World Cup neighborhood guide unveiled
Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, Mayor Zohran Mamdani, NYC Tourism + Conventions and Team Wonder today unveiled a series of new initiatives to help New Yorkers and visitors explore the five boroughs and find free and low-cost ways to celebrate the world’s biggest sporting event.
Mamdani and Team Wonder, with support from the New York Community Trust, will launch the “NYC Neighborhood Passport,” a citywide program encouraging people to explore New York City’s immigrant communities, cultural institutions, small businesses and community events throughout the tournament.
Participants will be able to collect stamps from hundreds of community organizations and public events across the five boroughs while also sharing stories about what the World Cup means to them as part of a nationwide storytelling initiative.
Mamdani and NYC Tourism + Conventions will also launch a new events calendar and interactive digital map on NYCTourism.com to help New Yorkers and visitors discover free and low-cost programming, local promotions and neighborhood events throughout the tournament.
Oscreenings, art exhibits, book talks, block parties and more across all five boroughs in order to collect every stamp. Locations were also selected to highlight immigrant communities, including Little Senegal, Little Colombia, Little India and others.
Stamps will be available at many participating organizations across the city.
For a full and updated list of participating organizations and stamp locations, visit TeamWonder.com/alreadyhome
“Our knowledgeable, diverse staff is looking forward to offering fun and engaging World Cup activities, including screening televised matches and introducing people to our multilingual collections, giving them insider tips about our communities, and providing them with access to our computers and Wi-Fi as they discover the unparalleled culture, cuisine, and character of Queens,” Queens Public Library President and CEO Dennis Walcott said in the release.
ur knowledgeable, diverse staff is looking forward to offering fun and engaging World Cup activities.
Dennis WalcOtt
Developed alongside the FIFA World Cup 2026™ New York New Jersey Host Committee, the platform will help drive visitors to local businesses, cultural institutions and community events across all five boroughs.
Queens Public Library president &
CEO
“The World Cup isn’t just coming to MetLife Stadium,” Mamdani said in a news release. It’s coming to Corona and Flatbush, Astoria and Sunset Park, and every neighborhood that makes New York the most diverse, dynamic city in the world.”
Beginning June 11, NYC Neighborhood Passport booklets will be available at every public library branch across the five boroughs and at select events. Participants will be able to collect stamps from hundreds of cultural institutions, community organizations and public events.
Each stamp has been designed by New York City-based artists with roots several countries reflecting both the nations playing in the World Cup and the cultural diversity of New York City.
Stamps will be distributed across designated locations throughout the city, encouraging participants to explore dance performances, film
The Mamdani administration and Team Wonder are also launching the NYC Neighborhood Passport alongside “Already Home,” a nationwide storytelling campaign inviting soccer fans and nonfans alike to share what the World Cup means to them. Participants will be encouraged to submit video or audio recordings of their World Cup stories, which will become part of a national collection spanning several cities.
NYC Tourism + Conventions will also launch a new World Cup events calendar through its World Cup hub at NYCTourism.com on May 27. The platform will feature events, special offers and promotions from businesses and organizations across all
“With these new initiatives, we'll make it easy for New Yorkers and visitors alike to explore the five boroughs, find free watch parties, visit small businesses, and enjoy the historic tournament coming to our community,” World Cup Czar Maya Handa said in the release.
As part of Small Business Month, Mamdani and the Department of Small Business Services are expanding outreach efforts to help local businesses prepare for the influx of visitors expected during the World Cup.
— Jeffrey Bessen
Kara McCurdy Mayoral Photography Office The city launched Soccer Streets,’ a traveling series of field days visiting 50 public schools across the five boroughs ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mayor Zohran Mamdani kicked the ball around in the Bronx.
Senate salutes young Inwood author
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
For most first graders, a trip to Albany might mean sightseeing and a long bus ride. But for 7-year-old Thomas Ortiz Jr., of Inwood, it meant standing on the floor of the New York State Senate as lawmakers recognized him for becoming a published author.
State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick honored Thomas, a student at Lawrence Primary School, for his children’s book, “Thomas Makes a Promise,” which was inspired by his own experience starting at a new school and learning how to make friends.
Joined by his parents, Angela Ortiz and Thomas Ortiz Sr., the young author traveled to Albany for what his family described as an unforgettable day filled with emotion, excitement and pride on May 4.
“At just 7 years old, with the support of his
family, Thomas Ortiz has accomplished something truly remarkable,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “Inspired by his own experience starting at a new school, Thomas turned a personal challenge into a story that will help other children build confidence and make new friends.”
The senator said she first became aware of Thomas after reading an article about his accomplishment and was immediately impressed by both his age and the message behind the book.
“When I saw that article, I was super impressed that a 6-year-old was involved in the publishing of a book,” CanzoneriFitzpatrick said. “I reached out to him and his mom, and I invited him to Albany because this is exactly the kind of story we need more of today.”
She said fellow senators were equally amazed by Thomas’s achievement.
On May 4, State Sen.
Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, left, honored Thomas Ortiz, 7, of Inwood, middle, on the Senate floor, alongside his father Thomas Sr., his mother Angela and Assemblyman Ari Brown, right, for his book, “Thomas Makes a Promise.”
“Other senators said to me, ‘He’s more accomplished than we are because I’m not published,’” she said with a laugh. “But what stood out most was his message — make friends wherever you go, be kind, say hello to people. In today’s world, where there’s so much negativity, this is positive. For someone so young to spread joy and encouragement, it was
the story to go and even how he wanted it to end.”
Angela said watching their idea evolve into a published book that other children can enjoy has been “an unforgettable experience.”
“When we arrived at the Capitol, we were overwhelmed with emotion,” she said. “I was nervous at first, but the moment we walked through the doors and were greeted with such kindness and appreciation for Thomas and his book, we immediately felt welcomed and comfortable.”
truly my honor to recognize him.”
During the Senate session, Thomas sat in the chamber alongside his parents as CanzoneriFitzpatrick introduced him and highlighted his accomplishment before fellow lawmakers.
Thomas later admitted that the experience was both thrilling and intimidating.
“I felt excited and scared,” he said.
Still, the young author quickly embraced the adventure. His favorite stops included the New York State Museum, where he enjoyed seeing the whale exhibit, and touring the Capitol’s famous Million Dollar Staircase.
“It looks like the staircase in Harry Potter,” Thomas said.
He also enjoyed seeing soldiers visiting Albany for Fort Drum Day and spending time with his family exploring the city. The family visited Empire State Plaza and The Egg before making a stop for mini golf and games at Dave & Buster’s.
His mother, Angela, said the recognition represented the culmination of a journey she and her son created together.
“As a mother and an author, it was such a proud and emotional moment to watch my child receive such meaningful recognition for his book,” she said. “Just last year, Thomas and I were creating this story together day by day — picking the characters, choosing the scenes, deciding where Thomas wanted
She described the Capitol building itself as breathtaking and said the family was moved by the history and architecture throughout the complex.
“The architecture throughout the Capitol was absolutely breathtaking both inside and out,” she said. “The history within those walls is truly incredible.”
She also praised staff members David Poleto and Tim Bergerson for warmly welcoming the family and personally guiding Thomas through the Capitol.
“The time they took to personally give Thomas a tour was incredibly heartwarming,” she said.
According to Angela, one of the most memorable moments came when the family entered the Senate chamber and witnessed a live legislative session.
“Watching and listening to so many important discussions taking place firsthand was unforgettable,” she said. “We are beyond grateful to have shared this experience together as a family.”
Kristen Panzarella, Lawrence Primary School principal, said Thomas’s accomplishment reflects the supportive environment fostered within the school community.
“We are incredibly proud of Thomas Ortiz for receiving this honor from Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick in Albany,” Panzarella wrote in a statement. “At our school, we strive to foster an environment where every student feels empowered to reach their full potential.”
Courtesy Office of Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick
Patricia
Bonfires, smiles and silks for Lag Baomer
The Chabad of the Five Towns hosted their 31st annual Lab Baomer celebration at Cedarhurst Park on May 5.
Lag B’Omer is a Jewish holiday celebrated 33 days after Passover and marks the anniversary of the death of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a sage and lead disciple of Rabbi Akiva in the second century.
The community-wide event occurs on the 33rd day of the Omer, and in the Hebrew calendar it is always celebrated on the 18th of Iyar. This year that translates to May 5, where it was commemorated with outings, a bonfire, parades and other events.
Thirty-one years ago, Lag B’Omer was just another day on the calendar in the Five Towns, until Rabbi Zalman Wolowik and his wife, Rebbetzen Chanie Wolowik, of Chabad of the Five Towns, started the tradition of getting together and celebrating the occasion.
— Melissa Berman
Juan Alzamora/Herald photos
Rabbi Zalman Wolowik, Chabad of the Five Towns, left, with Jack, Taylor, Seth and Skylar Schessel at the 31st annual Chabad of the Five Towns Lag Baomer celebration.
Tad Emptage, top, and Ryan Shiji with Acrobats of Cirquetacular performed a routine on silks.
Lou Johnson the Magical Juggler provided entertainment for the children and families at Cedarhurst Park.
Meira Edery, middle, and her two kids Mason, left, and Eliot were all smiles at the event on May 5.
Kenny Stiefel and his son Sammy enjoyed celebrating Lab Baomer with the Chabad.
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Do I need to file a plan just to build a stone wall?
Q. I planned and started building a stack stone wall in my front yard, but I was stopped by a building inspector. He told me the wall was structural, and needed a professional plan to be approved before I could do the rest of the work. It’s just a landscape wall instead of a fence or hedges at my front sidewalk, so why should it matter? A lot of my neighbors have them, and he told me to file a complaint, and he would check the others out, but I don’t want to tell on my neighbors. What do you suggest?
A. The rules on retaining walls aren’t as clear as for other things you could build. A wall, in most communities, fits into a few different categories.
If it’s a retaining wall, meaning it holds something back, like your front lawn from the sidewalk or your neighbor’s lawn from your driveway, it’s definitely structural, and has drainage conditions you have to show on professionally prepared plans. The wall can’t hold back water from draining, or it could collapse. It must have a frost-depth foundation, which means that, since frost can permeate the ground to a depth, in our zone, of 3 feet, there must be a support wall with a spread footing at least 3 feet deep in the ground to limit heaving during extreme freezing, like we had for most of January this year, as you may recall.
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It may be possible to build with less concrete, on supports spaced several feet apart and a shallow type of footing called a grade beam, but that still has to be calculated to make certain it won’t crack and heave under the extreme forces of frozen ground. The majority of people I meet have no idea about the upward force that develops when moisture in the soil freezes and expands, but it does occur in colder weather, and you only need a small amount of movement to cause the wall to move.
Stacked stone is, essentially, loose, and can move. It may be considered a safety hazard because the individual pieces of stone can fall, or be carried away or thrown, such as by accident, involving people or vehicles. While this kind of wall may harken back to simpler historical times, you are best to avoid the problem and construct a wall that is safer and less difficult to get approved. Stack stone walls may look great on an old New England farm, but not necessarily in a populated suburb.
As for your neighbors, there are rules we all have to follow, including them. I had to legalize a wall in the process of doing an entire home, and discovered that my client’s wall lined up with the neighbors’ walls on both sides. The worst part was that all the walls were built beyond the front property line, on the municipal right-of way. Curiously, only my client had to file a zoning variance request.
More next week.
© 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 City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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And the Experts Agree
At Mount Sinai South Nassau, patient safety isn’t just a priority— it’s a standard, one we work on every day. And the experts agree.
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That means better outcomes for our patients with lower risk of infections or hospital acquired conditions.
When it comes to your health, nothing matters more than knowing you’re in a place where patient safety matters most.
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