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Vol. 26 No. 24
JUNE 11 - 17, 2026
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Jr. firefighters receive annual scholarship
Richard Kessel named new chair of NHCC By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com
Richard Kessel, chairman of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, has b e e n t a p p e d by G ov. Kathy Hochul to be the next chair man of the Nassau Health Care Corporation, the public benefit corporation that oversees Nassau University Medical Center, in East Meadow, and the A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility, in Uniondale. A regional leader for decades, Kessel, of Merrick, is known for his expertise on energy and consumer issues and has an extensive background in public service. He previously served as chairman of the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency and as chief executive officer of the New York Power Authority. Kessel, 76, has a bachelor’s degree from New York University and a master’s from Columbia University. “Richard Kessel brings decades of leadership experience in gover nment, public policy and complex organizations,” Hochul said of Monday’s appointment in a statement emailed to the Herald. “His proven record of public service, commitment to Long Island and ability to navigate challenging issues make him exceptionally well-suited ContinueD on pAge 4
i n t h e E a s t M e a d ow F i re Department, a member of the Board of Commissioners, and Four East Meadow junior an instructor at the Fire Serfirefighters were awarded the vice Academy — just like his Finkelman Family Fund Schol- dad — died in 2019. The scholarship came together at East arship also now honors his Meadow Fire Department’s memory too. The All four recipients this headquarters on May 31 to year will continue accept the Finkeltheir education in man Family Fund New York. Scholarship for According to For their post-secondRatner, the scholarary education. Giuship is intended to liano D’Alessandro, support well-round18, Jose ph ed young people McLoughlin, 18, who contribute to Garrett Wanser, 17, the East Meadow and Nicholas Brent, community, where 1 7 , re c e ive d t h e she g rew up and aw a r d b e f o r e a s t i l l l ive s. S h e room full of fireshared that mesfighters from Jody sage directly with Ratner, daughter of GARREt WASNER the recipients durNelson H. and Glo- recipient, ing her remarks. ria Finkelman and Finkelman Family “You were recsister of Michael Fund scholarship ommended by your Finkelman. s u p e r v i s o r, a n d The Finkelman Family Fund, established in were selected for your exempla2018 by Jody Ratner and her ry dedication, enthusiasm, siblings Michael Finkelman, leadership and commitment to Lori Finkelman and Amy serving the department and the Counts, was created in honor community,” Ratner said. “And of their parents, Nelson and it is our hope that you will Gloria Finkelman to provide maintain the spirit of the Fins ch o l a r s h i p s fo r s u p e r i o r kelman family and for your junior firefighters. Michael ongoing involvement in the fire Finkelman, a two-term ex-chief ContinueD on pAge 15
By REI WolFSoHN
Correspondent
Holden Leeds/Herald
Community Day returns Saturday, featuring four hours of fun activities and a vendor fair, all completely free. At the last event in 2024, Julia and Rebecca Smith had their faces painted.
Community Day set to return this weekend By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com
East Meadow Community Day returns after two years, bringing back all of the generosity and f amily-friendly entertainment that locals have grown to love. Community Day is made possible through a partnership between the East Meadow Chamber of Commerce and multiple partners, bringing in over 2,000 people at past events. This year, almost 90 vendors are setting up stands to offer their goods free of charge. Community Day has been a tradition in the East Meadow community for almost 40
years. Last year’s event was canceled due to rain, but this year’s event is set for June 13, starting at 10 a.m. in Speno Park. Ted Rosenthal, a local attorney with Rosenthal, Curry and Kranz, LLP, and a member of the Chamber, described the event as a one-stop shop to explore East Meadow’s culture. “We have vendors that can set up tables and give away anything that they want,” he said. “There was always only one rule, and that rule is that nobody gets charged. It’s a free event for all those who want to participate.” The event’s other attractions range from a pie ContinueD on eating pAge 11
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t’s really taught me to appreciate what these men and women do for our community.