Oyster Bay Herald 04-04-2025

A legion fights for its home

Bayville’s

Robert H. Spittel Post 1285 faces eviction

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

The men of American Legion Robert H. Spittel Post 1285 have met at their headquarters, at 45 Bayville Ave., to hold ceremonies and honor the memories of their fallen members and veterans from the community since 1961. Now, a legal battle to evict them from the historic property, built by the legion’s original members, has left the veterans feeling betrayed, harassed and, potentially, without a post.

The court case began after the legion received an eviction notice last August from 45 Bayville Ave LLC, the entity that holds a 30-year mortgage on the property. It is

unclear who the owners of the company are, because its lawyer, Michael Markowitz, and manager, Michael Gjoni, both refused to name the owners when asked by the Herald.

The legion, which has 83 members, asserts that Gjoni is the real operator of the LLC, because he leased the property from the group as the owner of Soundview Caterers from 2014 to 2017. When they were looking to sell the property, the members claim, they gave Gjoni right of first refusal, and he accepted and purchased the building, with the condition that the post would have the right to continue using its meeting room.

“In the lease, there was an option to be the first refusal if we ever decided to sell the CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

School leaders address county’s enrollment issue

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

Public school districts across Nassau County are contending with declining enrollment, a trend that is reshaping school operations, staffing, and financial planning. The North Shore, Locust Valley Central, and Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central school districts are responding to this challenge with a combination of demographic studies, program enhancements, and an emphasis on improving the student experience.

Wneed to pay attention. We need to pay attention to what’s going on. Big time.”

Locust Valley has seen a steady decline in student population over the years. In the 2018-19 school year, the district had 2,034 students. By the 202425 school year, that number had dropped to roughly 1,818. Turnow estimates that by 202728, the district will have around 1,725 students.

e need to pay attention to what’s going on.

Big time

KRISTEN TURNOW

superintendent, Locust Valley Central School District

According to data from Nassau Board of Cooperative Educational Services, 61 percent of school districts in the county experienced enrollment declines in the last decade. Local administrators, such as Locust Valley Superintendent Kristen Turnow, have been monitoring this shift closely.

“This is a big deal,” Turnow said. “That’s why last year I started talking about this. We

Housing costs have played a significant role in decreasing enrollment in many districts, where. according to the Zillow Home Values Index, the average home was nearly $800,000 last year.

“I went on and looked up housing in our school district — there were five houses on the market for under a million,” Turnow said. “This is a Long Island problem; this is not a Locust Valley problem.”

She cited high property taxes, as well as the home prices, and high interest rates as additional deterrents for

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Courtesy Robert DiLorenzo

Members of the Bayville American Legion hold ceremonies throughout the year, honoring community members who have died.

Rising housing prices, competing private schools

young families looking to move into the district. In North Shore, while overall enrollment has remained steady, demographic shifts are occurring.

At Oyster Bay-East Norwich, however, the enrollment drop has not been as steep, which Superintendent Francesco Ianni attributed to the success of the district’s universal Pre-K program as well as developments and improvements in the district’s state and national academic rankings in recent years. “For us, the enrollment drop has not been as drastic as what I hear from my colleagues in the surrounding districts, but it has been a trend,”

Ianni said. “The enrollment is going down a little bit.”

To address the challenges associated with enrollment declines, districts across the county are making strategic adjustments to staffing and program offerings.

Locust Valley, meanwhile, is responding to declining enrollment by enhancing its programs to attract and retain students. Lauren Themis, president of the district’s board of education, emphasized the need to take a “positive and proactive” approach to the situation.

“I think it’s really incumbent upon a district to stay focused on providing their programs, not just for today, but for the future,” Themis said. “We hope that more people will see the value of the educational system here on Long Island, and in Locust Valley in particular.”

The district is expanding its business suite and investing in new academic spaces, including an innovative research center that will accommodate programs like Model UN, mock trial, and DECA, a business and entrepreneurship competition. Additionally, Locust Valley is developing a designated eSports and computer lab, and working with local governments to find ways to get the word out about the quality of the school district.

Ianni emphasized the importance of ensuring that district programs remain competitive and relevant in an evolving educational landscape.

“We need to make sure our students are receiving the best opportunities possible,” Ianni said. “That means aligning our curriculum with the future workforce, ensuring our schools remain attractive to families looking for a strong educational foundation for their children.”

Turnow emphasized that developing these spaces was also crucial to competing with the offerings of nearby private schools. With 123 private schools,

North Shore student population: 2,692 (2015) – 2,510 (2025)

Locust Valley student population: 2,159 (2015) – 1,827 (2025)

Oyster Bay-East Norwich student population: 1,585 (2015) – 1,347 (2025) -Will Sheeline, New York State Education Department

religious and non-denominational, across the county, and some of the best such as Friends Academy and Portledge School located on the North Shore, public school districts need to stay competitive academically, athletically, and infrastructurally.

“We’re really working hard with the goal in mind that we want every child to leave us with leaderships skills, whatever that leader may look like in their corner of the world that they’re going to make better,” Turnow said. “We’re trying to create programs that complement each other, and to give students a voice and to give them the selfesteem that they need for when they leave us to move forward in their futures.”

North Shore School District has remained relatively stable, maintaining an enrollment of around 2,500 students. Superintendent Chris Zublionis attributes this to predictable housing turnover and consistent family sizes.

“If you look at the (New York State Education Department) data, you look at the students in senior year, and then you look at the incoming kindergarten, and it’s like half. You can really see it going down,” Zublionis said. “We’re a little bit of an outlier on Long Island. For various reasons, our enrollment is staying around that 2,500-2,550 mark, which is a great thing.”

Despite declining enrollment countywide, all three districts are conducting long-term studies to anticipate and adapt to future trends. North Shore has commissioned a demographic study to project enrollment over the next five to ten years.

“The stability actually is an advantage,” Zublionis said. “It helps us to plan with less of an unknown, more of a known entity in terms of the staffing we know we need.”

The districts also closely monitor kindergarten enrollment through their Universal Pre-K program, which provides early indicators of incoming class sizes.

HERALD SCHOOLS

Celebrating cultural diversity at O.B.E.N.

The Oyster Bay High School International Club and World Languages Honor Society hosted the district’s annual International Night on March 27, bringing together families from throughout the Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District for an evening of cultural celebration and culinary delights.

International Night is a tradition in the district, serving as both a fundraiser for the hosting organizations and a testament to the diversity within the school community. Proceeds from the event contribute to an annual scholarship awarded to two graduating seniors. The World Languages Honor Society is co-advised by Angela Kowalsky and Frances Sotiriou, while the International Club is led by Frances Sotiriou.

Held in the Oyster Bay High School cafeteria, the event featured festive decorations, including flags, maps and student projects from Theodore Roosevelt and Vernon Schools. These projects, titled I Treasure My Traditions and Culture, highlighted students’ favorite foods, holidays and customs, accompanied by drawings and photographs.

Informational brochures detailing facts from different cultures were placed around the room, while a large screen showcased music and dance performances from around the world. Younger children enjoyed interactive activities, such as coloring pages and maps, making the event engaging for all ages.

A highlight of the evening was the diverse array of food, generously donated by local restaurants and district families. Some major contributors included Harborside Deli, La Famiglia of Glen Cove, House of Dosas, Chocolishious of Locust Valley, and the Walsh, Arnella and Ani families for their contributions.

Another standout moment of the night was a captivating performance by three young dancers from McCabe Irish Dance School. They mesmerized the

audience with five traditional Irish dances, adding an extra touch of cultural appreciation and entertainment to the evening.

The success of International Night was bolstered by the enthusiastic support of the administration and the parent teacher associations at Theodore Roosevelt and Vernon Schools. Their efforts in promoting the event to younger students and encouraging participation through cultural worksheets helped make the celebration even more inclusive.

–Will Sheeline

Students and families got the chance to enjoy foods, activities and presentations on a wide range of cultures.

Dancers from McCabe Irish Dance gave a captivating performance of five traditional Irish dances.

Student projects from Theodore Roosevelt and Vernon Schools adorned the OBHS cafeteria walls. These projects, titled I Treasure My Traditions and Culture, highlighted

Photos courtesy Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District Younger children enjoyed interactive activities, such as coloring pages and maps, making the event engaging for all ages.

Who is the owner of 45 Bayville Ave LLC?

building,” said Richard Bathie, second vice commander of the post. “When that time came, when the legion made a decision that we were going to sell the building, he was given the right of first refusal, and he opted to purchase the building.”

The property was bought not by Gjoni, however, but by 45 Bayville Ave LLC, which was created in June 2016, according to the New York Department of State’s Division of Corporations.

WGjoni and Markowitz emphasized that the LLC is a separate entity from Gjoni’s Soundview Caterers business, and that Gjoni is not the owner of the LLC. But Gjoni does represent 45 Bayville Ave, despite his claims that it has no connection with his business: He spoke on behalf of the entity when it was a plaintiff during a 2018 lawsuit.

legion members claim, Gjoni approached the organization with a proposal to take over the space in order to build a bridal suite for his catering business.

in or lose, we’ll never be happy in the place again.

ANTHONY CONGERO Member, American Legion

“He said that the reason was the newer generation of the brides would like a room for themselves to get dressed in and everything,” Joe Hili, the legion’s chaplain, said. Rather than build an addition, the legion members claim that Gjoni’s real goal was to take over their meeting room, which in the initial sale was expressly set aside for their exclusive use. “He had a bright idea,” Hili added. “Get rid of us and take our space.”

Robert H. Spittel Post 1285

When the legion rejected the proposal, Gjoni presented other options, including taking over a potion of their meeting space for his office. Those offers were also declined.

Members of the post assert that they have never interacted with anyone on behalf of the LLC besides Gjoni and Markowitz.

Since the legion sold the property in 2017, the relationship between the members and Gjoni has been largely cordial. But tensions escalated last May, when,

“The membership, to a man, denied his request,” Bathie recounted. “There’d been problems when he had events, which would be two-, threeweekend affairs. He would come down and put his items that he had to remove from his room into our room.”

James Cammarata, the legion’s attorney, emphasized that the agreement it

The 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.

LAW FIRM

Legion members assert that in addition to the eviction notice, the employees of Soundview Caterers have invaded their space and left it a mess after weddings and similar events that the business hosts at 45 Bayville Ave.

signed when it sold the building legally granted the organization the right to remain in its space.

“My clients sold the property under the condition that they would retain their meeting space as long as they continued to be an active post,” Cammarata said.

He also noted that Gjoni secured a highly favorable financial arrangement in the sale, including a 30-year mortgage at 3.5 percent interest, with no down payment required.

“In return, my clients kept their memorial outside and their meeting space inside,” Cammarata said. “That was the deal.”

But 45 Bayville Ave LLC, is now arguing that the legion no longer has a right to the space. Markowitz claimed that it has violated its tenant license by failing to pay its insurance and improperly storing flammable material.

Cammarata described both claims as “total nonsense,” and pushed back against the claims that Gjoni’s catering company has no role in the eviction proceedings.

“The petitioner trying to throw my client out is 45 Bayville Ave LLC, and the principal of that company is Michael Gjoni,” Cammarata said. “It’s disingenuous for him to claim Soundview Caterers isn’t involved.”

The litigation is currently ongoing, with the next hearing scheduled for May 5 at the Nassau County District Court. Regardless of how the dispute ends, legion members say that their meeting place will never be quite the same.

“Win or lose, we’ll never be happy in the place again,” post member Anthony Congero said. “It’s going to be something that we love, but we’re not going to be able to walk in with a smile.”

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Courtesy Robert DiLorenzo

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Locust Valley honored for its civic success

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

The Locust Valley Central School District welcomed New York State Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado and State Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz for a civics roundtable discussion on March 28. The event, held at Locust Valley High School, aimed to highlight civic engagement among students and underscore the importance of educating the next generation about democratic responsibilities.

Joined by students, civic organizations, and district leaders from Cold Spring Harbor, East Meadow, Jericho, Hempstead, Massapequa, and Oyster Bay, the roundtable showcased Locust Valley’s innovative programs in collaboration with Operation Democracy. Notably, the Flags for Freedom initiative was featured, where every high school senior receives a U.S. flag and a copy of the Constitution while connecting with a veteran.

Lieutenant Governor Delgado emphasized the significance of civic education.

“It’s important for our young people to be here, because it’s about you, and about you understanding what it took to have the freedoms that we all celebrate today,” Delgado said. “Whether you are a Democrat, Republican, Independent, no matter your race, whatever the case might be, we’re all here free because folks before us sacrificed an awful lot.”

even just a little bit more money,” Blumencranz remarked, referencing a $20,000 grant he secured to expand Locust Valley’s civics initiatives. “You are our next generation of leaders, and your voices matter to all of us.”

Blumencranz commended Locust Valley’s civic education model, citing their immersive approach to teaching democracy. He highlighted their recent participation in the 80th anniversary of D-Day in Nor mandy, underscoring the program’s impact in fostering a deep appreciation for freedom and civic duty among students.

“I saw firsthand what this program can do with

Lauren Themis, Board of Education President, expressed gratitude to Delgado and Blumencranz for their support and participation.

“History is something that brings us all together,” Themis said. “When we started programs that advocate for civics and the understanding of the history of our nation and abroad, it has brought people together in a way that we never could have expected.”

The roundtable provided middle and high school

students with an opportunity to engage directly with state leaders, asking questions about government operations and civic responsibilities. The event concluded with a renewed commitment from students to active citizenship and informed participation in democracy.

About 100 students, educators, and community members attended the event, which was hailed as a success in fostering a deeper understanding of civic engagement and democratic principles among the youth.

For more information on Locust Valley Central School District’s civic education initiatives, visit LocustValleySchools.org.

Easter Butter Cookies, Easter Candy, Hot Cross Buns, Quiches, Strawberry Rhubarb Pies, Baked Bries, Key Lime Pies, & Creamy Cheesecakes. Colorful Easter Cupcakes, Spring Fling Cakes, and Easter Festival Cakes that

Springtime Soups: Cream of Carrot, Tomato Herb, Vichyssoise, Cream of Asparagus, plus many

Courtesy Locust Valley Central School District

Lieutenant Governor Antonio Delgado, right, spoke alongside Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz, Superintendent Kristen Turnow, and Lauren Themis, president of the district’s board of education.

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

L.I.’s representatives discuss the issues

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.

Local business tax credit gains momentum

By CASEY FERBER

Special to the Herald

A first-of-its-kind tax credit to give small businesses in Bayville, Locust Valley and Oyster Bay 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 Act, or just simply the 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 Assemblywoman 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,” Martinez said at the March 11 event. “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.”

The LOCAL Act now has four cosponsors in the State Senate and seven

The Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally Act, which would establish a new $10 million tax credit for small businesses advertising in local media outlets for Rockville Centre and beyond, is gaining momentum in the New York state legislature.

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.

the world’s preeminent place to start and operate a business.”

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 twoand-a-half 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.”

“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,” the letter states. “This is pragmatic legislation that will help —and be tremendously appreciated by — the thousands of small businesses that make New York

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.

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

Courtesy Empire State Local News Coalition

Culinary Delights serves up a forkful of fun

Glen Cove’s Culinary Delights gathers over 600 attendees at 27th annual event at The Mansion at Glen Cove. The Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce gathered over 500 community members at its 27th annual Culinary Delights event, highlighting local restauranters and a wide variety of flavors from seafood dishes to pastas and dumplings with cocktails and desserts as well. Many of the restaurants were returning from previous years, but for some it was their first time.

Courtesy Gaitley Stevenson Mathews

The Glen Cove chamber of Commerce celebrated its 27 years of bringing Culinary Delights to the North Shore.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Arlene Cajavilca from Scoop N Fruit, gave out samples of tasty treats made with real fruit.

Mayor Pamela Panzenbeck spoke about the importance of community and the high spirits of the evening.

Trish Melek and Trish Roberts from Exclusive Designz by Patricia Gotta Have it showed off their unique ideas.

Keith Way and Denise Minicozzi, from Jeanine’s American Bistro, served up smiles and friendship.

Michael Kim and Allen Sun from Mr KEKE Ramen restaurant chat wih Matthew Nartowicz.

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.

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”

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

is Lisa Burch’s

Courtesy Adrienne Esposito

Adrienne Esposito says.

STEPPING OUT

Rockin’ with Jason Scheff and Tommy DeCarlo

outdoors Thinking ‘green’

Get out there and prep to enjoy your personal

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.

THE Your Neighborhood

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.

Champagne Brunch and Art Show

Stop by the Spring Art Show and Champagne Brunch at Oakcliff Sailing Center, Saturday, April 5, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. With artwork created by local artists as well as by students from the New York School of the Arts. $50 per attendee. Attendees are encouraged to contribute to Oakcliff, and all artists will donate a portion of their proceeds to the sailing center. To register and learn more, go to visitoysterbBay. com/events. For any questions contact (516) 802-0368 or email race@oakcliffsailing.org. 4 South St.,Oyster Bay.

Celebrate Holi

Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to participate 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.

Unfinished Revolutions

Raynham Hall Museum hosts an opening reception for the museum’s upcoming exhibition “Unfinished Revolutions,” Thursday, April 10, 5:307:30 p.m. From the war for independence to the social movements of the 21st Century, the history of New York has represented the broader American experience and all its triumphs as well as its struggles and evolving identity, celebrated by participating artists.

Admision is free, although attendees are encouraged to purchase the artwork on display, with a portion of the proceeds donated to the museum. 20 West Main St. To register, visit raynhamhallmuseum.org/events.

Hike Tiffany Creek Preserve

Locust Valley Library hosts a hike through Tiffany Creek Preserve, Saturday, April 12, 9-10:30 a.m. Lee McAllister, a naturalist-photographer-author is hike leader. Participants meet at the intersection of Sandy Hill and Berry Hill Roads in Oyster Bay Cove. Registration is suggested. To register visit locustvalleylibrary. assabeinteractive.com/calendar. For questions contact either info@locustvalleylibrary.org or (516) 671-1837.

Author talk

The Gold Coast Forum hosts author-editor-and book coach Eileen Meister, Thursday, April 24, 7 p.m., at Theodore’s Books. She discusses and signs her new book “Joyride.” In Brooklyn, an idealistic young woman shares her earnest joy with her Uber clients, her cranky father and the Wall Street hotshot who started it all. Registration required. Visit theodoresbooks.com to register. 17 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay.

Arbor Day Festival

Visit Planting Fields for their annual Arbor Day Festival, Saturday and Sunday, April 26-27, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy two days of family-friendly fun, featuring tree climbing, live music, scavenger hunts and more. $30 per car per day of the festival. To register, visit plantingfields.org/happenings. 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay.

AARP Tax Assistance

Tax time is upon us but help is on the way! AARP volunteers are able to assist you with your taxes, Mondays, through April 14, at Oyster Bay-East Norwich Public Library, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. By appointment only. Call (516) 922-1212 to schedule an appointment. For more information, visit oysterbaylibrary.org. 89 E. Main St., Oyster Bay.

‘Palette of Petals’ at Planting Fields

Visit Planting Fields

Arboretum for a delightful stroll among the early bloomers, as part of its First Fridays series, Friday, April 4, 1-2 p.m. Experience the enchanting spring colors at the Margaret Sullivan Heather Garden.

Director of Horticulture

Donna Moramarco guides visitors through the remarkable collection of azaleas, cherry blossom trees, magnolias, camellias, and more as you stroll the grounds to the recently restored garden. Discover the rich horticultural history of this stunning space, learn about the Coe family’s dedication to these vibrant flowers, and delve into the vision that the Olmsted Brothers had for this beloved site. $20. Registration required. 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay. Visit plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210 to register and for information.

Having an event?

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.

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.

4, 2025 —

April

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

NOTICE OF LIBRARY

BUDGET HEARING

Oyster Bay-East Norwich Public Library

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Hearing on the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Public Library Budget for 2025-2026 will be held at the Library on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.

Michele Vaccarelli Library Director

POR FAVOR TENGA EN CUENTA, que la reunión de consideración para el presupuesto bibliotecario 2026-2026, se realizará en la biblioteca pública en Oyster Bay-East Norwich el martes, 6 de mayo de 2025 a las 7:00 de la noche.

Michele Vaccarelli Directora de la Biblioteca 152322

LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED

VILLAGE OF LAUREL HOLLOW

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, on February 12, 2025, after a Public Hearing duly held the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Laurel Hollow, the following local law was adopted by the Board of Trustees: Local Law No. 1-2025 LOCAL LAW authorizing the Board of Trustees, if necessary, to adopt a budget for the fiscal year A commencing June 1, 2025 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the amount otherwise prescribed in General Municipal Law §3c. Copies of the local law, as adopted, are available at Village Hall for review This local law was effective immediately upon filing in the office of the Secretary of State.

By Order of the Board of Trustees

Dated: February 13, 2025

Cathryn Hillmann Clerk-Treasurer 152749

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE of Sale

Supreme Court: Nassau County Point 62 LLC v Carol Gordon et al. Defts Index 605518/2022 Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale filed and entered September 12, 2023 I will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the

Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr. Mineola NY 11501 on May 6, 2025 at 2:00 pm premises known as School District 306 a/k/a BA-6, Section 66, Block 124 Lot 61, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York Sold subject to the terms of sale and filed judgment of foreclosure. Bank Checks Only, must be payable to the Referee for 25% of Bid Price, No Cash Accepted. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Covid-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health and safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.

Ronald J Ferraro, Esq., Referee 152727

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF LATTINGTOWN PRESERVE HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION, INC., Plaintiff, against TRUST FOR THE BENEFIT OF WILLIAM E. KASSAR, III; WILLIAM E. KASSAR, JR.; LYNN KASSAR; THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, GLEN COVE CITY COURT; and “JOHN DOE” and “JANE DOE”, Defendants. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered herein and dated November 4, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the north side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York, “Rain or Shine”, on May 7, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises being all that certain plot, piece or parcel of land situate, lying and being in the Village of Lattingtown, City of Glen Cove, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as Lot 4 on a certain map entitled “Map of Tappanwood” as filed in the Office of Clerk of the County of Nassau on August 12, 1996 as Case #9481. Said premises known as 9 Tappanwood Road, Lattingtown, New York (Section 30, Block 92, Lot 4). Said premises will be sold subject to zoning

restrictions, covenants, easements, conditions, reservations and agreements, if any; subject to any state of facts as may appear from an accurate survey; subject to facts as to possession and occupancy and subject to whatever physical condition of the premises may be; subject to any violations of the zoning and other municipal ordinances and regulations, if any, and if the United States of America should file a tax lien, or other lien, subject to the equity of redemption of the United States of America; subject to the rights of any lienors of record whose liens have not been foreclosed herein, if any; subject to the rights of holders of security in fixtures as defined by the Uniform Commercial Code; subject to taxes, assessments and water rates which are liens on the premises at the time of sale, with accrued interest or penalties thereon; and a first mortgage held by MERS, FIRST FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORP, AN OP, SUB OF MLB&T CO., FSB, mortgagee, given to William E. Kassar, Jr. and Lynn Kassar, mortgagors, in the original amount of $921,000.00 dated 6/15/2007 and recorded 7/24/2007 in Liber 32136 at page 237. Said mortgage having been assigned to First Nationwide Bank by Assignment dated 10/27/94 and recorded 11/4/94 in Liber 18885 at page 116. The Mortgage was assigned to JP MORGAN MORTGAGE ACQUISITION CORP. by Assignment dated 1/24/2012, recorded 2/7/2012 in Liber 36854 page 337. Said Mortgage was further assigned to BAYVIEW LOAN SERVICING, LLC by Assignment dated 3/9/2015, recorded 4/2/2015 in Liber 32136 page 257. Said Mortgage was further assigned to Wilmington Savings Fund Society FSB D/B/A Christiana Trust, as Indenture Trustee for the CSMC 2015-RPL3 C/0 Select Portfolio Servicing, Inc. by Assignment recorded 9/13/2017 in Liber 42373 page 736. Said Mortgage was further assigned to BAYVIEW DISPOSITIONS IIIB, LLC by Assignment

recorded 11/12/2015 in Liber 44131 page 622. Said Mortgage was further assigned to DLJ MORTGAGE CAPITAL INC. by Assignment recorded 4/8/2020 in Liber 44131 page 626. Said Mortgage was further assigned to MTGLQ INVESTORS, LP by Assignment recorded 4/8/2020 in Liber 44131 page 630. Said Mortgage was further assigned to MILLENNIUM TRUST COMPANY LLC AS CUSTODIAN FBO PRIME MERIDIAN NPL, LLC by Assignment dated 9/26/2022 recorded 10/17/2022 in Liber 46903 page 915. Said Mortgage was further assigned to Kondaur Capital LLC by Assignment dated 10/20/2021 recorded 2/2/2023 in Liber 47037 page 889. NO CASH WILL BE ACCEPTED ONLY BANK OR CERTIFIED CHECKS PAYABLE TO BRIAN J. DAVIS, ESQ., AS REFEREE. Index No. 612656/2023 Dated: March 20, 2025 Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee Cohen, Warren, Meyer & Gitter, P.C., Attorneys for Plaintiff, 98 Maple Avenue, Smithtown, NY 11787. 152747

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA, VOTACIÓN DE PRESUPUESTO Y ELECCIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR CENTRAL DE LOCUST VALLEY VALLE DE LOCUST, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que una audiencia pública de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Central de Locust Valley, condado de Nassau, Locust Valley, Nueva York, se llevará a cabo en el Miniteatro de la Escuela Secundaria/Preparatori a Locust Valley, 99 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, Nueva York, el 7 de mayo de 2025. a las 19:30 para la transacción de negocios autorizados por la Ley de Educación, incluidos los siguientes artículos:

1. a presentar a los votantes una declaración detallada (propuesta de presupuesto) de la cantidad de dinero que se necesitará para el año fiscal 2025-2026.

2. Discutir todos los puntos que a continuación se establecen para ser votados mediante

máquinas de votación en la Votación y Elección del Presupuesto a realizarse el martes 20 de mayo de 2025.

3. Tramitar otros asuntos que puedan presentarse adecuadamente ante la reunión de conformidad con la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York y las leyes que la modifican.

Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que dicha votación y elección del presupuesto se llevará a cabo el martes 20 de mayo de 2025, entre las 6:00 a. m. y las 9:00 p. m. en los tres (3) Distritos Electorales, que se describen a continuación, momento en el cual las urnas estarán abiertas para votar mediante máquinas de votación sobre los siguientes puntos:

1. Adoptar el presupuesto anual del Distrito Escolar para el año fiscal 2025-2026 y autorizar que la porción requerida del mismo se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad sujeta a impuestos del Distrito.

2. Aprobar la siguiente resolución para asignar y gastar fondos del Fondo de Reserva de Capital: SE RESUELVE: Se deberá autorizar a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Central de Locust Valley a gastar $800,000 del Fondo de Reserva de Capital establecido por los votantes el 16 de mayo de 2017, $5,000,000, del Fondo de Reserva de Capital establecido por los votantes el 15 de mayo de 2018 y $1,500,000 del Fondo de Reserva de Capital establecido por los votantes el 16 de mayo de 2023 con el propósito de realizar las siguientes mejoras de capital: (i) reconstrucción y mejoras a la cafetería de la escuela secundaria/preparatori a Locust Valley y al patio contiguo, incluidas actualizaciones eléctricas, mecánicas (HVAC) y tecnológicas, reemplazos de paredes de ventanas, mejoras de infraestructura y mejoras de seguridad y (ii) renovaciones a la biblioteca/centro de investigación de la escuela secundaria/preparatori a Locust Valley, otras salas auxiliares y el patio, incluidos

reemplazos de paredes de ventanas, actualizaciones del sistema de calefacción y ventilación y mejoras de seguridad, todo lo anterior para incluir todos los costos de mano de obra, materiales, equipos, aparatos e incidentales relacionados con los mismos.

3. Solo residentes del área de servicio de la biblioteca de Locust Valley: Adoptar la resolución para la apropiación de la biblioteca de Locust Valley presentada para el año fiscal 2025-2026, por el monto de $1,664,262 para aparecer en las máquinas de votación el 20 de mayo de 2025, y que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Central de Locust Valley esté autorizada a imponer el impuesto necesario sobre la propiedad sujeta a impuestos únicamente del antiguo Distrito Escolar Union Free No. 4, Ciudad de Oyster Bay, Nueva York.

4. Elegir un (1) miembro de la Junta de Educación para un mandato de tres años que comenzará el 1 de julio de 2025 y finalizará el 30 de junio de 2028.

Elegir un (1) miembro de la Junta de Educación para un período que comenzará el 20 de mayo de 2025 y finalizará el 30 de junio de 2028. Las vacantes en la Junta de Educación no se consideran cargos separados y específicos; los candidatos se postulan en libertad. El candidato que obtenga el mayor número de votos será elegido para el mandato más largo.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, que una copia de la declaración del La cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para financiar el presupuesto del Distrito Escolar (el presupuesto propuesto para 2025-2026) y el presupuesto de la Biblioteca Locust Valley para 2025-2026, excluyendo los fondos públicos, puede ser obtenida por cualquier residente del Distrito entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. a partir del 6 de mayo de 2025, excepto sábados, domingos o días festivos en la Oficina del Distrito, 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, Nueva York y en

cada escuela del Distrito. Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, que de conformidad con el Capítulo 258 de las Leyes de 2008, se agregó la Sección 495 a la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles y requiere que el Distrito Escolar adjunte a su proyecto de presupuesto un informe de exención. Dicho informe de exención, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, mostrará en qué medida el valor tasado total en la lista de tasación final utilizada en el proceso presupuestario está exento de impuestos, enumerará cada tipo de exención otorgada, identificada por la autoridad estatutaria, y mostrará: (a) el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención expresado ya sea como una cantidad en dólares del valor tasado o como un porcentaje del valor tasado total en la lista; (b) el monto acumulativo que se espera recibir de los beneficiarios de cada tipo de exención como pagos en lugar de impuestos u otros pagos por servicios municipales; y (c) el impacto acumulativo de todas las exenciones otorgadas. El informe de exención se publicará en cualquier tablero de anuncios mantenido por el Distrito para avisos públicos y en cualquier sitio web mantenido por el Distrito.

Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, que las peticiones que nominen candidatos para el cargo de miembro de la junta escolar deben presentarse ante el Secretario del Distrito en el Edificio de Administración, 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, Nueva York, a más tardar el 21 de abril de 2025, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 5:00 p. m. Las peticiones de nominación deben estar firmadas por al menos 29 votantes calificados del Distrito (que representan el mayor entre 25 votantes calificados o el 2% del número de votantes que votaron en la elección anual anterior); debe indicar el nombre y residencia de cada firmante, y debe indicar el nombre y residencia del candidato.

Y POR EL PRESENTE SE

NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, que el registro personal de los votantes es obligatorio de conformidad con la Ley de Educación. Si un votante se ha registrado hasta ahora y ha votado en una reunión anual o especial de distrito dentro de los últimos cuatro (4) años calendario, es elegible para votar en esta elección. Además, cualquier persona registrada en la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau conforme a las disposiciones de la Ley Electoral tendrá derecho a votar sin necesidad de registrarse. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deben registrarse.

Y POR EL PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, el registro se llevará a cabo con el propósito de registrar a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación hasta el 13 de mayo de 2025, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. en todos los días regulares durante los cuales la oficina del Secretario de Distrito esté en funcionamiento. El registro así preparado se archivará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito y estará abierto para inspección por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito a partir del jueves 15 de mayo de 2025, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. de lunes a viernes y todos los días anteriores al día fijado para la elección, excepto el domingo, y los sábados únicamente con cita previa y en el(los) lugar(es) de votación el día de la votación.

Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, que los votantes militares que no están actualmente registrados pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Central de Locust Valley solicitando y devolviendo una solicitud de registro al Secretario del Distrito en persona, por correo a Office of the District Clerk, 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560, por correo electrónico a aldunne@locustvalleys chools.org, o enviado por fax al (516) 277-5098. La solicitud de solicitud de registro puede incluir la preferencia del votante

Public Notices

militar de recibir la solicitud de registro por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Los formularios de solicitud de registro de votantes militares deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario de Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. el 24 de abril de 2025 para que se le emita una boleta para la votación y elección del presupuesto de 2025.

Y POR EL PRESENTE SE DA UN AVISO ADICIONAL, aquellos votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Central de Locust Valley, pueden solicitar una solicitud para una boleta militar al Secretario del Distrito en persona, por correo a Oficina del Secretario de Distrito, 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560, por correo electrónico a aldunne@locustvalleys chools.org, o enviado por fax al (516) 277-5098. En dicha solicitud, el elector militar podrá indicar su preferencia por recibir la solicitud por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Un votante militar debe devolver la solicitud de boleta militar original por correo o en persona a la Oficina del Secretario de Distrito. Para que a un votante militar se le emita una boleta militar, se debe recibir una solicitud de boleta militar válida en la oficina del Secretario de Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. el 24 de abril de 2025. Las solicitudes de boleta militar recibidas de conformidad con lo anterior se procesarán de la misma manera que una solicitud de boleta no militar según la Sección 2018-a de la Ley de Educación. La solicitud de boleta militar puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar de recibir la boleta militar por correo, fax o correo electrónico.

Y POR EL PRESENTE SE DA UN AVISO ADICIONAL, la boleta militar original de un votante militar debe devolverse por correo o en persona a la oficina del Secretario de Distrito en 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560. Las boletas militares se escrutarán si las recibe el Secretario de Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el 20 de mayo de 2025 y muestren una marca de cancelación

del Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o que muestren un endoso fechado de recepción por parte de otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o recibido a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. el 20 de mayo de 2025 y firmado y fechado por el elector militar y un testigo del mismo, con fecha que se determina no posterior al día anterior a la elección.

Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, que de conformidad con el artículo 2014 de la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York, la Junta de Registro se reunirá el martes 20 de mayo de 2025, entre las 6:00 a. m. y las 9:00 p. m. en cada uno de los tres (3) distritos electorales separados para preparar el Registro del Distrito Escolar que se utilizará en la Votación y Elección del Presupuesto que se llevará a cabo en 2025, y en cualquier reunión especial del distrito que pueda celebrarse después de la preparación de dicho Registro, momento en el cual cualquier persona podrá incluir su nombre en dicho Registro siempre que se sepa o demuestre a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro que tiene derecho a votar en la elección escolar para la cual se prepara dicho Registro, o en cualquier reunión especial del distrito celebrada después del 20 de mayo de 2025. Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, que las solicitudes para boletas en ausencia y por correo anticipado se podrán obtener durante el horario comercial escolar del Secretario del Distrito a partir del 1 de abril de 2025. Es posible que el Secretario del Distrito no reciba una solicitud completa antes del 21 de abril de 2025 y dichas solicitudes deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la boleta se enviará por correo al votante, o el día antes de la elección, si el La boleta debe entregarse personalmente al elector o a su agente designado. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna para enviar una boleta en ausencia o anticipada por correo, el Secretario del

Distrito enviará la boleta por correo a la dirección indicada en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la votación. El Secretario del Distrito debe recibir las boletas en ausencia y anticipadas a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. el martes 20 de mayo de 2025. Una lista de las personas a quienes se emiten boletas en ausencia y por correo anticipado estará disponible para su inspección en la oficina del Secretario de Distrito a partir del martes 13 de mayo de 2025, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. los días laborables anteriores al día fijado para la elección anual y el 20 de mayo de 2025, día fijado para la elección. Cualquier votante calificado podrá, al examinar dicha lista, presentar una impugnación por escrito de las calificaciones como votante de cualquier persona cuyo nombre aparezca en dicha lista, indicando los motivos de dicha impugnación. Cualquier impugnación por escrito deberá ser transmitida por el Secretario del Distrito o una persona designada por la Junta de Educación a los inspectores de elecciones el día de las elecciones. No se podrá impugnar el voto basándose en que el elector debería haber votado en ausencia. Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, que de conformidad con una norma adoptada por la Junta de Educación, cualquier referendo o propuesta para enmendar el presupuesto, o que de otro modo se presente para votación en dicha elección, debe presentarse ante el Secretario del Distrito con tiempo suficiente para permitir que la notificación de la propuesta se incluya con el Aviso de audiencia pública, votación y elección del presupuesto requerido por la Sección 2004 de la Ley de Educación, pero a más tardar el 21 de abril de 2025 a las 5:00 pm; debe estar mecanografiado o impreso en idioma inglés; debe dirigirse al Secretario del Distrito Escolar; debe estar firmado por al menos 74 votantes calificados del Distrito (que representen el 5% del número de votantes que votaron en la

elección anual anterior); y debe indicar de manera legible el nombre de cada firmante. Sin embargo, la Junta Escolar no considerará ninguna petición para presentar ante los votantes ninguna propuesta cuyo propósito no esté dentro del poder de los votantes para determinar, que sea ilegal o cualquier propuesta que no incluya una asignación específica cuando la propuesta requiera el gasto de dinero, o donde exista otra razón válida para excluir la propuesta de la boleta.

DISTRITOS

ELECTORALES

ESCOLARES

Y POR EL PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL de que se han establecido distritos electorales en el distrito escolar. Los límites de los Distritos Electorales, según adoptados por resolución de la Junta de Educación, y el lugar en cada distrito electoral para votar serán los siguientes: Distrito Electoral de Bayville Escuela Intermedia Bayville, 50 Mountain Avenue, Bayville (descripción del distrito electoral: antiguo

Distrito Escolar Union Free No. 6, Ciudad de Oyster Bay, Nueva York)

Distrito Electoral de Brookville: Salón Comunitario de la Iglesia Reformada de Brookville, 2 Brookville Road, Brookville (descripción del distrito electoral: antiguo Distrito Escolar Union Free No. 3, ciudad de Oyster Bay, Nueva York)

Distrito Electoral de Locust Valley Escuela Primaria Ann MacArthur, 100 Ryefield Road, Locust Valley (descripción del distrito electoral: antiguo Distrito Escolar Union Free No. 4, ciudad de Oyster Bay, Nueva York)

Fecha: 26 de marzo de 2025 Por Orden de la JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR CENTRAL DE LOCUST VALLEY

Alison Dunne, Secretaria de Distrito 152719

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION OF THE LOCUST VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

LOCUST VALLEY, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing of the qualified voters of the Locust Valley Central School District, Nassau County, Locust Valley, New York will be held in the Mini-Theater of the Locust Valley Middle School/High School, 99 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, New York on May 7, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. for the transaction of business as authorized by Education Law, including the following items:

1. 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.

2. To discuss all the items hereinafter set forth to be voted upon by voting machines at the Budget 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 to Education Law of the State of New York and acts amendatory thereto.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that said Budget Vote and Election will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. in the three (3) Election Districts, described below, at which time the polls will be open 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 to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District.

2. To approve the following resolution to appropriate and expend funds from the Capital Reserve Fund:

RESOLVED: Shall the Board of Education of the Locust Valley Central School District be authorized to expend $800,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund established by the voters on May 16, 2017, $5,000,000, from the Capital Reserve Fund established by the voters on May 15, 2018 and $1,500,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund established by the voters on May 16, 2023 for the purposes of

performing the following capital improvements: (i) reconstruction and improvements to the Locust Valley Middle School/High School Cafeteria and adjoining courtyard including electrical, mechanical (HVAC) and technology upgrades, window wall replacements, infrastructure improvements and security enhancements and (ii) renovations to Locust Valley Middle School/High School Library/Research Center, other ancillary rooms and courtyard including window wall replacements, heating and ventilation system upgrades, and security enhancements all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto.

3. Locust Valley Library Service Area Residents Only: To adopt the resolution for the Locust Valley Library appropriation submitted for the fiscal year 2025-2026, in the amount of $1,711,128 to appear on the voting machines on May 20, 2025, and that the Board of Education of the Locust Valley Central School District be authorized to levy the necessary tax therefore on the taxable property only of former Union Free School District No. 4, Town of Oyster Bay, New York.

4. To elect one (1) member of the Board of Education to a threeyear term commencing July 1, 2025 and expiring on June 30, 2028. To elect one (1) member of the Board of Education to a term commencing May 20, 2025 and expiring on June 30, 2028. Vacancies on the Board of Education are not considered separate, specific offices; candidates run at large. The candidate receiving the highest vote tally will be elected to the longer term.

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 (the 2025-2026 proposed budget) and the Locust Valley Library’s budget for 2025-2026, exclusive of public monies, may be obtained by any resident of the District

between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. beginning May 6, 2025, except Saturday, Sunday or holidays at the District Office, 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, New York and at each school house in the District.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Chapter 258 of the Laws of 2008, Section 495 was added to the Real Property Tax Law, and requires the School District to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, 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, identified 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 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 school board member must be filed with the District Clerk in the Administration Building, 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, New York, not later than April 21, 2025, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Nominating petitions must be signed by at least 29 qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 qualified voters or 2% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); must state the name and residence of each signer, and must state the name and residence of the candidate. AND FURTHER NOTICE

IS HEREBY GIVEN, that personal registration of voters is required pursuant to Education Law. If a voter has heretofore registered 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. In addition, anyone registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections under the provisions of the Election Law shall be entitled to vote without further registration. All other persons who wish to vote must register.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, registration shall be conducted for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law through May 13, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on all regular days during which the office of the District Clerk is in operation. The register so prepared will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on Thursday, May 15, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays, and each day prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, and on Saturday by prearranged appointment only, 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 Locust Valley Central School District by requesting and returning a registration application to the District Clerk in person, by mail to Office of the District Clerk, 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560, by email to aldunne@locustvalleys chools.org, or fax sent to (516) 277-5098. The request for the registration application may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the registration application by either mail, fax or email. Military voter registration application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April

April 4, 2025

Public Notices

24, 2025 in order to be issued a ballot for the 2025 Budget Vote and Election.

AND FURTHER NOTICE

IS HEREBY GIVEN, those military voters who are qualified voters of the Locust Valley Central School District, may request an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk in person, by mail to Office of the District Clerk, 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560, by email to aldunne@locustvalleys chools.org, or fax sent to (516) 277-5098. In such request, the military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application by mail, fax or email. A military voter must return the original military ballot application by mail or in person to the Office of the District Clerk. In order for a military voter to be issued a military ballot, a valid military ballot application must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 24, 2025. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a nonmilitary ballot application under Section 2018-a of the Education Law. The application for military ballot may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the military ballot by mail, fax or email.

AND FURTHER NOTICE

IS HEREBY GIVEN, a military voter’s original military ballot must be returned by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560. Military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District Clerk before the close of polls 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.

AND FURTHER NOTICE

IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to §2014 of

the Education Law of the State of New York, the Board of Registration will meet on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. at each of the three (3) separate election districts to prepare the Register of the School District to be used at the Budget Vote and Election to be held in 2025, and any special district meetings that may be held after the preparation of said Register, at which time any person may have their name placed on such Register provided they are known or prove to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be entitled to vote at the school election for which said Register is prepared, or any special district meeting held after May 20, 2025.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for absentee and early mail ballots will be obtainable during school business hours from the District Clerk beginning April 1, 2025. A completed application may not be received by the District Clerk earlier than April 21, 2025 and such applications must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee or early mail ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application by no later than six (6) days before the vote. Absentee and early ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. A list of persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots are issued will be available for inspection in the office of the District Clerk on and after Tuesday, May 13, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays prior to the day set for the annual election and on May 20, 2025, the day set for the election. Any qualified voter may, upon examination of such list, file a written challenge of

the qualifications as a voter of any person whose name appears on such list, stating the reasons for such challenge. Any such written challenge shall be transmitted by the District Clerk or a designee of the Board of Education to the inspectors of election on Election Day. A challenge may not be made on the basis that the voter should have voted by absentee ballot.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education, any referenda or propositions to amend the budget, or otherwise to be submitted for voting at said election, must be filed with the District Clerk 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 but no later than April 21, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.; 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 74 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.

SCHOOL ELECTION DISTRICTS AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Election Districts have been established in the School District. The boundaries of the Election Districts, as adopted by resolution of the Board of Education, and the place in each election district for voting shall be as follows: Bayville Election District

Bayville Intermediate School, 50 Mountain Avenue, Bayville (description of election district: former Union Free School District No. 6, Town of Oyster Bay, New York)

Brookville Election District:

Community Hall of the Brookville Reformed Church, 2 Brookville Road, Brookville (description of election district: former Union Free School District No. 3, Town of Oyster Bay, New York) Locust Valley Election District

Ann MacArthur Primary School, 100 Ryefield Road, Locust Valley (description of election district: former Union Free School District No. 4, Town of Oyster Bay, New York)

Dated: March 26, 2025

By Order of the BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE LOCUST VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Alison Dunne, District Clerk 152717

SHALL the Board of Education of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District be authorized to expend: $485,000 from the Technology Capital Reserve Fund established on May 15, 2018 for the purpose of performing the following projects: purchase of student devices (iPads and Chromebooks) ; purchase of educational display boards; purchase of staff devices; purchase of security system cameras and servers, all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto.

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING AND ANNUAL DISTRICT ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE OYSTER BAYEAST NORWICH CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE OYSTER BAY-EAST NORWICH PUBLIC LIBRARY TO BE HELD ON MAY 20, 2025 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Election of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District will be held in the music wing of the Oyster Bay High School, located at 150 East Main Street, Oyster Bay, New York, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM for the following purposes:

1. To vote upon the appropriation of the necessary funds to meet the estimated expenditures of the District for the school year beginning July 1, 2025 which shall be identified on the ballot as Proposition No. 1. 2. To vote on the following propositions: PROPOSITION NO.2 (Technology Capital Reserve Fund Expenditure):

PROPOSITION NO.3 (Capital Reserve Fund Expenditure): SHALL the Board of Education of the Oyster Bay East-Norwich Central School District be authorized to expend $990,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund established on May 16, 2006 and amended on May 17, 2011 and May 21, 2013 and May 16, 2017 for the purpose of performing the following projects: concrete/asphalt sidewalk and parking lot renovations at Oyster Bay High School; auditorium house lights replacement at Oyster Bay High School; HVAC renovations at Oyster Bay High School; cafeteria renovations at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School; replacement of flooring at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School; air conditioning installation in the cafeteria of Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School; roof replacement at the Administration building; and districtwide roof repairs, all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto.

3. To elect two members of the Board of Education for a term of four (4) years each, beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2029.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the public budget hearing for the purpose of discussing the proposed budget of expenditure of funds for the school year 2025-2026 will be held May 6, 2025 at 7:30 PM in the Oyster Bay

High School auditorium or remotely, if legally permissible. The condensed form of the budget proposition and the text of all other propositions to appear on the voting machine and a detailed statement in writing of the amount of money which will be required for the school year 2025-2026 for school purposes, specifying the purposes and the amount for each, will be prepared and copies thereof will be made available, upon request, to any resident in the district at each school house in the District between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM during the period of the 14 days immediately preceding said election for May 20, 2025, excluding Saturday, Sunday and holidays, and at such annual election. Notice is further given that pursuant to Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law, the 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 on 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 and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the Annual Election of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Public Library will be held in the music wing of the Oyster Bay High School, located at 150 East Main Street, Oyster Bay, New York, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM for the following purposes:

1. To vote upon the appropriation of the necessary funds to meet the estimated expenditures of the Public Library for the school year beginning July 1, 2025.

2. To elect one member of the Board of Library Trustees for a term of five (5) years beginning July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2030.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the copies of the proposed library budget will be made available, upon request, to any resident at the Reference Desk of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Public Library, located at 89 East Main Street, Oyster Bay, New York between the hours of 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 1:00 to 4:00 PM during the period of the 14 days immediately preceding said election of May 20, 2025, excluding Saturday, Sunday and holidays, and at such annual election.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the voting shall be on voting machines as provided by the Education Law and the polls will remain open from 7:00 AM until 9:00 PM and as much longer as may be necessary to enable the voters then present to cast their ballots. The District Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to have the necessary ballot labels printed for said voting machines in the form corresponding as nearly as may be with the requirements of the Education Law.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the nominations for the Board of Education member and Board of Library Trustee shall be made by petition subscribed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District, and filed with the District Clerk, Administration Building, 1 McCouns Lane, Oyster Bay, New York, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM no later than 5 PM on Monday, April 21, 2025. Such petition shall state the residence of each signer and shall state the name and residence of the candidate. For the Board of Education, the candidate receiving the greatest number of votes shall be considered elected to the office. For the Library, the candidate receiving the greatest number of votes shall be considered elected to the office. A nomination may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for office or declares his or her unwillingness to serve.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the registration of the qualified voters of

this District for said annual District election is permitted in the District Clerk’s Office, located in the Administration Building, 1 McCouns Lane, Oyster Bay, New York, during the hours of 8:00AM and 1:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, up to and including May 15, 2025. A register will be prepared and will be filed in the District Clerk’s Office and such register will be open for inspection by any qualified voter between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on each of the five days prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, by appointment only on Saturday, May 17, 2025 and at each polling place on election day.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the register shall include: (1) all qualified voters of the District who shall personally present themselves for registration; (2) all previously qualified voters of the District who shall have been previously registered for any annual or special District meeting or election and who shall have voted at any annual or special District meeting or election held or conducted at any time within four calendar years (2020-2023) prior to preparation of the said register; and (3) voters permanently registered with the Board of Elections of the County of Nassau.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Board of Registration will further meet during the hours of voting at the Annual District Meeting on May 20, 2025 for the purpose of preparing a register for District meetings or elections to be held subsequent to May 20, 2025.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that applications for absentee and early mail ballots for the school district election and for the library trustee election may be applied for at the District Clerk’s Office. Applications for absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election. Furthermore, such application must be received by the District

Public Notices

Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee or early mail voter ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application no later than six (6) days before the vote. A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots shall have been issued will be available in the District Clerk’s Office on each of the five days prior to the election except Sunday. Eligibility to vote by absentee and early mail ballot will be determined in accordance with the provisions of New York State Education Law §§2018-a and 2018-e.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE

military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district.

Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot.

Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms (the latter of which is to be delivered only by mail or in person) must be received in the Office of the District Clerk of the school district no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 25, 2025. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the Office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the Office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military

voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the election.

Dated: MARCH 25, 2025 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, OYSTER BAY-EAST NORWICH CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK

SUSAN WALSH DISTRICT CLERK 152712

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE AUDIENCIA SOBRE PRESUPUESTO Y ELECCIÓN ANUAL DEL DISTRITO DE MIEMBROS DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR CENTRAL DE OYSTER BAY-EAST NORWICH Y DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE OYSTER BAY-EAST NORWICH QUE SE REALIZARÁ EL 20 DE MAYO DE 2025 POR EL PRESENTE, SE NOTIFICA que la elección anual del Distrito Escolar Central de Oyster Bay-East Norwich se realizará en el ala de música de Oyster Bay High School, ubicada en 150 East Main Street, Oyster Bay, Nueva York, el martes 20 de mayo de 2025, entre las 7:00 a. m. y las 9:00 p. m. con los siguientes propósitos: 1. Votar sobre la asignación de los fondos necesarios para cubrir los gastos estimados del Distrito para el año escolar que comienza el 1 de julio de 2025, que se identificará en la boleta electoral como Propuesta n.º 1. 2. Votar sobre las siguientes propuestas:

PROPUESTA N.º 2

(Gastos del Fondo de reserva de capitales para Tecnología) SE AUTORIZARÁ a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Central de Oyster Bay-East Norwich a gastar la suma de: $485,000 del Fondo de reserva de capitales para tecnología creado el 15 de mayo de 2018, con el fin de realizar los siguientes proyectos: compra dispositivos para estudiantes (iPads y Chromebooks); compra de tableros de anuncios educativos; compra de dispositivos para el personal; compra de un sistema de cámaras de seguridad y servidores; todo lo anterior incluirá toda la mano de obra, los materiales, los

equipos, los aparatos y los gastos imprevistos relacionados con estos.

PROPUESTA N.º 3

(Gastos del Fondo de reserva de capitales)

SE AUTORIZARÁ a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Central de Oyster Bay-East Norwich a gastar la suma de: $990,000 del Fondo de reserva de capitales creado el 16 de mayo de 2006 y enmendado el 17 de mayo de 2011, el 21 de mayo de 2013 y el 16 de mayo de 2017 con el fin de realizar los siguientes proyectos: acera de concreto/asfalto y renovación del estacionamiento de Oyster Bay High School; reemplazo de luminaria en el auditorio de Oyster Bay High School; renovaciones de calefacción, ventilación y aire acondicionado (HVAC) en Oyster Bay High School; renovación de la cafetería de Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School; reemplazo de pisos en Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School; instalación de aire acondicionado en la cafetería de Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School; reemplazo del techo en el edificio de Administración; y reparación de techos en todo el distrito; todo lo anterior incluirá toda la mano de obra, los materiales, los equipos, los aparatos y los gastos imprevistos relacionados con estos. 3. Elegir dos miembros de la Junta de Educación por un período de cuatro (4) años que comenzará el 1 de julio de 2025 y finalizará el 30 de junio de 2029.

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que la audiencia pública sobre el presupuesto con el objetivo de analizar el presupuesto propuesto de gastos de los fondos para el año escolar 2025-2026 se llevará a cabo el 6 de mayo de 2025 a las 7:30 p. m. en el auditorio de Oyster Bay High School o a distancia, si está legalmente permitido. En cada escuela del Distrito, se preparará la versión resumida de la propuesta sobre el presupuesto y el texto de todas las demás propuestas que aparecerán en las máquinas de votación, como así también una declaración detallada por escrito de la

cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año escolar 2025-2026 para fines escolares, que especifica los fines y la cantidad para cada fin; y habrá copias disponibles, previa solicitud, para cualquier residente del Distrito entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. durante los 14 días inmediatamente previos a la elección del 20 de mayo de 2025, excepto sábados, domingos y feriados, y también en la elección anual.

También se notifica que, de acuerdo con la Sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, el Distrito debe adjuntar un informe de exenciones al presupuesto sugerido. En este informe de exenciones, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, se mostrará cómo el valor total estimado de la lista de tasación final que se utilice en el proceso presupuestario queda libre de impuestos, se enumerarán todos los tipos de exenciones que otorgue la autoridad legal y se expondrá el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención, el monto acumulado que se prevé recibir como pago en lugar de impuestos y el impacto acumulativo de todas las exenciones otorgadas.

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que la elección anual de la Biblioteca Pública de Oyster Bay-East Norwich se realizará en el ala de música de Oyster Bay High School, ubicada en 150 East Main Street, Oyster Bay, Nueva York, el martes 20 de mayo de 2025, entre las 7:00 a. m. y las 9:00 p. m. con los siguientes propósitos:

1. Votar sobre la asignación de los fondos necesarios para cubrir los gastos estimados de la biblioteca pública para el año escolar que comienza el 1 de julio de 2025.

2. Elegir un miembro para que sea fideicomisario de la Junta de la Biblioteca por un período de cinco (5) años que comenzará el 1 de julio de 2025 y finalizará el 30 de junio de 2030.

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que las copias del presupuesto propuesto para la biblioteca se pondrán a

disposición, previa solicitud, de cualquier residente en el mostrador de consulta de la Biblioteca Pública de Oyster Bay-East Norwich, ubicada en 89 East Main Street, Oyster Bay, Nueva York, de 10:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m., y de 1:00 p. m. a 4:00 p. m. durante los 14 días inmediatamente previos a la elección del 20 de mayo de 2025, excepto los sábados, domingos y feriados, y también en la elección anual.

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que la votación se realizará mediante máquinas de votación, según lo estipulado por la Ley de Educación, y las urnas estarán habilitadas para votar desde las 7:00 a. m. hasta las 9:00 p. m. y durante el tiempo que sea necesario para que los votantes presentes puedan emitir sus votos. Por medio del presente, se autoriza e instruye a la secretaria del Distrito a imprimir las etiquetas de voto necesarias para dichas máquinas de votación en el formato que más se aproxime a los requisitos de la Ley de Educación.

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que las nominaciones del miembro de la Junta de Educación y del fideicomisario de la Junta de la Biblioteca se deberán realizar mediante una solicitud firmada por al menos 25 votantes calificados del Distrito, y se deberán presentar en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito en el Edificio Administrativo en 1 McCouns Lane, Oyster Bay, Nueva York, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., a más tardar el lunes, 21 de abril de 2025 a las 5:00 p. m. Estas solicitudes deberán indicar la residencia de cada firmante, así como también el nombre y la residencia del candidato. Para la Junta de Educación, el candidato que reciba la mayor cantidad de votos será considerado electo para el cargo. Para la Biblioteca, el candidato que reciba la mayor cantidad de votos será considerado

electo para el cargo. La Junta de Educación puede rechazar una nominación si el candidato no es elegible para el cargo o declara su falta de disposición para desempeñar las funciones. ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que se permite el registro de votantes calificados de este Distrito para esta elección anual del Distrito en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito ubicada en el Edificio Administrativo en 1 McCouns Lane, Oyster Bay, Nueva York, de 8:00 a. m. a 1:00 p. m. y de 2:00 p. m. a 4:00 p. m., de lunes a viernes, hasta el 15 de mayo de 2025 inclusive. Se preparará y presentará un registro en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito, y dicho registro estará abierto para que cualquier votante calificado pueda inspeccionarlo entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. durante los cinco días previos al día establecido para la elección, excepto el domingo, y el sábado 17 de mayo de 2025 con cita, así como también en cada lugar de votación el día de la elección.

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que el registro incluirá: (1) a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se hayan presentado personalmente para el registro; (2) a todos los votantes previamente calificados del Distrito que se hayan registrado con anterioridad para cualquier elección o reunión anual o extraordinaria del Distrito y que hayan votado en alguno de estos eventos realizados o llevados a cabo en cualquier momento durante los cuatro años calendario (2020-2023) previos a la preparación de dicho registro; y (3) a los votantes que estén registrados de manera permanente en la Junta Electoral del condado de Nassau.

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Registros se reunirá durante el horario de votación en

la reunión anual del Distrito el 20 de mayo de 2025 con el fin de preparar un registro para las elecciones o reuniones del Distrito que se realizarán después del 20 de mayo de 2025.

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que las solicitudes de votos por ausencia y de votos anticipados por correo para la elección del distrito escolar y para la elección del fideicomisario de la biblioteca se podrán solicitar en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito. La secretaria del Distrito deberá recibir las solicitudes de votos por ausencia y votos anticipados por correo a más tardar treinta (30) días antes de la elección. Además, la secretaria del Distrito debe recibir esta solicitud al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la boleta electoral se enviará por correo al votante, o bien el día antes de la elección si la boleta electoral se entregará personalmente al votante o a su representante designado. Cuando reciba una solicitud en los plazos previstos para enviar un voto por ausencia por correo y un voto anticipado por correo, la secretaria del Distrito enviará por correo dicha boleta a la dirección indicada en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la votación. Se publicará una lista de todas las personas para las que se emitieron votos por ausencia o votos anticipados por correo, que estará disponible en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito durante los cinco días previos a la elección, excepto el domingo. La elegibilidad para votar mediante voto por ausencia y voto anticipado por correo se determinará de acuerdo con las disposiciones de las Secciones 2018-a y 2018-e de la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York. ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que los votantes militares que no estén registrados actualmente pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes

calificados del distrito escolar. Los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del distrito escolar podrán enviar una solicitud de boleta electoral militar. Estos votantes pueden indicar su preferencia de recibir un registro de votante militar, una solicitud de boleta electoral militar o una boleta electoral militar por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico en su pedido de dicho registro, solicitud de boleta electoral o boleta electoral. Los formularios de registro de los votantes militares y los formularios de solicitud de boleta electoral militar (esta última debe entregarse únicamente por correo postal o en persona) deben recibirse en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito antes de las 5:00 p. m. el 25 de abril de 2025. Las boletas electorales militares no serán escrutadas, a menos que (1) la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito las reciba antes del cierre de la votación el día de la elección y tengan una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o un endoso fechado de recepción por parte de otro organismo del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos, o bien (2) la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito las reciba antes de las 5:00 p. m. del día de la elección, y estén firmadas y fechadas por el votante militar y un testigo de ello, con una fecha asociada que no sea posterior al día previo a la elección. Fecha: 25 DE MARZO DE 2025 POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN, DISTRITO ESCOLAR CENTRAL DE OYSTER BAY-EAST NORWICH, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK SUSAN WALSH SECRETARIA DEL DISTRITO 152714

OPINIONS

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.

FWe 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.

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.

PETER KING

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

It’s up to us to minimize the damage to history

To the Editor:

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-

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 overwrite 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.

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.

OPINIONS

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

I’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.”

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

LETTERS

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

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 back, standing up to DOGE on behalf of

of the world. While other countries are working toward clean energy solutions, 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

‘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

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.

In the front-page story “L.V. hold final budget presentation” in last week’s issue, the Locust Valley Central School District’s budget for 2025-26 was incorrectly reported as totaling $96.4 million, an increase of 2.7 percent over the current year. The proposed budget totals $98 million, an increase of 1.92 percent.

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

TOM SUOZZI

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