Celebrating four decades of Nintendo
Alex Valdes of Garden City arrived at the Long Island Retro Gaming Expo last Friday to celebrate 40 years since the launch of Nintendo and Super Mario Bros. Story, more photos, Page 10.
Energy hub braces for key upgrade
Propel NY project set to move forward after public hearing
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
A public hearing in Mineola on July 23 marked another milestone for the Propel NY Energy transmission project as it advances through New York state’s permitting process.
More than two dozen community members, elected officials, environmental advocates and business owners spoke before administrative law judges Ashley Moreno and Nicholas Planty at the Nassau County Legislature chambers, voicing both staunch support and fierce opposition. With a targeted construction start of mid-2026, the project team and regulators continue refining route details, planning environmental protections and fine-tuning outreach to address lingering misconceptions about the venture.
The proposed transmission project comprises multiple sections, including the Barrett-to-Union-
dale Hub segment, which would extend 8.75 miles from a new Barrett substation, in Oceanside, to the existing Uniondale Hub. The segment’s preliminary route runs through Oceanside, primarily along Long Beach Road and North Long Beach Road, and then continues north.
Propel NY Energy, a joint initiative of New York Transco and the New York Power Authority, proposes roughly 90 miles of new 345 kilovolt underground cables spanning Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties, as well as direct interconnections to nine substations from the Bronx through Westchester.
Before construction can begin, the developers must secure a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need from the State Public Service Commission, which will issue a decision based on the full case record, including last month’s testimony.
District stages ‘Saddle Up for the Arts’
By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com
Kelvin Jenkins, Uniondale School District’s director of fine and performing arts, kicked off the district’s “Saddle Up for the Arts” performance on Aug. 7 by bellowing, “Can I get a Yeehaw?”
The performance was the culmination of a five-week Summer Arts Academy program open to all Uniondale students, including Academy Charter schools, in grades three through 10, beginning on July 7. In existence for about two decades, the program offers instruction in music, dance, theater, chorus, show choir and visual arts, all at a cost of $100.
Win a full-scale production — inspired by Western pop culture and Beyoncé’s 2025 Grammy Award-winning album, “Cowboy Carter.”
hen our students leave, someone will ask them, ‘Where did you learn that?’ and they’ll say, ‘From Uniondale School District.’
KELvIN JENKINS Uniondale schools’ director of fine and performing arts
“It’s a little intensive, but the kids enjoy it because everybody’s successful,” Jenkins, who’s in his 16th year leading the program, said.
With about 130 students participating in various ensembles, this year’s program culminated
“It was very wise for us to jump on that popular Western theme that’s flooding the internet,” Jenkins said. Jenkins, who typically collaborates with staff to choose the program’s theme, said this year’s idea — a focus on Western sounds — came from Jaden O’Brien former student of the program, now working with faculty. Songs included a “Fiddler’s Hoedown” melody; “Best of the West,” arranged by Michael Story; “Boots on the Ground,” arranged by Orville; “Over the Rainbow,” from “The Wizard of Oz”; “I Wish” by Stevie Wonder; “Texas Hold ‘Em” by Beyoncé, and more.
Audience members who recognized the music sang along, and some even stood up to dance
Continued on page 7
Tim Baker/Herald photos
A night talk with Eileen Collins Woman Trailblazer
By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com
The Herald sat down with retired astronaut Eileen Collins during her July 26 visit to the Cradle of Aviation museum’s Spacewoman weekend. Collins, the first woman to pilot and command a NASA space shuttle, opened up about the determination that fueled her career, the fallout from the Columbia disaster and her message to a new generation with big dreams.
Q:Herald: What did your family tell you when you wanted to be a pilot and astronaut?
Collins: When I was younger, I did not tell my family I wanted to be a pilot because I didn’t want them to tell me I couldn’t do it. So I kept it a secret. They had no money to pay for flying lessons so I got my own job when I was 16 and saved more
than $1,000. I don’t know what my parents would have said. They’d probably say, “you’re crazy, you can’t do that.”
Herald : How did the “Return to Flight” mission influence your role as a commander compared to your experience commanding in 1999?
Collins: We were five weeks to launch – from the Columbia accident – and our mission went out the window. We went through full accident investigation mode. My job as a shuttle commander went away and I needed to figure out what to do. But once we eventually get the shuttle back in space again how do we do that safely? It was very emotional. A very difficult time with decisions, a lot of conflict.
Herald: Were you scared?
Collins: No I was not scared at all. I was never really
scared. If I were scared I would have to quit. I wanted to be the commander of the next mission. My daughter was eight and I did everything I could to keep her from being scared. Families didn’t trust NASA’s shuttle program. That’s my opinion. Somebody would tell you something else. But I was 100 percent confident. I said let’s go come on! Let’s get this thing off the ground!
Herald : What was it like working on missions?
Collins : Well, I wouldn’t say “Return to Flight” was a fun mission. Very few missions were fun at all. We try to show the fun parts when we talk to groups or kids because people want to see food floating and astronauts flipping around.
Herald : What advice would you give to girls interested in STEM?
Collins: It’s very simple. Do your homework, listen to your teacher and read books. Don’t blow off school – I did that and let me tell you, I regret it. I didn’t take math my senior year in high school and that was the dumbest decision. None of my friends were tak-
ing math, so why should I?
Herald : How did you become involved with the Cradle and the event’s turnout?
Collins : The Museum holds a special place for me. I’ve been fortunate to return multiple times, and each visit reinforces the importance of preserving this history, particularly with
incredible artifacts like the actual Lunar Module on display, a powerful reminder of Long Island’s role in our journey to the moon. The enthusiastic turnout for the ‘Spacewoman’ screening and Q&A was a testament to that enduring interest, and it’s inspiring to see so many people connecting with these stories.
Tim Baker/Herald
Col. Eileen Collins the first woman astronaut to pilot and command a space shuttle visited Cradle of Aviation Museum on July 25 for a
National Night Out brings neighbors and police together
By ALEXIA CROLL Intern
For the first time, families, neighbors, and local law enforcement celebrated National Night Out at the John J. Byrne Community Center, marking a change from its usual location for the 40-year tradition held on the first Tuesday in August.
“We haven’t had a Nation Night Out in Uniondale since 2023, and it’s usually held at the fire department,” Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks said.
Nicks, who sponsored the night out with the county police and Uniondale Fire Department with a goal to strengthen police-community partnerships and public safety.
The legislator was the first woman to serve as Captain of Manor Company 3 of the Uniondale Fire Department and emphasized the significance of hosting the event at the community center. A place she believes reflects the heart of local civic engagement in her hometown.
“Utilizing this new space is great for everyone to get involved because it’s all about bringing awareness — getting everyone out here, interacting and seeing what the community has to offer,” she said.
Attendees enjoyed a lively evening featuring bounce houses, a 360-degree
photo booth and henna designs, along with music, games and food.
Informational tables from local organizations and businesses including the Uniondale Public Library and the Nas-
From lip-gloss to cookies,
By ALEXIA CROLL Intern
Fueled by family purpose and goals to give back to the community, Belinda Watkin created a space where young entrepreneurs could shine and sell at this years Young Entrepreneurs Expo on Aug. 2
Watkins founded the nonprofit QB Generational Change which hosted the event while it was sponsored by Raymour & Flanigan and Hofstra University.
“My grandmother was always the one feeding the whole neighborhood. She was always helping someone that’s down — family, friends a co-worker,” Watkin’s said. “I’ve always seen it, and I’m also in healthcare, and she is as well. I’m always helping people too.”
Held twice a year, the expos give young entrepreneurs a chance to set up pop-up shops, promote their brands, use skills from workshops, and sell their products.
sau County Board of Elections were also present, creating a festive environment where residents connected with one another and met local law enforcement in a relaxed, community-centered setting.
Corporal Davis of the Nassau County Auxiliary Police Department addressed common public misconceptions about his role in maintaining order, noting that auxiliary officers serve on a volunteer basis.
“Our job is to deter crime,” he said. “When people see the badge, my life is in danger. They don’t see the auxiliary, they just assume we’re the police.”
As a volunteer, Davis’ job is to maintain a visible presence while working in tandem with the county police department to support patrols and enhance security at events and in neighborhoods.
He joined the department more than four years ago as a means of serving his community, and expressed that mutual respect is needed to maintain order between law enforcement and local residents. “We respect them, they respect us.”
David Greaves, president of the community center, was thrilled with the turnout of the first National Night Out held at his facility. “It feels amazing,” he said.
He is excited to see the center be uti-
lized for such an important outreach and is looking forward to hosting more in the future.
“It’s nice to see all the people gathered and interacting with the police — it’s a blessing — we’re hoping to be hosting it again next year.”
Nicks thanked all patrons and supporters at the end of the event, including the Junior Fire Department and additional volunteers. “Our goal is to always be better and bigger”, adding that the annual gathering continues to foster stronger relationships between residents, first responders and local organizations.
young entrepreneurs bring ideas to life
digital age. The products showcased were lip gloss, clothing, candles, beverages, soaps and more.
The event also featured raffles, prizes and performances by local youth dance groups.
F unding is a big issue — and as you know, they are taking funding from small nonprofits, so just keep that in mind. So when someone sponsors events like this, this is very important, especially for these kids.
BELIndA WAtkIns, founder of Q.B Generational Change
This summer’s event carried a social media theme, encouraging 15 vendors to think creatively about marketing in the
“I did it because I have my own business, and if I’m having trouble getting help – kids are having the same problem,” Watkin’s said. “It spiraled bigger than I thought it was going to be, because I was doing it to help.”
After developing a knack for cooking while her mother was terminally ill, 18-year-old Davianna Hill, of Baldwin, created her business “Sherri’s Queen Cuisine”, named after her late mother who died from cancer three years ago.
“I’ve always loved cooking, catering and baking since I was three years old in the kitchen with my mom,” Hill said. “Eventually my mom, started getting sick and she couldn’t cook to survive anymore – so I started cooking, baking and supporting myself because she couldn’t.
I turned that into a survivor’s field — after she passed, I turned it into my
upbeat routines set to a lively blend of hip-hop and bounce music. Their energy was contagious, and their synchronized moves drew cheers and applause from families and friends gathered to support them.
While the expo began in New York, it has since expanded to North Carolina, where Watkins is looking forward to creating change on a regional scale.
“This is not just a pop up shop,” Watkins said. “That’s why I call it an expo, because it’s also a community event as well.”
Though she is grateful for her supporters and sponsors, Watkins believes her initiatives deserve more funding and exposure.
“Funding is a big issue — and as you know, they are taking funding from small nonprofits, so when someone sponsors events like this, this is very important, especially for these kids,” she said.
income, because I didn’t have anybody.”
Hill’s table drew sweet-toothed patrons all afternoon, with many raving over her red velvet cheesecake cookies and brookie cookie brownies — standout hits among her lineup of homemade baked treats ranging from five to seven dollars.
The California Avenue School Step Team and Youth & Teen Dance Company brought the crowd to their feet with
She expressed her gratitude towards the vendors and store managers who allowed the event to take place. As a token of their support for Watkins’ endeavors, Raymour & Flanigan donated a check of $500 to Q.B. Generational Change, stating their support for local communities is not just limited to selling furniture.
WAnt tO sEE mORE EvEnts? For more information, visit qbgenerationalchange.org
— QB Generational Change, nonprofit
Stu Goldman/Herald photos
Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks stands with police horses during National Night Out in Uniondale.
Members of the Nassau County Police Department Law Enforcement Explorers pose with Det. Sgt. Daniel Johannessen.
Alexia Croll/Herald photos
Deborah Polidore and Clariona Griffith were presented the Legacy of Service Award by QB Generational Change Inc. for their commitment to community empowerment.
Kitchen Magic offers a helping hand every step of the way for your kitchen project. From design consultation to project completion and after.
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LIRR tickets could rise
By BRIAN KACHARABA
bkacharaba@liherald.com
On July 30, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority released a proposal outlining a series of fare and ticket changes for the Long Island Rail Road, as well as increases in bridge and tunnel tolls. The proposed adjustments are part of a broader effort to address ongoing budget challenges and support system-wide improvements. The MTA emphasized that the changes are intended to balance financial sustainability with service reliability. If approved by the MTA board this fall, the changes would take effect in January 2026. Here is a breakdown:
n LIRR ticket price increase
The MTA is proposing an average fare increase of 4.4% on one-way peak, monthly, and weekly tickets for most Long Island Rail Road routes as part of its broader financial plan to maintain and improve transit services. Under the proposal, the cost of an off-peak city ticket would rise by 25 cents to $5.25, while a peak city trip would see the same increase, bringing the new price to $7.25. To help regular commuters manage costs, monthly fares would be capped at $500, which the MTA says is aimed at keeping travel affordable for those who rely on the LIRR for daily commuting. If approved, this would mark the LIRR’s first fare hike since August 2023, when prices rose by 4.5%, reflecting the agency’s periodic adjustments to account for inflation and operating expenses. The MTA has stated that fare increases are a necessary part of its strategy to close budget gaps and ensure continued investment in infrastructure, safety, and customer service improvements.
n Ticket activations will expire sooner than you think
All one-way mobile tickets would automatically activate upon purchase and expire after four hours, a significant shift from the current system. Paper tickets would follow the same rule, expiring four hours after the time of purchase. This marks a departure from the LIRR’s existing fare policy, where one-way and round-trip tickets are valid for up to 60 days, and 10-trip tickets remain usable for six months. The proposed changes are intended to curb fare evasion, reduce fraud, and align with modern digital ticketing practices, according to the MTA. Additionally, the round-trip ticket option would be phased out and replaced by a new “Day Pass,” which would allow for unlimited travel across the LIRR network from the time of purchase until 4 a.m. the following day. The MTA says this new pass aims to provide greater flexibility and value for riders making multiple trips in a single day, such as tourists or commuters with variable schedules. The move is also part of the MTA’s broader transition toward time-based ticketing.
n Bridge and tunnel tolls
Tolls on MTA bridges and tunnels are expected to rise by 7.5% for E-ZPass users, with a similar increase applied to those using the Tolls by Mail system. This adjustment would raise the standard toll for major crossings—such as the RFK, Whitestone, Throgs Neck, and Verrazzano-Narrows bridges, as well as the Queens-Midtown and Hugh L. Carey tunnels—from $6.94 to $7.46. Meanwhile, tolls on the Cross Bay and Marine Parkway bridges, which serve as important local connectors, would increase from $2.60 to $2.80. These fare changes affect both daily commuters and commercial vehicles, and are part of the MTA’s regularly scheduled toll review process designed to fund maintenance, capital improvements, and operational costs across its infrastructure. The MTA has emphasized are essential to supporting safety upgrades, modernization efforts, and long-term resiliency projects, particularly in the face of aging infrastructure.
Gillen announces sweeping initiatives to reduce traffic deaths
Hempstead first in Congresswoman’s district to apply for transportation grant
By REINE BETHANY
Special to the Herald
Standing with Hempstead Village dignitaries near the intersection of North Franklin Street and Centre Street, Congresswoman Laura Gillen outlined two major federal traffic safety initiatives projected to have direct impact on Hempstead thoroughfares.
“Making our roads safer is a bipartisan issue,” said Gillen, “and I will continue to use my seat on the House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to push for policies that keep Long Island drivers, pedestrians and passengers safe.”
The first initiative Gillen detailed is the introduction of H.R. 3440, the Bipartisan Traffic Safety Enhancement Act.
She sponsored the bill in partnership with Republican Congressman Rob Bresnahan.
The legislation would provide federal surface transportation block grants specifically for reconstructing dangerous intersections to become roundabouts, which are circular intersections with yield signs at entry points.
“Roundabouts have been proven to reduce roadway collisions, to improve the flow of traffic, and in turn reduce emissions from idling,” said Gillen. “If constructed right, they can add to the beauty of these intersections.”
The second initiative, made public in March 2025, is a powerful grant program from the U.S. Department of Transportation called FY25 Safe Streets and Roads for All Planning and Demonstration Grant. The program allocates $980 million to fund local efforts to prevent roadway fatalities and injuries. Applications had to be submitted by June 26.
“My office reached out to towns and villages across the Fourth Congressional District to urge them to apply,” said Gillen. “Hempstead Village was the only one to seize the opportunity.”
Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr., Deputy Mayor Jeffery Daniels, and Community Development Association Commissioner Danielle Oglesby sent in an application or over a half million dollars. Supporting their efforts were the Nassau County Department of Public Works, the New York Coalition of Transportation Safety, and letters from Hempstead schools.
Hempstead officials, including Police Chief Holland and Mayor Hobbs, thanked the Police Traffic Unit for reducing traffic issues effectively.
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has promised his cooperation. The New York Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee will administer the grant money.
“If Hempstead is awarded this critical planning and demonstration grant,” Gillen said, “it could help unlock millions of dollars in future funding to implement major road safety projects.”
Thanking Gillen for her support, Hobbs added, “I’m happy to announce that we’ve already initiated things in place with our Traffic Unit, and there has been a reduction in accidents in the Village of Hempstead by close to 30 percent.”
Under the leadership of Hempstead Police Chief Richard Holland, the Hempstead Police Traffic Unit has installed a No Left Turn sign at the intersection of North Franklin Street and Centre Street, as well as bolstering enforcement of traffic laws there.
That intersection was identified by a Newsday study as among Long Island’s deadliest, with 183 crashes, 12 serious injuries, and two fatalities since 2014.
Also attending the news conference was Pastor Robert Stewart, who leads Calvary Tabernacle Church. The church stands across North Franklin Street from the three buildings of the Academy Charter School.
“We have seen firsthand how our
kids and our families have been impacted by the dangerous roads in the intersection that Congresswoman Gillen pointed out,” Roberts said. “We feel that it’s important for us to stand up to support and defend our residents and ensure that they have safe streets.”
Gillen said she should know within two months whether Hempstead would be awarded the grant.
She also commented that, when campaigning for Congress, she knocked on
doors near Barack Obama School at William Street and Jerusalem Avenue. Residents told her that vehicles speeding along both streets were a major concern.
Hobbs said that recent heavier enforcement by the Traffic Unit has greatly reduced complaints.
“We are excited today,” said Hobbs. “It is so important that we get the assistance that we need, so that we can continue to provide safety for the residents of the Village of Hempstead.”
Photos Courtesy Reine Bethany
Hempstead Police Chief Richard Holland, third from left, Congresswoman Laura Gillen, fourth from left, Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs, Jr., fifth from left, and Pastor Robert Stewart of Calvary Tabernacle Church, sixth from left, thanked the Hempstead Police Traffic Unit for its effective reduction of traffic troubles in the village.
Nassau H.S. football kicks off Sept. 5
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Kickoff for the Nassau high school football season is less than a month away.
On Aug. 18, all 53 public high school football programs in the county will begin preparations for the upcoming season, scheduled to open Friday, Sept. 5 with a handful of Conference IV games leading up to the first full slate the following week.
Aside from then eight-time defending Conference II champion Garden City moving to Conference III, which saw it dominate the competition on the way to another title, the biggest news last offseason was the decision to add an 11 a.m. kickoff slot. That’ll continue in 2025 and possibly beyond, first-year Section VIII football coordinator Joe Martillotti said, as the county builds its varsity officials staff.
“We’re definitely in better shape with officiating crews as we were last year,” Martillotti said. “Some are doubling up with 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. games on Saturday. We don’t have enough officials to play every game at 2 p.m. on Saturday, but there’s also more and more teams playing Friday night which helps.”
Some teams with multiple 11 a.m. starts this season include Clarke (four), Carey (three), Sewanhaka (three), South Side (three), Uniondale (three), Elmont (two), Valley Stream South (two) and Wantagh (two.)
Massapequa (Conference I), Carey (II), Garden City (III) and Wantagh (IV) won county titles last season, but the landscape has changed again with Rutgers Cup winner Garden City moving back to Conference II, Wantagh returning to Conference III where Carey also resides now.
Carey and Wantagh are seeded No. 1 and 2, respectively, but won’t meet until Week 7 (Oct. 25) at the home of the Seahawks. Carey, which defeated Half Hollow Hills East for the Long Island Class II crown to cap an undefeated campaign, opens at home Sept. 13 against Valley Stream South.
Massapequa, which won the Rutgers Cup in 2023 and seeks a third straight county title, is ranked second behind Farmingdale this season. The Chiefs won an overtime thriller over the Dalers in the Conference I championship game last November. The teams will meet again in Week 6 at Farmingdale. Massapequa opens at home versus Freeport Sept. 13; the Dalers host Syosset the previous evening.
Third-ranked Long Beach is tasked with opening the season against Garden City in the Trojans’ return to Conference II. Garden City has won a remarkable 54 consecutive games.
10 games to watch
Sept. 12 Freeport at Massapequa
Sept. 13 Garden City at Long Beach
Sept. 19 Farmingdale at Oceanside
Sept. 27 Carey at South Side
Oct. 4 Plainedge at Lynbrook
Oct. 11 Mepham at Garden City
Oct. 18 Massapequa at Farmingdale
Oct. 25 Wantagh at Carey
Oct. 25 Freeport at Oceanside
Oct. 31 Seaford at Plainedge
Conference IV runner-up Plainedge is ranked at the top this season and kicks off on the road at North Shore Sept. 6.
Teams choosing to play a full game scrimmage can do so once 10 practices are completed, making Aug. 29 the first potential date. Teams can conduct joint practices as soon as Aug. 23 and are permitted to play 7 on 7 and also run 10 plays (11 on 11) in full gear.
Nine teams switch conferences
Along with Garden City, Carey and Wantagh, six additional teams switched conferences for 2025 based on enrollment figures. East Meadow and Valley Stream Central slid from Conference I to II, Sewanhaka from II to III, BellmoreJFK from III to II, Valley Stream South from IV to III, and Lynbrook from III to IV. East Meadow and Kennedy meet Week 1 in Bellmore. Valley Stream Central opens at home against MacArthur, Sewanhaka hosts Floral Park, and Lynbrook hits the road to face Malverne.
Few coaching changes
Last season saw new head coaches debut at Baldwin, East Meadow, Freeport, Mepham, Seaford and at the midway mark, Lawrence. Most of those squads enjoyed success and were part of the Nassau County playoffs. This year there’s new sideline bosses at North Shore and Manhasset. Dan Agovino left a legacy at North Shore with 23 years at the helm and led the Vikings to a pair of county championships and their first-ever L.I. title in recent seasons. Longtime assistant Bill Madigan takes over. At Manhasset, Mike Lewis takes over for legendary Jay Iaquinta.
Chase Samelson is set to be Lynbrook’s starting quarterback this fall.
Nick Carentz and Oceanside will take on Farmingdale Sept. 19. Eric Dunetz/Herald photos
diana difilippi, the chorus faculty and music teacher at California avenue School, led two
From beginners to leaders of arts program
to the beat.
“We started offering mainly for the students who studied the instruments throughout the year, but then over the years, we started offering different things,” Jenkins said.
The program expanded five years ago to offer dance and a visual arts class, which don’t require instruments. Art students designed backdrops for the performance — one with a cowboy theme and another showing a beet red sunset resembling the old Wild West in Arizona, surrounded by cactuses.
The students spent five weeks rehearsing at Smith Street Elementary School, which has hosted the program for the past two years. But for the first time, their final performance took place on the Uniondale High School stage — a moment of pride for many, especially for those who have grown up with the program.
“Here’s the best part, we have students that grew up in this program, and when they leave ninth grade, they get an opportunity to become a student worker,” Jenkins said. “Most of our student workers grew up through this program.”
One of them is Amaya Grier, a student worker at the academy and a rising senior at Uniondale High School. She’s a standout trumpet player who began attending the Summer Arts Academy in third grade, when she attended Northern Parkway Elementary School.
“Ever since I started, they taught me the basics of the trumpet,” she said. “I just chose the trumpet because at my elementary school, it was a match made in heaven.”
While she was explaining, she mimicked the Cancan melody by pretending to play a trumpet with her hands and using her voice to keep the rhythm of a lively, fast-paced 1800s song that is still featured in some French cabarets.
Grier is now an All-County musician and an All-State alternate who’s recog-
nized among the top high school performers in New York.
“My favorite part of the program is the fact that you get to interact with kids and ultimately shape their music journey,” she said. “Now I know the skills that people taught me, because eventually these kids are going to fill our place.”
Grier has returned not only as a performer, but also as a mentor to younger students — including her three siblings, Makayla, George and Isabella Grier, who are following in her footsteps.
Makayla, a rising junior at Uniondale High School performed her big solo on the saxophone, to the song “Best of My Love” by Maurice White, which was arranged by Paul Murtha.
“When our students leave, someone will ask them, ‘where did you learn that?’ and they’ll say, ‘from Uniondale School District,’” Jenkins said.
Stacy Driks/Herald
dozen singers on the piano in “Summer time fun” and “Summer Sky tonight.” the soloists in the chorus were arianna fraser, mellodi rutty, Kaylee Baires and Cassandra Campos.
Stacy Driks/Herald Soloist makayla grier, a student worker, played the saxophone in the jazz band, performing “Best of my Love,” by maurice White.
More ask, ‘Can we afford to live here?’
Breaking down Long Island’s housing affordability crisis, affecting both homeowners and renters
By JORDAN VALLONE, RENEE DeLORENZO & AINSLEY MARTINEZ of Herald Community Newspapers
First in a series about housing on Long Island.
On Long Island, where the cost of living continues to climb, the term “affordable housing” is often misunderstood — or dangerously oversimplified.
According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, housing is considered affordable if it costs no more than 30 percent of a household’s gross income. But even in Nassau and Suffolk counties, where the median household income hovers around $125,000, many families find themselves priced out of both the rental and homeownership markets.
This series — “Priced Out: the Fight for Affordable Housing” — begins by laying the groundwork: breaking down terms like “affordable” and “low-income” housing, and clarifying how programs like Section 8 fit in. It also examines who is impacted — not only low-income residents, but also middle-class workers, retirees on fixed incomes, and young adults trying to remain in the communities where they grew up.
Through interviews with housing experts and advocates, and an analysis of Long Island housing data, this first installment provides context to help readers understand the scale and complexity of the crisis — and sets the stage for further installments in the weeks ahead.
Understanding affordable housing, and how Long Island measures up
According to HUD, “affordable housing” means housing that is affordable for people with low to moderate incomes. The definition of “low income” is based on Area Median Income, or AMI, which varies by region and household size.
Affordable housing should cost no more than 30 percent of a household’s monthly income — whether that’s rent and utilities for renters, or mortgage and housing expenses for homeowners. Households spending more than that are considered “cost burdened,” with many forced to sacrifice other essentials like food, transportation and health care.
A 2024 report by State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli found that nearly 3 million New York households spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing. One in five households experiences a “severe cost burden,” devoting more than half of their income to housing.
On Long Island, 36 percent of households fall into the cost-burdened category.
Programs like Section 8 — part of the public housing system administered by HUD — provide housing assistance for low-income residents. Eligibility varies by location, as does the availability of units.
Long Island is grappling with an affordable-housing crisis. The high cost of homes and high
make it nearly impossible for many people to find housing — an issue that has many causes.
Freeport is an affordable-housing community, but experts contend that there is a need for
Racism, said that the housing crisis disproportionately impacts minority communities due to extensive segregation in Long Island’s housing market. She added that there is often an implicit bias among residents about who affordable housing is designed to serve.
“It isn’t just about welfare,” Taylor said.
On Long Island, some village or town-level housing authorities administer public housing and Section 8 programs, though inventory is usually small or seniorfocused, according to information from the Long Island Center for Independent Living.
What do experts have to say?
Hunter Gross, vice president of the Huntington Township Housing Coalition — which advocates for the Long Island Housing Coalition — said that Long Island’s housing crisis touches a wide range of residents.
“The affordable housing crisis on Long Island is affecting you unless you’re rich,” Gross said simply. “It’s affecting most people, regardless of ethnicity, skin color and profession.”
April Francis Taylor, acting president of ERASE
Many families — particularly in communities of color — have not had the economic opportunity to accumulate generational wealth, Taylor explained. That wealth is often passed down in the form of cash, investments or property.
Those who have never owned homes are still playing catch-up, she said. And the harder it is for them to purchase homes, the harder it becomes to improve their economic conditions. This reinforces the need for fair housing in achieving racial equity, a key mission of ERASE Racism.
“There’s generational things, there’s racial things — the economic piece of those is huge,” Taylor said.
One of the policies that helps address the issue, Gross explained, is inclusionary zoning, which sets aside a portion of apartment units at below market rates.
Currently, Long Island has income-restricted rental housing funded by low-income tax credits, as well as workforce housing, Section 8 housing and senior affordable housing developments. But, Gross said, there is not nearly enough of it.
Expanding the types of affordable housing on Long Island — while increasing access to what already exists — is essential to meeting the needs of all demographics, he said. That includes building more accessory dwelling units, higher-density housing, and senior housing options, so older residents can downsize and make room for younger families in the market.
“It’s a domino effect,” Gross said.
Without meaningful efforts to make Long Island
Ainsley Martinez/Herald file
At the Langdon, an apartment building in Lynbrook with studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments, 20 of 201 units are designated “affordable,” for households earning up to 80 percent of the area median income.
Courtesy Yolanda Robano-Gross
rent for apartments
Above, the Smith at
many more.
This crisis spares none ‘unless you’re rich’
more affordable, young professionals looking to start families are leaving, he added. The median home price continues to climb, making ownership less attainable. “There’s a mass exodus of young professionals because they can’t afford a home here,” Gross said. “We’re losing so many folks.”
When young people are driven out of communities, the National Low Income Housing Coalition states, it weakens local economies by shrinking the workforce and straining public services.
Expanding affordable housing, Gross said, would help lower housing prices across the board.
A 2024 study by Urban Wire, a blog by the Urban Institute, found that new housing construction in areas with less restrictive zoning laws resulted in lower prices — evidence of which was observed in Houston, Texas.
But that’s only part of the picture. On Long Island, Gross said, there are still many barriers to building affordable housing. Zoning laws, land-use policies and a lack of public assistance all need to be addressed comprehensively.
“The only way we can actually make a difference in this crisis is by changing our policy,” Gross said. “We can work with our town boards, but they have to be willing to accept the reality of the crisis that we’re in and agree we really need to start making changes.”
What the data says: a Herald analysis of L.I. home prices
A Herald analysis of 1,052 homes currently listed on Redfin, a real estate brokerage website, across 27 municipalities in Nassau and Suffolk counties and surrounding areas reveals a regional housing market under pressure, with high prices and a shrinking pool of affordable homes.
Across all listings, the median home price was $809,500, roughly 9.5 times the median income, according to U.S. Census data. The homes averaged 2,161 square feet. Only 0.76 percent of the listings — just eight homes — were under $255,000, and considered affordable under a standard affordability metric, with prices no more than three times the median household income of $85,000.
Oyster Bay and Glen Head had the highest average list prices, more than $3.4 million, with their average home sizes nearing 5,000 square feet. Homes in the top 5 percent of the market cost more than $2.57 million, with several listings above $10 million.
The most expensive home per square foot was a 320-square-foot bungalow in Freeport listed at an eye-popping $2,343 per square foot, more than four times the regional average.
Other towns with high price-persquare-foot values included Sea Cliff and Oceanside, all indicating strong demand for smaller, high-end properties in desirable waterfront or coastal-adjacent locations.
A handful of communities — East Rockaway, Freeport, Lynbrook, Rockville Centre and Valley Stream— had
the chart above shows the median list prices of homes in 28 areas of Long island, based
Herald file photo
Zoning laws in local municipalities impact housing on Long island. throughout her term as governor, Kathy Hochul has tried to adjust laws to bolster housing here. She was met with criticism from area officials who campaigned to “Save our Suburbs.”
the only listings flagged as potentially affordable. Each had one or two homes priced below $255,000.
Still, these were outliers. In most towns, even entry-level listings exceeded $600,000. The average price per square foot across the region was $510, but several areas exceeded $600, making them among the most expensive for their size.
The gap between municipalities is stark. The average home in Oyster Bay costs nearly five times as much as the
average home in Freeport.
Despite the variety of housing stock, most homes shared certain characteristics: around four bedrooms, two to three bathrooms, and measuring between 1,700 and 2,400 square feet.
With prices elevated and affordability metrics strained, first-time buyers and middle-income families face daunting odds in securing homeownership on Long Island without substantial wealth or financing.
Key terms, explained
■ Affordable housing: Defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as housing that costs no more than 30 percent of a household’s gross monthly income, including rent or mortgage plus utilities.
■ Cost burdened: A household that spends more than 30 percent of its income on housing. “Severely cost burdened” applies when more than 50 percent of income goes toward housing.
■ Section 8: A federal housing program providing rental assistance to low-income households. It includes:
■ Project-based subsidies tied to specific buildings
■ Housing Choice Vouchers: portable subsidies tenants can use to pay rent
Illustration by Ainsley Martinez
on current data from redfin.
Retro Gaming Expo draws over four thousand gamers
By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com
From teens to longtime gamers, everyone found a reason to press start at the Long Island Retro Gaming Expo – a three-day celebration of video gaming.
The Cradle of Aviation Museum was nearly unrecognizable during the expo, filled with vendors, cosplayers and hundreds of arcade games including Super Pac-Man, Space Invaders, Super Mario Bros., pinball machines, Sonic and even video games on Playstation, Tekken 3 and Mortal Kombat.
This year’s retro arcade expo had plenty to celebrate. It marked the event’s 10th anniversary, the 40th year since the Nintendo Entertainment System debuted in the United States and the same milestone for the release of “Super Mario Bros.,” a game that helped define an era.
As part of the celebration, organizers created a Console History Exhibit where guests could experience more than five decades of gaming systems. The set up featured everything from early PONG clones and Atari consoles to the Nintendo vs. Sega rivalry and the 16-bit showdown between Xbox and PlayStation.
There were even imported games that never made it to the western hemisphere, and exclusive to Japan.
There were various panels that guests joined featuring YouTube star Vinny Vinesauce, original voice actor of Meowth from Pokémon Matthew Sussman, Bob and Will Wulff from WULFF DEN and more.
The retro arcade expo celebrated the timeless joy of gaming, proving that classic games continue to connect players across generations.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Guests pre-registered compete in “Marvel V. Capcom 2” on Friday, a 2000 crossover fighting game. However, various games were played throughout the days.
Gino Turilli, 14, of East Meadow, competes on the arcade-style racing game “Cruis’n Exotica” from Nintendo 64, released in 1999.
Hundreds of vendors selling toys, classic and modern video games with it’s consoles, trading cards, and various products.
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) launched in The United States in 1985 and quickly dominated the video game market. Its hit game “Super Mario Bros.,” Also released in the U.S in 1985 remains a top seller.
Take An Active Role In Getting Ready For School
Creating conversation with your kid
By DiAnne Crown
The easy flow of conversation and discovery between parents and their young children invariably seems to stop early in elementary school. Why? Preschoolers and kindergartners, especially, find it difficult to remember the details and summarize a day’s experiences.
Older children may want to turn off school and think about something else, be too tired to talk or be upset about something they think will upset you. And youths are not only looking for the boundaries between what’s theirs and what’s yours; they may be even more concerned that you’ll judge, overreact or take over their concern or need. Here’s what we did to get the conversation started — and keep it going.
Start When They’re Babies
Build trust when your children are infants. When they cry, pick them up. When they babble, answer them. When they reach for you, reach back with a loving touch. When they want to crawl into bed with you, share special rocking time. Go outside and watch an excavator for a few minutes. Read a favorite story. Or play chase. Say yes. You will build lifelong love and trust with your children.
Build A Routine
For those fortunate enough to have it,
an opportune talk time is immediately after school at pickup, when the events of the day are freshest. Start as early as preschool or kindergarten. Let your children share during the drive home. You’ll both benefit. You’ll hear news of the day, and your young ones will have regular opportunities to practice sequencing and organizing information into a short report. Active, respectful listening will develop your children’s willingness to share and include details.
Start With What You Know
For an easier time learning about the social aspect of your children’s day at school,
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get to know their friends through play dates. Then you can ask about specific friends and situations. “Did you and Lucy play together at recess today?” could branch into their successes or problems on the playground that day, any new students in class and so on.
Pay attention to teacher websites, homework, backpack items, sporting events and what other parents are talking about at school. And build on prior days’ conversations, perhaps asking, “What’s new with your group mythology project?” Starting with specific known topics is more productive than the open-ended “How was your day?”
Make lunch together, and talk about the day ahead. Keep a communication board on the refrigerator or by the back door, and run through the checklist of homework, permission slips, gym clothes and game schedules together. This will build your children’s sense of routine and readiness and provide good topics for table talk later.
Play Together
Do what your children like, whether it’s a favorite video game, ball toss, board game or funny YouTube video. Fun experiences build memories, keep you connected, open the door for conversations on other topics and often become perennial favorites as your children grow up.
Give Your Full Attention
Listening and being present are important elements of communication. In an article by Claire Gagne on the Today’s Parent website, therapist and author Jennifer Kolari says: “When you’re really connected, your body is leaning in and your phone is down. You’ll find that if you do a really good job in those moments, they will come to you for the hard stuff.” If you ignore or brush off your children when they’re rattling on about the latest video game or a guest speaker who came into the classroom that day, Kolari says, you’re losing an opportunity to show you are a good listener.
Photo: Building a routine, keeping it playful and more can create an easy flow of conversation with your kids.
Uniondale to host major underground energy power upgrade
Proponents argued that the project is critical for Long Island’s energy future.
“The underground transmission cables that are to be built are nothing new,” Island Park resident Jim Brown, of the South Shore Audubon Society, said. “We especially support Propel’s use of underground cables as particularly bird-friendly, creating significantly less impact on avian species than overhead transmission lines. If a transition to clean energy is not accomplished, and soon, not only will many birds and wildlife species face extinction, but the planet will become unlivable for humanity as well.”
Oceanside residents question why the transmission line is planned along busy Long Beach Road instead of less crowded Lawson Boulevard.
Transco’s director of public affairs, Shannon Baxevanis, confirmed that, despite public statements to the contrary, “nothing has been approved other than our survey work,” and that the docket remains open to comments indefinitely — even into construction. She emphasized that “we’re still working on viable alternatives” in several northern jurisdictions, though Oceanside’s preferred routing along Long Beach Road stands firm.
“We’re working closely with local municipalities, emergency responders and community stakeholders to ensure minimal disruption and maximum transparency,” Baxevanis said.
She explained that engineering analyses showed that existing utilities along Lawson Boulevard would increase the environmental and construction impact — and costs — compared with the current alignment.
The project, slated to begin construction in mid-2026, would add a new substation on Daily Boulevard as well. Long Island’s power grid has seen minimal updates since the 1950s.
Jeff Greenfield, a Rockville Centre resident and a former LIPA board trustee, spoke in favor of upgraded
Kepherd Daniel/Herald administrative law judges ashley moreno and nicholas planty heard the testimony of nassau County residents, legislators and the larger Long island community on the propel nY energy project.
cables. “I served four years (on the LIPA board) and we had three major cable failures,” he recalled. “I was an advocate while on the LIPA board that we needed additional transmission capacity to power Long Island. The power demand on Long Island has only increased with more electric vehicles. We’re isolated here, and we need this additional cable — a reliable, safe cable — to help us power Long Island and maintain the power, especially during the peak season, when the power is readily available.”
Opponents of the project offered equally passionate arguments, focusing on potential health risks and community disruption. County Legislator Patrick Mullaney called the project “a risk to communities,” and criticized the lack of independent environmental review.
“Burying high-voltage cables in this environment isn’t just short-sighted, it’s dangerous,” Mullaney said. “Instead of addressing these risks, New York state issued the RAPID Act, which attempted to fast-track and bypass
any environmental review, and there’s been no independent engineering review, no transparent cost-benefit comparison with above-ground alternatives, and no serious response to these very real safety concerns. Instead we’re just being asked to trust private developers who benefit from pushing this project through while giving us all the risk. This project treats Nassau County as a corridor, not as a community.”
Legislator Samantha Goetz echoed Mullaney’s concerns. “Albany does not know Glen head better than the people of Glen Head,” Goetz said. “And Governor (Kathy) Hochul does not know Glenwood Landing like the residents do. This isn’t about being anti-renewable energy, it’s about being pro-community, pro-transparency and pro-democracy.”
Project representatives identified what they describe as a recurring misunderstanding: Propel NY installs only the “highways” for electricity — underground cables, buried under layers of backfill and concrete, protection from electric-field exposure. It does not build wind turbines, solar farms or battery-storage facilities.
“We’re still trying to get past the confusion about what this project is, and what it isn’t,” Baxevanis said. “Transmission is backbone infrastructure, like roads; it doesn’t produce or store power.”
Draft environmental management and construction pland will be filed later in the permitting process, triggering another round of public review and comment. Baxevanis confirmed that, assuming the project’s approval, its start date remains mid-2026, with multiple construction crews working simultaneously across segments to accelerate completion.
To bolster transparency, Transco plans additional webinars and neighborhood workshops, building on a recent online session that drew 120 participants.
“We’ll keep people engaged at their convenience and welcome ideas for new outreach formats., Baxevanis said, “
STEPPING OUT
Unleash a
The Midtown Men
Jump in to solve a prehistoric ‘mystery’
Former stars of the award-winning jukebox musical “Jersey Boys,” reunited as The Midtown Men, are back with their ‘60s vibe at Eisenhower Park. During their time in the mega-hit, Tony Award winner Christian Hoff, Michael Longoria, Daniel Reichard and Tony nominee J. Robert Spencer shared the stage for over 1,000 performances. These Broadway veterans, with their powerhouse band, are realizing the dream they brought to life as the iconic Four Seasons. The Midtown Men is the next chapter for these accomplished entertainers, making them the first vocal group ever formed by the principal cast of a high-profile Broadway show. Not only have they continued to win over audiences of all ages in nearly 2,000 live shows, their self-titled debut album, “The Midtown Men: Sixties Hits” was met with critical acclaim and garnered five star album reviews across iTunes and was followed by their first radio single “All Alone On Christmas.”
By Abbey Salvemini
Long Island Children’s Museum goes prehistoric this summer, bringing dinosaurs to life both in the exhibit space and on stage! Budding paleontologists have been digging into the exhibit “Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed,” where they uncover ancient secrets through real fossils and life-size skeletal replicas.
That prehistoric excitement leaps to the stage in the form of the museum’s latest original production. Newly installed theater co-directors Lisa Rudin and Austin Costello share visitors’ dino-fever and welcome everyone to “Unbox A Saurus For Us!”
Using the exhibit as its starting point, everyone enjoys what Costello describes as “a chaotic, interactive half hour of dinosaur comedy.”
For those who have yet to experience it, now’s the time, as show will soon be extinct — it closes Aug. 27!
The escapades actually begin within the exhibit area itself, where Rudin and Costello discuss the production and educate families about the fossil display.
“We wanted to do something fun, lighthearted and really interactive. We decided to start the show in the exhibit. We do about 10-15 minutes where we talk to kids and tell them about the show. When they come in, they get to go through the process of “un-boxing our saurus.” If they don’t come to the exhibit, that’s okay too, it’s not like you have to have one to understand the other,” Rudin explains.
The original storyline is based on the fictional eccentric Dr. Patricia Osiris, who works for the organization Dinorama. She’s set to uncrate a huge dinosaur she “discovered” for the museum, but misplaced her keys to the crate. She then calls out for help get the creature out of the box, encouraging everyone to use their imaginations. Each audience essentially carries out the remainder of what unfolds on stge by becoming problem solvers to assist scatterbrained Dr. Patti.
“The children have the power in that the show will not continue if they don’t play along,” Costello adds. It involves some creative improvisation, which gives each staging a special twist, depending upon the involvement of the audience.
“We do have a point in the show where we ask the kids to help us name the dinosaur. We also have a
• Aug. 20 and 27, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Aug. 24, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
• $5 with museum admission, $4 members, $10 theater only
• Tickets can be purchased at licm.org/theater or at the box office
• Museum Row, Garden City
moment where they get to ask the dinosaur questions, and of course, Austin [Costello], who is in the dinosaur costume, comes up with some really good answers,” Rudin says.
One thing is for certain: the “Saurus” will always be unboxed one way or another.
“My favorite moment is when the dinosaur is finally revealed because people really don’t know what to expect. They don’t know if it’s going to be a puppet or a costume and we do our best in not giving it away until the moment so that’s a really fun bit. A lot of excited, happy screaming,” Costello shares.
Rudin, who also a teaching artist when not involved with her museum theater duties explains that she specifically chooses comedy — and material — that young children respond to effectively.
“I like to bring a lot of joy to our audiences. They leave the show having had a lot of fun and the parents have had the joy and the pride in seeing their child participate. It’s just a joyful, fun, happy experience,” Rudin says.
And there’s even more to look forward to — the museum is already planning a series of original stage productions inspired by its upcoming exhibits, bringing hands-on learning to life in new and exciting ways.
Saturday, Aug. 16, 7 p.m. Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. Contact nassaucountyny. gov for info and updates.
Monster Truck madness
day-only performance is part of the
Also don’t miss “Beezy County Fair: A Bee Tale,” a delightful stage adaptation of Gay Thomas’s heartwarming book, on Aug. 16. The story celebrates the power of working together toward a shared goal — all wrapped in a fun, fact-filled adventure buzzing with bee-related tidbits. The oneday-only performance is part of the museum’s annual sweet summer celebration, Honey Hoopla.
Rudin and Costello bring an energetic mix of comedy and imagination with an educational component to their productions, which introduce young audiences to live theater. The duo cultivates a joyful and engaging environment that encourages curiosity, creativity and laughter — leaving children and adults with lasting memories.
“Who wants to help uncover a dinosaur?” Yashaun Harris rallies young “paleontologists” for hands-on dinosaur fun during a pre-performance introduction inside the Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed exhibit.
UBS Arena explodes with the raw power of epic machines at Hot Wheels Monster Trucks Live. “Kids” of all ages can watch their favorite Hot Wheels trucks come to life in Glow-N-Fire action. Everyone will enjoy the added fiery twist: pyrotechnic effects light up the arena. To make this show even more special, get ready an adrenalinefueled birthday party as the original monster truck that started it all, Bigfoot, marks its 50th year of entertaining fans. Of course, there’s so much more to grab your attention. Check out Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, HW 5-Alarm, Bone Shaker, Gunkster, and the newest entry, Skelesaurus, the giant that unleashes his fossil fury. Fans can also witness a special appearance from a transforming robot, plus the high-flyers of the Hot Wheels Monster Trucks freestyle motocross team.
Saturday, Aug, 16, 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Aug. 17, 2:30 p.m. UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. Tickets available at hotwheelsmonstertruckslive. com or ticketmaster.com.
Photos courtesy LICM
“All hands ready!” Dr. Patti (Lisa Rudin) and her eager young paleontology assistants work together to solve this great dinosaur mystery.
Roar: Green dinosaur arms burst out, amazing Dr. Patti and actor Yashaun Harris.
YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR
‘Summer of Love’ Pet Adoption
The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter welcomes summer with the return of its “Summer of Love” pet adoption program. Now through Sept. 1 all pet adoption fees will be waived, making it easier than ever to adopt a pet. Each adoption includes free spaying/neutering, vaccinations and microchipping. Additionally, there is only a $10 licensing fee for dogs. This summer, spread the love and provide a fur-ever home to these shelter animals. Check out the friendly faces of the dogs and cat before arriving at shelter. Browse photos and profiles at hempsteadny.gov/179/animalshelter or on the shelter’s Facebook page.
•Where: 3320, Beltagh Ave., Wantagh
•Time: Ongoing
•Contact: at hempsteadny. gov/179/animal-shelter or (516) 785-5220
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “At Play,” surveys artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainmentrelated activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the Folies-Bergère in Paris. On view until Nov. 9.
•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
•Time: Ongoing
•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
AUG 16
Back2School Give-A-away
Media Strategies
Group hosts the 10th annual Back2School Health & Wellness Fair. With free school supplies, food and entertainment. Don’t forget to take advantage of the medical screening and sponsorship opportunities available.
•Where: ShopRite, 1121 Jerusalem Ave., Uniondale
Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons: The Last Encores
For over 60 years, Frankie Valli has captured the hearts and souls of fans worldwide with unforgettable hits such as “Sherry” “Walk Like a Man” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Now Frankie makes his way back to New York on his farewell tour at Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair. It promises to be a poignant celebration of Valli’s legendary career, showcasing his timeless music and incredible showmanship. The original Jersey boy himself, Frankie Valli is a true American legend. Now 91, Valli is the only original member still performing with the group, which has been entertaining fans for more than six decades. His incredible career with the Four Seasons, as well as his solo success, has spawned countless hit singles. With unforgettable tunes like “Sherry,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Rag Doll,” “December ‘63 – Oh What A Night,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You,” and of course, “Grease.” His songs have been omnipresent in other iconic movies such as “The Deer Hunter,” “Dirty Dancing,” “Mrs. Doubtfire,” “Conspiracy Theory” and “The Wanderers.” As many as 200 artists have done cover versions of Frankie’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You,” from Nancy Wilson’s jazz treatment to Lauryn Hill’s hip-hop makeover. Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons have sold over 100 million records worldwide. They continue to tour throughout the U.S. and abroad to packed houses receiving nightly standing ovations from thrilled fans of multiple generations. Valli’s long-lasting career led to the overwhelming success of the Broadway musical “Jersey Boys,” which chronicles Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons incredible career and features all of their greatest hits. The 12th longest-running show on Broadway has been seen by over 30 million people.
•Time: Noon-5 p.m.
•Contact: huntimes@aol.com or call (516) 717-9769
Bat Walk
Join wildlife biologist Nic Comparato to explore the fascinating world of bats at Old Westbury Gardens. He’ll guide visitors in learning how bats use echolocation to navigate the night and hunt for insects. Listen for bat calls with specialized equipment, search the skies for their silhouettes, and discuss their important role in local ecosystems and ongoing conservation efforts. All ages welcome. Free with admission. Space is limited; advance registration required for all attendees, including members. Rain date is Aug. 17.
•Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 8-9:30 p.m.
•Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Family movie night
Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. See 2024’s action adventure “Sonic the Hedgehog 3.” Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite against a powerful new adversary, Shadow, a AUG 20
mysterious villain with powers unlike anything they have faced before. With their abilities outmatched, Team Sonic must seek out an unlikely alliance. Starring Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz, Keanu Reeves.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: Movie begins at dusk
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
Board of Trustees meet
Participate in the upcoming Uniondale Public Library Board of Trustees meeting to hear updates, decisions, and discussions that shape the direction of the organization. Open to the public.
•Where: 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale
• Time: 7-9 p.m.
•Contact: uniondalelibrary.org
Unbox A-Saurus for Us!
Young paleontologists-in-training are sure to enjoy Long Island Children’s Museum’s new stage production. This interactive theatrical experience invites visitors to join an eccentric paleontologist (a.k.a. “Dr. Patti”) as she attempts to reveal a never-before-seen dinosaur specimen — if only she can figure out how to open the crate it’s locked in. Along the way, the audience becomes key players in solving problems, sparking laughter and
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon
•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
AUG
22
Summer sounds Enjoy ‘70s and ‘80s soft rock with Yachtley Crew at Eisenhower Park.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
At the movies
Step into the world of Monstropolis for a night of laughter and adventure when Cradle of Aviation Museum shows Monsters Inc. Meet Sully, create your own closet door craft, tell your best jokes at the Joke Telling Station, and go on a Monster Hunt through the museum galleries. Find them all and win a prize! Then head to the theater for a special screening of Disney and Pixar’s Monsters Inc., complete with popcorn, a drink, and a treat. Nutfree snack options available. $25, $23 for children and seniors. Space is limited!
•Where: 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury
• Time: 8 p.m.
•Contact: livenation.com
exploring the world of dinosaurs in a lighthearted “scientific” comedy that blends imagination and learning. $5 with museum admission, $10 theater only.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
•Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also Aug 24 and Aug. 27
•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
AUG 21
Swifties in the park
Get your Taylor groove on with Let’s Sing Taylor, with the Taylor Swift Experience tribute.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
Little Learners Art Lab
Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to hands-on materials, artmaking, and inspiration from artists and techniques. Young kids, ages 2-5, build critical thinking skills, expand vocabulary, and support imaginations as they play, create and explore. This week, experiment with creating drip paintings. $4 with museum admission.
•Where: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Garden City
•Time: 5:30 p.m. activities, 6:30 p.m. movie
•Contact: cradleofaviation.org or call (516) 572-4111
AUG
29
Rock on at the park
Get in the groove with Led Zeppelin tribute band Misty Mountain and The Who tribute band Who’s Next at Eisenhower Park.
•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
•Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
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 COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR CARLSBAD FUNDING MORTGAGE TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST SATURIN THOMAS, ET AL., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 13, 2018, 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 August 26, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 727 Beck Street, Uniondale (T/O Hempstead), NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 132, Lot 38-40. Approximate amount of judgment $309,661.82 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008552/2016. Scott Siller, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 16-001926 86225 154695
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR LEGACY MORTGAGE ASSET TRUST 2021-GS1, Plaintiff, Against
MARIE RAPHAEL, EDELINE L. SAUNDERS, LONG ISLAND TAX REDUCTIONS INC.; FRITZ JOSEPH (JOHN DOE #1); FRITZ JOSEPH, SR. (JOHN DOE #2)
Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 02/05/2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 8/25/2025 at
2:00PM, premises known as 1076
Northgate Court Square, Uniondale, New York 11553, and described as follows:
ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale (Unincorporated Area), in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York
Section 55 Block 532
Lot 24
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $601,359.45 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 616200/2022
If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Samantha L. Segal, Esq., Referee. SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Dated: 6/12/2025 File Number: 38281 CA 154755
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU
INDEX # 620242/2024 FILED 11/15/2024
SUMMONS
Plaintiff designates NASSAU County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon County in which the premises are situated. PREMISES: 691 NEW STREET, UNIONDALE, NY 11553. NEWREZ LLC
D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING S/B/M TO SPECIALIZED LOAN SERVICING LLC, Plaintiff, against UNKNOWN HEIRS AT LAW OF CLIFTON ISAACS A/K/A CLIFTON FRANCIS ISAACS A/K/A CLIFTON F. ISAACS, and if they be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action, such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely the wife,
widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of who and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff, OTIS ISAACS AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF CLIFTON ISAACS A/K/A CLIFTON FRANCIS ISAACS A/K/A CLIFTON F. ISAACS, CLIFTON ERRON ISAACS AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF CLIFTON ISAACS A/K/A CLIFTON FRANCIS ISAACS A/K/A CLIFTON F. ISAACS, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, MUNICIPAL CREDIT UNION, JULIE GAMCE, Defendants. TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York) in the event the United States of America is made a party Defendant, the time to answer for the said United States of America shall not expire until sixty (60) days after service of the Summons; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and
complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Leopold & Associates, PLLC, Attorneys for Plaintiff, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504 File# 12500135 154684
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. MCLP ASSET COMPANY, INC., Plaintiff -againstKEVIN HEARN AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SHIRLEY M. HEARN, et al Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated January 23, 2025 and entered on February 10, 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 August 26, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as SBL# 50-03901-221 Said premises known as 1300 PEMBROKE STREET, UNIONDALE, NY 11553
Approximate amount of lien $454,709.54 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 605631/2021.
SCOTT SILLER, ESQ., Referee
Pincus Law Group, PLLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556
{* UNIONDALE*} 154686
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
Index No.: 608533/2024
Date Filed: SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the Place of Trial Designation of Venue is based upon the situs of the Subject Property Subject Property: 772 Dale Place Uniondale, NY 11553
U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, as Trustee, as successor-in-interest to U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for the Registered Holders of MASTR Asset Backed Securities Trust, 2006-AM1, Mortgage Pass=Through Certificates, Series 2006-AMI, Plaintiff, -againstPrecious Rodway, Individually and as Administrator C.T.A. of the Estate of Eurie Gersham Rodway a/k/a Gersham Rodway a/k/a Gersham Radway; Simone Rodway, as Trustee of the Trust Created by the Will of Eurie Gersham Rodway a/k/a Gersham Rodway a/k/a Gersham Radway, if she be living or if she be dead, her spouses, heirs, devisees, distributees and successors in interest, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to Plaintiff; Joel Rodway; Daniel Rodway; Petro Inc. dba Patterson Energy Group; State of New York; Nassau County Clerk’s Office “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the Subject Property described in the Complaint, Defendants.
To THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiffs Attorney within twenty (20) days after the
service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York) in the event the United States of America is made a party defendant, the time to answer for the said United States of America shall not expire until sixty (60) days after service of the Summons; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint.
TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Jeffrey A. Goodstein, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Nassau County, entered July 21, 2025 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office. THE OBJECT OF THE ACTION is to foreclose a mortgage recorded in the Public Records of the County of Nassau on October 5, 2005 in Liber M 29502 of Mortgages, page 767, covering premises k/a 772 Dale Place, Uniondale, NY 11553 a/k/a Section 50, Block 370, Lot 17.
NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
Dated: March 4, 2025 Rochester, NY LOGS Legal Group LLP
By: Steven M. Palmer, Esq.
Attorneys for Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624
Telephone: (585) 247-9000 23-094844 #102464 154828
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU ATLANTICA, LLC, Plaintiff, AGAINST
LUCIEN ESCOFFERY; VERONICA ESCOFFERY, Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on January 3, 2025 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on September 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM premises known as 213 Hudson Ave, Roosevelt, NY 11575.
Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Roosevelt, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 55, Block 494 and Lot 342.A & 342.B. Approximate amount of judgment $890,955.93 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #005288/2016. Keith Corbett, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 154788
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE OF TIKI SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. BERNICE OSUJI, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 11, 2024, 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 September 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 712 Campus Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Hicksville, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 265 and Lot 67. Approximate amount of judgment is $525,746.06 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #610628/2022. Fabiana Ida Talarico, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 221656-1 154970
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST C/O U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST DARLENE ALLEN, CRAIG MCDONALD, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 25, 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 September 9, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 786 Winter 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 Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50 Block 426 Lot 5. Approximate amount
Public Notices
of judgment
$599,566.52 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605703/2023. Ellen N. Savino, Esq ., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003364 86177 154880
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU
Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee for HIS Asset Securitization Corporation Trust 2006-HE1, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-HE1, Plaintiff, Against Ramon A. Flores, Sulma Y. Flores, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 06/10/2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 9/9/2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 580 Park Avenue, Uniondale, New York 11553, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York Section 36 Block 141 Lot 19 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $294,391.62 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 611797/2023
For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.
Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee.
SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570
Dated: 6/30/2025
File Number: 38959 MB 154840
LEGAL NOTICE CASE NO. 21527
RESOLUTION NO. 764-2025
Adopted: August 5, 2025
Councilmember Muscarella 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. 758-2025, adopted July 1, 2025, a public hearing was duly held on the 5th day of August, 2025, 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: ELMONT
STERLING ROAD - west side, starting at a point 154 feet north of the north curbline of 106th Avenue, north for adistance of 24 feet.
(TH-264/25)
UNIONDALE
LEE ROAD - south side, starting at a point 40 feet east of the east curbline of Alexander Avenue, east for a distance of 24 feet.
(TH-251/25) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons: ELMONT
BEDFORD AVENUEsouth side, starting at a point 168 feet east of the east curbline of Covert Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH- 361/24 - 9/17/24) (TH-285/25)
; 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 Goosby and adopted upon roll call as follows:
AYES: SIX (6) NOES: NONE (0) 155115
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 Street of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 08/20/2025 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.
434/25. ROOSEVELTCarlos Bolanos, Renewal of grant to maintain 2-family dwelling., N/s Whitehouse Ave., 588.34’ W/o Nassau Rd., a/k/a 68 Whitehouse Ave. 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 Roosevelt 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.
155118
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. MTAG, AS CUSTODIAN FOR ALTERNA FUNDING I, LLC, Pltf. vs. DANIEL C. BROWN, et al, Defts. Index #002241/2017. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Nov. 23, 2022, I will sell at public auction on North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on September 16, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. premises k/a 371 First Place, Uniondale, NY a/k/a School District 2, Section 50, Block 109, Lot 6. Approximate amount of judgment is $21,571.20 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. ADRIENNE FLIPSE HAUSCH, Referee. BRONSTER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 156 West 56th Street, Ste. 703, New York, NY 10019. File No. 700999.132#102478 155086
$16K lottery tickets sold at Hempsted convenience store News briefs
A lucky lottery player in Hempstead has scored big with a top-prize winning TAKE 5 ticket, the New York Lottery announced.
The winning ticket for the July 28 midday drawing was sold at Kings Peninsula C-Store, located at 380 Peninsula Blvd. in Hempstead. The ticket is worth $16,561.00.
TAKE 5 numbers are drawn from a pool of 1 through 39, with drawings held twice daily at 2:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. Winners have up to one year from the date of the drawing to claim their prize. –— Kepherd Daniel
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Deutsche Bank National Trust Company, as Trustee, in trust for the registered holders of Morgan Stanley Home Equity Loan Trust 2007-2, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-2, Plaintiff AGAINST Kimberly Canales; Bessy Guevara; Raymond Canales; Libanesa Canales; Gloria Canales a/k/a Gloria Del Carmen Ramirez; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 27, 2025, 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 September 17, 2025, at 4:00PM, premises known as 299 Locust 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, State of New York, Section 50 Block 47 Lot 14 & 15. Approximate amount of judgment $947,929.56 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 008608/2014. Foreclosure auction will be held “Rain or Shine” Thomas Montiglio, 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: July 24, 2025 For sale information, please visit Servicelinkauction.com or call (866) 539-4173 86540 155071
LEGAL NOTICE File#: 637016 (B-04539-25)
F.C.A. §§ 617; CPLR 315,316 GF-30 (12/1997)
FAMILY COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU In the Matter of an Article 6 Termination of Parental Rights File#: 637016
Proceeding Docket#: B-04539-25
Nassau County Department of Social Services (Petitioner)
Donna Rose M. Stahl (Respondent)
Henry M. Stahl (DOB: 10/19/2024) SUMMONSPUBLICATION (IN PERSON)
To: Donna Rose M. Stahl LKA: 748 Goodrich Street Uniondale, NY 11553
A petition under Article 6 of the Family Court Act has been filed with this Court requesting the following reliefs: Termination of Parental Rights. YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to appear IN PERSON before this Court on:
Date/Time/Part: September 16, 2025 at 02:30 PM in Part 2
Purpose: In Person
Appearance and Conference
Presiding: Hon. Robin M. Kent
Location: 101 County Seat Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 Floor: 2 Room: 2D to answer the attached petition and to be dealt with in accordance with the Family Court Act. Please bring this
notice with you and check in with the Court Officer in the Part. Be sure to arrive at the courthouse prior to the time listed above. Do not be late as there is a limited window of time for your case to be heard. If you fail to appear as directed, a warrant may be issued for your arrest.
Dated: July 31, 2025 John Aiken, Chief Clerk TO THE ABOVE-NAMED RESPONDENT: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Robin M. Kent of the Family Court, Nassau County, dated and filed with the petition and other papers in the Office of the Clerk of the Family Court, Nassau County. 155031
516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com
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Q. Our front porch is falling apart and we want to replace it, just as it is. The original columns are rotted at the bottoms and there are cracks where the columns were put together, vertical joints that appear as if the columns were made from many pieces. Is that common, that columns are made from many pieces? Do you have a recommendation for who can make new columns and what kind of wood is best? I’m not choosey, because they will be painted. What do you suggest? Also, I know you recommend getting permits, but I want to do the work myself, and it’s a direct replacement, so I want to just dismantle it and put it back. The roof concerns me most, so I plan to take a lot of pictures. Do you think this is as much of a problem as it would be if the porch were new?
A. So this is a column about columns. I remember working in a firm 40 years ago, when a renowned surgeon from Texas purchased 100-plus acres with a mansion on Long Island Sound, and I was assigned to design the additions and redesign the exteriors to be a modernized traditional shingle-style home. I was called into the firm’s principal, who chastised me for recommending synthetic trim and engineered shingles. The shingles I chose were pre-finished, and would still be performing well today, but instead, the house was finished in traditional wood, necessitating the expenditure of over $100,000 every three to four years for staining and painting. It was such a large expense that when I coincidently showed up 30 years later on that estate, to redesign for the new owner, they told me the surgeon grew tired of all the maintenance.
Wood columns are made in sections and bonded together at vertical seams. The sections are made from either steam-curved or shaped planks, cut to develop the rounded segments. You will notice that there has to be a space at the bottom to allow humidity and rain to drain and evaporate. Without that air space, the rotting is accelerated.
Because the columns will be painted, you’re better off with fiberglass columns, which come in a variety of shapes, lengths and styles. They are structural, and you’ll never need to replace them. Due to their stability, they hold a painted finish much longer, requiring painting only once a decade or two, but they still require an air space at the base.
The main reason for a permit isn’t just to have a piece of paper or cover the local government for liability should anyone get hurt. The permit process also confirms the replacement construction is safe and will last. The roof attachment, porch floor, foundation and how columns are spaced to transfer loads is critical. Incorrectly placed fastening, and a lack of structural checking and code compliance can create water problems and cause the replacement porch to require premature replacement. Just do things safely. Good luck!
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This ain’t Texas: We must end Hochul’s partisan war
When voters passed a constitutional amendment in 2014 creating New York’s Independent Redistricting Commission, the goal was clear: to take politics out of the process and put the people back in charge of drawing their political maps.
But Albany is at it again.
Democratic lawmakers are now pushing a constitutional amendment to allow mid-decade redistricting — not because the law requires it, and not because populations shifted, but because it might help them win. Their excuse? “Texas is doing it.”
That’s not governance. That’s retaliation. And it’s dangerous.
Let’s remember: In 2022, the Court of Appeals resoundingly struck down Albany Democrats’ gerrymandered maps for violating the state Constitution. It was a clear rebuke. The voters had spoken in 2014, and the court reaffirmed their will.
And yet, despite already spending over $20 million of taxpayer money on
lawyers, consultants and failed commissions, Albany Democrats want to try again. They want to build a permanent partisan escape hatch into the Constitution — so they can redraw maps whenever it suits them.
This time, they’re declaring war. Literally.
Gov. Kathy Hochul recently called for dismantling the IRC entirely, saying, “This is a war … the gloves are off … we’re done playing nice.” She even hosted Texas Democrats who fled their state to break a quorum over redistricting — then floated that New York should fight fire with fire.
This is not leadership. It’s constitutional vandalism.
VIntegrity. Instead it became a $10 million deadlocked commission whose maps were ignored. Lawmakers seized control, chaos ensued, and the courts had to clean up the mess.
Now Albany wants to enshrine that chaos into law.
oters should choose their representation — not the other way around.
Let me be clear: I’m not a Texas Republican, and I’m certainly not a New York Democrat trying to hijack our electorate. I’m a Long Island assemblyman who believes voters should choose their political representation — not the other way around. I believe in decency, the rule of law, and the idea that these ends do not justify the means.
And if this amendment passes the Legislature, I will see them in court.
The IRC may be imperfect, but it was created by the people of New York with one goal in mind: stability. Fairness.
Let’s look at the price we’ve already paid: $7 million in outside redistricting contracts; $3 million in State Senate legal fees; $1.5 million by the Assembly; and $2.4 million in direct litigation costs. All funded by taxpayers. And what has this endless redistricting battle delivered? Confusion. Distrust. Broken promises. The only thing worse than politicians choosing their voters is asking those voters to pay for it.
I won’t stand idly by while our Constitution becomes a casualty of partisan warfare. And I won’t let Hochul — or anyone else — rip it up just because they’re losing the game.
What we need now is not another power grab. We need a peace deal — not between political parties, but between our elected officials and the people of New York. A ceasefire in the redistricting wars. A commitment to play by the rules we all agreed to.
Because if we don’t, the consequenc-
es will cascade: more lawsuits, more court-drawn maps, more public cynicism. And while Albany’s political class obsesses over lines on a map, the real issues — our affordability, housing, immigration, mental health, insurance, and rampant fraud crises — go unaddressed.
This moment demands more than partisanship. It demands principle. If Albany Democrats push this amendment forward, they will betray the voters, break the public trust, and ignite another political firestorm. And I will meet them — with legislation, with public opposition and, if necessary, with litigation in both state and federal courts.
To my colleagues, I offer a final word of caution, and a plea: You don’t defend democracy by undermining it. You don’t restore public trust by rewriting rules to stay in power. You don’t govern by declaring war on the very voters you serve.
Let’s put the voters first. Let’s honor the Constitution. Let’s broker a peace deal — not to help one party win, but to help New Yorkers win, and heal. I stand ready to fight, but more important, I stand ready to lead.
If this becomes a war, I’ll see you in court. But I’d rather see us return to decency, together.
Jake Blumencranz represents the 15th Assembly District.
For Mets fans, this year was supposed to be different
in early June, I was planning my October.
The Mets, whose record at the time was 41–24, led the National League East by3½ games on June 7. They didn’t just look like contenders — they looked like one of the best teams in baseball. Their pitching rotation was sharp, leading the major leagues with an ERA of 2.4. Their bats were delivering timely hits. And for once, the bullpen didn’t make me want to walk into traffic. It was, dare I say, fun to be a Mets fan. But these are the Mets. Fun is fleeting. Hope is hazardous, and being a fan is not for the faint of heart. And now, two months later, I’m left wondering what happened to the team that had me believing. Since that June date, the Mets had gone 22–31 as of Sunday night. That’s not just a slump; that’s a collapse. At press time, they trailed the Philadelphia
Phillies by 5½ games in the N.L. East and were once again staring down the possibility of a late-season scramble just to get into the postseason. Sound familiar? It should. Last year’s agonizing, stress-filled play-in saga added to my existing gray hair.
And the worst part? It didn’t have to be this way.
In the days before the July 31 trade deadline, the front office made moves — smart ones, even. Acquiring left-hander Gregory Soto and right-handers
Tyler Rogers and Ryan Helsley — all three are relievers — and outfielder Cedric Mullins.
Htheir heads.
ope is hazardous, and being a fan of this team is not for the faint of heart.
Being a Mets fan means riding the emotional equivalent of the Cyclone at Coney Island — except instead of screaming with joy, you’re mostly screaming at the bullpen. We’ve been here before: 2007, 2008, 2015’s near-miracle, 2022’s 101win team that fizzled in the Wild Card Series. Even last year’s appearance in the League Championship Series, just to lose to the Dodgers, felt like a cruel joke.
chises play meaningful baseball while we stew in what-ifs.
There’s still time. Two months remain, and the National League is crowded. If the Mets can rediscover what worked — if their arms stay healthy, if the lineup settles into a groove, if the new acquisitions mesh quickly — this team can still avoid the play-in.
They can still push deep. But those ifs are starting to feel heavier by the day.
They added those arms and a little pop to the lineup, trying to patch what was clearly fraying. For a moment, it looked like the front office had figured it out: Invest in the stretch run, avoid the one-game elimination trap and push for an actual run in October.
But good decisions in the front office don’t always translate into wins on the field. Injuries happened. Slumps happened. And maybe, just maybe, the pressure of being “the team to beat” got into
This year was supposed to be different. And for a while, it was. The earlyseason version of the Mets played like a complete team. Watching them was a reminder of why we stick with baseball — for the rhythms, the tension, the slowburn drama of a team finding itself. It felt earned. It felt genuine.
Now? I watch games bracing for the bullpen to unravel in the seventh inning. I second-guess every swing with runners in scoring position. I wonder if we’ve already seen the best this team has to offer — and if we’re about to spend another fall watching other fran-
Baseball is cruel that way. The highs don’t last. The lows can seem to stretch forever. And sometimes the worst thing the sport can give you isn’t heartbreak, it’s hope.
The frustrations and stresses of being a Mets fan have no boundaries. Especially after a weekend series in which they lost three games to the Central Division-leading Milwaukee Brewers. A team with so much promise now must pick up the pieces, starting this week with a series against its annual nemesis, the Atlanta Braves. So I’ll watch, and hope the turnaround starts there. Because I’m a Mets fan. And that is what we do.
Jeff Bessen is the managing editor of Herald Community Media.
JAKE BLUMEnCRAnZ
JEFFREY BEssEn
2 Endo Boulevard
Phone: (516) 569-4000
Fax: (516) 569-4942
Web: www.liherald.com
E-mail:
HERALD
Get involved — join your local civic association
We Long Islanders pride ourselves on our tight-knit neighborhoods — where we know our neighbors, care about our schools and keep an eye on the quality of life around us.
But strong communities don’t happen by accident. They take work, collaboration, and a willingness to roll up our sleeves when challenges arise. That’s where civic associations have a role.
Civic associations are the heartbeat of thriving communities, bringing neighbors together to solve problems, advocate for resources and foster meaningful connections. They are volunteerdriven organizations that give residents a collective voice and a platform for making changes. And in a time when so many people are frustrated by governmental red tape and feel disconnected from the work our legislators do, civic groups offer a way to take action where you live — and see the results.
Across Nassau and Suffolk counties, civic associations are tackling the issues that matter most to their residents: keeping streets safe, preserving open space, making infrastructure improvements, protecting the environment, supporting local businesses. They hold pub-
letters
Nassau County isn’t a police state. ICE is just making it
To the Editor:
lic forums at which residents can question elected officials face to face. They organize cleanup days to beautify parks and playgrounds. They rally for traffic safety measures, improved lighting, and the repair of roads and sidewalks. They speak out at zoning board meetings.
These groups also help knit together the social fabric of our neighborhoods. Civic associations often host holiday celebrations, block parties, cultural festivals, and other events that bring residents together. They foster a sense of belonging that is too often missing in our lives these days, when it’s easy to retreat behind doors and screens.
When residents band together, it’s harder for elected officials to ignore their concerns. A single phone call or email might go unanswered, but a unified letter from a civic association — backed by dozens, or hundreds, of neighbors — commands attention.
Long Island has a proud tradition of grassroots involvement. Many of our strongest civic victories — from preserving coastal wetlands to blocking irresponsible overdevelopment — were made possible by everyday residents who refused to sit on the sidelines. They showed up, spoke out and organized.
safer.
Re Claudia Borecky’s letter in the July 31-Aug. 6 issue, “Nassau County is showing signs of becoming a police state”: Perhaps another way of looking at County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s reallocating 10 brave detectives to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement is that they are being deployed exactly where they should be.
They will be removing criminal illegals and continuing to make Nassau County safe. Dismantling gangs like MS-13 and Tren de Aragua, which are transnational criminal organizations, is another move toward public safety. Under the current administration’s immigration policies, securing our borders will reduce the volume of fentanyl that has been flowing into our country. This will save many thousand of lives per year.
As a proud first-generation immigrant, I am all for legal immigration. But in New York state, there has been a burden placed on our school systems and hospitals due to mass illegal immigration. The cost of housing illegals was estimated to be well into the billions in 2023 alone.
The Democratic party of my father is gone. Replacing it is a party of open borders, defunding the police, defending criminals, the “green new scam,” men in women’s sports, DEI, election
And they did it not for personal gain, but because they cared about the place they call home.
Civic associations need new members to survive — and that’s where you can help.
Too often, a small group of volunteers carries the load year after year. Without fresh ideas and extra hands, these groups risk fading away — along with the community’s ability to respond to challenges.
If you’ve never been to a meeting, try attending the next one in your area. You’ll learn about local issues, meet new neighbors, and see how quickly your voice can make a difference.
In the end, joining your local civic association is about more than fixing a pothole or stopping a bad development. It’s about ensuring that Long Island remains a place where people look out for one another, where our neighborhoods stay safe and welcoming, and where the future reflects the values we share.
Your community needs you. Those who show up — in person, around the table, ready to listen, prepared to speak and willing to work together, will write Long Island’s future. Be one of them.
interference, and high crime due to bail reform. National Democrats claim to be the party for women’s rights, yet turned a blind eye to the fact that so many of the women crossing the southern border
under the previous administration were raped. How many people were complicit with the cover-up of President Biden’s cognitive decline?
As the policies of the Trump adminis-
Nonprofit grant program helps secure houses of worship
aLaUra a. GiLLen
s the representative of New York’s 4th Congressional District, I am urging houses of worship across Nassau County’s South Shore to apply for the fiscal year 2025 Nonprofit Security Grant Program. The NSGP is a critical tool that provides federal funding to houses of worship and other nonprofits for security enhancements, including physical security infrastructure, emergency alert systems and certain contracted security personnel.
Earlier this month, I urged the acting administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to issue NSGP
grant applications for fiscal year 2025 during a hearing of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. I spoke directly with the acting administrator about how synagogues, churches and many other houses of worship and religious institutions across the South Shore rely on this critical funding to keep worshippers safe.
After months of delay, I am pleased that the administration has finally made these funds available for fiscal year 2025. My office has already begun working with houses of worship across the 4th District to prepare their applications, and I encourage all those interested in applying for this federal funding opportunity to reach out for more information on the application process.
a nd it’s an urgent need as we face an increase in hate and extremism.
must apply for the NSGP through the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. More information on how to apply will be available from the division. In the meantime, I encourage houses of worship interested in applying to make use of the Getting Started Guide, available on the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ website, to make sure you are prepared to apply.
to safeguard our institutions is particularly urgent as we face an increase in hate and extremism in New York and across the country.
As threats against houses of worship rise, the need for contracted security personnel has become a reality for many of our faith-based communities. I have also spoken with faith leaders in my district about the need to increase the ability of houses of worship to use NSGP funding for those personnel. While that funding supports physical security enhancements, there is a real need to help reimburse personnel costs.
Houses of worship and nonprofits
Letters
tration start to take hold, we find secure borders, fair tariffs, lower fuel costs, multiple peace treaties, energy independence, and a renewed pride in the USA. The Democrats have tried to cheat, impeach (two times), bankrupt and imprison President Trump. I look forward to seeing the outrage and pearl clutching as the president presides over the country’s 250th anniversary, the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11 and the Olympics in Los Angeles in 2028. Coming soon, the hammer is going to drop on everyone involved win the Russian collusion hoax, with multiple mug shots to follow.
TOM O’CONNOR North Bellmore
Ryan will be missed at NUMC
To the Editor:
Under the leadership of Megan Ryan, the Nassau Health Care Corporation (NuHealth) experienced a revitalization that had been absent for over a decade. As CEO, Ryan brought back a clear mission and vision centered on patient care, operational integrity and long-term sustainability.
Her approach to restructuring the finance department significantly improved revenue through more efficient billing practices. In addition, Ryan expanded access to care by extending clinic hours to better serve our community. She led a successful fundraiser to acquire a
brand new, state-of-the-art Mammography Van, and construction is now underway for a first-time catheterization lab.
Ryan’s leadership extended beyond the walls of the Nassau University Medical Center. When it was revealed that New York state owed NuHealth nearly $1 billion in Medicaid funding, Ryan took action. She organized and financed a bus trip to Albany, where she and NuHealth employees lobbied lawmakers — having previously testified at budget hearings — demanding the funds NuHealth was rightfully owed. Her advocacy for NuHealth and its patients also included standing firm against the Nassau County Interim Finance Authority, which proposed downsizing. She fought to protect both the workforce and the quality of care for the community.
Ryan’s previous efforts had ensured that NuHealth continued to deliver high-quality services to families, even in the face of political and financial pressures. Unfortunately, it appears that those efforts to stand up for NuHealth’s interests drew political retaliation. The proposed state takeover of NuHealth by Gov. Kathy Hochul, with the help of NIFA’s chairman, Richard Kessel, may be viewed as silencing a CEO who had simply been doing what was right for the people.
Ryan should be commended, not condemned, for her courage, advocacy, and dedication to the community and employees she served.
I am committed to making sure that our religious institutions have the necessary resources to protect themselves so that every community can worship and practice religion free from fear. It is important to bring back more of our tax dollars from Washington to better protect our communities from terrorism and other threats. Securing this funding
The NSGP is a critical tool to help secure our houses of worship and other nonprofits. I will continue to work on this important issue, and look forward to helping these entities bring back federal dollars to keep our communities on Long Island safe.
Laura Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.
Framework by Mallory Wilson
At the Lincoln Memorial — Washington, D.C.
