________ Franklin square/elmont _______
HERALD Veterans gather for annual lunch
Seventh graders prepare for year
Library hosts murder mystery
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VOL. 28 NO. 33
AUGUST 13 - 19, 2026
$1.00
A civic returns to be a voice for residents
Selene Ferdinand, of Elmont, competes in her custom taxi outfit during her Royal International Miss pageant, where she earned honors including Top Model International and International Super Model. Ferdinand incorporated the New York City taxi theme to represent her hometown and the city’s iconic culture. She continues to use her platform to promote youth empowerment and community service through her nonprofit Meera Empowerment.
over the years. After its former president, Pat Nicolosi, died in 2022, the For residents of easter n organization continued under Elmont, knowing where to turn the leadership of Ralph Esposiwhen a neighborhood issue to as president and Frank arises can sometimes be a chal- Hrbek as vice president before eventually becomlenge. Now, a longing inactive. time civic associa“When he [Pat tion is returning, Nicolosi] passed with new leaderaway, it kind of disship hoping to s o l ve d , ” Fo r b e s change that. said. The association, As Forbes began wh i ch h a s b e e n considering startinactive since ing a civic group in before the coronavieaster n Elmont, rus pandemic, is she learned that the now led by Presiexisting organizadent Elizabeth tion could instead Forbes and Vice be revived. President Natasha C o nve r s a t i o n s Warburton. In less with residents, she than a month since said, reinforced the i t s r e v iv a l , t h e need for an organigroup has grown to NATASHA zation focused on 74 m e m b e r s , WARBURTON the area. When she according t o Vice president, walked through the Forbes, and is now East End Civic c o m m u n i t y, s h e preparing to begin Association added, residents holding re gular frequently told her meetings and expand its presence throughout they were unaware of what was happening locally or didn’t eastern Elmont. The East End Civic Associa- know where to turn when they tion has a history dating back needed assistance. “I had a few people that were to the 1940s, with several leaders guiding the organization CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
By HAILEY FULMER
hfulmer@liherald.com
W
Courtesy Savitre Ferdinand
Local teen Selene Ferdinand continues her acts of service By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com
At an age when many young people are discovering their passions, Selene Ferdinand, of Elmont, was already turning hers into action. She founded Meera Empowerment when she was just 7 years old, creating a nonprofit organization focused on helping young people build confidence, embrace their individuality and develop leadership skills through mentorship, service and community involvement. Now, Selene, continues to expand her mis-
sion locally and internationally while preparing for major opportunities in the fashion world, including appearances at New York Fashion Week and Paris Fashion Week. “She’s the youngest person in Elmont that manages an organization,” Selene’s mother, Savitre Ferdinand, said. Through Meera Empowerment, Selene has combined her love of fashion with her passion for giving back. The organization’s annual fashion show fundraiser, held this summer at The Vault in Elmont, brought together models, designers, community members and supporters while highlighting CONTINUED ON PAGE 14
e want to cater to all of those people, but definitely the younger crowds, because that’s our future generation.