HERALD Massapequa ___________
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Also serving Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Plainedge
Carolyn James/Herald
Commuters catch one of the last trains leaving the station before the strike began.
LIRR and MTA strike a deal
By BRIAN KACHARABA and CAROLYN JAMES Herald reporters
The three-day Long Island Rail Road strike ended late Monday after five unions and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority reached a tentative agreement following several days of negotiations, officials announced at an evening news conference.
Union and MTA representatives announced the deal after negotiations resumed in the afternoon and continued into the night, ending the work stoppage that had halted service and caused widespread travel disruptions across Long Island and in New York City.
“We have good news tonight,” Kevin Sexton, vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and spokesman for the Long Island Railroad Bargaining Coalition, said. “We’re pleased to announce that the parties have reached an agreement.”
Sexton said that details of the agreement would not be released immediately, citing the need for member review ahead of ratification votes. However, public radio station WYNC reported that the four-year deal includes retroactive pay and expires in July 2027.
“Due to the nature of the negotiations, we cannot discuss the specifics,” he said. “What I can say is we are looking forward to our members getting back to work and doing what they do best, which is serving the region.”
He added that any premature disclosure of details could complicate ratification.
“We don’t want to fail ratification,” Sexton said. “If they get part of this story through the media, it may impact their decision.”
The agreement is subject to a 30-day period in which union members will review and vote on the tentative deal before it becomes official.
The contract dispute centered largely on wage increases and the structure of compensation. A Presidential Emergency Board recommended a 4.5 percent wage increase for a one-year contract extension, while the MTA proposed a 3 percent across-the-board raise supplemented by lumpsum payments. Union leaders argued the lump sums would not permanently increase workers’ base salaries and continued pushing for higher recurring wage increases.
The shutdown began after five railroad unions went on strike at 12:01 a.m. Saturday following the expiration of a federally mandated cooling-off period. The work stoppage led to widespread delays across Long Island, with shuttle buses operating on limited routes and commuters urged to work remotely where possible.
Sexton also said that tensions escalated late in the negotiations on Friday night, when the MTA introduced proposed health care contributions for newly hired employees, an issue he said had not previously been part of bargaining discussions.
Gov. Kathy Hochul said the agreement was
MSD voters okay budget
By CAROLYN JAMES and MIKE POLANSKY Herald reporters
In a controversial school board election that will likely determine the direction of the Massapequa school district over the next several years, voters went for the status quo.
Easily winning reelection were incumbents Cher Lepre and Danielle Ocuto who received 4,532 votes and 4,692 votes respectively. They defeated Bobby Bonett and Lynn Russo who received 2,227 votes and 2,309 votes.
The candidates differed on ongoing legal and policy issues, including the district’s efforts, and those of the incumbents, to litigate to retain its “Chiefs” logo as well as to maintain its own policies related to transgender students and facilities access. Currently the district is not in compliance with the state’s policies and the district is immersed in a legal battle over the issues.
Lepre and Ocuto supported the lawsuits defending the policies while their opponents called for compliance to state regulations and diverting those legal costs to the classrooms.
Voters also approved the budget 4,712 to 2,192. The district proposed a $254.66 million budget, a 4.7 percent increase, or $11.42 million, over the current $243.24 million budget. The budget is within
the state tax cap.
School District voters in Amityville, Farmingdale, and Plainedge also approved their school budgets.
Amityville’s budget was approved 740 to 621. Farmingdale’s budget was approved 1,345 to. 806. In a hotly contested race in Amityville, the Rising Tide candidates defeated the Tide Turners.
Farmingdale voters also approved the Farmingdale Youth Council budget and reelected school board members Dawn Luisi and Patrick Walsh. They ran unopposed.
In Plainedge, voters okayed the budget, 664 to 279 and approved three propositions for safety and security expenditures, facilities upgrades and the establishment of a capital reserve fund.
Proposition 5 asked voters to move to an at-large election system for school board trustees. That was approved 616 to 277, which means that in the future candidates for the school board will not run for a specific seat. Instead those who receive the highest number of votes will be seated.
The Plainedge library budget was also approved 625 to 266.
The results in every school district are expected to shape not only next year’s budget, but also the direction of the districts as they face mounting financial pressures and evolving expectations from parents and taxpayers alike.
Commuters back on track as LIRR strike ends
reached after continued bargaining focused on balancing worker pay with affordability for commuters and taxpayers.
“I’m truly pleased to share that the five Long Island Rail Road unions and the MTA were able to come together and reach a fair deal this evening,” Hochul said. “The contract achieved two principles: protecting affordability for Long Islanders and commuters while giving fair wages to the employees.”
“After a three day strike, I am pleased it has come to an end for LIRR commuters and its workers. From the beginning, Long Islanders were hopeful the MTA and union leaders would come to an agreement that was fair without increasing fares,” said NYS Sen. Monica Martinez (4th District). I thank all parties involved who negotiated around the clock for the good of the region as this was an avoidable disruption to service.”
“The resolution of the LIRR strike is a positive step but the disruption came at a real cost to the Long Island economy,” said New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso (9th AD). “Lost wages missed workdays and strained local businesses underscored just how critical public transit is—and the hardworking men and women who keep it running every day.”
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli estimated that a LIRR strike could cause as much as $61 million in lost economic activity each day, based on previous analysis.
“A LIRR strike will be felt far beyond the tracks, triggering the loss of millions of dollars per day in lost economic activity, disrupting thousands of riders and throwing the region’s transit service into chaos and gridlock,” DiNapoli said, as the strike loomed.
Officials said that the LIRR would begin restoring service in phases starting Tuesday at noon, with limited hourly service on four main branches, before expanding systemwide service later in the day. The MTA said that the contingency bus service that operated during the shutdown would continue Tuesday morning before being phased out as train service ramped up.
Hochul said that roughly 3,500 LIRR employees would receive raises under the agreement, while fare and tax increases would not be part of the deal. “I also did not accept a deal for compromise affordability for Long Islanders,” she said. “At a time when everything is going up, I’m not going to allow taxes or fares to go up. Period. Full stop. Got it done.”
Officials said that additional details on full system restoration were expected as crews completed inspections, reposition equipment and return employees to scheduled assignments.
It was the first Long Island Rail Road strike since June 17, 1994. That strike lasted two days before a contract settlement was reached.
commuters unable to work remotely. Buses are operating during peak hours between Bay Shore, Hicksville, Huntington,
Mineola, Ronkonkoma and Hempstead Lake State Park near the Lakeview station, with connections to Queens subway stations.
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli warned the strike could cost the region up to $61 million in lost economic activity each day.
“A LIRR strike will be felt far beyond the tracks, triggering the loss of millions of dollars per day in lost economic activity, disrupting thousands of riders and throwing the region’s transit service into chaos and gridlock,” DiNapoli said before the strike began. “I urge the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and its union partners to expedite reaching a reasonable settlement so we can avoid the widespread disruption of a strike.”
“The Long Island Rail Road is the busiest commuter railroad in North America,” said Stacey Sikes, acting president and chief executive of the Long Island Association. “A strike – which would impact the millions of workers, customers, and visitors who rely on it each week – would be devastating to the region’s economy. The LIA is deeply concerned about the economic consequences as we head into peak tourism season on Long Island, including lost tax revenue and sales, as well as increased traffic congestion. We urge all parties to reach a swift resolution.”
As negotiations continued last Friday, commuters at South Shore stations expressed concern about how a strike would affect daily travel.
At the Babylon station, Adrianna Londond said she was unsure how she would get
to work without train service.
“I don’t know what I am going to do if there is a strike,” Londond said. “I guess I could get a bus, but they are really unreliable.”
Construction crews doing renovation work at the Babylon station were unsure of how the strike would impact on them. One worker, who declined to give his name, said: “Really not sure,” when asked. “But it’s not good because ‘no work, no pay.’”
At the Massapequa station, James Mansi said: “The only way I could get to work would be to take the bus, I guess,” Mansi said.
Celia Reyes, who travels from Jamaica to Massapequa to care for elderly residents, said the strike would create major problems.
“A strike would be a big problem for me — and for the family I work for,” Reyes said.
Natalie Rozman, who commutes from Babylon to New York City, said she would either find a ride or stay home from work.
Kevin Loughlin of Massapequa said the strike would have little effect on him personally because he can work remotely.
“If the strike is still on when I get home, I can get a car from the airport and since I work for Amazon, I can work from home,” Loughlin said.
The last Long Island Rail Road strike began June 17, 1994, and lasted two days before a settlement was reached. Another strike was narrowly avoided in 2014.
Plainedge High School student Sarah Abdul-Rassoul who was recently selected as one of 300 winners of the 9th-12th Grade Social Category in the first round of the Mott Million Dollar Challenge. She is pictured with Plainedge High School-Business CTE Teacher Alyssa Lo
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Plainedge student wins $250 in National Business Challenge
Sarah Abdul-Rassoul, a member of the Plainedge High School Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) Club, has been selected as one of 300 winners in the 9th–12th Grade Social Category of the first round of the Mott Million Dollar Challenge, earning a $250 prize.
The national competition, which awards a total of $1 million in prizes, is supported by the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and powered by the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), in collaboration with VentureLab, the Young Entrepreneur Institute, the Afterschool Alliance and Collaborative Communications.
Students were tasked with developing a business idea addressing a social or community issue, clearly identifying the problem and proposing a solution.
Abdul-Rassoul’s concept, “Proof Over Prestige,” proposes a verified, skills-based student transcript that goes beyond traditional grades to include community service, soft skills and other non-academic performance measures.
She will advance to the next round of the competition, with semifinalists eligible for a live pitch event in Michigan. A total of 60 winners will be announced in the coming weeks, with finalists scheduled for release in June.
Massapequa Firecracker 5K returns June 14
The Massapequa Road Runner’s 44th Annual Massapequa Firecracker 5K Run/ Walk will return on June 14, bringing runners, walkers and families together for one of the community’s longtime summer traditions.
The race begins at 5 p.m. at Park and Clark boulevards in Massapequa Park. Participants will travel through neighborhood streets and portions of the Massapequa Preserve before finishing at Brady Park.
Awards will be presented to the top overall male and female finishers, as well as the top male and female masters runners. Additional awards will recognize the top three male and female finishers in each age group, the top three wheelchair
New PSEG Prez and COO is from Amityville
Promotes the importance of community service
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
If Scott Jennings has one message for Long Island residents, it is to get involved in their communities.
“Every single person can make a difference,” said Jennings, who moved to Amityville from New Jersey to serve as PSEG Long Island’s President and Chief Operating Officer.
“Start with the simple things,” he added. “President Teddy Roosevelt began talking about a conservation movement and that turned into the National Parks, which today covers more than 85 million acres in all 50 states and US territories.”
A 30-year PSEG employee, Jennings said his focus on Long Island will include maintaining affordability and reliable electric service for approximately 1.2 million customers across Long Island and the Rockaways.
Since arriving in January, Jennings has already taken an active role in the community, joining the Board of Directors of United Way of Long Island.
“We are honored to welcome Scott Jennings to our board,” said Theresa A. Regnante, United Way of Long Island President and CEO. “Scott’s thoughtful approach and deep understanding of the evolving energy landscape will strengthen our ability to serve our communities with reliability, innovation and purpose.”
Jennings said the decision aligned with his long-standing commitment to nonprofit service. “United Way meets so many needs,” he said. “I thought it was a good fit.”
Scott Jennings, PSEG President and COO
with involvement in religious, educational, and youth sports organizations.
Jennings holds a BBA and MBA in Accounting from Pace University and is a Certified Public Accountant. He has also completed leadership programs at Harvard University and Lead NJ.
In the energy sector, he has served on committees with the Edison Electric Institute, American Gas Association, and Electric Power Research Institute, and represented PSEG in collaboration with Princeton University’s Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment.
Outside of work, Jennings said he is enjoying exploring Long Island’s history, including plans to visit Sagamore Hill, the home of Theodore Roosevelt.
finishers, and the top male and female finishers who are Massapequa Park residents.
The Kids Fun Run will begin at 4:15 p.m. at Brady Park, with all young participants receiving medals.
Race proceeds support two annual scholarships for Massapequa High School track athletes and help fund the nonprofit club’s contributions to the broader Long Island running community.
Following the races, families can enjoy entertainment including clowns, face painting and balloon animals. Awards, raffles and refreshments will also be available.
Registration information is available at events.elitefeats.com/26massfirecracker.
His nonprofit leadership includes serving as Chair of the Board of St. Vincent’s Academy in Newark, along
He and his wife Kristen have three sons, ages 22, 21, and 20, all currently in college.
About United Way of Long Island
United Way of Long Island mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive.
With deep local roots, United Way sees how the communities’ greatest challenges are connected and how to bring people and resources together to address them. United Way is creating opportunities for the youth, improving health and well-being, securing stronger financial futures, and building community resiliency.
United Way invests in community partnerships to help our most vulnerable and at-risk residents through organizations and programs that grant access to resources and services across the region. For more information about United Way of Long Island, please visit www. unitedwayli.org , call 2.1.1 or follow us on Facebook , LinkedIn , and Instagram .
Courtesy Plainedge school district
Veterans Column
By Sal Polito
The Nassau County Veterans Advisory Committee meeting, held at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, drew a large turnout and covered a range of issues affecting local veterans.
Additional events later in the year include a Salute to Veterans ceremony and concert at Eisenhower Park in August, a POW/MIA remembrance vigil in September, and another Stand Down event in Freeport in November. A veterans benefits seminar is also scheduled at American Legion Post 1066 in Massapequa.
Among the most discussed topics was a presentation by Town of Hempstead Tax Receiver Mary Jo Collins regarding a proposed 100 percent property tax exemption for veterans with a permanent, service-connected disability rating of 100 percent. The proposal generated numerous questions from attendees, particularly concerning eligibility requirements, which remain under review. Officials indicated that additional clarification is expected once the measure is finalized.
As discussed at the meeting, the number of veterans who would qualify for the exemption is relatively small, and the overall fiscal impact is expected to be limited. Additional measures aimed at reducing financial burdens for veterans were also referenced, though details are still being clarified.
Community-based services continue as well. Pat’s Barber Shop in Levittown offers free monthly haircuts to veterans receiving care through the VA, a program that has been in place for decades.
Questions were also raised regarding a motor vehicle registration refund program for veterans with a 100 percent disability rating. Differences in how the benefit is described by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and New York State have led to confusion. Officials noted that further guidance is anticipated.
Meeting attendees received informational flyers highlighting upcoming events, services and resources available to veterans throughout Nassau County.
A Memorial Day ceremony is scheduled for May 24 at 2 p.m. at Long Island National Cemetery in Farmingdale. A Veterans Stand Down event will take place May 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Mitchell Field Butler Building in Garden City, offering access to support organizations and benefits information.
At the Northport VA Medical Center, newly appointed director Anthony Torggler provided updates during recent outreach meetings with veterans. Construction is ongoing to add approximately 170 parking spaces, with completion expected by late spring or early summer. Expansion work is also underway in the emergency department, including improvements to the women’s care unit. Officials noted that the facility’s budget has increased for the coming year and hiring efforts are in progress.
Veterans also raised concerns about pricing at the Navy Exchange at Mitchell Field. Some shoppers reported that certain items may be priced higher than comparable goods at local retailers, prompting calls for a review of pricing policies.
With Memorial Day approaching, veterans were encouraged to participate in local ceremonies and parades honoring those who served and made the ultimate sacrifice.
Sal Polito is a member of American Legion Post 1066 and works with the Town of Oyster Bay Veterans Service Agency and the Nassau County Veterans Service Agency.
This Memorial Day, the Kiwanis Club of Massapequa asks you to remember those who never came home and pay tribute to those who made the Supreme Sacrifice.
Leonard “Buddy” Antonelli,
President & Board of Directors
I would like to honor those brave men and women who gave their lives so that we might be free. As America celebrates
Nassau County Legislator James Kennedy & Family
Nassau County Legislator District 19 (516) 571-6219 jkennedy@nassaucountyny.gov
Sweet Sixteen: Amityville strikes another high note in music education
The Amityville School District has been honored with the Best Communities for Music Education designation from The NAMM Foundation for the 16th year for its outstanding commitment to music education. The designation is awarded to districts that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.
Amityville is among 1,000 districts nationwide to earn this distinction. Now in its 27th year, the 2026 Best Communities for Music Education program has recognized hundreds of school districts and schools across the country for the outstanding efforts by teachers, administrators, parents, students and community leaders for their support of music education as part of a well-rounded education for all children.
The NAMM Foundation is a nonprofit supported in part by the National Association of Music Merchants and its approximately 10,300 members around the world. The foundation advances active participation in music making across the lifespan by supporting scientific research, philanthropic giving and public service programs.
Courtesy Amityville school district
USMC Handlers and their War Dogs in the Pacific during WWII
“It’s amazing what a bond you can get with a dog when you spend so much time with it. It’s just like being brothers.” —
Bruce Wellington, a U.S. Marine Corps dog handler during World War II
Pets, Pets, Pets...
Pearl Harbor ushered in an unfamiliar battleground. U.S. Pacific commanders were not prepared for jungle warfare. In Guam alone, roughly 20,000 Japanese troops — often hidden by dense jungle camouflage and terrain — waited to ambush American soldiers. Casualties were high.
JOANNE ANDERSON
The Marine Corps tried an initially ridiculed experiment by employing new weapons — dog platoons borrowed from patriotic citizens and trained by novice Marines.
Memorial Day honors all who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Oral histories remain crucial lest we forget. Each year, fewer veterans from the “greatest generation” remain to tell their stories.
“They saved hundreds of lives — including mine,” said Capt. William W. Putney, a veterinarian and commanding officer of the U.S. Marine Corps 3rd War Dog Platoon.
The late Putney, author of “Always Faithful,” was also responsible for bringing surviving dogs home after the war and creating a monument in Guam honoring the dogs who perished.
In typical fashion, the Marines rose to
the challenge. No one was a K-9 expert. Recruits were assigned because of remote connections — perhaps they owned a Cocker Spaniel or grew up on a farm. “Devil Dog” school at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, supplied many trainees. The Doberman Club of America helped provide roughly 75 percent of the dogs. Most of the others were German Shepherd types.
Some had been rejected by the Army as incorrigible, which proved far from true. Marine and dog became inseparable teammates. Bonds formed quickly. Besides learning basic obedience and hand signals, the dogs learned to suppress barking so they would remain undetected in combat.
The dogs later mastered specialized skills as scouts, messengers and explosive detectors. They performed sentry duty, explored caves and captured prisoners. A Marine’s life depended on knowing how to read his dog.
The dog-handler teams often took the most dangerous point missions. In 1944, war dogs first fought alongside Marines in Guam, often guarding foxholes so exhausted handlers could sleep. The dogs became confidants for young men fighting far from home in brutal conditions.
“My Shepherd was my psychiatrist,” handler Richard Reinauer later recalled. Reinauer later became a spokesperson for Mutual of Omaha’s “Wild Kingdom.”
One night, Skipper, a black Labrador retriever, alerted a company to approaching enemy troops and was shot in the crossfire.
“How do you tell a 13-year-old girl that her dog was killed in battle?” lamented Pfc. Dale Fetzer, who had corresponded with Skipper’s owner in Montana.
Skipper was one of 25 Marine dogs killed liberating Guam. In all, 29 dogs died in action during the U.S. Marine Corps Pacific campaign.
Tippy, a Malamute mix, was one of the Army’s “unruly” rejects. He became Pfc. Al Tesch’s guardian angel — and protector of the entire company. When Tesch was wounded, Tippy would not allow a corpsman near him.
Later, after they reunited stateside, Tippy and Tesch visited prisons and church youth rallies together.
Marines have always been expected to do more with less. At times, servicemen used helmets as dog dishes while giving most of their C-rations to the dogs.
American troops even captured a Japanese war dog. Within two weeks, Marines had taught the dog English, and the German Shepherd began working alongside U.S. troops.
Guam established the Devil Dogs’ reputation. Their success continued in Saipan, Okinawa and Iwo Jima.
After Japan surrendered, the Marines — unlike the Army — brought their dogs home. Putney made sure the promise was kept. Of the 549 dogs deprogrammed for civilian life, most returned to owners, some lived with handlers and only four were eu-
thanized because of aggression.
Later, many U.S. Marine Corps dog handlers who trained for Iraq and Afghanistan were women. Belgian Malinois replaced Dobermans as the preferred breed.
The 2017 film “Meagan Leavey” tells the true story of a Marine corporal and her combat German Shepherd, Rex, who served two deployments together in Iraq. Both were wounded by an improvised explosive device in 2006. After returning home to New York, Leavey adopted Rex with help from Sen. Chuck Schumer. Glance again at the quote at the top of this column. Prince, one of the Marines’ best messenger dogs, became like a brother to Pfc. Bruce Wellington, who turned down corporal’s stripes because accepting the promotion would have meant giving up his dog.
Wellington adopted Prince after the war. The dog needed no retraining. He fit right in with Wellington’s wife and children.
Skipper's grave in Guam photo, most likely taken in 1944.
Powered by students and delivered with heart
At Albany Avenue Elementary School in Farmingdale, a student from Jessica Celenza’s class walks into the supply closet holding a colorful checklist, scanning shelves with focus and purpose. It marks the start of a “Celenza Prime” delivery run—part of a student-operated service turning everyday school tasks into structured, real-world learning.
The program, known as “Celenza Prime,” gives students responsibility for managing schoolwide deliveries of paper and instructional materials. While the work supports classroom operations, educators say the deeper goal is skill-building.
Students follow assigned schedules, complete deliveries across the building and practice problem-solving and communication along the way, gaining exposure to workplace expectations in a supportive environment.
A second student-led initiative, “The Daler Perk,” operates twice a month as a coffee cart service. Founded by teachers Gianna Ventiere and Olivia Lechner, the program places students in the role of baristas serving school staff.
Students take orders, prepare beverages and manage supplies while greeting customers and practicing professional interaction.
“The Daler Perk and Celenza Prime are creating opportunities for life, where students build the confidence and professional skills needed for the future while becoming the heart and soul of our school community,” said Albany Avenue Principal Joseph Valentine. “These experiences demonstrate that Albany Avenue is a tru-
A Celenza Prime team member presents Ms. McDonald with a “Most Frequent Customer” award, highlighting the relationships students build while serving their school community.
ly inclusive and nurturing environment where every student is empowered to grow at their own pace and discover their unique potential through meaningful, real-world experiences.”
Since the start of the 2025–2026 school year, the Celenza Prime team has completed nearly 100 deliveries, according to school officials.
Due to growing participation and demand, the district plans to expand The Daler Perk to operate every Friday. Supported in part by community donations, administrators say both programs are expected to continue growing as hands-on learning becomes a larger part of school life.
Courtesy Farmindgale school district
Daler Perk team members smile while preparing an order, learning that great service begins with teamwork and a positive attitude.
A Daler Perk barista delivers coffee to an Albany Avenue staff member, giving students the chance to practice real-world communication skills.
Balboni returns to Adelphi as its president
By ALLYSON FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com
Adelphi University has named Michael Balboni, a former state lawmaker and a longtime public servant, as its 11th president.
Balboni, who will take office June 1, is the first Adelphi graduate, the first Adelphi parent and the first Long Island native to lead the Garden City university. He succeeds Interim President Christopher K. Storm Jr., who will move into the newly created role of senior executive vice president of academic affairs and provost. Christine M. Riordan was Adelphi’s 10th president.
“This transition is a homecoming for me, a true full-circle moment,” Balboni said. “Because I know Adelphi from almost every possible angle, I have an intimate understanding of the DNA of this university and the transformative power of the education it provides.”
Balboni graduated cum laude from Adelphi in 1981 with a degree in biology, and has remained closely connected to the university, including as an adjunct faculty member and, most recently, as chair of the board of trustees. He built a career in law, government and public safety, serving in the Assembly and State Senate and later as New York’s deputy secretary for public safety.
Balboni said he plans to serve as Adelphi’s “chief external advocate,” using his experience in government, law and public policy to raise the university’s profile, expand partnerships and pursue new funding.
“I plan to leverage my professional network and my knowledge of the legislative landscapes in Albany and Washington, D.C., to elevate our institutional visibility,” he said.
He added that he will pursue state and federal grants, build corporate partnerships and work to raise Adelphi’s regional and national profile.
William Fuessler, acting chair of the university’s
board of trustees and chair of the presidential search committee, said Balboni’s background makes him well suited to lead the university at a challenging time for higher education.
“To thrive, Adelphi requires an innovative leader and a proven executive capable of navigating complex financial and operational headwinds,” Fuessler said. “Michael Balboni brings precisely this expertise.”
Fuessler added that Balboni’s public- and privatesector experience will help the university secure resources and support institutional growth.
Balboni takes over as colleges and universities nationwide face pressure from shifting enrollment patterns, rising costs and growing scrutiny over the value of a college degree. Adelphi, he said, is entering that period in a position of strength.
Adelphi received a record 17,000 first-year applications for the upcoming fall semester, and has posted record first-year enrollment in two of the past three years, Balboni said. The university also has a balanced budget, a stable financial outlook and a $282 million endowment, up 69 percent since 2016.
“For workforce readiness, proving the return on investment of a degree is critical,” he said.
Affordability, efficiency and new partnerships will be central to his presidency, Balboni explained, as Adelphi works to demonstrate the value of a college degree. The university will focus on aligning programs with market demand in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and health care, while expanding internships, externships, job shadowing and study abroad opportunities.
“I want to make sure our students all have the experiential opportunities through internships, externships, job shadowing and study abroad,” Balboni said, “so they have real-world experiences employers want.”
Courtesy Adelphi University
Michael Balboni will take office June 1 as Adelphi University’s 11th president. He will be the university’s first graduate, the first Adelphi parent
Three times the fun:
Three sets of twins born at GSH 48 hours apart ‘sweet’
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherld.com
In April 2010, Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip experienced what hospital officials called an “incredibly rare” event: three sets of twins, all from families living in the Town of Babylon, were born within a 48-hour span.
Now, 16 years later, the Babylon Herald Beacon caught up with the teens and their families to reflect on the unusual coincidence, their close sibling bonds and where life has taken them since their memorable arrivals.
The six teenagers — Emma and Kylie Heins, Abigail and Aaron Grant, and Leilah and Cahmari Williams — are now high school students pursuing athletics, academics, the arts and future career goals, while still sharing the unique connection of being twins.
EMMA ROSE AND KYLIE LYNN HEINS
Born April 20, 2010, just one minute apart, Emma and Kylie Heins were originally from Babylon and now live in Mount Sinai, where they attend Mount Sinai High School.
Parents Tara Lehnert-Heins and Richard Heins said they are proudest of their daughters’ ambition and maturity.
“They’re just incredible children,” Tara Heins said. “They’re in track and field and they’re breaking records all over the place and doing great in school.”
Richard Heins joked that the girls are “the opposite” of their parents.
“It’s like they had a private conversation and decided to do the opposite of mom and dad,” he said.
Q: What do you think about two other sets of twins being born within 48 hours of you?
Emma: “I think it’s so cool because it’s already rare, and then for it to happen so close together at the same hospital is funny. I’m glad we got to be part of it.”
Kylie: “My parents didn’t even tell us about it until about a month ago. I think it’s cool and rare.”
Q: What are your hobbies and interests?
Emma: “I’m into a lot of different things. I love art, ceramics and reading science fiction books. I also do hair braiding for my track team. In track, I compete in race walking, and I’m currently ranked first in the county.”
Kylie: “A lot of my time is dedicated to track and my friends. I run the 400 and 800, and this winter our 4x8 relay team set a new school record at states.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a twin?
Emma: “I always have someone to lean on. We’re built-in best friends and understand each other well.”
Kylie: “We just understand each other. I can tell her anything, and we always support each other.”
Q: What can be funny or difficult about being twins?
Emma: “We share a lot of the same friends, and birthdays can be hard because we have to decide everything together.”
Kylie: “Thinking about the future is difficult because we’ve always grown up together, and college is coming soon.”
Q: What are your future goals?
Emma: “I’m interested in astrobiology and astronomy. I also love art, so maybe I’ll double major in pottery and astrobiology.”
Kylie: “I’m interested in biology and physical therapy, but I’m still exploring different STEM careers.”
ABIGAIL AND AARON GRANT
Born April 21, 2010, about six minutes apart, Abigail and Aaron Grant were originally from Amityville and now live in Deer Park, where they attend Deer Park High School.
Their mother, Heletha Grant, said she is proud of their character and work ethic.
“They’re really good children and they have manners,” she said. “They’re making a difference.”
Q: What do you think about the unusual timing of the three sets of twins?
Aaron: “I think it’s cool. It’s very rare.”
Abigail: “You don’t hear about something like that a lot.”
Q: What are your hobbies and activities?
Aaron: “I participated in the Student Theatre Showcase as a backup dancer, and I wrestle during the winter.”
Abigail: “I’m involved in theater and serve as artistic director for stage crew. I also play soccer, wrestle, run track, participate in color guard and sing in Women’s Choir.”
Q: What is the best part about being a twin?
Aaron: “We have the same sense of humor, so talking to her is like talking to another version of myself.”
Abigail: “We definitely have the same humor.”
Q: What can be difficult about being twins?
Aaron: “Trying to agree on things because I’m older and she doesn’t like when I remind her.”
Abigail: “People always ask the same questions, like whether we think the same thoughts, and they mix up identical and fraternal twins.”
Q: What careers are you considering?
Aaron: “I want to go into IT technology and work on finding solutions to malware scams and computer viruses.”
Abigail: “I’d like to become a teacher. I already help teach a kindergarten class through a school program, and I really enjoy it.”
LEILAH AND CAHMARI WILLIAMS
Leilah and Cahmari Williams were born April 21, 2010, one minute apart. Originally from North Babylon, they now live in Port Jefferson and attend Comsewogue High School.
Their parents, Sharyle and Yusuf Williams, said the twins’ close relationship stands out most.
“They have the grades and they are both great athletes, but how close their bond is — that’s the most loving thing about them to me,” Yusuf Williams said.
Q: What do you think about three sets of
sixteen
In photo taken at Good Samaritan Hospital in 2010, the mothers and their babies seated left to right are Sharyle Williams with Leilah and Cahmari; Tara Lehnert-Heins with Emma Rose and Kyle Lynn and Heletha Grant with Abigail and Aaron. Back row are Jean Lambert, RN; Michelle Nottingham, NA: Lisa Giarraputo, RN; Julie Rivera, NA; Marilyn Gonzalez, NA and Joanne Schroeder, RN.
twins being born so close together?
Leilah: “I think it’s really cool.”
Cahmari: “It’s cool that multiple people had twins around the same time.”
Q: What are your hobbies?
Leilah: “Basketball and flag football. Basketball is one of my favorite things, and I also play AAU basketball.”
Cahmari: “I played soccer for the first time this year, and I also play AAU basketball and lacrosse.”
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a twin?
Leilah: “I always have someone to talk to. We’re close.”
Cahmari: “It’s like having a built-in best friend. Family is everything, and I know I can always go to her.”
Q: What is something funny about being twins?
Cahmari: “People say we sound the same.”
Leilah: “Yeah, we hear that a lot.”
Q: What are your future plans?
Cahmari: “I hope to play basketball in college and study business.”
Leilah: “I also want to continue basketball and study social work.”
Dr. Karen Fasano of Good Samaritan University Hospital said moments like the births remain memorable for staff.
“The team’s skill and spirit shine in unforgettable moments — like the incredibly rare day when three sets of twins were born within hours of each other,” Fasano said. “It created a truly one-of-a-kind celebration.”
Aaron and Abigail Grant. Courtesy Heletha Grant.
Heins twins Kylie on the left and Emma on the right. Courtesy Heins Family.
Williams twins Leilah and Cahmari. Courtesy Williams Family.
County panel kicks off anti-fraud campaign
Experts detail deceitful practices that cost unsuspecting consumers hundreds of billions of dollars
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
Throughout the country, an easily overlooked category of crime has become a multi-billion-dollar industry: Insurance fraud costs consumers $806 billion every year, taking financial bites out of construction, transportation, real estate and other industries. Long Island’s local business leaders are sharing their strategies to avoid contributing to that statistic.
Some 160 business owners and employees welcomed advice from elected officials, security firms and fellow business people at a panel at the Morrelly Homeland Security Center in Bethpage on May 13.
This was the first panel connecting government agencies and local businesses to share information about fighting insurance fraud, according to John Capece, Nassau County’s consumer affairs commissioner.
“This is the first time in Long Island history that we have a meeting with all the building departments and the Department of Consumer Affairs to host a seminar for training and for communication,” Capece said.
The panel, sponsored by the Long Island Builders Institute, is intended to be the first of many. Capece conceived of the idea to kick off a larger effort to improve consumer safety by helping community members and local businesses identify and avoid malicious actors.
“We want to stop them because they prey on the elderly and the vulnerable people that don’t understand contracts … they get sucked into something where they think they’re going to save so much money and they don’t,” Capece said. “We want to educate the public.”
Panelists discussed the optimal ways of handling everything from home improvement contractor licensing, permitting, solar installations and contracting oversight to responding to fraudulent insurance and
training certificates and staged construction accidents, as well as other topics impacting homeowners and the building industry.
Panelist Gina Farese is a solar energy entrepreneur and a member of Nassau County’s Home Improvement Advisory Committee and many other groups in the industry. She has seen many cases of improper business dealings, ranging from roofing coverage to workers who aren’t on a contractor’s official payroll.
“There’s a lot of things that are broken and so far gone, and I’m seeing so many homeowners get, unfortunately, taken,” Farese said. “So many people just care about their bottom line … at the end of the day, it’s just making sure that the homeowners are protected properly, and educating people.”
Mary Harkins serves as counsel to the county’s Department of Consumer Affairs. She advises Capece and the department on the interpretation of local laws, with a focus on contract violations.
“Now we’re able to address it more proactively, rather than just reacting,” Harkins said. “Our licensing division is about, like, six people, some part-time, and we’re dealing with 10,000 licenses plus about 800 new applications per year. It’s a lot of responsibility, but in reality, we’re moving on it.
“We’re trying to uncover the really great contractors out there,” Harkins added. For bad actors in the industry, the department, she said, is “trying to identify them and take corrective action.”
The number one way to protect yourself against risk, Capece said, is to verify that any contractor in your home is legitimately licensed.
For more information, call Nassau County Consumer Affairs at (516) 571-2465.
Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald
Panelist Gina Farese and Nassau Consumer Affairs Commissioner John Capece advised more than 160 community members about the risks of insurance fraud.
Recognizing Northeast Elementary School’s everyday heroes
Northeast Elementary School in Amityville recently honored two important groups who play a vital role in the school community: its dedicated kitchen staff and its building leadership.
In recognition of School Lunch Hero Day, students and staff celebrated the hardworking members of the school’s cafeteria team. Students crafted a colorful poster to show their appreciation and presented the staff with tasty cookies as a token of gratitude. These individuals ensure that students receive nutritious meals each day while creating a welcoming and supportive environment in the
lunchroom.
The school community also marked School Principals’ Day by recognizing Principal Pauline Collins for her ongoing leadership and commitment. Educators honored Collins with a beautiful arrangement of flowers in appreciation of the care, guidance and support she provides to both students and staff, helping to foster a positive and inclusive school environment.
Through these celebrations, Northeast highlighted the importance of recognizing those who contribute to student success each day, both in and beyond the classroom.
Northeast also celebrated School Principals’ Day by recognizing Principal Pauline Collins for her ongoing leadership.
From health to retirement: Herald Senior Health & Beyond Expo empowers Long Island’s 50-plus
By ABBEY SALVEMINI
Long Island’s 50-plus community gathered on May 1 for a free event focused on health, wellness and financial awareness at Memorare Caterers in Seaford. The Herald Senior Health and Beyond Expo brought together those seeking resources, services and expert guidance on topics ranging from medical care to retirement planning.
The expo, held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., featured informational exhibits, refreshments, giveaways and a free lunch provided by Bagel Boss Hewlett. Organizers aimed to create an engaging space where seniors could learn, connect and plan, with support from gold sponsors PSEG and National Grid; also a very special thank you to the Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island for their support.
Tonya Simmons, a consumer advocate with PSEG, highlighted programs many residents may not realize are available.
“We have energy audits that a lot of people don’t know about, and we also have discounted rates for anyone in a lower income bracket,” she said. Simmons also pointed to the company’s “peace of mind” program, which allows customers to pause billing during hospital stays. “It’s to give peace of mind when you go into the hospital. You want to heal without worrying about your bill,” she said.
She stressed the importance of outreach before emergencies occur.
“We don’t want people finding this out during a storm,” Simmons said, noting that PSEG tracks customers who rely on life-sustaining medical equipment. “The fact that we know where they are means we can keep an eye on them and respond faster.”
Diane Jones, a senior consumer advocate with National Grid, said events like the expo help strengthen community relationships.
“It’s important to connect with the community so they can see us in person,” she said. “We’re not just phone calls or emails; it helps to put a face to the company.”
She added that National Grid offers financial assistance programs and payment options to help customers manage energy costs.
Jennifer Roth, an in-home respite coordinator with Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, emphasized the growing need for awareness as the senior population expands. She highlighted free, state-funded programs for those caring for loved ones with dementia.
“People are living a lot longer because of advances in medicine,” she said. “If you don’t get sick, you don’t know what’s available to you. “There are a lot of free services and grants out there. It’s about getting that information into people’s hands
Attendees gathered to listen to presenters and learn about health and wellness topics.
before they need it.”
Nicola Prestano, assistant director of community engagement with East Neck Nursing and Rehabilitation Center underscored the importance of personal interaction.
“The most important thing is getting those touchpoints with people,” she said. “Walking up to them, introducing yourself, and letting them know you’re there to help.” She added, “That way, if something happens, you already know where you feel comfortable.”
Susan Petroski, the-Randolph MSOT regional ambassador, HSS Long Island, lead the audience in a guided exercise.
“It’s important for seniors to really understand their options and what’s available,” she said.
Attendees visited exhibitors, joined health screenings and activities and enjoyed programming led by Joan Caliendo, Ms. NY Senior America 2024. The event also included bingo, performances, discussions and raffle prizes, aiming to provide both valuable information and meaningful community engagement.
To learn more, see additional photos and view the complete list of sponsors and exhibitors, be sure to visit richnerlive.com.
Tim Baker/Herald
Diane Jones, from National Grid, was among the panel discussion speakers.
resources.
A Metro Physical & Aquatic Therapy representative provided information about rehabilitation services.
Edward Jones’ Boris Mikhail shared financial planning
ClaireMarie, representing Park Lane Jewelry, showcased her sparkly goods with RichnerLIVE’s Anna Graci.
East Neck Nursing & Rehabilitation Center presented their services.
Jamie Rossi, from I Love Hearing, at her booth.
Jennifer Roth, from Parker Jewish Institute Health Care and Rehabilitation, spoke during the panel discussions.
The Seasoned Steppers brought their energetic dancing to the floor.
Tonya Simmons, of PSEG Long Island, spoke during the panel discussions.
Character Education Day builds kindness, breaks bullying at Berner
Meaningful discussions about good character took place throughout the day on March 25 at Berner Middle School in Massapequa. The annual Chiefs Challenge Character Education Day featured activities each period that fostered communication, teamwork and friendship.
The program was coordinated by the Chiefs Challenge Club under the direction of advisers Caroline Glynn and Juliette Happe. Signs with quotes and inspirational messages were hung throughout the building.
Seventh and eighth graders attended the “Bullying 101: Triggered” presentation with guest speaker Alisty Keneth. The goal of the program was to empower students to become upstanders and create a school culture where bullying is never acceptable. “Box Out Bullying” was an interactive presentation for sixth graders which included the definitions and consequences of cyberbullying. Follow-up discussions took place in classrooms after each assembly.
The index card challenge was a teamwork lesson during which students were split into small groups and had to work together to build the tallest, free-standing structure with 20 index cards. During the “Famous Failures Escape Room,” students decoded clues as they learned how highly
successful people including Elizabeth Blackwell, Thomas Edison, Michael Jordan and the Wright Brothers persevered to overcome failures in their lives. In the friendship lesson, students answered questions about the traits of a good friend and the qualities they look for in a friend. They also analyzed a William Shakespeare quote about friendship. The upstander versus bystander lesson defined types of bullying behavior and the harm it causes to people. Students learned the differences between bystanders and upstanders, and left with tips on how to stand up and intervene if someone is being bullied. Character Education Day ended with a period of reflection.
Chiefs Challenge Club members say they hope the day had an impact on their classmates and makes a positive difference in their school.
“I feel that people should be able to express how they’re feeling without being judged by others,” Chiefs Challenge President Eric Steiger said, “and that’s the message that’s happening today.”
“I hope it makes people feel seen and be more comfortable in school,” eighth grader Arya Arjune added. She also noted that Character Education Day reminded students that they are plenty of people in school they can turn to for support.
Matthew Tarantino, left, and Kyle Moore worked on their responses to questions about friendship.
Courtesy Massapequa school district
Chiefs Challenge adviser Caroline Glynn and Superintendent Dr. William Brennan joined students, from left, Milania Lemmon, Fiona Freck, Jonathan Hock, Gianluca Bagni and Jayden Muchnick after they completed their famous failures escape room.
STEPPING OUT
By Karen Bloom
The holiday weekend may feel a little different this year with the beloved FourLeaf Air Show shifting to over to Fourth of July as part of the celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Still, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the unofficial start of summer, including a patriotic drone show to fill in for the annual flying spectacle that will illuminate the night sky over Jones Beach on May 24.
No matter how the weekend unfolds, one tradition remains firmly in place: gathering around the grill for a barbecue with family and friends.
Of course, no Memorial Day barbecue would be complete without the familiar favorites — juicy burgers sizzling over an open flame, hot dogs nestled in toasted buns and steaks grilled to smoky perfection. But today’s cookout offers far more than the traditional staples. By adding dishes with bold marinades, fresh seasonal ingredients and unexpected sweet-and-savory flavors, hosts can bring new energy to the holiday barbecue while still honoring the classics everyone loves.
The beauty of grilling is its versatility. From colorful kebabs and charred vegetables to caramelized fruit and herb-infused sides, even the simplest ingredients take on extra flavor over the fire. The tried-and-true will always remain a go-to, but the holiday is also the perfect opportunity to refresh the menu with creative twists and crowdpleasing additions that may just become new favorites.
Spicy Mustard Chicken Kebabs
Kabobs add sizzle to the season. With their easy preparation and quick cooking time, kabobs are a simple way to enjoy many of your favorite fresh flavors.
Sizzle into summer
Fire up Memorial Day
• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 1 pound raw boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper
• 1 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks
To make sauce, place 3 tablespoons mustard in medium bowl. Add oil and garlic powder, and whisk until uniform. Cover and refrigerate. To make marinade, in small bowl, combine vinegar with remaining 2 tablespoons mustard. Stir until uniform.
Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place chicken and marinade in large sealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal.
Gently knead marinade into chicken through bag. Refrigerate for 1 hour.
Meanwhile, if using wooden skewers, soak 4 in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Alternately thread marinated chicken and onion chunks onto 4 skewers. Bring grill to mediumhigh heat.
Brush both sides of kebabs with sauce. Grill kebabs for 5 minutes with grill cover down.
Flip kebabs and grill for 6 to 8 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Enjoy.
Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip
Enhance the flavor of fruits and veggies at your barbecue. Try another way to eat pineapple by grilling it and pairing with a lime dip for a tasty treat.
• 1 pineapple
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 3 tablespoons honey
Lime Dip:
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup plain yogurt
• 3 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons lime juice
• 2 teaspoons lime zest
Peel pineapple; cut into wedges.
In resealable plastic bag, combine brown sugar, lime juice and honey. Add pineapple wedges, seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate 1 hour.
To make dip: In small bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in yogurt, honey, brown sugar, lime juice and lime zest. Cover and refrigerate.
Heat grill to medium heat.
Remove pineapple wedges from plastic bag; discard marinade. Grill pineapple wedges, covered, 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
Serve with dip.
Grilled Lemon Chive Corn
Grilling adds an extra special flavor to corn on the cob. Try it with a lemon chive butter topping.
• 4 ears fresh sweet corn, in husks
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Pull back husks from each ear of corn, leaving husks attached to base. Remove corn silk. Fold husks back around corn; tie at end of each ear with string or strip of outside corn leaves. Soak in cold water 30 minutes. Drain.
Place corn on grill, uncovered, 20 to 30 minutes or until tender, turning often. Meanwhile combine butter, chives and lemon juice.
Serve corn with lemon-chive butter.
‘Cold Beer on a Saturday Night’
Spring blooms with a taste of summer as Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band bring their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to the Paramount stage, celebrating the music of Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett, and Zac Brown Band. Long Island–based and led by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, the group also features Linn DeMilta (Lovely Linn) on lead and backing vocals, Luis Rios on guitar, Frank Stainkamp on keyboards, Dan Prine on bass, and Mike Vecchione on drums. Together, they’ve spent more than a decade channeling the laid-back spirit of beach-country favorites. With a setlist built for singing along, the band blends crowd-pleasing hits with an easygoing, sun-soaked energy that evokes margaritas, ocean breezes and carefree nights where, as they like to say, it’s always “5 o’clock somewhere.”
Saturday, May 23, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Decoration Day
Step back into time to when Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Throughout weekend, the living-history site comes alive with the sights, sounds and traditions of the 19th century, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into how Long Islanders once marked the occasion.Stroll the village while enjoying period craft demonstrations, storytelling and stirring brass band concerts that echo through the historic streets. The weekend culminates with the signature Decoration Day observance, re-creating the holiday as it was first commemorated in the early 1870s. Costumed Civil War “veterans” lead a patriotic parade and heartfelt ceremony honoring departed soldiers, capturing the spirit, pageantry and reverence of an earlier era. The parade and ceremonial program begin at 2:15 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday, May 2324, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage. Visit oldbethpagevillagerestoration.org or call (516) 572-8409.
Spicy Mustard Chicken Kebabs Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip Grilled Lemon Chive Corn
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
MAY 21
Wendy Klemperer: Wrought Taxonomies
Vanderbilt Museum welcomes everyone to enjoy the exhibition of outdoor sculpture at the historic summer estate of William Kissam Vanderbilt II. Klemperer’s sculptures. a haunting assemblage of animal forms that span imaginary, endangered, familiar, and exotic species, celebrate natural history and the nonhuman world through evocative interactions with the surrounding environment. Using materials salvaged from scrapyards, she composes ecological narratives that respond to the history and collections of Suffolk County’s first public park and museum. Her brilliant use of gestural lines captures the spectator’s attention and invites museum-goers to reflect on the relationship between an interest in animal life and the incessant push of human industry. Visitors are encouraged to picnic on the grounds.
• Where: 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport
• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Contact: vanderbiltmuseum. org or call (631) 854-5579
‘Everybody Loves
Raymond: Celebrating 30 Years’
Visit the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame for an immersive exhibit (designed by LIMEHOF Creative Director, renowned designer Kevin O’Callaghan). It features the 70-foot-wide set from the show’s recent 30th anniversary TV special on CBS, never before on display. Visitors can walk into the world of the Barone family and explore their home through original studio sets, which include the living room, the kitchen and other areas of the house. Also see a variety of iconic items, including original clothing, the famous fork and spoon, and the Christmas toaster, among other classic items from the series. Multimedia clips, including behind the scenes and rare out-takes and a range of related videos play in LIMEHOF’s surround sound theater.
• Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook
• Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Contact: limusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888
Massapequa School
District BOE meets The Massapequa Board of Education holds their next meeting. All are welcome to attend.
jun 16
Gary Clark Jr.
Blues-rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter has built a reputation as one of the most exciting live performers of his generation. Blending electric blues, rock, soul, R&B, and hints of hip-hop, his sound is both rooted in tradition and boldly modern. His guitar tone often recalls legends like Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, but his songwriting, socially aware lyrics, and willingness to experiment make him stand out as a contemporary artist. On stage, he is known for extended solos, dynamic arrangements, and emotionally charged vocals that move from soft falsetto to gritty growls, making every Gary Clark Jr concert feel unforgettable. Anyone who has listened to a Gary Clark Jr. album or watched the four-time Grammy Award winner perform live knows that he’s a gifted multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and performer. And never more so than on his last album, 2019’s illuminating This Land. But while This Land signaled a breakthrough in displaying his musical versatility beyond the blues, his latest album, JPEG RAW, represents a quantum leap.
• Where: Massapequa High School, Board Room, 4925 Merrick Rd., Massapequa
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 308-5000
Thrift Shop Stop by Simpson United Methodist Church’s Thrift Shop for some unique finds.
• Where: 30 Locust Ave., Amityville
• Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 789-2569 MAY
St. Mary’s Thrift Shop
Stop by St. Mary’s Thrift Shop to check out some found treasures. Choose from collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items.
• Where: St. Mary’s, 175 Broadway, Amityville (enter from rear parking lot)
• Time: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 464-4899
Church Attic Thrift Shop Stop by the First United Methodist Church for their
thrift shop. MAY
• Where: 25 Broadway, Amityville
• Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail. com
MAY
In concert
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame welcomes Buddy Merriam & Back Roads. Celebrating 43 years, this is one of the North East’s longest performing bluegrass bands. Over the years the band has performed at the Grand Ole Opry, festivals and toured internationally.
• Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook
• Time: 3 p.m.
• Contact: limusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Followed by a ceremony on the Village Green.
• Where: South on Main St., ending at Village Hall
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Contact: (516) 200-1228
Massapequa Fire District meets
The Massapequa Fire District holds their monthly meeting. All are welcome to attend.
• Where: Massapequa Fire District Administration Building, 1 Brooklyn Ave., Massapequa
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 798-9849
Farmingdale Library
Cinema
Stop by Farmingdale Library for a showing “Joe Somebody.” The 2001 film stars Tim Allen as an ordinary man forced into violence by a workplace bully, also starring Julie Bowen.
• Where: 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale
• Time: 10 a.m.-noon and 1:30-4 p.m.
• Contact: farmingdalelibrary. org or (516) 249-9090
Harmonize With Long Island Harmonizers
Love to sing? So do the Long Island Harmonizers. The chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society is a chorus of more than 20 singers, now welcoming new members. The ensemble performs four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style, entertaining audiences at libraries, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and local events. All are welcome to visit one of their weekly rehearsals. Come listen, meet the chorus, and—if you’d like—join in and sing. No musical experience is necessary—just a love of singing and a desire to have fun making music together.
• Where: Faith Lutheran Church, 231 Jackson Ave, Syosset
• When: Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
• Contact: Call: Rich, (516) 521-4779, or Dennis, (516) 680-8036, or visit longislandharmonizers.org
MAY
27
Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group
This group meets weekly, at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, in person with Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. All calls are confidential.
• Where: 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown
• Time: 7:30 -9 p.m.
MAY
28
Movie time Massapequa Public Library welcomes all to a showing of the biopic “Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere” starring Jeremy Allen White, Jeremy Strong and Paul Walter Hauser.
• Where: 40 Harbor Lane, Massapequa Park
• Time: 1-3 p.m. and 6-8 p.m.
• Contact: massapequalibrary. org or (516) 799-0770
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
Notice of Formation of Specline Tech LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/18/2026. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: 9 Seneca St E, Massapequa, NY 11758. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 26-78. 4/15, 22, 29, 5/6, 13, 20
Notice of Formation, Hill City Homes LLC Articles of Organization Filed with the Secretary of New York (SSNY) on 10/28/2025 Office Location: Nassau County SSNY designated for service of process & shall mail copies of any process served against the LLC to: 266 Glengariff Rd, Massapequa Park, NY 11762 Purpose: any lawful purpose of activity 26-79. 4/15, 22, 29, 5/6, 13, 20
Notice of formation of Lyndsey Bayon, Nurse Practitioner in Acute Care, PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York on March 17, 2026. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of the PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to 4910 Merrick Road P.O. Box 107, Massapequa Park, NY 11762. Purpose: Any lawful purpose 26-84 4/29, 5/6, 13, 20, 27, 6/3
Public Notices
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-26106309 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 288 Sunrise Highway, Rockville Centre, NY 11570, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at BURRITO BLVD RVC CORP. 26-96. 5/13, 20
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-26109801 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 31 Rockaway Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Restobar Corp.
26-97 - 5/13, 20
Notice of formation of Top gun home remodeling LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 1/20/26. Office located in Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to 51 Maple run DR, Jericho, NY 11753. Purpose: any lawful purpose.
26-98. 5/13, 20, 27, 6/3, 10, 17
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0240-26-111190 for beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 3255 Sunrise Highway, Wantagh, NY 11793, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at No Trout About It LLC. 26-100. 5/20, 27
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0340-26-112088 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 908912A Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Square, NY 11010, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Calia Group LLC. 26-101. 5/20, 27
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0370-26-112396 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Bar/Tavern under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 91-B Hempstead Turnpike, Farmingdale, NY 11735, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at AMN Cafeh LLC. 26-103. 5/20, 27
Notice of Self Storage Sale
Please take notice Safeguard Self Storage #190113 located at 6000 Sunrise Highway Massapequa NY 11758 intends to hold a sale of the property stored in the below listed Storage Spaces. The public sale shall occur as an online auction via www. storagetreasures. com on 5/28/2026 at 10:30AM. Unless listed below, the contents consist of household goods, furnishings and garage essentials. Matthew Mulcahy unit #1737; Ronald Clinton unit #3202 contents: Car Parts, Household goods; Stephen Griffiths unit #3441; Adam H Rapp unit #3459A. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. See manager for details.
26-95. 5/13, 5/20
Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA0340-26-111036 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 1 Park Ln, Units A, B, C, Massapequa, NY 11758, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at BDFF Inc. 26-102. 5/20, 27
5 interesting facts about Memorial Day
Memorial Day is celebrated at the end of May each year to honor those who lost their lives while serving in the Armed Forces. Memorial Day, the origins of which can be traced to the aftermath of the American Civil War, holds deep historical significance, and the following are five interesting facts about the holiday.
1. The holiday began as Decoration Day. Before the official establishment of Memorial Day, communities began holding spring tributes to fallen soldiers, decorating soldiers’ graves with flowers to pay respects. In 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for northern Civil War veterans, officially proclaimed May 30 as Decoration Day. War.gov says that graves at Arlington National Cemetery continued to be adorned in the same fashion they were back in the 1860s.
2. Memorial Day became an official holiday in 1968. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Memorial Day into law on June 28, 1968, officially marking Memorial Day as a national holiday. However, two years prior, he signed a proclamation officially declaring Waterloo, New York, as the birthplace of Memorial Day. The town was the first to honor fallen soldiers,
and has been featuring a formal, communitywide event since May 5, 1866.
3. Blooming flowers have a place in Memorial Day history. Historians believe that the original choice of May 30 for Decoration Day was not due to any specific battle. Rather, it was a day when no particular conflict had taken place and was the time of year when flowers would be in full bloom. So on May 30 there would be plenty of flowers across the country to decorate soldiers’ graves.
4. All fallen veterans were eventually honored on Memorial Day. Many early Memorial Day iterations honored those who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, however, the Memorial Day holiday was expanded to honor all American military personnel who died during any war.
5. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act changed when Memorial Day is commemorated. Memorial Day once was commemorated on May 30 regardless of the day of the week. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, moving Memorial Day to the last Monday in May to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. This change went into effect in 1971.
According to the Department of Defense (DOD), the United States Armed Forces had 1.33 million people identified as active troops as of 2025. The DOD reported that an additional 770,118 people were serving in the National Guard or as reserves as of 2025. Active-duty Armed Forces personnel in the United States are spread across six main service branches: the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, the Marine Corps, the Coast Guard, and the Space Force. As of December 2025, the Army had more active-duty troops (447,455) than any other branch of the American military.The Navy (339,602) had the second most active-duty troops, while the Air Force (315,317) was the third largest branch in terms of active-duty troops.
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Keeping neighborhood traditions and values alive
Recently I attended an early-cut screening of a documentary on Farrell’s Bar in Brooklyn. The film is about much more than just a bar.
Though the world is always turning, these days it seems as if it’s turning more rapidly than ever. Traditions, values and principles are changing dramatically, and some are gone forever. None of us, of course, should want to live in the past or resist progress, which can bring so much good and improve our lives. But in the rush toward progress, we can’t afford to abandon institutions that encourage friendship and lasting bonds, especially in these fast-paced times.
Farrell’s is a legendary institution that has survived the rush of time. Now in its 93rd year — it opened just after the end of Prohibition — it remains a central neighborhood place for the Windsor Terrace community. It’s an oasis of calm in a desert of turmoil. Farrell’s has never betrayed its blue-
collar culture, embodied in its support for cops, firefighters and veterans. (Though newer, the Good Life, in Massapequa Park, and the Embassy Diner, in Bethpage, are cut from that mold.) Farrell’s isn’t far from Brooklyn Prep, where I went to high school, and a short distance from where my father grew up and my grandparents lived until the late 1970s.
Though I’d heard about Farrell’s and read about it in Pete Hamill’s stories, I stopped in for the first time during my very unsuccessful campaign for New York state attorney general in 1986. One of my closest friends and biggest supporters was Jimmy Boyle, who had been president of the FDNY’s Firefighters Union and a fixture in union politics for years. Boyle thought Farrell’s would be an ideal location for a campaign stop.
small part of it true, I climbed up on a chair in the middle of the room and began my speech by admitting that “even though my father was a cop, I have to say, you guys aren’t half bad yourselves.”
i had a small role in cementing the legacy of a legendary hometown bar.
After much friendly booing and catcalls, I thanked those guys for their support and assured them that I’d always be there for them. (A sad footnote: Boyle’s son, Michael, was one of the 343 firefighters killed on Sept. 11, 2001.) Though I went on to lose the election by 1.2 million votes, I had been a winner in Farrell’s, and for the next few years I’d stop by periodically to relive the one bright moment of the campaign.
independent filmmakers Jay Cusato and Rob Martin to produce a documentary on the bar, as a living metaphor for neighborhoods and good people who refuse to allow their values and lasting memories to be plowed over.
Sure enough, when I arrived just before noon that September day, Boyle had packed the place with loud, supportive firefighters, and a few cops had found their way in. It was as enthusiastic and as friendly a reception as I’ve ever gotten in politics. After Boyle gave me a phenomenal introduction, only a
Later, when I was in Congress, I would join Brooklyn friends from high school and make pilgrimages to Farrell’s. Though they couldn’t drink on the job, two detectives on my security detail, Jimmy Skopek and Melissa Zimmerman, took a particular liking to Farrell’s, especially its old-neighborhood flair.
Then, about 10 years ago, a friend of mine from Massapequa, Pat Fenton, wrote a well-received Off-Broadway play centered on Farrell’s. That inspired
On March 8, 2020, Cusato and Martin interviewed me at my home, one of many people they talked to. At the time, their project was close to completion — or so they thought. The coronavirus hit New York before the week was out, and the documentary was put on ice. I actually thought they’d abandoned it until just last month, when Cusato contacted me to let me know that, in the spirit of Farrell’s, they had stayed on the project, titled “Why Farrell’s?” and invited me to a private screening at the St. Francis College campus on Livingston Street in downtown Brooklyn. It was a great experience. Though several interviews remain to be done, and sound and lighting issues need to be worked out, “Why Farrell’s?” is outstanding, so accurately depicting the values that the bar is doing so much to preserve. My role was minor, but I’m proud to be part of what is truly a meaningful work of art.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
It’s way too early to name things after Trump
Over the past few months, I’ve attended many social events, at which I shared a few drinks and conversation with friends from both political parties. Those gatherings have given me an open window into the rapidly emerging fracture among lifelong Republicans as well as the sharp divisions among Democrats. Democrats are always arguing, so it’s been the Republican fissures that have surprised me the most.
Regardless of what the pollsters tell you, President Trump is tearing these lifelong partisans apart. There is division about the president’s arguments with the pope and deep concern about the impact of the war in Iran on the party’s chances in November. But the one issue that seems to evoke even more angst is Trump’s encouraging his name to be plastered on anything and everything that is brandable.
George Washington’s name appears
in all kinds of places across the country, including the national capital. The city was named after him while he was still in office, but he strongly opposed it and tried to block the effort when it was brought before Congress. Washington surrendered his military role when the Revolution ended, rejected efforts to have himself declared king and stepped down after two terms as president. His greatness was not only that he led the country, but that he declined a number of honors.
Let presidents serve. Let citizens judge. Let history name the buildings.
Have other presidents drawn the line? During Gerald Ford’s presidency, Congress passed a bill to name a federal building in Grand Rapids, Mich., after him. Ford refused to sign it, saying he knew of no federal building named for a president still in office and did not want to establish a precedent. President Harry Truman also resisted such honors, and once wrote emphatically that he had no desire to have roads, bridges or buildings named after him. His supporters wanted the Marshall Plan to bear his name, but Truman said the plan deserved the name of its author.
Clearly, the temptation to name things after politicians isn’t limited to one party. Members of Congress have long attached their names to federal buildings, courthouses, highways and bridges. Sen. Mitch McConnell has five buildings named after him in Kentucky.
And every president has been surrounded by supporters who want to flatter him, celebrate him and turn policy into legacy. The danger is especially high in our age of branding, social media and permanent campaigning. That is exactly why every president, irrespective of party, should draw the line when there is an effort to rename everything in sight after him. There is something unhealthy in a republic when a president uses public property to enlarge his own image. This isn’t a Republican or Democratic concern — it’s an American concern. The presidency belongs temporarily to one person, but the government belongs permanently to the people. Public buildings, passports, coins, agencies and national institutions should not become personal billboards for whoever hap-
pens to occupy the Oval Office.
There is also a moral difference between a grateful nation honoring a leader after history has had time to judge him, and a president accepting — or encouraging — public honors while he is in office. This isn’t a question of whether a president is admired. The pollsters have attested to the fact that Trump is supported by 85 percent of registered Republicans. But there will be ample time for our country to render honors unto this president and those who follow him.
We need to have a law that applies equally to all parties. That law should prohibit the naming of entities, structures and objects after a sitting president. It must apply equally to Trump and all those who follow him.
Our founders worried about this issue. They knew that republics can decay not only through force, but also through flattery. Let presidents serve. Let citizens judge. Let history name the buildings.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.
Memorial Day means more than barbecues
Memorial Day weekend arrives each year with familiar signs that summer is finally at hand. Beaches begin to fill. Backyard grills fire up. Families and friends gather after months of work, school and routines that too often keep them apart. Across Long Island, from Jones Beach to Montauk, the holiday has long marked the unofficial beginning of a season people eagerly await.
There is nothing wrong with celebration. In many ways, that freedom to enjoy ordinary moments with the people we love is part of what generations of Americans fought to preserve.
But Memorial Day asks something more of us as well.
Especially as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Americans should remember that Memorial Day is not simply another three-day weekend on the calendar. It is one of the country’s most solemn observances — a day set aside to honor the men and women who died while serving in the United States military.
That distinction matters.
Veterans Day honors all who served. Armed Forces Day recognizes those currently in uniform. Memorial Day is specifically for those who never came home.
Their sacrifice stretches across every generation of American history. From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War,
from the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, over 1 million service members gave their lives believing the country they defended was worth that sacrifice.
Many came from communities across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Their names appear on memorial plaques, downtown monuments and flags lining local streets. Long Island itself carries deep connections to America’s military history.
Roughly 1,180 Long Islanders died in World War II: 855 from Nassau and 325 from Suffolk. At least 552 service members lost their lives in the Vietnam War. After the Sept. 11 attacks, 56 Long Islanders died in Iraq and Afghanistan.
From Revolutionary War sites to Gold Star families who sacrificed during the wars of the past two decades, our region has long contributed to the nation’s service and sacrifice. Memorial Day offers communities an opportunity not only to recognize that history but also to share it with those of younger generations.
As America prepares to commemorate 250 years of independence in July, this Memorial Day carries even greater weight. Anniversaries often invite celebration, reflection and pride. But they should also invite humility. The freedoms Americans treasure did not sustain themselves across two and a half centuries. They endured because generation after generation answered a call to serve, often at extraordinary personal cost.
It can be easy for the deeper meaning of Memorial Day to become overshadowed by travel plans, social gatherings and retail sales. Modern life moves quickly, and holidays increasingly blur together into commercial events disconnected from their origins. But Memoria Day deserves more intentional remembrance — and that does not always require grand gestures.
Attending a local parade or remembrance ceremony before heading to a barbecue is one way to honor the fallen. Visiting a veterans’ memorial or cemetery and taking a few quiet moments to read the names engraved there is another. Americans can also observe the tradition of flying the flag at half-staff until noon, and share stories with children and grandchildren about relatives who served, ensuring that those stories are not lost.
Honoring sacrifice does not diminish the joy of the weekend. In fact, it deepens it. Gratitude gives meaning to celebration. A nation that remembers its fallen understands more clearly the value of the freedoms it enjoys. This year, amid the sound of waves, fireworks and laughter that will soon define the summer season, Americans should make room for remembrance, too. Memorial Day is not ultimately about the start of summer; it is about the cost of freedom, the weight of service and the obligation of a grateful nation never to forget those who gave everything in its defense.
opinions
Some in Washington say
all’s well. Families know better.
The sticker shock Americans are feeling at the gas pump, in the grocery store, opening their utility bills and paying for health care aren’t some abstract political talking points. The high cost of living is a daily reality for many families trying to make it through the week.
Gas prices surged 15.6 percent this month, with regular gas sitting above $4.50 per gallon. Grocery prices made the biggest onemonth jump in nearly four years in April. Inflation is up to 3.8 percent, the highest in three years. For the first time since 2023, it’s outpacing wage growth. For millions of Americans, every trip to work, school, the grocery store or a doctor’s appointment now comes with a painful reminder that the cost of living keeps climbing.
Just last week, President Trump was quoted as saying, “I don’t think about
Americans’ financial situation — I don’t think about anybody.” Previously, he has called affordability, or a lack thereof, a “hoax.” Despite what he refuses to see, the cost of living is the defining issue facing this country right now.
F or many people, the affordability debate is about survival, not ideology.
The numbers tell the real story very clearly. A new Marist poll found that most Americans think their cost of living is not very affordable (44 percent) or not affordable at all (12 percent). More than six in 10 Americans do not believe the economy is working for them. Those aren’t partisan numbers. Those are kitchen-table realities.
Gas prices are a major reason why. The same poll confirmed that a whopping 81 percent of Americans say that current gas prices are putting at least some strain on their household budget. One-third say the strain is major. Only 19 percent say they feel no strain at all.
It’s not just gas prices, either; a reckless tariff policy has caused prices on everyday goods to skyrocket. Gutting green-energy projects has raised utility
Framework by Ellen Jaret
prices by cutting supply so it can’t meet demand. Our historic debt, created by the “One Big Beautiful Bill,” has massively driven up interest rates, making everything more expensive. Sky-high inflation has hit families from every direction.
All of these cost drivers, when put together, can feel insurmountable. Families are facing hard choices, and being forced to think twice about expenses they never considered before. For some that means cutting back on summer travel. For others it means buying less food at the grocery store. And for workers with long commutes, it means watching more and more of each paycheck disappear before they even get home.
Administration officials who continue to deny affordability as a major issue for Americans only grow more and more disconnected from what ordinary people are experiencing. Telling Americans to hit the road when gas is hovering above $4.50 per gallon, as our transportation secretary did two weeks ago,
is a little like telling struggling families not to worry about grocery bills while food prices continue to rise.
For many people, this debate is no longer about ideology. It’s no longer about Democrat vs. Republican, liberal vs. conservative, left vs. right. It’s about survival. Can they afford groceries this month? Can they afford their commute? Can they afford a family vacation, or even a weekend getaway?
That’s why affordability remains the central issue in the country today. Not political slogans. Not cable television arguments. Real life.
Washington can debate statistics and messaging strategies all day long. But families don’t experience the economy through press releases. They experience it every time they swipe a credit card, fill up their tank or open a utility bill.
And right now, too many Americans feel like they’re falling further behind. Now we must come together and work across the aisle to bring costs down for the American people. There is no mission more urgent.
Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.
Overlooking Mgarr Harbour on the Mediterranean island of Gozo, Malta
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