Valley Stream Herald 07-16-2026

VALLEY STREAM

Camp Barrett welcomed its campers back on June 29 for the six-week outdoor camp, which runs through Aug. 7, serving Village of Valley Stream residents and the Valley Stream Central High School District.

Campers gather in Barrett Park Village fixture returns with activities and friendships

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

Camp Barrett is back in session for another summer, welcoming nearly 400 campers to Barrett Park as one of the Village of Valley Stream’s longstanding recreation programs.

The six-week outdoor camp began June 29 and runs through Aug. 7, serving residents of the Village of Valley Stream and the Valley Stream Central High School District. Operating out of Barrett Park in South Valley Stream, the program offers full-day and half-day options for children entering kindergarten through age 14.

“For many decades, Camp Barrett has been a summertime mainstay for a great

many Valley Stream families,” Mayor Ed Fare said. “Our counselors and staff have put a lot of time and thought into making the camp experience positively great for the children. This program offers an enriching recreational outlet in a safe and nurturing environment when youngsters are not in school, and parents are looking for ways to keep their children safe, happy and busy.”

Campers rotate through activities throughout the day, including arts and crafts, playground time, outdoor games, imaginative play and water activities. During periods of hot weather, additional sprinkler and water-based activities are incorporated to help campers stay cool while

aims lawsuit at Walmart

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

A former Walmart team lead who worked at the company’s Uniondale and Valley Stream stores has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that the company failed to protect him after he repeatedly reported workplace harassment at the Uniondale location and later retaliated against him by firing him.

Shawn White, 38, of the Hempstead area, who worked for Walmart from March 2019 until June 2023, filed the lawsuit May 6 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York. The complaint names Wal-Mart Stores East LP as the defendant, and alleges violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the New York State Human Rights Law. The suit claims that Walmart failed to adequately investigate White’s complaints, failed to enforce its own workplace policies and ultimately retaliated against him for reporting alleged harassment.

“We do not comment on active litigation,” Walmart’s representation responded when asked for comment.

The lawsuit includes allegations against White’s former manager at the Uniondale location, Robin Ford, said to be in her 40s and a resident of Nassau County.

As of press time, the Herald was unable to locate Ford to request comment, and she is neither a defendant nor a plantiff in the case. White said his goal is not to focus on one individual, but rather on what he believes were systemic failures in Walmart’s reporting and investigation process.

“Ultimately, I just want Walmart to do better,” White said. “They have systems and things in place, or they claim to, but I wasn’t helped by that system.”

According to the complaint, White began working at Walmart’s Uniondale location in March 2019 as a sales associate. After taking part in a store

ContinueD on pAge 12

Courtesy

Camp Barrett

Green Acres hosts World Soccer Festival

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

Soccer fans gathered at Green Acres Mall last Sunday for the shopping center’s inaugural World Soccer Festival, a free community event celebrating the world’s most popular sport during the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup.

Although no World Cup match was scheduled during the festival, the event gave fans an opportunity to step away from the tournament and celebrate the sport through live entertainment, community organizations and interactive activities.

Held from 2 to 4 p.m. in Green Acres’ Center Court, the festival featured professional soccer freestyler Mo Omar, recognized as one of the United Kingdom’s top young freestyle soccer performers. Attendees watched live freestyle demonstrations and had opportunities to meet Omar and take photos.

Guests also participated in a prize wheel featuring gift cards, received Green Acres-branded cooling towels and soccer-themed pins from Soccer USA and Global Soccer, and explored shopping options for soccer-inspired apparel at retailers including Macy’s, Old Navy, Champs and more.

“At Green Acres, we are always looking for new ways to bring our community together through engaging experiences,” Jill Bromberg, marketing and

Soccer fans came together at Green Acres Mall last Sunday for the shopping center’s first ever World Soccer Festival.

community relations manager at Green Acres, said. “Our World Soccer Festival is an exciting opportunity to celebrate the world’s most popular sport while welcoming families, local soccer organizations and fans of all ages for a fun, free afternoon of entertainment.”

Several local soccer organizations also participated in the event.

The Richmond Benevolent Founda -

tion, based in Mill Brook, recognized players with special awards following its one-day free soccer event last Saturday.

Valley Stream Soccer Club hosted an informational table for attendees interested in learning more about the organization.

The Island FC, Long Island’s only professional soccer team, also partici-

pated in the festival. The club is an official Major League Soccer NEXT Pro club and plans to launch its Major League Soccer NEXT Pro team in 2027 as part of its player development pathway from youth soccer to the professional level.

“Thank you to Green Acres for having us and for bringing the soccer community together,” Travis Lamprecht, president of business operations of The Island FC, said. “Events like this are a great reminder of the passion for the game across Long Island, and we’re proud to be part of helping grow the sport throughout our community.”

New York State Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages’ office presented citations to local soccer clubs.

“It was a pleasure to join families and young people at Green Acres for the World Soccer Festival,” Solages said. “Mo Omar’s freestyle performance brought wonderful energy to the afternoon, and it was a meaningful opportunity to recognize the local residents and organizations whose dedication continues to strengthen our community.”

The festival combined entertainment, youth soccer recognition and community engagement as fans continued to follow one of the summer’s biggest soccer tournaments while celebrating the sport locally.

Courtesy Green Acres Mall

Meet Central high school’s new principal

Former Memorial principal Bret Strauss steps into new role

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

Valley Stream Central High School will welcome a familiar face as its new principal, with longtime district educator Bret Strauss set to assume the role.

Strauss brings more than two decades of experience in the Valley Stream Central High School District, where he has served as a teacher, dean, assistant principal and, most recently, principal of Memorial Junior High School. His appointment marks a return to the high school where he began his career in the district in 2002 as a business education teacher.

“It’s kind of like a full circle moment coming back to where I started as a teacher,” Strauss said. “I’ve always had a love of Central and a respect for the building because I know how many great programs there are. I’m super excited to work with the people that I worked with when I left. It’s almost like a family reunion.”

A graduate of Towson State University with a degree in business and marketing, Strauss initially worked outside education after college. He spent six years running his family’s tuxedo business before deciding to pursue a new career. After earning a master’s degree in business education from Hofstra University, he joined Central High School as a business teacher.

After seven years in the classroom, Strauss became dean of students at Central in 2009. Two years later, he moved to Memorial Junior High School as assistant principal, where he oversaw guidance, testing and master scheduling before being named principal in 2016.

During his decade leading Memorial, the school earned recognition as both a National and New York State Essential Elements: School to Watch, an honor presented by the New York State Education Department and the New York State Middle School Association.

Under Strauss’ leadership, Memorial became the pilot site for several initiatives that later expanded throughout the district, including restorative practices, Girls Inc. and My Brother’s Keeper. The school also served as the starting point for programs such as The Writing Revolution and Building Thinking Classrooms, while the Memorial Community for Social Justice Committee helped lay the foundation for districtwide equity teams.

Strauss is especially proud of the culture developed at Memorial during his tenure.

“We’ve built a real pride around our building between the PTSA, teachers, the staff and the community,” Strauss said. “I think there’s just such a solid and strong love of the school and the community, and that I think is probably the part I feel most proud of.”

His experience at the junior high level also shaped his perspective as an educator. Having worked closely with students transitioning from elementary school into high school. He has developed a deeper understanding of both the challenges students face and the preparation needed for success at the high school level.

Now returning to Central, Strauss looks forward to reconnecting with the school community and gaining a broader view of its academic and career programs. Among the opportunities he is eager to explore are the school’s career and technical education offerings, including automotive, culinary and cosmetology programs, as well as its Advanced Placement courses, college preparation efforts, varsity athletics and other hallmark aspects of the high school experience.

“When I’m a teacher, and I’m just working amongst it, but when I’m the principal, and I get to really see it, I just get a better view of it,” Strauss said. “I’m excited to sort of see all of that from a bigger perspective.”

Rather than introducing immediate changes, Strauss plans to spend his first months learning the school’s culture, traditions and strengths before considering future initiatives. His priority will be understanding what is already working well and determining how best to support students and staff.

Because many current Central students previously attended Memorial, Strauss will begin his new role with

an existing connection to much of the student body and many families. He intends to remain a visible presence throughout the school by spending time in classrooms, hallways and common areas while continuing to build relationships with students and parents. He also plans to hold orientation sessions for juniors and seniors, in addition to the school’s traditional sophomore orientation, to introduce himself to families before the school year begins.

Outside of school, Strauss enjoys spending time with his family. He and his wife have two children, including a

daughter who teaches social studies and a son who is a student at Hofstra University. He also enjoys reading, cooking, walking his dog, Ozzy, and following basketball as a longtime New York Knicks fan.

For Strauss, the opportunity to lead Central represents a return to the school where his career in education began more than 20 years ago. Drawing on experience gained across multiple roles in the district, he now steps into the position with familiarity with both the school community and the students he has helped guide throughout their educational journey.

Photos courtesy Valley Stream Central High School District

Fabian Jara, left, will be taking on Bret Strauss’s former role as principal of Memorial Junior High School.

Strauss is an active member of his school community.

Your writer has often stated that, in elder law, there is more misinformation than information. For example, one of the most pernicious myths about MAPTs is that they lose the stepped-up basis at death. Indeed, a syndicated columnist under the byline “Ask the Expert” recently wrote “...the IRS has determined that assets in an irrevocable trust don’t qualify for a step-up in tax basis at your death.”

For those unfamiliar with the step-up in basis, it works this way. Let’s say you bought your house many years ago for $200,000 and when you pass away it is worth $850,000. The basis gets stepped-up from what you paid to what it was worth on the date of your death. If the heirs sell it shortly after inheriting, they pay no capital gain tax. Savings would be about $200,000 in taxes!

In 2023, the IRS issued a widely misunderstood Revenue Ruling stating that a certain type of irrevocable trust did not get the stepped-up basis. In tax law, it is well understood that (1) if assets pass at death they are includible in the estate and get the stepped-up basis, and (2) if the assets are given away during your lifetime, they keep your original basis. You either get the tax break of the

stepped-up basis and inclusion in the estate OR you get the exclusion from the estate but no stepup. Some aggressive tax lawyers tried to write a trust that purported to get both -- inclusion for capital gains tax purposes but exclusion for estate tax purposes. The 2023 IRS ruling simply stated that you cannot have your cake and eat it too. If the taxpayer claims the irrevocable trust is excluded from the estate for estate tax purposes, then no step-up in basis will be allowed.

Seeing as the estate tax exemption for New York is $7.35 million, most clients are not concerned about inclusion for estate-tax purposes, they want the step-up! Every elder law attorney worth their salt knows this and drafts the MAPT as a “Grantor Trust” keeping the trust assets in the estate.

A very common way of doing this is to provide a “power of appointment” giving the grantor (creator of the trust) the right to change who they leave it to. This way the gift is “incomplete” until death, as which time the grantor can no longer change it. Since the gift is only “completed” at death, it is included in the estate and gets the stepup.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

Crime watCh

According to Nassau County police, Rose Yee, 68, became involved in a verbal argument with a 68-year-old man where she allegedly threw lit matches at the man, threatened to burn the house down and set a clothing item on fire in front of the home.

Woman charged after allegedly throwing matches, threatening to burn down home

A 68-year-old woman was arrested following a domestic dispute July 13 in Valley Stream.

According to Nassau County police, the incident occurred at about 8:40 p.m. at a Valley Stream residence. Police said Rose Yee, 68, became involved in a verbal argument with a 68-year-old man. During the dispute, she allegedly threw lit matches at the man, threatened to burn the house down and set a clothing item on fire in front of the home.

No injuries were reported.

Police said their investigation determined Yee had violated an active order of protection. She was taken to a local hospital for evaluation following her arrest.

Yee was charged with criminal contempt and menacing. She was scheduled to be arraigned July 14 at First District Court in Hempstead.

— Angelina Zingariello

Fire watCh

Multiple fire departments respond to early morning house fire in Valley Stream

The Arson Bomb Squad reports details of a Fire on July 11 at 1:22 a.m. in Valley Stream.

According to detectives, officers responded to a residential fire located on Eastwood Lane. Upon arrival, officers observed flames coming from behind the house.

The Valley Stream Fire Department, along with additional fire departments,

responded to extinguish the fire.

No other injuries were reported. The Red Cross was notified and responded to assist the displaced residents.

The Nassau County Fire Marshal and Arson Bomb Squad Detectives responded to the scene.

The investigation is ongoing.

— Angelina Zingariello

Ext. 232 E-mail: legalnotices@liherald.com

Central H.S. district board reorganizes for 2026-27

By JANE BAGATTA Herald Intern

The Valley Stream Central High School District Board of Education held its annual reorganization meeting July 7.

The meeting began with nominations for board president. District 24 Trustee Patricia Farrell nominated fellow District 24 Trustee John Maier for president. Maier was elected unanimously and assumed leadership of the meeting, switching seats with former President Kelly Ureña. He was sworn in by school attorney Christopher Shishko.

“As board President, my focus is on making sure every student in this district has access to opportunities,” Maier said. “That means expanding academic programs, arts, career and technical pathways, and extracurriculars so students can find what they’re good at and pursue it. I also want to make sure our teachers have the support and resources they need because you can’t expand opportunities for students without investing in the people delivering them.”

Maier has been a Valley Stream resident since 2003, and his daughter attended Valley Stream schools. He joined his daughter’s school’s PTA, eventually serving as co-president of the organization. In 2013, he was elected to the Valley Stream Board of Education, where he previously chaired several committees and served as vice president.

“I think this board has done a good job maintaining fiscal responsibility while still protecting core programs for students even

as the district has faced mounting budget pressures, enrollment changes and state funding challenges,” Maier said. “I do believe there’s more we can do, particularly when it comes to expanding opportunities for students. I want to build on what’s worked and push further on the areas where I think we can do better.”

After Maier was sworn in, nominations for vice president were taken, with Farrell nominating District 13 Trustee Anthony Grosso. Like Maier, Grosso was elected unanimously. Because Grosso was not present at the meeting, his oath of office was postponed. Afterward, Superintendent Wayne Loper and District Clerk Dina Innel-

la also took their annual oaths of office. The board’s business meeting began immediately following the reorganization meeting. Kelly Whitney-Rivera, the Valley Stream Central High School District’s director of guidance and chief information officer, spoke about the New York State Major Life Event Exemption, a policy that allows high school students to be exempt from taking Regents exams if they have experienced an event beyond their control that prevents them from taking, preparing for or performing well on the exams.

Whitney-Rivera described how the Valley Stream Central High School District enacted the plan, as well as the major life events that qualify a student for an exemption, including cancer treatment, hospitalization, serious injury, a house fire, the death of a parent or person in parental relation, homelessness, and trauma related to deportation or detainment.

Other issues covered during the business meeting included diversity hiring, efforts to connect current students with Historically Black Colleges and Universities, and ways the district has promoted careers in the education field to students.

One member of the public spoke during the public comment period at the end of the meeting. Shehla Islam, a Valley Stream resident whose children attend South High School, spoke about support for English as a New Language students and issues regarding communication between those students’ families and the school.

Jane Bagatta/Herald

John Maier, left, was sworn in as Valley Stream Central High School District board president by school attorney Christopher Shishko.

HERALD SPORTS

First rounders shine at Isles development camp

By TONY BELLISSIMO

tbellissimo@liherald.com

Unlike 2025 when the New York Islanders selected three players within the first 17 picks of the NHL Draft, including eventual unanimous Calder Trophy winning defenseman Matthew Schaefer No. 1 overall, they had only one pick in the first three rounds this year.

That came at No. 13 overall when Schaefer, in Buffalo for draft weekend June 26-27, stepped to the podium to announce the selection of 6-foot-4, 203-pound left-shot defenseman Malte Gustafsson.

“I’m a big two-way defender, I like to contribute all over the ice,” said the 18-year-old Gustafsson, who played 27 games in the Swedish Hockey League with HV71. “I like to use my size, my length and I play physical. Being annoying is part of my game,” he added.

Gustafsson was one of 37 players at Islanders Development Camp June 29-July 2 and impressed in the Blue & White Scrimmage played before an overflow crowd July 1 at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow.

Gustafsson signed a one-year contract to remain with HV71 for the 2026-27 season, but perhaps one day he’ll be teammates with fellow Swedes Simon Holmstrom, Emil Heineman and Victor Eklund.

The latter two became Islanders property during the early stages of the 2025 Draft when General Manager Mathieu Darche dealt defenseman Noah Dobson to Montreal. Heineman scored 22 goals in his debut season on Long Island, while Eklund, drafted 16th, and defenseman Kashawn Aitcheson, 17th, were nothing short of dynamic in the SHL and Ontario Hockey League, respectively.

Eklund is very much looking forward to playing a full season in North America, either with the Islanders or recently relocated Hamilton Hammers of the American Hockey League. The 19-year-old winger registered 6 goals and 18 assists in 43 games for Djurgardens IF in the SHL and made his way to the Bridgeport Islanders (10 points in nine games) and ultimately Long Island for his NHL debut April 14. He recorded his first NHL point, an assist, against Carolina.

“I think I made the right decision at the end of last season to come to North America and adapt as fast as I can,” Eklund said after the Blue & White Scrimmage. “Being here with the boys and playing in front of the fans is a lot of fun. Now I’m looking to get stronger, gain weight and be ready for camp in September.”

Aitcheson, who brings a rare combination of physicality and offensive sizzle, is ready for the next step as well after the 19-year-old earned the OHL’s Most Outstanding Defenseman award after posting 70 points (28 goals, 34 assists) during the regular season and 27 in the playoffs (8, 19) for the Barrie Colts, helping them to the finals.

“Just putting my head down and putting the work in,” Aitcheson said. “This is another step to get ready for training camp. It’s been fun so far.”

Nobody had more fun at the Blue & White Scrimmage than Gleb Veremyev, an undrafted 23-year-old 6-5, 218pound forward born in Brooklyn. He had a hat trick to lead Team Blue to a 6-3 victory and also scored the winner in a shootout that followed the 40-minute game.

“I’m trying to take everything in this summer, and I feel like I have something to prove for the rest of my career,” Veremyev said.

Kashawn Aitcheson, one of the Islanders’ three first-round picks in 2025 is ready for the next level after starring in the Ontario Hockey League.

Tony Bellissimo/Herald photos

Goaltender Sam Hillebrandt made a stop on Jesse Nurmi during development camp held June 29-July 2 at Northwell Health Ice Center in East Meadow.

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Camp Barrett continues long summer tradition

remaining active outdoors.

Optional field trips are also offered throughout the summer and include destinations such as Adventureland, bowling alleys, movie theaters, the Long Island Aquarium, Laser Bounce, Pump It Up, and, new this year, the New York Hall of Science in Queens.

“It was incredibly hot with the heat wave, but our kids enjoyed the sprinklers and the water activities on those hot days,” Nicole Winter, the camp’s director, said. “They’re enjoying going on the field trips, and it seems like they’re having a good time despite the earlier weather. The campers have really enjoyed getting to see their friends again.”

According to Winter, arts and crafts, obstacle courses and field trips remain among the activities campers enjoy most each summer.

Camp Barrett is organized into seven divisions based on age and grade level, including a Purple Division for campers who have completed seventh grade and are up to 14 years old. That program combines traditional camp activities with opportunities for participants to assist younger campers as “camp buddies,” helping prepare them for future leadership roles. 15-year-olds may then apply to become volunteer counselors-intraining, assisting with camp programs while gaining workplace experience.

The camp employs just under 100 staff members, including counselors,

counselors-in-training, supervisors, assistant directors, first-aid personnel and administrative staff.

Before camp begins each summer, counselors participate in training covering daily operations, working with children who may require additional support, and brushing up on field trip procedures and school bus safety. Supervisors and directors also maintain CPR and first aid certification before the season begins.

Campers can also look forward to weekly special events, including Spirit Days and Bounce House Wednesdays, as well as larger traditions such as Color War, Carnival Day, scavenger hunts and other themed activities. Carnival Day, held on the second-to-last Friday of camp, features games, entertainment,

face painting and booths created by each camp group.

“I always hope that they come and they can make friends, build on their confidence, enjoy some free time that is screen-free, and hopefully learn how to be leaders and confident in themselves,” Winter said.

Those connections often continue into later school years, with campers meeting classmates from different elementary schools before attending high school together. She also noted that many former campers eventually return as counselors-in-training or staff members. About 15 current staff members attended Camp Barrett as campers themselves.

Camp Barrett serves as one part of the Village Recreation Department’s

broader slate of summer programming, which also includes concerts, movie nights, Family Fun Days, aquatics programs, swim team activities and car shows.

Department of Recreation Assistant Samantha O’Brien said local recreation programs provide opportunities for residents of all ages to participate in affordable activities close to home without needing to travel far. The department consistently receives positive feedback from families about Camp Barrett, as well as its other summer offerings.

“Camp Barrett has been a staple part of our recreation for years,” O’Brien said. “I know people who are my age, I’m in my 30s, who attended the camp as well. It’s been here forever. It’s become a staple. It’s growing. It’s becoming more. There’s more every year that Nicole puts together for us. So, it’s a huge part of our program.”

She added that its convenient location allows working parents to enroll their children in a nearby program while knowing their children are participating in supervised activities throughout the day.

As another summer gets underway, Camp Barrett continues to provide generations of Valley Stream families with a familiar place where children can spend time outdoors, participate in organized activities, develop new friendships, and return year after year as campers, volunteers and staff members.

Courtesy Camp Barrett

Campers took a trip to a movie theater to see a showing of “toy Story 5.”

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Fishing tradition reels families in for fun

The Village of Valley Stream’s annual Family Fishing Weekend returned to Arthur J. Hendrickson Park Lake on June 27 and 28, giving participants of all ages an opportunity to fish, learn basic angling skills and spend time outdoors.

Now in its 12th year, the free event was held in partnership with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation during one of the state’s designated freefishing weekends, when adults may fish in freshwater without a license.

DEC staff provided rods, bait and instruction on skills including knot tying, baiting hooks and casting, while participants also had the option of bringing their own equipment.

The event operated as a catch-and-release program using barbless hooks, with fish returned to the lake after being caught. Species found in Hendrickson Park Lake include freshwater carp, catfish, eels and sunfish, which have reproduced naturally in the lake for decades.

Family Fishing Weekend remains one of the few opportunities each year for the public to fish at Hendrickson Park Lake, where recreational fishing is otherwise prohibited.

–Angelina Zingariello

Tim Baker/Herald photos

From left, Gia Cali, Sayge Boutiette, Crissy Sorrentino, Joan Sorrentino and Will Boutiette, of Elmont and Amityville, spent the day together at Arthur J. Hendrickson Park Lake.

Giovanni Santiago, 10, of Valley Stream, proudly displayed the fish he caught.

From left, Carolina Walteros, Simon Saldarriaga and Robert Saldarriaga, of Valley Stream, gathered along the water’s edge.

Valley Stream mother and daughter, Kalaila and Ameta Halls, enjoyed time together by the lake. Noah Tran, 9, of Valley Stream, patiently cast his line.

He claims Walmart failed to protect him

remodeling project, he was promoted to department manager, and then promoted again in August 2021 to team lead and transferred to the Valley Stream store. There he supervised 50 to 60 associates and managed daily store operations. The lawsuit notes that White consistently received positive evaluations.

But shortly after White’s promotion in 2019, the complaint alleges, Ford, his direct supervisor at the time, began subjecting White to unwanted conduct, including sexually explicit text messages, unwelcome advances and repeated inappropriate comments. According to the suit, Ford allegedly attempted to sexually assault White during an encounter outside the Uniondale store in 2019.

Wfy as women face additional stigma and disbelief when they come forward.

Mondino added, “Workers should never face retaliation for reporting abuse, and Walmart must answer when they fail to protect their workers.”

almart must answer when they fail to protect their workers

Jennifer Mondino Senior director, Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund, National Women’s Law Center

“Sex harassment is, at its core, about an imbalance of power. It affects people of every sex and gender identity,” Jennifer Mondino, senior director of the Time’s Up Legal Defense Fund at the National Women’s Law Center, the defense fund providing legal and public relations support to White’s case, said in a statement. “Too often, men and people who don’t identi-

Rather than concentrating on the alleged harassment itself, the lawsuit argues that Walmart failed to respond appropriately after White repeatedly sought help through the company’s reporting channels.

White reported his concerns to supervisors, Walmart’s Ethics department and Associate Relations over several years, the lawsuit states. He claims that managers either failed to investigate his complaints or provided only limited responses, indicating that matters had been addressed without explaining how.

According to the lawsuit, White initially attempted to avoid further contact by transferring to another department, and later accepted a promotion at Walmart’s Valley Stream store. The complaint alleges, however, that Ford was subsequently transferred to the same location and allegedly attempted to defame his reputation at

work.

According to White, he was later subjected to a series of disciplinary actions that he did not believe were justified. He said that some referred to incidents he could not identify, and that managers sometimes issued disciplinary actions without explaining when the alleged conduct had occurred.

The lawsuit alleges those disciplinary actions created a paper trail that was ultimately used to justify his termination. White also claims that he was initially terminated in May 2022 and later reinstated with back pay in June 2022, only to ultimately lose his job on June 8, 2023. According to the complaint, Walmart cited declining job performance and other reasons for his termination, while White alleges that those reasons were pretext for retaliation after he repeatedly reported alleged harassment.

White also filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission before his employment ended. In an interview with the Herald, he noted that employers are typically notified after an EEOC filing and said he questioned the timing of his termination, which occurred shortly afterward. The lawsuit alleges that Walmart retaliated against him for engaging in protected activity by reporting alleged workplace harassment.

Under Title VII, employees are protected from discrimination based on sex and from retaliation for reporting alleged unlawful workplace conduct. The New York State Human Rights Law provides similar protections, and requires employers to take appropriate action when harassment complaints are reported. White alleges that Walmart violated both laws by failing to adequately address his complaints, and by retaliating against him after he made them.

White told the Herald that losing his job affected nearly every aspect of his life. After more than four years with Walmart, he said, the loss of his income created financial hardship for his family, and made it difficult to secure new employment. He also said that leaving behind the team he supervised was one of the most difficult parts of the experience, and noted that several former

against him by firing him.

coworkers remain in contact with him and have told him the workplace changed after his departure.

“I don’t think they looked at the impact that I also had on the fellow associates, and just creating a home for them to come in every day,” White said. “That’s just the kind of thing that I did; I tried to kind of create a community. I always believe that work will be hard, but it shouldn’t be stressful.”

White said he hoped his lawsuit would encourage employers to consistently enforce workplace reporting procedures, and give other employees confidence to speak up when they believe company policies are not being followed.

The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages, lost wages and benefits, damages for emotional distress, attorneys’ fees and other relief. The case remains pending in federal court.

News brief

Village seeks artists for banner program

The Village of Valley Stream is accepting submissions for its Commercial Banner Program, which will feature selected artwork on banners displayed along village light poles.

The program is open to Village of Valley Stream residents and students who attend Valley Stream schools. Entry is free, and artists of all ages are welcome to participate.

Each artist may submit up to two

pieces for review. At least one submission must be inspired by the Village of Valley Stream. Entries must be in portrait orientation and high resolution. Artwork should be emailed to bannerproject@vsvny.org by July 24. All submissions are subject to official review. Additional information is available at valleystreamny.gov.

Courtesy Shawn White

Shawn White, of the Hempstead area, has filed a federal lawsuit alleging that Walmart failed to protect him after he repeatedly reported workplace harassment at the Uniondale location, and later retaliated

–Angelina Zingariello

STEPPING OUT

Wild Child

Jazz is in the air

By Karen Bloom

Tilles Jazz Fest is going strong in its third season. The festival returns to the historic LIU Post campus, on Saturday, offering a full day of world-class jazz, family-friendly fun and community celebration across four stages.

Presented in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center, this year’s edition again brings together legendary artists and rising stars. This is an immersive indoor/outdoor experience — from lawn picnics and second line parades during the day to headliner The Buena Vista Orchestra performing in the evening.

The day’s lineup includes the Bobby Sanabria Octet, the Grammy-nominated percussionist blends Afro-Cuban jazz with big band flair; Bluesy Beats and Jazzy Treats with Dan and Claudia Zanes, with a lively, family-friendly set of jazz rhythms; young vocalist Ruby Laks, a fresh, expressive voice in contemporary jazz; along with a swinging Second-Line Parade, led by Hot Jazz All-Stars, including up-and-coming trumpeter Bria Skonberg, when all artists and the audience are invited to join in.

As Tom Dunn, Tilles Center’s executive and artistic director puts it: “This festival captures the spirit of jazz, where iconic voices and emerging artists share the stage. It’s an energizing celebration of artistry, innovation, and community, set in a place that inspires creativity at every turn.”

The LIU Jazz Combo (current LIU students) and Long Island Rising Stars (LIU alumni and regional talent) welcome guests at festival entrances from 12:15 p.m. Members of the LIU Marching Band add energy to the New Orleans-style Second Line parade, closing the daytime festivities at 5:45 p.m.

The young superstars of tomorrow are certainly given their due, alongside the jazz greats. Of course, headliner, The Buena Vista Orchestra, surely deserves the spotlight. The orchestra (sometimes referred to as The Buena Vista Social Orchestra, Orquesta Buena Vista) is acclaimed as the world’s foremost Cuban music repertory ensemble — featuring a revolving lineup. Virtuoso Cuban violinist Rolando Morejón Reyes leads an exciting set of musicians pulled from The Buena Vista Social Club, AfroCuban All Stars, the bands of Celia Cruz, Omara Portuondo, Chucho Valdés, Willie Colón, and others.

To date, The Buena Vista Orchestra and related projects have toured the world and garnered global accolades, making it one of the biggest-selling and best known Cuban music projects in history.

On a more intimate scale are Dan and Claudia

Feel that beat

Zanes, who are delighted to bring what Dan Zanes described as their “community music” to this year’s festival audience.

“It was an exiting call to get,” he says, of the invite. He notes that while they’ve performed at Tilles before, their festival appearance allows the Zanes to show a different side of their musicianship.

• July 18, starting at noon

• Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100

• LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville

This is not a typical tribute or pretend concert act. Wild Child relies on recapturing the original: sound, feel, mood, dynamics and delivery of the Doors music. It’s about the music and its delivery. Wild Child lead singer Dave Brock’s Doors concert tribute debuted with a triple sellout at the Whisky a-Go-Go. Since then the act has been touring and playing at sold out national act venues and festivals around the world. Wild Child became the mold that “tribute bands” aspired to become, as they flooded the market with good and bad impersonations of famous artists. In 2010 Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger of The Doors, invited Dave to tour with them as their vocalist on their concert engagements: a hug honorl Wild Child performances are praised as the closest thing to a real live Doors experience.

Friday, July 17, 8 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.

“I come from the folk and rock ‘n roll world, but Claudia, my wife and partner in all this, is a jazz singer. She was performing and touring as a jazz vocalist before I met her. And Tyree Austin who’s also going to be singing with us is also a jazz vocalist. He sings jazz and gospel. So the spirit of jazz is really in what we do.”

partner in performing and

Zanes, a Grammy-winner, occupies a unique place in American music — where sea shanties, English Music hall, play party songs, the spirit of early rock ‘n roll, soul, North American and West Indian folk music collide. For the past 20 years, he has toured the world with his band, Dan Zanes and Friends, sharing 21st century social music with enthusiastic crowds of all ages.

In the 1980s Zanes was a member of The Del Fuegos, the roots rock band that released several albums and toured heavily before spontaneously combusting in 1989. In 1994 he became a father and began trying to create music that he and his daughter could enjoy together as a shared experience — an updated version of the Folkways records he grew up on. In 2000, he released Rocket Ship Beach, which became an immediate hit with families in America. NPR called him “The Gold Standard in kid’s music.”

And while their music does have a certain kid-friendly appeal, Zanes is quick to point out that there’s much more to it than that. The Zanes prefer not to be categorized as “children’s entertainers.”

“Our music is social music. It’s very participatory. We come out of a lot of different folk traditions: North American folk traditions, blues, as well as Haitian folk traditions {influenced by Claudia who is Haitian-American). It’s for all ages, including young folks but also older.

“At our concerts there’s quite a bit of singing along. It’s a social experiment. Even though we’re a modern group we work with ancient traditions and one of those traditions is galvanizing people with song. There’s movement, there’s dancing. Three voices and a 12 string guitar is the foundation of what we do, with addition of trombone, horn and some percussion.”

He describes their sound as “joyful music.”

“These are hard times for a lot of people and music reminds us that there is so much beauty in the world and so much that we get from being with each other. There’s something about singing together that gives all a sense of life’s best possibilities. Behind it all is joy always.”

Guests are encouraged to come with lawn chairs and blankets for a day of relaxed listening and discovery. Youngsters will also enjoy the Kids Zone, with an instrument “petting zoo,” crafts and face painting. When everyone is ready for a bite, check out the food trucks and artisan purveyors with their tempting wares. Or bring your own picnic!

Derek Hough Symphony of Dance: Encore

Following sold-out successes of his previous tours, Derek Hough is back. The Emmy-winning dancerchoreographer-entertainer — known for his dazzling performances on “Dancing With The Stars” — takes his audience on an exhilarating journey through dance with breathtaking choreography, vibrant visuals and his signature stage presence. The high-energy production celebrates the artistry and emotion of movement while showcasing the versatility that has made Hough one of today’s most celebrated performers. Experience a thrilling fusion of dance and music; the fan-favorite dancer explores styles ranging from ballroom, tap, salsa, hip-hop and everything in between.

Sunday, July 19, 8 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter. org or (516) 299-3100. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville.

Courtesy Anna Zanes Dan Zanes

Courtesy Tilles Center Bobby Sanabria

Courtesy Andrea Escobar

The Buena Vista Orchestra

Courtesy Mark Mann Claudia Zanes

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

jul 16

‘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. 6 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. The town animal shelter is home to playful pups and laidback cats waiting for a fresh start. Check out the friendly faces of the dogs and cat before arriving at shelter. Browse photos and profiles at hempsteadny.gov/179/animalshelter or on the shelter’s Facebook page.

• Where: 3320, Beltagh Ave., Wantagh

• Time: Ongoing

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

jul

17

Happy Birthday, Franklin!

Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to celebrate the Eastern Box Turtle’s 50th Birthday! Make him a one-of-akind cake craft inspired by all his favorite things! Come help honor 50 turtle-tastic years at the dropin program. For ages 3+.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 1-3 p.m.

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

Classic Car Show

Mazda Valley Stream, in partnership with the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce, hosts classic car shows on Fridays throughout the summer. With a DJ at each show. Cars are parked as they enter.

• Where: Rockaway Avenue

• Time: 6-9 p.m.

• Contact: (516)318-4816 or (646)235-2129

‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’

The Madison Theatre’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” brings the beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber musical to the stage, retelling the biblical story of Joseph, his colorful coat and his rise from slavery to Pharaoh’s trusted advisor. Told entirely through song, the family-friendly production features memorable numbers including

A Celebration of the Mighty Zep

jul 20

Kids Kahoot!

Trivia

Children in grades 3-6 can participate in a fun trivia competition using the educational quiz platform Kahoot! at Henry Waldinger Memorial Library. The theme for the Kahoot! is “Underground”. Children should bring their own device for this event. Registration is required and begins at midnight July 11. To register, visit the Valley Stream Library website and click “Calendar”. This evet will take place in the Children’s Room at the Valley Stream library.

• Where: 60 Verona Place

• Time: 4-5 p.m.

• Contact: valleystreamlibrary.org or (516) 825-6422

Summer grooves

22

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

• Time: 8 p.m.; also July 25

Led Zeppelin fans, rejoice! 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. From the bombastic and epic, to the folky and mystical, GTLO has captured the essence of Led Zeppelin and brought their music to the concert stage. The Philadelphia-based group consists of six veteran musicians, intent on delivering Led Zeppelin live, like you’ve never heard before! Utilizing the multi-instrumentalists at their disposal, GTLO re-creates songs, in all their depth and glory, with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed. Hailed for their powerful tribute to what many consider the greatest rock band of all time, the band delivers a faithful and highoctane 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. With no wigs or phony accents, just pure musical passion. When an album calls for three guitars, GTLO brings three guitarists to the stage — no shortcuts, no gimmicks. 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.

“Any Dream Will Do,” “Close Every Door” and “One More Angel in Heaven,” blending musical styles from calypso to country-western. Suitable for audiences of all ages, the show continues to be one of the world’s most frequently performed musicals.

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

• Time: Various dates and times, through Aug. 2

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

jul

18

Tunes at the pool

As part of this summer’s Arthur J. Hendrickson Pool Dance Concerts, DJ John and Nini Love perform. Open to Valley Stream residents and CHSD neighbors.

• Where: Arthur J. Hendrickson Pool (behind the pool)

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 821-3786

Country sounds

Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series welcomes Simply Stapleton for a Chris Stapleton tribute.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 6 p.m.

• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200

Summertime vibes

Cover City Soundtrack takes over the Jones Beach Bandshell for a free, all-ages night of pop-punk anthems, emo nostalgia, and shoreline summer energy. Parents can relive their Warped Tour days while kids discover why this music still hits hard. Expect jump-worthy pop-punk, heart-tugging emo classics, and the kind of electric beach-night vibe only Jones Beach delivers. From toddlers to teens to full-grown elder emos, everyone can dance, laugh, and sing along. Bring your crew, your kids, your nostalgia, and your energy.

• Where: Jones Beach Boardwalk Bandshell, Field 4, 2400 Ocean Parkway, Wantagh

• Time: 8-10 p.m.

• Contact: CoverCitySoundtrack. com

Family theater

19

Lance the Eagle welcomes families to “A Semi-QuincentenEAGLE Birthday” on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage. In this jul

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

original production, families are invited to celebrate his birthday. His message: As the national bird, this party will be happening throughout the whole month of July. Come to think of it, I did hear something about a birthday for the United States of America as well. Hmm...must be a coincidence! I’ll be throwing a parade through LICM’s galleries and a celebratory spectacle in the Theater. Come ready to party!” Keep an eye out 30 minutes before each show for a special interactive pre-show! For ages 3+. $5 with museum admission ($4 members), $10 theater only.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also July 22

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

Rockin’ on Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series continues with a double bill of Last Exit’s Pearl Jam tribute and Foo For All with Foo Fighters tunes.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 6 p.m.

• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200

The village’s Summer Concert Series continues with La Elegancia, a Latin music band.

• Where: Village Band Shell

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 825-4200 jul

Nature Connects

Old Westbury Gardens welcomes families to spend an afternoon exploring, building and creating together! Seasonal Sprouts offers is a LEGO-themed adventure for young explorers. Children (ages 4–10) embark on a guided outdoor tour of Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects made with LEGO bricks. Everyone discovers the wonders of nature in a fun and hands-on way. After the tour, kids can unleash their creativity in a LEGO free-play area. $22 per adult, $20 ages 62+, $12 child. Registration required.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 11 a.m.-noon and 2-3 p.m., also July 29

• 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

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.

MAE CAIME FOUNDER, AMAEZING MIDLIFE & BEYOND AGENDA:

Register for this FREE event: Merrick.eventbrite.com or email rbamgbose@liherald.com or call 516.569.4000 x273

July 16, 2026 —

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU.

THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWALT 2004-05CB, Plaintiff -againstANTOUN A. HAMAWI, MUNA HAMAWI, et al

Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated May 15, 2026 and entered on May 22, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on July 28, 2026 at 3:30 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as SBL: 0039-00388-00-00002. Said premises known as 84 ROOSEVELT AVENUE, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11581

Approximate amount of lien $828,651.88 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 015252/2009.

PAUL L. MELI, ESQ., Referee Pincus & Tarab Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 {* VAL STRM H*} 160749

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. EDHNY SAINTANASSE, et al, Defts. Index #614372/2024. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered May 13, 2026, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on July 28, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. premises k/a Section 37, Block 168, Lot 199. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. The foreclosure sale 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 foreclosure

auction.RONALD FERRARO, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY 11021. #103025 160853

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff AGAINST TYREK MCEACHIN, JASMINE MCEACHIN, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 26, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 3, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 87 Gold Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Rosedale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 37 Block: 413 Lot: 582. Approximate amount of judgment $821,954.59 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600906/2020. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.

Harold F. Damm, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 21-001000 90347 160973

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK MORTGAGE AGENCY (SONYMA), Plaintiff, vs. MARVIN DARIUS, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on December 8, 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 August 10, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 21 North Montague 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, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 221 and Lots 10-12. Approximate amount of judgment is $598,329.41 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #620598/2024. Cash will not be accepted.

Jared A. Kasschau, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 161054

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. FRANK J. ROTH A/K/A FRANK ROTH, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 19, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on August 11, 2026 at 3:00 p.m., premises known as 27 Gotham Street, Valley Stream a/k/a South Valley Stream, NY 11581. 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 39, Block 319 and Lot 206. Approximate amount of judgment is $605,303.50 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #607162/2022. Cash will not be accepted. Christine Grillo, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 161050

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC

HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Section 202-48 of the code of the Town of Hempstead entitled, “Handicapped Parking On Public Streets,” a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 4th day of August 2026, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, to consider the adoption of a resolution setting aside certain parking spaces for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons at the following locations:

ELMONT

WORLD AVENUEnorth side, starting at a point 243 feet east of the east curbline of Meacham Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-260/26)

WELLINGTON ROADwest side, starting at a point 507 feet south of the south curbline of Hempstead Turnpike, south for a distance of 25 feet.

(TH-272/26)

NORTH VALLEY STREAM EDWARDS BOULEVARD - west side, starting at a point 30 feet north opposite the north east curbline of Vista Road, north for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-267/26)

ROOSEVELT

ANNA AVENUE - west side, starting at a point 57 feet south of the south curbline of East Clinton Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-251/26) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: July 7, 2026

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 161222

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 62-2026

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to

News brief

5th Precinct National Night Out planned for Aug. 4 to promote community unity

Community members are invited to celebrate the 5th Precinct’s National Night Out at a free event from 6 to 8 p.m. on Aug. 4, in the parking lot across from St. Boniface Church, 631 Elmont Rd., in Elmont. Held annually on the first Tuesday in August, National Night Out has brought communities together for more than four decades to promote police-community partnerships and strengthen neighborhood connections. The nationwide initiative is designed to foster positive relationships between law enforcement and communities by bringing people together in a safe, welcoming envi -

ronment.

The event is being organized in partnership with the Nassau County Police Department’s 5th Precinct, community leaders, Nassau County Legislators Carrié Solages and Cynthia Nuñez and other government officials.

The event is intended to bring together law enforcement, community organizations, families and visitors for an evening focused on strengthening community connections and promoting neighborhood safety.

— Angelina Zingariello

Public Notices

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, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 7th day of July 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 62-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 62-2026, to amend Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations.

Dated: July 7, 2026

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY

Town Clerk 161225

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, AS SUCCESSOR-ININTEREST TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY

AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE, FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE CIM TRUST 2020-R3, MORTGAGE-BACKED NOTES, SERIES 2020R3, Plaintiff, vs. ALLEN STEVENSON A/K/A ALLEN R. STEVENSON, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 7, 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 August 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 68 Oceanview Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11581 a/k/a 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 42, Block 270 and Lots 27, 28, 29, 30, & 46. Approximate amount of judgment is $647,543.70 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #616497/2023.

Frank M. Scalera, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite

501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff, Firm File No.: 230501-1 161180

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff against SHARIQ M. MAJEED, 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 July 26, 2024, 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 August 20, 2026 at 2:00PM. Premises known as 96 Brentwood Lane, Valley Stream, NY 11581. Sec 39 Block 525 Lot 13. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Approximate Amount of Judgment is $750,454.63 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed

Judgment Index No 607408/2023. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. 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.”

Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee File # NY202200000810-1 161206

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.

Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour

Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

Operations/ Office Coordinator

Full-Time. Cedarhurst. $25–$30/hour. Seeking person with strong communication, organizational, computer skills. Resume: info@purebitessnacks.com

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours

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Spectacular 8,100-square-foot stately brick Colonial offering seven bedrooms, seven full and two half baths on 215 feet of prime waterfront property. Beautifully renovated throughout, this exceptional home features a dramatic two-story entry foyer that opens to a second-floor balcony. Walls of windows flood the home with natural light while showcasing magnificent water views. Designed for both comfortable living and elegant entertaining, the home offers an exceptional flow and generously proportioned rooms throughout. The main-level primary suite overlooks the water and features two enormous walk-in closets and a luxurious radiant-heated bath with double vanities, separate water closets, a steam shower, and a Jacuzzi tub. The 2,100-square-foot finished basement, renovated just 10 years ago, includes a theater, recreation room, gym, wine cellar, bonus room, and full bath. The resortstyle backyard features a heated Gunite pool and spa, outdoor kitchen, expansive patio, and a newly renovated 215-foot raised vinyl bulkhead with a private dock for your boat. Additional highlights include a grand circular driveway and an attached three-car garage. Every luxury amenity has been thoughtfully included. Located in the Hewlett-Woodmere School District #14, this remarkable waterfront estate is conveniently close to the LIRR, shopping, and houses of worship. Asking $5,570,000. Call today to arrange your private viewing of this exceptional waterfront residence.

Rent Your

Ronnie Gerber Licensed Real Estate Salesperson C: 516-428-4298 O: 516-623-2776 ronnie.gerber@elliman.com For Everything 5 Towns & More Douglas Elliman / Merrick

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What to do about cracking concrete, Part 2

Q. We have large cracks in our concrete driveway and garage floor, and want to make sure they are repaired correctly, since they appear to be recently done, possibly within a year before we purchased the house. In particular, there is a nearly round hole that turned to gravel, kind of, and we want to know why it happened and avoid having it happen again. What can you tell us?

A. As I previously explained, concrete reacts to extreme weather changes, and isn’t as stable as people think. Nature moves mountains, so your driveway was no challenge to the forces of nature. Extreme cold causes concrete to contract — push in on itself — while heat has the effect of stretching rigid concrete to the point of literally ripping apart.

As with any material, water and movement are the most critical factors to work with. You’ll never win over nature. The hole is basically like a zit, a buildup of pressure in a weaker place across the surface. Concrete develops strength as a chemical reaction to the specific combination of materials it is made from. With too much water in the mix, it will be weaker, especially in a particular spot. With not enough water to support the chemical reaction of Portland cement, sand and stone, the concrete will be weak. It’s important to follow the directions on the package(s) to get the correct mix.

Like any successful repair or construction project, analysis and planning are extremely important. You should have a professional take a look at the problem before you repair it, to decide if a repair is even worth it. A short consult more than pays for itself if it turns out you’d be wasting money on something that isn’t worth a quick fix. If that round hole reveals that there’s no steel reinforcement, for example, then the rest of the driveway is on its way to needing more serious work in the near future. If the hole reveals that the mix was too wet or too dry, or was poured in weather that was too cold, or that admixtures were the wrong combination, you’ll just be throwing good money after bad.

When I see concrete work being done in extreme cold or excessive heat, as I’m driving by, I make a mental note to double back, over time, to see how the experiment worked or didn’t work. You can only shake your head when you understand the possible outcome. There are concrete repair mixtures that include epoxy adhesives, but, again, follow the directions to the letter if you’re making the less expensive, quick repair.

It was invaluable for me to work with a mason, carpenter and painter during summers off from architecture school. The mason taught me to wet the area before continuing after our lunch break, not adding wet next to dry mortar. The dry area was already curing. The fresh mortar would have the moisture sucked right into the drier surface, weakening both, and the work in general. Good luck!

© 2026 Monte Leeper

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

Monte Leeper

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opinions America must not abdicate its leadership

Almost 60 years ago, former Secretary of State Dean Acheson wrote a memoir, “Present At the Creation,” which focused on the reality that the United States had to remake the world — or at least Europe — in the years after World War II. That required a rejection and repudiation of the isolationist “America First” policy that had predominated after World War I until Pearl Harbor.

In 1945, Hitler and Nazi Germany had been destroyed, and postwar Germany was in ruins. Though England and France had been victors, the war left them seriously weakened. The British economy was in shambles, and France, which had largely surrendered to Nazi collaborators during the war, was economically damaged and politically unstable.

Most ominously, it soon became apparent that Stalin’s Russia was intent on expanding Soviet rule in Europe, with no regard for treaties or territorial boundaries. Agreements such as Yalta and Potsdam were ignored as Soviet communist rule was imposed on

Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, East Germany and most of Eastern Europe, creating what Winston Churchill so accurately labeled the Iron Curtain.

Fortunately, the United States would not repeat the tragic errors it made after World War I, which led to the inexorable rise of Hitler and World War II. The first world war had left Germany impoverished, creating fertile ground for Hitler and the growth of Naziism. The U.S. had basically demobilized its armed forces after the “war to end all wars.”

UAs Hitler rebuilt the German war machine in the 1930s and Europe appeased Hitler at Munich, the U.S. was slow to respond, and then the America First movement opposed helping Churchill when England was under siege.

Ultimately, the Soviet empire would implode.

kraine needs American support, and in Iran we need NATO’s support.

Today, our world is in need of another act of creation. Russian President Vladimir Putin envisions a new Russian empire, beginning with the invasion of Ukraine. This was the first invasion of one sovereign European nation by another in the almost eight decades since World War II. This continuing attack threatens European stability and, as we should have learned from the two 20th-century conflagrations, America’s security is imperiled. The concept of Fortress America, with oceans protecting us, is outmoded, and potentially suicidal.

In the aftermath of World War II, however, the U.S. assumed the leadership of the free world. Unlike Germany under Hitler, Stalin’s Russian expansion would be halted. America First would be no more. The Marshall Plan was enacted to rebuild West Germany and Western Europe.

To prevent a replay of Munich and appeasement, NATO was created so that an attack on one would be an attack on all. Isolationism was over.

While Europe has stepped forward and provided Ukraine with needed weaponry, the Trump administration has cut off arms sales to Ukraine, instead selling them to Europe, which will provide them to Ukraine. This is unnecessarily convoluted, and is causing Ukrainian lives to be lost. The administration somehow sees a moral equivalence between Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, which isn’t that different from equating Hitler with Churchill.

Our lead negotiator, Steve Witcoff, is a real estate guy from New York with

no diplomatic experience, and he hasn’t met with the parties in months. Ukraine is fighting valiantly, and actually beating Russia on the battlefield. But being outnumbered and outgunned, Ukraine can’t survive without American support. Echoes of Munich! Similarly, we will not prevail in our struggle against Iran by announcing that we will never use ground troops or by pretending we are winning when we are stalemated by the Iranians, who have the ability to shut down the Strait of Hormuz. To succeed we will need the support of NATO nations to use their minesweeper expertise to clear the strait. That would have been easier if we had informed NATO of our intention to attack Iran in the first place. Every effort must be made to obtain congressional support, and to level with the American people that no war is easy, especially a war against religious fanatics. And every war has risks. Telling the enemy we won’t ever use ground troops only increases the risk of having to use them.

These are perilous times, and we cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of the past. America must show firm leadership. America First cannot be America alone!

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

No need for Democrats to panic about Mamdani & Co.

These past few weeks have been difficult for middle-of the-road Democrats. Candidates aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America have won roughly half of 70 or so contested primary contests nationwide. The Wall Street Journal called the DSA successes “the political story of 2026.”

But will the DSA drag the Democratic Party permanently to the left, or will it fade away, as the Tea Party did on the Republican side in the mid-2010s?

Over the past 50 years, I have seen the Democratic Party tugged left and center by a number of forces, but in the end the moderates have always won the tug of war. The first big DSA win was in New York City, when Zohran Mamdani was elected mayor. He has now been in office just over six months, and the political jury is still out on whether he will be able to hold on to his job for more than one term. To date, Mamdani has won some major victories, and kept his pledges to

the voters who supported him. He has gotten lots of money from Albany for pre-K and child care programs, and his promised rent freeze has been approved. He has not delivered yet on his promise of free buses, because that’s a cost that would hurt all New Yorkers who use mass transit, and can’t afford to subsidize bus riders.

GMamdani got elected by virtue of the fact that his only primary opponent was former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who turned out to be a weak candidate. Mamdani’s success can also attributed to the so-called socialists’ mastery of social media. Moderate Democrats have failed to use that medium as effectively, giving the DSA a gift that other candidates around the country have benefited from as well. Can the DSA become a major force in American politics? I personally doubt its long-term ability to survive, but I may be proven wrong. An August 2025 Gallup poll found that 39 percent of Americans had a positive view of socialism, while 57 percent had a negative view. Socialist positions like defunding the police, eliminating rent and solidarity with the Palestinian cause may ener-

overning in the modern era is a big challenge for a fledgling movement.

gize the base, but they remain liabilities in swing districts and national races. A recent article in the Atlantic reported that the DSA’s sectarian wing has refused to endorse a Democratic presidential nominee. That will undercut its political influence.

The recent DSA wins have been concentrated in cities such as New York, Seattle, Denver and Washington, where progressive voters dominate. The organization has no U.S. senators and only a handful of House members, and no member of the DSA has never won a statewide race. And the Mamdani victory is instructive. He won because he softened his image, distancing himself from defunding the police, and stuck to breadand-butter issues.

The socialist movement has an internal contradiction. Its ideologically pure wing alienates voters it needs to build majority coalitions, while its more electable candidates drift toward positions that look a lot like those of typical progressives. In the early 1970s, the New Democratic Coalition made a run at taking over the moderate wing of the Democratic Party, but failed because it

lacked a strong party structure. Electoral success in blue cities does not equal long-term political viability. For socialist candidates to establish durable legitimacy, they will need to demonstrate competence at governing. Mamdani is being watched closely to see if he can hold on to his base. To do so he will have to relax some of his stated positions, which has already unnerved some of his DSA supporters. One example, that went beyond his campaign pledges, was his decision to keep the city police commissioner, Jessica Tisch, in her position.

Some of my Democratic friends in high party positions have reached for the panic button, but I’ve urged them to hold their fire. The DSA and its base have yet to capture the Democratic centrists and hold them hostage. They may notch a few more wins, but governing in the modern era is a big challenge for a small, fledgling movement. History informs me that the moderates in the Democratic Party are still in charge, and, while threatened, are very much alive and well.

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

Sports still bring us together

Sports have always been about more than wins and losses. At their best, they remind us that we have far more in common than the headlines, social media feeds and political arguments would have us believe.

Over the past several weeks, Long Islanders saw two remarkable examples.

The New York Knicks’ championship run transformed Long Island and New York City into one giant community gathering. Bars overflowed with fans wearing blue and orange. Families planned evenings around playoff game tipoffs. Friends who hadn’t watched a game together in years reunited.

Even people who only casually followed basketball found themselves caught up in the excitement. Whether you watched from a crowded sports bar, a watch party or your living room, you became part of something bigger than yourself.

The FIFA World Cup offered a different, but equally meaningful, lesson.

U.S. forward Folarin Balogun’s red card sparked spirited debate among soccer fans. Many questioned the referee’s decision, others defended it, and nearly everyone had an opinion. Yet those conversations, like so many others about the competition, remained focused on the pitch. Fans dissected tactics, coach-

ing decisions and player performances not as ideological opponents, but as people who simply loved the game.

That distinction matters.

In too many corners of public life today, disagreement quickly turns into hostility. Every issue seems destined to become another battle in an endless culture war. Sports remind us that there is another way. You can passionately disagree with someone’s opinion, make your case, and then sit beside that same person to watch the next match.

Even after Belgium eliminated the United States, American supporters found themselves tipping their caps to a talented Belgian squad. There was disappointment, certainly, but also respect. Some fans even joked that Belgium had earned a little good karma along the way for not making Balogun’s controversial reinstatement an issue. That’s the beauty of sports. Defeat doesn’t have to produce bitterness. Sometimes it simply produces appreciation for excellence.

The same spirit carried Knicks fans through every dramatic moment of their championship run. Complete strangers celebrated together after clutch baskets. Subway rides morphed into rolling pep rallies. Neighborhood restaurants and bars became gathering places where age, politics, profession and background mattered far less than

the logo on a jersey.

For a few hours at a time, everyone was simply a fan. Those shared experiences strengthen communities in ways that statistics never can. They create memories between parents and children, lifelong friends and even strangers who may never meet again.

Years from now, many people won’t remember every score or every lineup change. But they will remember where they were, whom they were with and how it felt when an entire room erupted in celebration.

Our communities need more moments like that.

Sports won’t solve our political differences or erase the challenges we face. They shouldn’t have to. Their value lies elsewhere. They remind us that healthy competition doesn’t require contempt, that spirited debate doesn’t have to become personal, and that people with different backgrounds and viewpoints can still cheer, groan and celebrate together.

The Knicks gave New Yorkers a championship to remember. The World Cup is giving the world another reminder of soccer’s unmatched ability to unite people across borders and cultures. Long after the trophies are lifted and the final whistles blow, that is the real victory worth celebrating.

MatterS

Your opinion Matters

The strength of our community comes from open dialogue. We invite residents to submit letters to the editor on issues affecting our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government.

The strength of our community comes from open dialogue. We invite residents to submit letters to the editor on issues affecting our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government. Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send them to execeditor@liherald.com.

Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com

Be heard. Be part of the conversation.

Be heard. Be part of the conversation.

Schools are stewards of our community’s legacy

when I became superintendent of schools in Valley Stream District 30, I said that I viewed this responsibility through the lens of stewardship. To be a steward means being entrusted with something of value and accepting the responsibility to care for it, strengthen it and prepare it for the future. It means recognizing that we are temporary caretakers of something much greater than ourselves.

Valley Stream District 30 has a proud history that began in 1923. For over a century, generations of students, families, educators, Board of Education trustees and community members have shaped the district we know today. As one of the elementary districts serving the Valley Stream community, District

30 has developed its own identity, traditions and commitment to excellence.

Valley Stream represents opportunity: strong neighborhoods, locally owned businesses, convenient transportation, and connections to countless possibilities for our students. It is a community shaped by generations of families who have chosen to build their lives here. Our schools are not separate from our community. They are woven into its fabric.

eThe purpose of public education extends far beyond preparing students for their next academic step. Schools help young people discover their strengths, develop their talents, and understand their responsibility to contribute to the world around them. Through our curriculum, enrichment opportunities, instrumental programs, arts experiences, career exploration, assemblies, field trips and after-school programs, we provide students with opportunities to develop confidence, cre-

Framework by Tim Baker

ativity, curiosity and connections.

ducation goes far beyond preparing students for their next academic step.

We want our students to become the global leaders of tomorrow, but we also want them to understand what it means to be leaders in their own communities. The students who walk through our doors today may one day become the homeowners, entrepreneurs, educators, professionals and civic leaders who return to invest in the community that invested in them. That is one of the greatest responsibilities of public education: creating not only successful graduates, but engaged citizens.

Our district may be small, but it is mighty. The schools of Forest Road, Clear Stream Avenue and Shaw Avenue are more than buildings. They are places where children form memories, develop relationships, discover passions, and begin imagining the future they will create.

The legacy of Valley Stream District 30 is found in every student who enters

our classrooms, every family that entrusts us with their children, and every community member who understands that strong schools help create a strong future.

In 1956, the Board of Education established “the Friendly Schools” as an expression of the district’s commitment to connecting with and serving the community. That identity continues to reflect who we are today: schools in which families feel welcomed, students are celebrated, and relationships remain at the center of our work. The strength of a community is measured by the institutions it chooses to support and preserve. Public education is one of those institutions. Through our collective efforts, Valley Stream District 30, the Friendly Schools, will continue to inspire students, strengthen families and remain a source of pride for generations to come.

It is a privilege to serve a community with such a rich history and a promising future.

Roxanne Garcia-France is superintendent of Valley Stream District 30.

Thrilling the thousands on chairs and blankets below, the Blue Angels celebrated the nation’s 250th birthday — Jones Beach

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