024 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 2794 Lincoln Boulevard, Merrick, NY 11566. Sec 63 Block 127 Lot 64, 65, 66 & 74. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in at

Merrick, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $779,655.70 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 007490/2015. 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 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.”

Karl C. Seman, Esq., Referee File # CARN203 147251

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF CSMC TRUST 2015-2, Plaintiffagainst- WAFA ABBOUD, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated October 25, 2018, 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, NY on July 8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, known and designated as Section 63 Block 146 Lot 34. Said premises known as 2739 MERRICK AVENUE, MERRICK, NY 11566 Approximate amount of lien $1,216,154.12 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 2017-003460

LAWRENCE FARBMAN, ESQ., Referee DRUCKMAN LAW GROUP PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 242 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, NY 11590 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. DLG 37135 {* Merrick Life*} 147140

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SCHOOL DISTRICT PUBLIC HEARING, PROPOSED REPAIR RESERVE FUND EXPENDITURE MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

July 1, 2024 7:15 p.m.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Section 6-d of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York, a public hearing will be held on Monday, July 1, 2024 at 7:15 p.m. at which time and place the Board of Education of the Merrick Union Free School District will propose to appropriate the sum of $352,000 from the Repair Reserve Fund for the purpose of the following repair: Districtwide repairs to asphalt, sidewalk and fences, together with such necessary materials and supplies to complete the repair.

The public hearing shall be held at the time and place stated herein. 147498

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 06/26/2024 at 9:30 A.M. & 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 441/24. - 442/24. MERRICK - Joelle Gigi, Mother/Daughter Res. (2nd Kitchen); Maintain shed larger than permitted & exceeding horizontal maximum., E/s Pettit Ave., 157.10’ S/o Camp Ave., a/k/a 1697 Pettit Ave.

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M. 448/24. MERRICKFriendship Engine & Hose Company, Variances, height, lot area occupied, side yard, front yard setbacks on Meadowbrook Rd. & Lexington Ave., construct 3-story firehouse in Res. “B” district; Variance in off-street parking, special exception to park in front yard setbacks on Meadowbrook Rd. & Grand Ave., special exception to park in Res. “B” district & with insufficient back-up space (demolish existing firehouse, dwelling & garage)., N/E cor. Meadowbrook Rd. & Grand Ave. running thru to Lexington Ave., a/k/a 2075 Meadowbrook Rd. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.

This notice is only for new cases in Merrick within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.gov/ 509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.gov/ 576/Live-Streaming-Video Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.

147488

x 232

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

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU MCLP Asset Company, Inc., Plaintiff AGAINST Yvette Seibert a/k/a Yvette Espinoza; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered May 10, 2024 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 July 23, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 28 Aster Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 50 Block 354 Lot 14. Approximate amount of judgment $434,017.39 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 610791/2022. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the 10th Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Tara Mayerhofer, Esq., Referee

LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: June 3, 2024 147547

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!

$20 - $25/ Hour

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Immediate Opening at our Garden City Location DESIRED SKILLS: Electrical * Welding * Carpentry

Mechanical * Plumbing Part Time/Fulltime (benefits available with full time) $18-$30 per hour based on experience Richner Communications, Inc 2 Endo Blvd Garden City, NY 11530 Send resume to careers@lixtherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 ext 211

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com

Gregoris Subaru Of Valley Stream Seeking Business Development Coordinator F/T Answer Phones, Email Leads, And Customer Follow Up. Good Phone Skills And Computer Literate A Must. Salary, Monthly Bonus, $40K-$50K/ Yr. Opportunity For Advancement.

Ask For Mr. Gregoris 516-825-8700

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

Manager On Duty

At Blaze, Old Bethpage Village Outdoors From September Through November 5-8 Hour Shifts. Serve As The Primary Point Of Contact For All Issues That May Occur During The Event, Seeing Each Through To Resolution. Serve As The Primary Point Of Contact For Emergency Personnel Hourly Rate $25-$30 To Apply: https://hudsonvalley.org/ employment/

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

Path Monitor

At Blaze, Old Bethpage Village Outdoors From September Through November 5-8 Hour Evening Shifts Providing A Welcoming Atmosphere And Ensuring Guest Safety. Hourly Rate $20. To Apply: https://hudsonvalley.org/ employment/

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS

FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

RECEPTIONIST

F/T

Valley Stream Subaru Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM Answer Phones, Light Clerical $17.00/Hour, Benefits, 401K Call Mr. Gregoris 516-825-8700

WE HAVE THE HELP YOU NEED!!! HHA's, LPN's, Nurse's Aides Childcare, Housekeeping Day Workers No Fee To Employers Serving The Community Over 20 Years Evon's Services

HomesHERALD

A Charming Hewlett Gem!

PALM BEACH GARDENS, FLORIDA East Pointe Country Club. Gorgeous 3BRs, 3Bths, Golf, Double Kitchen, High Ceilings. MLS#RX-10977928 $938,000 Jill 561-373-2724

ISLAND PARK / AUSTIN BOULEVARD 1000- 5000 Sq. Ft, Parking,1 Story, Driveins, Gas, Offices, Sprinklered, Near Railroad. Immediate. Price On Request.Tony 718-937-8100 Ext.101 CROSSTOWN REALTY VALLEY STREAM: 2 BRs, LR, Kitchen/ SS Appliances, Bathroom/ Jacuzzi, Yard, One Parking Space, Lots Of Storage, Walk LIRR. $2,850/ Month. 646-399-5785, 917-702-6544

Welcome to 1450 Kew Ave, an enchanting Hewlett home that seamlessly blends modern and classic. This stunning property bursts with style and character, which can be felt from the moment you walk through the door! The first floor contains an expansive living room, formal dining room, eatin-kitchen, full bathroom and four spacious bedrooms, including

Arthur Drive. Split Level. 6 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops and pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room, home office, sauna/steam room. Security system. Updates include cathedral ceiling and skylight.

Taxes: $24,817.83

Elmont $950,000

Rifton Street. Expanded Cape. 4 bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with formal dining room and pantry. Formal dining room. Den/family room and guest quarters. First floor master bedroom.

Taxes: $18,306

Long Beach $1,400,000

CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978

ISLAND PARK: 1 BR, ground floor, all renovated, water/heat included. No Pets. $2200/ month. 516-316-6962

LYNBROOK: 2 BR, 1 Bath, Second Floor, Off Street Parking, No Pets, $3,100. 516-599-3174

MERRICK: PROFESSIONAL OFFICE Space For Rent, A Secured Building With Parking. Great Deal! 516-557-4971

DAVID CEMETERY: Elmont, NY. 3 Plots. Separate Or All Together. Graves 18, 25, and 32. Purchase Separate $4000; Purchase Together $11000. Negotiable. Call 845-641-7316

Wyoming Avenue. Contemporary. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. High end finishes include elevator cathedral ceiling with skylight.

Merrick $820,000

Whittier Avenue. Splanch. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms. Eatin kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room. Updates include cathedral ceiling.

Taxes: $19,520

Oceanside $725,000

Park Avenue. Hi Ranch. 5 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Den/family room and home office.

Taxes: $15,678

Rockville Centre $999,000

Linden Street. Colonial. 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Eat-in kitchen with granite countertops. Formal dining room. Den/ family room and home office. Updates including skylight and wood burning stove.

West Hempstead $700,000

Garden City Boulevard. Tudor. 4 bedrooms, 1.5 bathrooms. Finished basement. Eat-in kitchen. Formal dining room. Sun porch and fenced yard with deck. Many timeless architectural features. Convenient location in heart of West Hempstead.

Taxes: $14,095.27

Different answers from everyone we ask

Q. We’ve been interviewing contractors and architects to get an idea about adding a double dormer to our home. The conversations about what to do, how long it should take and the cost are just all over the place. How long should it take, and how much should a double dormer cost to build? Some contractors said they needed to see plans, and that they could personally get the permit in a day or two, and some architects gave us wild time frames that seem ridiculous, like a year or more from start to finish.

A. Sounds like you already have the answers, which is not a good thing. This isn’t like ordering a meal in a restaurant and expecting that it will be perfect or you can send it back. Construction projects are complicated.

First, there are regulations. I hear more and more from people that they want to try to avoid permits, which is a bad idea, but I know many contractors who are ready to work under the radar because it isn’t their problem, it’s yours, if a neighbor complains or an inspector drops by.

Once a permit is finally issued, it has been my experience that everyone forgets what it took to get permission to build, which is possibly part of the time you aren’t taking into account. The typical scenario is that you wait months for the architect to satisfy whatever notes and information the plan reviewer is asking for. Even if your architect fulfills each request for more information in a day or two, it can still take more time for the next reply from the official.

Examiners do not use the same criteria for what should be noted in plans, and some will ask for more than others. It isn’t uncommon for an examiner to ask to have information removed from plans that another examiner requested. That’s just the way it is.

The architect is generally to blame for delays. Then the project is finally given the go-ahead, but insurance papers and license numbers for the contractor, plumber and electrician have to match what is on file with the authority. When they don’t, this causes more delays, so it’s important to make sure the contractor you hire gathers the full set of acceptable insurance documents and license numbers ahead of time instead of delaying the project even longer.

This is very common and avoidable. It also causes delays when you have pools, sheds, fences, decks, hot tubs or central air condensers that never received a permit. All need permits in most jurisdictions, and further delay can cause arguments over the extra cost.

And speaking of cost, your description of a “double dormer” is just a simplified version of what it really is. It doesn’t cost less to call it that. You are constructing a second-floor addition or making a half second floor into a full second floor. It will take the next column to explain cost. Stay tuned.

© 2024 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.

Ask The Architect Monte Leeper

Stuff HERALD

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opinions

Cricket brings Nassau into the international spotlight

Like almost every Long Islander, until recently I had no knowledge of or interest in cricket.

Now that the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in Eisenhower Park has been such a success, I can certainly attest to the intense devotion and loyalty cricket fans have to their sport, how popular cricket is in other corners of the world and why it was such a great victory for Nassau County to host the tournament, drawing worldwide attention and acclaim. I had the opportunity, early on, to observe up close the effort that went into making the World Cup the success that it became. The anticipated difficulties and challenges were many and complex. For starters, a 34,000-seat stadium had to be constructed at Eisenhower Park in barely three months before the first official match on

June 3. The hastily built structure, put together like an Erector Set, then had to be deconstructed and removed within 10 days after the Long Island phase of the tournament concluded on June 12.

The construction of the stadium was only the beginning. There were the almost certain traffic jams expected on Hempstead Turnpike and surrounding streets during the morning rush hour. The park would open at 8:30 a.m., and the starting time for each match would be 10:30. Cars would have to be parked at the Nassau Coliseum. The main entrance to Eisenhower Park would be off Merrick Avenue, and would be reached by thousands of fans either on foot — a walk of over a half-mile from the Coliseum — or by shuttle bus.

Tdown all possible terrorist threats. This potential danger was amplified when, just days before the first practice match on June 1, ISIS posted a threat on social media calling for an attack on the World Cup.

he IndiaPakistan match alone drew more than a billion TV viewers.

There were also myriad terrorismrelated issues, which required having enough magnetometers to scan everyone entering the park, doing background checks on all vendors and their employees, and monitoring and tracking

Fortunately, County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder had initiated a sophisticated counterterrorism effort months earlier, involving federal, state and local law-enforcement agencies — the Nassau County Police Department, the FBI, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, the Department of Homeland Security, the State Police and the NYPD as well as Suffolk County, MTA, Port Authority and Garden City police working seamlessly together. At the facility itself, there were helicopters overhead, undercover officers and bomb-sniffing dogs on the ground, and sharpshooters strategically positioned around the stadium.

When the time came, everything worked. The intense planning paid off.

Tackling health disparities affecting Black

people of color in New York state have a vastly different experience navigating the health care system than their white counterparts. From challenges accessing care and disparate health outcomes to higher death rates and premature deaths, the urgency of this crisis cannot be understated.

Black Americans disproportionately face adverse health outcomes. These inequities are well documented:

Black Americans are 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and twice as likely to die of the disease. Black adults are 30 percent more likely to have high blood pressure, increasing their risk for heart disease and stroke. These aren’t just data points — health disparities are a matter of life and death, and we desperately need better health systems to protect Black Americans.

Unfortunately, these patterns are consistent across New York state. Black Long Islanders have the lowest life expectancy of all Long Island residents. Decades of institutional racism and environmental injustice have contributed to these stark inequalities: From

proximity to industrial sites, highways and other sources of pollution to economic disparities and lack of access to quality health care, Black Long Islanders face unacceptable barriers to achieving and maintaining good health.

As an Assembly member and the chair of the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus, I am continuously advocating for Nassau County’s communities of color that are impacted the most by these inequalities. The state’s fiscal year 2025 budget makes historic investments in health care that ensure that more people have access to quality services. For example, the budget provides $800 million to save our safety-net hospitals and eliminates all copays for insulin. We also secured funding to continue expanding doula access through the new Community Doula Expansion program, which builds on our efforts to prioritize maternal health care in the State Legislature.

Reduction Act have given millions of New Yorkers health insurance and saved more than 75,000 people hundreds of dollars on insulin with the $35 cap. Yet there are still members of Congress working tirelessly to repeal the ACA and the IRA, slash health funding and revoke access to health care for those who need it most.

T he state budget offers help, but too many in Congress don’t seem to care.

These issues are a matter of life or death, and our representatives in Washington must fight to expand access to affordable, quality care for all by overcoming historic inequalities to deliver impactful health care improvements for people of color. Policies like the Affordable Care Act and the Inflation

There were no security incidents or traffic jams. The India-Pakistan match alone drew a capacity crowd of 34,000 — the largest ever for a cricket match in the United States — and more than a billion television viewers worldwide, more than three times the size of a Super Bowl audience. There were watch parties at Citi Field and Cedar Creek Park, in Wantagh. All told, the matches attracted more than 150,000 enthusiastic fans who enjoyed themselves and rooted their teams on without incident.

Increased business at restaurants, hotels, motels, stores and shops brought in tens of millions of dollars in sales and lodging tax revenues. Probably most important, though, will be the intangible but very real value of Nassau County’s success on the world stage before a previously unreached audience. Taking on this challenge and getting it done is a credit to Blakeman’s leadership and the professionalism of the NCPD and its law enforcement partners. Job well done!

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

Long

Islanders

I recently met with Long Island health care professionals and community advocates to discuss what they see on the ground. The challenges Black residents face when seeking care are extensive, from missing appointments due to lack of transportation to medical facilities or difficulties accessing medical information. New mothers often lack access to the vital education needed during pregnancy to prepare them as they get closer to giving birth. Unexpected hospital stays lead to job loss and additional stressors among marginalized communities, sometimes dissuading patients from seeking care in the first place.

These challenges are pressing and require our attention, but too many in Congress have turned a blind eye to tackling these health disparities. The improvements that the ACA and the IRA have made to our health care system have created significant savings for seniors and families amid the afford-

ability crisis. If these historic improvements in health care are overturned or weakened, thousands of Long Islanders, including many people of color, would be at risk of losing the security these laws provide them. Without affordable health care, many of our residents would be forced to choose between paying for groceries and paying for their prescriptions.

I’ve long advocated protecting affordable and accessible health care for all New Yorkers, including Black and Brown residents who experience sobering inequities. My responsibility to promote the health and well-being of my constituents drives me to continue to improve health outcomes through sensible policy that enhances quality of life for everyone. The state budget investments, alongside the federal ACA and IRA, are the result of bold decisions that improve health care for millions of New Yorkers.

We can’t turn back the clock and undermine federal and state policies that make a real difference in our fight to combat health disparities and improve health care for all Long Islanders. We must put the needs of our constituents first and promote the health and well-being of all our people, especially those who have been left behind for too long.

Michaelle Solages represents the 22nd Assembly Distric, and chairs the Black, Puerto Rican, Hispanic & Asian Legislative Caucus.

HeraLd editoriaL

Juneteenth is a time for reflection,

observed every year on June 19, Juneteenth marks a pivotal moment in American history the end of slavery here in the United States.

While many of us might associate the Emancipation Proclamation issued by President Abraham Lincoln at the height of the Civil War in 1863 with the abolition of slavery, the horrific practice itself didn’t end until June 19, 1865, when the last enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, learned they were free.

Juneteenth signifies not just the end of slavery, but the triumph of freedom over oppression, resilience over despair.

Living on Long Island, we might feel removed from this piece of history geographically and culturally. It was the South that had slaves, after all. But it wasn’t always that way.

Even before New York was New York, the Dutch West India Co. “purchased” 11 men from Africa they wanted to use in their New Amsterdam colony for both public projects and defense, according to research by Hofstra University. At first, these men were considered employees of

Letters

Not OK with Trump endorsing D’Esposito

To the Editor:

I was so disappointed to read that U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito is happy about receiving Donald Trump’s endorsement (“D’Esposito picks up big endorsement from Trump,” June 6-12).

I mistakenly thought that D’Esposito was among the Republicans who are trying to bring the party back to a time when a candidate’s moral conduct mattered. Is he now OK with having a president who disrespects the laws of our country, while preaching law and order for the rest of us? Is he OK with having a millionaire president who has been convicted of cheating our country out of the taxes that the rest of us must pay?

Is D’Esposito OK with having a president who illegally takes, and refuses to return, highly classified documents after leaving office and lies about it? Is he OK with having a president who has been found guilty of sexually violating a woman?

Is D’Esposito OK with having a president who refuses to accept the outcome of an election, even after countless court cases affirm the results? Is he OK with having a commander in chief of our armed forces who has called people in our armed forces “suckers,” and has said

Dutch West India, but it wasn’t long before their roles were redefined as “chattel property” and “servants for life.”

By the time the Colonies went to war for their independence, 20,000 slaves were kept in New York — more than all of the New England colonies combined. No one should ever own another human being. Full stop. And the lessons of Juneteenth teach us that freedom is not merely the absence of chains, but the presence of opportunity, equity and justice. Despite the progress made since 1865, we continue to witness disparities in education, employment and housing issues that affect communities here in Nassau County as well as nationwide. By honoring Juneteenth, we acknowledge these challenges, and renew our commitment to addressing them.

Juneteenth also provides an opportunity for education and reflection. It’s a period for all of us — regardless of race — to learn about the deep-rooted history of slavery and its lasting impacts. And it’s a reminder of delayed justice and the continued struggle for equality.

Long Island may seem far from the

celebration

fields of Texas, but our own history as part of the greater New York City area — is interwoven with stories of African American resilience and contributions. From the early African American settlements in Sag Harbor to the cultural impacts of influential figures like Jackie Robinson — who lived for a number of years in neighboring Queens and the legacy of the Harlem Renaissance spilling into our neighborhoods, Long Island has its chapters of African American history that reflect broader national narratives of struggle and achievement.

Juneteenth is more than a historical milestone. It’s a living testament to the enduring spirit of freedom and equality. For all of us here on Long Island, embracing Juneteenth means recognizing our shared history, acknowledging our ongoing struggles, and celebrating the contributions of African Americans to our collective heritage.

Let us use this week to reflect, educate and unite — ensuring that the legacy of Juneteenth continues to inspire and guide us toward a more just and inclusive future.

that prisoners of war like John McCain aren’t heroes if they got caught?

Is D’Esposito OK with having a president who disdains science and tells us that global warming is a hoax? Is he OK with having a president who encourages vigilante justice with phrases like “Lock her up!” about an opponent?

Is D’Esposito OK with having a president

whose fiery words encouraged people to attack our Capitol to stop the certification of an election that he lost, and who now calls them heroes? Is he OK with having a president who speaks admiringly of dictators and is OK with Vladimir Putin’s takeover of Ukraine? Is he OK with having a president who, even now, while out of office, tells his followers to block any bipartisan legislation that

opinions Fighting antisemitism and hate needs to start early

as a former Board of Education member and president in the Long Beach school district who has worked to provide a safe and more inclusive environment for our students, I am gravely concerned about the unprecedented escalation of antisemitism on our college campuses that many young Jewish people in our community will be facing in just a couple of months.

An Anti-Defamation League and Hillel International survey found that Jewish college students feel significantly less safe since Oct. 7, and that more than 75 percent are dissatisfied with their schools’ response to antisemitism.

The study also found that 73 percent of Jewish college students, and 44 percent of non-Jewish students, have experienced or witnessed antisemitism since the start of the 2023-24 school year. Subsequently, the ADL published its Campus Antisemitic Report Card in April, in which it assessed 85 of the top national and liberal arts colleges in the U.S. with the highest Jewish student populations. Grades were assigned to public and private schools based on “Jewish life on campus,” antisemitic incidents, and how the administration addressed those

incidents and took action to fight antisemitism. None of the 14 New York schools included in the report received an A grade. Four received D’s and two received F’s. The schools ranked as follows:

• Barnard College: D

• CUNY Brooklyn: B

• Columbia University: D

• Cornell University: D

• Hofstra University: B

• Ithaca College: B

• New York University: C

• SUNY Albany: C

• SUNY Binghamton: B

• SUNY New Paltz: D

• SUNY Purchase: F

• SUNY Rockland

Community College: F

• Syracuse University: C

• Queens College: C

we got high school kids involved in the Holocaust project Names, Not Numbers.

During what should be one of the most hopeful times in young people’s lives, they should feel excited and secure about taking the next step in their future, not fearful of what may await them on college campuses.

During my tenure as school board president, the Long Beach district began taking part in Names, Not Numbers, an interactive media Holocaust film documentary project. Created by Tova FishRosenberg, Names, Not Numbers brings students out of the classroom and into

Letters

would improve the problems at our border? Is being convicted of a felony OK for a president?

I would think that no candidate of any party would be proud to be endorsed by a person who exhibits so many examples of immoral and illegal behavior. Our schools and villages like to put up signs that say, “Character Counts.” But the support of Donald Trump by many Republicans, like Anthony D’Esposito, reveals that, for them, character really doesn’t count at all.

ELAINE RAUCH Lynbrook

Did the Grand Central project cripple the MTA?

To the Editor:

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority project connecting the Long Island Rail Road to Grand Central Terminal was projected to cost $4 billion, according to the MTA. When it was completed, the cost had risen to $11 billion, some $7 billion over the MTA’s esti-

the lives of people who lived through the history being taught about the Holocaust. This past year, I was proud of our Long Beach High School students, Jewish and non-Jewish alike, who interviewed Holocaust survivors and created their own documentary, which was shown at a well-attended screening and will be used in the school’s curriculum. Programs like these are the cornerstone of combating the disturbing rise in antisemitism and all forms of marginalization, by providing education and awareness at a young age. Fighting antisemitism must start before students enter college. This year’s legislative session in Albany has come to a close without legislation in place to address this vital issue. As a candidate for the State Assembly, it is my goal to work on comprehensive, bipartisan, statewide legislation against antisemitism that will bring education, awareness, accountability and action.

Legislation to combat antisemitism at the state level should:

Ensure that school systems are following state mandates to teach about the Holocaust, and add studies of contemporary antisemitism to the curriculum. Provide state funding and support for educational programs like the ADL’s No Place for Hate.

Ensure that college codes of conduct for faculty and students include discussion of antisemitism.

Ensure that college administrators are held accountable for enforcing these codes of conduct and are responsible for the safety of Jewish students. The same protections against discrimination offered to other groups must be offered to Jewish students as well. This includes revoking funding for student groups that support terrorism or call for violence.

Ensure that hate crimes are investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.

Continue providing state funding for security at houses of worship and religious institutions.

Ensure that state-mandated diversity, equity and inclusion programs include antisemitism awareness.

Provide resources to work with federal investigators on the infiltration of campus groups by outside agitators.

Putting this legislation in place will empower Jewish young people and allies to work toward creating a future climate of inclusivity without antisemitism and all other forms of hate.

Tina Posterli is a former member of the Long Beach City Council, a former president of the Board of Education and a candidate for the Assembly in District 20.

Framework by Tim Baker

mate.

The question that needs to be asked is why this project became an MTA priority over so many others that seemed to need more urgent attention from the agency. Getting Long Islanders to Grand Central didn’t seem urgent: They could take a shuttle from Penn Station to Grand Central. But the people along Second Avenue still had no transportation for many years. New cars were needed on Metro North and the LIRR. New signal systems were needed; track work was needed. So why did the Grand Central Terminal move ahead of so many other urgent projects?

The MTA said that congestion pricing is the be-all and end-all to solve New York City’s traffic congestion. Many New Yorkers aren’t believing the MTA’s revenue projections. Had the stockholders of a company found out that the CEO and board of directors approved of a project that went $7 billion over the initial estimate, they would have been fired.

It’s good that congestion pricing is halted. There’s good reason not to trust the MTA.

RICHARD T. DeVITO Long Beach

A sculptural highlight of the Nautical Mile — Freeport

Mount Sinai South Nassau Health Fair on the Long Beach Boardwalk

Friday, June 28, 11am-4pm

Join us between Edwards Blvd. and Riverside Blvd., with additional screenings at the new Mount Sinai South Nassau Primary Care Walk-In Center at 106 Boardwalk (at The Breeze complex).

FREE Community Health Screenings:

• Anxiety and Depression

• Blood Pressure

• Body Mass Index (BMI)

• Balance Testing

• Breast Exams

• Diabetes Risk Assessment

• Head and Neck Cancer Screening

• Limited Podiatry Exams

• Memory

• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

• Stroke Risk Assessment

For more information, please call Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Department of Community Education at 516-377-5333.

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