The Nassau Observer 4/03/24 edition is published weekly by Anton Media Group.

Tragic Loss Of Massapequa Police Officer

The community is grieving the tragic loss of a public servant who was recently killed on the line of duty. On Monday, March 25, NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller of Massapequa Park was fatally shot while conducting a traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens. The incident took place when Officer Diller and a second officer were conducting a vehicle stop with two people inside on Mott Avenue at around 5:45 p.m.

Officer Diller was promptly brought to Jamaica Hospital in critical condition but later died.

Diller was part of the NYPD Community Response Team, which actively addresses New Yorkers’ quality of life complaints by seizing illegal dirt bikes and taking guns off the streets. NYPD officials said the officers stopped this vehicle because it was parked at a bus stop illegally. When the officers asked the individuals to step out of the vehicle, the suspect in the passenger’s seat, Guy Rivera, refused. During a tugof-war over the suspect’s car door, Rivera pointed a gun at the officers, shooting Diller in the torso just below his bullet-resistant vest. “I’m shot,” Diller could be heard saying on police body camera footage. While shot, Diller continued to try to disarm the suspect. Officer Diller’s partner fired back at Rivera and struck him in the back.

Diller, 31, a three-year veteran of the force, died Monday night at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center after he was shot once in the torso in Far Rockaway, police said. Diller was the first NYPD officer killed in the line of duty since 2022.

The two suspects being held in connection with the shooting — Rivera, and driver Lindy Jones — both have extensive criminal records, according to documents from the Queens District Attorney’s Office.

Officer Diller is survived by his wife and 1-year-old child.

In the wake of this tragedy, the community has come together to support one another and express their grief. Jonathan Diller’s neighbor of 30 years, Ronald Benevento, felt sick at the news of his passing. “Jonathan did it the right way. He did nothing but help people. And that’s what he was all about,” Benevento said to reporters at Newsday. “Just making the community better and being a better person and making everyone better.”

Nancy Ferranola, of Massapequa Park,

spent a day hanging blue ribbons and bunting along the street across from Diller’s home. “It’s what we do as a community and neighbors,” Ferranola said. “This was a senseless, horrific act … He was a true hero in every sense of the word.” In her interview with Newsday reporters, Ferranola recalled watching Diller playing in the front yard with Ryan last weekend and later pushing the boy in a wagon. “He had a beautiful wife and a young son with their life ahead of them,” she said. “He was a loving father and husband and a great neighbor.”

Local agencies and officials also chimed in to convey their condolences. In an X (formerly Twitter) post, the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office stated, “Our thoughts are with Police Officer Jonathan

Diller’s family, his Massapequa Park community, and the members of the NYPD as they mourn his tragic loss. We will always remember his heroism and bravery.” NYPD Police Commissioner Edward Caban added, “We struggle to find the words to express the tragedy of losing one of our own. The work that Police Officer Jonathan Diller did each day to make this city a safer place will never be forgotten. We pray for his family and brothers and sisters in blue as we cope with this immense loss.”

The Nassau County Sheriff’s Department stated, “Sheriff La Rocco and the men and women of the Nassau County Sheriff’s Department offer their deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of New York City Police Department Officer

Jonathan Diller. May he rest in peace.” And from the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, “Our condolences go out to the family of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller and all of our NYPD brothers and sisters during this difficult time.”

Tim’s Florist in Massapequa Park is donating police blue ribbons to the community to show support for Diller and his family.

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, County Executive Bruce Blakeman, and Massapequa Park Village Mayor Daniel Pearl attended a candlelight vigil honoring Officer Diller in his hometown of Massapequa Park on March 27. At the vigil, Mayor Pearl said, “This is a difficult time for our community. As a village, a town, the county and the nation, we mourn the loss of a dedicated individual who was taken from us in the most unfair circumstances. NYPD Police Officer Jonathan Diller is a hero, a family man who chose to raise his family here in our community and whose family is undergoing the unimaginable as they mourn the sudden loss.

“Thank you to all of our neighbors who are here tonight to show their support and to honor the life and service of Officer Diller. To the Diller family: I assure you, we are here for you. All of us here on this stage, out there in the audience, and all throughout the community, we pray for you, we cry with you and collectively we grieve this terrible tragedy.”

Joseph, Diller’s brother-in-law, also spoke. “If I had to describe Jonathan in just one word, it would be crazy. He was crazy about his job. He loved what he did. He was born to be a cop. He was born to be a hero. He died being a hero, doing what he loved. He was crazy about his friends. No matter what his schedule was like, he helped out his friends.

“Last but not least, he was crazy about his family. Family was number one in his life. His sister, his brother, his mother, his wife and his son Ryan. He taught me how to be a better person. How to be better for his sister. And I’ll never forget that.”

Supervisor Saladino added, “To the Diller family: We are with you, and we will always be here for you. And as you look out at this crowd of people filled with tremendous respect and love, please know the warmth and light of these candles is just the beginning.”

The Massapequa Funeral Home held viewing services on March 28 and March 29. Saint Rose of Lima R.C. Church held a funeral service on March 30th. Officer Diller was laid to rest at Saint Charles Cemetery.

Readers interested in more information on potential repercussions of this tragedy can turn to page 2A.

—Additional reporting by Julia Russo

Officer Jonathan Diller of Massapequa Park (Photo credit NYPD)

Police Officer Jonathan Diller received a dignified transfer home. (Photo credit NYPD on Instagram)

Diller leaves behind his one year-old son. (Photo credit Jonny Mac on Facebook)

Bethpage Community Rallies Behind Local Family Affected By Childhood Cancer

Members of Bethpage High School’s Students Putting an End to Cancer Club (SPEC), recently raised approximately $1,400 to give back to a family from Charles Campagne Elementary School that unfortunately knows childhood cancer too well.

Led by advisor Chris DeStefano, the club not only wanted to raise awareness but also wanted to help someone in their own community who has been impacted by cancer. They organized an online apparel fundraiser where they sold T-shirts, crewnecks, long sleeve shirts and hoodies to support Lia Esposito, a first-grader from Charles Campagne Elementary School who recently battled kidney cancer and underwent six months of chemotherapy.

The SPEC Club, along with Superintendent of Schools Dave Schneider, Bethpage High School Principal Nicholas Jantz and Charles Campagne Elementary School Principal Erin Lindsay-DiFiglia, met with Lia and her family on Feb. 15 in the Bethpage High School auditorium to present a $1,000 check to Lia in her name.

“We are so grateful to be part of such an amazing community,” Lia’s mother

Giuseppina Esposito said. “Everyone has been so amazing and supportive to my daughter during this time. It feels really good.”

Aside from the $1,000 that went directly

to Lia, the SPEC Club donated the remaining proceeds from the fundraiser to Cohen Children’s Hospital in Lia’s name and to the American Cancer Society. The club members strive to continue supporting those

who have been impacted by cancer and look forward to holding more fundraisers in the future.

—Submitted by the Bethpage Union Free School District

Town Honors Massapequa High School Senior For Terrapin Conservation Eagle Scout Project

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and his colleagues on the Town Board recently recognized Massapequa High School senior and prospective Eagle Scout, Carly Madden. Carly, a member of Boy Scouts Troop 186, partnered with the Town’s Department of Environmental Resources to construct protective nest cage structures for northern diamondback terrapin turtles at Centre Island Beach for her Eagle Scout project.

“With March being Women’s History Month, it is important to note that Carly is a

trailblazer who will soon earn the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Efforts like Carly’s have helped save this species of terrapin turtles, which neared extinction in the early 1990s.”

Carly also collaborated with Friends of the Bay and the Seatuck Environmental Association to complete her project, successfully fundraising for necessary supplies and creating educational signage for the entrance to the turtle conservation area at Centre Island.

—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay

Farmingdale Resident Joins

D&B Engineers And Architects

D&B Engineers and Architects, one of the region’s leading engineering and consulting organizations specializing in wastewater, water supply, hazardous waste, construction management, architecture, solid waste, and civil and environmental engineering, has increased its employee roster with the hiring of two employees.

D&B President Steven A. Fangmann commented, “Servicing the needs of clients above and beyond the norm is what distinguishes D&B Engineers and Architects as an organization. Our longstanding effort to innovate and broaden our services is exemplified by our policy of Total Customer Satisfaction. I welcome Ms. Martin and Mr. Scuderi aboard as the latest valued members

of the D&B team. I am confident that their skills will assist D&B public and private clients in attaining their immediate and long-term project goals.”

Joining D&B Engineers and Architects as Engineer I in D&B’s Wastewater Division in the Woodbury, NY office is Mr. Anthony (AJ) Scuderi of Farmingdale, NY. Mr. Scuderi received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of South Carolina (Columbia, SC) with concentrations in highway design and structural steel design. He comes to D&B from a post-graduate summer position at The Town of Oyster Bay Department of Public Works, Engineering Division.

—Submitted by D&B Engineers and Architects

Saladino Congratulates Hicksville Fire Commissioner For 50 Years Of Service

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino recently joined with the Hicksville Fire Department in honoring Commissioner Robert “Bob” Dwyer for an amazing 50 years of service. Since 1972, Bob has been a true example of service to his community and has served with true distinction and great honor. Supervisor Saladino congratulated Commissioner Dwyer on this incredible milestone. Supervisor Saladino thanked Commissioner Dwyer for his volunteer service and presented him with a citation, the Town’s highest honor.

—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay

Charles Campagne first-grader Lia Esposito (middle) with her mother Giuseppina Esposito (right) and sister Giana Esposito (left) with a check from Bethpage High School’s SPEC Club. (Contributed photos)

Bethpage High School’s SPEC Club raised money for a local first-grade student who battled kidney cancer. They presented her with a $1,000 check.

(Contributed photo)

Anthony (AJ) Scuderi of Farmingdale (Contributed photo)

(From left) Supervisor Saladino and Commissioner Robert “Bob” Dwyer. (Contributed photo)

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Upstanders Rise On Berner’s Character Education Day

Acceptance, empathy, kindness and respect were the values emphasized during the annual Chiefs Challenge Character Education Day at Berner Middle School. Students heard powerful messages from guest speakers and also participated in meaningful dialogue with their classmates.

Seventh- and eighth-graders attended the “Bullying 101: Triggered” presentation with Alisty Keneth. It focused on the scope of behaviors that can be defined as bullying and provided students with strategies to use if they are being bullied or to intervene if they see someone else being bullied. Box Out Bullying presented an interactive show for sixth-graders that focused on bystander empowerment. Through live theater, students learned evidence-based bullying prevention techniques.

Classes throughout the day focused

on character education, with common lessons planned by the Chiefs Challenge club. Working in small groups, students created T-shirts focused on the golden rule and wrote acrostic poems from words like “kindness” and “respect.” A new activity this year focused on empathy, and students drew comic strips or storyboards based on different scenarios. Their characters had to demonstrate empathy.

Chiefs Challenge members hung large posters with inspirational quotes around the building and also put notes with positive messages on every locker in the school. Students from the club hope Character Education Day made a positive difference and that more of their peers will become upstanders.

“It’s important because we always try to help others who are feeling down,”

eighth-grader Ty Miranda said. “This day is all about doing something simple that can brighten someone’s day.”

The blue and gold notes on each locker meant “everybody’s getting at least one positive message throughout the day,” Ty added.

Valentina Iovine and Randall Rionda explained that students should live with a purpose of being kind to people. The lessons throughout the day demonstrated ways that they can go about their day-today lives with open hearts.

“It’s easier to build someone up than bring them down,” Valentina said. “It’s always good to do random acts of kindness.”

Chiefs Challenge is advised by teachers Caroline Glynn and Juliette Happe. They and students in the club spent many hours preparing for Character Education by creat-

ing the lessons, decorating the school and preparing the schedule. Ms. Glynn and Ms. Happe explained that each session included a presentation on a topic, followed by a hands-on activity for students to put their knowledge into practice.

“We want them to learn how to create a culture here at Berner where bullying is not the norm,” Ms. Glynn said, “and where they have the courage to be an upstander.”

Superintendent Dr. William Brennan described it as a “day of impactful learning, reflection and opportunity.” He commended students for their engagement in the activities and really taking the messages to heart.

“They were having deep conversations as middle school students,” Dr. Brennan said, and it was really powerful.”

—Submitted by the Massapequa School District

Macarthur High School Junior Melody Hong Wins Prestigious Brain Bee

A junior at General Douglas MacArthur High School made school history by placing first in the prestigious Long Island Brain Bee, held at the Hofstra University Zucker School of Medicine.

Melody Hong is the first-place winner

among more than 60 students from over 25 schools across Long Island and in New York City – a first for MacArthur High School. She will continue to the National Brain Bee, to be held in April at the University of Central Florida. At the Long Island compe-

tition, Melody interacted with doctors and medical students who showed participants realistic examples of the body’s neurological structures, such as tissue, a spinal cord or a model of the brain. She then took a two-part exam based on her observations and excelled. Melody thanked the teachers who have supported her along the way,

Pick A Reading Partner Celebrated At Old Country Road Elementary

Old Country Road Elementary School students in Hicksville were invited to show their school spirit and wear blue or white to celebrate and encourage a love of reading as part of the school’s PARP program, pick a reading partner.

—Submitted by Hicksville Public Schools

(Contributed photo)

including science teachers Dr. Friedman and Mr. Zausin.

“With these academic endeavors, when we achieve success, underclassmen will also see that and say, ‘I can accomplish this too,’” Melody said. “I hope this isn’t the last time we see MacArthur as a first-place winner.”

—Submitted by Levittown Public Schools

Alisty Keneth, third from right, presented “Bullying 101: Triggering” to seventh- and eighth-grade students for Chiefs Challenge Character Education Day. (Contributed photos) Students were moved by the inspirational quotes that were hung throughout the school.

General Douglas MacArthur High School junior Melody Hong won first place in the prestigious Long Island Brain Bee. She was joined by her science teachers Mr. Zausin, left, and Dr. Friedman, right. (Contributed photo)

Plainview Fire Department To Participate In Open House

Weekend of April 13 and 14

As part of the annual RecruitNY statewide initiative, the Plainview Fire Department will open its doors so residents can learn how they can serve their volunteer fire department. Volunteer fire departments across New York State have been faced with decreased membership and increased call volume. Like most volunteer fire departments, the Plainview Fire Department needs to bolster its ranks so it can continue to provide the optimum level of protection for its residents.

As part of RecruitNY Weekend, the Plainview Fire Department will visit the local shopping centers on Saturday, April 13th, from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm, and open its doors on Sunday, April 14th, from 12:00pm to 4:00 pm. The department is located at 885 Old Country Road across from Northwell Plainview. It will join hundreds of volunteer fire departments across New York to raise public awareness regarding the need for volunteers and to highlight the rewards of being a member of a volunteer fire department.

Throughout the day, the Plainview Fire Department will conduct tours of the station and apparatus, allow visitors to try on gear, demonstrate firefighting activities, provide information, and address questions on becoming a member. These activities give visitors a taste of what it means to be in the fire service. Volunteer firefighters will also be on hand to discuss the requirements and rewards of joining. All are wel-

come and encouraged to attend, including families with children.

“We welcome the community to join us during RecruitNY Weekend,” said Chief Of Department Peter Mayrose. “This is an excellent opportunity for people to meet their local volunteer firefighters and learn more about the fire service. We are always looking for new members, and it is our hope that after meeting us, more people will be interested in becoming part of our family.”

The Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY) is committed to assisting New York’s 1,700-plus volunteer departments connect with their communities and have sufficient members to protect them properly. Established in 2011, RecruitNY is an undertaking of FASNY. It is made possible by the continuing support and generosity of Lincoln Financial Group (LFG). In 2012, LFG announced the introduction of a new National Length of Service Award Program (LOSAP) HEROPLUSSM Program. A first of its kind, LOSAP was designed for individual fire and emergency services departments to help recruit, retain, and reward dedicated volunteers with a program that will help boost their retirement readiness.

For more information, visit Plainviewfd. org, or call us via our non-emergency phone number at 516-938-9601.

—Submitted by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York

(Photo courtesy of FASNY)

Army Vet Brings Insight, Experience, And Vision To Museum Of American Armor

Former West Point Deputy Commandant joins MAA board

Jason Halloren, former Deputy Commandant of the United States Military Academy at West Point, has been nominated to the board of The Museum of American Armor at Old Bethpage Village Restoration, whose extensive collection of historic military vehicles pays tribute to those Americans who have served to protect our freedoms.

“Mr. Halloren’s extraordinary military credentials, coupled with his passion for preserving our nation’s heritage, make him an important part of the Armor Museum’s future,” stated Lawrence Kadish, president and founder of the museum.

“The Museum of American Armor is a national treasure,” Mr. Halloren said. “Its collection of operational armor breathes life into every history lesson that instructs visitors on the courage, sacrifice, and valor of those who have worn our nation’s military uniform. I am truly honored to be welcomed to its board and to provide whatever assistance I can to ensure its future remains as vibrant and innovative as the past ten years since it first opened its doors.”

During his tour as Deputy Commandant at West Point, Mr. Halloren’s responsibil-

wealth of experience in many of the key operational aspects of our institution as well as his recognition that, at the end of the day, we are an important educational destination for thousands of students across the region.”

Prior to his role at West Point, Mr. Halloren was Chief Executive Officer (Brigade Commander), 5th ROTC Brigade, United States Army Cadet Command (USACC) at Fort Sam Houston, Texas.

About the MAA:

ities were centered on the character and leadership development training of over 4400 cadets, future officers of the U.S. Army. He was also involved in meeting the academy’s various infrastructure needs,

staffing, and fiscal responsibilities.

Michael D. Sapraicone, the Armor Museum’s Senior Trustee, stated, “We are honored and fortunate to have Jason join the Armor Museum’s board. He brings a

The Museum of American Armor is a state charted, 501 (C) 3 institution located inside Nassau County’s Old Bethpage Village Restoration, 1303 Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage. Within its 25,000 square feet of space is a collection that includes some 50 operational armor vehicles including the iconic Sherman tank, a replica Tiger tank, armored cars that helped liberate the Nazi concentration camps, and Vietnam era military vehicles. It annually welcomes some 12,000 people to its various events including World War II Weekend that will be held this year on May 18th and 19th.

—Submitted by the Museum of American Armor

Jason Halloren, former Deputy Commandant of the United States Military Academy at West Point. (Contributed photo)

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

To place an item in this space, send information two weeks before the event to editors@antonmediagroup.com.

FRIDAY, APRIL 5

Lailat al-Qadr

SATURDAY, APRIL 6

Gemini Journey in Concert

2 p.m. “Shall We Dance? - The Art of the Dance Form in Music.” Come journey with Gemini Journey as they perform a colorful set that includes tango, flamenco, mambo and ragtime from Broadway and film idioms, including West Side Story. This performance is a part of the Town of Oyster Bay’s Distinguished Artist Series and is brought to you through a partnership with the Town and the Massapequa Public Library, Bar Harbor location, 40 Harbor Lane. Register online in advance to reserve your spot.

SUNDAY, APRIL 7

Live at the Library: The Beatles Show 2 p.m. The Day Trippers will put on a concert that is both entertaining and educational by playing hits by The Beatles in chronological order. They will also explain how each song is special, and how The Beatles evolved from simple songs to more complex songs. This event will be taking place at the Beth-

page Public Library, 47 Powell Ave.

MONDAY, APRIL 8

Solar Eclipse Watch Party

3 p.m. Join the Hicksville Public Library at 169 Jerusalem Ave to view this rare solar eclipse in the Library Courtyard! A limited supply of solar eclipse glasses will be available on a first come, first served basis for attendees of the event. Light refreshments will be made available. This event is for Hicksville patrons only. Register online in advance to secure your space.

Poetry Open Mic Night

6:30 p.m.

Celebrate National Poetry Month and share a poem in this fun open mic night!

Hosted by Paula Curci, Nassau Coun-

WATER SYSTEM FLUSHING NOTICE

Incorporated Village of Farmingdale

The Incorporated Village of Farmingdale will be flushing water mains throughout its service area, as a part of our regular Distribution System Maintenance Program. This program is designed so as to remove any accumulation of dissolved materials which may have settled in the mains. Slight water pressure variations or discolored water conditions may occur during this period. Water uses, such as laundering of clothes, may be affected due to coloration of water. Please note that flushing of hydrants throughout the Village will commence on Friday, April 12 th , 2024 at approximately 10:00 PM and will be finished by approximately 6:30 AM on Saturday, April 13 th , 2024.

REMEMBER, THE WATER IS ABSOLUTELY SAFE TO DRINK.

If you have questions, please call Village Hall @ 516-249-0093 or visit our website at farmingdalevillage.com.

ty Poet Laureate and Lorene Bossong from the Nassau County Poet Laureate Society. Taking place at the Hicksville Public Library, 169 Jerusalem Ave. Bring your poems, prose, spoken word, lyrics, and songs up to the mic... all encouraging voices are welcome. Paula Curci will kick things off with a poetry reading, and then we’ll open the mic up to participants! Register to receive an event reminder. Sign up starts on arrival. You can read three poems or two songs, no epics. Timing at the mic will depend on attendance. No abusive, hurtful comments or hate speech, profanity, obscenity, and/or vulgar speech will be permitted. Open to all.

TUESDAY, APRIL 9

National Library Workers’ Day

Eid al-Fitr

ONGOING

Plainedge Schools Survey

The Plainedge School District will be conducting a survey of parents and guardians of the students in kindergarten through fifth grade, who attend the Schwarting, East Plain or JH West Schools, to determine if there is any interest in a school breakfast program. If insufficient interest is determined, an

exemption to participate in the program will be requested by the Plainedge School Board of Education to the New York State Education Department. Parents and taxpayers are asked to share their concerns regarding the district’s survey and exception request by contacting Edward Ross, District School Lunch Director at Plainedge High School, 241 Wyngate Drive, NY 11758 or by calling 922-7594.

Free Musical Performances at Local Libraries

- Gemini Journey on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Massapequa Public Library. Celebrating the art of the dance form in music.

- Phil Costa & the Something Special Swing Band on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at 2:30 pm at the Farmingdale Public Library. Performing nostalgic jazz swing music.

- The Hambones on Sunday, April 14, 2024 at 3:00 pm at the Plainview-Old Bethpage Public Library. Performing rock, country, rhythm and blues, folk and more. All welcome/free tickets required, tickets available at library on April 2nd. For more information call POB Library (516) 9380077.

- Squeaky Clean Band on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at 2:00 pm at the Hicksville Public Library. Performing songs familiar to those who enjoy 1960s-era AM radio.

(Photo credit Hicksville Public Library)

(Photo credit Hicksville Public Library)

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Death Of LI Cop Ignites Conversations On Policy Change

LAUREN FELDMAN

lfeldman@antonmediagroup.com

On Monday, March 25, NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller of Massapequa Park was fatally shot while conducting a stop in Far Rockaway, Queens. The incident took place when Officer Diller and a second officer were conducting a vehicle stop with two people inside on Mott Avenue at around 5:45 p.m.

Officer Diller was promptly brought to Jamaica Hospital in critical condition but later died.

On Tuesday, March 26, hundreds or thousands of police officers and fire fighters assembled on the Long Island Expressway for symbolic honor guard and procession for Officer Diller. Public vigils and a wake were held for Diller ahead of his funeral, with former president Donald Trump stopping by the wake on March 28.

In the wake of this tragedy, the community has come together to support one another and express their grief. In an X (formerly Twitter) post, the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office stated, “Our thoughts are with Police Officer Jonathan Diller’s family, his Massapequa Park community, and the members of the NYPD as they mourn his tragic loss. We will always remember his heroism and bravery.” NYPD Police Commissioner Edward Caban added, “We struggle to find the words to express the tragedy of losing one of our own. The work that Police Officer Jonathan Diller did each day to make this city a safer place will never be forgotten. We pray for his family and brothers and sisters in blue as we cope with this immense loss.”

The Nassau County Sheriff’s Department stated, “Sheriff La Rocco and the men and women of the Nassau County Sheriff’s Department offer their deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of New York City Police Department Officer Jonathan Diller. May he rest in peace.” And from the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, “Our condolences go out to the family of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller and all of our NYPD brothers and sisters during this difficult time.”

State Senator Kevin Thomas released the statement, “We mourn the loss of Police Officer Jonathan Diller, who was shot and killed last night while making a [street] stop. My thoughts and prayers are with the Diller family, P.O. Diller’s friends, and his colleagues. May he rest in peace.”

“Simply devastating. We extend our deepest sympathies to Police Officer Jonathan Diller’s family. May he rest in peace. We will

not condone this act of violence. Standing in solidarity with the NYPD community as we mourn this tragic loss,” said Assemblymember Michaelle C. Solages.

Following Diller’s passing, community officials have reignited conversations about criminal reform and gun policies.

The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) released a statement citing the officer’s death was influenced by the ‘Less is More’ parole law. “The man who shot [Officer Diller], Guy Rivera, is a violent felony offender who was released from Parole Supervision in 2022 thanks to a component of ‘Less is More’ called ‘30 for 30.’ For every 30 days without a parole violation, a parolee earns 30 days off his sentence,” said PEF President Wayne Spence, who worked as a New York State parole officer for nearly 20 years before being elected PEF president in 2015.

“Mr. Rivera was hardly a model parolee,” Spence continued. “He was first incarcerated in 2011 for Attempted Assault in the First Degree, during which he also discharged

a firearm at his victim. In 2016, Rivera was released on parole and soon rearrested for selling drugs. Five years later, in 2021, he was granted parole again and when ‘Less is More’ became New York State law in 2022, he was given credit for 10 months of good behavior despite not complying with the board-imposed stipulations of his parole. This misguided law put a violent felon back into the community without regard to the community’s safety, and now the Diller family doesn’t have a husband or a father.”

Spence continued, “Sadly, Mr. Rivera’s story is not unique. ‘30 for 30’ has allowed 20,000 parolees to be released from community supervision without successful completion of the very programs that are intended to help them maintain productive lives – things like substance abuse, mental health and sex offender treatment. It is time for the New York State legislature to amend ‘Less is More’ and return power to the State’s parole officers, who want nothing more than to help parolees get back on their feet and reintegrate into their community.”

Keshia Gilyard, who identified herself as Rivera’s mother, said she hasn’t spoken to her son in five months, but has a lot of questions for him and the police: What happened in Monday night’s shooting? How did the encounter escalate? Why was her son traveling with a gun? “There a lot of questions I have for my son,” said Gilyard, 56, of Long Island City, Queens, in an interview with Newsday. “I love him and just want to know what happened. I just want to know why he would go as far as to fire a firearm at an officer.”

Tensions also rise with new efforts from Nassau County members such as Executive Bruce Blakeman, who is currently working on policies to deputize armed residents during declared emergencies. As gun shootings — even those of armed officers — escalate nationwide, officials and citizens alike are demanding reforms to better ensure the safety of their communities. Though for now, it seems there is no consensus as to how this might best be accomplished.

NYPD members salute Diller farewell. (Photo credit NYC Police Benevolent Association on Facebook)

Diller was well-liked by fellow officers. (Photo credit NYPD 105th Precinct on Facebook) Officer Diller out on assignment. (Photo credit NYPD 105th Precinct on Facebook)

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WFreshwater Fishing In Nassau

AMANDA OLSEN

aolsen@antonmediagroup.com

hile our region is famed for its salt water opportunities, Long Island also boasts some decent freshwater fisheries. Most people fishing in New York need a New York State fishing license. There are three ways to get a fishing license in New York. You can visit an official license issuing agent, order over the phone, or order online through the DEC website. A license is required for anyone over the age of 16. While statewide limits and regulations apply, there are some spots that also have their own rules. Be sure to check before you go out.

Please help prevent the spread of invasive species. After visiting a water body, take an extra moment to remove any plant debris that you see on your clothing or fishing gear. If you use waders in a water body where invasive species exist, wash them and allow the waders to dry completely before wearing them in another water body.

Before keeping fish for eating, be sure to check the DEC website for health advisories.

Here is a selection of freshwater fishing spots in Nassau county. More information can be found at dec.ny.gov under “places to go.”

Wishing you tight lines and bent rods

Forest City Park Pond

Forest City Park Pond in Wantagh is one of Nassau County’s lesser known bass-sunfish ponds. Shoreline access is limited, and steep drop offs make wading a challenge, but patient anglers could be rewarded with some decent largemouth bass catches.

Town: Hempstead

Access:

Hempstead Lake

Access is through Forest City Community Park (Town of Hempstead).

Shoreline access only (boats are prohibited)

Forest City Park Pond is located just west of the Wantagh State Parkway, north of Jerusalem Avenue, and south of the Southern State Parkway.

Fish Species:

Largemouth bass, bluegill, pumpkinseed, carp, brown bullhead, American eel

Fishing:

The pond has a plentiful largemouth bass population dominated by fish less than 12 inches in length. The bass population is a slow growing, stunted population. Pumpkinseed sunfish are also plentiful, but also tend to be smaller, averaging under five inches in length. Other species are present, but in lower densities.

Located in Hempstead Lake State Park, this lake is the largest freshwater body in Nassau County.

Town: Hempstead

Access:

New York State Park. Access to the lake is via many dirt footpaths located around the perimeter of the lake.

Directions: Take the Southern State Parkway to exit 18 off the Southern State Parkway. Make a right at the stop sign on the end of the exit ramp (coming from either the east or the west) to enter the park.

Restrictions: Canoes, car top boats and electric trolling motors are permitted; however, a boat permit must first be obtained from the park. For more information call the park at (516) 766-1029. Additionally, boat must be hand launched, no trailers are permitted. Park closed from dusk till dawn.

Fish Species:

Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, bluegill, pumpkinseed, black crappie, yellow perch, carp, goldfish

Fishing: Historically, Hempstead Lake was one of the top fisheries on Long Island. In the summer of 2002 Hempstead Lake completely dried up due to the extreme temperatures and low precipitation levels. The Region 1 Fisheries Unit restocked the lake in 2003 with black crappie, yellow perch, bluegill sunfish, pumpkinseed sunfish, banded killifish, golden shiners, and chain pickerel. In 2004 largemouth bass were stocked. In 2012 a fisheries survey was conducted to assess health of the fish community eight years after stocking. Juveniles were caught from all of the stocked species except golden shiner and banded killifish, indicating continued natural reproduction. Common carp were not stocked by DEC, but were also captured during the survey. Anglers wishing to target larger fish should try for carp, as the other fish species in the lake are typically small. ......................

Lower Twin Pond, Wantagh

Town: Hempstead

Access: Access is through a Town of Hempstead Preserve.

Directions: Lower Twin Pond is located immediately west of the Wantagh State

Parkway just north of Sunrise Highway. Take the Wantagh State Parkway south to Exit W5 (Sunrise Highway) west. At the first traffic light make a right onto Old Mill Road. Go past one stop sign and make a right onto Park Avenue. Park on the south side of the road. Lower Twin Pond is south of Park Avenue.

Fish Species:

Fishing:

Restrictions: Boats are prohibited, but shoreline access is available.

Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, bluegill, pumpkinseed, black crappie, brown bullhead, American eel.

Lower Twin Pond is well known as a great chain pickerel fishing spot in Nassau County. Some fish are reported over 24 inches long. This is also a good place to target largemouth bass. During the most recent survey of Lower Twin Pond in 2014, the catch rate of Largemouth bass above 15 inches was more than 10 fish per hour. Anglers can also enjoy a plentiful sunfish population if the bass and pickerel are not biting. This pond has dense aquatic plant life in the summer, so be prepared for weeds when you fish it. Lower Twin Pond also holds one catch and release angler achievement award for a largemouth bass measuring over 20 inches long.

Town: Oyster Bay

Access:

Nassau County Park

Massapequa Lake, Massapequa

Directions: Massapequa Lake is located in the Massapequa Preserve just north of Merrick Road. Take Merrick Road a few blocks east of Route 107. The lake will be on the north side of Merrick Road.

Restrictions: Boats are prohibited, but shoreline access is available.

Fish Species:

Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, bluegill, pumpkinseed, yellow perch, brown bullhead, common carp, white perch

Fishing:

Massapequa Lake has a no-kill black bass regulation which was implemented in 1998. Since then the Largemouth Bass population in the lake has improved greatly. Patient anglers will have a chance at bass over 15 inches long. The lake also supports a very strong bluegill and yellow perch population. During the most recent survey of Massapequa Lake, the catch for both species was over 80 fish per hour. Good sized panfish are abundant in the lake, but anglers should expect to catch many more small fish. The lake becomes difficult to fish during the summer due to heavy growth

Forest

Massapequa

Hempstead Lake

Oyster

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of spatterdock and water chestnut, an invasive species. These plants grow out of the water creating dense mats of vegetation that anglers cannot fish through. Targeting the edges of these mats should reward bass anglers with a few large fish. Common carp also grow very large in Massapequa Lake, with fish over 10 pounds reported often.

Massapequa Reservoir, Massapequa

Town: Oyster Bay

Access:

The entire reservoir is located inside a Nassau County Preserve. Public access is via foot paths around the reservoir.

Directions: The reservoir is located just south of Clark Street and north of Sunrise Highway (Route 27) with Lake Shore Drive and Parkside Boulevard bordering to the east and west. Park on Lake Shore Drive or in a dirt turnoff area off Sunrise Highway just east of the Massapequa Train Station. This lake is easily accessible by train from the LIRR Babylon Branch at the Massapequa Train Station.

Restrictions: Boats are prohibited, but shoreline access is available.

Fish Species:

Naturally reproducing: largemouth bass, pumpkinseed, bluegill, brown bullhead, carp, American eel

Stocked:

Brown trout and rainbow trout are stocked in the spring and fall

Fishing:

Massapequa Reservoir is a very popular fishing spot in Nassau County that may be the most heavily fished pond on Long Island. Located within a Nassau County Preserve, it is stocked with trout in the spring and fall, which draws heavy crowds of people, especially on the weekends. The reservoir is one of the better largemouth bass fishing locations in Nassau County. The eastern half of the pond is dominated by coontail and spatterdock (aquatic plants) that make it very difficult to fish, but is worth it if you can. Water chestnut is also present here. The western half of the pond is more open, making it an ideal spot to try to catch sunfish or bass during the summer. Carp are plentiful as well, and provide a good tug on the line when hooked.

Oyster

Bay Mill Pond, Oyster Bay

Oyster Bay Mill Pond is one of the few public freshwater fishing spots on the north shore of Nassau County.

Town: Oyster Bay

Access: Pond is located on a United States Fish and Wildlife Preserve.

Directions: Located in the village of Oyster Bay south of West Shore Road. Park

on the south side of West Shore Road east of the pond or in Roosevelt Memorial Park and walk to the pond.

Restrictions: Boats are prohibited, but shoreline access is available.

Fish Species:

Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, carp, brown bullhead, American eel, brown trout, rainbow trout.

Fishing:

Most people fish Oyster Bay Mill Pond for the trout that are stocked in the spring and the fall. There is also a good population of largemouth bass in the lake, but they tend to be small (less than 12 inches). A few carp are present. There are also a few bullhead in the lake up to about 15 inches. The lake can become difficult to fish during the summer due to heavy growth of water chestnut. Water chestnut grows out of the water creating dense mats of vegetation that anglers cannot fish through. Targeting the edges of these mats should reward bass anglers with some fish.

Ridders Pond, New Hyde Park

Located in a small suburban park in the Town of North Hempstead, Ridders Pond has a stone bulkhead and is surrounded by a manicured lawn, shrubs, bushes, and trees.

Town: North Hempstead

Access:

Town of North Hempstead

Directions: Take either the Long Island Expressway or the Northern State Parkway to New Hyde Park Road. Go south on New Hyde Park Road to Marcus Avenue and make a left. Make the next left onto Meadow Farm Road and park in the designated parking.

Restrictions: Boats are prohibited. However, the entire shoreline is accessible.

Fish Species:

Pumpkinseed, carp, brown bullhead, goldfish

Fishing:

The primary fish in Ridders Pond are carp and goldfish which can reach 18 inches in length. There are a few brown bullheads that can reach 10 inches. Any sunfish present are small, less than four inches in length. It is a good pond for the neighborhood kids to enjoy a little fishing.

......................

Upper Twin Pond, Wantagh

Town: Hempstead

Access:

Access is through a Town of Hempstead Preserve.

Directions: Upper Twin Pond is located just west of the Wantagh State Parkway and north of Lower Twin Pond. Take the Wantagh State Parkway south to Exit W5 (Sunrise Highway) west. At the first traffic light make a right onto Old Mill Road. Go past one stop sign and make a right onto

Park Avenue. Park on the south side of the road. Upper Twin Pond is north of Park Avenue.

Restrictions: Boats are prohibited, but shoreline access is available. Preserve closed from dusk to dawn.

Fish Species:

Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, bluegill, pumpkinseed, black crappie, yellow perch, carp, brown bullhead, American eel, brown trout, rainbow trout

Fishing:

Upper Twin Pond is the second most fished water in Nassau County. It gets a barrage of anglers during the spring and fall due to the trout stockings. Largemouth bass are plentiful in the lake. Since the Nassau County catch and release only black bass season went into effect (1998), the bass population has responded and is now the best bass fishing lake in Nassau County. Bass in the 15 to 18 range are common with some elusive 20+ inch fish thrown in. The sunfish are plentiful with many fish larger than six inches. There are chain pickerel in the pond, but they tend to be on the small side with few fish reaching over 15 inches. Like Lower Twin Pond, just to the south, be prepared to fish around the weeds through the summer months.

Wantagh Mill Pond, Wantagh

Previously called Jones Pond, Wantagh Mill Pond is a popular fishing spot. A paved path winds its way along the shoreline, providing easy fishing access to most of the pond.

Town: Hempstead

Access:

Nassau County Park

Directions: Wantagh Mill Pond is located in Wantagh just to the west of the Wantagh State Parkway on the north side of Merrick Road.

Restrictions: Boats are prohibited, but shoreline access is available.

Fish Species:

Largemouth bass, chain pickerel, bluegill, pumpkinseed, black crappie, yellow perch, white perch, carp, brown bullhead, American eel, black bullhead.

Fishing:

Wantagh Mill Pond has one of the most diverse fish communities in Nassau County. Anglers can target bass, pickerel, or the abundant bluegill and pumpkinseed sunfish. Most of the fish in the pond tend to be smaller than other Nassau County waters. For the largest fish, target carp near the edges of spatterdock (an aquatic plant) which grows out of the water in dense clusters. Use heavy line, as these fish will try to get you tangled in the weeds. One special note about Wantagh Mill Pond, is that it was the home of a New York State record fish! In August, 1993 a state record 7lb. 7oz black bullhead was landed here. The record still holds today.

—List compiled from NYS DEC

FISHING from page 4A

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BY JULIE PRISCO

In 2016, the insanely popular app TikTok launched. Users started out posting 15 second videos dancing to popular songs and funny skits. The app’s ability to curate a feed specific to an individual user’s interests, humor and song preferences led TikTok to quickly gain traction and become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world.

What started out as a video sharing app quickly became so much more. Now, not only can users post videos as long as 10 minutes and photo slideshows, the content available has increased in quality and diversity. TikTok users share more than trending dances and comedy skits, now some users visit the app as a source for easy recipes, style tips, movie and show recommendations and reviews. In addition, the app has become a marketing tool for large businesses to spread information on their company and for small businesses to promote themselves.

While the app is wildly popular amongst children, teens and adults, the U.S. has raised questions about the app’s security. In mid-March, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed a measure that gives ByteDance (the Chinese internet company that developed TikTok) a choice to sell within six months or lose access to

EDITORIAL: OUR OPINION

Questioning The Future Of TikTok

the app stores and web-hosting services in the U.S.

Lawmakers have tried to regulate the app due to its ties to China. In 2020, Former President Donald Trump publicly attacked TikTok, threatening to ban it from the U.S. on the grounds that the Chinese Communist Party could use data gathered on its users to spy on U.S. citizens. U.S. Senators have questioned the safety of children using the app. In the U.S. TikTok users under the age of 13 have a limited experience with additional safety features.

With the app under scrutiny again, lawmakers are again arguing that the app threatens national security because the Chinese government could use TikTok to spy on Americans or weaponize it to influence the U.S. public by amplifying or suppressing certain content.

Popular TikTokers and TikTok enjoyers across the U.S. are worried about the future of their favorite app and entertainment source being taken away from them or sold to a new company that will make too many changes to the app.

As an avid TikTok fan myself, I share worries about TikTok’s future. Many people see TikTok as a distraction and waste of time.

But for the majority of TikTok’s users, the app is a way to decompress after a long day with a couple of laughs. I can go on TikTok

after the work day and scroll for twenty minutes and be in a completely different head space; away from the stress of the day and ready to get back into the things I enjoy in my free time.

Losing access to the TikTok users’ and fans’ love not only means losing a source of entertainment, it is losing an online community. Since TikTok curates the users’ feed based on previously watched videos, what a user is linking and commenting on and actively searching up, it’s easy to find a community of others that enjoy the same jokes, pop culture, entertainment and more.

Fans of popular TV shows can find other super fans and share videos about their favorite characters. Avid video game players can find others to learn tips and tricks from. Aspiring chefs learn different cooking methods and recipes. Students can find videos sharing studying resources. College graduates can find videos on résumé design and interview skills.

Personally, I have found a community of book lovers. I follow accounts that read the same books I do and post videos about their favorite scenes, plot theories or share other media similar to

the books I can’t get enough of.

As a TikTok user, I hope the app can be

Dept. Of Labor Commemorates Anniversary Of Shirtwaist Fire

In solemn remembrance of the 113th anniversary of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire, the New York State Department of Labor (NYSDOL) held a commemoration ceremony. This historic event, which tragically claimed the lives of 146 workers in 1911, remains a powerful reminder of the need for stringent workplace safety standards and labor protections. NYSDOL Commissioner Roberta Reardon attended and spoke at the ceremony in New York City, reinforcing the department’s dedication to upholding the rights and safety of all workers.

Commissioner Reardon emphasized the importance of the Department’s mission, stating,

“The Triangle Shirtwaist Fire challenges all of us to continue to do our part. To stand together. To unite.

To fight for the safety of our workplaces. And that is one of the top priorities at the Department of Labor, because we believe that no worker should ever suffer this tragic fate again.”

The ceremony, organized by Workers United and Service Employees International Union (SEIU), included

FDNY’s ceremonial ladder raising and the laying of 146 flowers to honor the victims, most of whom were young immigrant women. This tragedy highlighted the urgent need for reform and catalyzed significant advancements in labor law and workplace safety regulations.

In the wake of the fire, the public’s outcry led to vital reforms, including the establishment of regulatory agencies to oversee workplace health and safety. These changes have laid the groundwork for modern labor protections, emphasizing

the importance of continuous vigilance and improvement in labor standards.

In addition to enforcing labor laws, NYSDOL offers free on-site safety and health consultations for businesses. This service is designed to help employers identify potential hazards and implement safety and health management systems, further ensuring the safety and health of New York’s workforce. We are also emphasizing our commitment to protecting our youngest workers through the Youth Worker Pledge and our comprehensive

Child Labor Hub, designed to educate employers, young workers, and their guardians about the rights and protections specific to youth employment in New York.

NYSDOL remains committed to upholding these standards and ensuring that every worker in New York State has a safe and fair workplace. We encourage anyone who believes their rights have been violated or has concerns about workplace safety to reach out to our Labor Standards team or file a complaint.

—Submitted by NYSDOL

Senators Hope Tax Credits Will Preserve Local Journalism

Journalists who have been looking for something good to report on may soon be able to turn the lens on themselves as the New York State Senate advances tax credits to local news outlets for the employment of community-oriented news journalists in its One-House budget proposal.

The Local Journalism Sustainability Act, sponsored by Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal and co-sponsored by Senator Monica R. Martinez, would provide news organizations with a 50 percent refundable tax credit against the first $50,000 of each newsroom employee’s salary, up to $200,000 per outlet. This benefit would be limited to print and online newspapers and broadcasters with 100 employees or fewer that cover local

community news.

“Local journalists tell the stories of America’s communities,” said Senator Martinez. “They highlight the achievements of our neighbors, the successes of our school teams, and the efforts of our public officials. Unfortunately, with the contraction of local media over the past decade, these stories are being lost, and in their absence, misunderstanding and mistrust have taken hold. These narratives unite us, and without them, we will continue to drift further apart.”

According to a study issued by the Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications at Northwestern University, an average

of 2.5 local newspapers per week ceased operations in 2023. This has resulted in over half of all U.S. counties now having limited access to reliable local news, and more than 200 counties are considered “news deserts.” In New York State, that decline has been even more pronounced, with 190 weekly newspapers closing down since 2004 in this, the media capital of the world.

Pew Research Center findings also support this trend, with its reporting stating that the share of U.S. adults following the news closely has been in decline, resulting in shrinking audiences for several older types of news media, such as local TV stations, most newspapers, and public radio.

—Submitted by the Office of Monica Martinez

How are owls different from other birds? They evolved to hunt at night and because of this they have large areas of their brain just for sight and for hearing. Owls’ eyes face forward unlike most birds. Notice their faces are round like humans. They have special edges on their wings so that they make no noise when they fly unlike all other species of birds. They eat prey whole and then regurgitate what are called pellets that contain the bones and fur or other parts of their prey that cannot be digested. They appropriate often the nests of other birds and do not build their own nests. Read Jennifer Ackerman’s book, What the Owl knows to learn much more. There are interviews with her on YouTube that are also enlightening.

If you want to see owls one of your best chances is to go on an evening night walk led by an experienced bird leader. North Shore Audubon Society offers one on Tuesday, April 23, at Garvies Point Museum and Preserve. Your can check their website or NorthShoreaudubon.org for the time. Also Sands point Preserve and Science Museum of Long Island both offer Owl Prowls.

COLUMNS Owls Are Different

ALL ABOUT BIRDS

Peggy Maslow North Shore Audubon Society

Otherwise you won’t find locations of owls widely listed because of the fear that people might harass them during the day. I could usually find a snowy owl at Jones Beach, West End 2, by locating the photographers gathered by the dunes. I have seen the photographers get too close and cause the bird to fly away. eBird, the listing app run by Cornell Lab, will not show the locations of owls in real time or even later with some species.. I tried to find the locations for barn owls and eBird does not post any on Long Island though I know there are two owl houses occupied at Jamaica Wildlife Refuge.

Most likely the owls you will see and hear in this area are great

horned owls and Eastern screech owls. At dawn and dusk I hear great-horned owls frequently from my house during their breeding season which is over by April. Last December I went with friends to Guggenheim Preserve to hear Eastern screech owls calling at night. Saw whet owls can be found in this area with great difficulty in the winter in evergreen trees. I have seen only one in my 20 years of birding. Snowy owls inhabit the sand dunes in winter and there are barn owls at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.

To see breeding owls you need to find their nests. In the past there were great-horned owl nests along the the Meadowbrook and Wantaugh parkways on the way to

Jones Beach. In the past there was one at Sands point Preserve. Since Owls do not build their own nests, they use abandoned large nests or parts of large trees. Or some use owl boxes. For years Jim Jones installed large bowls in trees, most recently at Bethpage State Park with the help of electric company trucks.

There are many other species of owls that live in other parts of North America and around the World. I have listed the few that live or visit this area. It’s important to mention that owls worldwide face many challenges leading to a large decrease in their populations from habitat loss and climate change.

The big astronomical event for this month is the total solar eclipse on April 8. If you would like to see the totality, hopefully you have already made your plans. Our area will see about 90 percent coverage. Be sure to use authentic viewing glasses or a camera obscura to observe the eclipse. The totality will last up to 4 minutes, 28 seconds in certain spots, twice as long as the full solar eclipse that darkened U.S. skies in 2017.

If you have animals, it can be interesting to observe their behavior during an eclipse. Many animals will react as if it is night, for obvious reasons. Dolphins have been observed breaching the surface to watch these events in the past.

I will be traveling to Maine to view the eclipse. Please see the 4/17 Full Run for the details on my experience.

April 8 - Total Solar Eclipse. A

Look Up

total solar eclipse occurs when the moon completely blocks the Sun, revealing the Sun’s beautiful outer atmosphere known as the corona. This is a rare, once-in-alifetime event for viewers in the United States. The last total solar eclipse visible in the continental United States occurred in 2017 and the next one will not take place until 2045. The path of totality will begin in the Pacific Ocean and move across parts of Mexico and the eastern United States and Nova Scotia. The total eclipse will be visible in parts of Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine.

April 22, 23 - Lyrids Meteor Shower. The Lyrids is an average shower, usually producing about 20 meteors per hour at its peak. It is produced by dust particles

left behind by comet C/1861 G1 Thatcher, which was discovered in 1861. The shower runs annually from April 16-25. It peaks this year on the night of the night of the 22nd and morning of the 23rd. These meteors can sometimes produce bright dust trails that last for several seconds. Unfortunately the glare of the full moon will block out all but the brightest meteors this year. But if you are patient, you may still be able to catch a few good ones. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Lyra, but can appear anywhere in the sky.

April 23 - Full Moon. The Moon will be located on the opposite side of the Earth as the Sun and its face will be will be fully illuminated.

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Additional

Olsen with information from SeaSky.org

May 6, 7 - Eta Aquarids Meteor Shower. The Eta Aquarids is an above average shower, capable of producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak. Most of the activity is seen in the Southern Hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, the rate can reach about 30 meteors per hour. It is produced by dust particles left behind by comet Halley, which has been observed since ancient times. The shower runs annually from April 19 to May 28. It peaks this year on the night of May 6 and the morning of the May 7. The nearly new moon means dark skies for what should be an excellent show this year. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors will radiate from the constellation Aquarius, but can appear anywhere in the sky.

are available for purchase by calling 516-403-5120. Celebrating

Great horned owl Screech owl (Photos by Peggy Maslow)

DiNapoli: LIRR Must Better Prepare For Severe Weather To Prevent Service Disruptions And Costly Damages OPED

The Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) needs to do more to properly prepare for severe weather events, according to an audit released today by New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. The audit found the LIRR delayed a critical weather-related systemwide risk assessment of its infrastructure for over a decade and failed to complete several resiliency projects on-time following Superstorm Sandy in 2012.

“Severe weather is becoming more common and a failure to properly plan and be prepared will cause more commuter headaches like train delays and service disruptions,” DiNapoli said.

“While extreme weather such as blizzards, heavy rain, wind storms or heat waves cannot be prevented, railroad officials need to be prepared to minimize its impacts. The LIRR is the busiest train system in North America and is the primary means of transit from Long Island to New York City which means it must be prepared to operate as effectively as possible during all weather conditions.”

The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) oversees the LIRR, which serves about 200,000 customers on weekdays. The LIRR has 700 miles of track, stretching from Montauk on Long Island to Penn Station and Grand Central in Manhattan to Atlantic Terminal in Brooklyn and Hunters Point Avenue station in Queens. The audit review period was from April 2009 to January 2023.

Snow Removal Equipment Could Not Be Located

To address the impacts of a winter storm, certain equipment is required to be on hand. However, auditors found instances where generators, chainsaws, light towers, and front loaders to remove snow were not at their designated locations as required. LIRR officials said much of the equipment was being used in the field but there was no documentation to show their location.

Auditors also found equipment to remove snow and clear tracks

was not properly maintained, inspected, or tested. On a review of 13 pieces of snow-fighting equipment, there was no documentation to support they were ready to be used for at least one of the five seasons reviewed.

Systemwide Risk Assessment Delayed

Auditors found that a systemwide weather-related risk assessment of the LIRR’s transportation facilities to identify and address how to lessen the impacts of severe weather had not been completed as of February 2024. This delay left the agency at risk and their system vulnerable to damage if hit by another major storm. The LIRR said the risk assessment would be completed by the end of 2023.

Superstorm Sandy Projects Delayed

In 2012, Superstorm Sandy shut down LIRR service systemwide for days and cost the rail line millions of dollars in damages. Following the Superstorm, the LIRR started 15 capital projects totaling over

A Project of YES Community Counseling Center

$568 million to repair damages and to improve resiliency efforts. Auditors reviewed four of the projects, including a rebuild of the Atlantic Avenue Tunnel and resiliency improvements at the Long Island City and West Side Storage Yards. They determined none of the projects were completed on time and two exceeded their respective budgets.

Extreme Weather Plans Not Updated Regularly

Auditors found the LIRR is not regularly updating their extreme weather plans, which are meant to guide employees in how to safely maintain service during severe weather. From January 2018 through January 2022, important recommendations following severe weather events were often not included in the guidance or documented if implemented. DiNapoli recommends the LIRR:

• Complete its systemwide risk assessment;

• Update its extreme weather guidance and verify newly added recommendations are

implemented;

• Improve winter weather monitoring and tracking;

• Revise its Hurricane Guide to include written procedures and required steps in preparation for the season and ensure compliance;

• Expand written procedures to account for the supply, maintenance and location of equipment, and locate missing equipment items;

• Establish clear and complete written procedures to address the maintenance, inspection and testing process of equipment. In response, the MTA said the systemwide risk assessment was not delayed, but underway and steps have been taken to identify, access, analyze and test weather-related risks. The MTA also added that the Superstorm Sandy projects were not behind schedule and extreme weather guidance for employees has been updated based on lessons learned from the storm.

—Submitted by the Office of the New York State Comptroller

KIDS CORNER!

SPONSORED BY GREAT NECK PAL

Unau

Animal Fact!

Let‛s Get Crafty: Pressed Flowers

The Unau, or two-toed sloth, is a species of sloth from South America, found in Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Brazil north of the Amazon River. There is now evidence suggesting the species‛ range expands into Bolivia. It is the largest living sloth species.

upside down all the time.

Unau live in tropical rainforests that are hot and humid. They tend to live in areas where there is a lot of vine growth so they can easily travel from tree to tree in the canopies of the forests. They mainly eat leaves, but we don‛t know much about them because they are nocturnal and hard to

Have you ever found a really pretty ower and wished you could keep it forever? With just a few things you probably already have, you can! Spring is a great time to nd and identify owers, and with this simple craft you can preserve them for years to come. Be sure to only pick owers in non-protected areas. Ask a grownup if you aren’t sure.

You will need:

A heavy book, like a dictionary paper towels contact paper scissors (optional) owers

a space of about an inch between each set.

Males and females are the same size, growing to lengths of approximately 21” to 35” (not including the tail) and weigh 9 to 24 pounds. Their fur color ranges from a brownish yellow to a pale tone of brown, but sometimes in the wild it turns green because of algae that grows on their fur during the rainy season. Their belly fur is slightly lighter in color than the body. Unau fur grows down from the middle of their belly, instead of their back, because they are

Unau, or two-toed sloth

(Photo by Tony Hisgett via wikimedia commons)

After you have picked your owers, bring them home and place them on paper towels outside for a little while to give any insects the opportunity to escape. Next, place a fresh paper towel between the pages of your heavy book. If you have a lot of owers to press, be sure to leave space for them or get out more than one book. Arrange your ower on the paper towel; Remember, it will be squashed at, so be sure to lay the petals and leaves the way you want them. You can trim with scissors if necessary. Close the book carefully. If you are pressing more owers, leave

Now you will have to wait for the moisture to be squeezed out of the owers. This can take several months. Be patient!

When they are completely dry you can place them on clear contact paper or use a laminator to seal them.

Question:

The more you take, the more you leave behind. What am I? Answer: Footsteps.

Spring Forward

Cultivating joy in every corner of your blooming garden oasis

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

As the last frost melts away and the first green buds begin to unfurl, gardeners everywhere know that spring has arrived, bringing with it the promise of lush landscapes and bountiful harvests. However, this promise is accompanied by a list of essential garden chores that must be tackled to ensure the health and beauty of your outdoor oasis. From preparing the soil to planting and beyond, springtime gardening tasks set the foundation for a thriving garden. Here’s your comprehensive guide to springtime garden chores.

1Clean Up and Clear Out

Spring cleaning isn’t just for the indoors. Begin your gardening season by clearing out the debris winter has left behind. Rake away leaves, twigs, and any other detritus that has accumulated over the colder months. This not only tidies up your garden but also minimizes hiding spots for pests and diseases. Be gentle with your cleaning, though, as beneficial insects may still be hibernating in the debris.

2Soil Preparation

Healthy soil is the cornerstone of a successful garden. Start by testing your

soil to determine its pH and nutrient levels, which will guide your amendment process. Most garden plants thrive in soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Depending on the results, you may need to add lime to raise the pH or sulfur to lower it. Incorporate organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure, enhance nutrient content, and boost its water-retention capabilities.

3Pruning and Trimming

Early spring is the ideal time for pruning many types of perennial plants, trees, and shrubs. Pruning stimulates growth, removes dead or diseased branches, and helps shape the plant. However, be aware of the best pruning times for specific plants; some may prefer fall or immediately after flowering. Always use clean, sharp tools to make precise cuts that heal quickly.

4Weed Management

Addressing weeds early in the season can save you a lot of trouble later on. Pull weeds by hand or use a hoe to dislodge them while they’re still young, and before they have a chance to set seeds. Applying a layer of mulch can help suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and regulate soil temperature.

5Mulching

Mulch serves multiple purposes: it conserves moisture, keeps weeds at bay, adds aesthetic appeal, and contributes to soil health as it breaks down. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of organic mulch around your plants, taking care not to pile it against the stems to avoid rot.

6Planting

Spring is the time to plant bare-root trees, shrubs, and perennials, as well as cool-season vegetables and annuals. Wait until the danger of frost has passed before planting tender annuals and vegetables. When planting, ensure proper spacing to allow for air circulation and growth, reducing the risk of fungal diseases and pests.

7Pest and Disease Control

Early detection and intervention can prevent pests and diseases from taking over your garden. Inspect your plants regularly for signs of trouble, such as discolored leaves, sticky residues, or chewed foliage. Use environmentally friendly pest control methods where possible, such as introducing beneficial insects, using neem oil, or employing barriers and traps.

8Watering Wisely

Spring weather can be unpredictable, with periods of rain followed by dry spells.

Water your garden as needed, focusing on the base of the plants to reduce evaporation and prevent leaf diseases. Installing a rain barrel can be an excellent way to collect and conserve water for your garden.

9Support Structures

Early spring is the perfect time to set up trellises, stakes, and other support structures before plants become too large. Climbing plants, in particular, will benefit from having support from the start, encouraging upward growth and maximizing garden space.

10Enjoy and Observe

Lastly, take time to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Walk through your garden daily, not only to monitor plant health and growth but also to appreciate the beauty and serenity it offers. Gardening is as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

Springtime garden chores might seem daunting at first, but they are essential steps on the path to a rewarding gardening season. Each task, from soil preparation to planting and pest control, builds upon the last to create a healthy, vibrant garden. With patience, diligence, and a bit of elbow grease, you can transform your outdoor space into a thriving haven that brings joy throughout the growing season and beyond.

Photo Getty Images

Dandelions: Nature’s Golden Symphony

BY ANTON MEDIA STAFF specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Dandelion wine is more than just a beverage; it’s a time-honored tradition, a golden elixir that captures the essence of spring in a bottle.

Made from the bright yellow flowers that dot meadows and fields in the early days of the season, dandelion wine embodies the spirit of renewal and abundance. With its delicate floral notes and subtle sweetness, it’s no wonder that this homemade libation has been cherished for generations.

The process of making dandelion wine is as simple as it is rewarding. It begins with a leisurely stroll through fields and meadows, basket in hand, in search of the humble dandelion. These cheerful blooms, often dismissed as weeds, are the stars of the show, their petals bursting with vibrant color and flavor. Carefully plucking the flowers, one by one, we gather nature’s bounty, mindful of the potential hidden within each delicate blossom.

Back in the kitchen, we gently separate the petals from the green sepals, taking care to discard any stems or debris. The petals are then steeped in boiling water, releasing their essence into the liquid, which takes on a brilliant hue reminiscent of sunshine itself. As the petals infuse the

water with their floral aroma, we add sugar and citrus, balancing the sweetness with a hint of tartness.

Once the mixture has cooled, we strain out the petals, leaving behind a fragrant liquid that forms the base of our dandelion wine. To this, we add yeast, the catalyst that will transform our simple infusion into a lively fermentation. As the yeast works its magic, consuming the sugars and releasing carbon dioxide and alcohol, our dandelion wine begins to take shape, bubbling away in anticipation of its transformation.

Over the course of several weeks, we

watch and wait as our dandelion wine matures, its flavors deepening and mellowing with time. With each passing day, the liquid clarifies, shedding its youthful exuberance in favor of a more refined character. And finally, when the time is right, we bottle our dandelion wine, sealing it away like a secret treasure to be discovered and savored in the days to come.

But the true beauty of dandelion wine lies not just in its flavor, but in the memories it evokes and the connections it fosters. It’s a symbol of the simple pleasures of life, a reminder to slow down and appreciate the

Simple Dandelion Wine Recipe

4 cups dandelion petals, carefully separated from the green sepals

8 cups water

4 cups granulated sugar

2 lemons, thinly sliced

1 orange, thinly sliced

1 packet wine yeast

In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the dandelion petals, lemon slices, and orange slices, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the sugar until dissolved. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, strain out

the dandelion petals and citrus slices, and transfer the liquid to a fermentation vessel. Sprinkle the wine yeast over the liquid and cover the vessel with a clean cloth or lid fitted with an airlock. Allow the mixture to ferment at room temperature for 4-6 weeks, or until fermentation slows and the wine clears. Once fermentation is complete, siphon the wine into clean bottles, leaving behind any sediment at the bottom of the vessel. Seal the bottles and store them in a cool, dark place for at least 6 months before enjoying.

abundance that surrounds us. Whether shared with loved ones on a warm summer evening or enjoyed alone in quiet contemplation, dandelion wine has the power to transport us back to a time when the world seemed infinite with possibility.

And so, as we raise our glasses in toast to the golden elixir that is dandelion wine, letus also raise our hearts in gratitude for the fleeting moments of joy and beauty that enrich our lives.

BY ANTON MEDIA GROUP specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Spring celebrations herald a season of renewal, joy, and appreciation for the natural world around us. Among the myriad festivities that grace this time of year, three stand out as pillars of tradition and reflection: Easter, Mother’s Day, Passover, Purim and Earth Day. Each holds its own significance, weaving together threads of spirituality, familial love, and environmental stewardship to create a rich tapestry of revelry.

Easter, perhaps the most widely recognized of the three, is a time of spiritual renewal and rebirth for many around the world. Rooted in Christian tradition, Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, symbolizing hope, redemption, and the promise of new beginnings. From solemn Good Friday observances to jubilant Easter Sunday services, the holiday is marked by a spectrum of rituals and customs, each imbued with profound meaning.

Central to Easter celebrations are

vibrant displays of color and life, mirroring the awakening of nature after the long slumber of winter. Pastel-hued eggs, adorned with intricate designs and patterns, serve as symbols of fertility and new life, while fragrant blooms such as lilies and tulips adorn churches and homes alike, filling the air with their sweet perfume. Families gather for festive meals and egg hunts, sharing laughter and joy as they come together to honor this sacred day.

Following closely on the heels of Easter is Mother’s Day, a time to honor and celebrate the maternal figures in our lives. While the origins of Mother’s Day can be traced back to ancient Greek and Roman festivals honoring mother goddesses, the modern incarnation of the holiday emerged in the early 20th century as a tribute to the selfless love and sacrifice of mothers everywhere.

On Mother’s Day, we shower our mothers, grandmothers, and mother figures with tokens of affection and appreciation, from handwritten cards

Seasonal Celebrations

and bouquets of flowers to thoughtful gestures and acts of kindness. It’s a day to reflect on the countless ways in which mothers enrich our lives, offering unconditional love, guidance, and support through every triumph and trial. Whether gathered around the family table or sharing cherished memories from afar, Mother’s Day is a time to express gratitude for the remarkable women who shape our world.

Passover, a significant Jewish holiday, commemorates the Israelites’ liberation from slavery in ancient Egypt. Traditions include the Seder meal, retelling the Exodus story, and refraining from eating leavened bread.

Purim, a joyous Jewish holiday, celebrates the triumph of Queen Esther and the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman’s plot. Festivities include feasting, costumes, and the giving of gifts.

Earth Day serves as a solemn reminder of our responsibility to protect and preserve the planet we call home.

On Earth Day, people come together t o participate in myriad activities aimed at promoting sustainability and conservation, from tree plantings and beach cleanups to educational workshops and eco-friendly initiatives. It’s a day to reconnect with the natural world, to marvel at its beauty and diversity, and to rededicate ourselves to the cause of environmental stewardship. By joining forces to protect the planet, we honor not only the Earth itself but also future generations who will inherit the world we leave behind.

In the tapestry of springtime celebrations, each stands as beacons of hope, love, and renewal. Each in its own way invites us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the myriad blessings that surround us, from the warmth of family to the beauty of nature. As we embrace these cherished traditions, let us also reaffirm our commitment to creating a world filled with joy, compassion, and abundance for all.

BY ANTON MEDIA GROUP specialsections@antonmediagroup.com

Springtime allergies, while often considered a nuisance, serve as a reminder of the vibrant renewal that accompanies the change of seasons. As nature awakens from its winter slumber, pollen fills the air, triggering sneezes and sniffles for many.

Amidst the pollen clouds and itchy eyes, spring offers a plethora of opportunities to embrace outdoor fitness activities, indulge in seasonal produce, and nurture mental well-being.

For those who suffer from allergies, outdoor fitness activities can present a double-edged sword. On one hand, the allure of fresh air and sunshine beckons us outdoors, enticing us to lace up our sneakers and hit the trails. On the other hand, the pollen-laden atmosphere can pose a challenge, exacerbating allergy symptoms and dampening our enthusiasm for outdoor exercise.

With a bit of strategic planning and preparation, it’s possible to enjoy outdoor fitness activities while minimizing the impact of allergies. Choosing the right time of day to exercise can make a world of difference; early morning or late evening workouts may offer respite from

peak pollen levels. Opting for activities that take place away from heavily wooded areas or grassy fields can help reduce exposure to allergens.

It’s Allergy Season

Activities such as hiking, biking, and jogging along paved trails or urban pathways provide an opportunity to soak up the sunshine and fresh air without venturing into allergy hotspots. Alternatively, indoor fitness options such as yoga, Pilates, or strength training can offer a welcome reprieve for allergy sufferers on particularly high pollen days. By listening to our bodies and adapting our fitness routines accordingly, we can stay active and healthy throughout the spring season.

Incorporating seasonal produce into our diets is another way to embrace the joys of spring while supporting our overall health and well-being. As the earth awakens from its winter slumber, it yields a bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables bursting with flavor and nutrients. From crisp asparagus and tender baby greens to juicy strawberries and tangy rhubarb, the possibilities are endless.

Not only does consuming seasonal produce provide a delicious way to nourish our bodies, but it also offers a natural antidote to springtime allergies.

Many seasonal fruits and vegetables, such as citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens, are rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that support immune function and reduce inflammation. Incorporating these nutrient-dense foods into our meals can help strengthen our bodies’ defenses against allergens and promote overall wellness.

Spring presents an opportunity to prioritize mental well-being and self-care. After months of hibernation, the longer days and warmer weather beckon us outdoors, inviting us to reconnect with nature and cultivate a sense of inner peace and tranquility. Whether it’s taking a leisurely stroll through a botanical garden, practicing mindfulness in a sun-dappled park, or simply enjoying a picnic beneath a blossoming cherry tree,

spending time outdoors can have a profound impact on mental health. Engaging in activities that nourish the soul, such as gardening, painting, or journaling, can provide a creative outlet for self-expression and reflection. By carving out moments of quietude amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, we can cultivate a sense of balance and resilience that carries us through the challenges of allergy season and beyond.

While springtime allergies may pose a temporary inconvenience, they need not overshadow the myriad joys that accompany the arrival of spring. By embracing outdoor fitness activities, indulging in seasonal produce, and nurturing mental well-being, we can fully embrace the beauty and vitality of the season while supporting our health and happiness along the way.

Recently Sold HOMES

This Tudor-style single-family home at 66 Broadway in Garden City Park sold on Feb. 21 for $885,000. This meticulously maintained four-bedroom, two-bathroom home, offers hardwood floors and charming red cedar closets that exude character. With spacious rooms and a thoughtfully designed floor plan, every corner of this residence feels like home. Recent updates to the kitchen and bathrooms provide a perfect blend of classic charm and contemporary convenience. The exterior showcases renewed roofing and stucco, along with new windows that enhance the property’s overall appeal. Stay cozy all year round with steam heating, and enjoy the convenience of a two-car garage, a lengthy driveway, and a spacious backyard. This home is located in a desirable neighborhood, conveniently located within a short distance to the Merillon Avenue and Nassau Boulevard LIRR stations; Manhattan commuting is a breeze. Top-rated schools, nearby shopping, and dining options are convenient.

This spacious Garden City Park Colonial at 29 Park Ave. sold on Feb. 5 for $850,000. This home is located just blocks from the Merillon Ave. LIRR Train Station, MTA busses and shopping. It is situated on a 5,000 square-foot lot, offering plenty of space. The home has four bedrooms, with the option to convert back into five bedrooms. The home also has two bathrooms, full kitchen, dining room, living room and two recreational rooms. The basement is finished and has a beautiful bar, a huge cedar-lined closet, laundry, storage and utilities. The home has three entrances, one on each level. The home has six

is located within the New Hyde

HOME & DESIGN

Plan A Backyard Vacation

Your backyard, always a great for your health and well-being, can do even more for families this summer by being a place to hold a staycation. With the pandemic keeping more people closer to home, a backyard vacation can be a fun way to spend time together and build new memories as a family while spending time in green space.

Make a plan

Put together a gentle schedule with a mixture of activities that your family will enjoy like dining, camping and games. Add a theme for the week, day or evening. A luau theme can be carried through with costumes, food and activities. A sports theme can have everyone in team jerseys and doing sports activities.

Map it out

A lawn area may be the site of a soccer game, bocce ball or croquet, but it can also double as an overnight camping zone for the kids in a family tent. The fire pit can be used for roasting hot dogs for lunch or s’mores at night. Time for crafts, potting plants, and eating can happen at a picnic or dining table.

Use what you have Lounge chairs, sports and play equipment can be used for their original purposes, but they can also become part of an amazing obstacle course. The wheelbarrow used

for gardening and yard work can become part of a family field day.

Spruce it up

Mow the lawn and trim the bushes. Tidy overgrown areas. Add flowering plants and rearrange planters for visual appeal. Put delicate flowers in pots and out of the way of foot traffic.

Organize for fun

Identify zones for different activities. Dining, lounging and reading may be best in shady spots. Sports, family yard games and tossing a ball to your dog may be better on a lawn that can handle rough and tumble play. Hammocks, lawn chairs, swings, picnic blankets and air mattresses can all provide a place for people to sit down and cool off.

Include teachings

Ask kids to take an inventory of the many birds, butterflies and other wildlife they see, looking up their species and background. Put up a bird feeder or plant a butterfly garden, as well as potted flowering plants to support birds and pollinators.

Green space games

Hold a nature scavenger hunt that’s fun, educational and tests your family’s observational skills. Create a “drive-thru” movie theater by bringing laptops outside or a projector to show them on a sheet hung outside.

—TuffMutt Foundation

Homes shown here represent closed sales, sold by a variety of agencies and are selected for their interest to readers by the Anton Media Group editor. Except where noted, data and photos are provided courtesy of Multiple Listing Service of Long Island, Inc. and Zillow.

air conditioning window units, a detached garage and two patios. It

Park school district and has potential to be converted into a mother-daughter style home.

DEC Releases Eligibility Guidelines For Climate Smart Communities Grant Projects

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) recently released for public comment proposed new eligibility guidelines to support projects funded through the State’s successful Climate Smart Communities (CSC) grant program under the historic $4.2 billion Clean Water, Clean Air and Green Jobs Environmental Bond Act of 2022. The guidelines will support the State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act mandate to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 85 percent by 2050 and help communities prepare for the effects of climate change.

The CSC grant program is a competitive statewide grant program open to local governments to support the implementation of climate change mitigation and adaption projects. Bond Act funding may only be used for certain capital projects. Other activities eligible for CSC grants may be eligible for State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) investments. DEC will use public input on these draft eligibility guidelines to inform development of the Bond Act-funded CSC grant program.

The draft eligibility guidelines available for comment enable the public to provide input on the implementation of Bond Act funding as part of the $400 million directed towards‘Climate Change Mitigation.’ Once finalized, the criteria will guide funding allocations DEC will use to select Climate Smart Community projects.

• Construction of new, or expansion of existing, facilities to process food scraps;

• Establishing and implementing easily replicated renewable energy projects, including solar arrays, heat pumps, and wind turbines in public low-income housing;

• Reducing fluorinated greenhouse gas emissions from refrigeration, chillers, and air-conditioning equipment through replacement or retrofit; and

• Land acquisition (in-fee) required to implement the proposed greenhouse gas mitigation project (excludes acquisition by eminent domain).

Eligible climate change adaptation project types include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Increasing or preserving natural resilience, such as construction of living shorelines and other nature-based landscape features to decrease vulnerability to the effects of climate change;

• Flood-risk reduction, including but not limited to, strategic relocation or retrofit of climate-vulnerable critical municipal facilities or infrastructure to reduce future climate change-induced risks to those facilities;

• Replacing or right-sizing flow barriers;

• Extreme-heat preparation, including but not limited to construction of cooling centers and permanent shade structures;

The CSC grant program makes awards of between $50,000 and $2 million each to support locally administered projects to adapt to climate change and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions outside the power sector, as described below. Since the program’s inception, DEC has awarded more than $60 million from the EPF to municipalities in support of local climate mitigation and adaptation projects. Bond Act resources will augment ongoing EPF funding, with grant opportunities made available via the same request for applications.

Eligible projects in the mitigation category must reduce greenhouse gas emissions outside the power sector. Eligible greenhouse gas mitigation project types include, but are not limited to the following:

• Construction of on-road or off-road facilities for non-motorized forms of transportation that facilitate commuting or access to daily needs (recreational trails are not eligible);

• Emergency preparedness, including but not limited to, purchase and installation of emergency warning systems; and

• Land acquisition (in-fee) required to implement the proposed climate change adaptation project (excludes acquisition by eminent domain).

The Bond Act requires that disadvantaged communities shall receive no less than 35 percent, with the goal of 40 percent, of the benefit of total Bond Act funds. Disadvantaged communities are those identified by the Climate Justice Working Group, pursuant to the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

Public comments on the draft guidelines may be submitted in writing to: Myra Fedyniak, Office of Climate Change, NYS DEC, 625 Broadway, Albany, NY 122231030 P: (518) 402-8448, Email: cscgrants@ dec.ny.gov (Place “Bond Act” in the subject line).

Public comments will be accepted through Friday, April 12, 2024.

—Submitted by NYS Department of Environmental Conservation

Rev Your Engines

The car show returns to New York

Ushering in the latest automotive trends, the New York International Auto Show (NYIAS) showcases an incredible collection of cutting-edge design and extraordinary innovation. More than two floors of displays from the world’s automakers, featuring the newest vehicles, will be brought to the NYIAS.

Some of this year’s specialty exhibits include celebrity vehicles, custom cars, The Downey Dream Cars exhibit, hometown heroes, car clubs (GTO, Mustang, hot rods), trucks rigs, test tracks, autonomous experience, kids’ driving academy, and more.

Held at the Jaco Javits Convention Center, the show is easy to get to from anywhere in the tri-state area. There are many parking facilities in the area, plus mass transit (subway, buses, LIRR, NY Waterway Ferry, Metro North, NJ Transit, Amtrak). It is approximately a 15-minute walk from Penn Station.

Show dates are from Friday, March 29 through Sunday, April 7. Show hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. General admission is $22 for adults, $8 for children. Early access admission on

show dates is also available for an additional fee. The show offers guided tours and discounted group rates.

Jacob Javits Convention Center is located at 429 11th Ave. in Manhattan, near Hudson Yards. The main entrance to the show is located at 35th Street and 11th Avenue. An additional entrance is located on 37th Street and 11th Avenue. The convention center does have a food court, in addition to hundreds of great venues within walking distance.

Although closed indefinitely to close public access, check out the nearby art installation “The Vessel,” a stairway to nowhere, which continues to attract hundreds of marvellers and selfie-takers. Also, take a leisurely 30-minute stroll across The High Line, the elevated railroad path that has been meticulously preserved and converted into a beautiful, handicapped-accessible art and nature walk.

Visit www.autoshowny.com for more information about the New York International Auto Show or check out the show’s Facebook and Instagram pages for special offers.

—Christy Hinko

According to the New York State Bar Association, “medical aid in dying is a medical practice that has been adopted in ten US jurisdictions (WA, MT, VT, CA, CO, D.C., HI, ME, NJ, NM) that allows a terminally ill, mentally capable adult with a prognosis of six months or less to live to request from their doctor a prescription for medication they can decide to self-ingest to die peacefully in their sleep.” New York’s MAID law will be considered by the legislature this year.

Protections in the proposed law include (1) a requirement that two physicians confirm the person is terminally ill with a prognosis of six months or less months to live, (2) the individual is informed of palliative care and hospice options, (3) there is a mandatory mental health evaluation if either physician has any concerns about the person’s mental capacity, (4) the request be in writing witnessed by two people, neither of whom stand to benefit from the person’s estate, and (5) anyone attempting to coerce a person will face criminal prosecution.

MAID is inextricably tied to hospice and palliative care, of which a core value is patient dignity and autonomy. New York ranks last in the country for hospice utilization due to health providers failing to provide information and counseling on these end of life options. Options will now be required to be discussed under a provision requiring “informed consent”.

Public and organizational support for MAID is widespread. Gallup reports that 74% of US adults believe that doctors should be allowed to end the life of a patient with an incurable disease “by some painless means”. By a margin of 50% to 26% New York physicians support MAID.

Taking into account the sensibilities of those health professionals who oppose MAID (formerly known as “physician assisted suicide”) on moral or religious grounds, by allowing them to opt out without penalty, the proposed law will offer an end to needless end of life pain and suffering for countless New Yorkers.

2024 Chevy Corvette Stingray (Photos by Christy Hinko)

2024 Lexus LC 500 Convertible

1933 Ford Sedan Tudor

Bethpage Federal Credit Union Provides Small Business Recovery Grants To Three Long Island Not-For-Profit Organizations

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, and Ladles of Hope each awarded $10,000

Bethpage Federal Credit Union, as a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York (FHLBNY), has helped to facilitate grants in the amount of $10,000 each to three local not-for-profits under the 2023 Small Business Recovery Grant (SBRG) Program. Bethpage has delivered the grants to Pal-OMine Equestrian, the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, and Ladles of Hope.

The FHLBNY created the SBRG program as a way for its members to assist the nonprofits they work with. The grants are intended to support the financial security and health of organizations that have faced economic challenges due to the rate environment, inflation, supply-chain constraints, and/ or rising energy costs. Bethpage selected the not-for-profit organizations and applied for the grant on their behalf.

“We are so thankful for the Federal Home Loan Bank of New York’s (FHLBNY) Small Business Recovery Grant (SBRG) Program that has allowed us to provide these grants to our community not-for-profit organizations,” said Brian Bugge, Senior Vice President of Accounting and Finance, Bethpage Federal Credit Union.

“Pal-O-Mine, the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, and Ladles of Hope are all shining stars within Bethpage Federal Credit Union’s existing nonprofit partner network, and all worthy of being recognized as organizations whose great work has an enormous impact on the communities we serve. When this program was presented to us, we jumped at the opportunity to offer additional support to these organizations, and we will continue to partner with them through volunteerism and board stewardship throughout the year.”

“The FHLBNY is honored to work with members to help the communities we all serve. We are appreciative of our members

for their continued use of these programs, which enhance our ability to help make a positive impact,” said Adam Goldstein, Chief Business Officer, FHLBNY. “Small businesses and non-profits are the cornerstones of communities across our region, and we are grateful for the opportunity to support the vital work they continue to do every day. Recognizing this vital role local organizations play in the community is the first step to supporting continued opportunities and economic growth within our district.”

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian began in 1995 as a therapeutic horseback riding program for individuals with disabilities and other vulnerable populations, using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing. The Islandia-based notfor-profit supports children and adults with disabilities, those who have been abused or neglected, the military and the impoverished. Pal-O-Mine Equestrian plans to use their grant to increase and support staff hiring and retention.

“Operating a 13-acre, 20-stall horse farm is no easy task. Beyond the staff needed to maintain the facility and the health and safety of our animals, we also have teams of mental health professionals, riding instructors, teachers, vocational job coaches, speech pathologists, occupational and

and provide supplies to help them get back on their feet. We thank Bethpage for selecting us to receive this grant and appreciate all they do to support us on a regular basis.”

physical therapists, and nurses to help support the people we serve,” said Lisa Gatti, Founder and CEO, Pal-O-Mine. “We are so grateful to Bethpage for their generosity and ongoing support in selecting us for this grant.”

Since its inception in 1982, the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society’s directive has been to preserve, through education and capital improvements, the nautical heritage of Fire Island and Long Island and to ensure that the Fire Island Lighthouse and Keepers Quarters/ Visitor Center remain an integral part of Long Island maritime history. The SBRG grant will be used to create and/or support community programs such as educational programs, workshops and tours related to the historical nature of the Fire Island Lighthouse.

“When the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society took over the maintenance and operation of the Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters/Visitor Center in 1996, our mission has been to increase visitor services and programs for schools and other interested groups. Today, thousands of guests visit throughout the year to experience the 182-step tour to our gorgeous panoramic view and learn more about the life of a lighthouse keeper and the rigorous demands

of preserving the Lighthouse,” said Tony Femminella, Executive Director, Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society. “Bethpage has been an amazing supporter and partner for us, helping to ensure the Fire Island Lighthouse remains an integral part of the nautical heritage of Fire Island and Long Island for years to come.”

—Submitted by Bethpage Federal Credit Union

Ladles of Hope is a Seafordbased not-for-profit that operates soup kitchens and pantries offering to-go lunches and clothing for those in need in Nassau County, NY. The organization is 100percent volunteer-based and plans to use the grant to start offering a much-needed food pantry in Freeport and Roosevelt to provide clothing, toiletries, and meals to those in need.

“We are so thankful and proud of the work our volunteers do every week to prepare the to-go meals and groceries for our soup kitchens. It means a lot to us to be a fully volunteer based organization, including our board of directors, with many working with us for more than 20 years,” said Fran Hanly, Secretary, Ladles of Hope. “This grant will allow us to open two new food pantries to help feed our neighbors in need

The FHLBNY has awarded $5 million in grants to over 100 members to help small businesses and non-profits throughout New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands to benefit organizations facing economic challenges due to the rate environment, inflation, supply-chain constraints, and/or rising energy costs.

About Bethpage

Bethpage Federal Credit Union is a premier community financial institution committed to enriching the lives of its members, employees, and the communities it serves for the past 80 years. Bethpage is the largest credit union in the Northeast Region, and the 15th largest in the nation.

As a not-for-profit credit union, Bethpage is committed to its members and the communities it serves. In addition to giving back to its members in the form of great rates and low fees, the Bethpage Cares program invests heavily in local, high-impact community programs that serve with an eye towards creating better communities through diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging.

Bethpage is a federally chartered credit union, available to people nationwide who open a $5 dollar membership account. Bethpage offers a robust digital platform that allows members to bank from anywhere. Bethpage is a part of the national CO-OP network that gives members access to their accounts at over 30,000 free ATMs and 5,000+ shared branches across the U.S. For more information visit www.lovebethpage.com or call 1-800- 628-7070.

—Submitted by Bethpage Federal Credit Union

Fire Island Lighthouse

(Photo by Cory Olsen)

Pal-O-Mine

(Photo by Bethpage Federal Credit Union)

Syosset Coach, 22, Charged With Rape Of Student Dies By Suicide

jcorr@antonmediagroup.com

On Friday, March 22, at approximately 10:35 p.m., the Metropolitan Transit Authority Police Department responded to a scene where a male had intentionally stepped in front of a train traveling from Huntington to Penn Station at the Woodbury Road crossing in Syosset, east of the Long Island Rail Road station.

“The train struck the male, who was pronounced deceased at the scene,” said MTA Police Department Spokesperson Michael Cortez. “Upon joint investigation with the Nassau County Police Department, the subject was identified and determined to have left behind a suicide note.”

The male was identified as Jason Maser, 22, of Syosset, who had been arrested at his residence on March 21. He was charged with two counts of Rape in the Third Degree, two counts of

Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree and Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

According to Nassau County Police Department detectives, Maser sexually assaulted a 15-year-old female juvenile while employed as a girls’ volleyball coach for Sacred Heart High School in Hempstead and B & B Volleyball in Albertson. The assaults allegedly took place on Feb. 7 and March 7 in Albertson.

He had been reportedly released on $75,000 bail the morning of his suicide.

Sacred Heart High School stated to the media that it took immediate steps to ensure that Maser had no further access to its premises or any school activities. Further, Maser’s employment was terminated.

B&B Volleyball also cut ties with Maser and immediately notified parents.

“The family is devastated for obvious reasons,” Maser’s defense lawyer, John Carman, told Newsday. “While they process what has occurred, they are concerned for the young woman involved.”

A view of Sacred Heart Academy in Hempstead. (Via Sacred Heart Academy’s Facebook)

Local Pols Still Against Congestion Pricing

New York State Senator Steve Rhoads and Assemblyman Ed Ra introduced an amendment (S.5934) to congestion pricing that would force the issue of tolling to come back to the legislature to approve any recommended toll amount that is established before such toll amounts are established and adopted by the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority Board. This bill would also require the Traffic Mobility Review Board to recommend a privacy risk plan in relation to the collection, processing, transfer, and disclosure of personal data. In the technological age, Senator Rhoads and Assemblyman Ra are committed to protecting residents’ private data. The bill is currently in the Senate Transportation Committee and the Assembly Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee.

During Senator Rhoads’ impassioned plea for the amendment on the Senate floor, he emphasized the importance of accountability as elected leaders in government. The residents of New York State who send their elected officials to Albany have the right to expect that their elected officials will own it when these congestion pricing tolls are established. Senator Rhoads said, “turning that responsibility over to random people who most of the public will never have the opportunity to meet instead of taking responsibility for a policy that the legislature created to actually establish those tolls is shirking our responsibility and this amendment will place the responsibility back where it lies – with the elected officials of the legislature.”

The MTA is $48 billion in debt and Congestion Pricing is expected to generate $1 billion. This revenue is already earmarked to the MTA capital program, which currently already has a funding shortfall of $3 billion. The predicted money generated by Congestion Pricing is just a drop in the bucket in comparison to the actual needs of the MTA. With this evident mismanagement in mind and fare-hikes coming soon, Senator Rhoads renewed his calls for a forensic audit of the MTA, which he refers to as “Money Thrown Away.”

Senator Rhoads added, “Congestion Pricing is nothing more than a money grab with a facade of environmental justice that allows the MTA to take advantage of Long Island residents and businesses. This proposed amendment (S.5934) ensures residents have a voice in setting toll amounts – through their elected Albany representatives – and puts the safety of the taxpayers first by requiring the implementation of a data privacy plan. Tolls should not be left up to an unelected board of Albany bureaucrats. There needs to be accountability. The MTA Board has not historically been a vigilant watchdog for consumers or riders,

but has been nothing more than a lap dog for the governor and a lap dog for the radical policies that are often passed by the State Legislature under one-party rule. While residents continue to grapple with the State’s self-inflicted migrant crisis, soaring crime, rising food costs, and one-party control in Albany continuously imposing heavy taxes, Congestion Pricing serves as yet another assault on the suburbs to fund the MTA’s evident incompetence and lack of responsibility. Instead of going after the fare-evaders that cost the MTA $700 million, the MTA is making it more difficult for first responders, essential workers, non-profit workers, teachers, as well as residents driving into Manhattan for work, education, medical appointments, or leisure activities. It is high time for this senseless cycle to come to an end and put the hardworking taxpayers first.”

“Congestion pricing is a flawed idea to further tax suburban taxpayers under the guise of environmental protection. Imposing further financial strains on residents already struggling with an affordability crisis should never be the default approach. Long Island taxpayers are tired of being treated like an ATM. To do so without even making an effort to heed the voices of those affected is negligent at best and devious at worst. Policies like congestion pricing must prioritize the well-being of all New Yorkers, and that is precisely the principle guiding our proposed amendment,” said Assemblyman Ed Ra, 19th Assembly District.

—Submitted by the office of Senator Steven Rhoads

Leaders Unite As Brown Calls For Adequate CHIPS Funding

Assemblyman Ari Brown (R,Cedarhurst) was joined by Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick (R,C-9th Senate District) and local village mayors and officials ahead of the budget vote to advocate for adequate Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program (CHIPS) funding from the state for vital infrastructure needs, such as road and bridge repair.

Local governments maintain nearly 87percent of New York’s roads, yet the governor’s proposed budget reduces CHIPS funding by $60 million, which is a slap in the face to her constituency.

“Gov. Hochul’s budget proposal completely neglects the urgent need for infrastructure investment, though she talks a big game of building new housing.

“Cutting $60 million from CHIPS funding exacerbates an already dire situation, disregarding a $2.0 billion annual shortfall and soaring construction costs. With $89 billion in unmet infrastructure needs, we cannot afford to undermine our roads and local communities any longer.

“CHIPS funding is not just about roads; it’s about investing in communities, ensuring safety and fostering

economic growth. The funds are available, we simply must reallocate the $2.4 billion intended for those who have never contributed to our society and have come here illegally and give back to those who have given,” said Brown.

“One of the most tangible uses of New Yorkers’ hard-earned tax dollars is the quality of our roads. Unfortunately, many New Yorkers do not believe the quality of our roads is at all reflective of our taxes, which are among the highest in the nation. As we have seen an increase in the national average of construction costs of nearly 60percent since 2022, I am baffled that the governor would propose a significant cut to CHIPS while proposing to spend billions of dollars to put a Band-Aid on the self-imposed migrant crisis. This critical funding is essential to enable our local governments to maintain and update our transportation infrastructure. Our state budget needs to reflect New Yorkers’ priorities and the efforts that will make the most positive impacts on everyday New Yorkers’ lives, and I will continue to fight to ensure our final enacted budget does exactly that,” said Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick.

—Submitted by the Office of Ari Brown

Senator Ed Ra (Photos by the Office of Steven Rhoads)

Senator Steven Rhoads

State Outreach Connects Communities To Increase Access To Clean Water Funding

On World Water Day, Governor Kathy Hochul highlighted the success of New York’s Community Assistance Teams initiative as part of her long-term strategy to help local governments across the state address their water infrastructure needs. Since Governor Hochul launched this program in February 2023, the inter-agency teams have worked one-on-one with 85 municipalities by request and hosted 18 regional webinars and events, drawing participation from more than 500 local government representatives. This outreach has state experts working shoulder-to-shoulder with municipalities to help them assess their water infrastructure needs, identify solutions, and access funding. The program is being expanded as part of the clean water agenda in Governor Hochul’s 2024 State of the State, including increasing grants for small, rural, and disadvantaged communities.

Many communities face water infrastructure challenges, including aging systems, workforce shortages, increasing costs, and declining rate bases. These challenges can be compounded in small, rural, and disadvantaged communities.

The Community Assistance Teams serve an important role in helping to ensure that historically underserved communities receive the help they need to jumpstart their projects and submit acceptable funding applications. The teams are coordinated by the State Environmental Facilities Corporation in partnership with the Departments of Environmental Conservation, Health, and State, and the Division of Homes and Community Renewal. Providing central access to the agencies that provide water funding helps communities access solutions that fit their unique needs.

The teams offer one-on-one meetings either on-site in the community or virtually. When a community requests a meeting, staff offer consultations to discuss their water infrastructure needs and connect them to programs based on eligibility. Staff help communities effectively prepare to submit applications by explaining processes, deadlines, and the types of supporting documentation they must submit to be competitive.

For example, any community that’s applying for low-cost loans from the State Revolving Funds must submit an acceptable engineering report for their project. These reports identify best-fit solutions for advancing well-designed, resilient, and fiscally sound projects to construction. The Community Assistance Teams connect eligible communities to EFC’s Engineering Planning Grant program that

project is shovel ready.

The teams are also helping communities that are further along in the planning

process, such as providing guidance about how to improve funding applications for eligible projects or connecting them to additional State programs or resources. It is expected even more communities will start applying for grants and listing their projects for financing, with the first full funding cycle underway since the initiative launched. The deadline is June 14 for State water grant applications as well as project listings for the State Revolving Funds. Any community that needs help with its water infrastructure is encouraged to request a meeting at www. efc.ny.gov/cat.

Disadvantaged Communities will receive at least 35 percent of the benefits of Bond Act funding, with a goal of 40 percent. The first round of funding under the Environmental Bond Act was awarded by EFC in December through the WIIA/ IMG programs, when Governor Hochul announced $479 million in grants to 156 projects across New York State.

—From the office of Governor Kathy Hochul

World Water Day 2024 Sees Progress On PFAS

For all the work to be done removing PFAS—per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, more familiarly known as “forever chemicals”—from our waterways and our drinking water, the key to addressing this pervasive contamination crisis is keeping them out in the first place. We must turn off the tap on these toxins.

“Several efforts toward testing and mitigation are in motion,” said Long Island Soundkeeper Bill Lucey. “The problem is we keep introducing PFAS into these areas that we’re trying to clean up in order to keep our fish and drinking water toxin-free.”

It’s a vicious cycle. PFAS are found in the water we drink and the fish we eat, and wind up getting back into our waterways every time we flush our toilets. They’re in products we interact with every day, from the carpets we walk on to the couches we sit on, right down to our stain-resistant clothing; we put those clothes in our washing machines, and the PFAS-contaminated water discharges back into our rivers, lakes, and the Sound.

Once they’re out there in the water sources and our food chain, they stay there. PFAS are biopersistent (they don’t break down) and bioaccumulative (their presence builds up over time), which means the health risks to people, wildlife, and the environment don’t go away on their own. Those risks include increased risk of certain cancers; infertility, birth defects, and low birth weight; liver damage; decreased vaccine

response; high cholesterol; and diabetes.

This U.N. World Water Day, we are seeing positive signs around the Long Island Sound region that the spigot, finally, is in the process of being shut down. On Wednesday, the Environment Committee of the Connecticut Legislature unanimously passed SB-292, an act concerning the use of PFAS in certain products. New York’s most comprehensive bill seeking to prohibit the sale of certain consumer products containing intentionally added PFAS (S5648C) currently waits to be passed by the Senate Environmental Conservation committee.

Both bills face a long road ahead to becoming law, but they generally follow the model set forth by states that have already passed such legislation. Maine, Minnesota, and Washington have set the precedent, and have begun to phase out everyday products that contain intentionally and unnecessarily added PFAS. The list of products in Connecticut and New York don’t exactly match the other states or each other, but both are seeking to require many of the same kinds of products—certain apparel, carpets, cookware, cosmetics, cleaning products, fabric treatments, textiles, ski wax, among others—be PFAS-free by January 1, 2026.

“We’re encouraged to see Connecticut and New York taking a more comprehensive approach,” said David Ansel, our vice president of water protection. “Save the

Sound is working in both states toward a more aligned policy that ultimately would provide the same protections for everyone across the Long Island Sound region.”

Lawmakers across the country are acting with increased urgency as the scope of PFAS contamination becomes apparent. According to USA Today, drinking water for more than 70 million Americans contain PFAS levels “that require reporting to the Environmental Protection Agency.”

Back in January, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong announced two lawsuits seeking injunctive and monetary relief from 28 manufacturers responsible for contributing to PFAS contamination in state waterways. Last summer, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand came to Long Island— where more than one million people are drinking water with at least trace levels of PFAS—to introduce the Clean Water Standards for PFAS Act of 2023. And last month, Senator Richard Blumenthal announced the EPA had awarded $18 million to combat PFAS in Connecticut, where as many as 700 sites could be contaminated.

In New York, we continue to advocate that the state legislature include $600 million in the budget for the Clean Water Infrastructure Act, which provides essential funding for communities to upgrade their wastewater and drinking water infrastructure and launch projects related to PFAS filtration and mitigation. .

—Submitted by Save The Sound

Photo by Getty Images can help them develop an engineering report, which helps set the stage for a successful funding application when the

WORD FIND

HOROSCOPES By Holiday Mathis

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have pleted the puzzle, there will be 23 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

ARIES (March 21-April 19). You’ll strike a lovely balance between assertiveness and restraint. In fact, your approach in this regard is so nuanced, it’s like a blend of spices all your own. You might be inspired to think of your thought processes as proprietary, like the secret recipe of Coca-Cola, or the original recipe of Col. Sanders.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Because you know your own power, you have no need to engage with obstacles that do not engage with you. Keeping your distance from trouble is wise. ere are only two reasons worthy of your involvement -- to defend the defenseless or to protect your own interests. Mostly, these will not come into play.

GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You are always interested in self-development. What you’re not always sure about is which direction you want to take it. You’ve been known to say “yes” to things that scare you because you sense they will also grow you in just the right way. You’ll do it again this week.

CANCER (June 22-July 22). You’re a master of focus this week and will feel empowered to zoom in or out as needed. is helps you understand where you are in relation to other things. ere are many around you who can’t connect the dots because they don’t recognize them as “dots” to begin with. You’ll help people see the big picture.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Why are you attracted to some people and not others? Resonance. Someone’s presence vibrates within your own depths. Do not chastise yourself for being attracted to the “wrong people.” ere’s no such thing. You’re drawn to your soul’s best education. You will evolve from every interaction, as well as every conscious choice not to engage.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Love has many forms, tones and aspects. ough it’s a force of goodness, it’s also an uncontrollable force. is is a time to go slowly. Trust small doses of a ection to build. Love often inspires you to choose what’s good for the relationship over your own interests. Let this be a gradual move, not one big decision.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). e more you like someone, the warier you are about saying the wrong thing or making an undesirable impression. Dare to share an unvarnished version of yourself. at’s how you’ll learn whether it’s really a good t. Regardless, you can bet that the real you is more lovable than anyone you could try to be.

SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). At rst, you took on a task because it paid you. And though you may still be paid, perhaps better than ever, you’re driven by something entirely di erent from money. You love how people bene t from what you give. Being useful feels wonderful, and making a di erence feels even better.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). You know what you want and you’ll keep going for it. When one way doesn’t work, try it on repeat. Next, change up the intensity, recipe or approach. No matter how many times you change tactics, you’ll stick to the same goal. Because you’re willing to come at it from di erent angles, you’ll be successful.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). When you’re in the swirl of a problem, you’re losing some of your power to it. Can you detach? To take a step back mentally is a movement in stillness. It allows you to observe with greater scope and objectivity. It’s a way to conserve energy or even to fortify yourself.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Even though you are perfectly capable of self-reection, you are not the ideal mirror for yourself. It’s like using a hand mirror. You can only see one small view at a time and then you have to mentally piece together a bigger picture -- a process that is sure to bring distortions. Rely on friends, coaches and wise counsel.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). You’re on a quest to know and express yourself, to realize your full potential and to get the most out of your experiences you possibly can. Your path will intersect with one on a similar quest, and you’ll walk together for a stretch. Collectively, you’ll come up with e ective solutions neither of you could have made work on your own.

THIS WEEK’S BIRTHDAYS

A year in which your mind grows in power, your body in vitality, your personality in magnetism. Your main way of bringing resources to yourself and others aligns closer and closer to your purpose. You’ll o er clarity in the midst of confusion. Your counsel will be appreciated, and you’ll be well compensated for it. More highlights: You’ll be naturally drawn to the people who need you and who have much to give back. is emotional balance allows a clear channel of joy to ood into your world.

INTERNATIONAL WORD FIND

Gameshows past and present

Solution: 23 Letters

WORD FIND

This is a theme puzzle with the subject stated below. Find the listed words in the grid. (They may run in any direction but always in a straight line. Some letters are used more than once.) Ring each word as you find it and when you have completed the puzzle, there will be 23 letters left over. They spell out the alternative theme of the puzzle.

Gameshows past and present

Solution: 23 Letters

© 2024 Australian Word Games Dist. by Creators Syndicate Inc.

© 2024 Australian Word Games Dist. by Creators Syndicate Inc.

ADbc Answer Brain Cost Download Event

Exciting Fast Flashback Forget

Funny Greed

Hard Have a Go I Do, I Do

Jigsaw Language Man ‘O’ Man

Memory

Money Obscure

Pot Luck Quest Quiz

RocKwiz Rowdy Say G’day Sport

Steam Punks!

Success

Television

The Cube

The Cube

Tic-Tac-Dough

Tic-Tac-Dough

Tricky Vidiot

Wrong

Solution: Some perennial favourites

Creators Syndicate

Solution: Some perennial favourites

Date: 4/3/24

737 3rd Street Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310-337-7003 info@creators.com

Creators Syndicate

737 3rd Street Hermosa Beach, CA 90254 310-337-7003 info@creators.com

Famous Hand

Larsen wound up in three hearts, made four and could also have made three notrump.

Undoubtedly, Larsen’s two-heart

Date: 4/3/24

bid at his second turn was the cause of the failure to reach game. True, to some extent he made amends for his underbid by bidding three hearts later on, but this did not stir Wohlin into action.

Larsen probably thought there was little chance for game after both opponents had bid, but a jump to three hearts at his second turn would certainly have come closer to representing the full value of his hand. That bid would almost surely have induced Wohlin to bid three notrump.

When Ted Lightner of the U.S. held the South hand, the bidding went:

EastSouthWestNorth Pass 1 ♥ 1 ♠ Pass

2 ♣ 2 NT Pass 3 NT

Lightner’s two-notrump bid was certainly unusual, since he did not rebid his powerful suit. But he was more concerned with representing the game-potential of his hand than he was with spelling out the details. In his view, a nine-trick game seemed more likely to make than a 10-trick game. North, holding an ace and a king, was then delighted to raise to three notrump, against which there was no defense.

Weekly Sudoku Puzzle

Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must every 3x3 square.

Answer to last issue’s Crossword Puzzle

Answer to last issue’s Sudoku Puzzle

Su olk County NY nonpro t seeks sealed bids for sales and installation of security enhancements. You may bid on one or more of the following projects. Request proposal documents with scope of work and selection criteria from CQRDXQ@gmail.com. You must sign for proposal documents and provide contact info. Bids will be accepted until 5:00 PM on April 18, 2024. Work commences on or about May 1, 2024

247071 M

A nonprofit organization in Great Neck, NY is seeking sealed bids for sales and installation of security related enhancements. This is a New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services grant funded project. The project includes (i) installation of one or more: technology (such as CCTV, access control, alarms, sensors), security film, doors, locks, windows, bollards, planters, (ii) training programs, and (iii) security personnel. Bids will be accepted until 5:00 PM on April 12, 2024. Work is expected to commence by the week of May 1, 2024, and be completed by July 1, 2025. All interested vendors will be required to demonstrate preliminary qualifications and licensing for this work, acknowledge receipt of the proposal documents, and provide company name, business address, telephone, fax and email address, and primary contact name. Selection criteria will be based on knowledge of surveillance and security, adherence to projected work schedule, prior experience, references, and cost. Specifications and bid requirements can be obtained by contacting us at contracths2021@gmail.com

seeking sealed bids for the sale and installation of the following security related enhancements for NY state and federal grants: Exterior and interior doors to meet forced entry resistance standards with security glass or lm on sidelights and windows in doors; video access control system; bullet resistant lm on windows; polycarbonate-stained glass window protection, install exterior lighting and upgrade alarm system, vehicle arrest barriers, exterior surveillance camera system. You can bid on some or all projects. The selection criteria will be based on knowledge of security, adherence to projected work schedule, prior experience, references, and cost. Speci cations and bid requirements can be obtained by contacting us at seccomm20@gmail.com SDVOB and M/WBE’s are encouraged to apply. All quali ed applicants will be a orded equal employment opportunities without discrimination because of race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, disability or marital status.

Vendors will be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement and provide a primary contact, telephone, and email address.

Bids will be accepted until 6pm on May 1, 2024. Bids will not be accepted after the bid deadline. Project to start July, 2024 and complete by April 30, 2025.

We, Edward & Lisa Castellano, bring forth our land patent bene ts. The complete Patent can be viewed at landpatentpower.com

ATTORNEY

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AUTO / MOTORCYCLE

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COMPANIONS / ELDERCARE

Interested vendors must demonstrate quali cations and licensing for this work. Selection criteria based on material quality, knowledge of surveillance and security, timeliness of work, prior experience, references, and cost. Projects 1416, 1267, 1256, 1601, 1552, 1553, 1554, 1609, 1301 installation of one or more technology (such as CCTV, access control, alarms, sensors, X-ray machines, magnetometer, handheld radios), security lm, doors, locks, windows, bollards, booth, planters, barriers, lighting, fencing, privacy fencing, gates. Projects 1256A, 1601A, 1554A training programs. Projects 1601B security personnel. Projects 1609A cybersecurity.

FINANCE

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Contractor Debarred From Performing Public Work

DA secures more than $60,000 in underpaid prevailing wages in separate investigations

Nassau County District Attorney

Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Freeport construction company pleaded guilty yesterday to falsifying paperwork with the Wantagh Union Free School District and was barred from performing any public work contracts in New York State for five years. Separate NCDA investigations also led to the recovery of $60,000 in underpaid prevailing wages from both a Texas-based company and a Long Islandbased company.

GTX Construction Associates Corp, entered into a guilty plea before Judge Christopher Quinn to Offering a False Instrument for Filing in the First Degree (an E felony). The company was sentenced to a $1,000 fine and a conditional discharge. Under the New York State Labor Law, this felony conviction prohibits GTX and its principal Giovanni Napolitano from performing any public work contracts in New York State for five years.

“It is essential that the companies our school districts trust to perform work are operating honestly and legally,” said DA Donnelly. “GTX Construction Associates Corp filed fraudulent surety bond paperwork with the Wantagh Union Free School District purporting to be from a company that was in actuality no longer performing that service. I thank the Wantagh Union Free School District for referring this company’s conduct for investigation and am pleased that with this guilty plea GTX will be barred from any public work for the next five years.”

and labor/material bond from a licensed surety company to guarantee the quality of the work and the payment of wages.

Almost immediately upon the start of the project, the Wantagh assistant superintendent for business determined that GTX performed substandard work and terminated the contract. The Nassau County District Attorney’s Office investigation revealed that GTX filed a forged and falsified surety bond with the school district. Specifically, GTX submitted a bond that Aegis Security Insurance Company purportedly issued. However, per Aegis Security, the company left the bonding industry in 2021.

Additionally, in two separate and unrelated public work investigations, NCDA secured more than $60,000 in unpaid prevailing wages for six construction workers.

JLN Contracting, Inc., of Central Islip, performed carpentry work at Oceanside High School for six weeks in the summer of 2022. The employee on the project was paid $27.00/hour in cash instead of the $85.54/hour rate of wages and benefits prescribed under state law. The complaining witness received payment from NCDA of $12,293.40 last week to fully compensate him for his labor.

John McNamara, Superintendent of the Wantagh Union Free School District said, “We thank District Attorney Donnelly for pursuing this issue. The contractor presented falsified documents to our district, and we fortunately uncovered this before the district suffered any financial loss. The Board of Education quickly terminated GTX and reported the matter to the authorities.”

According to the charges, on October 22, 2022, the defendant entered a public work contract with the Wantagh Union Free School District for masonry restoration at the Mandalay Elementary School. The contract required that the defendant secure a payment

In the spring and summer of 2023, Gulf States Protective Coatings Inc. of La Porte, Texas, contracted to perform the highly specialized work of restoration of a water tank and treatment facilities at the Jericho Water District. District Council 9 Painters and Allied Trades Union notified NCDA that the non-union Texas company underpaid its employees by approximately $20.00/hour. A review of the certified payroll records obtained from the Jericho Water District and the paychecks from the employer revealed that five workers were underpaid $49,175.01, just less than $10,000.00 per employee. Payments were made to the workers at the end of January 2024.

“These companies underpaid workers a total of more than $60,000 in wages to which they were entitled through prevailing wage. In one instance, a worker was paid $60 an hour less than what he was owed for his carpentry work at a local high school,” said DA Donnelly. “My Revenue, Auto, Insurance and Labor Crime Bureau is aggressively investigating these wage viola-

tions and holding companies accountable when they short their employees. I thank the Oceanside School District and District Council 9 Painters and Allied Trades Union for their referral of these matters.”

“District Council 9 commends the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office on recovering lost wages for the workers at Gulf States Protective Coatings Inc. This investigation highlights the crucial need for integrity and legality in the construction industry, particularly concerning public works contracts,” stated Joseph Azzopardi, Business Manager/Secretary Treasurer of District Council 9. “Our union is proud to be a leader in efforts to ensure fair compensation and adherence to prevailing wage laws. We commend the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office for their diligent investigation, which not only uncovered

fraudulent practices but also resulted in the recovery of the almost $50,000 in underpaid wages. We must hold those who exploit workers and violate labor laws accountable.”

DA Donnelly thanks the Wantagh Union Free School District, the Oceanside School District, and District Council 9 Painters and Allied Trades Union for referring these matters to our office.

The cases are being prosecuted by Senior Investigative Counsel and Attorney-in-Charge of Labor Richard Balletta of the Revenue, Auto, Insurance, and Labor Crime Bureau. GTX is represented by Daniel A. Hochheiser, Esq. Gulf States Protective Coatings Inc. is represented by Matthew Davis, Esq.

—Submitted by the Office of the Nassau County District Attorney

Mandalay School, which entered a public work contract with GTX Construction Associates Corp. (Photo credit GoogleMaps)

The Safe Center Expands Services

Creation of new mental health clinic for victims and survivors of violence and abuse

The Safe Center, located in Bethpage, NY, announced it will expand its services with the addition of a new licensed mental health clinic to further assist victims and survivors of interpersonal violence including domestic violence, child sexual and severe physical abuse, rape and sexual assault, and human trafficking.

This project is an expansion of The Safe Center’s prior grant-funded services, allowing the agency to serve the increased demand for trauma-informed mental health services. The expansion will include the addition of an on-staff, licensed psychiatrist, the first time The Safe Center has offered these services.

“This is a natural evolution of our work and services and is essential to helping victims and survivors get the support and healing they need.

With the shifting service landscape on Long Island, it is critical that The Safe Center expands its capacity to serve victims and survivors,” said Joshua Hanson, Executive Director of The Safe Center. “Untreated and undertreated trauma only gets worse, and symptoms generalize and can worsen over time including avoidance, depression, anxiety, and disruptive behaviors in some cases.”

Studies now show a causal link between trauma exposure and adverse health and mental health outcomes, including substance use, mental health issues, and an increased likelihood for chronic illness. For those with the most severe exposure to childhood trauma, there is a 25 percent reduction in life expectancy.

The Safe Center’s clinical programs are currently operating at capacity, and receive more referrals than they can serve. This complicates the process of triaging high-need victims and survivors of interpersonal violence. The reverberations of the pandemic continue, with the Long Island-wide referral network straining under an increased demand and a reduction in trauma-informed service providers. This new clinic will create a reliable direct referral network that will:

•Expedite the deployment of services to a client by creating a more efficient assessment process and removing barriers to care

•Provide greater flexibility to provide both long-term and short-term care

•Reach people who might not realize there is specialized trauma support in our community or

are reluctant to take advantage of a free (to clients) service they feel others might need more •Provide services based on need rather than a first come, first served basis

About The Safe Center:

The Safe Center, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, is the leading victim service organization in Nassau County, providing comprehensive and trauma-informed services for victims of interpersonal violence including domestic violence, child sexual and severe physical abuse, rape and sexual assault, and human trafficking. In 2014, The Safe Center was created by the merger of the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence (founded in 1978) and the Coalition Against Child Abuse & Neglect (founded in 1979). This merger created a highly integrated service model to empower victims of interpersonal violence to recover from their abuse. The Safe Center operates a 24-hour Hotline (516-542-0404) providing crisis intervention, access to services, and information and support. Visit https://www.tscli.org for more information. Follow The Safe Center on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

—Submitted by The Safe Center

(Contributed image)

Hazardous Material, Homeowners Cleanup Days Kickoff

Free paper shredding services available during homeowners cleanup

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Tom Hand announce the Town’s S.T.O.P. (Stop Throwing Out Pollutants) and Homeowners Cleanup Days return for 2024 with dates scheduled for weekends in April and May. Residents can drop off materials at the Old Bethpage Solid Waste Disposal Complex, located at 101 Bethpage-Sweet Hollow Road in Old Bethpage. S.T.O.P. program - Saturday, April 6th & May 4th from 9am –4pm: collects various hazardous materials, including: asbestos material (double bagged); automobile batteries; automobile tires (with or without rims); brake and transmission fluids; drain and oven cleaners; fire extinguishers; flares; fluorescent bulbs; gasoline; pesticides and insecticides; oil-based and latex paint; outdoor gas grill propane tanks; photo chemicals; rechargeable and button batteries; small aerosol cans; smoke detectors; solvents; spot removers; thermostats; waste motor oil and antifreeze; and wood preservatives.

“Improperly disposing of products such as waste oil, oven cleaner or paint thinner could contaminate your water supply,” said Supervisor Saladino. “Anything poured on the ground or put into cesspools, storm drains, or recharge systems can work its

way down to the aquifer or our waterways.”

Homeowners Cleanup Days

– Saturday, April 20th & May 18th from 8:30am – 4pm: collects non-hazardous waste only, including: air conditioners; all e-waste; campers; boats and boat trailers (proof of ownership required - oil, gas, other fluids and batteries removed); clean, broken concrete; large metal items; propane tanks and propane torches; tires; and yard waste.

“Many of our residents take the opportunity to clean out their yards in the summer months and may have large amounts of non-hazardous debris to dispose,” said Councilman Hand.

“Residents can bring items such as used tires, fence posts, clean broken concrete or yard waste to our Homeowners

Cleanup.”

Free Paper Shredding Services - Saturday, April 20th & May 18th from 8:30am – 4pm: provides residents an opportunity to destroy unwanted documents in a safe and secure manner. Residents only, no businesses, can bring up to four bankers’ boxes of paper to the shredding program.

The Town’s S.T.O.P. and Homeowners programs are open to residents within the Town’s Solid Waste Disposal District. Proof of residency is required. For more information, including a full list of what is accepted at these programs, visit www.oysterbaytown.com/cleanup or call (516) 677-5848.

—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay

(Graphic credit VectorPortal)

Three Field Upgrades Complete At Abe Levitt Field In Hicksville

As part of park improvements throughout the Town, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino and Councilman Lou Imbroto announce that upgrades are complete at Abe Levitt Field in Hicksville. Crews replaced three synthetic turf infields to improve the playing experience and safety for athletes who utilize this facility.

“My colleagues on the Town Board and I have made field upgrades in all communities a top priority. We recently completed upgrades at Abe Levitt Field in Hicksville, featuring three new synthetic turf infields for athletes to enjoy. As the host of many Little League games, this park and the visitors it welcomes each day will benefit tremendously from these

new enhancements,” Supervisor Saladino said.

Artificial turf fields have a general useful life of up to 10 years, however they are less expensive than the long-term cost of maintaining natural grass and a dirt surface. Turf fields also provide the potential for fewer cancellations of games due to inclement weather, as the field is able to

absorb rain storms in a manner that is not possible on a fully-dirt infield.

“Little Leaguers from throughout the Town of Oyster Bay have the opportunity to play at Abe Levitt Field, and the Town Board and I hope these field upgrades will enrich their playing experience,” said Councilman Imbroto. “These enhancements improve

play quality for all who utilize these fields, while providing less long-term maintenance costs for taxpayers.”

For more information about Town parks, including local programs and events, visit the Town’s website at www.oysterbaytown. com/parks.

—Submitted

by the Town of Oyster Bay

Bethpage High School Hockey Team Brings Home The Trophy As New York State Champions

For the first time in Bethpage High School history, the Bethpage High School boys ice hockey team was crowned New York State club team champions. Under the leadership of their head coach Jeff Schmier and assistant coach Anthony Regateiro, the team competed in the state tournament against Bellmore-Merrick on March 3 in Jamestown, NY and scored two goals in the final five minutes of the game to tie. They took home the win a minute into overtime.

On March 4, the team received a celebratory welcome home outside of Bethpage High School. Family members, students, administrators, faculty and staff gathered at the front of the high school with posters as they anxiously waited for the team’s arrival. The Bethpage Fire Department led the team’s bus to the school where the marching band performed and the boys exited the bus to cheers. The team continued the celebration inside the school building where they paraded the hallways with their trophy to the applause of their peers. The team and their family members then gathered in the high school auditorium.

The boys and the coaching staff received congratulatory remarks from Bethpage High School Principal Nicholas Jantz, Director of Athletics, Physical Education and Health John Franchi and Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker.

Ms. Walker presented a citation to Coach Schmier and certificates to everyone on the team.

“Congratulations to all of you,” Bethpage High School Principal Nicholas Jantz said to the boys. “You worked hard all season and

to end it this way is nothing short of phenomenal.”

Coach Schmier thanked the district for its support. He also addressed the team.

“It’s a long season and the opportunity to get to the state tournament is really special,” he said. “This year, we knew we had a special team…these boys have worked tirelessly all year and there is no better group. They never quit.”

The boys had an incredible season. Prior to winning the state tournament, they won the conference title and the Nassau County championship.

“To bring home a state championship in the fashion that they did, down two goals with five minutes left in the game, is nothing short of a miracle,” Coach Schmier said. “It was one heck of a ride and we will never forget it.”

—Submitted by the Bethpage Union Free School District

Field Upgrades Complete At Pop’s Field In Farmingdale

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor

Joseph Saladino and Councilman Lou Imbroto recently unveiled field upgrades at Pop’s Field in Farmingdale. The synthetic turf infield was replaced with new turf to improve the playing experience and safety for youth athletes who utilize this facility.

“My administration is committed to ensuring the Town of Oyster Bay is the best place to live, work, and raise a family. That means ensuring our parks offer the best playing experience for all who use them, especially our young

athletes,” Supervisor Saladino said. “I’m proud to announce that upgrades are finished at Pop’s Field in Farmingdale and were completed in the most cost-effective manner possible.”

Artificial turf fields have a general useful life of up to 10 years, however they are less expensive than the long-term cost of maintaining natural grass and a dirt surface. Turf fields also provide the potential for fewer cancellations of games due to inclement weather, as the field is able to absorb rain storms in a manner that is not

possible on a fully-dirt infield.

“These upgrades extend the play time for local Little Leaguers,” said Councilman Imbroto.

“We are pleased to bring these enhancements to the Farmingdale community while keeping a watchful eye on the Town budget’s bottom line.”

For more information about Town parks, including local programs and events, visit the Town’s website at www.oysterbaytown. com/parks.

—Submitted by the Town of Oyster Bay

The Bethpage High School boys hockey team, along with their coaches Jeff Schmier and Anthony Regateiro, were recognized by Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker (right). (Contributed photo)

FARMINGDALE

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of formation of JESSICA NICOLE FREITAG, ARCHITECT, PLLC, a professional limited liability company Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 2/20/24. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to c/o THE LLC, 31 Sullivan Avenue, Farmingdale, NY, 11735, USA. Purpose: Any lawful act.

4-24-17-10-3; 3-27-20-20246T-#246827-NOB/FARM

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of formation of Corvus Brewing Company LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/09/24. Office located in Nassau. SSNY designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to 211A Main St, Farmingdale, NY 11735. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

5-1; 4-24-17-10-3; 3-272024-6T-#246870-NOB/ FARM

LEGAL NOTICE

CANGRO INDUSTRIES,

LLC – Publication Notice

Notice of Qualification of Cangro Industries, LLC. Authority filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/02/2023. Office location: Nassau County. LLC formed in OH on 06/01/2023. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 122 East 42nd St., 18th Fl., New York, NY 10168. OH address of LLC:

One Applied Plaza, Cleveland, OH 44115. Articles of Org. filed with the Secy. of State of OH, 180 Civic Center Dr., Columbus, OH 43215. Purpose: any lawful activity.

5-8-1; 4-24-17-10-3-20246T-#247049-NOB/FARM

LEGAL NOTICE

FARMINGDALE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT Farmingdale, NY NOTICE TO BIDDERS

Description: Request for Proposal for Universal Pre-Kindergarten Coordinator

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Education, Farmingdale Union Free School District, Towns of Oyster Bay and Babylon, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York, at the Purchasing Office situated in the Administrative Offices Building (entrance off of Grant Avenue) within Weldon E. Howitt School, 50 Van Cott Avenue, Farmingdale, New York 11735 until 11:00 a.m. on April 10, 2024 and then at said office publicly opened

and read aloud. All information for bidders may be obtained at the above-mentioned address on any school day from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The Board of Education, Farmingdale Union Free School District, reserves the right to waive any informality in, or to reject any or all proposals, or to accept that proposal, or any part of that proposal, which in its judgment is for the best interests of the School District.

By Order: Board of Education

Farmingdale Union Free School District Farmingdale, New York 11735

Towns of Oyster Bay and Babylon Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York

Dated: April 3, 2024

4-3-2024-1T-#247056-NOB/ FARM

HICKSVILLE

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, V.

KATHRYN DASSAU, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated July 26, 2023, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and KATHRYN DASSAU, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on April 11, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 35 FOURTH STREET A/K/A 35 4TH STREET, HICKSVILLE, NY 11801: Section 46, Block 171, Lot 50-51:

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT HICKSVILLE, TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 603121/2019. Scott H. Siller, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane

& Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

4-3; 3-27-20-13-2024-4T#246366-NOB/HIX

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, FOR MASTR ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2005-3, V. SHANNON ELLSWORTH, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure dated March 14, 2023, and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, wherein WILMINGTON TRUST COMPANY NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, FOR MASTR ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2005-3 is the Plaintiff and SHANNON ELLSWORTH, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on April 23, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 10 ALAN CREST DRIVE, HICKSVILLE, NY 11801: Section 46, Block 564, Lot 37: ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN BETHPAGE, TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 609128/2019. Brian J. Davis, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT

LEGAL NOTICES

TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

4-10-3; 3-27-20-2024-4T#246720-NOB/HIX

LEVITTOWN

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of formation of HomeHydrationIV LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/09/24. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail a copy of process against LC to: 3244 Cherrywood Drive, Wantagh, NY 11793. Purpose: any lawful act. Matthew Bustruc 3244 Cherrywood Drive, Wantagh, NY 11793 (516)-456-0239 Nassau Observer

4-10-3; 3-27-20-13-6-20246T-#246208-NOB/LEV

LEGAL NOTICE

LLC Notice for Publishing - Bright Eyed Photo NY, LLC

Notice of formation of Bright Eyed Photo NY, LLC, a limited liability company. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/23/24. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of any process served against the LLC to: 1765 Merikoke Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

4-10-3; 3-27-20-13-6-20246T-#246291-NOB/LEV

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 FRED CATAPANO AKA FRED J. CATAPANO, FRANK LANGAN, JR. AKA FRAN LANGAN, JR., ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 16, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 19, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 21 Piper Lane, Levittown, NY 11756. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Levittown, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 45, Block 312, Lot 6. Approximate amount of judgment $463,805.99

plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #616612/2019. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 mitigation protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine”. Howard Colton, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 20-003158 79812 4-10-3; 3-27-20-2024-4T#246519-NOB/LEV

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ANNUAL DISTRICT ELECTION AND BUDGET VOTE

ISLAND TREES PUBLIC LIBRARY

ISLAND TREES, NEW YORK

BUDGET VOTE AND TRUSTEE ELECTION

APRIL 23, 2024

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual election and budget vote of the Island Trees Public Library will be held on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, between the hours of 1:00 P.M. and 9:00 P.M. at the Island Trees Public Library, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees, New York 11756-5200, for the purpose of voting upon the following items:

1) To adopt the Annual Library Budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025, and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the Library District.

2) To elect one (1) Trustee to the Island Trees Public Library Board to fill a five (5) year term commencing July 1, 2024 and expiring on June 30, 2029 as a result of the expiration of the term of office currently held by Trustee Catherine Maganiello.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that petitions, nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Trustees of the Library, must be filed with the Clerk of the Library Vote between 10:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. no later than Monday, March 25, 2024. Each petition shall be directed to the Clerk of the Library Vote, shall be signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District, shall state the residence of each signer and the name and residence of the candidate. Pre- printed nominating petitions may be obtained at the Library any weekday from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that copies of estimated expenses of the Library for the year 2024-2025 may be obtained at the Library from

Monday through Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. beginning April 2, 2024 and that any other propositions to be voted upon are available for inspection by any taxpayer in the District at the Library on Monday through Saturday from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M up until April 23, 2024.

NOTICE IS FURTHER

GIVEN that a public hearing shall be held at the Library on Tuesday, April 9, 2024 at 7:00 P.M., for the purpose of discussion of the proposed 2024/2025 Library budget. All residents of the Library District are invited to attend this information meeting.

NOTICE IS HEREBY

FURTHER GIVEN that applications for early mail and absentee ballots may be obtained any weekday from 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Such application must be received by the Clerk of the Vote at least seven (7) days before the day of the vote if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or by the day before the day of the vote if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. A list of all persons to whom early mail and absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available in the Island Trees Public Library on each of the five (5) days prior to the day of the vote except Sundays and holidays. No early mail or absentee voter’s ballot shall be canvassed unless it shall have been received in the Library by 5:00 pm on the date of the election.

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a qualified voter whose ability to appear personally at the polling place is substantially impaired by reasons of permanent illness or physical disability and whose registration record has been marked “permanently disabled” by the Board of Elections pursuant to the provisions of the Education Law shall be entitled to receive an absentee ballot pursuant to the provisions of the Education Law without making separate applications for such absentee ballot.

FURTHER NOTICE IS

GIVEN that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the Library District. Military voters who are qualified voters of the Library District may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot applications must be received in the Library no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, March 29, 2024. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is received by the Library no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the election.

DATED: Island Trees,

New York

January 27, 2024

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ISLAND TREES PUBLIC LIBRARY ISLAND TREES, NEW YORK

By: GREGORY KELTY, LIBRARY BOARD PRESIDENT 4-17-3; 3-20-6-2024-4T#246205-NOB/LEV AVISO LEGAL

AVISO DE LA ELECCIÓN ANUAL DEL DISTRITO Y VOTACIÓN DEL PRESUPUESTO BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE ISLAND TREES ISLAND TREES, NUEVA YORK VOTACIÓN DEL PRESUPUESTO Y ELECCIÓN DE FIDUCIARIO 23 DE ABRIL DE 2024

SE NOTIFICA POR LA PRESENTE que la elección anual y la votación del presupuesto de la Biblioteca Pública de Island Trees se llevarán a cabo el martes, 23 de abril de 2024, entre las horas de 1:00 p.m. y 9:00 p.m. en la Biblioteca Pública de Island Trees, 38 Farmedge Road, Island Trees, Nueva York 11756-5200, con el propósito de votar sobre los siguientes ítems:

1) Adoptar el Presupuesto Anual de la Biblioteca para el año fiscal 2024-2025, y autorizar la porción requerida del mismo a ser recaudada mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad gravable del Distrito de la Biblioteca.

2) Elegir un (1) Fiduciario para la Junta de la Biblioteca Pública de Island Trees para ocupar un mandato de cinco (5) años que comenzará el 1 de julio de 2024 y expirará el 30 de junio de 2029, como resultado de la expiración del mandato actualmente ocupado por la Fiduciaria Catherine Maganiello.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las peticiones nominativas de candidatos para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Fiduciarios de la Biblioteca deben presentarse al Secretario de la Votación de la Biblioteca entre las 10:00 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m. a más tardar el lunes, 25 de marzo de 2024. Cada petición debe dirigirse al Secretario de la Votación de la Biblioteca, estar firmada por al menos 25 votantes calificados del Distrito, debe indicar la residencia de cada firmante y el nombre y la residencia del candidato. Las peticiones nominativas preimpresas pueden obtenerse en la Biblioteca cualquier día de la semana de 10:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las copias de los gastos estimados de la Biblioteca para el año 2024-2025 pueden obtenerse en la Biblioteca de lunes a sábado de 10:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m. a partir del 2 de abril de 2024, y que cual-

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quier otra propuesta sujeta a votación está disponible para su inspección por parte de cualquier contribuyente del Distrito en la Biblioteca de lunes a sábado de 10:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m. hasta el 23 de abril de 2024.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que se llevará a cabo una audiencia pública en la Biblioteca el martes, 9 de abril de 2024 a las 7:00 p.m., con el propósito de discutir el presupuesto propuesto de la Biblioteca para 2024/2025. Todos los residentes del Distrito de la Biblioteca están invitados a asistir a esta reunión informativa.

POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las solicitudes para boletas de voto por correo anticipado y ausente pueden obtenerse cualquier día de la semana de 10:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m. Dicha solicitud debe ser recibida por el Secretario de la Votación al menos siete (7) días antes del día de la votación si la boleta va a ser enviada por correo al votante, o antes del día anterior al día de la votación si la boleta va a ser entregada personalmente al votante. Una lista de todas las personas a quienes se les hayan emitido boletas de voto por correo anticipado y ausente estará disponible en la Biblioteca Pública de Island Trees en cada uno de los cinco (5) días previos al día de la votación, excepto los domingos y días festivos. Ninguna boleta de voto por correo anticipado o ausente será contada a menos que sea recibida en la Biblioteca antes de las 5:00 p.m. en la fecha de la elección.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que un votante calificado cuya capacidad para comparecer personalmente en el lugar de votación esté sustancialmente impedida por razones de enfermedad permanente o discapacidad física y cuyo registro de inscripción haya sido marcado como “permanentemente discapacitado” por la Junta Electoral de conformidad con las disposiciones de la Ley de Educación tendrá derecho a recibir una boleta de voto ausente de conformidad con las disposiciones de la Ley de Educación sin necesidad de hacer solicitudes separadas para dicha boleta de voto ausente.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que los votantes militares que no estén actualmente registrados pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del Distrito de la Biblioteca. Los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del Distrito de la Biblioteca pueden presentar una solicitud de boleta de voto militar. Los votantes militares pueden designar una preferencia para recibir un registro de votante militar, una solicitud de boleta de voto militar o una boleta de voto militar por correo, transmisión de facsímil o correo electrónico electrónico en su solicitud para dicho registro, solicitud de boleta o boleta. Los formularios de registro de votante militar y

las solicitudes de boleta de voto militar deben recibirse en la Biblioteca a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del viernes, 29 de marzo de 2024. Ninguna boleta de voto militar será contada a menos que sea recibida por la Biblioteca a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del día de la elección.

FECHADO: Island Trees, Nueva York 27 de enero de 2024

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE FIDUCIARIOS

BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE ISLAND TREES ISLAND TREES, NUEVA YORK

Por: GREGORY KELTY, PRESIDENTE DE LA JUNTA DE LA

BIBLIOTECA

4-17-3; 3-30-6-2024-4T#246206-NOB/LEV

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

INSOURCE EAST PROPERTIES, INC., Plaintiff - against - DEBORAH PERRICELLI, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on February 13, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 “Rain or Shine” on the 25th day of April, 2024 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the building and improvements thereon erected, situate lying and being at Levittown, Dear Hicksville, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York.

Premises known as 107 Abbey Lane, Levittown, NY 11756.

(Section: 51, Block: 239, Lot: 27)

Approximate amount of lien $676,543.60 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 606995/2022. Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee. Stein, Wiener & Roth LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 1400 Old Country Road, Suite 315 Westbury, NY

Tel. 516/742-1212

Dated: February 21, 2024

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale.

4-17-10-3: 3-27-2024-4T#246846-NOB/LEV

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS

In accordance with the provision of Section 103 of the General Municipal Law, the Board of Education of Levittown Public Schools, hereby invites the submission of sealed bids for:

BID LPS-24-002: 20232024 School Year Transportation Levittown Public Schools hereby gives public notice that SEALED BIDS will be received until 10:00 AM prevailing time on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at the Levittown Business Office, located at Levittown Memorial at 150 Abbey Lane, Levittown, NY 11756 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. In accordance with Section 103 (2) of the General Municipal Law and other relevant provisions of the law to extend necessary to ALLOW THE NON-PUBLIC OPENING OF BIDS: provided however that, where practical, public entities shall record or live stream bid openings so that the public has an opportunity to view such bid openings. Sealed bids are to be addressed to the attention of Deirdre Ciminera, Purchasing Agent, Levittown Public School District, Levittown Memorial 150 Abbey Lane, Levittown, NY 11756.

Bid Specifications and all applicable terms and conditions forms can be obtained by emailing dciminera@levittownschools.com or by calling (516) 434-7014.

The Board of Education reserves the right to waive any informality in or to reject in whole or in part all bids or to accept any bid, which in its judgment is in the best interest of the school district.

All proposals received after the time stated in the Notice to Bidders will not be considered and will be returned unopened to the bidder. The bidder assumes the risk of any delay in the mail or in the handling of the mail by employees of the School District. Whether sent by mail or by means of personal delivery, the bidder assumes responsibility for having his bid deposited on time at the place specified.

Bids must be in a SEALED ENVELOPE clearly marked on the outside, “BID LPS-24-002: 20232024 SCHOOL YEAR BID, and the envelope must bear on the outside, the complete name address of the bidder.

Each Bidder shall agree to hold his/her bid price for forty-five (45) days after the formal bid opening.

4-3-2024-1T-#247022-NOB/ LEV

MASSAPEQUA

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S.

BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS LEGAL TITLE

TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN

2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. STEVE OSMAN A/K/A STEVEN OSMAN, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 2, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 11, 2024 at 4:00 p.m., premises known as 4 Eagle Chase, Unit 4, Woodbury, NY 11797. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being part of a Condominium in Woodbury, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 13, Block 114 and Lot 1 a/k/a Lot 1U together with an undivided 1.03 percent interest in the Common Elements. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,041,010.45 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #606536/2019. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine.

COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Richard L. Farley, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 192526-1

4-3; 3-27-20-13-2024-4T#246299-NOB/MASS

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU CitiMortgage, Inc., Plaintiff AGAINST Matthew S. MacPherson a/k/a Matthew MacPherson, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 21, 2019, 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 April 17, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 100 Hemlock Drive, Farmingdale, NY 11735. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Plainedge, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, SECTION: 49., BLOCK: 227, LOT: 8. Approximate amount of judgment $314,810.16 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #010859/2015. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols located on the Office of Court Ad-

ministration (OCA) website ( https://ww2.nycourts.gov/ Admin/oca.shtml) and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction. com or call (800) 280-2832. Michael Sepe, Esq., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-078555-F00 79751

4-10-3; 3-27-20-2024-4T#246520-NOB/MASS

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of formation of CHNY ON-CALL NOTARY, LLC. Articles of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/13/2024. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of process against the LLC to 12 Coolidge Place, Freeport NY 11520. Purpose: any lawful act.

5-1; 4-24-17-10-3; 3-272024-6T-#246841-NOB/ MASS

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 VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. LLEWELLYN BISHOP, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Reformation of Legal Description duly entered on February 6, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 30, 2024 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 6 Martin Street, Massapequa, NY 11758. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Massapequa Park, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 53, Block 216 and Lot 3. Approximate amount of judgment is $429,482.45 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #602379/2019. Cash will not be accepted. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Russell S. Burman, Esq., Referee

Knuckles, Komosinski & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591,

Attorneys for Plaintiff 4-17-10-3; 3-27-2024-4T#246724-NOB/MASS

LEGAL NOTICE

File No.: 2016-2612/A-B-C-D

THIRD SUPPLEMENTAL CITATION

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

BY THE GRACE OF GOD FREE AND INDEPENDENT

TO: CASEY L. DAUS

Being persons interested as creditors, legatees, distributees or otherwise in the Estate of MARIE DAUS, deceased, who at the time of death resided at 50 Abbey Street, Massapequa Park, New York 11762.

Upon the Petition of EDWARD DAUS, residing at 50 Abbey Street, Massapequa Park, New York 11762.

YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate at the Surrogate’s Court of the County of Nassau located at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, NY 11530, on the 22nd day of May, 2024, at 9:30 a.m.

WHY EDWARD DAUS, as Administrator of the Estate of MARIE DAUS should not be authorized and empowered to allocate and distribute the net proceeds of the settlement of the claim and cause of action for the wrongful death of the decedent, MARIE DAUS against defendant in the Supreme Court, MARC STEVEN LEVITT, M.D., for the sum of ONE MILLION TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND ($1,225,000.00) DOLLARS; and

WHY the gross recovery should not be allocated $937,436.68 (approximately 99.0461%) to the cause of action for wrongful death and $9,028.00 (approximately 0.0095%) to the cause of action for conscious pain and suffering; and

WHY the claims of Bank of America, N.A. should not be paid from the cause of action of conscious pain and suffering;

WHY any alleged claim by Chase Cardmember Services should not be rejected;

WHY the net recovery for the cause of action for wrongful death after the payment of attorneys fees and disbursements should not be distributed 100% to Edward Daus; and

WHY the giving of a bond or other security in connection herewith should not be dispensed with; and

WHY the Account of EDWARD DAUS as Administrator of the Estate of MARIE DAUS should not be judicially settled as to those matters embraced herein, and

WHY the restriction on the letters of limited administration should not be removed to allow the petitioner to effectuate the provisions of this Decree; and

WHY the administrator should not discharged from any and all further liability as to all matters and things embraced and determined by this

Decree upon the payments as directed by a Decree to be entered in this proceeding.

DATED, ATTESTED AND SEALED

March 18, 2024

(L.S.)

HON. MAGARET C. REILLY County Surrogate

Debra Keller Leimbach Chief Clerk

Name of Attorney:

JOHN M. TOMSKY

Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C. 120 Broadway, 27th Floor New York, NY 10271 (212) 732-9000

JTomsky@triallaw1.com

NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not obliged to appear in person. You have the right to have an attorney appear for you. If you fail to appear it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested.

4-17-10-3; 3-27-2024-4T#246876-NOB/MASS

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRU ST, -againstMELANIE POSNER, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on August 10, 2023, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and MELANIE POSNER, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 7, 2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 90 JERUSALEM AVENUE, MASSAPEQUA, NY 11758; and the following tax map identification: 52-186-1578. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT MASSAPEQUA, TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 601879/2020. Mark Ricciardi, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590,

Continued on page 16

LEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICESLEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICES

Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 4-24-17-10-3-2024-4T#246928-NOB/MASS

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, FEDERAL NATIONAL MORTGAGE ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff, vs. DIANE TEMPRANO, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 25, 2017, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 205 Division Avenue, Massapequa, NY 11758. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 65, Block 49 and Lot 58. Approximate amount of judgment is $564,046.85 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #014802/2012. Cash will not be accepted. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse,

rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale. Anthony Rattoballi, Esq., Referee Knuckles Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 4-24-17-10-3-2024-4T#247054-NOB/MASS

PLAINVIEW/ OLD BETHPAGE

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Formation of FOAWM LLC filed with SSNY on JULY 19, 2023. Office: NASSAU County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: The LLC, 527 PLAINVIEW ROAD, PLAINVIEW, NY 11803. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 4-3; 3-27-20-13-6; 2-282024- 6T-#246066-NOB/PLV

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of formation of MJAJ HOLDINGS LLC. Arts of Org filed with the Secy of State of NY (SSNY) on 8/13/23. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to: 211 Central Park Road, Plainview, NY 11803. Purpose: any lawful act. 4-3; 3-27-20-13-6; 2-282024-6T-#246204-NOB/PLV

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR CARRINGTON MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2006-FRE2 ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, Plaintiff, AGAINST DEEPAK KAPOOR, ARUNA KAPOOR, et al.

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on October 11, 2023.

I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM premises known as 12 Battle Row, Old Bethpage, NY 11804.

Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Old Bethpage, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 47, Block 153 and Lot 21.

Approximate amount of judgment $995,103.42 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #003271/2015.

Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLP - Attorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville,

NY 11747

4-24-17-10-3-2024-4T#246963-NOB/PLVOB

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR AMERICAN HOME MORTGAGE ASSETS TRUST

2006-1, MORTGAGE-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-1, -againstJILL S MARKOWITZ, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on April 13, 2023, wherein DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR AMERICAN HOME MORTGAGE ASSETS TRUST 2006-1, MORTGAGE-BACKED PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 20061 is the Plaintiff and JILL S MARKOWITZ, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME

COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 8, 2024 at 2:30PM, premises known as 133 CARRIAGE LN, PLAINVIEW, NY 11803; and the following tax map identification: Section 13, Block 119, Lot 141, Unit 105.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PAR-

CEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT PLAINVIEW, TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 001980/ 2017. George Peter Esernio, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane Partners, PLLC 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES.

4-24-17-10-3-2024-4T#246927-NOB/PLV

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU BOARD OF MANAGERS OF VILLAS IN NASSAU CONDOMINIUM I, Plaintiff, against JOAN E. JETTER; and “JOHN DOE” and “JANE DOE”, Defendants. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated October 24, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on north side steps of the Nas-

sau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York, “Rain or Shine”, on May 7, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. premises being at Plainview, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as Unit Number 37, together with a 1.9386090% undivided interest in the common elements constituting real property of the condominium hereinafter described as the same is defined in the Declaration of condominium hereinafter referred to. The real property above described is a unit shown on the oor plan of a condominium prepared by Charles DiGiovanni, Registered Architect and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on the 16th day of April, 1975, No, CA-24 as defined in the Declaration of Condominium entitled, “The Villas in Nassau Condominium and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on the 14th day of April 1975, in Liber 8791 of Conveyances at Page 237, Section 47, Block 151, lot 45 and amendments thereto which were recorded in said County Clerk’s Office on November 24, 1975 in Liber 8870 Page 15 and December 1, 1975 in Liber 8871 Page 285. Said premises being known as 37 Santa Barbara Drive, Plainview (Section 47, Block 151, Lot 45, Unit No. 37), Nassau County, New York 11803. Said premises will be sold subject to zoning

restrictions, covenants, easements, conditions, reservations and agreements, if any; subject to any state of facts as may appear from an accurate survey; subject to facts as to possession and occupancy and subject to whatever physical condition of the premises may be; subject to any violations of the zoning and other municipal ordinances and regulations, if any, and if the United States of America should file a tax lien, or other lien, subject to the equity of redemption of the United States of America; subject to the rights of any lienors of record whose liens have not been foreclosed herein, if any; subject to the rights of holders of security in fixtures as defined by the Uniform Commercial Code; subject to taxes, assessments and water rates which are liens on the premises at the time of sale, with accrued interest or penalties thereon; and a first mortgage held by Jovia Financial Federal Credit Union, mortgagee, given to Joan E. Jetter, mortgagor, in the original amount of $200,000.00 dated 9/18/2020 and recorded 9/23/2020 in Liber 44572 at page 457.

Index No. 603484/2022

Dated: March 26, 2024

Ronald Ferraro, Esq., Referee Cohen, Warren, Meyer Gitter, P.C., Attorneys for Plaintiff, 98 Maple Avenue, Smithtown, NY 11787. 4-24-17-10-3-2024-4T#247027-NOB/PLV

OBITUARIES

Osberg, Jeanne E., 94, formerly of Seaford passed away March 5, 2024. Beloved wife of the late Ralph. Loving mother of Nancy Zak, Kathy Doe (Rod), the late Patti and the late Ken. Cherished grandmother Jenifer, Tim, Christopher, Katie and Joseph. Dear sister of Jo Feeney. Visitation and funeral services were held Saturday, March, at Arthur F. White Funeral Home, Inc. Cremation was Private.

BETHPAGE

Anna M. Weingarten, age 92, of Bethpage, passed away on February 24, 2024. Predeceased by beloved husband of 51 years, Robert, and dear sisters Bertha and Lillian. Loving mother of Thomas (Andrea), Laura (Michael) and Paul (Barbara). Proud grandmother of Bryan, Adam, Michelle, Lisa, Matthew, Lina, Jamie, and Sonata. A Funeral Mass was held Thursday, February 29th, at St. Martin of Tours RC Church, Bethpage. Interment followed at St. Charles Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur F. White Funeral Home, Inc.

Jaeger, Robert F., 80, of Bethpage, passed away March 1, 2024. Beloved husband of Carol. Loving father of Theresa Balz (Steven), Lynn Jaeger (Edward Farscht), Karen Cohen (Evan), Barbara Jaeger (Howard Kashefsky), Laurie Jaeger, Andrea Tate (Blaine), and Robert Jaeger (Jessica). Cherished grandfather of 12 grandchildren. Dear brother of Maryanne Michel and Lorraine Calvia. A Funeral Mass was held Friday, March 8th, at Our Lady of Mercy RC Church, Hicksville. Cremation was private.

Aleixo, Anna (nee Catapano), of Bethpage, passed away at 101 years of age March 9, 2024. Her cherished husband, Marcos, was there to welcome her home. She was a wonderful mother to her three cherished daughters; the late Antoinette, Caroline, and Susan. Cherished grandmother of Louis, Susan Ann, Annemarie, Deborah, Christina, Kimberly, Christopher, 11 great grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. A Funeral Mass was held Wednesday, March 13th, at St. Martin of Tours RC Church. Interment followed at Trinity Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur F. White Funeral Home, Inc.

Cembrale, Donald A. Sr., 76, longtime Bethpage resident passed away March 10, 2024. Beloved husband of 44 years to the late Ann. Loving father of Don, Dean and Michelle Campeggio (Anthony). Adored grandfather of Donnie, Kelly, Amanda, Erin, Cheyann and Anthony. Cherished great-grandfather of Gianna. Dear brother of Joseph and the late Richard. Proud United States Army Veteran, serving in the Vietnam War. A Funeral Mass was held Friday, March 15th, at St. Martin of Tours RC Church. Cremation was Private. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur F. White Funeral Home, Inc.

FARMINGDALE

Mercado, Marion C ., 88, of Farmingdale on

February 10, 2024. Marion is predeceased by her husband, Robert, sister, Irene Wimmer (Ray), brothers, Charles and Robert, and nephew, Raymond Jr. Marion is survived by her sister-in-law, Rose Corey, nieces, Roxanne Corey, Rosemarie Luhrman (Robert), Irene Pollio (Joseph), and their children, and grandchildren. Also survived by friends Barbara and Louie Greco and the Bob Mercado family, Carolyn and Jim Fabian, Larry, Lauri Kraft, Tracy and Patrick Keene, Dan Kraft, George and Peggy Mercado, and Jim Mercado. A Funeral Mass was held Thursday, February 15th, at St. Kilian RC Church. Interment followed at Calverton National Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur F. White Funeral Home, Inc.

Cottrell, John J. of Farmingdale on February 12, 2024. Beloved husband of the late Patricia. Loving father and father-in-law of Arthur (Peggy), Douglas (Larry), Kenneth (Sheryl), and Philip (Rocks Ann). Cherished grandfather of six and great grandfather of four. Arrangements entrusted to McCourt and Trudden Funeral Home in Farmingdale.

Reinbold, John L . of Farmingdale and Montauk on February 20, 2024. Devoted husband of the late Marie A. Loving father of Ellen Wilbur (Keith), Linda Carney (William), and Carol Reinbold (Paul Petrino). Cherished grandfather of William, Ellyn, Christine, and Johnathan. Arrangements entrusted to the McCourt and Trudden Funeral Home, Inc. 385 Main St. Farmingdale. Interment North Babylon Cemetery. www.mccourtandtrudden.org

MASSAPEQUA

Hardiman, Joseph F. of North Massapequa on February 29, 2024. Beloved husband of Moira. Devoted father and father in law of Timothy Hardiman (Monica), Eileen Calderone (Rob), and Pam Giacobbe (Mickey). Loving grandfather of Elizabeth Clare, Catherine, Coryey, Conor, Lindsay, Alex, and Tyler. Dedicated NYPD Deputy Inspector and Proud Veteran of the US Marine Corps. Funeral arrangements entrusted to McCourt and Trudden Funeral Home in Farmingdale. Interment Calverton National Cemetery.

DeGeronimo, Josephine Lucy, 93, of Massapequa Park, passed away March 10, 2024. Reunited in heaven with her beloved husband of 60 years, Fred DeGeronimo. Loving mother of Thomas (Kathryn) and Elizabeth Doran. Cherished grandmother of Thomas (Bailey), Andrew (Alicia), Connor, Annalise, and great-grandmother of Amalia, Andrew and Sutton. Dear sister of Francine DeMaio, Grace Gentile, the late Lorraine Tarrallo, and the late Chris DeMaio. A Funeral Mass was held Wednesday, March 13th, at Our Lady of Lourdes RC Church, Massapequa Park. Interment followed at the Cemetery of the Holy Rood, Westbury. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur F. White Funeral Home, Inc.

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World-Famous Broadway Composer Recognized On Long Island

Stephen Schwartz inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame

BY JENNIFER CORR jcorr@antonnews.com

Stephen Schwartz, the fourtime Grammy and threetime Oscar award-winning composer behind hit musicals such as Wicked, Godspell, and Pippin, was inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame on March 23. The celebration included theater stars performing his songs and recorded messages of congratulations from celebrities like Kristin Chenoweth and Victor Garber, who worked with Schwartz.

“My parents are finally proud,” Schwartz, who grew up in Williston Park and graduated from Mineola High School, jested. “I told them, ‘I’m going to get this Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame,’ and they were like, ‘ At last.’ They were very pleased; they were very excited.”

While attending high school, Schwartz studied piano and composition at the Julliard School. He graduated from Carnegie Mellon University in 1968 with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts in drama.

After graduating, he returned

to New York to work as an artist and repertoire producer for RCA Records, but shortly after began working on Broadway. His first major credit was the title song for the play “Butterflies Are Free.:

By age 26 in 1974, Schwartz had three hit musicals on Broadway simultaneously: Godspell, Pippin and The Magic Show. Schwartz is also well-known for the hit Broadway musical Wicked, which opened in 2003 and is currently running on Broadway and in several productions worldwide.

“[Long Island] was a great place to grow up if you wanted to do what I did,” Schwartz said. “First of all, of course, the proximity to New York City, but then I just went to a public high school. It wasn’t a fancy private school. It was Mineola High School. They had a great drama department, great music… I came out with really such a solid base in the humanities from high school and some of my friends from high school are here tonight.”

In fact, the Mineola High School chorus class recorded a message that was displayed during the ceremony, congratulating Schwartz for his accomplishment.

Beyond the stage, Schwartz is also known for film. He collaborated with composer Alan Menken for the songs in Disney’s Pocahontas, The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Enchanted. He also provided songs

be a singer-songwriter, and he got a hold of me and kind of molded me into a music director.”

Similarly, Paul Shaffer, in 1972, went to the audition for the Toronto production of Godspell to provide piano accompaniment for his friends trying out. Because Schwartz noticed his skills, his life would change forever.

for DreamWorks’ first animated feature, The Prince of Egypt. And on Nov. 27, 2024, part one of the film adaption Wicked will be released in theaters.

“To have a big two-part movie of one of my shows is really exciting,” Schwartz said. “It’s been so much fun to work on so far.”

One of the central messages of the evening is just how much Schwartz has changed the trajectory of fellow theater professionals’ lives, including that of Paul Shaffer and Stephen Reinhardt.

“I owe a good chunk of my life to his opening that door for me,” said Reinhardt, the keyboard player and musical director for Godspell and The Magic Show. “I had been a professional dancer and singer on Broadway and decided I wanted to

“I played one song for a girlfriend of mine and Stephen Schwartz said, ‘I want to talk to that piano player,’” Shaffer explained. “And he said, can you stay for the rest of the day and play the auditions?’ And I did and at the end of it, he said ‘Do you think you can get a band together and conduct a show?’ I never did anything like that before.”

Shaffer went on to play piano for The Magic Show and then Saturday Night Live, followed by serving as musical director for David Letterman’s Late Night and Late Show. He has served as musical director and producer for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony since its inception in 1986.

Tom Needham, the second vice chair of the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame who served as a producer on this induction, explained that Schwartz always pays tribute to his Long Island roots.

“It’s really encouraging to us because that’s what we’re celebrating,” Needham said.

WHERE THE STARS ARE STALLERCENTER FOR THE ARTS

WHERE THE STARS ARE STALLERCENTER FOR THE ARTS

Patti LuPone/Broadway Wynton Marsalis/Jazz Itzhak Perlman/Classical Vic Dibitetto/Comedy Leslie Odom, Jr./Broadway @ Follow @stallercenter

Stephen Schwartz. (Image via PhilipRomanoPhoto, Wikimedia Commons)

Patti LuPone/Broadway Wynton Marsalis/Jazz Itzhak Perlman/Classical Vic Dibitetto/Comedy Leslie Odom, Jr./Broadway @