Valley Stream Herald 06-19-2025 by Richner Communications, Inc

A scout helps a garden grow

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

Kevin Tritschler, a senior at Valley Stream South High School, recently completed his Eagle Scout project by building two planter boxes, two compost bins and weather-resistant educational signage for the Valley Stream Beautification Committee’s new community garden.

“I’ve just found that litter cleanup is, besides being good for the environment, a fun pastime for me to partake in the long run — even if I forget to bring gloves sometimes,” Tritschler, 18, member of Franklin Square Boy Scout Troop 485, said. “Since then, I really became interested in sanitation and environmental conservation, even if I never had a lot of opportunities to act on it, which is why I was really excited to be given the chance to do an Eagle Scout project, because that actually gave me an opportunity to act on it.”

Tritschler’s project spanned more than a year from concept to completion. It began with a different proposal: installing litter

cleanup stations in parks throughout Valley Stream. He submitted that plan to the village of Valley Stream early last year, but it was rejected over concerns about the longterm maintenance and management of the stations.

By August, Tritschler had come up with a new plan to work with the Valley Stream Beautification Committee, an organization he had previously worked with as a member of Valley Stream South’s Key Club. The group had long been working on establishing a community garden on East Hawthorne Avenue, drawing inspiration from similar projects in nearby towns. It members were enthusiastic about integrating Tritschler’s efforts into their plans, and this time the beatification committee and the Theodore Roosevelt boy scout counsel approved his project.

He raised over $1,000, which was used to buy materials for planter boxes, compost bins and signs. After completing them, he had around $54 remained, which he spent on a poster board presentation to document

ConTinued on page 4

Four students earn United for Change scholarships

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

Oceanside High School seniors Ameerah Maignan and Abigail Medouze and Valley Stream North High School seniors Adaobi Okammelu and Richmia Erisnor were awarded scholarships for their college education by the United for Change Association on the Oceanside Schoolhouse Green on June 11. In the wake of George Floyd’s murder in Minneapolis in 2020, during a nationally televised memorial service on June 4, the president at North Central University Scott Hagan, challenged viewers to take meaningful action against systemic inequalities. Lifelong Oceanside resi-

dent and former School Three

Principal Tom Capone was moved by the call, and immediately reached out to his former colleagues.

Capone, along with a group of retired Oceanside educators, including retired teacher and Oceanside historian Richard Woods, former district math chair Rhonda Eisenberg and retired administrative assistant Michelle Cadogan, formed what they called the Say Their Names Association, which has since transformed into the United for Change Association.

“When things were very tumultuous in our country, I began to think about, what can we do to try to bring about some kind of a change ourselves, because there seems to be a dis-

parity or a shift or a gap that exists between one segment of our population and another segment,” Capone recalled. “The Black and African American segment of our population seems to be not in the place where they should be right now, and how can we try to bridge that gap or minimize that gap?”

Since 2020, the organization has expanded its reach from just Oceanside to a total of 21 school districts in Nassau and Suffolk County, creating a scholarship program to recognize and support Black and African American students making positive changes in their communities. It awards $1,000 scholarships, and the team of educators has given out over $86,000 in scholarships since 2020. It presented them to

16 students this year.

“Giving them a check is one thing,” Capone said “but acknowledging and celebrating in front of their parents or classmates and friends, that’s something that we think they’re going to hold on to for a long, long time.”

The acknowledgment has not, however, taken place in front of Oceanside honorees’ peers. Since the scholarship’s inaugural year in 2020, the presentation

has been held on the Schoolhouse Green, separate from the school district’s annual honors awards night, at which students are presented with scholarships from over 100 groups and organizations.

“We go to all the other schools that submitted, and where schools where students were selected, we were invited to present these awards at their awards program,” Capone said. “We’re

ConTinued on page 2

Courtesy Michelle Tritschler Kevin Tritschler with one of the community garden planter boxes early in its construction.

Committee, district at odds over scholarship acceptance

not invited here in Oceanside. The good news is that these kids are being recognized for their contributions to the Oceanside schools through their work of doing something in a positive way to promote the well-being of the community, but it’s not in front of the community. The school district is not recognizing this as something that they want to get behind.”

The district’s legal counsel argues that to sanction the scholarship would violate Title VI of the federal Civil Rights Act by discriminating in the giving of scholarships. That provision of the 1964 act prohibits discrimination based on race, color or national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

“Valley Stream North likes to pick their scholarship winners, but we would rather pick the scholarship winners, so that’s why they come here,” Woods said of the Valley Stream students, referring to the schoolhouse green ceremony. “Oceanside felt that they didn’t want to recognize one group of people, so they told us we could have it out here, feel, but not during their honors night. When I went to Lynbrook to present there, they gave an award to an Irish kid. It was the Ancient Order of Hibernians award, and they gave it to a kid named O’Connor. They didn’t have any problem with giving an award to an African American or black student, either, at their ceremony.”

The Ancient Order of Hibernians presents various awards to recognize members and those who contribute to the Irish-American community and the broader cause of peace and unity.

“We have received legal advice that it is a violation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act to discriminate in giving scholarships,” said Donna Kraus, Oceanside school districts communications director.

This year’s recipients represent the scholarship’s core mission. Each student has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, from founding a cultural club to organizing community service initiatives.

Ameerah Maignan, of Oceanside High

School, will attend Morgan State University in the fall. She was vice president of the school’s African American Culture Club, which provides a space where students can celebrate their roots, talk about their history and traditions, and lift each other up like a family. The club welcomes everyone, no matter their race or background. There students learn from each other, growing together and sharing love for African culture in a positive way.

Maignan also founded a small business selling beauty products, and she is president and captain of the school’s step team.

“I began in Oceanside in 1993,” Cadogan said, “and I was the only one of color,

and it’s difficult, but with the man upstairs we’re able to make it. Ameerah has decided to attend Morgan State in Baltimore, which just happens to be my alma mater.”

Abigail Medouze, also of Oceanside High, will attend St. John’s University in the fall. Being a member of Student.Lead. Act.Teach.Empower, or SLATE, has helped her build a sense of community, belonging and unity in her school. Being a member of the African American Culture Club has helped her to understand the beauty of different cultures and the importance of coming together, no matter the backgrounds.

“Abigail’s approach to bring about positive change everywhere, little by little, that is something that we should all strive for,” Capone said.

Despite facing resistance from the Oceanside school district, which argues that its scholarships are too narrowly focused, the United for Change Association has persevered, presenting scholarships to students who exhibit empathy, social responsibility, and a commitment to positive change.

“When I retired, people asked, what are you going to do?” Capone said. “At the time, seven years ago, I said, I don’t know what I’m going to do, but I’m going to find meaning in whatever it is that I do. I like to think that this is providing some meaning.”

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Daniel Tommasino/Herald

The United for Change Association presented two Oceanside and two Valley Stream students with United for Change Scholarships last week.

Court Street Music celebrates 25 years with concert honoring composer Robert M. Palmer

Court Street Music marked its 25th anniversary on June 15 with a free house concert and student recital at its home studio in Valley Stream. Founded by Leonard Lehrman and Helene Williams, the event featured student performances, professional premieres and the debut of the Valley Stream Piano Quar-

tet. This year’s concert honored composer Robert M. Palmer, Lehrman’s former teacher, with a special performance of Palmer’s Piano Quartet No. 1 and a dedication to his memory. The celebration reflected the school’s ongoing mission to nurture musical talent and build community through performance.

Tim Baker/Herald

The Court Street Music sign welcomes guests to the home studio where music, mentorship, and community have flourished for 25 years.

Leonard Lehrman plays with joy and passion as he marks a milestone moment in Court Street Music’s 25-year journey.

Lehrman and Helene Williams, longtime lovers, musical collaborators, and founders of Court Street Music.

Peter Howard and Hui Wang perform as part of the Valley Stream Piano Quartet.

Baritenor Thomas Smith performs selections from Leonard Lehrman’s song cycle during the concert.

Young leader’s vision strengthens community ties through gardening

the project’s impact.

The planter boxes Tritschler built were placed near the corner of the garden, and inspired the Beautification Committee to install additional boxes later.

“Kevin’s model that he chose was strong, easily repairable and it gave us an opportunity to think about how the future of the garden would grow,” David Sabatino, the village’s deputy treasurer for planning and development, said. “As things deteriorate, his design allows us to swap out the cedar wood very easily; it’s easy to repair. That’s the best way, and still looks great and provides what we need it to provide.”

Why Some Estate Plans Fail

Clients lose legal capacity when their treating physician determines that they are unable to handle their legal and financial affairs. Once the client becomes legally disabled, it is too late to prepare and sign new legal documents. Obviously, the same is true when a client dies.

Time and again we find that the client’s legal documents were prepared many years ago and are either inadequate from a personal or professional point of view. It may be that the wrong person is in charge due to any number of circumstances -- illness, unavailability, estrangement, death, etc. In other cases, the power of attorney, the will or the trust is legally inadequate. Examples of this may be that the client had the power of attorney done many years earlier by a general lawyer, but failed to have it reviewed or replaced by an elder law attorney when they got older. Thus they end up with a power of attorney that is not strong enough to move assets out of their name or to set up a trust to protect their assets. Under Medicaid, it’s move it or lose it.

Countless wills and trusts do not reflect the current state of the law when a client dies, especially regarding New York and Federal estate taxes. These laws change every few years as administrations change.

The problem arises out of the fact that law firms are traditionally unwilling to take the responsibility to keep their clients informed as to law changes or to review their clients’ estate plans on a regular basis — to make certain the plan will work when the client needs it — not when they wrote it many years earlier.

To overcome the problem of facing a death or disability with an outdated plan, we provide a free review of our clients’ estate plan every three years. Having used this approach for over three decades, we have saved thousands of clients countless problems and, when something happens to one of our clients, we know who they are since the relationship has been maintained. In addition, the law firm does not charge for phone calls or emails in order to encourage communication when personal or legal issues arise.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

The compost bins recycle plant waste, and the signage offers guidance on composting and environmental sustainability. These features are now key components of the community garden, which operates as a shared space where individuals and groups maintain beds and grow a variety of crops. The garden encourages sustainable practices, and allows participants to use or donate what they harvest.

“It has been really fun watching the community garden grow, knowing that Kevin had a hand in it from the ground up,” his mother, Michele Tritschler, said. “An Eagle Scout project is supposed to be sustainable, and Kevin definitely accomplished that. These planter boxes and his compost bin will be there for a very long time. Every time I go there, it makes me

smile.”

For Kevin, the experience served as more than just a service requirement for scouting’s highest rank — it confirmed his ability to manage a large public project.

“To me, personally, it signals, if anything, that I’m actually capable of handling management tasks or projects I’d like to get done,” he said. “Doing the Eagle Scout project showed me what it’s actually like to be a leader, or at least a manager of a major public project as a whole, in that, as a leader, you’re not supposed to actually be doing the groundwork. You’re supposed to be supervising others who actually do the groundwork — at least that’s how my scoutmaster put it for me. It also helps show me just how much paperwork goes into these things.”

The project required three rounds of documentation, which had to be submitted both digitally and in printed form for review by scout leaders and others involved in the approval process.

Now an Eagle Scout, Tritschler can remain involved in his troop in an adult capacity, helping younger scouts with advancement as needed. He plans to attend Binghamton University this fall, where he will major in environmental studies.

His project will continue to benefit the community garden, contributing to its growth and long-term sustainability. The structures he built remain in active use, and serve as a foundation for ongoing civic engagement in Valley Stream.

Courtesy Michelle Tritschler

The planters at the Valley Stream Community Garden incorporate Eagle Scout Kevin Tritschler’s design.

ConTinuEd from paGE 1

Thousands protest Trump immigration policy

By SCOTT BRINTON & CHRISTINA ARLOTTT Special to the Herald

The “No Kings” protest opened at 11:30 a.m. Saturday outside the Nassau County Courthouse, in Mineola, with a silent prayer for two Democratic Minnesota legislators — one who was killed and another who was wounded in an alleged assassination plot.

New York legislators denounced President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly his hard line stance on immigration.

Nearly 3,000 protesters filled the green in front of the courthouse and spilled into surrounding streets, chanting with Democratic lawmakers as they ran through a litany of grievances against the Trump administration, then marched to the Nassau County Executive and Legislative Building through a downpour.

The rally was one of roughly 2,000 such protests across the nation on Saturday, the same day that Trump hosted a military parade through the streets of Washington, D.C. to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army. June 14 was also his 79th birthday.

Three grassroots organizations — Show Up Long Island, Engage Long Island and the Long Island Network for Change — organized the rally.

Two calls to the Nassau County Republican Committee seeking a response to the Mineola protest, made on

Scott Brinton/Herald

Up to 3,000 protesters turned out in Mineola in a downpour on Saturday to decry the Trump administration’s immigration policy, and to speak out on a host of other issues.

Thursday and Friday, had not been returned as of press time.

Trump rebuffed criticism that he was acting like a king by saying the courts have checked his power, with judges often siding with the opposition. The president said Sunday that mass deportations would continue, despite the No Kings protests, according to The Associated Press.

Starting early this month, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, under orders from the administration, intensified a series of nationwide immi-

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gration raids, with a focus on major cities such as Los Angeles and New York, as well as on Long Island. According to Islip Forward, there have been 22 verified ICE sightings in the region since the April 5 “Hands Off!” protests.

Assemblyman Charles Lavine, a Democrat from Glen Cove, noted that the American Revolution began, in part, with the Battle of Long Island.

“Throughout the Revolution,” Lavine said, “Long Islanders remained largely loyal to the proposition that democracy matters a whole lot more than tyranny,

and we stand for that.”

Many participants, like Dora Coryell, of Merrick, came to voice their anger over recent ICE actions across Long Island. Coryell, an immigrant from Colombia, stood in the crowd, concerned, she said, about the recent uptick in deportations.

“I’ve been here for 47 years, and I’m very stunned by what’s going on,” Coryell said. “I have friends that are in El Salvador, and they’re not criminals like how Trump is making us look. He sees a brown person and, in his mind, we’re criminals.”

Chelsea Roocke, 32, of Bellmore, who owns a mobile spray-tan business, said both Democrats and Republicans want immigrants, documented and undocumented, to be treated fairly. The Trump administration, however, is “focusing on cruelty,” Roocke said, noting that ICE agents are “showing up in schools, at birthday parties, places of work, and they’re just deporting people. They’re taking people, arresting them and taking them in without question.”

Bill Friend, a retired dentist from Rockville Centre, emphasized the importance of public protests. “In the United States, the only times that real advances were made,” Friend said, “were when people came out and massively protested something and forced the government to then enact legislation to do what the people desired.”

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Southern State: A road still stuck in the past

Decades

of improvements

By JORDAN VALLONE & MOHAMMAD RAFIQ of the Heralds

Fourth in a series on the Southern State Parkway.

Built for a different era and a different kind of driver, the Southern State Parkway is a cautionary tale of outdated infrastructure. Sections of the most notorious stretch — from Exit 17 in Malverne to Exit 32 in Farmingdale — have earned grim nicknames like “Blood Alley” and “Dead Man’s Curve,” reflecting their reputations for crashes and fatalities.

haven’t eliminated the parkway’s dangers, but more work is planned

that much of the parkway remained largely unchanged since its first section opened in 1927 — originally built to improve beach access for vehicles traveling at just 35 miles per hour.

According to New York State Department of Transportation estimates, the Southern State handles nearly 200,000 vehicles per day through Nassau County and 130,000 through its Suffolk County section. Between 2012 and 2019, there were over 15,700 accidents resulting in property damage; over 84,000 accidents resulting in injury; and 78 resulting in death.

Despite decades of proposed and implemented efforts to improve the parkway’s safety, serious accidents — many of them fatal — continue to occur. No matter how many calls to action are made, the Southern State Parkway remains a work in progress, with much more still to be done.

What makes the Southern State so dangerous?

The Southern State Parkway stretches 25.53 miles, beginning at the interchange of the Belt and Cross Island parkways in North Valley Stream. It runs east along Nassau County’s South Shore and continues into Suffolk County, ending in West Islip.

In August 2022, the American Road & Transportation Builders Association, and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, a Democrat from Valley Stream, released a report detailing the parkway’s design flaws. The report found

The Southern State’s “Blood Alley,” between Malverne and Farmingdale, has been repeatedly cited for hazardous conditions, including sharp curves, narrow lanes, short acceleration and deceleration ramps, and the proximity of three major intersecting north-south highways — the Meadowbrook State Parkway, the Wantagh State Parkway, and the Seaford-Oyster Bay Expressway. It’s not just the roadway design that contributes to accidents — low overpasses are also a persistent hazard. In New York state, only motor vehicles registered as passenger vehicles are permitted on parkways, excluding trucks, tractor-trailers, commercial vehicles, and any vehicle over 94 inches in height. Despite this, oversized vehicles frequently strike overpasses, particularly near Exit 18, at Eagle Avenue, in the West Hempstead–Lakeview area. Today, the speed limit on the Southern State Parkway ranges from 50 to 55 mph. According to the American Road &

Sharp curves, short acceleration and deceleration ramps, and the proximity of three major intersecting north-south highways, including the Meadowbrook State Parkway, have given the Southern State Parkway a dangerous reputation.

Transportation Builders Association’s report, Long Island’s population — which has grown nearly 200 percent since 1950 — along with larger, more powerful vehicles and increased roadway congestion, has heightened longstanding safety concerns tied to the parkway’s outdated design.

Safety improvements, discussed throughout the years

The Southern State, as drivers know it today, was completed in 1962. Upgrades to the parkway, including the sharp turns at “Dead Man’s Curve” in Malverne, have been made over the last four decades. Following 14 deaths

from head-on collisions between 1984 and 1990, the state installed median barriers between exits 17 and 21.

As part of a $157 million statewide investment in 2022, nearly $24 million was allocated for improvements to the Southern State. A pavement renewal project was completed between Exit 20 — Grand Avenue and Baldwin Road — and State Route 110 in Farmingdale, building on an earlier resurfacing effort finished in 2021 between the Cross Island Parkway and South Hempstead. Eleven miles of roadway between State Route 231 and the Sagtikos Parkway, in the Towns of Babylon and Islip,

Tim Baker/Herald photos

In Valley Stream, cars travel along the Southern State Parkway at Exit 15, a section where exit ramps are to be redone to tame chaotic traffic and prevent crashes.

Jordan Vallone/Herald

A parkway that wasn’t made for these times

were also included in the investment package, along with concrete repairs of 55 entrance and exit ramps in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

One proposed improvement in 2022, backed by the Long Island Contractors Association, was the addition of a high-occupancy toll lane. Similar to the high-occupancy vehicle lanes on the Long Island Expressway, an HOT lane is a managed lane that allows vehicles with a minimum number of occupants — typically two or more — to use the lane for free.

The proposal did not seek to remove an existing lane from the traffic flow on the parkway, but rather add one. The addition of a lane, an August 2022 report showed, was intended to alleviate traffic congestion. The data and proposal was released by Solages’ office.

At the time, Solages — who has long advocated for Southern State renovations — said she did not specifically endorse the proposal, but was open to any ideas that could help relieve the parkway’s systemic issues.

A HOT plan for the Southern State has yet to materialize, but another improvement did take shape in 2022 — the installation of license plate readers. That October, 22 readers were installed along the parkway, funded by a $900,000 grant to the State Police secured by former State Sen. John Brooks, a Democrat from Merrick. The devices enable police to check license plate information across multiple databases and analyze traffic patterns and vehicle behavior. They also serve as visible deterrents to speeding and reckless driving.

“This 10-mile stretch of road has proven to be a danger to motorists,” Brooks said in 2022, referencing the “Blood Alley” portion of the parkway, “causing a litany of deadly crashes as a result, so we must do everything we can to protect our community.”

The plate readers, he said, ensure that police officers are better able to navigate the hazardous conditions of the Southern State, and ultimately ensure that Long Islanders are protected.

Calls to action and upcoming projects

In response to the prevalence of traffic deaths and serious accidents on the Southern State, elected officials and community members have been pushing for action in the form of further investigation and urgent infrastructure reforms.

U.S. Rep Laura Gillen — whose district includes a large portion of the parkway and who sits on the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure — sent a letter in April to fellow Representatives Sam Graves and Rick Larsen, the chairman and ranking member of the committee, respectively, demanding federal attention to an “unacceptable nationwide increase in fatal traffic crashes.”

Gillen stated that the increase in traffic deaths — up 25 percent since 2014 — was a problem in her district, and that “More than 2,100 people have been killed and 16,000 have been severely injured in traffic accidents on Long Island’s dangerous roads over the past ten years.”

She went on to note that traffic accidents were the leading cause of death among young people on Long Island.

“We must do more,” she wrote, “to invest in infrastructure upgrades, creative road-planning, and new technologies to help prevent tragedies and save lives.”

Congress’s current surface transportation reauthorization, which provides states with the long-term stability they need to effectively plan and carry out major transportation infrastructure projects, expires Sept. 30, 2026.

In January 2025, the transportation committee began holding hearings to explore various aspects of the nation’s highway, transit and rail programs, helping members gather the information needed to shape upcoming legislation before the current law expires. What Gillen wants is hearings focusing on the nationwide increase in traffic fatalities.

County stretch, and 130,000

Courtesy Michael Joyce/Herald file

oversized vehicles, like tractor trailers, frequently strike overpasses near exit 18 in the West HempsteadLakeview area. above, a truck’s shredded top.

“Residents have long voiced concerns about the Southern State Parkway, Sunrise Highway, and other routes,” Gillen said at a news conference in April, at which she was joined by Assemblywoman Judy Griffin and Solages, “which have a disproportionate share of roadway injuries and fatalities on Long Island.”

Solages was responsible for obtaining $20 million in federal funding in 2022 to reconfigure the Southern State’s Exit 13 ramps — which have long been thought by locals to be particularly dangerous — as part of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s five-year, $32.8 billion state Department of Transportation capital plan.

“There have been many accidents on this road, two fatalities, pedestrians being struck by cars — it is a very dangerous intersection,” Solages told the Herald in May. “This is long overdue. The people in the community have tolerated this for a long time.”

Construction at the exits is expected to begin in spring 2027 and be completed by spring 2028.

Changes are also underway at Exit 15 in Valley Stream, as was reported by the Herald in April. The state DOT is eliminating the southbound exit ramp there, and all traffic will instead exit via a redesigned northbound ramp, Exit 15N, which will split into two southbound lanes and one northbound lane — consolidating the flow of more than 8,000 daily vehicles into a single intersection on Corona Avenue.

Final installment: Looking to the Southern State Parkway’s future.

Some facts on the Southern State

Notorious stretch

■ “Dead Man’s Curve” in Malverne — site of numerous crashes due to sharp turns.

Fatal collisions (1984–1990)

■ 14 head-on deaths led to median barriers between Exits 17 and 21.

Recent Investments (2022)

■ Total statewide: $157 million

Southern State allocation: Nearly $24 million

Upgrades included

■ Pavement renewal from Exit 20 (Grand Ave./ Baldwin Road) to State Route 110

■ Prior resurfacing from the Cross Island Parkway to South Hempstead

■ Repairs to 55 ramps across Nassau and Suffolk

■ 11 miles of roadway improved in Towns of Babylon and Islip

Technology upgrade

■ License plate readers installed: 22

■ Cost: $900,000 (State police grant secured by former State Sen. John Brooks)

■ Purpose: data collection, enhanced enforcement and deterrence of reckless driving

High-occupancy toll lane proposal

■ Backed by the Long Island Contractors Association

■ Would add a toll lane, not remove existing ones

Tim Baker/Herald

The Southern State handles 200,000 vehicles per day along its Nassau

in Suffolk.

Punches and power at Elmont library

By RENEE DELORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com

Nassau County Comptroller Elaine Phillips—a martial artist of 29 years and a sixth-degree black belt in Korean martial arts—hosted a free one-hour selfdefense course at Elmont Memorial Library on June 4.

A group of 15 attendees from Elmont and neighboring towns, many of whom were age 70 and above, gathered in a meeting room at the back of the library, punching and kicking their way through an energetic introduction to basic selfdefense skills.

“So, I’m the protector and watchdog of your taxes, but I also happen to have this skill set,” Phillips said, laughing.

Phillips began the class by instructing attendees to find their center, as she stood straight pretending an invisible string was pulling her upright from the top of her head. She quickly transitioned to a brief weight-bearing exercise demonstration, designed to build strength and retain mobility, particularly for older women at risk of osteoporosis.

Using simple movements, such as waving her hips in a figure-eight rotation and performing standing knee raises, she emphasized the importance of practicing them regularly during everyday tasks, such as talking on the phone.

After leading the class in a breathing exercise, Phillips began demonstrating her moves. With knees bent and back straight, she threw punches while shifting her entire body weight forward with each jab.

One of the first steps in protecting oneself, Phillips told the class, is being aware of one’s surroundings. The second step is using one’s voice—something she encouraged attendees to practice with conviction.

“Do you think an attacker wants to deal with crazy?” Phillips asked. “No,

they want a quiet mouse. But that’s not us anymore.”

She abruptly began yelling, inviting the class to join her in demanding their imaginary attackers to “Stop!”

Phillips then spent about 20 minutes demonstrating different self-defense techniques, occasionally using her chief of staff, Elizabeth Liguori, to practice with. Whether the attacker had a victim in a chokehold, grabbed them by the wrist, or surprised them from behind, Phillips had a method for each situation.

The key, she said, is staying in control at all times—whether it’s pausing to look around, noticing people approaching from behind, or keeping valuables safely secured and close to the body. She also advised attendees to always keep their cars locked-something she needs to remind herself of often.

She stressed that if an attacker has a gun and is demanding valuables, such as a purse or wallet, the goal is not to fight at all, but to remain as calm as possible and hand them over.

“We don’t even train for that in martial arts,” Phillips said. “A gun is a whole different thing—with a gun, they’re in charge.”

Thomas Santo, a senior from Valley Stream who attended the class, said he was interested in learning practical selfdefense skills and wanted to hear some of Phillips’s verbal tips.

“Occasionally, you’re in certain situations and you may find it threatening,” Santo said. He appreciated that Phillips addressed specific scenarios and said he already knew some of the tips she shared.

Although Santo is retired and hasn’t recently faced any dangerous situations, he recalled commuting on subways for work and worrying about safety. Now, still occasionally riding the subway for trips to the city, he said he decided to attend the class to learn how to protect himself.

“She gave us some new stuff on how to

hit people and react,” Santo said. “I didn’t know how to do that. But there’s these little moves you could do to possibly help yourself get away from a compromising situation.”

Phillips shared a simple saying with the class: “Soft on the outside, hard on the inside,” a concept often practiced in martial arts. She reminded attendees that even if others think they aren’t tough enough, practicing self-defense techniques could prove otherwise.

Quick Safety Tips

1. Always be aware of your surroundings

2. Be especially cautious in crowded areas

3. Use your voicedon’t be afraid to get loud

4. Call out for help and alert others of danger

5. Take frequent short pauses and look around

6. Watch your belongings and keep valuables close

7. Have others use a locator app to track you at all times - Renee DeLorenzo

Participants engage with questions, eager to learn practical strategies to stay safe in everyday scenarios.

Elizabeth Liguori, chief of

places Phillips in a mock chokehold as

teaches how to maintain breath and stay calm under pressure by tucking her head down to keep her airways open.

Photo credit: Renee DeLorenzo/Herald

Attendees of Nassau County Elaine Phillips’s self-defense course, hosted at the Elmont Memorial Library on June 4, follow along with her demonstrations, practicing defensive stances and punches with focused determination.

Phillips shows attendees how to channel strength through every punch—feet grounded, body aligned, and voice ready.

staff,

Phillips

Global Entry office opens in Eisenhower Park

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

A new gateway to international travel has opened in the heart of Nassau County.

County officials joined U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security on June 11 to unveil a Global Entry enrollment center in Eisenhower Park — the first of its kind on Long Island.

Global Entry is a special program that allows pre-approved, low-risk travelers to expedite their entry into the United States when arriving from international destinations. Before the office in Eisenhower Park opened, the closest interview locations were at Kennedy Airport, Newark Airport and the U.S. Customs House in New York City.

At the unveiling, County Executive Bruce Blakeman said he thought the addition of a Global Entry office in Nassau County was “a brilliant idea.”

“This is a collaboration between Nassau County and the federal government to make people safer and to make their life easier,” Blakeman said, “and that’s what government should be about.”

The office is located in Eisenhower Park’s Field 6/6A, near the Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre.

Sal Ingrassia, the port director of Customs and Border Protection at Kennedy Airport, explained how one applies

for Global Entry. Those interested can begin by visiting CBP.gov or GlobalEntry.gov, where they will fill out an application. Once it is processed and an applicant has “conditional approval,” they can schedule an interview at an office, like the one in Eisenhower Park. Ingrassia said the goal is process at least 200 interviews a day at the new location.

To apply for Global Entry, you must be a U.S. citizen, a legal permanent resident of the U.S. or a citizen of one of 18 countries that participate in the program. Visit CBP.gov for a full list of countries and guidelines.

The program is free for those ages 17 and younger, and costs $120 for adults for a five-year membership. If the Global Entry interview is successful and an

applicant is are approved, the card that is issued can be used as a Real ID, which is now required for all domestic flights. Global Entry members also qualify for TSA Pre-check, a different program that allows pre-approved travelers to move through airport security screening more quickly.

Frank Russo, director of Customs and Border Protection at the New York Field Office, said the Global Entry program is “a critical component of our national security.”

“It is such an important program for us because it allows our officers, agriculture specialists, import specialists and entry specialists to focus in on highrisk targets,” Russo said. “But most importantly, for our citizens of Long Island, it allows for an efficient and secure process through airports. It’s a program that, quite frankly, will allow us to allocate more resources, prioritize our mission and effectively execute the rules and laws of our country.”

County officials said they were not concerned about the potential increase in traffic in Eisenhower Park, adding that there is plenty of parking. They encouraged those who are interested in interviewing at the new office to enjoy what the park has to offer and to patronize local establishments nearby.

To schedule an interview timeslot at the Eisenhower Park office and view hours of operation, visit TTP.DHS.gov.

Jordan Vallone/Herald

Sal Ingrassia, port director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection at Kennedy Airport, explained how to apply for Global Entry, a program in which pre-approved travelers can expedite their entry into the U.S. when arriving from international destinations. Travelers can now interview for the program at an office in Eisenhower Park.

Recovered addict, D.A.’s office fight fentanyl

By ALEXIA CROLL Intern

After battling addiction, homelessness and a prison sentence, Richard Davis has been sober for nearly five decades — and now uses his story to fight the growing fentanyl crisis.

“I’m a heroin addict — I’m in my 48th year of recovery,” Davis said, sitting before a seminar on the dangers of fentanyl. “The disease of addiction doesn’t care about the substance it’s putting in its body. If the person’s drug of choice is crack cocaine or heroin — that’s what they want to go for.”

Davis has become a nationally certified life coach, recovery coach and interventionist.

“My father committed suicide,” he said. “I sat in Riker’s Island facing life in prison at 18 years old for selling coke that I needed to support the habit.”

According to the U.S. Sentencing Commission, 97 percent of individuals convicted of fentanyl trafficking have been sentenced to prison.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid, far more potent than heroin or morphine. Medically, it’s prescribed in the form of pills, patches or lozenges to treat severe pain, including for cancer patients.

Illegally, it is often mixed with heroin or pressed into counterfeit pills. It is absorbed through the skin or ingested to produce a short-lived, euphoric high, but even in small amounts, it can be deadly. Just two milligrams of the drug can kill most adults.

The uptick of fentanyl came after 2020, during which the pill market became mainstream.

Nicholas Mauro, chief of the Narcotics, Firearms and Gangs Bureau of the Nassau County district attorney’s office, gave a presentation on fentanyl and opiate overdose awareness at Hempstead Town Hall

Alexia Kroll/Herald

Kathy Spatz, left, with a photo of her late son, who battled addition, with Nicholas Mauro, bureau chief of the Narcotics, Firearms and Gangs Bureau of the Nassau County district attorney’s office, who led a community seminar on drug overdose awareness.

on June 11.

Mauro discussed the ways in which law enforcement plan to mitigate harm, misconceptions about opiate usage and the history of the opioid crisis.

The “new” model of approaching the problem is pub-

lic health-focused, whereas the punitive, or “old,” model focused on targeting and punishing sellers and distributors as well as people in possession of narcotics.

“Now, that’s still an important part of the equation,” Mauro said. “No doubt that’s my primary job, to investigate and prosecute narcotics felonies.”

The shift toward a harm-reduction approach to substance abuse began with a change in the relationship between the public health sector and law enforcement. “The harm-reduction model focuses on public health, focuses on treatment, focuses on safe use, and it focuses on certainly reducing the instances of overdoses,” Mauro explained. “I think that both approaches need to find common ground so that we can get the individuals as a community.”

The percentages of both fatal and non-fatal overdoses in Nassau County declined steadily in 2024, compared with the rise in fatalities in 2020 and 2021, with slightly over 100 non-fatal overdoses and 17 fatal ones.

Cheryl Hunt, of Rochdale Village, attended the seminar because she said she want to protect her 13-yearold grandson. She waited patiently outside Town Hall for the presentation to begin, and said she believes the community “needs to be at these things.”

“One pill can kill” — the campaign slogan used by the Drug Enforcement Agency after its 2021 public awareness initiative — is intended to educate people about the dangers of counterfeit pills, a major contributor to the fentanyl crisis.

“Our kids have a spiritual disease,” Richard Davis said. “They’re not sticking needles in their arms, because they’re happy one is less expensive than the other. They’re self-medicating.”

For more information, go to the website of the state’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports, Oasas.Ny.gov.

Big things happening in Valley Stream’s District 24

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

Valley Stream District 24 recently marked several student accomplishments that reflect ongoing efforts to support academic development, character education and community involvement throughout the district.

Student Oakley Bray was recognized with the Nassau BOCES George Farber Outstanding Student Award, which honors students across the county who demonstrate responsibility, dedication and strong ethical standards.

The award is named in memory of George Farber, a longtime member of the Nassau BOCES Board who served from 1971 to 2009 and was known for his contributions to public education. Bray’s selection reflects alignment with the values the award is intended to promote.

In mathematics, Valley Stream 24’s fifth and sixth-grade students stood out as the only elementary-level participants to compete and win in the South Asian American Women’s Alliance Recreational Mathematics Contest.

Held online in March and now in its second year, the contest is designed for middle school students and includes a variety of advanced math challenges such as puzzles, riddles and equations that span multiple areas of mathematics. Despite the contest’s middle school focus, the district’s younger students demonstrated strong performance.

“This recognition speaks volumes about the passion, dedication, and talent of our students and educators,” Superintendent of Schools Unal Karakas said. “We are incredibly proud of our students for their hard work and for representing Valley Stream 24 with such distinction on a regional stage.”

Six students from the district were recognized during a regional celebration hosted by SAAWA on May 18 at Levittown Hall. During the event, Valley Stream 24 received special acknowledgment from the contest organizers for being the first district to show interest in the competition during its inaugural year and for participating again this year.

At Brooklyn Avenue School, the PTA hosted a science fair aimed at encouraging interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The event featured interactive activities led by parent and alumni volunteers, including a hands-on slime-making station presented

by Mad Science of Long Island.

“We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Brooklyn Avenue School PTA, the Mad Science team, and all volunteers and visitors for their invaluable contributions,” Brooklyn Avenue School Principal Scott Comis said. “Their support helped create a vibrant and enriching experience that highlighted the power of community in advancing student learning and enthusiasm for STEM.”

The fair was designed to promote student engagement through experiential learning and to involve families in the educational process. Refreshments and door prizes contributed to a communitycentered atmosphere.

Together, these recognitions and events reflect Valley Stream District 24’s emphasis on providing a range of learning opportunities that support both academic progress and broader student development.

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Oakley Bray was recognized with the Nassau BOCES George Farber Outstanding Student Award.

Elias Reynoso- Cortes, Jaiden Sukhram, Thomas Aguilar, Milan Singh, Gabrielle Clark, and Manuel Alejandro Guzman Cubas were honored by the South Asian American Women’s Alliance for their achievements.

Students participate in various STEM activities at the PTA-hosted science fair.

STEPPING OUT

June marks the arrival of one of the sweetest highlights of the year: strawberry season.

These vibrant, juicy berries are ripe for the picking, and their short window of peak freshness makes them all the more special. Now’s the perfect time to round up the family and head to one of the many local U-pick farms for a day of sun (hopefully), fun and berry gathering.

As spring gives way to summer, strawberries reach their ﬂavorful peak here on Long Island, ripening through June. There’s nothing quite like the taste of just-picked fruit, so skip the cross-country supermarket imports and opt for homegrown goodness instead.

Once you’ve ﬁlled your baskets, bring the harvest back to your kitchen for a round of delicious homemade treats. Whether enjoyed by the handful or baked into something special, fresh strawberries are the perfect ingredient to brighten up any dish.

Double Strawberry Cheesecake

A classic cheesecake takes on added ﬂavor with the addition of some luscious berries.

Graham cracker crust

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (about 9 1/2 crackers)

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling and topping

• 16 ounces strawberries

• 4 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, room temperature

• 1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 4 large eggs

• 1 cup sour cream

Prepare graham cracker crust:

Preheat oven to 350° F. Stir graham cracker crumbs, melted butter and sugar together in a medium bowl. Press into bottom and at least 1-inch up sides of a 9-inch non-stick springform

Boogie on with Disco Unlimited

butter). Bake until crust is golden brown, about 12 minutes. Let cool completely on a wire rack. Reduce oven to 300° F.

Then prepare ﬁlling:

Hull 1/2 of the strawberries and puree in a blender or food processor. You should have about 3/4 cup puree. Beat cream cheese and 1 1/4 cups sugar in an electric mixer ﬁtted with paddle attachment on low speed until smooth. Beat in vanilla until well combined. Add eggs, 1 at a time, on low speed, beating well after each addition and scraping sides of bowl as needed. Beat in strawberry puree until blended.

Pour batter into cooled pan. Bake cheesecake about 1 hour 20 minutes or until edges are just set and center jiggles slightly. Remove from oven and let cool on wire rack 5 minutes.

Stir together sour cream and remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in a medium bowl. Spread sour cream mixture on top of cheesecake in an even layer. Return to oven and bake 5 minutes longer. Turn oven off and prop the door ajar with the handle of a wooden spoon. Let cool in oven 1 hour. Remove from oven and cool completely. Place in refrigerator and chill until cold throughout, 4 to 6 hours or overnight.

Using the remaining strawberries, halve them and arrange in concentric circles on top of cheesecake to serve.

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Another summery favorite, for the pie lovers among us. Strawberries and rhubarb are a match made in heaven.

• 1 unbaked homemade double piecrust

• 2 1/2 cups rhubarb, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces

(about 3 large stalks)

• 2 1/2 cups hulled and sliced fresh strawberries

• 1 cup sugar

• 1/3 cup all purpose ﬂour or 1/4 cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

• 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1/4inch pieces

Savor some ﬂavorful berries

• 1 large egg yolk beaten to blend with 1 teaspoon water (for glaze)

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F. Prepare the bottom crust by rolling out one of the pastry disks to an 11-inch circle. Nestle the crust inside the pan so about an inch hangs over the sides. Press the pastry down. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and place in the freezer for about 10 minutes.

2. Mix the fruit with the sugar, ﬂour (or cornstarch) and lemon zest. Using the tines of a fork, poke the bottom of the pie crust evenly about ﬁve times. Pour the fruit mixture into the chilled pastry. Dot with the butter pieces.

3. Moisten the edge of the bottom crust with a ﬁnger dipped in water. Put on the top pastry in one piece and slice in a few air vents, or in a lattice pattern, trim, and crimp the edges.

4. Brush the egg glaze over the crust. Transfer the pie to a baking sheet.

Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and bake another 30 minutes longer, or until the crust is golden brown and the ﬁlling is bubbling.

Remove from the oven and cool on a rack before serving.

Strawberry Avocado Salad

A refreshing and addicting summer salad.

• 2 tablespoons white sugar

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 teaspoons honey

• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 2 cups torn salad greens

• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced

• 10 strawberries, sliced

• ½ cup chopped pecans (or your nut of choice)

In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar, olive oil, honey, vinegar, and lemon juice. Set aside. Place the salad greens in a pretty bowl, and top with sliced avocado and strawberries. Drizzle dressing over everything, then sprinkle with pecans. Refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving, or serve immediately.

Disco fever arrives at Eisenhower Park’s Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre. When Disco Unlimited hits the stage, you are instantly transported to a time when Saturday nights meant white suits, platform shoes and your very best dance moves. Capturing a time in music that to this day has not been matched, the exhilarating band draws you in with their powerful vocals, tight harmonies and dance grooves — all coupled with a synchronized stage and light show that creates an unforgettable concert experience. Close your eyes and it seems as if you’re listening to the original artists. Hear the best of Tavares, France Jolie, The Trammps, Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes, Yvonne Elliman, Anita Ward, Deney Terrio, George McCrae, Bonnie Pointer, Melba Moore, Maxine Nightingale, Carol Douglas, and so much more. This group of unique and experienced musicians love and live disco. As always, bring seating Saturday, June 21, 7-9 p.m. Eisenhower Park, East Meadow. For information, visit nassaucountyny.gov/ parks.

The Fab Faux

The Beatles ﬁnd their way back to the stage — in the form of The Fab Faux. The band treats the seminal music with unwavering respect — known for their painstaking recreations of the songs (with emphasis on the later works never performed live by the Beatles). Far beyond being extended cover sets, their shows are an inspired rediscovery of The Beatles’ musical magic. In this concert, you’ll hear “A Hard Day’s Night” and “Abbey Road” in their entireties. In addition to their note-for-note accuracy, the band is famous for blurring the lines slightly and injecting their own musical personalities into the performances. Imagine hearing complex material like “Strawberry Fields Forever” or “I Am the Walrus” performed in complete part-perfect renditions; or such harmony-driven songs as “Because”, “Nowhere Man”, and “Paperback Writer,” reproduced with extra vocalists to achieve a doubletracked effect. That’s The Fab Faux experience.

Saturday, June 21, 8 p.m. $125, $110, $89.50, $79.50, $69.50, $49.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Double Strawberry Cheesecake

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

Strawberry Avocado Salad

pan (if pan is not nonstick, brush ﬁrst with melted

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

JUNE 19

‘Summer of Love’ Pet Adoption

The Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter welcomes summer with the return of its “Summer of Love” pet adoption program. Now through Sept. 1 all pet adoption fees will be waived, making it easier than ever to adopt a pet. Each adoption includes free spaying/neutering, vaccinations and microchipping. Additionally, there is only a $10 licensing fee for dogs. This summer, spread the love and provide a fur-ever home to these shelter animals. Check out the friendly faces of the dogs and cat before arriving at shelter. Browse photos and profiles at hempsteadny.gov/179/ animal-shelter or on the shelter’s Facebook page.

•Where: 3320, Beltagh Ave., Wantagh

•Time: Ongoing

•Contact: at hempsteadny. gov/179/animal-shelter or (516) 785-5220

Juneteenth Jubilee

Celebrate Juneteenth at Valley Stream State Park. The event includes cultural entertainment, food, interactive activities, children’s games, and a special performance by The Long Island Nets Dance Team. Plus, a basketball clinic for kids 7–14 and educational talks by Assemblywoman Michaelle C. Solages and OPRHP Chief Diversity Officer Yolanda Bostic-Williams.

•Where: Valley Stream State Park

•Time: Noon-5 p.m.

•Contact: (516) 825-4128 or parks.ny.gov/events

JUNE

Teen Volunteering: Mini-Art Show

JUNE

Led Zeppelin fans, rejoice!

Die Zauberflöte, vintage fashion items by such designers as Alfred Shaheen, and iconic costumes from the Folies-Bergère in Paris.

On view June 28 to Nov. 9.

•Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

•Time: Ongoing

•Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

JUNE

Teens in grades 7-12 can help make a miniart piece for Henry Waldinger Memorial Library’s Summer Art Show.

•Where: 60 Verona Place

•Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

•Contact: valleystreamlibrary.org

JUNE

20 Gibson Community Yard Sale

Kick off summer at the Gibson Community Yard Sale. Neighborhood homes offer hidden treasures and unique finds.

•Where: 90 Gibson Blvd.

•Time: 1-7 p.m., also June 22

•Contact: gibsonvs.org

JUNE

Rainbow Run

Join the Long Island running community for a prideful run in Eisenhower Park, supporting PFY, a division of the Long Island Crisis Center.

•Where: Eisenhower Park Field 2

•Time: 9 a.m.

•Contact: EliteFeats.com/25rainbow

Summer Concert

JUNE 25

Rock out with the ultimate tribute to Foreigner and Journey, featuring all the classic hits you know and love.

•Where: Valley Stream Village Green

•Time: 8 p.m.

•Contact: Vsvny.org

JUNE

Tunes in the park

Eisenhower Park welcomes the classic pop-rock band Orleans and Atlantic Rhythm Section for an lively evening of tunes under the stars. Rock on to “So Into You,” “Champagne Jam,” “Imaginary Lover,” “Homesick.”

Enjoy Orleans classic trademark harmonies that come alive in their iconic radio hits, including “Still The One,” “ance With Me,” and “Love Takes Time.”

•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

•Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

Little Learners Art Lab

Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to hands-on materials, artmaking, and inspiration from artists and techniques. Young kids, ages 2-5, build critical thinking skills, expand vocabulary, and support imaginations as they play, create and explore. This week families explore texture by making an octopus bubble wrap print and creating sea creatures. $4 with museum admission.

•Where: Museum Row, Garden City

•Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon

•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

JUNE 27

Project Management Training

Get certified in project management techniques at the

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Get The Led Out returns to the Paramount with “A Celebration of the Mighty Zep,” two electrifying nights of classic rock, running through June 28. The six veteran musicians who make up the Philadelphia-based group delivers Led Zeppelin live with the all passion and fury these blues-soaked, groove-driven rock anthems deserve. Hailed for their powerful tribute to what many consider the greatest rock band of all time, the band delivers a faithful and high-octane recreation of Zeppelin’s iconic sound. From thunderous anthems to mystical acoustic ballads, GTLO captures the full range of Led Zeppelin’s brilliance — complete with the layered instrumentation and soaring dynamics that the band rarely performed live. When an album calls for three guitars, GTLO brings three guitarists to the stage — no shortcuts, no gimmicks. With no wigs or phony accents, just pure musical passion, GTLO focuses on the legendary band’s early years and dives deep into beloved hits and rare cuts alike. Their approach is reverent and precise, more like a classical concert than a cover band — a true celebration of timeless rock. $75, $45, $35.

classroom training and live virtual training.

•Where: Regus Valley Stream, 70 E Sunrise Hwy Suite 500

•Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., also June 28

•Contact: (570) 630-9318

JUNE

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art unveils its new exhibition, “At Play,”

a survey of artists’ perennial fascination with entertainment in all forms. Framing this topic between the nineteenth century Belle Époque and today, the exhibit includes works by Pablo Picasso, Reginald Marsh, Everett Shinn, and Max Beckmann among many others. The works are gathered to represent a wide range of expressions, from entertainmentrelated activities to the fascinating personalities involved. It encompasses dance, music, theater, movies, circus, boating, and beach scenes, along with horseracing and various sports, both active and passive Also featured are archival items from The Metropolitan Opera and the New York Philharmonic, including costumes by Marc Chagall for

Kiwanis Bicycle Challenge Ride in support of others. The Nassau Bicycle Challenge (formerly Nassau to Suffolk Bicycle Challenge) supports the work of the Kiwanis Club of North Shore Foundation. It supports charities such as Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center, Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation, Kamp Kiwanis, NOSH, Boys and Girls Club and Kiwanis International “Serving the Children of the World”, including Kiwanis’ signature programs of Klothes 4 Kids, Koats 4 Kids and Kicks 4 Kids. The beautiful ride through the Gold Coast features picturesque vistas and water views. Choose from a 25 mile loop with 1,060 feet of vertical climb or the more challenging ride with an additional 10 mile loop, totalling 35 miles, with 1,600 feet of vertical climb. Routes are clearly marked and ride is equipped with a rest stop. Snacks and water provided. Sponsorships also available. Online registration ends June 24, but walkins are welcome. Online registration is $50, day of is $60.

•Where: Starting at Harry Tappen Beach, Sea Cliff

•Time: Staggered starts, rain or shine

•Contact: n2nbc.org

Summer tunes

JULY 2

Experience the magic of Chicago’s timeless hits with Make Me Smile, the ultimate Chicago tribute band.

•Where: Valley Stream Village Green

•Time: 8 p.m.

•Contact: Vsvny.org

Having an event?

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

Wellness gala raises awareness for men’s health and kidney disease

The Wellness Gala, held during Men’s Health Week from June 9 to 15, brought community members together for a night of education, entertainment and health awareness at VFW Post 1790.

The event, hosted by a local wellness ministry on June 14, aimed to spotlight men’s health and kidney disease.

“While there is significant awareness surrounding women’s health, men’s health often receives far less attention,” organizer Wendy Walker said. “The Lord gave me the theme of kidney health for this year’s gala. As a Nurse Practitioner, I frequently see patients with diabetes, and I know that uncontrolled diabetes significantly increases the risk of kidney disease.”

The idea began three years ago and took shape with planning efforts that started last year. A dedicated team, including family members and community collaborators, worked together to bring the event to life.

The evening featured an educational session by nephrologist Dr. Stafford John, alongside personal testimonies from individuals impacted by kidney disease. Guests also participated in a lively game of Wellness Jeopardy, covering topics from kidney health to general wellness.

45 attendees enjoyed a mix of informative talks, dancing, games and dining. Guests engaged in health discus-

sions and sharing in the celebration.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing appreciation for the valuable insights gained and the quality of the event.

Proceeds from the gala will support future health and wellness events.

While the team operated without formal sponsors this year, they received various contributions and hope for more community partnerships.

Despite challenges in marketing and financing, the strong turnout and enthusiastic participation exceeded expectations. The team credits their close collaboration and shared mission for the event’s success.

Plans are already underway for next year’s event, which will mark the fifth anniversary of the nonprofit.

–Angelina Zingariello

Alice Moreno/Herald Dr. Stafford John answers questions from the crowd regarding kidney disease.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON TRUST, N.A., NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS TRUSTEE OF MFRA TRUST 2015-1, Plaintiff, vs. SEBASTIAN A. LEONARDI A/K/A SEBASTIAN LEONARDI, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 30, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 1, 2025 at 4:00 p.m., premises known as 123 Albermarle Avenue, 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, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 607 and Lot 22. Approximate amount of judgment is $545,528.46 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #611066/2020.

Cary David Kessler, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 191501-3 153782

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF LSF9 MASTER PARTICIPATION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST CARMEN COREAS, DANIEL COREAS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 30, 2024, 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 July 1, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 34 East Avenue, 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, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37 Block 192 and Lot 8. Approximate amount of judgment $596,120.29 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605700/2023. Peter L. Kramer, Esq., Referee Phone: 516-510-4020 Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-000154 85581 153724

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. FNA DZ, LLC, Pltf. vs. FRANK LONGOR, et al, Defts. Index #608597/2024. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered May 23, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on July 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. prem. k/a Section 37, Block 672 Lot (s) 15 CA 271 U 1011. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the sale and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law. CHRISTINE MENDOLA GRILLO, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Drive, Great Neck, NY. #102344 153959

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY LAKEVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff against NICOLE SERRETTE, et al

Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered April 23, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 2 Ash Lane, Valley Stream, NY 11581. Sec 39 Block 561 Lot 129. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being near Valley Stream, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Approximate Amount of Judgment is $499,452.30 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 603525/2020.

During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Kenneth L Gartner, Esq., Referee File # NY201800000187-4 154051

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff - against - JEAN M. PETION, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on October 17, 2016. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 15th day of July, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Valley Stream, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 1630 Arkansas Dr., Valley Stream, NY 11580-1806.

(Section: 37, Block: 670, Lot: 28)

Approximate amount of lien $848,367.70 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 000588/2012. Wayne Henry Wink, Jr., Esq., Referee. Stein, Wiener & Roth LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 1400 Old Country Road, Suite 315 Westbury, NY Tel. 516/742-1212

For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: April 29, 2025

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

154018

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, as amended, a public hearing will be held in

the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 1st day of July, 2025, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Chapter l90 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead by the insertion of two locations into Section l90-4, subdivision “A”, in relation to a 20 mph school speed limit, 7 AM to 6 PM, school days, as follows: “A” - 20 mph school speed limit 7 AM to 6 PM school days

(NR)VALLEY STREAM, Corona Avenuebetween Thompson Street to Blakeman Drive. (TH-183/25)

NORTH MERRICK, Meadowbrook Roadbetween Southern State Parkway exit ramp to Sandra Lane to the west and Sutton Place to the east. (TH-218/25)

The proposed local law is on file in the office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Hempstead, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, where same may be inspected during office hours.

ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: June 17, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 154145

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 1st day of July, 2025, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of

Hempstead to INCLUDE and REPEAL “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following locations:

BALDWIN ROCKWOOD AVENUE (TH 235/25) East SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting from the north curbline of Merrick Road, north for a distance of 72 feet.

ELMONT

BEDFORD AVENUE (TH 241/25) South SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 70 feet west of the west curbline of Remsen Street, west for a distance of 18 feet.

HEWLETT

MEACHAM AVENUE (TH 250/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the south curbline of R Street, south for a distance of 30 feet.

MEACHAM AVENUE (TH 250/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the north curbline of R Street, north for a distance of 30 feet.

PRINCETON AVENUE (TH 247/25) South Side - NO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 484 feet east of the east curbline of Broadway, east for a distance of 22 feet.

SEAFORD MARTIN COURT (TH 480/24) North SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 305 feet east of the east curbline of Sidney Court, south for a distance of 52 feet.

SEAMANS NECK ROAD (TH 249/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Lawrence Road, north for a distance of 45 feet.

SEAMANS NECK ROAD (TH 249/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Lawrence Road, south for a distance of 50 feet.

LAWRENCE ROAD (TH 249/25) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Seamans Neck Road, east for a distance of 30 feet.

LAWRENCE ROAD (TH 249/25) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Seamans Neck Road, east for a distance of 30 feet.

(NR)VALLEY STREAM CORONA AVENUE (TH 183/25) West SideNO STOPPING

ANYTIME - starting at a point 160 feet opposite a point south of the south curbline of

Blakeman Drive, south for a distance of 1728 feet.