Malverne/West Hempstead Herald 07-09-2026

Malverne/West HeMpstead

HERALD

516-984-4933

Ave. • Cedarhurst

Making history by preserving it Davison Ave. 5th graders make Lakeview

library site historic

By AlySSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

The Lakeview Public Library property officially has been recognized as an historic site by both the Town of Hempstead and New York State, marking the successful end to a decades-long community effort to preserve an important chapter of Long Island’s civil rights history.

The designation recognizes the property, which is where the former Woodfield Road School once stood, as a site closely tied to Lakeview’s fight for school desegregation.

Although the building itself has been substantially renovated over the years and was not eligible for landmark status, the land qualified because of its historical significance.

Three previous attempts had fallen short, with the latest effort succeeding thanks largely to the work of the Davison Ambassadors, a civic engagement program

Continued on page 28

Summer takes center stage in village starting July 18

By AlySSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

The Village of Malverne is bringing back a mix of returning favorites and family-friendly entertainment this summer with its Summer Events Series, offering residents a varied lineup of concerts, live theater and outdoor movie nights intended to bring neighbors together over the next two months.

Village officials are continuing to build on traditions that have drawn crowds year after year while offering popular attractions that have become anticipated summer events. The schedule features orches

tral music, tribute bands, children’s theater and an outdoor movie, providing entertainment for residents of all ages while encouraging families to spend summer evenings together in the village.

The series begins on July 18 with the Nassau Pops Symphony Orchestra, whose performances in the Gazebo Park have become a fixture on Malverne’s summer calendar and regularly attract large audiences. The group’s annual concert will once again kick off the summer entertainment schedule, bringing orchestral favorites and patriotic selections.

“We try to keep some of the

staples that the residents of the village have come to enjoy year after year,” Mayor Timothy Sullivan said. “That certainly is the case with the Nassau Pops.”

The village’s Midsummer Movie Night will return to Harris Field on July 24, following last year’s successful revival, a showing of “Mufasa: The Lion King.” Residents are once again encouraged to bring blankets or lawn or beach chairs and enjoy this year’s movie, which has not yet been announced, free under the stars. Malverne Little League will once again co-sponsor the event, offering popcorn as well as food, candy and refresh -

ments for purchase at a concession stand.

“The Little League puts a lot of effort into assisting the village with the movie night,” Sullivan said.

For many parents, events such as the outdoor movie and Play In the Park offer a chance to share special experiences with their children in a relaxed

neighborhood setting, creating memories that last beyond the summer season.

Another returning favorite is the dance Risky Business, which will perform at Gazebo Park on July 31. The band has become a crowd favorite over the years, with performances that often draw audience mem-

Continued on page 5

Courtesy Martine Laventure

Laventure and her students celebrated their accomplishment of helping to preserve Lakeview history.

Planting seeds of summer with Crossroads

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s is inviting children to spend part of their summer outdoors with a trio of handson educational programs designed to spark creativity, teach practical skills and connect participants with nature.

The farm will host three pop-up sessions in August, giving children the opportunity to explore the property, harvest fresh produce, create natureinspired crafts and discover where their food comes from through interactive, hands-on experiences.

The Farm to Table Culinary Adventure will be offered on Aug. 18 for children ages 6 to 9 and on Aug. 19 for ages 10 to 13. Both sessions will run from 9:30 a.m. to noon.

During the culinary program, participants will harvest fruits, vegetables and herbs from the farm before working together to prepare a fresh meal featuring pizza, salad and a beverage. The program costs $57 per participant, which includes all materials and food. Accommodations are available for children with food allergies.

The final session, Farm Treasures Art Exploration on the Farm, will take place Aug. 20 from 9:30 a.m. to noon for children ages 7 to 12.

The art program encourages participants to explore the farm while collect-

Courtesy Malverne Youth Board Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s is inviting children once again to spark creativity as they did July 26, 2024 with the Malverne Youth Board, pictured here.

ing natural materials such as grasses, bark and pinecones to create original works of art. Children will also use gourds grown on the farm to design decorative birdhouses and other natureinspired projects. The gourds are cultivated specifically for crafting, then dried before being transformed into art pieces.

“The kids really have a great time when they’re given a lot of materials to explore with,” education manager Delia Serrano said.

Registration for each session is limited. Families are encouraged to register early because enrollment is limited.

Participants should bring a water bottle, sunscreen, a hat and a snack, while wearing weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes.

Although promoted as summer popup sessions, the programs build on educational offerings that have long been part of Crossroads Farm’s mission. Farm staff develop seasonal programming throughout the year, first opening registration to returning families before making any remaining spaces available to the public.

Beyond its own programming, the farm also partners with the Malverne Recreation Department to provide educational experiences for children in kindergarten through seventh grade during the summer.

“The summer presents a more carefree environment,” Serrano said. “We pride ourselves in offering real handson experiential learning opportunities, where we’re an outdoor classroom.”

As the education program continues to grow, Crossroads Farm credits the support of local families, schools, scout groups and the surrounding community for making its programming possible. “The education program is thriving and growing, and we’re just so grateful to be able to offer our programs to our families,” she said, “and share our mission with them.”

For more information, visit XRoadsFarmLINY.com.

HERALD SCHOOLS

These future members of Malverne High School’s Class of 2030 made their way across together.

‘Crossing the Ocean’ with eighth-grade grads

Eighth-graders at Malverne’s Howard T. Herber Middle School recently took an important step toward high school by participating in the annual “Crossing the Ocean” program, a tradition that officially welcomes them as future Malverne High School students.

The program takes its name from Ocean Avenue, the road separating Howard T. Herber Middle School from Malverne High School. As students crossed the street, they also marked an important milestone in their educational journey, leaving middle school behind and beginning their transition to high school.

Upon arriving at Malverne High School, students were welcomed by Principal Dr. Bascombe, Assistant Principal Dr. Cressy, Dean of Students Mr. Brescia and members of the school’s counseling team. Student ambassadors then guided the incoming freshmen on tours of the building, introducing them to classrooms, common areas and the many academic, extracurricular and leadership opportunities available to them in the fall.

The program is designed to familiarize students with their new school while easing the transition into ninth grade by connecting them with administrators, counselors and student leaders before the school year begins.

“Crossing the Ocean is more than a walk across the street – it’s a meaningful milestone that helps students begin to envision themselves as members of the Malverne High School community,” said Rebecca Gottesman, district director of school counseling. “By welcoming students into the building before the school

Students take their next step as they leave their middle school days behind.

year begins, we help reduce uncertainty, build confidence and ensure they know they have a strong support system ready to help them succeed from day one.”

The transition will continue this summer when Malverne High School hosts its ninth-grade orientation for incoming students and their parents on the morning of Aug. 20. Additional information will be shared with families during the summer.

Malverne Public Schools said it looks forward to welcoming the Class of 2030 to Malverne High School and supporting students as they begin the next chapter of their educational journey.

–Alyssa R. Griffin

Incoming freshmen were welcomed to Malverne High School by Principal Dr.

Assistant Principal Dr.

Dean of Students Mr.

and members of the school’s counseling team upon arrival.

This stands as a lasting tradition in the community as they mark this important milestone.

Photos courtesy Malverne School District

Bascombe,

Cressy,

Brescia

News brief

Improving mental health with coaching

Adelphi University has been chosen as one of 10 inaugural partners in Empower Every Coach, a national initiative to improve youth mental health by strengthening coaching practices and support systems in youth sports.

The initiative, facilitated by the Aspen Institute’s Project Play, is distributing more than $2 million in funding to organizations working to advance policy, research and best practices in youth sports. Adelphi will receive a $250,000 grant to support a project developing evidence-based mental health guidelines for coaches and other adult leaders.

The project is led by Meredith Whitley, a professor of health and sport sciences at Adelphi and a scholar specializing in sport for development, which uses sports and physical activity to promote social change and community development.

“To combat the escalating youth mental health crisis, this project establishes a pathway to transform a fragmented, high-pressure sports ecosystem into a psychologically safe environment by equipping adult leaders with actionable, evidence-based guidance,” Whitley said in a release.

The Empower Every Coach initiative builds on the Million Coaches Challenge, a national effort launched in 2021 that has trained more than 1 mil-

Small students, huge impact

lion youth coaches in mental health and positive youth development practices. The new initiative shifts its focus to broader structural changes intended to make quality coaching more accessible to young athletes.

Over the next 18 months, participating organizations will collaborate through quarterly meetings, shared learning opportunities and joint problem-solving efforts. –Allyson Ferrari

The Scourge of Ageism

The Malverne School District is celebrating another milestone in student philanthropy after Maurice W. Downing Primary School students raised $4,500 for Ronald McDonald House Long Island through a yearlong, student-led fundraising campaign. The latest donation brings the school’s total contributions to more than $50,000 since launching its partnership with the organization in 2017.

Led by Student Council faculty advisers Amanda Correia and Katie Smyth, students in kindergarten through second grade participated in a variety of fun and meaningful fundraising activities throughout the school year. From seasonal holiday sales and classroom coin challenges to after-school paint classes and the ever-popular Ice Cream Fridays, each event encouraged students to work together while learning the importance of compassion, service

and giving back to others.

The funds will support Ronald McDonald House Long Island’s mission of providing temporary housing, comfort and care for families with children receiving medical treatment, helping them remain close to their loved ones during some of life’s most challenging moments.

The achievement reflects the values embraced throughout the Malverne School District while demonstrating that even its youngest students can make a lasting difference.

By working together in support of an important cause, the students showed that kindness, generosity and teamwork can have a meaningful impact on the lives of others while helping foster a lifelong commitment to community service.

–Alyssa R. Griffin

Courtesy Malverne School District

Maurice W. Downing Primary School Student Council members presented a $4,500 donation to Ronald McDonald House Long Island CEO Matthew Campo. The student-led fundraiser has raised over $50,000 for the organization since 2017.

Courtesy Adelphi University

Adelphi University Professor Meredith Whitley is leading a mental health guidelines project that got a $250,000 grant through a national initiative.

Summer season packed with hometown fun

bers out of their seats and onto the dance floor, making it one of the most energetic and interactive evenings of the series.

“The interesting thing about Risky Business is it’s not uncommon to see people getting out of their chairs, dancing,” Sullivan said.

Families also look forward to the return of outdoor theater to Westwood Park on Aug. 12, presented by the Malverne Community Theater in partnership with the village and the Chamber of Commerce. This year’s production, “Junie B. Jones: The Musical,” marks the theater company’s second year producing the outdoor event.

The musical, which is based on the popular children’s book series, was selected with young audiences in mind. After seeing the strong turnout of families at last year’s production of “Elephant & Piggie’s ‘We Are in a Play!,’” theater organizers wanted another show with recognizable characters, upbeat

music and a story that would appeal to children while entertaining parents as well.

“I look forward to just seeing the reaction of the audience,” David Coonan, president and artistic director of Malverne Community Theater, said.

“This is purely entertainment for the community, and it’s an awesome event.”

The outdoor production will once again be staged on a showmobile in the park, transforming the portable stage into a theatrical experience. Despite the challenges of performing in an outdoor setting, organizers say the focus remains on creating an engaging perfor mance at which children can laugh, con nect with the characters and enjoy a memorable evening with their families.

The Summer Events Series will con clude on Sept. 4 at Westwood Park, with a performance by the Cold Spring Harbor Band, whose Billy Joel tribute concerts have become another popular tradition in the village. The band performs many of the legendary Long Island musician’s

greatest hits, giving residents one final opportunity to gather outdoors before the summer comes to an end.

Village officials say the annual entertainment series continues to showcase the work of local community groups

while creating opportunities for residents of all ages to gather, celebrate and strengthen neighborhood connections throughout the summer.

For more information, visit MalverneVillage.gov.

the nassau pops Symphony orchestra, which performed in gazebo park last July 12, is returning on July 18 as part of the village’s Summer events Series.

Tim Baker/Herald photos residents gathered for last year’s movie night on aug. 7, bringing blankets and chairs to the park in malverne.

HERALD SPORTS

Racing fans say final goodbye to Aqueduct

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

There were plenty of cheers along with some tears in South Ozone Park June 28 as 6,866 horse racing fans bid farewell to Aqueduct Racetrack.

The crowd at ‘The Big A’ roared one last time as Assume Nothing, with jockey Jaime Rodriguez aboard, went wireto-wire to capture the final race of the track’s storied 132-year history.

“This is where my career started in 2010 and it feels amazing to win the last race on the last day,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve ridden the horse a few times and knew if he got a clean break, he’d have a great chance to win.”

After the finale, Rodriguez and the rest of the jockey colony celebrated with fans along the rail, giving out high fives and fist bumps. One fan hoisted a cardboard sign that read: “One more day! Give me a chance to win it back.”

Several thousand fans arrived two hours before the nine-race card began at 1:10 p.m. The first 1,000 through the doors received a small mason jar containing dirt from the main track.

One of the highlights on Aqueduct’s final day came not on the dirt but the turf in the penultimate race when Highway Harmony set a new track record at the 6-furlong distance, taking the last stakes race at the track in 1:06.44 under jockey Edgard Zayas.

Ron Berkowitz, a Merrick resident who grew up in Lynbrook, had the closing date circled on his calendar once it

was announced by the New York Racing Association.

“It’s a bittersweet day,” Berkowitz said. “I’ve been coming here since the late 1970s and really fell in love with the track and the sport. I haven’t been here in a couple of years, but there was no way I was missing today.”

Franklin Square residents Anthony and Sally Turco echoed Berkowitz’s sentiments. “Today brings back a lot of

great memories of coming to the Big A with family,” Anthony said. “Lots of nostalgia. It was awesome.”

The Turcos were in the paddock prior to the fifth race with friend Bruce Brown, a longtime trainer on the NYRA circuit and Floral Park resident. Brown saddled the winner, Boston’s Phinest.

“This is where it all started for me in New York when I came over from New Jersey,” said Brown, whose first winner

at Aqueduct, “Goretty” came in 2008. “So many memories,” he added. “I won’t miss the Belt Parkway, but I’ll definitely miss the Big A.”

The closure of Aqueduct coincides with a rebuilt Belmont Park, set to open Sept. 18.

“I can see the new Belmont grandstand from my house,” said Brown, who expects to have between 15 and 20 horses in his barn once racing shifts back downstate from Saratoga. “I’ve watched the construction from the beginning to what’s almost the end and it’s going to be incredible when it opens,” he added.

Assume Nothing and jockey Jaime Rodriguez won the Aqueduct finale.

Tony Bellissimo/Herald photos

Nearly 7,000 fans packed Aqueduct Racetrack June 28 for its final day of racing after 132 years.

The mural outside Aqueduct depicts Secretariat, who made his career debut there in 1972.

JU JULY 16 M M-122:30PM 6 • 10 10AM-12

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Register for this FREE event: y rbamgbose@liherald.com or call 516.569.4000 x273 AGENDA:

Local student earns George Farber Award

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

Alan Diaz, a student from the Valley Stream Central High School District who attends the Nassau BOCES Rosemary Kennedy School program at West Hempstead, has been recognized with the George Farber Outstanding Student Award, an honor presented to students who demonstrate exceptional character, perseverance, scholarship and a commitment to helping others.

The annual award, now in its 19th year, commemorates former Nassau BOCES Board President George Farber, whose decades of service focused on improving educational opportunities for students.

“I feel happy to receive that award,” Diaz said.

Diaz attends the Achievement, Career and Education program, which serves students ages 18 to 22 as they prepare for life after school. He has attended the Rosemary Kennedy School program since 2018 through the Valley Stream Central High School District and is working toward employment and adult services after completing the program in early 2027.

Diaz has met every goal outlined in his individualized education program while making significant progress in social-emotional development, daily living skills, problem-solving, mathemat-

ics and language development. He is also known for consistently helping classmates and greeting students and staff with enthusiasm.

“I want to improve when I leave the school,” Diaz said. “I’m working towards getting a job.”

His teacher, Judith Litvaitis, who

nominated him for the award, has worked with Diaz at different points throughout his education and said one of his most significant accomplishments has been his personal growth.

“He recently went to the prom with his classmates, and he really wanted a traditional prom experience,” Litvaitis

said. “He invited a date to the prom, and he really enjoyed himself. He even invited his classmates, and they invited the gym teacher from the West Hempstead School District to come, and she came to the prom too. So, a huge social event for him, and for somebody who I know had a very difficult time being social when he first got here, he’s like a completely different person. He’s just a terrific young man.”

Litvaitis also pointed to Diaz’s growing independence. She recalled an instance in which he independently completed a multi-step task to obtain a replacement identification badge for another student, navigating several offices in the building without assistance.

Outside the classroom, Diaz has developed vocational skills through the program’s work-based learning experiences. He has worked in the school’s coffee house, completed library tasks and gained restaurant experience, including in the prep kitchen at Applebee’s in Elmont. There, he prepares ingredients while following food safety procedures and inventory requirements.

Litvaitis said recognizing students through awards such as the George Farber Outstanding Student Award helps highlight their achievements and contributions while giving the broader community an opportunity to celebrate their success and future potential.

Courtesy Nassau BOCES

Alan Diaz, center, of the Valley Stream Central High School District, who attends the Nassau BOCES Rosemary Kennedy School program in West Hempstead, earned the George Farber Outstanding Student Award.

Iconic Air Show soars for America’s 250th

Jones Beach celebrates America250 in the skies with the legendary Blue Angels

By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com

The roar of fighter jets echoed across Jones Beach on Sunday as thousands of spectators packed the shoreline for the FourLeaf Air Show, turning Long Island’s iconic beachfront into one of the nation’s largest celebrations of America’s 250th birthday.

Under sunny skies and summer heat, beachgoers filled the sand hours before the first aircraft took to the air, with parking fields filling early as families settled in for a full day of aerial demonstrations, patriotic displays and military flyovers.

The annual air show, paired this year with Saturday night’s fireworks spectacular, served as one of New York’s signature events commemorating the nation’s semiquincentennial.

Before the first planes launched overhead, attendees stood together during the National Anthem, many waving complimentary American flags distributed along the beach.

The day’s program opened with the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team descending onto the beachfront carrying the American flag before Farmingdale State College’s aviation program took to the skies.

Search-and-rescue demonstrations by the New York Air National Guard’s 106th Rescue Wing highlighted the capabilities of military rescue crews before international performers, including the United Arab Emirates’ Fursan Al Emarat demonstration team and Britain’s Royal Air Force Red Arrows, thrilled spectators with precision flying.

Historic aircraft from the American Airpower Museum also made appearances, connecting generations of aviation history during the patriotic weekend.

The Canadian Forces Snowbirds added another international flair with their trademark formation flying before the Golden Knights returned alongside the Red Devils parachute team.

Closing the nearly five-hour program were the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, whose six F/A-18 Super Hornets streaked across the skies over Jones Beach in tight formations that stretched across the shoreline from one end of the beach to the other.

The demonstration team’s finale featured synchronized loops, high-speed passes and bursts of red, white and blue smoke that drew cheers from spectators lining the sand and boardwalk.

Beyond the performances overhead, the celebration extended throughout Jones Beach State Park. Vendors, informational exhibits and family activities lined the boardwalk, while visitors stopped to pose for photos with a giant “250” display recognizing the nation’s anniversary.

Saturday evening’s festivities had already drawn thousands for the annual Jones Beach fireworks display, which featuredg live entertainment, children’s activities and a patriotic soundtrack

before fireworks illuminated the Atlantic shoreline.

The FourLeaf Air Show had originally been scheduled as a two-day event, continuing Monday, but the second day was canceled because of inclement weather, making Sunday’s performance the weekend’s only air show.

Even so, the combination of fireworks, military demonstrations and world-class aerobatic performances offered Long Islanders a fitting way to celebrate Independence Day during the nation’s 250th anniversary.

Blue Angels soared the skies at the FourLeaf Air Show July 5.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

The national colors flew high in celebration of America’s 250th birthday.

Golden Knights kicked off the air show waving the flag high.

Brady Premo and Ariyanna Hall, couple from Medford, came out for a patriotic day.

Summer in motion Fitness beyond

Longer days, warm temperatures and abundant sunshine make summer an ideal season to take your fitness routine outdoors. Whether it’s a morning run or walk along the boardwalk, a bike ride, a game of tennis or pickleball, yoga on the beach, or even a family hike, exercising outside o ers both physical and mental health benefits.

An outdoor workout does more than change your scenery. Exercising outdoors has been linked to improved mood, lowered stress, better cardiovascular health, and more motivation to move consistently. Even walking outside can be an excellent workout, especially when you do it regularly. Fresh air and a change of scenery can make workouts feel less like a chore and more like an enjoyable part of your day.

Of course, summer’s relaxed pace — complete with vacations, barbecues, beach days and social gatherings — can sometimes derail even the best fitness intentions. The key is finding ways to incorporate activity into seasonal routines while taking precautions against heat and sun exposure.

Beat the heat

Summer temperatures can quickly turn a workout into a health risk. Exercising during the hottest parts of the day can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.

Whenever possible, schedule outdoor activities during the cooler morning or evening hours, typically before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Check the heat index before heading outside, and if temperatures or humidity levels are extreme, consider moving your workout indoors to an air-conditioned gym, recreation center or your own home.

Watch for warning signs of heatrelated illness, including dizziness, headache, nausea, excessive fatigue, muscle cramps or confusion. If symptoms occur, stop exercising immediately, move to a cool location and rehydrate.

Protect your skin

While we all love being outside, the sun doesn’t love us. Even on cloudy days, ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Health experts recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 about 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating heavily.

Additional protection includes wearing lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Light-colored fabrics help reflect heat and keep the

body cooler during outdoor activities.

Hydration matters

Proper hydration is essential yearround, but it becomes especially important during the summer months.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking approximately three to eight ounces of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes during exercise, depending on intensity and environmental conditions. For prolonged or high-intensity workouts lasting more than an hour, sports drinks may help replace electrolytes lost through sweat.

Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink. Thirst is often a sign that dehydration has already begun. Carry a reusable water bottle and drink fluids before, during and after physical activity.

After exercise, experts recommend consuming 20 to 24 ounces of water or a sports beverage for every pound of body weight lost during exercise. Don’t skip the warm-up

Warm weather doesn’t eliminate the need to prepare your body for exercise. A proper warm-up gradually increases heart rate, loosens muscles and improves flexibility, helping reduce the risk of strains and injuries.

Spend five to 10 minutes performing light aerobic activity such as brisk walking, followed by dynamic stretches that target the muscles you’ll be using during your workout. Cooling down afterward is equally important and can help prevent sti ness and aid recovery.

Try something new

Summer o ers endless opportunities to shake up your exercise routine. Trying new activities can prevent boredom and challenge di erent muscle groups.

Consider adding activities such as:

• Walking or jogging on local trails

• Swimming or water aerobics

• Outdoor yoga classes

• Kayaking or paddleboarding

• Hiking

• Recreational sports leagues

Our parks, beaches and community organizations also o er free or low-cost fitness classes throughout the summer.

Rev up the heart and cardiovascular system with sports you can play in the great outdoors. Eschew indoor racquetball for a game on an outdoor court. Try pickleball instead.

It’s easy to break a sweat and enjoy a good workout when a game of hoops is taken outdoors. Head out to your nearby park and check out the action on the basketball courts. Pickup football or baseball is another way to enjoy physical activity outdoors, especially for those who may not be gym hounds. Both sports provide a cardiovascular workout while building muscle. When you’re

engrossed in the game, you’re having fun and getting fit at the same time.

Even consider using items in your favored park to tailor a complete workout. Park benches can serve as a workout bench where athletes can do push-ups, triceps dips and step-up exercises. Stretch on a jungle gym or use monkey bars to fit in some pull-ups.

You’ll find that some parks even have their own fitness zones with exercise equipment built into the design.

Hike on! A nearby park or preserve that features walking trails is a good place to begin an outdoor workout. Some parks build exercise stations into their hiking paths, enabling visitors to vary their workouts along the way. Signs may also point out particular exercises that can be done during the hike, such as lunges or squats.

Hiking is a good cardiovascular workout that is particularly beneficial when done on varied terrain. Mixing uphill and downhill portions of the trail with level ones will work the various muscles in the legs and also provide greater resistance to get the heart pumping.

Take advantage of the beach

We’re surrounded by beaches, so make the most of our environment! After all, that’s one of the best features about living on Long Island. The beach provides much more than a place to relax. It can also serve as a natural fitness center.

Swimming in the ocean provides a full-body workout, as the resistance created by waves and currents challenges muscles while the water’s buoyancy reduces stress on joints. Water workouts are especially beneficial for older adults and those with arthritis or mobility concerns.

Walking or running on sand requires more effort than exercising on pavement because the unstable surface engages additional muscles in the legs,

Summer is an ideal time to trade the treadmill for trails, parks,

fitness routines can help turn exercise into an enjoyable part

core and hips.

As a result, beach workouts can improve strength, balance and cardiovascular fitness.

Even active beach outings that involve carrying chairs, coolers, umbrellas and beach gear can contribute to daily physical activity goals.

Keep moving all summer long

Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, along with musclestrengthening activities on two or more days, according to federal health guidelines.

Summer is the perfect season

to reconnect with the outdoors and discover enjoyable ways to stay active. By taking sensible precautions, staying hydrated and making movement part of everyday life, you can enjoy all the benefits of the season while supporting your long-term health and wellness.

The Best Outdoor Workouts to Try

1. Trail Running

What it works: Lower body, core, and cardiovascular system

Benefits: Trail running demands balance, coordination, and strength. Unlike conditions on a flat road or treadmill, trail running requires more physical effort,

Cedrina Calder, M.D., a boardcertified preventive medicine physician and fitness professional says.

“The balance and stability required on the trail engages and strengthens your core muscles. It also requires greater use of your lower limb muscles, including the glutes, quads, and calves.”

Trail running can also support mental health and often feels more engaging than repeating laps on a track.

“It requires 100-percent mental focus — or you subject yourself to a tumble,” says fitness expert Tina Vindum, M.S., C.P.T.

A 2020 study published in BMC Public Health found that people who completed at least 6.5 miles of trail running reported higher wellness and health scores. Additional research suggests that spending 90 minutes moving in nature can help reduce depressive rumination.

Beginner tips: Start with wellmarked trails and shorter distances, focusing on time on feet rather than pace. Keep your eyes a few feet ahead, shorten your stride, and use walking breaks on steep hills to manage intensity and protect your knees.

2. Surfing

What it works: Upper body, core, anaerobic conditioning, and balance Benefits: Surfing blends aerobic paddling with short bursts of anaerobic effort that feel similar to a HIIT routine.

“It’s a great anaerobic exercise that will help strengthen the trapezius, abdominals, and obliques, as well as the lats, triceps, biceps, and deltoids,”

Jimmy Minardi, C.P.T., founder of Minardi Training, says.

Water-based workouts can offer a powerful reset and stress relief in ways a gym can’t match. “I can tell you one thing after being a devout surfer for [many] years, the tranquil and buoyant qualities of being in the water lift your spirits up,” Minardi said.

Beginner tips: Work with a certified instructor and start on smaller waves. Always check tides, weather, and surf conditions and wear appropriate safety

gear, such as a leash and personal flotation device.

3. Hiking

What it works: Cardiovascular system, lower body, and aerobic endurance

Benefits: Hiking intensity is highly customizable, making it an accessible outdoor workout.

“Hiking can be a great cardio workout as long as it’s intense enough to significantly raise your heart rate and respiratory rate,” Calder says.

Elevation gain, speed, and pack weight all influence intensity, allowing you to progressively increase the challenge as your fitness improves. Beyond fitness, hiking encourages mindfulness and sensory awareness in a natural environment. Spending time on the trail can also help reduce stress, support mental health, and improve sleep.

Beginner tips: Choose shorter trails with minimal elevation gain and use hiking poles if knee comfort is a concern. Wear supportive footwear, carry water, and plan your route so you finish before dark and avoid extreme heat.

Photo by Marcel Straub

beaches and other outside paces. Outdoor

of everyday life

Join us on the Long Beach Boardwalk for no-cost health screenings at Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Community Wellness Center

Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Community Wellness Center, 106 Boardwalk in Long Beach, is open all summer to help you enjoy the season safely. Stop in for no-cost health screenings. (See a full list of hours and screenings below.)

To make safety a priority, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s experts have compiled these important summer safety tips:

1. Tick Bites, Bee Stings and Insect Bites: One of the best ways to avoid ticks, mosquitoes, bees, and other insects is to apply EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, skin-friendly picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus onto clothing and exposed parts of your body. Other steps include: Wear light, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes/sneakers when hiking or gardening to reduce exposed skin areas.

2. Sunburn: When the skin — the body’s largest organ — soaks up the sun, it helps produce vitamin D, which is vital to maintaining a healthy calcium balance, immunity, blood pressure, and insulin secretion. When skin is repeatedly exposed to the sun for extended periods of time, the risk can far outweigh the reward.

The American Academy of Dermatologists recommends you:

• Minimize sun exposure between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm

• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that protects against both harmful UVA and UVB rays to every part of your body exposed to the sun

• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days

• Wear clothing that covers the body and shades the face

• Schedule an annual skin cancer screening

3. Water and Pool Safety: Whether spending time in the pool, at the beach, or on a boat:

• Never leave a child unsupervised near or around any water source

• Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets during boating and fishing activities

• Keep a safe distance from boat propellers

• Learn CPR, especially if you and your family participate in water activities

Orthopedic Injuries: More than half of all sports and recreation-related injuries are preventable, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To reduce your risk of injury:

• Warm up first: perform gentle stretches before playing, practicing, or training

• Diversify training by alternating exercises like walking, jogging, biking, or weightlifting

• If you feel pain, soreness, or tightness, stop! Early

intervention is key to avoiding further injury

4. Dehydration: Symptoms of dehydration may include some or all of the following: lethargy, dizziness, deep or rapid breathing, muscle cramps, dry mouth and nose, and a drop in blood pressure. Prevent dehydration by drinking six to eight cups of water per day; avoid consumption of tea, coffee, soda, or alcohol on hot days or during recreational activities; and take a break from the sun and heat in a cool, shaded area

5. Picnic Food Preparation and Storage: Food that is not prepared and stored properly is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. For a safe picnic:

• Wrap uncooked chicken and meats in separate tightly sealed bags or containers and place them at the bottom of the cooler

• Store foods with mayonnaise in the cooler and be sure to serve them on platters that are chilled by ice-filled salad bowls

• Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot

• Freeze foods that are prepared more than one day in advance of the picnic

• Discard all leftovers

The Community Wellness Center, a service of Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Department of Community Education, is offering daily health education and screening events throughout the summer and early fall. This includes:

Monday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. — EKG screenings for student athletes, ages 13-25 (registration is required)

9 a.m.-2 p.m.— Narcan and Stop the Bleed training*

Tuesday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Diabetes, prostatespecific antigen (PSA), cholesterol blood tests

10 a.m.-12 p.m. — CPR/Basic Life Support certification (registration is required)

Wednesday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Blood pressure loaner program*

Noon-3 p.m. — Lung health*

Thursday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. —.Diabetes, PSA, cholesterol blood tests

1-3 p.m. — Diabetes risk assessment screenings*

Friday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. — How to take your blood pressure at home*

9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Healthy eating and teddy bear clinic for kids*

= 30- to 60-minute sessions provided within the timeframe

The Center also offers free blood pressure, colorectal, memory, body mass index, diabetes risk, and stroke risk screenings Monday-Friday, 9 am-2 pm. The Center does not provide medical care. For more information, call the Department of Community Education at (516) 377-5333 or follow us on Facebook.

Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Community Education team is hosting daily health education and screening events throughout the summer at the CommunityWellness Center located at 106 Boardwalk on the Long Beach Boardwalk

Join Us at the Mount Sinai South Nassau Community Wellness Center for Daily Health Screenings

and Community Education Events

106 East Boardwalk, Long Beach

(Between Long Beach Blvd. & Riverside Blvd. Enter via ramp at boardwalk level )

June 1- September 4, 2026

EKG Screenings for Students Ages 13-25 (pre-registration required) | 9 am - 2 pm

Narcan and Stop the Bleed Training* | 9 am - 2 pm

*30-60 minute sessions available within this timeframe.

CPR/BLS Certification (pre-registration required) | 10 am - 12 pm

Blood Test (Diabetes, PSA, Cholesterol) | Call 516-377-5333 to schedule

Blood Pressure Cuff Loaner Program* | 9 am - 2 pm

*30-60 minute sessions available within this timeframe.

Diabetes Risk Assessment Screenings* | 12 pm - 2 pm

*30-60 minute sessions available within this timeframe.

Blood Test (Diabetes, PSA, Cholesterol) | Call 516-377-5333 to schedule

How to Take Your Blood Pressure at Home* | 9 am - 2 pm

Healthy Eating & Teddy Bear Clinic for Kids* | 9 am - 2 pm

*30-60 minute sessions available within this timeframe.

We also offer FREE Health Screenings (Monday - Friday, 9 am - 2 pm) including:

• Blood Pressure

• Body Mass Index (BMI)

• Colorectal Screening

• Diabetes Risk Assessment

• Memory Screening

• Stroke Risk Assessment

We are also offering COVID-19, Shingles, and Pneumonia Vaccines. For more information about the program, please call 516-377-5333

Programs subject to change. Please refer to our Facebook page @MountSinaiSouthNassau for weekly schedule.

This is not a patient care facility. In case of emergency, please call 911.

The Freedom To Hear and Stay Independent.

Every Independence Day, we celebrate freedom.

_ Dr. Keith N. Darrow, Ph.D., CCC-A

Each Fourth of July, Americans gather to celebrate independence declared nearly 250 years ago, honoring freedom through family, parades, fireworks, and shared stories. As the nation approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, independence is not only a historic idea but an ongoing responsibility to protect, renew, and pass forward.

Independence also applies to personal health. For many people, it means living confidently— managing daily life, participating in conversations, making decisions, and staying connected without relying on others to interpret the world.

But for millions with untreated hearing loss and tinnitus, that independence slowly erodes. It often begins with asking for repetition, increasing television volume, avoiding noisy environments, and withdrawing

from social situations that once felt effortless.

Over time, hearing loss affects not just hearing but participation in life. Spouses often become interpreters, conversations become shorter, and social events become more stressful. This shift can strain relationships and reduce quality of life for both people.

Medical treatment for hearing loss and tinnitus focuses on improving clarity, reducing listening effort, and restoring

access to sound. The goal is not only louder hearing, but better understanding and fuller participation in everyday life.

Untreated hearing loss is also linked in research to cognitive decline risk, making hearing health an important part of brain health and long-term independence.

Tinnitus can further reduce independence when people rely on masking sounds such as fans, apps, or sound machines to cope

with constant ringing. Effective treatment aims to reduce the brain’s reaction to tinnitus, not just cover it.

This Independence Day, take action if hearing loss or tinnitus is affecting your life.

Schedule a hearing evaluation with Hearing and Brain Centers of America by calling (516) 212- 0691 or request information by visiting HBCABookOffer.com

Learn more to understand treatment options that support communication, brain health, and lasting independence.

The Freedom To Hear and Stay Independent.

do

I

treating my hearing loss I fear I would have lost some freedom and independence to do what I love.”

Staying independent means staying connected to the people, places, and activities that matter most.

Untreated hearing loss can make everyday life more difficult and may increase the risk of social isolation, falls, cognitive decline, and dementia.

• Difficulty hearing conversations with family and friends

• Missing important details during meetings or appointments

• Avoiding social gatherings because hearing feels exhausting

• Turning the TV volume up higher than others prefer • Ringing, buzzing, or humming in your ears (tinnitus) • Concerns about memory, focus, or mental sharpness

Anne Friis

Herald Content Studio articles are produced by the Herald's marketing division and independent of the newsroom. The Herald may be compensated by

articles, which does not constitute the Herald's endorsement.

The Parker Jewish Institute Golf Outing is set for July 27

The Parker Jewish Institute will host its 2026 Peter Seideman Golf Classic at the Fresh Meadow Country Club in Lake Success on Monday, July 27, 2026. This year’s Golf Classic begins registration and breakfast at 10 a.m., followed by shotgun start at 11:30 a.m., and cocktails and dinner at 4:30 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit The Parker Jewish Institute Foundation to enhance the network of programs and services for thousands of people who access Parker’s continuum of services each year.

This year’s honoree is Old Republic Commercial Risk, which the Parker Foundation is recognizing for its excellence in delivering tailored commercial insurance solutions, and for its unwavering commitment to Parker’s patients and residents.

Parker’s golf outing is one of two major annual fundraisers, including the Parker Gala. This year’s gala will be held on Thursday, November 5, 2026, at The Village Club at Lake Success.

“We are grateful to our donors, sponsors, families and dedicated team

members, whose support is integral to the Parker community,” said Michael N. Rosenblut, President and CEO of The Parker Jewish Institute. “Through their generosity and commitment, Parker will continue advancing excellence in patient care, research and innovation while enhancing the lives of those we serve.”

To learn more about the 2026 Peter Seideman Golf Classic, and about sponsorship opportunities, call the Parker Jewish Institute Foundation at (718) 289-

About The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation

The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation is headquartered in New Hyde Park. The facility is a leading provider of Short Term Rehabilitation and Long Term Care. At the forefront of innovation in patient-centered health care and technology, the Institute is a leader in teaching and geriatric research. Parker

Parker Jewish Institute • (718) 289-2212

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

Jewish Institute features its own medical team, and is nationally renowned as a skilled nursing facility, as well as a provider of community-based health care, encompassing Home Health Care, Medical House Calls, Palliative Care and Hospice. Parker Jewish Institute is also home to Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI) — providing patients with safe, comfortable Hemodialysis treatments in a relaxed setting — as well as PRINE Health — a Vascular Center offering advanced vascular services. The Center and QLIRI further Parker’s ability to expand access to essential health-care services to adults in the greater New York metropolitan area. For more information, please visit parkerinstitute.org or call (877) 727-5373.

Be sun smart

Take precautions so that the sun is friend not foe

For many people, summer means long days spent outdoors relaxing at the beach, boating on the water, tending the garden, enjoying backyard barbecues or simply lounging by the pool. While sunshine can lift our spirits and encourage us to be active, too much exposure to the sun can have serious consequences for our health.

A moderate amount of sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which is important for bone health and immune function. But excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage the skin and eyes, increase the risk of heat-related illness and significantly raise the likelihood of developing skin cancer.

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting millions of Americans each year.

Fortunately, many cases are preventable with proper sun protection. Whether you’re headed to the beach, the golf course, a summer concert or simply spending time in your backyard, taking a few simple precautions can help you enjoy the season safely.

Have your fun but proceed with caution

Many folks take sunburn lightly, viewing it as an inevitable part of summer. But sunburn is much more than a temporary inconvenience.

Sunburn is actually a radiation burn caused by overexposure to UV rays. Depending on its severity, a sunburn can range from mild redness and tenderness to painful blistering and swelling. Severe sunburn may even require medical attention.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that sunburn remains common among both adults and children. Yet every sunburn causes damage to skin cells.

Much of that damage cannot be seen immediately. Ultraviolet radiation penetrates the skin and can alter the DNA inside skin cells. Over time, this cumulative damage contributes to premature aging, wrinkles, age spots, loss of skin elasticity and an increased risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.

Because UV damage accumulates over a lifetime, practicing sun safety is important at every age.

Avoid the burn

Sunburn is one of the most preventable summertime health risks. It’s also important to remember that UV exposure occurs year-round not just on hot, sunny days. Up to 80 percent of UV rays can penetrate clouds,

As great as the sun feels, it poses serious threats to your health and appearance. Have your time in the sun while sparing your skin from damage and overall harm to your body.

and reflective surfaces such as water, sand, concrete and snow can intensify exposure.

We all know by now that artificial UV sources, including tanning beds and sun lamps, are also dangerous. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and dermatologists strongly discourage indoor tanning because it significantly increases skin cancer risk.

Seek shade

The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Whenever possible, limit prolonged outdoor activity during these peak hours.

If you are outside, take frequent breaks in the shade beneath a tree, umbrella, canopy or other shelter. Planning outdoor exercise, yard work or recreational activities during the early morning or evening hours can also help reduce UV exposure and lower the risk of heat-related illness.

Cover up

Clothing provides one of the simplest and most effective forms of sun protection.

Choose lightweight, loose-fitting garments that cover as much skin as possible, including long-sleeved shirts and long pants when practical. Densely woven, tightly constructed fabrics generally offer better protection than loosely woven materials.

Many outdoor clothing manufacturers now offer apparel with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor, or UPF, rating. UPF indicates how effectively fabric blocks UV radiation.

Clothing with a UPF rating of 30 to 50 or higher provides excellent protection. Darker colors and brighter fabrics typically absorb more UV rays than pale colors, while tightly woven materials outperform sheer or loosely

woven fabrics.

Complete your sun-protective wardrobe with a wide-brimmed hat that shades the face, ears and neck.

Wear sunscreen — and reapply it

Sunscreen is an essential part of any sun safety strategy, but it should not be your only line of defense.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Broad-spectrum products protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature aging and skin cancer. Both types of UV radiation can damage skin cells and increase cancer risk.

Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin about 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. Most adults need approximately one ounce about enough to fill a shot glass to adequately cover the body.

Don’t overlook commonly missed areas, including:

• Ears

• Back of the neck

• Scalp or part line

• Tops of the feet

• Hands

• Lips

• Around the eyes

Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and more often after swimming, sweating or towel-drying.

Forget the ‘base tan’

Many people believe that obtaining a “base tan” before summer will protect against future sunburn. Experts say this is a myth.

A tan is actually a sign that the skin has already been damaged by UV radiation. When exposed to sunlight, the skin produces additional melanin pigment in an attempt to shield itself from further injury.

There is no such thing as a healthy tan. Any tanning or burning represents skin damage that can accumulate over time and increase skin cancer risk.

The safest way to achieve a sunkissed appearance is to use sunless self-tanning products rather than UV exposure.

Protect your eyes

The sun can damage the eyes as well as the skin.

Long-term exposure to UV radiation has been linked to cataracts, macular degeneration and certain cancers of the eyelid and eye.

Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays whenever you are outdoors. Wraparound styles offer additional protection by limiting UV rays that enter from the sides.

Children require extra precautions

Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to sun damage because their skin is thinner and more sensitive.

Babies younger than six months should be kept out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Use shade, protective clothing and hats to shield infants from UV exposure.

For older infants and children, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, dress them in protective clothing and encourage regular hydration during outdoor play.

Teaching children healthy sun habits early can help reduce their lifetime risk of skin cancer.

Know when to seek medical care

Most sunburns can be treated at home with cool compresses, moisturizers, hydration and overthe-counter pain relievers. However, seek medical attention if sunburn is accompanied by:

• Extensive blistering

• Fever or chills

• Severe pain

• Confusion or dizziness

• Signs of dehydration

• Nausea or vomiting

Summer is meant to be enjoyed. By seeking shade, covering up, wearing sunscreen and practicing smart sun habits, you can safely soak up the season while protecting your health for years to come

Stronger bones start with healthy kidneys at Queens-Long Island Renal Institute

Healthy bones depend on healthy kidneys, and at Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI), protecting bone health is essential to comprehensive kidney care. The kidneys regulate calcium and phosphorus levels and activate vitamin D, maintaining bone strength. When kidney disease interferes with these processes, bones can weaken, increasing the risk of fractures.

The QLIRI team takes a proactive approach to preserving bone health. Through ongoing lab monitoring, individualized treatment plans and expert nutritional guidance, QLIRI helps patients maintain the delicate balance of minerals that supports strong bones.

For those on dialysis, maintaining optimal calcium, phosphorus and parathyroid hormone levels can significantly help bones stay strong. QLIRI’s specialists collaborate closely with patients to fine-tune care plans and prevent complications.

Even small lifestyle steps — including

approved exercises, lower-phosphorus diets and prescribed medications — can strengthen bones and improve quality of life.

With advanced technology, a compassionate care team and a focus on education and prevention, QLIRI empowers patients to protect their bone and kidney health, helping them stay strong, active and independent.

About the Queens-Long Island Renal Institute

The Queens-Long Island Renal Institute (QLIRI) is a state-of-the-art dialysis center, conveniently located inside the first-floor lobby at Parker Jewish Institute in New Hyde Park, New York. QLIRI provides patients with the finest quality care, stateof-the-art technology, and uncompromised dignity, in a bright, ultra-modern and comfortable setting. Licensed by the New York State Department of Health, QLIRI is led by a compassionate and dedicated interdisciplinary team of experienced

Nephrologists and Dialysis Registered Nurses, a Renal Social worker and a Registered Dietitian. QLIRI also offers home dialysis, providing patients the flexibility to access needed care without ever leaving their homes, while also freeing up time to engage in their daily activities.

For more information, visit qliri.org or call (718) 289-2600.

Queens Long Island Renal Institute • 271-11 76th Ave., New Hyde Park • (718) 289-2600

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

Queens-Long Island Renal Institute is located at the Parker Jewish Institute.

Inspirational drawings from our youngest readers

Ashly R. 6th G W. Babylon Junior High School

Keilani C. 5th G California Ave. School

Rubi 4th G California Ave. School

Jayden C. 2nd G California Ave. School

Anabelle D. 6th G W. Babylon Junior High School

Karol M. 4th G California Ave. School

Mila O. 4th G California Ave. School

Janelle H. 3rd G California Ave. School

Samantha P. 6th G W. Babylon Junior High School

Mia H. 6th G West Babylon Junior High School

Mia A. 6th G West Babylon Junior High School

Jocelyn C. 5th G California Ave. School

AMERICA

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

Between 1860 and 1942, agriculture remained a defining part of life on Long Island across Nassau and Suffolk counties. During the same period, transportation improvements and expanding connections to New York City began shaping economic changes that would influence Long Island’s future development.

According to the Long Island Farm Bureau, agriculture has been an important industry on Long Island since the earliest periods of Native American cultivation and European settlement.

Before European settlement, the 60,000-acre Hempstead Plains in Nassau — the largest natural prairie east of the Mississippi River — served Indigenous peoples as a vital landscape for hunting, gathering and managing natural resources. English colonists later used the expansive grasslands to graze livestock, establishing agriculture as one of the area’s earliest industries.

The organization reports that fertile soils, access to fresh water, and proximity to major markets helped make Long Island one of New York State’s most significant agricultural regions. The Farm Bureau notes that farmers produced a wide range of crops and agricultural products, including vegetables, potatoes, fruits, poultry, livestock and shellfish.

Historical records published by the Town of Brookhaven show that early residents were primarily engaged in farming, fishing and whaling. The town’s historical records further indicate that additional industries developed during the nineteenth century, but agriculture remained an important part of the local economy.

Transportation became an increasingly important factor in the region’s development. According to the Town of Brookhaven’s historical overview, the arrival of the Long Island Rail Road during the mid-19th century made travel and the movement of goods faster and easier. Historical records of Long Island transportation show that rail service reached the eastern end of

Farming fueled Long Island before suburbia

While the landscape and industries of Long Island have changed over the

the island in 1844, creating stronger links between rural communities and larger markets.

By the late 19th century, however, parts of Nassau County’s rural landscape were undergoing dramatic change as wealthy industrialists purchased North Shore farmland to build lavish country estates, creating the famed Gold Coast.

Even as the North Shore evolved, farming remained a dominant force across central Long Island. Throughout the 19th century and into the first half of the 20th century, the Island ranked among the nation’s leading potato-producing regions.

Throughout the 19th century and into the first half of the 20th century, the Island ranked among the nation’s leading potatoproducing regions.

Farming remained a dominant force across central Long Island. Throughout the 19th century and into the first half of the 20th centu-

ry, the Island ranked among the nation’s leading potato-producing regions. Thousands of acres were planted with potatoes, supporting a thriving agricultural economy and supplying markets throughout the Northeast.

While much of eastern Suffolk County remained rural during this period, signs of long-term change were emerging. Historical information published by the Town of Brookhaven states that the 20th century witnessed the town’s expansion from an agrarian community into a more diversified economy.

The transition had not yet fully occurred between 1860 and 1942, but the transportation networks and market connections established during those years

helped shape the conditions under which later development would occur.

Manorville itself retained strong agricultural roots. Historical accounts of the hamlet describe it as a farming community for many years, reflecting the broader agricultural character that defined much of central and eastern Suffolk County during the late 19th and early 20 centuries.

That era began to fade after World War II. As returning veterans fueled an unprecedented demand for housing, farmland rapidly disappeared beneath subdivisions, highways and commercial development. The transformation was perhaps most evident in Levittown, where beginning in 1947 more than 4,000 acres of former potato fields were converted into what became the nation’s most iconic suburban development, symbolizing the shift from an agricultural landscape to the suburban Long Island recognized today.

Angelina Zingariello/Herald

years, the East End holds onto its farming roots. Every spring, the Waterdrinker Family Farm & Garden in Manorville plants over a million tulips for the annual Tulip Festival.

AMERICA

ABy BRIAN KACHARABA, ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN & LAYLA EASON

of the Herald

cross Long Island, history is not just preserved — it is built into the landmarks that still stand in its villages, harbors, downtowns, and shorelines, where centuries of American life are reflected in manor houses, churches, libraries, museums, crossroads, and memorials.

Together, these sites form a living timeline of the nation’s past, showing how Long Island evolved alongside the United States over more than 300 years.

One of the earliest stories begins in Bay Shore at Sagtikos Manor, one of Suffolk County’s oldest surviving structures. Built around 1697 by Stephanus Van Cortlandt, New York City’s first native-born mayor, the manor grew from a colonial estate into one of the region’s most enduring landmarks.

During the American Revolution, British forces occupied the property, placing it directly within the war’s contested landscape. In the early years of the republic, the manor is also associated with President George Washington, who stayed there for one night during his 1790 tour of Long Island, further linking the site to the nation’s founding era and its first presidential administration.

In Massapequa, Old Grace Church, established in 1844 on land donated by General Thomas Floyd-Jones, preserves nearly two centuries of community life and remains a lasting symbol of the area’s early settlement era. Nearby, the Elbert Floyd-Jones Servants Cottage,

1 2 3

Landmarks define Long Island’s history

built around 1870, survives as one of the few remnants of Massapequa’s grand estate period, offering a rare glimpse into daily life on Long Island’s 19th-century South Shore estates.

The Phillips House Museum in Rockville Centre, built in 1882 and once home to village founder James Phillips, reflects the community’s late-19th-century growth driven by commerce and transportation. Saved from demolition in the 1970s and restored during the Bicentennial era, it now stands as one of New York’s premier small historic museums.

Long Island’s rise to national prominence is reflected at Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay, built between 1884 and 1885 for Theodore Roosevelt. The Queen Annestyle home served as both his family residence and Summer White House, where policy and diplomacy shaped the Progressive Era. Today, it remains a National Historic Site and one of the country’s most significant presidential homes.

The growth of suburban Long Island is traced to Pearsall’s Corners, later Lynbrook, where a 19th-century crossroads centered on the Pearsall family store evolved into a stagecoach and railroad hub. With the arrival of the South Side Railroad, the community expanded rapidly and adopted the name Lynbrook in 1894, marking its transformation from rural hamlet to suburban village.

In Massapequa, the Delancey FloydJones Free Library, built in 1896, became the community’s first public library and remained its only one for more than 50 years. Now preserved within the Massapequa Historical Society Historic Complex, it reflects the rise

of civic institutions across Long Island.

On the South Shore, Long Beach reflects early 20th-century coastal planning. The home at 226 W. Penn Street, built in 1909 as part of William H. Reynolds’ resort vision, is one of the city’s earliest surviving structures. Now the Long Beach Historical Museum, it preserves the story of a barrier island community that grew from seasonal destination to year-round city.

The North Shore Historical Museum in Glen Cove occupies the former 1907 Justices Court Building, a State and National Register landmark that preserves the legacy of the Gold Coast era. In nearby Sea Cliff, the Village Museum—founded in 1979 and housed in a former Methodist church—continues that preservation effort through extensive archives of photographs, artifacts, and village records.

In Freeport, history spans multiple eras. A historic marker at Babylon Turnpike and Lakeview Avenue commemorates Washington’s passage through Long Island during his 1790 tour, linking the village to the nation’s earliest years. Nearby, the World War II memorial honors local service members who fought in the nation’s defining 20thcentury conflict, while the Vietnam War memorial stone at the Freeport Memorial Library stands as a tribute to those who gave their lives in service.

As America approaches its 250th anniversary, these landmarks underscore a simple truth: history is not confined to textbooks. It continues to live in the buildings, streets, and communities that shaped Long Island — and helped

shape the nation itself.

Photo 1 - Sagtikos Manor in Bay Shore, built around 1697, stands as one of Suffolk County’s oldest surviving homes and a rare link to Long Island’s colonial, Revolutionary War, and early presidential history.

Brian Kacharaba/Herald

Photo 2 - The World War II memorial plaque in Freeport honors residents who served and sacrificed during the conflict.

Layla Eason/Herald

Photo 3 - Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay, the longtime home of President Theodore Roosevelt, reflects Long Island’s role in American leadership history and served as his residence and “Summer White House” during his presidency.

Library of Congress Prints and Photographs

Photo 4 - A historic marker at Babylon Turnpike and Lakeview Avenue in Freeport commemorates President George Washington’s passage through the area during his 1790 tour of Long Island.

Layla Eason/Herald

Photo 5 - The Old Grace Church in Massapequa traces its roots to 1844, where community members gathered to establish an Episcopal church closer to home rather than traveling to Hempstead for worship.

Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald

Photo 6 - Built in 1882, the Victorian home now housing the Phillips House Museum was once owned by sea captain and village founder James Phillips, whose family played a key role in the early development of Rockville Centre as a growing center of commerce and banking.

Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald

By Leah Ramai (Hunter) Sewanhaka High School freshman

AReader, three centuries is a long time.

ridiculous amount of possibilities could generally happen. Robots mating and artificial intelligence becoming the structure of everything.

America at 300. It’s long enough for your name to become dust. Long enough for every person you have ever loved to disappear. Long enough for your bedroom to become a room nobody remembers belonged to you. Long enough for the sound of your laughter to vanish from the earth entirely.

And perhaps, before you continue reading, I ask something of you. Look at your mother. Look at the shine in her eyes. The bliss, the warmth in her hugs. Look at your father. His tired eyes of making income and he doesn’t get a minute to himself. Not as parents. Not as permanent figures suspended safely in the background of your life. Look at them as people. As living things, imagine the lines of their faces softened by time until even memory struggles to hold them together. Imagine the sound of their voices becoming some-

AMERICA America at its 300th anniversary

thing distant. Imagine reaching for a memory and discovering it has begun to fade. That it simply doesn’t exist anymore. Where do these memories go? Certainly not in the future. Horrifying, isn’t it? Yet this is not fantasy. This is not horror fiction. This is reality moving exactly as it always has, because time does not wait for anyone whatsoever.

When people speak of America 300 years from now, they speak of progress. They speak of technology, discovery, innovation, and futures polished bright enough to distract themselves from the darkness beneath them. The good and positives. Yet I find myself haunted by something far quieter. Far more patient. The casualties time leaves behind.

How many voices will history never bother to remember? How many political figures will be jacks of spades in newspapers and magazines. How many poets will spend entire lifetimes filling notebooks only for their words to disappear without ceremony?

How many artists will devote themselves to beauty only for time to consume their work without even acknowledging it existed? Somewhere tonight, a child is creating something absolutely extraordinary. Somewhere, a story capable of changing a life is being written for the very first time. And somewhere else, another story dies before it is ever born. Reader that should terrify you. Not because it is unlikely. Because it is ordinary for dreams to never be pursued.

That is what makes humanity sacred. Not permanence. Not survival. Not the illusion that anything was

ever promised forever. If life stretched endlessly before us, love would become weightless. If grief did not exist, devotion would mean nothing. If death never arrived, neither would urgency, nor wonder, nor the desperate and beautiful need to create something before time steals the opportunity away.

It isn’t the fear of leaving, but leaving behind something utterly unfathomable, Humanity. Edgar Allan Poe understood this. Mary Shelley understood this. Beneath every graveyard, every ghost, every monster stitched together from pieces of the dead, there lingers the same unbearable realization. Existence is precious because it ends.

America, 300 years from now, will not be measured by what it builds. It will be measured by what it remembers. By whether someone still believes stories matter. By whether a child still stays awake long after midnight scribbling poems in a notebook because their heart feels too large for silence, deeply madly in love. Love, will you still feel the same flutter in your heart.

It’s chronically insane, isn’t it reader? To have to ask if a feeling would still sit in your anatomy because of how the world can change. By whether humanity still possesses the courage to create despite knowing everything eventually disappears. Knowing you have a purpose, but genuinely? It will end one day. Because the greatest horror has never been death. It has always been reaching the end of a life without leaving behind proof that you were here at all.

Look into the future

Photo: Credit: Courtesy Sewanhaka High School

LeaH Ramai (HunteR)

Aubrey L. Hewlett Elementary School

K. Hewlett Elementary School

YBy JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

It is nearly impossible to discuss American literary history without mentioning Walt Whitman. Often called “America’s poet,” Whitman left a lasting mark as a writer, journalist and teacher, with a legacy deeply woven into both the nation’s history and Long Island’s own.

Born in what is now Huntington Station in 1819, Whitman came from a family whose Long Island roots stretched back to the 17th century. Though the family moved to Brooklyn when he was young, the island remained part of his foundation. His formal schooling ended at 11, but his education continued in print shops, newsrooms and city streets, where he developed a lifelong appetite for language, politics and the lives of ordinary people.

ou cannot really understand America... without ‘Leaves of Grass.’

MARY BERENsON

Art historian

As a teenager and young adult, Whitman worked as a printer, teacher and journalist across Long Island and New York City. When he returned to Huntington, he founded The Long-Islander, a local newspaper that is still being published. His formative years placed Whitman in close contact with people from every corner of American life: laborers, commuters, families, readers, voters and strangers passing through the world around him. That broad human canvas helped shape the ideals that came to define his poetry — a sweeping appreciation for everyday Americans.

Whitman carried those influences into “Leaves of Grass,” the collection he first published in 1855 and continued revising until his death in 1892. What began as a slim, unconventional volume grew into a sweeping body of work that challenged literary traditions and helped redefine what American poetry could sound like.

Much of Whitman’s work opens a window onto everyday American life, but “Song of Myself” may be his most expansive expression of that vision. In it, the speaker stretches beyond the individual, seeing himself reflected in all people and all things — a voice that is deeply personal and collective.

The poem stands apart for its bold embrace of the body, its deep connection to the natural world and its insistence on elevating the ordinary individual.

“Born here of parents born here from parents the same, and their parents the same,”

AMERICA Long Island’s own Walt Whitman helped give America its voice

Courtesy Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Gottscho-Schleisner Collection [LC-USZC2-4855]

Walt Whitman, one of America’s most renowned poets, taught at a summer school in Woodbury in 1840. The school building, erected in 1807, was acquired by Alexander M. White around 1927, who moved it to his estate in Oyster Bay Cove. The desk from the schoolhouse once used by Whitman is now at his birthplace, a historic site, in Huntington Station.

Whitman writes — a line that captures the layered, generational nature of belonging. It suggests how roots are formed not only through family, but through the places people claim as home. For Whitman, one of those places was Long Island.

Today, the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association maintains the New York state historic site Whitman was born in. Open to the public for tours, the home provides Long Islanders with insight into his early childhood, which influenced his work. Tours run daily in the summertime, and between Wednesdays and Sundays after Labor Day.

On the grounds of his original home is also an Interpretive Center, which opened in 1997, further allowing the birthplace association to build a tourist destination and regional hub for arts and literature, that offers unique, interdisciplinary programs.

“You cannot really understand America without Walt Whitman, without ‘Leaves of Grass’…” art historian Mary Berenson once wrote of the work, according to Whitman’s profile on Goodreads, a networking site for readers. “He has expressed that civilization, ‘up to date,’ as he would say, and no student of the philosophy of history can do without him.”

MTA approves the LIRR union contracts

By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority board gave final approval to new collective bargaining agreements with Long Island Rail Road unions, formally closing out contracts that emerged from last month’s three-day strike and raising wages by nearly 15 percent over four years.

The four-year agreement provides members of the five unions with annual wage increases of 3 percent in each of the first two years, followed by a 3.5 percent increase in the third year and a 4.5 percent increase in the final year. Over the life of the contract, those raises compound to a total pay increase of approximately 14.7 percent.

The vote, taken during a June 24 board meeting following an executive session, ratified agreements that had already been approved by unions representing about 3,500 LIRR workers. Those unions include the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and Transportation Communications Union.

Union members across the coalition overwhelmingly ratified the agreements in recent weeks, with votes exceeding 97 percent approval in several cases. In the

final ratification round, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen members approved their contract by 98 percent, according to union officials.

Union leaders said the deal resulted from a prolonged bargaining process that stretched more than three years and included federal mediation and a strike.

“We went three years without raises and negotiated in good faith. We negotiated to the buzzer,” said Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen General Chairman Gil Lang in a state-

ment, adding that his members “never wavered” during the dispute and credited solidarity across the coalition for securing the agreement.

International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers International President Brian Bryant also praised members for their unity.

“This victory belongs to the members who stood together and never wavered,” he said in his statement. “Their solidarity carried them through every challenge and ultimately delivered this his-

toric result.”

MTA CEO Janno Lieber said the board’s action marks the completion of a lengthy bargaining process.

Speaking during the meeting, Lieber said the board “voted to approve those agreements,” noting they were the same labor deals previously ratified by the unions involved.

He said the final economic terms came in slightly lower than earlier projections once offsets were factored in. While the fourth year includes a 4.5 percent general wage increase, Lieber said cost-saving measures reduced the overall impact to the MTA by about seventenths of a percentage point.

He said those savings came in part from extending the agreement’s length and changing how required computerbased training is delivered, allowing workers to complete it on straight time rather than requiring overtime coverage and replacement staffing.

Lieber said the net cost of the deal is “well under 4 percent,” allowing it to fit within the MTA’s financial plan.

The agreement follows a period of intense labor negotiations that culminated in a three-day strike last month, the first at the Long Island Rail Road since 1994. The strike halted regular commuter rail service across Long Island and affected tens of thousands of daily riders before a tentative settlement was reached.

Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority board approved new four-year contracts for Long Island Rail Road unions, finalizing agreements reached after a three-day strike.

STEPPING OUT

Photos courtesy LICM

Young artists created colorful works during last summer’s ArtVentures. This year, the program is expanded into four categories and families can enjoy similar creative experiences.

Bright colors and creative techniques come together in the watercolor project, one of the hands-on activities Kids can experiment how colors react to elements, and other colors.

More than art

Cool off with an ‘Artventure’

By Stacy Driks

Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to put down the screens this summer, pick up a paintbrush and discover the many ways to create art.

With the launch of Summer ArtVentures [July 7], the museum expands its arts programming into a season-long celebration of imagination, hands-on learning and creative exploration four days a week.

Whether it’s experimenting with watercolor, building collages, sculpting with clay or creating artwork inspired by professionals, every visit offers something new.

The lineup grew from a pilot series the museum introduced last summer. After seeing children return week after week and hearing families ask for more opportunities to create, museum educators decided it was time to think bigger.

“We had such a positive reaction, people were asking if we could do them on other days and if we could offer more arts programming,” says Jeanmarie Walsh Mansfield, the museum’s director of visual arts and community initiatives. ”We found families kept coming back, and kids were building on what they learned from one week to the next.”

That enthusiasm inspired a full calendar of art experiences running throughout July and August, with activities designed to appeal to toddlers, schoolage children, teens and even adults.

Unlike traditional art classes, participants aren’t divided by age. Instead, everyone creates together in the same space, allowing each person to work at a level that’s comfortable while learning from one another.

“It’s sort of like an old-school classroom,” Mansfield says. “Kids of all ages learn with and from each other.”

Each Tuesday, the museum hosts Imagine That! Summer ArtVentures Workshops, where participants explore a different artistic medium or technique. One week may focus on collage, while another introduces mosaics, sculpture or animation. Before children begin creating, participants are introduced to artists whose work connects to that week’s project.

Some come from centuries ago, like Italian painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo, whose portraits famously transformed fruits, vegetables and other everyday objects into imaginative faces. Others are contemporary artists such as Octavio Ocampo, whose optical illusion paintings encourage viewers to look beyond first impressions.

Fireworks

with the South Shore Symphony

“I want kids to learn that art can be much more than they think art is,” Mansfield says. “Art can be everywhere and made from anything. All you need is your creativity, your imagination and a willingness to experiment.”

Fridays offer Watercolor Wonder Pop-Ups, rotating through different galleries with new watercolor techniques and themes each week. One session explores the effects of salt on watercolor paint, while another teaches children how oil pastels and watercolor interact to create surprising results. Other activities draw inspiration from nature, encouraging families to experiment with flowers, color and texture.

What program is best for you?

• Tuesday: Imagine That ArtVentures workshops run from July 7 to Aug. 25, 1-3 p.m. Fee: $4 for children three and up.

• Friday: Watercolor Pop-Up run from July 10 to Aug. 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free with museum admission.

• Saturday: Amethyst Playground Pop-Up runs from July 11 to Aug. 1, noon-2 p.m. Free with museum admission.

• Monday: Squish Studio runs from July 27 to July 31, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Free with museum admission.

Still craving more fireworks? Rockville Centre’s annual celebration is just the ticket! Head to Pette and Barasch Fields for a festive evening with the South Shore Symphony, capped off by a spectacular Grucci fireworks display. It’s a beloved summertime tradition that brings together everyone for a rousing spectacle. Music Director Adam Glaser passes the baton to conductor Eileen Murphy who leads the orchestra in a program of Broadway hits, movie themes, pop hits, and patriotic standards. Selections include American Salute by Morton Gould, Suite from Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda, RimskyKorsakov’s Procession of Nobles, Sousa’s Washington Post March and John William’s Raiders March. The orchestra begins performing at 7:30 p.m., the fireworks begin at 9:15 and the orchestra continues after. Hosted by the Village of Rockville Centre and the Rockville Centre Guild for the Arts, this free event has been a favorite for more than 30 years. Admission is free and is open to everyone. Rain date is July 12.

Hope shows her art project inspired by Kelly Olshan’s “Amethyst Playground” exhibit.

On Saturdays, Amethyst Playground Pop-Up connects directly to the current Artists’ Corner exhibition by Kelly Olshan. Families transform leftover materials from the artist’s creative process into colorful magnets, demonstrating how everyday objects can become works of art.

For children who love getting their hands dirty, Squish Studio, running July 27 through 31, offers an entire week devoted to clay. Young artists can experiment with different tools, create personal sculptures and contribute to a collaborative creature that grows throughout the week.

Clay holds a special place for Mansfield.

“I’ve been wanting to do clay-based workshops for a long time,” she says. “Kids really respond to it. It’s intuitive, it’s hands-on, and it helps develop fine motor skills while encouraging creativity.”

But the aim is for visitors leave with more than artwork to hang on the refrigerator.

Creating art helps children build confidence, develop criticalthinking skills and become more comfortable taking creative risks, Mansfield explains. Working alongside others also teaches collaboration, communication and problem-solving.

“Art making reduces anxiety,” she says. “It can be meditative. We know screens can increase anxiety, but when children are creating with their hands, they’re engaged, they’re present and they’re learning.”

Perhaps most importantly, art teaches children that mistakes aren’t something to fear.

“You fail sometimes,” Mansfield says. “You make something and it doesn’t come out the way you wanted. That’s an important life skill — mistakes are learning opportunities and that you can pivot and try something different.”

And the experience sparks curiosity. Rather than providing step-by-step instructions with one “correct” outcome, educators encourage children to ask questions, explore materials and decide for themselves what they want to create.

“There’s no wrong way to make art,” Mansfield says. “I want kids to push their boundaries and realize they’re artists.”

And this is only the beginning.

Museum leadership plans to further expand programming beyond the summer, with additional workshops during school breaks and perhaps a future art festival that celebrates creativity throughout the museum.

Until then, paint, sculpt, squish and create all summer — one colorful adventure at a time. For schedules, admission and registration information, visit licm.org.

Saturday, July 11, 7 p.m. Pette and Barasch Fields, 244 S. Park Ave, Rockville Centre. For more information, visit.rvcny.us.

The Bronx Wanderers

What do you get when a father, his two sons, and two high school classmates come together to create a show? A wildly entertaining mix of hilarious personal stories, a powerhouse playlist spanning every genre and decade, and one unforgettable family’s journey through life and music. Meet The Bronx Wanderers — a high-energy musical experience that’s been bringing audiences to their feet for over 20 years. With a unique blend of rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia, modern hits, and dynamic storytelling, this band has mastered the art of connecting with fans of all ages in one sweeping, musical tour de force. They’re still having the time of their lives — and by the end of the show, you will be too. Sunday, July 12,7:30 p.m.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

jul

Lights, camera, Long Island!

The Long Island International Film Expo continues, bringing independent cinema from around the globe to local audiences. The diverse lineup includes documentaries, feature films, shorts, horror films, music videos and late-night screenings for mature audiences, along with workshops and more. Notable selections include “The Random Guest,” the final film featuring actor Peter Greene.

• Where: Bellmore Movies & Showplace, 222 PettitAve.,Bellmore

• Time: Varied, through July 16

• Contact: For a complete schedule and tickets, visit LIIFE2026.eventive.org

jul

10

‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor

Dreamcoat’

The Madison Theatre’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” brings the beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber musical to the stage, retelling the biblical story of Joseph, his colorful coat and his rise from slavery to Pharaoh’s trusted advisor.

Told entirely through song, the family-friendly production features memorable numbers including “Any Dream Will Do,” “Close Every Door” and “One More Angel in Heaven,” blending musical styles from calypso to country-western. Suitable for audiences of all ages, the show continues to be one of the world’s most frequently performed musicals.

• Where: Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

• Time: Various dates and times, through Aug. 2

• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444

Shakespeare At The Farm 2026

Enjoy Shakespeare’s comedy, “Much Ado About Nothing,” in an outdoor setting at Crossroads Farm at Grossman’s.

• Where: 480 Hempstead Ave, Malverne.

• Time: Doors open 7 p.m., showtime 8 p.m, also July 11

• Contact: xroadsfarmliny.com or (516) 341-0075

11

Wild Child

Museum welcomes families to be a citizen scientist and study monarch butterflies in the museum’s Milkweed Garden. By measuring plants, rainfall, and monarch eggs you will be collecting real data that scientists can analyze! Your data will help them understand butterfly migration and will help conserve this species. Each Wednesday, take a walk through this garden and see how the plants grow as habitat for visiting monarchs! To join, meet at the front desk. For ages 4+.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 2-3 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

jul

Summertime tunes

16

Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series continues with Corey Reimer and The Dilemma Band with Scarborough Fair for a Simon & Garfunkel tribute.

• Time: 8 p.m.

This is not a typical tribute or pretend concert act. Wild Child relies on recapturing the original: sound, feel, mood, dynamics and delivery of the Doors music. In true Doors fashion there are no: wigs, props, costumes, or phony banter between songs. It’s about the music and its delivery. Wild Child lead singer Dave Brock’s Doors tribute debuted with a triple sellout at the Whisky a-Go-Go. Since the band debuted, the act has been touring and playing at sold out national act venues and festivals around the world. Wild Child became the mold that “tribute bands” aspired to become, as they flooded the market in the 1990s with good and bad impersonations of famous artists. In 2010 Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of The Doors, invited Dave to tour with them as their vocalist on their concert engagements. This was perhaps the best compliment Dave has ever received from anyone for his work. Being selected by these two Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame musicians was a huge honor; the ultimate compliment of his talents and speaks volumes for his credibility as a Doors style frontman and vocalist. Fans and critics alike praise Wild Child performances as the closest thing to a real 1960s Doors concert and live Doors experience.

are invited to celebrate his birthday. His message: As the national bird, this party will be happening throughout the whole month of July. Come to think of it, I did hear something about a birthday for the United States of America as well. Hmm... must be a coincidence! I’ll be throwing a parade through LICM’s galleries and a celebratory spectacle in the Theater. Come ready to party!” Keep an eye out 30 minutes before each show for a special interactive pre-show! For ages 3+. $5 with museum admission ($4 members), $10 theater only.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also July 15

• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

Disco grooves

magic created when the boogie begins.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200

jul

12

2026 Summer Sing

• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: LICS.org

The World Goes Round: Songs of Kander & Ebb

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: nassaucountyny. gov or (516) 572-0200

17

Happy Birthday, Franklin!

Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to celebrate the Eastern Box Turtle’s 50th Birthday! Make him a one-of-a-kind cake craft inspired by all his favorite things! Come help honor 50 turtle-tastic years at the dropin program. For ages 3+.

Family theater

Lance the Eagle welcomes families to “A Semi-QuincentenEAGLE Birthday” on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage. In this original production, families jul

Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series continues with Disco Unlimited. When Sista Soul, Sparkle Sista, Joe Cool, Strat Cat Ricky Smooth and The MacDaddy, all hit the stage, you are instantly transported to a time when Saturday nights meant white suits, platform shoes and your very best dance moves. And dance you will – when you experience the

Calling all singers! From experienced choral veterans to shower singers with a taste for the classics, all are welcome at Long Island Choral Society’s sing-in happening. The repertoire includes Faure Requiem and assorted choral works to honor America. Summer Sing is an opportunity for people who love to sing, love choral music or both to get together with like-minded individuals and sing some great musical compositions. It’s not a performance. There aren’t any rehearsals. There’s no audience. We just sing for our own enjoyment. Don’t worry if you don’t know all the notes. The point is not perfection, it is to have fun. Bring your own musical score or borrow one. $10 donation.

• Where: Garden City Community Church, 245 Stewart Ave., Garden City

Filled with humor, romance, drama and nonstop melody, Plaza Theatrical stages a thrilling celebration of life and the fighting spirit that keeps us all going. Five individuals find themselves careening through the world of love, babies and coffee. From Cabaret to Chicago, the nonstop hit parade features unforgettable gems, including “Mr. Cellophane,” “Maybe This Time,” “Cabaret” and “New York, New York,” seamlessly woven into a passionate, harmonious, up-tempo performance of musical theater.

• Where: Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

• Time: 2:30 p.m.

• Contact: PlazaTheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870

15

Citizen Science: Monarch Larva Monitoring Project Long Island Children’s jul

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 1-3 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

Having an event?

Items ont he Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.

Recognition caps years of student effort

made up of fifth graders at Davison Avenue School, part of the Malverne School District, under the guidance of school social worker Martine Laventure.

“They took on that task, and they achieved their goal, and we really appreciate it,” Camina Raphael-Lubin, library director, said. “This was something that the community wanted and that the library wanted.”

Laventure, a Malverne High School graduate who was a senior when the former Woodfield Road School reopened as the Lakeview Public Library in 2002, said her personal connection to the building inspired the project. After conducting preliminary research last summer, she introduced the idea to her students in the fall. Together, they set out to preserve the site’s history for future generations while educating the community about its role in New York’s school desegregation movement.

“We felt that the location needed to be preserved,” Laventure said, “not only to make sure it’s there for future generations, but for others to know the history

LEGAL NOTICE

and how it shaped school systems in the state of New York.”

Public Notices

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

NASSAU COUNTY

MTAG, AS CUST FOR ATCF II NEW YORK

LLC, Plaintiff against DONNA DI SCLAFANI (AKA DONNA M. SPADAFINA) (INDIVIDUALLY AND AS ADMINISTRATOR

C.T.A OF THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH M. SPADAFINA), et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Hersko & Ehrenreich P.C., 555 Willow Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516, (516) 942-4216.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered March 25, 2026, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 6, 2026 at 2:00PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being, and identified on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York. Premises known as 224 Windsor Lane, West Hempstead, NY 11552. Sec 35 Block 67 Lot 20. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $83,195.19 plus

interest, fees, and costs, and attorney fees. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 608877/2020. 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.”

Deposit by certified funds only, made payable to the referee.

David Zeidman, Esq., Referee File # 17-6369 160997

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 Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 07/22/2026 at 9:30

A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.

371/26. WEST

HEMPSTEAD - BP Products North America (BP Station # 66373), Renewal of grant to maintain double-faced, illuminated ground sign with price sign thereon, overall size 105.90 sq. ft., overall height 18’ setback 5’ from property lines., N/W cor. Nassau Blvd. & Hempstead Ave., a/k/ 700 Nassau Blvd.

372/26. WEST HEMPSTEAD - Reilly’s Auto Body, Renewal of grant to maintain double-faced, luminated ground sign, setback 4’5” from Cherry Valley Ave. & 6” from side property line., E/s Cherry Valley Ave., 68.55’ N/o Grand Ave., a/k/a 140 Cherry Valley Ave.

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 West Hempstead 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.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo

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. 161089

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

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

To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

The project became a lesson in civic engagement, historical research and perseverance. Fourteen students were divided into committees responsible for correspondence, oral history interviews, community outreach and assembling the final application.

The students identified elected officials, community organizations and school leaders to support the effort, interviewed 29 alumni and descendants of prominent Lakeview civil rights leaders, organized petitions that gathered roughly 700 signatures, and compiled a nearly 300-page application submitted to both the town and state.

“Preserving our history is one of the most important investments we can make in our future,” Town Supervisor John Ferretti said. “This historical marker honors a landmark moment in New York State’s history while recognizing the remarkable efforts of the students from Davison Avenue Intermediate School, whose passion for learning truly brought this project to life.”

Among those interviewed were relatives of civil rights leaders Lincoln Lynch, Renna Reed and Robert Finley, allowing students to supplement historical records with firsthand accounts from families connected to the movement.

Laventure said the project challenged students to conduct research well beyond what is typically expected of 10-year-olds while balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities and the emotional weight of studying a difficult period in history. It also required patience as they learned how government approval systems work and continued following up with stakeholders throughout the application process.

“I was teaching doctoral level research to 10-year-olds,” Laventure said. “These kids were hungry for the information. They really wanted to learn the process and they didn’t stop.”

After the research was completed, one of the highlights came when Laventure surprised the students with a professional photo shoot at the site where

the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood during his 1965 visit to Lakeview. They then held an unveiling of the library property’s new status on June 24, and the entire community was invited to attend.

For Raphael-Lubin, the designation represents the culmination of years of community advocacy. Previous applications for historic recognition had been denied three times before the students’ research successfully documented the site’s significance.

Originally built in 1925 as the Woodfield Road School, the building primarily served Black students during segregation, although some white students also attended. As desegregation efforts progressed, overcrowding became an issue, and transportation inequities further complicated integration.

On May 12, 1965, King visited Lakeview to support the community’s fight for educational equality, marching along Woodfield Road and stopping beside the school. A community garden now commemorates that visit.

Following desegregation, the school eventually closed in 1967 and later served several other purposes before residents organized to establish Lakeview’s first public library. Before the library opened in the renovated school building, it operated from a temporary location while the community raised the funds needed for its permanent home.

Raphael-Lubin said preserving the site ensures that Lakeview’s role in the civil rights movement will remain part of the historical record rather than being forgotten or inaccurately retold. She said the designation honors generations of residents who fought for equal educational opportunities and reflects the community’s pride in its history.

“If you don’t keep that history, it will be erased, or someone else will have a narrative and change your history,” Raphael-Lubin said. “This is a history I feel the people in the community can be proud of.”

Courtesy Martine Laventure

martine Laventure, a davison avenue School social worker, surprised her fifth graders with a professional photo shoot.

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

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

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 jbessen@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

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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 $35,360 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

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

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Contemporary Coastal Living

SWhat to do about cracking concrete

Q. We have large cracks in our concrete driveway and garage floor, and want to make sure they are repaired correctly, since they appear to be recently done, possibly within a year before we purchased the house. In particular, there is a nearly round hole that turned to gravel, kind of, and we want to know why it happened and avoid having it happen again. What can you tell us?

A. Concrete reacts to extreme weather changes. That is a given to designers of concrete structures, even though most people think concrete is the “immovable object.”

Nature moves mountains, so your driveway was no challenge for the forces of nature.

Extreme cold causes concrete to contract, push in on itself, while the heat has the effect of stretching this fairly rigid material to its limits. In the heat of summer, as you may have heard, the beautifully engineered Autobahn in Germany just buckled in various places. I’ve seen cars going nearly 200 miles per hour on that roadway, but with a buckled road, sections were shut down.

The key to any material selection is understanding its reaction to two major factors in nature, namely, water and movement. Throw in other factors, like chemical reaction and deterioration rates, and you realize that concrete is vulnerable. You have to work with its basic properties to have it adapt and cooperate with your intended use.

All that being said, the hole is basically like a zit, a buildup of pressure in a weaker place across the surface. Concrete develops strength as a chemical reaction to the specific combination of materials it is made from. With too much water in the mix, it will be weaker, especially in a particular spot. If it has no way to expand over a large area, as a thin sheet, only 4 to 6 inches thick over 10 to 20 feet, its strength is reduced because of a strengthto-distance ratio. So, to relieve the intensity of the expansion or contraction, separations, or “joints,” are made so the slabs can spread the forces of shrinking or expanding, a little.

Concrete is known to be very strong in compression, meaning you can press it together, to an extreme, before it crushes. On the other hand, it has very little ability to resist being stretched or pulled apart. To counteract the problem, steel, which is very elastic (stretchable) is spaced within formed concrete to increase the resistance to cracking apart. The combination of steel, in the right ratio and strength, and expansion joints, to let the concrete separate without unsightly cracks, makes the concrete more stable. Even just a depressed joint, not through and through, helps, by basically letting the concrete crack in a controlled way, where the crack runs in a straight depression instead of looking like a big rip.

I recommend having a professional make the repairs, with caution. You want an experienced company that works from a calculated solution, not just a quick fix. More next week. Good luck!

© 2026 Monte Leeper

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd.,

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Our town is standing up for mothers, fathers and families

At a time when many Americans feel that common sense is increasingly under attack, the Town of Hempstead has taken a stand.

Last month the Town Board voted to approve my resolution to protect mothers and fathers, making our township the first municipality in New York state to formally preserve the terms “mother” and “father” throughout our municipal code, forms and official documents.

For many residents, this may seem like something that shouldn’t require government action. After all, mothers and fathers have been the foundation of families and communities since the beginning of our nation. Yet recent actions in Albany have made it clear that what once seemed self-evident can no longer be taken for granted.

Legislation recently passed by the State Legislature would replace longstanding family terminology in state law with terms such as “gestating parent” and “non-gestating parent.” Many

Aparents across Long Island see something much larger at stake than mere terminology. They see an effort to remove language that has reflected the reality of family life for generations.

The language we use shapes how we understand our institutions, our traditions and our values. When government begins replacing universally understood terms like “mother” and “father” with bureaucratic alternatives, it sends a message that these roles are somehow outdated or unworthy of recognition. I reject that notion, and so does the Town Board.

Wnot deserve to be erased.

The Town of Hempstead has always been a place where families come first. Our residents choose to live here because of our neighborhoods, schools, parks, houses of worship and sense of community. These are the institutions that make suburban life possible and help families thrive.

e don’t want any part of terms like ‘gestating’ and ‘non-gestating parent.’

This resolution is not about excluding anyone. It is not about judging how people choose to live their lives. Rather, it is about affirming a simple truth that mothers and fathers play unique and indispensable roles in raising children and building strong families.

As a husband and father, I know firsthand the importance of family. I know what it means to hear children call out for their mom or dad. I know the sacrifices parents make every day to provide for their families, teach their children values and prepare the next generation for success. Those roles deserve respect, recognition and preservation. They do

That’s why our local government has consistently focused on policies that improve quality of life. We have worked to keep taxes affordable, strengthen public safety, invest in parks and infrastructure, and deliver essential services efficiently. But protecting our community also means defending the values that unite us. When Albany extremists advance policies that touch on fundamental aspects of family and community life, local governments have a responsibility to speak up on behalf of the people they represent.

Hempstead is America’s largest township. With that distinction comes a responsibility to lead. We cannot simply sit on the sidelines and hope someone else will defend the principles that matter to our residents.

Our resolution sends a clear message that the mothers and fathers of Hemp-

stead will not be ignored. It tells families that their local government hears their concerns and shares their belief that traditional parental roles remain worthy of recognition. And it demonstrates that local communities still have a voice, even when they disagree with the direction coming from Albany.

As we continue to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, we should reflect on the values that have sustained this country through its greatest challenges. Family is one of those values. Strong families create strong neighborhoods. Strong neighborhoods create strong communities. And strong communities create a strong nation. This simple principle is as true today as it was generations ago.

The town’s resolution to protect mothers and fathers is about preserving that foundation for future generations. It is about ensuring that common-sense language remains part of our public institutions. And it is about standing up for the families who make our township such a special place to live.

I’m proud that Hempstead has led the way. My hope is that other communities across New York will join us in affirming the importance of mothers, fathers and the families they help build. These are values worth defending.

John Ferretti is supervisor of the Town of Hempstead.

Legislative proposals deserve public vetting

s a coequal branch of Nassau County government, the Legislature is designed to provide critical oversight of the county executive’s administration, and to be a transparent forum for debate, discussion and consideration of legislative proposals for addressing the pressing issues our constituents face in their daily lives.

Over the past seven months, my Democratic colleagues and I have introduced numerous proposals that seek to make life more affordable, combat the ongoing opioid addiction crisis, improve the safety of our roads, and correct outdated policies that make us a regional outlier.

The Republican majority’s refusal to even hold a public hearing on any of these legislative ideas is not only a disservice to residents on policy grounds, but also undermines the Legislature’s established role as a deliberative body and stifles transparency in the government that is funded by their tax dollars.

I’m a firefighter in my hometown of

Uniondale, and initiatives that protect and enhance public health will always be deeply important to me. That’s why I was especially alarmed by County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s attempt to move $13.7 million in interest and investment income out of the opioid settlement account — funds that are only to be used for programs intended to prevent and treat addiction in our communities — and into the county’s general fund, where it could be used for any purpose.

Tals and ignoring them until they expire at the end of the term. Other recent examples of legislative proposals from my office that have been set aside into this form of legislative purgatory include:

he Republican majority has been dismissing Democratic

proposals.

These funds are meant to save lives, not to balance the county budget, and this attempted raid of the opioid fund exposed a critical gap in our laws. Soon after we discovered it, I filed legislation that would prevent the money from being transferred out of the opioid fund for nonrecovery purposes. Although the Republican majority refused to consider the item or hold a public hearing on my proposal, the Democratic caucus ultimately used its leverage under the county charter to prevent the transfer of the funds.

This is but the most recent example of what has become an established practice by the Republican majority of dismissing Democratic-sponsored propos-

n Modernizing Nassau County’s outdated, convoluted laws governing E-bikes and scooters to maintain public safety while protecting users from unfair fines and confiscation.

n Legislation to enshrine Juneteenth as an official holiday for county employees, bringing us in line with every major municipality in our region.

n Establishing a 311 line for non-emergency service requests, which would reduce the strain on our emergency call center and make government more accessible and transparent.

n Requiring the county to create an app for reporting and tracking potholes and other unsafe road conditions in real time.

The Republican leadership is also refusing to consider Legislator Cynthia Nuñez’s proposal to enact a gas tax holiday to ease the burden of soaring costs

amid the war in Iran, and Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Debra Mulé’s bills that would slash outrageous, unlawful fees homeowners are charged to file documents at the county clerk’s office and greatly reduce permit fees for an array of business owners.

I suspect that the majority’s refusal to consider these items has less to do with their merits and more to do with political games. By prioritizing the latter, Republicans are depriving the public of formal opportunities to weigh in either for or against what is being proposed.

Moreover, considering how strictly the one-hour rule of public comment at full Legislature meetings is enforced, it all but eliminates the opportunity for residents to directly address their elected officials on critically important issues. At a time when public servants should be taking every possible step to strengthen the pillars of participatory democracy, the County Legislature is sending a clear message that public feedback is an unwanted hindrance. That is wrong, and it must change. Let our constituents say their piece, and then let us vote on the issues that impact the daily lives of the people we are elected to serve.

Olena Nicks, of Uniondale, represents Nassau County’s 5th Legislative District.

Also

Incorporating:

Investing in libraries pays dividends all year

Summer has a way of reminding us about the simple pleasures in life. For many, that means relaxing on the beach with a good book, spending time with family or finding fun ways to stay cool during the hottest days of the year.

But while a great novel may be the perfect beach companion, the local public library offers so much more than books. It is one of the smartest and most valuable investments any community can make.

Libraries have evolved far beyond quiet reading rooms lined with shelves full of books. They are vibrant community centers that welcome residents of every age and every background. They’re places where curiosity is encouraged, lifelong learning is celebrated and neighbors come together at author readings, musical performances and movie screenings.

Summer is one of the busiest times of the year for libraries. Children who might otherwise lose valuable academic skills during the school break can take part in summer reading programs intended to keep their minds engaged while making learning fun.

Teens can explore new interests through workshops, volunteer opportunities and technology programs. Adults can attend lectures, careerdevelopment seminars, financial-literacy classes and cultural events. Seniors can take part in social gatherings, edu-

Scott’s column should be required college reading

To the Editor:

Re Robert A. Scott’s column, “What it means to be a college graduate,” in the June 24-30 issue: At a time when some are questioning the value of a college education, Dr. Scott offers a thoughtful perspective on this important issue. Drawing on his own experiences at Bucknell University as well as research that demonstrates the many positive outcomes of college, he makes a strong case for post-secondary education. At its best, Scott notes, college can not only improve students’ writing and speaking skills and boost graduates’ earning power, but also foster personal growth and enhance one’s outlook on the world. “College is, or should be,” he writes, “as much about character development and active citizenship as it is about preparation for careers and advancement in commerce.”

cational presentations and wellness activities that help combat isolation while strengthening community connections.

Libraries are free public spaces open to everyone. They provide safe, air-conditioned environments in which families can spend time together, students can study, remote workers can focus and anyone can simply enjoy a quiet place to read, learn or reflect.

These services don’t disappear when summer ends. Throughout the year, libraries host civic meetings, support groups, educational workshops, cultural performances, technology training, tax-preparation assistance, job search resources and countless other programs that strengthen the social fabric of our communities. They serve as gathering places where ideas are exchanged, friendships are formed and local organizations find a home.

Elected officials deserve recognition when they prioritize funding for public libraries. Public investments often bring to mind roads, bridges or major construction projects, and those investments certainly matter. But investments in libraries produce returns that cannot always be measured in dollars. Whether funding is for the renovation of a community room to expand programs and services or a much larger capital project that overhauls the entire building, libraries aim to improve educational outcomes, encour-

age civic engagement, reduce social isolation, create stronger, more connected communities, and make their facilities more welcoming, accessible and functional for everyone who walks through their doors.

These projects also reflect a broader truth: Investments in libraries are investments in people. Every renovated classroom, meeting space or children’s area creates opportunities for learning, connection and growth that extend well beyond the life of the construction project itself.

At a time when many people worry about loneliness, educational gaps and divisions in society, libraries quietly address each of those challenges every day. They remain one of the few places where everyone is welcome, regardless of age, income or background, and where the only requirement for entry is a willingness to learn.

As summer unfolds, residents should take full advantage of everything their local libraries have to offer. Borrow that next beach read. Sign a child up for a reading challenge. Attend a lecture, explore a new hobby, join a community group or simply spend an afternoon discovering something new.

Every library card opened, every book borrowed and every program attended is a reminder that one of the greatest investments we can make is in institutions that educate, inspire and bring us together.

New York deserved better from this legislative session

The 2026 legislative session may be over, but the problems Albany left unresolved are still staring New Yorkers in the face.

lies, seniors and small businesses to stay in New York.

autopilot.

This year the Legislature made history for all the wrong reasons. Families needed real relief from rising costs, a stronger focus on public safety and a government that understands how expensive it is to live and work in this state. Instead, Albany delivered the latest budget in 16 years, the largest spending plan ever and another clear sign that one-party control is failing the people who are paying the bills.

Every legislative session reveals what Albany truly values. With families across New York struggling with rising expenses, public safety concerns and a state that continues to become less affordable, they deserve a Legislature focused on the issues affecting their daily lives. Instead, Gov. Kathy Hochul and the legislative majorities used another year of one-party control to advance the same misplaced priorities that have made it harder for fami-

LeTTers

The clearest example was the state budget. Despite one-party control of the Senate, Assembly and governor’s mansion, a budget deal wasn’t reached until 57 days after the April 1 deadline. After all that extra time, New Yorkers still didn’t get a clear accounting of what they were being asked to fund. Last year’s budget totaled $254 billion, and this year it’s $277 billion. That isn’t fiscal discipline, nor is it transparency. Rather, it is record-breaking spending, while New Yorkers are still waiting for the relief Albany promised.

The best example was the bloated state budget, which was 57 days late.

Instead of strengthening the state’s Medicaid program and ensuring that every dollar is being used for its intended purpose, to help New Yorkers in need, the state continues to simply throw more money at the $124 billion program. Medicaid is a lifeline for seniors, people with disabilities and families who really need care. That is precisely why it must be safeguarded from fraud, waste and abuse. I have repeatedly called for a comprehensive audit so taxpayers know where the money is going and resources are preserved for those who depend on them. A program this large shouldn’t run on

Scott’s column should be required reading for every new college student, especially those entering with the misguided notion that college is little more than a quick ticket to a job. While finding a career that’s a good fit should certainly be part of everyone’s college years, students should also use this time to learn about themselves, to engage ideas, to come to grips with life’s complexities, and to develop a deeper understanding of the world that’s waiting for them after graduation.

Colleges themselves would also do well to pay attention to Scott’s advice. Too many schools present themselves as career factories, highlighting their programs’ “real world” skill development while paying only minimal attention to the transformative experiences that a college education can (and should) provide. Graduating thoughtful, knowledgeable and insightful human beings — people capable of seeing life’s big picture and acting on behalf of the greater good — should be a primary goal of higher education.

Given the cost of college, as well as our collective anxiety about the future of America’s workforce, I can understand many students’ wish to choose a major that will help them make their way. But preparing for a career needn’t preclude being open to activities and experiences, both in and out of the classroom, that will invite students to stretch intellectually, socially and emotionally. There are indeed many valuable lessons to be learned here; students should not miss out on them.

At the same time, Albany apparently had less money for the volunteer firefighters who answer the call in our communities every day. The V-FIRE program helps departments invest in equipment, facility upgrades and lifesaving infrastructure. Yet this year’s budget reduced that program by $5 million, even as departments across Long Island face rising costs and growing emergency-response needs. The very least Albany can do is make sure these volunteers have the funding they need. That’s why I’m cosponsoring bipartisan legislation to help ensure that fire departments receive their fair share of V-FIRE funding.

This same mismatch between Albany’s and New Yorkers’ priorities continued beyond the budget. While residents were asking for relief, the legislative majorities advanced a proposal to replace words like “mother” and “father” in sections of state law with terms such as “gestating parent” and “non-gestating parent.” My four children call me “Mom” every day. That word has meaning in my home, as it does for mothers and fathers across the state. Why does Albany keep finding time for symbolic language changes

Framework by Tim Baker

while families are still waiting for action on the issues that truly affect their lives?

The same problem surfaced in redistricting. In 2014, New Yorkers voted for the Independent Redistricting Commission because they wanted a fairer, more transparent process. In 2021, they rejected changes that would have weakened it. This year, Albany Democrats went right back at it, advancing another constitutional amendment that would make it easier to redraw maps in the middle of the decade and give the Legislature more control when the commission doesn’t produce the maps it wants.

Voters should choose their representatives, not the other way around. This is a clear attempt by politicians to consolidate power, and it’s all the more insulting to New Yorkers that in the waning days of the 2026 legislative session, the majorities’ focus was on solving their own political problems rather than New Yorkers’ financial struggles.

Residents expect a budget that respects taxpayers, policies that make communities safer, and a Legislature focused on the problems that families are actually facing. I will keep fighting for a safer, more affordable New York, and for a state government that finally puts New Yorkers’ priorities first.

Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick represents the 9th State Senate District.

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