Nassau Herald 04-03-2025

HERALD Nassau

Hundreds of Touro University School of Health Sciences students attended the Interprofessional Education Symposium, at Congregation Sons of Israel in Woodmere, on March 25.

Gaining hands-on health care experience in Woodmere

By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com

Students from Touro University’s School of Health Sciences gained some real-world health care experience at the 12th annual Interprofessional Education Symposium, at Congregation Sons of Israel in Woodmere, on March 25.

Students from seven health care professions teamed up to work through a mock case in which they treated, and then discharged, a patient who had suffered a stroke. Touro University, one of the largest health care education providers in the country, has hosted the symposium at the Wood-

Inwood channel renamed for fallen firefighter

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Firefighters and first responders from the Five Towns, Baldwin and Long Beach gathered at Inwood Park on March 23 for a remembrance and rededication ceremony honoring the late 1st Deputy Chief Joseph Sanford Jr. of the Inwood Fire Department.

Sanford, who was known as Junior, died on Dec. 23, 2014, four days after falling through the first floor into the basement while fighting a house fire in Woodmere. He was one of the first firefighters to respond to the blaze, at 787 Central Ave.

mere synagogue for eight of the past 12 years.

“I think as far as Congregation Sons of Israel is concerned, it’s a service to a fellow Jewish institution,” Harriett Gefen, the synagogue’s executive/educational director, said. “Touro University also has quite a number of people enrolled in its program who come from this area or from Brooklyn, so we’re really a very good, centrally located area for them.”

The participants included 380 graduating seniors as well as faculty from Touro’s nursing, occupational therapy, physician assistant, physical therapy, speech-language

announced that the former Negro Bar Channel, which flows through Inwood Park, will now be known as Joseph Sanford Jr. Channel.

The gathering included Sanford’s widow, Jacqueline, and daughter, Janisha, along with other family members; Assemblyman Ari Brown; Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby; Joseph Ramirez, representing Gov. Kathy Hochul; and State Supreme Court Justice Chris McGrath.

JAcquELINE SANfORd

Sanford was the first African-American 1st deputy chief of the department, having made his way up the ranks during 19 years as a volunteer firefighter, after serving the required five-year probationary period. He became a lieutenant, captain and 1st deputy chief, and was named chief posthumously.

Joseph Sanford Jr.’s widow

The ceremony opened with the Nassau County Firefighters Bagpipes and Drums band playing “God Bless America” and the Inwood Fire Department Color Guard presenting the flags. Deacon Rashid Murad, of the Manhasset-Lakeville Fire Department, began the program with the invocation.

The ceremony was organized by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, who

“We ask you (God) to continue to grant the Sanford family the courage and strength to embrace that void that impacted their family when you called

Courtesy Dmitriy Kalinin

New tax credit for small businesses gains momentum

The Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally Act, which will establish a new $10 million tax credit for small businesses advertising in local media outlets, would provide the Five Towns small businesses with up to $4000 for marketing in community media.

By CASEY FERBER

A first-of-its-kind tax credit to give small businesses in the Five Towns some much-needed financial support is gaining momentum in Albany.

Earlier this month, a large bipartisan group of New York State legislators joined business leaders and local news organizations in person at the State Capitol in support of the Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally (LOCAL) Act, which would establish a new $10 million tax credit for small businesses advertising in local media outlets. Sponsored by

State Senator Monica R. Martinez and Assemblymember Jennifer Lunsford, the LOCAL Act aims to maximize the reach of small businesses’ advertising dollars, while supporting the work of the media outlets New Yorkers rely on every day for critical information.

“Communities are built on connections with neighbors, and the same is true for small businesses. The LOCAL Act supports this relationship by encouraging these community-based businesses to advertise with the media outlets already trusted by the neighbors they are committed to serving,” Martinez said at the March 11 event.

The LOCAL Act now has four co-sponsors in the State Senate and seven in the Assembly, several of whom attended the rally. Ahead of the rally, nearly 20 major business groups across New York –including the National Federation of Independent Business, Upstate United and the Queens Chamber of Commerce –sent a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul and state leadership urging them to support the LOCAL Act.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving job creation and growth in communities across New York. However, they continue to face significant financial challenges…This is pragmatic legislation that will help – and be tremendously appreciated by – the thousands of small businesses that make New York the world’s preeminent place to start and operate a business,” the letter reads.

Championed by the Empire State Local News Coalition, the LOCAL Act also has the staunch support of the coalition’s more than 200 local newspapers across the state. More than two-and-ahalf U.S. newspapers disappear per week, and here in New York, several counties have only one local news outlet.

“The LOCAL Act is a win-win-win for local businesses, local news, and local communities,” Zachary Richner, founding member of the Empire State Local News Coalition, said. “These institutions are intricately connected and work together to create the vibrant communities that New Yorkers love.”

Under the LOCAL Act, a minority-, woman- or veteran-owned business, as well as any business with 10 employees or fewer, would be eligible to receive a refundable tax credit of 80% of its first $5,000 of local advertising for a maximum credit of $4,000 per year. The program would be capped at $10 million annually.

“The LOCAL Act is about more than just advertising – it’s about investing in the economic health of our local community and investing in the kind of local journalism that we need now more than ever,” Lunsford said.

“I am proud to co-sponsor the ‘Lift Our Communities Advertise Locally’ program, which would simultaneously benefit local businesses as well as local journalism,” said state Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. “By encouraging small businesses to promote their services locally, we stimulate job growth, increase economic activity, and foster a sense of community that is essential to the fabric of our neighborhoods.”

The bill is expected to be voted on later this year.

Courtesy Empire State Local News Coalition

By BRIAN NORMAN

things to know from the school board

The tentative Atlantic Beach budget

bnorman@liherald.com

Members of the Village of Atlantic Beach board of trustees held a tentative bud-

n Legal Fees and Settlements

The biggest issue that was raised by the residents was the increase in legal fees. The budget included $408,168 for the village attorney, and $240,500 for fees, and special council, as well as $4,000 for legal publications-data processing, for a total of $652,668 in the Law portion of the budget.

Mayor George Pappas addressed residents’ concerns about legal fees, explaining that the village budgeted for a worst-case scenario in the ongoing Chabad and Libbey litigation. He noted that if both cases are settled, the allocated funds could be redirected to other areas of the budget if necessary.

“The budget includes worst case scenario, as if we were to go to a full year discovery with the Chabad case, with full trial for the Libbey case,” Pappas said. “We have to make sure we have the money in the budget in case those things do happen. So we spoke to council, and their recommendation to protect the village and not on a shortfall would be 408,000 in a worst-case scenario with this budget here.”

get meeting on March 24, offering residents an opportunity to review the proposed 2025-26 budget and share questions, comments or concerns with the board. The final budget will be presented on April 28. Here’s what to know about the preliminary fiscal plan.

n Budget and Fiscally Responsibility Concerns

Many residents were vocal during the meeting about the continued increase in spending and urged the board to review the budget again to identify potential cuts before the final version is presented on April 28.

Resident Douglas Garczynski suggested a significant tax increase is coming and expressed concern that the rise, along with additional budget spending, could drive middle-class residents away.

“You haven’t come up with the percentage that’s going to raise, but it’s going to hurt. We’re going to have a very, very large tax rates this year,” Garczynski said. “My biggest fear is that we’re going to be driving middle class and retirees out of this community, and they’re not going to be able to live here, and you don’t seem to show any concern about that.”

Pappas assured the residents that the board would look over the current proposed fiscal plan

and additional staffing before the final budget is presented.

n Staffing and Personnel Expenses

Many residents sought clarification about the mention of a new employee in the village office. Pappas and deputy registrar Donna Stone explained that the office currently has three fulltime employees and a floater. They proposed converting the floater position into a part-time role to assist with front office operations.

“Right now, the village office is running with three full employees, and what we call a floater,” Stone said “With high season coming in, we need another part time employee in the front office. The salary is $24 an hour for 30 hours.”

The budget also includes funding for a new court employee, which Pappas addressed, saying the village has been operating with one full-time and one seasonal court employee but will now have one fulltime and one part-time employee.

Bristal celebrates 25 years of care

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Bristal Assisted Living is celebrating 25 yeas of serving the Tri-State region, with 26 total locations and 19 on Long Island.

The Bristal at North Woodmere was the third location to open up and houses residents originally from the Five Towns, mostly, since 2003.

Being one of the first communities, North Woodmere is an integral part of the organization as a whole.

Offering a plethora of amenities and activities the venue has a beauty salon, cards and billiards room, cinema, creative arts studio, fitness center, library, outdoor courtyard, programming center and a putting green.

“What the Bristal at North Woodmere brings to the community is just such a value to how they take care of our seniors,” Eileen Rainer, chief financial officer of the Bristal said.

Rainer has been with the company since the very beginning and could not decide on a singular favorite memory, as she is fond of many of them.

“As you can imagine, for 25 years there’s not just one favorite moment there’s many, what stands out to me is the caring that our team does for our seniors and getting the opportunity to meet our resident’s families and get to

know them,” she said.

Over the past 25 years, what has changed most is the amount of locations and the growth the company has experienced internally. The commitment to caring for the residents has not changed and it is one of the main reasons she has been with the company so long, according to Rainer.

“It’s such an honor to work with this many people and experience the growth

and be apart of the Bristal team, we are truly a family,” she added.

Dana Mori, executive director of the Bristal at North Woodmere, has been there since 2006 and began her career as a recreational director, which she did for eight and a half years. She then took a hiatus to work in advertising and returned in 2022 to be executive director.

“The Bristal is such a good company to work for and they take pride in every

aspect of everybody’s day, from the floor to the ceiling we take pride in everything we do to provide the best care,” Mori said. “Everyone in my community is going to be greeted with a warm welcome, this is my second home.”

She said she is grateful for being welcomed into the North Woodmere community and loves the tight-nit vibe and that everybody knows everybody.

“The warmth and sense of feeling home that I’ve always felt in this community hasn’t changed, and that’s one of the reasons I came back in this position,” Mori said.

Wendy Blackman, director of memory care at North Woodmere, has also been with the company for 25 years. She started out as an aid, helped open the first location in East Meadow and joined North Woodmere in 2006 as a director.

“It is a very good company to work for, that’s why I’m still here and I’m grateful for the leadership and support they have given to me over the years,” Blackman said.

She has found a family within North Woodmere and cherishes her relationship with Mori and the staff.

“North Woodmere has treated me well, it is my home and I’m happy to be here, we are supportive of the residents and families and I’m proud to work at North Woodmere,” Blackman said.

Courtesy Mackenzie Wolfson

The Bristal Assisted Living is celebrating its 25th anniversary. Above is the Bristal at North Woodmere at 477 Hungry Harbor Road, Valley Stream.

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St. John’s 2nd annual gala honors Genack

St. John’s ICARE Foundation announced that Sheldon H. Genack, chairman of the department of surgery at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway will be honored at the foundation’s second annual Blue Phoenix Gala, on June 5 at the Garden City Hotel.

The St. John’s ICARE Foundation Blue Phoenix Gala is an annual celebration, which supports the foundation’s mission to secure, manage and distribute gifts in support of the mission and vision of Episcopal Health Services/St. John’s Episcopal Hospital.

Genack will receive the inaugural CEO Distinguished Service Award, presented by Donald T. Morrish, chief executive officer at Episcopal Health Services, in recognition of his unwavering dedication and decades of service to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital.

“During his 30-year tenure at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, Dr. Genack has left an indelible mark on our health system,” Morrish wrote in a news release. “We are proud to honor him at this year’s Blue Phoenix Gala for his dedication to expanding access and delivering exceptional patient-centered care to the Far Rockaway and Five Towns communities.”

As a fellowship-trained, double board-certified specialist in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Genack has been a leader at St. John’s for nearly three decades.

Since 1995, he has served as the Division Chief of these specialties, and in 2021, he was appointed Chairman of Surgery. Under his leadership, the department has flourished, recruiting top-tier surgeons in vascular, colorectal, plastic, and orthopedic surgery, significantly enhancing the hospital’s surgical care capabilities and patient care standards.

Genack’s leadership extends beyond his clinical roles, as he has been a pivotal member of the Medical Executive Committee, including serving as president, and is deeply involved in the education and training of residents and

of the Surgery Department at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, is being honored at the St. John’s ICARE Foundation’s second annual Blue Phoenix Gala on June 5 at the Garden City Hotel.

medical students.

He earned his Doctor of Medicine with Alpha Omega Alpha honors from SUNY Upstate Medical University. He completed his General Surgery internship at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York, followed by a residency in Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse.

Further advancing his expertise, Genack completed fellowships in Facial Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center and UPMC Shadyside in Pittsburgh, PA.

For more information on the gala, including ticket purchase or sponsorship opportunities, visit BluePhoenixGala.org.

— Melissa Berman

Courtesy St. John’s ICARE Foundation Sheldon H. Genack, MD, FACS, Chairman

Seawane Club to host 2025 amateur qualifier

By BRIAN NORMAN bnorman@liherald.com

Golfers across the metropolitan area will have the opportunity to qualify to compete in one of the top championships in amateur golf, as the Seawane Club in Hewlett will be one of 45 local qualifying sites for the 2025 U.S. Amateur Championship.

The U.S. Amateur Championship is considered the premier national annual golf tournaments in for amateur golfers. The United States Golf Association organizes the tournament.

To qualify for the tournament, golfers must have a handicap of 2.4 or better. A golf handicap is a numerical representation of a player’s ability, allowing competitors of different skill levels to play on an even field.

Alex Smith, the PGA head professional at the Seawane Club, said they are eager to see some of the region’s best amateurs test their skills on the course.

“I think this is definitely one of the bigger events that we have hosted,” Smith said. “We have had a lot of big events at the club in my time, increasingly so, and we have some more coming up that we’re excited about that have yet to be announced. To have a 2.4 handicap index, that’s top 1 percent, if not top .5 percent of golfers, so we’re excited to host it, and excited for the competitors to come out and get a chance to see the course.”

The Seawane Club will host the U.S. Amateur Championship Qualifier on June 2.

Amateurs compete in sectional qualifiers, with top performers advancing to the national qualifying round. The winners from that round will move on to the finals, which will be held at the Olympic Club in San Francisco from Aug. 11 to 17.

A total of 120 amateur golfers from New York, New Jersey and Connecticut have signed up to compete in the U.S. Amateur Championship’s opening round at the Seawane Club.

Ryan Bell, the golf course superintendent, said he and his team prepare for this event as if it were the Masters, putting extra effort into ensuring the course meets championship standards.

“We definitely step it up a notch

A total of 120 amateurs from the metropolitan region have signed up to compete in this year’s U.S. Amateur Championship qualifying round at the Seawane Club.

when we have big events,” Bell said. “I call it preparing for the Masters, but it’s kind of like our Super Bowl. We try and get the green speeds faster than normal, we try and get the greens to 13 to 14 feet, so we’re rolling the greens, cutting the greens more often, and just putting a lot more into speeding up the golf course for championship golf versus everyday member play.”

The U.S. Amateur Championship has been held since 1895, with winners earning invitations to some of golf’s most prestigious tournaments, including the aforementioned Masters and the U.S. Open, along with an exemption from qualifying for the next 10 U.S. amateur championships.

Past winners of the U.S. Amateur Championship include Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Jerome Travers.

Jared Brecher, one of the Seawane Club owners, said he is proud to bring high-caliber events back to the course.

“Myself and a business partner (Dan Klein) purchased the club back in 2019 when it was going through a hard time, and the club used to host significant tournaments like this before this hard time happened,” Brecher said. “So we’re very proud to put Seawane back on the map as a competitive course in the metropolitan section.”

The Seawane Club will host the qualifying round of the U.S. Amateur Championship on June 2.

• Find relief from hand pain and experience renewed ease in

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Courtesy Laurence C Lambrecht

The Inwood Fire Department and Nassau County honored the legacy of the late 1st Deputy Chief Joseph Sanford Jr. at a remembrance and rededication ceremony on March 23. Sanford died on Dec. 23, 2014, and was made a chief posthumously.

Nassau County renames waterway at Inwood Park

your son, Joseph Sanford, Jr. back where he belongs with you,” Murad intoned, to a chorus of “Amen”s from the crowd.

Blakeman described Sanford as being beloved by the community and among his fellow firefighters.

“Junior’s bravery and courage is something that we should never, ever forget,” Blakeman said. “In Nassau County we honor those who have given their life for the betterment and safety of our community, and Junior was one of those guys. He was someone who everyone at the Inwood Fire Department admired, loved and felt camaraderie with because he was a nice and generous person.”

The Town of Hempstead, and Sen. Charles Schumer, collaborated to have the waterway renamed.

“Also, to eliminate the name of a waterway that was part of a sad history of racism in this country, this waterway is now known as the Joseph Sanford Jr. Channel,” Blakeman said. “He was a true leader, hero, role model, and he will never, ever be forgotten.”

Inwood Fire Department Chief Josiah Green noted that Sanford joined the department on Oct. 7, 1996, “loved the fire service” and was “a dedicated firefighter with a reputation as an excellent leader.”

Nassa County executive Bruce Blakeman announced that the waterway through Inwood park would now be known as Joseph Sanford Jr. Channel. The park’s plaza was also dedicated to him.

Sanford became a lieutenant on March 12, 2005, and in March 2007 he was elected company captain. He became deputy chief in April 2009.

A sports enthusiast, he was a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and became a coowner of the semi-professional football team the Nassau Golden Eagles.

“Junior’s infectious smile and love for his family was apparent to all that knew him,” Green said.

Jacqueline Sanford expressed her gratitude to the attendees for coming together to remember her late husband.

“Although it’s been 10 years, our family still feels the pain and loss as if it were yesterday,” she said.

She was presented with a plaque of the same banner that was posted on the Inwood Fire Department truck, featuring her late husband’s photo, the department’s insignia and the words “Honor the legacy of Chief Joseph Sanford, Jr.”

“We are so proud of Joe and the accomplishments he made in his short time here and how wonderful it is to have a waterway named after him in his hometown that he served and protected,” Jacqueline said. “I hope you all take the good he has done and embrace it in your own lives.”

Melissa Berman/Herald

CoNTINueD

Touro students practice patient-care teamwork

pathology, clinical mental health counseling, and pharmacy programs. They were divided into teams, each comprising of one student from every program, with Touro professionals guiding the teams. The teams were given the mock case, to analyze the patient and to develop a treatment and discharge plan.

Jill Horbacewicz, chair of the physical therapy department at Touro and special assistant vice president for continuing education, said that the event gives students the chance to work together as they would in real-world settings.

“We have the students learn all about this patient from their own profession’s perspective in their classroom,” said Horbacewicz, a graduate of Lawrence High School. “When they come here, they’re really well prepared to talk about it from their profession’s perspective, and then they realize that there’s lots of other professions that need to get involved, and there’s different things that become important that they have to consider that maybe they didn’t think about.”

Miriam Babad, a Far Rockaway resident who suffered a stroke in 1995, shared her story with the students, and answered questions about what was happening when her stroke occurred, the professionals she dealt with, and how her case was handled.

Her daughter, Rivka Molinsky, the

associate dean of students and innovation at the School of Health Sciences, who helped organize the event, helped her mother answer questions about her stroke. They detailed, among other things, how the professionals they worked with decided whether Babad should return home with family support or remain in the hospital for therapy and treatment.

The students used this information to guide their decision-making as they worked through their case. The focus was on giving them real-world experience and the opportunity to collaborate with those in other professions before they enter the workforce.

Moshe Berke, one of the Touro seniors, noted that the experience of meeting students from the other pro -

grams would benefit him and his peers in the future.

“I think it’s cool just to be able to talk to the other disciplines,” Berke said, “because sometimes when you’re in practice, depending on where you are, you might not be able to see other people or other professions. So having the chance now to bounce ideas off of other professions when dealing with the case can give you a better idea of how you can refer in the future and give patients the best care possible.”

Each group discussed its approach to treating and discharging its patient, and fielded comment and questions as well, giving the teams a chance to share their findings and explain their reasoning.

Steven Lorenzet, dean of the School of Health Sciences, touched on the importance of the event for the students, and how the university is preparing them for their careers.

“We’re preparing them to be effective professionals, and to help people,” Lorenzet said. “So when they graduate, this is what they’ll experience. They’ll be in an integrated care team, where they’ll be working with people across professions. They’ll be expected to collaborate, understand their perspective, but also how they can work with people from other disciplines, and this is a great chance for them to learn in this setting and do that.”

Courtesy Dmitriy Kalnin

Students were divided into teams, each consisting of one student from each health science department and a Touro University professional to guide them in developing a plan for their mock case.

L.I.’s representatives discuss the issues

STAFF REPORT

There was laughter, there were opposing views and there were reflective answers to questions about major issues as Matt Cohen, president and CEO of the Long Island Association, moderated the organization’s fourth annual What’s New in Washington panel with Republican Reps. Andrew Garbarino and Nick LaLota and Democrats Laura Gillen and Tom Suozzi at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury last Friday.

Congressional District 1, which is represented by LaLota, stretches east from western Suffolk County to encompass both the North and South forks of Long Island. Garbarino represents the 2nd District, along the South Shore, which includes parts of Suffolk and a small portion of southeastern Nassau County.

Suozzi’s 3rd Congressional District includes a portion of Queens, expands along the North Shore of Nassau and extends to several communities in the middle of the eastern portion of the county. District 4, represented by Gillen, extends along the South Shore of Nassau, from the Queens border through several central communities to Seaford.

“Because of the times we live in, it’s almost impossible that the delegations are 50-50 Republicans and Democrats — that’s not the case here on Long Island,” Cohen said. “Our delegation didn’t hesitate to say yes when we invited them to this event.”

Cohen asked the panel several questions, ranging from bipartisanship efforts to House Speaker Mike Johnson, the state and local income tax deduction, commonly known as SALT, and President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

Garbarino on bipartisanship:

“We try to work with everyone, and have broad conversations, with many different ideas,” Garbarino said. “There are a lot of egos, but we try to get everyone on the same page before we leave the room.”

Garbarino and LaLota bucked their party by supporting the SALT extension. “Our party is asking how we can support this when we’re growing the state budget by $13 billion,” Garbarino said. “It goes against our argument. We could use some help from Albany on this.”

Both have met with Trump at Mar-aLago, and said that Trump told them, “We are going to fix this.”

On offshore wind:

“We have to bring jobs back home, but one, we need power, and two, we need to generate as much power as possible,” Garbarino said. “That is good for keeping local energy costs down for Long Island and our constituents.”

On DOGE:

Garbarino, like LaLota, acknowledged that mistakes have been made, but expressed confidence that the Trump administration is committed to addressing them.

“I have called the White House and told them, ‘There’s a mistake here,’ and

“I think the American people are sick of hyperpartisanship in Washington,” Gillen said. “They just want us to do our jobs and get things done.”

every time I’ve called, they’ve responded by saying, ‘OK, we’ll have someone look into it,’” Garbarino said. “This is a better response than I’ve ever gotten under the Biden administration.

Gillen on working across the aisle:

“The best way to get things done is by reaching out to the other side,” she said.

“I’m the rookie here — the freshman — and during orientation, we had a lot of events where Democrats and Republicans did events together. I had plenty of time to get to know people on my side of the aisle and make the effort to meet my freshman colleagues who were Republicans and build relationships with them.

“I think the American people are sick of hyperpartisanship in Washington. They just want us to do our jobs and get things done,” she said, drawing applause from the audience.

On DOGE:

“I agree, we need to tighten governments’ belts,” she said. “There’s a ton of waste in government. But it’s a wrecking-ball approach. We should do it in an

organized, deliberative, thoughtful fashion. That’s how they should go forward.”

LaLota on SALT:

“As you can imagine,” LaLota said, “the president did 80, 90 percent of the talking, but heard us in our seriousness about how we need a higher SALT deduction.”

On DOGE:

“For 25 years, neither Republicans nor Democrats in Washington have balanced the budget,” LaLota said. “You have a president who’s a disruptor — a self-admitted disruptor. “He is doing what he promised to do, maybe in a manner that is disruptive to us. But let’s acknowledge the moment we’re in — 25 years, we haven’t balanced the budget.”

On tariffs:

“The president’s objective in much of it, especially in the reciprocal tariffs, is to create better competitive fairness for American manufacturers,” LaLota said. “The long-term objective is to reduce the trade deficits we have with a lot of our trading partners, especially in

China, where we have $200 billion trade deals. We’re sending way more to China than they’re sending back.”

Suozzi on SALT:

“Let me first say I want to give credit to Andrew and Nick, because they’re going against their party on this,” he said. “They stood up … and they’re saying that they’re not going to support this reconciliation package unless it’s resolved.”

On offshore wind:

“We have to figure out how can we protect our zeal to protect the environment, to address climate change, and do the stuff that we believe are important to do,” Suozzi said. “We’ve got to get stuff done, because we can’t get things done (in our country) because we’ve passed all these rules and regulations over the years. And people are fed up with the bureaucracy.”

On DOGE:

“I think it’s been reckless,” he said. “When they laid off people who were responsible for overseeing the nuclear stockpile and said, oh, that was a mistake. And then they had a hard time getting the people back because they had cut them off their emails. They fired the people responsible for overseeing avian flu.”

On tariffs:

“I think that tariffs against China I support, especially when they’re targeted,” Suozzi said. “I’m very concerned about the tariffs that have been proposed for Canada and Mexico and the effects it’s going to have right here on Long Island as well as the rest of the country. I think it’s sending a bad message that our two biggest trading partners are being stifled in this way.”

Roksana Amid, Jeffrey Bessen, Hernesto Galdamez, Carolyn James and Jordan Vallone reported this story.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Long Island’s congressional delegation at the Long Island Association’s March 28 What’s New in Washington panel discussion. From left were Republican Reps. Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino, and Democrats Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen.

Hewlett High’s ‘Moon Over Buffalo’

Hewlett High School’s Theatre Company performed “Moon Over Buffalo” by Ken Ludwig for their spring play. It debuted on Broadway at the Martin Beck Theatre on Oct. 1, 1995. The show takes place onstage and backstage at the Erlanger Theatre in Buffalo, New York, 1953.

The plot follows George and Charlotte Hay, two fading actors on the brink of a disastrous break-up and ultimately everything that can go wrong will go wrong in their pursuit of being cast in a remake of “The Scarlet Pimpernel.”

Hewlett’s production was from March 27 to 29 and was performed in the little theatre.

The show featured physical comedy and stage combat.

— Melissa Berman

Nathaniel Schwartz (Paul), left and Patryk Ziemkiewicz (George Hay), try to stop Aleksy Fradlis (Howard), sitting, who is mistaken for Eileen’s marine brother who threatened to kill George.

Alice Moreno/Herald Photos

Nathaniel Schwartz (Paul), right, playfully tosses Nicole Kuznetso’s (Rosalind) script before continuing to make out in Hewlett High School’s production of “Moon Over Buffalo”.

When it got to part of the show where the play-inside-a play occurs, chaos ensued.

Patryk Ziemkiewicz (George Hay), left and Tali Goldwasser (Charlotte Hay) practice a sword scene for the play “Cyrano de Bergerac” as a hidden Aleksy Fradlis (Howard), a fan of them watches.

Tali Goldwasser (Charlotte Hay) almost aggressively massages her husband Patryk Ziemkiewicz (George Hay).

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BUSINESS LITIGATION

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NEIL DISKIN

Counsel Nixon Peabody LLP

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Counsel Nixon Peabody LLP

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Lawyer

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Owner and Principal Attorney D'Angelo Law Associates, P.C.

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HERALD SPORTS

Hofstra seeks to exceed expectations

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

Hofstra baseball kicked off the 2025 season on the biggest of stages on Valentine’s Day at defending national champion Tennessee. Fourth-year head coach Frank Catalanotto hopes the opening series weekend where the Pride had an opportunity to play before a crowd of more than 6,000 serves as an omen for another chance to compete in a big-game environment in the NCAA Tournament if the team can capture the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) title.

“It was a great experience going there and playing against the best of the best,” said Catalanotto, who guided Hofstra to the NCAA Tournament in his first season leading the program in 2022 after winning the CAA’s automatic bid. “It was nice playing in front of all those fans.”

Hofstra will have to prove the doubters wrong in order to reach just the school’s second Division NCAA tourney appearance with the Pride picked to fin-

ish ninth in the 12 team CAA) preseason rankings. The Pride began its quest to reach the six-team CAA Tournament to give itself a chance to earn an NCAA bid by taking two of three in a series at Monmouth from March 21-23.

The Pride returned 14 players to its 37-man roster from last year’s 24-33 team that received the sixth seed in the CAA tourney including last season’s leading hitter, junior second baseman Dylan Palmer. The reigning Second Team All-CAA selection hit. .383 as a sophomore and entered the final week of March as the team;s offensive leader again with a .388 average through the first 23 games.

“He’s the same guy day in and day out and very rarely goes into slumps,” said Catalanotto of Palmer. “He’s putting the ball in play and using his legs to get on base and stealing bases so it’s nice to have him there at the top of the lineup to get things going.”

Sophomore shortstop Michael Brown is also shining offensively and was second on the team in hitting with a .300

average in late March. Catalano is also getting offensive production early this season from freshman second baseman Tyler Castrataro, who is also hitting above. 300.

Redshirt junior Tyler Cox, who plays center field, has also emerged as a new lefthanded offensive threat in the lineup after transferring from West Virginia. The Clarke High School product was hitting in .279 as of March 28 and recorded two hits in Hofstra’s 5-2 loss to Fordham on March 19.

“He brings calmness to the team,” said Catalano of Cox, whose Mark Cox was a two-sport standout in football and lacrosse at Hofstra. ‘“He hasn’t even tapped into his potential yet.:”

The pitching staff suffered a blow when 2024 First-Team All-CAA honoree Carlos Martinez was lost for the season. The team regained Tristan Nemjo, a graduate student from Troy, N.Y. who missed last season and has assumed one of the starting pitching spots. The starting rotation for weekend conference games also includes 6-5 junior Jackson

Bauer and 6-1 junior Sean Hamilton.

The bullpen features 6-4 graduate student Danny Kelleher, a Rockville Centre native who has recorded 16 strikeouts in 19 innings of relief work so far. The former South Side High School standout earned the win in Hofstra’s 13-12 win at Monmouth on March 22 after allowing one hit in 2 ⅓ innings.

“He’s been showing a lot of toughness because he’s been hurt and is battling through it,” said Catalano of Kelleher. “I think he is going to help us down the stretch.”

Freshman Michael Heyman is another local bullpen arm who arrived at Hofstra after a stellar high career at Hewlett. He recorded three strikeouts in the late stages of Hofstra’s 16-3 loss at Kent State on March 14.

Hofstra will host its first CAA games of 2025 this weekend for a series against UNC-Wilmington starting Friday. The home conference slate also includes a series against Long Island rival Stony Brook from April 18-20, Elon from May 2-4 and Towson from May 9-11.

Tyler Cox, a Clarke High School grad, transferred to Hofstra from West Virginia and patrols center field.

Power Up Your Business: Energy Savings, Rebates & Expert Tips

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.

MAUREEN FITZGERALD Herald Community Newspapers

Michael Voltz, P.E. Director, Energy Efficiency and Renewables

Nassau County hosts Israeli Elite hockey

By MICHELLE RABINOVICH sports@liherald.com

No fan bases are more divided than the Rangers, Islanders and Devils.

But on March 23, those bitter rivals, who have spent decades split by hatred and animosity, were bound together by blood, heritage and creed. United under the flag of Israel, draped around many like Superman’s cape, hundreds of spectators came together to watch the Jerusalem Capitals and HC Tel Aviv, the top teams in the Israeli Elite Hockey League (IEHL), as they participate in the USA Challenge Cup at UBS Arena.

“It’s a historic moment for Israeli hockey,” said Jerusalem assistant coach David Warsofsky. “The night in general was a huge success and I hope the fans enjoyed it as much as we did coaching it.”

The event started with IEHL cofounder and co-commissioner Marc Brunengraber greeted spectators with a welcome speech, with the league on the precipice of entering its fifth season later this year. Brunengraber said that the evening’s events were about more than just hockey, but about sharing love for the sport by growing it exponentially over the last five years, a sentence one of the star players harmonized with.

“Four years ago, we played four-onfour and look where we played now, in an NHL arena,” said Jerusalem forward Nikita Zitserman. “It’s just going to go

higher from here.”

“We’re showing everyone how great [Israeli hockey] is,” said Tel Aviv head coach Stuart Gourdji.

Gourdji pointed to the fact that this was an atmosphere unlike anything he’d ever experienced because of the unique mix of the Israeli background of the staff and players, and the same energy from the fans.

“This is a dream, coaching in front of eight thousand people,” he said. “The music and the Israeli flags, you see that a lot in soccer but it’s the first time I’ve ever seen something like that It wasn’t an NHL game as we’re used to it: the Israeli anthem was sung before the Star-Spangled Banner. The Islanders goal horn rang every time the puck found the back of the net, but it wasn’t

fans chanting “Islanders, Islanders, yes, yes, yes” when the home team scored. When Tel Aviv scored, the loud speakers played Tel Aviv by Omer Adam; when Jerusalem scored, the audience was serenaded with Naomi Shemer’s Yerushalayim shel Zahav.

Other than that, it was a typical NHL hockey game: three 20-minute periods and a pair of 20-minute intermissions in between them, junior hockey teams facing off during intermissions, trashtalking before a fight on the ice and penalty minutes in the Sin Bin. Ironically, after both players sat their penalty, they fist bumped each other on their way to the bench.

Nearly 120 combined shots on goal made for a nail-biting game, one that went to overtime until Jerusalem’s Denis Zaychik netted his one-timer in one of the biggest stages he’s ever played on. The Capitals won, 7-6, in overtime.

“Feeling amazing,” Zaychik said, adding the fact that he’s never played in an arena this large before. “Fans of Israel and fans of hockey and together it’s a very good mix.”

“It was my dream since I was a kid,” Zitserman admitted. “I can only remember that I just wished to play in an NHL rink.”

Sports proved to be a unifier once again. Match 23 might have been the most Hebrew that the halls of UBS Arena heard. Sports proved to be a unifier in an increasingly divisive world.

Yonatan Resinger tended the goal for Jerusalem.

HC Tel Aviv’s Kirill Polozov’s blasted a slap shot.

Eric Dunetz/Herald photos

The Jerusalem Capitals beat HC Tel Aviv in overtime March 23 at UBS Arena in Elmont as the top teams in the Israeli Elite Hockey League were on display.

Mount Sinai South Nassau is Improving Health Care on the South Shore

The new Fennessy Family Emergency Department at Mount Sinai South Nassau doubles the size of our previous emergency department, o ering 54 private exam rooms with clear lines of sight for physicians, nurses, and support sta . Our new emergency department also o ers a separate triage area, dedicated areas for children and behavioral health patients, and has been designed to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.

The Fennessy Family Emergency Department is located within the new Feil Family Pavilion, opening later this year, which will have 40 new critical care suites and nine new operating rooms, designed to support the most complex surgeries on the South Shore.

To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion

I-Shine brings light to overlooked kids

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Shinning a light on the I-Shine Five Towns program for private day school children who have a loved one fighting a chronic illness.

I-Shine is a sub-program from Chai Lifeline — an international support network that provides critical assistance to children, families and communities impacted by medical crises and trauma through a variety of year-round programs and services, according to chailifeline.org.

I-shine is an after school program designed specifically for the siblings of kids with illness or the “glass children” and matches them up with high school volunteers twice a week to help with homework and provide fun.

They provide support for children who often become overlooked during these times and give them a sense of enjoyment and light at the end of a tough day.

“Oftentimes, these siblings are referred to as ‘glass children’ because their parents are forced to focus so much time and energy on their sick child leaving the healthy child unintentionally neglected to some extent,” Avigayil Halpert, account manager for Chai Lifeline wrote in an email.

The Five Towns program meets at HAFTR (Hebrew Academy of the Five

Towns and Rockaways) on Mondays and Wednesdays from 3:45 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

“This allows kids to not only get the attention they deserve and crave, but also to bond with kids their age who are going through similar hardships,” Halpert wrote. “It allows them time to process and heal away from their stressful home environments.”

Stacy Zrihen co-founded I-Shine Five Towns with Annette Kaufman in 2007 and currently serves as a co-director.

“There seemed to be a missing focus on children whose parents or siblings were not well and they were being a little bit forgotten or not given the same level of care and attention they were used to,” Zrihen said. “It was a wonderful and much needed endeavor.”

When they first started, there were 13 kids in the program now they consistently help between 40 and 50 children each year.

Zrihen oversees all of the volunteers and drivers, as the kids are picked up

from private day school and taken to HAFTR and then driven home at the end of the evening.

There are 100 volunteers that work with the kids twice a week, 10 that specifically help with dinner service (all food is kosher) and 50 to 60 male and female drivers.

“Our I-Shine branch services children who are in private day school and living in the Five Towns, Far Rockaway and West Hempstead communities,” Zrihen said. “When we see the tremendous impact that we’ve been able to have on the families, children and volunteers from the neighborhood it’s a pretty special feeling.”

They help students from four to 14-years old and provide a comforting and safe environment where they can be with other kids their own age, have a hot meal and are ready for bed by the time they get home.

Yitzy Haber, director for I-Shine Five Towns is a former participant of the program and knows first-hand how important this program is for families and the kids.

“I was supported on the other side through Chai Lifeline because I had cancer as a kid and I always said that this was something that my siblings would’ve benefited from,” Haber said. “When I saw this program, that’s what drew me to it and that they go beyond the sick kid and include the siblings.”

Courtesy Stacy Zrihen

Children in the i-Shine Five Towns program enjoy a fun activity and entertainment twice a week at the after school program at HAFTR.

Brian Norman/Herald

Hewlett Elementary School turned its gym into the “World’s Most Famous Arena” aka Madison Square Garden and let students take part in a hockey and basketball shootout.

Hewlett Elementary transforms into the Big Apple for state fair

By BRIAN NORMAN

bnorman@liherald.com

The city that never sleeps was put on full facsimile display as Hewlett Elementary School transformed their hallways and classrooms into some of New York City’s most historic landmarks.

This is the second year Hewlett Elementary School has hosted its version of the state fair, allowing students and parents to visit and explore its makeshift Big Apple.

After school on March 27, students returned to the building ironically on Broadway in Hewlett to explore and learn about some of the city’s most iconic venues.

Hewlett Elementary Principal Heather Sosnovsky said that this event is important for the students to provide them with a creative learning experience.

“Students need to experience all different things in life in order to bring that knowledge to the classroom,” she said. “So instead of going on a trip to the planetarium, we’re bringing the planetarium to them, we’re having all different arts and, in each room, they’re also learning something about the place that they’re visiting. So we’re really just trying to give them a plethora of experiences.”

Sosnovsky added that she hopes to continue this event at the elementary school for years to come, and even pitched the idea of renaming it to the New York City fair.

The school featured several of Manhattan’s biggest landmarks, including, Madison Square Garden, The New York City Planetarium, Broadway, the Sub -

way, Central Park, The New York Public Library and The Museum of Natural History.

Each room also had an interactive component for each student to participate in, including a hockey and basketball shootout, arts and crafts, a puppet show and an innovation lab.

Rachel Carlson, an English as a New Language teacher at the school, said that New York City has so many things that can connect to school, and that the state fair is a fun way to teach kids about these landmarks.

“We wanted to start an event that kind of had the culture of our school in it,” Carlson said. “Each school in the district has sort of an event that gives them their culture. So we wanted to make the New York State Fair kind of our own event. All these kids live so close to the city, some of them get to go, some of them don’t get to go, so we really just wanted to bring that to them.”

The students study units focused on the history of the city and state in the classroom.

In each room, there was a QR code for students and parents to scan and view a video of a student further explaining the history and background of each historical landmark.

Hewlett Elementary match teacher Christine Kufta said the event is a great way for students to learn about New York without leaving their school.

“Well, it’s celebrating like the greatest city right here in Hewlett for them,” Kufta said. “So, you know, many children get to go into the city, but this is just kind of bringing some of really interesting things that we have to them.”

Honoring Premier Business Women of L.I.

By Christie Leigh Babirad

An empowering evening of camaraderie, gratitude and celebration, the sixth annual Premier Business Women of Long Island Awards on March 19, at the Heritage Club at Bethpage, presented by RichnerLive, drew close to 400 attendees, and more than 50 women were honored for their accomplishments across a wide range of industries on Long Island.

The event was organized by Amy Amato, RichnerLive’s executive director of corporate relations and events, who said that it was a privilege to be there with such a talented and driven group of dynamic and fearless women.

“Your presence here displays the countless accomplishments that women have made and will continue to make,” Amato said, “and it’s a pleasure to welcome you all to the Richner family.”

Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications Inc. and publisher of Herald Community Media, said that the night was intended to celebrate remarkable women by honoring what they have achieved in their careers as well as their communities.

“Looking around the room, I am truly humbled by the caliber of our award winners,” Richner said. “These extraordinary women represent diverse fields, from health care to finance to education and entrepreneurship, yet share common traits of vision, resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

He added that his mother, Edith Richner, who founded Richner Communications with Stuart’s father nearly 60 years ago, would undoubtedly be proud of all the women leaders being honored at the event, because in her time, she was almost always the only woman at the table.

The keynote speaker, and the winner of the Trailblazer Award, was Linda Armyn, president and CEO of FourLeaf Federal Credit Union and the creator of the initiative Money Like a Woman, which she said was conceived to celebrate all of the values that women bring to the table. “We want to put them up on a pedestal and say, you know what, women have all these great talents that they use every day,” Armyn said, “to multitask, to be a mom, be a businesswoman, be an innovator, entrepreneur, and we don’t celebrate that enough. Money Like a Woman is all about celebrating those great traits and sharing them with the rest of the world.”

She added that the night was a wonderful way to celebrate women and all of their accomplishments, and that man of them are making a difference not only on Long Island, but well beyond.

Guests enjoyed drinks, appetizers and dinner at the event, as they mingled with award winners, family members and friends.

Honoree Laura D’Amato, Apple Bank’s first vice president and assistant marketing director said that it felt amazing to be honored as a Premier Business Woman of Long Island. “I’m totally humbled to be in the same room with so many amazing women,” D’Amato said.

PSEG Long Island’s manager of customer and community partnerships, Honoree Veronica Isaac, echoed those sentiments, and said that an event like this inspires her to keep doing what she’s doing.

Another honoree, Jennifer Baxmeyer, executive director of the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, said that an award means a lot, but that you’re only as good as your team.

Celine M. Gazes, CFO at Suffolk Regional Off Track Betting Corp. Jake’s 58 Hotel and Casino, said that the award felt “validating.”

Susan Johnson, acting superintendent of Hempstead schools, said that she was truly humbled to be honored. “People believing you can do it and reaching out to you that you are making a difference, it means so much,” said Johnson.

“It’s so incredibly special, and such a unique oppor-

tunity, to see all the different industries helping to move women forward,” Mary Fu, chief advancement officer at People’s Arc of Suffolk, said.

And Susan Gatti, of Disruptive Spark Business Academy, wanted to thank RichnerLive for bringing together women of all different ages and industries. “It’s humbling, and such an opportunity to reflect, since you’re always so busy,” Gatti said. “It’s nice to know that you’re going in the right direction, and to celebrate with so many other amazing women.”

In keeping with RichnerLive’s commitment to giving back, a portion of the proceeds from the event were donated to Hair We Share, a nonprofit that offers wigs at no cost to those experiencing medical hair loss. Its mission to restore dignity and confidence aligns

with the spirit of the honorees. More information about its work can be found at hairweshare.org.

Event sponsors included FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, People’s ARC of Suffolk, Apple Bank, CSD Net, Reworld, Maidenbaum, Whisper Woods of Smithtown, Eclectic Psychotherapy, Mending Hearts Counseling, Premier HR Consulting, Farmingdale State College, Jake’s 58, Optimum Business, Disruptive Spark Academy, PSEG Long Island, Dime Community Bank, C Squared, Family Children’s Association, Certilman Balin, St. Joseph’s University, the Cradle of Aviation, Vandegrift Plastic Surgery, Suffolk Regional Off Track Betting Corp. and ConnectOne Bank.

For a complete list of honorees and photos, visit RichnerLive.com.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Nearly 400 people attended the awards dinner.

Veronica Isaac, of PSEGLI, with Stuart Richner.

Keynote speaker and Trailblazer Award winner Linda Armyn, of FourLeaf Federal Credit Union.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Mary Fu, People’s Arc of Suffolk

Megan C. Ryan, Esq., Nassau University Medical Center

Stavroula Savelidis, Ph.D., Nassau County Medical Society Kristy Uvena, Optimum Business

Jennifer Baxmeyer, Cradle of Aviation Museum

Susan Johnson, Hempstead Union Free School District

Paige O’Brien, Family and Children’s Association

Susan Nielsen, Eclectic Psychotherapy Group of Nassau County

Carrie Adduci, Esq., Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman LLP

Maureen Early, Reworld

Monica LaCroix-Rubin, Dime Community Bank

Dawn Harmon, Reworld

Amy Madmon, Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group, LLC Laura D’Amato, Apple Bank Terry Going, ConnectOne Bank

Desiree Krajnyak-Baker, Whisper Woods of Smithtown

Anne Petraro, Mending Hearts Counseling and Eclectic Psychotherapy

Susan Gatti, Disruptive Spark Business Academy

Laura Joseph, EdD, Farmingdale State College

Dr. Maria Fletcher, PhD, RN, CNE, St. Joseph’s University

Thursday, April 10, 2025

STEPPING OUT

Rockin’ with Jason Scheff and Tommy DeCarlo

personal outdoors Thinking ‘green’

Get out there and prep to enjoy your

By Karen Bloom

Now that we’ve stepped forth into spring — and Earth Month — the moment has arrived to think about how you embrace the season — and months ahead of being fully present in our natural world. Specifically in your personal environment.

Give some thought to the way in which you want your yard to serve your family, pets and wildlife. Maybe you’re aiming to have the best yard on the block or expand your entertaining options. Perhaps your kids or pets could use a better play space.

Spring and backyarding — the act of bringing indoor activities such as dining, entertaining, even exercising, out into our backyards — surely go hand in hand.

A little planning and preparation now can mean colorful flowers, fresh crops and beautiful garden scenery later down the line. Good gardening starts long before you sow the first seed, so let’s get started!

“With the season’s first signs appearing, this is surely the time to get your garden ready for a great season,” garden design expert Fiona Jenkins says. She offers some common-sense advice on creating a low-maintenance garden full of beautiful, healthy plants all year round without taking your time away from the other things life throws at us.

Limit flowerbed size and plant variety

When considering the size of your flowerbeds, the smaller ones are better if you are looking for a low-maintenance solution, as larger ones will require a lot more initial planting and upkeep.

“Sticking to flower beds that are only one to two feet wide will make them much more manageable,” Jenkins says.

Once you have set the size, think about what plants you want to put in them. Jenkins suggests limiting the variety of your plants to around five different ones. This way, you will easily learn and memorize the requirements of each, and caring for them will be a lot simpler.

Simple, low-maintenance plants are ideal to start with, especially for those who have little spare time or don’t feel very confident in gardening. Hardy perennials such as geraniums and peonies, as well as evergreen shrubs, are great options as they can survive the winter frost and won’t need replanting every year.

“Once settled in, these plants can bring years of color and beauty to your garden,” Jenkins notes. “There are other factors to consider, such as how often a plant will need feeding, watering, and pruning — only purchase a plant when you are certain you can keep on top of its needs.”

Invest in good soil and mulch

Good quality, rich, organic soil allows plants to thrive with minimum need for frequent watering and fertilizing. Add organic matter such as compost to your soil yearly, which you can even make yourself.

“Mulching is a great way of protecting your soil and making it last longer by helping to maintain moisture levels and prevent weeds from growing,” she advises.

A layer of organic materials such as bark chips, dead leaves or compost will improve soil as it breaks down.

Invest in hard landscaping

Hard landscaping, such as decking or paving, elevates your outdoor space

and helps to define different areas of your garden. It forms the backbone of a well-designed yard, providing structure and aesthetic appeal.

One of the most popular choices for hard landscaping these days is omposite decking, which offers a sleek, modern look while being durable and low-maintenance. Unlike traditional wooden decking, composite boards resist fading, warping and moisture damage, meaning you won’t need to worry about sanding, staining, or sealing them over time. This makes them an excellent longterm investment to create an elegant yet practical outdoor area.

If you prefer paving, consider materials such as natural stone, concrete or even porcelain tiling, all of which provide a clean and sophisticated finish.

Beyond aesthetics, hard landscaping also contributes to functionality. Paved walkways make navigating your garden easier, while decking extends your living space outdoors. For an added touch of luxury, consider incorporating built-in lighting into your design, illuminating paths and seating areas for a cozy ambiance during the evenings.

Also consider adding a lower-maintenance rock garden. “This feature will look very visually appealing if done correctly and will pretty much take care of itself, “ according to Jenkins.

Achieving the look of a stunning rock garden is simple: plant some alpine plants and succulents and surround with a mix of larger rocks and smaller pebbles to cover the soil completely.

“This will bring interesting textures to your garden space,” Jenkins adds.

Make use of raised beds

Utilizing raised beds, whether on top of your existing soil or over hard landscaping, can give you more control over your plants.

“A raised flowerbed will stop them from spreading out of control and add a focal point of interest to your garden,” Jenkins says.

Embrace the wild

Another interesting option, which certainly cuts down on lawn maintenance, is to embrace what Jenkins describes as the “wild look.”

“This isn’t to say you should let it grow completely out of control, but your garden can look beautiful with the aesthetic of a grassy meadow rather than an urban space,” she says.

To enhance this effect, try

To enhance this effect, try sprinkling some wildflower seed mixes onto your grass. These flowers won’t need any maintenance, come in a range of beautiful colors, and are a real treat for our beloved garden friends, such as bees and butterflies.

Get set for backyard bliss. Refresh your backyard with vibrant blooms, cozy outdoor spaces and even a touch of nature’s wild charm.

Chicago frontman Jason Scheff is joined by Tommy DeCarlo, Boston’s former lead vocalist for their The Lead Singers of Classic Rock tour. They team up for a night of unforgettable classic rock spanning the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. Their musical tribute features two great sets of classic hits with Chicago’s timeless ballads the guitar-driven rock of Boston. Over 15 million fans have attended a live concert of both bands over a 32-year span featuring either Jason or Tommy’s signature high-tenor lead vocals. Scheff joined Chicago in 1985 and went on to perform thousands of live concerts spanning four decades during a non-stop touring and recording career with the band. DeCarlo joined Boston in 2008 after the passing of Brad Delp was lead singer on every tour thereafter, These pair is backed by a top band of touring professionals.

Saturday, April 5, 8 p.m. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville.

The Wallflowers

Grab those leather jackets, and rock on! The Wallflowers bring their sound to the Paramount stage, with special guest Jackson Melnick. For the past 30 years, the Jakob Dylanled act has stood as one of rock’s most dynamic and purposeful bands — continually honing a sound that meshes timeless songwriting and storytelling with a hard-hitting and decidedly modern musical attack. That signature style has been present through the decades. In recent years, Dylan — the Wallflowers’ founding singer, songwriter and guitarist — has repeatedly stepped outside of his band. Now the band has made its triumphant return, with “Exit Wounds,” their new studio offering. The much-anticipated record finds that signature sound — lean, potent and eminently entrancing — intact, even as Dylan surrounds himself with a fresh cast of musicians.

Sunday, April 6, 8 p.m., $75, $45, $35, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.

Neighborhood

THE

Joan Osborne sings Dylan

The seven-time Grammy nominee brings her extraordinary voice and artistic depth to the timeless music of Bob Dylan, on the Landmark stage, Friday, April 11, 8 p.m. Best known for her multi-platinum hit “One of Us,” 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 critically acclaimed 2018 album, “Songs of Bob Dylan,” and her live performances showcase her ability to reimagine Dylan’s iconic works, offering fresh interpretations that highlight the emotional resonance and poetic brilliance of his music. Osborne first began her journey with Dylan’s catalog in 2016 with a series of “Dylanology” concerts. These performances deepened her appreciation for his vast and varied repertoire and inspired her to put her own stamp on his songs. Her renditions are both reverent and inventive, blending her soulful delivery with the rich textures of her band to bring new life to classics like “Tangled Up in Blue” and “Highway 61 Revisited.”

With a voice hailed as one of the most powerful and versatile of her generation, Osborne invites audiences to rediscover Dylan’s masterpieces through her singular lens. Her take on the “Dynalogy” reflects her reverence for iconic musician who remains forever young in the hearts and minds of his fans and the music world. The recent biopic, “A Complete Unknown,” brings Dylan to the forefront once again. Osborne turns back the clock with her artistic and soulful reinterpretations exuding passion, emotion and energy. $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.

Celebrate Holi

Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to partiipat in Holi, the Festival of Colors, Sunday, April 6, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Originating in India, this Hindu festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of the colorful spring season. During this joyous celebration, families eat sweets, dance to traditional folk music and throw colorful powder made from flowers called gulal. Crafts, color throwing and dancing are part of this vibrant event. Welcome spring’s arrival with Holi. Participants are encouraged to wear clothes that they won’t mind getting messy. Museum Row, Garden City. Go to licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 for more information.

Senior Choir

Enjoy a musical morning with Marion & Aaron Gural JCC’s Golden Notes Social Choir, every Tuesday, 11 a.m.-noon. Come hear an hour of singing in several languages, led by Zvi Klein. Suggested donation is $5. For more information, contact Rachayle Deutsch at rachayle. deutsch@guraljcc.org. Gural JCC, 207 Grove Ave., Cedarhurst.

National Library Week

Visit Hewlett-Woodmere Public library during National Library Week, April 6-12, to check out the scavenger hunt for a chance to win prizes. More information available at hwpl.org. 1125 Broadway, Hewlett.

Lawrence Village Meeting

The Village of Lawrence Board of Trustees holds a work session, Wednesday, April 9, at Village Hall, 7 p.m. All residents encouraged to attend. 196 Central Ave, Lawrence.

Hewlett-Woodmere BOE meets

Hewlett-Woodmere Board of Education holds a work session, Wednesday, April April 29, at Woodmere Education Center, 6:30 p.m. All residents encouraged to attend. 1 Johnson Place, Woodmere.

Hewlett Bay Park

Trustees

meet

The Board of Trustees hosts their monthly meeting on Tuesday,April 28, at Village Hall. 30 Piermont Ave, Hewlett For more information visit the village website at hewlettbayparkny.gov.

Enhanced Pre-Pesach Pickup

Sanitary district #1 provides a double enhanced pre-Pesach collection service for residential homes throughout the Five Towns. It is available Thursday and Friday, April 10-11, 7 a.m.-1 p.m. For more information visit www.sanitarydistrict1.com.

On stage

Woodmere Middle School presents “Beetlejuice Jr.,” the frightfully funny musical based on the beloved motion picture turned Broadway phenomenon, Friday and Saturday, April 4-5. See it 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday at 3 and 7 p.m. 1170 Peninsula Blvd. For more information contact the Music Department at (516) 792-4378.

Tunes with Dancing Dream

Plaza

Theatricals welcomes the ABBA tribute band, Sunday, April 6, 2:30 p.m. This act takes you back to the days when Swedish disco group ruled the airwaves with their great pop hits and memorable performances. Come experience the glitter of the ‘70s. $40, $35 seniors. Groove along at Plaza’s stage at Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit plazatheatrical.com.

Hewlett Neck Board of Trustees meet

Hewlett Neck Village Board of Trustees hosts their monthly meeting on Tuesday, April, 8, 6:00 p.m., at Village Hall. 30 Piermont Ave, Hewlett

‘Listen to

the Music’

Join L.I. Cabaret Theatre for their latest performance, Saturday, April 5, 2 p.m., at the Elmont Library Theatre stage. In this spirited show, the plotline follows the startup of a TV network and streaming service. A cast of 30 keeps the action moving along, with original choreography, and band accompaniment.

Singers and dancers perform current hits, oldies and tunes from the Broadway stage. Free admission. Elmont Memorial Library Theater, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. Visit elmontlibrary. org or call (516) 354-5280 for information.

Game Time

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.

Peninsula Public Library invites all to game time, Mondays and Thursdays, in the Bentley Room. Come play canasta, Mah Jongg, and Scrabble. Seating is limited; first come, first served. Call Roxanne Spodek to confirm the program the day before at (516) 967-5777. 280 Central Ave., Lawrence.

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.

On Exhibit

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.

Hempstead House tour

April 13

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.

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

She’s all about improving people’s lives

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Continuing a series of interviews with influential area women. Lisa Burch is president and chief executive of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies.

Herald: Tell me about yourself.

Burch: I have a master’s degree in public health education and have worked in the nonprofit space my entire career. I always knew I wanted to do something in the helping profession, so I started working to help women who were victims of domestic violence in college. Throughout my career, I’ve moved into different positions related to other types of helping fields — substance use, counseling, health education, criminal justice, mental health. I’ve always wanted to be in a position where I knew that the work I was doing was impacting and improving people’s lives.

Herald: As CEO, what you do?

Burch: My role is to make sure that the organization is stable and following guidelines and regulations. When I first started this position, not a lot of people had heard of EPIC Long Island despite it being around since 1953, so part of my job as the CEO was to get our name out there and the work that we do. There are always going to be individuals with

intellectual and developmental disabilities, individuals struggling with mental health and substance use, and individuals who have epilepsy. We provide group homes and day programs where people with developmental disabilities can come and socialize. We also provide important counseling, therapy, and treatment to help people deal with lifealtering substance and mental health issues.

Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?

Burch: In my current role, some challenges are with donor fatigue, people not knowing how to support organizations or how to spread their resources among various organizations. Donors are what help our organization grow. It doesn’t deter the work, because all I have to do is leave my office and go downstairs to our day program, where we have around 150 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities come every day who are just happy to be here and happy to see each other. It reminds me why I’m here and why I put up with some of the struggles that keep coming our way.

Herald: What have been the proudest moments in your life?

Burch: On a personal level, watching

my children grow up and develop as humans has been the greatest joy. Professionally, I’ve spent a lot of time mentoring young women, in particular, and trying to encourage them and help them grow personally and professionally in their careers. At EPIC Long Island, my goal is to bring vitality to our organization. People are happy to be here and are really enthusiastic about what we’re doing. I like to think that my presence has had some impact on that.

Herald: What advice do you have to offer? What work is left to be done?

Burch: I think that despite all of the progress we’ve made as women, and especially as women who work outside of the home, there’s still a level of criticism that you’re not doing enough if you aren’t home with your kids, or you’re not doing enough work if you do stay home. That “you can’t have it all” kind of mentality has caused a lot of stress and anxiety, and young women now are still trying to navigate that. I think you can, and it’s just learning how to balance it, and learning who your supporters are, how to rely on people, and giving people the flexibility to be able to do both.

My advice for young women is don’t wait for somebody to give you something. If there’s something you want, go

“Don’t be afraid to take chances” is

Burch’s advice to young women.

out and get it. Don’t be afraid to take chances. Your career is not going to be a stepladder up in one direction. It’s going to be a twisty, windy road, and you should take every single turn that comes at you and embrace it, learn from it, and then just move on to the next.

For more information on EPIC Long Island, go to epicli.org.

Defending the environment, for all of us

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

Adrienne Esposito is executive director and a cofounder of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, a nonprofit organization fighting for stronger environmental policies.

Herald: Tell me about yourself.

Esposito: I grew up in Copiague, and I literally grew up with one foot in the water and one foot on the land. As a kid, we went crabbing and fishing and to the beach, and my mom would bring us blueberry-picking in the Pine Barrens. And my dad was a really tremendous fisherman and outdoorsmen, so we grew up on the water. So I think that that really connects you to the natural world and impresses upon you the beauty of it and the need to protect it.

Herald: Why do you do what you do?

Esposito:Citizens Campaign is now a 40-year old environmental and publichealth-protection organization, and we do this because it’s necessary to do. Everybody drinks water, everybody breathes the air, and everybody has to be nurtured from the earth. So we feel that we fill a niche that puts a lot of pressure on government to clean up toxics and prevent contamination from

occurring in the future. Industry and polluters are all lobbying for their own corporate interests, and we counter that by lobbying for the public interest.

Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?

Esposito: One challenge was making sure the organization was financially viable. We started 40 years ago, so environmental groups were not as popular as they are today. We survived on $10 donations from the public. It was quite challenging, and we had to be very wise, frugal and efficient.

Also, many times — most times — I was the only woman in the room at meetings and advocating. I would walk into a room not only as a woman, but as a 5-foot-2 woman who was an environmentalist. In some cases there would be snickers and laughing, because they didn’t take me seriously. Luckily, being a little woman was God’s disguise, because I’m very smart, and those around me quickly learned there was nothing to laugh about. I look back at it now, and it makes me chuckle, because there was a lot of arrogance by older men, a lot of ignorance on their part that the world was changing.

Herald: What have been the proudest moments in your life?

Esposito: It’s been that we never give up. To me, there is a big amount of satisfaction knowing you’re representing the public, people who maybe don’t have a voice or are too timid to speak up. So such campaigns as stopping Broadwater, which was a Shell Oil and Trans Canada project — everyone told me I would never win. Everyone told me there was no way an environmental group would win against global fossil-fuel industries. And yet we organized in Connecticut and New York, and we empowered the public to speak up. I remember when we won, I opened my email and hundreds of people emailed me saying how excited they were, and how they cheered in their living room when they heard the news. This is how attached people got to that campaign.

Herald: What advice do you have to offer? What work is left to be done?

Esposito: When I started, the environmental movement was looked down upon as if it was just a bunch of hippies. Now surveys say 88 percent of the public considers themselves environmentalists. We’ve changed the perspective. So what I would say to the young is get off your phone and get out there. Gain skills that allow you to be able to talk to diverse groups of people and fight, fight, fight. Don’t worry about fail-

“Protecting the earth should always be a human health issue,”

ing or people who don’t agree with you. Protecting the earth should always be a human health issue. And do not fall into the trap where it becomes a Democratic or Republican issue. Remember, it’s everyone’s concern.

For more information about Citizens Campaign for the Environment, visit CitizensCampaign.org.

Courtesy Lisa Burch

Lisa

Courtesy Adrienne Esposito

Adrienne Esposito says.

The commissioners from Sanitary District 1 invite all residents to participate in shredding day, on April 6. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 2 Bay Boulevard, Lawrence.

Shredding day is a free service for private households in Sanitary District 1. They will be accepting household materials only, business or institutional documents will not be accepted.

The shredding material has to be brought in paper bags or cardboard boxes, no plastic bags allowed. There is a four-paper bag/cardboard box maximum per household.

Shredding day will conclude when the trucks reach capacity.

To sign up for Sanitary District 1 texting alerts, text “District 1” to 866508- 3404.

— Melissa Berman

Double enhanced prePassover pick-ups Annual shredding day

There will be double enhanced prePassover garbage pick-up for all residents in Sanitary District 1. Extra pick-ups will be on Thursday, April 10 and Friday, April 11 from 7 a.m to 1 p.m.

The garbage must be placed curbside in securely tied bags. To ensure timely pick-up for the whole community, bags left in back or side yards will not be collected during enhanced pick-up days.

— Melissa Berman

Five Steps to an Elder Law Estate Plan

Elder law estate planning provides for (1) your care in the event you become disabled as you age, and who will be in charge of that care, and (2) the passing of your assets on death to whom you want, when you want, the way you want, with the least amount of taxes and legal fees possible. These are the five steps to creating an elder law estate plan.

Step One: Understanding the Family Dynamics. Clients often overlook the inestimable value of getting to know the family dynamic. We are firm believers that the social goes first and the legal should serve the social. Too often it is the other way around. Once we understand who’s who and everyone’s interpersonal relations with each other, we are far better able to craft a plan that will work socially as well as legally. The failure to address the social aspects has led to many a plan tearing the family apart.

Step Two: Reviewing the Client’s Assets. IRA’s and other “qualified” assets (i.e. tax deferred) are treated quite differently, on death or disability, from “non-qualified” assets. The determination of the amount and value of all assets, who owns them, and whether they have named beneficiaries are of the utmost importance in planning correctly,

including saving legal fees and taxes.

Step Three: Reviewing Existing Estate Planning Documents: Not having been prepared by an elder law estate planning attorney, clients’ documents rarely have adequate provisions to take advantage of the many benefits the law provides for our aging population. Wills instead of trusts have often been prepared either because the client was considerably younger and a trust was not needed or a trust was needed but the general practice lawyer was unfamiliar with the specifics of preparing a trust.

Step Four: Developing the Elder Law Estate Plan. We are now in a position to determine which persons are best suited to handle your legal, financial and medical affairs on disability or death, what type of plan should be used and how the estate should be distributed -- keeping in mind the preservation of harmony in the family.

Step Five: Executing and Maintaining the Plan. Legal documents are explained and executed, assets are retitled and beneficiaries on assets changed in keeping with planning objectives. The client is called in to the law firm every three years to ensure the plan meets the client’s current wishes and conforms with any law changes.

Herald File

Photo

Sanitary District 1 will be hosting it’s annual shredding day event, on April 6.

Public Notices

TAXES AND/OR ASSESSMENTS REMAINING UNPAID FOR THE YEAR 2024

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to the provisions of Village Code §187-17 and the New York Real Property Tax Law as applicable to the Village of Lawrence (“Village”), and pursuant to direction of the Village Board of Trustees, the undersigned Village Clerk-Treasurer/Village Administrator will sell at Public Auction in the manner provided by law on April 23, 2025 at 10:00 am local prevailing time in the Village Hall, 196 Central Avenue, Lawrence, New York so much of each of the following parcels upon which Village Taxes and/or Assessments remain unpaid for the year 2024 as will be sufficient to discharge the taxes and/or assessments, fees, interest and discharges which may be due thereon respectively at the time of such sale, and shall continue the same from day to day until the said sale shall be completed. The Village reserves the right to withdraw any property prior to the sale of its lien.

PLEASE ALSO TAKE NOTICE THAT THE VILLAGE OF LAWRENCE WILL PURCHASE ALL LIENS FOR SALE, AND NO PUBLIC BIDDING WILL BE PERMITTED.

Such real estate will be sold subject to any unpaid tax liens purchased and held by the Village. The purchase or purchasers of such tax sale will be required to pay the amount of their respective bids to the undersigned within TEN days after the sale pursuant to the provisions of Section 1454 of the New York Real Property Tax Law and Village Local Law #12-1994. THE VILLAGE DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE TO ANY LIEN PURCHASER REGARDING ANY ASPECT OF THE PURCHASE OF OR FORECLOSURE UPON ANY LIEN.

The following is a list or statement of the Real Estate upon which such Tax and/or Assessments are unpaid for the year 2024 with a statement of the amount of tax and/or assessments, fees, interest and charges thereon:

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK (BROOKLYN) WINDWARD BORA, LLC.; Plaintiff v. OSNAT ZINNAR, et al; Defendants Attorneys for Plaintiff: Hasbani & Light, P.C., 450 7th Ave, Suite 1901, NY, NY 10123; (212) 643-6677 Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on 2/12/24, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder in the EDNY-Brooklyn, 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, NY 11201, on April 10, 2025, at 1:15 PM Premises known as 965 Cedarhurst Street, North Woodmere, NY 11581 Section: 0039 Block: 00549-00 Lot: 00002

All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York.

As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale.

Sold subject to all of the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale. Approximate amount of judgment: $273,926.00 plus interest and costs.

Docket Number: 19cv-04533 Dominic Famulari, Esq., Referee 152160

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. HANAN MILLER, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 9, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on

April 14, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 876 Woodmere Place, Woodmere, NY 11598. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Woodmere, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 39, Block 226 and Lot 1030. Approximate amount of judgment is $534,154.12 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #616486/2023. Cash will not be accepted. Jane P. Shrenkel, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 152152

Lina Fusco

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC. ASSETBACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-FX1, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, Plaintiffagainst- TAGEWATTIE NANDALALL, SEWNARINE SAWH, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated December 11, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on April 22, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Lawrence, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the easterly side of Lawrence

March 24, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR Lisa James VILLAGE CLERK 152462

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that public hearing will be held as to the following matters:

Agency:Board of Trustees, Village of Woodsburgh

Date: April 28

Time:6:30 pm

Place:Village Hall, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York

Subject:Proposed Bill WDS- 2501 A local law to amend Chapter 82 of the Code of the Village of Woodsburgh, to prohibit gardeners performing work on Saturdays At the said time and place, all interested persons may be heard with respect to the foregoing matters. Copies of the proposed local laws may be inspected at the office of the Village Clerk, Village Hall, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett, New York, during regular business hours.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that there will be a Regular Meeting of the Mayor and Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Lawrence, at Lawrence Village Hall, 196 Central Avenue, Lawrence, New York 11559, on the 9th day of April 2025, at 8:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time, and three (3) Public Hearings with respect to the following matters:

Public Hearings and Proposed Local Law of 2025 “ NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 20252026 GENERAL BUDGET. In accordance with New York Village Law 5-508(3) the tentative Village Budget for the fiscal year commencing June 1, 2025 and ending May 31, 2026, a copy of which is available at the office of the Village Clerk where it may be inspected by any interested person during office hours.

Avenue, distant 161.52 feet northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the easterly side of Lawrence Avenue with the northerly side of Spring Street; being a plot 128.71 feet by 50 feet by 108.75 feet by 53.84 feet.

Section 40 Block 32 Lot 113.

Said premises known as 280 LAWRENCE AVENUE, LAWRENCE, NY 11559

Approximate amount of lien $629,669.70 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 010770/2014.

RALPH MADALENA, ESQ., Referee David A. Gallo & Associates LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff

47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 5025.1027 {* NASSAU HER*} 152210

LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR NOTICE OF MONTHLY MEETING OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Hewlett Harbor will meet in both public and via Zoom on Thursday, April 10, 2025, at 7:00PM, Eastern Standard Time, for the purpose of holding the Village’s regular monthly meeting. An agenda for the meeting will be made available to the public on the Village Website. All residents wishing to attend via Zoom can visit www.hewlettharbor.go v for instructions. Residents wishing to speak via Zoom or in person must notify the Village Clerk in advance.

Dated: Hewlett Harbor, New York

Any person having a disability which would inhibit attendance at or participating in the hearing should notify the Village Clerk at least three business days prior to the hearing, so that reasonable efforts may be made to facilitate such attendance and participating.

Dated: April 3, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES VILLAGE OF WOODSBURGH 152642

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF GENERAL MEETING OF BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF THE INWOOD FIRE DISTRICT, INWOOD, NEW YORK, 11096. There will be a General Meeting of the Board of Commissioners of the Inwood Fire District as follows: Time:7:00 P.M.

Date: Thursday, April 10, 2025

Place:DISTRICT OFFICE

Melissa Rivelli, District Secretary 152643

LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF LAWRENCE NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING and PUBLIC HEARINGS

“ NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON the Annual Report to be filed by the Village for the year 2025 relating to the Municipal Separate Stormwater Sewer Systems (MS4) as to compliance by the Village with the Storm Water Management Program (SWMP).

“ A Local Law to amend the Village Code regarding zoning for properties fronting on multiple streets NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT copies of the proposed items described above are on file/available in the office of the Village Clerk of the Village of Lawrence, NY, where the same is available for public inspection during regular office hours.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard on all meeting matters at the place and time aforesaid. If anyone needs special accommodations for a disability, such person should contact the Village Clerk at least 5 days before the meeting.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, pursuant to the requirements of the Open Meetings Law of the State of New York, that the Board of Trustees of the Village of Lawrence will convene in public meeting at the place

April 3, 2025 —

Public Notices

and time aforesaid for the purpose of conducting a regular meeting where general business will be conducted.

Dated: March 28, 2025 By Order of the Board of Trustees Village of Lawrence, NY Gerry Castro, Village Administrator 152644

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 04/09/2025 at 9:30

A.M. & 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals: THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30

A.M.

154/25. - 155/25. WOODMERE - Alla Kleban, Variance, rear yard, construct 2nd story addition partially open below attached to dwelling; Special exception to maintain shed not permitted in the side yard., N/s Kearny Dr., 75.27’ E/o Caldwell Ave., a/k/a 816 Kearny Dr. THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00

P.M.

178/25. INWOODYeshiva Nishmas Hatorah, Inc., Special exception to construct basketball court & stadium seating in conjunction with proposed educational use; Install retaining wall 1’2” to 6’3” high with 6’ fence above varying in total height from 7’2” to 12’3” forward of buildings on Zavatt St., N/s Mott Ave., 100’ W/o Zavatt St., a/k/a 80 Mott Ave. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.

This notice is only for new cases in Woodmere & Inwood within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo

Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.

152618

LEGAL NOTICE LAWRENCE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 15

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, ANNUAL BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing of the qualified voters of the Lawrence Union Free School District No. 15, shall be conducted on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 8:00 p.m., in the Lawrence High School located at 2 Reilly Road, Cedarhurst, NY 11516 for the transaction of business as authorized by the Education Law, including the following items:

“ To present to the voters a detailed statement (proposed budget) of the amount of money which will be required for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

“ To discuss all the items hereinafter set forth to be voted upon at the Annual Budget Vote and Election to be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

“ To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting pursuant to Education Law and acts amendatory thereto.

Following the Public Hearing, a Special Meeting of the Board of Education may be conducted as such other and additional business may come before it. The Board may entertain a motion to enter executive session. At such meeting, such matters as may lawfully be

considered may be acted upon by the Board. Public comments may be submitted to BOE@lawrence.k12.ny. us.

FURTHER, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that there will be a vote and election by the qualified voters of the Lawrence Union Free School District No. 15, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, New York on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. at the four (4) school election districts indicated below, for the purpose of voting upon the appropriation of necessary expenditures of the 2025-2026 school year to elect three (3) members of the Board of Education and one (1) member of the Board of Trustee of the Peninsula Public Library at which business will be transacted as required by law, including a vote on any other propositions which may properly come before the electorate. The accurate description of the boundaries of the election districts is available for inspection by any qualified voter together with a map of the District in the Office of the District Clerk, during regular school days by appointment only. The four (4) polling sites designated for voting in each election district are as follows: “ Primary School at Number Two School, 1 Donahue Avenue, Inwood “ Lawrence Middle School, 195 Broadway, Lawrence “ Lawrence High School, 2 Reilly Road, Cedarhurst “ The Atlantic Beach Village Hall SCHOOL BOARD TRUSTEES

To elect three (3) trustees of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term commencing July 1, 2025, and ending on June 30, 2028.

Incumbents: Michael Hatten, Tova Plaut, David Sussman LIBRARY BOARD TRUSTEE

To elect one (1) trustee of the Peninsula Public Library for a five (5) year term commencing July 1, 2025, and ending on June 30, 2030.

Incumbent: Audrian Gray

The election shall be held in accordance with

the Annual Meeting and Election Policy and Candidate and Campaigning Policy adopted by the Board of Education.

FURTHER, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that nominations for the office of trustee of the Board of Education and office of trustee of the Peninsula Public Library, shall be made by petition subscribed by at least thirty-three (33) qualified voters of the district, and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the District located in Lawrence High School, 2 Reilly Road, Cedarhurst, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. by appointment, no later than April 22, 2025, at which the trustees shall be voted upon. Such petition shall state the residence of each signer and shall state the name and residence of the candidate and the specific vacancy on the Board for which the candidate is nominated, which description shall include at least the length of the term of office and the name of the last incumbent, if any. Each vacancy shall be considered a separate office, and a separate petition shall be required to nominate a candidate to each separate office. No person shall be nominated for more than one separate office. A nomination may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for the office or declares an unwillingness to serve.

LAWRENCE PUBLIC SCHOOLS WILL BE CLOSED FOR SPRING BREAK APRIL 14TH AND RE-OPEN ON APRIL 22ND

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the condensed form of the budget proposition and the text of all other propositions to appear on the voting ballot and a detailed statement of the proposed budget, in writing, of the amount of money which will be required for the 2025-2026 school year for school purposes, specifying the purposes and the amount for each, will be available on the District website, www.Lawrence.org, during the period of fourteen (14) days immediately preceding the election, and at the polling locations on the day of the election.

FURTHER, NOTICE IS

HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Chapter 258 of the Laws of § 2008, § 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, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how much the total assessed value on the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted, identify by statutory authority, and show: (a) 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; (b) the cumulative amount expected to be received from recipients of each type of exemption as payments in lieu of taxes or other payments for municipal services; and (c) the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. The exemption report shall be posted on the District website, https://www.lawrence. org/documents/boardof-education/budgetstatement-(line-byline)/47144.

FURTHER, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that personal voter registration of voters, not previously registered and eligible to vote, will take place between 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on May 6, 2025, at the Office of the District Clerk. Such persons must present themselves personally for registration during the time and place set forth, in order to be entitled to vote.

FURTHER, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the final date to register for the upcoming election is May 13, 2025 in the office of the District Clerk, at which time any person shall be entitled to have their name placed upon such register, provided that such person is known, or proven, to the satisfaction of the District Clerk, to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the election for which such register is prepared.

FURTHER, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the register shall be filed in the office of the District Clerk where it shall be open for inspection by appointment only, by

any qualified voter between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on each of the five (5) days prior to the day set for the election, except Saturday, Sunday or holidays.

FURTHER, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that personal registration of voters is required pursuant to §2014 of Education Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to § 2014 of Education Law and has voted at any annual or special district meeting within the past four (4) calendar years, such voter is eligible to vote at this election; if a voter is registered and eligible to vote pursuant to Article 5 of Election Law, such voter is also eligible to vote at this election.

FURTHER, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications and instructions for absentee ballots and early mail ballots may be obtained on the district website, https://www.lawrence. org/page/may-20-2025annual-budget-voteand-election. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available in the Office of the District Clerk on each of the five (5) days prior to the day of the election, excluding Saturday, Sunday and holidays. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of District 15 may request an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk by mail to the Office of the District Clerk. P.O. Box 477, Lawrence, New York 11559, by email t o MBharaj@lawrence.k1 2.ny.us, or by fax to 516-812-6639. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a nonmilitary ballot application under §2018-a of the Education Law. The application for military ballots may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the military ballot by mail, fax or email.

FURTHER, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, a military voter’s original military ballot must be returned by mail to the office of the District Clerk. Military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District Clerk before 5:00 p.m. on May 20,

2025 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 received not later than 5:00 p.m. on May 20, 2025 and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the election.

FURTHER, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that this Board shall convene a Special Meeting in the Lawrence High School within twenty-four hours (24) after the filing with the District Clerk of a written report of the results of the ballot for the purpose of examining and tabulating said reports of the result of the ballot and declaring the result of the ballot; that the Board hereby designates itself to be a set of poll clerks to cast and canvass ballots pursuant to Education Law, §2019-a, subdivision 2b at said Special Meeting of the Board.

By Order of the Board of Education Lawrence Union Free School District No. 15 Ms. Mohinder Bharaj, District Clerk March 31, 2025 152649

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com TO PLACE AN AD CALL

516-569-4000 x 232 Search for notices online at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor wil hold a Public Hearing to consider the amendment of Section 137-9 to the Hewlett Harbor Village Code which will provide for a Stop Sign at theintersection of Azure Place and Pepperidge Road; and under SEQRA Regulations, to determine whether the proposed would constitute a significant negative impact on the environment; said Public Hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on April 10, 2025 at the Village Hal, 449 Pepperidge Road, Hewlett Harbor, New

York. All interested persons will be heard during the Public Hearing at the time and place aforementioned. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

LISA JAMES, VILLAGE CLERK HEWLETT HARBOR, NEW YORK DATED: 3/31/25 152645

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor will hold a Public Hearing to consider repealing Chapter 140 of the Hewlett Harbor Village Code which will discontinue the Joint Recreation Commission for Willow Pond Park; and under SEQRA Regulations, ot determine whether the proposed would constitute a significant negative impact on the environment; said Public Hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on April 10, 2025 at the Village Hall, 449 Pepperidge Road, Hewlett Harbor, New York.

All interested persons will be heard during the Public Hearing at the time and place aforementioned. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

LISA JAMES. VILLAGE CLERK HEWLETT HARBOR, NEW YORK Dated 3/31/25 152647

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

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION OF THE HEWLETTWOODMERE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICTNASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing of the qualified voters of the HewlettWoodmere Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, New York, will be held in the Woodmere Education Center, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, in said district on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 6:45 PM, prevailing time, for the transaction of business as authorized by the Education Law, including the following items:

1.To present to the voters a detailed statement of the amount of money which will berequired for the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

phone at x232 or email:

legalnotices@liherald.com

Public Notices

2.To discuss all the items hereinafter set forth to be voted upon by voting machine at theBudget Vote and Election to be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

3.To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting pursuant toEducation Law of the State of New York and acts amendatory thereto.

AND FURTHER NOTICE

IS HEREBY GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required to fund the School District’s budget for 2025-2026, exclusive of public moneys, may be obtained by any resident of the District beginning May x, 2025, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, prevailing time, except Saturday, Sunday or holidays at the Office of the District Clerk, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, at the HewlettWoodmere Public Library, 1125 Broadway, Hewlett, and on the District’s internet website.

AND FURTHER NOTICE

IS HEREBY GIVEN, that said Budget Vote and Election will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in the Woodmere Education Center, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM prevailing time, at which time the polls will be opened to vote by voting machine upon the following items:

1.To adopt the annual budget of the School District for the fiscal year 2025-2026 and toauthorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property ofthe District.

2.To elect two (2) members of the Board of Education for a three (3) year termcommencing July 1, 2025, and expiring on June 30, 2028.

3.Shall the Board of Education of the Hewlett-Woodmere Union Free SchoolDistrict, Nassau County, New York, be authorized to expend an amount not toexceed $3,879,968 from Capital Reserve Fund #1, for certain capitalimprovements consisting of (i) renovation of the baseball/softball field atWoodmere Middle School in an amount not to exceed

$3,180,000,(ii)replacem ent of security, floor, and interior doors at Woodmere Middle Schoolin an amount not to exceed $299,968 and (iii) renovation of bathrooms at FranklinEarly Childhood Center in an amount not to exceed $400,000. All of the foregoing shall include the necessary materials, apparatus, equipment, site work, and any ancillary or related work required in connection therewith, and funds for these projects shall be drawn exclusively from Capital Reserve Fund #1.

4.Shall the Board of Education of the Hewlett-Woodmere Union Free School District, Nassau County, New York, be authorized to expend an amount not to exceed $6,500,000 from Capital Reserve Fund #2, for certain capital improvements consisting of (i) Districtwide security upgrades (including the implementation of a one-button lockdown, door replacements, upgrades to communication infrastructure, etc.) in an amount not to exceed $4,445,000, (ii) upgrades to Districtwide technology infrastructure in an amount not to exceed$500,000, (iii) installation of lighting on the Woodmere Middle School baseball/softball field in an amount not to exceed $880,000, and (iv) installationof lighting on the Woodmere Middle School tennis court in an amount not to exceed $675,000. All of the foregoing shall include the necessary materials, apparatus, equipment, site work, and any ancillary or related work required in connection therewith, and funds for these projects shall be drawn exclusivelyfrom Capital Reserve Fund #2.5.Resolved that the 2025 – 2026 fiscal year Library budget proposed by the Board of Trustees of the Hewlett-Woodmere Union Free School District Public Library, and the levy of a tax appropriation therefore, in accordance with the provisions of Section 259 of the Education Law, shall be approved.6.To elect one (1) Trustee of the Hewlett-Woodmere

Public Library for a five (5) year term of office commencing July 1, 2025 and expiring on June 30, 2030.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law, the School District is required to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how the total assessed value of the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted by the statutory authority, and show the cumulative impact of each type of exemption, the cumulative amount expected to be received as payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. In addition, said exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on any website maintained by the District. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education shall be filed with the Clerk of said School District at her office in Woodmere Education Center, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, not later than April 21, 2025, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM prevailing time. Each petition shall be directed to the Clerk of the District; must be signed by at least thirty-six (36) qualified voters of the District. Vacancies on the Board of Education are not considered separate, specific offices; candidates run at large. Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the Board for which the candidate is nominated. To nominate a candidate for the office of Trustee of the Library Board, each petition must be signed by at least thirty-six (36) voters of the District. Vacancies on the Board of Trustees are not considered separate specific offices; candidates run at large. Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon

the Board for which the candidate is nominated. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law, or pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law and has voted at an annual or special district meeting within the last four (4) calendar years, he or she is eligible to vote at this election. If a voter is registered and eligible to vote under Article 5 of the Election Law, he or she is also eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register. The Board of Registration will meet for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, prevailing time, to add any additional names to the Register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register provided that at such meeting of said Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the Register is prepared. The Register so prepared pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk, at her office in the District Administration Office, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, and will open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on May 15, 2025, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, prevailing time, on each day prior to the day set for election, except Sunday, and on Saturday, May 17, 2025, by prearranged appointment between 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM, and at the polling place(s) on the day of the vote.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, the voters may register with the Clerk of said School District at her office in the District Administration Office,

One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when school is in session at any day on or before May 15, 2025 to add any additional names to the Register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register provided that at such meeting with the Clerk of said School District he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of the Clerk of said School District to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the Register is prepared. The Register so prepared pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk, at her office in the District Administration Office, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning Thursday, May 15, 2025, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, prevailing time, on each day prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, and on Saturday, May 17, 2025, by prearranged appointment between 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM, and at the polling place(s) on the day of the vote.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. An application for registration as a military voter can be requested from the District Clerk in the Woodmere Education Center, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, and must be returned to said office no later than 5:00 PM, April 25, 2025. In the request for an application for registration, the military voter is permitted to designate his/her preference for receiving the application for registration by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the district may submit an application for a military ballot from the Office of the District Clerk, One Johnson

Place, Woodmere, New York. The original military ballot application must be returned by mail or in person to the District Clerk, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, during school business hours, no later than 5:00 PM on April 24, 2025. In the request for an application for a military ballot, the military voter is permitted to designate his/her preference for receiving the application for a military ballot, and the military ballot, by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail. All qualified military voters’ ballot application and military ballot must be returned by mail or in person. Ballots for military voters shall be distributed to qualified military voters no later than April 25, 2025. Military ballots must be received by the District Clerk (1) before the close of the polls, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, and must show a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or must show a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or (2) not later than 5:00 pm on the day of the election and be signed and dated by the military voter and one witness, with a date ascertained to be not later than the day before the election. A list of persons to whom military ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the Office of the District Clerk on and after Thursday, May 15, 2025, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, prevailing time, on each day prior to the day set for the annual election, except Sunday, and on Saturday, May 17, 2025, by prearranged appointment between 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM, and on May 20, 2025, the day set for the election. Any qualified voter then present in the polling place may object to the voting of the ballot upon appropriate grounds by making his or her challenge and the reasons therefore known to the Inspector of Election before the close of the polls AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that

applications for early mail ballots and absentee ballots will be obtainable during school business hours from the District Clerk beginning April 21, 2025, completed applications must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than April 21, 2025 and at least seven (7) days before the election, May 13, 2025, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, May 19, 2025, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Early mail ballots and absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Applications for absentee ballots or early mail ballots may also be printed from the District website www.hewlettwoodmere.net and delivered to the District Clerk beginning April 21, 2025, in the manner described above.

A list of persons to whom early mail ballots and absentee ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the Office of the District Clerk on and after Thursday, May 15, 2025, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, prevailing time, on each day prior to the day set for the annual election, except Sunday, and on May 20, 2025, the day set for the election. Any qualified voter then present in the polling place may object to the voting of the ballot upon appropriate grounds by making his or her challenge and the reasons therefore known to the Inspector of Election before the close of the polls. A challenge to an absentee ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should have applied for an early mail ballot. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education in accordance with Section 2035 of the Education Law, any referenda or propositions to amend the budget, or otherwise to be submitted for voting at said election, must be filed with the Clerk of the Board of Education at the District Office, One Johnson Place,

Woodmere, New York, in sufficient time to permit notice of the proposition to be included with the Notice of the Public Hearing, Budget Vote and Election required by Section 2004 of the Education Law or on or before April 21, 2025, at 5:00 PM, prevailing time; must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the Clerk of the School District; must be signed by at least ninety (90) qualified voters of the District (representing 5% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); and must legibly state the name of each signer. However, the School Board will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, which is unlawful, or any proposition which fails to include a specific appropriation where the expenditure of monies is required by the proposition, or where other valid reason exists for excluding the proposition from the ballot.

Dated: Woodmere, New York, March 27, 2025 By Order of the BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE HEWLETTWOODMERE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York Barbara Randazzo, District Clerk 152627

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com TO PLACE AN AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232 PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA, VOTACIÓN DE PRESUPUESTO Y ELECCIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE LA UNIÓN HEWLETT–WOODMERE CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que se llevará a cabo una Audiencia Pública de los votantes calificados de Hewlett–

3,

Public Notices

La reunión del Distrito Escolar Libre de Woodmere Union, ciudad de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, Nueva York, se llevará a cabo en el Centro Educativo Woodmere, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, en dicho distrito, el miércoles 7 de mayo de 2025 a las 6:45 p. m., hora vigente, para la transacción de negocios según lo autorizado por la Ley de Educación, incluidos los siguientes puntos:

1. Presentar a los electores un estado detallado del monto de dinero que se requerirá para el año fiscal 2025–2026.

2. Para discutir todos los puntos que a continuación se establecen para ser votados mediante máquina de votación en la La votación y elección del presupuesto se llevará a cabo el martes 20 de mayo de 2025.

3. Tratar cualquier otro asunto que pueda presentarse debidamente a la reunión de conformidad con Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York y leyes modificatorias de la misma.

Y ADEMÁS, POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que cualquier residente del Distrito podrá obtener una copia de la declaración de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para financiar el presupuesto del Distrito Escolar para 2025–2026, excluyendo los dineros públicos, a partir del x de mayo de 2025, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., hora vigente, excepto los sábados, domingos o feriados, en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, en la Biblioteca Pública de Hewlett–Woodmere, 1125 Broadway, Hewlett, y en el sitio web del Distrito.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que dicha votación y elección de presupuesto se llevará a cabo el martes 20 de mayo de 2025 en el Centro Educativo Woodmere, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, entre las 7:00 a. m. y las 10:00 p. m., hora vigente, momento en el cual se abrirán las urnas para votar mediante máquina de votación sobre los

siguientes temas:

1. Adoptar el presupuesto anual del Distrito Escolar para el año fiscal 2025–2026 y autorizar que la parte necesaria del mismo se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad imponible del Distrito.

2. Elegir dos (2) miembros de la Junta de Educación por un período de tres (3) años que comenzará el 1 de julio de 2025 y finalizará el 30 de junio de 2028.

3. ¿Se autorizará a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión Hewlett–Woodmere, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York, a gastar una cantidad que no exceda los $3,879,968 del Fondo de Reserva de Capital n.° 1, para ciertas mejoras de capital que consisten en (i) la renovación del campo de béisbol/ sóftbol de la Escuela Intermedia Woodmere por una cantidad que no exceda los $3,180,000, (ii) el reemplazo de las puertas de seguridad, del piso y del interior de la Escuela Intermedia Woodmere por una cantidad que no exceda los $299,968 y (iii) la renovación de los baños del Centro de Primera Infancia Franklin por una cantidad que no exceda los $400,000? Todas las Lo anterior incluirá los materiales, aparatos, equipos, trabajos en el sitio y cualquier trabajo auxiliar o relacionado requerido en relación con ello, y los fondos para estos proyectos se extraerán exclusivamente del Fondo de Reserva de Capital N.° 1. 4. ¿Deberá la Junta de Educación de la Escuela Libre Unificada Hewlett–Woodmere Se autorice al Distrito del Condado de Nassau, Nueva York, a gastar un monto no superior a $6,500,000 del Fondo de Reserva de Capital n.° 2 para ciertas mejoras de capital que consisten en (i) mejoras de seguridad en todo el Distrito (incluyendo la implementación de un sistema de cierre automático, reemplazo de puertas, mejoras en la infraestructura de comunicaciones, etc.) por un monto no superior a $4,445,000?

(ii) mejoras en la infraestructura tecnológica del Distrito por un monto no superior a $500,000? (iii) instalación de iluminación en el campo de béisbol/sóftbol de la Escuela Intermedia Woodmere por un monto no superior a $880,000? y (iv) instalación de iluminación en la cancha de tenis de la Escuela Intermedia Woodmere por un monto no superior a $675,000. Todo lo anterior incluirá los materiales, aparatos, equipos, obras y cualquier trabajo auxiliar o relacionado necesario, y los fondos para estos proyectos se obtendrán exclusivamente del Fondo de Reserva de Capital n.° 2. 5. Se resuelve que el presupuesto de la Biblioteca para el año fiscal 2025–2026 propuesto por la Junta Directiva de la Biblioteca Pública del Distrito Escolar Gratuito de Hewlett–Woodmere Union, y la imposición de una asignación fiscal para el mismo, de conformidad con las disposiciones de la Sección 259 de la Ley de Educación, serán aprobados.

6. Elegir un (1) fideicomisario de la Biblioteca Pública Hewlett–Woodmere por un período de cinco (5) años que comenzará el 1 de julio de 2025 y finalizará el 30 de junio de 2030. Y, ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que, de conformidad con la Sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, el Distrito Escolar debe adjuntar a su presupuesto propuesto un informe de exenciones. Dicho informe, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, mostrará cómo el valor total tasado del censo final utilizado en el proceso presupuestario está exento de impuestos, enumerará cada tipo de exención otorgada por la autoridad legal y mostrará el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención, el monto acumulado que se espera recibir como pagos en lugar de impuestos (PILOT) y el impacto acumulativo de todas las exenciones otorgadas. Además, dicho informe de exenciones se publicará

en cualquier tablero de anuncios que mantenga el Distrito para avisos públicos y en cualquier sitio web que mantenga el Distrito.

Y ADEMÁS, POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que las peticiones de nominación de candidatos para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación deberán presentarse ante la Secretaria de dicho Distrito Escolar en su oficina en Woodmere Education Center, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, a más tardar el 21 de abril de 2025, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 5:00 p. m., hora vigente. Cada petición deberá dirigirse a la Secretaria del Distrito? deberá estar firmada por al menos treinta y seis (36) votantes calificados del Distrito. Las vacantes en la Junta de Educación no se consideran cargos separados y específicos? los candidatos se postulan por general. Las peticiones de nominación no deberán describir ninguna vacante específica en la Junta para la cual se nomina al candidato. Para nominar a un candidato para el cargo de Síndico de Junta de la Biblioteca, cada petición debe estar firmada por al menos treinta y seis (36) votantes del Distrito. Las vacantes en la Junta Directiva no se consideran cargos específicos? los candidatos se presentan en general. Las peticiones de nominación no deben describir ninguna vacante específica en la Junta Directiva para la cual se nomina al candidato.

Y, ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que el registro personal de votantes es obligatorio, ya sea de conformidad con el Artículo 2014 de la Ley de Educación o con el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral. Si un votante se ha registrado previamente de conformidad con el Artículo 2014 de la Ley de Educación y ha votado en una asamblea distrital anual o extraordinaria en los últimos cuatro (4) años calendario, podrá votar en estas elecciones. Si un votante está registrado y es elegible para votar según el Artículo 5 de

la Ley Electoral, también podrá votar en estas elecciones. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deben registrarse. La Junta de Registro se reunirá con el propósito de registrar a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación el miércoles 7 de mayo de 2025, de 8:00 a. m. a 8:00 p. m., hora vigente, para agregar cualquier nombre adicional al Registro que se utilizará en la elección antes mencionada, momento en el cual cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se coloque en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión de dicha Junta de Registro se sepa o se pruebe a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro que él o ella está entonces o en lo sucesivo autorizado para votar en dicha elección para la cual se prepara el Registro. El Registro así preparado de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación se archivará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, en su oficina en la Oficina de Administración del Distrito, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, y se abrirá para inspección por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito a partir del 15 de mayo de 2025, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., hora vigente, cada día anterior al día fijado para la elección, excepto el domingo, y el sábado 17 de mayo de 2025, mediante cita previa entre las 10:00 a. m. y la 1:30 p. m., y en el o los lugares de votación el día de la votación.

Y POR EL PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, los votantes pueden registrarse con la Secretaria de dicho Distrito Escolar en su oficina en la Oficina de Administración del Distrito, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., cuando la escuela esté en sesión en cualquier día el 15 de mayo de 2025 o antes, para agregar cualquier nombre adicional al Registro que se usará en la elección antes mencionada, momento en el cual cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se coloque en dicho Registro, siempre que

en dicha reunión con la Secretaria de dicho Distrito Escolar se sepa o se pruebe a satisfacción de la Secretaria de dicho Distrito Escolar que en ese momento o en lo sucesivo tiene derecho a votar en dicha elección para la cual se prepara el Registro. El Registro así preparado de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación se archivará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, en su oficina en la Oficina de Administración del Distrito, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, y estará abierto para inspección por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito a partir del jueves 15 de mayo de 2025, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., hora vigente, cada día anterior al día establecido para la elección, excepto el domingo, y el sábado 17 de mayo de 2025, mediante cita previa entre las 10:00 a. m. y la 1:30 p. m., y en el o los lugares de votación el día de la votación.

Y, ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA POR LA PRESENTE que los votantes militares que no estén actualmente registrados pueden solicitar su registro como votantes calificados del distrito escolar. La solicitud de registro como votante militar puede solicitarse al Secretario del Distrito en el Centro Educativo Woodmere, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, y debe entregarse en dicha oficina a más tardar a las 17:00 h del 25 de abril de 2025. En la solicitud de registro, Al elector militar se le permite designar su preferencia para recibir la solicitud de registro por correo, transmisión por fax o correo electrónico.

Y, ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA POR LA PRESENTE que los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del distrito pueden presentar una solicitud de papeleta para votar en la Oficina del Secretario de Distrito, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York. La solicitud original de papeleta para votar en el distrito debe entregarse por correo o en persona a la Oficina del Secretario de Distrito, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, durante el horario escolar, a más

tardar a las 17:00 h del 24 de abril de 2025. En la solicitud de papeleta para votar en el distrito, el votante militar puede indicar su preferencia para recibir la solicitud y la papeleta por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Todas las solicitudes y papeletas para votantes militares calificados deben entregarse por correo o en persona. Las papeletas para votantes militares se distribuirán a los votantes militares calificados a más tardar el 25 de abril de 2025. Las papeletas militares deben ser recibidas por el Secretario de Distrito (1) antes del cierre de las urnas, el martes 20 de mayo de 2025, y deben mostrar una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o deben mostrar un endoso fechado de recibo por otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos? o (2) a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del día de la elección y estar firmadas y fechadas por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha que se determine que no sea posterior al día anterior a la elección.

La lista de personas a quienes se expiden papeletas militares estará disponible para su inspección por parte de los votantes cualificados del Distrito en la Oficina del Secretario de Distrito a partir del jueves 15 de mayo de 2025, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., hora vigente, todos los días previos al día de las elecciones anuales, excepto el domingo, y el sábado 17 de mayo de 2025, mediante cita previa entre las 10:00 a. m. y la 1:30 p. m., y el 20 de mayo de 2025, día de las elecciones.

Cualquier votante cualificado presente en el centro de votación podrá oponerse a la votación alegando motivos justificados, comunicando su impugnación y las razones al Inspector Electoral antes del cierre de las urnas.

Y ADEMÁS, POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que las solicitudes de votación anticipada por correo y Las papeletas de voto en ausencia estarán disponibles durante el horario escolar a través del Secretario del

Distrito a partir del 21 de abril de 2025. Las solicitudes completas deben recibirse en el Secretario del Distrito a más tardar el 21 de abril de 2025 y al menos siete (7) días antes de las elecciones, el 13 de mayo de 2025 si la papeleta se enviará por correo al votante, o el día anterior a las elecciones, el 19 de mayo de 2025 si se entregará personalmente al votante. Las papeletas de voto por correo anticipado y las papeletas de voto en ausencia deben recibirse en el Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 17:00 h, hora vigente, del martes 20 de mayo de 2025. Las solicitudes de voto en ausencia o de voto por correo anticipado también pueden imprimirse desde el sitio web del Distrito www.hewlett–woodme re.net y entregarse al Secretario del Distrito a partir del 21 de abril de 2025, de la manera descrita anteriormente. Una lista de personas a quienes se emiten las papeletas de votación anticipada por correo y las papeletas de voto en ausencia estará disponible para inspección para los votantes calificados del Distrito en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito a partir del Jueves 15 de mayo de 2025, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., hora vigente, cada día anterior al día de las elecciones anuales, excepto el domingo y el 20 de mayo de 2025, día de las elecciones. Cualquier votante cualificado presente en el colegio electoral podrá oponerse a la votación alegando motivos justificados, comunicando su impugnación y las razones al Inspector Electoral antes del cierre de las urnas. No se podrá impugnar una papeleta de voto en ausencia alegando que el votante debería haber solicitado una papeleta de voto por correo anticipado. Y ADEMÁS POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que, de conformidad con una regla adoptada por la Junta de Educación de conformidad con la Sección 2035 de la Ley de Educación, cualquier referéndum o propuesta para modificar el presupuesto, o que de

Honoring Our Heroes run, walk slated for April 12

By JORDAN VALLONE

jvallone@liherald.com

Building Homes for Heroes, a nonprofit dedicated to providing mortgagefree homes for injured veterans, first responders, and their families, will host a 5K Walk/Run at Eisenhower Park this spring. The Long Island-based organization which has established itself as a group with a significant national reach is hoping to raise funds and spread awareness for its mission and cause.

The nonprofit’s origins trace back to the Sept. 11 attacks at the World Trade Center. Building Homes for Heroes’ founder Andy Pujol, a businessman and philanthropist, volunteered in search and rescue efforts at Ground Zero. As the U.S. responded overseas, Pujol wanted to find a way to support wounded veterans returning from service. Building Homes for Heroes was born with the hope of gifting a single home to a single veteran.

David Weingrad, director of communications for Building Homes for Heroes, said it wasn’t until 2012 when the organization started to get more national recognition, after partnering with larger corporations, allowing the nonprofit to build 25 to 30 homes a year. Over a decade later, the organization celebrated a significant milestone in 2024, when it completed and gifted its 400th home to a veteran.

“In the last few years, we’ve actually

Building Homes for Heroes

Building Homes for Heroes, a national nonprofit based on Long Island that provides mortgage-free homes for injured veterans, first responders, and their families, is holding a 5K Run/Walk in April in Eisenhower Park. Daniel Hernandez an avid runner and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, has spearheaded the efforts.

reached 40 homes a year, and we have a lofty goal to reach as many as 50 this year, in 2025,” Weingrad said. “We build homes, we modify homes, all free for the

Public Notices

otra manera se someta a votación en dichas elecciones, debe presentarse al Secretario de la Junta de Educación en la Oficina del Distrito, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, con tiempo suficiente para permitir que el aviso de la propuesta se incluya con el Aviso de Audiencia Pública, Votación de Presupuesto y Elección requerido por la Sección 2004 de la Ley de Educación o antes del 21 de abril de 2025, a las 5:00 p. m., hora vigente? debe estar escrito a máquina o impreso en idioma inglés? debe dirigirse al Secretario del Distrito Escolar? debe estar firmado por al menos noventa (90) votantes calificados del Distrito (que representen el 5% del número de votantes que votaron en la elección anual anterior)? y debe indicar legiblemente el nombre de cada firmante. Sin embargo, la Junta Escolar no aceptará ninguna petición para presentar ante los votantes

ninguna proposición cuyo propósito no esté dentro de los poderes de los votantes para determinar, que sea ilegal, o ninguna proposición que no incluya una asignación específica cuando el gasto de dinero sea requerido por la proposición, o cuando exista otra razón válida para excluir la proposición de la votación.

Fecha: Woodmere, Nueva York, 27 de marzo de 2025 Por Orden de la JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DE LA DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE UNIÓN DE HEWLETT–WOODMERE Ciudad de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, Nueva York Barbara Randazzo, Secretaria de Distrito 152629

veteran. It’s our way of saying thank you to the servicemen and women.”

The organization’s work extends beyond the gift of a home, however.

“The struggles don’t end when they complete their deployment — they still have their whole life to figure out,” Weingrad added. “We support them with financial advisors to get their finances in order, we provide emergency funding if they have emergencies or illnesses in their family and we do team building events to bring all of our veterans together.”

TO PLACE AN AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232 Search for notices online at: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. WEBSTER BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiff -against- MADELINE WILLIG; JOSEPH WILLIG, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated April 15, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on May 5, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Cedarhurst, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the easterly side of Barnard Avenue, distant 553 feet northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the easterly side of Barnard Avenue with the northerly side of Ibsen Street; being a plot 100 feet by 73 feet by 100

feet by 73 feet. Section: 39 Block: 162 Lot: 96 Said premises known as 562 BARNARD AVE, WOODMERE, NY 11598

Approximate amount of lien $181,086.61 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 614214/2017.

BRIAN J. DAVIS, ESQ., Referee

David A. Gallo & Associates LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030

File# 8888.048 {* NASSAU HER*} 152473

When veterans are gifted homes, a huge ceremony follows, Weingrad explained. “When we gift the home, it’s not just like, ‘Here’s the keys, goodbye,’” he said. “We work with the local community, the local police departments, fire departments, and actually like processions. We invited the community, hand out flags, and it’s really like a welcome home parade.”

It’s been about a decade since Building Homes for Heroes hosted a race on Long Island. The nonprofit was first based out of Valley Stream, but now it has offices in Island Park, where its founder, Pujol, is from. Daniel Hernandez, a veteran who’s worked at Building Homes for Heroes since 2019, said that during the coronavirus pandemic he got into running, and started participating in races around the country while raising money for the nonprofit.

“Two years ago, I ran my first halfmarathon for in Virginia for Building Homes for Heroes,” Hernandez said, “and since then, I pretty much was hooked on running. One day, I was with David, and we were just talking like, ‘Why not set up a race for the company?’ I found that we did one like 10 years ago, and it never became an annal thing. So, I’m really trying my best to make it an annual thing — I want the community to know that we exist, and I know that Long Island likes to support their veterans. This is a great way to have the community come together.”

That hometown visibility is something Building Homes for Heroes is aiming to achieve.

“We are a national organization, but one thing we’ve noticed is that a lot of people on Long Island don’t realize that we’re a homegrown charity,” Weingrad said. “All of the people that work in our Long Island office are from Long Island. So that was part of the inspiration for Danny to do this. We think we’re doing pretty good work, and we just want people to know we’re here, we’re local, we’re part of the community. That’s a big part of helping raise awareness.” Hernandez, a former U.S. Marine, elaborated as to how he got involved with Building Homes for Heroes — and how it really is making a difference in people’s lives. After high school, he said he joined the Marine reserves, based out of Farmingdale, and ended up going to college through Adelphi University. After seven years, he left the Marine Corps and began working at a job in Oyster Bay but wasn’t satisfied. After seeing an advertisement for a role with Building Homes for Heroes, he connected with the organization and joined the team.

“I missed the camaraderie,” he said. “Even though I didn’t deploy in my time with the Marines, I thought helping veterans and just being there for them was great.”

Building Homes for Heroes: Honoring Our Heroes 5K Run/Walk is slated to take place on April 12, rain or shine, in Field 2 of Eisenhower Park. There’s a Kids Fun Run at 8 a.m., followed by the main race at 8:30 a.m. When runners sign up at Events.EliteFeats. com/25HonoringHeroes, there’s an option to donate to the nonprofit. All registrants will receive a free T-shirt, and the top 150 runners will receive a medal.

There’s also plenty of opportunities for businesses to get involved and sponsor the event, which will also draw in more funds for Building Homes for Heroes. Businesses interested can reach out to Hernandez at daniel.hernandez@ buildinghomesforheroes.org.

Building Homes for Heroes is at 4584 Austin Blvd., Island Park. For more on the organization and its work, visit BuildingHomesForHeroes.org.

Courtesy

Courtesy Building Homes for Heroes

Veterans have been gifted homes across the country by Building Homes for Heroes. Above, U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant George Vera entering his home in Tampa, gifted by the nonprofit.

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Trying to keep the terminology straight

Q. I’m confused about what to call my addition. I want to put in a double dormer, and it seems clear to people I talk to, but two building department inspectors and two architects have corrected me as to what I want to do. Can you explain to me if there is a difference? I also have something on my plan that says “patio,” but I’m being told it’s not just a patio, but actually a screened room on my back patio. Again, does this matter?

A. Officially, it matters. Correct descriptions are important for legal reasons, and there should be no confusion when it comes to legal descriptions, because it affects whether you will have a problem with having to file for something over again in the future, or even your taxes and insurance. For example, let’s say that your old survey describes the screen room as a patio. Some surveyors, many years ago, would refer to a screened room as a patio because that was a common sales term. Unfortunately, it implies a hard ground surface material and not an actual building, causing some homeowners to spend money reapplying for a permit for an already approved screened room because the records didn’t reflect what was actually there.

Building Department records are sometimes very sketchy, literally, since it used to be a much less formal process, and simple sketches were accepted. They probably thought they were doing homeowners a favor, but in recent years the whole informal attitude changed, and now, with the strictness of officials, there is little or no proof of the structure, and the descriptive word doesn’t match what’s there, even though that screened room may always have been there.

The same is possible for a “double dormer,” or just “dormer.” People often call to request to “dormer” their house. Architects, in the interest of understanding what the caller really wants, have to then ask whether the person wants an outcropping room, extending sideways through their roof, or a new second-floor addition with a higher, newly constructed structure. Even on something like a half second floor, often referred to as a Cape Cod, where only the center of the second floor is tall enough to stand in, the roof and walls are going to be removed and the “dormer” is really a second floor.

I interpret that the misnaming is really intended to make the whole scope of work sound simpler and, hence, cheaper to build. Of course, it isn’t cheaper to build, and the misleading oversimplification can set the homeowner up for disappointment or stress when the construction cost comes in for the seemingly simpler-sounding dormer.

So, for many reasons, the description matters. Insurance companies charge more when they finally realize what they’re insuring, as well. In modern times, you may be trapped into doing something all over again that was already approved. Decks aren’t porches (and cellars aren’t basements, either). Good luck!

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In a toxic D.C., bipartisanship is the only way forward

Acore part of my mission in Congress is bipartisanship. That may sound quaint these days, but I believe it’s what the people I represent — and, more broadly, the American people — want and deserve. It’s also getting harder to achieve.

The current climate in Washington is more toxic and polarized than I’ve ever seen. As the Democratic co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus — which is evenly split between Democrats and Republicans — I work every day to find common ground. But I can’t pretend it’s easy in an environment where performative politics too often replaces problem-solving. Nonetheless, I’ll continue to work across party lines, and when I must, buck my own party, if it means getting things done for my constituents.

Why? Because those constituents tell me to. They’re sick and tired of the partisan bickering and political point-scoring. They want results, and that’s what I’m here to do. My philosophy is as it has always been: I’ll work with anyone, regardless of party, who’s serious about delivering for the American people, but

TI’ll never sacrifice my core values.

And let me be clear: there are some things this administration is doing that I cannot support, and that require relentless pushback.

The reckless budget cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency are putting everything from national security to public health at risk. They not only haphazardly fired officials in charge of overseeing our nuclear stockpiles, but they’ve proposed slashing funding for pandemic preparedness, and fired those in charge of monitoring measles and avian flu, just as we face outbreaks of both. Once they realized this was a major mistake, they had a difficult time rehiring these people because they didn’t have their emails. This episode put on full display the cavalier approach DOGE is taking.

Even members of the far-right Freedom Caucus are saying enough is enough.

Problem Solvers colleague, Rep. Don Bacon, has called for targeted spending reforms, not reckless, across-the-board cuts. Another Republican, Mario DiazBalart, stresses congressional oversight, asserting that “Congress still has the power of the purse, and I zealously protect it.” And Republican Rep. Troy Balderson said President Trump’s executive orders are “getting out of control.”

Even members of the far-right Freedom Caucus are saying enough is enough. Rep. Gary Palmer argued that dismantling the Department of Education “can’t be done by executive order.” Sen. Lisa Murkowski put it simply: “That’s outside the bounds of the executive.”

back, standing up to DOGE on behalf of our 9/11 first responders.

When it comes to the state and local tax deduction, all four members of the Long Island delegation sit on the Congressional SALT Caucus, with Garbarino and I serving as co-chairs. And I commend my Republican colleagues for holding their party’s feet to the fire on this crucial Long Island issue; they have made clear to Speaker Mike Johnson that they won’t vote for legislation that doesn’t include raising the SALT deduction.

Internationally, Republican leaders like Sen. Roger Wicker and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick have shown courage by continuing to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. They understand that peace doesn’t come from appeasement — it comes from strength and unity.

Opposing these efforts isn’t about partisanship; it’s about protecting our country. And many Republicans agree.

Two weeks ago, Republican Sen. Susan Collins joined Democratic Sen. Patty Murray in calling out the administration’s attempt to block emergency spending authorized by Congress. They reminded us all: “We must follow the law as it is written, not as we would like it to be.”

Across the Capitol, Republicans are standing up for our institutions. My

The national security implications are just as alarming. Reports that top officials were discussing war plans over Signal, a commercial messaging app, triggered bipartisan outrage. Republican Senators John Thune and Lindsey Graham both sounded the alarm about the serious risks posed by these lapses in judgment.

On Long Island, there have been positive examples of bipartisan cooperation to stand up for what’s right. When DOGE tried to make drastic cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program, Rep. Andrew Garbarino publicly pushed

These Republicans aren’t breaking with their party for political gain. They’re doing it because they know what’s at stake.

We need to encourage other Republicans to speak out — to find the courage to stand up not only for their constituents, but also for the country. We need more courage, more cooperation, more commitment to doing what’s right. I will keep fighting for results alongside my colleagues, no matter their party.

We have to work together. The stakes are too high for either party to go it alone.

Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.

No more excuses on county opioid funding

hree years into Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman’s administration, nearly $100 million in opioid settlement funds sits mostly untouched. Meanwhile, lives are being lost. The money is stuck in limbo — apparently with no urgency, no transparency and no plan emerging from his administration.

This is unacceptable. While families mourn and communities struggle, Blakeman’s inaction has left these critical funds collecting dust. It’s time for outside experts to step in and fix this mess.

The county’s opioid settlement funds came from lawsuits initiated by former County Executive Laura Curran against the distributors, manufacturers and retailers of addictive drugs. The funds were intended to support agencies providing treatment, prevention and recovery services on the front lines of this crisis. The most recent funds accepted by the County Legislature — $1.185 million in total — came

from settlements with ShopRite supermarkets, Target and Henry Schein Inc.

Yet out of nearly $100 million, only $4.8 million has been spent. That is a shocking failure.

While Blakeman and his administration claim that $36 million is “encumbered” to various agencies, that’s just a fancy way of saying they’ve promised the money but haven’t delivered it. Worse yet, they blame the service providers for failing to submit reimbursement claims quickly enough.

W e need pros to get these resources to where they belong.

That’s an insult to families fighting to save loved ones in the grip of addiction. “Help is on the way” means nothing when that help never arrives.

Under intense questioning by Legislator Scott Davis and me during the Feb. 24 meeting of the Legislature, Department of Human Services officials finally admitted that only $4.8 million has been spent to date — even though we had selected many of the intended recipients because of the county’s familiarity with their programs and trust in their leadership.

Their testimony and lack of results

to date made it clear that DHS doesn’t have the ability to handle the distribution of these funds under its current leadership — and that agencies entrusted with distributing these funds should at least be consulting with experts in the field as they formulate a strategy.

After years of delays, the Legislature in February created a method for providers to submit applications, and authorized a maximum allocation of $1 million to bring in an outside firm to fix this disaster.

I joined my fellow legislators in supporting the measure because we need professionals to cut through the confusion and get these lifesaving resources to where they belong. Had we known of the level of disorganization three years ago, we could have acted much sooner — but the administration would not admit that it was unable to adequately manage this critical task. Its failure to come clean — a recurring problem with the administration — will have real-life consequences.

I have attended far too many funerals for young overdose victims, and know the heartbreak this crisis inflicts. Addic-

tion doesn’t discriminate — it devastates families of all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, religion, sex or economic status. The catastrophic danger posed by the increasing presence of deadly fentanyl makes the stakes higher than ever before.

I regularly hear from families pleading for help, desperate for action. While we cannot undo the pain already inflicted, we can demand accountability. Nassau’s opioid settlement funds must reach those in need without further delay, and it is my hope that hiring a qualified firm will help us fulfill this mandate.

Every life we lose to opioid addiction is one too many. I will continue to meet my responsibility as a fiduciary of the county by continuing to closely monitor the distribution of these funds, which are intended to be used in an efficient, impactful and serious manner. In memory of everyone we have lost and with the hope of reaching our neighbors who are struggling right now, I am committed to doing everything in my power to ensure that we maximize the positive impact of these resources as expeditiously as possible.

Delia DeRiggi-Whitton represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s Democratic minority leader.

ToM sUoZZi

Just

when you thought we were hopelessly divided . . .

At a time when extreme political partisanship threatens to divide our nation, it is reassuring to realize that there are those who can engage people across the political aisle without sacrificing or surrendering their principles. The classic example of working to find solutions to serious issues while disagreeing amicably was the storied relationship between President Ronald Reagan and House Speaker Tip O’Neill in the 1980s.

Reagan was the most staunchly conservative president of the past 80 years, and O’Neill as liberal as any speaker ever. I use the term “relationship” rather than “friendship” because people who worked for O’Neill didn’t share the genuinely warm feelings Reagan had for him. But that didn’t prevent these two larger-than-life, strong-minded leaders of their respective political parties from respecting the office the other held and accepting their joint responsibility to find ways to get things done. Probably the best-known example of this cooperation was their agreement on Social Security, the “third rail” of poli-

Itics, which saved the system and strengthened it for another 40 years.

Though not as cordial, President Bill Clinton and House Speaker Newt Gingrich found ways to work together in the mid-1990s, achieving successes for the country on such critical issues as welfare reform and the only balanced budget in a half-century. But that didn’t come easily. For the first two years of Gingrich’s speakership, after leading Republicans in 1994 to their first control of Congress in 40 years, he and Clinton were bitter, partisan rivals.

calmly about politics and serious issues, including the direction of the country.

A t King Umberto’s in Elmont, diners show a highprofile Democrat some love.

Then, when Clinton stalemated Gingrich by being re-elected in 1996, both realized that it made more governmental, and political, sense to find common ground. And they did.

It wasn’t anywhere near the same magnitude, but a similar bipartisan spirit prevailed last week, when my wife, Rosemary, and I had dinner with former Gov. David Paterson and his wife, Mary, at King Umberto’s in Elmont. Paterson is a lifelong Democrat whose father was a well-known state senator and Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor. Despite our party differences, David and I have been friends over the years, and can talk

At King Umberto’s the conversation and the food were great, and, adding to the bipartisanship, Nassau County Republican Chairman Joe Cairo came by to say hello and exchange words of friendship and respect with Paterson. So here you had Cairo, the most successful political chairman in the country, having led the Republicans to more victories throughout Nassau than at any time since 1971, and Paterson, a former Democratic governor, displaying friendship and respect to each other in full view of a restaurant full of diners.

As we got up to leave, I was stopped by a number of customers who said hello and wished me well. I appreciated their kind words but wasn’t that surprised — not because I’m universally acclaimed, but because they were Republicans, and I’d been in elective office for 45 years. In fact, all told me they had voted for President Trump. What did surprise me were the universal expressions of friendship and support for Paterson:

“We need more Democrats like you.”

“Is there any way you could run for mayor this year?”

“I always respected you as governor.”

That’s how it went, from table to table, as we made our way to the door. I realize that was only a snapshot in time, and not a scientific survey. But as a political practitioner for all these years, I was pleasantly surprised that in these extraordinarily partisan times, a lifelong Democrat would receive such a warm response from a strong Republican crowd.

It could well have been that Paterson reminded them of a time that was more civil, that he was never known to be an extreme partisan or maybe just that he seemed so comfortable spending an evening with Republicans. Whatever the reasons, it was a signal to me that there’s still a place for bipartisanship. Nassau is in many ways the ultimate politically competitive county. There are 100,000 more registered Democrats here, but Trump carried Nassau by 30,000 votes, and Republicans hold every county office and control all three towns and two cities. At the same time, Democrats hold the majority of the state legislative districts. But with all the political infighting and the close balance of power, Joe Cairo and I are proud to show our friendship with and respect for a prominent Democrat like Paterson. Could be a good model for the country.

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

The Voice of America has been silenced

love old war movies. The battle scenes that have been colorized help bring old films back to life. I enjoy spy movies that feature brave private citizens using makeshift radio transmitters to relay the enemy’s battle plans. Many of the heroes are eventually captured and put to death, but their valor is praised and monuments are created in their memory. These old memories came alive when I learned that the U.S. Agency for Global Media was defunding Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty. These two agencies reach an average of 47.4 million people a week in locations around the world. Their staff of 1,700 has programs that communicate in 27 languages to 23 countries. Their voice is heard in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Middle East. They were founded in 1950, with the blessing of President Dwight Eisenhower. If you live in Levittown or Long Beach, your initial reaction might be, why should anyone care about broadcast-

ing to countries that are controlled by dictators? No one in our region wants us to be engaged in another war, but if we can spread truthful information around the globe, words can be more important than bullets. China, Russia and Iran spend billions of dollars telling people what a bad country America is.

We get our daily news from traditional media, podcasts and outlets like Facebook, X and Instagram. People who live in the Ukraine or Iran have found ways to make contact with Radio Free Europe, their only source of real news. Without it and Radio Liberty, they are inundated with propaganda telling them about the “Evil Americans” who will desert them if there is any conflict. Up to a month ago, the two networks were working 24 hours a day to tell the world about America’s technological successes and our many new business achievements. They were also working to help free independent journalists from countries controlled by our political enemies. In fact, it was the Trump administration that helped free the journalist Andrey Kuznechyk from captivity in Belarus, a victory for the West.

F or dictators, there’s great news about Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty.

Dictators around the world want to see Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty go out of business because they get in the way of their propaganda machines. In 1981, a terrorist bomb exploded at the Munich headquarters of the two groups, injuring six and causing over $1 million in damage to the building.

After that episode, many Europeans thought maybe it was time to shut down their operations. When it looked like the groups would cave in and shut down for good, the Russians ramped up their efforts to downgrade America, and support for the networks strengthened again.

During the failed Soviet overthrow of some of its neighbors, then President Boris Yeltsin decided that the two companies provided helpful information for his country, and they received official accreditation. For a short time the networks operated offices in Moscow. When it was suggested that the Moscow offices be closed, they relocated to Prague, Czechoslovakia, with the blessings of then President Vaclav Havel. History will show that changing events kept the two groups alive.

Following the violent breakup of Yugoslavia, RFE/RL began broadcasting in Serbian, Croatian and Bosnian so they could be of service to the people in that region. A bureau was established in North Macedonia, for Albanians and Macedonian, in 2001. Once again there was pressure for a shutdown, but a series of armed aggressions by Russia brought about an increase in the networks’ operations.

With this history, it’s hard to understand why our new Department of Government Efficiency, run by billionaire Elon Musk, decided that the funding for these nonprofits should be eliminated. Clearly Musk knows nothing about theses two operations, their successes and the role they have played in fighting for democracy around the globe.

The good news is that the Czech government has stepped forward to provide funding for them. This short-term solution will help send the message of the West to the East and Far East. But the failure of America to step up is a sign of an administration that is truly out of touch with reality.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.

Nassau

HERALD

Established

Celebrating the vitality of our libraries

the 54 public libraries in Nassau County and the 53 in Suffolk have long been pillars of knowledge and civic engagement.

More than just buildings filled with books, they are hubs of learning and connection. As we celebrate the 67th annual National Library Week — April 6 to 10 — it is important to recognize the invaluable role libraries play in our society, providing resources, fostering literacy, and hosting a range of community events.

Each day of National Library Week highlights a different aspect of their significance, underscoring their multifaceted contributions to their towns. While reading remains at the core of their mission, 21st-century libraries offer a vast array of services that cater to diverse community needs. From digital literacy programs to job-search assistance, they help people of all ages navigate an increasingly digital world. Free access to computers, and with them internet and research databases, empowers those who might otherwise lack these essential tools.

Libraries also serve as community centers, offering classes in everything from new languages to financial literacy. Programs for children, such as story time and summer reading challenges, foster a love of books and learning from an early age.

Most libraries also offer services for senior citizens, including technology training and social gatherings that keep them from becoming isolated. The inclu-

letters

sivity of those services ensures that everyone, regardless of age, education or socioeconomic status, has the opportunity to learn and grow.

In a time when access to information is more important than ever, libraries remain steadfast in their commitment to education and community. They provide safe spaces for learning as well as opportunities for career advancement. Every day next week emphasizes a different facet of their importance:

Monday, April 7: Right to Read Day. The freedom to read is fundamental to democracy, yet book bans and attempts at censorship continue to threaten access to diverse perspectives. Right to Read Day serves as a rallying call for readers and library lovers and advocates to defend intellectual freedom.

The American Library Association marks the occasion by releasing its annual State of America’s Libraries report. By promoting open access to information, libraries empower their patrons to explore new ideas and think critically about the world around them.

Tuesday, April 8: National Library Workers Day. Every library has a team of dedicated professionals who make its services possible. This day is an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the efforts of librarians, archivists and support staff, who not only manage collections but also offer patrons guidance, research assistance and technological support. Their work ensures that libraries remain welcoming spaces for learn-

Trump’s EPA can’t ignore reality of greenhouse gases

To the Editor:

I am a concerned citizen calling for urgent action regarding President Trump’s stance on global warming and the environment. The administration’s proposal to reconsider the Environmental Protection Agency’s endangerment finding is reckless, anti-science, and a huge step backward for climate action. This decision isn’t just about politics — it puts our health, environment and future on the line.

The endangerment finding, established in 2009, is based on clear scientific evidence that greenhouse gases harm public health and the planet. It’s been the legal backbone for policies that reduce emissions from cars, power plants and industry. Without it, we lose a key tool for fighting climate change — and that’s exactly what polluters want.

The reality is, climate change isn’t some distant threat. It’s here. We’re seeing record-breaking heat, wildfires, floods and hurricanes that devastate communities. Our state is not immune to these catastrophes, and the administration’s actions would reverse progress. Gutting this policy ignores science and common sense at a time when we need stronger action, not more rollbacks.

This also sends a terrible message to the rest of the world. While other countries are working toward clean energy solu-

ing and discovery.

Wednesday, April 9: National Library Outreach Day

Libraries are not confined to physical buildings; they extend their services to underserved populations through outreach programs. Whether it’s bookmobiles bringing literature to rural areas, mobile internet access for remote communities or library partnerships with schools and shelters, outreach initiatives ensure that no one is excluded from the benefits of library resources. National Library Outreach Day celebrates these efforts and the professionals dedicated to meeting patrons where they are.

Thursday, April 10: Take Action for Libraries Day

Libraries depend on advocacy and support to continue their mission. On this day, their patrons are encouraged to speak up for policies and funding that sustain library programs.

From securing government funding to rallying local support, Take Action day reminds us of the power of collective action in protecting and expanding library services. Whether creating petitions, attending town hall meetings or simply spreading awareness, everyone can play a role in strengthening libraries for future generations.

This year’s Library Week theme is “Drawn to the Library,” with the goal of bringing more people from the community into libraries. If you haven’t been to your library recently, stop by. You can check out a book — and so much more.

tions, the U.S. risks becoming a climate laggard instead of a leader.

We can’t let this happen. We need to push back against this dangerous move and demand real climate solutions. The health of our planet — and future generations — depends on it. The EPA should scrap its plan to undo this regulation and maintain the rules that are protecting all of us, and the air and water we rely on.

KAILI DeSANTIS Oyster Bay

opinions Republicans, too, are backing clean energy

Long Island stands at a crossroads: It can continue along its traditional energy path, or embrace a transformative opportunity to lead in clean energy innovation. With an increasing number of projects focused on clean hydrogen production, battery manufacturing and renewable energy, the region has the potential to create new economic opportunities while addressing environmental challenges.

These investments aren’t just about going green; they reflect core conservative values — economic growth, energy independence and responsible environmental stewardship.

Conservatives have long understood that economic growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand. Former Gov. George Pataki, a Republican, supported the Clean Air Environmental Bond Act, which funded environmental projects across new york, preserving natural resources while also creating jobs and fostering economic activity. It clearly demonstrated that environmental protection can boost the economy, a principle that resonates with conserva-

tives nationwide.

Today, this bipartisan approach continues on long Island, where members of Congress are advancing policies that embrace market-driven, clean-energy solutions. Republican Rep. Andrew Garbarino has been an advocate of preserving local natural treasures like the Great South Bay, while Rep. nick lalota has championed sustainable transportation investments.

tlong Island leaders are also making strides in promoting clean energy. The Suffolk County legislature’s presiding officer, Kevin McCaffrey, supports public-private partnerships in renewable-energy projects, which have brought significant investment to the county. Conservatives are increasingly advocating market-based solutions to the energy transition.

pro-business policies can align with environmental goals.

hey understand that growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand.

The economic benefits of clean energy investments extend beyond the environmental sector. Projects like the South Fork Wind Farm, expected to generate thousands of jobs, will help boost long Island’s economy. And the growing battery-manufacturing industry presents an opportunity to create skilled labor jobs while improving grid reliability. These investments in clean-energy solutions will not only boost employment, but also help reduce energy costs, making energy more affordable while promoting regional energy independence.

should encourage competition and innovation, empowering the private sector to lead. Federal and state policies should be designed to incentivize the development of new technologies without stifling businesses with unnecessary red tape. long Island should focus on integrating clean energy with traditional energy sources to create a more resilient, diverse energy grid.

Investment in grid modernization and battery storage will be essential to ensuring that long Islanders continue to enjoy stable, affordable power. Combining renewable energy with traditional energy sources will provide the flexibility needed to meet energy demand.

Garbarino and 21 fellow Republican lawmakers have led an effort to promote clean-energy technologies such as hydrogen production, nuclear energy and carbon capture, which are expected to generate jobs, reduce emissions and contribute to energy independence — all without the need for top-down mandates that could stifle innovation and economic growth. Garbarino and his colleagues are showing that pro-growth,

Letters

It’s up to us to minimize the

damage to history

To the Editor:

Re last week’s editorial, “History should not be a political casualty”: History, as history teaches, is inseparable from politics, and thus constantly in opinions’ crossfire, sometimes becoming a specific issue. As history also reveals, efforts to suppress or over-write reality mostly fail.

The musketeers in the Trump administration who are assigned to sniff out any aromas of diversity, equity and inclusion are one line of attack in MAGA’s selfdescribed “culture war.” The current social, economic, political and religious hierarchies are to be reconstructed, which requires construction sites to be created and cleared. That demolition is underway, and will damage the fabric of American history.

In war, as Winston Churchill noted, truth is often the first casualty, and that is what uprooting DEI is all about. But because “casualty” does not always mean

“fatality,” it is up to us to minimize the damage, end the assault and repair the fabric. That task is also underway. Join in.

BRIAn

KElly Rockville Centre

‘We must make our voices heard’ on Social Security

To the Editor: Social Security isn’t a handout — it’s a promise that millions of us older Americans have paid into with every paycheck. This administration is dismantling an essential program, closing offices, cutting hotlines, and spreading misinformation to justify these attacks. We elders deserve dignity, not broken promises. We must stand together and make our voices heard. We cannot allow our American way of life to be decimated, and all the promises we believed in to be broken.

DonnA PAolIno Bellmore

Environmental improvements are another key benefit of investing in clean energy. long Island has long struggled with the consequences of poor environmental practices, from air pollution to coastal erosion exacerbated by climate change. By embracing clean, Americanmade energy, we can improve air quality, protect public health and preserve our natural landscapes — while maintaining a robust economy.

Conservatives have long supported market-driven incentives over burdensome regulations. Rather than imposing top-down mandates, energy policies

Republicans across the country have a valuable opportunity to embrace the clean-energy future that is emerging on long Island. By supporting investments in clean energy, conservatives can show that their approach to energy policy works: It creates jobs, drives economic growth and enhances environmental protection. now is the time for Republicans to champion a forward-thinking energy strategy that strengthens the economy, supports American innovation and secures a healthier, more sustainable future for all.

Brett Patrick is a branch leader of the American Conservation Coalition and a political science student at Binghamton University, where he is a member of the onors program.

CorreCtions

The headline of last week’s front-page story about development plans for the Woodmere Club, “Woodmere Club plan is rejected by town,” misstated the status of the project. While a meeting was held on nov. 18, 2024, between the Town of Hempstead, the developers and the mayors of Woodsburgh and lawrence at which the plan was discussed, no formal plan has been submitted to the Town Board for review.

According to a statement issued by town officials, “The Town (of Hempstead) has not taken

any official action to either approve or disapprove the 160-unit-age-restricted condominium plan, because no formal application for any such plan has ever come before the Town Board.”

The Herald regrets the error.

Ari Brown’s op-ed, “Battery energy storage systems are a growing threat,” last week, incorrectly reported that State Energy Research and Development Authority President Doreen Harris voted to ban battery-energy storage in upstate Duanesburg. Harris did not vote on the measure.

Brett pAtriCK

FrAmeworK by Tim Baker

Two members of the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve welcoming committee — Merrick

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