Firefighters unite for Juneteenth Page 2 laced up and running for pride Page 7
The phenomenon of ‘UFOlogy’
Cradle of Aviation Museum employee Peter Zappa helped young visitors mix bright green slime at the Area 516 Slime Experiment activity station during the museum’s inaugural “UFOlogy: Close Encounters at the Cradle” event on June 28. The interactive exhibit offered more than a dozen hands-on STEM activities that gave families a chance to explore the science, mystery and imagination behind unidentified aerial phenomena. Story, more photos, Page 3.
A new country, and now a new future
By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com
Their journeys to graduation all began in Haiti, but followed different timelines. Some arrived in Uniondale during the 2023-24 and 202425 school years, while others enrolled last September. Now, seven Uniondale High School graduates have been awarded $250 scholarships by The Gift of Writing Foundation in recognition of their academic achievement, community service and perseverance.
The scholarships were presented at the school’s multilingual awards ceremony on June 13, to Saika Doneval, Lucka Dornevils, Keana Jean, Melicia Joseph, Brithney Metayer, Faola Mystal and Leatchalynn Osias.
Jean and Metayer came to the district this past academic school year, while Doneval, Joseph and Mystal arrived in Uniondale last year. Dornevils and Osias have been here since 2023-24.
Founded in 2013 by Frantz Dorsainvil, assistant principal at Northern Parkway Elementary School, The Gift of Writing Foundation awards scholarships annually to help make higher education more attainable for graduating seniors. The awards are funded by the nonprofit’s annual gala and community donations.
“It’s an effort to really continue to support the educational journey,” Dorsainvil said. “This year we gave seven scholarships worth $250 just to really support whether it’s books or whatever
Teen cadets rise to the challenge
By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com
Early-morning formations, obstacle courses, land navigation and a rope descent down the side of a tower pushed 10 Uniondale High School Army Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps cadets well beyond their comfort zones during a fiveday leadership camp at Fort Devens, Mass.
The annual Junior ROTC Leadership Challenge Camp, June 22 to 26, challenged nearly 200 cadets from schools throughout New York both physically and mentally while teaching them teamwork, communication and leadership.
Tfriends and work together as a team.”
Similar immersive-leadership events are held at military installations across the globe, where cadets build confidence and discipline.
“I think they really enjoy overcoming the obstacles they’ve put in their minds,” Telesca said. “They’re proud of themselves once they’ve completed an obstacle, because they’ve realized the only thing limiting them was themselves.”
hey’re proud of themselves once they’ve completed an obstacle, because they’ve realized the only thing limiting them was themselves.
AnThOnY TeleSCA Instructor, Uniondale High JROTC program
Maj. Anthony Telesca, who helps oversee Uniondale High’s Army JROTC program, said the camp is designed to challenge students as they learn to lead and work together under pressure.
“They come from all different schools within the tristate area and even Albany,” Telesca said.
“We intermingle them together so they’re not just sticking with the kids they know from their school. They get to meet new
Throughout the five-day camp, cadets rotated through leadership and teambuilding exercises including land navigation, using maps and compasses; obstacle courses; and the Field Leadership Reaction Course, in which teams transported equipment and a simulated injured person across obstacles without touching the ground.
Cadets also took part in swimming, basketball, soccer and other recreational activities before taking on one of the camp’s signature challenges —
Continued on page 8
Steve Sachs/Herald photos
News briefs
Jessica Ellerbe
Members of the Uniondale Fire Department and Brookside Engine Company No. 2 put together a Freedom Day event at Brookside where residents gathered for family activities, food and fellowship.
Brookside engine celebrates Freedom Day
The Uniondale Fire Department welcomed residents to its annual Juneteenth Freedom Day celebration on June 20 at Brookside Engine Company No. 2 on Park Avenue.
The community event featured family-friendly activities, including a bounce house and opportunities for children to climb aboard a fire truck and learn about the work of volunteer fire-
fighters. Following the activities, attendees gathered for food and fellowship outside the firehouse.
The event was organized by former Fire Capt. Christopher Moses and celebrated Juneteenth while bringing the community together in a spirit of unity and remembrance.
— Stacy Driks
Uniondale percussionist and educator Napoleon Revels-Bey performs during Flushing Town Hall’s Juneteenth Storytelling Celebration on June 19, joining award-winning storyteller April Armstrong on vocals and fellow musicians for an evening honoring Black history through music and storytelling.
Percussionist performs for Juneteenth?
Uniondale percussionist and educator Napoleon Revels-Bey joined awardwinning storyteller and actress April Armstrong for Flushing Town Hall’s annual Juneteenth Storytelling Celebration on June 19, an evening that honored Black history through music, storytelling and oral tradition.
Revels-Bey performed alongside Armstrong, pianist and keyboardist Mario E. Sprouse and guitarist and
banjo player Ayodele Maakheru during the free program, which commemorated Juneteenth with songs, stories and reflections on the African American experience. The longtime teaching artist said he hoped the performance would inspire audiences to learn from history while recognizing music’s power to bring people together.
— Stacy Driks
a Juneteenth
Legislators mark Juneteenth locally
Nassau County Legislators Viviana Russell, representing Uniondale and Hempstead and Scott Davis representing majority of the Village of Hempstead, joined residents at Juneteenth celebrations throughout their districts, commemorating the end of slavery in the United States while honoring Black history, culture and community. Russell, attended events in Westbury, New Cassel and Hempstead, including a gathering at the Westbury Memorial Library, a flag-raising ceremony at Martin “Bunky” Reid Park, Hempstead Village’s celebration at Kennedy Memorial Park and
Empact LI/Black Long Island’s 10th Anniversary Gala.
Davis, participated in celebrations at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center in Rockville Centre, Kennedy Memorial Park in Hempstead, Roosevelt High School and the Baldwin Community Garden. Both legislators said Juneteenth provides an opportunity to reflect on the nation’s history while celebrating the resilience, achievements and contributions of the Black community.
— Stacy Driks
Courtesy
Alice Moreno/Herald
Photos courtesy Office of Legislator Scott Davis and Viviana Russell
Residents gathered at
celebration hosted by the Long Island Tuskegee Alumni Association and the NAUW Long Island Branch at the Westbury Memorial Library.
Visitors embark on a journey beyond earth
By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com
The Cradle of Aviation Museum welcomed visitors June 28 for its inaugural “UFOlogy: Close Encounters at the Cradle,” a daylong event exploring the science, mystery and popular fascination surrounding unidentified aerial phenomena.
Hundreds of visitors packed the museum throughout the afternoon, with many families arriving in soccer jerseys before heading out later in the evening to watch the FIFA World Cup.
Guests attended presentations by UFO investigators and local researchers while participating in more than a dozen hands-on STEM activities, including building Cartesian Divers to demonstrate buoyancy and pressure, designing flying saucers led by Joseph D’Andrea of Merrick, creating green slime in “Area 516,” led by employee Peter Zappa in the Space Gallery, experimenting with spectroscopy to study cosmic light and testing their skills with an alien-themed version of the classic game “Operation,” led by Terrence Ho educator from Syosset.
“It’s like an alien autopsy,” said Jen Baxmeyer, the Cradle of Aviation Museum’s executive director.
Thunderstorms that moved through the area during the afternoon forced organizers to cancel all outdoor programming, including the planned drone show, UFO dance party, solar telescope viewing, drone demonstrations and other outdoor exhibits. As the evening approached, the daytime crowds also began to thin as many families left to watch the World Cup.
Five-year-old Jonathan Krechmer, of Garden City, was among the younger visitors exploring the museum’s hands-on activities. He stopped to make slime at one interactive station before designing his own flying saucer.
While Jonathan enjoyed the alienthemed activities, he remained unconvinced that extraterrestrials exist — though he said he was open to the possibility.
“I’m having a lot of fun and look at my slime, it’s so green!” he said. “It looks like the aliens here, but it’s silly.”
The slime station allowed visitors to create their own colorful creations using just three ingredients: Elmer’s glue, food coloring, baking powder and contact lens solution. Participants took their slime home in small plastic bags.
The event featured Long Islandbased experts, including the Tedesco Brothers, who showcased the technology they use to investigate unusual aerial sightings, and investigator Ben Hansen, who discussed how science is used to analyze reported UFO encounters.
“We’re not completely debunking things that are out there. There’s plenty that’s unknown, but we want to bring good, solid science to the pub -
decorations, including
lic,” Baxmeyer said. “And get good information back so that you’re making a very solid, informed decision about what might be occurring.”
In addition to the lectures, visitors stepped inside a portable planetarium, learned about the search for life beyond Earth during presentations by Astronomy on Tap NYC, built parachutes inspired by the Roswell weather balloon and explored exhibits explaining how scientists use light and other technologies to study distant planets and stars.
Baxmeyer said the event was designed to combine entertainment with science education while encouraging visitors to think critically about unexplained phenomena.
“We wanted this to be a fun event that also teaches people about science and exploration,” she said. “If the interest continues, we’d love to make UFOlogy an annual tradition.”
Steve Sachs/Herald photos UFO-themed
flying saucers, aliens and space-inspired displays, transformed both the inside and outside of the Cradle of Aviation Museum.
Originally “from Mars,” Beckie Forcier, of Lincoln, Rhode Island, embraces the extraterrestrial theme.
Terrence Ho, of Syosset, shows Lisa Weisman, of Babylon, how to perform an “alien autopsy” using an extraterrestrial-themed version of the classic game “Operation.”
Alien figures were displayed throughout the Cradle of Aviation Museum, from the “Area 516” slime station to galleries across the museum.
Investigator Ben Hansen, one of the guests of UFOlogy, examined how science and investigative techniques are used to analyze reports of unidentified aerial phenomena.
Hempstead H.S. students are sent off
Hempstead High School celebrated its Class of 2026 during commencement exercises on June 26, at the school’s auditorium as graduates crossed the stage before family, friends and faculty to receive their diplomas and mark the completion of their high school careers.
The ceremony recognized students’ academic achievements, leadership and perseverance while celebrating the start of their next chapter, with many graduates preparing to attend college, enter the workforce or pursue other postsecondary opportunities.
During the ceremony, Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis who represents majority of the Village of Hempstead, is
originally from Hempstead and recognized graduate Melva Ramirez Zavala, who earned the prestigious Gates Scholarship and will study nursing at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
“Four years of hard work, creativity and determination led the students of Hempstead High School to this wonderful moment – and the best part is that their stories are only beginning,” Legislator Davis said. “It is always a joy to join the students of my alma mater as they celebrate this milestone and set their sights upon a bright future!”
— Stacy Driks
Photos courtesy Office of Legislator Scott M. Davis
Hempstead High School’s Class of 2026 celebrated the milestone alongside classmates, family members and faculty.
Members of the Hempstead High School JROTC present the Color Guard present the colors during the school’s commencement ceremony.
By STACY DRIKS
things to know about summer events
Entertainment for all ages
With school out for the summer, Uniondale residents can enjoy a
sdriks@liherald.com
From a community car show to library wellness programs and children’s concerts, there are plenty of opportunities for families and residents of all ages to enjoy the season without traveling far.
n Community car show
Car enthusiasts will have two opportunities to admire classic and custom vehicles this month at events in Uniondale. The Viper Collision Car & Bike Show will take place July 18, from 2 to 7 p.m., at the John J. Byrne Community Center, 925 Jerusalem Ave. The family-friendly event will feature custom cars, motorcycles, food trucks, vendors and activities for children. Proceeds will benefit the John J. Byrne Community Center. On July 26, the Long Island Corvette Owners Association will host Vettes, Jets & Rockets from 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. outside the Cradle of Aviation Museum in their parking lot located on Museum Row. The event will showcase Corvettes alongside performance, custom and classic vehicles. At the end, spectators can vote for their favorite car. The show free of charge, while vehicle registration costs $20 and includes admission to the museum galleries. Proceeds from registrations will support the museum’s education and preservation programs.
n Relax and take in wellness
The Uniondale Public Library will host two wellness programs on Wednesday, July 22, encouraging residents to focus on both physical and mental well-being. The evening begins with Walk With Us from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., meeting outside the library entrance. The weekly community walk invites residents of all ages to explore Uniondale while enjoying the health benefits of walking. The program is weather permitting. Later, from 7 to 8 p.m., adults are invited to participate in a Sound Healing Meditation led by instructor Diane Campbell in the library’s meeting room. The session will focus on opening the body’s seven main chakras, or energy centers, through sound, vibration and frequency. According to the library, the practice is designed to promote deep relaxation, self-healing and mental clarity. Both programs are free. For more information or to register, visit uniondalelibrary.org or contact the Uniondale Public Library.
n Summer children’s concerts
Families looking for free summer entertainment can enjoy two interactive children’s performances in Uniondale as part of the Town of Hempstead’s 2026 Summer Children’s Shows series. The Darlene Graham Duo will perform “Sunshine & Songs” at Cedar Street Park on July 28 at 10:30 a.m. The highenergy singalong invites children and caregivers to sing, dance, clap and play along to songs celebrating sunshine, animals, beach days and summertime adventures. The interactive program features lively music, audience participation and hands-on fun designed for young children and families. The Kerboom Kidz program will be at Bernard Brown Park on Aug. 4 at 1:30 p.m. The energetic performance combines music, movement and motivational activities to promote wellness, teamwork and confidence among children. Designed for students from prekindergarten through high school, including those with special needs, the program encourages participants to stay active while building self-esteem through interactive games and activities.
HERALD SPORTS
Racing fans say final goodbye to Aqueduct
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
There were plenty of cheers along with some tears in South Ozone Park June 28 as 6,866 horse racing fans bid farewell to Aqueduct Racetrack.
The crowd at ‘The Big A’ roared one last time as Assume Nothing, with jockey Jaime Rodriguez aboard, went wireto-wire to capture the final race of the track’s storied 132-year history.
“This is where my career started in 2010 and it feels amazing to win the last race on the last day,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve ridden the horse a few times and knew if he got a clean break, he’d have a great chance to win.”
After the finale, Rodriguez and the rest of the jockey colony celebrated with fans along the rail, giving out high fives and fist bumps. One fan hoisted a cardboard sign that read: “One more day! Give me a chance to win it back.”
Several thousand fans arrived two hours before the nine-race card began at 1:10 p.m. The first 1,000 through the doors received a small mason jar containing dirt from the main track.
One of the highlights on Aqueduct’s final day came not on the dirt but the turf in the penultimate race when Highway Harmony set a new track record at the 6-furlong distance, taking the last stakes race at the track in 1:06.44 under jockey Edgard Zayas.
Ron Berkowitz, a Merrick resident who grew up in Lynbrook, had the closing date circled on his calendar once it
was announced by the New York Racing Association.
“It’s a bittersweet day,” Berkowitz said. “I’ve been coming here since the late 1970s and really fell in love with the track and the sport. I haven’t been here in a couple of years, but there was no way I was missing today.”
Franklin Square residents Anthony and Sally Turco echoed Berkowitz’s sentiments. “Today brings back a lot of
The mural outside Aqueduct depicts Secretariat, who made his career debut there in
at Aqueduct, “Goretty” came in 2008. “So many memories,” he added. “I won’t miss the Belt Parkway, but I’ll definitely miss the Big A.”
great memories of coming to the Big A with family,” Anthony said. “Lots of nostalgia. It was awesome.”
The Turcos were in the paddock prior to the fifth race with friend Bruce Brown, a longtime trainer on the NYRA circuit and Floral Park resident. Brown saddled the winner, Boston’s Phinest.
“This is where it all started for me in New York when I came over from New Jersey,” said Brown, whose first winner
The closure of Aqueduct coincides with a rebuilt Belmont Park, set to open Sept. 18.
“I can see the new Belmont grandstand from my house,” said Brown, who expects to have between 15 and 20 horses in his barn once racing shifts back downstate from Saratoga. “I’ve watched the construction from the beginning to what’s almost the end and it’s going to be incredible when it opens,” he added.
Assume Nothing and jockey Jaime Rodriguez won the Aqueduct finale.
Tony Bellissimo/Herald photos
Nearly 7,000 fans packed Aqueduct Racetrack June 28 for its final day of racing after 132 years.
1972.
Rainbow Run brings color to Eisenhower Park
By JULIA CUTTONE Correspondent
Eisenhower Park was bursting with community spirit and color on June 20, as runners, families, and local supporters gathered for the Never Stop Running Foundation Rainbow 5K Run, held at Field 2. The event kicked off at 9 a.m. under warm early‑summer skies and brought together participants of all ages, from competitive runners to those simply enjoying a vibrant jog or walk through one of Nassau County’s most iconic parks.
Organizers emphasized that the Rain bow Run is more than a fitness event, it is a community‑building tradition support ed by volunteers who lined the course with water, encouragement, and rain bow‑themed energy. Parking Lot 2 quickly transformed into a lively pre‑race hub as families unloaded strollers, coolers, and color gear.
Aidan Kaplan, Assistant Director at PFY — a Bellmore based division of the Long Island Crisis Center that provides advocacy, education, and supportive ser vices for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults — shared that he has been with the agen cy for 12 years, growing from intern to services coordinator, manager, and now Assistant Director. He shared that PFY’s mission is to enhance the health and well ness of the LGBTQ+ community through education, supportive services, and per
sonal development across Nassau, Suf folk, and Queens Counties.
Founded in 1993 as the first suburban LGBTQ+ center in the United States, PFY has expanded from a single part‑time drop‑in program to more than 30 pro grams offered across two locations and a mobile health fleet operating daily. All money raised from the Rainbow Run directly supports PFY’s free programs and services, with most funding benefit ing LGBTQ+ youth to ensure no client ever pays for care.
For Kaplan, “Pride Month is about belonging, especially for young people who walk into PFY feeling isolated. Pride creates visibility that reminds them they are part of something beautiful, celebrat ed, and affirmed.”
As East Meadow welcomes summer, the Rainbow Run once again stood out as a highlight on the community calendar, blending fitness, fun, and togetherness in one vibrant morning at Eisenhower Park. Race results can be found on EliteFeats. com/race results/?ID=25154.
Courtesy Julia Cuttone Runners lined up in Eisenhower Park last week for the Never Stop Running Foundation Rainbow 5k Run.
Emily Chester, who was the top female finisher, along the race path.
Overcoming fears, making friends, becoming leaders
rappelling from a 60-foot-tall training tower, which necessitated confronting their fears while relying on proper technique and teamwork.
“These are things that we try to make them understand — that life is going to throw challenges at you,” Telesca said. “But it’s not anything you can’t handle. You just have to think through it and go through the process.”
Rappelling from the tower, which is roughly equivalent to a six-story building, proved to be one of the biggest challenges, and made an impact on incoming senior Dany Alvarez and junior Alessandra Magana. Despite their initial hesitation, they completed the exercise, with encouragement from instructors and fellow cadets.
“I have a really big fear of heights, and being able to be motivated to do that really pushed me,” Magana said. “It made me feel better and helped me get over my fear.”
Alvarez said he also had a fear of heights, but found that stepping off the tower helped him overcome it. By the time he reached the ground, he said, the fear had faded and been replaced by a sense of accomplishment.
During the Field Leadership Reaction Course, cadets were presented with a series of problem-solving scenarios that could only be completed through teamwork, forcing them to communicate, delegate responsibilities and develop strategies under pressure.
“It’s teamwork that makes everything possible,” incoming junior Douglas Tejada said. “It
just can’t be yourself doing all the work — everyone has to put their mind into it, and then you have to execute it.”
This was Tejada’s second year the camp, and the biggest challenge, he said, was waking up 3 a.m. for drills. “You have to wake up early, to be out in formation — that teaches you to fix your sleep schedule pretty quick, or else you’re going fall asleep.”
For many of the cadets, another challenge was learning to work alongside students they had never met. Participants were assigned to teams made up of cadets from schools across the region, forcing them to communicate, solve problems and build trust with strangers.
Magana said that stepping outside her comfort zone ultimately became one of the most rewarding parts of the experience. Working with students from different schools gave her the opportunity to hear new perspectives while building friendships that extended beyond the Uniondale JROTC program.
In addition to the physical challenges, cadets said the experience taught them lessons they expect to carry with them long after high school. Whether they pursue military service or civilian careers, they said, the camp reinforced the importance of communication, teamwork and gaining confidence under pressure.
“I really love to see the kids’ smiles on their face,” Telesca said. “The excitement they get out of overcoming something, that they thought was so difficult that they couldn’t overcome.”
their fear of heights while building confidence and teamwork.
Scholarships honor resilience, determination
they may need.”
Windie Auguste, a 2000 Uniondale High alumna who is now an English as a New Language teacher at the school and the adviser of the Haitian Student Association, said the students quickly adapted to a new country and school system.
“These girls just got here to the country two years ago,” Auguste said. “They had to learn the language, [but] they had to meet all the high school graduation requirements, which they did, and they all graduated.”
Auguste said that many of the students came to Uniondale already accustomed to learning multiple languages. In Haiti, students typically receive instruction in French while speaking Haitian Creole at home, a foundation that helped many adapt more quickly to learning English.
“Growing up in Haiti, you had to learn two languages at once,” she said. “Creole was what you spoke at home and on the street. Learning another language came fairly easy to them. They did it, and I’m very proud.”
Beyond academics, Auguste said, building the students’ confidence was equally important. She regularly monitored their grades, encouraged them to stay focused and connected them with mentors who shared similar experiences.
“I wanted them to succeed and make sure that they knew that somebody was in their corner,” she said.
Throughout the school year, Auguste invited Dorsainvil to speak with students about his own journey after he emigrated from Haiti as a teenager, hoping his story would motivate them to pursue higher education.
Scholarship applicants were required to write an
essay describing their dreams and aspirations for Haiti, how education has influenced their career goals and how they plan to give back to both Haiti and the Haitian community in the United States. They also had to demonstrate a commitment to community service.
“We don’t just give the scholarship away,” Dorsainvil said. “You have to show some community service as well.”
Many of the recipients volunteered to take part in cultural dance performances at community events including the foundation’s gala, in March, and several earned the New York State Seal of Biliteracy, demonstrating proficiency in two languages.
Auguste said the distinction allows many students to satisfy college language requirements before they arrive on campus, and some have earned college credits through the program.
She added that the foundation’s impact extends beyond the scholarships. Many recipients return to Uniondale to mentor younger students, volunteer at foundation events and share their experiences with the next generation. And some return to Haiti.
“Even if they don’t go back home, they come and pay it forward,” Auguste said.
As this year’s scholarship recipients prepare to begin college, Dorsainvil said he hoped they would remember the advice he shared with them before graduation, and that they would volunteer in his organization to help its cause.
“It’s not an easy path to success, [but] as long as they hold on and keep working, they’re going to find people who want to support them.” he said. “You’re going to get bumps on the road, and you just got to get up, shake yourself up and keep going. No excuses.”
Photos courtesy JROTC
Uniondale High School Army JROTC cadets rappelled down a 60-foot-tall training tower during the Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps Leadership Challenge Camp at Fort Devens, Mass., last month. The exercise challenged students to overcome
Courtesy The Gift of Writing Foundation
Uniondale High ENL teacher Windie Auguste, far left, with Haitian scholarship recipients Brithney Metayer, Saika Doneval, Melicia Joseph, Keana Jean, Leatchalynn Osias and Faola Mystal and Frantz Dorsainvil of The Gift of Writing Foundation.
CONTiNUED
JULY 9, 2026
Story
Summer in motion Fitness beyond the
Longer days, warm temperatures and abundant sunshine make summer an ideal season to take your fitness routine outdoors. Whether it’s a morning run or walk along the boardwalk, a bike ride, a game of tennis or pickleball, yoga on the beach, or even a family hike, exercising outside o ers both physical and mental health benefits.
An outdoor workout does more than change your scenery. Exercising outdoors has been linked to improved mood, lowered stress, better cardiovascular health, and more motivation to move consistently. Even walking outside can be an excellent workout, especially when you do it regularly. Fresh air and a change of scenery can make workouts feel less like a chore and more like an enjoyable part of your day.
Of course, summer’s relaxed pace — complete with vacations, barbecues, beach days and social gatherings — can sometimes derail even the best fitness intentions. The key is finding ways to incorporate activity into seasonal routines while taking precautions against heat and sun exposure.
Beat the heat
Summer temperatures can quickly turn a workout into a health risk. Exercising during the hottest parts of the day can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion or even heat stroke.
Whenever possible, schedule outdoor activities during the cooler morning or evening hours, typically before 10 a.m. or after 6 p.m. Check the heat index before heading outside, and if temperatures or humidity levels are extreme, consider moving your workout indoors to an air-conditioned gym, recreation center or your own home.
Watch for warning signs of heatrelated illness, including dizziness, headache, nausea, excessive fatigue, muscle cramps or confusion. If symptoms occur, stop exercising immediately, move to a cool location and rehydrate.
Protect your skin
While we all love being outside, the sun doesn’t love us. Even on cloudy days, ultraviolet (UV) rays can damage skin and increase the risk of skin cancer.
Health experts recommend applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 about 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating heavily.
Additional protection includes wearing lightweight, moisture-wicking clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses. Light-colored fabrics help reflect heat and keep the
body cooler during outdoor activities.
Hydration matters
Proper hydration is essential yearround, but it becomes especially important during the summer months.
The American College of Sports Medicine recommends drinking approximately three to eight ounces of fluid every 15 to 20 minutes during exercise, depending on intensity and environmental conditions. For prolonged or high-intensity workouts lasting more than an hour, sports drinks may help replace electrolytes lost through sweat.
Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink. Thirst is often a sign that dehydration has already begun. Carry a reusable water bottle and drink fluids before, during and after physical activity.
After exercise, experts recommend consuming 20 to 24 ounces of water or a sports beverage for every pound of body weight lost during exercise.
Don’t skip the warm-up
Warm weather doesn’t eliminate the need to prepare your body for exercise. A proper warm-up gradually increases heart rate, loosens muscles and improves flexibility, helping reduce the risk of strains and injuries.
Spend five to 10 minutes performing light aerobic activity such as brisk walking, followed by dynamic stretches that target the muscles you’ll be using during your workout. Cooling down afterward is equally important and can help prevent sti ness and aid recovery.
Try something new
Summer o ers endless opportunities to shake up your exercise routine. Trying new activities can prevent boredom and challenge di erent muscle groups.
Consider adding activities such as:
• Walking or jogging on local trails
• Swimming or water aerobics
• Outdoor yoga classes
• Kayaking or paddleboarding
• Hiking
• Recreational sports leagues
Our parks, beaches and community organizations also o er free or low-cost fitness classes throughout the summer.
Rev up the heart and cardiovascular system with sports you can play in the great outdoors. Eschew indoor racquetball for a game on an outdoor court. Try pickleball instead.
It’s easy to break a sweat and enjoy a good workout when a game of hoops is taken outdoors. Head out to your nearby park and check out the action on the basketball courts. Pickup football or baseball is another way to enjoy physical activity outdoors, especially for those who may not be gym hounds. Both sports provide a cardiovascular workout while building muscle. When you’re
engrossed in the game, you’re having fun and getting fit at the same time.
Even consider using items in your favored park to tailor a complete workout. Park benches can serve as a workout bench where athletes can do push-ups, triceps dips and step-up exercises. Stretch on a jungle gym or use monkey bars to fit in some pull-ups.
You’ll find that some parks even have their own fitness zones with exercise equipment built into the design.
Hike on! A nearby park or preserve that features walking trails is a good place to begin an outdoor workout. Some parks build exercise stations into their hiking paths, enabling visitors to vary their workouts along the way. Signs may also point out particular exercises that can be done during the hike, such as lunges or squats.
Hiking is a good cardiovascular workout that is particularly beneficial when done on varied terrain. Mixing uphill and downhill portions of the trail with level ones will work the various muscles in the legs and also provide greater resistance to get the heart pumping.
Take advantage of the beach
We’re surrounded by beaches, so make the most of our environment! After all, that’s one of the best features about living on Long Island. The beach provides much more than a place to relax. It can also serve as a natural fitness center.
Swimming in the ocean provides a full-body workout, as the resistance created by waves and currents challenges muscles while the water’s buoyancy reduces stress on joints. Water workouts are especially beneficial for older adults and those with arthritis or mobility concerns.
Walking or running on sand requires more effort than exercising on pavement because the unstable surface engages additional muscles in the legs,
core and hips.
As a result, beach workouts can improve strength, balance and cardiovascular fitness.
Even active beach outings that involve carrying chairs, coolers, umbrellas and beach gear can contribute to daily physical activity goals.
Keep moving all summer long
Adults should aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity each week, along with musclestrengthening activities on two or more days, according to federal health guidelines.
Summer is the perfect season
to reconnect with the outdoors and discover enjoyable ways to stay active. By taking sensible precautions, staying hydrated and making movement part of everyday life, you can enjoy all the benefits of the season while supporting your long-term health and wellness.
The Best Outdoor Workouts to Try
1. Trail Running
What it works: Lower body, core, and cardiovascular system
Benefits: Trail running demands balance, coordination, and strength. Unlike conditions on a flat road or treadmill, trail running requires more physical effort,
Cedrina Calder, M.D., a boardcertified preventive medicine physician and fitness professional says.
“The balance and stability required on the trail engages and strengthens your core muscles. It also requires greater use of your lower limb muscles, including the glutes, quads, and calves.”
Trail running can also support mental health and often feels more engaging than repeating laps on a track.
“It requires 100-percent mental focus — or you subject yourself to a tumble,” says fitness expert Tina Vindum, M.S., C.P.T.
A 2020 study published in BMC Public Health found that people who completed at least 6.5 miles of trail running reported higher wellness and health scores. Additional research suggests that spending 90 minutes moving in nature can help reduce depressive rumination.
Beginner tips: Start with wellmarked trails and shorter distances, focusing on time on feet rather than pace. Keep your eyes a few feet ahead, shorten your stride, and use walking breaks on steep hills to manage intensity and protect your knees.
2. Surfing
What it works: Upper body, core, anaerobic conditioning, and balance Benefits: Surfing blends aerobic paddling with short bursts of anaerobic effort that feel similar to a HIIT routine.
“It’s a great anaerobic exercise that will help strengthen the trapezius, abdominals, and obliques, as well as the lats, triceps, biceps, and deltoids,” Jimmy Minardi, C.P.T., founder of Minardi Training, says.
Water-based workouts can offer a powerful reset and stress relief in ways a gym can’t match. “I can tell you one thing after being a devout surfer for [many] years, the tranquil and buoyant qualities of being in the water lift your spirits up,” Minardi said.
Beginner tips: Work with a certified instructor and start on smaller waves. Always check tides, weather, and surf conditions and wear appropriate safety
gear, such as a leash and personal flotation device.
3. Hiking
What it works: Cardiovascular system, lower body, and aerobic endurance Benefits: Hiking intensity is highly customizable, making it an accessible outdoor workout.
“Hiking can be a great cardio workout as long as it’s intense enough to significantly raise your heart rate and respiratory rate,” Calder says.
Elevation gain, speed, and pack weight all influence intensity, allowing you to progressively increase the challenge as your fitness improves. Beyond fitness, hiking encourages mindfulness and sensory awareness in a natural environment. Spending time on the trail can also help reduce stress, support mental health, and improve sleep.
Beginner tips: Choose shorter trails with minimal elevation gain and use hiking poles if knee comfort is a concern. Wear supportive footwear, carry water, and plan your route so you finish before dark and avoid extreme heat.
***
Photo by Marcel Straub
Summer is an ideal time to trade the treadmill for trails, parks, beaches and other outside paces. Outdoor fitness routines can help turn exercise into an enjoyable part of everyday life
Join us on the Long Beach Boardwalk for no-cost health screenings at Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Community Wellness Center
ount Sinai South Nassau’s Community Wellness Center, 106 Boardwalk in Long Beach, is open all summer to help you enjoy the season safely. Stop in for no-cost health screenings. (See a full list of hours and screenings below.)
To make safety a priority, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s experts have compiled these important summer safety tips:
1. Tick Bites, Bee Stings and Insect Bites: One of the best ways to avoid ticks, mosquitoes, bees, and other insects is to apply EPA-registered insect repellent containing DEET, skin-friendly picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus onto clothing and exposed parts of your body. Other steps include:
Wear light, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, socks, and shoes/sneakers when hiking or gardening to reduce exposed skin areas.
2. Sunburn: When the skin — the body’s largest organ — soaks up the sun, it helps produce vitamin D, which is vital to maintaining a healthy calcium balance, immunity, blood pressure, and insulin secretion. When skin is repeatedly exposed to the sun for extended periods of time, the risk can far outweigh the reward.
The American Academy of Dermatologists recommends you:
• Minimize sun exposure between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm
• Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 that protects against both harmful UVA and UVB rays to every part of your body exposed to the sun
• Reapply sunscreen every two hours, even on cloudy days
• Wear clothing that covers the body and shades the face
• Schedule an annual skin cancer screening
3. Water and Pool Safety: Whether spending time in the pool, at the beach, or on a boat:
• Never leave a child unsupervised near or around any water source
• Wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jackets during boating and fishing activities
• Keep a safe distance from boat propellers
• Learn CPR, especially if you and your family participate in water activities
Orthopedic Injuries: More than half of all sports and recreation-related injuries are preventable, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. To reduce your risk of injury:
• Warm up first: perform gentle stretches before playing, practicing, or training
• Diversify training by alternating exercises like walking, jogging, biking, or weightlifting
• If you feel pain, soreness, or tightness, stop! Early
intervention is key to avoiding further injury
4. Dehydration: Symptoms of dehydration may include some or all of the following: lethargy, dizziness, deep or rapid breathing, muscle cramps, dry mouth and nose, and a drop in blood pressure. Prevent dehydration by drinking six to eight cups of water per day; avoid consumption of tea, coffee, soda, or alcohol on hot days or during recreational activities; and take a break from the sun and heat in a cool, shaded area
5. Picnic Food Preparation and Storage: Food that is not prepared and stored properly is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. For a safe picnic:
• Wrap uncooked chicken and meats in separate tightly sealed bags or containers and place them at the bottom of the cooler
• Store foods with mayonnaise in the cooler and be sure to serve them on platters that are chilled by ice-filled salad bowls
• Keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot
• Freeze foods that are prepared more than one day in advance of the picnic
• Discard all leftovers
The Community Wellness Center, a service of Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Department of Community Education, is offering daily health education and screening events throughout the summer and early fall. This includes:
Monday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. — EKG screenings for student athletes, ages 13-25 (registration is required)
9 a.m.-2 p.m.— Narcan and Stop the Bleed training*
Friday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. — How to take your blood pressure at home*
9 a.m.-2 p.m. — Healthy eating and teddy bear clinic for kids*
= 30- to 60-minute sessions provided within the timeframe
The Center also offers free blood pressure, colorectal, memory, body mass index, diabetes risk, and stroke risk screenings Monday-Friday, 9 am-2 pm. The Center does not provide medical care. For more information, call the Department of Community Education at (516) 377-5333 or follow us on Facebook.
Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Community Education team is hosting daily health education and screening events throughout the summer at the Community Wellness Center located at 106 Boardwalk on the Long Beach Boardwalk
Join Us at the Mount Sinai South Nassau Community Wellness Center for Daily Health Screenings and Community Education Events
106 East Boardwalk, Long Beach
(Between Long Beach Blvd. & Riverside Blvd. Enter via ramp at boardwalk level )
June 1- September 4, 2026
EKG Screenings for Students Ages 13-25 (pre-registration required) | 9 am - 2 pm
Narcan and Stop the Bleed Training* | 9 am - 2 pm
*30-60 minute sessions available within this timeframe.
CPR/BLS Certification (pre-registration required) | 10 am - 12 pm
Blood Test (Diabetes, PSA, Cholesterol) | Call 516-377-5333 to schedule
Blood Pressure Cuff Loaner Program* | 9 am - 2 pm
*30-60 minute sessions available within this timeframe.
*30-60 minute sessions available within this timeframe.
Blood Test (Diabetes, PSA, Cholesterol) | Call 516-377-5333 to schedule
How to Take Your Blood Pressure at Home* | 9 am - 2 pm
Healthy Eating & Teddy Bear Clinic for Kids* | 9 am - 2 pm
*30-60 minute sessions available within this timeframe.
We also offer FREE Health Screenings (Monday - Friday, 9 am - 2 pm) including:
• Blood Pressure
• Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Colorectal Screening
• Diabetes Risk Assessment
• Memory Screening
• Stroke Risk Assessment
We are also offering COVID-19, Shingles, and Pneumonia Vaccines. For more information about the program, please call 516-377-5333
Programs subject to change. Please refer to our Facebook page @MountSinaiSouthNassau for weekly schedule.
This is not a patient care facility. In case of emergency, please call 911.
Be sun smart
Take precautions so that the sun is friend not foe
For many people, summer means long days spent outdoors relaxing at the beach, boating on the water, tending the garden, enjoying backyard barbecues or simply lounging by the pool. While sunshine can lift our spirits and encourage us to be active, too much exposure to the sun can have serious consequences for our health.
A moderate amount of sunlight helps the body produce vitamin D, which is important for bone health and immune function. But excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation can damage the skin and eyes, increase the risk of heat-related illness and significantly raise the likelihood of developing skin cancer.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting millions of Americans each year.
Fortunately, many cases are preventable with proper sun protection. Whether you’re headed to the beach, the golf course, a summer concert or simply spending time in your backyard, taking a few simple precautions can help you enjoy the season safely.
Have your fun but proceed with caution
Many folks take sunburn lightly, viewing it as an inevitable part of summer. But sunburn is much more than a temporary inconvenience.
Sunburn is actually a radiation burn caused by overexposure to UV rays. Depending on its severity, a sunburn can range from mild redness and tenderness to painful blistering and swelling. Severe sunburn may even require medical attention.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that sunburn remains common among both adults and children. Yet every sunburn causes damage to skin cells.
Much of that damage cannot be seen immediately. Ultraviolet radiation penetrates the skin and can alter the DNA inside skin cells. Over time, this cumulative damage contributes to premature aging, wrinkles, age spots, loss of skin elasticity and an increased risk of skin cancers, including melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Because UV damage accumulates over a lifetime, practicing sun safety is important at every age.
Avoid the burn
Sunburn is one of the most preventable summertime health risks. It’s also important to remember that UV exposure occurs year-round not just on hot, sunny days. Up to 80 percent of UV rays can penetrate clouds,
As great as the sun feels, it poses serious threats to your health and appearance. Have your time in the sun while sparing your skin from damage and overall harm to your body.
and reflective surfaces such as water, sand, concrete and snow can intensify exposure.
We all know by now that artificial UV sources, including tanning beds and sun lamps, are also dangerous. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and dermatologists strongly discourage indoor tanning because it significantly increases skin cancer risk.
Seek shade
The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Whenever possible, limit prolonged outdoor activity during these peak hours.
If you are outside, take frequent breaks in the shade beneath a tree, umbrella, canopy or other shelter. Planning outdoor exercise, yard work or recreational activities during the early morning or evening hours can also help reduce UV exposure and lower the risk of heat-related illness.
Cover up
Clothing provides one of the simplest and most effective forms of sun protection.
Choose lightweight, loose-fitting garments that cover as much skin as possible, including long-sleeved shirts and long pants when practical. Densely woven, tightly constructed fabrics generally offer better protection than loosely woven materials.
Many outdoor clothing manufacturers now offer apparel with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor, or UPF, rating. UPF indicates how effectively fabric blocks UV radiation.
Clothing with a UPF rating of 30 to 50 or higher provides excellent protection. Darker colors and brighter fabrics typically absorb more UV rays than pale colors, while tightly woven materials outperform sheer or loosely
woven fabrics.
Complete your sun-protective wardrobe with a wide-brimmed hat that shades the face, ears and neck.
Wear sunscreen — and reapply it
Sunscreen is an essential part of any sun safety strategy, but it should not be your only line of defense.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Broad-spectrum products protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature aging and skin cancer. Both types of UV radiation can damage skin cells and increase cancer risk.
Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin about 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. Most adults need approximately one ounce about enough to fill a shot glass to adequately cover the body.
Don’t overlook commonly missed areas, including:
• Ears
• Back of the neck
• Scalp or part line
• Tops of the feet
• Hands
• Lips
• Around the eyes
Reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, and more often after swimming, sweating or towel-drying.
Forget the ‘base tan’
Many people believe that obtaining a “base tan” before summer will protect against future sunburn. Experts say this is a myth.
A tan is actually a sign that the skin has already been damaged by UV radiation. When exposed to sunlight, the skin produces additional melanin pigment in an attempt to shield itself from further injury.
There is no such thing as a healthy tan. Any tanning or burning represents skin damage that can accumulate over time and increase skin cancer risk.
The safest way to achieve a sunkissed appearance is to use sunless self-tanning products rather than UV exposure.
Protect your eyes
The sun can damage the eyes as well as the skin.
Long-term exposure to UV radiation has been linked to cataracts, macular degeneration and certain cancers of the eyelid and eye.
Wear sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays whenever you are outdoors. Wraparound styles offer additional protection by limiting UV rays that enter from the sides.
Children require extra precautions
Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to sun damage because their skin is thinner and more sensitive.
Babies younger than six months should be kept out of direct sunlight whenever possible. Use shade, protective clothing and hats to shield infants from UV exposure.
For older infants and children, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, dress them in protective clothing and encourage regular hydration during outdoor play.
Teaching children healthy sun habits early can help reduce their lifetime risk of skin cancer.
Know when to seek medical care
Most sunburns can be treated at home with cool compresses, moisturizers, hydration and overthe-counter pain relievers. However, seek medical attention if sunburn is accompanied by:
• Extensive blistering
• Fever or chills
• Severe pain
• Confusion or dizziness
• Signs of dehydration
• Nausea or vomiting
Summer is meant to be enjoyed. By seeking shade, covering up, wearing sunscreen and practicing smart sun habits, you can safely soak up the season while protecting your health for years to come
FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle
Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers
Take advantage of on-site health screenings
Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences
Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A
Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways
Snack station for all
*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees
All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.
AMERICA
Inspirational drawings from our youngest readers
Ashly R. 6th G W. Babylon Junior High School
Keilani C. 5th G California Ave. School
Rubi 4th G California Ave. School
Jayden C. 2nd G California Ave. School
Anabelle D. 6th G W. Babylon Junior High School
Karol M. 4th G California Ave. School
Mila O. 4th G California Ave. School
Janelle H. 3rd G California Ave. School
Samantha P. 6th G W. Babylon Junior High School
Mia H. 6th G West Babylon Junior High School
Mia A. 6th G West Babylon Junior High School
Jocelyn C. 5th G California Ave. School
AMERICA
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
Between 1860 and 1942, agriculture remained a defining part of life on Long Island across Nassau and Suffolk counties. During the same period, transportation improvements and expanding connections to New York City began shaping economic changes that would influence Long Island’s future development.
According to the Long Island Farm Bureau, agriculture has been an important industry on Long Island since the earliest periods of Native American cultivation and European settlement.
Before European settlement, the 60,000-acre Hempstead Plains in Nassau — the largest natural prairie east of the Mississippi River — served Indigenous peoples as a vital landscape for hunting, gathering and managing natural resources. English colonists later used the expansive grasslands to graze livestock, establishing agriculture as one of the area’s earliest industries.
The organization reports that fertile soils, access to fresh water, and proximity to major markets helped make Long Island one of New York State’s most significant agricultural regions. The Farm Bureau notes that farmers produced a wide range of crops and agricultural products, including vegetables, potatoes, fruits, poultry, livestock and shellfish.
Historical records published by the Town of Brookhaven show that early residents were primarily engaged in farming, fishing and whaling. The town’s historical records further indicate that additional industries developed during the nineteenth century, but agriculture remained an important part of the local economy.
Transportation became an increasingly important factor in the region’s development. According to the Town of Brookhaven’s historical overview, the arrival of the Long Island Rail Road during the mid-19th century made travel and the movement of goods faster and easier. Historical records of Long Island transportation show that rail service reached the eastern end of
Farming fueled Long Island before suburbia
the island in 1844, creating stronger links between rural communities and larger markets.
By the late 19th century, however, parts of Nassau County’s rural landscape were undergoing dramatic change as wealthy industrialists purchased North Shore farmland to build lavish country estates, creating the famed Gold Coast.
Even as the North Shore evolved, farming remained a dominant force across central Long Island. Throughout the 19th century and into the first half of the 20th century, the Island ranked among the nation’s leading potato-producing regions.
Throughout the 19th century and into the first half of the 20th century, the Island ranked among the nation’s leading potatoproducing regions.
Farming remained a dominant force across central Long Island. Throughout the 19th century and into the first half of the 20th centu-
ry, the Island ranked among the nation’s leading potato-producing regions. Thousands of acres were planted with potatoes, supporting a thriving agricultural economy and supplying markets throughout the Northeast.
While much of eastern Suffolk County remained rural during this period, signs of long-term change were emerging. Historical information published by the Town of Brookhaven states that the 20th century witnessed the town’s expansion from an agrarian community into a more diversified economy.
The transition had not yet fully occurred between 1860 and 1942, but the transportation networks and market connections established during those years
helped shape the conditions under which later development would occur.
Manorville itself retained strong agricultural roots. Historical accounts of the hamlet describe it as a farming community for many years, reflecting the broader agricultural character that defined much of central and eastern Suffolk County during the late 19th and early 20 centuries.
That era began to fade after World War II. As returning veterans fueled an unprecedented demand for housing, farmland rapidly disappeared beneath subdivisions, highways and commercial development. The transformation was perhaps most evident in Levittown, where beginning in 1947 more than 4,000 acres of former potato fields were converted into what became the nation’s most iconic suburban development, symbolizing the shift from an agricultural landscape to the suburban Long Island recognized today.
Angelina Zingariello/Herald
While the landscape and industries of Long Island have changed over the years, the East End holds onto its farming roots. Every spring, the Waterdrinker Family Farm & Garden in Manorville plants over a million tulips for the annual Tulip Festival.
AMERICA
ABy BRIAN KACHARABA, ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN & LAYLA EASON
of the Herald
cross Long Island, history is not just preserved — it is built into the landmarks that still stand in its villages, harbors, downtowns, and shorelines, where centuries of American life are reflected in manor houses, churches, libraries, museums, crossroads, and memorials.
Together, these sites form a living timeline of the nation’s past, showing how Long Island evolved alongside the United States over more than 300 years.
One of the earliest stories begins in Bay Shore at Sagtikos Manor, one of Suffolk County’s oldest surviving structures. Built around 1697 by Stephanus Van Cortlandt, New York City’s first native-born mayor, the manor grew from a colonial estate into one of the region’s most enduring landmarks.
During the American Revolution, British forces occupied the property, placing it directly within the war’s contested landscape. In the early years of the republic, the manor is also associated with President George Washington, who stayed there for one night during his 1790 tour of Long Island, further linking the site to the nation’s founding era and its first presidential administration.
In Massapequa, Old Grace Church, established in 1844 on land donated by General Thomas Floyd-Jones, preserves nearly two centuries of community life and remains a lasting symbol of the area’s early settlement era. Nearby, the Elbert Floyd-Jones Servants Cottage,
1 2 3
Landmarks define Long Island’s history
built around 1870, survives as one of the few remnants of Massapequa’s grand estate period, offering a rare glimpse into daily life on Long Island’s 19th-century South Shore estates.
The Phillips House Museum in Rockville Centre, built in 1882 and once home to village founder James Phillips, reflects the community’s late-19th-century growth driven by commerce and transportation. Saved from demolition in the 1970s and restored during the Bicentennial era, it now stands as one of New York’s premier small historic museums.
Long Island’s rise to national prominence is reflected at Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay, built between 1884 and 1885 for Theodore Roosevelt. The Queen Annestyle home served as both his family residence and Summer White House, where policy and diplomacy shaped the Progressive Era. Today, it remains a National Historic Site and one of the country’s most significant presidential homes.
The growth of suburban Long Island is traced to Pearsall’s Corners, later Lynbrook, where a 19th-century crossroads centered on the Pearsall family store evolved into a stagecoach and railroad hub. With the arrival of the South Side Railroad, the community expanded rapidly and adopted the name Lynbrook in 1894, marking its transformation from rural hamlet to suburban village.
In Massapequa, the Delancey FloydJones Free Library, built in 1896, became the community’s first public library and remained its only one for more than 50 years. Now preserved within the Massapequa Historical Society Historic Complex, it reflects the rise
of civic institutions across Long Island.
On the South Shore, Long Beach reflects early 20th-century coastal planning. The home at 226 W. Penn Street, built in 1909 as part of William H. Reynolds’ resort vision, is one of the city’s earliest surviving structures. Now the Long Beach Historical Museum, it preserves the story of a barrier island community that grew from seasonal destination to year-round city.
The North Shore Historical Museum in Glen Cove occupies the former 1907 Justices Court Building, a State and National Register landmark that preserves the legacy of the Gold Coast era. In nearby Sea Cliff, the Village Museum—founded in 1979 and housed in a former Methodist church—continues that preservation effort through extensive archives of photographs, artifacts, and village records.
In Freeport, history spans multiple eras. A historic marker at Babylon Turnpike and Lakeview Avenue commemorates Washington’s passage through Long Island during his 1790 tour, linking the village to the nation’s earliest years. Nearby, the World War II memorial honors local service members who fought in the nation’s defining 20thcentury conflict, while the Vietnam War memorial stone at the Freeport Memorial Library stands as a tribute to those who gave their lives in service.
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, these landmarks underscore a simple truth: history is not confined to textbooks. It continues to live in the buildings, streets, and communities that shaped Long Island — and helped
shape the nation itself.
Photo 1 - Sagtikos Manor in Bay Shore, built around 1697, stands as one of Suffolk County’s oldest surviving homes and a rare link to Long Island’s colonial, Revolutionary War, and early presidential history.
Brian Kacharaba/Herald
Photo 2 - The World War II memorial plaque in Freeport honors residents who served and sacrificed during the conflict.
Layla Eason/Herald
Photo 3 - Sagamore Hill in Oyster Bay, the longtime home of President Theodore Roosevelt, reflects Long Island’s role in American leadership history and served as his residence and “Summer White House” during his presidency.
Library of Congress Prints and Photographs
Photo 4 - A historic marker at Babylon Turnpike and Lakeview Avenue in Freeport commemorates President George Washington’s passage through the area during his 1790 tour of Long Island.
Layla Eason/Herald
Photo 5 - The Old Grace Church in Massapequa traces its roots to 1844, where community members gathered to establish an Episcopal church closer to home rather than traveling to Hempstead for worship.
Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald
Photo 6 - Built in 1882, the Victorian home now housing the Phillips House Museum was once owned by sea captain and village founder James Phillips, whose family played a key role in the early development of Rockville Centre as a growing center of commerce and banking.
Alyssa R. Griffin/Herald
By Leah Ramai (Hunter) Sewanhaka High School freshman
Credit: Courtesy Sewanhaka High School
Reader, three centuries is a long time.
Aridiculous amount of possibilities could generally happen. Robots mating and artificial intelligence becoming the structure of everything.
America at 300. It’s long enough for your name to become dust. Long enough for every person you have ever loved to disappear. Long enough for your bedroom to become a room nobody remembers belonged to you. Long enough for the sound of your laughter to vanish from the earth entirely.
And perhaps, before you continue reading, I ask something of you. Look at your mother. Look at the shine in her eyes. The bliss, the warmth in her hugs. Look at your father. His tired eyes of making income and he doesn’t get a minute to himself. Not as parents. Not as permanent figures suspended safely in the background of your life. Look at them as people. As living things, imagine the lines of their faces softened by time until even memory struggles to hold them together. Imagine the sound of their voices becoming some-
AMERICA America at its 300th anniversary
thing distant. Imagine reaching for a memory and discovering it has begun to fade. That it simply doesn’t exist anymore. Where do these memories go? Certainly not in the future. Horrifying, isn’t it? Yet this is not fantasy. This is not horror fiction. This is reality moving exactly as it always has, because time does not wait for anyone whatsoever.
When people speak of America 300 years from now, they speak of progress. They speak of technology, discovery, innovation, and futures polished bright enough to distract themselves from the darkness beneath them. The good and positives. Yet I find myself haunted by something far quieter. Far more patient. The casualties time leaves behind.
How many voices will history never bother to remember? How many political figures will be jacks of spades in newspapers and magazines. How many poets will spend entire lifetimes filling notebooks only for their words to disappear without ceremony?
How many artists will devote themselves to beauty only for time to consume their work without even acknowledging it existed? Somewhere tonight, a child is creating something absolutely extraordinary. Somewhere, a story capable of changing a life is being written for the very first time. And somewhere else, another story dies before it is ever born. Reader that should terrify you. Not because it is unlikely. Because it is ordinary for dreams to never be pursued.
That is what makes humanity sacred. Not permanence. Not survival. Not the illusion that anything was
ever promised forever. If life stretched endlessly before us, love would become weightless. If grief did not exist, devotion would mean nothing. If death never arrived, neither would urgency, nor wonder, nor the desperate and beautiful need to create something before time steals the opportunity away.
It isn’t the fear of leaving, but leaving behind something utterly unfathomable, Humanity. Edgar Allan Poe understood this. Mary Shelley understood this. Beneath every graveyard, every ghost, every monster stitched together from pieces of the dead, there lingers the same unbearable realization. Existence is precious because it ends.
America, 300 years from now, will not be measured by what it builds. It will be measured by what it remembers. By whether someone still believes stories matter. By whether a child still stays awake long after midnight scribbling poems in a notebook because their heart feels too large for silence, deeply madly in love. Love, will you still feel the same flutter in your heart.
It’s chronically insane, isn’t it reader? To have to ask if a feeling would still sit in your anatomy because of how the world can change. By whether humanity still possesses the courage to create despite knowing everything eventually disappears. Knowing you have a purpose, but genuinely? It will end one day. Because the greatest horror has never been death. It has always been reaching the end of a life without leaving behind proof that you were here at all.
Look into the future
Photo:
LeaH Ramai (HunteR)
AMERICA
YBy JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
It is nearly impossible to discuss American literary history without mentioning Walt Whitman. Often called “America’s poet,” Whitman left a lasting mark as a writer, journalist and teacher, with a legacy deeply woven into both the nation’s history and Long Island’s own.
Born in what is now Huntington Station in 1819, Whitman came from a family whose Long Island roots stretched back to the 17th century. Though the family moved to Brooklyn when he was young, the island remained part of his foundation. His formal schooling ended at 11, but his education continued in print shops, newsrooms and city streets, where he developed a lifelong appetite for language, politics and the lives of ordinary people.
ou cannot really understand America... without ‘Leaves of Grass.’
MARY BERENsON
Art historian
As a teenager and young adult, Whitman worked as a printer, teacher and journalist across Long Island and New York City. When he returned to Huntington, he founded The Long-Islander, a local newspaper that is still being published. His formative years placed Whitman in close contact with people from every corner of American life: laborers, commuters, families, readers, voters and strangers passing through the world around him. That broad human canvas helped shape the ideals that came to define his poetry — a sweeping appreciation for everyday Americans.
Whitman carried those influences into “Leaves of Grass,” the collection he first published in 1855 and continued revising until his death in 1892. What began as a slim, unconventional volume grew into a sweeping body of work that challenged literary traditions and helped redefine what American poetry could sound like.
Much of Whitman’s work opens a window onto everyday American life, but “Song of Myself” may be his most expansive expression of that vision. In it, the speaker stretches beyond the individual, seeing himself reflected in all people and all things — a voice that is deeply personal and collective.
The poem stands apart for its bold embrace of the body, its deep connection to the natural world and its insistence on elevating the ordinary individual.
“Born here of parents born here from parents the same, and their parents the same,”
Long Island’s own Walt Whitman helped give America its voice
Courtesy Library of Congress, Prints & Photographs Division, Gottscho-Schleisner Collection [LC-USZC2-4855]
Walt Whitman, one of America’s most renowned poets, taught at a summer school in Woodbury in 1840. The school building, erected in 1807, was acquired by Alexander M. White around 1927, who moved it to his estate in Oyster Bay Cove. The desk from the schoolhouse once used by Whitman is now at his birthplace, a historic site, in Huntington Station.
Whitman writes — a line that captures the layered, generational nature of belonging. It suggests how roots are formed not only through family, but through the places people claim as home. For Whitman, one of those places was Long Island.
Today, the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association maintains the New York state historic site Whitman was born in. Open to the public for tours, the home provides Long Islanders with insight into his early childhood, which influenced his work. Tours run daily in the summertime, and between Wednesdays and Sundays after Labor Day.
On the grounds of his original home is also an Interpretive Center, which opened in 1997, further allowing the birthplace association to build a tourist destination and regional hub for arts and literature, that offers unique, interdisciplinary programs.
“You cannot really understand America without Walt Whitman, without ‘Leaves of Grass’…” art historian Mary Berenson once wrote of the work, according to Whitman’s profile on Goodreads, a networking site for readers. “He has expressed that civilization, ‘up to date,’ as he would say, and no student of the philosophy of history can do without him.”
STEPPING OUT
Photos courtesy LICM
Young artists created colorful works during last summer’s ArtVentures. This year, the program is expanded into four categories and families can enjoy similar creative experiences.
Bright colors and creative techniques come together in the watercolor project, one of the hands-on activities Kids can experiment how colors react to elements, and other colors.
More than art
Cool off with an ‘Artventure’
By Stacy Driks
Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to put down the screens this summer, pick up a paintbrush and discover the many ways to create art.
With the launch of Summer ArtVentures [July 7], the museum expands its arts programming into a season-long celebration of imagination, hands-on learning and creative exploration four days a week.
Whether it’s experimenting with watercolor, building collages, sculpting with clay or creating artwork inspired by professionals, every visit offers something new.
The lineup grew from a pilot series the museum introduced last summer. After seeing children return week after week and hearing families ask for more opportunities to create, museum educators decided it was time to think bigger.
“We had such a positive reaction, people were asking if we could do them on other days and if we could offer more arts programming,” says Jeanmarie Walsh Mansfield, the museum’s director of visual arts and community initiatives. ”We found families kept coming back, and kids were building on what they learned from one week to the next.”
That enthusiasm inspired a full calendar of art experiences running throughout July and August, with activities designed to appeal to toddlers, schoolage children, teens and even adults.
Unlike traditional art classes, participants aren’t divided by age. Instead, everyone creates together in the same space, allowing each person to work at a level that’s comfortable while learning from one another.
“It’s sort of like an old-school classroom,” Mansfield says. “Kids of all ages learn with and from each other.”
Each Tuesday, the museum hosts Imagine That! Summer ArtVentures Workshops, where participants explore a different artistic medium or technique. One week may focus on collage, while another introduces mosaics, sculpture or animation. Before children begin creating, participants are introduced to artists whose work connects to that week’s project.
Some come from centuries ago, like Italian painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo, whose portraits famously transformed fruits, vegetables and other everyday objects into imaginative faces. Others are contemporary artists such as Octavio Ocampo, whose optical illusion paintings encourage viewers to look beyond first impressions.
Fireworks with the South Shore Symphony
“I want kids to learn that art can be much more than they think art is,” Mansfield says. “Art can be everywhere and made from anything. All you need is your creativity, your imagination and a willingness to experiment.”
Fridays offer Watercolor Wonder Pop-Ups, rotating through different galleries with new watercolor techniques and themes each week. One session explores the effects of salt on watercolor paint, while another teaches children how oil pastels and watercolor interact to create surprising results. Other activities draw inspiration from nature, encouraging families to experiment with flowers, color and texture.
What program is best for you?
• Tuesday: Imagine That ArtVentures workshops run from July 7 to Aug. 25, 1-3 p.m. Fee: $4 for children three and up.
• Friday: Watercolor Pop-Up run from July 10 to Aug. 28, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free with museum admission.
• Saturday: Amethyst Playground Pop-Up runs from July 11 to Aug. 1, noon-2 p.m. Free with museum admission.
• Monday: Squish Studio runs from July 27 to July 31, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Free with museum admission.
Still craving more fireworks? Rockville Centre’s annual celebration is just the ticket! Head to Pette and Barasch Fields for a festive evening with the South Shore Symphony, capped off by a spectacular Grucci fireworks display. It’s a beloved summertime tradition that brings together everyone for a rousing spectacle. Music Director Adam Glaser passes the baton to conductor Eileen Murphy who leads the orchestra in a program of Broadway hits, movie themes, pop hits, and patriotic standards. Selections include American Salute by Morton Gould, Suite from Hamilton by Lin-Manuel Miranda, RimskyKorsakov’s Procession of Nobles, Sousa’s Washington Post March and John William’s Raiders March. The orchestra begins performing at 7:30 p.m., the fireworks begin at 9:15 and the orchestra continues after. Hosted by the Village of Rockville Centre and the Rockville Centre Guild for the Arts, this free event has been a favorite for more than 30 years. Admission is free and is open to everyone. Rain date is July 12.
Hope shows her art project inspired by Kelly Olshan’s “Amethyst Playground” exhibit.
On Saturdays, Amethyst Playground Pop-Up connects directly to the current Artists’ Corner exhibition by Kelly Olshan. Families transform leftover materials from the artist’s creative process into colorful magnets, demonstrating how everyday objects can become works of art.
For children who love getting their hands dirty, Squish Studio, running July 27 through 31, offers an entire week devoted to clay. Young artists can experiment with different tools, create personal sculptures and contribute to a collaborative creature that grows throughout the week.
Clay holds a special place for Mansfield.
“I’ve been wanting to do clay-based workshops for a long time,” she says. “Kids really respond to it. It’s intuitive, it’s hands-on, and it helps develop fine motor skills while encouraging creativity.”
But the aim is for visitors leave with more than artwork to hang on the refrigerator.
Creating art helps children build confidence, develop criticalthinking skills and become more comfortable taking creative risks, Mansfield explains. Working alongside others also teaches collaboration, communication and problem-solving.
“Art making reduces anxiety,” she says. “It can be meditative. We know screens can increase anxiety, but when children are creating with their hands, they’re engaged, they’re present and they’re learning.”
Perhaps most importantly, art teaches children that mistakes aren’t something to fear.
“You fail sometimes,” Mansfield says. “You make something and it doesn’t come out the way you wanted. That’s an important life skill — mistakes are learning opportunities and that you can pivot and try something different.”
And the experience sparks curiosity. Rather than providing step-by-step instructions with one “correct” outcome, educators encourage children to ask questions, explore materials and decide for themselves what they want to create.
“There’s no wrong way to make art,” Mansfield says. “I want kids to push their boundaries and realize they’re artists.”
And this is only the beginning.
Museum leadership plans to further expand programming beyond the summer, with additional workshops during school breaks and perhaps a future art festival that celebrates creativity throughout the museum.
Until then, paint, sculpt, squish and create all summer — one colorful adventure at a time. For schedules, admission and registration information, visit licm.org.
Saturday, July 11, 7 p.m. Pette and Barasch Fields, 244 S. Park Ave, Rockville Centre. For more information, visit.rvcny.us.
The Bronx Wanderers
What do you get when a father, his two sons, and two high school classmates come together to create a show? A wildly entertaining mix of hilarious personal stories, a powerhouse playlist spanning every genre and decade, and one unforgettable family’s journey through life and music. Meet The Bronx Wanderers — a high-energy musical experience that’s been bringing audiences to their feet for over 20 years. With a unique blend of rock ‘n’ roll nostalgia, modern hits, and dynamic storytelling, this band has mastered the art of connecting with fans of all ages in one sweeping, musical tour de force. They’re still having the time of their lives — and by the end of the show, you will be too. Sunday, July 12,7:30 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
jul
Lights, camera, Long Island!
The Long Island International Film continues, bringing independent cinema from around the globe to local audiences. The diverse lineup includes documentaries, feature films, shorts, horror films, music videos and late-night screenings for mature audiences, along with workshops and more. Notable selections include “The Random Guest,” the final film featuring actor Peter Greene.
• Where: Bellmore Movies & Showplace, 222 PettitAve.,Bellmore
• Time: Varied, through July 16
• Contact: For a complete schedule and tickets, visit LIIFE2026.eventive.org
Viper Collision Car & Bike Show
Engines, chrome and community spirit will take over the John J. Byrne Community Center when Viper Collision hosts its Car & Bike Show. Check out custom cars and motorcycles, along with food trucks, vendors and kids activities. Proceeds benefit the John J. Byrne Community Center. Registration is required.
• Where: 929 Jerusalem Ave., Uniondale
• Time: 2-7 p.m.
• Contact: tinyurl.com/ UniondaleEvents26 or byrncenter.org
jul
10
‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’
The Madison Theatre’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” brings the beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber musical to the stage, retelling the biblical story of Joseph, his colorful coat and his rise from slavery to Pharaoh’s trusted advisor. Told entirely through song, the family-friendly production features memorable numbers including “Any Dream Will Do,” “Close Every Door” and “One More Angel in Heaven,” blending musical styles from calypso to country-western. Suitable for audiences of all ages, the show continues to be one of the world’s most frequently performed musicals.
• Where: Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: Various dates and times, through Aug. 2
• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444
Wild Child
a chair, although you might not need it when Dance Floor gets everyone moving.
• Where: Uniondale Avenue Park
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny. gov or (516) 572-0200
jul
15
Library Board of Trustees
Meeting
Uniondale Public Library Board of Trustees meet on the third Wednesday of the month. Residents are invited to attend and may ask questions or share concerns during the meeting. Visit the website for the public packet.
• Where: 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: uniondalelibrary. org
Chakra sound healing workshop
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
This is not a typical tribute or pretend concert act. Wild Child relies on recapturing the original: sound, feel, mood, dynamics and delivery of the Doors music. In true Doors fashion there are no: wigs, props, costumes, or phony banter between songs. It’s about the music and its delivery. Wild Child lead singer Dave Brock’s Doors tribute debuted with a triple sellout at the Whisky a-Go-Go. Since the band debuted, the act has been touring and playing at sold out national act venues and festivals around the world. Wild Child became the mold that “tribute bands” aspired to become, as they flooded the market in the 1990s with good and bad impersonations of famous artists. In 2010 Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of The Doors, invited Dave to tour with them as their vocalist on their concert engagements. This was perhaps the best compliment Dave has ever received from anyone for his work. Being selected by these two Rock ’n Roll Hall of Fame musicians was a huge honor; the ultimate compliment of his talents and speaks volumes for his credibility as a Doors style frontman and vocalist. Fans and critics alike praise Wild Child performances as the closest thing to a real 1960s Doors concert and live Doors experience.
jul
11
Family theater
Lance the Eagle welcomes families to “A Semi-QuincentenEAGLE Birthday” on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage. In this original production, families are invited to celebrate his birthday. His message: As the national bird, this party will be happening throughout the whole month of July. Come to think of it, I did hear something about a birthday for the United States of America as well. Hmm... must be a coincidence! I’ll be throwing a parade through LICM’s galleries and a celebratory spectacle in the Theater. Come ready to party!” Keep an eye out 30 minutes before each show for a special interactive pre-show! For ages 3+. $5 with museum admission ($4 members), $10 theater only.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also July 15
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Disco grooves
Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series continues with Disco Unlimited. When Sista Soul, Sparkle Sista, Joe Cool, Strat Cat
Ricky Smooth and The MacDaddy, all hit the stage, you are instantly transported to a time when Saturday nights meant white suits, platform shoes and your very best dance moves. And dance you will – when you experience the magic created when the boogie begins.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200
jul
12
2026 Summer Sing
Calling all singers! From experienced choral veterans to shower singers with a taste for the classics, all are welcome at Long Island Choral Society’s sing-in happening. The repertoire includes Faure Requiem and assorted choral works to honor America. Summer Sing is an opportunity for people who love to sing, love choral music or both to get together with like-minded individuals and sing some great musical compositions. It’s not a performance. There aren’t any rehearsals. There’s no audience; just sing for your own enjoyment. Don’t worry if you don’t know all the notes. The point is not perfection, it is to have fun. Bring your own
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
musical score or borrow one. $10 donation.
• Where: Garden City Community Church, 245 Stewart Ave., Garden City
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: LICS.org
jul
13
Quilts through America’s history
Celebrate America’s birthday with a presentation exploring the history of domestic textiles and women’s craftsmanship through the years at Uniondale Library. Presenter Jessica Alexandrakis showcases antique, vintage and contemporary quilts, and attendees are encouraged to bring a quilt from home for a show-and-tell discussion.
• Where: 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale
• Time: 11 a.m.
• Contact: uniondalelibrary.org or (516) 489-2220
14
Summer sounds TOH brings its summer concert series to Uniondale Avenue Park. Bring jul
Instructor Diane Campbell guides participants through techniques designed to help open the body’s seven main chakras, or energy centers. The session at Uniondale Library incorporate sound, vibration and frequency-based practices that may promote relaxation, self-healing and mental clarity.
• Where: 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: uniondalelibrary. org
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.
July 9, 2026
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Notices
NOTICE OF SALE
Avatar Nassau Retail Center LLC, Plaintiff vs. 175 Nassau Road Holding, Inc., et. al., Defendants (612130/2023)
Pursuant to the Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered April 23, 2026, the undersigned referee will sell at auction on July 14, 2026 at 2:00 P.M. at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York 11501, rain or shine, the premises at 175 Nassau Road, Roosevelt, New York 11575 (Section 55, Block 413, Lot 192), 163 Nassau Road, Roosevelt, New York 11575 (Section 55, Block 413, Lot 191) and the vacant land on Centennial Avenue, Roosevelt, New York 11575 (Section 55, Block 413, Lot 8). The approx. amt. of Plaintiff’s lien is $3,959,706.55 plus interest and costs. The premises will be sold in one parcel and subject to judgment and terms of sale.
Charles Casolaro, Esq. Law Offices of Tae H. Whang, LLC, Attys for Plaintiff, 185 Bridge Plaza N., Fort Lee, NJ 07024, (201) 461-0300 160279
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 FOR CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2021-A, Plaintiff, vs. CARLOS H. MARTINEZ, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 11, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 124 Lawrence Street, Uniondale a/k/a Hempstead, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County
of Nassau and State of New York, Section 44, Block 66 and Lot 19. Approximate amount of judgment is $543,602.36 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615119/2023. Cash will not be accepted.
Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 160770
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 FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. KENNETH FORD A/K/A KENNETH FORD, JR. A/K/A KENNETH JAMES FORD, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 7, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 29, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 300 Laclede 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, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 42 and Lot 119. Approximate amount of judgment is $570,048.64 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #602049/2024. Matin Emouna, Esq., Referee Margolin, Weinreb & Nierer, LLP, 575 Underhill Boulevard, Suite 224, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 160855
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF
FORMATION of SKR Medical, PLLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 04/21/2026 Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 626 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556. Purpose: any lawful act. 160903
LEGAL NOTICE
REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff - against - ALICE B. MARR, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on February 18, 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 the 4th day of August, 2026 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Premises known as 868 Smith Street, Uniondale, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11553. (SBL#: 50-427-19) Approximate amount of lien $322,890.02 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 612309/2023. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832
Dated: June 10, 2026
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while
tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 160964
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 07/22/2026 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.
381/26. UNIONDALEFabian E. & Marcia M. Arias, Variances, lot area occupied, rear yard, construct front porch & rear canopy over patio, both attached to dwelling., W/s Maple Ave., 100’ S/o Braxton St., a/k/a 220 Maple 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 Uniondale within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals
The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo
Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman,
Neighbors iN the News
Nassau celebrates America’s
250th with fireworks and drones
Thousands of residents gathered at Eisenhower Park on July 2 for Nassau County’s annual Celebrate America Fireworks & Drone Show, kicking off Independence Day festivities and commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. Families and friends filled Parking Field No. 6 with lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy an evening of patriotic entertainment, including live performances by Glenn Strange, Chicken Head and Let Freedom Rock. The free celebration concluded with a fireworks and drone show that lit up the night sky in honor of the nation’s semiquincentennial. The event was presented by Nassau County and TD Bank and drew crowds from across Long Island for an evening of music, community and patriotic pride.
— Jordan Vallone
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.
161097
CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST C/O U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff AGAINST CARLOS AZUCAR, SILVIA AZUCAR AKA SYLVIA AZUCAR, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 8, 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 August 11, 2026 at 3:30 PM, premises known as 1345 Galley Street, Uniondale, 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 336 Lot 10. Approximate amount of judgment $626,751.93 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #601687/2024. Cary D. Kessler, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775
Tim Baker/Herald
Families packed into Eisenhower Park to honor America’s semiquincentennial during Nassau County’s annual Celebrate America Fireworks & Drone Show.
Debra Toscano, of East Meadow, performed ‘The Star Spangled Banner.’
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.
Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour
Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA
ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
Contemporary Coastal Living
Cemetery Plots
Pinelawn Memorial Park
2 Cemetery Plots For Sale Plot M Grave 222 Range 26, Block 6, Section 40 $2,500.00 Each Total Real Value $8,000 615-444-3175 or 615-609-0332 Harrywatkins@yahoo.com
Stunning new construction. Experience modern luxury in this beautifully designed 5-bedroom,
What to do about cracking concrete
Q. We have large cracks in our concrete driveway and garage floor, and want to make sure they are repaired correctly, since they appear to be recently done, possibly within a year before we purchased the house. In particular, there is a nearly round hole that turned to gravel, kind of, and we want to know why it happened and avoid having it happen again. What can you tell us?
A. Concrete reacts to extreme weather changes. That is a given to designers of concrete structures, even though most people think concrete is the “immovable object.”
Nature moves mountains, so your driveway was no challenge for the forces of nature.
Extreme cold causes concrete to contract, push in on itself, while the heat has the effect of stretching this fairly rigid material to its limits. In the heat of summer, as you may have heard, the beautifully engineered Autobahn in Germany just buckled in various places. I’ve seen cars going nearly 200 miles per hour on that roadway, but with a buckled road, sections were shut down.
The key to any material selection is understanding its reaction to two major factors in nature, namely, water and movement. Throw in other factors, like chemical reaction and deterioration rates, and you realize that concrete is vulnerable. You have to work with its basic properties to have it adapt and cooperate with your intended use.
All that being said, the hole is basically like a zit, a buildup of pressure in a weaker place across the surface. Concrete develops strength as a chemical reaction to the specific combination of materials it is made from. With too much water in the mix, it will be weaker, especially in a particular spot. If it has no way to expand over a large area, as a thin sheet, only 4 to 6 inches thick over 10 to 20 feet, its strength is reduced because of a strengthto-distance ratio. So, to relieve the intensity of the expansion or contraction, separations, or “joints,” are made so the slabs can spread the forces of shrinking or expanding, a little.
Concrete is known to be very strong in compression, meaning you can press it together, to an extreme, before it crushes. On the other hand, it has very little ability to resist being stretched or pulled apart. To counteract the problem, steel, which is very elastic (stretchable) is spaced within formed concrete to increase the resistance to cracking apart. The combination of steel, in the right ratio and strength, and expansion joints, to let the concrete separate without unsightly cracks, makes the concrete more stable. Even just a depressed joint, not through and through, helps, by basically letting the concrete crack in a controlled way, where the crack runs in a straight depression instead of looking like a big rip.
I recommend having a professional make the repairs, with caution. You want an experienced company that works from a calculated solution, not just a quick fix. More next week. Good luck!
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
Stuff HERALD
BOAT OARS, ALUMINUM. 8.5' $50. Extra large and medium life vests $20 each. Text 516-647-1999.
SERVICES
Appliance Srvc./Repair
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Cleaning Services
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opinions
Our town is standing up for mothers, fathers and families
At a time when many Americans feel that common sense is increasingly under attack, the Town of Hempstead has taken a stand.
Last month the Town Board voted to approve my resolution to protect mothers and fathers, making our township the first municipality in New York state to formally preserve the terms “mother” and “father” throughout our municipal code, forms and official documents.
For many residents, this may seem like something that shouldn’t require government action. After all, mothers and fathers have been the foundation of families and communities since the beginning of our nation. Yet recent actions in Albany have made it clear that what once seemed self-evident can no longer be taken for granted.
Legislation recently passed by the State Legislature would replace longstanding family terminology in state law with terms such as “gestating parent” and “non-gestating parent.” Many
parents across Long Island see something much larger at stake than mere terminology. They see an effort to remove language that has reflected the reality of family life for generations.
The language we use shapes how we understand our institutions, our traditions and our values. When government begins replacing universally understood terms like “mother” and “father” with bureaucratic alternatives, it sends a message that these roles are somehow outdated or unworthy of recognition. I reject that notion, and so does the Town Board.
Wnot deserve to be erased.
The Town of Hempstead has always been a place where families come first. Our residents choose to live here because of our neighborhoods, schools, parks, houses of worship and sense of community. These are the institutions that make suburban life possible and help families thrive.
e don’t want any part of terms like ‘gestating’ and ‘non-gestating parent.’
This resolution is not about excluding anyone. It is not about judging how people choose to live their lives. Rather, it is about affirming a simple truth that mothers and fathers play unique and indispensable roles in raising children and building strong families.
As a husband and father, I know firsthand the importance of family. I know what it means to hear children call out for their mom or dad. I know the sacrifices parents make every day to provide for their families, teach their children values and prepare the next generation for success. Those roles deserve respect, recognition and preservation. They do
That’s why our local government has consistently focused on policies that improve quality of life. We have worked to keep taxes affordable, strengthen public safety, invest in parks and infrastructure, and deliver essential services efficiently. But protecting our community also means defending the values that unite us. When Albany extremists advance policies that touch on fundamental aspects of family and community life, local governments have a responsibility to speak up on behalf of the people they represent.
Hempstead is America’s largest township. With that distinction comes a responsibility to lead. We cannot simply sit on the sidelines and hope someone else will defend the principles that matter to our residents.
Our resolution sends a clear message that the mothers and fathers of Hemp-
stead will not be ignored. It tells families that their local government hears their concerns and shares their belief that traditional parental roles remain worthy of recognition. And it demonstrates that local communities still have a voice, even when they disagree with the direction coming from Albany.
As we continue to celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence, we should reflect on the values that have sustained this country through its greatest challenges. Family is one of those values. Strong families create strong neighborhoods. Strong neighborhoods create strong communities. And strong communities create a strong nation. This simple principle is as true today as it was generations ago.
The town’s resolution to protect mothers and fathers is about preserving that foundation for future generations. It is about ensuring that common-sense language remains part of our public institutions. And it is about standing up for the families who make our township such a special place to live.
I’m proud that Hempstead has led the way. My hope is that other communities across New York will join us in affirming the importance of mothers, fathers and the families they help build. These are values worth defending.
John Ferretti is supervisor of the Town of Hempstead.
We must ensure the Drug Pricing Program helps patients
At a time of economic uncertainty and rising costs, affordability matters more than ever — especially for New Yorkers battling serious illnesses and navigating the health care system. For this reason, we must ensure that government programs meant to reduce costs and increase access to care are working for the people.
One such program is the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which the federal government created to allow safety-net hospitals and community health centers to help vulnerable patients access their medications at discounted prices. Unfortunately, the 340B program has strayed far from its original purpose, becoming a major source of revenue for health care systems, and not just for safety net providers. An analysis by the Empire Center for Public Policy found that some of New York’s most well-funded hospitals are taking in hundreds of
millions of dollars through the program each year. But there is remarkably little transparency into whether patients are truly benefiting from that funding.
Hospitals participating in 340B purchase medications at steeply discounted prices while still billing insurers and patients at much higher rates. For cancer treatments, some hospitals charge nearly five times what they paid to acquire the medications through the 340B program. Those markups can drive up deductibles and coinsurance costs, harming patients who are already facing financial challenges.
TOur bill is intended to improve rather than undermine the integrity of the 340B program. It is a common-sense reform to make sure the program works for the people it was designed to help.
he 340B program is now a major revenue source for health care systems.
That’s why Democratic Assembly member Amanda Septimo, of the Bronx, and I introduced legislation requiring 340B-covered entities in New York to report how much revenue they generate through the program and how those funds are spent. Under our bill, the State Department of Health would make that information publicly available so patients, taxpayers and lawmakers could better understand whether the program is fulfilling its mission.
Patients who generate substantial 340B revenues for hospitals often have no idea the program even exists. Hospital patients rarely see those savings reflected at the pharmacy counter or in their medical bills, and there is currently no clear public accounting of where the money generated by the program ultimately goes.
That demonstrates a clear need for transparency in the system.
As a breast cancer survivor, I understand that a cancer diagnosis takes a physical and emotional toll on the patient and their family. Expensive treatments are often unavoidable, and no one battling cancer should have to question whether they can afford the care needed to survive. But people battling cancer often do face financial hardship as medical bills, prescription costs, transportation expenses and lost income
add up. Nearly half of cancer patients and survivors have medical debt, and cancer patients are five times more likely to experience bankruptcy.
Programs intended to support vulnerable patients should be accountable to the public and focused on delivering measurable benefits to the people they were created to serve. New Yorkers and policymakers should have a full accounting of whether hospitals are or are not using these resources to reduce patient costs, expand charity care, improve access to treatment, and strengthen health care services in underserved communities. And if those benefits are not reaching patients, we need to have honest conversations about how to fix and improve the program.
Patients and families are already carrying enormous emotional and financial burdens. We need to make sure that medication discount programs are there to provide relief — not to simply boost the revenues of large health care systems. New Yorkers deserve to know whether a program created to lower costs and expand access to care is truly delivering on that promise.
Siela Bynoe represents the 6th State Senate District.
Summer has a way of reminding us about the simple pleasures in life. For many, that means relaxing on the beach with a good book, spending time with family or finding fun ways to stay cool during the hottest days of the year.
But while a great novel may be the perfect beach companion, the local public library offers so much more than books. It is one of the smartest and most valuable investments any community can make.
Libraries have evolved far beyond quiet reading rooms lined with shelves full of books. They are vibrant community centers that welcome residents of every age and every background. They’re places where curiosity is encouraged, lifelong learning is celebrated and neighbors come together at author readings, musical performances and movie screenings.
Summer is one of the busiest times of the year for libraries. Children who might otherwise lose valuable academic skills during the school break can take part in summer reading programs intended to keep their minds engaged while making learning fun.
Teens can explore new interests through workshops, volunteer opportunities and technology programs.
Adults can attend lectures, careerdevelopment seminars, financial-literacy classes and cultural events. Seniors can take part in social gatherings, edu-
letterS
Scott’s column should be required college
reading
To the Editor:
Re Robert A. Scott’s column, “What it means to be a college graduate,” in the June 24-30 issue: At a time when some are questioning the value of a college education, Dr. Scott offers a thoughtful perspective on this important issue. Drawing on his own experiences at Bucknell University as well as research that demonstrates the many positive outcomes of college, he makes a strong case for post-secondary education. At its best, Scott notes, college can not only improve students’ writing and speaking skills and boost graduates’ earning power, but also foster personal growth and enhance one’s outlook on the world. “College is, or should be,” he writes, “as much about character development and active citizenship as it is about preparation for careers and advancement in commerce.”
cational presentations and wellness activities that help combat isolation while strengthening community connections.
Libraries are free public spaces open to everyone. They provide safe, air-conditioned environments in which families can spend time together, students can study, remote workers can focus and anyone can simply enjoy a quiet place to read, learn or reflect.
These services don’t disappear when summer ends. Throughout the year, libraries host civic meetings, support groups, educational workshops, cultural performances, technology training, tax-preparation assistance, job search resources and countless other programs that strengthen the social fabric of our communities. They serve as gathering places where ideas are exchanged, friendships are formed and local organizations find a home.
Elected officials deserve recognition when they prioritize funding for public libraries. Public investments often bring to mind roads, bridges or major construction projects, and those investments certainly matter. But investments in libraries produce returns that cannot always be measured in dollars. Whether funding is for the renovation of a community room to expand programs and services or a much larger capital project that overhauls the entire building, libraries aim to improve educational outcomes, encour-
age civic engagement, reduce social isolation, create stronger, more connected communities, and make their facilities more welcoming, accessible and functional for everyone who walks through their doors.
These projects also reflect a broader truth: Investments in libraries are investments in people. Every renovated classroom, meeting space or children’s area creates opportunities for learning, connection and growth that extend well beyond the life of the construction project itself.
At a time when many people worry about loneliness, educational gaps and divisions in society, libraries quietly address each of those challenges every day. They remain one of the few places where everyone is welcome, regardless of age, income or background, and where the only requirement for entry is a willingness to learn.
As summer unfolds, residents should take full advantage of everything their local libraries have to offer. Borrow that next beach read. Sign a child up for a reading challenge. Attend a lecture, explore a new hobby, join a community group or simply spend an afternoon discovering something new.
Every library card opened, every book borrowed and every program attended is a reminder that one of the greatest investments we can make is in institutions that educate, inspire and bring us together.
opinions
The administration just won’t let up on deportation
There was an especially poignant happening on Long Island recently, amid the Trump administration’s campaign against immigrants, when honor student Sara Lopez Garcia returned — virtually — for graduation ceremonies at Suffolk County Community College and gave a video presentation.
A year earlier, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents had raided Garcia’s home in Mastic and arrested her.
As Bart Jones reported in Newsday, Garcia, who had a 3.9 GPA, “told the crowd … that while she joined in celebrating their new degrees, including hers, the day was bittersweet, as she was forced to watch from 2,500 miles away in South America.”
“This day brings really difficult memories for me,” Garcia, dressed in graduation regalia, said from Colombia. Of her arrest, she added, “It was one of the moments of my life when I felt fear. I was so scared, and everything was uncertain. I didn’t know what would happen to me, to my family, to my future.”
LeTTers
She was sent to an ICE detention facility in Louisiana. She had been brought to the United States by her mother, who was also arrested, and has no criminal record.
Jones wrote that SCCC English Professor Cynthia Eaton had nominated Garcia to speak at graduation because “she was a model of determination in the face of adversity.” Said Eaton: “She is a good thinker. She’s a good learner. She’s a good person … Everybody on our campus knew Sara’s smile. They all loved Sara. She was like a magnet … upbeat, positive.”
followed by laws enacted by New York state that prohibit “local governments, state and local police, and state and local corrections” from entering into “agreements with the federal government that allow for state and local enforcement personnel and facilities to be used for civil immigration enforcement purposes” — and that also ban “state, local and federal officers from wearing face covering while interacting with the public.”
A former Border Patrol chief talks of deporting over 100 million people.
Jim Morgo, ex-chief deputy Suffolk County executive, a former vice chair of the college’s board of trustees and a teacher, said that Garcia “is the perfect example of everything that’s wrong with mass deportation. There’s no distinguishing the honor students from the rapist.”
On Long Island, as is the case in the rest of the nation, there’s opposition to President Trump’s deportation program. For months there have been protests. The Town of East Hampton and, before that, East Hampton Village passed laws blocking their participation with ICE.
The town and village actions were
Scott’s column should be required reading for every new college student, especially those entering with the misguided notion that college is little more than a quick ticket to a job. While finding a career that’s a good fit should certainly be part of everyone’s college years, students should also use this time to learn about themselves, to engage ideas, to come to grips with life’s complexities, and to develop a deeper understanding of the world that’s waiting for them after graduation.
Colleges themselves would also do well to pay attention to Scott’s advice. Too many schools present themselves as career factories, highlighting their programs’ “real world” skill development while paying only minimal attention to the transformative experiences that a college education can (and should) provide. Graduating thoughtful, knowledgeable and insightful human beings — people capable of seeing life’s big picture and acting on behalf of the greater good — should be a primary goal of higher education.
Given the cost of college, as well as our collective anxiety about the future of America’s workforce, I can understand many students’ wish to choose a major that will help them make their way. But preparing for a career needn’t preclude being open to activities and experiences, both in and out of the classroom, that will invite students to stretch intellectually, socially and emotionally. There are indeed many valuable lessons to be learned here; students should not miss out on them.
FrAmework
But Tom Homan, the exdirector of ICE who was given the title of “border czar” by Trump, has vowed that if New York passed “this ridiculous legislation,” ICE would “flood the zone. You’re going to see more ICE agents than you ever seen before.”
And in a party-line vote in the U.S. Senate, Republicans passed $70 billion in new funding for ICE and the U.S. Border Patrol, in addition to $150 billion the agencies received last year.
Meanwhile, Greg Bovino, the former Border Patrol chief who was removed in January after Renee Good and Alex Pretti were killed by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis, has announced that he is running for president, and said, “My one and only priority is deporting the 106 million illegal
by Tim Baker
immigrants who are here.”
The website Mediaite commented that this is one-third of the nation’s population, and “the true number of illegal immigrants peaked at 14 million in 2023, according to Pew [Research Center].”
Back to earth and Long Island, the Bridgehampton Museum recently held an exhibition titled, “What We Carry: Memory & Migration.” “Rooted in themes central to the East End and beyond, What We Carry underscores how migration stories are embedded in local history while resonating on a global scale,” the museum wrote, and was co-curated by Jeremy Dennis, a Shinnecock Native American; Mark Wilson, who has roots in Australia; and Darius Yektai, who has an Iranian and Greek background.
The exhibition was scheduled to be followed by presentations by East Hampton attorney Lenny Ackerman, the author of “Leibisch’s Journey,” a book about his father’s escape from the horrors of the Russian Revolution through Europe to the U.S., and Tara Rider, a Stony Brook University professor of history, to speak about her book “Journey of Hope: The Irish in New York.”
Karl Grossman has been an investigative reporter in a variety of media for more than 50 years. He is a professor of journalism at the State University of New York at Old Westbury.
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