Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald 06-18-2026

Kevin Tobin/Herald photos

Rachel Tiran, left, with her children, Michael, 9, and Ryan, 12, during Temple Am Echad’s Pride Shabbat celebration on June 12, when Michael received the Hebrew name Meechayel Avi.

Temple Am Echad celebrates Pride Shabbat with naming rite

By KAYl A DECHTER kdechter@liherald.com

Rainbow-colored clothing and Pridethemed accessories helped transform Temple Am Echad’s Pride Shabbat service last Friday into a celebration of community, identity and belonging.

The focus of the evening was 9-year-old Michael Tiran, who celebrated his gender transition by receiving the Hebrew name Meechayel Avi in a naming ceremony attended by more than 100 congregants, family members and visitors. The name honors his great-grandfather Avraham Yafet Udi.

For Michael’s mother, Rachel Tiran, the ceremony represented both a religious tradition and a deeply personal moment. “In the

Jewish faith, when our babies are born, we name them in Hebrew,” she explained before the service. “When he transitioned, he got to understand why he was named after my Grandma Maddie, and he chose to make his new name something that started with an M for Grandma Maddie.”

The idea for the ceremony arose after Michael attended a renaming ceremony for another transgender congregant about a year and a half ago. Rachel said her son immediately connected with the experience.

“Michael latched on to the idea that he was able to do something like this and say, ‘I am Michael. I am a boy,’” she said.

When temple leaders suggested holding the ceremony during the congregation’s

Valedictorian of ERHS earns science honor

By KAYl A DECHTER kdechter@liherald.com

East Rockaway High School

Valedictorian Charlotte Webster has received the 2026 Nassau STANYS Award, an honor presented annually to a graduating senior who has demonstrated academic excellence and exceptional dedication in science.

TThe award, presented through the Science Teachers Association of New York State, is given to dozens of students across Nassau and Suffolk counties. The award, given out this year on May 19 at the Coral House, in Baldwin, recognizes one student from each participating district who has shown achievement in and enthusiasm for science. Science chairperson Jennifer Belfiore went to accept the award for Charlotte, as she had a scheduling conflict.

my passion for it was being recognized.”

Webster said her interest in science developed during middle school and continued to grow throughout high school, particularly in biology.

“We didn’t do a lot of science in elementary school, but once we got to middle school and high school, I saw an interest in it,” she said. “Biology really interested me, and it is fascinating to me.”

here were many times I felt overwhelmed . . . I’m so glad I kept going and didn’t quit.

CHARloTTE WEBsTER

Valedictorian, East Rockaway High School

She spent two years in East Rockaway’s science research program, where she competed in the Long Island Science Congress. Webster is also involved in Health Occupations Students of America, known as HOSA, which gives students interested in health professions the opportunity to compete in science and healthrelated events.

“I was pretty proud because I know I have such a love for science,” Webster said. “I felt like

According to AP Biology teacher Lexi Pietrantonio, Webster has taken nearly every science course offered at the high

ConTinuEd on PAgE 2

Teachers honored Webster’s years of work

school, including AP Biology, AP Environmental Science and AP Physics. Her weighted grade point average is 106.01.

Pietrantonio, who taught Webster in eighth-grade Living Environment and later in AP Biology, said Webster was selected after discussion among the East Rockaway School District’s science teachers.

“Some schools may choose the student with the highest scores in class, but in Charlotte’s case, it was about more than her top grades,” Pietrantonio said. “She was such a joy to have in class, asked great questions and could work with every single person.”

The nomination was supported by members of the district’s science department, who taught Webster throughout middle and high school.

“Without question, every teacher mentioned Charlotte first,” Pietrantonio said. “She immediately came to mind for everyone.”

Pietrantonio said Webster displayed many of the same qualities as a middle school student that she demonstrates today.

“You could tell she was going to be valedictorian when she was in eighth grade,” Pietrantonio said. “She was organized, independent and always willing to ask for help if she didn’t understand something.”

In addition to her coursework, Webster serves as president of National Honor Society, Key Club and HOSA. She also participates in morning announcements, the HerStory Writing Club and varsity softball.

“It was definitely a lot at first,” Webster said of balancing academics and extracurricular activities. “I’m a pretty organized person, and I make sure that if I have a lot of assignments that week, I don’t do everything the night before. I spread out my work and make sure I show up to every club.”

east rockaway High School science teacher Lexi pietrantonio, left, Valedictorian Charlotte Webster and Superintendent of Schools James detommaso.

Webster credited her parents for encouraging her throughout her academic career.

“My parents have always encouraged me to work hard,” she said. “They were always so supportive of my work and whatever I wanted to do, they would be there to support me.”

Among her favorite classroom experiences was a

BELMONT PARK VILLAGE

fetal pig dissection in AP Biology.

“A lot of people thought it was gross, but I thought it was really cool,” Webster said.

Pietrantonio said opportunities such as dissections and advanced science courses have helped prepare Webster for future studies in biology.

This fall, Webster will attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she plans to major in biology and is looking forward to exploring career options.

“I’m so excited to get that deeper science experience,” she said.

Pietrantonio said Webster’s involvement in studentled organizations helped prepare her for college by giving her opportunities to lead and work with others.

“A lot of the leadership positions are student-run,” Pietrantonio said. “The students have to coordinate with each other. Those experiences will help her when she has to advocate for herself and speak with adults.”

East Rockaway High School Principal Richard Schaffer praised Webster’s accomplishments.

“We continue to be impressed by Charlotte’s achievements and are incredibly proud of the way she represents our school and district,” Schaffer wrote in an email. “Her dedication to our science program is truly exceptional, and her commitment, leadership, and passion for learning make her highly deserving of this well-earned honor.”

As she prepares to graduate, Webster said she hopes younger students stay involved even when things become challenging.

“I would definitely say to never give up,” she said. “There were many times I felt overwhelmed or thought maybe I was doing too many things at once. I’m so glad I kept going and didn’t quit because now I’m reaping the benefits of being involved in so much.”

A Jewish community built on acceptance

annual Pride Shabbat celebration, Rachel said, Michael’s “face lit up” at the idea of celebrating with the broader community.

Temple Am Echad, a Reform congregation in Lynbrook, held the service at its Main Street synagogue in East Rockaway. The evening began with a parade into the sanctuary, where congregants wore rainbow colors, sunglasses and bracelets before gathering for worship and the naming ceremony. A festive Oneg, a social gathering with refreshments held after Jewish worship, followed the service.

For Senior Rabbi Caroline Sim, the connection between the naming ceremony and Pride Shabbat was especially meaningful. “Many Reform temples give a ceremony for a Hebrew name to honor that transition religiously as well as secularly,” Sim said before the event. “It was serendipitous to have it on Pride Shabbat.”

Sim said that Michael initially felt shy about publicly sharing his story, but the larger Pride celebration helped create a supportive environment. “It does fit very thematically, and it’s a wonderful way to celebrate Pride at large, our support for the LGBTQ+ community and our allies,” she said.

The rabbi added that the event reflected values the congregation strives to practice year-round. “A lot of people say they’re accepting and open, but we live our vision and live our values,” Sim said. “We want to make it tangible, and something that helps us practice what we preach.”

Temple Am Echad’s connection to the Tiran family stretches back generations. Rachel was born into the congregation, which her mother, Jean Marion, served as a youth leader while pregnant with her. Today, four generations of the family remain active in temple life.

“We have been very lucky that from

Kevin Tobin/Herald photos

displays. The service, he said, sent a message that LGBTQ+ individuals and families are welcome in the temple.

“There may be folks in the LGBTQ+ community who feel they aren’t welcome in a house of worship,” Trevers said. “The Reform movement in general, and our synagogue specifically, wants people to know that’s not an obstacle to participating in the Jewish community.”

Trevers described the service as emotional, noting that more than 100 people attended. “Seeing close to 110 people in the summer attend this brought tears of joy to everyone’s eyes,” he said. “I think they felt it. I know they felt it.”

The evening, Trevers said, demonstrated what Temple Am Echad strives to be. “It’s one thing to say you’re welcoming, but another thing to live it,” he said. “We are not just saying it. We are doing it.”

the start, our family, friends and temple community embraced Michael’s transition,” Rachel said. “We’ve experienced nothing but love and joy, which is the point of Pride — to be happy with who you are and celebrate who you are.”

Watching her son be recognized by the congregation, she said, was especially meaningful at a time when many LGBTQ+ people continue to face challenges.

“It is amazing to be in this congregation I was born into and to see that what I was taught from a child — be your best self, help others, we accept everybody — and to watch my loved community do exactly that and accept my child for exactly who he is,” Rachel said.

Former Temple Am Echad President Andy Trevers, who co-chairs the congre-

gation’s worship committee, helped organize Pride-themed decorations and

“I hope that Michael will be able to remember and hold onto how loved he is, supported, and the benefits of being brave and embracing his uniqueness,” his mother said. “My hope, not just for Michael but for anybody who hears our story, is that it will inspire others to be brave and feel proud of themselves and be uniquely them. You are not alone.”

Congresswoman Laura Gillen, second from left, with a representative of the Nassau County Police Activities League, Lynbrook Police Chief and Lynbrook Roller Hockey League President Brian Paladino, Mayor Alan Beach, and Village Trustee Robert Boccio displaying the ceremonial check.

Federal grant to fund roof at Lynbrook hockey rink

Congresswoman Laura Gillen joined Lynbrook Mayor Alan Beach and Lynbrook Police Chief and Lynbrook Roller Hockey League President Brian Paladino on June 15 to announce $850,000 in federal Community Project Funding for upgrades to the village’s roller hockey rink.

The funding, secured through the fiscal year 2026 appropriations process, will pay for the installation of a covered, allweather roof with lighting over the existing rink, allowing it to remain open yearround for recreation, league play and community events.

Congresswoman Laura Gillen joined young players on the Lynbrook roller hockey rink after announcing $850,000 in federal funding for a new all-weather roof that will allow the facility to be used year-round.

Village officials said the project will expand access to the facility for families throughout Nassau County while also supporting a year-round youth sports and community outreach program operated by the Lynbrook Police Department.

During the announcement, Gillen also

presented a congressional certificate to Lynbrook Roller Hockey League member John Szlai, a graduating high school senior who received a college scholarship in recognition of his commitment to the league and the community.

The Lynbrook project is one of several funded through more than $13 million in Community Project Funding secured by Gillen for projects across Nassau County.

— Kayla Dechter

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Rhame Avenue Students take Zumba Challenge

Students at Rhame Avenue Elementary School wrapped up this year’s Pick A Reading Partner program with a schoolwide Zumba Challenge on June 5.

The monthlong initiative, organized by the school’s literacy team of Sherina Lugo, Michelle Rodgers and Anthony Weber, focused on the theme “Reading for Wellness,” encouraging students to connect healthy reading habits with physical well-being.

Throughout the program, students logged more than 50,000 minutes of reading, demonstrating a strong commitment to literacy and teamwork.

To celebrate the achievement, students participated in a highenergy Zumba event led by a Rhame Avenue parent who is also a certified instructor. With music provided by a DJ and MC, the challenge brought the school community together for an afternoon of movement, fun and school spirit.

The event served as a fitting finale to a program that promoted both reading and healthy lifestyles, while recognizing the hard work and dedication of Rhame Avenue’s young readers.

— Kayla Dechter

Nassau County Legislature Presiding Officer Howard J. Kopel, Nassau County Police Department 4th Precinct Commanding Officer Inspector Schiller, Auxiliary Inspector Gluck, Deputy Inspector Aljader and Lieutenant Sollin met at the 4th Precinct headquarters in Hewlett to discuss public safety initiatives, community engagement and partnerships between law enforcement and local residents.

News brief

Kopel Meets with 4th Precinct Leadership

Nassau County Legislature Presiding Officer Howard J. Kopel recently visited the Nassau County Police Department’s 4th Precinct headquarters in Hewlett, where he met with Commanding Officer Inspector Schiller and other precinct leaders to discuss public safety and community engagement.

During the meeting, Kopel welcomed Schiller to his new role and thanked members of the department for their service. The discussion focused on strengthening communication between

law enforcement and residents, supporting public safety initiatives and encouraging community involvement. Kopel also highlighted the work of the Auxiliary Police Unit, which is currently seeking volunteers to assist in serving local communities.

“Strong communication and collaboration between our police departments and our neighborhoods are essential to keeping Nassau County safe,” Kopel said.

— Kayla Dechter

World Cup fervor spreads to Long Island

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

Kids ran around as only children can — free and without care — as adults milled around the artificial-turf field and the seats of Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium on the Stony Brook University campus.

I really love the USA, and I really want to support the team.

This was the first of a few World Cup watch parties staged by Empire State Development, which promotes business growth, job creation, and greater economic opportunity across New York. Several thousand people came for the soccer last Friday. The first game shown on the stadium screens was Canada vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina, being played in Toronto, as the event began at 3 p.m. Guests had a choice of watching the first game, the second game or both.

LogaN HERNaNdE z Terryville

At 7 p.m., after those teams played to a 1-1 draw, the second session got underway, and many had come to root for the Unites States Men’s National Team, playing their first game of the quadrennial global tournament, which this year is being hosting across North America, with many of the games in the U.S.

Joe Nola, a Holbrook resident, brought his son Everett, 9, a soccer fan who started playing a few years ago and took to the sport.

“[I’m here] basically for him,” Nola said of his son. “He started getting into soccer and the World Cup, and I started following it a lot more the last couple of years. He’s really excited and so am I, so we’ve been waiting to check out more soccer, and saw this and thought it would be a full opportunity to watch the USA game.”

A travel soccer team player, Everett was a bit shy, but his father said he has an affinity for the “beautiful game.”

“As a family, we’re trying to watch more and learn more about it, so this is, like, a really cool experience,” Nola said, adding of Everett. “He plays goalie. He loves the pressure, for some reason. He drives his mother crazy with the stress. He’s a big fan of [Matt] Freese [the American goalie] and a lot of the goalies that we see internationally.”

Antonella Cortez, 11, from Setauket, who also plays on a travel team, was there to cheer on Team USA.

“I’m here to watch the game,” she said matter-of-factly, adding that playing soccer is fun. Her favorite position? “Anything besides middle and goalie,” she said.

Before the featured match of Paraguay vs. USA, in Los Angeles, the band Third Eye Blind performed a roughly 30-minute set in a driving rainstorm that seemed to end just after they struck

Terryville, Liam Sobritch, of East Northport, and Connor Klinger, from Selden, all wearing USA jerseys, roleplayed interviewer and interviewee, so of course the natural thing was to interview them.

“I really love the USA,” Hernandez said, “and I really want to support the team. I hope they win the World Cup.” His analysis of the first half? “They played great. We need to space out a little more, but we could have this win.

“It was good,” Sobritch said. “We scored three, so maybe [we] space out a little more.”

“We need more spacing,” Klinger agreed, “but [we’re] amazing on the attacking.”

From an own goal by Paraguay in the opening minutes to a score by Gio Reyna in the match’s waning seconds, the U.S. team dominated in a 4-1 win. The next game for the Americans is Friday versus Australia.

Organizing events such as a World Cup Watch Party is not an easy feat.

“This is almost two years in the making,” Dan Gross, Empire State Development’s executive director for New York Special Events, said. “I drew up a plan. It really started with the governor. FIFA controls the tickets,” he added, referring to the World Cup’s governing body. “They control the ticket pricing. The need to make sure people have access.”

Gross and colleagues drew up the plan to hold watch parties across the state. They developed a grant program so that all 10 state regions across New York could have watch parties as well.

“I am very proud to say we are the only state in the nation, from a states perspective, that is truly bringing the World Cup experience to all four corners of the state,” Gross said.

For information on future news related to the World Cup Watch Experience, go to ILOVENY.com/fifa-world-cup/ community-viewing-events.

Lynbrook HS’s National Technical Honor Society

Two Lynbrook students attending Nassau BOCES Barry Tech were recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society, a national organization that recognizes excellence in career and technical education.

The Lynbrook honorees were Cooper Cannon, a student in the Sports Medicine and Personal Training program, and Jack Dugan, a student in the Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement program.

More than 140 Barry Tech students from 34 Long Island school districts were inducted this spring. Students earn membership through strong academic achievement, community service and teacher recommendations.

The National Technical Honor Society recognizes students who demonstrate leadership, responsibility, character and dedication to their chosen fields while preparing for future college and career opportunities.

— Kayla Dechter

Driscoll seeks Gillen’s congressional seat

By HUNTER FENOLLOL hfenollol@liherald.com

Jeanine C. Driscoll, the Town of Hempstead’s receiver of taxes, says her experience managing one of Nassau County’s most visible local offices has prepared her for a run for Congress, and she is seeking the Republican nomination in New York’s 4th District.

Driscoll, 59, a Republican and a longtime resident of Bellerose, will face Marvin Williams in next Tuesday’s primary. The winner will take on incumbent Democratic Rep. Laura Gillen in November.

Driscoll said she decided to enter the race after former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito lost to Gillen in 2024.

“I was called and I found out that they were interviewing candidates,” Driscoll said. “I’ve been in office for seven years. I’ve lived in Nassau County for about 25 years. I’ve been a volunteer, I was a village judge, and I’m a lawyer. I have the life experience to do this.”

She said the timing also aligned with her family life, noting that she and her husband are now at a stage where their youngest child is heading off to college.

A central focus of Driscoll’s campaign is tax policy, an issue she said has defined her public-service career. “I have always been focused on trying to alleviate the burden of taxpayers,” she said. “That’s been my number one priority since I’ve been in office.”

As receiver of taxes, Driscoll said, she has worked to expand access to property tax exemptions and educate homeowners about available relief programs. Her office has also implemented services such as drivethrough payment windows, satellite offices, online payment options and email reminder systems.

She said she also regularly hosts seminars on tax grievances and exemptions. “I don’t leave until every question is answered,” she said. “I’ve been in libraries

at 10 o’clock at night helping people understand their taxes.”

Driscoll said that direct contact with residents has shaped her understanding of public service more than any other experience. “No one deals with constituents

every day like I do,” she said of area tax officials. “People are in my office every single day, and I hear firsthand what they’re going through.”

In Congress, she added, lawmakers often lack dayto-day exposure to constituent concerns.

Driscoll also noted her background as an attorney for more than three decades and her prior service as an associate village justice. She has also been active in community organizations, including the Floral Park Memorial PTSA and the Junior Women’s Club of Bellerose.

Her policy priorities, she said, would center on reducing costs for families through tax relief measures, changes to federal deductions and reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses. Rising insurance costs, housing prices and taxes are all contributing to what Driscoll described as an affordability crisis on Long Island.

“You have people who grew up here, raised their families here and now they can’t afford to stay,” she said. “She supports efforts to increase take-home pay by eliminating taxes on tips and overtime and expanding the deduction for state and local taxes.

Asked why voters should choose her over Williams in the primary, Driscoll said that experience and familiarity with local taxpayers set her apart. “I know the residents, I know the taxpayers and I know how Nassau County works,” she said. “I’ve worked directly with people who are struggling, and I understand what they need.” She also emphasized her endorsement by the Nassau County Republican Committee.

As for what differentiates her from Gillen, Driscoll said the contrast comes down to tax policy and fiscal priorities, and that she looked forward to making her case directly to 4th District voters. “I’m all in,” she said. “I want to win this seat, and I believe I can.”

Williams is campaigning for GOP primary

By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com

Retired Air Force Lt. Col. Marvin Suber Williams will face off against Town of Hempstead Receiver of Taxes Jeanine C. Driscoll in the Republican primary in the 4th Congressional District next Tuesday. The winner will challenge Democratic incumbent Rep. Laura Gillen in the November general election.

Williams, 64, is a lifelong New Yorker and current Garden City resident who has spent 30 years in public service as an active-duty Air Force chaplain, senior pastor and senior executive at the federal level. He is focusing his campaign to represent Nassau County’s South Shore communities on lowering costs for Long Island families, restoring public safety, securing the country’s southern border, creating congressional term limits, supporting veterans and, he said, bringing accountability to Washington D.C.

“The core lesson is exactly the same in ministry as it is in the federal government: When a mission is failing, you do not keep sending the same people back with the same plan,” Williams said. “That is not just political partisanship — that is the voters of Long Island loudly telling Washington that they have not been heard.”

Williams said that hearing those loud cries, and his love for country and community, motivated him to run for the congressional seat and create “lasting change” for Long Islanders in the 4th District, economically and socially.

“I am not running because I need a new career,” he told the Herald. “I am running because I have the time, the executive experience and the absolute political

“In

independence to do this job for the right reasons.”

Williams listed affordability, public safety and immigration, honoring veterans, and term limits as

his “four critical priorities.” Additionally, he wants to reduce energy and transportation costs, especially for Long Island.

Despite having less political experience than Driscoll and Gillen, Williams maintains that experience is far from the most important quality of a political leader.

“In this race, political tenure is not the most important asset,” he said. “Proof of capability is. Traditional political experience simply means time spent occupying a seat in a government building. Proof means tangible, measurable results you can put a clear dollar amount on – and I have those numbers.”

Williams also points out that he already has experience serving at the federal level, leading the charge for Air Force Inspection System reform and spearheading operational adjustments that, he said, saved $30 million in overseas operations at the Naval Supply Systems Command.

He believes that his military experience also makes him a more qualified candidate for Congress. He credits the lessons he has learned about service and the time spent as a senior federal executive as more than adequate background to know how to represent Long Island residents.

“Long Islanders are carrying an immense amount of economic and social worry right now,” Williams said. “They need a representative who genuinely hears them, not a career politician who reads about them in a polling memo. … My service makes me uniquely qualified, because three decades of mission-driven, results-accountable executive work is the precise preparation required for a job that demands those qualities today.”

East Rockaway students’ excellence recognized

Three East Rockaway students attending Nassau BOCES Barry Tech were recently inducted into the National Technical Honor Society, which recognizes outstanding achievement in career and technical education programs.

The East Rockaway honorees were Jenna Quaranto, a student in the Cosmetology program; Gianna Verga, a student in Animation and Digital Media Skills; and Colleen Lynch, a student in the Medical Assisting program.

More than 140 Barry Tech students representing 34 school districts across Long Island were inducted into the honor society this spring. Students are selected based on academic achievement, leadership, community service and recommendations from their instructors.

National Technical Honor Society membership is considered one of the highest honors in career and technical education and recognizes students who have demonstrated excellence both in the classroom and in their technical training.

— Kayla Dechter

•

Young Entrepreneurs Showcase Business Skills

Fifth graders at Centre Avenue and Rhame Avenue schools put their business skills to the test during East Rockaway’s annual Entrepreneur Days.

Rhame Avenue students opened their marketplace in the school gym on June 2, while Centre Avenue students welcomed shoppers to an outdoor market on the blacktop on June 10.

The event capped a weeks-long project tied to the fifth grade social studies curriculum on business and economics. Students created original products, developed business plans and learned the fundamentals of marketing, design and financial literacy.

In preparation for the event, students designed logos, created advertising materials, printed business cards and built websites to promote their products. Parents, staff and community members visited the student-run booths and could make purchases through QR codes linked to digital storefronts.

The annual tradition gives students an opportunity to apply classroom lessons in a real-world setting while developing communication, collaboration and problemsolving skills.

welcomed shoppers to their booths during Entrepreneur Day, where parents, staff and community members explored student-created products and madepurchases through digital storefronts.

ERASE Racism hosts forum on inequality

By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com

The Long Island-based advocacy group ERASE Racism held its 25th Anniversary Benefit event earlier this month, giving out awards for anti-racism and anti-discrimination work and awarding scholarships to students who embody the organization’s values.

Hundreds of guests crowded the Garden City Hotel on June 3 for a cocktail hour and to take part in ERASE Racism’s silent auction, where items ranging from artwork to lottery tickets were bid on for up to thousands of dollars. The funds will go to ERASE Racism advocacy initiatives for public education and housing equality.

Students Ria Bhatia, of Jericho High School; Edwin Montes Dubon, of Uniondale High; Zamari Paul, of Malverne High; and Janeiry Savinon, of New Hyde Park High, were each awarded $500 scholarships for winning a student essay contest. Malverne High student Matthew DaCosta was awarded the $1,500 John Wenzel Scholarship for his work with ERASE Racism.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones and activist Monique Fitzgerald were honored with special awards for their advocacy against structural racism. HannahJones’s work on the 1619 Project, a New York Times Magazine and audio series

examining the beginnings of American slavery and its generational effects, was highlighted during the program.

Hannah-Jones and Elaine Gross, ERASE Racism’s founding president, had a “fireside chat,” discussing how racism continues to impact life for minorities, particularly Black communities, on Long Island and across the country.

“This is a hard time for civil rights organizations, because there is a very organized and powerful effort from the highest reaches of the government that basically is saying there is nothing

called structural racism,” Gross told the Herald before the event.

She identified an April settlement between the U.S. Justice Department and the Town of Oyster Bay over alleged housing discrimination as an example of structural racism on Long Island. In the case, which was settled in U.S. District Court, the town was found liable for “intentionally discriminating against Black individuals” by giving the children of current residents priority in purchasing housing units under its Next Generation housing program. This allegedly hindered the ability of Blacks and

other racial minorities to buy homes in predominantly white Oyster Bay.

Hannah-Jones pointed out that racism on Long Island often is not a conscious effort by residents, but rather the result of the region’s historically discriminatory structure.

“You as an individual white person don’t have to be racist at all to have your housing choices and the benefits of your housing choices shaped by a structure that you have nothing to do with creating,” she said.

Talking more about the 1619 Project and contemporary racism, Hannah-Jones contended that the sanitized way in which many schools and institutions deal with America’s racist history is counterproductive to the goal of erasing racism.

“The truth about America is deeply heartbreaking,” she said, “but I find the truth to be a liberating thing, because one can confront the truth that everything that is within the law is constructed. If you know that it’s constructed, then you know it can be deconstructed.”

Hannah-Jones acknowledged that she was not very optimistic about race relations and how discrimination is handled in the U.S., citing the current administration as a reason for such pessimism. But, she and Gross said they believe that as today’s young people advocate for social justice, they have the potential to unlock a better future for Long Island and beyond.

STEPPING OUT

Dion

‘Celebrity Autobiography’ is back in the spotlight

By Iris Wiener

For more than three decades, Angelo Fraboni has built a career that spans Broadway stages, national tours, arts administration, and theatrical producing. Today, while serving as Artistic Director of the Madison Theatre, on the Molloy University campus, Fraboni continues to leave his mark on the professional theater world as a producer of Broadway’s “Celebrity Autobiography,” the comedic sensation currently delighting audiences once again after its original Drama Deskwinning run in 2008.

The show, created by Eugene Pack, takes passages from celebrity memoirs and transforms them into a live comedy event performed by well-known actors. For Fraboni, the appeal of the production has remained remarkably consistent since he first became involved. “Laughter,” he says when asked why the show continues to resonate.

“Everyone needs something to laugh at and just enjoy where you don’t have to think very hard. It’s easy laughter. We’re not making fun of people; we’re just reading this banal dialogue that people write in their autobiographies.”

That spirit of spontaneity has helped make “Celebrity Autobiography” a unique theatrical experience. Unlike most productions, the cast has little rehearsal time together before stepping onstage.

“The actors are cracking each other up as much as they’re cracking up the audience,” Fraboni says. “The greatest thing about the show is the rawness of it and these celebrities being human on stage with each other. It’s glorious.”

Fraboni has been involved with the production since its early years, serving as both producer and general manager before focusing exclusively on producing. He has helped bring the show to audiences across the United States and around the world, while continuing to oversee one of its most challenging components: casting. While the rotating cast has already featured the likes of Katie Couric, Rita Wilson, Keenan Thompson, and Tony Shalhoub, it also has an especially strong Long Island connection, featuring local entertainment icons such as Alan Zweibel, Susan Lucci, Ralph Macchio, and Ray Romano. Pack and co-producer

Douglas Denoff are also from the area.

While Fraboni’s current work places him at the center of Broadway and Off-Broadway productions, his path to producing began far from New York. Raised in a mining town in northern Minnesota, he started ballet lessons at age six alongside his twin brother.

“I was really into sports,” he recalls. “My mom and dad said, ‘Why don’t you take ballet? It will help with your athleticism.’”

What began as an extracurricular activity soon became a career. After high school, Fraboni joined a ballet company and performed professionally for five years. A chance audition for “West Side Story” during an off-season changed everything. The opportunity introduced him to acclaimed choreographer and director Jerry Mitchell, who cast Fraboni in six of his first seven productions. The experience ultimately led to his Broadway debut in “Cats” and opened doors throughout the industry.

As a performer, Fraboni developed a habit that would later serve him well as a producer and artistic leader.

“I would listen and watch,” he says. “I wanted to hear what the directors and choreographers were saying. I was very tuned in to what was going on.”

Eventually, curiosity about the creative process led him offstage and into producing. The transition revealed a side of theater audiences rarely see.

“As a performer, you show up to the theater do your job, and get your paycheck,” he says. “As a producer, you’re working constantly for months and months, sometimes years. Your job is never done.”

That commitment to building opportunities for others became the foundation of his work at Molloy University. Fraboni’s connection to the institution dates back more than two decades, when he helped bring Broadway legend Carol Channing to campus for a gala performance. There, he met then-president Drew Bogner, who shared plans to build a theater. One decade later, Fraboni received a call encouraging him to apply for the artistic director position at the newly constructed Madison Theatre.

“It was still a shell,” he remembers. “I was instrumental in how they built the infrastructure.”

Over the next 15 years, Fraboni transformed the Rockville Centre venue into a regional performing arts center featuring Broadway-caliber productions, symphony performances, international artists, jazz concerts, and educational opportunities. He also played a key role in bringing the renowned CAP21 musical theater program to Molloy, creating new pathways for aspiring performers.

“The idea was to make it an arts center with a variety of art,” he says. “I wanted it to be a regional theatre and performing arts center, but also give the students the opportunity to grow and perform with professionals.”

Despite balancing productions at Molloy with responsibilities on “Celebrity Autobiography,” Fraboni says the rewards make the long hours worthwhile.

“The joys are the audiences laughing and enjoying what we do,” he says. “We create what we think will be the best thing possible for our audiences to see, and the payoff is when they enjoy it.”

Whether producing a Broadway comedy, mentoring students at Molloy, or developing new artistic opportunities on Long Island, Fraboni remains committed to the idea that theater is ultimately about people coming together.

“There’s nothing like going to the theater, laughing with people, and experiencing a journey,” he says. “Everybody is emotionally affected differently by a show. That’s inspiring to me.”

Visit celebrityautobiography.com for more information or to purchase tickets.

A familiar favorite returns to a legendary stage as Dion takes the spotlight for a concert honoring Westbury Music Fair’s 70th anniversary. The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, whose history with the iconic venue spans decades, is returning to live performance after stepping back from regular touring in recent years. While he has been largely absent from the concert circuit, Dion has remained remarkably productive, releasing new music and books while continuing to earn acclaim for his blues recordings. In the past two years alone, he released The Rock and Roll Philosopher along with a companion book, further showcasing the creativity that has defined a career spanning more than six decades. His recent blues albums have topped the Billboard Blues chart, introducing his work to new audiences while reaffirming his place among America’s enduring musical voices. Best known for classic hits such as “Runaround Sue,” “The Wanderer,” and “Ruby Baby,” Dion continues to evolve as an artist well into his 80s.

Saturday, June 20, 8 p.m. Flagstar at Westbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury. Tickets available at LiveNation.com.

Daniel Tosh

Get ready for an evening of sharp observations and quick-fire punchlines that are Daniel Tosh’s signature irreverent style when he brings My First Farewell Tour to he Paramount stage. Acclaimed for his quick wit and deadpan delivery, he’s built a devoted following through both stand-up and television. After graduating from the University of Central Florida with a degree in marketing, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue comedy full-time. His career gained national attention following a standout appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman in 2001, leading to appearances Comedy Central Presents, Premium Blend and The Tonight Show. Tosh became a household name as the creator and host of Tosh.0, the longrunning Comedy Central hit that paired viral internet videos with his trademark commentary and satirical take on pop culture.

Tuesday, June 23, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

Jun

18

Semiquincentennial Art Reception

Celebrate local artists at Lynbrook Public Library’s Semiquincentennial Art Reception. Guests are invited to dress up, enjoy light refreshments and take a self-guided tour of artwork displayed throughout the library. The exhibit will remain on view through July 18. Registration is not required.

• Where: 56 Eldert St., Lynbrook

• Time: 4-7 p.m.

• Contact: lynbrooklibrary.org or (516) 599-8630

Jun

19

FIFA World Cup Watch Party

Soccer fans are invited to Eisenhower Park for Soccer In The Park, a free public watch party for the FIFA World Cup match between the United States and Australia. The viewing will feature a live match broadcast, giveaways, family-friendly activities, concessions and more. Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets for outdoor viewing. Free parking is available, with Lots 6 and 6A closest to the venue. Free parking is available.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 572-0200 TheIslandFC.com

Jun

22

The Revolutionary War: Learn What Happened Right Here!

Lynbrook Village Historian Art Mattson and East Rockaway

Village Historian Frank Torre discuss local Revolutionary War history and the area’s role in America’s founding during a special America 250 program at Lynbrook Public Library.

• Where: 56 Eldert St., Lynbrook

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: lynbrooklibrary.org or (516) 599-8630

Tunes with The Chiclettes

Eisenhower Summer Concert Series welcomes The Chiclettes and Vinnie Medugno. Celebrate the remarkable women who reigned supreme on the charts! Gracie, Mikayla, and Jennie deliver an exceptional blend of female vocal groups and

Stavros Halkias

Stavros Halkias’s The Dreamboat Tour hits the Paramount stage. He delivers the sharp observations, self-deprecating humor and quick wit that have made him one of comedy’s fastest-rising stars. Originally from Baltimore and now based in New York City, Halkias recently wrote, produced and starred in the independent comedy Let’s Start a Cult. His latest standup special, Fat Rascal, is streaming on Netflix, following the success of his debut special, Live at the Lodge Room, which attracted millions of viewers online. Beyond the stage, Halkias hosts the hit podcast Stavvy’s World, which quickly climbed the comedy charts and built a devoted following. He also stars in the Netflix comedy series Tires and is set to appear in A24’s Tony, inspired by the life of Anthony Bourdain. Known for his candid storytelling and relatable humor, Halkias has built a loyal fan base through stand-up, podcasting and acting. He has also been featured in Steven Soderbergh’s sci-fi series Command Z. Outside of comedy, he made his runway debut at KidSuper’s Paris Fashion Week show in 2023, earning Vogue’s nod as “the plus-est of plus-size models.” His ultimate dream? Get just famous enough to buy his mother a nice home — then retire from show business to open a surf-and-turf restaurant in East Baltimore.

artists, spanning from the early Rock & Roll and Motown eras to Disco, R&B, 80’s/90’s pop and more. The Chiclettes are set to energize you as they celebrate the female artists who have graced the music scene from past to present.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 6 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 572-0200

Jun 23

Harmonize with Long Island Harmonizers Love to sing? So do the Long Island Harmonizers. The chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society is a chorus of more than 20 singers, now welcoming new members. The ensemble performs fourpart a cappella harmony in the barbershop style, entertaining audiences at libraries, assisted living facilities, hospitals, and local events. All are welcome to visit one of their weekly rehearsals. Come listen, meet the chorus, and — if you’d like — join in and sing. No musical experience is necessary, just a love of singing and a desire to have fun making music together.

• Where: Faith Lutheran Church,

231 Jackson Ave, Syosset

• Time: Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m.

• Contact: Call: Rich, (516) 521-4779, or Dennis, (516) 680-8036, or visit longislandharmonizers.org

Jun

25

East Rockaway Pre-Prom Parade

Students, families and the community are invited to celebrate prom night with a pre-prom parade in a safe, scenic setting for photos and send-offs. Participants are asked to line up on Dock Street prior to the event.

• Where: East Rockaway Waterfront (lineup on Dock Street)

• Time: 5:30 p.m. (participants line up by 5:15 p.m.)

• Contact: Village Hall at (516) 887-6300

Midsummer Jazz

Old Westbury Gardens hosts Monk for President, an ensemble that’s redefined the art of the jazz trio. Glafkos Kontemeniotis (piano), Fred Berman (bass) and Vince ‘Kazi’ McCoy (drums) deliver a high-wire act of musical conversation. From timeless standards to deep-cut favorites,

Jun

27

Freestyle meets Salsa Get in the groove at Eisenhower Park with Brenda K. Starr, Tito Puente JR., TKA/ K7, Joey Cruz, La Sonora 495 and Forever Freestyle Band.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 572-0200

Point Lookout

Independence Day Fireworks/Concert

Hempstead Town celebrates our nation’s 250th Birthday with its annual Concert and Fireworks spectacular. Residents should anticipate travel delays — Loop Parkway and Lido Boulevard are typically closed in all directions by 9 p.m. and will remain closed until the conclusion of the Fireworks, around 10:30 p.m. There will be no vehicular access to enter or exit Point Lookout during this time. In the event of inclement weather, rain date is June 28.

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

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

and originals from Glafkos. Their improvisation has graced iconic stages like Bryant Park, Central Park Summer Stage and the Schomburg Center. Don’t miss this masterclass in intuitive jazz. Before, during, or after, stroll the gardens decorated with floral arrangements and illuminated with lanterns. Visitors are welcome to bring a picnic dinner.$40 (includes light season fair and beverages), with member discount. Additional wine, beer and prosecco may be purchased separately.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: Gates open at 6 p.m., concert 7-9 p.m.

• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

Jun

26

Rockin’ with the Almost Brothers Band Rock on during the Eisenhower Summer Concert Series. Enjoy an Allman Brothers tribute with ABB and Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute with Sons of Skynyrd.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 572-0200

• Where: Point Lookout Town Park, Point Lookout

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 292-5000 ext. 4304

Jun

28

Rock on with reggae Reggae is the vibe at Eisenhower Park. The concert series continues with Inner Circle, Wayne Wonder and IRIEspect.

• Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 572-0200

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.

JU JULY 16 M M-122:30PM 6 • 10 10AM-12

FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle

Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers

Take advantage of on-site health screenings

Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences

Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A

Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways

Snack station for all

*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees

All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.

Register for this FREE event:

rbamgbose@liherald.com or call 516.569.4000 x273

East Rockaway grants tenure to seven educators

The East Rockaway Union Free School District recognized seven staff members for earning tenure during the Board of Education meeting on May 27.

East Rockaway Junior/Senior High School Principal Richard Schaffer honored Shannon Conley (social studies), Noah Luft-Weissberg (music), Rebecca Mantle (counseling), Sunzena Miah (technology) and Christine Redden, chair of mathematics. Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruc-

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN, that the time for the June 15, 2026 meeting of the Board of Trustees has been rescheduled from 7:00 P.M. to 6:15 P.M. at the Village Hall, One Columbus Drive, Lynbrook, New York. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

JOHN GIORDANO, VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR

LYNBROOK, NEW YORK 160805

LEGAL NOTICE

The Board of Education of the Lynbrook Union Free School District, Lynbrook, New York, hereby invites the submission of: SEALED BIDS

Automatic Temperature Control, Mechanical, Remote Monitoring and Controls Maintenance Re-Bid Bids will be received until 10 a.m. on June 25, 2026, in the Office of the Board of Education, 111 Atlantic Avenue, Lynbrook, New York, at which time and place all bids will be publicly opened and read. Specifications and instructions to bidders may be obtained from Patricia Jung at 516-887-6563 or on the Lynbrook UFSD website at https://www.lynbrooks chools.org/district-bidsrequests-proposals.

The Board of Education reserves the right to reject any and all bids when it is in the best interest of the School District to do so.

Theresa Moran District Clerk Lynbrook Union Free School District 516-887-6558

Dated: June 18, 2026 160806

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

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 23rd day of June 2026, 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 “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following location(s): EAST MEADOW

TAYLOR AVENUE (TH 199/26) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Andrew Avenue, south for a distance of 30 feet.

TAYLOR AVENUE (TH 199/26) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Andrew Avenue, north for a distance of 30 feet.

TAYLOR AVENUE (TH 199/26) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Cedar Street, south for a distance of 30 feet.

TAYLOR AVENUE (TH 199/26) West Side -

NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Cedar Street, north for a distance of 30 feet.

(NR) EAST ROCKAWAY LAWRENCE STREET (TH 204/26) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the east curbline of Rhame Avenue, east for a distance of 31 feet.

RHAME AVENUE (TH 204/26) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the north curbline of Lawrence Street, north for a distance of 35 feet.

SEAFORD

BAYVIEW STREET (TH 191/26) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Ocean Avenue, west for a distance of 38 feet.

ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” from the following location(s):

WEST HEMPSTEAD

GREENWAY SOUTH (TH 75/26) West SideNO PARKING EXCEPT SUNDAYS - starting at a point 10 feet south of the south curbline of Greenway East, south for a distance of 185 feet. (Adopted 4/14/26)

ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: June 9, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 160798

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

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST WILLIAM G. BREVAIRE, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 9, 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 22, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 76 Driving Park Avenue, Lynbrook, NY 11563. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38 Block 54 Lots 12 and 112. Approximate amount of judgment $698,018.56 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605725/2023. John Boklak, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003337 90189 160753

tion Sean Murray recommended district literacy coach Danielle Schneider for tenure, while Superintendent James DeTommaso awarded tenure to Rhame Avenue Elementary School Principal Jack Bixhorn.

The board recognized each educator for their service and dedication to East Rockaway students before pausing for a reception in their honor.

— Kayla Dechter

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City.

Help Wanted

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City

is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers.

Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour

Night Availability is a Must.

Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com

Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours

Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours

HomesHERALD

A new pool, and the fence around it

Beautiful Cape

REAL ESTATE

Real Estate

WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670

Apartments For Rent

CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space When Available. For Details Call 516-860-6889/ 516-852-5135/ 516-582-9978

Welcome to this beautifully maintained expanded Cape in the Salisbury section of Westbury in the East Meadow school district. Offering 4-5 bedrooms and a versatile floor plan, this home is perfectly suited for today's lifestyle. The updated kitchen flows seamlessly into the comfortable living spaces, including a spacious living room and formal dining room. A striking double-sided wood-burning fireplace adds warmth and character, creating an inviting atmosphere throughout the main living areas. The first floor

primary bedroom, along with 2 additional generously sized bedrooms and full bath, providing ample space for family and guests. Ideally located in the highly sought-after Salisbury section of Westbury, this home offers convenient access to Bowling Green Elementary School, W.T. Clarke High School, Eisenhower Park, shopping destinations, restaurants, and all major highways. A wonderful opportunity to own a spacious, well-appointed home in one of Westbury's most desirable neighborhoods. Don't miss the chance to make this exceptional property your own.

Q. I’m putting in a pool, and have to raise the property on the side closest to my property line by about 18 inches. I see that my permit shows I can’t go over 6 feet for the fence. What I want to do is build a wall along the property line using the concrete interlocking blocks that are made for this, and I remember from a previous column you wrote that the wall also needs a permit. Am I going to have problems getting the fence and wall approved, because the company that makes the blocks shows that they go right onto compacted gravel and not the concrete foundation you wrote about? Also, the fence will be 6 feet tall on my side, but at least 7 feet 6 inches on my neighbor’s side. Is that going to be a problem? I want to do this right away, so I can enjoy the pool this summer. Should I just do it and see what an inspector says, if anything?

A. You have given this a lot of thought. I will answer each question as well as possible. The reason for my doubt is that communities have differing opinions, and even inspectors have differing views. The real problem is that until, and sometimes even after, you get a final sign-off, anything that wasn’t documented on the plans is fair game for nullifying the approval, requiring refiling for a new permit.

The block wall can only go on a compacted gravel bed if the ground is stable — not in a flood plain or previously reclaimed land, such as in a neighborhood that was once marshland — and if the gravel bed reaches a 90 percent compaction level, according to manufacturers. This compaction is achieved only by using heavy equipment and extreme force, so if you plan to shovel it in and tamp it down, think twice. Fortunately, the wall movement will be hardly noticeable unless sections sag from the weight of the block and the horizontal shifting of the earth, which mainly occur with the help of water buildup and extremes like the weeks of below-freezing weather a few months ago that most people have already forgotten.

The fence height is another mixed bag of opinions. I’ve had to appear for clients at zoning hearings because of just such circumstances, where there was a problem achieving the 6-foot height and the uneven land dilemma. In other, similar circumstances, another inspector in the same jurisdiction said not to bother and passed the approval without the need to go through the hearing process. I believe that good fences make good neighbors, as Robert Frost wrote. The height issue should only come into play when a neighbor is harmed or potentially harmed by the height, such as if the fence blocks sunlight.

I can never recommend building something without approvals, as a licensed professional, but I am seeing more often that people hate the word “permit.” Good luck!

© 2026 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.

BABY'S CHANGE TABLE. Gently used, white, 3 drawers. $15. Lido Beach. (516)705-9398

BASKETBALL HOOP REGULATION size, portable $20 text/ call Michele (516) 287-7027

CEDAR RABBIT HUTCH: Formica lined clean-out drawers, Casters, 54" X 24", Solid construction. $35. 516-343-4010

FOOD NETWORK (BRAND) countertop convection oven with rotisserie, never used!!! $95. Call 516 502 5699

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HANDICAPPED DELUXE SPORT Hand-Held Portable GPS Unit for Hikers, Hunters, Bikers, etc. New! $50. 516-486-7941

HANDICAPPED FORTUNOFF'S OUT-

DOOR Store Patio Table. 5'x7' Glass Top, Cast Aluminum Frame. Mint. $100 516-486-7941

ROCKING CHAIR WHITE paint, text for picture, $25, 516-884-9994.

WALKER, ALUMINUM LIGHTWEIGHT ProBasics w/ wheels, two button, original packaging never used $25. 516-781-8313

SERVICES

Appliance Srvc./Repair

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Cleaning Services

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Electricians

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All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Home Improvement

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Miscellaneous

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Power Washing

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Services

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-877-290-0023 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Telephone Services

CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682

Tree Services

T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE *TREE REMOVAL *STUMP GRINDING *PRUNING. FREE ESTIMATES. 516-223-4525, 631-586-3800 www.tmgreencare.com

Satellite/TV Equipment

DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Health & Fitness

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-877-536-0251

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Internet Services

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opinions

So we set off to meet the new Notre Dame coach . . .

i’ve told this story before, but friends say it always bears retelling. Four years ago this month, a group of us experienced in just a few hours some truly high moments followed by some comedic screwups that still make us shake our heads.

Nassau County Republican Party Chairman Joe Cairo, my law school roommate Tom Curtin and I are Notre Dame graduates, and fanatical followers of Fighting Irish football. When we heard that then new football coach Marcus Freeman would be speaking at a Notre Dame event at the Union League Club in Manhattan, we decided to attend and then go to dinner afterward.

Melissa Zimmerman, a retired Nassau County Police Department detective who was on my security detail when I was in Congress and was still doing security work for me, coordinated the logistics for the evening. We took my car, picked up Cairo at his North Valley Stream home and made it to the city in

plenty of time. Zimmerman parked the car in a garage a few blocks from the Union League, and once there we met up with Curtin, who, as usual, knew someone who knew someone and got us into a pre-event gathering with just a small group of alumni and Freeman, who was friendly and generous with his time. Couldn’t have been a better moment for Notre Dame guys.

AFollowing the larger reception downstairs, we went to Sam’s Place, a terrific Italian restaurant on East 39th Street, where we were joined by my son, Sean, another Notre Dame graduate. The conversation was filled with reminiscing, and expressions of hope that Freeman would restore Notre Dame football’s golden luster.

Despite a sign that said it would be open for a few more hours, the garage were locked tight. We rang the bell. No answer. It started raining harder. We were the only people on the street.

nd what followed forced us to find our way home in the rain in a very sketchy Uber.

The always prepared Curtin produced an umbrella and decided to walk to the NYAC. Zimmerman, seeing her brilliant planning coming undone, was on her phone trying to find an Uber to drive us to North Valley Stream. Minutes went by; no taxicab, no Uber. Cairo, one of the nation’s most powerful political leaders, was standing in the rain, looking down 39th Street.

windshield. Eventually we made it to Cairo’s home, where he obligingly paid the driver and, adding insult to injury, at Zimmerman’s suggestion, gave the man a generous tip. He shook his head as he got out.

Afterward, as we were outside on the street posing for a group photo, Zimmerman couldn’t help congratulating herself on her logistical success. Sean said he would walk to his nearby apartment and said good night. There was a drizzle of rain, but the garage was a block away; nothing to worry about. Curtin, who lives in Jersey, was staying at the New York Athletic Club, so we offered to drop him off.

TAfter several long minutes, a broken-down, filthy-looking, barely operable car pulled up. The driver held a cardboard sign with “Uber” scrawled in magic marker. Speaking with a thick foreign accent, he asked where we were going. North Valley Stream, Zimmerman told him.

“No problem,” he said. We warily got in the car — Zimmerman, the seasoned detective, in the front, and Cairo and I in the back. The driver seemed to have a hard time finding his way out of Manhattan as Zimmerman tried to guide him, and rain splashed against the

Next, Zimmerman tracked down a friend to drive us to my home in Seaford, and then, because her car keys were in my car in the Manhattan parking garage, to drive her to her Bellmore home. Because my wife, Rosemary, knew I’d be coming home late, she had decided to sleep in the back bedroom. When she got up in the morning and didn’t saw my car, she didn’t know whether to call the cops or the emergency room. Moments later, as I recounted the events of the previous evening, she shook her head with the look of a woman thinking, why did I ever marry this guy? Good question.

Later that morning, Zimmerman took an LIRR train to Manhattan to retrieve my car and her keys and complain to the parking garage manager about his misleading closing-time sign. The saga of the Notre Dame football coach and the locked garage was over, but none of us has ever forgotten it.

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

A crisis at a journalistic institution

here are a number of ways to frighten a politician. I could recite a few, but there’s nothing more frightening then telling an elected official that “‘60 Minutes’ wants to talk to you.” For almost 60 years, the show has been more than a television program. It is one of the few that has held powerful corporations, governments and individuals to account for their conduct. Like it or not, “60 Minutes” has been the conscience of the nation.

During its time on our television screens, the show has exposed the tobacco industry’s lies, the failures of the Veterans Administration and the abuses of Wall Street, to name just a few of its in-depth investigations. It has done so week after week, in prime time, watched by millions of Americans who might never have read an investigative newspaper series but would sit down on a Sunday night and absorb a piece of journalism that changed what they knew, and sometimes what the country knew.

That institution, in any meaningful sense, is now gone. What has taken place over the past year is a cautionary tale about what happens when corporate fear meets political intimidation and what is lost when the two converge. The chain of events that got us here started in April 2025, when Bill Owens resigned at executive producer of “60 Minutes.” He was only the third person to hold that job in 57 years. That was followed by the resignation of CBS President Wendy McMahon.

W hy all the drama at ‘60 Minutes’ matters beyond the television industry.

The reason for both departures was that Paramount, the parent company of CBS, was seeking federal approval for its merger with Skydance Media. The Trump administration had leverage over the deal, and it was clear that it was prepared to use it. Then CBS settled a lawsuit with the president with a payment of $16 million. The optics should have been a tipoff of what was yet to come.

What happened next confirmed everyone’s worst fears. Bari Weiss became editor in chief of CBS News, installed by the new owners. While Weiss is a competent writer, she knew nothing about television news. Last

month she fired veteran “60 Minutes” correspondents Sharyn Alfonsi and Cecilia Vega, the first Latina correspondent in the show’s history. That was followed by numerous other layoffs of longtime staffers. It’s worth noting that, months earlier, Weiss pulled a segment off the air that dealt with Trump administration deportees held in a Salvadoran prison. It eventually ran, but that sent another signal.

The final touch in the dismantling of a journalistic institution was the firing of Scott Pelley, who helped make “60 Minutes” what it was. Pelly is the modern-day version of what Walter Cronkite was in his time, and the loss of his voice is a loss for all of us who believe in investigative journalism.

So why does this matter beyond the television industry? Investigative journalism is a mechanism by which citizens of a democracy learn what their government and their corporations are actually doing, as opposed to what they are told they’re doing.

What do weekly newspapers have to do with this type of reporting? Willamette Week, the Village Voice and the Riverdale Press are just a few of the

weeklies that have won Pulitzer Prizes. Consider what happens when a weekly newspaper is sold. If a new owner has different priorities, different allegiances or a fear of generating controversy, it’s the beginning of the end of fair coverage for their readership. When a new owner takes over, the staff remains for a time. The nameplate stays the same, but the readers may sense the change before they can articulate it.

Identity and credibility aren’t assets that appear on a balance sheet, but they are one of the most fragile assets a paper possesses. You might have noticed that the Herald has both Republican Peter King and Democrat Jerry Kremer as columnists. That’s because the owner values all opinions.

The dismantling of “60 Minutes” because of political pressure and corporate self-interest is a message to newsrooms all over America. It is a reminder that the public can’t afford to ignore what takes place before their eyes. We need good and honest journalism, and should be supportive of those who practice it.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.

Established 1994

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Start exercising your electoral muscles

very election cycle brings a familiar refrain: “This is the most important election of our lifetime.” The phrase is often overused, but the underlying message remains true. Democracy only works when citizens participate, and that participation begins long before Election Day in November.

For New Yorkers, that opportunity starts with next Tuesday’s primary election, which determines which candidates represent each political party on the ballot in November’s general election. Too often, primary elections are overlooked. Turnout is routinely far lower than in general elections, even though primaries frequently determine who will ultimately hold office.

In many districts, particularly those dominated by one political party, the primary is effectively the most competitive election voters will see. Yet thousands of eligible voters stay home, leaving crucial decisions in the hands of a small fraction of the electorate.

Voting is more than a civic duty; it is one of the few opportunities citizens have to directly influence the direction of their communities, states and nation. The issues debated during campaigns — taxes, public safety, education, transportation, housing affordability, health care, environmental policy and economic development — impact residents every day. Whether voters are satisfied with current leadership or eager for change, the ballot box remains the most powerful tool available to make their voices heard.

The 2026 election cycle will determine control of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate, institutions that shape federal policy on everything from spending and taxation to national security and judicial appointments. Midterm elections have historically served as a

letters

How to register to vote and find your polling place

Nassau County: Go to the Nassau County Board of Elections website: nassaucountyny.gov/Departments/BOE.

Suffolk County: Go to the Suffolk County Board of Elections website: suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/BOE.

referendum on the direction of the country, and they often produce significant shifts in political power.

Yet those outcomes are frequently decided by a relatively small number of voters. Nationally, turnout in midterm elections, like 2026, is typically lower than during presidential years. That means individual votes carry even greater weight.

New York voters face an unusual circumstance. Due to a court ruling involving the state’s congressional district maps, several elected officials who only recently won office must once again make their cases to voters. As a result, some communities will see campaigns and races return to the ballot much sooner than expected.

Rather than viewing this as election fatigue, we hope that voters see it as an opportunity. Democracy is strengthened when elected officials remain accountable to the people they represent. Frequent elections require candidates to engage with constituents, explain their records and articulate their plans for the future. Those elections also give voters a chance to evaluate whether promises made during previous campaigns have

Ben Franklin’s wise words? If only.

To the Editor:

Re Jerry Kremer’s column, “Much of what Ben Franklin said is being ignored,” in the June 4-10 issue: To use Franklin to compare the personal qualities of top officials then and now is very appropriate, for it points a way forward.

When Franklin connected the maintenance of the republic to the character of its members, he knew whereof he spoke. He was well studied in history, the qualities of his compatriots were well known to him, and he was fully experienced in the effort that went into the maintenance of “virtue.” His statements that “only a virtuous people are capable of freedom” and about the tendency of corruption to bring on “masters” were deadly serious advice about the kind of citizens necessary to “keep” the republic.

been fulfilled.

Congressional races often receive the most attention, but local and state elections — for Assembly members, village mayors, town council members, and more — can have an equally profound impact on daily life. Decisions made by state lawmakers influence school funding, transportation projects, environmental protections, public health initiatives and countless other issues that directly affect neighborhoods. The officials chosen this year will help shape policies and budgets that residents will live with for years to come.

Unfortunately, many Americans have become increasingly cynical about politics. Some believe their vote doesn’t matter. Others feel frustrated by partisan divisions or disappointed by the pace of change. Those feelings are understandable, but disengagement isn’t the answer. History repeatedly demonstrates that elections can be decided by razor-thin margins. A handful of votes can determine a local race. Every voter who participates increases the legitimacy of the democratic process and helps ensure that election results reflect the will of the broader community.

Next week’s primary should therefore be viewed as more than a procedural step on the path to November. It is the opening chapter of an election season that will help determine who represents us and what priorities those leaders pursue.

Voters should take the time now to learn about the candidates, understand the issues and confirm their registration status. They should familiarize themselves with polling locations, early voting opportunities and absentee ballot options if needed.

The road to November begins next Tuesday. The most important thing voters can do is show up and vote.

opinions

Valley Stream deserves the tools to weather every storm

this winter, Valley Stream residents saw firsthand what happens when local government is forced to do too much with too little.

tal funding for the Village to purchase a new Caterpillar 930 front wheel loader and related equipment.

after a major snowstorm, our community faced serious challenges clearing bus stops, municipal parking lots and other public spaces. While some neighboring communities managed to dig out more quickly, Valley Stream was left working against the clock, the weather and a shortage of the heavy equipment needed to respond as efficiently as residents deserved.

For families waiting at bus stops, seniors trying to safely access parking lots, small businesses hoping customers could return, and emergency vehicles that depend on clear roads, this wasn’t an abstract issue. It was a quality-of-life issue. It was a safety issue. and it was a reminder that when we fail to invest in basic public-works infrastructure, residents are the ones who pay the price.

That’s why I’m proud to have secured nearly $239,000 in nassau County capi-

Letters

This may not be the kind of government investment that comes with a ribbon-cutting and balloons. a front wheel loader isn’t glamorous. It won’t trend on social media. But when snow is piling up, debris needs to be moved, roads need to be cleared and emergency access must be protected, this is exactly the kind of equipment that keeps a community moving.

and our new Caterpillar wheel loader is what practical government should look like.

The need for this equipment wasn’t new. In fact, this request was originally submitted to the county administration in January 2025. Unfortunately, instead of moving quickly to help Valley Stream prepare, the administration sat on its hands. and this winter, residents saw the consequences.

Valley Stream should never be left days behind other communities because basic equipment needs are delayed in Mineola. local governments can’t plow roads, clear public spaces or respond to storms with press releases and promises. They need the right tools, in the right place, before a storm hits. after continued advocacy and negotiations with the county executive’s office, we were able to get this funding

Franklin made for himself a chart of seven columns, one for each day of the week, and 13 rows listing the 13 virtues he considered important enough to track. He focused on one per week, and marked his shortfalls. “Tho’ I never arrived at the perfection I had been so ambitious of attaining,” he wrote, “but fell far short of it, yet I was, by the endeavor, a better and happier man than I otherwise should have been if I had not attempted it.”

Most citizens — and very few politicians — would be hard-pressed to even name 13 virtues, confused today with ideology. We know that George Washington had his own written self-guide, and self-improvement was a popular theme at the time, in line with efforts at improving society by improving the people. Citizens today should make their own list of virtues, make an honest attempt to abide by them, and insist on representatives who share the effort. Franklin’s words should be remembered, as should his efforts to attain virtue and thus be a good citizen of our republic.

BrIan Kelly Rockville Centre

Comments about our stories?

Send a letter to the editor to execeditor@liherald.com.

over the finish line. The County legislature has now approved the intermunicipal agreement that will allow the county to provide the capital funds to the village on a reimbursement basis. The village will purchase, own and maintain the equipment, and residents will benefit from stronger publicworks capacity for years to come.

That matters, because this front wheel loader will support far more than snow removal. It will help with material movement, road maintenance, storm cleanup, emergency response and day-to-day municipal operations. It will help keep village and county roads open during emergencies. In plain english: It gives Valley Stream another critical tool to respond faster, work smarter and protect residents better.

This is what practical government should look like.

Too often, public debate gets consumed by political noise. But residents aren’t asking for noise. They’re asking for results. They want their roads cleared, their bus stops accessible, their parking lots safe. They want local services that work when it matters most.

That’s the standard I’ll continue fighting for.

Framework by Tim Baker

Securing this funding wasn’t about scoring political points. It was about making sure Valley Stream gets its fair share and has the equipment necessary to serve residents properly. But it’s also fair to say this: When a community’s needs are delayed for more than a year, we should call that out. Valley Stream shouldn’t have had to wait this long for a common-sense investment that was clearly needed.

now that the funding has been approved, the focus must be on getting this equipment into service as quickly as possible. residents deserve to know that when the next storm comes, their village will be better prepared than it was this winter.

I’m grateful to the village officials and public-works employees who continue to serve this community through difficult conditions. They are the ones out in the cold, behind the wheel, clearing the way for the rest of us. This investment is about giving them the support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.

Valley Stream is a strong, hardworking community. It deserves a government that works just as hard. This funding is a step in the right direction — and I will keep pushing to make sure our community receives the resources, respect and results it deserves.

Cynthia Nuñez represents Nassau County’s 14th Legislative District.

Co-Sponsored by the Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce