Uniondale Herald 05-21-2026 by Richner Communications, Inc

Stacy Driks/Herald

A Long Island Rail Road train passed through Mineola station after a three-day strike that disrupted thousands of commuters’ schedules and left some local businesses dealing with slower weekend business.

Long Island Rail Road and MTA make a deal to end work stoppage

By STACY DRIKS & BRIAN KACHARABA of the Herald

The three-day Long Island Rail Road strike ended late Monday, after five unions and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority reached a tentative agreement following several days of negotiations, officials announced at an evening news conference.

Union and MTA representatives announced the deal after negotiations resumed in the afternoon and continued into the night, ending the work stoppage that had halted service and caused widespread travel disruptions across Long Island and in New York City.

“We have good news tonight,” Kevin Sexton, vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen and the

spokesman for the Long Island Railroad Bargaining Coalition, said. “We’re pleased to announce that the parties have reached an agreement.”

For local commuters and businesses, the tentative agreement ended several days of uncertainty after many had begun preparing for a prolonged disruption. Uniondale residents who rely on the LIRR often use nearby stations such as Hempstead, Mineola, West Hempstead or Carle Place, depending on where they live.

The strike also complicated a busy New York City sports weekends, as the Mets and Yankees faced off in the Subway Series. For local restaurants and bars, the rivalry usually brings in fans looking to watch the games or

Voters approve school budget

By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com

Voters approved the Uniondale school district’s $296 million spending plan on Tuesday, by a count of 718-451, which cleared the 60 percent supermajority the proposal required, because it exceeded the district’s state-calculated tax cap.

The spending plan includes a 2 percent tax levy increase, which will cost homeowners an average of $121 more a year. Uniondale’s tax cap was negative 0.4 percent this year.

The increase was needed because the district faces rising costs for state-mandated services, transportation, employee benefits and charter school tuition. The budget is intended to preserve classroom programs while limiting the impact on homeowners as much as possible in a tight budget year.

The budget, which is 3.7 percent larger than the current spending plan, is also designed to maintain current educational programs, support staffing levels and invest in technology upgrades across district.

Without the tax increase, the district would need to cut about $2.7 million from the budget,

which would likely affect staffing, because salaries and benefits account for 70 percent of spending.

The biggest strain on the budget is Uniondale’s Academy Charter School, district officials said. About 40 percent of district students attend the school, with the district planning to pay $26,090 per student for 925 students next year.

Voters also approved a second proposition, 842-290, authorizing the district to use capital reserve funds for playground upgrades at several elementary schools and tennis court improvements at Lawrence Road Middle School. Incumbent Board of Education President Mary Bediako won another term, receiving 770 votes. Yvette Janniere also won a another term on the board with 778 votes. Both were unopposed.

The vote came after a Uniondale Empowerment Resource Center meeting on May 14, at which officials explained the spending plan to residents and answered questions about cost, taxes and district priorities. Janniere also addressed the gathering, outlining what she considered the district’s most urgent needs moving forward.

Viviana Russell, who represents portions of Uniondale and Carrié Solages representing Franklin Square joined the Haitian American Family Association of Long Island on April 11 for the organization’s annual fundraising gala at Mirelle’s Restaurant.

The event celebrated leadership, legacy and transformation while recognizing several community members for their contributions. Honorees included Frenal Mezilas, who received the Cultural Preservation Award; Lindell Senior, honored with the Next Generation Leader Award; Vanessa BairdStreeter, who received the Community Impact Award; and Ceus Joseph, recognized with the Community Business Excellence Award.

HAFALI’s mission focuses on bridging Caribbean communities and American society by promoting engagement, cultural pride and positive community impact.

News briefs

Nassau County Legislator Viviana Russell, from Westbury, who represents part of Uniondale partnered with the Nassau County Police Department’s Office of Community Affairs and the county’s Department of Traffic Safety to provide free child car seat safety checks at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale on April 29.

Certified technicians ensured car seats were properly installed and provided families with guidance aimed at maximizing child passenger safety. Uniondale Legislator Olena Nicks will host a car seat safety inspection at the Uniondale Library on June 24.

“As a person who cherishes my family’s Cuban lineage, I know the challenges that my father experienced when he came to America, and the important role that community organizations like HAFALI can play in assisting with that transition,” Russell said. “I am delighted by the success of this inspiring gathering, and I join Legislator Solages in congratulating the honorees for all they do to enrich the lives of others.”

Solages also emphasized the importance of organiza-

tions that support immigrant communities and cultural integration.

“For more than three decades, HAFALI has served an essential role in helping Haitian Americans and families from across the Caribbean become acclimated in America,” Solages said. “I am proud to celebrate an organization that does so much to help people thrive and strengthen the cultural tapestry that makes Nassau County and America beautiful.”

— Hailey Fulmer

“As a mother and a grandmother, ensuring the safety of our families, especially our youngest, is always close to my heart,” Legislator Russell said. “I am so glad that this opportunity was well received by the community and that our neighbors are now driving with added peace of mind. Thank you to the Nassau County Police Department for sharing your expertise, Nassau

Coliseum for graciously hosting us, and all the residents who availed themselves of this opportunity to keep their families safe!”

Legislator Olena Nicks, joined Minority Millennials at Nassau Community College. She served as keynote speaker during the organization’s fourth annual “We Are The Future” summit and discussed helping young people of color to build careers and become civic leaders.

Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks, who represents Uniondale, joined the Minority Millennials at Nassau Community College on April 24, where she served as keynote speaker during the organization’s fourth annual “We Are The Future” summit.

“We Are The Future” is an annual summit hosted by Minority Millennials that focuses on leadership, career development, civic engagement and networking opportunities for young people of color on Long Island.

“Minority Millennials is shaping our region’s future by helping young people of color build careers, generate generational wealth, and become our next generation of civic leaders and public servants,” Nicks said. “I am proud to stand with them in their mission, and I thank Dan Lloyd for inviting me to be a part of such an enlightening and inspiring summit.”

— Stacy Driks

Courtesy Chris Portuondodesmith

Ceus Joseph was recognized with the Community Business Excellence Award. He also received a legislative citation. He was one of the four who were honored for their leadership and transformation within the community.

Courtesy Chris Portuondodesmith Certified technicians inspect a child car seat during a free safety check event at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

Courtesy Chris Portuondodesmith

HERALD neighbors

Audience members wave Haitian flags during musical performances. For one hour, over 60 people watched and listened

and spoken-word that highlighted Haitian culture.

Haitian

song and dance fills the

By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com

More than 60 people filled the meeting room at the Uniondale Public Library — standing along walls and crowding near the back doors — as the library opened Haitian Heritage Month with an evening of music, dance and art that transformed the normally quiet space into a celebration of Haitian culture.

The May 3 event also served as a preview for Haitian artist Frenal Mezilas, whose artwork will be featured in a larger exhibition at the library on June 5. Pieces of his work lined the room as guests arrived, giving attendees an early look at the upcoming exhibit while performers took turns in the meeting room, which is not the usual space for concerts, as it is usually held upstairs for 30 people.

“It is truly an honor and job to welcome you all to the launch of our Haitian heritage month here at the Uniondale public library,” Maria Sonia Saint-Rose Bienvil. “The “Uniondale library cares about the Haitian community here” Saint-Rose Bienvil recited a poem by Haitian writer and poet Gary Daniel. He is associated with Haitian Creole literature. While Mezilas performed stand-up comedy, which drew the large crown to laughter. Also called, “blague,” which directly translates into joke or nonsense talk. Both performances were spoken in their native tongue, Creole.

Sister Frantzcie Altidor-Wagnac presented the opening prayer. She is one of the sisters and leaders at Maranatha Grace Church in Uniondale .

“Father God, we thank you for this opportunity,” she recited. “That you have given us to gather together as your people to celebrate your goodness and to enjoy everything that is about to take place.”

She continued to bless that without God, they

ayflexn performs to live Haitian music in a cultural showcase, engaging the audience with rhythmic movement as traditional sounds fill the space. The rising rapper also performed original songs.

cannot do anything and thanked for all the things to come their way.

Sr. Sherley Francois recited the United States and Haiti National Anthem called La Dessalinienne. The history of the anthem was selected at a nationwide competition in 1903. It honored JeanJacques Dessalines who was the revolutionary leader who led Haiti to independence from France, one hundred years before.

Middle of the celebration Alexandra performed a traditional dance throughout the libraries meeting room. She represented Haiti by wearing a flowing dress of the flag’s colors, red and blue.

Following Alexadra’s, there were special guest performances by Jazzyjoz and Antoine Joash Bienvil, known as JayFlexn, 14, rising singer and songwriter. He performed several original songs along with traditional Haitian songs. Bienvil started rapping at five-years-old keeping it going as he has over 100 thousand views on YouTube.

Uniondale

Dancer Alexandra performs to traditional Haitian music in traditional garments, moving in rhythm as the audience watches and responds to the cultural performance.

Stacy Driks/Herald photos

to dance music

Crime briefs

Hempstead mother indicted for attempted murder of toddler

A Hempstead woman was indicted on attempted murder and assault charges after she allegedly slammed her 21-month-old daughter into a concrete wall at their apartment building in March, causing serious injuries, according to Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly.

hands of parents who should be the most trusted adults in a child’s life. We will prosecute these cases and protect our children.”

According to the charges, Barnes entered the hallway of her apartment building at about 4 p.m. March 9 carrying her daughter and allegedly swung the child into a concrete wall.

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Chantel Barnes, 28, was arraigned April 23 before Judge Helene Gugerty on charges of attempted second-degree murder, firstand second-degree assault and endangering the welfare of a child, prosecutors said.

Barnes pleaded not guilty. Bail was set at $110,000 cash, $200,000 bond or a $1 million partially secured bond. The court issued a stay-away order of protection. Barnes is due back in court May 19. If convicted, she could face up to 25 years in prison.

Prosecutors said the child’s father returned home a short time later and found the toddler injured on the hallway floor and called the police for help, leading to Barnes fleeing on foot.

The child was taken to Cohen Children’s Medical Center, where she was treated for a skull fracture, a fractured clavicle and internal injuries, prosecutors said. She was released to her father’s care on March 20.

“A 21-month-old toddler girl was left with serious injuries after a violent and chaotic attack, allegedly committed by her own mother,”

Donnelly said. “Screaming that she had killed her child, this defendant ran into the hallway allegedly aggressively swinging the toddler into a wall, slamming her head and face repeatedly. After medical intervention, the little girl has incredibly made a full recovery. Violent crimes against vulnerable children are unthinkable, especially at the

“Joyspan”

by Dr. Kerry Burnight

Subtitled “The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half”, this book reﬂects the natural progression of our desire to increase our lifespan (the number of our years), to increasing our healthspan (the number of our healthy years), to increasing our joyspan (the number of our joyful years). The author deﬁnes joy as an inner feeling of well-being or contentment, as opposed to happiness, which comes and goes, often according to external circumstances.

Burnight writes, “To thrive in old age means to live a fulﬁlling, purposeful, and satisfying life despite the challenges of aging. It involves maximizing physical health, cognitive function, emotional well-being, social connections, and a sense of meaning. Thriving doesn’t mean being free of all health problems or challenges, rather, it emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and the ability to ﬁnd joy and value in life.”

Research shows that those who thrive late in life:

Grow: They continue to explore and expand

Connect: They put time into new and existing relationships

Adapt: They adjust to changing and challenging circumstances

Give: They share themselves

As a Professor of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Dr. Burnight was struck by the radical difference in how people experienced their own aging process. “For some it is a frustrating, degrading, painful trajectory of ever-increasing decline. For others, there is visible delight, spirituality, and joy in occupying their eighth, ninth, and tenth decades.”

The thieves of joy are (1) comparison with others (2) frustration with health and mobility limitations (3) feeling like you are a burden (4) feeling heartbroken over the loss of a loved one, and (5) feeling defeated as if your best days are behind you. Nevertheless, she says, “Like the sun, joy is always there. But when it’s hidden by clouds, we mistakenly say it’s gone. Joy is resilient and can break through the clouds because it’s an innate part of the human experience.”

“One might say that following this doctor’s prescription will increase your “joyspan” and decrease your “oyspan”!

Barnes was arrested April 23 by detectives assigned to the Nassau County Police Department’s Special Victims Squad.

Assistant District Attorney James McLaughlin of the Special Victims Bureau is prosecuting the case under the supervision of Deputy Bureau Chief Laura Dorfman, Bureau Chief Emma Slane and Executive Assistant District Attorney Kevin Higgins, prosecutors said. Barnes is represented by attorney Ryan Holt.

— Joseph D’Alessandro

Donating boxes burglarize at St. Raphael’s

The Nassau County Police Department’s First Squad is investigating a criminal mischief and larceny incident that occurred May 11 at St. Raphael’s in East Meadow.

According to detectives, First Precinct officers responded to the church, at 600 Newbridge Road, at 4:30 p.m. for a larceny report. Police said an unknown person wearing black pants, a black shirt and a tan jacket entered the parish and approached the donation boxes.

The person used a pants hanger to forcibly open the locked donation boxes and removed about $100 in cash, police said. The person then fled on foot eastbound on Newbridge Road.

The investigation is ongoing.

Detectives ask anyone with information to call 911. All callers will remain anonymous.

— Jordan Vallone

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of

What PSEG Long Island advises to stay safe during hurricane season

Hurricane season begins June 1, and during National Hurricane Preparedness Week, PSEG Long Island

and understand steps that help reduce damage and improve recovery after storms.

n Grid improvements and ongoing storm prevention efforts

PSEG Long Island has spent the past 12 years strengthening the electric grid to better withstand extreme weather and allow for faster power restoration after storms.

These improvements include elevating substation equipment above flood levels and installing stronger poles and wires to increase system resilience.

In addition to infrastructure upgrades, PSEG Long Island maintains a year-round tree trimming program to help minimize storm damage. This program identifies and trims tree limbs in rights-ofway and along easements that could cause outages during or after a storm.

Together, these efforts are designed to reduce the impact of hurricanes on Long Island’s electric system while improving reliability and restoration times for customers.

n Preparing your home and emergency supplies ahead of time

PSEG Long Island encourages customers to put together an emergency plan and prepare ahead of hurricane season.

Home preparation includes reinforcing your home to withstand high winds, storms and flooding, as well as pruning trees and shrubs to remove dead branches near the home that could cause unnecessary damage. Customers should also gather essential emergency supplies in advance, including a battery-powered radio with fresh batteries, flashlights, blankets, nonperishable food and bottled water.

Additional preparation steps include planning for refrigeration of medicines or power-dependent medical devices, charging cell phones and tablets, keeping cash available in case banks are inaccessible, filling vehicle fuel tanks, bringing in unsecured outdoor furniture, and compiling a list of emergency phone numbers.

— Angelina Zingariello

n Safety precautions and staying connected during storms

Customers should take important safety precautions before, during and after a hurricane. Generators and fuel must always be used outdoors and kept at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages to prevent carbon monoxide exposure. Homes should have working carbon monoxide detectors on every level, as the gas is colorless, odorless and dangerous. Downed wires should always be considered live, and people should never approach, touch or drive over them. If a wire falls on or near a vehicle, remain inside and call 911 unless fire requires exiting safely. Customers can stay connected by reporting outages, receiving updates, and monitoring restoration through PSEG Long Island’s app, text alerts, website, social media and MyPower outage map.

STEAM night highlights creativity and innovation

By LILY SPINDA Correspondent

Students, teachers and local organizations were recognized at Hempstead High School’s second annual STEAM night showcasing student-led projects focused on community impact.

The school’s atrium was filled with students from elementary through high school presenting a range of topics that centered on this question: “What can I do through school to help my community?”

STEAM expands on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) by including the arts. Both are an expanded approach to teaching and learning technical subjects. Hempstead High students approached this project through an inquisitive-focused lens, since the district is an International Baccalaureate institution. This academic program is a framework that emphasizes critical thinking and research.

Displays included 3D-printed models and tri-fold presentations on topics varying from environmental sustainability and infrastructure to fashion design and engineering using recycled materials.

Matthew Martinez, a third grader, focused on environmental alternatives that could help his community. His group designed and printed a model electric car using a 3D-printer.

“We designed an electric car because electric cars don’t really pollute the air as much as normal cars,” Martinez said, adding that he wanted to raise awareness about air pollution in his community.

Other students considered a sustainable approach using fashion. The high school’s fashion class presented several original handmade designs, showing the intersection between creativity and technical skill. Before joining, senior Rose Campion had no prior sewing experience, but after taking both classes, she discovered a new passion.

“A lot of people question if fashion deserves to be a part of STEM, and I feel like fashion is STEM,” Campion said. “Everything STEM represents, we do in fashion, from knowing how much the fabric weighs to seeing how it drapes on the mannequin, from understanding how much we need to cut off and angling it so we can sew properly. It’s all STEM,” she said.

Campion plans to study biology in the fall but hopes to continue using these skills in the real world by creating customized shirts, printouts or bracelets as a

side business or as gifts. “I’ll be able to know how to make my own pieces if I want to, so I don’t have to spend a lot of money and buy something unnecessary when I can just make it myself.”

Administration couldn’t have been prouder. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, Richard Brown, believes these student projects are more than just presentations.

“It’s called giving students voice, choice, and agency,” Brown said. “Allowing students to be their own leaders in picking a topic and how to approach their research “is what builds their inquiry, engagement, and that’s what learning now, at a high standard, is all about,” he added.

These projects are no typical school presentation; it’s several months of interdisciplinary instruction, investigation and trial. The STEAM program is part of the school’s curriculum, focusing heavily on inquiry-based research. All projects must go through an inquiry process, which involves asking questions, beginning research and using teachers as guides.

Some projects extended beyond the high school. Fifth graders from Joseph A. McNeil Elementary school presented with the New York Power Authority), the country’s largest state power organization. According to the Director of Science and STEAM, Fredrika Miller, their research consisted of several projects on ways to reduce our carbon footprint. One group built a demo model of clean transportation, including electric cars, by using 3D printers. Another group focused on carbon footprint through food waste by weighing food waste and collecting data.

Many participating students who presented with the NYPA are English Language Learners, Miller said, adding that their presentation was “hands-on, it was experimental, it was multidisciplinary, it was IB.”

But for Miller, this presentation night is not just about research; it’s also about the importance of representation, especially for young girls.

“A lot of young ladies in the district are becoming more STEM … they’re saying, ‘I can do that too’, and that’s nice because they can do anything,” she said.

Community partners also participated, including instructors from Lincoln Tech who volunteered to speak with students about career paths. Kafi Alexis, an electrical instructor, said representation plays an important role in inspiring students. She remembers when she began working in electrical work.

“I was on top of a trailer… and some young girl saw me, and she was like, ‘Oh, we could do this too!’ and I was like, ‘Oh, that’s it. I was sold,’” Alexis said.

Alexis said women, particularly women of color, still face challenges in male-dominated industries but she understands the importance of visibility and perseverance.

“We know how hard it is — that’s just being a woman in a man industry, period,” she said. “It has its difficulties, but it’s still beautiful at the same time.”

Hofstra University’s Northwell School of Nursing and Physician Assistant Studies also attended, demonstrating 3D human anatomy structure models to younger students. Alexandra Petas, a first-year PA student, was impressed by the amount of knowledge and interest in

anatomy from the kids.

“A lot of young kids have come up… and I’m just really impressed,” Petras said. “It’s cool to see how much they know and how much they care. ”

Rhea Dewal, also a first-year PA student, added, “Our goal is to inspire the younger generations to see what they can possibly do in their future,”

Events such as STEAM also provides as a positive outlet for students with broader challenges outside of school.

“We have been dealing with a lot of transitions because a lot of our students are immigrants [so] it’s honestly nice to turn the trajectory in a different direction and let kids be able to be kids,” Brown said.

According to U.S. News & World Report, Hempstead High student population is 100 percent minority, with 77.2 percent Hispanic and 21.3 percent Black students. Organizers said events such as STEAM night could help connect students with community resources and future opportunities.

For some students, having access to extracurricular programs is already shaping their goals. Robert Ennis Jr., a member of the Hempstead High Robotics Club, said his experience inspired him to continue his education at Farmingdale State College so he can apply his skills to help his community, including building websites.

Even at an elementary level, teachers are reinforcing these concepts. Matthew Cole, a third grade teacher at Barack Obama Elementary School, runs an afterschool club where students build machines using electric toys and building blocks to demonstrate scientific concepts. Currently, his students are learning about force and motion, so some machines used those concepts to perform simple tasks like dispensing candy.

“It’s more than just a lesson,” Cole said. “It [the mechanical machines] took a couple of months to build. We try to incorporate all these projects into what we’re learning about in the classroom.”

Leasia Hammonds Harbison, one of Cole’s students, said she felt proud of her accomplishments. “I learned how to create new stuff and try new activities,” she said.

From performing arts to presenting engineering projects and designing original fashion pieces, STEAM Night has encouraged students to explore their interests and take ownership of their learning.

Lily Spinda/Herald

Hempstead High School senior Rose Campion, left, and fashion teacher Atira Gray display student-designed creations.

things to know About MentAl heAlth AwAreness Month

Breaking the silence on mental health: It’s time to talk about it

May is recognized nationally as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about mental health conditions, reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek support when they need it. First established in 1949, it has grown into a widespread effort involving schools, workplaces, healthcare providers and communities across the country. In recent years, conversations around mental health have become more open, highlighting how common anxiety, depression and other conditions are and how important it is to treat mental health with the same seriousness as physical health.

— Abigail Grieco

n Mental health conditions are far more common than people realize

Mental health conditions affect millions of people each year in the United States. About one in five adults experiences a mental illness annually, ranging from anxiety and depression to more complex conditions like bipolar disorder. Many more people experience stress, grief or emotional challenges that may not meet clinical definitions but still significantly impact daily life. Despite how common these struggles are, stigma often keeps people from talking about them openly or seeking help. Mental Health Awareness Month helps normalize these conversations and reminds people that they are not alone. Mental health challenges are a part of the human experience — not a personal failure — and support is widely needed and shared.

n Early help and treatment are highly effective

Getting support early can make a major difference in managing mental health conditions. Treatments such as therapy, counseling and medication are effective for many people, especially when started early. Support can also come from school counselors, community programs or workplace resources. In recent years, telehealth has made it easier for people to access care from home, helping reduce barriers like transportation or scheduling. The month also emphasizes the importance of everyday coping strategies, such as exercise, sleep, mindfulness and social connection. While these do not replace clinical treatment when needed, they can support overall well-being and resilience. The key message is simple: no one has to wait until they are in crisis to seek help.

n Stigma still prevents many from speaking up

Stigma remains one of the biggest obstacles to mental health care. Many people still hesitate to talk about what they are experiencing because they fear being misunderstood, judged or labeled. This can delay treatment and make symptoms worse overtime. Simple actions — like listening without judgment, using respectful language and sharing accurate information — helps create a safer environment for discussion. Stigma reduction is not only about awareness but also about action, like supporting policies that improve access to care, encouraging mental health days in schools and workplaces and making resources visible and easy to find. Small, everyday efforts can help create a culture where mental health is treated with the same openness and care as physical health.

Commuters and businesses felt

travel to Citi Field or Yankee Stadium, but the rail shutdown added another obstacle.

“No bueno,” said George Arniotis, coowner of Station Plaza Coffee Shop and Diner, in Mineola. “Saturday was the worst, which is my biggest day — it’s usually packed.”

“We had that Yankees and Mets game, but no one was here,” he added.

Sexton said that details of the agreement would not be released immediately, citing the need for member review ahead of ratification votes. However, public radio station WYNC reported that the four-year deal includes retroactive pay and expires in July 2027.

“Due to the nature of the negotiations, we cannot discuss the specifics,” he said. “What I can say is we are looking forward to our members getting back to work and doing what they do best, which is serving the region.”

He added that any premature disclosure of details could complicate ratification.

“We don’t want to fail ratification,” Sexton said. “If they get part of this story through the media, it may impact their decision.”

The agreement is subject to a 30-day period in which union members will review and vote on the tentative deal before it becomes official.

The shutdown began after five railroad

Stacy Driks/Herald

Station Plaza Coffee Shop and Diner, in Mineola, saw slower weekend business during the strike, according to co-owner George Arniotis.

unions went on strike at 12:01 a.m. Saturday following the expiration of a federally mandated cooling-off period. The work stoppage led to widespread delays across Long Island, with shuttle buses operating on limited routes and commuters urged to work remotely where possible.

Sexton said that tensions escalated late in the negotiations on Friday night, when

the MTA introduced proposed health care contributions for newly hired employees, an issue he said had not previously been part of bargaining discussions.

Gov. Kathy Hochul said the agreement was reached after continued bargaining focused on balancing worker pay with affordability for commuters and taxpayers.

“I’m truly pleased to share that the five Long Island Rail Road unions and the MTA were able to come together and reach a fair deal this evening,” Hochul said. “The contract achieved two principles: protecting affordability for Long Islanders and commuters while giving fair wages to the employees.”

Officials said that the LIRR would begin restoring service in phases starting Tuesday at noon, with limited hourly service on four main branches, before expanding systemwide service later in the day. The MTA said that the contingency bus service that operated during the shutdown would continue Tuesday morning before being phased out as train service ramped up.

Hochul said that roughly 3,500 LIRR employees would receive raises under the agreement, while fare and tax increases would not be part of the deal. “I also did not accept a deal for compromise affordability for Long Islanders,” she said. “At a time when everything is going up, I’m not going to allow taxes or fares to go up. Period. Full stop. Got it done.”

Officials said that additional details on full system restoration were expected as crews completed inspections, repositioned equipment and returned employees to scheduled assignments.

It was the first Long Island Rail Road strike since June 17, 1994. That strike lasted two days before a contract settlement was reached.

ContinueD froM PAGe

County panel kicks off anti-fraud campaign

Experts detail deceitful practices that cost unsuspecting consumers hundreds of billions of dollars

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Throughout the country, an easily overlooked category of crime has become a multi-billion-dollar industry: Insurance fraud costs consumers $806 billion every year, taking financial bites out of construction, transportation, real estate and other industries. Long Island’s local business leaders are sharing their strategies to avoid contributing to that statistic.

Some 160 business owners and employees welcomed advice from elected officials, security firms and fellow business people at a panel at the Morrelly Homeland Security Center in Bethpage on May 13.

This was the first panel connecting government agencies and local businesses to share information about fighting insurance fraud, according to John Capece, Nassau County’s consumer affairs commissioner.

“This is the first time in Long Island history that we have a meeting with all the building departments and the Department of Consumer Affairs to host a seminar for training and for communication,” Capece said.

The panel, sponsored by the Long Island Builders Institute, is intended to be the first of many. Capece conceived of the idea to kick off a larger effort to improve consumer safety by helping community members and local businesses identify and avoid malicious actors.

“We want to stop them because they prey on the elderly and the vulnerable people that don’t understand contracts … they get sucked into something where they think they’re going to save so much money and they don’t,” Capece said. “We want to educate the

public.”

Panelists discussed the optimal ways of handling everything from home improvement contractor licensing, permitting, solar installations and contracting oversight to responding to fraudulent insurance and

training certificates and staged construction accidents, as well as other topics impacting homeowners and the building industry.

Panelist Gina Farese is a solar energy entrepreneur and a member of Nassau County’s Home Improvement Advisory Committee and many other groups in the industry. She has seen many cases of improper business dealings, ranging from roofing coverage to workers who aren’t on a contractor’s official payroll.

“There’s a lot of things that are broken and so far gone, and I’m seeing so many homeowners get, unfortunately, taken,” Farese said. “So many people just care about their bottom line … at the end of the day, it’s just making sure that the homeowners are protected properly, and educating people.”

Mary Harkins serves as counsel to the county’s Department of Consumer Affairs. She advises Capece and the department on the interpretation of local laws, with a focus on contract violations.

“Now we’re able to address it more proactively, rather than just reacting,” Harkins said. “Our licensing division is about, like, six people, some part-time, and we’re dealing with 10,000 licenses plus about 800 new applications per year. It’s a lot of responsibility, but in reality, we’re moving on it.

“We’re trying to uncover the really great contractors out there,” Harkins added. For bad actors in the industry, the department, she said, is “trying to identify them and take corrective action.”

The number one way to protect yourself against risk, Capece said, is to verify that any contractor in your home is legitimately licensed.

For more information, call Nassau County Consumer Affairs at (516) 571-2465.

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald Panelist Gina Farese and Nassau Consumer Affairs Commissioner John Capece advised more than 160 community members about the risks of insurance fraud.

International trip gives students new perspectives

By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com

For the first time since COVID, a group of 47 Uniondale High School students and eight Uniondale staff members returned from a weeklong international trip with new cultural perspectives, stronger global curiosity and, for some, a changed sense of direction for their futures – this year was Japan.

For many students, the international trip marked their first time traveling abroad — and in some cases, even their first time on an airplane. Organized through EF Education First, the experience quickly drew interest from more than 100 students after an informational meeting.

By the time registration closed, the district had its largest group to date participating in the program.

“We had a hundred people at the information meeting, and as the group leader, I get an email every time a student signs up,” Uniondale High School English teacher Nina Saveth said.

And not only could I hear my phone exploding with emails,” she added. “By the time I got home the trip was full — we never experienced that before.”

“This was overwhelmingly where students really wanted to go,” David Hollander, the district’s director of social studies, said. “We sent out a survey, we had a committee of teachers, of administrators and the interest level was enormous in this trip.”

Among the students was London Davis, a junior who said the trip reshaped his academic and personal outlook. He described arriving in Japan with a longstanding interest in the country, influenced by anime and cultural curiosity, but said the experience became far more meaningful once he was there.

“I think after that trip, I’m definitely leaning more into studying abroad once I’m in college,” Davis said. “And picking up a few languages along the way.”

Davis recalled moments of cultural connection, including playing baseball with a local child at a schoolyard despite a language barrier, using a tour guide to

translate between them.

“I told my chaperone that I want to play baseball with him and we just played,” he said. “Whether we look different or not, that didn’t really matter — I do look different, I’m taller, darker and bigger.”

Saveth explained the trip helped students step outside their comfort zones and experience cultures different from their own, encouraging them to become more open-minded and globally aware.

“Sometimes we don’t always listen to people when they’re not like us,” she said. “When they’re not in our bubble.”

Across the group, students explored temples, shrines, coastal areas such as Enoshima Island, Nara Park and local food districts. Many also experienced daily cultural differences, from etiquette norms to meals that were unfamiliar compared with home.

Students quickly adapted to Japanese customs, quietly riding trains during rush hour, carrying their trash because public garbage cans are rare and respectfully following local etiquette.

In addition to visiting shrines and cultural landmarks, students learned about Japanese customs firsthand from their tour guides. Davis said students were taught traditional rituals at shrines associated with good luck and respect, while also exchanging pieces of American culture in return.

“We passed along certain American slang that isn’t typical to Japanese people,” Davis said.

Saveth and Hollander said the goal of the program extends beyond travel itself, focusing instead on building global awareness and cultural understanding.

“We’re really thinking about aligning it with some of our instructional goals,”

Hollander said. “One of the big things is, becoming a global citizen and how does travel support that? It was really exciting.”

Davis prepared by downloading Duolingo, a language-learning app, more than five months before the trip.

“The goal for me is not necessarily Japan or Spain or Greece — it is that they have a love of travel and learning about other cultures,” Saveth said. “And learning other languages.”

The trip also had logistical and financial support systems, including payment plans, fundraising options and a scholarship through EF Education First, which helped reduce costs for one student who received a $1,000 scholarship toward the roughly $5,000 trip.

The student, who wants to be a chef, sent a video with her application that showed her interest in incorporating different cuisines into her cooking.

Saveth also noted a social impact beyond travel itself. She said students formed unexpected friendships across grade levels and social groups, bonds that continued after they returned to school.

“I don’t think it has to do with the destination, but somewhere around day three, the students start to form these friendships,” she said. “And with people who they never knew even went to Uniondale.

“And they have these close bonds, and you see it after we get back,” she added. “You see kids who are connected who never would have been connected before.”

As the district prepares for future international trips, including planned travel to Portugal and Spain in 2027, educators say the demand reflects a growing interest in global education opportunities.

For students like Davis, the impact is already clear.

“It was not a culture shock, but it’s just something to be aware of that makes me look at home like more different,” Davis said. “Why do we conduct ourselves the way that we do compared to Japanese people.

“And I just, I appreciate the attention to detail Japanese people have, honestly.”

Photos courtesy Uniondale High School

Uniondale High School students began their trip to Japan at the airport, setting off on an international experience that included visits to temples, shrines, coastal areas and local food districts.

Historic Kobu Inari Shrine, tucked between buildings in Tokyo’s Akihabara district, offered students a quiet contrast to the area’s electronics and anime shops.

Balboni returns to Adelphi as its president

By ALLYSON FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com

Adelphi University has named Michael Balboni, a former state lawmaker and a longtime public servant, as its 11th president.

Balboni, who will take office June 1, is the first Adelphi graduate, the first Adelphi parent and the first Long Island native to lead the Garden City university. He succeeds Interim President Christopher K. Storm Jr., who will move into the newly created role of senior executive vice president of academic affairs and provost. Christine M. Riordan was Adelphi’s 10th president.

“This transition is a homecoming for me, a true full-circle moment,” Balboni said. “Because I know Adelphi from almost every possible angle, I have an intimate understanding of the DNA of this university and the transformative power of the education it provides.”

Balboni graduated cum laude from Adelphi in 1981 with a degree in biology, and has remained closely connected to the university, including as an adjunct faculty member and, most recently, as chair of the board of trustees. He built a career in law, government and public safety, serving in the Assembly and State Senate and later as New York’s deputy secretary for public safety.

Balboni said he plans to serve as Adelphi’s “chief external advocate,” using his experience in government, law and public policy to raise the university’s profile, expand partnerships and pursue new funding.

“I plan to leverage my professional network and my knowledge of the legislative landscapes in Albany and Washington, D.C., to elevate our institutional visibility,” he said.

He added that he will pursue state and federal grants, build corporate partnerships and work to raise Adelphi’s regional and national profile.

William Fuessler, acting chair of the university’s

BELMONT PARK VILLAGE

board of trustees and chair of the presidential search committee, said Balboni’s background makes him well suited to lead the university at a challenging time for higher education.

“To thrive, Adelphi requires an innovative leader and a proven executive capable of navigating complex financial and operational headwinds,” Fuessler said. “Michael Balboni brings precisely this expertise.”

Fuessler added that Balboni’s public- and privatesector experience will help the university secure resources and support institutional growth.

Balboni takes over as colleges and universities nationwide face pressure from shifting enrollment patterns, rising costs and growing scrutiny over the value of a college degree. Adelphi, he said, is entering that period in a position of strength.

Adelphi received a record 17,000 first-year applications for the upcoming fall semester, and has posted record first-year enrollment in two of the past three years, Balboni said. The university also has a balanced budget, a stable financial outlook and a $282 million endowment, up 69 percent since 2016.

“For workforce readiness, proving the return on investment of a degree is critical,” he said.

Affordability, efficiency and new partnerships will be central to his presidency, Balboni explained, as Adelphi works to demonstrate the value of a college degree. The university will focus on aligning programs with market demand in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and health care, while expanding internships, externships, job shadowing and study abroad opportunities.

“I want to make sure our students all have the experiential opportunities through internships, externships, job shadowing and study abroad,” Balboni said, “so they have real-world experiences employers want.”

Courtesy Adelphi University

Michael Balboni will take office June 1 as Adelphi University’s 11th president. He will be the university’s first graduate, the first Adelphi parent and the first Long Island native to hold the position.

Couple married at Hempstead Town Hall

Hempstead Town Clerk Kate Murray officiated the wedding of Uniondale residents Rodrick Samuel and Sasheca Wright on March 4 at Hempstead Town Hall. The ceremony was part of the town clerk’s office’s marriage services, which include issuing marriage licenses and scheduling wedding ceremonies for couples across Hempstead Town. Murray congratulated Samuel and Wright as they

marked the start of their marriage surrounded by the setting of Town Hall. Uniondale residents and other town residents interested in obtaining a marriage license or scheduling a wedding ceremony can call the town clerk’s office at (516) 812-3014 or visit HempsteadNY.gov/ Marriage

— Stacy Driks

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Uniondale residents, Sasheca Write and Rodrick Samuel marry at Town Hall.

STEPPING OUT

By Karen Bloom

The holiday weekend may feel a little different this year with the beloved FourLeaf Air Show shifting to over to Fourth of July as part of the celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. Still, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate the unofficial start of summer, including a patriotic drone show to fill in for the annual flying spectacle that will illuminate the night sky over Jones Beach on May 24.

No matter how the weekend unfolds, one tradition remains ﬁrmly in place: gathering around the grill for a barbecue with family and friends.

Of course, no Memorial Day barbecue would be complete without the familiar favorites — juicy burgers sizzling over an open ﬂame, hot dogs nestled in toasted buns and steaks grilled to smoky perfection. But today’s cookout offers far more than the traditional staples. By adding dishes with bold marinades, fresh seasonal ingredients and unexpected sweet-and-savory ﬂavors, hosts can bring new energy to the holiday barbecue while still honoring the classics everyone loves.

The beauty of grilling is its versatility. From colorful kebabs and charred vegetables to caramelized fruit and herb-infused sides, even the simplest ingredients take on extra ﬂavor over the ﬁre. The tried-and-true will always remain a go-to, but the holiday is also the perfect opportunity to refresh the menu with creative twists and crowdpleasing additions that may just become new favorites.

Spicy Mustard Chicken Kebabs

Kabobs add sizzle to the season. With their easy preparation and quick cooking time, kabobs are a simple way to enjoy many of your favorite fresh ﬂavors.

Sizzle into summer

Fire up Memorial Day

• 1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar

• 1 pound raw boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and black pepper

• 1 medium red onion, cut into 1-inch chunks

To make sauce, place 3 tablespoons mustard in medium bowl. Add oil and garlic powder, and whisk until uniform. Cover and refrigerate. To make marinade, in small bowl, combine vinegar with remaining 2 tablespoons mustard. Stir until uniform.

Season chicken with salt and pepper. Place chicken and marinade in large sealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible and seal.

Gently knead marinade into chicken through bag. Refrigerate for 1 hour.

Meanwhile, if using wooden skewers, soak 4 in water for 20 minutes to prevent burning. Alternately thread marinated chicken and onion chunks onto 4 skewers. Bring grill to mediumhigh heat.

Brush both sides of kebabs with sauce. Grill kebabs for 5 minutes with grill cover down.

Flip kebabs and grill for 6 to 8 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through. Enjoy.

Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip

Enhance the ﬂavor of fruits and veggies at your barbecue. Try another way to eat pineapple by grilling it and pairing with a lime dip for a tasty treat.

• 1 pineapple

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 3 tablespoons honey

Lime Dip:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup plain yogurt

• 3 tablespoons honey

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar

• 2 tablespoons lime juice

• 2 teaspoons lime zest

Peel pineapple; cut into wedges.

In resealable plastic bag, combine brown sugar, lime juice and honey. Add pineapple wedges, seal bag and turn to coat. Refrigerate 1 hour.

To make dip: In small bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Beat in yogurt, honey, brown sugar, lime juice and lime zest. Cover and refrigerate.

Heat grill to medium heat.

Remove pineapple wedges from plastic bag; discard marinade. Grill pineapple wedges, covered, 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.

Serve with dip.

Grilled Lemon Chive Corn

Grilling adds an extra special ﬂavor to corn on the cob. Try it with a lemon chive butter topping.

• 4 ears fresh sweet corn, in husks

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon chopped chives

• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Pull back husks from each ear of corn, leaving husks attached to base. Remove corn silk. Fold husks back around corn; tie at end of each ear with string or strip of outside corn leaves. Soak in cold water 30 minutes. Drain.

Place corn on grill, uncovered, 20 to 30 minutes or until tender, turning often. Meanwhile combine butter, chives and lemon juice.

Serve corn with lemon-chive butter.

‘Cold Beer on a Saturday Night’

Spring blooms with a taste of summer as Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band bring their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to the Paramount stage, celebrating the music of Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett, and Zac Brown Band. Long Island–based and led by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, the group also features Linn DeMilta (Lovely Linn) on lead and backing vocals, Luis Rios on guitar, Frank Stainkamp on keyboards, Dan Prine on bass, and Mike Vecchione on drums. Together, they’ve spent more than a decade channeling the laid-back spirit of beach-country favorites. With a setlist built for singing along, the band blends crowd-pleasing hits with an easygoing, sun-soaked energy that evokes margaritas, ocean breezes and carefree nights where, as they like to say, it’s always “5 o’clock somewhere.”

Saturday, May 23, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Decoration Day

Step back into time to when Memorial Day was known as Decoration Day at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. Throughout weekend, the living-history site comes alive with the sights, sounds and traditions of the 19th century, offering visitors an immersive glimpse into how Long Islanders once marked the occasion.Stroll the village while enjoying period craft demonstrations, storytelling and stirring brass band concerts that echo through the historic streets. The weekend culminates with the signature Decoration Day observance, re-creating the holiday as it was ﬁrst commemorated in the early 1870s. Costumed Civil War “veterans” lead a patriotic parade and heartfelt ceremony honoring departed soldiers, capturing the spirit, pageantry and reverence of an earlier era. The parade and ceremonial program begin at 2:15 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, May 2324, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage. Visit oldbethpagevillagerestoration.org or call (516) 572-8409.

21,

Spicy Mustard Chicken Kebabs Grilled Pineapple with Lime Dip Grilled Lemon Chive Corn

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

Knight of Fashion

A full-scale fashion show led by PTA member Ylana Grier brings together local designers, student performers and original looks at Uniondale High School auditorium. Designs by students Makayla Grier and Kyla Simms are featured alongside traditional wear from families and a sports-inspired segment from the school’s gym and dojo. With a performances by students and a special appearance by rising artist YVNGLEGACY. $10, $5 students.

• Where: Uniondale High School, 933 Goodrich St., Uniondale

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 560-8899

America 250 Flight Demonstration

A behind-the-scenes look at one of the nation’s most recognizable flight demonstration comes to the Cradle of Aviation Museum as part of its America 250 celebration programming. The museum hosts a free screening of “Air Force Elite: Thunderbirds,” a documentary following the United States Air Force Thunderbirds through a demanding training season that highlights the precision, trust and coordination required to perform aerial demonstrations at the highest level. The evening also include access to museum galleries and a live performance by the Freeport Community Band in the atrium before the film begins. Reservations are required.

• Where: Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City

• Time: 5-8 p.m.

• Contact: cradleofaviation.org or (516) 572-4066

Decoration Day

MAY

Step back in time at Old Bethpage Village Restoration during a Decoration Day program honoring those who served. With brass band entertainment, ceremony and parade.

• Where: 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage.

• Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m., also May 24

• Contact: oldbethpagevillage restoration.org or (516) 572-8409

MAY

Uniondale Empowerment Resource Center meets All are invited to attend a monthly meeting held on the fourth Tuesday

Gary Clark Jr.

Blues-rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter has built a reputation as one of the most exciting live performers of his generation. Blending electric blues, rock, soul, R&B, and hints of hip-hop, his sound is both rooted in tradition and boldly modern. His guitar tone often recalls legends like Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, but his songwriting, socially aware lyrics, and willingness to experiment make him stand out as a contemporary artist. On stage, he is known for extended solos, dynamic arrangements, and emotionally charged vocals that move from soft falsetto to gritty growls, making every Gary Clark Jr concert feel unforgettable. Anyone who has listened to a Gary Clark Jr. album or watched the four-time Grammy Award winner perform live knows that he’s a gifted multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and performer. And never more so than on his last album, 2019’s illuminating This Land. But while This Land signaled a breakthrough in displaying his musical versatility beyond the blues, his latest album, JPEG RAW, represents a quantum leap. jun 16

of each month at the American Legion Hall in Uniondale. The gathering provides residents with an opportunity to discuss local issues, share updates and connect with neighbors in a welcoming community setting. All are welcome to attend.

• Where: Uniondale American Legion Hall, 545 Uniondale Ave.

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: info.uerc@gmail.com or call (516) 440-6004

Harmonize With Long Island Harmonizers

Love to sing? So do the Long Island Harmonizers. The chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society is a chorus of more than 20 singers, now welcoming new members. The ensemble performs four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style, entertaining audiences at libraries, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and local events. All are welcome to visit one of their weekly rehearsals. Come listen, meet the chorus, and — if you’d like—join in and sing. No musical experience is necessary, just a love of singing and a desire to have fun making music together.

• Where: Faith Lutheran Church, 231 Jackson Ave, Syosset

• Time: Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

• Contact: Call: Rich, (516) 521-4779, or Dennis, (516) 680-8036, or visit longislandharmonizers.org

Family theater

MAY 27

Long Island Children’s Museum stages

“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!,” back at the museum by popular demand. With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), this show is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party! It’s not easy being the Pigeon since you never get to do anything. But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can finally do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon.; also May 28-29

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

children and their grownups to enjoy building a LEGO Friends Flower Stand with Roses Kit. 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, 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

MAY 30

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

MAY

28

‘Something Rotten! The Musical’

See the comedy musical, set in the 1590s, which follows two playwright brothers competing with William Shakespeare as they attempt to create the world’s first musical. From tap dancing eggs to beautiful love stores, this musical really has it all. Songs include “A Musical!,”“It’s Hard to Be the Bard,” and “Welcome to the Renaissance.” The cast is comprised of New York City professionals, including David Hibbard, who was in the original Broadway production, with CAP21 alumni and current students. Performances are scheduled throughout the fourday run.

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

• Time: Varied times, through May 31

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

Brick Builders

Old Westbury Gardens welcomes families to spend an afternoon exploring, building and creating together! Brick Builders invites

Cooking with Chef Rob Middle school and high school students can learn how to make Caribbeaninspired soft tacos during a hands-on cooking program at Uniondale Library. Participants prepare two Caribbean soft tacos topped with Honey Lime Pineapple Slaw and Mexican Street Corn Coleslaw.

• Where: 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale

• Time: Noon-1, also college students and above, 1-2 p.m.

• Contact: uniondalelibrary.org

Sprout and Bloom Families can dig in and get their hands dirty at Long Island Children’s Museum. The museum welcomes all to celebrating all the beautiful May flowers by planting your own at the drop-in program. Take it home and watch it grow!. For ages 3+.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: Noon-2 p.m.

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

Having an event?

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

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

NASSAU COUNTY

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR VELOCITY COMMERCIAL

CAPITAL LOAN TRUST 2021-1, Plaintiff against BLUE ROCK ASSOCIATES, LLC; MARIE N. CHARLES, et al Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) McMichael Taylor Gray, LLC, 28 Corporate Drive, Suite 104, Halfmoon, NY 12065. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered February 3, 2026, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 11, 2026 at 2:00PM. Premises known as 1251 Warwick Street, Uniondale, NY 11553.

District 2 Sec 50 Block 041 Lot 236. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Hempstead, (outside the Incorporated Village), in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $627,097.48 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 601352/2022. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.

Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee

File # 21-001087-01 160065

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that a public auction for a used vehicle sale will be held on May 26, 2026 on the website www.auctionsinternati onal.com. Bidders must register on website prior to bidding. Vehicles are sold “as is” condition and do not come with vehicle keys. Vehicles pictures and descriptions can be found on website when bid is live. Vehicles must be paid through the website prior to removal of vehicle.

Vehicles are located at 390 E. Clinton Avenue, Roosevelt NY 11575. 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee; Gray; VIN: 1J4GR48K55C523371; Owner: Wayne Huey of 2832 Bruner Ave 1, Bronx, NY 10469

*2007 Kia Sedona; Gray; VIN: KNDMB233876173866; Owner: Renee McDonough of 157 59 27th Ave, Flushing, NY 11354

*2010 Chevrolet Equinox; Gray; VIN: 2CNALDEW4A6371649

; Owner: Boris Mizhquero-Yunga of 276 Mountain Grove St, Bridgeport, CT 06605

*2009 Chevrolet Malibu; Black; VIN: 1G1ZK57B59F169309; Owner: Glendon Cateau of 716 E. 45th St, Brooklyn, NY 11203

*2007 Dodge Sprinter; White; VIN: WD0PE845X75208525; Owner: Haim Tobaly of 21 Weyant Dr, Cedarhurst, NY 11516

*2004 Toyota Corolla; Blue; VIN: 2T1LR32E04C317785; Owner: Luis V. Peraltamorban of 1934 Harrison Ave 5E, Bronx, NY 10453

*2006 Lexus ES250; Black; VIN: JTHCK262382022200; Owner: Klein Georges of 185 Rutland Rd, Hempstead NY 11550

*2014 Audi AS4; Gray; VIN: WAUBGAFL5EA082964 ; Owner: Dominique Blackman of 8400 Lindbergh Blvd Apt 716, Philadelphia PA 19153

*2010 Honda Accord; Black; VIN: 1HGCS2B85AA004466; Owners: Mike Eli Landaverde and C.L. Landaverde of 69 Hewlett St, Hempstead NY 11550

*2005 Nissan Altima; Red; VIN: 1N4AL11D75N900462; Owner: Timothy Wanser of 1141 Norbay St, Franklin Square NY 11010

*2002 Acura MDX; Blue; VIN: 2HNYD188X2H530024; Owner: Zaynah Witter of 632 Nauer Ct, Elmont, NY 11003

*2016 Nissan Sentra; Gray; VIN: 3N1AB7AP1GY299861; Owner: Nissan Infiniti Lease Trust of PO Box 254648 Sacramento, CA 95865

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS Antonio Fanizzi Commissioner 160208

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF LB-IGLOO SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. 814 STATON HOLDING LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on May 14, 2025 and an Order Appointing Successor Referee entered on April 17, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1059 Harrison Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 36, Block 150 and Lots 303-304. Approximate amount of judgment is $779,945.75 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615545/2022.

Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 202066-2 160131

LEGAL NOTICE

CASE NO. 21527

RESOLUTION NO. 463-2026

Adopted: May 12, 2026

Senior Councilmember Goosby offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION

ESTABLISHING AND SETTING ASIDE CERTAIN PARKING SPACES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES FOR THE SOLE USE OF HOLDERS OF SPECIAL PARKING PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COUNTY OF NASSAU TO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS.

WHEREAS,

pursuant to Resolution No. 455-2026, adopted April 28, 2026, a public hearing was duly held on the day of May 12, 2026, at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the proposed establishment and setting aside of a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons, in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, all as set forth in said resolution; and WHEREAS, after due consideration, this Town Board finds it to be in the public interest to establish and set aside a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED, that in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, the following parking spaces be and the same hereby is set aside for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons:

BALDWIN

EMERSON AVENUEsouth side, starting at a point 120 feet east of the east curbline of Westervelt Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-101/26)

ELMONT

238th STREET - east side, starting at a point 72 feet south of the south curbline of 117th Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-126/26)

ATHERTON AVENUEsouth side, starting at a point 81 feet west of the west curbline of Emporia Avenue, west

for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-113/26)

BUTLER BOULEVARDwest side, starting at a point 79 feet south of the south curbline of James Street, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-100/26)

SEWANEE AVENUEeast side, starting at a point 146 feet north of the north curbline of Atherton Avenue, north for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-123/26)

(NR)FLORAL PARK

239th STREET - east side, starting at a point 68 feet north of the north curbline of Ontario Road, north for a distance of 15 feet.

(TH-134/26)

FRANKLIN SQUARE

GARFIELD STREETsouth side, starting at a point 81 feet east of the east curbline of Lincoln Road, east for a distance of 22 feet.

(TH-97/26)

HOFFMAN STREETwest side, starting at a point 249 feet south of the south curbline of Sobo Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-120/26)

ROOSEVELT STREETnorth side, starting at a point 174 feet west of the west curbline of Caroline Avenue, for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-133/26)

ROOSEVELT

BROOKS AVENUEsouth side, starting at a point 48 feet east of the east curbline of Scherer Place, east for a distance of 22 feet.

(TH-136/26)

(NR)VALLEY STREAM

IRVING STREET - east side, starting at a point 244 feet north of the north curbline of Sobro Avenue, north for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-118/26) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons:

FRANKLIN SQUARE

JEFFERSON STREETeast side, starting at a point 77 feet south of the south curbline of Naple Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-517/18 - 1/22/19) (TH-106/26) ; and, BE IT FURTHER

RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall enter this resolution in the minutes of the Town Board and shall publish a copy of this resolution once a newspaper having a general circulation in the Town of

Hempstead and shall post a copy hereof on the signboard maintained by her, and file in her office affidavits of such publication and posting. The foregoing resolution was seconded by Councilmember Muscarella and adopted upon roll call as follows:

AYES: SIX (6)

NOES: NONE (0) 160291

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 06/03/2026 at 9:30

A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals: THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30

A.M.

284/26. UNIONDALEPark Square Realty Inc. c/o Gary Pasquaretto, Renewal of grant for variance in lot area to maintain 2-family dwelling., N/W cor. Harding St. & Nassau Rd., a/k/a 996 Harding St. 286/26. UNIONDALEIrene B. Rivas, Variances, height, rear yard, construct 2nd story addition, garage conversion to living space & sun deck on top, all attached to dwelling., S/s Larboard Ct., 280.44’ E/o Anchor Way, a/k/a 1326 Larboard Ct. 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 Uniondale 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.

160299

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF LEGAL POSTPONEMENT OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. MICHAEL CHARLESTON, AS ADMINISTRATOR, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DESILIA CHARLESTON, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 28, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 26, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 196 Valcour Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 18 and Lots 262-263 a/k/a 262. Approximate amount of judgment is $575,141.52 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #608120/2024. The original sale was scheduled for April 28, 2026 at 2:30pm at the same location. Kenneth L. Gartner, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 221827-1 160239

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Bank of America, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST

Bill Delinois a/k/a Bill Endy Delinois; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 24, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 29, 2026, at 2:00PM, premises known as 767 Dale Place, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50 Block 371 Lot 4. Approximate amount of judgment $535,413.89 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 614569/2019. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Tara Mayerhofer, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: April 15, 2026 160324

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU LIMOSA, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST ANGELA LATTA, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 16, 2024 and an Order Appointing Substitute Referee entered January 24, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 18, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 711 Park Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of

Nassau County’s free summer concerts return

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Nassau County’s free summer entertainment series is returning with concerts, movie nights and international celebrations at Eisenhower Park and parks across the county.

The 2026 Nassau County Free Summer Fun Guide, presented by County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the Nassau County Department of Parks, Recreation and Museums, features live music, familyfriendly movies and cultural events throughout the summer. Most Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre concerts at Eisenhower Park begin at 7 p.m., unless otherwise noted.

“Enjoy live music and family-friendly movies under the stars at Eisenhower Park’s Lakeside Theatre and parks across Nassau County,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman wrote. “Join us all summer long for unforgettable nights of entertainment.”

Some of the biggest names on the schedule include Cole Swindell on Friday, Aug. 7; Loud Luxury on Friday, Aug. 21; Flo Rida on Monday, Aug. 31; ZZ Top on Tuesday, Sept. 1; The Lords of 52nd Street on Thursday, Sept. 3; and Los Lobos on Friday, Sept. 4.

The Lakeside Theatre lineup also includes Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Blessid Union of Souls on Sunday, June 7; a freestyle and salsa night featuring Brenda K. Starr, Tito Puente Jr., TKA/K7, Joey Cruz, La Sonora 495 and Forever Free-

style Band on Saturday, June 27; and reggae night with Inner Circle, Wayne Wonder and IRIEspect on Sunday, June 28.

Dozens of additional shows will take to the stage throughout the duration of the summer.

A Celebrate America fireworks and drone show is scheduled for Thursday, July 2, at 5:30 p.m., with live music by Glenn Strange, Chicken Head and Let Freedom Rock. The rain date is Friday, July 3.

Families will have several options

beyond concerts. Movie nights at Eisenhower Park include “Elio,” “Gabby’s Dollhouse,” “A Minecraft Movie,” “Bad Guys 2,” “Zootopia 2,” “Freakier Friday,” “How to Train Your Dragon,” “Wicked” and “Wicked for Good.” Movies begin at dusk. International Nights at Lakeside will celebrate a range of cultures, including Ukrainian American, Indian American, Israeli American, Greek American, German American, Creole American, Italian American, Caribbean, Irish American, Bangladeshi American, Pakistan Ameri-

can, African American, Chinese American, Turkish American, Korean American and Latino American nights. Neighborhood concerts and movie nights will also be held at Wantagh Park, Cedar Creek Park, Grant Park and North Woodmere Park. The county will also offer noontime concerts Wednesdays from noon to 2 p.m. at Eisenhower Park’s mobile stage near Field 1.

For updates, call Nassau County Parks at (516) 572-0200 or visit NassauCountyNY. gov/parks.

Antioch Baptist Church marks 97 years of service

Nassau County Legislators Viviana Russell who represents part of Uniondale and Scott Davis who represents Rockville Centre and joined the Antioch Baptist Church of Hempstead faith community April 26 to celebrate the church’s 97th anniversary and honor Bishop Phillip Elliott and First Lady Sheila Elliott. The celebration also marked Bishop

Elliott’s 50th pastoral anniversary and his 30th year as senior pastor of Antioch Baptist Church. The church has served Hempstead Village for nearly a century, offering spiritual leadership and community support to generations of congregants and residents.

“Antioch Baptist is a cornerstone of life in Hempstead Village, and its congre-

Public Notices

Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 50 Block: 418 Lot: 16. Approximate amount of judgment $586,278.38 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #009001/2015. Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee FEIN, SUCH & CRANE, LLP 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800 Rochester, NY 14614 LHFJN017 90020 160277

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. EMIGRANT BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER WITH EMIGRANT SAVINGS BANK- LONG ISLAND, Plaintiff -againstERIC E. MCDOUGALL a/k/a ERIC MCDOUGALL, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on November 26, 2025, 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 June 23, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Roosevelt, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as Section 55 Block 494 and Lot 70. Said premises known as 191 HUDSON

AVENUE, ROOSEVELT, NY 11575 Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 611525/2022. MERIK ROY AARON, ESQ., Referee Terenzi & Confusione, P.C. Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 401 Franklin Avenue, Suite 304, Garden City, NY 11530 {* UNIONDALE*} 160265

gants have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to uplifting others for nearly a century,” Legislator Russell said. “We celebrate the strength of Antioch Baptist Church, Bishop Elliott and First Lady Dr. Elliott’s steady guidance over the last three decades, and the role of our faith

communities play as beacons of light across our County.”

Russell also recognized the church’s longstanding role in the village and the Elliotts’ decades of leadership.

— Stacy Driks

Tim Baker/Herald file

The Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre at Eisenhower Park will host concerts and celebrations all summer long. Above, Don Felder on stage during a previous show.

Courtesy Chris Portuondodesmith

Nassau County Legislators Scott Davis and Viviana Russell joined Bishop Phillip Elliott and First Lady Sheila Elliott at Antioch Baptist Church of Hempstead on April 26 to celebrate the church’s 97th anniversary, Elliott’s 50th pastoral anniversary and his 30th year as senior pastor.

LYNBROOK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

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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

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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.

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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.

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.

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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OpiniOns

Keeping neighborhood traditions and values alive

Recently I attended an early-cut screening of a documentary on Farrell’s Bar in Brooklyn. The film is about much more than just a bar.

Though the world is always turning, these days it seems as if it’s turning more rapidly than ever. Traditions, values and principles are changing dramatically, and some are gone forever. None of us, of course, should want to live in the past or resist progress, which can bring so much good and improve our lives. But in the rush toward progress, we can’t afford to abandon institutions that encourage friendship and lasting bonds, especially in these fast-paced times.

Farrell’s is a legendary institution that has survived the rush of time. Now in its 93rd year — it opened just after the end of Prohibition — it remains a central neighborhood place for the Windsor Terrace community. It’s an oasis of calm in a desert of turmoil. Farrell’s has never betrayed its blue-

collar culture, embodied in its support for cops, firefighters and veterans. (Though newer, the Good Life, in Massapequa Park, and the Embassy Diner, in Bethpage, are cut from that mold.) Farrell’s isn’t far from Brooklyn Prep, where I went to high school, and a short distance from where my father grew up and my grandparents lived until the late 1970s.

Though I’d heard about Farrell’s and read about it in Pete Hamill’s stories, I stopped in for the first time during my very unsuccessful campaign for New York state attorney general in 1986. One of my closest friends and biggest supporters was Jimmy Boyle, who had been president of the FDNY’s Firefighters Union and a fixture in union politics for years. Boyle thought Farrell’s would be an ideal location for a campaign stop.

small part of it true, I climbed up on a chair in the middle of the room and began my speech by admitting that “even though my father was a cop, I have to say, you guys aren’t half bad yourselves.”

i had a small role in cementing the legacy of a legendary hometown bar.

After much friendly booing and catcalls, I thanked those guys for their support and assured them that I’d always be there for them. (A sad footnote: Boyle’s son, Michael, was one of the 343 firefighters killed on Sept. 11, 2001.) Though I went on to lose the election by 1.2 million votes, I had been a winner in Farrell’s, and for the next few years I’d stop by periodically to relive the one bright moment of the campaign.

independent filmmakers Jay Cusato and Rob Martin to produce a documentary on the bar, as a living metaphor for neighborhoods and good people who refuse to allow their values and lasting memories to be plowed over.

Sure enough, when I arrived just before noon that September day, Boyle had packed the place with loud, supportive firefighters, and a few cops had found their way in. It was as enthusiastic and as friendly a reception as I’ve ever gotten in politics. After Boyle gave me a phenomenal introduction, only a

Later, when I was in Congress, I would join Brooklyn friends from high school and make pilgrimages to Farrell’s. Though they couldn’t drink on the job, two detectives on my security detail, Jimmy Skopek and Melissa Zimmerman, took a particular liking to Farrell’s, especially its old-neighborhood flair.

Then, about 10 years ago, a friend of mine from Massapequa, Pat Fenton, wrote a well-received Off-Broadway play centered on Farrell’s. That inspired

On March 8, 2020, Cusato and Martin interviewed me at my home, one of many people they talked to. At the time, their project was close to completion — or so they thought. The coronavirus hit New York before the week was out, and the documentary was put on ice. I actually thought they’d abandoned it until just last month, when Cusato contacted me to let me know that, in the spirit of Farrell’s, they had stayed on the project, titled “Why Farrell’s?” and invited me to a private screening at the St. Francis College campus on Livingston Street in downtown Brooklyn. It was a great experience. Though several interviews remain to be done, and sound and lighting issues need to be worked out, “Why Farrell’s?” is outstanding, so accurately depicting the values that the bar is doing so much to preserve. My role was minor, but I’m proud to be part of what is truly a meaningful work of art.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

It’s way too early to name things after Trump

Over the past few months, I’ve attended many social events, at which I shared a few drinks and conversation with friends from both political parties. Those gatherings have given me an open window into the rapidly emerging fracture among lifelong Republicans as well as the sharp divisions among Democrats. Democrats are always arguing, so it’s been the Republican fissures that have surprised me the most.

Regardless of what the pollsters tell you, President Trump is tearing these lifelong partisans apart. There is division about the president’s arguments with the pope and deep concern about the impact of the war in Iran on the party’s chances in November. But the one issue that seems to evoke even more angst is Trump’s encouraging his name to be plastered on anything and everything that is brandable.

George Washington’s name appears

in all kinds of places across the country, including the national capital. The city was named after him while he was still in office, but he strongly opposed it and tried to block the effort when it was brought before Congress. Washington surrendered his military role when the Revolution ended, rejected efforts to have himself declared king and stepped down after two terms as president. His greatness was not only that he led the country, but that he declined a number of honors.

Let presidents serve. Let citizens judge. Let history name the buildings.

Have other presidents drawn the line? During Gerald Ford’s presidency, Congress passed a bill to name a federal building in Grand Rapids, Mich., after him. Ford refused to sign it, saying he knew of no federal building named for a president still in office and did not want to establish a precedent. President Harry Truman also resisted such honors, and once wrote emphatically that he had no desire to have roads, bridges or buildings named after him. His supporters wanted the Marshall Plan to bear his name, but Truman said the plan deserved the name of its author.

Clearly, the temptation to name things after politicians isn’t limited to one party. Members of Congress have long attached their names to federal buildings, courthouses, highways and bridges. Sen. Mitch McConnell has five buildings named after him in Kentucky.

And every president has been surrounded by supporters who want to flatter him, celebrate him and turn policy into legacy. The danger is especially high in our age of branding, social media and permanent campaigning. That is exactly why every president, irrespective of party, should draw the line when there is an effort to rename everything in sight after him. There is something unhealthy in a republic when a president uses public property to enlarge his own image. This isn’t a Republican or Democratic concern — it’s an American concern. The presidency belongs temporarily to one person, but the government belongs permanently to the people. Public buildings, passports, coins, agencies and national institutions should not become personal billboards for whoever hap-

pens to occupy the Oval Office.

There is also a moral difference between a grateful nation honoring a leader after history has had time to judge him, and a president accepting — or encouraging — public honors while he is in office. This isn’t a question of whether a president is admired. The pollsters have attested to the fact that Trump is supported by 85 percent of registered Republicans. But there will be ample time for our country to render honors unto this president and those who follow him.

We need to have a law that applies equally to all parties. That law should prohibit the naming of entities, structures and objects after a sitting president. It must apply equally to Trump and all those who follow him.

Our founders worried about this issue. They knew that republics can decay not only through force, but also through flattery. Let presidents serve. Let citizens judge. Let history name the buildings.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.

Memorial Day means more than barbecues

Memorial Day weekend arrives each year with familiar signs that summer is finally at hand. Beaches begin to fill. Backyard grills fire up. Families and friends gather after months of work, school and routines that too often keep them apart. Across Long Island, from Jones Beach to Montauk, the holiday has long marked the unofficial beginning of a season people eagerly await.

There is nothing wrong with celebration. In many ways, that freedom to enjoy ordinary moments with the people we love is part of what generations of Americans fought to preserve.

But Memorial Day asks something more of us as well.

Especially as the nation approaches the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Americans should remember that Memorial Day is not simply another three-day weekend on the calendar. It is one of the country’s most solemn observances — a day set aside to honor the men and women who died while serving in the United States military.

That distinction matters.

Veterans Day honors all who served. Armed Forces Day recognizes those currently in uniform. Memorial Day is specifically for those who never came home.

Their sacrifice stretches across every generation of American history. From the Revolutionary War to the Civil War,

from the beaches of Normandy to the mountains of Afghanistan, over 1 million service members gave their lives believing the country they defended was worth that sacrifice.

Many came from communities across Nassau and Suffolk counties. Their names appear on memorial plaques, downtown monuments and flags lining local streets. Long Island itself carries deep connections to America’s military history.

Roughly 1,180 Long Islanders died in World War II: 855 from Nassau and 325 from Suffolk. At least 552 service members lost their lives in the Vietnam War. After the Sept. 11 attacks, 56 Long Islanders died in Iraq and Afghanistan.

From Revolutionary War sites to Gold Star families who sacrificed during the wars of the past two decades, our region has long contributed to the nation’s service and sacrifice. Memorial Day offers communities an opportunity not only to recognize that history but also to share it with those of younger generations.

As America prepares to commemorate 250 years of independence in July, this Memorial Day carries even greater weight. Anniversaries often invite celebration, reflection and pride. But they should also invite humility. The freedoms Americans treasure did not sustain themselves across two and a half centuries. They endured because generation after generation answered a call to serve, often at extraordinary personal cost.

It can be easy for the deeper meaning of Memorial Day to become overshadowed by travel plans, social gatherings and retail sales. Modern life moves quickly, and holidays increasingly blur together into commercial events disconnected from their origins. But Memoria Day deserves more intentional remembrance — and that does not always require grand gestures.

Attending a local parade or remembrance ceremony before heading to a barbecue is one way to honor the fallen. Visiting a veterans’ memorial or cemetery and taking a few quiet moments to read the names engraved there is another. Americans can also observe the tradition of flying the flag at half-staff until noon, and share stories with children and grandchildren about relatives who served, ensuring that those stories are not lost.

Honoring sacrifice does not diminish the joy of the weekend. In fact, it deepens it. Gratitude gives meaning to celebration. A nation that remembers its fallen understands more clearly the value of the freedoms it enjoys. This year, amid the sound of waves, fireworks and laughter that will soon define the summer season, Americans should make room for remembrance, too. Memorial Day is not ultimately about the start of summer; it is about the cost of freedom, the weight of service and the obligation of a grateful nation never to forget those who gave everything in its defense.

opinions

The fight against sex trafficking continues

recent actions by the Nassau County Legislature to prohibit short-term stays at local hotels will provide an important tool in the fight against human trafficking, sexual exploitation and other illegal activity that too often occurs behind closed doors in our communities.

Last month, the Legislature unanimously enacted a proposal that would ban shortstay bookings of less than eight hours, and require hotels and motels to document guests’ vital information and keep copies of their IDs for five years. The measure would also require hotels and motels to keep security footage for at least 90 days, and provide training to new employees to better equip them to spot the signs of human trafficking operations.

By limiting hourly bookings, strengthening guest documentation, requiring information about minors and improving hotel and motel accountability, Nassau County is taking a necessary step to protect vulnerable people and support law enforcement efforts. This is an important step forward,

and our renewed focus on this critical issue can be a catalyst for further advancing the fight to end one of the world’s most systemic patterns of human rights abuses.

Police reports throughout our region, and constituent complaints on the hyperlocal level, have confirmed a long and troubling pattern in which certain nail salons and massage parlors serve as vessels for prostitution. At face value, these concerns are rightly troubling on their own, and they diminish the quality of life and safety for the communities in which these establishments operate.

eequation, and Nassau County already does an excellent job, in partnership with the Department of Consumer Affairs, to effectuate enforcement actions. I look forward to working with both agencies to further bolster those efforts.

nforcement, legislation and education are key shortand long-term solutions.

In numerous cases, the individuals accused of performing illicit acts are victims themselves, and have been smuggled into the country without documentation — ensnared in a dangerous web of sex trafficking, exploitation and abuse that, for them, feels impossible to escape.

The patrons of such establishments are similarly being placed in harm’s way. This was vividly illustrated in a recent case in Suffolk County, in which a massage parlor employee was charged with forcibly touching at least two patrons.

These cases present us with a need for multifaceted short- and long-term solutions. Enforcement is part of the

Framework by Ellen Jaret

Legislation is another necessary prong. Now that we have taken action to starve sex traffickers of one venue for their crimes by cracking down on shortstay hotel rentals, we must remain vigilant and proactive as we anticipate their next moves. Enacting similarly rigorous restrictions to prevent nail salons and massage parlors from operating as dens of iniquity in our neighborhoods is a logical next step, and I am exploring legislative solutions to effectuate those changes. We must also take a closer look at preventing short-term rent shares from being exploited in a similar fashion.

Education — for members of the general public and victims of sex crimes alike — is a third essential element. I encourage you to follow me on social media for details about an October panel discussion in which I will be participating, focused on ways we can combat human trafficking.

Hearing the voices of victims of these vile crimes provides essential perspectives on not just their root causes

and impacts, but insights into how we can help them escape sex trafficking, empower them to rebuild their lives, and work proactively to prevent this abuse in the first place.

In our own lives, we can do our part to elevate awareness throughout our society. Each of us can become more aware of how important agencies are fighting back against sexual abuse and trafficking, and I encourage you to spread the word about the services provided by these essential organizations and others that make a daily impact.

■ National Human Trafficking Hotline: (888) 373-7888, humantraffickinghotline. org.

■ U.S. Department of State: 20 Ways to Prevent Human Trafficking, state. gov/20-ways-you-can-help-fight-humantrafficking.

■ New York state: Assistance for Survivors of Human Trafficking, otda.ny.gov/ programs/bria/trafficking.asp.

■ Crime Victims Center of Long Island: (516) 465-4700, parentsformeganslaw.org.

■ Nassau County Rape and Domestic Violence Hotline: (516) 542-0404.

■ Rape, Incest and Abuse National Network: rainn.org. National Sexual Assault Hotline: (800) 656-4673.

Viviana L. Russell, of Westbury, represents Nassau County’s 2nd Legislative District.

Overlooking Mgarr Harbour on the Mediterranean island of Gozo, Malta

And the Experts Agree

At Mount Sinai South Nassau, patient safety isn’t just a priority— it’s a standard, one we work on every day. And the experts agree.

We’ve earned national recognition for patient safety, including an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group and the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award.

That means better outcomes for our patients with lower risk of infections or hospital acquired conditions.

When it comes to your health, nothing matters more than knowing you’re in a place where patient safety matters most.

Learn more at mountsinai.org/southnassau