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Block party is this week
Jewish pride in Nassau County
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Vol. 29 No. 25
JUNE 18 - 24, 2026
Douglas Elliman Real Es tate 23 00 Merrick Road, Merri
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BMCHSD seniors earn top honors “Their accomplishments reflect years of hard work and perseverance and have left a The Bellmore-Merrick Cen- lasting impact on their respectral High School District’s vale- tive schools.” At Kennedy High School, dictorians and salutatorians have repeatedly left their mark valedictorian Mason Schlesingon their schools before heading er, of Merrick, will attend Duke off to college this fall — from University to study economics. conducting published medical Schlesinger was active in Sturesearch and dent Government, award-winning scivo l l e y b a l l , t h e ence projects to Future Business leading student Leaders of Ameriorganizations and ca and Math Team, volunteering hunand founded Kendreds of hours in nedy’s chapter of their communities. the Wharton High The eight stuSchool Investment dents represent Competition. John F. Kennedy “Mason has disHigh School, Wel- MiCHAEl tinguished himlington C. Mepham self not only as a High School, San- HARRiNGToN remarkable scholford H. Calhoun Superintendent ar but also as a High School and thoughtful leader the Meadowbrook and an essential Alternative Program, distin- part of our school’s identity,” guishing themselves through school counselor Courtney academic achievement, leader- Waller said. ship and service both inside Joining him at the top of and outside the classroom. Kennedy’s Class of 2026 is salu“ T h e s e s t u d e n t s d i s t i n - tatorian Conor McMillan, of guished themselves through Bellmore, who plans to study academic excellence, leader- applied mathematics at Brown ship, service and dedication to University. McMillan held leadtheir school communities,” the ership positions in robotics, d i s t r i c t ’s s u p e r i n t e n d e n t , S t u d e n t G ove r n m e n t a n d Michael Har rington, said. Continued on page 2
By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ
hgaldamez@liherald.com
T
Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School
Celebrating the Class of 2026 The Sanford H. Calhoun High School Class of 2026 was celebrated on the school field on June 14 to mark the culmination of their high school careers. Story, additional photos, Page 3.
Ferretti opposes proposed Liberty Water rate hikes, calls increases a burden By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti is calling on state regulators to reject Liberty New York Water’s proposed rate increases, arguing that the hikes would place an undue burden on Long Island residents already struggling with rising costs. Standing outside Liberty Utilities headquarters on June 12, Ferretti criticized the company’s request to increase revenues by approximately 21.87% in Service Area 1 and 30 and.14% in Service Area 2, according to filings with the New York State Public Service Commission. Service Area 1 includes communities such as
Baldwin, Oceanside, Lynbrook, East Rockaway, Malver ne and Island Park. Service Area 2 includes the Merrick and Sea Cliff districts, with the Merrick district serving Merrick, Bellmore, Wantagh and Seaford. Town officials said the proposal could raise monthly residential water bills by nearly $30 for some customers. The Merrick district could see increases of approximately 37% if approved. “At a time when families are already paying more for groceries, housing, energy and virtually every other necessity, Liberty Utilities wants to reach even deeper into the pockets of hardworking residents,” Ferretti said. “These proposed increases are staggering, and I am deeply Continued on page 9
heir
accomplishments reflect years of hard work.