________ Franklin square/elmont _______
HERALD Pickle craze hits Plattduetsche
Rath Park hosts timeless classics
Pain could not stop this pitcher
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VOL. 28 NO. 31
JULY 30 - AUGUST 5, 2026
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TPS holders face a lot of uncertainty A Haitian TPS holder who asked to be identified only by the alias Marie recently As Haitian immigrants — expressed anxiety, explaining such as those living or working that she has been saddened by in Elmont under Temporary the uncertainty surrounding Protected Status — face uncer- the program. She encouraged members of the Haitainty over their tian community to future in the United continue supporting States, community one another and members are helping those who expressing concerns may feel overwhile advocates have whelmed. urged them to seek “I am sad about legal guidance to the situation,” understand their Marie told the Herrights and prepare ald in a phone interfor possible changes. view, through interThe U.S. Supreme preter Claire Leon. Court ruled June 25 She added that that the Trump maintaining unity administration may within the commuproceed with ending nity is important as Temporary Protectfamilies navig ate ed Status for Haiti the uncertainties. and Syria, allowing “So, we have to the government to stay united and stay move forward with CLAIRE LEON terminating depor- advocate and health together and support each other so tation protections care worker they will not lose and work authorizahope, that they stay t i o n fo r a f f e c t e d immigrants while legal chal- safe, and hopefully something lenges continue. There are cur- will come through for them,” rently hundreds of Haitian TPS Marie said through the interholders living in Elmont and preter. Leon, an activist and health over 300,000 living across the United States. CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
By HAILEY FULMER
hfulmer@liherald.com
N
Courtesy Sewanhaka Central High School District
Students bring ‘Pippin’ musical to life Above, students from across the Sewanhaka Central High School District performed “Pippin” at the Elmont Public Library Theatre, sharing the story of a young prince searching for meaning, adventure and fulfillment. Story, more photos, Page 3.
Residents are complaining about conditions of local Lidl By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com
Residents and civic leaders say that conditions at the Lidl supermarket in Franklin Square have deteriorated over the past several years, prompting complaints about cleanliness, maintenance and safety that they say have gone largely unanswered despite repeated outreach to the company and government agencies. The store, in the Dogwood Avenue shopping center, replaced Best Yet Market after undergoing a full renovation in 2021. Residents initially welcomed the arrival of the discount grocery chain, hoping it would become a long-term com-
munity partner. “We were really excited initially to have Lidl,” resident Eugene Ruppert, who has lived in the community for 32 years, said. “We need a local market in the community. We need one that’ll cater to the needs of the community — someone with a strong commitment.” Instead, Ruppert said, the store’s condition has steadily worsened over the past three to four years. “As soon as you walk in the store, you’re looking at floors that are filthy,” he said. “They don’t clean the floor at all.” Ruppert also described seeing produce left on CONTINUED ON PAGE 5
ow the American dream that everybody was wishing for is being taken away from them, and they don’t have anything to go back to.