Franklin Square/Elmont Herald 06-19-2025

Rain or shine, Elmont showed up in style! On June 7, the community marched down Hempstead Turnpike for the 17th annual Paul Sapienza Parade, honoring the late Chamber of Commerce leader with marching bands, pom-poms, and plenty of hometown pride.

Elmont marches on in joyful parade tradition

By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com

The Elmont community celebrated the 17th annual Paul Sapienza Parade, a tradition that honors the late Paul Sapienza, a beloved community leader and former president of the Elmont Chamber of Commerce.

Despite rainy weather looming in the forecast, marchers lined up at the Alva T. Stanforth Sports Complex on Hempstead Turnpike at 9:30 a.m. With a bit of luck, the weather held out.

The parade committee, consisting of community leaders from the Argo, Parkhurst, Locustwood Gotham and Jamaica Square civic associations began organizing the event in January.

According to parade committee member Sandra Smith, chairperson of the Coalition for Sustainable Development and an Argo Civic Association member, the same group of committee members that began organizing the parade 17 years ago continue to do so today.

COnTinuEd On PagE 19

Pride, pizza and a safe place for all; LGBTQ visibility

By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com

Franklin Square residents came together in a show of pride and support for the LGBTQ+ community during Howie’s Heart’s Slice of Pride on June 7 at the Franklin Square Public Library, where adult and teen LGBTQ+ members and allies celebrated inclusion and acceptance.

Nearly 50 people — the nonprofit’s largest event turnout yet — gathered in the library meeting room, kicking off the celebration with pizza and a musical performance by local performer Jesse Nacinovich,

also known as Jesse Jams, who played the ukulele and sang the well-known rendition of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole.

“I have been a children’s entertainer for almost 20 years,” Nacinovich said. “Which is just a little bit less time since I have been an out and proud queer person.”

Howie’s Heart co-founder Jen Camacho said she organized the event to support LGBTQ+ youth who are not accepted by their families or communities. She requested that attendees bring canned goods, toiletries and personal hygiene products for the Pride

for Youth food pantry, located in Bellmore, whose mission is to “enhance the health and wellness of the LGBTQ+ community through education, supportive services and personal development,” according to its website.

Attendees also created crafts, including rainbow sun catchers and decorative rocks, to spread messages of kindness to LGBTQ+ youth who are in need of support and acceptance.

“I just felt like I had never seen anything like this in our community,” Camacho said of the event. “I just thought about what families and kids and teenagers must feel like when

they don’t see themselves represented at different places.”

She stressed that a disproportionate number of LGBTQ+ youth are homeless. According to the Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention for queer youth, 28 percent of LGBTQ+ youth have experienced homelessness or housing instability at some

point in their lives.

Camacho recalled the kindness shown by her father, Howie Conklin — Howie’s Heart’s namesake — to people from all walks of life. He even invited a homeless man to one of the Conklin family’s Thanksgiving dinners.

“He just always included

COnTinuEd On PagE 8

By RENEE DeLORENZO

things to know sAnitARY DistRiCt 6

Got trash? Here’s what to know

rdelorenzo@liherald.com

Sanitary District No. 6 serves Elmont, Franklin Square and several nearby towns, covering more than 30,000 homes on Long Island. The district, established in 1928, is supervised by the Town of Hempstead and funded by local tax dollars. Steven Fredericks, general supervisor of the district’s board of commissioners, said employees are public servants whose goal is to meet the community’s needs as efficiently as possible. More information, including each town’s garbage pickup schedule, is available at SanitaryDistrict6.com. Residents can also call the office at (516) 489-2889.

What residents should know

Sanitary District No. 6 collects garbage, recyclables and lawn clippings, as well as various junk items from residents cleaning out their homes and garages. These are picked up on designated collection days. Fredericks emphasized that garbage and recyclables should be placed at the curb only after 7 p.m. the night before the scheduled pickup, and must be retrieved before 7 p.m. the evening after. Residents can contact the district to arrange special pickups for large items such as mattresses or furniture. Cardboard is not recyclable if it is dirty, Fredericks said — meaning pizza boxes and other food-soiled cardboard cannot be placed with recyclables because oils contaminate the material. If residents are in need of new trash cans, they can contact the office and will be provided a replacement.

What businesses should know

Sanitary District No. 6 does not provide litter pickup services in front of businesses, Fredericks said. Instead, business owners are responsible for cleaning the sidewalks and parking areas adjacent to their properties. The district is only responsible for curbside garbage collection. Similar to residential procedures, business owners should place their trash in garbage bags and put them in a trashcan at the curb. For businesses that generate large amounts of oils, grease or animal byproducts — such as restaurants — Fredericks said owners can contact the district, which will refer them to fat rendering companies equipped to handle that type of waste. The district can also connect businesses with resources to recycle large amounts of clean cardboard, which Fredericks said is in high demand.

What happens to your trash?

After the sanitary district collects trash, it is transported to various private facilities that recycle or repurpose it. Regular garbage is typically sent to Reworld, a private energy-from-waste and industrial waste management company in Hempstead, where it is incinerated at high temperatures to generate enough energy to power more than 55,000 homes annually. Compostable waste — such as lawn clippings and food scraps — is ta ken to private composting sites like the El Corazon Compost Facility in Oceanside, where it is turned into mulch. Recyclables — demand for which has declined in recent years, Fredericks said — are sold to local contractors that sort, sell and repurpose materials like newspapers, cans, plastics and glass.

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From war to healing; a veteran’s lifeline

Teen hosts a veteran from Paws of War to share his story about how a service dog saved his life

By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com

Marine veteran Mike Kilano shared his harrowing journey from the battlefield to the brink of suicide — and the service dog that saved his life — during a powerful event coordinated by H. Frank Carey junior and Girl Scout Annie Gaudiosi at the Franklin Square Public Library on June 9.

Annie said she organized the event because her classmates, who often attend her library events, were requesting an animal-related program. She researched local organizations and discovered Paws of War. Drawn to the group’s mission of providing services to first responders and military veterans, she decided to reach out.

“I think this is something you really need for the community,” Annie said of the organization. “I thought it would be nice for teens and younger kids to see that even veterans — people who literally fought in wars — struggle with the same things we do.”

After a 15-minute Zoom meeting, the Paws of War team connected Annie with Kilano, a Marine Corps combat veteran who served from 1999 to 2003 and was deployed during the initial invasion of Iraq.

Kilano, 45, brought his service dog, a 4-year-old Rottweiler named Nova, to his 30-minute lecture, delivered to more than a dozen teens in the library’s meeting room. He spoke about his wartime experiences, the debilitating injuries he sustained, and the post-traumatic stress disorder he has battled since his discharge.

After suffering a traumatic brain injury in combat, losing his sense of smell from burn pit exposure, experiencing hearing loss, and developing chronic conditions such as tinnitus and widespread pain in his back, knees, hands and head, Kilano struggled immensely upon returning home.

Every time he closed his eyes, he was haunted by severe nightmares. He worked multiple jobs to stay busy and avoid dwelling on traumatic memories. Regulating emotions was a constant challenge, he said, and he often engaged in road rage and other risky behavior.

“I was really drinking, and I would go from zero to 100 very quickly,” Kilano recalled.

He also neared homelessness 10 years ago after his mother-in-law — who owned the house he, his wife, and three children lived in — told them they had 30 days to move out.

At that point, Kilano said, a colleague encouraged him to seek help through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and undergo a mental health evaluation.

“I was like, no, I don’t go to the doctor,” Kilano said. “We don’t go to doctors. We’re machines. We’re freaking Marines.”

While he now rejects that stigma, it almost stopped him from getting the help he needed. He begrudgingly went, and a mental health professional quickly recognized the severity of his condition.

Services for the UnderServed, an organization that supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness across New York City and Long Island, helped Kilano and his family find a safe place to live.

Despite this progress, his mental health continued to deteriorate, affecting his children. Now the father of five, Kilano found it difficult to stay at their sports games or other events due to anxiety and hyper-vigilance. He stopped eating, sleeping, showering — even moving — and sank into a deep depression.

“I almost killed myself,” Kilano said. “My PTSD symptoms were just so bad. I couldn’t see the light.” That is how, Kilano said, he ended up with Paws of War and his service dog Nova more than four years ago. He said it was life-saving.

Kilano explained that the organization does not

directly train the dogs. Instead, professional trainers host classes where handlers — owners like himself — are taught how to train their own dogs. Classes typically accommodate around 10 handlers at a time and run for two to three years, until the dog is fully trained and the handler is confident.

“There’s no judgment with animals,” Kilano said. “It’s a beautiful thing, because when I’m in my own head and maybe have physical cues, she sees that and senses that, and then she taps me.”

Nova’s calm demeanor not only comforts Kilano but helps him manage stressful situations. She is trained to guide him in crowds and alert him to nearby people. She also responds to commands that instruct her to cover him in compromising situations — like when he’s using an ATM and unable to focus on his surroundings.

Most importantly, Nova has given Kilano the free-

dom to rejoin public life.

“This is my lifeline, man,” he said. “I wouldn’t be able to go to stores or anything without her.”

Paws of War, founded in 2014, operates internationally and rescues animals from war zones, kill shelters, puppy mills, abusive homes, and various other circumstances. Nova was rescued by a retired probation officer and detective, who gave her to Kilano knowing he needed a service animal.

Kilano is now a veteran resource coordinator for Paws of War, which is headquartered in Nesconset, New York, with a secondary location in New Bern, North Carolina.

Joshua Rios, a fellow H. Frank Carey junior who attended the event, said the program was informative. He hadn’t realized how much effort goes into rescuing and pairing a dog with a veteran.

According to a 2021 study by the National Institutes of Health, the process of evaluating a veteran’s mental health, getting approved for a service dog and finally being paired with one can take up to a year — or longer in some cases. The same study found that 97 percent of veterans with service dogs reported benefits to their mental health. The most frequently cited improvement was in daily life and activities.

“It’s good to know this exists because if you’re suffering from mental health issues, there’s options for you to get help,” Joshua said. “Whether it’s therapy or service dogs, they’re there to help you.”

Annie agreed and said she hopes those who attended her event walked away with a deeper awareness of neighbors who may be suffering in silence.

“I think it’s really important to bring programs like these to light,” she said. “It’s important people learn that everybody that they see, maybe on the street or in a supermarket, struggles. It helps people be more mindful.”

Although Kilano is now divorced, he said he loves being a father and is far more present in his children’s lives with Nova helping him manage his symptoms.

“This stuff doesn’t go away,” Kilano said of his traumatic memories. “However, I have a purpose with Paws of War. I have veterans that I take care of that need me, and the organization as a veteran advocate, and so I’m fighting every single day.”

Father’s Day, cars and coffee at Belmont

Father’s Day was celebrated in style at Belmont Park Village in Elmont on Sunday, where the Village hosted its Cars and Coffee show in partnership with the Metropolitan New York Porsche Club of America. The event drew fathers and their families to the parking lot at the south entrance, showcasing vintage and modern cars alike.

Despite rainy weather that postponed the event from the day prior, guests gathered on the cloudy morning from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to share coffee, donuts and a love for classic automobiles. Fiftyfold, a bakery and coffee shop located inside the shopping village, served La Colombe coffee and pastries.

Cars on display included Porsche

Fiftyfold, a bakery and coffee shop in Belmont Park Village, warms up guests on the rainy Sunday morning with coffee and donuts during the Father’s Day event.

models ranging from the 1971 Porsche 911 and 1987 Porsche 911 Targa to the 1999 Porsche 911 Carrera and 2001 Porsche 997 Turbo, among others.

“Father’s Day at Belmont Park Village is more than finding the perfect gift — though you’re sure to discover that too,” said Simon Williamson, chief merchant at Belmont Park Village, in a statement. “It’s a weekend for spending meaningful time together. With Cars and Coffee, in partnership with The Metropolitan New York Porsche Club of America, we’re bringing that spirit to life — whether you’re here for the cars, the company, or the shopping.”

–Renee DeLorenzo

Why Some Estate Plans Fail

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

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

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

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

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

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

Southern State: A road still stuck in the past

Decades of

improvements

By JORDAN VALLONE & MOHAMMAD RAFIQ of the Heralds

Fourth in a series on the Southern State Parkway.

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

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

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

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

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

What makes the Southern State so dangerous?

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

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

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

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

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

Safety

improvements,

discussed throughout the years

The Southern State, as drivers know it today, was completed in 1962.

Upgrades to the parkway, including the sharp turns at “Dead Man’s Curve” in Malverne, have been made over the last four decades. Following 14 deaths

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

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

A parkway that wasn’t made for these times

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Calls to action and upcoming projects

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Some facts on the Southern State

Notorious stretch

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

Fatal collisions (1984–1990)

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

Recent Investments (2022)

■ Total statewide: $157 million

Southern State allocation: Nearly $24 million

Upgrades included

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

■ Prior resurfacing from the Cross Island Parkway to South Hempstead

■ Repairs to 55 ramps across Nassau and Suffolk

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

Technology upgrade

■ License plate readers installed: 22

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

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

High-occupancy toll lane proposal

■ Backed by the Long Island Contractors Association

■ Would add a toll lane, not remove existing ones

A

everyone,” said Camacho, who strives to follow in her father’s footsteps. “Maybe your family isn’t accepting of who you are, but you’re welcome here.”

While the event was a success, she said, it was not without backlash from some in the community. When she announced the event on Facebook, a few Franklin Square residents began criticizing the event and those who organized it, accusing them of being “groomers.”

Luckily, Camacho said, two pizzeria owners quickly jumped in and volunteered to cater the event in support of inclusivity. Victoria Tiso, owner of Tori T’s Pizzeria, in Malverne, and Richard Jefairjian, owner of A Slice of NY Squared LI, in Franklin Square, both said they were happy to support the cause.

“The (Facebook) post got some nice comments and some not-so-nice comments,” Jefairjian recalled. “But in any event, I’m all about helping people. At the end of the day, we all bleed the same color, no matter what race, sex or type of person you are.”

“As a business, we believe it’s important to stand with organizations that celebrate diversity and foster inclusion,” Tiso added. “You know, by uplifting voices and the community, you’re building core values. That’s what makes this community great.”

Laurie Schour attended the event with her wife, Sam Schour, and their two children, Teddy, 8, and Nate, 6. The couple, who were married in 2014 and bought a house in Franklin Square shortly afterward, met in Cherry Grove, a hamlet on Fire Island known for its strong ties to the LGBTQ+ community, in 2012.

“We just felt, OK, there’s got to be more than our family,” Laurie said of the LGBTQ+ community in Franklin Square. “It just felt good to see the library do this. I always felt like I was

the only one.”

She noted that Long Island trends toward conservative values that cause her to fear for her family’s rights. Luckily, they have faced few confrontations.

“I want my kids to have the easiest life possible,” Laurie said. “Sometimes other moms ask them where their dad is. But if that’s the worst thing that ever happens, then they’re living a great life.”

Aviva Kane, director of the Franklin Square library, said it has a wonderful relationship with Howie’s Heart, and she was happy to advertise the event in the May newsletter because it aligns with the library’s mission to support everyone in the community.

“You can see from the people that attended that they are so grateful for the event,” Kane said. “This was a wonderful way of being able to support our neighbors, patrons and fellow Franklin Square community.”

Teen services librarian Daphne Levy praised Camacho and Howie’s Heart for bringing such an important topic to light at the library. All the programs Camacho hosts, Levy noted, support different groups of people — veterans, teens, babies, hospital patients and everything in between.

“Everyone supports one another,” Levy said. “Jen’s heart is just full of kindness.”

At the end of the event, Camacho announced Nacinovich was the recipient of the Howie’s Heart red balloon of kindness, which recognizes an attendee whose kind spirit stands out. According to Camacho, Nacinovich is a huge source of support for her and the organization.

In turn, Nacinovich thanked Camacho for her efforts. “Thank you to Jen and Howie’s Heart for making spaces like this available to the community so we can come together and celebrate,” she said. “We love being here.”

GREAT RELATIONSHIPS BEGIN WITH HEART.

St. Francis Heart Center’s renowned cardiovascular team is now partnering with NewYork-Presbyterian.

For Catholic Health and NewYork-Presbyterian with doctors from Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine, clinical collaboration means that advanced and comprehensive cardiac care is now the norm for every patient across Long Island. Together, we’re expanding St. Francis Heart Center’s advanced heart failure, congenital heart disease and pediatric cardiology programs, while partnering with NewYork-Presbyterian’s leading heart transplant program. So, for anything your heart may need, you can find it right here.

To learn more, visit chsli.org/heart

Freedom rings at Elmont Juneteenth event

By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com

The Elmont Cultural Center hosted their 5th annual Juneteenth celebration on June 14 in the parking lot outside of Elmont Road Park, acknowledging the rich culture of the community and honoring Black history.

Juneteenth, which occurs each year on June 19, marks the day in 1865 when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to declare the Emancipation Proclamation. While the document, issued by President Abraham Lincoln, went into effect in 1863, the Confederacy asserted the proclamation was null in their territory, claiming states’ rights to uphold the institution of slavery.

However, the arrival of Union troops, tasked with militarily enforcing the emancipation of all slaves, denoted the proclamation as an executive decree.

Juneteenth is commonly referred to as the official date in which the slaves were freed. It has been celebrated annually since 1866 — the name “Juneteenth” first appearing in print in 1890 — and was first recognized as a federal holiday in 2021. It continues to be recognized each year.

“Juneteenth means unity,” Glenovia Thompson said. “It means freedom. It means empowerment, and our cultural legacy.”

Thompson, a local entertainment manager and founder of Play.Wit.Rox Entertainment LLC, known by the community as “ROXy,” said recognizing Juneteenth as a federal holiday shows progress in acknowledging Black history and what freedom from slavery truly means to the community. Thompson said she views Juneteenth as the true Independence Day.

The arts, a huge part of cultural expression, were a poignant focus of the Saturday event. Music and dances from different cultures filled the park with energetic rhythms and powerful performances.

“I think it’s important to celebrate Juneteenth because in a way, slaves shaped our nation,” Kensington Botchway, 9, said. “If you forget about Juneteenth and the slaves and everything, you basically forget who you are.”

Kensington, one of this year’s clothing vendors assisted by her mother, Kindale Botchway, said she loves celebrating the holiday with the community. Kindale said Kensington asks to celebrate the holiday each year since it’s become federally recognized.

From the time Kensington was 6-years-old, Kindale said, Kensington has been very concerned about Nassau County’s homeless population. Kindale’s daughter, inspired by her own experience receiving donated goods from caring neighbors, wondered if she could donate clothing and items she no longer uses to support those who do not have access to those things.

“I was just touched by the fact that at such a young age, she would think like that,” Kindale said of her daughter’s idea. “So, we just started doing that.”

Since then, Kensington and her

mother began giving back to the community through clothing donations.

According to the mother and daughter, Kensington’s vision to support her community closely aligns with the values of Juneteenth. Kensington said the spirit of giving back honors the many contributions slaves have made to this country.

“It’s about starting from something small,” Kindale added. “Like a contribution that can be overlooked. And just as many times as we’ve overlooked contributions in our country, we end up taking for granted the freedoms and luxuries we have, like clothing.”

Aside from the deeper meaning the holiday holds for both Kensington and Kindale, the event itself is an opportunity for them to interact with the community and let their neighbors know that the two are there for them.

And, Kensington said, it’s just a fun time. The food, music, games and all the other vendors make the event one of her favorites, she said.

Elmont celebrates the holiday with festivities including live performances, a DJ, vendors, food trucks, family activities, games, arts, fashion and more.

This year’s sponsors included the Elmont Alumni Network, New York

Communities for Change, A Christian Production Studios, Ridgewood Savings Bank, the Grigoropoulos Law Group, Home Health Aide Training Institute Inc., Devi Shiwnath, 1199SEIU, You’re Our Unity, Elmont Key Club and more.

The event also featured performances by the Elmont Memorial High School marching band, painter Thalia BC, neosoul artist Elee James, pop artist Brad Avie, Caribbean artist Klean Zoe, singer Shonna Jones-Washington, Rebekah Sievers, R&B artist OneTakeCarter and a special appearance by Mama Jones from VH1’s Love and Hip Hop and Shani Kulture from Hot 97.

Patricia Justin, a teacher at Elmont Memorial High School and student advisor of the Elmont Key Club, said the event is a hit with student volunteers. While the kids volunteer for three-hour shifts, she said they often stay for the entire event because they have so much fun.

“Oh, they love it,” Justin said. “The kids kind of get to participate in the fun, so they enjoy doing the event.”

Justin, who has been teaching at Elmont Memorial for over 30 years and has served as student advisor for over 20 years, said the Key Club has supported the Elmont Cultural Center event since

it began in 2021. The fact that the community as a whole — including kids, teens and adults — can interact with each other and be part of a huge event fosters connections in the community that leave a lasting impact.

“They’re learning to give back to the community,” Justin said. “It’s really just a positive experience.”

That is precisely what Thompson believes Juneteenth is all about.

In the future, Thompson also hopes to see more education around the topic of slavery and the subsequent abolition of it. Between the rising temperature of the political climate, and the growing anxiety in the community as a result, she said it is important for communities like Elmont to focus on things like mental health resources.

For now, she said, Juneteenth is a source of joy and unity for the community, serving as a reminder of the slaves’ liberation — something she said calls for reverence.

“This is how we’re going to pass this down from generation to generation,” Thompson said. “We have so many community leaders that can help shape our future. Connecting is necessary to uplift each other. We should use our voices and empower the community.”

Thousands protest Trump immigration policy

By SCOTT BRINTON & CHRISTINA ARLOTTT Special to the Herald

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

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

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

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

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

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

Scott Brinton/Herald

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

and we stand for that.”

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

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

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

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

Attend Hofstra’s Virtual

GRADUATE OPEN HOUSE

Tuesday, July 8, 2025 at 6 p.m.

At Hofstra University, graduate students grow the seeds to advance in their career. Hear from representatives across 200 programs that include business, communications, education, engineering, health sciences, nursing, and psychology, and learn all the ways your success can sprout at Hofstra University. Your future awaits.

For event details and to RSVP, visit hofstra.edu/visit

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

By ALEXIA CROLL Intern

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alexia Kroll/Herald

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

on June 11.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Global Entry office opens in Eisenhower Park

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STEPPING OUT

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

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

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

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

Double Strawberry Cheesecake

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

Graham cracker crust

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

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar

• 5 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling and topping

• 16 ounces strawberries

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

• 1 1/4 cups plus 2 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 4 large eggs

• 1 cup sour cream

Prepare graham cracker crust:

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

Boogie on with Disco Unlimited

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

Then prepare filling:

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

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

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

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

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

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

• 1 unbaked homemade double piecrust

• 2 1/2 cups rhubarb, sliced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 3 large stalks)

• 2 1/2 cups hulled and sliced fresh strawberries

• 1 cup sugar

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

• 1 teaspoon grated lemon zest

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

Savor some

berries

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

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

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

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

4. Brush the egg glaze over the crust. Transfer the pie to a baking sheet. Bake in the oven for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F and bake another 30 minutes longer, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling. Remove from the oven and cool on a rack before serving.

Strawberry Avocado Salad

A refreshing and addicting summer salad.

• 2 tablespoons white sugar

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 4 teaspoons honey

• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 2 cups torn salad greens

• 1 avocado, peeled, pitted and sliced

• 10 strawberries, sliced

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

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

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

The Fab Faux

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

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

June 19, 2025

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

JUNE

Tunes at Trotters Cover2Cover is back once again at Trotters Bar and Grill for another fun dance party! Enjoy some food and live tunes as the five-piece band performs classic rock hits from the ‘60s through ‘90s.

•Where: 1050 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square

•Time: 9 p.m.-12 a.m.

•Contact: trottersbarandgrill. com or call (516) 355-5681

JUNE

21

Reggae Jam-athon

Celebrate Juneteenth at Elmont Memorial Library. Enjoy a tribute to Bob Marley and Sly and the Family Stone by Jerome “City” Smith and City Sounds Music Ensemble. No registration is required. First come, first seated.

•Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke, Elmont

•Time: 2-3:30 p.m.

•Contact: elmontlibrary.org, or call (516) 354-5280

Touch the 80s Summer 2025

Start the summer with Touch the 80s band at the Plattdeutsche. Rain or shine. $8 cover fee. Kids 12 and under get in for free.

•Where: 1140 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square

•Time: 6:30-10:30 p.m.

•Contact: parkrestaurant.com or call (516) 354-3131

Rescuing Families

Garage Sale

Rescuing Families’ charity garage sale is back this month with all new inventory! Choose from tools, records, DVDs, books, collectibles, crafts and more.

•Where: 983 Lewiston St., Franklin Square

•Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., also June 22

•Contact: (516) 697-9403, or visit rescuingfamilies.org

JUNE 22

Rainbow

Run

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

•Where: Eisenhower Park Field 2

•Time: 9 a.m.

•Contact: EliteFeats. com/25rainbow

JUNE 27

Led Zeppelin fans, rejoice!

from every decade.

•Where: 1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square

•Time: 6:30-10:30 p.m.

•Contact: parkrestaurant.com or call (516) 354-3131

JUNE

Kiwanis Bicycle Challenge

JUNE

24

Sewanhaka

Board of Education meets

Attend the Sewanhaka Central High School District’s last regular board meeting for its July 1 board reorganization.

•Where: Sewanhaka High School, 500 Tulip Ave, Elmont

•Time: 8 p.m.

•Contact: sewanhakaschools.org, or call (516) 889-9800

Tunes in the park

Eisenhower Park welcomes the classic pop-rock band Orleans and Atlantic Rhythm Section for an lively evening of tunes under the stars. Rock on to “So Into You,” “Champagne Jam,” “Imaginary Lover,” “Homesick.” Enjoy Orleans classic trademark harmonies that come alive in their iconic radio hits, including “Still The One,” “ance With Me,” and “Love Takes Time.”

•Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

•Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: nassaucountyny.gov

‘Color Our World’ Dive into Summer Reading 2025 at Elmont Memorial Library and

read, review and celebrate books! Submit book reviews to earn an invite to the library’s exclusive end-of-summer bash. Sign-up gift provided while supplies last. Open to all Nassau Library patrons. age 18 and over. Book reviews must be submitted by Aug. 4. Exclusive celebration is August 11.

•Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

•Time: All day

•Contact: (516) 354-5280 ext. 223

Elmont Library Board meets

All are invited to attend the Elmont Public Library Board of Trustees’ regular meeting. The agenda calls for the board to meet at 7 p.m. The board may go into executive session from 7-7:30 p.m. if necessary.

•Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

•Time: 7-9 p.m.

•Contact: elmontlibrary.org, or call (516) 354-5280

Little Learners Art Lab

Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to hands-on materials, artmaking, and inspiration from artists and techniques. Young kids, ages 2-5, build critical thinking skills, expand vocabulary, and

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

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

support imaginations as they play, create and explore. This week families explore texture by making an octopus bubble wrap print and creating sea creatures. $4 with museum admission.

•Where: Museum Row, Garden City

•Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon

•Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

JUNE

New York Islanders Draft Party

The team invites all to a Draft Party at UBS Arena. With interviews with Islanders players and alumni, family-friendly activities, 50 percent off concessions and realtime coverage of the NHL Draft! Proceeds benefit the Islanders Children’s Foundation.

•Where: UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Tpke, Elmont

•Time: 5 p.m.

•Contact: ticketmaster.com or ubsarena.com

Mystic at the Plattdeutsche Weather permitting, Mystic performs outsdie on the patio Oktoberfest-style. Enjoy authentic German food and beer while you sit by a fire pit and listen to hits

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

•Where: Starting at Harry Tappen Beach, Sea Cliff

•Time: Staggered starts, rain or shine

•Contact: n2nbc.org

JULY

Elmont Block Party

9

The Town of Hempstead presents the Elmont Neighborhood Block Party Concert, a fun-filled evening of music, great food and community celebration at Elmont Road Park.

•Where: 755 Elmont Rd., Elmont

•Time: 7:30 p.m.

•Contact: (516) 670-1050

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.

News briefs

Historical society celebrates student art

Student creativity was celebrated in Franklin Square with an art exhibit hosted at the Franklin Square Historical Society Museum on June 5.

According to a news release about the exhibit, approximately 200 students from the district had artwork on display. The pieces, created during the 2024–25 school year, were selected by the art teachers at each school.

The event also raised $800 for the historical society’s museum through a raffle featuring baskets of art supplies and other prizes for children.

The news release said Julie Soffientini, a historical society trustee, organized the exhibit with support from district art teachers Cristina Artusa, Julia Katz and Randazzo.

–Renee DeLorenzo

Second graders celebrated diversity and inclusion through song during the curriculum and performing arts showcase at Clara

Clara H. Carlson showcases student talent

Clara H. Carlson School recently hosted a curriculum and performing arts showcase to celebrate the community’s diversity and highlight students’ unique talents.

According to a news release about the showcase, pre-K students invited families for a story and craft, while kindergartners through second graders performed concerts focused on kindness, friendship and inclusivity.

Older students, the news release

continued, showcased their academic and creative talents through graphing activities, a community trivia game, and cultural poetry readings.

The school-wide activities gave families a meaningful look into what students have been learning while reflecting the school’s commitment to celebrating student success and individuality, the news release concluded.

–Renee DeLorenzo

June 19, 2025 —

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

Public Notices

SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCAITES HOLDING

CORP., Pltf. vs. DONNA MANGAL, et al, Defts. Index #608085/2024. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered April 16, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on July 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a Section 32, Block 449, Lot 121. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law. The foreclosure sale will take place, “rain or shine.” LOUIS

B. IMBROTO, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Drive, Great Neck, NY. #102302 153925

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, in trust for registered holders of First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Loan AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2007-FF2, Plaintiff AGAINST The Estate of James S. Keaton a/k/a James Keaton, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 19, 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 July 7, 2025 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 1371 North Street, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 32, Block: 549, Lot: 50-52 & 249. Approximate amount of judgment $711,244.77 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Ind ex #613057/2017. Howard Colton, Esq., Referee

Frenkel Lambert Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-057763-F01 85745 153861

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. T.B.B. INC., et al, Defts. Index #614164/2024. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered June 3, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on July 16, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. premises k/a Section 32, Block 406, Lot 316. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. The foreclosure auction will be held, “rain or shine.” PETER H. LEVY, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY. #102364 154045

PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES

To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF NEW YORK

MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, -againstPATRICIA WALDEN, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on May 5, 2025, wherein BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST is the Plaintiff and PATRICIA WALDEN, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on July 15, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 23839 116TH AVENUE, ELMONT, NY 11003; and the following tax map identification: 32-623-58.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ELMONT, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 000189/2017. Matthew Vishnick, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 154041

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS TRUSTEE OF STANWICH MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST J, Plaintiff AGAINST JOEL BOSSOUS, TASSIANA BOSSOUS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 6, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 15, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 219 Butler Boulevard, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 32 Block: 530 Lot(s): 9 & 10. Approximate amount of judgment $383,850.76 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #613956/2022. For sale information, please contact XOME at www.Xome.com or call (844) 400-9633. Leslie Lowenstein, Esq., Referee Tromberg,

Morris & Partners, PLLC

39 Broadway, Suite 1250 New York, NY 10006 25-000569 85677 154028

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

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LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 06/25/2025 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30

A.M.

343/25. ELMONTBlanca Keane, Mother/Daughter Res. (2nd Kitchen)., N/E cor. Parkway Dr. & 116th Ave., a/k/a 115-97 Parkway Dr. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.

This notice is only for new cases in Elmont within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.

LEGAL NOTICE

Separate sealed proposals for Residency Consultants will be received by the Board of Education of the Elmont Union Free School District of the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, at the Elmont Road School, located at 135 Elmont Road, Elmont, New York, at which place said bids will be publicly opened and read, at the time and date specified, for the furnishing of the following:

BID:RFP-#7-25/26

OPENING DATE: 06/27/25

OPENING TIME: 10:30 AM

Request for Proposal forms may be secured at Elmont UFSD Business Office between the hours of 8:45 AM and 3:45 PM on weekdays beginning 6/20/25.

A signed original proposal must be received by Diane Tool, Business Office, Elmont Union Free School District, 135 Elmont Road, Elmont, NY 11003 by 10:30 AM on June 27th, 2025. The outside of the envelope must be clearly marked “RESIDENCY CONSULTANTS.” Any proposals after that time will be returned to sender.

If you should require additional information or have any questions, please e-mail Fernando De Bartolo at fdebartolo@elmontsch ools.org. Mr. De Bartolo will respond to concerns raised as soon as practical. Responses to questions/inquiries will be provided to all parties in writing by FAX or e-mail.

The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any informalities in said bids, and/or to accept the bid which seems most favorable to the interests of the School District.

By Order of the Board of Education

Date:6/20/25

Anna Barbagallo District Clerk 154123

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

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

Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 1st day of July, 2025, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE and REPEAL “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following locations:

BALDWIN

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

ELMONT

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

HEWLETT

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

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

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

SEAFORD

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

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

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

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

LAWRENCE ROAD (TH 249/25) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from

the east curbline of Seamans Neck Road, east for a distance of 30 feet.

(NR)VALLEY STREAM

CORONA AVENUE (TH 183/25) West SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 160 feet opposite a point south of the south curbline of Blakeman Drive, south for a distance of 1728 feet.

CORONA AVENUE (TH 183/25) East SideNO STOPPING

ANYTIME - starting at south curbline of Blakeman Drive, south to a point 20 feet north of the north curbline of Midvale Lane.

CORONA AVENUE (TH 183/25) East SideNO STOPPING

ANYTIME - starting at the south curbline of Midvale Lane, south for a distance of 97 feet.

CORONA AVENUE (TH 183/25) East SideNO STOPPING

ANYTIME - starting at a point 168 feet south of the south curbline of Midvale Lane, south for CORONA AVENUE (TH 183/25) East SideNO STOPPING

ANYTIME - starting at a point 571 feet south of the south curbline of Midvale Lane, south to the north curbline of Higbie Street.

CORONA AVENUE (TH 183/25) East SideNO STOPPING

ANYTIME - starting at the south curbline of Higbie Street, south to the north curbline of Thompson Street.

CORONA AVENUE (TH 183/25) East SideNO STOPPING

ANYTIME - starting at the south curbline of Thompson Street, south to the north curbline of Remsen Street.

CORONA AVENUE (TH 183/25) East SideNO STOPPING

ANYTIME - starting at the south curbline of Remsen Street, south then east to the north curbline of Decker Street. ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” from the following locations:

BALDWIN ROCKWOOD AVENUE (TH 42/68) East SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at the north curbline of Merrick Road, north for a distance of 40 feet.

(Adopted 4/02/68).

SEAFORD (NR)VALLEY STREAM CEDAR STREET (TH 421/24) East SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 30

feet north of the north curbline of Meyer Lane, north for a distance of 50 feet.

(Adopted 11/19/24).

MARTIN COURT (TH 129/23) East SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 305 feet east of the east curbline of Sidney Court, south of 35 feet. (Adopted 5/23/23).

GEORGIA STREET (TH 218/19) West SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 246 feet south of the south curbline of Oliver Avenue, south for a distance of 26 feet.

(Adopted 8/06/19). ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

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

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 154116

To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR FREMONT HOME LOAN TRUST 2005-B, MORTGAGEBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-B, -againstJESSICA CORTEZ AS ADMINISTRATRIX OF THE

ESTATE OF DUANE ADAMS A/K/A DUANE A. ADAMS, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on April 10, 2025, wherein HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR FREMONT HOME LOAN TRUST 2005-B, MORTGAGE-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-B is the Plaintiff and JESSICA CORTEZ AS ADMINISTRATRIX OF THE ESTATE OF DUANE ADAMS A/K/A DUANE A. ADAMS, ET AL., are the Defendants. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU

Seventeen years of Paul Sapienza Parade

“I feel that the community really comes together and supports the betterment of the community,” Smith said of the parade.

Smith, who was named one of two grand marshals of the parade in 2018, said the committee chose in January that Tiffany Capers, president of the Elmont Board of Education and active Elmont leader, was the grand marshal for this year’s celebration.

“She’s very serious about the work she does,” Smith said of Capers. “She doesn’t shy away from volunteering her time, and she gives 100 percent when she’s doing it.”

Capers sits on the parade committee, Smith explained, but she was absent for the January meeting, which allowed the committee to covertly nominate her and surprise her with the honor at the February meeting.

Capers said she was shocked when the parade committee announced that she would hold the title this year.

“These folks are phenomenal,” Capers said. “They’ve been planning and running this parade for 17 years, and they have so much knowledge.”

Morgan Capers, Tiffany’s daughter, an Elmont Memorial High School alumnus, used to march in the parade with the district band, Tiffany recounted. She said memories marching alongside her daughter are what make her so proud to be on the parade committee.

As an Elmont resident for over 25 years, and an active member of the community sitting on several boards, Capers said Elmont is everything to her.

“Elmont is my heart,” she said. “That is why I volunteer and get involved in so many things — because I always want

Alice Moreno/Herald photos

Zella meyer paints a Spiderman design on Christen marescot’s face as part of the day’s family-friendly festivities.

Elmont on top!”

In addition to her role on the Elmont board, Capers is a trustee of the Sewanhaka Board of Education, a member of the Elmont Peer Assistance Leadership program and serves as the director of internal communications for the Nassau Region Parent Teacher Association.

According to Julie Marchesella, president of the Elmont Chamber of Commerce, this year’s parade was bigger and better than ever.

“The amount of people that came out from the community — it was just great,” Marchesella said.

The parade kicked off at 10 a.m.

Public Notices

COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on July 22, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 41 RUSSELL AVENUE, ELMONT, NY 11003 and the following tax map identification 32-694.00-10.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ELMONT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 601447/2018.

Linda S. Agnew, Esq., Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York

11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 154136

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. CITIBANK, N.A., Plaintiff -againstRICARDO CASTILLO A/K/A RICARDO A. CASTILLO, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated July 18, 2024 and entered on July 26, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the

Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on July 22, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the westerly side of Stewart Street, distant 220 feet northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the westerly side of Stewart Street with the northerly side of Atherton Avenue; being a plot 100 feet by 40 feet by 100 feet by 40 feet. Section: 32 Block: 481 Lots 42 and 43. Said premises known as 108 STEWART STREET, ELMONT, NY 11003

Approximate amount of lien $214,001.69 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 605713/2023. HEATHER D. CROSLEY, ESQ., Referee David A. Gallo & Associates LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 7777.248 {* Elmont Herald*} 154078

Between appearances from elected officials, the marching bands, the Girl Scout and Boy Scout troops, and food caterers — one of which was Sapienza Bake Shop, previously owned by the late Paul Sapienza whom the parade now honors — she said the morning was filled with community spirit.

Marchesella gave a shout-out to the owners of Mr. Flavors Ice Cream, Leon and Alexa Williams, new members of the ECC, who she said quickly got involved in the parade planning shortly after joining. When Leon asked what they could do to help make it even better this year, Marchesella gave a simple answer — serve kids some ice cream!

She said she couldn’t thank New York Racing Association enough for their sponsorship and going “over the top” in providing all resources the parade committee needed to organize the annual Elmont tradition.

sharp, with marchers from the Sewanhaka District Marching Band, consisting of Elmont and Sewanhaka school district band members, playing their instruments with pride. Under their musical guidance, cheerleaders from the Tip Tap Toe Dance Studio raised their pompoms and matched their beat.

As the lively group marched west on Hempstead Turnpike toward Belmont Park, residents along the 1 1/2 mile parade route cheered on the cavalcade, which included Elmont and Sewanhaka school district students, local business leaders, youth organizations, veterans of American Legion Elmont Post 1033, and members of the Elmont Fire Department and Nassau County Police Department Fifth Precinct.

The Elmont Chamber of Commerce, the New York Racing Association, the New York Islanders and Home Depot sponsored the event — all of which are longtime supporters of the parade — and marched in the procession.

While Robert Hines, manager of community affairs at NYRA, could not attend the parade because he was in Saratoga Springs for the 2025 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, he was happy to hear from the parade committee that the event was a success.

Hines said as the lead sponsor of the parade, NYRA supports the parade committee’s efforts with resourcesdonations and materials to ensure they can execute a “world-class” event.

“I think for NYRA, Elmont really is home,” Hines said. “The community is an important part of what we do.”

Smith said the parade is not only an opportunity to celebrate the Elmont community but also promote community establishments like Belmont Park. Residents are often surprised to see what lies behind the park gates, she said.

“It’s an eye-opener for them to see they have such a beautiful place right in their backyard,” Smith said.

As for Marchesella, she is already excited for next year’s parade.

“We all had a wonderful time, and it was just a lot of fun,” she said. “We are so looking forward to next year!”

Spiderman presents: grand marshal tiffany Capers! Costumed characters bring superhero energy to the elmont parade route.

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‘Do we have to take care of any of these things?

Q. We purchased a home three years ago, knowing we wanted to make changes. When we started interviewing people, especially architects, we started hearing things we hadn’t expected about permits — or lack thereof, I should say. Two people told us our attic was illegal because it was finished with a bedroom. Same for our basement, which has a guest room and bathroom. We were also told that a record showed an open plumbing permit, and that we would need an electrical inspection. When we closed on the house, we thought all this was taken care of. If we bought it this way, why is it our problem? Do we have to take care of any of these things, since they have been there a very long time?

A. Unfortunately, you have to take care of any and all of the issues you described, plus any others you still need to know about, or roll the dice.

When a loved one is being treated in a hospital, I often hear about how someone had to be vigilant for that person, standing by, making certain observations so that the smallest health issues didn’t worsen. The same holds true for building sales, and only someone who is knowledgeable about the local zoning and building requirements, state building codes and structural issues can guide you thoroughly. Almost nobody is in that unique position, except an architect who works in the area.

Although some local architects have offered that service, real estate sales people and attorneys often don’t ask for this help. Most buyers mistakenly assume that zoning and building code issues have been researched by the title company, but title companies, when asked, often tell customers that details of zoning, construction and building permits, especially for internal building areas, are not part of their work.

I have this conversation almost daily with potential customers, and many are completely unaware of problems, potential delays and especially the costs they have not yet considered. Recently, after I explained the issues, a husband turned to his wife and said, “I’m not doing all those things — I just want this done.” And don’t we all! They hired someone else who tried to avoid the issues, and have now been turned down, because part of what they wanted to do was divide their home into multiple living spaces, which the local jurisdiction would never allow. So they spent a lot of money for none of the results. I even told them about areas that could accept what they wanted to do, just not this one. So it may pay to get the consultation of someone who understands the many, many nuances of the building codes, the local zoning and the physical properties of the building, and who can guide you with a game plan. It can save you years of aggravation, lamenting over what you hoped to gain and thousands of dollars trying to achieve the unachievable. Or you can listen to confident, bad advice and roll the dice. Good luck!

© 2025 Monte Leeper

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

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opinions

We must protect our way of life

Growing up in Levittown and now raising my family just doors from the home where I was raised, I’ve seen firsthand what makes our suburban way of life so special — safe neighborhoods, good schools, and a culture that values family and hard work. As a Nassau County legislator, I have made it my responsibility to protect those values.

When the prior administration scheduled $150 million in property tax hikes, I stood firm and helped stop it. I worked to cut over $70 million in property taxes, and have frozen property taxes in every budget since. At the same time, I helped make Nassau the safest county in America by investing in police, increasing neighborhood patrols and ensuring that law enforcement has the resources it needs to fight crime.

In addition to holding the line on taxes and keeping neighbors safe, being an elected official is also about standing up when outside forces try to change who we are. And when you’re the supervisor of America’s largest township, that responsibility is even greater — because you’re the last line of defense between local families and extremist politicians in Albany who think they know better than we do.

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s socalled “Housing Compact” is the perfect example.

extremist politicians in Albany think they know what works better than we do.

While it has been repackaged, renamed and reintroduced by state legislators over the past three years, the goal is the same every time: to override local zoning, strip away community input and force high-density, city-style housing into residential neighborhoods.

From mandating thousands of new apartments near every Long Island Rail Road station to allowing spot zoning — which means large-scale buildings

could go up right next to single-family homes — this plan would have a devastating impact on local schools, traffic, parking and emergency services. For residents like us, it would mean a massive strain on infrastructure, with overcrowded classrooms, overflowing parking, and longer response times for police and first responders. It would be an irreversible blow to the suburban character our families have spent generations building.

This flawed policy is a direct attack on local control — just like congestion pricing. Thanks to the governor, hardworking Long Islanders are now slammed with a $9 tax every time they drive into Manhattan — a steep penalty for thousands of residents who rely on their cars for work, medical appointments and everyday responsibilities. Worse, none of the revenue returns to our local communities. Instead, it funds the chronically mismanaged Metropolitan Transportation Authority, which has

long prioritized New York City while neglecting Long Island’s needs. That’s not a transit plan — it’s a commuter tax on the middle class.

These are the kinds of attacks on our way of life that our town supervisor must be ready to stop — because no one else is going to do it for us.

I’ve already shown that I’m willing to take on tough fights. I helped block a massive county tax increase, fought to deliver a property tax cut, and never stopped pushing to make Long Island more affordable. I stood with police when others stayed silent. And I stood with taxpayers every time Albany reached into our wallets.

Now I’m running for town supervisor to take that fight to the next level — to protect our neighborhoods, defend our zoning laws and preserve the quality of life that generations of Long Islanders have worked to build. For me, this job isn’t about politics. It’s about standing up for our way of life.

John Ferretti represents Nassau County’s 15th Legislative District and is the Republican candidate for Hempstead town supervisor.

Backdoor taxes are hurting Hempstead families

Last year, the Town of Hempstead raised taxes on residents by a staggering 12.1 percent — one of the largest hikes in recent memory. We were told the town needed more revenue to maintain services and balance the budget. But anyone who lives here knows the truth: Services are getting worse, roads are crumbling, and the only thing growing in the town is frustration. Meanwhile, another quiet tax has taken hold: the school bus camera ticket program.

Right now, just four school districts in the township are taking part in this program, which levies $250 fines on drivers who allegedly pass stopped school buses. The goal sounds noble — protecting schoolchildren. But like many things in government, the execution tells a different story.

Here’s how it works: the town keeps

55 percent of the revenue, and the private company running the program gets the other 45 percent. If all the tickets are paid, the program could bring in nearly $20 million from those four districts alone. So where is that money going? Certainly not into road repaving, expanded public services or tax cuts. Instead we’re seeing a familiar pattern: a bloated government structure that keeps squeezing taxpayers while delivering less in return.

RIt’s no coincidence. The same people who run the Town of Hempstead also run the County of Nassau. And they’ve adopted the same playbook: Hit residents with fees and fines, call it safety, and count the cash behind closed doors.

esidents of the township are being squeezed from every direction.

And just like we’ve seen with the red-light camera scandal in Nassau County, the bus camera program risks turning into another legal and financial disaster. In the red-light program, county officials illegally added a $100 administrative fee on top of the state’s $50 fine. The result? Multiple lawsuits, a court ruling that the fee was illegal, and the county will now potentially have to refund hundreds of millions of dollars. It was yet another crisis created by those who treat enforcement as a revenue stream.

Do we really want to repeat that mistake here in Hempstead?

Let me be clear: I believe in protecting schoolchildren. No one wants unsafe drivers near our schools and children. But I also believe in fairness, transparency and common sense. The way this program is currently designed and executed fails on all three counts.

As town supervisor, I will fight to:

■ Reform the bus camera program so that it targets only truly dangerous driving, not technicalities or innocent misunderstandings.

■ Increase transparency around where ticket revenue is going, and ensure that it’s reinvested in school safety, public infrastructure and tax cuts, not wasted

on political appointees and bloated payrolls.

■ Roll back the shameful 12 percent tax hike and conduct a top-to-bottom audit of every contract and department in order to root out the waste, fraud and abuse that’s draining taxpayer dollars.

Right now, Hempstead residents are being squeezed from every direction, through property taxes, inflated permit fees and $250 bus camera tickets. It’s not sustainable. It’s not right. And it’s not how you build a community that people want to stay in.

The town doesn’t have a revenue problem. It has a spending problem. And this camera cash grab is just the latest example. We can have safe streets and fair government. But it starts with leadership that respects taxpayers, not leadership that treats them like walking ATMs. Let’s fix this together.

Joseph Scianablo, a former New York City police officer and an attorney, is the Democratic candidate for town supervisor.

opinions

Unleashing potential through creativity and movement

ijared bloom

n Franklin Square, we believe the arts are not an “extra.” The arts are essential to the school experience. Whether students are singing, playing an instrument, painting or dancing, the arts help them find their voice, connect with one another, and express what words sometimes cannot. It is truly a unifying experience across our district, and this spring has offered a powerful reminder of how the arts shape our students and enrich our school community.

Our art programs continue to thrive thanks to the creativity of our students and the dedication of our educators. Two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to visit a student art exhibition at the Franklin Square Historical Society, where a line of people wrapped around the building as parents and stu-

dents waited with excitement to enter and see their artwork on display. It was a moment of pride and joy.

With help from the museum staff, our art teachers went above and beyond to create a museum-quality show, one that honored student voices and elevated their work in a truly professional space. This was our first exhibition outside school, and we can’t wait to build on this in the future.

TOur spring concerts were just as memorable, filled with energy and excitement. You could really see how much our students have grown, not just in skill, but also in confidence and expression. If you had the chance to hear our singers and musicians, it was no doubt evident that they play with heart, precision and all-out joy. This year we added a number of new instruments to our bands. Those additions, made possible by board and community support and district investment, are helping us bring more stu-

dents into the world of music.

We were also proud to be recognized for the third year in a row with the Best Communities for Music Education designation by the NAMM Foundation. We are truly honored to receive this recognition, because it reflects the value our community places on music education.

he Franklin Square school district’s art programs continue to thrive.

Through our partnership with Plaza Theatrical Productions, a local theater company, our students dazzled on stage this spring in “Frozen Jr.” For the third year in a row, they worked tirelessly to memorize their lines and choreography, while the set crew efficiently changed the scenes. The collaboration showcases the power of community, while offering our students a rare chance to refine their skills while being guided by experts.

Our commitment to student expression and engagement extends beyond the arts. This spring, our physical education teachers planned and led out-

standing Field Day events that brought students, staff and families together in celebration of movement, teamwork and school spirit. The joy on students’ faces said it all. We have also expanded our after-school opportunities through our new intramurals club, giving fifthand sixth-graders a chance to stay active, try new games and build friendships in a supportive and fun environment. These programs reflect the same belief that drives our arts education: that every child deserves opportunities to grow, create and shine.

Whether through the arts or phys. ed., our students are discovering what they are capable of together. Our teachers and staff are inspiring confidence, connection and creativity. We are proud of the experiences we have been able to offer this year, and look forward to continuing to expand what is possible for every child in Franklin Square. Together we are committed to unleashing the potential in every student. We can. We will. We do.

Jared Bloom is superintendent of the Franklin Square Union Free School District.

Cars over trains and buses: Long Island’s original sin

as concern grows over the increasing number of fatalities on the roads of Nassau and Suffolk counties, it’s worth considering how transportation decisions made 100 years ago continue to contribute to today’s driving dangers. The carnage on the parkways and expressways is largely the product of Long Island’s original sin: enormous resources lavished on road construction and a comparative pittance spent on bus and train infrastructure. Had New York State buildersupreme Robert Moses directed a better-balanced share of public funds to public transit, driving would surely have become a less common form of conveyance. And with fewer cars on the roads, crashes would have occurred less often. Hundreds of the 2,100 lives lost on Long Island in the past decade could have been saved and many of the 16,000 injuries prevented.

Moses’ privileging of motor vehicle travel can perhaps be excused in retro-

spect as the inevitable outgrowth of the car-crazed era in which he lived. But it isn’t as though alternate visions were lacking in the 1920s, ’30s and beyond. It’s just that the intellectually arrogant Moses rejected them as “stupid, long-winded, contentious and impractical.”

a

That curt dismissal is quoted in “The Power Broker,” Robert Caro’s biography of Moses. Planners not beholden to the car czar came to realize, Caro writes, that “the more highways were built to alleviate congestion, the more automobiles would pour onto them and congest them and thus force the building of more highways.”

ers without cars could not reach them on buses.

The expressways that Moses also constructed did allow commercial traffic. But he again made sure that they would be used only by drivers.

nd with fewer cars on the roads, crashes would have occurred less often.

And that is exactly what has happened on Long Island — with heartbreaking results. Moses’ own vision of a lacy network of “parkways” — treelined roads free of commercial traffic and adjacent development — was fully achieved due to his unbridled political power. And he designed the Northern State, Southern State and others with low-clearance bridges to ensure that only cars would be able to use them. Many of these roads were built to afford access to Long Island’s alluring beaches, but the large number of New York-

More far-sighted planners had urged that a railway be built on the median of the Long Island Expressway. It would have been the centerpiece of an expanded Long Island Rail Road system that could have included freight trains. That would, in turn, have encouraged local siting of businesses employing thousands of workers who would no longer have needed to drive to and from jobs in Manhattan.

Moses didn’t want that to happen, however — and so it did not.

Similarly, experts at the Regional Plan Association suggested in the 1930s that the Whitestone Bridge be designed to accommodate train tracks. They would have efficiently linked Long Island with the Bronx, Westchester and Connecticut. But because Moses vetoed that idea as well, the only direct way to reach Nassau and Suffolk from the north would be via cars. “And this

would condemn Long Island to future inundation by larger and larger numbers of automobiles,” Caro observes. Because of this conscious determination to create a car-centric transportation system, Nassau and Suffolk drivers not only face elevated risks of being killed or injured, but are constantly stuck in traffic jams.

This sad story will not have a happy ending. Long Island can never entirely undo the damage that Moses and his enablers inflicted on it. “Build railroads at the same time that you were building roads,” Caro says of the pivotal period in the mid-20th century, “and solving the transportation problem would be greatly simplified. Pour all available funds into roads without building railroads, and that problem would never be solved.”

And so drivers on Long Island are left to take their chances along “Blood Alley” on the Southern State and “Dead Man’s Curve” on the Cross Island Parkway.

Just as there will be no resurrections of the 2,100 people killed on Long Island roads between 2014 and 2023, there’s no returning to the time when the transport system could have been designed rationally and humanely.

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Active smart growth: the blueprint for L.I.

elected leaders, developers and advocates of smart growth gathered to celebrate innovation and forward-thinking design at the annual Vision Long Island Smart Growth Awards at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury last Friday.

Vision Long Island, a Northportbased nonprofit, honored standout projects across Nassau and Suffolk counties that are improving quality of life, revitalizing neighborhoods and setting a standard for the future of the Island.

The organization has been a champion of smart growth — a planning approach that emphasizes walkable communities, transit-oriented development, mixed-use projects, affordable housing and sustainability — for more than 25 years. Its advocacy, educational outreach and planning assistance have helped make possible some of the region’s most transformative developments.

Among this year’s award-winning projects are examples of how collaboration among civic leaders, developers and communities can lead to impactful change. Transit-oriented development stood out prominently.

One of the honorees, the Langdon, in Lynbrook, developed by Breslin Realty, Fields Grade and the village, has 201 luxury rental units with concierge service and upscale amenities just steps from the community’s Long Island Rail Road station.

Smaller-scale projects are equally important. In Babylon, Zucaro Con-

letters

Don’t

forget that horse named Journalism

To the Editor:

struction developed a 27-unit residential building that is bringing new life to the downtown corridor.

These kinds of developments are helping young professionals and families stay on Long Island, close to work and transit, and energizing local economies.

Affordable housing remains a critical need across Long Island, and projects like those spearheaded by the Uniondale Community Land Trust demonstrate how nonprofits can drive change. The trust, which recently hosted its fourth annual Long Island Housing Symposium, continues to champion homeownership and affordability, and held its most recent housing lottery in February.

In Rockville Centre, a $32 million project by the village, its housing authority and D&F Development renovated the Rockville Manor senior housing complex, adding six new units as well as an elevator, funded in part by New York State Homes and Community Renewal and the Nassau County Office of Community Development.

The Smart Growth Awards also spotlighted innovations in clean energy. The Town of Hempstead’s Clean Energy Park, in Point Lookout, conceived in 2006, has become a model for sustainable municipal operations. It features a wind turbine, a hydrogen fueling station, a solar-powered shellfish nursery, a geothermal government office and a 100-kilowatt solar field. It not only powers services sustainably, but also serves as a public education hub and an example for the private sector of the advan-

Re the editorial “Horse Named Journalism showed what’s possible” (May 22-18): I agree that journalism is suffering and losing ground, and that there is a crucial need for local reporting to help sustain the backbone of our society, which remains our local communities. As a former journalist, now retired, I have complained to anyone who would listen about the decline in good reporting. It began decades ago, when television news shifted from good reporting in the 1950s and ’60s to entertainment, beginning in the ’80s. As more and more people watched the ever-expanding TV news, even the large city newspapers began to compete in order to capture readers’ attention. What resulted were more sensational stories about subjects that weren’t important, but which they suspected would be of more interest to readers. And while we learned in our journalism classes that what makes news is what interests readers, that’s not always good journalism. In addition, while TV and radio news often present-

tages of clean energy.

Efforts to strengthen local businesses and Main Streets were also recognized. The village of Farmingdale, in partnership with the Nassau County Office of Community Development, implemented a $150,000 program to replace signs, lighting and awnings using federal block grant funding. Landlords and tenants are covering just 20 percent of the cost, with the rest paid for by the grant. The initiative has created a visually cohesive downtown, boosting “curb appeal” as well as foot traffic.

These projects represent more than just physical improvements — they reflect values that matter to Long Islanders: sustainability, affordability, accessibility and smart investment in the future. They also prove that strategic planning, when guided by community input based on local needs, can transform neighborhoods and enhance residents’ lives.

As we celebrate the achievements recognized at the Smart Growth Awards, we urge municipal governments, civic organizations, village leaders and developers across Nassau and Suffolk to take note. Whether it’s revitalizing a main street, building mixed-use housing near transit, greening public spaces or supporting affordable homeownership, now is the time to adopt what works.

Smart growth isn’t a one-size-fits-all endeavor — it is a flexible, communitycentered approach to planning for the future. The blueprints are in place. The success stories are multiplying. Let’s keep the momentum going.

opinions

Centrist Democrats need to listen, learn and lead

two weeks ago, I had the honor of speaking at WelcomeFest, the nation’s largest gathering of centrist Democrats. Held in Washington, D.C., the event brought together a growing coalition committed to reshaping our party with one urgent mission: connecting with the American people again. This year’s theme, “Responsibility to Win,” says it all. The American people are asking tough questions: Do Democrats hear me? Do they understand my struggles? Will they deliver real results? Too often, the answer feels like “no.”

If you ask most American voters what the top five issues they are most concerned about are, they’ll say: the economy, immigration, taxes, crime, and health care. If you ask the same people what the Democrats are most focused on, they’ll say: choice, LGBTQ protections, health care (fortunately there’s some crossover there), protecting democracy, and climate change. While all of these issues are important,

the disconnect between what “the people” are most concerned about and what they see as Democrats’ focus must be addressed.

I was invited to speak at WelcomeFest because I’m one of the few Democrats who won in a district that President Trump won. I didn’t do it by hiding. I did it by showing up, listening and being honest — even when it wasn’t easy.

GIn my district, voters don’t want lectures. They don’t want candidates who message ideologically, technocratically or in a way that is simply out of touch. They want leaders who understand their concerns and take action to improve their lives. If you’re working two jobs and still can’t afford rent or groceries — or if your neighborhood feels less safe, or the border looks like chaos — you’re not asking for a white paper. You want someone who will do something and deliver real results.

ing on bipartisan legislation to

1. Secure the border.

2. Fix the broken asylum system.

3. Reform the legal immigration system and legalize Dreamers, TPS recipients, farmworkers, health care workers and others who have been here contributing for decades.

ood ideas mean nothing if they don’t connect to people’s real lives.

Good ideas mean nothing if they don’t connect to the real lives of working people. Our country has seen enormous growth in the past 50 years, but so many Americans feel that our economy has failed them. They work hard, but struggle to see the fruits of their own labor. Millions of Americans are crushed by insufficient wages, rising costs and their inability to afford to buy a home. The middle class is disappearing.

In many ways, the American dream no longer feels attainable.

We have to do something.

I take that seriously. That’s why I backed the bipartisan Senate border deal. I said the border is broken — because it is. Not everyone agreed with me, but they respected that I was clear, direct and actionable.

That’s why, in Congress, I am work-

ed the story first, it was always the print newspapers that got the complete story, because the reporters took the time to get it right.

We are far too late to save all those big city newspapers across the country that have disappeared from print and can now only be found online. That would be OK if only more people were reading beyond the headlines online. That’s why we urgently need to protect and preserve local newspapers in print, to further protect and preserve the strength of the local communities in which we live. Life begins in the local communities across our great country. Even our forefathers knew this when they formed the country, preserving the rights of the states with the trickledown result where local cities and towns protect their own interests. Our newspapers need to inform the populace in our communities, and we all need to read and understand what is happening where we live. It will impact our quality of life. That’s how important local news is to each and every one of us.

RICHARD KAHN Glen Cove

I am for increasing the minimum wage, supporting union workers, and creating opportunities for more people to live the American dream. Everyone, whether a left-wing progressive or a right-wing conservative, should believe that, in America, hard work will be

Letters

Fighting the fentanyl crisis

To the Editor:

With more than 30 years of service in the Nassau County district attorney’s office, I’ve seen firsthand the heartbreaking toll the opioid epidemic has taken on our communities — especially the rise of fentanyl. This synthetic opioid, up to 100 times stronger than morphine, isn’t just another drug — it’s a weapon of mass destruction.

In 2022 alone, fentanyl was responsible for roughly 70 percent of overdose deaths. These aren’t faceless statistics. These are our children, our friends, our neighbors. And tragically, many of their deaths could have been prevented if Albany had not handcuffed law enforcement in the name of so-called “reform.”

My office is fighting this crisis headon: We’re aggressively prosecuting drug dealers who profit off misery and death, we’re expanding education and prevention initiatives, and we’re working with partners in health care and treatment services to support victims

and families. At the same time, we are also being forced to fight Gov. Kathy Hochul and extreme politicians in Albany because of their radical policies, which protect drug dealers and make life more dangerous for victims and all law-abiding citizens.

Under Hochul and extremist lawmakers who have taken control of the State Legislature, New York’s criminal justice system has been fundamentally weakened. Their reckless cashless-bail laws have made virtually all drug offenses — including those involving deadly fentanyl — ineligible for bail. That means known drug dealers walk free within hours of being arrested, often returning to the very communities they poisoned. The result? More overdoses, more deaths and more shattered families.

To make matters worse, Hochul and her political allies also implemented sweeping discovery laws that place an overwhelming burden on prosecutors and intimidate the victims and witnesses we rely on to build strong cases. These laws require prosecutors to rapidly turn over extensive evidence — including witness names and state-

rewarded.

If you work hard, you should make enough money to buy a home, educate your kids, pay for health insurance, and retire one day without being scared.

But leading isn’t just about having the right ideas — it’s about meeting people where they are. Americans don’t want jargon. They want to be sure that people like me, who are elected to represent and serve them, hear their concerns and are doing something about those concerns by working with other elected officials to find common ground to get things done.

At the end of the day, voters want to know three things: Are you listening? Do you care? Will you work to get the job done?

Leaders, both Democrats and Republicans, have to orient their policies around values that unite working people: economic opportunity, fairness and the dignity of work. To do that, we have to first listen and learn with empathy, clarity and conviction.

That’s how I campaign. That’s how I govern. It’s not about the noise. It’s about the people. It’s about delivering real results that make working people’s lives better.

Let’s stop talking past them and start fighting for them.

Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.

ments — days after arraignment, often putting victims and witnesses at risk of retaliation. This has had a chilling effect, particularly in drug-related cases, where intimidation is a common tactic used by gangs and drug networks. Albany’s so-called reforms are emboldening the criminals while endangering our communities.

Despite these challenges, our office remains committed to protecting Nassau County families. We recently partnered with the Town of Hempstead to host a fentanyl crisis seminar and “Not My Child” program, and the community response was overwhelming.

We must demand that Hochul and Albany lawmakers stop playing politics with our public safety. The people of New York deserve a justice system that protects the innocent, not one that prioritizes the rights of criminals. The fight against opioids, especially fentanyl, requires a united community, common-sense policies, and the courage to hold the dealers and enablers of this epidemic accountable.

ANNE DONNELLY Nassau County district attorney

Mount Sinai South Nassau is Improving Health Care on the South Shore

The new Fennessy Family Emergency Department at Mount Sinai South Nassau doubles the size of our previous emergency department, o ering 54 private exam rooms with clear lines of sight for physicians, nurses, and support sta . Our new emergency department also o ers a separate triage area, dedicated areas for children and behavioral health patients, and has been designed to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.

The Fennessy Family Emergency Department is located within the new Feil Family Pavilion, opening later this year, which will have 40 new critical care suites and nine new operating rooms, designed to support the most complex surgeries on the South Shore.

To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion