HERALD VALLEY STREAM
heroes in v. s .
Despite the weather, residents lined the streets for Valley Stream’s annual Memorial Day Parade, honoring fallen servicemen and women. Among the marchers was Melissa Maldonado, of the American Legion Post 854 Color Guard, at right. The day concluded with a lively joint barbecue hosted by local veterans organizations, bringing the community together for food, remembrance and celebration. Story, more photos, Page 10.
Masons donate to Faith Mission Food Pantry
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
The Valley Stream Lodge No. 1143 of the Freemasons donated 37 boxes of diapers to the Faith Mission Food Pantry, following a community diaper drive organized by lodge member Michael Albert.
The donation effort grew out of the lodge’s volunteer work at the Mineola pantry during Thanksgiving, when members helped distribute meals and necessities to families in need.
lied behind the effort and helped organize the collection. Members created a flyer and set up an online donation page with a QR code to collect contributions. Rather than gathering physical diaper donations, lodge members pooled monetary donations and used the funds to purchase diapers in bulk before the May 15 delivery.
as part of our human family that we love, and we’re
here to help.
“I noticed there were a lot of mothers asking for diapers for their children,” Albert said. “They only had a limited supply there at the time; that’s how the idea came about.”
ThOmAs suLLIvAN Master, Valley Stream Lodge No. 1143 of the Freemasons
Albert, recently elected as junior warden of the lodge, said the experience prompted him to propose a diaper drive to fellow members. According to Albert, the lodge quickly ral -
The diapers were delivered ahead of the pantry’s regular Saturday distribution hours when families visit the site for food and other necessities.
The goal was to provide the pantry with a larger, more varied supply than had previously been available. While lodge members did not know how many families would receive the diapers, the donation was intended to help replenish the pantry’s stock for future distributions.
Thomas Sullivan, the master of Lodge No. 1143, said the drive reflects one of FreemaContinued on page 9 W e look at people
Jason Thomas/Herald photos
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What to know about the village’s annual summer tradition
Residents across Valley Stream look forward to the village’s Summer Concerts, a longtime seasonal tradition bringing neighbors together for free outdoor performances, relaxed evenings and family-friendly entertainment during the warmer months. This year’s first concert is on June 10.
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
n The concerts are centered around the Village Green bandshell area
The Village of Valley Stream’s Summer Concerts are traditionally held at the bandshell on the Village Green behind Village Hall, giving residents an easily accessible outdoor setting for live music performances.
The bandshell area near Verona Place is the primary venue for community band and orchestra performances, with concerts commonly scheduled during summer evenings. The location allows families, seniors and residents to spread out comfortably on the lawn while still remaining close to downtown parking and nearby businesses. Visitors should arrive early enough to secure seating, especially during popular performances or on pleasant weather evenings.
n Bring lawn chairs, blankets and other items
Because the Summer Concerts take place outdoors, concertgoers should plan ahead for comfort throughout the evening.
Residents typically bring folding lawn chairs, picnic blankets, bottled water and lightweight jackets, particularly because temperatures can cool after sunset. Since concerts are held in an open-air setting, bug spray and sunscreen may also be useful depending on weather conditions and arrival time. Families attending with children often arrive early to secure a good viewing spot and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere before performances begin. While the concerts are free and community-oriented, attendees should still monitor official Village announcements for weather-related schedule changes or cancellations. Checking the Village Recreation Department website before leaving home remains the best way to confirm updated concert information.
BELMONT PARK VILLAGE
n Expect a relaxed community atmosphere with longtime local tradition
The Summer Concerts have become a longstanding local tradition that brings residents of different generations together for live entertainment throughout the summer.
Concerts in the Village date back to the 1950s and have remained a regular part of local summer programming for decades. Performances have historically included the Valley Stream Community Band and Community Orchestra, helping create a familiar neighborhood atmosphere centered on music and civic pride. Audiences can generally expect family-friendly performances, casual outdoor seating and a welcoming environment for all ages. Concert nights often become informal neighborhood gatherings where residents reconnect with friends, enjoy warm weather and support community programming during the summer months.
Just off the Cross Island Parkway, shop designer fashion finds from Coach, lululemon, Valentino, and more, at up to 65% off every day.
Dine at award-winning restaurants, stroll through pedestrian-only streets, and turn a quick trip into a day’s escape.
Lawmakers push to reopen trooper station
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
After a series of fatal and serious crashes on the Southern State Parkway near Valley Stream, state Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra are calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to reopen, fully staff and modernize the former New York State Police Trooper station along the parkway.
In a May 18 letter to Hochul, the two lawmakers said recent crashes near the former station highlighted what they described as a growing public safety concern along one of Long Island’s busiest roadways. The station, located in Valley Stream, closed on May 1, 2018.
“The Station was closed as part of a state operational decision made in 2018,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “Regardless of the rationale at the time, we believe the recent tragedies on the Southern State Parkway warrant a fresh look at that decision. This station served motorists for nearly four decades, and restoring a permanent State Police presence would be a meaningful step towards improving safety.”
The letter points to recent incidents on the parkway, including a multi-vehicle crash that killed two people and injured several others, as well as another three-vehicle accident involving an overturned pickup truck and a driving while intoxicated arrest.
“Our State Troopers do an outstanding job every day, under challenging conditions and this proposal is about giving them the facilities and resources they need to maintain a stronger presence, improve response times and better protect the thousands of motorists who travel this corridor,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said.
The lawmakers said the station’s closure removed what they described as a visible deterrent to speeding, reckless driving and impaired driving. In their letter, they argued that the absence of a permanent State Police facility has also created challenges to rapid emergency response during serious accidents.
Residents and commuters have continued to raise concerns about dangerous driving conditions on the Southern State Parkway since the station closed, according to Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. She said those concerns include speeding, reckless driving, impaired driving and delays in emergency response, issues she said she has also witnessed firsthand.
“This stretch of the Southern State Parkway needs a sweeping transformation and measures that prioritize driver safety above all else,” Ra said. “The deadly and dangerous incidents can’t continue. Reopening this station, upgrading the facility and ensuring our State Troopers have every tool at their disposal will be critical to prevent serious accidents before they happen and strengthen emergency response capabilities in the area.”
The lawmakers are asking the governor’s administration to immediately reopen and reactivate the station, increase staffing levels with additional
and
troopers and commit to a modernization plan for the facility. According to the letter, that could include either a full renovation of the existing building or the construction of a new state-of-the-art station at the site.
Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said the goal is to ensure the New York State Police have a modern facility capable of meeting current operational demands. She said the state must first evaluate the condition of the former station before determining whether renovation or new construction would be the most practical and cost-effective approach.
The proposal has not yet received a formal position from the New York State Police, according to Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. She said the letter is intended to initiate discussions between the governor’s administration and State Police leadership regarding staffing and operational needs related to reopening the station.
Beyond reopening the facility, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said the area should also undergo a broader safety review. She said that the process should examine roadway design, signage, lighting, and any additional factors that may contribute to dangerous driving conditions on that stretch of the parkway.
The lawmakers described the proposal as a targeted public safety investment intended to strengthen enforcement efforts, improve roadway safety and help prevent future tragedies. They also said they plan to continue working with state
Assembly Minority Leader Ed Ra supported a proposal calling for increased State Police presence and upgrades to the former Trooper station on the Southern State Parkway in Valley Stream.
and local officials and law enforcement agencies to advance the proposal.
“Success would mean a safer Southern State Parkway,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “It would mean a stronger and more visible State Police presence, improved response times when accidents occur and greater peace of mind for the thousands of Long Islanders who travel
this roadway every day. Again, Our State Troopers do tremendous work and deserve our utmost appreciation, along with the resources and infrastructure they need to effectively protect the public. Most importantly, success means taking meaningful action that helps prevent future tragedies and saves lives.”
Herald file photos
State lawmakers called for the reopening
modernization of the former New York State Police Trooper station on the Southern State Parkway in Valley Stream following recent fatal crashes.
State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick called on Gov. Kathy Hochul to reopen, fully staff and modernize the former New York State Police Trooper station on the Southern State Parkway in Valley Stream
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News brief
Gillen talks drug threats with superintendents
Subtitled “The Art and Science of Thriving in Life’s Second Half”, this book reflects the natural progression of our desire to increase our lifespan (the number of our years), to increasing our healthspan (the number of our healthy years), to increasing our joyspan (the number of our joyful years). The author defines joy as an inner feeling of well-being or contentment, as opposed to happiness, which comes and goes, often according to external circumstances.
Burnight writes, “To thrive in old age means to live a fulfilling, purposeful, and satisfying life despite the challenges of aging. It involves maximizing physical health, cognitive function, emotional well-being, social connections, and a sense of meaning. Thriving doesn’t mean being free of all health problems or challenges, rather, it emphasizes resilience, adaptability, and the ability to find joy and value in life.”
Research shows that those who thrive late in life:
Grow: They continue to explore and expand
Connect: They put time into new and existing relationships
Adapt: They adjust to changing and challenging circumstances
Give: They share themselves
As a Professor of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Dr. Burnight was struck by the radical difference in how people experienced their own aging process. “For some it is a frustrating, degrading, painful trajectory of ever-increasing decline. For others, there is visible delight, spirituality, and joy in occupying their eighth, ninth, and tenth decades.”
The thieves of joy are (1) comparison with others (2) frustration with health and mobility limitations (3) feeling like you are a burden (4) feeling heartbroken over the loss of a loved one, and (5) feeling defeated as if your best days are behind you. Nevertheless, she says, “Like the sun, joy is always there. But when it’s hidden by clouds, we mistakenly say it’s gone. Joy is resilient and can break through the clouds because it’s an innate part of the human experience.”
“One might say that following this doctor’s prescription will increase your “joyspan” and decrease your “oyspan”!
U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen hosted an information session with Nassau County school superintendents and Frank Tarentino, associate chief of operations for the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Northeast Region, to discuss the threat of fentanyl and synthetic drugs in local schools and communities.
The discussion focused on efforts to combat fentanyl, carfentanil, xylazine and other illicit drugs, while also highlighting resources and opportunities available through Gillen’s office for students and schools.
The meeting included presentations from Tarentino and Larry Lamendola, co-chair of the Levittown Community Action Coalition. Lamendola, an addiction treatment advocate, has worked to raise awareness about fentanyl poisoning since the death of his daughter in 2019.
“The danger we face from the fentanyl, carfentanyl, xylazine and other illicit drugs trafficked into our communities cannot be overstated. Their capacity to kill is terrifying,” Gillen said. “After meeting with the frontline warriors at the DEA who are combating this scourge, I saw the critical need to make sure our neighbors, schools and students are informed about this threat. I’m grateful to DEA Associate Chief of
Operations Tarentino, activist Larry Lamendola and our school superintendents for their partnership in fighting to protect our youth and neighbors.”
In addition to discussing public safety and student wellness, Gillen encouraged school leaders to connect students with programs available through her office, including the Congressional Art Competition, the Congressional App Challenge and this week’s Military Service Academy Information Session. Gillen also highlighted her work in Congress to support law enforcement and combat drug trafficking, including helping pass the HALT Fentanyl Act and supporting increased funding for the DEA through the fiscal year 2026 Commerce, Justice, Science Appropriations Act. Gillen recently visited New York’s divisional DEA lab to hear about its work supporting law enforcement and keeping illegal drugs off the street.
Participating school leaders included representatives from Hempstead, Rockville Centre, Lynbrook, East Meadow, Baldwin, Valley Stream, Uniondale, Roosevelt, Oceanside, Malverne, Lawrence, Island Park, East Rockaway, Chaminade High School and Evergreen Charter School.
Jordan Vallone
Courtesy Office of U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen
U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen hosted an information session with school superintendents to discuss the threat of fentanyl and synthetic drugs in local schools and communities.
H.S. students honored at standout ceremony
Assemblywoman Judy Griffin hosted her Annual Student Standout Awards Ceremony, recognizing outstanding high school seniors from schools throughout New York State Assembly District 21 for their leadership, character and contributions to their school communities.
Among the Valley Stream students recognized were Mackenzie Wilkinson and Dillin Cador of Valley Stream Central High School, and Isabella Rush and Adrian Belliard of Valley Stream South High School.
A total of 23 students from participating schools across Assembly District 21 were honored for exemplifying qualities including leadership, kindness, inclusiveness, helpfulness, strong work ethic, creativity, civic engagement and determination. The awards also recognized students gifted in music, dance, theater, the arts, STEAM, writing, language, debate and mentoring, as well as students whose talents and contributions may not always be recognized through traditional academic or athletic awards.
“I was truly honored to recognize the incredible slate of 2026 Student Stand -
out Honorees for Assembly District 21,” Griffin said. “I am grateful for the positive impact so many young women and men continue to make in our school communities, so I applaud the two students uniquely chosen, by staff in each High School and also non-public schools serving students living in A.D. 21. I look forward to this event each year since it is an opportunity to shine a light on the exceptional attributes that set these remarkable students apart. It was my pleasure and privilege to learn about, meet and honor these students and congratulate their parents for the love, support and encouragement they bestowed since their children wouldn’t have made these impressive strides without them.”
Students honored during the ceremony included those who took initiative in team settings, mentored or supported classmates, demonstrated outstanding achievement in extracurricular activities, strived academically, athletically or in the arts, and consistently worked to create more inclusive and welcoming environments within their schools.
— Angelina Zingariello
Photos courtesy office of Assemblywoman Judy Griffin
Dillin Cador of Valley Stream Central High School received his certificate from Assemblywoman Judy Griffin in recognition of his contributions to his school community.
Isabella Rush of Valley Stream South High School was honored by Assemblywoman Judy Griffin for her leadership and involvement at her school.
Adrian Belliard of Valley Stream South High School accepted his certificate from Assemblywoman Judy Griffin in recognition of his achievements and service.
Valley Stream North crushes field at counties
By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com
Fresh off a dominant Nassau County indoor championship during the winter season, the Valley Stream North boys’ track and field team carried that momentum into the spring by overwhelming the field at the Section 8 Class A championship meet.
The Spartans posted a whopping 237 points at North Shore High School on May 21, 164 clear of runner-up Valley Stream South while producing eight individual county champions and 21 All-County performers.
VSN coach Mike Frazer, now in his 29th season leading the program, said the Spartans’ depth and versatility made this squad one of the best teams he has ever coached.
“It has to be one of the best teams we’ve ever had, for sure,” Frazer said. “To be honest with you, the team that we had that the season got canceled in Covid could have been the best one we’ve ever had, and they never got a chance to go. But I think
this team here would have given them a good run.”
The Spartans dominated the field events, winning all six competitions and sweeping the podium in three of them. North’s shot putters also claimed the top four spots in that event.
Senior Vincent Rienzie led the way with county titles in both the long jump and triple jump. He won the long jump at 20 feet, 5 inches on his fifth attempt after fouling on his previous try and captured the triple jump with a leap of 43-1.25.
“Vincent was really comfortable,” Frazer said. “By the time he got to the third and fourth jump in the long and the triple, he was really on fire.”
Junior Jeremiah Thomas added a high jump championship with a personal-best clearance of 6-2, while Michael Muoio won the pole vault at 14 feet. Fellow senior Albert Strojan captured the shot put with a throw of 45-4 and junior Michael Omojola earned the discus title at 132-9.
On the track, junior Dominick Rios won the 400-meter hurdles in
59.68 seconds and the 110 hurdles in 14.99. The Spartans also swept the top three spots in the 400 hurdles, with sophomore Sebastian Madruga second in 59.69 and senior Jack Dusel third in 59.81.
“Dominick is one of the best in New York State right now in the 400 hurdles,” Frazer said. “I think what that did was kind of inspire our guys because they were closer to Dom than they thought they should be.”
Senior Satveer Thind captured the 800-meter run in 2:01.58, edging teammate Evan Truong by seven hundredths of a second in one of the day’s closest finishes. Kyle Farina, a freshman, won the 3,000-meter steeplechase in 10:26.67, narrowly holding off Seaford’s Michael Spinella at the finish line.
The county championship continued a remarkable stretch for Valley Stream North, which also won Nassau titles in cross country and winter track during the 2025-26 school year as the Spartans now prepare for the state qualifier at Syosset High School from June 4-5.
Erik Lee/Herald Junior Dominick Rios was a double county champ, taking both the 400 and 110 hurdles.
Israeli Elite hockey comes to UBS arena
With late third-period rally, Jerusalem Capitals capture Challenge Cup, defeating HC Tel Aviv 6-5
By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com
No matter who scored, fans throughout UBS Arena jumped to their feet, waving Israeli flags, proudly cheering on competitors from the Israeli Elite Hockey League last week during the Challenge Cup championship between the Jerusalem Capitals and HC Tel Aviv. In a thrilling game, the Capitals mounted a late comeback to win 6-5.
The Challenge Cup, originally scheduled for February but postponed because of a blizzard, finally brought the two teams together on the ice in Elmont for a hard-fought game.
The atmosphere inside the arena on May 17 felt like more than just a hockey game. Families packed the stands dressed in blue and red, and there was loud chanting and spirited flag-waving throughout the crowd, creating a strong sense of pride and unity among fans celebrating both the sport and Israeli culture.
“It’s nice when you get to see support a lot for Jews and the country,” said spectator Hillel Kober, who was rooting for HC Tel Aviv.
Brooklyn resident David Silverberman said the game provided a comforting atmosphere amid a culture of rising antisemitism. “It’s a good game,” he said.” It’s very competitive scoring, but not too much. The fans are into it. It’s an exciting day, and you know, if you’re Jewish, there’s so much antisemitism going on right now, it feels very comfortable to be here. It’s nice to see the families too.”
The IEHL, founded in 2020 and approaching its sixth season this summer, was founded by Marc Brunengraber, a former goaltender for the Israeli national team. Brunengraber said the league was created not only to develop hockey talent in Israel, but also to highlight another side of the country.
“The goal is to raise Israel from the world championship Division II level to Division I,” Brunengraber said. He added that the league aims to positively represent Israel beyond the conflict-focused narratives that often dominate coverage of the country, emphasizing that its citizens continue to live everyday lives as ordinary people.
The championship game was intense from start to finish, marked by heavy physical play, shifting momentum and a UBS Arena crowd that fed off every moment of drama. Tel Aviv controlled play for much of the first two periods, keeping Jerusalem players on their heels and forcing them to fight just to stay within reach heading into the third.
Capitals player Nathanel Peretz described the surreal feeling of stepping onto the ice at UBS Arena.
“There’s kids growing up dreaming of this moment, and you’re seeing Jerusalem against Tel Aviv, and a bunch of Jewish people just playing the sport they love,” he said.
Peretz admitted that the locker room atmosphere was tense after the second period with Jerusalem trailing by two goals. “It’s the second year that we [were down by] two goals going into the third,” he said. “We trusted our coaches, we trusted our captain, we trusted our players, and we got out there in the third.”
Late in the third period, the Capitals suddenly took over. Two goals came just seconds apart, and suddenly Tel Aviv was scrambling to keep up. The energy in the arena flipped instantly as fans rose to their feet, and the game intensified dramatically in the final minutes.
Capitals head coach Craig Brunengraber said the team had to manage intense emotions to complete the comeback. “You have a lot of strong personalities,” he said. “At the end of the day, we won the game, and that’s the hardest part about being a coach.”
He also praised Peretz’s performance, saying, “Peretz is all heart and soul. He shows the world he can do this on a world stage.”
Despite the loss, Tel Aviv captain Mike Gennello reflected on the broader meaning of the game. “Guys can get on the ice and it can be an absolute war out there, and then we get off and it’s all smiles,” he said.
As Jerusalem celebrated its comeback victory on the ice, fans throughout the arena remained standing, waving Israeli flags, giving the scene a powerful sense of pride in their country — and the game of hockey.
HC Tel Aviv’s Johnny Lazarus controlled the puck, with Jerusalem’s Zach Sprung on his heels.
Erik Lee/Herald photos
The Jerusalem Capitals and goaltender Yonatan Reisinger pulled out a win over HC Tel Aviv on May 17 at UBS Arena.
HC Tel Aviv’s Zach Freeman, right, collided with Jerusalem’s Jeremy Sprung.
Diaper drive expands Masons’ outreach
sonry’s central principles: charity. He encouraged members to bring forward project ideas that could directly benefit the community and demonstrate the organization’s mission through service.
“It’s people helping other people,” Sullivan said. “We look at people as part of our human family that we love, and we’re here to help.”
Sullivan said the organization hopes that community members who see the lodge’s charitable efforts may become interested in supporting future drives or learning more about Freemasonry.
Founded as a fraternal organization centered on fellowship and charitable work, the lodge regularly participates in service projects throughout the year. Albert and Sullivan both said members are involved in food pantry volunteering, coat drives and other donation efforts aimed at helping the community.
The lodge’s annual coat drive expanded steadily over the past four years, according to Sullivan. During the most recent drive, members collected dozens of large bags filled with winter coats for donation to St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church in Rockville Centre in coordination with Love Beyond Limits.
He also described additional charitable projects undertaken by lodge members, including sock donations for organizations serving vulnerable populations and food distribution efforts dur-
ing Thanksgiving.
Both men said the organization’s charitable work is strengthened by the lodge’s collaborative nature. Members come from a variety of backgrounds but work together through a shared commitment to service.
“We all meet, as we say, on the level,” Sullivan said. “It doesn’t matter what
religion you are, what position you are in, whether you’re the CEO of a company, if you’re in law enforcement, if you’re someone who works at a school as a janitor, everybody is on the level we all consider ourselves to be; we’re all brothers.”
Albert, who joined the Freemasons about a decade ago after growing up
around family members involved in the organization, said he was drawn to the sense of brotherhood and community involvement. Sullivan, also a member of about 10 years, said his interest in Freemasonry stemmed from both its history and its emphasis on personal connection and charity.
Although neither Albert nor Sullivan lives in Valley Stream — Albert lives in Freeport and Sullivan in Massapequa — both said they remain committed to strengthening the lodge’s visibility and involvement within the Valley Stream community.
The success of the diaper drive has also made it possible to become a recurring effort. Albert said the lodge frequently develops new charitable projects based on ideas brought forward by members, while Sullivan described the diaper drive as a natural addition to the organization’s existing seasonal outreach programs.
For both men, the most meaningful aspect of the project was the opportunity to assist families facing financial hardship.
Albert said that helping people in need and giving back to the community remain among the most rewarding parts of the organization’s work. Sullivan added that personally delivering donations and seeing the people being helped gives members a direct connection to the impact of their efforts.
Billy Harrison/Herald
the lodge’s senior steward, mike Halpin, far left, michael albert, event organizer and junior warden, thomas Sullivan, lodge master, and anthony Candreva, senior warden, transported diapers to mineola’s faith mission food pantry in mineola on may 16.
Village celebrates Memorial Day with events
Despite rainy weather and cloudy skies, Valley Stream residents lined the streets last Monday to celebrate Memorial Day at the village’s annual parade.
Veterans involved with the parade said their goal for the event was to educate the public about Memorial Day, specifically the sacrifices many servicemen and women who have died have made to defend the country.
Michael Tamayo, a Valley Stream resident, served as the parade grand marshal this year. Tamayo served in the United States Navy from 2004 to 2010 as a hospital corpsman during the Iraq War. Now, he works as a nurse and is a member of American Legion Post 854.
After the parade, a Memorial Day service was held at the Valley Stream Veterans Memorial. Following the service, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1790 and American Legion Post 854 hosted a joint barbecue.
The barbecue, held at the American Legion, is the first time these organizations have come together to host a barbecue of this size. The goal of these organizations’ collaboration was to grow their relationship with the village and increase community knowledge on the work they do yearround, according to Patrick Clayton, junior vice commander of VFW Post 1790
At the barbecue, guests were able to eat and drink with family and friends while honoring the lives of servicemen and women who died in the line of duty. Admission was free for all who attended.
“Memorial Day is a day set aside from all the rest; to stop and remember those who have sacrificed greatly to protect and serve our great nation,” Mayor Ed Fare said. “Every year on this day we gather here at this monument to honor and pay our respects to those who have made the supreme sacrifice, so that we may live in freedom.”
— Jane Bagatta
Jason Thomas/Herald photos
The Valley Stream Fire Department led the march with American flags, honoring the sacrifices men and women have made for the country.
Michael Tamayo, the parade’s Grand Marshal, stood proudly with his wife, Jen, and children Mikey, 7, and Kat, 11.
Scout Pack 367 of Valley Stream marched along the parade route.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1790 and American Legion Post 854 kept the Memorial Day celebration going after the parade with a joint barbecue.
Veterans and brothers Tony and Frank Artim joined in on the festivities.
Courtesy Valley Stream 24 School District
Students at William L. Buck School in the Valley Stream 24 School District recently showcased their creativity, imagination and love of language during the school’s annual Poetry Contest.
Creativity on display at Buck poetry contest
Students at William L. Buck School put their writing talents on display during the school’s annual Poetry Contest.
Held as a celebration of creativity and self-expression, the contest highlighted the imagination, originality and passion of student writers from several grade levels. Participants shared poems exploring a variety of themes, emotions and perspectives.
According to teachers and staff, the event provided students with a meaningful opportunity to develop their writing skills and express themselves through poetry. School staff also praised students for their enthusiasm and commitment throughout the writing process.
The annual contest continues to serve as a way to promote literacy, creativity and a love of language within the district’s community.
“We are incredibly proud of our student poets for sharing their voices and talents through this year’s contest,” Superintendent of Schools Unal Karakas said.
“Events like this highlight the creativity of our students and reinforce the importance of fostering confidence, communication and artistic expression in our schools.”
The annual Poetry Contest remains a cherished tradition at the school, inspiring students to explore the power of words while celebrating the arts and academic achievement. The event was led by Karen Mylan and the district’s reading interventionists.
— Angelina Zingariello
year’s Olympics of the Visual Arts competition.
H.S. students compete in state art competition
25 Students from Valley Stream Central and North High Schools competed in the annual Olympics of the Visual Arts in Saratoga Springs, hosted by the New York State Art Teachers Association.
The event is a statewide competition where students from elementary, middle and high school present art projects and participate in on-the-spot challenges in a variety of artistic categories. These include drawing, painting, fashion, photography, architecture and sculpture.
Students from Central High School competed in the High School Architecture category, and students from North High School competed in the High School Sculpture category. The central students won First Place
and the Most Creative in their category.
“This recognition reflects the creativity, collaboration and level of thinking our students brought to the work, along with the dedication of the teachers who continue to inspire and challenge them artistically,”
Monique Retzlaff, director of fine and performing arts for the Valley Stream Central High School District, said.
The students competed under the guidance of art teachers Mario Bakalov from Central High School and Allan Nafte and Stephanie Hart from North High School.
— Jane Bagatta
Sunday, June 7th
FUN LOVIN’ CRIMINALS AND BLESSID UNION OF SOULS
Thursday, June 11th - 6:00pm
Senior Afternoon Concert
featuring Amber Ferrari and Debra Toscano
Thursday, June 18th
Juneteenth Celebration – Earth Wind & Fire Tribute by D’votion, Gospel Choir and DRIFT featuring members of TAUK and MJT
Friday, June 19th - 3:00pm
FIFA World Cup Watch Party USA vs. Australia
Monday, June 22nd - 6:00pm
Senior Afternoon Concert
The Chiclettes and Vinnie Medugno
Friday, June 26th
The Allmost Brothers BandAllman Brothers Tribute, Sons of Skynyrd –Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute
Saturday, June 27th
FREESTYLE MEETS SALSA –featuring BRENDA K. STARR, TITO PUENTE JR., TKA/K7, JOEY CRUZ, LA SONORA 495 AND FOREVER FREESTYLE BAND
Sunday, June 28th
REGGAE NIGHT WITH INNER CIRCLE, WAYNE WONDER AND IRIEspect
Thursday, July 2nd – 5:30pm
TD PRESENTS CELEBRATE AMERICA FIREWORKS & DRONE SHOW with Live Music By: Glenn Strange, Chicken Head and Let Freedom Rock
Friday, July 3rd
Fireworks Rain Date
Thursday, July 9th
Oldies Night with E’stefano DiSanto, Johnny Farina, Bobby Wilson, Vito Picone & The Elegants and The Brooklyn Bridge
Saturday, July 11th
Disco Unlimited
Thursday, July 16th
Harry Chapin Day – Corey Rieman and The Dilemma Band with Scarborough Fair - Simon & Garfunkel Tribute
Saturday, July 18th
Simply Stapleton –Chris Stapleton Tribute
Sunday, July 19th - 6:00pm
Last Exit – Pearl Jam Tribute Foo For All – Foo Fighters Tribute
Thursday, July 23rd
LANIE GARDNER & BROOKE MORIBER
Friday, July 24th
ZBTB – Zac Brown Band Tribute and Guys with Guitars
Saturday, July 25th - 6:30pm JEFFERSON STARSHIP, ATLANTA
RHYTHM SECTION, FIREFALL AND PURE PRAIRIE LEAGUE
Sunday, July 26th - 4:00pm
Family Day On The Lake, featuring Beauty and The Beat, Princesses and wide-ranging entertainment for children and families
Thursday, July 30th
3 Decades Rewind
Rock Hits of the 60s, 70s and 80s
Friday, July 31st
Half Step – Grateful Dead Tribute
Saturday, August 1st
SALUTE TO VETERANS with Desert Highway
– Eagles Tribute and American Bombshell
Sunday, August 2nd
Lovesong – 80s New Wave Tribute
Thursday, August 6th
THE OUTLAWS
Friday, August 7th
COLE SWINDELL
Saturday, August 8th
Neil Berg’s 100 Years of Broadway
Monday, August 10th - 6:00pm
Senior Afternoon Concert
Gerry Ferretti and the Mutant Kings and Jenna Esposito
Thursday, August 13th
Neil Diamond Tribute
Friday, August 14th
Swingtime Big Band
Saturday, August 15th
MIDTOWN MEN
ORIGINAL CAST OF JERSEY BOYS
Thursday, August 20th
Let’s Sing Taylor – Taylor Swift Tribute
Friday, August 21st
LOUD LUXURY with OPENING BY DJS CAFFEINE ACADEMY, DJ DENNIS THE MENACE AND JUST JOE
Sunday, August 23rd
WORLD RENOWNED PUERTO RICAN SALSA ORCHESTRA
Thursday, August 27th
Long Island’s American Idols featuring Constantine Maroulis, Kevin Covais and Robbie Rosen with Special Guests
Friday, August 28th
Dancing Dream – ABBA Tribute
Monday, August 31st
FLO RIDA
Tuesday, September 1st
ZZ TOP
Thursday, September 3rd
THE LORDS OF 52ND STREET
Friday, September 4th
LOS LOBOS
Saturday, September 5th
Streetfighter – Rolling Stones Tribute, Who’s Next – The Who Tribute
Courtesy Valley Stream Central High School District
25 Valley Stream Central High School District art students took part in this
Memorial J.H.S. appoints new leadership
The Valley Stream Central High School District has announced the appointment of Fabian Jara as principal and Shelida Lee as assistant principal of Memorial Junior High School, effective July 1.
Jara brings more than two decades of experience in education to his new role, all within the Valley Stream Central High School District. Since 2021, he has served as assistant principal at Valley Stream North High School, where his responsibilities included overseeing student affairs, supporting instructional improvements, managing safety protocols and serving as the district’s Dignity for All Students Act coordinator.
Before joining the administrative team at North High School, Jara worked as dean of students and spent 16 years teaching Spanish. He earned a Master of Science in Secondary Education and a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from St. John’s University, as well as a Professional Diploma in Educational Administration and Supervision from LIU Post. He also holds New York State certification as a School Building Leader and District Level Leader.
Lee joins Memorial’s administrative team after serving the school for six years as a special educator. In her current role as administrative intern, she has assisted with organizing orientation for incoming seventh graders, helped
NOW
develop the master schedule and led the school’s redesignation application for National Schools to Watch.
Known for her collaborative and student-centered leadership style, Lee has also focused on restorative practices, culturally responsive-sustaining education paradigms and teacher mentorship. She earned both a Master of
Science in Education and a Master of Arts in Sociology from St. John’s University and is completing an Advanced Certificate in Educational Leadership at LIU Post.
“We are thrilled to welcome Mr. Jara and Ms. Lee to their new leadership roles at Memorial Junior High School,” Superintendent of Schools Wayne
Loper said. “Both have dedicated years to the students and families in the Valley Stream Central High School District, and have shown deep care and professionalism in their roles. We are confident that Memorial will remain in good hands under their watch.”
— Angelina Zingariello
Photos courtesy Valley Stream Central High School District
Fabian Jara has been appointed principal of Memorial Junior High School.
Shelida Lee has been appointed assistant principal of Memorial Junior High School.
STEPPING OUT
Nature, brick by brick
Wild wonders in LEGO form at Old Westbury Gardens
By Christie Leigh Babirad
Art, nature and imagination come together this summer at Old Westbury Gardens with the arrival of Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects Made with LEGO Bricks, an outdoor exhibition that transforms familiar scenes from the natural world into larger-than-life works of art.
Now on display through Sept. 7, the exhibit features 17 larger-than-life intricate sculptures crafted entirely from LEGO bricks, many inspired by the landscapes, wildlife and beauty found throughout the historic gardens. Blending creativity with environmental themes, the installation invites visitors of all ages to experience the grounds in a fresh and unexpected way.
For Maura Brush, president and CEO of Old Westbury Gardens, bringing the exhibition here has been especially rewarding after years of planning and anticipation.
“We’re really excited to be hosting this exhibit,” Brush says, explaining that whenever she and her team choose a temporary exhibit, they strive for the display to blend with the grounds — and this does exactly that.
“When you see the exhibit and you see the sculptures it really fits so beautifully within the landscape,” she continues. “Old Westbury Gardens is home to foxes, butterflies and hummingbirds, and to see these exaggerated, large-scale sculptures in the landscape, it feels like it fits pretty beautifully.”
All of the displays are tucked into natural places throughout the garden areas where visitors might see these creatures and flora naturally. Each includes is a sign that indicates how many bricks were used, how many hours it took the artist to make each one and facts about the creature or flora.
Angela and Martin Pavlovic attended the preview opening with their 5-year-old son Niko who was excited to see the hummingbird and gave rave reviews for the wheel barrel made completely out of LEGOs.
“I like the wheel barrel,” Niko enthused. “It’s a 10 out of 10.”
Anne Caminiti, who attended with her daughters Nina and Mia, noted their eagerness to see the exhibit as her eldest daughter loves LEGOs.
South Shore Symphony
“I’m excited to see this display in one of our favorite places and see how many LEGOs it took to make each one,” Caminiti says, adding that she appreciates how many great family programs are offered at Old Westbury Gardens.
Ashley Friel, spokesperson for Imagine, which manages the exhibit, explains that Sean Kenney, who has been involved with Imagine for over 10 years now, is an artist who likes to invoke a sense of whimsy and fun for the whole family.
• Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects open daily, except for Tuesdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., through Sept. 7
• 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• For more information and program/events schedule visit oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048
“Nature Connects is a super inspiring show and really about how the beauty of nature is interconnected in the same way that LEGO bricks are,” Friel says.
She added that she is eager to hear visitors’ reactions to the sculptures and hopes the exhibit encourages guests to see the natural world through a new and more imaginative lens.
The fun does not stop with the sculptures. Throughout the Nature Connects’ duration, Old Westbury Gardens will host a series of LEGOthemed events and programs designed to inspire creativity and bring together visitors of all ages.
Laura Erwin, education manager, explained that the exhibit will be complemented by a variety of special events, including Family Nights and the Seasonal Sprouts program, held on select Wednesdays from July 1 through Sept. 2. Created for children ages 4 through 10, Seasonal Sprouts combines exploration and creativity through guided outdoor tours of the exhibit followed by hands-on activity in a LEGO free-play space.
“There are a lot of fun events coming up and the Family Nights are going to be big,” Erwin says.
Another preview visitor, Claudine Krause, stopped by with her son Tatum, who she said loves LEGOs and goes to all the master LEGO events and has been following Sean Kenney’s work.
“There’s a lot you can learn through LEGOs and they have a lot of great events for children here,” Krause says.
Adults can also join in the creativity when Bricks and Brews returns on Aug. 6, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The adults-only evening pairs art and socializing, beginning with a guided tour of the exhibition and continuing at the Barn at Orchard Hill, where guests will build with official LEGO Botanical Daisies kits while enjoying refreshments in a relaxed setting.
The beloved orchestra, under direction of Adam Glaser, returns to St. Agnes Cathedral for its annual spring concert, joined by St. Agnes combined choirs, directed by Michael Bower. The inspiring program showcases beloved masterworks, including Mozart’s Regina Coeli, and Bach’s Mass in B Minor: Dona Nobis and Beethoven’s Christ on the Mount of Olives: Hallelujah.The evening culminates with Beethoven’s monumental Symphony No. 9, the groundbreaking 1824 masterpiece that transformed symphonic music by introducing a chorus in its final movement and giving voice to Friedrich Schiller’s enduring “Ode to Joy,” a celebration of unity and shared humanity. More than 65 musicians and approximately 75 vocalists join acclaimed soloists soprano Risa Renae Harman, mezzosoprano Elizabeth Sarian, tenor Eric Finbarr Carey, and baritone Scott Lefurgy. Admission is free, with donations requested.
Friday, May 29, 7:30 pm. 29 Quealy Place, Rockville Centre. Visit sssymphony.org for more.
The blues-rock guitarist-singersongwriter has built a reputation as one of the most exciting live performers of his generation. Blending electric blues, rock, soul, R&B, and hints of hip-hop, Clark’s sound is both rooted in tradition and boldly modern. His guitar tone often recalls legends like Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, but his songwriting, socially aware lyrics, and willingness to experiment make him stand out as a contemporary artist. On stage, he is known for extended solos, dynamic arrangements, and emotionally charged vocals that move from soft falsetto to gritty growls, making every concert feel unforgettable. Anyone who has listened to a Gary Clark Jr. album or watched the four-time Grammy Award winner perform live knows that he’s a gifted multiinstrumentalist, songwriter and performer.
Wednesday, June 3, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Gary Clark Jr.
Right photo courtesy Imagine/ other photos Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald
Gardens
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
MAY
28
‘Something Rotten! The Musical’
See the comedy musical, set in the 1590s, which follows two playwright brothers competing with William Shakespeare as they attempt to create the world’s first musical. From tap dancing eggs to beautiful love stores, this musical really has it all. Songs include “A Musical!,”“It’s Hard to Be the Bard,” and “Welcome to the Renaissance.” The cast is comprised of New York City professionals, including David Hibbard, who was in the original Broadway production, with CAP21 alumni and current students. Performances are scheduled throughout the fourday run.
• Where: Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: Varied times, through May 31
• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444
MAY
30
Sprout and Bloom
Families can dig in and get their hands dirty at Long Island Children’s Museum. The museum welcomes all to celebrating all the beautiful May flowers by planting your own at the drop-in program. Take it home and watch it grow!. For ages 3+.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: Noon-2 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
MAY
Hendrickson Park Clean-up
David Lee Roth
JUN
• Where: Village Bandshell, 123 S. Central Ave.
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 825-4200
JUN
11
Grooves with Amber Ferrari Band
Eisenhower Summer Concert Series hosts the Amber Ferrari Band. The nine-piece band plays tunes from the ‘60s through the ‘90s.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 6 p.m..
• Contact: (516) 572-0200
JUN
17
Summer Concert Series
The concert seriess next performer is tribute band Foreign Journey, playing the music of Foreigner and Journey,
• Where: Village Bandshell, 123 S. Central Ave.
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 825-4200
• Time: 8 p.m.
Get ready to jump! Diamond Dave is back! The iconic, high-flying frontman of Van Halen is bringing his legendary swagger and a massive arsenal of rock anthems to the Paramount stage. Fans can expect a high-octane night packed with timeless hits like “Jump,” “Panama,” and “Runnin’ with the Devil.” This tour marks a massive return for the rock legend, who officially ended a five-year hiatus from the stage last May with a triumphant, headlinemaking debut at the M3 Rock Festival. Far from a stripped-down nostalgic act, Roth is backing up his signature showmanship with a powerhouse new eight-piece band to perfectly replicates those massive, classic Van Halen harmonies. Between the fresh musical muscle and Roth’s undiminished, charismatic stage presence, this promises to be an unforgettable night of nostalgia and high-energy rock ‘n’ roll. If you’re looking for a night of pure, unadulterated arena-rock energy right in our own backyard, this is the ticket of the season.
financial planning, retirement planning, investment accounts, passive income, investment strategies and estate planning.
• Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke.
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 571-6203 or csolages@nassaucountyny.gov
Harmonize with Long Island
Harmonizers
JUN
6
Gibson
Community Yard Sale
Check out the yard sale throughout the Gibson section of Valley Stream. For Gibson residents only. Rain date is June 13 and 14.
• Where: Visit bit.ly/gibsonyardsale for addresses
• Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., also June 7
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
through the Gardens, with a reading of “The Secret Garden” by Callista Brill (based on Frances Hodgson Burnett) Along the way, discover nature’s wonders, in the formal gardens. The tour ends at the Thatched Cottage with a story and handson craft for each child to take home.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
JUN
18
Juneteenth Celebration
Eisenhower Summer Concert Series continues with an Earth Wind & Fire Tribute by D’votion, a Gospel Choir and DRIFT featuring members of TAUK and MJT.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 572-0200
Stargazers
• Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
The Valley Stream Beautification Committee hosts a clean-up of A.J. Hendrickson Park. Participants are encouraged to bring waders or rain boots.
• Where: Meet at Fletcher Ave., Central High School parking lot near park path
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Contact: vsbeautification@ gmail.com
JUN
31 Financial Planning Workshop
2
Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages) is partnering with the Elmont Memorial Library to host a workshop. Experts share their knowledge regarding
Love to sing? So do the Long Island Harmonizers. The chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society is a chorus of more than 20 singers, now welcoming new members. The ensemble performs four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style, entertaining audiences at libraries, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and local events. All are welcome to visit one of their weekly rehearsals. Come listen, meet the chorus, and — if you’d like — join in and sing. No musical experience is necessary, just a love of singing and a desire to have fun making music together.
• Where: Faith Lutheran Church, 231 Jackson Ave, Syosset
• Time: Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.
• Contact: Call: Rich, (516) 521-4779, or Dennis, (516) 680-8036, or visit longislandharmonizers.org
• Contact: gibson11581@gmail. com
Whatever Floats Your Boat
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to celebrate the opening of the H2Oh! Water Play exhibit by creating a floating boat. Put your boat to the test in a water tub to see if it sinks or floats at the drop-in program. For ages 3+.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: Noon-2 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Storybook Stroll
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a Storybook Stroll. Little listeners are invited to participate in a guided stroll
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
JUN
7
Rockin’ at the park
Eisenhower Summer Concert Series is back and welcomes Fun Lovin’ Criminals and Blessid Union of Souls bands.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 76 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 572-0200
JUN
10
Summer Concert Series
The village’s annual concert series kicks off with Shining Star, a tribute to Earth, Wind & Fire.
Join members of the Astronomical Society of Long Island for a nighttime skywatching session at Old Westbury Gardens. Gates open 30 minutes before observing begins. Free with admission.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 8:15-10 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
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.
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.
AGENDA:
x273
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK N.A. AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS, OF THE J.P. MORGAN MORTGAGE
ACQUISITION TRUST
2006--WMC4 ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES
2006-WMC4, Plaintiff, vs. WILLIAMS FAMILY TRUST, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale With Reference For Sale duly entered on September 12, 2019 and an Order Substituting CourtAppointed Referee duly entered on December 31, 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 June 9, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 187 Fir Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 395 and Lots 453 and 454. Approximate amount of judgment is $831,973.71 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #000533/2015.
Ira B. Warshawsky, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 160051
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU SELECT PORTFOLIO
SERVICING, INC., Plaintiff AGAINST LLOYD MARSHALL; KAELIA MARSHALL; ET AL., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 18, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 4, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as
122 Union Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 37 Block: 682 Lot: 47. Approximate amount of judgment $806,881.35 plus interest and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #603573/2023. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
Natasha Meyers, Esq, Referee FEIN, SUCH & CRANE, LLP 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800 Rochester, NY 14614 YPHNY316 89669 159999
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
INDEX #602670/2026
Original Filed with Clerk February 4, 2026
Plaintiff Designates Nassau County as the Place of Trial
The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated Nassau County Premises: 6 Sandalwood Ave. Valley Stream, NY 11581
THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA
THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE (CWALT 2006-31 CB), Plaintiff, -againstSUSAN GARGIULO, AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF JOSEPH GARGIULO A/K/A JOSEPH J. GARGIULO, DECEASED; any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real
property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; NASSAU COUNTY TRAFFIC AND PARKING VIOLATIONS AGENCY; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE;, and JOHN DOE AND JANE DOE #1 through #7, the last seven (7) names being fictitious and unknown to the Plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the complaint, Defendants.
TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of
New York); the United States of America may appear or answer within 60 day of service hereof; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. This supplemental summons and amended complaint are being filed pursuant to granted court order dated April 13, 2026.
TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Jeffrey A. Goodstein, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Nassau County, entered April 29, 2026 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office.
NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the amount of $250,000.00 recorded in the office of the clerk of Nassau County on November 21, 2006 in Liber Book M 31233 at Page 61 covering premises known as 6 Sandalwood Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11581 a/k/a Section 39, Block 034, Lot 11. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.
NOTICE
YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON
THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE (CWALT 2006-31 CB) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
Dated: Uniondale, New York 2026
Respectfully submitted, PINCUS & TARAB, ATTORNEYS AT LAW, PLLC.
By:
Robert Markel, Esq.
Attorneys for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza Uniondale, NY 11556 516-699-8902 #102965 160095
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY, V. LYNN ANDERSON, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on February 3, 2017, wherein NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY is the Plaintiff and LYNN ANDERSON, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on June 15, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 193 MARTENS AVENUE, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580; and the following tax map identification: 37-594-23.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 003428/2015. Michael Mirotznik, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 160191
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, Plaintiff, vs. JONATHAN CASTILLO, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 3, 2025 and an Order Appointing Successor Referee duly entered on December 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 June 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1294 G Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and
State of New York, Section 35, Block 633 and Lot 38. Approximate amount of judgment is $501,068.35 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604919/2023. Joshua D. Brookstein, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 230154-1 160320
LEGAL NOTICE REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The Board of Education of the Valley Stream Central High School District hereby invites the submission of sealed proposals for the following: Districtwide Catering Services RFP #26/27-A03
Sealed proposals will be received until 10:00 a.m. on June 22, 2026, at the Office of the Board of Education, One Kent Road, Valley Stream, New York 11580, at which time and place proposals will be opened and read aloud. This will be a closed proposal process. Proposal tabulations will be available upon request on the following business day. Specifications and proposal forms may be obtained from the District Business Office, One Kent Road, Valley Stream, New York 11580, or by calling (516) 872-5615 The Board of Education reserves the right to waive any informalities in the proposal process; to reject any or all proposals; and/or to accept any proposal which, in its judgment, is in the best interest of the School District. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION Valley Stream Central High School District One Kent Road Valley Stream, New York 11580
Thomas P. McDaid, Jr., Esq Assistant Superintendent 160454
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 06/10/2026 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.
307/26. NR VALLEY STREAM - Amanda & Doniel Mendelovitz, Variances, lot area occupied, side yard, side yards aggregate, rear yard, construct 2-story additions, 2nd story addition & A/C units all attached to dwelling (remove portion of attached garage)., N/s Newburg Ave., 322.62’ W/o Fenwood Ave., a/k/a 839 Newburg Ave. This notice is only for new cases in Valley Stream within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals
The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo
Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.
160417
Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com
COMPANION AVAILABLE
Responsible & Experienced With Luxury Car To Assist With Doctor Appointments, Errands, Shopping, Etc. or Just Going Out For An Enjoyable Day! Call 646-708-2160
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
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
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EDITOR/REPORTER
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Do I need to file a plan just to build a stone wall? Part 2.
Q.. I planned and started building a stack stone wall in my front yard, but I was stopped by a building inspector. He told me the wall was structural, and needed a professional plan to be approved before I could do the rest of the work. It’s just a landscape wall instead of a fence or hedges at my front sidewalk, so why should it matter? A lot of my neighbors have them, and he told me to file a complaint, and he would check the others out, but I don’t want to tell on my neighbors. What do you suggest?
A. Continuing my answer from the last column, which addressed the technical issues, the approval side is often more complicated, especially when we attach the stigma of living among neighbors in this condition we refer to as “civilization.”
You wondered why neighbors have gotten away with building their walls and fences without permits, and yet you are being called out for your venture into building without approvals they didn’t seem to need. You may also wonder why the inspector suggested you file a complaint so that there is cause to look into violations created by your neighbors the same kind of violation you feel singled out for. We, collectively, wonder why this happens. It is a regular occurrence to be taken to a potential customer’s door and pointed out violations others have, completely visible to all, which are either prohibited or require building permits and zoning variances. Things like extra-tall fences, pools, sheds, decks and porches extended into front yards even garages and “temporary” carports. I know that once I have to explain the rules and regulations, it isn’t convincing, and I may be dismissed, mainly because the neighbors are “getting away with it, so why should I have to spend all this money and time when they didn’t have to?”
You, like most, believe that if an inspector sees a violation, they will act. In many incorporated villages, that is the case. In the larger jurisdictions, however, that isn’t always the case. You are requested to file a complaint. People I have spoken to won’t do that, because that pits neighbor against neighbor, even if the authorities tell you that your complaint is confidential. The violator immediately becomes suspicious, and when I get called to meet and try to clear a violation, the first part of the conversation is spent by the owner pointing at the suspected neighbor’s property, and vindictive language follows.
I never really had a name for it until recently, when the phrase “The system is rigged” prevailed. Now I understand, as you should, too, that the way violations are handled actually creates stress among neighbors and goes against public safety, as more and more of us want to do uncertified, unsafe construction without approvals. Financially, those municipalities that double their fees for already-built work benefit from the violations they encourage. If public safety is most important, it’s overshadowed by administration. Good luck!
2026 Monte Leeper
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opinions
Protecting our suburbs from overdevelopment
Long Island’s suburbs weren’t created by accident. They were built to offer families a place to grow, to feel safe, and to put down roots in communities that reflect shared values and a commitment to quality of life. In the Town of Hempstead, we take that responsibility seriously.
Right now, however, that way of life is being challenged from two directions: Albany’s push to override local zoning authority, and unchecked overdevelopment that threatens the character of our neighborhoods. I want to be clear that my administration is not opposed to growth. We understand the need for more housing, including more affordable housing, to ensure that the next generation can stay on Long Island. But growth must be thoughtful, balanced and locally driven. It can never be dictated by Albany bureaucrats who neither live in nor understand our communities.
Governor Kathy Hochul’s latest plan to circumvent local zoning regulations is a direct threat to suburban Long
AIsland. It is a one-size-fits-all mandate that ignores the unique needs, infrastructure and character of towns like Hempstead. Local zoning exists for a reason. It allows communities to plan responsibly to ensure that roads, schools, public safety services and utilities can support new development. Stripping that authority away undermines decades of careful planning and silences the voices of the very residents these policies impact.
Albany’s plan to curcumvent local zoning is a direct threat to suburban L.I.
Decisions about our neighborhoods should be made by the people who live here and the officials they elect, not by distant policymakers focused on solving problems specific to New York City. Long Island is not Manhattan, and it should not be treated as such.
At the same time, we have taken decisive action at the local level to protect the integrity of our neighborhoods. In Levittown, one of the most iconic suburban communities in America, we recently passed a zoning reform to address the rise of so-called McMansions. Often built by developers looking to maximize profit, these oversized homes, which dwarf neighboring properties and fundamentally alter the character of entire neighborhoods, have been replacing
modest, affordable houses. Levittown was built as a symbol of opportunity. After World War II, it provided affordable homes for returning veterans and their families. It was a place where the American Dream was within reach and where legacy mattered. We listened when residents came forward, voicing concerns about privacy, overcrowding, infrastructure strain and the loss of neighborhood character.
After extensive public hearings and community input, the Town Board unanimously voted to reduce the allowable building area on residential lots to align it with the majority of residential zoning restrictions in the Town of Hempstead. This strikes a balance between allowing homeowners to improve and modernize their properties and preventing overdevelopment that erodes the very charm that makes these neighborhoods special. When modest homes are replaced with million-dollar structures, we aren’t expanding opportunity. Rather, we are pricing families out and changing the fabric of our neighborhoods in ways that cannot be undone.
These two issues — Albany’s overreach and local overdevelopment — are connected by the need to protect our suburbs from decisions that prioritize
volume over value and expediency over community.
We also cannot ignore the broader context. As Albany struggles to pass a budget, we see proposals that include record spending increases, bailouts that disproportionately benefit New York City, and little meaningful relief for Long Island taxpayers. At a time when families are already feeling the pressure of rising costs, this approach is simply unsustainable.
I am proud to stand with many of Long Island’s leaders to say to Albany that enough is enough. We need a state government that respects local control, exercises fiscal responsibility and recognizes that Long Island deserves its fair share and should not be left as an afterthought in a city-centric agenda.
Protecting the suburbs doesn’t mean resisting all change. It means guiding change in a way that preserves what works while addressing what doesn’t. It means building housing that is attainable, not excessive. It means empowering local communities, not overriding them.
The Town of Hempstead will continue to stand firm on these crucial matters. We will defend our neighborhoods, uphold local decision-making and ensure that our suburbs remain places where families can thrive today and for generations to come.
John Ferretti is the Town of Hempstead supervisor.
Let’s take our daughters outside
sk a girl in Elmont, Freeport or Hempstead what she did last weekend, and chances are her answer would sound a lot like that of girls across Long Island. She spent time scrolling on her phone. Maybe on social media. Maybe texting friends. Maybe watching a show. What she likely wasn’t doing was exploring the outdoors, or simply lying in the grass and watching the sky. June is National Great Outdoors Month, and as CEO of Girl Scouts of Nassau County, I want to say something plainly: Girls need to spend more time outside, unplugged and reconnecting with the world around them.
The good news is we already have the solution, one that has been working for more than a century. According to the Outdoor Foundation, participation in outdoor recreation among girls ages 13 to 17 has fallen to roughly 50 percent. Research published in the Journal of American College Health confirms that screen time is a significant predictor of
higher anxiety, depression and stress in young people, while time spent outdoors predicts lower rates of stress and depression. Nature is good for girls, and the absence of it is doing harm.
TWhat makes this urgent is that girls are disproportionately affected. Studies show that girls spend less time outdoors than boys, and that the drop-off accelerates sharply in early adolescence — the years when confidence, identity and resilience are being forged. At a time when we’re already grappling with a youth mental health crisis, this is a trend we can’t afford to ignore. Outdoor experiences don’t just reduce anxiety. They actively build the skills girls need to lead. The Girl Scout Research Institute has found that girls who regularly spend time outdoors are better problem solvers, more likely to seek out challenges and stronger environmental stewards. They develop leadership skills, forge deeper friendships and report greater happiness overall.
them become leaders.
Nassau County Communities are home to thousands of girls who deserve every opportunity to experience the outdoors. Many of them face real barriers, including fewer green spaces, limited transportation and tighter family budgets. The idea of sending a daughter to sleep-away camp in the Hamptons can feel like a luxury that belongs to someone else’s life.
here they can discover what they’re made of without the Wi-Fi.
Every girl, regardless of Zip code, family income or whether she has ever seen a tent stake, deserves the chance to discover what she’s made of when the Wi-Fi is gone and there are stars overhead.
Across acres of woods, trails and private beachfront, girls spend summers canoeing, swimming, building fires, sleeping under the stars, and doing something that is increasingly rare in young people’s lives: being fully, completely present.
thought she was “not outdoorsy” finds herself paddling a canoe across open water and realizing she loves it. These are moments that shape who a girl believes she can be, and that belief follows her home.
Every girl should have the chance to get outside in a meaningful, supported, joyful way. Not just girls whose families can easily absorb the cost of summer camp. Not just girls who already love hiking or have spent weekends on trails. Every girl, including the one in Elmont who has never left Nassau County, the one in Hempstead who thinks camping sounds miserable, the one in Valley Stream who just needs someone to hand her a canoe paddle and say, “You’ve got this.”
Heading into summer, I’m asking Long Island families, school leaders, community organizations and businesses to join us in making the outdoors accessible to every girl in Nassau County. Because the research is clear, the need is urgent and the girls are ready.
For girls from lower-income communities, access to the outdoors is even more transformative. Research shows that they are significantly more likely to credit outdoor experiences with helping
The girls I see during the school year undergo a transformation at camp. They become — dare I say — wild and free. They are independent, curious and brave. The girl who was nervous about sleeping away from home discovers she can navigate a trail. The girl who
The girl who builds a fire, sleeps in a tent and wakes up to birdsong instead of notifications isn’t just having a fun summer adventure. She’s becoming a leader for Long Island, for our communities, for the future. Those leaders start here.
Rande
Bynum is CEO of Girl Scouts of Nassau County.
mArthA jAcoviDes
City, NY 11530 Phone: (516) 569-4000
Fax: (516) 569-4942
Water safety starts with vigilance
as summer approaches on Long Island, our communities eagerly embrace the joys of swimming, boating and waterfront leisure. From backyard pools to the vast expanse of the Atlantic Ocean, aquatic activities are woven into our seasonal traditions.
With those pleasures, however, comes a paramount responsibility: ensuring water safety for all.
New York ranks fourth in the nation in drowning deaths. The state now requires all operators of motorized vessels, regardless of age, to possess a valid boating safety certificate. The requirement, established as part of Brianna’s Law — named in memory of 11-year-old Brianna Lieneck, who lost her life in a 2005 boating accident in the Great South Bay — is intended to make waterways safer.
Boaters can enroll in approved safety courses available in person and online. The BoatUS Foundation offers a free, state-approved online course, and the New York State Parks Adventure License program encourages boaters to add an anchor icon to their driver’s license to indicate completion of the course.
Water safety extends well beyond boats, to backyard and public swimming pools and Long Island’s many miles of beaches. Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death
letters
Where is Hempstead’s affordable-housing plan?
To the Editor:
among children.
Suffolk County reported 24 drownings in 2024, a 60 percent increase over the prior year, based on statistics from Stony Brook University. Experts noted what they called an “alarming shift,” with 66 percent of drownings happening in backyard pools rather than open water, driven largely by a post-pandemic surge in pool installations. Nationwide, drowning remains a leading cause of unintentional-injury deaths among children ages 1 to 4.
To reduce the risks:
■ Always supervise children closely when they are in or near water. Avoid distractions, even when lifeguards are present.
■ Install fences with self-latching gates around pools to prevent unsupervised access. State law requires fences to be at least 4 feet high and to fully enclose pools.
■ Teach children to swim, learn yourself if you never have, and understand basic water safety rules.
■ Ensure that supervising adults are trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation so they can respond effectively in emergencies.
■ State law requires children under 12 to wear U.S. Coast Guard-approved lifejackets on boats smaller than 21 feet.
Re Joseph Scianablo’s op-ed, “We can’t solve a housing crisis with hypocrisy or politics,” in the May 14-20 issue: Scianablo, the Democratic candidate for Hempstead town supervisor, clearly stated the issues involved in dealing with the housing crisis. He also delineated steps that need to be taken to solve the problem.
One must wonder, what has the town’s leadership, under Supervisor John Ferretti, been doing about this housing crisis? No cogent plan has been followed to deal with the shortage of housing that’s affordable for young families or seniors wanting to downsize. A predictable pattern has developed, which we have witnessed with the Woodmere Country Club and Inwood/North Hempstead projects: A project is proposed by developers, there is an outcry from community residents who have reasonable concerns, and then there is expensive litigation, paid for with taxpayers’ hard-earned dollars.
Ferretti and the Town Board should have had a forward-looking housing plan in place. As proposed by candidate Scianablo, stakeholders
Lifejackets accessible to all passengers are essential on any vessel.
■ At public pools and beaches, pay attention to lifeguards, who are trained to identify hazards such as rip currents — fast-moving channels of water that can quickly pull swimmers away from shore.
■ Ask lifeguards about dangerous conditions, and swim only in designated areas. If caught in a rip current, stay calm and swim parallel to shore until free of the current.
Another major danger is after-hours swimming. When lifeguards are off duty, swimmers who are inexperienced, overconfident or impaired are left unmonitored, and that is when many drownings occur.
Early-season swimmers should also remember that ocean water remains dangerously cold well into late spring. Cold water quickly drains energy and increases the risk of distress, even for strong swimmers.
Water safety is everyone’s responsibility. Whether you’re watching children at a pool, enjoying a day at the beach or heading out on a boat, a few simple precautions can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy. Long Island’s waters are meant to be enjoyed, but only if we treat them with the respect they demand.
including developers, union workers and residents must be engaged in planning housing projects for the needs of each unique community.
Instead of blaming Albany, our town
to deal with the housing crisis.
PAMELA KORN
opinions
The disappearance of embarrassment
somewhere in Washington right now, custom bourbon bottles etched with FBI Director Kash
Patel’s name and title are being distributed as tokens of power and prestige at taxpayer expense. Strange as it sounds, those bottles tell a much larger story about contemporary politics and politicians.
You don’t have to be a political historian to know that democracies have always produced their share of vain, incompetent and corrupt political opportunists. What feels different now is the brazenness — the complete disappearance of embarrassment and restraint among leaders, as well as citizens’ expectations that public officials at least appear to be answerable to the people they serve.
At a moment when millions of Americans are struggling to afford groceries, gasoline, rent, medication and health insurance, our “leaders” parade openly in a spectacle of self-glorification, ideological theater, open self-interest and flat-out contempt. The examples arrive almost daily:
A White House “ballroom” project that began as a supposedly privately
funded $200 million undertaking has steadily ballooned to a taxpayer-supported $1 billion monument to one man’s excesses.
A sitting president and his family are profiting from business ventures made possible only through political power. Airports, cultural institutions, public spaces and even passports are being renamed and revised in ways that elevate and glorify that president.
Patel’s custom bourbon bottles are etched with his name while taxpayers absorb the costs of an increasingly theatrical government culture.
Those personalized bourbon bottles seem sadly emblematic of the moment.
Other cabinet officials and agency heads appear openly hostile to, or ignorant of, the very missions of the departments they oversee.
A secretary of health and human services attacks scientific consensus, vaccine trust and established medical knowledge during a period of growing public health anxiety.
A secretary of defense speaks less like a sober administrator than a cablenews warrior wannabe posturing for cameras and political allies. Presidential social media tirades are aimed at journalists, critics, political opponents and private citizens — many dismissed as “low IQ,” “stupid,” dishonest, even treasonous.
LeTTers
Voters deserve to hear more from the candidates on housing
To the Editor:
Mr. Scianablo is half right. Politics is the only means we have to reconcile civil issues. What is required is the sort of politics Mr. Scianablo describes, where leadership seeks to “rise above the noise” and “tell the truth” to promote “honest conversations” and form “partnerships” that will work toward “thoughtful, community-driven planning.” That would mean a constructive confrontation with some hard words.
Nassau County’s leaders must acknowledge the truth that the housing issue can’t be “solved” at the county level, but progress can be
Meanwhile, we are told every day that all is well, the economy is strong, the war is won, and that public concerns are exaggerated. Republican Sen. Tim Scott proclaimed on Fox Business last month that “You can even feel in our environment how good things are getting. Gas prices continue to come down, which means that your groceries will come down a little bit as well.”
As Scott spoke, gas and grocery prices were rising dramatically in his home state of North Carolina and around the country. Without embarrassment, he invented a picture of America that has no basis in reality.
That same day, on CNBC, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise said, “You go back two years ago, we were paying almost $6 a gallon for gasoline.” Two years ago, in mid-2024, the nationwide average price of gasoline was $3.66 per gallon. Without embarrassment, he made up a price easily disproved.
More and more Americans no longer believe what they are being told, because their own lives tell them otherwise. And alongside all of this come the vanity projects, the public self-glorification, the open profiteering, the personalized institutions, the theatrical insults and the endless performances of loyalty and power.
The deeper cultural shift isn’t simply these behaviors themselves, but how little civic alarm they now produce. Why, we should ask, do these officials feel no shame, or even just a little embarrassment? But mostly we don’t ask. Too often we give up on demanding competence, dignity and social awareness in our leaders.
Why? Or maybe the question should be how? How can people who call themselves leaders act with so much contempt toward the people who put them in positions of authority? A healthy republic depends on leaders understanding that public office carries obligations larger than ego, profit, loyalty rituals and selfcelebration. It depends on some continuing sense that, at the very least, public suffering should impose limits on displays of extravagance and self-interest.
Evidently, our leaders feel no such constraints; they feel not one shred of embarrassment about the lies and excesses that have come to characterize them. For many of them, holding office means little more than having permission to engage in public spectacle, branding, self-celebration and acts of contempt in plain sight.
Which may be why those personalized bourbon bottles feel oddly — and sadly — emblematic of the political moment itself.
Michael Blitz is professor emeritus and former chair of interdisciplinary studies at City University of New York.
facilitated. Candidates for leadership must dismiss the noise to center the honest conversations on those few factors and limited partnerships within their purview and jurisdiction. This means devising a thoughtful plan for changes in zoning to encourage density at sites that provide transportation and public services — which will encourage builders and bankers to construct affordable units that make Nassau attractive to buyers, preferably families with children.
There are hard words here, but voters deserve to hear from each candidate some opening position from which they will begin their honest conversation, and what their vision is for a Nassau community plan to ameliorate its portion of the “crisis.”
BRIAN KELLY Rockville
Centre
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Framework by Tim Baker
At Molloy University’s graduation, that’s President James Lentini on guitar — Jones Beach
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