Tim Baker/Herald Pasquale Curra, back, left, Maria Vitale, Elizabeth Gonzalez, Marina Perna, front, left, and Domenica Vitale manned the raffle table at last year’s Santa Marina Feast in Inwood.
Ferretti fights Liberty Water rate increase
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti is calling on state regulators to reject Liberty New York Water’s proposed rate increases, arguing that the hikes would place an undue burden on Long Island residents already struggling with rising costs.
Standing outside Liberty Utilities headquarters on June 12, Ferretti criticized the company’s request to increase revenues by approximately 21.87% in Service Area 1 and 30 and 14% in Service Area 2, according to filings with the New York State Public Service Commission.
Town officials said the proposal could raise monthly residential water bills by nearly $30 for some customers. The Merrick district could see increases of approximately 37% if approved.
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
For more than a century, generations of Italian American families in Inwood have gathered each summer to honor their patron saint, celebrate their heritage and reconnect with loved ones during the annual Santa Marina Feast.
This year’s celebration will take place July 10 and 11 at Our Lady of Good Counsel Church in Inwood, featuring two evenings of food, music, rides, raffles and community festivities.
At its heart, however, organizers said the
feast remains a deeply religious tradition centered on faith, family and honoring Santa Marina, the patron saint of Filandari, Calabria, Italy — the hometown of many of the area’s earliest Italian immigrants.
The festivities will begin with a novena service on July 9 at 8 p.m. The feast opens on July 10 at 7 p.m. and continues July 11 with a 10 a.m. Mass and procession through the streets of Inwood, followed by an evening feast beginning at 7 p.m.
For Giovanni Curra, the Santa Marina Society’s treasurer and secretary, the weekend represents a continuation of a tradition
L AuRA RyDER Councilwoman
Service Area 1 includes communities such as parts of the Five Towns, Baldwin, Oceanside, Lynbrook, East Rockaway, Malverne and Island Park. Service Area 2 includes the Merrick and Sea Cliff districts, with the Merrick district serving Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh and Seaford.
“At a time when families are already paying more for groceries, housing, energy and virtually every other necessity, Liberty Utilities wants to reach even deeper into the pockets of hardworking residents,” Ferretti said. “These proposed increases are staggering, and I am deeply concerned about the impact they will have on seniors living on fixed incomes, hardworking families and small business owners throughout our community.”
The proposal also includes a request for an additional surcharge that would further increase customer bills, according to the town.
“Long Island families are being squeezed from every direction by inflation and ris-
LIA panel urges bipartisan cooperation
Rahm Emmanuel and Kevin McCarthy take part in spirited political discussion
By NOAH PERETZ nperetz@liherald.com
The Long Island Association hosted its Centennial Spring Luncheon wit Rahm Emmanuel, former White House chief of staff for President Barack Obama, former mayor of Chicago and the 31st United States ambassador to Japan, and Kevin McCarthy, former speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, were guest speakers on the June 15 panel with LIA President and CEO Stacey Sikes.
Sikes, Emmanuel and McCarthy discussed the American political climate and the standing of the Democratic and Republican parties. They spoke about how each party can improve itself, work toward collaboration, and “reach across the aisle” rather than stoke further division.
Sikes asked McCarthy about President Trump’s potential influence over the upcoming midterm elections, and how that influence is more prominent than most previous presidents. “He controls the party — he can make you win or lose by an endorsement alone,” McCarthy said. “He governs differently. Most presidents want to do everything through the House and Senate, but he’s happy doing executive orders.”
Emmanuel and McCarthy were asked
about how the suburban vote could swing the midterms, particularly on Long Island.
“Democrats control urban elections and seats; Republicans control rural,” Emmanuel said. “The battleground will be in the suburban districts. That has been the truth for the last 20 and 30 years.”
“I’d have never been speaker if it wasn’t for the guys up in Long Island, and suburbs everywhere else,” McCarthy said. “Democrats have the advantage now, but anything can happen.”
Emmanuel decried the negative impact of political division, and how it is a detriment to America’s performance on the global stage. “While
we’re spending all our time, all our energy on redistricting and trying to figure out how to screw each other, China’s doubling their research funding,” he said. “They’re spending money on research in China, and we’re spending primary resources on redistricting. You tell me, which one’s going to get you ahead?”
Sikes asked the panelists about the political brand the Democratic party has built up over the past decade, and what they think Democrats can do to remake that brand. “Across the country, 48 to 49 percent of the country describes themselves as independents,” Emmanuel said. “It’s basically a rejection of both parties.”
McCarthy agreed, but extended the criticism to the Republican party. “Both parties aren’t solving problems,” he said. “That’s why you’re getting flips in control — that’s why people aren’t believing in the system. I like campaigns about ideas.”
Despite the talk of division and political strife, the conference ended on a positive note when Emmanuel said, “Whatever our experiences are, we both know one thing: We won the lottery ticket of life. This is the greatest country in the world, as long as we don’t turn our back on what makes it the greatest country in the world.”
Courtesy Long Island Association
Kevin McCarthy, left, Stacey Sikes and Rahm Emmanuel discussed elections, political division and ways to improve the country.
Students take center stage at Woodmere Music Studio recital
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
For 26 years, Woodmere Music Studios has helped shape young musicians across the Five Towns, providing lessons that extend far beyond learning notes and scales. This month, the studio will celebrate another year of achievement with its annual end-of-year recital, showcasing students ranging from beginners to advanced performers.
The studio’s 26th annual recital series will be held on June 29, at 7:15 p.m. at the Lynbrook Public Library. Students will perform on a variety of instruments, including piano, guitar, violin, viola, cello, bass, flute, saxophone and voice.
For founder and director Patricia Lee, the recitals represent the culmination of months of hard work while also fulfilling a lifelong mission.
“Woodmere Music Studios, now in its 26th year, is a music school that has helped thousands of students in the community learn music and important life lessons,” Lee said. “It was a personal dream of mine to help the community and the next generation achieve goals by learning how to set goals through music, recitals and giving back to the community through performances.”
Over the years, Lee has watched students grow from nervous beginners into confident adults pursuing a wide range of careers. Former students have gone on to become doctors, lawyers, accountants,
teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, musical therapists and professional musicians.
A key component of the studio’s philosophy is encouraging students to perform regularly. Woodmere Music Studios hosts workshops and recitals three times each year to help students develop confidence and presentation skills that can benefit them throughout their lives.
“We don’t force anyone to do these, but we really encourage students to participate,” Lee added. “They all understand this helps in any public appearances. Students have told me over the years, ‘you believe in me more than I believe in
myself,’ and that drives me to bring these students to the next level every year.”
Among this year’s performers is Hewlett High School sophomore Derin Artan, 15, who has studied at the studio since he was 4 years old. Artan will perform the Brahms Cello Sonata.
“My favorite part about performing is the experience that I gain from each recital,” Derin said. “I love playing and sharing my music with others.”
He credits the studio with helping him develop both as a musician and as a performer.
“Taking lessons at Woodmere Music
Studios has been an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone who wants to learn any instrument,” he said.
Another featured performer is Lee’s daughter, Claudia, 17, who recently graduated from Hewlett High School and will attend the University of Michigan’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance this fall, majoring in choral music education.
A student at Woodmere Music Studios for 12 years, Claudia will perform “Love Let the Wind Cry, How I Adore Thee” by composer Undine Smith Moore, a piece she also used during her college auditions.
“My favorite part about performing is getting to show everyone how much hard work I’ve put in,” she said. “I also love being able to share a little bit of my personality through the songs I play.”
Claudia said the studio’s supportive teachers played a significant role in her musical development.
“The teachers are patient, encouraging and truly care about each student’s progress, which has helped me grow so much as a musician,” Claudia said. “Without the help of Woodmere Music Studios, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”
As the studio marks more than a quarter-century of music education, Lee remains grateful for the support of generations of students and families.
“Thanks to the students, families and the community for 26 years,” Lee said. “I am hopeful and looking forward to the next 26 years.”
Common Grounds concessions open in Cedarhurst Park
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
A new concession stand has officially opened in Cedarhurst Park, bringing coffee, snacks and a gathering place for residents under a concept its owner says is rooted in community connection.
Woodmere resident Esther Miller is behind Common Grounds, the park’s new food kiosk, which was awarded through a Village of Cedarhurst Request for Proposals (RFP) process finalized at the Village Board of Trustees meeting on May 11. Village Administrator Jacob Plaut confirmed Miller was the only submission and said the proposal met all compliance requirements.
Miller said the idea grew out of her search for a business that blended food, comfort and community interaction.
“I drove by the park and thought, what is with that space?” Miller said. “I just walked into Village Hall that moment and asked what the story was. From there, it all started to come together.”
The concession stand offers coffee, packaged snacks, icees, ice cream, pretzels and other grab-and-go items, with Miller emphasizing a family-friendly, welcoming atmosphere designed for park visitors throughout the day.
“I really believe the world doesn’t just need goods or services, it needs a hug,” she said. “Food is comfort. People come in, they’re happy, they talk, they share stories. That’s what I wanted to create.”
The kiosk has already drawn enthusiastic reactions from residents.
“I’ve lived here 30 years and I’ve never seen it open,” Miller recalled hearing from customers. “People say, ‘This is amazing, best idea ever. Are you open every day? Can you stay open yearround?’ The feedback has been extraordinary.”
Miller said the concept for Common Grounds also reflects lessons from her
earlier career in retail, nonprofit leadership and entrepreneurship. Over the years, she has owned a children’s clothing business, expanded into storefront operations along Central Avenue and later transitioned into nonprofit work, including financial and career counseling programs.
“I’ve started businesses from my home, moved into stores, and built things step by step,” she said. “Each experience
taught me something that brought me here.”
She said those experiences shaped her approach to launching the concession stand, which she hopes will operate yearround when possible, depending on weather and village approvals.
Plaut noted the concession agreement includes an annual license fee of $18,000 and allows for seasonal adjustments based on conditions, with compliance aligned to village regulations.
For Miller, the project represents more than a business venture — it is a culmination of years of personal and professional growth.
“Everything I’ve done led to this,” she said. “Even the challenges. I truly believe things happen right on time.”
She also said the stand’s name carries multiple meanings: the park grounds, the coffee grounds, and the idea of shared “common ground” among community members.
“We’re all here in the same park, from different backgrounds, but we have so much in common,” she said. “Everyone is welcome. That’s the heart of it.”
As the stand continues its first season, Miller said she is focused on consistency, customer experience and building something that becomes a staple of daily life in Cedarhurst Park.
“I just want people to come in, feel good, and feel connected,” she said. “That’s what Common Grounds is all about.”
Courtesy Patricia Lee
Patricia Lee, director of Woodmere Music Studios, left with her students Krista Lee and Lucas Giordano at the Woodmere Music Studios 25th anniversary Senior Recital celebration at the Lynbrook Public Library, on March 16, 2025.
Courtesy Esther Miller
Woodmere resident Esther Miller owns and operates the newly opened concession stand in Cedarhurst Park, Common Grounds,
News brief
WMS music program NYSSMA honors
The Woodmere Middle School music program achieved a historic milestone this spring as both its seventh- and eighth-grade bands earned top honors at the New York State School Music Association, or NYSSMA, Majors Evaluation at Adelphi University.
The seventh-grade band received a Gold Rating, while the eighth-grade band earned a Gold with Distinction Rating — the highest honor awarded through the evaluation process and the first time a Woodmere Middle School ensemble has achieved the distinction.
Unlike a traditional competition, the NYSSMA Majors Evaluation is an adjudicated assessment in which certified evaluators measure ensembles against rigorous statewide performance standards. Student musicians are judged on tone quality, intonation, balance, technique, accuracy,
rhythm, interpretation and overall musicianship.
A Gold Rating recognizes outstanding achievement across all performance categories, while a Gold with Distinction Rating is reserved for ensembles that demonstrate exceptional excellence throughout their evaluated selections.
School officials credited the accomplishment to the dedication and hard work of the student musicians, who spent months preparing for the evaluation through rehearsals and performance practice.
The achievement also reflects the leadership of band directors Jonathan F. Holford and Sophia Randazzo, whose instruction and guidance helped students reach the highest levels of musical performance.
— Melissa Berman
Crime watCh
North Lawrence burglary
According to police, a Far Rockaway man was arrested on June 20 at 9:20 a.m. after allegedly stealing merchandise from a North Lawrence store and shoving an employee who confronted him.
Police said a 41-year-old employee at the Dollar Tree on Burnside Avenue observed a man conceal assorted merchandise in a bag and attempt to leave the store without paying.
When the employee approached the suspect, he allegedly pushed her to the floor before fleeing on foot, detectives said.
Officers located the suspect a short time later in front of a Rockaway Turn-
pike business and arrested Brandon McFadden, 64, of Far Rockaway, without incident.
During the investigation, police said McFadden was found in possession of the stolen merchandise and two glass pipes containing a white powder residue believed to be crack cocaine.
The employee was not injured during the incident.
McFadden was charged with third-degree robbery and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead on June 21.
—
Melissa Berman
Atlantic Beach resident Cathy O’Reilly was recognized for her community service and support of anti-hunger efforts during the annual Rock and Wrap It Up Golf Outing and Dinner on June 8 at the Rockaway Hunting Club.
Among those congratulating O’Reilly was Hempstead Town Councilwoman Melissa Miller, who attended the event honoring individuals and organizations dedicated to fighting food waste and
Courtesy Town of Hempstead Hempstead Town Councilwoman Melissa Miller, second from right, congratulated Cathy O’Reilly of Atlantic Beach, middle, as she was recognized during the Rock and Wrap It Up Golf Outing and Dinner on June 8 at the Rockaway Hunting Club.
food insecurity.
Also in attendance were Cedarhurst residents Syd and Diane Mandelbaum, founders of Rock and Wrap It Up, the national nonprofit that recovers surplus food and other resources for distribution to people in need. The organization has worked with schools, sports venues, entertainment facilities and community groups across the country to reduce waste and help combat hunger.
— Melissa Berman
Courtesy Gerard Petrocelli
The Woodmere Middle School music program earned top honors at the New York State School Music Association.
Brandon McFadden
OBITUARY
Annunziata Borriello dies at 99
By Louisa Borriello
Special to the Herald
Annunziata Borriello passed away peacefully on June 20, 2026, just weeks before her 100th birthday. Born on August 8, 1926, in Torre del Greco, Italy, she lived a remarkable life defined by love, strength, sacrifice, and devotion to her family.
Together with her beloved husband, Gennaro, Annunziata built a life centered on family. After welcoming their first four children in Italy, she embarked on the journey to America while expecting her fifth child, beginning a new chapter that would become the foundation of a large and loving family. Through hard work, determination, and unwavering commitment, she and Gennaro raised eleven children and created a home filled with warmth, tradition, and love.
Annunziata was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and greatgrandmother. She took immense pride in her family, and nothing brought her greater joy than the accomplishments and happiness of her children. Her daughters were her closest friends, her sons were her pride and joy, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a constant source of happiness.
Known for her impeccable home, Annunziata was an extraordinary homemaker and an unforgettable cook. No one kept a cleaner house, prepared a better meal, or made guests feel more welcome. Her kitchen was the heart of the family, where countless memories were made around her table.
A proper and elegant lady, Annunziata carried herself with grace while possessing a strength that inspired everyone who knew her. Tough as nails and strong in both spirit and body, she remained resilient throughout her life and retained that strength until her final days.
Her love extended far beyond her own children. To many in the Inwood community, she was like a second mother. Friends of her children were always welcomed into her home, fed at her table, and treated as family. Her kindness, generosity, and caring nature left a lasting impression on generations of people whose lives she touched.
Annunziata’s legacy lives on through the family she cherished above all else. Her strength, values, traditions, and unconditional love will continue to guide her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.
She will be deeply missed and forever loved.
She is lovingly remembered by her children: Natale Borriello and his late wife Andrea; Carmela Mazzitelli and her late husband James and daughter Christina; Salvatore and Susan Borri-
Courtesy Gary Sebel
Longtime Inwood resident Annunziata Borriello died at 99-years old on June 20 weeks before her 100th birthday on August 8.
ello; Raffaele Borriello and Suzanne Casden; Louisa Borriello; Maria Borriello and Dominick Curra; Mario Borriello; Nancy Borriello; Gennaro and Roseann Borriello; Lisa and Gerardo Marino; and Angela and Gary Sebel.
She was the proud grandmother of Rosalie Borriello; Natale Borriello Jr.; Michael Borriello; James Jr. and Michele Mazzitelli, and their children
Stella, James, and Nola; Kim and John Rugolsky, and their children
Ronan and Nina; Joseph and Arzu Mazzitelli, and their children Ayla, Demi, and Mina; Salvatore Jr. and Lindsey Borriello; Erica and Jared Sternberg, and their children Avery, Quinn, and Delaney; Giulia Borriello and Krystal Diaz; Jared Borriello and Erena Antonakis, and their children
Sofia and Raffaele; Bradley and Rachel Borriello, and their children
Greyson and Elouise; Genna Borriello and Jonathan Suarez, and their son Christian Mora; Chloe Borriello; Mario Jr. and Bethany Borriello, and their daughter Eliza; Ryder Borriello; Christina Marino and her fiancé
Andrea Bostina; Nicholas Marino; Bayla Sebel; and Jolie Sebel.
Long Island tops NYC in All-Star Classic
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
New York City just complete its best possession of the 2nd Annual National Football Foundation’s All-Star Football Classic, driving 60 yards on 11 plays following a takeaway to cut Long Island’s lead to four points with 4:51 remaining in the third quarter.
However, it didn’t take long for momentum to swing back in favor of Long Island.
Thirteen seconds, to be exact.
Mount Sinai’s Dontae Spadaro took the ensuing kickoff in stride and blazed down the sideline 73 yards for a touchdown to extend Long Island’s advantage to two scores and it held on for a 21-13 victory before a crowd of 1,500 at Hofstra University’s Shuart Stadium June 17.
“It meant a lot to me to score that touchdown and help our team win,” Spadaro said. “It’s pretty emotional.”
Long Island won last year’s inaugural All-Star Classic, 33-15, as the senior showcase game made its return for the first time since the Boomer Esiasion Foundation’s Empire Challenge completed a fantastic 24-year run in 2019.
The new version, with a special touch featuring some of college football’s most renowned rivalries (Long Island wore Notre Dame uniforms; New York City wore USC), also honors Esiason, a former East Islip High School and NFL star quarterback, with the game’s MVP trophy named in his honor.
East Islip’s Jovan Bonilla was named MVP. He had a tremendous night leading a Long Island defense that allowed only one touchdown —Eagle Academy quarterback Aaron Smith’s 20-yard run up the middle that brought NYC within 14-10 before Spadaro’s special teams heroics. Bonilla batted down a pass on the opening play of the second quarter to hold NYC to a field goal and racked up 8 tackles.
“It was a great experience,” Bonilla said. “Our defense was relentless the whole game. The energy was high and I’m just grateful for the opportunity.”
Long Island’s first scoring drive answered the first of two Jake Borrowes (Monsignor Farrell) field goals. Quarterback Simmon Blisset (Northport) directed a 10-play, 57-yard drive capped by his 6-yard touchdown pass on a backfield screen to Huntington’s Yasir Jones. It was 7-3 after kicker Justin Jones’ (Chaminade) first of three successful extra points.
Carle Place’s Ryan Leary kept the drive alive, hauling down a 16-yard pass from Blisset on fourth-and-8 from Long Island’s 45. Jones added a 22-yard reception.
“There was so much talent on the field,” said Leary, who had three recep-
William Floyd’s Ja’Quan Thomas, right, had a 23-yard
tions for 43 yards. “One thing that struck me was the size of the linemen. It was a lot of fun and great to be targeted.”
Long Island led 14-3 at halftime following an impressive 89-yard touchdown drive that culminated with a 23-yard scoring strike from Miller Place quarterback Shane Kiernan to William Floyd running back Ja’Quan Thomas.
It was back to a one-possession game with 6:18 remaining in the fourth quarter after Borrowes nailed a 24-yard field goal. New York City got the ball back with 3:22 left, but East Islip’s PJ Gannon’s interception sealed the outcome.
“The kids were class acts for weeks, became a team and really showed up and played for each other,” said longtime Wantagh coach Keith Sachs, who along with Garden City’s Dave Ettinger, Roosevelt’s Joe Vito, Massapequa’s Kevin Shippos, St. Anthony’s Joe Minucci, Ward Melville’s Chris Boltrek, Cold Spring Harbor’s John Mendreski, Bayport’s Mike Zafonte, East Islip’s Sal Ciampi, Smithtown West’s Craig Perrino, West Islip’s Steve Fasciani was part of a Long Island staff led by Sayville’s Rob Hoss.
Derrick Dingle/Herald photos
touchdown reception in Long Island’s 21-13 victory.
Carle Place’s Ryan Leary, right, had three receptions for 43 yards.
Learn more about how we’re helping communities thrive. psegliny.com/revitalization These two moms opened a spa. It had one big, on
Mery and Sindy always knew they wanted to open a spa to bring beauty to customers. Little did they know it would have the same effect on the community. And Business First was there. We provided $23,000 in grants to help with much-needed renovations so Mery and Sindy could bring their vision to life.* Now, not only does their spa impact clients in a beautiful way, it gives the community an economic lift as well.
*Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.
Mery Seminario and Sindy Catalan, ISSI Beauty Spa, Port Washington
Knicks parade draws huge, celebratory crowd
By NOAH PERETZ nperetz@liherald.com
New York City held a ticker-tape parade celebrating the Knicks’ NBA championship win over the San Antonio Spurs last week — the Knicks’ first title since their 1973 win over the Los Angeles Lakers.
Lower Manhattan was packed on June 18, with paradegoers clamoring for space along the route up Broadway from Battery Park to City Hall. Each Knicks player had his own float, atop which he and a group of team staff celebrated.
Star center Karl-Anthony Towns had a special guest on his float: Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who gave a speech congratulating the team at a ceremony at City Hall after the parade, where the team was presented with keys to the city.
Mamdani told the crowd that the oddsmakers had given the Spurs a 99.6 percent chance of winning Game 4 of the championship series. “A 99.6 percent chance of tying up the series 2-2 …,” the mayor said. “But there is one thing that the pundits don’t get about this city: It is in that .4 percent that we go to work.
“It’s in that .4 percent that the Knicks do what New Yorkers have always done when we are told that something is impossible,” Mamdani added. “We find a way. We win.”
Actor Timothée Chalamet, film director and Knicks superfan Spike Lee, and rapper Fat Joe were also on floats with the Knicks players.
According to city officials, the parade attracted a crowd of over 2 million, but when the estimates of the number who didn’t make it into the viewing area are included, the approximate totals were much larger. Among those in both categories were a number of Long Islanders, who took the LIRR into the city to support the team’s historic win.
Brothers Bryan and Christian Rosado, of Long Beach, made it into Manhat-
tan by 6 a.m., but that wasn’t early enough for them to get a good view of the parade. But they said they appreciated the experience nonetheless.
“I’d love to say we stayed to watch the whole thing, but we really weren’t going to see much,” Bryan Rosado said. “It might have felt like hell on earth, but it was worth celebrating the Garden becoming Eden again.”
“The parade was an unorganized mess — it was so chaotic,” his brother said. “I still think being with so many other New Yorkers, laughing, chanting and celebrating, made it worth it.” The unity Christian described spread through the streets, and many Knicks fans were wearing Yankees and Mets caps as well.
Jacquelle Lainez, of Freeport, managed to get a better view than the Rosados. Her plans were also altered by how early paradegoers began gathering in
Lower Manhattan. “My friend I was supposed to go with said her phone fell off her nightstand, lost power and died before her alarm could go off,” Lainez said. “I waited for her from 4 to 5:30 a.m., but after that I just went. It’s her loss.”
The unity was palpable on Church Street, parallel to the parade route. Fans who couldn’t get a view of the parade flooded the street, climbing on sanitation trucks, crowding subway entrances and climbing lampposts. Chants of “Knicks in 5!” “Let’s go Knicks!” and “Jalen Brunson” rang out regularly.
Even after the parade, Lower Manhattan was still full of Knicks fans buying shirts from street vendors, getting much-needed drinks at delis, and congratulating one another as if all were members of the team. New Yorkers’ connection to the Knicks was clearly as strong as it has been in decades.
Guard Josh Hart, who, like each of the players, had a float of his own, looked comfortably well-equipped.
J Goy/Herald photos
Some of the estimated 2 million people — not counting the crowded side streets — who attended the Knicks’ championship parade in Lower Manhattan on June 18.
Knicks Captain Jalen Brunson in the foreground as the confetti fell.
Actor and Knicks superfan Timothée Chalamet joined in the championship parade festivities.
Town officials warn water rate hikes impact
ing utility costs, and now Liberty Utilities wants to pile on even more,” Councilwoman Laura Ryder said. “The proposed rate hikes are excessive and tonedeaf to the financial realities facing our residents. I fully support Supervisor Ferretti’s efforts to fight this proposal and ensure that ratepayers are not treated like an endless source of revenue.”
WFerretti said he supports investments in water infrastructure and quality improvements but questioned the size of the proposed increases.
“No one disputes the need for infrastructure improvements and water quality investments,” he said. “However, residents deserve transparency, accountability and respect for the ratepayers who are coping with increased costs and other threats to affordability.”
safe and reliable service while supporting infrastructure improvements and customer programs.
“We understand the importance of balancing system safety and reliability with customer affordability,” Deborah Franco, president of Liberty New York Water, said in a statement provided by regional communications manager Pamela Bellings. “Our proposed investments represent what is necessary to maintain and improve our system, and we remain committed to managing expenses responsibly while continuing to provide safe, reliable service.”
e understand the importance of balancing system safety and reliability with customer affordability.
Deborah Franco president, Liberty New York Water
The supervisor urged the Public Service Commission to reject the proposal, arguing that utilities should be mindful of affordability concerns as local governments seek to control taxes and spending.
Liberty New York Water said the requested rates would help maintain
The utility said the proposed increase for an average residential customer using 8,000 gallons of water per month would be $27.77 in the Lynbrook system, $26.89 in the Sea Cliff system and $21.20 in the Merrick system.
Liberty said the rate request would support projects including iron-removal treatment, PFAS/PFOA treatment, lead service line replacement and water main replacements. The company also proposed expanding its arrearage management program and eliminating electronic payment transaction fees.
customer
associated with PFAS/PFOA settlement proceeds and property tax savings achieved through negotiations and tax appeal efforts.
public hearings and accept public comment before making a final decision.
The utility said the filing also reflects
benefits
The proposed rate increases remain subject to review and approval by the Public Service Commission, which will hold
Courtesy Town of Hempstead
Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti speaks outside Liberty headquarters, calling on the State Public Service Commission to reject the proposed increases.
HERALD neighbors
YINW’s 37th annual dinner honors members
More than a half-dozen members of the North Woodmere community were honored at the 37th annual Young Israel of North Woodmere dinner on June 10.
The synagogue is recognizing congregants who have found a home in the community and whose involvement has shaped the congregation over the years.
“Our honorees were chosen because they are shining examples of the very best our community has to offer — devotion, leadership, generosity and a deep commitment to the life of our shul,” its president, Daniel Torczyner, said in a statement to the Herald.
— Melissa Berman
Juan Alzamora/Herald photos
Assemblyman Ari Brown, left, Irving J Kaminetskey, honoree, Rabbi Zalman Wolowik of the Chabad of the Five Towns and Jackie Handel at Young Isreal of North Woodmere’s 37th annual dinner.
Kenny Feldhammer and his wife Shani Feldhammer helped organize shul kiddushes and fundraiser efforts, including a fantasy football league.
Rabbi Zalman Wolowik of the Chabad of the Five Towns came to support the honorees at the annual dinner.
Rabbi Dr Yehuda and Lisa Septimus were one of the honored couples, on June 10.
Jaime Ackerman and Bea Ackerman were honored for their contributions to the temple with Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, right.
And the Experts Agree
At Mount Sinai South Nassau, patient safety isn’t just a priority— it’s a standard, one we work on every day. And the experts agree.
We’ve earned national recognition for patient safety, including an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group and the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award.
That means better outcomes for our patients with lower risk of infections or hospital acquired conditions.
When it comes to your health, nothing matters more than knowing you’re in a place where patient safety matters most.
Learn more at mountsinai.org/southnassau
neighbors
Kulanu Academy’s annual fair in Cedarhurst
Though postponed one week due to bad weather on the original date of June 7, the annual Kulanu Fair in Andrew J. Parise Cedarhurst Park was a funfilled day as the sun shined after another cloudy morning on June 14.
There were bounce houses, carnival booths, a carousel, face painting, food, games, a giant slide, hair braiding, raffles, and rides, including a roller coaster, and prizes.
Kulanu Academy, in Cedarhurst, offers a variety of educational, clinical and vocational programs for students aged 11 to 21 with special needs. The educational curriculum includes life skills, communication and Common Core Regents-based instruction.
— Melissa Berman
Alice Moreno/Herald photos
Children enjoyed bouncing on various bounce houses provided by Kulanu Academy at their annual fair.
Fair attendees could get their hair braided at Kulanu Fair. Guests could ride the carousel as part of the Kulanu Fair rides.
Little kids paddled along the kiddie float at Andrew J. Parise Park in Cedarhurst.
Guests could fly high at one of the many rides provided on June 14.
Primary Care and Pediatric Services
EHS Primary Care and Pediatrics Teams
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• New patients welcome
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• Convenient access with locations in Far Rockaway and Rockaway Beach
• Comprehensive care for adults, children, and families
• Coordinated specialty referrals
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Our Programs
• Preventive Care and Annual Checkups
• Pediatric Care
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• Chronic Disease, Diabetes and Blood Pressure Monitoring and Management
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The Walsh Ambulatory Pavilion, 19-20 Brookhaven Avenue, Far Rockaway, NY 11691
EHS Primary Care at Rockaway Beach, 105-38 Rockaway Beach Blvd, 2nd Floor, Rockaway Park, NY 11694
EHS Pediatrics, 495 Beach 20th Street, Far Rockaway, NY 11691 Call 718-EHS-DOCS (347-3627) or visit ehs.org/primarycare to schedule an appointment �����������������������������
Propel NY project continues permit process
By JULIA CAPITELLI jcapitelli@liherald.com
The Propel NY Energy project, the installation of nearly 90 miles of underground transmission lines across a number of counties in New York state, is continuing the process of securing permits from the state. Representatives of New York Power Authority and NY Transco, the partners on the project, have provided an update on its progress and outlined the next steps.
Developers are required to secure a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need from the state Public Service Commission. Propel has not yet received that certificate, but Transco Project Director Steve Hatchard said the team is aiming to receive it by summer’s end.
Construction on the $3.2 billion project is slated to begin later this year and expected to last four years, with completion anticipated in May 2030. Crews are expected to progress 50 to 150 feet per day. The new transmission lines would augment existing lines. In 2023, the New York State Independent System Operator chose the project as a solution to problems like increased demand on the state’s power grid and its vulnerability in severe weather.
A NYISO report from June 9 highlighted the challenges of aging infrastructure. “This report made it clear
that modernizing and expanding our transmission network is essential for long-term reliability,” Tia Santoro, NYPA’s senior director of government and community affairs, said, “especially in the downstate region.”
New York has 11,000 miles of transmission lines, including 241 miles of underground 345-kilovolt lines similar to those proposed for the Propel project.
The new transmission lines would not be built to carry energy generated by any one source. The energy that flows on the lines would be determined by NYISO.
A joint proposal — an agreement among Propel, state agencies and other parties that determines site, environmental impact and construction requirements to which the project must adhere — was filed with the Public Service Commission in April. The next step is the creation of a series of Environmental Management and Construction Plans, which must demonstrate compliance with the parameters established in the joint proposal. They will be opened for public comment before they are reviewed by the PSC. Hatchard said that if there is feedback that needs to be incorporated into the plans, they will be amended and a new public comment period will open.
Other components of the plans include descriptions of construction methods, emergency response proce -
dures and the responsibilities of contractors, inspectors and environmental monitors.
“The purpose of the environmental monitors,” Hatchard explained, “is to be a third-party set of eyes out there that is ultimately responsibility to the regulators from an environmental compliance perspective.”
There are five proposed phases of Environment Management and Construction Plans, each dealing with a different aspect or location of the project. Pre-filings have already been submitted for the first two phases.
“We have started to receive some
The Propel NY Energy project will span several downstate counties.
comments back on the E.M. and C.P. Phase One,” Hatchard said, “and we are looking forward to the comments back for Phase Two as well.”
The plans are scheduled to be filed for public comment this summer, and Hatchard said the team is planning for approvals to begin in the fall. Construction is slated to start late this year on part of the project in New Rochelle, in Westchester County, followed by work in the Town of Oyster Bay.
Hatchard said that during construction, residents can receive information through the mail, text messages and updates from the Propel NY Energy app.
Compiled by Herald Staff
Verna Smith, Hewlett, age 7
To take our boat to the city with our dogs.
Tim Baker/Herald
Pia Tallarico, Rockville Centre, age 9
I want to go to sleep-away camp for the first time and I love to volunteer to help kids with special needs if I can.
Tim Baker/Herald
Dylan Shuman, Glen Cove, age 11
Going to my hockey camps, swimming in the pool, going to the beach and spending time with friends and family. Courtesy Eric Shuman
Emree Tucker, Freeport, age 6
I
Tim Baker/Herald
Joe Reilly, Massapequa, age 3
To go in the pool.
Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald
STEPPING OUT
A 300-drone light show serves as the day’s finale. The displays are inspired by aviation, space exploration and extraterrestrial lore.
Visitors learn how E.T. travels by creating a comet and launching film-canister rockets powered by dry ice and Alka-Seltzer while exploring the science of propulsion and space travel.
Investigating the ‘unknown’ At the Cradle of Aviation UFO curiosity meets science
By Stacy Driks
Some questions have a way of capturing the imagination no matter how much time passes. Are we alone in the universe? What lies beyond our understanding of the cosmos? For those drawn to such mysteries, the Cradle of Aviation Museum offers an opportunity to explore the unknown through presentations, discussions and stories that examine some of the most intriguing phenomena ever reported.
The museum hosts “UFOlogy: Close Encounters at the Cradle,” on Saturday, a daylong event featuring investigators, astronomers, interactive exhibits and a 300-drone light show. Visitors can examine reports of unidentified aerial phenomena while exploring the curiosity, science and speculation that have fueled interest in the subject for decades.
“We thought it was a good opportunity because there’s been so much in the news and media over the past few years,” says Jen Baxmeyer, the Cradle of Aviation’s executive director. “Everyone’s been talking about it. We said, ‘Let’s use this as an opportunity to talk about some of the science and technology occurring out there and even some of the fun science that goes into investigating these things.’”
Throughout the day, everyone can explore demonstrations involving drones, astronomy and investigative technology. Activities range from comicbook creation and face painting to an alien autopsy — an alien-themed version of the classic game Operation.
Many of the elements Baxmeyer noted, are designed to disguise STEM lessons inside entertaining experiences.
“They’re not going to realize that they’re actually learning science,” she says.
One station demonstrates the physics of buoyancy and air pressure through a hovering UFO-inspired craft, while others allow visitors to experiment with drones and discover how modern aerospace technology works.
The Allmost Brothers
Keep your summer of music rolling along with a killer evening of jams with the Allmost Brothers Band at the iconic Lakeside Theatre at Eisenhower Park. They’re part of a double bill with Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band Sons of Skynard. The Almost Brothers headlines at 8:30 p.m. with their rocking vibe. The popular progressive tribute act honors the tradition of the legendary Allman Brothers Band. Working within the framework of ABB’s incredible and vast songbook, The Allmost Brothers inject something new, fresh and exciting into the material. In a matter of words: high level musicianship, authentic improvisational interplay, dedication to the high octane performance, and power that established the original ABB back in 1969, and sustained their 45-year career. Bandmates Sean McGrath and and Dave Filloramo on lead guitars, Joe Wasserman on vocals and keys, Dave Losee and Dan Roth on drums, and Tom Hooker on bass truly consider themselves a band of brothers. They thrives on chemistry and improvisation, bringing a unique fire to the song book of the ABB during every performance.
The event also has a distinctly Long Island flavor. Organizers intentionally selected local experts to participate.
Featured speakers include UFO investigator Ben Hansen, who discusses how researchers draw on fields such as physics, meteorology and mathematics to analyze sightings and videos, including cases from New York City and Connecticut.
Long Island-based researchers the Tedesco Brothers showcase the cameras, sensors and field equipment they use to document and study unusual aerial observations, offering visitors a firsthand look at the technology behind modern UFO investigations.
• Saturday, June 27, noon9:30 p.m.
• Tickets are $25, $20 children, $75 for family four-pack, also $40 for Spaceballs/ UFOlogy combo; available at cradleofaviation.org
• Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City
“We’re trying to keep it Long Island,” Baxmeyer says. “Most of our organizations are local, and they’ll be talking about incidents that are very specific to Long Island.”
Among those participating are members of the Amateur Observers’ Society, who will set up solar and nighttime telescopes for public viewing. Visitors have an opportunity to learn more about astronomy while observing celestial objects through equipment operated by local enthusiasts.
As daylight fades, attention will shift outdoors for one of the day’s most anticipated attractions: a 300-drone light show produced by Grizzly Entertainment, the company behind the recent aerial display at Jones Beach on Memorial Day.
The synchronized drones create a series of aviation, aerospace and space-themed images in the night sky, with a few extraterrestrial surprises mixed in.
“We’re going to have some fun, exciting stuff,” Baxmeyer says. “We’ll have a DJ, we’re going to have our own E.T. doing kind of a kickoff dance party.
“A lot of people in the sciences shy away from talking about these types of topics. But people are interested in them. They’re talking about them on social media. Why not have the conversation here and give everyone the opportunity to learn about the science too?”
Visitors will also enjoy watching — or re-watching — “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial,” participate in themed activities and meet costumed characters inspired by popular science-fiction franchises and other extraterrestrial characters.
The museum also welcomes everyone to a pre-show on Friday, when visitors can screen“Spaceballs,” the 1987 sci-fi parody.
While UFOlogy makes its debut this year, museum officials are already looking ahead. A strong turnout could pave the way for the event to become an annual fixture on the museum’s calendar, much like the widely attended Cradle-Con convention.
”We’ll probably give it a few years to catch on,” Baxmeyer adds. “If people enjoy it and it grows, we’d love to keep doing it.”
For now, she — and her team — are betting that a mix of curiosity, discovery and a little extraterrestrial fun is enough to bring everyone together for a day that is, quite literally, out of this world.
Friday, June, 26, 7 p.m. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. Contact nassaucountyny. gov for more.
Hop aboard that “Midnight Train to Georgia” when the legendary soul chanteuse returns Westbury Music Fair. Gladys Knight is without a doubt one of the most influential, beloved, and important living singers on the planet. And while the Empress of Soul may have been in the business for more than 60 years now, that hasn’t stopped her from continuing to rock that beat as only she can do. The great ones endure, and Knight has long been one of the greatest.
The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s fierce vocal power, elegant precision, and heartfelt performances have cemented her as one of music’s unquestionable icons. For sure, very few singers over these many years have matched her unassailable artistry. If you’re a fan of her classic Motown-style R&B, then you’ll surely want to see her perform — on more time.You know all her hits, now hear her bring them to life once again in her inimitable style.
Saturday, June 27, 7:30 p.m. Tickets available at livenation.com. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Rd., Westbury.
Gladys Knight
Photos Courtesy Cradle of Aviation Museum Extraterrestrial characters are part of the experience. Cosplayers will enchant visitors with a UFO dance party before the 300 drone light show.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
Midsummer Nights
Old Westbury Gardens welcomes all to picnic, stroll and relax on the longest nights of the year. The Gardens will be illuminated with lanterns and decorated with wreaths and floral arrangements. Bring a picnic dinner or purchase food and beverages on site from Café in the Woods. $25 general admission, $12 children 7-17.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: Gates open at 6 p.m., also June 27-28
• Contact: oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048
JUN
27
Freestyle Meets Salsa
Get in the groove at Eisenhower Park with Brenda K. Starr, Tito Puente JR., TKA/ K7, Joey Cruz, La Sonora 495 and Forever Freestyle Band.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 572-0200
JUL 14
Stewart Copeland’s ‘Have I Said Too Much’
guest artist Cynthia Seibold. The celebration also features birthday cake, an America 250 photo spot, a DJ-led dance party, hands-on building activities, rides on the historic Nunley’s Carousel, and exciting Eagle Ball Drop countdowns at noon and 3 p.m. hosted by the museum’s Puppet Eagle. Join in this milestone celebration of America’s past, present, and future through hands-on fun and shared community spirit. Free with admission.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Summertime tunes
TOH summer concert series arrives at Rock Hall Museum with From Cabaret to Chicago. The nonstop hit parade includes unforgettable gems seamlessly woven into a harmonious up-tempo evening of musical theater, presented by Plaza Theatrical Productions.
• Where: 199 Broadway, Lawrence.
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com Point Lookout Independence Day Fireworks/Concert
Hempstead Town celebrates our nation’s 250th Birthday with its annual Concert and Fireworks spectacular. Residents should anticipate travel delays — Loop Parkway and Lido Boulevard are typically closed in all directions by 9 p.m. and will remain closed until the conclusion of the Fireworks, around 10:30 p.m. There will be no vehicular access to enter or exit Point Lookout during this time. In the event of inclement weather, rain date is June 28.
• Where: Point Lookout Town Park, Point Lookout
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 292-5000 ext. 4304
JUN
28
‘Yeoman of the Guard’
The Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company stages “Yeoman of the Guard.” The romantic tale unfolds in the Tower of London during the reign of Henry VIII, blending romance, humor and drama. The story follows Colonel Fairfax, unjustly condemned, who escapes execution moments after secretly marrying Elsie Maynard, leaving her torn between love and loyalty as danger closes in. Long a favorite of the Gilbert & Sullivan repertoire, The Yeomen of the Guard features some of W.S. Gilbert’s most beautiful lyrics,
Stewart Copeland, world-famous drummer, founder of the most successful rock band of the 1980s, The Police, heads out on his first American spoken-word tour: “Have I Said Too Much - The Police, Hollywood, and other adventures.” The accomplished frontman, also a composer of film scores, video games and operas — in addition to his accolades as multi-Grammy winner and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, writer and film maker — is ready to talk about it all in his usual funny, intelligent, sharp, and unique way. He became an all-time great after recruiting Sting and Andy Summers into his band in 1977. They enjoyed four consecutive number one studio albums, winning Grammy and BRIT Awards, and selling a cool 75 million records. Enjoying number-one hits with “Message In A Bottle,” “Don’t Stand So Close To Me” and the multi-platinum “Every Breath You Take.” Copeland has spent the subsequent near-four decades at the forefront of contemporary music, as a rock star and acclaimed film composer, and across the worlds of opera, ballet, chamber and world music. There were two books that dealt with his remarkable life, which are all part of this evening of conversation, with photos, videos and a Q&A.
paired with Arthur Sullivan’s sweeping, romantic music. Its songs include the yearning “I Have a Song to Sing, O,” the bouncy patter song “A Private Buffoon Is a Light-Hearted Loon,” the ravishingly beautiful quartet “Strange Adventure,” the lyrical “Is Life a Boon?” and the comical “Hereupon We’re Both Agreed.”
• Where: Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: 3 p.m.
• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444
Rock on with reggae
Reggae is the vibe at Eisenhower Park. The concert series continues with Inner Circle, Wayne Wonder and IRIEspect.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 572-0200
Greater Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District meets Greater Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District Board of Commissioners JUN 30
hold their next meeting. All are welcome to obtain monthly updates, express issues/ grievances and learn about what is going.
• Where: 2150 Bay Boulevard, Atlantic Beach
• Time: 5 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 239-6777
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
• Time: Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
• Contact: Call: Rich, (516) 521-4779, or Dennis, (516) 680-8036, or visit longislandharmonizers.org
JULY
Nature Connects
1
Old Westbury Gardens welcomes families to spend an afternoon exploring, building and creating together! Seasonal Sprouts offers is a LEGO-themed adventure for young explorers. Children (ages 4–10) embark on a guided outdoor tour of Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects made with LEGO bricks. Everyone discovers the wonders of nature in a fun and hands-on way. After the tour, kids can unleash their creativity in a LEGO free-play area. $22 per adult, $20 ages 62+, $12 child. Registration required.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 11 a.m.-noon and 2-3 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
250 Birthday Ball Spectacular
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes all to celebrate the nation’s 250th with a day of family-friendly fun, creativity, and patriotic spirit. Kids can design festive birthday hats;create red, white, and blue jewelry; make a colonialera ball-and-cup game; and enjoy special activities with
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 292-9000 ext. 7255
JULY
2
Celebrate America Eisenhower Park welcomes all to the annual patriotic show. Glenn Strange, Chicken Head and Let Freedom Rock perform, followed by drone show and fireworks.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 5:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 572-02001
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.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR RASC 2006KS9 Plaintiff, Against MICHELLE WILLIAMS A/K/A MICHELLE D. WILLIAMS, et al Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 11/14/2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 7/9/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 37 Cedar Road, Inwood, New York 11096, and described as follows:
ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Inwood, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York. Section 40 Block 144 Lot 350
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $524,686.09 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 606755/2022 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Anthony C. Curcio, Esq., Referee.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 5/11/2026 File Number: 20-303082 CA 160581
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU, WHOISCAMERA, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. DAVID
DIXON A/K/A DAVID A. DIXON, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on September 30, 2025, I,
the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 13, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 435 Franklin Avenue, Hewlett, NY 11557. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 39, Block 536 and Lot 84. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #610165/2023.
Keith Lavallee, Esq., Referee Berkman, Henoch, Peterson, & Peddy, P.C., 400 Garden City Plaza, Suite 320, Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff 160674
LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matter: Agency: Board of Appeals Village of Hewlett Neck Date: June 30, 2026 Time: 6:00 p.m. Place: Village Hall, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York
Subject: Application of Daniel & Jennifer Gober, 122 Hewlett Neck Road, Hewlett Neck, New York, to construct an open front porch with patio underneath, which requires a variance of the following village code: (a) 195-20(A)(3), to permit a lot coverage of 22% or 4,632 square feet, where 15% or 3,000 square feet is the maximum permitted lot coverage. Premises are also known as Section 41, Block 19, Lot 636. At the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matters. This application is a Type II Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act.
Any person having a disability which would inhibit attendance or participation in the hearing should notify the Village Clerk at least three business days prior to the hearing, so that
reasonable efforts may be made to facilitate such attendance and participation. All relevant documents may be inspected at the office of the Village Clerk, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York, during regular business hours.
Dated: June 10, 2026 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Michelle Blandino, Village Clerk 160893
LEGAL NOTICE TO THE TAXPAYERS OF THE WOODMERE FIRE DISTRICT:
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the WOODMERE FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the 18th day of June, 2026, subject to permissive referendum as provided for by the General Municipal Law. An extract of the resolution is as follows: THE WOODMERE FIRE DISTRICT SHALL PURCHASE A NEW PICKUP TRUCK AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT AT A COST, INCLUDING COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH TRANSACTION NOT TO EXCEED THIRTY THREE THOUSAND ($33,000.00) DOLLARS WITH FUNDS FROM THE FIREMATIC EQUIPMENT AND APPARATUS CAPITAL RESERVE FUND.
This resolution shall not take effect until thirty (30) days, unless in the meanwhile a permissive referendum as provided by the General Municipal Law is required to be held. Dated: June 18, 2026 BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS WOODMERE FIRE DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD ATTEST: DAVID HALLER Secretary 160894
LEGAL NOTICE RESOLUTION WOODMERE FIRE DISTRICT
PURCHASE OF A NEW PICKUP TRUCK AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT WHEREAS, the WOODMERE FIRE DISTRICT has by appropriate resolution established a certain capital reserve fund designated as the
Capital Reserve Fund, established pursuant to Section 6(g) of the General Municipal Law, in an account for deposit of said Capital Reserve Fund entitled, “The Woodmere Fire District, Section 6(g) General Municipal Firematic Equipment and Apparatus Fund” in local banks; and WHEREAS, the purchase of a New Pickup Truck and Associated Equipment is deemed necessary to meet the emergency services needs of the residents of the WOODMERE FIRE DISTRICT; and WHEREAS, the maximum cost to obtain such New Pickup Truck and Associated Equipment (labor, materials, and delivery), including incidental expenses, advertising, consulting fees and attorney’s fees is estimated to be THIRTY THREE THOUSAND ($33,000.00) DOLLARS. IT IS RESOLVED that pursuant to the laws and regulations applicable and in particular to Section 6(g) of the General Municipal Law, that the purchase of such New Pickup Truck and Associated Equipment be completed and that the cost and expenses for such purchase, advertising, incidental expenses, consulting fees and attorney’s fees shall be expended from the Firematic Equipment and Apparatus Capital Reserve Fund upon authorization of the Board of Fire Commissioners, at the maximum estimated cost of THIRTY THREE THOUSAND ($33,000.00) DOLLARS; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution is subject to a permissive referendum as provided for in Section 6(g) of the General Municipal Law.
The adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly put to a vote and upon roll call the vote was as follows:
Chairman David Stern ) YES
Commissioner Melanie Kail ) YES
Commissioner Israel Max ) YES
Commissioner Darren Moritz ) ABSENT
Commissioner Joel Plaut ) YES The resolution was thereupon duly adopted.
Dated: Woodmere,
New York June 18, 2026
160895
LEGAL NOTICE Request for Bids
A nonprofit facility in Nassau County is seeking bids for installation of security related enhancements. Project includes: Shatter resistant glass, Impact resistant doors, exterior lighting, bollards, surveillance equipment and systems, fencing, alarm/access controls, cybersecurity, backup power, guards, M&A and communications. Selection will be based on prior experience, references, cost and criteria. Specifications can be obtained via bids@yaazoru.org, referencing “RFPYTCSS”. Bids will be accepted until 7/4/2026.
160827
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS SEALED BIDS will be received by the Board of Commissioners of the Greater Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District at 2150 Bay Boulevard, Atlantic Beach, New York 1 1509 on or before July 16th 2026 at 10:00 A.M. and, to the extent the Board so determines, the Contract awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for: GREATER ATLANTIC BEACH WATER RECLAMATION DISTRICT DIGESTER REPAIRS
The Contract, Plans, Specifications and Bid Documents can be accessed and downloaded from IMEG’s Share Point Link on or after June 8th, 2026. Each Bid must be accompanied by a Bid Bond payable to the Greater Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District in the amount of five percent (5%) of the gross amount of the Bid as security for Bidder obligation, if its Bid is accepted, to enter into and perform the Contract work, and execute such further security as may be required for faithful performance of the Contract. All sureties used for obtaining bonds must appear as acceptable on the U.S. Department of Treasury
Circular 570. All proposals must be upon forms furnished by the District. Any other will be rejected. No later than forty-five (45) days after the bid opening, the Greater Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District, shall accept bids or reject all bids. After the bid opening, a bid may not be withdrawn prior to the date that is forty-five (45) days after such bid opening.
The Greater Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District reserves the right to reject any or all bids, and advertise for new bids, if in its opinion the best interest of the Greater Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District will hereby be promoted.
PROJECT COMPLETION
The completion date for this project is 365 calendar days after Bidder receives a notice to proceed with construction from the Municipality.
PROJECT SPECIFIC LIQUIDATED DAMAGES
Liquidated damages will be assessed for each day of delay of the contract in the amount of per day.
CONTRACT DOCUMENTS
“Contract Documents” has the meaning set forth in Article l . I of the General Conditions herein. Starting on the advertisement date, copies of the Contract Documents can be obtained in person or by mail from the Greater Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District at 2150 Bay Boulevard, Atlantic Beach, NY upon payment of $100.00 (per set on USB Drive) and shipping and handling as applicable. Make checks payable to Greater Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District.
DESIGNATED CONTACTS
The following agency staff has been designated as contacts for this contract: Keith Pearsall, District Superintendent Greater Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District 2150 Bay Blvd. Atlantic Beach, NY 1 1509 (516) 239-6777
BONDS
Please note that contacting any other agency staff regarding this contract may be a violation of state or municipal law, rule or regulation, resulting in a determination of contractor nonresponsibility.
the required work of this Contract.
The successful bidder will be required to furnish a Performance Bond and a Payment Bond in the statutory form of public bonds required by Section 137 of the State Finance Law, each for one hundred percent (100%) of the amount of the Contract.
REQUESTS FOR CLARIFICATION
Questions/requesLs for clarification may be directed in writing only to Mr. Jake Palmer, [MEG Corp., 177 Crossways Park Dr., Woodbury, NY, (5 1 6) 827-4900, email: Jake.E.Palmer@imegco rp.com. Any reply to such an inquiry, including the initial questions, will be communicated by Addendum to all bidders who have obtained the Contract Documents.
A Pre-Bid Meeting and site visit is scheduled for 10:00 A.M. on June 17th 2026 at the office of the Greater Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District, 2150 Bay Blvd., Atlantic Beach, NY 1509.
No Bid will be considered from any person who is in arrears to the Greater Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District, or who is in default as surety or otherwise upon any obligation to the Greater Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District, nor shall a Bid be considered from any Contractor whose performance of any previous Contract with the Greater Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District has been unsatisfactory in the opinion of the Board of Commissioners. Such a Contractor whose performance has been unsatisfactory shall not be deemed a responsible Bidder. The Greater Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District reserves the right to rej ect any and all Bids received, to waive informalities and to increase, decrease, or omit any portions of the Specifications. Subject to the foregoing, the Greater Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District wilt award the Contract to the lowest responsible Bidder qualified by past experience to satisfactorily perform
The successful Bidder shall be subject to a credit check by a recognized organization competent in this field, prior to award.
The successful Bidder will be required to furnish proof to the satisfaction of the Greater Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District of any acceptable financial statement, bank references, experience in performing work of the type above mentioned, and proven ability to begin promptly and to finish the same expeditiously and within the time limitations of the Contract.
The successful Bidder shall furnish a Performance Bond and a Labor and Materials Payment Bond at least NBO equal to the full amount of the Contract price as security for the faithful performance of all of the successful Bidder’s obligations under the Contract.
The successful Bidder must maintain worker compensation insurance within the stationary limits, automobile liability insurance, and General Liability Insurance Policy as described in Appendix C: “Supplementary Conditions for Contracts” with limits of $2,000,000 each occurrence and Property Damage limits of not less than $ 1,000,000 each occurrence, for the benefit of the successful Bidder, the Greater Atlantic Beach Water Reclamation District, its Board of Commissioners, New York State, New York State Housing Trust Fund Corporation and IMEG Corp., the District’s Consulting Engineers, each of which shall be named as additional insured. All Bids must be submitted on the prescribed forms as bound herein and returned intact with the complete Contract Documents. All blank spaces for Bid prices must be filled in, both in words and figures. Proposals that contain any omissions, erasures, alterations, additions or items not called for in the itemized proposal, or that contain irregularities of any kind, may constitute
Rooted in tradition, faith and united by family
passed down through generations.
“My father and my grandfather brought this tradition here from Italy,” Curra said. “We continue to raise money for the church and the community in general. The neighborhood has changed very much over the years, but we continue our Italian heritage and tradition and try to keep the church going and bring something special for families to enjoy.”
While the food, games and entertainment draw large crowds, Curra said the religious observance remains the centerpiece.
“My favorite part, truly, is the religious end of it — the Mass and the procession on Saturday,” he said. “The feast part is fun, but the main purpose is to celebrate Santa Marina. We still carry the statue of the saint through the streets of Inwood, and everyone walks together with a marching band. That’s my favorite part of the whole thing.”
The procession annually attracts hundreds of worshippers, many of whom return to Inwood from across Long Island and beyond.
Organizers estimate that nearly 1,000 people attend the Mass each year.
Behind the scenes, dozens of volunteers spend months preparing for the celebration. Among them is Michelle Geluso, the society’s corresponding secretary, who has dedicated nearly three decades to the organization.
Geluso first became involved as a teenager in the 1990s, directing a children’s choir that performed during the feast Mass.
“I always watched my mom, who was a singer and involved with the society,”
Tim Baker/Herald
Hundreds of residents celebrated the annual Santa Marina Feast in Inwood on July 11 and 12, 2024.
Geluso said. “When I was old enough to start helping, that responsibility made you feel important. It gave you a chance to contribute to something bigger than yourself.”
Over the years, her role evolved from choir director to communications coordinator, historian and social media administrator. For the society’s 100th anniversary, she compiled historical photographs and documents into a commemorative booklet.
“The photographs are a huge part of each year’s feast,” Geluso said. “People look back at loved ones who are no longer with us or remember milestones in their lives. You’ll see a photo and say, ‘That was my first Santa Marina Feast,’ or ‘That’s the first year I brought my boyfriend.’ These are marked moments in people’s histories.”
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sufficient cause for rejection of the Bid. In case of any discrepancy in the price or amount Bid for any item in the proposal, the price as expressed in words shall oovern. No oral requests for information, clarification or interpretation will be honored. All such requests should be submitted to the District’s Consulting Engineer in writing not less than five (5) business days prior to the last date for submission of Bids. All replies to such requests will be made in the form of an addendum and will be sent to each prospective Bidder who received initial copies of the Plans, Contract and Specifications. Bidders are cautioned not to submit proposals until after having inspected the site of
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By Order of the Board of Commissioners 160890
LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held as to the following matter: Agency: Board of Appeals
Village of Hewlett Neck
Date: June 30, 2026
Time: 6:00 p.m.
Place: Village Hall, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York
Subject: Application of Mark Podval & Yelena Glants, 165 Dolphin Drive, Hewlett Neck, New York, to construct a two-story addition and a secondstory addition, which requires a variance of the following village code: (a) 195-20(A)(3), to permit a lot coverage of 6,667 square feet, where 4,500 square feet is the maximum permitted lot coverage; (b) 195-20.2, to permit a surface coverage of 12,941 square feet, where the maximum permitted coverage is 9,204.75 square feet.
Premises are also known as Section 41, Block 105, Lot 7. At the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the
foregoing matters.
This application is a Type II Action under the State Environmental Quality Review Act.
Any person having a disability which would inhibit attendance or participation in the hearing should notify the Village Clerk at least three business days prior to the hearing, so that reasonable efforts may be made to facilitate such attendance and participation.
All relevant documents may be inspected at the office of the Village Clerk, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York, during regular business hours.
Dated: June 17, 2026
BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Michelle Blandino, Village Clerk 160892
Geluso said one of the most meaningful aspects of the feast is the role women play in preserving traditions and passing them to future generations.
Women begin meeting as early as January to organize raffles, merchandise sales, religious items and other details that help support the celebration. In years’ past, they also operated food booths and coordinated many of the feast’s day-to-day activities.
“We recently welcomed a new 16-year-old into our women’s society meetings, and that’s such a milestone,” Geluso added. “For the women, it’s about carrying on traditions and making sure the next generation stays connected.”
That next generation includes Marina Perna, 16, a fourth-generation Santa Marina Society member who officially
joined the organization this year.
“My whole family is involved,” Perna said. “It started with my great-grandfather, then my grandfather, my parents and now me.”
Perna, who will attend Kellenberg Memorial High School this fall, said joining the society is about much more than volunteering.
“Being part of this society is truly special,” she said. “When you’re in that church during the Mass, especially when the band comes in, it’s a feeling that is hard to describe. No matter what people are going through, it lifts them up.”
She now helps organize raffles and merchandise sales, including commemorative ornaments and rosary beads.
“We’re not all family by blood, but we truly feel like one big family,” Perna said. “We all come from the same roots, from the same town in Italy, and we work together all year to make this happen.”
As preparations continue, organizers hope the feast will once again serve as a bridge between generations, preserving traditions while welcoming newcomers.
“We’re looking forward to having the Mass in English again,” Geluso said. “It helps younger generations stay connected to the faith and understand what’s happening. As long as they understand the Mass and its meaning, they’ll continue carrying these traditions forward.”
For many families, that continuity is exactly what makes the Santa Marina Feast so enduring.
“It’s about faith, family and remembering where we came from,” Curra said. “That’s why we keep doing it.”
Green Acres awards $15,350 to local PTAs
Green Acres Mall awarded $15,350 to local Parent-Teacher Associations during its third annual School Cents Awards Presentation on June 6. Representatives from participating PTA organizations gathered at Green Acres to learn how much funding their schools earned through the School Cents program during the 2025-26 school year. A total of $15,350 was awarded based on points earned by supporters who shopped and dined at Green Acres throughout the school year. Lawrence Primary School placed seventh and received $750. Howell Road Elementary School finished eighth and received $500.
Angelina Zingariello/Herald
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What’s involved in a net-zero home?
Q. We’re looking for a home — first-time buyers — and are interested in something we can make into a net-zero residence. Is it possible, and what are the things we’ll need to consider? Net zero is our hope, but we know we may have to settle. Some things may be way out of our price range.
A. Net zero for a home means producing as much energy as it consumes, bringing a utility balance to no expense. It’s possible, and the first thing you should look for is the orientation of the building and the location relative to problems. For example, a home near saltwater won’t allow for a well pump that will save hundreds on irrigation, and the home would need to be higher off the ground to avoid flooding, leaving greater surface exposure to cold.
You want to find a home where the back faces south and, if there’s a garage, it’s at the northeast corner, to act as a wind block. A home whose back faces south brings more daylight to kitchens, dining and recreation rooms, which are used more during the day and oriented to the backyard. Trees make a difference, too, because they provide a wind block, to reduce the time you run the boiler in the winter, as well as shade, reducing the heat on the home in summer and reducing air conditioning demand.
Make sure the property has drainage away from the home, and that shrubs are kept slightly away from the exterior walls. Where there’s more moisture, there’s more need for running a dehumidifier, which erases utility cost savings. Thermal operable window shades are helpful, but remember to open the blinds for daylight. The more sun-lit the rooms are, the lower the electric bill for lighting. And the better the windows (newer and more energy-efficient), the less heat and cool will be lost.
Look at the attic to see if insulation is uniform and thick. If you really want to save energy and dramatically reduce costs, consider re-insulating with closed-cell foam. It’s costly to install, but will pay you back in two to three years and for the rest of the time you’re in the home. Open-cell foam is less costly but also less insulating. Foam insulation is also a great sound reducer if you’re looking near a busy roadway or airport. You can also generate power and reduce utility bills substantially with solar panels, but understand that the time period to pay back is several years, often seven to 10.
What’s great is that these upgrades pay for themselves. Not many products can do that. Installing new roofing before putting up solar panels is highly recommended and, if you manage another expensive upgrade, consider a standing seam metal roof. Less-sightly solar panels can be placed on the south (rear) roof, attached to the standing fins of each roof section, and there will be no roof penetration. Going net zero saves energy and money. Good luck!
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What it means to be a college graduate
At a time when some loud voices are questioning the value of college, I thought of my own experience.
In 11th grade, while other students were making college plans, I was uncertain of my future. Neither of my parents had gone to college. My mother died when I was 9 and my father, bankrupt from medical bills, was a single parent of two young children.
One day, my 10th-grade biology teacher, Joe Leone, stopped me in the hallway and asked, “Bobby, why haven’t you signed up for the SATs?” Why, indeed? No one had encouraged me. The guidance office, knowing my family’s circumstances, had urged me to apply to a non-selective Midwestern public university that didn’t require scores and was eager for students. With Mr. Leone’s encouragement, I took the SATs, earned a scholarship to Bucknell University, and the rest is history — a history whose critical hinge was a teacher who cared enough
to ask a question.
As a sophomore at Bucknell, I had doubts about why I was there and whether I could afford to stay, even while working 20 hours a week in the library and having saved money from summer jobs. Fortunately, my adviser, English Professor Mildred Martin, talked me into rethinking my decision to leave, and urged me to see the dean about additional scholarship aid. Together they helped me understand why I should stay, academically, and how I could stay, financially. I’ve been indebted to them ever since. Here I am, an educator who cares about students, like them.
Hing point and a foundation.
Research indicates that earning a college degree results in more career options, better health outcomes, lower rates of unemployment and greater citizen engagement. It is also reported to yield an average annual rate of return on investment of 9 to 10 percent more than a high school diploma.
igher education isn’t just about providing credentials for work.
My career path wasn’t a straight line, however. I went to college to be a minister, majored in English, got interested in advertising, joined Procter & Gamble, served in the Navy, returned to Bucknell in admissions rather than enter law school, attended an institute at Harvard and was recruited to be a junior dean at Cornell, where I earned my Ph.D. and taught sociology. Then I served in the top three posts in higher education, leading a state coordinating agency, a public college and a private university. Life can be like that. College is a start-
The goals of higher education aren’t limited to providing credentials for work. It helps students cultivate the judgment, creativity and character traits needed for success in a future no one can fully imagine. The intent is to prepare citizens with the judgment needed to advance a free society.
The purpose of any college education is to advance in knowledge, both expert in a major and general in electives and required courses; skills such as writing with coherence, grace and precision, and speaking with clarity and persuasiveness; abilities such as reasoning and leadership; and values such as regard for others and respect for diverse opinions.
College is, or should be, as much about character development and active citizenship as it is about preparation for
careers and advancement in commerce.
In recent years, about 2.5 million students have started their first year at one of the nearly 6,000 two- and four-year colleges and universities in the country. Of these, about 1,800 are private institutions and 1,900 are public. There are also about 2,300 for-profit colleges.
Unfortunately, nearly one-quarter of the students who start each year at fouryear colleges don’t continue to the second year, and before graduation, nearly another quarter will drop out. Twentyfive percent of undergraduate students are raising children or caring for dependents, and 73 percent work full time. Talk about pressure. Concerns about student success are among the reasons that many institutions have started first-year college programs designed to help students navigate and succeed in college.
These courses are designed to help students get the most out of college, to learn how to live a life of meaning and become one’s best self. I know they work because I’ve observed them and taught in them — one way of saying thank you to Professor Martin.
Dr. Robert A. Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and co-author, with Dr. Drew Bogner, of “Letters to Students: What it Means to be a College Graduate.”
The Peace Corps language lesson 35 years in the making
My plane lifted off from Long Island MacArthur Airport in June 1991. The night before, Jupiter, Mars and Venus had aligned in the night sky above my family’s home in Yaphank, in Suffolk County — an auspicious moment that foretold a journey I’m still on today.
That propeller plane — so loud it rattled inside my brain — was headed to Washington, D.C., where I attended a three-day Peace Corps orientation before traveling to Bulgaria for two years of volunteer service as an English teacher. I had joined the corps at 24, in part out of a longing to see the world beyond my hometown. I never imagined how Peace Corps service would reshape my worldview — an experience that resonates today in my teaching as a Hofstra University journalism professor.
I was among the first two dozen Peace Corps volunteers sent to Bulgaria, only 18 months after the fall of communism there. At first I felt excited to be living 4,800 miles from home in a society
that moved more slowly, more deliberately, with a deep appreciation for food and wine, art and music. Living in Veliko Tarnovo, a thousand-year-old city perched atop steep hills overlooking the Yantra River, I was happy.
I couldn’t escape the feeling, though, that I was a foreigner, an outsider, despite the many kindnesses that Bulgarians showered on me. Language, in particular, set me apart. Learning Bulgarian — really learning it — might rid me of my sense of otherness, I thought.
Mintermediate? Nothing like A.I. to offer a harsh dose of reality.
y Bulgarian fell within the “lower intermediate” range
Then, amid my Peace Corps service, I married Katerina, a Bulgarian who taught — and still teaches — English. I wanted — needed — to feel more connected to her family, who became my family.
Katerina and I have spoken Bulgarian together, on and off, for nearly 35 years. Last summer I measured my listening, speaking, reading and writing skills with multiple A.I.-designed tests. After days of evaluation, A.I. delivered its verdict: My Bulgarian fell within the “lower intermediate” range.
I had long known that it was riddled with grammar errors, and I often struggled to pronounce many of the sounds unique to the language — but lower
I resolved to improve, and I’ve practiced and studied the language daily since. I talk with Katerina on walks through our Merrick neighborhood; read the Bulgarian-American community newspaper Sega; watch Bulgarian newscasts, TV series and movies; listen constantly to the Bulgarian alternative rock band Ostava; translate children’s books and Facebook posts; and drill with flashcards and grammar guides. Slowly, steadily, I’ve moved up to upper intermediate. Progress has been hard-fought, though, full of minor wins rather than big breakthroughs — recalling an infrequently used word and dropping it into a sentence, pronouncing a tongue-twisting noun, deciphering word order to interpret a text.
I’m often frustrated and always humbled. I can understand 75 percent or so of spoken Bulgarian, but being able to speak it and write it quickly and eloquently is another matter entirely. As a writer and journalism professor, it’s maddening when I fumble over Bulgarian words, as I often do. Words are my currency, my livelihood. They need to flow. Based on my current progress, I’ll
likely need another three to six years of daily study to reach the advanced level of fluency.
Pushing myself to learn Bulgarian at a higher level has given me pause to think of the Latino and Haitian communities that I’ve covered and researched in Hempstead and Uniondale in recent years. I think of the immigrants who must navigate schools, workplaces, doctors’ offices and government agencies in a language they are often still learning, while negotiating an increasingly complicated and precarious immigration system.
Imagine moving through the world understanding only 75 percent of the critical information you need for daily survival — or 50 percent, or less — and dealing with the anxiety that must come with that lack of knowledge. The fear. Possibly depression.
I set out last year to improve my Bulgarian because I want to understand my wife’s culture on a deeper level, and language is central to culture. I do not, however, need Bulgarian to survive. English, on the other hand, is vital to immigrants’ daily existence in the U.S. It’s a lifeline in an increasingly hostile sea.
Scott Brinton, a former Herald executive, directs Hofstra University’s Graduate Journalism Program and coordinates its new Peace Corps Prep Program.
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Stronger together as America turns 250
as America approaches its 250th anniversary, there will be no shortage of celebrations.
HERALD
There will be fireworks, parades, concerts, historical exhibits and ceremonies commemorating the nation’s founding. Those traditions are important, but the semiquincentennial should also be a moment to reflect on something deeper: the ideas, institutions and values that have enabled the United States to endure for two and a half centuries.
That reflection was encouraged recently at a Long Island Association event featuring former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, a Republican, and Rahm Emanuel, a Democrat whose career has included service in Congress, as mayor of Chicago, ambassador to Japan and chief of staff to President Barack Obama.
The two men represent different political philosophies, and often disagree on public policy. Yet they shared a stage, exchanged ideas and demonstrated that debate does not require hostility, and disagreement does not require contempt.
In today’s political climate, that lesson is worth revisiting.
The United States was never intended to be a nation of uniform opinions.
From the earliest days of the republic, Americans have argued over the role of government, economic policy, foreign affairs and social issues. The nation’s founders themselves often disagreed vigorously.
What made the American experiment remarkable wasn’t the absence of conflict, but the ability to manage it with democratic institutions, civic engage-
letters
Do state leaders need to speak out on world affairs?
To the Editor:
ment and a commitment to a larger common purpose.
As the country turns 250, Americans would benefit from remembering that principle.
The strength of the U.S. has never come from everyone thinking alike. It comes from people bringing different experiences, perspectives and beliefs to the table while remaining invested in the success of the nation as a whole. Diversity of thought is not a weakness to overcome; it is one of the country’s greatest assets. It fuels innovation, challenges assumptions and helps communities solve problems that no single viewpoint can address alone.
And a healthy democracy requires more than debate. It requires its citizens to respect one another. That doesn’t mean surrendering convictions or avoiding difficult conversations. It means recognizing the humanity of those with whom we disagree. It means listening before responding. It means accepting that reasonable people can reach different conclusions while still caring deeply about their communities and their country.
Americans see examples of that shared connection every day, often outside politics. They gather to support local businesses, volunteer at food drives, coach youth sports, attend school concerts and celebrate community milestones. They cheer together when their favorite teams compete for championships. They fill venues like Jones Beach for summer concerts. They rally around neighbors after storms, tragedies and hardships. Those moments matter because they remind us of a simple truth: We need one another.
No individual succeeds entirely alone. Families depend on support networks. Businesses rely on workers and customers. Communities thrive when residents contribute their time, talents and energy. The same principle applies to the nation. America’s greatest accomplishments have been achieved when people from different backgrounds worked toward a common goal despite their differences.
The story of the United States is, in many ways, a story of perseverance. Generations have faced wars, economic downturns, social upheaval, natural disasters and political divisions. Each challenge tested the country’s resolve. Time and again, Americans found ways to adapt, rebuild and move forward. That spirit remains essential today. The metaphor is simple but powerful: We are all in the same boat. Some may sit on different sides. Some may prefer a different course. Some may disagree about how fast to move or where to steer. But if everyone rows in opposite directions, the boat goes nowhere. Progress requires effort, cooperation and a recognition that our destinies are linked.
As America celebrates 250 years, the occasion should inspire more than nostalgia. It should renew our commitment to civility, perseverance and community. The ideas that divide Americans from one another are not the ideas that will shape the nation’s future.
Citizens who engage respectfully, work together and share the belief that the next chapter of the American story can be even stronger than the last will build that future. Ours is a legacy worthy of celebration.
Re Kevin Kelly’s letter, “Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Brown are silent on Israel,” in the June 11-17 issue: Kelly is sympathetic to the need for stronger measures to protect the Jewish community “from harassment and the threat, or actuality, of violence.” He references opinion pieces in the Herald by Assemblyman Ari Brown and State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, and he notes that neither of those state officials “offers the slightest criticisms of the Israeli government’s military response” to Hamas’s attacks on Oct. 7, 2003.
As a New Yorker who votes in statewide elections, I don’t see the need for any of our state or local elected officials to comment on issues of international import. Concern for local matters, including protection of the residents of New York, including the Jew-
opinions Declaring victory before victory
Victory used to be something that happened before anyone announced it. Increasingly, the order has been reversed.
In sports, the concept remains reassuringly clear. The game ends. Officials post the score. The winner (How ’bout those Knicks?) celebrates. The loser explains. Fans may dispute a referee’s call, but nobody expects a news conference to change the outcome.
Beyond sports, however, victory has become remarkably elastic.
Political leaders launch wars with grand objectives and sweeping promises.
Months or years later, after spending enormous amounts of blood, treasure and political capital and often achieving far less than they promised, those same leaders still claim victory. They point to a ceasefire, a withdrawal, a temporary calm or a return to the conditions that existed before the conflict began and call it success. In some cases, the conditions that prompted the war remain unchanged. The victory speech, however, arrives right on schedule.
The pattern extends beyond warfare. Governments champion policies that
Cdisproportionately benefit the affluent, and market those policies as victories for working families. advocates promote programs that fail to meet their stated objectives, and then redefine success around some narrower achievement. Military officials destroy a handful of targets while leaving a much larger criminal enterprise intact, and then describe the operation as a victory over the enterprise.
Politicians lose elections and declare victory anyway. Some candidates refuse to acknowledge defeat, cast the winners as impostors and recast themselves as the rightful victors.
ish community, is their responsibility. They are not elected to opine on international matters.
But even if they were to do so, why do they have to criticize a foreign government in order to provide a safe environment for citizens in our state? Is Kelly suggesting that the actions of a foreign government give people in New York the right to act in violation of the law, and to harass or commit violence against others here in New York? If so, he is misguided.
Regardless of how any person in New York feels about the actions taken by the State of Israel or any other matter, political or otherwise, and whether of local, state, national or international import, that person is entitled to protection from harassment and violence in New York.
Paul HaNau Woodmere
Comments about our stories? Send a letter to the editor to execeditor@liherald.com.
victory, as does the candidate who loses. The nation that prevails claims victory, and the nation that withdraws claims victory because it has endured. The official who succeeds claims victory, and the official who fails does so, too, because the effort itself was noble.
ontests no longer center on what happened, but on who defines what happened.
Different arenas, same strategy: When reality fails to cooperate, just redefine success.
Somewhere along the way, victory drifted away from accomplishment and attached itself to assertion. Public figures learned that they no longer needed to achieve victory before claiming it. They only needed to persuade enough people that victory had occurred. The announcement became the accomplishment.
For most of human history, victory and defeat described opposing conditions. One side won because another side lost. The concepts depended on each other.
Today, the candidate who wins claims
We have not expanded the meaning of victory. We have abolished its opposite.
The legendary football coach Vince lombardi famously declared, “Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing.” Today that means something entirely different: When I win, I win. When I lose, I win. When I fail, I win. When I withdraw, I win. When I refuse to compete, I win. When my actions harm others, I still win.
Victory no longer describes an outcome. It has become an entitlement.
George Orwell saw the danger nearly 80 years ago. In “1984,” citizens drink Victory gin, smoke Victory cigarettes, and hear incessant reports of triumph while enduring scarcity, deprivation, surveillance and endless war. The irony extends beyond the products themselves. Orwell’s Party has detached the word “victory” from any recognizable condition. It no longer describes success, achievement or conquest. It simply means whatever the Party needs it to mean at any given moment.
The regime has not expanded the
Framework by Tim Baker
meaning of victory. It has dissolved meaning itself.
That insight reaches far beyond Orwell’s fictional world. Today’s most consequential victories often occur not on battlefields, in legislatures or even at ballot boxes. They occur in the narrow space between an event and the carefully crafted narrative that follows it.
The contest no longer centers on what happened. It centers on who gets to define what happened. We once assumed that victories produce compelling stories. These days, the stories themselves — whether true, false, wild, even idiotic — produce the victories, or at least the appearance of them.
Maybe that explains the enduring appeal of sports. The scoreboard remains stubbornly indifferent to rhetoric. No coach can transform a loss into a win through messaging alone. No athlete can claim a championship into existence. Reality gets the final vote.
Much of public life now operates according to a different principle. There, assertion masquerades as accomplishment. Narratives compete with outcomes. leaders claim victory before they achieve it, or after they fail to achieve it, or even when the opposite has occurred.
Which raises an uncomfortable question: If everyone is victorious, who, exactly, is winning?
Michael Blitz is professor emeritus and former chair of interdisciplinary studies at City University of New York.
