The Hometown Boys and Girls Flag Football League honored the late Town of Hempstead Councilman Chris Carini by renaming its championship trophies in his memory during a heartfelt season finale at Cedar Creek Park. His family and local officials attended the ceremony.
By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
In a heartfelt tribute to late Town of Hempstead Councilman Chris Carini, the Hometown Boys and Girls Flag Football League ended its spring season on March 30 by renaming its championship trophies in his honor.
The dedication took place at Cedar Creek Park, where Councilman Carini was remembered not only as a public official, but also as a devoted father. According to league commissioner Wayne Raso, Carini regularly attended games to cheer on his 13-year-old son Joey, who has played in the league for eight years.
“He was a great guy with a great family,”
Raso said. “He really, really cared about his community, his town, this county and this league.”
The hometown league, according to Raso, began in 2003 as a boys-only program and was rebranded in 2021 to include girls, offering flag football opportunities for young athletes throughout the Town of Hempstead. Each season runs for six to eight weeks, in the spring and fall, with games held at Cedar Creek Park and Seamans Neck Park, in Seaford, and Newbridge Road Park in Bellmore.
At the dedication ceremony, the league presented Carini’s wife, Danielle, his daughter, Ava, 18, and son with a plaque in appreciation of Carini’s efforts, and awarded $500 scholarships to his two children. The league
By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
Eighth Precinct police officers addressed a meeting hosted by the League of Women Voters of East Nassau last month, providing residents with crime prevention strategies to stay safe in the community. The East Nassau chapter encompasses Wantagh, Seaford, Levittown, Merrick, Bellmore and East Meadow.
The officers, who are assigned to the Problem Oriented Policing unit, also discussed their role in the community and their efforts to combat crime.
Attending the event were POP officers David Brohman, Robert DiFalco and Christopher Giudice, from the Eighth Precinct. Each Nassau County precinct has a POP unit, Brohman said, to handle ongoing community complaints and concerns.
A tutility or any kind of company is never going to ask you for a gift card for a payment.
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The policing unit, which works to address quality-oflife concerns and build relationships with local residents, provided attendees with insights on crime prevention, home security, and recognizing suspicious activity. Officers also shared tips on avoiding scams and reporting neighborhood concerns to law enforcement.
GIudICE
Eighth Precinct’s Problem Oriented Policing Unit
One such issue is the illegal sale of alcohol and tobacco to minors. POP units collaborate with undercover agents to enforce Project 21, Nassau County’s initiative to curb underage sales. Agents attempt to make purchases, and if successful, officers make an arrest.
Thefts from cars are also a major concern, Giudice said. To prevent break-ins, Brohman recommended a simple precaution: keep valuables out of sight.
“If you leave it out and you could see it, they could see it,” Brohman said, “and don’t put your pocketbook in the trunk.”
Brohman said thieves often patrol parking lots, looking for people who leave valuables in
ConTinued on PaGe 12
also announced that, going forward, its championship award would be renamed after Carini.
Danielle Carini said her late husband loved the youth sports program, especially since Joey played in the league starting when he attended kindergarten.
“Chris really loved this organization,” she said. “We’ve been a part of it for eight years now, so for them to do a dedication to him is really meaningful.”
Raso said Carini was “instrumental” in keeping the league going during the early months of the Covid-19 pandemic. After the season was cut short in 2020, Carini advocated for the league’s safe return that summer, encouraging kids to get outside. Games resumed with safety measures in place, including masks and hand sanitizer.
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Before Carini joined the Town Board, he was a decorated veteran of law enforcement, serving for 22 years as an officer in the New York City, Metropolitan Transportation Authority and Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police departments.
Since Carini’s death, tributes have been pouring in, with community members coming together to honor his legacy. Last July, hundreds attended his funeral Mass at St. William the Abbot Church in Seaford. In November, the Seaford Chamber of Commerce held a candlelight vigil for him, drawing dozens to the lawn at Seaford High School.
ust remembering him and paying respect to him is so meaningful, because this whole thing meant a lot to him.
Carini, a Seaford resident and a Republican, was first elected to the Town Board after Councilwoman Erin King Sweeney dropped out of the race six weeks before the 2019 election. The councilman served in the 5th District, representing Seaford, Wantagh, Bellmore, Merrick, Freeport, Lido Beach and Point Lookout, until he unexpectedly died last July at age 49 while visiting
AvA CArini Chris Carini’s daughter
His daughter said she was grateful to see how much the community has come together to honor his memory.
“Just remembering him and paying respect to him is so meaningful, because this whole thing meant a lot to him,” she said. “It’s really nice.”
Joining Carini’s family at the league tribute were several local officials, including Town of Hempstead Councilman Chris Schneider, State Sen. Steve Rhoads, Town Clerk Kate Murray and County Legislator Michael Giangrego-
at the dedication ceremony, league commissioner Wayne raso, left, presented danielle Carini and her two children, Joey and ava, with a plaque in appreciation of her late husband, Christopher Carini, who supporting the league during his time as town councilman.
rio.
Schneider, who was appointed to fill Carini’s seat last August and later elected to a full term in November, said the tribute was a meaningful reflection of Carini’s legacy.
“He was a tremendous supporter of youth sports and a tremendous supporter of the community,” Schneider said. “It’s a well-deserved honor.” Rhoads said that it was special for
Carini to be remembered in this way, explaining that Carini was “a great guy” who was passionate and dedicated to the community, especially the flag football league.
“It’s just nice that the league is taking time out to name the championship trophy after Chris, which I know he would be thrilled about,” Rhoads said. “It’s truly special for all of us that knew him.”
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Sixth-grade students in North Merrick have been mentoring their peers in third-grade throughout the school year, assisting them with academic, social and emotional challenges, and fostering a supportive environment for all students. The initiative, called Project HELP, is being piloted this school year at Old Mill Road School, where 16 students are providing support, guidance and friendship to their younger classmates.
Jackie Sekunda, the district’s guidance counselor, told the Herald that some of North Merrick’s staff members met with a consultant over the summer, who has helped them roll out some positive programs in the district. The district decided to implement Project HELP, a program in which sixth-grade students could volunteer to make a positive impact on younger students through engaging activities.
“Its main focus is on building relationships and trust,” she said. “When you have that, then academically, they’re going to take risks. They’re going to raise their hands, they’re going to try something that’s hard. They’re not teaching academics — teachers do that — but they’re teaching them to build up their self-confidence, to complement themselves and each other, and have self-control.”
Old Mill Road chose to focus on third-grade students, as it’s a bit of a transition year, Sekunda explained.
“Third-grade is a tough year,” she said. “They start to really form actual friendships and they become a little self-conscious. I think, with the sixth-graders, they really look up to them.”
In an activity on April 3, sixth-grade students led the younger students in a growth mindset activity during a period of the school day. The older students shared challenges throughout the year, and with engaging activities, encouraged the third-grade students to not be afraid to conquer a challenge. Picking activities out of the box, the students were challenged to say their name backwards, tear a piece of paper into a perfect circle without using scissors and balance a pencil on their finger for 10 seconds without dropping it, among others.
Sekunda said Project HELP has chosen activities based on suggestions from third-grade teachers. Some activities have targeted the act of giving and receiving a compliment, as well as art projects that have taught the power of collaboration.
The sixth-graders participating volunteered in the beginning of the school year, and have led five different activities since September. Sekunda said they meet after school to plan out activities, and added that the
sixth-grade teachers have been flexible and supportive of their students taking on a leadership role.
Overall, she said, the sixth-grade participants have done a tremendous job piloting the programming.
“I teach them a lesson, but then they’re responsible to look at it at home and be comfortable sitting and working with the (third-grade students),” she said. “I try to explain to them that this is for them too — the leadership skills that they’re gaining, they’re going to be able to use for the rest of their life.”
During last week’s
to say their
The sixth-grade students are part of Project HELP, a new initiative that is being piloted this school year at Old Mill Road. 16 volunteers provide support, guidance and friendship to their younger classmates.
The sixth-grade students have meet with their peers several times throughout the 2024-25 school year, and last week’s activity was all about having a growth mindset.
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
More than 100 women who claimed they were sexually abused by Stuart Copperman, a former pediatrician who owned and operated a Merrick practice, have received settlements totaling $1.6 billion, according to an April 1 blog post by Anapol Weiss, a leading national personal injury firm.
One of Anapol Weiss’s shareholders, Kristen Gibbons Feden, was among the attorneys representing the victims.
Copperman lost his medical license in 2000, after six women testified to the state Board of Professional Medical Conduct that he had molested them while they were patients in the medical practice he ran out of the basement of his Hewlett Avenue home.
Almost two decades later, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed the New York State Child’s Victims Act into law, establishing a “revival” period, in which victims of abused could file civil lawsuits that would have been barred under the prior statute of limitations. That window closed in August 2021.
In that two-year period, 104 women who claimed Copperman abused them, filed lawsuits against him and his medical practice, Stuart Copperman, M.D.
The first victim of Copperman was heard in court on Aug. 25, 2023. A Nassau County Supreme Court judge awarded the victim $5 million in punitive damages and $17 million in compensatory damages. Documents from that hearing, filed with the county clerk’s office, stated that the plaintiff was a then-41-year-old woman who was a patient of Copperman’s. For roughly 18 years, according to the documents, the plaintiff was subject to several acts of abuse.
Over 100 women who claimed they were sexually abused by Stuart Copperman, a former pediatrician who owned and operated a Merrick practice, seen above, have been awarded settlements totaling $1.6 billion.
An expert witness, a psychotherapist, was present at the hearing.
“Although (the) plaintiff felt confusion by such examinations and that something was ‘off,’ she never fully appreciated that Copperman’s actions constituted abuse until she was older and no longer Copperman’s patient,” one document reads. “The effect of the abuse was traumatic. As testified by (the) plaintiff’s expert, it resulted in a number of psychological disorders, including eating disorders,
Parents of young children often overlook the need to plan for death or disability. Many believe they don’t have enough assets yet or that anything they have will automatically go to their spouse. However, every young parent needs basic documents – a Will, Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy –what we term a “Young Family Estate Plan” (YFEP), that formalize your wishes in a variety of unexpected circumstances.
Without a YFEP, if one spouse dies, any assets that were in the husband’s or wife’s name alone will be subject to a court proceeding to name an “administrator” of the estate and New York law decides who gets which assets. The first $50,000 goes to the surviving spouse and the rest is divided 50% to the spouse and 50% to the children. The court will appoint a legal guardian to manage the money for them and then, ready or not, any remaining funds would be turned over at age 18. If your spouse becomes disabled, and
you don’t have a Power of Attorney for them, you must petition the court to be appointed as your spouse’s legal guardian to handle their affairs (such as selling or refinancing the house or drawing funds from their accounts). The court may decide against you as legal guardian and appoint someone else.
A YFEP also includes life insurance reviews and recommendations, so in the event your spouse dies you will have the financial resources to raise your children.
A YFEP (1) ensures that all of your spouse’s assets go to you and not half to your children if your spouse dies unexpectedly, (2) allows you to choose the legal guardian for your children, and at what age they will receive the unused assets, (3) avoids guardianship proceedings should your spouse have a disabling accident or illness, and (4) provides the financial wherewithal so that your children may continue to prosper and thrive.
dissociative identity disorder and self-injury.
“Copperman’s abuse has robbed the plaintiff of a normal, healthy and happy life,” the document continues. “The court finds that the psychological scars resulting from the abuse are permanent.”
Gibbons Feden told the Herald in 2023 that each victim who filed a civil lawsuit against Copperman would be heard individually in court.
“It’s not really a class or mass tort (lawsuit),” she said. “It really was only consolidated for purposes of recovery, if you will. Each plaintiff technically has their own set of damages.”
Mike Della, an attorney with the Long Island-based Gruenberg Kelly Della, who also represented plaintiffs against Copperman, said in 2023: “Copperman was not a kind, compassionate pediatrician — the public image he nurtured; he was a monster doing barbaric things on his examination table to these children, irreparably destroying many lives.”
Plaintiffs were able to testify orally or through written documents, with affidavits — confirmed written statements — used as evidence in courts.
According to a Newsday report on the same matter, Nassau Supreme Court Justice Leonard D. Steinman and additional legal referees reviewed each of the 104 cases over the last 19-month period, and issued damages to every plaintiff who sued Copperman, who did not present a defense to the suits. Decisions in the last five cases were filed on Friday.
Helen Young, a Merrick resident and employee of the Town Building Department, was recognized for 25 years of service. She was congratulated by Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby, Councilman Dennis Dunne, and Town Clerk Kate Murray. Also attending was Mike Errico, president of the Town of Hempstead CSEA Local 880.
Wantagh
IT HAS BEEN A HISTORIC run for Cerasi since last spring when she and classmate Riley Forthofer and the Warriors defeated Manhasset for the Nassau Class C girls’ lacrosse title. The pair went on to win county championships in soccer and basketball, making for a rare backto-back-to back. Cerasi earned All-County and Second Team All-Long Island in lacrosse in 2024 when she totaled 34 goals with 11 assists. She’s headed to James Madison.
Thursday, April 10
Baseball: Baldwin at Kennedy
Baseball: Long Beach at Mepham
Baseball: Hewlett at Calhoun
Softball: West Hempstead at Hewlett
Boys Lacrosse: V.S. District at Freeport
Boys Lacrosse: Clarke at Baldwin
Girls Lacrosse: North Shore at Garden City
Friday, April 11
Baseball: Oceanside at Massapequa 5 p.m.
Baseball: V.S. North at Wantagh 5 p.m.
Baseball: Clarke at V.S. South 5 p.m.
Baseball: West Hempstead at Uniondale 5 p.m.
Softball: Lawrence at V.S. Central 5 p.m.
Softball: Long Beach at Freeport 5 p.m.
Softball: East Rockaway at Elmont 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Plainedge at Oceanside 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Farmingdale at Carey 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Calhoun at South Side 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Farmingdale at Massapequa
Girls Lacrosse: Carey at Kennedy
Girls Lacrosse: Clarke at Sewanhaka
5 p.m.
5 p.m.
5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Wantagh at South Side 7 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Manhasset at Long Beach 7 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a spring sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
On heels of a historic championship softball season, Kennedy is charting out a new beginning seeking to maintain the high standards set forth in 2024.
The Cougars graduated four off last year’s team that captured the Nassau County Class A title against MacArthur and a Long Island championship triumph over West Islip. They’re looking to make new memories this spring.
“The returners know what to expect and I have high expectations,” said 10thyear Kennedy coach Krista Thorn. “It takes time and it’s a slow process, but they understand what needs to be done.”
Kennedy brought back an experienced middle infield that features junior shortstop Kaitlyn Thayer and junior second baseman Kayla Indich, who have both been on varsity since eighth grade. Indich earned All-County honorable mention last year as a sophomore.
Sophomore outfielder Samantha Kapitansky also returns after developing into solid slapper as a freshman. Kapitansky went 4-fo-4 with three stolen bases in Kennedy’s 9-5 loss to Wantagh April 3.
“She’s a tremendous outfielder tracking down a lot of deep fly balls,” said Thorn of Kapitansky. “She’s starting to come around and she’s got a lot of power.”
Junior left fielder Bella Parzych is also a bright spot in the lineup coming off an All-Conference season after transferring from Mepham. She delivered a key RBI single in the Cougars’ 4-1 county finals victory against MacArthur last May.
The outfield also boasts sophomores Cecelia Toto, who scored a run in the county championship clincher last season, and brings power to the plate. Sophomores Kayela Heaney and Callie Lodge are also seeing time in the outfield and showing potential with their speed to track down deep flyballs.
Junior catcher Paige Seltzer is once again leading the pitching staff in her fourth season on varsity. The pitching
Junior Kayla Indich (second base) is
an experienced
Cougars and was Honorable Mention All-County a year ago.
staff includes eighth grader Rachel Silkowitz, freshman Sophia Randazo and sophomore Gabby Schlecter.
Thorn said her two seniors, Reese Wasserman and Maya Silkowitz will be playing keyleadership roles this season on a young roster. Wasserman delivered the winning hit to bring the Cougars to the Class AA semifinals last season in a 2-1 quarterfinal win against Division and Silkowitz’s bat will be relied upon as starting first baseman.
Kennedy will host Syosset Wednesday at 5 p.m. and then return home on Monday for a 10 a.m. first pitch against
Farmingdale. The Cougars then have the next three games on the road starting Aptil 16 at defending Class A champion Seaford at 10 a.m.
Playing a competitive regular-season schedule against teams with explosive lineups will help position JFK’s fielders to make big plays in the big postseason games, according to Thorn.
“It is very impotant to face good hitting teams during the regular season,” Thorn said. “I personally like being busy on defense because that just makes my defense be ready for the end of the season for when it really matters.”
By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
Steven Kent, an economist and financial expert with over 25 years of experience with Goldman Sachs, was recently named chief economist of the Long Island Association Research Institute.
The LIA is a nonprofit business organization advocating for the region’s economic vitality and overall business community. In his role, Kent will provide real-time economic insights that will allow business across Long Island to forecast for operational success and growth.
“Our mission will be enhanced with the addition of Dr. Steven Kent to the LIA team as the new Chief Economist of the LIA Research Institute,” Matt Cohen, president and CEO of the Long Island Association, stated in a press release. “The LIA will be well-served by his extensive private-sector experience and the valuable data and analyses he will provide to our members at this pivotal inflection point for the future of Long Island, and indeed the entire country, as we navigate uncertain economic conditions and the existential crisis of affordability.”
Kent is a lifelong Long Island resident, having grown up in Islip before
attending Stony Brook University, where he became fascinated with economics and received a B.A. in the subject.
“I walked into SUNY Stony Brook and took a class with one of the best professors on campus, intro to economics, and it basically changed my life,” said Kent. “I like the analytic part, the mathematical part, and the social science part.”
Kent joined Goldman Sachs as a junior analyst after graduating, before leaving for another firm and pursuing an MBA at NYU’s Stern School of Business. Then he returned to Goldman Sachs, where he researched and oversaw investments in the global hospitality and leisure sector before he retired as managing director in 2016. Kent was named “best stock picker” eight times by the Wall Street Journal.
“I learned you had to know the companies, you had to understand the stocks, but I started to look at what was going on in the broader economy,” he said.
After retiring, Kent wanted to share what he learned in the industry. “I always wanted to help the next generation of business leaders,” he said. “My whole career, both academic and business, I have had lots and lots of mentors
who guided me, focused me, and helped me out along the way. I wanted to do the same.”
Kent, a Baldwin resident, guest lectured at several universities before becoming a professor of economics and finance at Molloy University. He also received a Ph.D. in hospitality management.
Being named LIA’s chief economist was “a little bit of a surprise,” he said.
Kent will continue teaching at Molloy while serving the LIA. As chief economist, he will share data-informed insights and explanations of the Island’s economy, helping business owners make informed decisions about their businesses.
Kent will be releasing a newsletter broadly reporting on the U.S., New York, and Long Island economies. He will focus on specific topics and develop special projects to uplift the local economy.
According to Kent, Long Island’s current economy is vibrant. “Our unemployment rate is lower than the rest of the country. Our economic activity continues to expand,” he said. “One of the advantages Long Island has is where we’re located, so we have access to transportation and access to great universities, and that facilitates a lot of
growth.” He said he wants to “help to allow the Long Island economy to continue its robust trajectory.”
A months-long art project is taking shape at Park Avenue Elementary School in the North Bellmore School District. The creation of a new mural is being spearheaded by art teacher Jillian Bock and will feature a contribution from every child in the school.
The sunrise and meadow scene is being created on an upper section of wall on the first floor. At 16 feet wide and 4 feet tall, it is a sizeable piece that should bring joy to generations of students. Bock said that she was approached by Principal Lynn Coyle to come up with ideas to beautify the school. From there, the mural was born.
Painting began in November and Ms. Bock expects to wrap up work in May. The idea for the
meadow with flowers is connected to the school’s culture, as students and staff maintain a community garden adjacent to the building. Children are contributing to the mural by using their fingerprints as the petals of the flowers.
Bock said that students are excited to leave their mark in this legacy project. They have been invested in watching the mural come together over the past few months as more elements are added and more students make their imprint.
“It adds a sense of happiness and pride,” she said. “It feels good to be a part of something, and they feel good that had a hand in it.”
— Jordan Vallone
What is the most profound aspect of Pesach? Perhaps it lies in its name: “Pass Over.” Pesach isn’t just a historical event—it’s a call to transcend darkness. Like characters in Shakespeare’s The Tempest or The Catcher in the Rye, we too face adversity. But Pesach teaches us that, like these characters, we can rise above and shed the negative forces that hold us back.
This theme of transcendence parallels the work of Renaissance artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo, who didn’t just reflect their times—they defined them. Their masterpieces, grounded in human potential and renewal, show us how to turn challenges into opportunities for growth. In the same way, Pesach encourages us to transform struggles into stepping stones for self-discovery.
The idea of transformation also appears in literature. In Paradise
Lost, John Milton tells the story of Satan’s fall and reinvention, showing that setbacks can lead to growth. Similarly, in Harry Potter, characters rise above their trials, embracing their potential. Both remind us that transformation is always within reach.
Pesach invites us to release old burdens, like an artist’s brushstroke flowing freely. Growth requires patience, courage, and the willingness to embrace the unknown. It’s a chance to break free from patterns that no longer serve us and make room for new possibilities. Just as Spring ushers in renewal, we can embrace this time with creativity and courage, trusting in the Creator’s guidance toward freedom.
stroke, paints our world with light. Practicing gratitude opens us to life’s beauty and invites more abundance. By shifting our perspective, we begin to see even the ordinary as extraordinary, allowing us to transform our hearts and lives.
Living with light in our hearts, we discover freedom beyond external circumstances—the freedom to express who we truly are, to create, love, and grow. As Spring unfolds, let it remind you of the beauty and possibility ahead. Like a masterpiece, you have the power to become your highest self. Every step of renewal brings you closer to realizing your potential.
From darkest nights, we rise, renewed,
With hearts of strength, our souls pursued.
In every challenge, find the way, To turn the night into the day.
Gratitude fuels each step we take, In every loss, a chance to wake. The world awaits, your light to shine,
Your path is yours, your heart divine.
With every brushstroke, hope reborn,
A brighter future, every morn. Trust the journey, embrace the fight, For in your hands, the world ignites.
Happy Passover, Rabbi Moshe P. Weisblum, PhD
Gratitude, like an artist’s brush-
Poem: The Journey of Renewal by Moshe P. Weisblum
Rabbi Moshe Weisblum is the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Tikvah.
their cars.
“As soon as you go into the gym, they know you’ll be in there for at least an hour,” he said. “They have plenty of time to pop your trunk and steal.”
He also warned about scanner devices that can unlock certain vehicles, particularly electric cars with app-based entry systems. These devices mimic the signal sent from a phone app to the car, allowing thieves to gain access. However, Brohman noted that such incidents are not common in the Eighth Precinct.
Giudice said many people leave their key fob near the door when they come home, making it an easy target for thieves using scanner devices. Criminals may stand outside homes at night, attempting to pick up the fob’s signal. If they detect one, they may return months later to steal the car.
To prevent this, Brohman recommended using a Radio Frequency Identification-blocking box to store key fobs, helping to block the signal and reduce the risk of theft.
Officers also discussed common scams and how to avoid them, warning attendees to be cautious of suspicious phone calls. Scammers often pose as representatives of utility companies, threatening to cut off service unless the victims provide payment in untraceable forms, such as gift cards.
“A utility or any kind of company is never going to ask you for a gift card for a payment,” Giudice said, “so it should be the telltale sign.”
Tax-related scams are also prevalent, with fraudsters claiming a tax return was already filed and demanding payment — often through a Target gift card — to “correct” the issue.
Many of these scams frequently target older adults, and Brohman advised residents to report any scams to patrol officers, who then forward the initial report to detectives for further investigation.
According to the officers, another concern is call spoofing, which is when scammers fake caller ID information to appear as though they’re from legitimate organizations, such as banks or government agencies. Officers advised residents to be cautious of such calls
and to verify the caller’s identity before sharing any personal information.
The officers also advised community members to be alert when out in public and to secure any valuables that are carried, such as keeping a pocketbook in front or securing it in a shopping cart while grocery shopping.
“The biggest thing is being aware of your surroundings and just being super vigilant,” Giudice said. “If you’re aware of your surroundings, you generally put yourself in a better position overall.”
At the March 19 league meeting, Brohman also highlighted Smart911, a free county-provided app that allows residents to share critical information with first responders. Users can input details such as medical conditions, household pets, or the presence of firearms, ensuring emergency personnel are aware of key information when responding to a call.
For those residing within the confines of the Eighth Precinct, Brohman suggested that they call the precinct’s number, (516) 573-6870, or 911 in emergency situations. He stressed that callers can remain anonymous and won’t clog up the system if they call regarding any concerns in their community.
“You’re not taking services away from anybody,” Brohman said, “so don’t worry about it.”
The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grass-roots organization that works to protect and expand voting rights throughout the country.
According to East Nassau member Barbara Epstein, the officers’ presentation was informative, and helped attend-
officer david Brohman of the nassau County police department’s eighth precinct speaks at the march 19 League of Women Voters meeting, offering crime prevention tips and safety advice to attendees.
ees understand the role of POP, while providing them with tips on how to avoid becoming crime victims.
“They gave people ideas on how to be safe and how to take care of themselves and be protected,” Epstein said, “and I think that is what people in the community want to know, which is how to protect themselves.”
Long Island Children’s Museum Theater Director
Jim Packard says goodbye to his role of a lifetime
By Danielle Schwab
There are 140 seats at the theater at Long Island Children’s Museum and Jim Packard has sat in almost every single one.
“There’s not a bad seat in the theater. Wherever you sit, you can see the whole stage, and you’re no more than five, six rows away from the stage, which is pretty special,” he says.
Packard has been instrumental in the growth of the museum’s theatrical programming from inception, since the theater’s construction in 2001. It all begin with a committee he didn’t know he was on, when he was asked to consult on the museum’s theater then in development.
Prior to joining the museum, Packard was involved with theater and event management in Manhattan, and has taught stage technology and design.
“I was asked by a friend on the LICM theater committee to look at the plans the architect had drawn up. Then that spring, they had listed me as ‘not present’ at a theater committee meeting,” Packard recalls.
“I said: ‘I didn’t know I was on this committee, but I’m happy to serve on it and to help out the museum in whatever way I can.’ They said: ‘That’s all right. The committee has dissolved at this point.’
“I asked: ‘Who’s watching out for the theater?’ And that’s when I got hired.”
From his first position — as Theater Coordinator to his final role as Director of Theater Programs — Packard has made his mark over these past 24 years.
His philosophy, in keeping with the museum’s mission, is to put the audience first.
“It always boils down to making sure that the audience is the one that you’re paying attention to, because there’s no point in doing theater without an audience,” he explains. The productions are carefully chosen with a strong focus on audience interaction, with many tying into exhibits and related events.
“Our dressing room door has a big sheet of brown paper on it, and every time the actors hear something fun or interesting coming from the audience, they will write it on that board, just to remind them to pay attention to what the audience is saying,” he adds.
There is sure to be plenty of audience response to the upcoming production of “Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play!” The beloved show, opening April 14, which involves the audience as a character in the story, is always popular with visitors. Adapted from Mo Willems’ best-selling children’s series, the hilarious duo of Elephant and Piggie gets tangled in all sorts of antics, learning the meaning of friendship along the way.
“Elephant and Piggie realize there’s an audience watching them, and then they talk and interact with the audience, invite them to sing along and be a part of the show,” Packard says.
With Packard’s retirement this month, the production
• Performances April 14-19, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800 for tickets
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
acts as a passing of the baton to new hands. Taking on the assignment are not one but two folks: Lisa Rudin as artistic director and Austin Costello as technical director.
It’s a full circle moment for both Rudin and Costello, who appeared as Elephant and Piggie in previous stagings of the production.
Costello, a distinguished puppeteer in his own right, has worked with the museum’s theater since 2015.
His love of puppetry started back as a kid in ‘90s, when he visited the museum and saw a puppet on display. His career led him to roles in children’s theater, including Sesame Street.
“The little lessons that we find along the way in our shows are the major takeaways that we get to share with families and especially with kids who might be having problems. It’s such an important thing to me to bring children up in a good way, and to help them understand the world around them,” Costello says.
“It’s wonderful to be able to carry on the legacy of Jim, who’s worked so hard for so many people, and who has taken a lot of time to take me under his wing and train me,” he adds.
Rudin also has a personal history with the museum.
“The first time I came to the theater here was when I brought my children in 2019. I was like, ‘what a beautiful theater this is.’ This is just perfect,” she says.
She has worn many theatrical hats throughout her career, including as an actor on Sesame Street Live and an education director for a children’s theater school.
Rudin and Costello will surely continue the theater’s aim to connect with children through imaginative and creative storytelling,
”Children learn empathy from watching characters on stage. They understand content and what happens in the story more from seeing it live,” Rudin says.
While Packard may be waving goodbye as director, his legacy remains rooted to the museum’s very foundation.
The seven-time Grammy nominee brings her extraordinary voice and artistic depth to the timeless music of Bob Dylan.The recent biopic “A Complete Unknown” brings Dylan to the forefront once again. Meanwhile Osborne has spent over 25 years captivating audiences with her fearless exploration of genres ranging from rock and blues to soul, gospel and country. Her journey with Dylan’s catalog began in 2016 with a series of “Dylanology” concerts. Her critically-acclaimed 2018 album, “Songs of Bob Dylan,” and her live performances showcase her ability to reimagine Dylan’s iconic works, highlighting the emotional resonance and poetic brilliance of his music. Osborne turns back the clock with her soulful reinterpretations that exude passion, emotion and energy. .
Friday, April 11, 8 p.m. $59, $55, $48, also special VIP package. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
“When I was 19-years-old, walking
“When I was 19-years-old, walking across my college theater’s auditorium, I thought I could do this every day for the rest of my life — and I got that opportunity,” he shares.
“It’s been one of the more wonderful
“It’s been one of the more wonderful experiences in life, in terms of just getting to do so much that makes so many people happy.”
Photos courtesy LICM
Top photo: Outgoing Director Jim Packard, center, and cast and crew of “Interstellar Cinderella” gather at the final performance.
Bottom photo: Elephant (Finn MacDevitt) and Piggie (Anneka Shepherd ) return to the museum’s stage in a production helmed by new Artistic Director Lisa Rudin.
Experience the magic of progressive rock legend Rick Wakeman when he brings his “Final Solo Tour” to Long Island. Renowned for his keyboard wizardry and captivating stage presence, Wakeman invites you on a journey through iconic Yes classics, unforgettable solo compositions and personal favorites. With a career spanning over five decades and album sales exceeding 50 million, Rick’s extraordinary contributions to music have earned him accolades, including a CBE from Queen Elizabeth II. This tour is a heartfelt farewell to his legendary one-man shows in the U.S., but his music will continue to inspire fans worldwide. Rick’s career is a testament to his versatility and enduring artistry. His live performances seamlessly blend masterful musicianship with humor and storytelling, creating an intimate and unforgettable experience.
Wednesday, April 16, 8 p.m. $75, $65, $55, $45, $35, $29.50. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.
‘Cold Beer on a Saturday Night’ Spring blooms with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band. Before you know back on the beach, but Jimmy Kenny and his band come to the rescue, on the Paramount stage, Saturday, April 19, 8 p.m. Join in their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily: it’s 5 o’clock somewhere so let’s ‘raise ‘em up and sing along.
The Long Island-based band — guided by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals/ acoustic guitar, with Linn DeMilta (aka Lovely Linn), lead and backing vocals, Luis Rios, lead guitar/ backing vocals, Frank Stainkamp, keyboard/backing vocals, Dan Prine, bass, and drummer Mike Vecchione, have been celebrating the beach country sounds of Buffett, Chesney and Zac Brown Band for over a decade, spreading their vibe up and down the Northeast coast. Everyone has a great time grooving to their lively mix of their popular sing-along hits and feel good, easy living flair. If you like your toes in the sand, wasting away with a margarita or a cold beer, then you’ll surely have a great time with the Jimmy Kenny Band. $35, $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Jazz at Lincoln Center brings its Webop Family Jazz Party’s “Swingin’ Nursery Rhymes and Lullabies” to the Long Island Children’s Museum theater, Sunday, April 13, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Get ready to hear classic nursery rhymes and lullabies like “Old McDonald,” “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and “Wheels on the Bus” with a jazzy twist! Led by talented musicians and educators, little ones will be introduced to the magic of jazz while singing, dancing, and joining in on the fun. This family-friendly performance is sure to inspire future jazz lovers, so be sure to bring the whole crew for a toe-tapping, finger-snapping good time! $5 with museum admission ($4 members), $10 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Go to licm.org or call (516) 2245800 for more information.
Vincent Marmorale, producer of the film, “My Italian Secret: The Forgotten Heroes,” appears at the Merrick Road Golf Course Clubhouse, Thursday, April 30, 7 p.m. Free admission. Call (516) 2929000 for more information. 2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick.
Little Learners’ Earth Day
Planting Fields
Little Learners series continues with an Earth Day celebration, Friday, April 18, 10-11 a.m. Families will enjoy a heartwarming fun-filled experience, with a reading of “Gifts from the Garbage Truck” by Andrew Larsen. Together, explore the importance of reusing, reducing, and recycling in a way that’s perfect for young minds. With an Earth-inspired craft project. For ages 2-5. $15 per child. 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay. Visit plantingfields. org or call (516) 922-9210 to register and for information.
Celebrate the 100th anniversary of ‘The Great Gatsby’ at Merrick Library, Sunday, April 27, featuring The Matthew Everingham Combo live, starting at 2 p.m. No fee. Registration required at merricklibrary.org. Call (516) 377-6112 for more. 2279 Merrick Ave., Merrick.
Laugh away with Gary Smith’s NY Entertainment Club, at North Bellmore Public Library, Saturday, April 12, 2:30-4 p.m. Visit NorthBellmoreLibrary. org for more details. 1551 Newbridge Road.
Get a sneak peek at summer 2025 at Camps ‘R’ Us during its open house, Saturday, April12, 10 a.m.-noon. 2341 Washington Ave., Bellmore. More details at CampsRUs.org/Bellmore.
Loving Hands, an organization that knits and crochets for charity, hosts its annual baby shower, at Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse, Monday, April 14, 1-3 p.m. Guest speaker is Jeanine Cappello, clinical manager of the family care center at Mercy Hospital. No fee to attend; donations of yarn, needles and books accepted. Registration is required. Contact Lillianne Sabia at (516) 246-955 for more 2250 Clubhouse Road.
Converse, collaborate and create at family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, April 19, noon-3 p.m. Kids and their adult partners talk about and make art together. While there, enjoy reading and play in the Reading Room, and contribute to the collaborative Lobby Project. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit nassaumuseum.org to register or call (516) 484-9337.
Sunrise Theatre Company’s ‘The Little Mermaid’
Sunrise Theatre Company stages ‘The Little Mermaid Jr.,’ Sunday and Monday, April 13-14; also Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, at the Bellmore Movies. Times vary. 222 Pettit Ave. Tickets and fees for performances available at SunriseTheatreLI.com. Call (516) 218-2782 for more.
Dino Egg Hunt
Enjoy some spring fun at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning, Thursday through Saturday, April 17-19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Search for dinosaur eggs filled with fun prizes and make a dino craft! Activities included with admission. For more information, visit cstl. org or call (516) 764-0045. 1450 Tanglewood Rd, Rockville Centre,
Spring Dog Festival
Get ready to wag those tails, at Old Westbury Gardens with your pooch (leashed of course), Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Bring your canine companions for a scenic stroll through grounds bursting spring’s first blooms. Browse a selection of local dog-friendly vendors offering unique products and services for your furry friends, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit oldwestburygardens.org.
Merrick Chamber of Commerce hosts its 28th Annual Kids Fest, Friday through Sunday, April 25-27, at Merrick Avenue & the LIRR Station (Broadcast Plaza). The festival opens Friday at 6 p.m., followed by a vendor fair on Saturday and Sunday. More information is available at merrickchamber.com.
Having an event?
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.
Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum. org.
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, April 13, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
ADDICTION REHABILITATION CENTER
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Tempo Group Inc
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Ilyse Raziano, NP, Heart and Health
Medical Massapequa
Marc Braunstein, MD, Five Towns Allergy
Stanley Goldstein, MD, Allergy
& Asthma Care of LI
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Bay Vista Assisted Living
Maple Pointe Senior Living
The Bristal Assisted Living
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Esther Fogel, AuD, Comprehensive Audiology
Regina Liantonio, AuD, HearingLife
Thomas Recher, AuD, Mid Island Audiology
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Gary H. Friedman, MD, SFH
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Happy Days Dispensary
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Janine Kelly, DC, Dr. Kelly’s Health and Healing Grotto
Maxine Cappel Mayreis, DC
Tara O’Brien, DC, Kaizen Centre For Health & Wellness
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Christine Blaine, MD, FACS, Blaine Plastic Surgery
Matthew S. Kilgo, MD, FACS, New York Plastic Surgical Group
Stephen T. Greenberg, MD, FACS, Greenberg
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Blaine Plastic Surgery
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Dental365 Oceanside
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Frederick Seltzer, DDS, Dental365
Joel Preminger, DDS, Preminger
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Zoya Yadgarov, DDS, Art of Dentistry
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Allen Natow, MD, NRP Dermatology
Elie B. Lowenstein, MD, FAAD, South Nassau Dermatology
Eve Lupenko, MD, Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery & Dermatology
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Beach Terrace Care Center
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Betsy Lantner, MD, Mount Sinai
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Ira Bachman, MD, All Womens OB/GYN Care
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Carillon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
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IMAGING CENTER
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Integrative Health and Wellness, Inc.
Sam Jin Yee, MD, Northwell
Health Physician Partners
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Carolyn Castiglia, DO, South Island Family Medical
Joseph Baselious, MD
Renee Messina, DO, Mount Sinai South Nassau
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Ambiance Salon & Spa
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Ear Works Audiology
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Alliance Homecare
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TLC Companions Home Care
IN VITRO FERTILIZATION FACILITY
Genesis Fertility & Reproductive Medicine
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All American Medical Supply Corp.
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MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES/ ORGANIZATION
Amanda Lefkowitz, DNP, PMHNP
Family & Children’s Association
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Birendra Trivedi, MD & Padmaja
Aradhya, MD, Island Neuro Care
Joseph Jeret, MD, FAAN, Mount Sinai Neurology
Mark Zuckerman, MD, Catholic Health Neurology
NEUROSURGEON
Birendra Trivedi, MD & Padmaja
Aradhya, MD, Island Neuro Care
Kimon Bekelis, MD, FAANS, FACS, FAHA, Stroke and Brain Aneurysm Center of Long Island
Yusef Imani, MD, NSPC, NSPC Brain and Surgery
SPINE CENTER
Central Orthopedic Group
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URGENT CARE CENTER
CityMD
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Ambiance Salon & Spa
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WEIGHT LOSS/NUTRITION CENTER
Innovation Weight Loss & Health Food Store
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Dr Howard Goodman
Nu Med, Med Spa & Integrative Wellness
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ALL-AROUND RESTAURANT
Azerbaijan Grill
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ASIAN FUSION
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, Lake Success Medical Oncology
Perlmutter Cancer Center, NYU Langone
Hematology Oncology Associates - Mineola
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Adam Jacob Flug, MD, Optum Ophthalmology
Alexander Hatsis, MD, SightMD
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Gail Correale, OD, Long Island Vision Care
Natalya Rooney, OD, Merrick Avenue Optometry
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Avelina Svititskaya, DDS, Preminger
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Harry J. Tsotsos, DMD, Wantagh
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Hart Orthopedics
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ORTHOPEDIST
Garrett Moss, MD, South Island Orthopedics
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Adelberg Montalvan Pediatric Dental
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Abraham I. Green, MD, Northwell
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Frank Prochilo, PT, DPT, OCS,
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Carillon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center
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Lawrence Tesser, DPM
Robert A. Stein, DPM, South Shore Foot Care
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Beach Terrace Care Center
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Kathleen Fitzpatrick, South Shore
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Aura Coastal Mediterranean
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Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s
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Aura Coastal Mediterranean
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FISH MARKET
Hewlett Fish Market Inc.
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Bagel Boss
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Dortoni Bakery Co.
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BREAKFAST
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AG Steakhouse
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Ay! Caramba!
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RAMEN
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ITALIAN FOOD Bacaro
76 Pizzeria & Restaurant
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LOCAL COFFEE SHOP
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MEAL PREP
Empire Nutrition
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MEDITERRANEAN FOOD
Aura Coastal Mediterranean Azerbaijan Grill Limani
MEXICAN FOOD
Cabo RVC Puerta Mexicana
The Cabana Mexican American Restaurant
NEW RESTAURANT
AG Steakhouse
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ORGANIC/NATURAL FOOD
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OUTDOOR DINING
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PIZZA
Charred
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The Propel NY Energy project is a $3.26 billion initiative aimed at modernizing Long Island’s aging electric transmission system.
Why the project Is needed
New York’s electric transmission infrastructure is largely outdated — roughly 80 percent of it was built before 1980, at a time when energy needs were vastly different. With electric vehicles, heat pumps, data centers, and advanced digital technologies there will be a projected 50 to 90 percent increase in electricity demand over the next 20 years. Long Island’s grid, currently connected to the statewide network through only two points, is vulnerable to congestion and outages.
The existing grid faces significant congestion, akin to a crowded highway, which leads to inefficiencies and increased costs. Propel NY Energy is designed to add new transmission pathways that facilitate bidirectional power flow, enhancing both the reliability and resilience of the grid. This project prepares the region for a more robust and future-ready energy infrastructure.
Project scope and technical details
At the heart of the project is the construction of 90 miles of new underground transmission lines, including 66 miles in Nassau County. Additional segments will extend into Suffolk County, the Bronx and Westchester. Unlike surface lines, these cables will be installed underground using conventional trenching methods — typically 5 to 7 feet deep. In logistically challenging areas, advanced trenchless technologies such as horizontal directional drilling will be used. Propel NY Energy will add three new interconnec-
tion points. This enhancement will enable power to flow in multiple directions, relieving congestion and providing critical redundancy.
Propel NY Energy is exclusively focused on upgrading electric transmission infrastructure. It is not associated with battery storage systems or offshore wind projects, though the upgraded grid will support future renewable energy integration. Selected through a competitive solicitation process by the New York Independent System Operator from among 19 proposals by four developers, the project was chosen for its costeffectiveness and technical merits.
To reduce new environmental disruptions, most of
the project’s new lines will follow existing road corridors and disturbed areas. For segments crossing environmentally sensitive zones, such as the Long Island Sound, the team is applying sediment transport modeling and best management practices. When unavoidable impacts occur — particularly in wetlands — compensatory measures will be implemented by creating two to three acres of new wetlands for every acre affected.
The project is undergoing a review under New York’s Article Seven permitting process. This comprehensive environmental and socio-economic evaluation involves multiple state agencies. Anticipated approval is around July 2026.
Regular open houses and public meetings are planned to keep local communities informed and dispel misconceptions. The project prioritizes local union labor and contractors, ensuring that Nassau County and surrounding areas benefit from job opportunities. Any temporary disruptions will be addressed through detailed restoration plans.
The total investment for Propel NY Energy is capped at $3.26 billion, and is funded by ratepayers across the state. For the average residential customer, the project is expected to add roughly 6 cents per day to utility bills. Projected costs are expected to be offset by long-term savings, with enhanced grid efficiency estimated to save nearly $3.3 billion in congestionrelated costs over time.
Construction is slated to begin in mid-2026 and will continue for up to four years, with project completion anticipated by mid-2030. During construction, crews are expected to progress between 50 and 150 feet per day per.
For more on Propel, go to PropelNyEnergy.com.
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Step into the spirit of spring in Bellmore and Mer-
Join the Merrick Library on April 18 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. for a spring cleanup at Merrick Road Park, just ahead of Earth Day. Community members and teens between grades 7 and 12 are invited to join the efforts and earn community service hours. The library will be cleaning up litter and leaves in the park, and participants are encouraged to wear comfortable, weather-appropriate attire. The library said participants in the spring cleanup may also enjoy taking part in a gardening activity the week after, On April 22 at the library. Once again, participants can learn community service hours by helping the library plant flowers and beautify the library’s Astarita Garden. To register and learn more about what’s going on at the Merrick Library, visit MerrickLibrary.org.
rick, where the local libraries are buzzing with energy and excitement throughout the month of April. Whether you’re a lifelong reader, a fan of live performances, or simply looking to enjoy some seasonal celebrations with
At the North Bellmore library, engaging events are taking place all month long — and on the last weekend of April, community members and music lovers are in for a treat. Join the library on April 27 at 2 p.m. for a free concert featuring the local band One Flight Up, who will present a program of music which celebrates the achievements of the best bands of the 60s through the 80s. Dance along to the iconic music of the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Eagles, the Doobie Brothers and more, and be prepared to sing along, move to the beat and have a fantastic time. The library is at 1551 Newbridge Road, North Bellmore. For more on what’s ahead this month, visit NorthBellmoreLibrary.org.
friends and family, there’s something for everyone on the calendar this spring. From interactive programs for teens to exciting book-themed celebrations, here are just three highlights to look out for this April:
The North Merrick library is set to celebrate the 100th anniversary of “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald on April 25. The iconic piece of literature officially turned 100 on April 10. The library will pay homage to the book with a murder mystery party, starting at 6:30 p.m. Participants will be enthralled into the “Cat’s Meow,” the hottest gin join in town, frequented by politicians, socialites, actors, musicians and more. Among the glitter and jazz, a shocking crime takes place center stage, and a mystery unfolds to uncover the truth. Participants are encouraged to dress-toimpress in Gatsby-era attire, and join the community for a thrilling evening of clues, secrets and surprises. The library is at 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick.
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Singing and writing for over four decades, Pat Benatar has been inspiring her fans with hits including “We Belong “and “Love Is a Battlefield,” and new songs as well, performing alongside her husband and partner, Neil Giraldo. A multi-platinum artist who has had 15 U.S. Billboard Top 40 singles and a fourtime Grammy Award winner, Benatar is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, and even received the Key to Babylon from then Town Supervisor Steve Bellone. Benatar spoke with the Herald about what Lindenhurst still means to her, what continues to inspire her, and some exciting news.
Herald: What are your thoughts on having been inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame?
Benatar: It’s great. I’m still very attached to Lindenhurst. I’m still close friends with all of the girls I went to elementary school, junior high and high school with. We still see each other all the time. Every time we go back, I always try to go to Patsy’s to get a cannoli cookie and Italian Ice. I’m still attached to where I grew up. It was such a wonderful childhood, so being inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame was important and sweet.
Herald: You are not only a singer but a songwriter as well. What has inspired your writing over the years?
Benatar: It’s pretty organic. We don’t begin songs together, my husband and I. He’ll come up with a line or a melody and I’ll come up with a poem. I write all day, that’s all I do. So I’ll come up with a poem, which will become a chorus. Once we do begin the songs, we come together and write the songs together. Inspiration comes from everywhere, which is so fascinating to me, and probably the most seductive thing about what we do. Everything is still interesting, a mystery and exciting, because the world is just an amazing place — crazy and beautiful.
Herald: What has given you strength over the years to truly give your all at your live shows?
Benatar: I just love it. It has never changed for Neil or me. Live performance is still my favorite thing to do. The joy of actually being in a shared experience of performing is still the thing I love the most, that keeps me going, and it’s never old.
Herald: I’m sure you’ve had many career highlights. Are there a couple of moments that have stood out?
Benatar: There are so many moments. Sometimes they’re very small
— a little child will come up to the front of the stage and they hand you a flower. You’re always in awe of being blessed with something like this. I feel like my only job is to be a good steward of what I have.
The thing that stopped me in my tracks, though, I would have to say, was 9/11. We had to perform that night. The promoter begged us to perform. We begged him to please cancel the concert. We were just as distraught as everyone
else. The promoter said that people wanted to come, they wanted to be together. So we went out there and I just said to the audience that before we do this, I need to talk to you all first, because I don’t know how I’m going to do this and I may have to stop songs. The audience was sobbing. It was amazing. It was awful. They had bed sheets with God Bless America on them. This was one of the moments where you understand how important it is what you’re giving to each other in a performance. What they gave to me and what I hope I gave back to them at that moment is healing, it’s an embrace. That’s what it felt like. I felt like they were embracing us and we were embracing them. And songs like “Invincible,” were so powerful that night, it became like a rallying cry. I sang that song a billion times, but that night it was different.
Herald: Do you have any advice regarding resilience, overcoming odds and pursuing a dream, that you would like to share with our women readers in particular?
Benatar: Much has changed, and then much hasn’t changed, and someone is always ready to take it all back away from us. Everyone will push that limit, and you have to stand there like a warrior. Don’t think that you’re safe and everything is going to be OK, because every single day there’s someone challenging the position, trying to take away any strides we have made. I have two daughters, two granddaughters, and my whole thing is, you are unique and at the same time you are part of a collective, you are part of every female that went before you and every female that will go after you. Make it count!
Herald: And what do you have coming up in regard to new music, touring and projects?
Benatar: We’re going out on a spring tour and hitting all the places we didn’t hit last year. We’re looking forward to it. We’ll be pulling out a lot of new songs that haven’t been recorded yet. Neil and I also have a children’s book coming out, “My Grandma and Grandpa Rock.” It’s such unbelievable fun.
The one thing about art is it has so many forms. We have these three darling grandbabies. They are very precocious, and have seen us perform a few times, and they ask us all kinds of questions, so we thought it would be really fun to write them a book about why we do what we do and that people do all different kinds of things for jobs — some people are teachers and doctors, and these are people’s grandpas and grandmas too. It was joyous and fun, and it’s a very inclusive book. I really believe diversity is a superpower.
To learn more about “My Grandma and Grandpa Rock” or to pre-order a copy, visit read.sourcebooks.com/my-grandmaand-grandpa-rock-by-pat-benatar-andneil-giraldo. To find out more about Benatar and her upcoming tour, visit benatargiraldo.com.
Join us on April 23rd at 6pm for a dynamic webinar to learn how:
What is an Energy Assessment? – Learn about PSEG Long Island’s free energy assessment, what it includes, and how it can help identify energysaving opportunities tailored to your business.
Cut Your Energy Costs – Get expert tips on simple, low-cost ways to start reducing your energy bills immediately.
Maximizing Rebates & Incentives – Explore available rebates and incentives to make energy-efficient upgrades more affordable.
Live Q&A with Energy Experts – Ask questions and get real-time answers from PSEG Long Island specialists on how to optimize your energy efficiency efforts.
April 10, 2025 —
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR SOUNDVIEW HOME
LOAN TRUST 2007OPT5, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-OPT5, -againstBARBARA BREIER, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT K. HICKMAN, 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 February 4, 2025, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR SOUNDVIEW HOME LOAN TRUST 2007OPT5, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES
2007-OPT5 is the Plaintiff and BARBARA BREIER, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT K. HICKMAN, 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 28, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2292 VASSAR PLACE, MERRICK, NY 11566; and the following tax map identification: 55-147-122, 123 & 124.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 603884/2023. Oscar A. Prieto, 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. 152425 LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE AUDIENCIA SOBRE EL PRESUPUESTO, REUNIÓN ANUAL, ELECCIÓN Y REGISTRO DE VOTANTES, DISTRITO ESCOLAR MERRICK UNION FREE Y BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE MERRICK PUEBLO DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK POR EL PRESENTE, SE NOTIFICA que se celebrará una audiencia pública sobre el presupuesto del Distrito Escolar Merrick Union Free, pueblo de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, Nueva York, en Lakeside Elementary School, Merrick, Nueva York el 6 de mayo de 2025 a las 7:15 p. m. para analizar el gasto de los fondos para el año escolar 2025-2026, su correspondiente presupuesto y otros asuntos según la autorización de la Ley de Educación del estado de Nueva York. TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que se celebrará una audiencia pública sobre el presupuesto de la biblioteca de Merrick en la biblioteca de Merrick, Merrick, Nueva York el 29 de abril de 2025 a las 7:00 p. m. para analizar el gasto de los fondos para el año fiscal 2025-2026, su correspondiente presupuesto y otros asuntos según la autorización de la Ley de Educación del estado de Nueva York. TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que, durante la reunión anual de dicho distrito escolar, que se celebrará el martes 20 de mayo de 2025 en Norman J. Levy-Lakeside School, Merrick, Nueva York, también se votará la asignación de los fondos necesarios para cubrir los gastos estimados del distrito escolar y la biblioteca (el presupuesto escolar y para la biblioteca) para el año escolar 2025-2026. La votación se realizará entre las 7:00 a. m. y las 9:00 p. m. Se usarán máquinas de votación en dicha elección anual.
TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que se celebrará una elección para cubrir dos (2) vacantes con un mandato de tres (3) años para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación y una (1) vacante con un mandato de cinco (5) años para la oficina del fideicomisario de la Junta de la Biblioteca en Norman J. LevyLakeside School, Merrick, Nueva York el martes 20 de mayo de 2025. Las urnas para dicha elección estarán abiertas desde las 7:00 a. m. hasta las 9:00 p. m.
TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que, en la boleta electoral, aparecerá una propuesta que indicará esencialmente lo siguiente: se autorizará a la Junta a gastar $4,800,000 del fondo de reserva de capitales establecido el 21 de mayo de 2019 con el propósito de realizar los siguientes proyectos: reemplazos de techos en las escuelas primarias de Birch y Lakeside, lo que incluye toda la mano de obra, los materiales, el equipo, los aparatos y los costos incidentales relacionados.
TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que cualquier residente del distrito podrá obtener una copia de la declaración del monto de dinero que será requerido para el año escolar 2025-2026, a los fines de invertirlos en la escuela y la biblioteca, durante los catorce (14) días previos a la votación, excepto los sábados, domingos o feriados, en las escuelas del distrito, entre las 9:30 a. m. y las 3:30 p. m. TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que, de conformidad con el Capítulo 258 de las Leyes de 2008, se agregó la Sección 495 a la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles y requiere que el distrito escolar adjunte a su presupuesto sugerido un informe de exenciones. Este informe de exenciones mostrará qué parte del valor total estimado de la lista de tasación final utilizada en el proceso presupuestario queda libre de impuestos. En el informe se mencionará cada tipo de exención, otorgadas por la autoridad legal, y se mostrará el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención, expresado en un monto en dólares del valor estimado o
como porcentaje del total del valor estimado en la lista, el valor acumulativo que se espera recibir de los beneficiarios de cada tipo de exención como pagos en lugar de impuestos (PILOT) u otros pagos para servicios municipales, y el impacto acumulativo de todas las exenciones otorgadas. Este informe de exenciones se publicará en cualquier tablero de anuncios que el distrito designe para avisos públicos y en el sitio web del distrito.
TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que las peticiones para nominar a candidatos para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación deberán presentarse ante la secretaria del distrito entre las 9:30 a. m. y las 3:30 p. m. y antes de las 5:00 p. m. del lunes 21 de abril de 2025. Dicha petición debe estar firmada por al menos cuarenta y seis (42) votantes del distrito calificados para elección para la Junta de Educación. Los candidatos que reciban la mayor cantidad de votos serán electos para el cargo. El registro personal es un requisito previo para votar en todas las elecciones de este distrito escolar y nadie podrá votar en esta elección si su nombre no aparece en el registro preparado para dicha elección; a excepción de cualquier persona residente del distrito que esté registrada de manera permanente en la Junta de Elecciones del condado de Nassau para votar en otras elecciones que no sean del distrito escolar y cuyo registro esté vigente, quien también podrá votar en esta elección sin registro adicional.
TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que la secretaria del distrito estará en la oficina del distrito el martes 6 de mayo de 2025, entre las 12:00 p. m. y las 4:00 p. m., con el propósito de preparar un registro de este distrito escolar para dicha elección, momento y lugar en los que cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en el registro, siempre y cuando se sepa o se demuestre, para satisfacción de la Junta de Registros, que dicha persona tiene derecho a votar en la reunión o en la elección para la
cual se prepara dicho registro. Las personas calificadas también podrán registrarse los días en que la escuela esté en sesión entre las 9:30 a. m. y las 3:30 p. m. en las escuelas del distrito, pero no se harán registros con menos de cinco (5) días de anticipación a la elección; este año el límite es el 15 de mayo de 2025.
TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Registros se reunirá el martes 20 de mayo de 2025, entre las 7:00 a. m. y las 9:00 p. m. en Norman J. LevyLakeside School, Merrick, Nueva York, para preparar el registro del distrito escolar que se usará en las reuniones o elecciones subsecuentes a la votación del presupuesto y elección anual del distrito escolar, en cuyo horario cualquier persona tendrá derecho a inscribirse en el registro, siempre que en tal reunión de la Junta de Registros se sepa o se demuestre, a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registros, que esa persona tiene derecho, entonces o en lo sucesivo, a votar en la reunión o en la elección escolar para la cual se prepara el registro.
ASIMISMO
SE NOTIFICA que el registro preparado se presentará en la oficina del superintendente de escuelas y estará disponible para que cualquier votante calificado del distrito pueda inspeccionarlo en la oficina del superintendente de escuelas y de la secretaria del distrito en Katherine E. Reif Administration Center cada uno de los cinco (5) días previos al día establecido para la elección, de 9:30 a. m. a 3:30 p. m., excepto los domingos, y el sábado anterior a las elecciones únicamente con cita previa. TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que las solicitudes de boletas electorales por ausencia y boletas electorales anticipadas por correo pueden realizarse en la oficina de la secretaria del distrito. La secretaria del distrito deberá recibir las solicitudes de voto por ausencia y anticipado por correo no antes de los treinta (30) días previos a la fecha de la elección. La secretaria del distrito debe recibir las
solicitudes de voto por ausencia y anticipado por correo por lo menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la boleta electoral debe enviarse al votante por correo, o hasta el día antes de la elección si la boleta electoral debe entregarse al votante o a la persona designada por este en persona. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna para enviar por correo una boleta electoral por ausencia y anticipada por correo, la secretaria del distrito enviará por correo dicha boleta electoral a la dirección indicada en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la elección. Las boletas electorales por ausencia y anticipadas por correo no se escrutarán, a menos que se hayan recibido en la oficina de la secretaria del distrito antes de las 5:00 p. m. del día de la elección. Habrá una lista de todas las personas para las que se emitieron boletas electorales por ausencia y anticipadas por correo disponible en la oficina de la secretaria del distrito durante los cinco días previos al día de la elección, excepto los domingos. TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que los votantes militares que no estén registrados actualmente pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del distrito escolar. Los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del distrito escolar podrán enviar una solicitud de boleta electoral militar. Estos votantes pueden indicar su preferencia de recibir una inscripción de votante militar, una solicitud de boleta electoral militar o una boleta electoral militar por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de inscripción, solicitud de boleta electoral o boleta electoral. Los formularios de solicitud de registro para votantes militares se deben recibir en la oficina de la secretaria del distrito antes de las 5:00 p. m. del 24 de abril de 2025. Las solicitudes de boleta electoral militar deben recibirse en la oficina de la secretaria del distrito por correo o en persona también a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del 24 de abril de 2025. Las boletas electorales militares no se escrutarán, a menos
que se envíen por correo o se presenten en persona y (1) la oficina de la secretaria del distrito las reciba antes del cierre de las urnas el día de la elección y tengan una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o un endoso fechado de recepción por parte de otra agencia del gobierno de los Estados Unidos, o bien (2) la oficina de la secretaria del distrito las reciba antes de las 5:00 p. m. del día de la elección, y estén firmadas y fechadas por el votante militar y un testigo de ello, con una fecha asociada que no sea posterior al día previo a la elección.
TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que, durante la elección del Distrito Escolar Merrick Union Free, los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Central de Escuelas Secundarias Bellmore-Merrick votarán con los siguientes fines: a)Votar sobre el presupuesto escolar anual para el año escolar 2025-2026 y autorizar la imposición de un impuesto sobre la propiedad sujeta a tributación del distrito para los propósitos anteriores.
b)Votar sobre cualquier otra propuesta que se pueda presentar oportunamente en la reunión.
FECHA:abril de 2025 Merrick, NY POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DISTRITO ESCOLAR MERRICK UNION FREE PAMELA AMON, SECRETARIA DEL DISTRITO 152675
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING, ANNUAL MEETING, ELECTION AND REGISTRATION OF VOTERS, MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND MERRICK PUBLIC LIBRARY
TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a public budget hearing of the Merrick Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, will be held at the Lakeside Elementary School, Merrick, New York on May 6, 2025 at 7:15 p.m. for the purpose of discussion of the expenditure of funds
for the 2025-2026 school year and the budgeting thereof and for such other business as is authorized by the Education Law of the State of New York.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that a public budget hearing of the Merrick Library will be held at the Merrick Library, Merrick, New York on April 29, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of discussion of the expenditure of funds for the 2025-2026 fiscal year and the budgeting thereof and for such other business as is authorized by the Education Law of the State of New York.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that the vote upon the appropriation of the necessary funds to meet the estimated expenditures of said school district and library for the 2025-2026 school year (school budget and library budget) will be held at the annual meeting of said school district on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at the Norman J. LevyLakeside School, Merrick, New York. Voting shall take place between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Voting machines will be used for voting at said annual election.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that an election to fill two (2) vacancies, each for a term of three (3) years for the office of member of the Board of Education and one (1) vacancy for a term of five (5) years for the office of trustee of the Library Board will be held at the Norman J. Levy-Lakeside School, Merrick, New York, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. The polls for voting at said election will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that a proposition will appear on the ballot to read substantially as follows: Shall the Board be authorized to expend $4,800,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund established on May 21, 2019 for the purpose of performing the following projects: Roof replacement at the Birch and Lakeside Elementary Schools, all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto
NOTICE IS FURTHER
GIVEN, that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the school year 2025-2026 for school purposes and library purposes may be obtained by any resident of the district during the fourteen (14) days preceding the vote, except Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays, at the schools of the district from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
NOTICE IS
FURTHER GIVEN, Pursuant to Chapter 258 of the Laws of 2008, Section 495 was added to the Real Property Tax Law and requires the School District to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report will show how much of the total assessed value on the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation. The report will list every type of exemption granted, identified by statutory authority, and will show the cumulative impact of each type of exemption expressed either as a dollar amount of assessed value or as a percentage of the total assessed value on the roll, the cumulative amount expected to be received from recipients of each type of exemption as payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) or other payments for municipal services, and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. This exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on the website maintained by the District.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education must be filed with the Clerk of the District between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., and no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, April 21, 2025. Such nominating petition must be signed by at least forty-two (42) qualified voters of the district for election to the Board of Education. The candidates receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to office. Personal registration is a prerequisite for voting at all elections in this school district,
and no person will be entitled to vote at such election whose name does not appear upon the register prepared for such election; except that any person, a resident of the district, who is permanently registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections to vote at elections other than a school district election and whose registration is current, shall also be qualified to vote at this election without further registration.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that the District Clerk will be in the District Office in said district on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. for the purpose of preparing the register of the school district for such election; at such time and place, any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed upon such register provided that he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of the Board of Registration to be entitled to vote at the meeting or election for which such register is to be prepared.
Qualified individuals may also register between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on days when school is in session at the schools of the district, except that no registration shall take place less than five (5) days preceding the election, this year May 15, 2025.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that the Board of Registration will meet on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, at the Norman J. LevyLakeside School, Merrick, New York, between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. to prepare the Register of the School District to be used for meetings or elections held subsequent to the annual School District election and budget vote, at which time any person may be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the school meeting or election for which said Register is so prepared.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that the register thus prepared will be filed in
the office of the Superintendent of Schools and that such register will be open for inspection to any qualified voter of the district at the office of the Superintendent of Schools and the District Clerk in the Katherine E. Reif Administration Center between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. during each of the five (5) days prior to the day set for the election, except Sundays, and on the Saturday prior to the election by appointment only.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that applications for absentee and early mail ballots may be applied for at the Office of the District Clerk. An application for an absentee or early mail ballot must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the date of the election. An application for an absentee or early mail ballot must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely application for a mailed absentee or early mail ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address designated on the application by no later than six (6) days before the election. No absentee and early mail voter ballot shall be canvassed unless it shall have been received at the Office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on the date of the election. A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots have been issued will be available in the Office of the District Clerk on each of the five days prior to the election except Sunday.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school 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 application forms must be received in the Office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 24, 2025. Military ballot applications must be received in the Office of the District Clerk by mail or in person by also no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 24, 2025. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is returned by mail or in person and (1) received in the Office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the Office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated be not later than the day before the election.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that at the election of the Merrick Union Free School District, qualified voters of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District shall vote for the following purposes:
a)To vote upon the annual school budget for the 2025-2026 school year, and to authorize the levying of a tax upon the taxable property of the district for the foregoing purposes. b)To vote upon such other propositions as may properly come before the meeting.
DATED:April 2025 Merrick, NY BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT PAMELA AMON, DISTRICT CLERK 152673
JACK GANDOLFO, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 27, 2018, 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 May 2, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 46 Shaw Drive, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at North Merrick, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 56, Block A02, Lot 12A-12B. Approximate amount of judgment $614,616.06 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #007977/2014. Richard Lunenfeld, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 17-001468 84959 152569
LEGAL NOTICE BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT 1260 MEADOWBROOK ROAD NORTH MERRICK, NY 11566 516-992-1090
NOTICE TO BIDDERS
Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Education of Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, Merrick, NY at the Business Office, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, NY 11566-1500 on May 1, 2025 at 10:00am prevailing time for the 2025-2026 School Year for the following categories: ATHLETIC SUPPLIES MUSIC INSTRUMENTS AND SUPPLIES
No bids will be sent unless requested by the above procedure.
Bids will be addressed to the Board of Education, Attn: Ms. Melisa Stiles, BellmoreMerrick Central High School District, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, NY 11566. BIDS MUST BE SUBMITTED IN SEALED ENVELOPES AND CLEARLY MARKED WITH THE NAME OF THE BIDDER, BID TITLE, DATE AND TIME OF THE BID OPENING.
The Board of Education reserves the right to waive any informalities in any bid, or to reject any or all bids, or to accept that bid, or any part of that bid, which is in its judgment is for the best interest of the school district. No bids shall be withdrawn pending the decision of the Board of Education. PRICES MUST REMAIN FIRM FROM JULY 1, 2025 UNTIL JUNE 30, 2026. Ms. Melisa Stiles School Business Administrator & Purchasing Agent Dated: April 10, 2025 152875
LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that the annual inspection for the 2025-2026 year for all school buildings of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District for fire hazards which might endanger the lives of students, teachers and employees therein, has been completed and the report thereof is available at the District Administration Building, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, NY 11566-1500 on any business day between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M 152876
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU GREEN TREE SERVICING LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST ELIZABETH VITALE,
Specifications and instructions to bidders can be obtained by calling Educational Data Services, Inc., at (973)340-8800, or by logging onto our website at www.eddata.com. Click the red “I’m Interested” button and fill out the form listed under “Get Started as a Vendor”. Bids will be available ten (10) days before the bid due date listed in this notice to bidders.
LEGAL NOTICE ASSESSOR’S NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF THE FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL THE ASSESSOR OF THE COUNTY OF NASSAU HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that he has completed the 2025/2026 final assessment roll, which will be used for the 2026 levy of Town and County Taxes in the Towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay, and the City of Glen Cove and the City of Long Beach, and for the 2025/2026 levy of school taxes in such Towns and in the City of Long Beach. A certified electronic copy of the roll was filed with the Department of Assessment on April 1, 2024. The electronic roll may be examined on public terminals located in the offices of:
DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENT NASSAU COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING 240 OLD COUNTRY ROAD, FOURTH FLOOR MINEOLA, NY 11501 where the same will remain open for public inspection for fifteen days. Dated this 1st day of April 2025.
JOSEHA A. ADAMO Assessor, Nassau County 152810
LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU ELM CAPITAL LLC v. ISABEL D. KATZ (Index No. 607286/2024) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on March 24, 2025, 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 on the 9th day of May, 2025 at 2:00 PM (“Rain or Shine”): All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being, and identified on the land tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York as Section 55, Block 2, Lot 914. Said premises are known as 1533 Richard Ave., Merrick NY 11566. The approximate amount of the lien is $6,657.76 plus interest and costs. ALL CHECKS MUST BE MADE PAYABLE DIRECTLY TO CHRISTINE M. GRILLO, ESQ., AS REFEREE. THE REFEREE WILL NOT ACCEPT THIRD PARTY CHECKS OR CASH. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Referee will cancel the foreclosure auction.
Christine M. Grillo, Esq., Referee Joseph Ehrenreich, Esq., Attorney for Plaintiff; Tel. 833-993-0100. 152783
SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. CAZ R.E. HOLDINGS, INC., Pltf. vs. JOSEPH SIMON MUSSO, et al, Defts. Index #602619/2021. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Sept. 17. 2024, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on May 13, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 1370 Noel Court, Merrick, NY 11566 a/k/a Section 55, Block 526, Lot 24. Approximate amount of judgment is $240,079.20 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. BRIAN J. DAVIS, Referee. MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 575 Underhill Blvd., Ste. 224, Syosset, NY 11791. #102217 152842
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. WILLIAM GROSS, et al, Defts. Index #614605/2019. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered May 2, 2022, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on May 13, 2025 at 2:30 p.m. premises k/a Section 62, Block 211, Lot 17. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Foreclosure auction will be held “rain or shine.” If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the sale WILLIAM R. BOCCIO, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Drive, Great Neck, NY. #102225 152844
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Q. My neighbor loves animals, so much that they have constructed little houses for feral cats and stray dogs. Although I haven’t said anything because we have a tall fence, and I don’t have to look at the menagerie of wildlife — including many ducks, squirrels and raccoons that also eat the food scraps my neighbor puts out — I wonder if this is allowed, and now that they’re starting to build very large bird “hotels” that I can see, I’m thinking this is really getting to be too much. Do they need approval to attract all of these animals, a permit or something?
A. There are restrictions, such as section 152-8 of Town of Hempstead code, prohibiting dogs at large. You can check your municipality code regulations, online, by typing in the name of your municipality followed by “ecode360.” Many communities restrict the number of pets and the containment of pets, and have a restriction that pets can’t be constrained for more than two hours to a stationary object, like a post.
Stray dogs and cats are prohibited, even though many people take care of them. I wrote about this 25 years ago, and received hate mail for my insensitivity to these cats and dogs, even though I was quoting the ordinances, in addition to writing about how to keep strays from wandering into your yard. If the strays become a problem for you, there are regulations that your neighbor may be subject to.
Birdhouses seem fairly innocent, and unless they’re built to an abundant size, like the “hotel” you describe, there are no limits. When there are a number of birdhouses, or they become large enough to fall under the regulation of treehouses and sheds, the regulations become relevant, and the construction of these “accessory structures” falls under the zoning codes. I’ve seen birdhouses with 25 units in them, which is large enough to make it necessary to regulate. It brings new meaning to Airbnb. I’m not sure if the local governments that placed prohibitions on renting out homes to transients also included the bird population, since most birds have no place to carry cash or a credit card, but it may be worth looking into in your spare time.
A call to either your local building inspector or to animal and wildlife control centers can confirm the handling of the animals, and whether your neighbor is creating a nuisance. The biggest concern may be health considerations, since some species may carry diseases that can be harmful to other species or to you. For example, raccoons, cats and squirrels are known to carry rabies, and an even more dangerous disease called toxoplasmosis. They endanger dogs in particularly, since these diseases cause ailments that can cripple or destroy their immune systems. Cats are also in danger, and the droppings from each of these animals may also cause sickness in humans, but to a lesser degree. You are not wrong to be concerned. Good luck!
© 2025 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo
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nassau County has enjoyed a lot of success during my time as county executive. Our residents have benefited from a notax-increase budget for three years straight, and I plan to deliver them a fourth. My administration cut $150 million in taxes planned by the previous administration. I hired over 300 new police and correctional officers to protect our streets. And the county was named the most desirable place to live in all of New York state by Niche magazine.
But our county now faces a crisis that threatens to halt our growth and impede our progress. I am deeply disappointed and frustrated that the 2025 Capital Plan was not passed by the County Legislature. The plan, which is vital for the continued development and safety of all of Nassau, has been blocked by Democratic legislators who have refused to give it their bipartisan support. It is disturbing to witness such a politically motivated decision when it directly jeopardizes the welfare of our residents.
The implications of not passing the Capital Plan extend far beyond politics. I am very concerned about delaying funding for important public-safety ini-
tiatives. I am proud to say that Nassau County holds the title as the safest county in America, but we risk throwing that away and undermining the systems designed to protect our families and neighborhoods without the funding and resources guaranteed by the plan.
Under the negotiated proposal blocked by Democratic legislators, the plan would provide tens of millions of dollars in funding to secure essential tools for police officers who put their lives on the line to protect us. Those investments include:
■ $1.14 million for bulletproof vests
■ $1.1 million for tasers
■ $105,000 for upgraded firearms
Fals vehicle.
We also negotiated a six-figure investment in the Fire Service Academy Master Plan so that our volunteer firefighters get the best training available. Setting back that training by not passing the Capital Plan would be an egregious mistake by our Democratic legislators.
ailing to secure
this funding will
hurt communities across the county.
■ $1.5 million for body cameras.
Support for our firefighters and emergency responders is also jeopardized while the Capital Plan stalls in the Legislature. For 2025 alone, we have millions of dollars budgeted for key items that include:
■ $3 million for new ambulances
■ $550,000 for new firefighting equipment and high-axle vehicles to save residents during floods
■ $500,000 to upgrade fire department communications system
■ $600,000 for a new hazardous-materi-
iOn top of spending on public safety, the Capital Plan also includes important initiatives aimed at improving the county’s infrastructure, including improvements that will improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. The hamlet of Elmont, for example, was scheduled to receive $2.7 million in traffic and pedestrian safety improvements that are now being blocked.
Another $1.5 million in similar improvements was slated for the Village of Lynbrook, at the five-way intersection at Hempstead Avenue.
Blocked.
We planned to spend $250,000 on traffic safety and pedestrian improvements for Merrick Road in Freeport.
Blocked.
You can see just how quickly the money adds up. Failing to secure this funding will hurt communities across the county if we don’t act now. We cannot afford indecision or crass political posturing when our taxpayers are relying on us. I am calling on our Democrat-
ic legislators to put aside politics and prioritize the well-being of Nassau County residents by passing the Capital Plan. It is time to focus on what truly matters — the safety and quality of life of our citizens.
I also urge county residents to make their voices heard. Contact your legislators, express your concerns, and advocate for the passage of the Capital Plan. Here is the contact information for the Democratic legislators who blocked the plan and put you at risk.
Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton
Phone: (516) 571-6211
Email: dderiggiwhitton@nassaucountyny.gov
Legislator Scott Davis
Phone: (516) 571-6201
Email: SDavis@nassaucountyny.gov
Legislator Olena Nicks
Phone: (516) 571-6202
Email: onicks@nassaucountyny.gov
Legislator Carrie Solages
Phone: (516) 571-6203
Email: csolages@nassaucountyny.gov
Legislator Seth Koslow Phone: (516) 571-6205
Email: skoslow@nassaucountyny.gov
Legislator Debra Mulé Phone: (516) 571-6206
Email: dmule@nassaucountyny.gov
Legislator Arnold Drucker Phone: (516) 571-6216
Email: adrucker@nassaucountyny.gov
Bruce Blakeman is Nassau County executive.
am 64 years old. I have lived a full life, raised a family, built a career and seen the world change in ways I never imagined. But when one of my favorite sports teams takes the field, I’m still a 12-year-old boy, heart pounding, stomach twisting, living and dying with every play or atbat.
A great touchdown catch or a clutch base hit still sends me into wild fist pumping. A botched play or a baffling coaching decision has me pacing the room, muttering in disbelief.
The baseball season just started, and I moaned about the Mets’ slow start in a sports text thread. One of my friends texted, “They’ve faced strong pitching.” I responded, “Aren’t they supposed to have a strong lineup and that Soto guy?” The same friend wrote: “It’s one week, calm down.”
When you’re a fan, calm isn’t your default state of mind. This isn’t a hobby — it’s a lifelong relationship. And like any deep, long-term commitment, it started early.
I still remember my first baseball game. I was 7, holding my father’s hand as we made our way through the crowded concourse of Yankee Stadium. Though I was a Mets fan, we went with family friends. The air smelled of hot dogs, beer and cigars.
s ports are a connection — to my childhood, to my dad, to my friends.
Two years later, I went to my first football game, also in Yankee Stadium. I’m a Giants fan, and on that October Sunday my dad and I watched Big Blue defeat the then St. Louis Cardinals. Sitting around us were football fans who held transistor radios to their ears so they’d know what penalty had been called and exactly where the ball was on the field. At the time, no planet-sized TV screen showed the previous play seconds after it ended.
Sports fandom isn’t just about watching games — it’s about the rituals, the
superstitions, the little things we do that make us feel like we’re part of something bigger. For me, it started with where I sat to watch at home. Every time my team was in the playoffs, I had to be in the same spot on the couch. Not just the same couch — the same spot on that couch.
Before the most recent two Super Bowls that the Giants played in (and won), I had to watch the movie “Friday Night Lights” two hours before game time. Was there any logical reason to believe that watching a film about high school football would influence the outcome of a Super Bowl? Of course not. But did I dare test my illogical theory by not watching it? Absolutely not. If you ask any true sports fan why they put themselves through the emotional rollercoaster of fandom, they’ll tell you the highs are worth the lows. And it’s true — when my team wins, when they pull off an improbable comeback or dominate their opponent, it’s
pure joy. The kind of joy that makes you jump up and down like a kid on his birthday.
But the lows? Oh, the lows hurt. A blown lead, a boneheaded play that costs the game, a gut-wrenching loss — they stay with you. You replay them in your head and commiserate about them with friends.
People who don’t follow sports don’t get it. They ask why I let a game played by people I’ve never met affect me so deeply. Or they ask whether I have a big bet on the game.
But it’s not just a game. It’s a connection — to my childhood, to my father, who took me to those first games, to my friends who have shared in the victories and defeats. It’s a constant in a world that constantly changes.
At 64, I’m not the same person I was at 12. But when my team takes the field, that kid inside me comes roaring back across the decades, full of hope, excitement and the unshakable belief that this time, maybe this time, we’ll win it all.
The sudden rise in deadly accidents on Long Island’s streets and highways is deeply alarming, and demands actions. Every seven minutes, a crash causing death, injury or significant property damage occurs on our roads. And our region currently leads the state in traffic fatalities: One in five deaths resulting from car crashes in New York happens on Long Island. The failure to secure our roads has led to thousands of lives being cut short, families tragically ripped apart and a terrible void left in too many of our communities.
I wrote to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, calling for immediate action to keep Long Islanders safe. In addition to a federal investigation into the surge of fatal crashes, I urged Duffy and the Department of Transportation to issue specific recommendations to
Congress on additional funding or authority that the department needs to improve our roadways and increase safety for drivers and pedestrians.
I’m fighting for a comprehensive roadway safety strategy to encourage safer driving and create safer roads. This means giving our law enforcement agencies the tools and resources to police aggressive and unsafe driving, investing in infrastructure that puts safety first and keeping impaired drivers off our roads.
We’ve lost far too many community members to fatal traffic accidents.
Unsafe driving has devastating consequences that we can and must prevent. Every day, our nation’s law enforcement officers work to prevent serious accidents on our roads. But strained budgets and workforce reductions have harmed their ability to conduct traffic stops and other forms of high-visibility traffic enforcement. Studies show that increasing high-visibility enforcement deters drivers from making reckless decisions that endanger others and makes our streets safer for all. Additionally, I’m calling for infra-
structure investments that prioritize safety, not speed. Area residents have long voiced safety concerns about the Southern State Parkway, Sunrise Highway and other routes, which account for a disproportionate share of roadway injuries and fatalities on Long Island. We should use proven safety countermeasures to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe on our roads, prevent roadway departures, and make intersections less deadly.
I’ll continue to advocate for these common-sense improvements. In Congress, I’m drafting legislation that incentivizes states and localities to build roundabouts, which make intersections safer. By introducing these measures into our infrastructure planning, we can significantly reduce roadway fatalities and injuries.
We must also take action to keep impaired drivers off the roads. Many road safety groups have endorsed lowering our drunken-driving limit to a blood alcohol content of .05 percent. There’s strong evidence that lowering this limit
reduces the number of crashes and saves lives: After Utah lowered its drunken-driving limit to .05 percent in 2018, fatal car crashes dropped by nearly 20 percent over the next calendar year. I support the push at the state level to bring this limit to New York, and I’m exploring federal options to make this the law of the land across the U.S.
We’ve lost far too many community members to fatal traffic accidents. It’s time for local, state and federal authorities to come together to improve our roadways and increase safety for drivers and pedestrians.
I’m proud to represent Long Island on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has authority over the nation’s highways and bridges. As Congress considers a new surface transit reauthorization bill this year, the committee will be a key player in negotiating this bill. I’ll continue to use my seat on T&I to advocate for our communities, make smart infrastructure investments and push for policies that keep drivers, passengers and pedestrians safe.
Laura A. Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.
Thus it came to pass, in the Land of Brooklyn, that Morris Brownstein knew Anna Brownstein, his second cousin, and they begat Hilda, Murray, Pearl and Zelda. Pearl, third in the family order, was my mother, and the only one who seemed to have entirely escaped the questionable legacy of having parents who were also blood relatives.
In the warm bosom of my mother’s nuclear family, accent on nuclear, Passover was a sacred time. Sacred not in a religious way, but in a culinary way. Grandma Annie and Grandpa Morris spared no effort in bringing to their four children an authentic holiday experience.
Perhaps the most cherished Brownstein family tradition was dining on homemade gefilte fish for the holiday. Let me digress. Gefilte fish (from the Yiddish word for “stuffed”) is an acquired taste. A cement-colored composite of various scaled fish, such as carp and pike and whitefish, mixed with
ground vegetables and matzo meal, it tastes like a fishy matzo ball. People eat it cold, with mouth-scorching horseradish to kill the taste.
When I say it is an acquired taste, I mean you had to be there at the beginning. Let’s see, it’s 5785 on the Hebrew calendar, so if you started eating gefilte fish two or three thousand years ago, you probably look forward to having it on the Seder table this year. You can’t just munch gefilte with no prior experience.
himself too thin.
Anyway, keeping the carp in the tub wasn’t without consequences for the Family Brownstein. First, since the carp was in the tub for some time, and there was only one bathtub, well, draw your own conclusions.
M y mother always wanted a kitten or a puppy, but learned to bond with a carp.
For her gefilte fish, Grandma Annie believed in going to the source, so she would buy a large, live carp and keep it in the bathtub for a week or two until it was time to ease it from its comfortable aquatic home into a grinder.
This was fish farming in its most primitive form. The business possibilities were not lost on young Murray, who was blessed with an entrepreneurial spirit. When he was 19, he considered buying up tens of thousands of bathtubs to raise carp. Unfortunately, at the time all his funds were tied up in a machine that made shoes out of sweet potatoes, and he didn’t want to spread
The second consequence of growing their own, so to speak, was that my mother, the most tenderhearted of the lot, immediately bonded with the carp. She had always longed for a kitten or a puppy, but her parents weren’t about to indulge her, so once a year she had what you might call a transitory experience in nurturing an animal. Granted, a carp isn’t much of a pet, but young Pearl had little else to call her own.
This was not what you would call a psychologically enlightened family. Since “Sesame Street” had not yet been created, Grandma would entertain her kids by taking them to the Canarsie slaughterhouse, where they would watch the chickens being killed. You can see why they didn’t worry much about young Pearl playing with the carp in the tub.
When the day came, a few days before Passover, Grandma was the designated
executioner. This was an interesting division of labor, since Grandpa Morris displayed distinct homicidal potential, having once chased a woman around a butcher shop with a knife after she insulted President Roosevelt. He was also enlisted in a civilian patrol, looking for submarines in Brooklyn, when he fell into a sidewalk hole and wasn’t found for days. But that’s another story.
Anyway, Grandma Annie, ignoring all pleas for clemency for the fish, would drain the tub and dispatch the carp with her cleaver. A day later, they set a beautiful table, and after a few prayers, devoured the fish, which lived on in its new incarnation — homemade gefilte fish swimming in its own aspic.
For dessert, Grandma made what came to be known as the Cake of Affliction, a 12-egg, foot-high sponge cake that, year after year, stuck to the pan, fell like a pancake instead of rising like a soufflé and broke our hearts.
Times pass, and so do people. Rituals change. This Passover, my husband is the only one at the table who will eat gefilte fish. The Cake of Affliction isn’t on the menu. At today’s egg prices, the family sponge cake has become a highrisk investment.
Copyright © 2025 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
as the winter chill fades and the warmth of spring sets in, April presents us with the perfect opportunity to step out of our homes and into our communities. It is National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize the vital contributions of volunteers and encourage others to take part in acts of service. With the season’s longer days, there’s no better moment to embrace the spirit of giving, and making a difference.
Volunteering is more than just a noble act — it’s a powerful way to foster change, make personal connections and enhance our well-being. Whether you’re helping clean up a local park, mentoring a young student or lending a hand at a food bank, your contributions have a lasting impact. This month, let’s not only celebrate those who dedicate their time to service, but also join them in strengthening our communities.
National Volunteer Month highlights the invaluable role that volunteers play in shaping society. The best, most selfless volunteering isn’t confined to a single day or week; it’s an ongoing effort that promotes social responsibility, empathy and collective progress.
It also benefits the volunteer. Studies show that devoting time to helping others can reduce stress, combat loneliness and engender a sense of purpose. It helps people acquire new skills and build professional as well as social networks, and often opens doors to new career opportunities.
One of the best aspects of volunteering is its flexibility — there’s something for everyone. Whether you have a few hours to spare each month or can commit to a regular schedule, there are countless ways to contribute. Here are just a few examples:
■ Community cleanups: Help beautify
Thanks for a young
To the Editor:
American Red Cross, Long Island Chapter
195 Willis Ave. Mineola (516) 747-3500
RedCross.org/local/new-york
Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center
100 Crescent Beach Road, Glen Cove (516) 571-8040 hmtcli.org
Island Harvest 126 Spagnoli Road, Melville (516) 294-8528 (631) 873-4775
IslandHarvest.org
Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation 3300 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh (631) 425-1884
LastHopeAnimalRescue.org
Long Island Cares 10 Davids Drive, Hauppauge (631) 582-3663 LiCares.org
United Way of Long Island 819 Grand Blvd., Deer Park (631) 940-3700 UnitedWayLi.org
your local parks, streets and other community spaces by picking up litter, powerwashing sidewalks or planting flowers.
■ Animal welfare: Volunteer at an animal shelter or foster a rescue pet. The need for volunteers at these facilities has
I very much appreciated Jordan Vallone’s recent op-ed, “Some thoughts on books, privilege and girlhood.” As a lifelong reader, I think life is so much more enjoyable having a good book to read. Books are, in many ways, our teachers. Vallone’s emphasis on the importance of books for young women dealing with this complex and stressful world is so relevant. As I look back on my teaching career, I think we should have had more literature from a woman’s point of view, focusing on the situations and problems they had to face.
And thanks to Jordan for her book suggestions. I feel I should read some literature from the perspective of young
never been greater.
■ Educational support: Tutor a student, chaperone a school field trip or help out in your local library.
■ Food assistance: Work at a food pantry or take part in a meal delivery program. Lots of community members lend a hand during the holiday season, but here, too, volunteers can find plenty to do all year round.
■ Health care and support services: Visit a nursing home, assist hospital staff, or support a mental health initiative.
■ Environmental advocacy: Take part in a tree-planting effort, a recycling program or a sustainability project.
April is also Global Volunteer Month, celebrating the many ways people and organizations support their neighbors and strengthen their communities around the world. Volunteer Recognition Day, April 20, will kick off National Volunteer Week, April 20-26, a weeklong celebration of the efforts of volunteers. There are numerous opportunities this month to take part in events, campaigns and initiatives that need and will welcome your help. It’s a time to take action, and inspire others to do the same. And by getting children and young adults involved, we can help instill a lifelong commitment to service and civic responsibility. Whether through school programs or community projects, we can encourage the next generation to embrace the values of kindness, empathy, and community involvement.
If you’ve been looking for a way to give back, let the month that symbolizes renewal and growth be the time you take that first step. Whether you join a oneday event or dedicate a few hours a week, your contribution matters. Step outside, lend a hand and experience the joy of making a difference.
april is Autism Acceptance Month, a time for society to gain a better understanding of those with special needs. It appears, however, that Albany doesn’t understand them.
Every day across our state, physically and developmentally challenged, as well as elderly, New Yorkers rely on trusted family members or personal assistants to help them maintain their quality of life and access to necessary care. Hundreds of thousands of our Empire State neighbors rely on the state’s Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program, known as CDPAP. It has been a lifeline for upward of 280,000 New Yorkers reliant on daily care to remain independent. Sadly, because of changes initiated by Gov. Kathy Hochul — including a haphazard CDPAP overhaul rollout, complete with an unrealistic timeline — gaining access to this program has become a challenge, which will lead to people not having the support they have come to rely on.
CDPAP allows enrollees to hire their own aides, which gives them the flexibili-
ty and autonomy to manage their health care on their terms. Unlike traditional home care models, CDPAP allows participants to direct their care, hire family members or trusted individuals, and maintain control over their daily routines and schedule. The program has empowered New Yorkers with disabilities, and seniors, to preserve their dignity and receive care in their homes instead of nursing homes or residential group homes.
so those with disabilities can receive care in their homes instead of nursing homes.
As the father of an adult son with profound autism, I am acutely aware of the importance of CDPAP, and am particularly sensitive to the negative changes that Hochul is foisting on enrollees in the name of “streamlining” the system and cutting costs.
In pursuit of cost-cutting, Hochul recently enacted sweeping changes to CDPAP that risk undermining the program’s accessibility and quality — particularly the consolidation of over 600 CDPAP fiscal intermediaries into a single provider, Public Partnerships LLC. CDPAP fiscal intermediaries are organizations that have contracts with the government to provide various services within the CDPAP framework, primarily the handling of wage and benefit processing for personal assistants.
people growing up in 2025.
More power to her pride in being a woman, her seeing the importance of literature for young women and her having the talent to bring attention to women’s stories that deserve to be told and heard.
JIM HAWKINS Baldwin
To the Editor:
Spreading propaganda is an evil tool used to create anger, hysteria, rage and jealousy among unthinking people. This method was successfully used in Nazi Germany in the 1930s. It encouraged book burning and Kristallnacht. It appears very similar to Tesla burning and mob protesting against Jewish students at Columbia University.
When children are young, they are taught to obey their parents, because they are the adults. In a mob mentality, people behave very similar to children, because they are also told what to do, and encouraged to engage in destructive, harmful, irrational behavior. When those who attack our American citizens are released and defended by judges, whose civil rights are violated? Can judges overrule the president of the United States?
Many participants in the program who are adhering to the governor’s new mandate to enroll with PPL have found the process to be confusing and racked with delays, the antithesis of a “streamlined” endeavor. What’s more, the timeline for this rollout has been ridiculous, originally giving CDPAP enrollees less than 90 days to enroll in the new monopolistic system.
Forcing those enrollees to utilize PPL as the sole provider of fiscal intermediary responsibilities creates a significant disruption for patients and caregivers who have built trusted relationships with their existing intermediaries. The original deadline to enroll was March 31, but after an outcry from CDPAP consumers, the governor gave them a 30-day extension. While consumers and their staffs have been given extra time to enroll, however, their old fiscal intermediaries have been forced to cease operations. Consumers and their staffs are promised an “IOU” for services already provided.
Thousands of other CDPAP enrollees remain in the lurch. What’s more, an untold number of personal assistants will see a lag in their pay as PPL processes their paperwork, and it is unclear
exactly how long that lag will last. Forcing CDPAP enrollees out of the program is not the right way to reduce costs. I have received many complaints from CDPAP enrollees and their personal assistants who are finding it extremely difficult to interact with PPL and navigate this new system. PPL has been less than responsive to many of my constituents seeking support, and it took intervention from my office to ensure that they received answers from PPL in a timely fashion — an unacceptable level of service for the state-anointed sole provider of fiscal intermediary services. While intended to streamline the system, Hochul’s sweeping changes to the CDPAP program harm the very people the program aims to support by reducing the range of available service options. If the governor were serious about assisting the enrollees and their caregivers, she would ensure that PPL has the manpower needed to properly manage these program changes, extend the deadline for enrollees to sign up with PPL, and adopt a new policy of transparency that has so far been sorely lacking throughout this process. She should not force physically and developmentally challenged or elderly New Yorkers to suffer because of her administration’s poorly planned CDPAP overhaul rollout.
Michael Giangregorio represents Nassau County’s 12th Legislative District.
We need strong leadership to prevent civil disobedience and violence, and more credit must be given to President Trump, who was given this arduous task by a clear majority. Why is there so much opposition?
PAT KING Merrick
To the Editor:
Just how much confidence can we have in a failed congressman, Anthony D’Esposito, whose brief tenure was marked by slavish obeisance to the grossly unqualified President Trump (before he returned to office), and who now, ironically, Trump has appointed inspector general for the Labor Department, which the administration is eviscerating, after Trump has dismissed independent inspectors-general in more than a dozen such agencies?
The answer is a resounding, Not a scintilla of trust!
More likely, like the multi-failed Kari Lake in Arizona, who lost races for both governor and senator but became Trump’s nemesis of the hugely successful Voice of America, D’Esposito is keeping a political profile for a return run for
elective office.
They, along with the current administration, belong not to a (Pete) Hegseth “meritocracy,” but together form the gang that couldn’t shoot straight: incompetent, ignorant, intol-
erant and dangerous to our liberal democratic republic. D’Esposito should be denied Senate confirmation.