Herald file photo Finian and Lauren Dcunha, Ian Burke and Danny Guaman, of the Valley Stream Fire Department Rescue Company gave CPR demonstrations to guests at last year’s event.
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
Veterans are invited to connect with service providers, receive food assistance and learn about benefits they may be eligible for during a Veterans Resource Fair and Food Distribution on Aug. 5 at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1790 in Valley Stream.
The fair, hosted by VFW Post 1790 in partnership with Long Island Cares food bank, will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the post, 65 E. Merrick Road. The event is open only to veterans and their families.
them navigate life, helping them find jobs and opening our pantries to them exclusively on Military Appreciation Tuesdays. We owe our veterans so much, and this is our way of saying thank you.”
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
The Mill Brook Civic Association is expanding its annual summer block party into a larger Community Festival and Health Fair this year, adding free health screenings, safety programs and community resources alongside the family activities residents have come to expect.
The free event, sponsored by Green Acres Mall, is scheduled for Aug. 1 from noon to 5 p.m. on Eastwood Lane.
“As Green Acres’ closest residential neighbor, maintaining a strong relationship with the Mill Brook community is important to us,” Jill Bromberg, marketing and community relations manager at Green Acres, said. “This will be my second year attending the block party, and I genuinely appreciate
the opportunity to connect with residents and be part of such a welcoming neighborhood tradition. We’re honored to support an event that celebrates community and brings neighbors together.”
It will feature health, safety and financial resource providers, children’s activities, entertainment and food vendors, with organizers describing the expansion as an effort to better serve the neighborhood while maintaining the event’s traditional community atmosphere.
For nearly three decades, Mill Brook resident Lilianne Badet has called the neighborhood home, and as secretary of the civic association’s board, she said the event has evolved alongside the community itself.
“We realized that we had an opportunity to do so much more,” Badet said. “So, what
“Long Island Cares is committed to serving our veterans in many ways and all over the Island,” Justin Berbig, veterans outreach manager for Long Island Cares, said. “We’re grateful to join our like-minded partners in Valley Stream to assist those who bravely served our country — whether it’s providing fresh produce, making resources available to help
JuStIN BERBIG Veterans outreach manager, Long Island Cares
The fair is designed to bring a wide range of services together in one location, making it easier for veterans to access information and support. About 40 vendors from Nassau and Suffolk counties are expected to participate, offering resources that include mental health counseling, education opportunities, housing information, assistance with disability claims and other veteran services. Long Island Cares also plans to distribute between 500 and 600 pounds of food to veterans and their families.
While the event is being held in Valley Stream, VFW leaders stressed that it is intended for veterans throughout Long Island, Brooklyn and Queens.
ContInueD on PaGe 7
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO
things to know sUMMER FUn in V.s.
Summer fun continues throughout the village
azingariello@liherald.com
Summer may be winding down, but there is still plenty happening in Valley Stream. From outdoor concerts and poolside entertainment to classic car nights, residents still have opportunities to enjoy local events before the season ends.
n The Summer Concert Series continues with free outdoor performances
Valley Stream’s Summer Concert Series remains one of the village’s biggest seasonal attractions, offering residents free opportunities to enjoy live music outdoors.
This year’s schedule includes tribute performances celebrating popular artists and bands, along with evenings featuring different musical styles, such as classic rock, Motown, R&B, reggae, Latin and jazz.
The series continues into September, allowing the community to enjoy live entertainment even as summer transitions into fall. Residents should check the official village schedule for performance dates, locations and weather-related updates.
n Pool Movie Nights and Dance Concerts offer evening entertainment for families
The Valley Stream Pool Complex continues its summer lineup with special evening events that provide residents with entertainment beyond regular pool hours.
The village’s summer schedule includes Pool Movie Nights featuring family-friendly films, allowing guests to enjoy movies in a unique outdoor pool setting. The pool also hosts Dance Concerts featuring live music and entertainment.
These events add variety to the village’s seasonal programming by combining recreation, music and family activities. Admission requirements vary by event, and residents should review the official schedule for dates, ticket information and participation details.
n Classic Car Shows bring weekly community gatherings to Rockaway Avenue
Valley Stream’s annual Classic Car Shows continue to bring residents and visitors together for evenings centered around vintage vehicles, music and community connection.
The weekly events feature a variety of classic automobiles displayed along Rockaway Avenue, creating a family-friendly atmosphere for car enthusiasts and spectators of all ages. The Summer Recreation Guide lists multiple car show dates throughout the summer, including special themed evenings such as the Mayor’s Trophy Night.
The shows continue through late August, giving residents several more chances to attend before summer ends.
LIJ plastic surgeon discusses bemotrizinol
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
Americans may soon have another option for protecting their skin from the sun after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved bemotrizinol. This sunscreen ingredient has been widely used overseas for years but is only now entering the U.S. market.
The FDA announced June 9 that it approved a New Drug Application for overthe-counter sunscreen products containing bemotrizinol, also known as bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, or BEMT. The ingredient has been used for more than two decades in Europe, Australia and parts of Asia, making its approval a significant addition to the limited number of ultraviolet filters available in the United States.
“It’s a wonderful addition to the whole host of sunscreens and sunblocks that we use here in the U.S. and has some major advantages over what we currently use here,” Dr. Homayoun Sasson, chief and director of plastic surgery at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream hospital, said.
Bemotrizinol is a chemical UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays contribute to premature skin aging, including wrinkles and discoloration, while UVB rays primarily cause sunburn and play a major role in the development of skin cancers.
According to Sasson, the ingredient’s large molecular structure is one of its biggest benefits.
“When it’s applied to the skin, the risk of absorption through the skin into the bloodstream is a lot less,” Sasson said. “Regarding its toxicity, people who are concerned about this product can rest assured that not much has been shown at this point. Even though the skin is considered a barrier to the body, most substances applied to it eventually get absorbed into the bloodstream. And this type of product, because it has a large molecule, has less absorption.”
He added that available research has also shown little systemic absorption and fewer allergic reactions, making it a safe option for most people when used as directed.
Another advantage, Sasson said, is that bemotrizinol does not leave the white residue commonly associated with mineral sunscreen ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Instead, it blends into the skin after application, making it more cosmetically appealing while remaining effective on a variety of skin tones.
According to FDA-reviewed information, bemotrizinol is also highly photostable, meaning it remains effective when exposed to sunlight. Some older chemical sunscreen ingredients lose effectiveness as they break down under UV exposure. Still, bemotrizinol maintains its protective properties and can also help stabilize other sunscreen ingredients in combination formulations.
Sasson expects manufacturers will market bemotrizinol both as a standalone sunscreen ingredient and in combination with existing sunscreen filters to improve prod-
uct performance.
Although the ingredient has been available internationally for years, Sasson said the FDA approval process is known for taking considerably longer than in many other countries because of extensive safety reviews.
The FDA evaluated safety data submitted through the agency’s regulatory review process before approving products containing the ingredient for sale in the United States.
The approval comes at an important time as summer brings increased sun exposure across Long Island.
“It’s been proven that you know intense sun exposure, even for one intense period of time, can later cause skin to turn into cancerous lesions, such as basal cell or even worse melanoma,” Sasson said. “As excited as people get about summertime sun exposure, I think it’s very important to avoid direct sun, especially in the lightertype skin, which is more prone to skin cancers.”
While many skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma, can often be treated successfully when detected early, melanoma can spread to other organs and become much more difficult to treat.
As a plastic surgeon, Sasson said he regularly treats patients diagnosed with skin cancers, including cases requiring surgical removal.
He emphasized that sunscreen alone should not be considered complete protection from the sun. For people with fair skin in particular, he recommends limiting direct sun exposure, wearing widebrimmed hats and protective clothing, and seeking shade whenever possible.
The FDA and the American Academy of
According to Dr. Homayoun Sasson, the ingredient’s large molecular structure is one of its biggest benefits.
Dermatology recommend using a broadspectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30. Sunscreen should be applied about 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied at least every two hours, or immediately after swimming or heavy sweating.
People often forget to protect commonly exposed areas, including the ears, nose, neck and forehead. For those areas, Sasson recommends applying approximately onehalf teaspoon of sunscreen every two to three hours while outdoors. Larger amounts should be applied to cover the rest of the body when exposed to the sun.
He also advises people recovering from surgery or healing from scars to keep those
areas covered with clothing or bandages whenever possible because healing skin is particularly vulnerable to UV damage. Like most sunscreen products, bemotrizinol is not recommended for infants younger than 6 months old. Instead, young infants should be protected by keeping them out of direct sunlight and using shade and protective clothing.
Products containing bemotrizinol are expected to begin reaching U.S. retailers over the coming months as manufacturers update their sunscreen formulations. Sasson said he expects consumers could begin seeing products before the end of the year, with broader availability by next spring and summer.
Photos courtesy Northwell Health
Bemotrizinol is a chemical UV filter that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
11 story with the Herald
As we approach the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, the Herald is preparing a special commemorative section that will remember those we lost, honor those who served and examine the lasting impact of that day on our communities.
We want to hear your story.
Were you a commuter, teacher, student, first responder, health care worker, member of the clergy or resident who saw the events of that day unfold? Did you lose a loved one on Sept. 11, or in the years that followed because of illnesses linked to the toxins at ground zero? Were you a child who grew up without a parent, or are you someone whose life and career were inspired by the courage and sacrifice of that day?
Our reporters are also looking to tell the stories behind the local memorials, annual remembrance ceremonies, scholarship funds, charitable organizations and volunteer efforts that commemorate Sept. 11.
We are interested in how Long Island has changed over the past 25 years, from emergency preparedness and public safety to the lasting health effects experienced by first responders and survivors.
If you have a personal story, photos or memories, or know someone whose experience should be shared, we would be honored to hear from you. Your story can help preserve an important chapter
The Herald is looking for your stories. Above, former Rep. Peter King reflected on the courage of first responders at Seaford’s remembrance last year.
of our communities’ history for future generations.
Contact the Herald by emailing jbessen@liherald.com or jvallone@liherald. com with 9/11 Story in the subject line. Include your name, hometown, phone number and a brief description of your experience. A Herald reporter will follow up with you. Together, we can ensure that these stories are never forgotten.
–Jeffrey Bessen
Asset Protection is Inheritance Protection
Two overriding questions govern your choices in an elder law estate plan. First, what will happen to your assets when you pass away? Second, what will happen to your assets if you need long-term care? A comprehensive plan covers both issues. You must protect assets from going to long-term care costs so that the assets may transfer to your beneficiaries instead.
Plan A, and the best protection from long-term care costs, is long-term care insurance. Factors to consider include the daily benefit amount and an inflation rider that keeps pace with the increasing cost of nursing homes. Long-term care insurance also pays for home health aides, which allows you to “age in place,” rather than go to a facility.
If you don’t have, or cannot get, longterm care insurance, Plan B is the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT). Assets that have been in the MAPT for a minimum of five years are protected from nursing home costs and immediately for home care, for
which there is currently no waiting period.
Consider the use of trusts, as opposed to wills, to avoid probate, a court proceeding that occurs when you die with assets in your name alone. It is also much easier to contest a will than a trust. If you are disinheriting a child, it makes sense to use a trust to avoid potential litigation. Generally, trusts save time and money in settling your estate.
You may want to leave your assets to your children in their own Inheritance Protection Trusts, rather than as outright distributions. These trusts protect the inheritance from your children’s divorces, and, when the child passes away, the inheritance goes to your grandchildren, not to your son-in-law or daughter-in-law.
To sum up, an elder law estate plan (1) protects assets from the costs of long-term care, (2) passes assets to your heirs, with the least amount of taxes and legal fees possible, and (3) keeps assets in the bloodline for your grandchildren, and (4) protects the inheritance from your children’s divorces.
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Crime watCh
Valley Stream man arrested in June Cedarhurst shoe store burglary
According to Nassau County Police, a Valley Stream man has been arrested in connection with a burglary at a Cedarhurst shoe store on June 25 at 7:30 p.m.
According to the Major Case Squad, detectives arrested Frank Cirillo, 54, of Benedict Avenue in Valley Stream, on July 14 following an investigation into the burglary.
Police said an unknown suspect entered Jildor Shoes, at 473 Central Ave. in Cedarhurst, and removed a large safe containing U.S. currency before fleeing the
scene.
Following what police described as an extensive investigation, detectives identified Cirillo as the suspect and arrested him without incident.
Cirillo has been charged with burglary. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 31.
The investigation is continuing.
— Melissa Berman
Police said Muneshwer Udit, 53, entered a Valley Stream residence without permission and removed assorted items before leaving the scene.
V.S. man charged in residential
A Valley Stream man was arrested in connection with a residential burglary that police said occurred at 9 a.m. July 14.
Police said Muneshwer Udit, 53, of Cochran Place, entered a Valley Stream residence without permission and removed assorted items before leaving the scene.
burglary
Following an investigation, Udit was arrested without incident.
He was charged with burglary and criminal mischief. His next court appearance is scheduled for July 30.
— Angelina Zingariello
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
Frank Cirillo
Herald file photo.
Herald file photo
Block party expanding to community festival
we wanted to do was transform a fun summer afternoon into a lifeline of resources.”
This year’s event combines the familiar elements of a summer celebration with access to health, safety and financial assistance programs, creating what the association hopes will be a stronger connection between residents and community resources.
Among the featured services will be the Catholic Health Outreach Bus, offering free blood pressure and glucose screenings. The New York State Child Safety Identification Program will provide free photo identification cards for children, while representatives from PSEG Long Island and National Grid will be available to assist residents with utility affordability programs and answer questions.
The event entertainment features a live DJ, bounce house, face painting and a Home Depot Kids Workshop. Representatives from the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library are expected to attend to promote the library’s summer reading program, while the Nassau County Police Department Explorer Program is also scheduled to participate.
Guillermo VanEtten, who has served as president of the civic association for seven years and a resident of the community for 20 years, said the decision to expand the event was driven by a desire to make important services more accessible.
Rather than expecting residents to seek out information or screenings elsewhere, the association wanted to create an opportunity where community members could learn about available resources while attending a neighborhood celebration. He said providing information about health and mental health awareness in a relaxed setting may encourage residents to ask questions they might otherwise postpone.
“You have it right there in front of you at a function, or maybe you could get literature,” VanEtten said. “It’s just bringing it to the people. That’s what we’re trying to do.”
The festival reflects the Mill Brook Civic Association’s broader mission, which serves as a liaison between residents and local government agencies throughout the year.
The organization helps residents navigate issues
ranging from sanitation concerns and permit questions to neighborhood infrastructure and public safety. The civic association also works with local police, the volunteer fire department and the Town of Hempstead, while organizing monthly community cleanups and supporting a scholarship program at Valley Stream South High School through annual membership dues.
Planning for the expanded event began in January, with board members dividing responsibilities that included securing permits, contacting businesses for support, coordinating with government agencies and inviting community organizations to participate.
The event also highlights the neighborhood’s diversity by offering activities and food options intended to appeal to a wide range of residents. including halal chicken and rice platters, burgers, hot dogs, sausage and peppers, and French fries. Fully paid Mill Brook Civic Association member households will receive discounted meal tickets. Residents will also be able to join or renew their annual household membership for $25 at the association’s information table during the festival.
“It’s about building a stronger, healthier and more connected Mill Brook, where everybody meets each other, and they know who their neighbors are, which is very important,” Badet said.
As new families continue moving to the area, the festival provides an opportunity for long-term and newer residents to connect, learn about local resources and strengthen community relationships.
Organizers view the expanded festival as an investment in the neighborhood’s future, combining entertainment with practical services while continuing a tradition that brings the Mill Brook community together each summer.
Herald file photo
Nicholas Jimenez enjoyed the bounce house at the annual celebration last year.
HERALD SPORTS
L.I. Ducks look different for second half
By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
The Long Island Ducks pitching staff has a much different look for the second half of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball season.
Both ace Trevor Bauer and standout closer Ramon Santos had their contracts purchased by Mexican League franchises, leaving Long Island without its most accomplished and impressive arms but not without optimism.
“We’re very happy for Trevor and Ramon,” Ducks manager Lew Ford said. “They were great for us and earned new opportunities. But we’re doing a lot of good things here. We led the league in homers and ERA in the first half, so we feel pretty good about where we’re at.”
Bauer became not only the face of the Ducks (37-26 in first half for second place in the North Division, including 21-12 at home) but the entire Atlantic League in his abbreviated stint. The former MLB star posted a 5-1 record with a 2.36 ERA and 66 strikeouts to just seven walks in 42 innings of work across seven starts.
“I want to thank the Long Island Ducks organization for giving me the opportunity to be part of the team,” said Bauer, who rejoined his 2024 club, Diablos Rojos, June 22. “I’d also like to thank my teammates, the coaching staff, the clubhouse staff, and everyone behind the scenes who made my time here so enjoyable,” he added. “The support from the fans and the Long Island community has been truly special. We had sold-out crowds at home, packed stadiums on the road, and fans traveling from all over the Northeast just to come watch me pitch.”
Highlighting his stay on Long Island, Bauer fired a no-hitter April 26 at Lancaster and followed with a franchise record 15 strikeouts in a May 12 outing versus Gastonia.
“Trevor exceeded every expectation during his time with the Ducks,” team president Michael Pfaff said. “From his dominance on the mound to his commitment to fans and support of our organization, he made a tremendous impact both on and off the field.”
Five days after Bauer’s departure, Santos was signed by Saraperos de Saltillo. Santos appeared in 18 games this season, totaling an Atlantic League best nine saves with 0.95 ERA and 42 strikeouts across 19 innings.
Ford said Rafael Kelly, who starred in late innings for Hagerstown last season, will take over the closer’s role. The starting rotation is young and talented with Ryan Cardona, Tanner Jacobson, Michael Dominguez and Julian Minaya. In just the third start of his professional career July 3, Jacobson got the second half started with a buzz by tak-
ing a no-hitter into the ninth inning of an 8-0 victory over Hagerstown.
The Ducks had a league-best 4.82 ERA in the first half and a run differential of plus-117.
The offense blasted 96 homers, also tops in the league, led by 16 from Jacob Robson and 11 apiece from Jorge Bonafacio and Marcus Chiu. Those three along with Gavin Collins all drove in at least 40 runs in the first half as well. Alsander Womack banged out 75 hits after ranking third in the Atlantic League in 2025 with Charleston.
“This is my fourth season in independent ball and every year whatever team I’ve been on has lost good players,” said Robson, a first-year member of the organization who reached the majors in 2021 with the Detroit Tigers. “We have a great clubhouse here and I feel we have
a lot more in the tank,” he added.”
Ford is also counting on the return of key position players Chris Roller, who leads off, and Anthony Garcia from the injured list to make a difference in the second half as the Ducks chase a playoff berth.
The Ducks set a franchise record July 12 with a dozen stolen bases in a 4-3 win over Charleston. Long Island won eight of its first 11 games to begin the season’s second half on a heater.
“I’m always confident,” Ford said. “We’ve got a good team and we’re here to win.”
Photos courtesy Long Island Ducks
The Ducks led the Atlantic League in run differential in the first half at plus-117.
Former MLB star pitcher Trevor Bauer left his mark on Long Island with a 5-1 record, including a no-hitter.
Valley Stream VFW to host fair for veterans
“We don’t want the information to be stagnant, just for Valley Stream or Elmont,” Kevin Hill, commander of Post 1790, said. “We want all veterans to come out so that they can spread the information, whatever they gain from some of the vendors.”
The resource fair marks the first event of its kind hosted jointly by Post 1790 and Long Island Cares. The organizations have worked together previously through the post’s annual turkey drive, and discussions about expanding that partnership into a larger resource fair began months ago. The additional planning time allowed them to coordinate dozens of participating agencies and create a centralized event offering a broad range of services.
Bringing so many organizations together in one place is especially valuable because veterans often have to travel to multiple locations to learn about available programs. Having representatives from numerous agencies available in person gives veterans the opportunity to ask questions directly, better understand the benefits they have earned through military service and learn about programs they may not have known existed.
Among the services available will be assistance navigating disability claims, an area said to be especially challenging for older veterans who may not be com-
In addition to hosting the Veterans Resource Fair, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1790 in Valley Stream works year-round to assist veterans with the services they need.
fortable completing online applications. Post members regularly help veterans and their families understand the claims process and connect them with the appropriate resources.
“Always remember the Vietnam veterans, how they got treated,” Hill said. “We don’t want to be treated that way. A lot of us are now more resourceful. There are a whole bunch of applications. Everyone is trying to help one another, but do not forget the Vietnam vets. We’re getting what we want to get now, but at any given time, any administration change that happens, and we’ll be left behind.
“That’s why we pay close attention to what’s going on,” he continued. “These legislators and laws, they’ve got one coming up now. They want to change some disability rules for veterans. But that’s the same thing you did to the Vietnam vets. But we’re paying close attention to it and watching what’s going on to make sure it doesn’t happen to our generation. That’s huge.”
Food insecurity is also an ongoing concern for veterans across Long Island. Pantries that serve veterans regularly see large numbers of people seeking assistance, including veterans from multiple generations.
“You can’t believe how many food pantries there are, even on the college campus on Long Island, at Old Westbury, Hofstra, Stony Brook,” Patrick Clayton, the junior vice commander of Post 1790, said. “Our student veterans use these food pantries, and they need to be filled. We try our best to help out every veteran going to the schools, coming to the posts.”
Organizers expressed hope that combining food distribution with the resource fair will encourage veterans to explore additional services while they are attending the event.
VFW members said they also want to challenge outdated perceptions about what local veterans’ organizations do. In addition to advocating for veterans and connecting them with benefits, the post focuses on community service, outreach and ensuring veterans of every generation remain connected to available support.
Veterans who are unable to attend may contact the post by email at vfw1790@gmail.com to request resource information. Post members said they will provide pamphlets and other materials to those who cannot attend in person.
Veterans planning to attend are encouraged to bring a photo ID and a copy of their DD Form 214.
For more information, contact Berbig at (631) 582-3663, ext. 151.
Courtesy VFW Post 1790
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Driver sentenced in fatal Patricia Espinosa crash
Matthew Smith, 21, of Hauppauge, was sentenced July 20 to 7 1/3 to 22 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges stemming from a January crash that killed Nassau County Police Officer Patricia Espinosa and seriously injured his passenger.
Smith pleaded guilty in June to aggravated vehicular homicide and other related charges after authorities said he was driving intoxicated, speeding and ran a red light before crashing into Espinosa’s vehicle as she was heading to work.
Espinosa, a nine-year veteran of the Nassau County Police Department assigned to the Fifth Precinct, died the morning of Jan. 31 following the crash on Route 347 at Alexander Avenue in Saint James. She was 42.
According to Suffolk County prosecutors, Smith and his passenger left Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel in Smith’s Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck at 6:07 a.m. Prior to arriving at the casino, prosecutors said Smith had been drinking alcohol in Patchogue. Authorities said Smith was traveling
about 70 mph in a 30 mph zone when he ran a red light and struck Espinosa’s 2019 Alfa Romeo.
Espinosa was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Smith’s passenger suffered serious injuries, including pelvic and spinal fractures and a severe head laceration.
A chemical test showed Smith’s blood alcohol concentration was .20, more than twice the legal limit. A bottle of Bacardi rum and a shot glass were also found inside the vehicle.
Before joining the Nassau County Police Department, Espinosa served as a New York State corrections officer. After completing the police academy, she was selected as a field training officer, where she mentored new recruits. She was assigned to post 505 in the North Elmont area.
Espinosa is survived by her husband, Francisco Malaga, and their 2-year-old daughter, Mia. Her husband and two brothers, Christian and David Almeida, also serve as police officers.
“No sentence can restore what was taken from Officer Espinosa’s
loved ones, but today this defendant begins paying the price for his conduct,” Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said. As part of his plea agreement, Smith also forfeited his Chevrolet Silverado truck. He was represented by Anthony LaPinta, Esq. The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Emma Richards and Laura Newcombe of the Vehicular Crime Bureau
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Courtesy Nassau County Police Benevolent Association Nassau County Police Officer Patricia Espinosa, a nine-year veteran of the department’s Fifth Precinct, died Jan. 31 after a crash in Saint James while she was on her way to work. Espinosa was assigned to post 505 in the North Elmont area.
A home run for Brooklyn Avenue families
The Brooklyn Avenue School Parent Teacher Association hosted its third annual Family Fun Day at Citi Field.
About 150 students from Brooklyn Avenue and their families watched the New York Mets play the Philadelphia Phillies, enjoying an afternoon filled with entertainment and family bonding.
“We are incredibly thankful to the Brooklyn Avenue School PTA for organizing this wonderful tradition and to the New York Mets for their generosity and continued partnership,” Unal Karakas, superintendent of schools, said. “Opportunities like Family Fun Day help strengthen the connections between our schools, our families and our community.”
The Valley Stream 24 School District is grateful for the Mets kind donation, which made the outing possible for the students and their families for the third year in a row.
While the Mets lost the game, Brooklyn Avenue attendees had an exciting day spending time with family members and classmates.
–Jane Bagatta
Photos courtesy Valley Stream 24 School District
Students at Brooklyn Avenue School in the Valley Stream 24 School District recently enjoyed the PTA Family Fun Day at Citi Field.
Families made countless memories while watching the Mets play the Phillies.
This year marks the third annual Family Fun Day.
Students and their families spent a day cheering on the New York Mets. Parents enjoyed an afternoon out.
Growing the legacy at Maidenbaum & Madmon
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
After more than a year of planning, one of Nassau County’s best-known property tax law firms has officially entered a new era.
Maidenbaum & Sternberg LLP has been renamed Maidenbaum & Madmon LLP, recognizing Managing Partner Amy Madmon’s leadership while reaffirming the firm’s commitment to the clients it has served for decades.
The change became official this month after paperwork was filed with New York state. Firm leaders emphasized that while the name is changing, the attorneys, staff and client-focused approach remain the same.
“It’s exciting and nerve-racking at the same time,” Madmon said. “...We’re excited to officially move forward, but we also want our clients to know that their team is still their team.”
Madmon joined the firm in 2006, after spending two summers as a legal intern. She became managing partner six years ago, and oversees day-to-day operations for a staff of nearly 60 employees while helping guide tens of thousands of Nassau County homeowners through the property tax grievance process each year.
Madmon has spearheaded major technological improvements, including electronic client enrollment, online cli-
ent portals and modernized internal operations. She also developed a streamlined transition program for homebuyers and sellers that helps ensure that property tax savings are properly allocated during real estate transactions.
The firm’s founder, Shalom Maidenbaum, said the name change simply reflects the leadership role Madmon has already been fulfilling. “She’s been responsible for the transition, the growth, our entry into the digital age
and even the A.I. age,” Maidenbaum said. “Now it’s time to put her name on the banner.”
He stressed that the firm wants existing clients to feel reassured that the transition will be seamless. “Amy has already been running operations for the past several years,” Maidenbaum said. “We want our clients to know that nothing is changing in terms of the quality of representation they receive.”
Much of the planning over the past year focused on ensuring that clients
would understand that the firm’s attorneys and staff remain in place. As part of the transition, longtime Partner Ilyse Gellar Sternberg will remain actively involved with clients, particularly those in the firm’s commercial tax practice, while gradually transitioning internal leadership responsibilities.
“We wanted to make very clear that she’s still part of the firm,” Maidenbaum said of Gellar Sternberg. “She’s still working with clients every day.”
The firm, which has earned a reputation as a leader in Nassau County property tax reduction, has also been at the forefront of taxpayer advocacy through several significant legal victories protecting homeowners’ rights to challenge property tax assessments.
“Our goal is continuing to elevate the status quo,” Madmon said. “Our clients come first, and they should feel comfortable knowing the same attorneys, the same staff and the same commitment to service are here.”
For Maidenbaum, adding Madmon’s name to the firm’s masthead recognizes not only her two decades of dedication but also the future of the business.
“I sleep well at night knowing Amy is at the helm,” he said. “She is a consummate professional who will continue our tradition of aggressively representing taxpayers while maintaining the personal touch our clients have always expected.”
Photos courtesy Jake Ascher
Shalom Maidenbaum has renamed Maidenbaum & Sternberg LLP, which is now Maidenbaum & Madmon LLP, recognizing Managing Partner Amy Madmon.
Propel NY finalizes routing, hires contractors
By JULIA CAPITELLI jcapitelli@liherald.com
The New York Power Authority and New York Transco, co-developers of Propel NY Energy, have finalized the proposed routing of their planned underground transmission lines and hired contractors for pre-construction activities. Residents in affected areas continue to oppose the roughly 90-mile project set to run across Nassau County into Westchester.
July 17 was the deadline for parties to file public comments with the New York State Public Service Commission for or against the project. The PSC must issue a Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need and approve Environmental Management and Construction Plans before construction can begin.
According to Marykate Guilfoyle, strategic communications manager at Transco, adjustments in routing were made based on technical analysis, stakeholder input and evaluation of alternatives.
The Daly Boulevard culvert crossing, in Oceanside, was adjusted to “reduce schedule and construction risk,” Guilfoyle said. A segment in the Town of Hempstead was refined to “avoid conflicts” with the Hempstead Fire Department and to use wider roadways to mitigate traffic.
One segment in Glen Head was adjusted to “eliminate a complex trenchless Long Island Rail Road crossing.” Another altered the Glen Head Road-to-Glen Cove Avenue-to-Kissam Lane segment, addressing a “request for reduced magnetic field impacts along Glen Head Road.”
Hallen Integrated Construction Services, Haugland Group and BOND Civil & Utility Construction, Inc. were chosen for pre-construction planning and regula-
tory submissions.
“These expert contractors are a valuable addition to further the development of detailed construction plans,” Transco President Joris Veldhoven said in a news release. “Their proven expertise on complex projects and strong track records and relationships in the project communities will result in thorough plans for the upcoming construction phase.”
“Hallen Integrated Construction Services and Hallen Construction are excited to partner with NY Transco and NYPA on construction planning for Propel NY,” Shepard Poole, president and CEO of The Hallen Construction Co. Inc., said in the release. “This
project is highly important and greatly necessary for the region.”
Support for Propel’s joint proposal has come from state agencies, the City of New York, construction firms, trade unions and some residents. Other residents, school districts, municipalities and elected officials, however, have filed comments opposing the project, which was chosen by the New York Independent System Operator in 2023 as a solution to issues like increased demand and severe weather.
“It’s premature to advance Propel, as it lacks both federal and state approval,” said Christine Panzeca, a Glen Head resident and a lead opponent of the project. “This is especially concerning, given that NYISO is aware that the project is not cost-effective and was specifically advised not to pursue it. In addition, more than 70 percent of the parties have not signed the joint proposal, citing significant unresolved deficiencies in issues affecting health, safety, environmental integrity, route selection, and procedural fairness.”
The Potomac Economics Market Monitoring Unit wrote in a 2023 report that “if the NYISO determines that it must or should select a project, we recommend that it reconsider its recommendation of T051 since it does not appear to be the most cost-effective project.” T051 refers to Propel.
Other parties who have submitted comments in opposition include environmental groups; U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi; Nassau County Legislators Delia DeRiggiWhitton and Patrick Mullaney; the North Shore, Roslyn and Syosset school districts; the Village of Sea Cliff; and Supervisors John Ferretti, Joseph Saladino and Jennifer DeSena, of the towns of Hempstead, Oyster Bay and North Hempstead, respectively.
Additional reporting by Will Sheeline.
Herald file photo
Some of the proposed routes for the Propel NY project have been altered.
STEPPING OUT
Carolyn Miller comes home Authentically country with a local flair
By Abbey Salvemini
In a genre built on authenticity, Carolyn Miller is the real deal. She’s carved her own path into country music, proving that heart, hustle and a powerful story transcends geography. Her sound fuses the honesty of country storytelling with the hooks and polish of mainstream pop, drawing in fans from Nashville to the Northeast and everywhere in between.
For those unfamiliar with Miller, it’s time to get to know the Massapequa native. She perfoms during Huntington Summer Arts Festival at Heckscher Park on Saturday, with her full band, just weeks before the release of her new self-titled EP. She’s steadling expanded her national following while working between Long Island and Nashville.
Miller’s journey into music began early. A former professional child actress, she worked in TV, film and theater; graduating from the Boston Conservatory at Berklee College of Music with a degree in Musical Theatre. But it was country music that gave her the space to tell her own story. With a voice made for big moments and a pen sharp enough to turn lived experience into lyric, she’s quickly established herself as one of the genre’s rising stars.
Appearing as part of this year’s Huntington Summer Arts Festival is about more than just a concert performance for Miller.
“I want it to just feel like a perfect summer night on the Island,” she says. “I hope families and kids pack a cooler, a picnic, bring lawn chairs and blankets. Kids [can] come dance in front of the stage, friends run into each other and reconnect. Everyone just enjoys a great night of live music together.”
“I think there’s something special about the free community concerts because they just bring together people of all ages,” she adds. “If people leave smiling and singing one of the songs in their heads on the drive home and just feeling a little more connected than when they arrived, then we’ve done our job.”
Her energetic, heartfelt shows paired with her down-to-earth, girl-next-door personality make her instantly relatable to audiences, especially suburban women navigating the beautiful chaos of love, motherhood and modern life.
After taking last year off to become a mother, Carolyn — now mom to a two year-old daughter — is stepping boldly into a new era. Her latest single “Fighting For You” (released May 2025) marks the first in a six-song series that chronicles this next chapter of her life. Balancing vulnerability and strength, it’s a reflection of the grit, grace, and growth that define her story today.
Saturday’s “hometown” performance, her second
‘…Wind on down the road
festival appearance, is a notable stop on her journey.
“Long Island’s always been home,” she reflects. “Career-wise, it’s taken me all over the country, but Long Island is where I’m raising my family and where my husband, my daughter and I live. I’m going to have all my family, lifelong friends and people who’ve been following my career for years and even people who have just only recently discovered my music online. Those moments you don’t take for granted and make all the hard work worth it.”
Saturday’s audience will be treated to an early look at Miller’s upcoming EP, a deeply personal collection of songs that marks her next creative chapter.
8-9 p.m.
• Huntington Summer Arts Festival, Chapin Rainbow Stage, Heckscher Park, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington • Visit huntingtonarts.org for more
“The EP is actually going to be self-titled because I just feel like it’s the most honest representation of who I am today. It’s not just who I am as an artist, but also as a wife and a mom and a songwriter.”
Her background in theater brings an added layer of energy and storytelling to this and every performance.
“I love mixing big sing-along moments and then having stories behind the songs and then some more emotional moments along the way. I like to think of it as just a production.”
Despite spending much of her professional life in Nashville, her musical identity has been shaped by her local roots.
“We didn’t really grow up with country music on Long Island. I always joke that if you don’t like country music, you’ll probably like mine, and if you do like country music, then you’ll hopefully like it too.”
As an independent artist, Miller has developd a following of more than 175,000 across social media while overseeing much of her own marketing and creative direction, between here and Nashville. Over the past year she’es performed at CMA Fest, and has shared the stage with the likes of Carrie Underwood, Lee Brice, Sam Hunt, Ashley McBryde, and Dustin Lynch.
Whether she’s behind a mic, on a stage, or in a writing room, Miller is redefining what it means to be a country artist in 2026: grounded, fearless and fully herself. As she prepares to return to Huntington, Miller urges concertgoers, whether longtime fans or first-time listeners, to simply enjoy an evening together.
“It’s free. It’s outdoors, family-friendly. Whether you’ve followed my music for years or you’re just discovering it now, we’d love to have you.”
Led Zeppelin fans, rejoice! Get The Led Out returns 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 always delivers Friday and Saturday, July 24-25, 8 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.
Patty Griffin
The singer-songwriter brings her powerful storytelling and unmistakable voice to the stage in support of her latest album “Crown of Roses.” A two-time Grammy winner and Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement honoree, Patty Griffin has spent more than two decades crafting emotionally resonant songs that blend folk, Americana and blues. She’s been praised for her ability to create vivid emotional portraits through music. Known for songs that linger long after the final note, Griffin continues to captivate audiences with intimate performances that celebrate both life’s hardships and its quiet moments of hope. She is joined by special guest Lucy Wainwright Roche.
Saturday, July 25, 8 p.m. $91, $79, $67. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
Courtesy Carolyn Miller
The many sides of Carolyn Miller. She’s emerged as one of country-pop’s rising independent artists, blending blend heartfelt storytelling with her singular style.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
JUL 23
‘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/ 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
JUL 24
Classic Car Show Salute to Veterans Mazda Valley Stream, in partnership with the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce, hosts classic car shows on Friday nights throughout the summer. This evening is devoted to honoring those who served. It is suggested that attendees bring a $5 donation for the Wounded Warrior Project. With a DJ on site. Cars will be parked as they enter.
• Where: Rockaway Avenue
• Time: 6-9 p.m., through August
• Contact: (516) 318-4816 or (646) 235-2129
Summer grooves
ZBTB returns to Eisenhower Park, with Guys With Guitars. Not only does ZBTB capture the sound and creativity of the Zac Brown Band but they bring a similar atmosphere of family to their shows while engaging the audience in a way that is all their own. In concert, the Zac Brown Band is well known for their renditions of a diverse set of covers, and ZBTB follows suit. With classics like “Enter Sandman” and “Ants Marching”, as well as, modern hits like “Baba O’Riley” and “Devil Went Down to Georgia” regularly in their set, there’s something for everyone.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200
AUG
Double Vision: The Foreigner Experience
Comprising a group of exceptionally talented musicians and die-hard Foreigner fans, Double Vision has perfected the art of bringing to life the unforgettable hits that have defined generations. From “I Want to Know What Love Is” to “Cold as Ice,” their renditions are a harmonious blend of passion, precision, and nostalgic energy. Drawing inspiration from Foreigner’s unmistakable sound and stage presence, Double Vision delivers a performance that pays homage to the band’s legacy while infusing their own charisma and enthusiasm. Their commitment to authenticity is matched only by their unwavering dedication to creating an electrifying experience for their audiences. With an impressive catalog of classics at their fingertips, Double Vision transports everyone to an era when arena rock ruled and Foreigner reigned supreme. Each concert is a testament to their musical prowess, transporting fans to a time when anthems were born and memories were made. Double Vision delivers the highest level of integrity and technical prowess to bring you all the hits from the band that you’ve come to love. With their recent signing to Frontiers Music the band has achieved a milestone as one of the first tribute to secure a record deal. Honoring Foreigner and its audience, they offer a show second to none.
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’
The Madison Theatre’s production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” brings the beloved Andrew Lloyd Webber musical to the stage, retelling the biblical story of Joseph, his colorful coat and his rise from slavery to Pharaoh’s trusted advisor. Told entirely through song, the family-friendly production features memorable numbers including “Any Dream Will Do,” “Close Every Door” and “One More Angel in Heaven,” blending musical styles from calypso to country-western. Suitable for audiences of all ages, the show continues to be one of the world’s most frequently performed musicals.
• Where: Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: Various dates and times, through Aug. 2
• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444
JUL
25
Pool Dance Concert
As part of this summer’s Arthur J. Hendrickson Pool Dance Concerts, a Frank Sinatra tribute band
performs. Open to Valley Stream residents and CHSD Neighbors.
• Where: Arthur J. Hendrickson Pool (behind the pool)
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 821-3786
Summer rocks on Eisenhower Park’s Summer Concert Series welcomes a lively lineup of Jefferson Starship with Atlanta Rhythm Section, Firefall and Pure Prairie League..
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200
‘Grease’
Plaza Theatrical Productions welcomes all to Rydell High. Here’ the senior class of 1959: ducktailed, hot-rodding “Burger Palace Boys’ and their gum-snapping, hip-shaking “Pink Ladies” in bobby sox and pedal pushers, evoking the look and sound of the 1950s in this rollicking musical. Head “greaser” Danny Zuko and new (good) girl Sandy Dumbrowski try to relive the high romance of their “Summer Nights” as the rest of the gang sings and dances its way through such songs as “Greased Lightnin’,” “It’s Raining on Prom Night” and “Alone at
JUL 29
Summer sounds
The village’s Summer Concert Series continues with Street Fighter, a Rolling Stones tribute band.
• Where: Village Band Shell
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 825-4200
Citizen Science: Monarch Larva Monitoring Project Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families to be a citizen scientist and study monarch butterflies in the museum’s Milkweed Garden. By measuring plants, rainfall, and monarch eggs you will be collecting real data that scientists can analyze! Your data will help them understand butterfly migration and will help conserve this species. Each Wednesday, take a walk through this garden and see how the plants grow as habitat for visiting monarchs! To join, meet at the front desk. For ages 4+.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 2-3 p.m., also Aug. 5
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Movie night
the Drive-In Movie,” recalling the music of Buddy Holly, Little Richard and Elvis Presley that became the soundtrack of a generation. An eight-year run on Broadway and two subsequent revivals, along with innumerable school and community productions, place Grease among the world’s most popular musicals.
• Where: Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont
It’s time to play with clay at Long Island Children’s Museum. The Squish Studio is a week-long experience where kids dive deep into the world of clay. Make your mark on a collaborative creature sculpture, experiment with techniques and tools and create your own unique creation to bring home or add to the clay gallery. This is a drop-in program, free with admission.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., through July 31
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
Enjoy a movie under the stars at Eisenhower Park. See “Bad Guys 2,”the 2025 sequel to the animated crime comedy caper, loosely based on the children’s book series. The Bad Guys are struggling to find trust and acceptance in their newly minted lives as Good Guys, when they are pulled out of retirement and forced to do "one last job" by an all-female squad of criminals.
• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow
• Time: Movie begins at dusk
• Contact: nassaucountyny.gov
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
Compilred by Herald Staff
Angel Santiago Massapequa Park
The beaches. Jones Beach is my favorite.
Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald
What
favorite summer spot on Long Island?
Lisa Katz
Merrick
Malibu – for the beach and the bands.
Tim Baker/Herald
Lorraine Sclafani
Rockville Centre
My favorite summer spot is Point Lookout Beach. Our family, we’ve been going there for many years. We like to pack a lunch and spend the day and it’s a great beach, we swim, it’s really beautiful.
Tim Baker/Herald
Celeste Gullo
Glen Cove
Has to be Prybil beach, underrated and over looked. It’s great for kids and purely beautiful all seasons, from sunrise to sunset. I have tons of videos of it. I go all the time.
Roksana Amid/Herald
Margie Luciano West Hempstead
I’ve spent my summers in Lake Ronkonkoma as a child. It’s really beautiful. That’s where I learned how to swim as a child.
Tim Baker/Herald
July 23, 2026
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Notices
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 SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, AS SUCCESSOR-IN-
INTEREST 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
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
V.S. Chamber treasurer honored for service
Glenore M. Anderson, treasurer of the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce and branch manager of Dime Community Bank in Valley Stream, was recognized for her service to the community during Caribbean Night July 17 at Eisenhower Park’s Harry Chapin Theater.
Anderson was honored by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for her outstanding service.
Members of the Chamber recognized Anderson’s continued support of local businesses and her involvement in the community.
Those in attendance and offering congratulations included Lauri LoQuercio of NY Life and the Chamber director; Devi Knowlessar of Charles Rutenberg Realty and a Chamber member; Sasan Shavanson, owner of One In A Million Inc. and president of the Chamber; and Sandra Clarke, owner of Celebs and Stars and a Chamber member.
— Angelina Zingariello
News brief
Lawmakers host phone bank for Haiti TPS
Nassau County Legislators Carrié Solages and Viviana L. Russell joined advocates at Solages’ law office last Monday for a “Fight for Haiti TPS” phone bank.
Solages and Russell joined with advocates and government colleagues, including New York State Senator Siela A. Bynoe, in calling upon the U.S. Senate to approve Senate Bill 4814, which would require the Secretary of Homeland Security to designate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status.
The push to secure TPS status for Haitian nationals follows a June 25 Supreme Court which cleared the way for the Trump administration to revoke TPS for more than 350,000 Haitians in America.
“It is simply unconscionable to consider the possibility that the
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 25, 2026 at 2:30 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.
United States would force hundreds of thousands of individuals back to a country that the State Department says is too dangerous for Americans to visit,” Solages, who in 2012 became the Legislature’s first Haitian American member, said. “Yet, because of the Trump administration’s clear hatred and animosity toward the Haitian diaspora, it is a possibility that we must consider –and it is something we must all use our voices to stop from happening. I am proud to stand with colleagues from across the state in the fight to uphold America’s promise as a beacon of hope for the world.”
— Angelina Zingariello
Approximate amount of judgment $596,120.29 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605700/2023. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.
Courtesy Lauri LoQuercio
From left, Lauri LoQuercio, Glenore M. Anderson, Devi Knowlessar and Jacob D. Anderson gathered to celebrate the recognition.
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.
Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour
Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA
ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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Luxury Home With Scenic Views
Now we need a backflow-prevention device?
Q. We received a letter several weeks ago about yet another expense for our home, to add a backflow device because we have a sprinkler. We’re wondering if this is really necessary. We’ve had a sprinkler for 40 years, and have never had a problem. Can you explain why we need this, and what will happen if we don’t put one in? We got estimates that it could be $750 to $1,000. Is this somehow related to legionnaires’ disease?
A. Yes, you are now required to have a backflow device on your home water line, especially for the sprinkler connection. This became a safeguard, debated for many years, as a reaction to backsiphoning of plumbing lines when there were pressure changes.
The backflow prevention device is a one-way water valve that allows water to flow from the public water main into your home or sprinkler system, but not back into the public water supply. Pressure changes in the line can happen for several reasons, including flushing of public water pipes, which you are notified about, because people report the discoloration of their water from time to time. It can also happen when a fire hydrant is being used or when there’s a water main break.
Any which way it happens, this is a real issue, even if you’ve never noticed it over the past 40 years. You wouldn’t necessarily be the consumer of the contaminants that flowed from your sprinkler line back into the public water supply, but let’s face it, sprinkler heads are exposed to animal waste, pesticides, fertilizers, soil, bacteria and standing water on a regular basis, and you wouldn’t want to drink any of these potentially sickening substances. You’d probably wonder what made you sick, but never connect the dots back to your drinking or cooking water.
I remember the uproar over seat belts in the 1960s, when we were first asked to wear those cumbersome and restrictive devices. Before that, we kids had the freedom to roam from window to window for a better view, to avoid the boredom of long family road trips or grocery store errands. Then seat belts became law. People were defiant, and some even survived accidents without seatbelts. We’ve now had two generations of youngsters who were strapped in like they were astronauts in a rocket sled, and it seems pretty standard now.
The time will come when the contaminants in our water lines will be avoided and we won’t give it another thought. As for legionnaires’ disease, there is little connection between the two. Legionnaires’ disease is mainly caused by stagnant water in a breeding ground of a dark holding tank, in temperatures between 77 and 113 degrees. Those old water tanks, sitting on top of buildings, feeding the drinking and domestic water through buildings by gravity, became perfect for bacterial growth.
Unless you have a well pump sprinkle your lawn, you must add the device — or possibly be fined and forced to do it anyway. Good luck
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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Protecting our drinking water is a community effort
it’s the hottest time of year on Long Island, and high temperatures mean high water use. From June through September, demand for water surges, driven largely by lawn irrigation and outdoor use. Long Islanders love green lawns, but they come at a cost that many residents don’t fully see: added strain on our water infrastructure and increased stress on Long Island’s sole-source aquifer, the only source of drinking water for nearly 3 million people.
Long Island has no alternative water supply. We rely entirely on a vast but finite underground aquifer system that must meet all residential, commercial and public needs. That makes water conservation not just a seasonal suggestion, but a long-term necessity.
The latest findings from the Long Island Commission for Aquifer Protection underscore the urgency of the issue. According to LICAP’s 2025 State of the Aquifer report, groundwater levels have shown troubling declines in recent years, particularly following periods of below-average rainfall. As hydro-
Recently there has been a lot of conversation about the amount of time children spend on screens. Families, educators and communities are asking thoughtful questions about how to help children benefit from technology while also protecting time for play, creativity, friendship, rest and real-life experiences.
In Valley Stream UFSD 13, our districtwide Technology Committee will be exploring this important issue, and considering how we can balance the best uses of instructional technology with age- and developmentally appropriate device use at school. Parents and caregivers may want to reflect on this question as it relates to their own children’s lives outside school. Many of us can remember a time when the internet wasn’t in our pocket, and childhood included more built-in opportunities to wander, wonder, play, create and simply be. This isn’t about judging anyone’s choices. It’s
logic conditions fluctuate, especially during dry spells, increased pumping to meet peak summer demand puts additional pressure on the aquifer. This is just as much an infrastructure challenge as it is an environmental concern. Every gallon of water that must be pumped, treated and delivered requires energy and infrastructure capacity. During the summer, water providers must operate at peak levels to keep up with demand. That accelerates wear and tear on pumps, wells, treatment systems and water mains, increasing maintenance costs and, ultimately, costs for ratepayers. Simply put, excessive water use today leads to higher costs tomorrow.
Actions taken by residents each day collectively have a profound impact.
ful difference. Following odd/even watering schedules helps distribute demand more evenly. Avoiding irrigation between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. reduces waste due to evaporation. Even skipping watering after rainfall can save thousands of gallons per household over the course of a season.
Conservation plays a significant role in mitigating all of these risks. Reducing unnecessary water use — particularly irrigation — can significantly ease the burden on both the aquifer and water providers’ infrastructure. Studies continue to show that lawns only require about one inch of water per week to remain healthy. Yet many residential irrigation systems run far more frequently than necessary, often during the hottest parts of the day, when much of that water is lost to evaporation. Simple changes can make a meaning-
Technology also plays an important role. Smart irrigation controllers, which adjust watering schedules based on realtime weather conditions, are among the most effective tools available, ensuring that landscapes receive only the water they need, helping homeowners save money while supporting broader conservation goals. They ultimately pay for themselves, often within only a couple of years. Some Long Island water providers have rebate programs for residents who make the switch to smart controllers, making them even more cost-effective.
As highlighted in the State of the Aquifer report, conservation works hand in hand with other efforts such as water reuse, source water protection and advanced monitoring to ensure the sustainability of our groundwater resources. These strategies are essential to maintaining the reliability of our water supply in the face of growing demand,
Making room for summer
about noticing the small moments that can get squeezed out when screens fill every quiet space.
How often does my child go outside? Read quietly alone? Play in person with other children? Practice an instrument? Color or make something? Work independently on a hobby? Talk with friends without the internet in between? Those questions can help us think about the experiences we want children to have.
There is value in letting children be bored from time to time. Boredom isn’t always something to fix immediately. When children have unstructured time, they often begin to invent games, solve problems, daydream, draw, build, read, or notice the world around them. Quiet stretches can support creativity and independence in ways that constant entertainment cannot.
prepare a simple meal, caring for a pet, or taking on another small responsibility without an adult stepping in right away. These experiences teach children confidence and good judgment.
s mall moments can get squeezed out when screens fill every quiet space.
If you’re worried about letting your child be more independent outside your home, that caution is understandable. Families can start small and build comfort over time. You might use walkie-talkies or a family phone without internet access, agree on clear boundaries, set a return time, and make a plan for emergencies. Roleplaying simple scenarios can help children know what to do if they need help.
ever-evolving drinking water regulations and changing climate conditions. It’s also important to recognize that conservation is about more than quantity. Reducing excessive pumping helps maintain natural groundwater levels, which in turn supports streamflow and protects wetlands. It limits the risk of saltwater intrusion, which poses a significant threat to Long Island’s coastal communities. These environmental benefits are critical to preserving Long Island’s ecosystems and quality of life.
The responsibility of protecting our aquifer belongs to all of us. Water providers are investing heavily in infrastructure and treatment technologies and planning efforts to safeguard this resource. But they can’t do it alone. Actions taken by residents each day collectively have a profound impact.
This summer, we urge all Long Islanders to be mindful of their water use. Small changes, when adopted by millions of people, can yield significant results. By conserving water, we not only protect a vital natural resource, but also strengthen our infrastructure, stabilize costs and ensure that future generations of Long Islanders will have access to clean, reliable drinking water.
On Long Island, water isn’t just a utility. It is our lifeline, and we all need to do our part to protect it.
Brendan Warner is chairman of the Long Island Water Conference.
Children grow when they are trusted with age-appropriate independence. That independence may look different for every family and every child. For one child, it may mean walking to a neighbor’s house. For another, it may mean playing outside within agreed-on boundaries. Children may enjoy helping
None of this requires a dramatic change or a perfect plan. For many families, the most realistic approach may be to start with one small adjustment: a device-free hour, a walk after dinner, a library visit, a backyard game, a puzzle on the table, or an agreement that phones stay inside while children play outside. When devices are put aside, families also create more space for conversation by asking simple questions, sharing ideas, making observations, and helping children build language and
vocabulary through everyday moments. Small shifts can open the door to bigger changes over time.
The summer months are a wonderful time to think about this topic and consider whether a small change may benefit your child. Simply going outside in warm weather can lift our spirits. We take a deep breath, slow down, and feel the warmth of the sun on our faces. We see neighbors walking dogs, tending gardens, gathering in parks, cheering at games and enjoying one another’s company. Children notice those rhythms, too. They see that the world is bigger than a screen, and that connection is often right outside the door.
Screens are part of our children’s world, and for many families they are useful tools for learning, communication, entertainment, and even a little peace during a busy day. The goal doesn’t have to be removing them altogether. Instead, summer gives us a natural opportunity to pause, experiment, and make room for other experiences, too. A little more sunlight, conversation, movement, boredom, responsibility and play may be a gift our children carry with them long after summer ends.
Judith A. LaRocca, Ed.D., is superintendent of Valley Stream Union Free School District 13.
mArthA jAcoviDes
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Fax: (516) 569-4942
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Giving blood: the gift that cannot wait
Summer is a season many of us look forward to. Families head out on vacation, schools close for the year, community calendars lighten and many of the charitable drives and volunteer activities that fill the rest of the year take a brief pause.
Illness, accidents and medical emergencies, however, never take a vacation.
Every day, hospitals across Long Island and around the country rely on a steady supply of donated blood to care for trauma victims, cancer patients, premature infants, people undergoing surgery and those living with chronic blood disorders. When blood is needed, there is no time to wait for donors to come forward. The blood must already be on the shelves.
That’s why the emergency blood shortage announced by the American Red Cross should concern every one of us. The Red Cross reports that blood donations have fallen sharply since the end of May. That is not a problem that can be solved overnight.
Blood products have a limited shelf life. Red blood cells can be stored for only about six weeks, while platelets, which are critical for cancer patients and others undergoing treatment, last only a few days. A constant stream of volunteer donors is necessary simply to keep pace with everyday medical needs.
Unlike many products hospitals use, blood can’t be manufactured in a laboratory. It can’t be ordered from a factory or
letterS
Peter King is right about America’s leadership
To the Editor:
Re Peter King’s op-ed in last week’s issue, “America must not abdicate its leadership”: King is so right in his assessment. While I’m no expert on foreign affairs, I do think I have a unique perspective on the topic he addresses.
You see, my mother was born and raised in Germany, and was 16 when World War II broke out. My father’s parents were born in Germany, but in 1923 they moved to the United States for the very reason King points out: the Treaty of Versailles left Germany impoverished with little hope. So my father grew up here in New York, but as fate had it, my grandparents decided to move back to Germany in the late 1930s, because Germany was once again a prosperous country.
When the war broke out, my father was drafted into the German army
substituted with another medicine. Every pint comes from a volunteer willing to spend less than an hour giving something that costs nothing but can mean everything to someone else.
It is one of the rare opportunities for an ordinary person to directly save a life.
Most blood donors never meet the people they help. Yet each donation has the potential to help a number of patients. A single donation can help save as many as three lives.
It’s easy to assume that someone else will donate — that someone younger, healthier or with more free time will answer the call. But maintaining an adequate blood supply depends on thousands of people making that same small commitment throughout the year, because the demand for blood remains constant.
If anything, summer brings additional challenges. Increased travel can mean more motor vehicle accidents. Outdoor recreation can result in serious injuries. Construction projects continue. Hospitals remain busy. Every one of those situations depends on blood being available.
Long Island residents and the business community have always demonstrated their generosity during times of crisis. For those who have donated before, now is an excellent time to schedule another appointment if they are eligible. For first-time donors, there may be some uncertainty, but the process is safe,
carefully supervised and generally takes about an hour from registration to refreshments afterward. Most donors say the experience is easier than they expected, and leave knowing they have made a meaningful difference.
Donors of all eight blood types — A+, A-, B+, B-, AB+, AB-, O+ and O- — are needed to rebuild the nation’s blood supply. While some blood types are used more frequently than others, every donation strengthens the system that hospitals depend on daily.
This isn’t simply about responding to an emergency declaration. It’s about recognizing that each of us may someday depend on the generosity of someone we’ve never met. Few people expect to need a blood transfusion until an accident, illness or unexpected surgery changes everything in an instant.
When that day comes, no family should have to wonder whether enough blood is available.
Make an appointment to donate blood. The Red Cross collects nationwide, but does not have facilities on Long Island, where New York Blood Centers and other agencies and organizations help meet the need. To learn where to donate, go to AABB.org, the Association for the Advancement of Blood & Biotherapies, to find an AABB-accredited donation facility.
A single hour you spend giving blood today could mean the difference between life and death for someone in need.
I won’t stand by while our utility rates continue to climb
our neighbors across Nassau County tell me they simply cannot keep up with the rising costs on Long Island. The seemingly unending price increases for basic needs, like groceries, gas, health care and insurance, are forcing more hardworking families to decide what they can afford and what they must go without.
Keeping the lights on and the water running is nonnegotiable, however, leaving families at the mercy of utility bills that creep upward month after month with little warning or reason.
Long Islanders pay among the highest utility rates in the nation, and the cost of power has risen 20 percent since January. This has pushed the cost of living even higher, and made it more difficult to get by. Inconsistent and partisan energy policies, repeated price hikes by utility companies and cuts to assistance programs have sent utility bills soaring. I’m doing everything I can in Congress to lower these costs.
The republican leadership in Washington still has not done enough to
Letters
bring them down or take on the private utility companies that are driving up costs. There must be greater guardrails on these companies, which have collectively requested $50 billion in rate increases nationwide since 2025 to pad their profits. We’re seeing this firsthand in Nassau County, with Liberty Water’s latest proposed rate increases. That’s why I’ve demanded answers from Liberty Water on its repeated requests to increase rates, because no one should have to pay $20 to $30 more per month just to have water in their home.
the Republican leadership in D.C. still hasn’t done enough to bring them down.
about the administration’s plans to address rising electricity costs, and asked why it proposed additional cuts to vital federal support. reports show that elderly, disabled and low-income Long Islanders are struggling to pay their energy bills. Nearly 1,000 more PSEG customers saw their power shut off in April due to overdue bills, compared with last year.
To ensure that Washington is focused on tackling this problem, I helped launch the Congressional Lowering Utility Bills Caucus, a coalition committed to holding utility companies accountable for prioritizing profits over their consumers. I am also co-leading the Stop the rate Hikes Act to prevent utility providers from increasing rates more than once a year. Working families are already struggling to make ends meet, and demanding frequent rate increases is unacceptable.
Holding private utility companies accountable is only part of the battle.
At a recent hearing, I questioned the U.S. energy secretary, Chris Wright,
the Luftwaffe, as it turns out. It wasn’t until I was in college that he revealed this aspect of his life to me. He had always said he was an American soldier, which was believable, as he had no accent growing up in New York. And we lived in Queens, with many Jewish neighbors, and, understandably, he didn’t want this aspect of his past to get out to the neighbors.
So, the question I would always ask my parents was, how could a great country like Germany allow Nazism to happen? They would offer several reasons, including that in the beginning, most Germans thought Hitler was someone who would implode and eventually go away. And by the time they realized that he wasn’t going anywhere, it was too late. Besides, they were just trying to live their lives and recover from the restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles.
But the reason that can’t be ignored was appeasement — King’s central argument in his essay. Like it or not, the U.S. needs to maintain its global leadership as a deterrent to regimes whose goal it is to expand their borders against the will of all other nations. I’m troubled by the administration’s seeming lack of knowledge or respect for history, and how it somehow repeats itself.
I wish members of Congress would speak out more on this topic, and follow King’s advice publicly. While I agree that Europe must increase its defense spending, we need to maintain our role as “global policeman,” because no other country, in my opinion, has the credibility and military muscle to take on this role. Vladimir Putin is not someone who can be trusted. Why we have let him get this far is a reminder that appeasement does not work with evil minds.
WILLIAm FUESSLEr Wantagh
I questioned the administration’s proposal to cut funding for the Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps lowincome households reduce energy bills by about 20 percent annually in New York. In Congress I’m pushing for full funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which has provided critical assistance for more than 40 years to the most vulnerable in our communities. These programs are lifelines for many to afford their utilities, and I’ll continue fighting to preserve them.
Finally, we can’t expect to bring utility prices down with partisan politics or a one-size-fits-all approach. This moment requires us to deliver bipartisan, all-of-the-above energy solutions, and I urged Wright to work with me to do just that. When we spoke, I expressed my support for the Northeast Supply
Framework by Tim Baker
Enhancement natural-gas pipeline project, which is critical for delivering more affordable, reliable energy to Long Island. New York state generates roughly half of its electricity from natural gas, and with this added source of energy, Long Island households that convert from fuel oil to natural-gas heating could save upward of $1,500 a year. We must give local communities the ability to modernize and diversify their energy sources as we explore potentially cost-effective solutions. This way, we are never dependent on any single energy source. Part of the solution is projects like the NESE pipeline, which will reliably deliver affordable natural gas that we depend on to power and heat our homes, while supporting thousands of good-paying union jobs.
People across Nassau County tell me they desperately need relief as they stretch their paychecks further to cover mounting bills. They should never have to think about when and how long they keep their lights on, heat their homes or run their faucets for fear of paying hundreds more a month. That’s why I won’t stop fighting to hold utility companies accountable, preserve vital assistance programs, diversify our energy solutions and lower utility bills for every household on Long Island.
Laura A. Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.
At the Town of Hempstead’s America 250 Celebration, Dominick Critelli, 105, and Christopher Macchio performed.
And the Experts Agree
At Mount Sinai South Nassau, patient safety isn’t just a priority— it’s a standard, one we work on every day. And the experts agree.
We’ve earned national recognition for patient safety, including an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group and the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award.
That means better outcomes for our patients with lower risk of infections or hospital acquired conditions.
When it comes to your health, nothing matters more than knowing you’re in a place where patient safety matters most.
