Billy Harrison/Herald Jessica Koenig, left, former director of the Island Park Public Library, is retiring, and passing the torch to Tracy Horodyski.
Library turns page with new director
By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com
The Island Park Public Library has entered a new chapter, as longtime Director Jessica Koenig has stepped down, and Tracy Horodyski has taken on the leadership role.
Koenig, who joined the library in July 2013, arrived during a pivotal period in the facility’s history, when it was still recovering from Hurricane Sandy and undergoing repairs. Just one week after she started, the library reopened to the public.
Over the next 12 years, Koenig helped expand its services and community offerings. Children’s programming grew substantially, while adult offerings expanded to include more exercise classes, tai chi and social clubs such as Scrabble and Canasta. During the pandemic, the library adapted by launching outdoor concerts in its parking lot, creating new opportunities for commu-
nity engagement when indoor gatherings were limited.
“I had been a director somewhere else, but I was looking for somewhere to stay for a while, and I was so happy to come here,” Koenig said. “I’ve been happy from my first day to my last.”
She also helped establish new traditions, including a flag ceremony that eventually became a stand-alone event in recognition of Flag Day. Throughout her tenure, Koenig emphasized community partnerships, strengthening relationships with local schools and village organizations.
“This has been a great place to work,” she said. “It’s a wonderful community.”
As she prepares for retirement, Koenig and her husband plan to relocate to Pennsylvania to be closer to their son.
Horodyski, former director of the Westbury Memorial Public Library, has taken
Turning studies into service at Oceanside H.S.
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
A group of Oceanside High School students in the AP Research program shifted their focus from academic inquiry to community impact, launching a service initiative that has benefited local families, children and breast cancer survivors across Long Island.
WLed by science research teacher Michael Pepe, the students spent the school year conducting college-level projects for the newly created AP Research Outreach Program. The new program replaced the district’s AP Experience and gave students an opportunity to apply the skills they developed in the classroom to meaningful community service projects.
tions and gaining valuable realworld experience.”
Throughout May and early June, students partnered with Catholic Charities of Long Island and Catholic Health Cancer Institute on two major outreach efforts.
KAthERINE NOLAN
Working with Catholic Charities, one of the largest social service providers with 50 locations throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, students organized a large-scale donation drive to support local families and children. Collection boxes placed throughout the high school gathered books, toys, puzzles, games, personal care products and nonperishable food items.
“This allows students to do work outside the classroom that makes a tangible difference,” Pepe said. “They’ve already completed everything required for the AP exam, so this gives them a chance to continue growing by helping others, building connec-
And the results exceeded expectations, as students collected 57 books, 26 toys, 30 puzzles, five board games, five playhouses, a rainbow parachute, 50 stuffed animals, 42 canned goods, 25 toothbrushes, 12 tubes of toothpaste, 11 bars of soap and numerous other infant and personal care essentials.
Another team of students ConTInued on Page 15
By ABIGAIL GRIECO
things to know About ohs grAduAtion
Caps off to Oceanside seniors
As graduation day approaches, excitement is building for seniors at Oceanside High School and their families. From ceremony logistics to seating arrangements and dress expectations, there are a few important details graduates and guests should know before the big day arrives.
n Graduation is set for June 26 n Outdoor graduation will not require tickets
Graduation for the Class of 2026 is scheduled for Friday, June 26, at 5 p.m. The ceremony will take place outdoors on the Charles R. Mosback Memorial Field, giving graduates the opportunity to celebrate together in front of classmates, family members and friends in a traditional commencement setting. Guests are encouraged to arrive early, as large crowds are expected for the annual milestone event.
In the event of bad weather, the ceremony will move indoors to the Oceanside High School auditorium on the same day. Because indoor seating is more limited, two separate ceremonies will be held at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m., with last names beginning A through M at the 5 p.m. ceremony and N through Z at the 7 p.m. Families should monitor school communications closely as graduation day approaches in case weather conditions require schedule adjustments.
Families attending the outdoor graduation ceremony will not need tickets to enter. Seating on the field will be available on a first-come, first-served basis, allowing extended family members and friends to attend without restrictions. The open seating arrangement is expected to make the celebration more accessible for the community while giving the graduates the chance to share the moment with supporters.
If graduation is moved indoors because of inclement weather, ticket limitations will go into effect due to space constraints inside the auditorium. In that case, each graduate will receive two tickets for guests. School officials recommend families plan ahead for both possibilities, so they are prepared if weather forces the ceremony indoors.
BELMONT PARK VILLAGE
n Graduates should dress appropriately for the ceremony
Graduation is one of the most memorable milestones of a student’s high school career, and students are expected to dress neatly and appropriately beneath their caps and gowns. Many graduates traditionally choose dresses, dress shirts, ties, slacks or other formal attire for the occasion, while also keeping comfort in mind for walking across the field and spending extended time outdoors in warm June weather. Comfortable shoes are also encouraged, especially for those participating in an outdoor ceremony on the turf field. Students should also remember that graduation is both a celebration and a formal school event. Seniors are encouraged to check any additional guidelines provided by administrators ahead of commencement day to ensure the ceremony runs smoothly for everyone involved.
Jordan Lobster Farms closes after three-alarm fire
By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com
Firefighters from Island Park and several neighboring communities battled a three-alarm fire at Jordan Lobster Farms on Friday evening.
The fire was reported at the seafood market and restaurant, located at 1 Pettit Place, at about 6:48 p.m. According to fire officials, crews worked for approximately 70 minutes before bringing the blaze under control.
The Island Park Fire Department led the response, with firefighters from East Rockaway, Freeport, Lawrence-Cedarhurst, Long Beach, Lynbrook, Oceanside and Point Lookout assisting at the scene.
No injuries were reported, and the fire was contained to the upper level of the property, while the lower level was not affected.
Jordan Lobster Farms has been an Island Park fixture for more than 30 years. The family-owned business, founded by Bill Jordan, operates a seafood market, clam bar, indoor restaurant and backyard bar on the waterfront.
According to co-owner John Vitale, preliminary information suggests the fire may have originated in an electrical panel located in an upstairs office area, though the official cause remains under investigation.
could reopen later this summer, depending on inspections, repairs and regulatory approvals.
“People wait all year, travel to Jordan’s in the summer,” he said. “But the place does have a path to get back open. We’re not going to spare any expenses trying to get open as quickly and as safely and as we can.
Community support has poured in since the fire. A fundraising effort launched by an employee quickly gained attention online, reflecting the strong connection many residents have with the longtime Island Park establishment. Vitale said he has been encouraged by the outpouring of support from customers, local officials and community members.
“It’s just so nice to hear how so many people have so many good things to say about our place, the staff and the Jordan family,” Vitale said.
Because the blaze was largely confined to the upper floor, the restaurant, fish market and kitchen areas avoided significant damage. Cleanup and remediation efforts began immediately after the fire was extinguished.
“We’re all focused on getting open as soon as we can,” he said, “safely and properly.”
Generators were brought in to help preserve inventory, preventing the loss of
“What we believe happened was there was an electrical fire upstairs off of a panel,” Vitale said. “We don’t know exactly what the cause of that was yet.”
much of the seafood and other products stored on site.
For now, the business remains closed as repairs move forward. “The problem is this is the worst time of the year for this to happen,” Vitale said.
The closure comes during one of the busiest periods of the year for the waterfront restaurant, which typically draws large crowds throughout the summer season.
While no reopening date has been announced, they are hopeful the business
With operations being closed, a GoFundMe was opened in support of their employees now out of work for the time being.
“We have so many employees who rely on Jordan’s for their employment, so that means making a living,” he said. “That’s a real big motivation for us to get open as quickly as we can, and they’re all equally motivated to help us, so it’s a good team effort.”
For more information, visit JordanLobsterFarms.com.
Gazebo readings return for the summer in O’side
By ABIGAIL GRIECO
agrieco@liherald.com
A beloved summer tradition returned to Oceanside on June 1 with over 75 attendees as the Summer Gazebo Readings began another season of poetry, storytelling and community gatherings under the gazebo at Schoolhouse Green.
Held every Monday evening throughout June, July and August, the free outdoor program has grown from a modest fundraiser into one of Long Island’s most distinctive literary events, attracting audiences and performers from across the region.
The series was founded in 2007 by Tony Iovino, former assistant director of the Oceanside Library and longtime Camp Anchor and Kamp Kiwanis supporter. At the time, organizers were looking for ways to preserve the newly created open space at Schoolhouse Green while also raising money to send children to Kamp Kiwanis.
“We had just built the gazebo and were looking for programming and fundraising opportunities,” Iovino said. “I thought it would be a nice way to bring people together.”
Inspired by open-mic readings he had attended in New York City, Iovino launched a weekly gathering where poets, writers and performers could share their work before a live audience. The concept quickly exceeded expectations.
“What started out as something I thought might attract 15 or 20 people eventually became much larger,” he said.
Before the pandemic, attendance regularly reached between 100 and 120 people each week. Audience members often arrive carrying lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy an evening of litera -
ture, conversation and refreshments.
In its early years, Iovino and his wife, Angela, personally prepared food for attendees, serving hot dogs, hamburgers and other picnic fare. As attendance grew, the event transitioned to offering complimentary desserts and snacks.
While poetry remains the centerpiece of the program, the readings feature a wide variety of voices and genres. Authors, storytellers and musi -
cians frequently join the lineup, creating what organizers describe as a performance experience rather than a traditional literary reading.
“People who think they don’t like poetry are often surprised,” Iovino said. “When poets read their work aloud, it becomes a performance. It’s a very different experience than simply reading poetry on a page.”
This summer’s lineup includes an impressive roster of guests, including national and Suffolk County poet laureates, former poet laureates and several evenings featuring live music.
In recent years, organizers partnered with the Oceanside Library to help ensure the program’s long-term future. Library staff have increasingly taken on organizational responsibilities, helping to institutionalize the event and maintain its legacy for future generations.
One of the season’s most anticipated evenings will take place during the week of Independence Day. The special program, on July 6, will open with a public reading of the entire Declaration of Independence, including the names of all signers. Community members are invited to participate by reading selections from notable speeches, essays, humor pieces and other works drawn from American history and culture.
Monday’s readers included two former Nassau County Poet Laureates Linda Opyr and Peter Dugan, as well as Jennifer Gibaldi and Lloyd Abrams.
The Summer Gazebo Readings begin at 7 p.m. every Monday evening through August. Admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair and enjoy an hour of literature, community and summer tradition under the gazebo.
Madison Gusler/Herald
Island Park firefighters battled a three-alarm fire at Jordan Lobster Farms on the evening of June 13.
Courtesy Tony Iovino
Lloyd Abrams was one of the several poets who kicked off the beloved summer tradition of Oceanside’s Summer Gazebo Readings on June 1.
The Donza Family
Guy Donza, Thomas Donza and Christine Donza, Funeral Directors & Pre-Arrangement Counselors 333 Atlantic Avenue, East Rockaway, N.Y. 11518 T (516) 593-2521 / F (516) 825-6380 www.donzafuneralhome@aol.com
PSEG Long Island is prepared for summer News brief
PSEG Long Island has completed a series of electric system upgrades ahead of the summer season, including several projects to improve reliability and increase capacity.
“PSEG Long Island personnel evaluate the system, plan and make improvements all year round to ensure the grid is ready for summer’s extreme weather conditions,” Michael Sullivan, vice president of Electric Operations at PSEG Long Island, said. “We continue to make the investments and improvements that we have been making since 2014 to deliver consistent, resilient power to our customers, today and in the future.”
Among the projects is the installation of a new 69-kilovolt underground transmission circuit between the Belmont and Lake Success substations. The project will add electrical capacity serving Elmont and Floral Park, as well as growing demand associated with UBS Arena, Belmont Village and businesses expected to serve visitors to Belmont Park.
The utility also completed repairs to the underground pipe-type cable connecting the Barrett and Valley Stream substations. The work will enhance electrical resiliency and strengthen service reliability for residential customers in Long Beach, Oceanside and the Five Towns.
At the Barrett and Bayport substations, aging transformers were replaced to improve system resiliency and support reliable electric service. The Barrett sub-
station serves the Long Beach area, while the Bayport substation serves Fire Island communities.
PSEG Long Island has also continued system hardening efforts. Since 2014, the utility has strengthened more than 1,400 miles of distribution circuits with stronger poles, wire and crossarms. The company reported that from the first quarter of last year through the first quarter of this year, storm-hardened sections of the system experienced a 45 percent reduction in outage-causing damage compared with the rest of the distribution network.
The utility is also installing automatic branch line reclosers through a Federal Emergency Management Agency-funded program. By this fall, approximately 8,500 units are expected to be installed under the grant, bringing the total number of reclosers on the system to about 10,000.
PSEG Long Island’s tree-trimming program continues year-round across Long Island and the Rockaways. The company trims all 9,000 miles of distribution circuits and 1,000 miles of transmission circuits every four years and has completed that cycle three times since 2014.
The utility has also conducted hurricane and tropical storm drills, employee training, summer operating planning and reliability analyses as part of preparations for the 2026 hurricane season and periods of extreme heat.
— Angelina Zingariello
fire watch
The Oceanside Fire Department is always looking for help in serving our community. If you live here or in any one of the adjacent communities and are interested in joining or just have any
June 7 — June 13
General Alarms: 9
Unit Calls: 2
Motor Vehicle Accidents: 0
Carbon Monoxide Alarms: 1
Medical Emergencies: 30
Mutual Aid: 3
Special Calls: 4
Total: 49
questions, stop into Fire Headquarters at 65 Foxhurst Road in Oceanside, visit JoinOFD.net, oceansidefd.net, or call (516) 766-2717. For fire or medical emergencies, dial 911 or (516) 766-0245.
Year-to-Date
General Alarms: 205
Unit Calls: 81
Motor Vehicle Accidents: 40
Carbon Monoxide Alarms: 45
Medical Emergencies: 701
Mutual Aid: 23
Special Calls: 78
Total: 1173
622-7460
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■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com
World Cup fervor spreads to Long Island
By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com
Kids ran around as only children can — free and without care — as adults milled around the artificial-turf field and the seats of Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium on the Stony Brook University campus.
I really love the USA, and I really want to support the team.
This was the first of a few World Cup watch parties staged by Empire State Development, which promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity across New York. Several thousand people came for the soccer last Friday. The first game shown on the stadium screens was Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, being played in Toronto, as the event began at 3 p.m. Guests had a choice of watching the first game, the second game or both.
LogaN HERNaNdE z Terryville
At 7 p.m., after those teams played to a 1-1 draw, the second session got underway, and many had come to root for the Unites States Men’s National Team, playing their first game of the quadrennial global tournament, which this year is being hosting across North America, with many of the games in the U.S.
Joe Nola, a Holbrook resident, brought his son Everett, 9, a soccer fan who started playing a few years ago and took to the sport.
“[I’m here] basically for him,” Nola said of his son. “He started getting into soccer and the World Cup, and I started following it a lot more the last couple of years. He’s really excited and so am I, so we’ve been waiting to check out more soccer, and saw this and thought it would be a full opportunity to watch the USA game.”
A travel soccer team player, Everett was a bit shy, but his father said he has an affinity for the “beautiful game.”
“As a family, we’re trying to watch more and learn more about it, so this is, like, a really cool experience,” Nola said, adding of Everett. “He plays goalie. He loves the pressure, for some reason. He drives his mother crazy with the stress. He’s a big fan of [Matt] Freese [the American goalie] and a lot of the goalies that we see internationally.”
Antonella Cortez, 11, from Setauket, who also plays on a travel team, was there to cheer on Team USA.
“I’m here to watch the game,” she said matter-of-factly, adding that playing soccer is fun. Her favorite position? “Anything besides middle and goalie,” she said.
Before the featured match of Paraguay vs. USA, in Los Angeles, the band Third Eye Blind performed a roughly 30-minute set in a driving rainstorm that seemed to end just after they struck
Terryville, Liam Sobritch, of East Northport, and Connor Klinger, from Selden, all wearing USA jerseys, roleplayed interviewer and interviewee, so of course the natural thing was to interview them.
“I really love the USA,” Hernandez said, “and I really want to support the team. I hope they win the World Cup.” His analysis of the first half? “They played great. We need to space out a little more, but we could have this win.
“It was good,” Sobritch said. “We scored three, so maybe [we] space out a little more.”
“We need more spacing,” Klinger agreed, “but [we’re] amazing on the attacking.”
From an own goal by Paraguay in the opening minutes to a score by Gio Reyna in the match’s waning seconds, the U.S. team dominated in a 4-1 win. The next game for the Americans is Friday versus Australia.
Organizing events such as a World Cup Watch Party is not an easy feat.
“This is almost two years in the making,” Dan Gross, Empire State Development’s executive director for New York Special Events, said. “I drew up a plan. It really started with the governor. FIFA controls the tickets,” he added, referring to the World Cup’s governing body. “They control the ticket pricing. The need to make sure people have access.”
Gross and colleagues drew up the plan to hold watch parties across the state. They developed a grant program so that all 10 state regions across New York could have watch parties as well.
“I am very proud to say we are the only state in the nation, from a states perspective, that is truly bringing the World Cup experience to all four corners of the state,” Gross said.
For information on future news related to the World Cup Watch Experience, go to ILOVENY.com/fifa-world-cup/ community-viewing-events.
their final chords. At halftime, the kids resumed their playful running around, and adults
made their way back and forth to the LaValle Stadium concession stands. Young teens Logan Hernandez, from
Rock group Third Eye Blind performed a roughly 30-minute set before the U.S.-Paraguay game in Los Angeles.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
As the U.S. team scored three first-half goals against Paragua, fans got to cheer often at the Stony Brook World Cup Watch Party.
Elmont resident Al Amin was a particularly colorful supporter of the U.S. team.
Driscoll seeks Gillen’s congressional seat
By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com
Jeanine C. Driscoll, the Town of Hempstead’s receiver of taxes, says her experience managing one of Nassau County’s most visible local offices has prepared her for a run for Congress, and she is seeking the Republican nomination in New York’s 4th District.
Driscoll, 59, a Republican and a longtime resident of Bellerose, will face Marvin Williams in next Tuesday’s primary. The winner will take on incumbent Democratic Rep. Laura Gillen in November.
Driscoll said she decided to enter the race after former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito lost to Gillen in 2024.
“I was called and I found out that they were interviewing candidates,” Driscoll said. “I’ve been in office for seven years. I’ve lived in Nassau County for about 25 years. I’ve been a volunteer, I was a village judge, and I’m a lawyer. I have the life experience to do this.”
She said the timing also aligned with her family life, noting that she and her husband are now at a stage where their youngest child is heading off to college.
A central focus of Driscoll’s campaign is tax policy, an issue she said has defined her public-service career. “I have always been focused on trying to alleviate the burden of taxpayers,” she said. “That’s been my number one priority since I’ve been in office.”
As receiver of taxes, Driscoll said, she has worked to expand access to property tax exemptions and educate homeowners about available relief programs. Her office has also implemented services such as drivethrough payment windows, satellite offices, online payment options and email reminder systems.
She said she also regularly hosts seminars on tax grievances and exemptions. “I don’t leave until every question is answered,” she said. “I’ve been in libraries
at 10 o’clock at night helping people understand their taxes.”
Driscoll said that direct contact with residents has shaped her understanding of public service more than any other experience. “No one deals with constituents
every day like I do,” she said of area tax officials. “People are in my office every single day, and I hear firsthand what they’re going through.”
In Congress, she added, lawmakers often lack dayto-day exposure to constituent concerns.
Driscoll also noted her background as an attorney for more than three decades and her prior service as an associate village justice. She has also been active in community organizations, including the Floral Park Memorial PTSA and the Junior Women’s Club of Bellerose.
Her policy priorities, she said, would center on reducing costs for families through tax relief measures, changes to federal deductions and reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses. Rising insurance costs, housing prices and taxes are all contributing to what Driscoll described as an affordability crisis on Long Island.
“You have people who grew up here, raised their families here and now they can’t afford to stay,” she said. “She supports efforts to increase take-home pay by eliminating taxes on tips and overtime and expanding the deduction for state and local taxes.
Asked why voters should choose her over Williams in the primary, Driscoll said that experience and familiarity with local taxpayers set her apart. “I know the residents, I know the taxpayers and I know how Nassau County works,” she said. “I’ve worked directly with people who are struggling, and I understand what they need.” She also emphasized her endorsement by the Nassau County Republican Committee.
As for what differentiates her from Gillen, Driscoll said the contrast comes down to tax policy and fiscal priorities, and that she looked forward to making her case directly to 4th District voters. “I’m all in,” she said. “I want to win this seat, and I believe I can.”
Williams is campaigning for GOP primary
By ANDREW FRANCIS
afrancis@liherald.com
Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Marvin Suber Williams will face off against Town of Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Jeanine C. Driscoll in the Republican primary in the 4th Congressional District next Tuesday. The winner will challenge Democratic incumbent Rep. Laura Gillen in the November general election.
Williams, 64, is a lifelong New Yorker and current Garden City resident who has spent 30 years in public service as an active-duty Air Force chaplain, senior pastor and senior executive at the federal level. He is focusing his campaign to represent Nassau County’s South Shore communities on lowering costs for Long Island families, restoring public safety, securing the country’s southern border, creating congressional term limits, supporting veterans and, he said, bringing accountability to Washington D.C.
“The core lesson is exactly the same in ministry as it is in the federal government: When a mission is failing, you do not keep sending the same people back with the same plan,” Williams said. “That is not just political partisanship — that is the voters of Long Island loudly telling Washington that they have not been heard.”
Williams said that hearing those loud cries, and his love for country and community, motivated him to run for the congressional seat and create “lasting change” for Long Islanders in the 4th District, economically and socially.
“I am not running because I need a new career,” he told the Herald. “I am running because I have the time, the executive experience and the absolute political
“In
independence to do this job for the right reasons.”
Williams listed affordability, public safety and immigration, honoring veterans, and term limits as
his “four critical priorities.” Additionally, he wants to reduce energy and transportation costs, especially for Long Island.
Despite having less political experience than Driscoll and Gillen, Williams maintains that experience is far from the most important quality of a political leader.
“In this race, political tenure is not the most important asset,” he said. “Proof of capability is. Traditional political experience simply means time spent occupying a seat in a government building. Proof means tangible, measurable results you can put a clear dollar amount on – and I have those numbers.”
Williams also points out that he already has experience serving at the federal level, leading the charge for Air Force Inspection System reform and spearheading operational adjustments that, he said, saved $30 million in overseas operations at the Naval Supply Systems Command.
He believes that his military experience also makes him a more qualified candidate for Congress. He credits the lessons he has learned about service and the time spent as a senior federal executive as more than adequate background to know how to represent Long Island residents.
“Long Islanders are carrying an immense amount of economic and social worry right now,” Williams said. “They need a representative who genuinely hears them, not a career politician who reads about them in a polling memo. … My service makes me uniquely qualified, because three decades of mission-driven, results-accountable executive work is the precise preparation required for a job that demands those qualities today.”
Courtesy Driscoll for Congress
Jeanine Driscoll, the Town of Hempstead’s receiver of taxes, is the Republican and Conservative choice for Congress in the 4th District.
Courtesy Marvin Williams for Congress
this race, political tenure is not the most important issue,” Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Marvin Suber Williams said of the Republicans’ effort to unseat Gillen.
Building on a strong foundation at the library
over as director. Though she has only recently joined the Island Park Library staff, she said she has already been impressed by the community and the dedication of both the employees and library’s board of trustees.
“It’s a very close-knit community that cares about each other,” Horodyski said. “I’m looking forward to working more with this staff, who has been absolutely wonderful so far, including this library board, who shows that they love their community and this library.”
Horodyski said she hoped to build on the facility’s successes while modernizing some of its operations. Among her goals are increasing automation, reducing reliance on paper-based processes and exploring building improvements that could enhance both staff operations and patrons’ experience.
“I’m really looking forward to this being my new home and finishing out the rest of my career here,” Horodyski said.
The transition has been carefully planned to ensure continuity. Although Horodyski has assumed all administrative responsibilities as director, Koenig will remain at the library during the summer in a part-time librarian role, making the most of her institutional knowledge, helping with projects and serving patrons. The arrangement has allowed for a smooth transfer of leadership while ensuring continuity for staff and residents.
To mark the leadership change, the library hosted a combined farewell and welcome event on June 5 that gave residents, local officials and longtime patrons a chance to thank Koenig for her years of service and meet Horodyski.
Graduate
•
Both women expressed confidence in the library’s future. Horodyski said she looked forward to becoming more involved in the community and continuing to strengthen the library’s relationships with residents as well as local organizations.
Koenig, meanwhile, said she looked forward to starting a new chapter in Pennsylvania. But, she added, “Island Park will always be home, and I’m looking forward to coming back to visit.”
Billy Harrison/Herald
Dozens of people welcomed Tracy Horodyski as the new library director while saying goodbye to Jessica Koenig at the farewell party.
Hometown hero recognized in O’side tradition
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
Under sunny skies on Schoolhouse Green, Oceanside High School’s Castleton program continued a cherished tradition on May 26, honoring a local veteran with a flag-raising ceremony ahead of Memorial Day.
The ceremony, which has been held twice each year since 2016 around Veterans Day and Memorial Day, recognizes local veterans for their military service and contributions to the community. Over the past decade, the event has become a meaningful tradition for students, staff, veterans and their families.
The ceremony began with students lowering the American flag that had been flying in honor of veteran Jose Contes, who was recognized during the school’s Veterans Day ceremony in November. Castleton students Dominic Amandro, Camryn Davis and Christopher Sasso carefully folded the flag into a triangle according to U.S. Flag Code before presenting it to Contes, who attended the event.
Sophomore Emely Paez welcomed attendees and led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by the National Anthem and opening remarks from Castleton Principal Joelle Hennessy.
Junior Sofia Kistela thanked Contes for his service and recognized his return to receive the flag that had flown in his honor for the past six months.
The focus of this spring’s ceremony then shifted to Marine Corps veteran Cyrus Vaseghi, an Oceanside native and 1986 graduate of Oceanside High School.
Senior Alyson Martinez, president of Castleton’s student council, shared Vaseghi’s military biography. After graduating from high school, Vaseghi joined the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1987 to 1995 as a motor transport operator. His service included training assignments in California and Norway, as well as deployment during the Persian Gulf War in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.
During his military career, Vaseghi earned several commendations, including the Southwest Asia Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and
Kuwait Liberation Medal.
Following his active-duty service, he continued in the Marine Corps Reserves before building a career in construction, operating his own contracting business and later working as a property adjuster.
Sophomore Noah DiGiovanni read the poem “In Flanders Fields” before a new American flag was raised in Vaseghi’s honor. The flag will fly outside School No. 6 until Veterans Day, when it will be lowered and presented to him.
Adding a special touch to the ceremony, two kindergarten students from School No. 6, Christopher Zinna and Grayson Farina, presented Vaseghi with flowers.
The recognition was especially meaningful for Vaseghi’s family. His daughter, Kailee, a teacher at Oceanside School No. 2, attended the ceremony with her class.
Today, Vaseghi lives in Oceanside with his wife, his high school sweetheart. Together they raised three children.
Asked what he is most proud of, Vaseghi offered a simple answer: “My family and my country.”
Photos courtesy Oceanside Schools
The ceremony began with Castleton students Dominic Amandro, left, Christopher Sasso, center, and Camryn Davis, right, lowering and carefully folding the flag into a triangle according to U.S. Flag Code before presenting it to veteran Jose Contes, who was recognized during the school’s Veterans Day ceremony in November.
Adding a special touch to the ceremony, two kindergarten students from School No. 6, Christopher Zinna, left, and Grayson Farina, presented Vaseghi with flowers.
Oceanside Castleton students spent the morning of May 26 with Jose Contes, far left, who was presented with the flag that honored him and Cyrus Vaseghi, far right, whose flag is now going up until Veterans Day.
The recognition was especially meaningful for Vaseghi’s family. His daughter, Kailee, a teacher at Oceanside School No. 2, attended the ceremony with her class.
From left, Joelle Hennessy principal of OHS Castleton; Cyrus Vaseghi, Grayson Farina; Julie McGahan, principal of School No. 6; and Christopher Zinna enjoyed the cherished tradition ahead of Memorial Day.
ERASE Racism hosts forum on inequality
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
The Long Island-based advocacy group ERASE Racism held its 25th Anniversary Benefit event earlier this month, giving out awards for anti-racism and anti-discrimination work and awarding scholarships to students who embody the organization’s values.
Hundreds of guests crowded the Garden City Hotel on June 3 for a cocktail hour and to take part in ERASE Racism’s silent auction, where items ranging from artwork to lottery tickets were bid on for up to thousands of dollars. The funds will go to ERASE Racism advocacy initiatives for public education and housing equality.
Students Ria Bhatia, of Jericho High School; Edwin Montes Dubon, of Uniondale High; Zamari Paul, of Malverne High; and Janeiry Savinon, of New Hyde Park High, were each awarded $500 scholarships for winning a student essay contest. Malverne High student Matthew DaCosta was awarded the $1,500 John Wenzel Scholarship for his work with ERASE Racism.
Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and activist Monique Fitzgerald were honored with special awards for their advocacy against structural racism. HannahJones’s work on the 1619 Project, a New York Times Magazine and audio series
Elaine Gross, founding president of ERASE Racism, left, hosted a “fireside chat” with Nikole Hannah-Jones on the continuing impact of racism on Long Island.
examining the beginnings of American slavery and its generational effects, was highlighted during the program.
Hannah-Jones and Elaine Gross, ERASE Racism’s founding president, had a “fireside chat,” discussing how racism continues to impact life for minorities, particularly Black communities, on Long Island and across the country.
“This is a hard time for civil rights organizations, because there is a very organized and powerful effort from the highest reaches of the government that basically is saying there is nothing
called structural racism,” Gross told the Herald before the event.
She identified an April settlement between the U.S. Justice Department and the Town of Oyster Bay over alleged housing discrimination as an example of structural racism on Long Island. In the case, which was settled in U.S. District Court, the town was found liable for “intentionally discriminating against Black individuals” by giving the children of current residents priority in purchasing housing units under its Next Generation housing program. This allegedly hindered the ability of Blacks and
other racial minorities to buy homes in predominantly white Oyster Bay.
Hannah-Jones pointed out that racism on Long Island often is not a conscious effort by residents, but rather the result of the region’s historically discriminatory structure.
“You as an individual white person don’t have to be racist at all to have your housing choices and the benefits of your housing choices shaped by a structure that you have nothing to do with creating,” she said.
Talking more about the 1619 Project and contemporary racism, Hannah-Jones contended that the sanitized way in which many schools and institutions deal with America’s racist history is counterproductive to the goal of erasing racism.
“The truth about America is deeply heartbreaking,” she said, “but I find the truth to be a liberating thing, because one can confront the truth that everything that is within the law is constructed. If you know that it’s constructed, then you know it can be deconstructed.”
Hannah-Jones acknowledged that she was not very optimistic about race relations and how discrimination is handled in the U.S., citing the current administration as a reason for such pessimism. But, she and Gross said they believe that as today’s young people advocate for social justice, they have the potential to unlock a better future for Long Island and beyond.
Courtesy ERASE Racism
Bicentennial time capsule uncovered during annual Flag Day ceremony at School No. 5
School No. 5’s annual Flag Day celebration carried extra meaning this year, connecting the school’s past and present to the United States’ 250th anniversary as a nation. In addition to the traditional proceedings, School No. 5 teacher Anthony Marino had a surprise in store.
The event opened with a color guard and a solemn flag retirement ceremony, with students folding a flag that had flown from the school’s flagpole until wear took it out of service, following U.S. Flag Code protocol.
Chorus teacher Joseph Horner then led a small group of students in the national anthem before leading the entire audience in a round of patriotic songs.
Then came the reveal. Marino had spent months preparing for this day. Among his efforts, he shared his children’s book, “Americana Day,” with students and staff ahead of the celebration.
The story follows Sheila Lehrman, a student who witnesses the burial of a time capsule at her school during the nation’s bicentennial in 1976, then races to rescue it decades later when construction of a new bus circle threatens the spot where it was buried.
What happened to that capsule, it turns out, was not fiction. Working with principal Stephen Kriss, the real Sheila — who was
present at the celebration — located the capsule. Though the original container could not be removed intact, she recovered and preserved its contents.
State Assemblywoman Judy Griffin attended the event and congratulated the school on the ceremony. The time capsule artifacts will be photographed and catalogued, forming the centerpiece of an exhibit planned for 2029 when School No. 5 marks its own centennial.
— Alyssa R. Griffin
Courtesy Oceanside School District Teacher Jillian Edelman displayed a piece of the original bicentennial time capsule buried at School No. 5 in 1976 and later rescued by Sheila Lehrman, left, during the school’s Flag Day ceremony.
STEPPING OUT
Dion
‘Celebrity Autobiography’ is back in the spotlight
By Iris Wiener
For more than three decades, Angelo Fraboni has built a career that spans Broadway stages, national tours, arts administration, and theatrical producing. Today, while serving as Artistic Director of the Madison Theatre, on the Molloy University campus, Fraboni continues to leave his mark on the professional theater world as a producer of Broadway’s “Celebrity Autobiography,” the comedic sensation currently delighting audiences once again after its original Drama Deskwinning run in 2008.
The show, created by Eugene Pack, takes passages from celebrity memoirs and transforms them into a live comedy event performed by well-known actors. For Fraboni, the appeal of the production has remained remarkably consistent since he first became involved. “Laughter,” he says when asked why the show continues to resonate.
“Everyone needs something to laugh at and just enjoy where you don’t have to think very hard. It’s easy laughter. We’re not making fun of people; we’re just reading this banal dialogue that people write in their autobiographies.”
That spirit of spontaneity has helped make “Celebrity Autobiography” a unique theatrical experience. Unlike most productions, the cast has little rehearsal time together before stepping onstage.
“The actors are cracking each other up as much as they’re cracking up the audience,” Fraboni says. “The greatest thing about the show is the rawness of it and these celebrities being human on stage with each other. It’s glorious.”
Fraboni has been involved with the production since its early years, serving as both producer and general manager before focusing exclusively on producing. He has helped bring the show to audiences across the United States and around the world, while continuing to oversee one of its most challenging components: casting. While the rotating cast has already featured the likes of Katie Couric, Rita Wilson, Keenan Thompson, and Tony Shalhoub, it also has an especially strong Long Island connection, featuring local entertainment icons such as Alan Zweibel, Susan Lucci, Ralph Macchio, and Ray Romano. Pack and co-producer
Douglas Denoff are also from the area.
While Fraboni’s current work places him at the center of Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, his path to producing began far from New York. Raised in a mining town in northern Minnesota, he started ballet lessons at age six alongside his twin brother.
“I was really into sports,” he recalls. “My mom and dad said, ‘Why don’t you take ballet? It will help with your athleticism.’”
What began as an extracurricular activity soon became a career. After high school, Fraboni joined a ballet company and performed professionally for five years. A chance audition for “West Side Story” during an off-season changed everything. The opportunity introduced him to acclaimed choreographer and director Jerry Mitchell, who cast Fraboni in six of his first seven productions. The experience ultimately led to his Broadway debut in “Cats” and opened doors throughout the industry.
As a performer, Fraboni developed a habit that would later serve him well as a producer and artistic leader.
“I would listen and watch,” he says. “I wanted to hear what the directors and choreographers were saying. I was very tuned in to what was going on.”
Eventually, curiosity about the creative process led him offstage and into producing. The transition revealed a side of theater audiences rarely see.
“As a performer, you show up to the theater do your job, and get your paycheck,” he says. “As a producer, you’re working constantly for months and months, sometimes years. Your job is never done.”
That commitment to building opportunities for others became the foundation of his work at Molloy University. Fraboni’s connection to the institution dates back more than two decades, when he helped bring Broadway legend Carol Channing to campus for a gala performance. There, he met then-president Drew Bogner, who shared plans to build a theater. One decade later, Fraboni received a call encouraging him to apply for the artistic director position at the newly constructed Madison Theatre.
“It was still a shell,” he remembers. “I was instrumental in how they built the infrastructure.”
Over the next 15 years, Fraboni transformed the Rockville Centre venue into a regional performing arts center featuring Broadway-caliber productions, symphony performances, international artists, jazz concerts, and educational opportunities. He also played a key role in bringing the renowned CAP21 musical theater program to Molloy, creating new pathways for aspiring performers.
“The idea was to make it an arts center with a variety of art,” he says. “I wanted it to be a regional theatre and performing arts center, but also give the students the opportunity to grow and perform with professionals.”
Despite balancing productions at Molloy with responsibilities on “Celebrity Autobiography,” Fraboni says the rewards make the long hours worthwhile.
“The joys are the audiences laughing and enjoying what we do,” he says. “We create what we think will be the best thing possible for our audiences to see, and the payoff is when they enjoy it.”
Whether producing a Broadway comedy, mentoring students at Molloy, or developing new artistic opportunities on Long Island, Fraboni remains committed to the idea that theater is ultimately about people coming together.
“There’s nothing like going to the theater, laughing with people, and experiencing a journey,” he says. “Everybody is emotionally affected differently by a show. That’s inspiring to me.”
Visit celebrityautobiography.com for more information or to purchase tickets.
A familiar favorite returns to a legendary stage as Dion takes the spotlight for a concert honoring Westbury Music Fair’s 70th anniversary. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, whose history with the iconic venue spans decades, is returning to live performance after stepping back from regular touring in recent years. While he has been largely absent from the concert circuit, Dion has remained remarkably productive, releasing new music and books while continuing to earn acclaim for his blues recordings. In the past two years alone, he released The Rock and Roll Philosopher along with a companion book, further showcasing the creativity that has defined a career spanning more than six decades. His recent blues albums have topped the Billboard Blues chart, introducing his work to new audiences while reaffirming his place among America’s enduring musical voices. Best known for classic hits such as “Runaround Sue,” “The Wanderer,” and “Ruby Baby,” Dion continues to evolve as an artist well into his 80s.
Saturday, June 20, 8 p.m. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury. Tickets available at LiveNation.com.
Daniel Tosh
Get ready for an evening of sharp observations and quick-fire punchlines that are Daniel Tosh’s signature irreverent style when he brings My First Farewell Tour to he Paramount stage. Acclaimed for his quick wit and deadpan delivery, he’s built a devoted following through both stand-up and television. After graduating from the University of Central Florida with a degree in marketing, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue comedy full-time. His career gained national attention following a standout appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman in 2001, leading to appearances Comedy Central Presents, Premium Blend and The Tonight Show. Tosh became a household name as the creator and host of Tosh.0, the longrunning Comedy Central hit that paired viral internet videos with his trademark commentary and satirical take on pop culture.
Tuesday, June 23, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.
Courtesy Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade Scott Adsit and Rita Wilson are among the show’s rotating cast.
Courtesy Michaelah Reynolds
Angelo Fraboni is all smiles on opening night with his wife, Michelle Fraboni and his Molloy students Grace McNally, left, and Skylar Faith Ludwig.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
Jun
19
FIFA World Cup Watch Party
Soccer fans are invited to Eisenhower Park for Soccer In The Park, a free public watch party for the FIFA World Cup match between the United States and Australia. The viewing will feature a live match broadcast, giveaways, family-friendly activities, concessions and more. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for outdoor viewing. Free parking is available, with Lots 6 and 6A closest to the venue. Free parking is available.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 3 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 572-0200 TheIslandFC.com
Westbury House Tour
For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now go beyond the door and discover “Secrets of the Service Wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: Noon-1 p.m., also, June 21-22, June 24-25
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Jun
Jul 11
Stavros Halkias
Stavros Halkias’s The Dreamboat Tour hits the Paramount stage. He delivers the sharp observations, self-deprecating humor and quick wit that have made him one of comedy’s fastest-rising stars. Originally from Baltimore and now based in New York City, Halkias recently wrote, produced and starred in the independent comedy Let’s Start a Cult. His latest standup special, Fat Rascal, is streaming on Netflix, following the success of his debut special, Live at the Lodge Room, which attracted millions of viewers online. Beyond the stage, Halkias hosts the hit podcast Stavvy’s World, which quickly climbed the comedy charts and built a devoted following. He also stars in the Netflix comedy series Tires and is set to appear in A24’s Tony, inspired by the life of Anthony Bourdain. Known for his candid storytelling and relatable humor, Halkias has built a loyal fan base through stand-up, podcasting and acting. He has also been featured in Steven Soderbergh’s sci-fi series Command Z. Outside of comedy, he made his runway debut at KidSuper’s Paris Fashion Week show in 2023, earning Vogue’s nod as “the plus-est of plus-size models.” His ultimate dream? Get just famous enough to buy his mother a nice home — then retire from show business to open a surf-and-turf restaurant in East Baltimore.
Mikayla, and Jennie deliver an exceptional blend of female vocal groups and artists, spanning from the early rock ‘n roll and Motown eras to disco, R&B, ‘80s/90s pop and more. The Chiclettes are set to energize you as they celebrate the female artists who have graced the music scene from past to present.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 572-0200
Tunes with Bowie Station
and LEGO kit). $22 per adult (includes admission and guided tour), with member discount. Registration required.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 4:30-5:30 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Midsummer Jazz
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
• Time: Gates open at 6 p.m., concert 7-9 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Beatles Exploitation
Stop by Oceanside Library for a program on all the albums released in1964.
• Where: 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside
allowing you to feel more balanced, harmonious and at peace.
• Where: Oceanside Library, 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 766-2360
Shabbat on the lawn Temple Avodah holds an outdoor Shabbat.
• Where: Temple Avodah, 3050 Oceanside Rd., Oceanside
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 766-6809
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
Tunes with FAST TRACK Band
The FAST TRACK Band plays many of your favorite rock, pop and dance tunes! Come, reserve a table, enjoy EGP’s amazing cuisine and dance the night away.
• Where: EGP Oceanside, 2823 Long Beach Road
• Time: 7-10 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 766-9547
Jun
28
‘70s Sunday Music Service
Jun
Bowie Station returns Dox in Island Park. They play two full sets of rock ‘n roll.
• Where: 10 Broadway, Island Park
• Time: 8-11 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 992-2222
Jun
22
20 Grooves with The Chiclettes Eisenhower Summer Concert Series welcomes The Chiclettes and Vinnie Medugno. Celebrate the remarkable women who reigned supreme on the charts! Gracie,
25
Brick Builders: Build Something Wild Old Westbury Gardens welcomes families to spend an afternoon exploring, building and creating together! Brick Builders invites children and their grownups to enjoy building a LEGO Creator 3-in-1 Tropical Toucan. The program begins at the beech tree and includes a guided walk through some of the featured exhibit Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects made with LEGO bricks. After the tour, head to the Barn at Orchard Hill to build a LEGO kit to take home For ages 5+. | $24 per child (includes admission, guided tour,
Old Westbury Gardens hosts Monk for President, an ensemble that’s redefined the art of the jazz trio. Glafkos Kontemeniotis (piano), Fred Berman (bass) and Vince ‘Kazi’ McCoy (drums) deliver a high-wire act of musical conversation. From timeless standards to deep-cut favorites, and originals from Glafkos. Their improvisation has graced iconic stages like Bryant Park, Central Park Summer Stage and the Schomburg Center. Don’t miss this masterclass in intuitive jazz. Before, during, or after, stroll the gardens decorated with floral arrangements and illuminated with lanterns. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic dinner. $40 (includes light season fair and beverages), with member discount. Additional wine, beer and prosecco may be purchased separately.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: oceansidelibrary.com or (516) 766-2360
Jun
26
Rockin’ with the Almost Brothers Band Rock on during the Eisenhower Summer Concert Series. Enjoy an Allman Brothers tribute with ABB and Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute with Sons of Skynyrd.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 572-0200
Soulful Sound Healing
Facilitated by Laura Cerrano, certified Feng Shui expert, sound healing provides a unique and immersive experience that can help release tension and stress,
Oceanside Lutheran Church welcomes all to a ‘70s-themed Sunday music service. Join in for a spirit-filled musical service featuring the unforgettable sounds of the 70s. Everyone is welcome!
• Where: 62 Davison Ave., Oceanside
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Contact: (516) 766-0136
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.
AP charity project puts compassion into action
coordinated a breast cancer survivor outreach initiative in partnership with Catholic Health and Mercy Hospital in Rockville Centre, collecting raffle baskets and gift donations for the annual Breast Cancer Survivors Day brunch on June 7.
Through professional outreach to local businesses, students secured 28 raffle basket donations valued at more than $50 each. Donations included gift cards and merchandise from businesses throughout Oceanside and neighboring communities, including Dolce Bella, Pietro’s, Vincent’s Clam Bar, Mixology Clothing Company, Greek Xpress, Ralph’s Italian Ices, Fat Boy’s Burritos, Mama Theresa’s, Mesita, Just Salad, Toast, Cookies N Cream and Grandpa Tony’s. Starbucks alone donated 15 gift baskets for the event.
Six students attended the June 7 brunch, alongside Pepe, to celebrate and support breast cancer survivors who completed treatment through Catholic Health.
The outreach program involved a variety of responsibilities, from designing flyers and managing donation boxes to communicating with businesses and organizing donated items.
Jailene Caban, a junior at the high school, said the experience strengthened relationships among classmates while helping students become more comfortable advocating for causes they care about.
“We had to talk to people, check donation boxes and encourage others to
donate,” she said. “It brought us together and helped us build better relationships with each other and with teachers.”
Other students emphasized the professional skills they developed through the project.
“We learned how to professionally reach out to businesses,” Kritika Kumar, another junior, said. “We had to send emails, follow up with people and manage our time. Those are skills we’ll definitely use in the future.”
Brooke Randazzo, also a junior, helped coordinate business outreach and maintained records of donations received. Students frequently communicated with business owners, teachers and community organizations, gaining experience that mirrored professional workplace expecta-
tions.
Richard Wang, a senior, said the project required organization and communication beyond what many students encounter in a typical classroom assignment.
“At the end of every week, we had to tally donations and communicate with the organizations we were working with,” Wang said. “It helped us become more comfortable reaching out to people and speaking professionally.”
Students also took ownership of the presentation and appearance of the donations. Some designed informational flyers, others created donor recognition cards, while another group assembled and wrapped gift baskets.
For many participants, the project
changed their understanding of community service.
“I think it showed us that even small contributions can make a difference,” junior Katherine Nolan said. “Whether it’s a gift card, a toy or a canned good, it can help make someone’s day better.”
The outreach initiative followed an academically demanding year for the students. Before beginning the service project, each AP Research student completed an independent yearlong study, submitted a 5,000-word academic paper to the College Board and delivered a 15 to 20-minute presentation and oral defense before a panel of evaluators.
Participating students included juniors Maggie Luttrell, Lila Mlawski, Gianna Monfiletto, Alexandra Namdar, Kevin Wojtylo, Caban, Kumar, Nolan and Randazzo, as well as seniors Emma Ryan and Wang.
Pepe said he was most impressed not only by the students’ academic achievements, but also by the professionalism and initiative they demonstrated throughout the outreach effort.
“They could have chosen to do very little after completing such a rigorous year,” he said. “Instead, they chose to go above and beyond. They represented themselves, their school and their community exceptionally well.
“Our students already proved they could succeed academically,” Pepe added. “This project showed they can make a difference in the community, too.”
Courtesy Oceanside School District
Oceanside High School’s AP Research program collected hundreds of items for local families and organized baskets for breast cancer survivors.
COntinued fROm PAge 1
June 18, 2026 —
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Notices
REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
NEWREZ LLC DBA
SHELLPOINT
MORTGAGE
SERVICING (FKA
SPECIALIZED LOAN
SERVICING LLC), Plaintiff - againstEMILIA SHAFRANSKI, et al Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on April 20, 2026. 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 the 30th day of June, 2026 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece, or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Premises known as 3254 Judith Lane, Oceanside, NY 11572. (Section: 54, Block: 527, Lot: 20)
Approximate amount of lien $888,668.77 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No.
007787/2013. Christine M. Grillo, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170
Tel. 347/286-7409
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: April 29, 2026
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 160357
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF FORMATION of VERDI HOLDINGS, LLC Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/28/26. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 203 Sunnyside Road OCEANSIDE, NY 11572. Purpose: any lawful act.
160558
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU BANC OF AMERICA FUNDING CORPORATION 2007-6, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, -againstJANET GUSTAFERRI
A/K/A JANET VAUGHAN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES GUSTAFERRI
A/K/A CHARLES H. GUSTAFERRI, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on April 6, 2026, wherein BANC OF AMERICA FUNDING CORPORATION 2007-6, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE is the Plaintiff and JANET GUSTAFERRI A/K/A JANET VAUGHAN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES GUSTAFERRI
A/K/A CHARLES H. GUSTAFERRI, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on July 13, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 132 DAVISON AVENUE, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572; and the following tax map identification: 38-363-85, 86 & 87. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT OCEANSIDE, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of
filed Judgment Index No.: 616678/2022. Fay Mattana, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 160690
LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff - againstKERRY SARWAN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on February 3, 2022. 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 the 9th day of July, 2026 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Island Park, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Premises known as 3977 Long Beach Road, Island Park, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11558. (SBL#: 43-187-85) Approximate amount of lien $535,382.77 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 608704/2018. Stephanie Stutman Goldstone, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: April 17, 2026
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and
maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.
160607
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 56-2026
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 9th day of June 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 56 -2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 56-2026, to amend Section 197-15 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “PROHIBITION OF LEFT TURNS” at various locations.
Dated: June 9, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 160795
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF FILING OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT AND CONSTRUCTION PLAN
Notice is hereby given that New York Transco LLC (NYT) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA, with NYT, the Applicant) will soon file, Phase 1 of the Propel NY Energy (the Project) Environmental Management and Construction Plan (EM&CP) with the New York State Public Service Commission in accordance with Article VII of the New York State Public Service Law.
Project Description and EM&CP Overview
The Project is an innovative electric
transmission solution that will bolster system reliability and resiliency and create new pathways to deliver energy to New York homes and businesses.
The Project includes installing approximately 89.6 miles of new underground and submarine transmission lines, and new and upgraded substations carefully routed to minimize temporary impacts on surrounding communities and the environment.
This Phase of the EM&CP provides information regarding the design, construction methods, environmental protection measures, restoration procedures, and more associated with vegetation management to prepare for civil construction at the following properties:
- New Barrett Substation (Town of Hempstead)
New Shore Road Substation and an adjacent utilitycontrolled property (Town of Oyster Bay)
- New Ruland Road Substation (Town of Huntington)
For more information on the EM&CP process and the Project, please visit www.PropelNYEnergy. com.
Availability of the EM&CP for Public Review
The EM&CP is available for public review at the following locations and online:
- Online via the Department of Public Service (DPS) Document and Matter Management System (DMM): https://dps.ny.gov (search by case number 24-T-0446)
- Gold Coast Library, Half Hollow Hills Library, Oceanside Library
- Huntington Town Hall, Hempstead Town Hall, Oyster Bay Town Hall
Requests for Additional Information
Any person seeking additional information regarding a specific geographic area or subject matter addressed in the EM&CP may submit a request to the Applicant using the contact information provided below. Shannon Baxevanis Director of Communications and
Public Affairs
New Tork Transco info@propelnyenergy.c om 1-800-347-9071 (tollfree)
Public Comment Period
Any person wishing to comment on the EM&CP or raise objections may file written comments with the Secretary to the Commission (contact information below) within 30 days of the official filing.
Comments on any subsequent revisions to the EM&CP may be filed within 15 days of service of those revisions by electronic means.
Commission Contact Information Secretary to the Commission
New York State Public Service Commission Three Empire State Plaza Albany, NY 12223
Email: secretary@dps.ny.gov DPS DMM Website: https://dps.ny.gov 160802
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 53-2026
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 9th day of June 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 53-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 53-2026, to amend Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations. Dated: June 9, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI
Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 160792
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 07/01/2026 at 9:30 A.M. & 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.
350/26. OCEANSIDESands & Shatz Realty Company LLC, Renewal of grant to maintain one double-faced, exterior lit, professional sign; 32 sq. ft. per face & overall size 64 sq. ft.; overall height 8’ & setback 1’ from front property line., E/s Long Beach Rd., 155’ N/o Mott St., a/k/a 3471 Long Beach Rd. 362/26. - 363/26. OCEANSIDE - Eugene Gutman, Maintain pool with deck attached thereto with less than required side yard and rear yard setbacks & percentage of rear yard occupied variance; Maintain shed with less than required side yard setback., E/s Lawrence Ave., 1,268.05’ S/o Henrietta Ave., a/k/a 3505 Lawrence Ave. THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M.
368/26. OCEANSIDEPrince Enterprise Holding LLC, Waive offstreet parking (proposed optician office)., S/W cor. Merrick Rd. & Westlake Ave., a/k/a 462-464 Merrick Rd. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Oceanside within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different
hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals
The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo
Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.
160782
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWMBS, INC., CHL MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH TRUST 2005- 24, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-24, Plaintiffagainst- SETH OBERSTEIN, TALI OBERSTEIN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated May 1, 2026 and entered on May 7, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on July 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as SBL# 43392- 17. Said premises known as 36 ELAINE DRIVE, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572 Approximate amount of lien $1,147,434.53 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 609214/2018.
LENORE DAVIS, ESQ., Referee Pincus & Tarab Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 {* ISLAND PAR*} 160536
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
Acupuncturist (Freeport, NY) Diagnose, treat, & prevent disorders by stimulating acupuncture points within body w/ acupuncture needles, nutritional supplements, cups, therapeutic massage, acupressure, & other alternative health therapies. Conduct assessments to determine patients' health concerns & collaborate w/ other healthcare professionals to provide holistic patient care. Develop & explain personalized treatment plans & procedures to patients. Provide dietary & lifestyle recommendations to support healing process. Maintain accurate & updated records following proper documentation procedures. Min Salary: $64,979.00/Yr. Min Req'd Master's Degree in Acupuncture & possess valid NYS Acupuncture License. Mail Resumes: Integrated Musculoskeletal & Spine Group PLLC, Attn: HR, 73 Guy Lombardo Ave, Freeport, NY 11520.
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available! Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
HomesHERALD
A new pool, and the fence around it
Beautiful Cape
Apartments For Rent
CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space When Available. For Details Call 516-860-6889/ 516-852-5135/ 516-582-9978
Welcome to this beautifully maintained expanded Cape in the Salisbury section of Westbury in the East Meadow school district. Offering 4-5 bedrooms and a versatile floor plan, this home is perfectly suited for today's lifestyle. The updated kitchen flows seamlessly into the comfortable living spaces, including a spacious living room and formal dining room. A striking double-sided wood-burning fireplace adds warmth and character, creating an inviting atmosphere throughout the main living areas. The first floor offers exceptional
Q. I’m putting in a pool, and have to raise the property on the side closest to my property line by about 18 inches. I see that my permit shows I can’t go over 6 feet for the fence. What I want to do is build a wall along the property line using the concrete interlocking blocks that are made for this, and I remember from a previous column you wrote that the wall also needs a permit. Am I going to have problems getting the fence and wall approved, because the company that makes the blocks shows that they go right onto compacted gravel and not the concrete foundation you wrote about? Also, the fence will be 6 feet tall on my side, but at least 7 feet 6 inches on my neighbor’s side. Is that going to be a problem? I want to do this right away, so I can enjoy the pool this summer. Should I just do it and see what an inspector says, if anything?
A. You have given this a lot of thought. I will answer each question as well as possible. The reason for my doubt is that communities have differing opinions, and even inspectors have differing views. The real problem is that until, and sometimes even after, you get a final sign-off, anything that wasn’t documented on the plans is fair game for nullifying the approval, requiring refiling for a new permit.
The block wall can only go on a compacted gravel bed if the ground is stable — not in a flood plain or previously reclaimed land, such as in a neighborhood that was once marshland — and if the gravel bed reaches a 90 percent compaction level, according to manufacturers. This compaction is achieved only by using heavy equipment and extreme force, so if you plan to shovel it in and tamp it down, think twice. Fortunately, the wall movement will be hardly noticeable unless sections sag from the weight of the block and the horizontal shifting of the earth, which mainly occur with the help of water buildup and extremes like the weeks of below-freezing weather a few months ago that most people have already forgotten.
The fence height is another mixed bag of opinions. I’ve had to appear for clients at zoning hearings because of just such circumstances, where there was a problem achieving the 6-foot height and the uneven land dilemma. In other, similar circumstances, another inspector in the same jurisdiction said not to bother and passed the approval without the need to go through the hearing process. I believe that good fences make good neighbors, as Robert Frost wrote. The height issue should only come into play when a neighbor is harmed or potentially harmed by the height, such as if the fence blocks sunlight.
I can never recommend building something without approvals, as a licensed professional, but I am seeing more often that people hate the word “permit.” Good luck!
© 2026 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden
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SERVICES
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Nassau must stop nickel-and-diming small businesses
Small businesses are the heartbeat of Nassau County. They are the dry-cleaner that remembers your name, the locksmith who answers when a family is locked out, the dog groomer trusted with a beloved pet, the fitness studio where neighbors become friends, and the home-service providers who keep our communities running.
So why is the county treating them like a revenue stream to be squeezed?
For too many entrepreneurs, opening or operating a small business here means dealing with local licensing fees that are far higher than what similar businesses pay in nearby counties. A legislative investigation revealed that Nassau County small businesses pay three to five times more for an annual license than comparable businesses in neighboring jurisdictions.
That’s not pro-business, or progrowth. It is a competitive disadvantage built into county law.
That’s why Democrats have introduced legislation to slash annual licens-
ing fees for many categories of small businesses. Those fees currently reach as high as $1,300 per business. That can mean the difference between buying new equipment, hiring another employee, paying a utility bill and simply making it through another month.
The goal of this proposal is simple: to bring Nassau County’s fees more in line with nearby counties and stop punishing local entrepreneurs for choosing to operate here.
TThe proposal comes at a time when Nassau’s small businesses need help the most. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Nassau is home to more than 200,000 small businesses. They make up more than 99 percent of all businesses in the county, and employ the majority of Nassau’s workforce.
card fees, utility bills, supply costs, labor challenges, and the everyday uncertainty that comes with trying to keep a storefront open. Every dollar matters. Every fee matters. Every avoidable cost matters.
hese businesses need relief from the county’s sky-high licensing fees.
In other words, this isn’t a side issue. This is Nassau County’s economy. When small businesses are healthy, our downtowns are stronger. More residents are employed. More families are supported. More dollars stay local. But when government keeps piling costs on already strained businesses, it weakens the very foundation of our communities.
Small businesses already face rising rents, higher insurance costs, credit
Cutting these fees wouldn’t solve every challenge facing small businesses, but it would provide meaningful relief. It would send a message that Nassau County wants to be a partner, not an obstacle. It would tell entrepreneurs: We want you here, we value you, and we aren’t going to punish you for investing in our communities.
This is especially important for firsttime business owners, women-owned businesses, minority-owned businesses, veteran-owned businesses and familyrun startups.
When the New York Post asked about the bill last year, County Executive Bruce Blakeman said he would be “happy to cut the fees.” If that was true then, it should be even more true now, after another year of inflation due in large part to President Trump’s crippling tariffs and his war in Iran, which are leading directly to rising costs that have made it harder for small businesses to survive.
Small businesses should not have to wait another year while a good proposal collects dust. They should not be used as bargaining chips in a political back-andforth. And they should not be told that relief is welcome in theory while nothing is actually done to deliver it.
If the county executive supports cutting these fees, he should support allowing the legislation to come to a vote. If his administration has concerns about the budget impact, let us have that discussion in public, with real numbers, real alternatives and real accountability.
But doing nothing is not leadership. Silence is not a small-business policy. Support can’t just be something we say at ribbon cuttings. It has to show up in the laws we pass, the fees we charge and the choices we make when nobody is holding oversized scissors for a photo op.
Small-business owners don’t need more slogans. They need relief. Nassau should be competing to attract entrepreneurs, not pricing them out. We should be making it easier to launch a dream here, not harder.
The legislation is there. The need is clear. Even the county executive has said he likes the idea. Now it’s time to stop talking, stop stalling and bring this bill to a vote. Small businesses have waited long enough.
Debra Mulé represents Nassau County’s 6th Legislative District.
Surviving the end-of-year overwhelm as an L.I. parent
Sometime around May, something shifts for Long Island parents. One morning you glance at your phone and realize that between now and the last day of school, you’re expected to attend a spring fling, coordinate field day gear, buy a prom corsage, RSVP to three birthday parties, survive finals week alongside a teenager who sleeps until 2 p.m. — or a toddler who wakes up at 2 a.m. — label 14 pairs of camp socks with permanent marker, and, somewhere in there, actually exhale. As a mom of two and as someone who works alongside Long Island families every day, I want to say plainly: This is a lot. Joy stacked on top of more joy, on top of logistics, on top of a full-time job and dinner and everything else — that’s not a celebration. That’s a stress response in a party hat.
Parental stress doesn’t stay tucked inside. It moves through families. The short-tempered answer at dinner, the
argument over a permission slip, the exhaustion that makes it hard to be present for the moments you’ve been looking forward to — these are the quiet consequences of end-ofyear overwhelm. And yet we’ve normalized it to the point where parents feel guilty for being overwhelmed.
Parental stress doesn’t stay tucked inside. It moves through families.
That’s why the EAC Network’s Long Island Parenting Institute exists. LIPI has been offering free and low-cost workshops and classes to parents across Nassau and Suffolk counties for years — practical, judgment-free spaces to build skills, find community, and be reminded that the village is still out there. You just sometimes need an invitation. Last year, LIPI served nearly 750 parents across the region.
Its programming director, Kathryn Cannino, helps oversee programs on positive parenting, child development and strengthening family relationships. Asked about parents feeling stress this time of year, Cannino’s response was, “End-of-year stress is real, but parents don’t have to push through it alone, or perfectly. The families we work with often find that turning point is treating
themselves with the same compassion they offer their loved ones — recognizing burnout is a signal to slow down and ask for support. Reaching out for support is a strength, and it also helps build the kind of connected village and supportive community that so many parents are longing for.”
So if you’re not the one managing the balancing act right now, look around. Someone near you probably is. Here are three simple ways to support parents in your community this season.
1. Be specific when you offer to help. “Let me know if you need anything” is easy to say, and almost impossible to act on. Instead, try, “I’m picking up dinner Friday — I’ll grab extra for you,” or “I can take the kids to Field Day.” Specific offers get accepted. Vague ones get politely declined by people who are too tired to ask.
2. Check in on the parent who seems like they’ve got it together. They don’t. At least not entirely. The parent who shows up at every event with snacks and a smile is often running on fumes by 9 p.m. Texting, “How are you actual-
ly doing?” can mean more than you know.
3. Say the quiet part out loud. We love our kids, and will do anything for them — but that doesn’t mean we have to do everything all the time, or that we have to do it silently and alone. When one parent names the overwhelm, others feel less alone in it. You don’t need to fix anything. Just being willing to say, “This time of year is genuinely hard” is a gift.
The LIPI team and community may be one of the best-kept secrets on Long Island, but the programs they offer are open to all. If you’re looking for your village, consider joining us for the sixweek Common Sense Parenting workshop series in July. Learn more and register at eac-network.org/li-parentinginstitute.
The end of the school year is supposed to feel celebratory — and it can, once we stop pretending the sprint to get there is effortless. So hang in there. Check on your people. Go to the concert. Cry a little at graduation. And when you’re ready to come up for air, we’ll be here.
Neela
Mukherjee Lockel is president and chief executive officer of EAC Network and a Long Island mother of two.
HERALD
eStart exercising your electoral muscles
very election cycle brings a familiar refrain: “This is the most important election of our lifetime.” The phrase is often overused, but the underlying message remains true. Democracy only works when citizens participate, and that participation begins long before Election Day in November.
For New Yorkers, that opportunity starts with next Tuesday’s primary election, which determines which candidates represent each political party on the ballot in November’s general election. Too often, primary elections are overlooked. Turnout is routinely far lower than in general elections, even though primaries frequently determine who will ultimately hold office.
In many districts, particularly those dominated by one political party, the primary is effectively the most competitive election voters will see. Yet thousands of eligible voters stay home, leaving crucial decisions in the hands of a small fraction of the electorate.
Voting is more than a civic duty; it is one of the few opportunities citizens have to directly influence the direction of their communities, states and nation. The issues debated during campaigns — taxes, public safety, education, transportation, housing affordability, health care, environmental policy and economic development — impact residents every day. Whether voters are satisfied with current leadership or eager for change, the ballot box remains the most powerful tool available to make their voices heard.
The 2026 election cycle will determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, institutions that shape federal policy on everything from spending and taxation to national security and judicial appointments. Midterm elections have historically served as a
letters
How to register to vote and find your polling place
Nassau County: Go to the Nassau County Board of Elections website: nassaucountyny.gov/Departments/BOE.
Suffolk County: Go to the Suffolk County Board of Elections website: suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/BOE.
referendum on the direction of the country, and they often produce significant shifts in political power.
Yet those outcomes are frequently decided by a relatively small number of voters. Nationally, turnout in midterm elections, like 2026, is typically lower than during presidential years. That means individual votes carry even greater weight.
New York voters face an unusual circumstance. Due to a court ruling involving the state’s congressional district maps, several elected officials who only recently won office must once again make their cases to voters. As a result, some communities will see campaigns and races return to the ballot much sooner than expected.
Rather than viewing this as election fatigue, we hope that voters see it as an opportunity. Democracy is strengthened when elected officials remain accountable to the people they represent. Frequent elections require candidates to engage with constituents, explain their records and articulate their plans for the future. Those elections also give voters a chance to evaluate whether promises made during previous campaigns have
Ben Franklin’s wise words? If only.
To the Editor:
Re Jerry Kremer’s column, “Much of what Ben Franklin said is being ignored,” in the June 4-10 issue: To use Franklin to compare the personal qualities of top officials then and now is very appropriate, for it points a way forward.
When Franklin connected the maintenance of the republic to the character of its members, he knew whereof he spoke. He was well studied in history, the qualities of his compatriots were well known to him, and he was fully experienced in the effort that went into the maintenance of “virtue.” His statements that “only a virtuous people are capable of freedom” and about the tendency of corruption to bring on “masters” were deadly serious advice about the kind of citizens necessary to “keep” the republic.
been fulfilled.
Congressional races often receive the most attention, but local and state elections — for Assembly members, village mayors, town council members, and more — can have an equally profound impact on daily life. Decisions made by state lawmakers influence school funding, transportation projects, environmental protections, public health initiatives and countless other issues that directly affect neighborhoods. The officials chosen this year will help shape policies and budgets that residents will live with for years to come.
Unfortunately, many Americans have become increasingly cynical about politics. Some believe their vote doesn’t matter. Others feel frustrated by partisan divisions or disappointed by the pace of change. Those feelings are understandable, but disengagement isn’t the answer. History repeatedly demonstrates that elections can be decided by razor-thin margins. A handful of votes can determine a local race. Every voter who participates increases the legitimacy of the democratic process and helps ensure that election results reflect the will of the broader community.
Next week’s primary should therefore be viewed as more than a procedural step on the path to November. It is the opening chapter of an election season that will help determine who represents us and what priorities those leaders pursue.
Voters should take the time now to learn about the candidates, understand the issues and confirm their registration status. They should familiarize themselves with polling locations, early voting opportunities and absentee ballot options if needed.
The road to November begins next Tuesday. The most important thing voters can do is show up and vote.
opinions
So we set off to meet the new Notre Dame coach . . .
i’ve told this story before, but friends say it always bears retelling. Four years ago this month, a group of us experienced in just a few hours some truly high moments followed by some comedic screwups that still make us shake our heads.
nassau County republican Party Chairman Joe Cairo, my law school roommate Tom Curtin and I are notre Dame graduates, and fanatical followers of Fighting Irish football. When we heard that then new football coach Marcus Freeman would be speaking at a notre Dame event at the Union league Club in Manhattan, we decided to attend and then go to dinner afterward.
Melissa Zimmerman, a retired nassau County Police Department detective who was on my security detail when I was in Congress and was still doing security work for me, coordinated the logistics for the evening. We took my car, picked up Cairo at his north Valley Stream home and made it to the city in
Letters
Franklin made for himself a chart of seven columns, one for each day of the week, and 13 rows listing the 13 virtues he considered important enough to track. He focused on one per week, and marked his shortfalls. “Tho’ I never arrived at the perfection I had been so ambitious of attaining,” he wrote, “but fell far short of it, yet I was, by the endeavor, a better and happier man than I otherwise should have been if I had not attempted it.”
Most citizens — and very few politicians — would be hard-pressed to even name 13 virtues, confused today with ideology. We know that George Washington had his own written self-guide, and self-improvement was a popular theme at the time, in line with efforts at improving society by improving the people. Citizens today should make their own list of virtues, make an honest attempt to abide by them, and insist on representatives who share the effort. Franklin’s words should be remembered, as should his efforts to attain virtue and thus be a good citizen of our republic.
BrIan Kelly Rockville Centre
plenty of time. Zimmerman parked the car in a garage a few blocks from the Union league, and once there we met up with Curtin, who, as usual, knew someone who knew someone and got us into a pre-event gathering with just a small group of alumni and Freeman, who was friendly and generous with his time. Couldn’t have been a better moment for notre Dame guys.
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Following the larger reception downstairs, we went to Sam’s Place, a terrific Italian restaurant on east 39th Street, where we were joined by my son, Sean, another notre Dame graduate. The conversation was filled with reminiscing, and expressions of hope that Freeman would restore notre Dame football’s golden luster. afterward, as we were outside on the street posing for a group photo, Zimmerman couldn’t help congratulating herself on her logistical success. Sean said he would walk to his nearby apartment and said good night. There was a drizzle of rain, but the garage was a block away; nothing to worry about. Curtin, who lives in Jersey, was staying at the new york athletic Club, so we offered to drop him off.
Despite a sign that said it would be open for a few more hours, the garage were locked tight. We rang the bell. no answer. It started raining harder. We were the only people on the street.
nd what followed forced us to find our way home in the rain in a very sketchy Uber.
The always prepared Curtin produced an umbrella and decided to walk to the nyaC. Zimmerman, seeing her brilliant planning coming undone, was on her phone trying to find an Uber to drive us to north Valley Stream. Minutes went by; no taxicab, no Uber. Cairo, one of the nation’s most powerful political leaders, was standing in the rain, looking down 39th Street. after several long minutes, a broken-down, filthy-looking, barely operable car pulled up. The driver held a cardboard sign with “Uber” scrawled in magic marker. Speaking with a thick foreign accent, he asked where we were going. north Valley Stream, Zimmerman told him.
“no problem,” he said. We warily got in the car — Zimmerman, the seasoned detective, in the front, and Cairo and I in the back. The driver seemed to have a hard time finding his way out of Manhattan as Zimmerman tried to guide him, and rain splashed against the
Framework by Tim Baker
windshield. eventually we made it to Cairo’s home, where he obligingly paid the driver and, adding insult to injury, at Zimmerman’s suggestion, gave the man a generous tip. He shook his head as he got out.
next, Zimmerman tracked down a friend to drive us to my home in Seaford, and then, because her car keys were in my car in the Manhattan parking garage, to drive her to her Bellmore home. Because my wife, rosemary, knew I’d be coming home late, she had decided to sleep in the back bedroom. When she got up in the morning and didn’t saw my car, she didn’t know whether to call the cops or the emergency room. Moments later, as I recounted the events of the previous evening, she shook her head with the look of a woman thinking, why did I ever marry this guy? Good question.
later that morning, Zimmerman took an lIrr train to Manhattan to retrieve my car and her keys and complain to the parking garage manager about his misleading closing-time sign. The saga of the notre Dame football coach and the locked garage was over, but none of us has ever forgotten it.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Diana Frohman with one of her dancing golden retrievers, 5-year-old George — Oceanside
