Oyster Bay Herald 04-11-2025 by Richner Communications, Inc

BAY

Residents want moratorium extended They want to lengthen lithium battery storage ban

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Before the start of the second public hearing at the Town of Oyster Bay’s meeting Tuesday morning, Town Supervisor Joe Saladino looked out at the crowd in Town Hall North and said, “Please put your hand up if you are here in support of the continuation of the moratorium.”

All but two hands rose.

Several residents from Roslyn, Glen Head, Sea Cliff and other North Shore communites raised a variety of concerns about proposed lithium battery plants on Long Island. They also weighed in against the Propel NY Energy project and the Renewable Action Through Project Interconnection and Deployment, or RAPID, act.

Despite the frustrations expressed by residents about the Propel NY project and the RAPID act, the topic of the public hearing

during the board meeting was specifically the extension of a moratorium on battery energy storage systems, nearly one year after it was approved.

The moratorium is set to expire at the end of April, and the board will vote in May on whether or not to extend it. It will remain in effect in between its expiration and the May vote.

Michael Montesano, the special counsel to the town attorney’s office, told the board that there would be no changes to the current moratorium, which prohibits the processing or approval of land use applications for battery energy storage systems while it is in effect.

Montesano added that the town board was in “essentially the same condition” as it was a year ago, with no update from the state on how to maintain the battery storage systems or fight potential fires from it.

Sagamore Hill tour hours cut causes concern

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

A reduction in public tour hours at the Sagamore Hill National Historic Site, the former home of President Theodore Roosevelt, has drawn concern from local officials and community leaders, who say the cuts threaten not just local tourism but the preservation of American values.

SSagamore Hill drew more than 130,000 visitors in 2023 and added an estimated $12 million to the local economy, according to a 2024 National Park Service report. But in March it reduced its house tours from four days a week to just three with a later start time for the tours (originally offered from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., now starting at 1 p.m.), due to staffing shortages in the NPS. The change comes amid broader budget constraints, including the elimination of more than 1,000 positions across the agency.

than Parker told the Herald that the park service’s communications office was handling media inquiries about all national sites. The NPS’s Region 1 office, which includes Long Island, did not respond to requests for comment.

Assemblyman Charles Lavine, whose district includes Sagamore Hill, said the site’s historical and symbolic importance far outweighs the budget cuts driving the change.

agamore Hill is a special place for me, and for many other Americans.

CHARLES LAVINE Assemblyman

“Sagamore Hill is a special place for me, and for many other Americans,” Lavine said. “My parents took me there in 1955, when I was 8 and it had just opened as a public facility. We never forgot that. It is, to me, hallowed ground.”

Asked to comment, Sagamore Hill Superintendent Jona-

Lavine, who wrote a letter of protest to President Trump about the cutbacks, said the reduction in hours amounted to “a wholesale butchering of our national economy,” and accused the Trump administration and its allies of prioritizing partisan interests over historical preser-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Courtesy Rob Rich

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joe Saladino listened to community members at a town meeting about extending a moratorium on a proposed lithium storage facility in Glenwood Landing.

The presentation will last two hours, and take attendees through the history of Western landscape painting.

Celebrating nature through an artistic lens

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

Bailey Arboretum will celebrate Earth Day with a special presentation on historical landscape art, highlighting the intersection of nature and artistic expression. The event, slated for April 22 from 7 to 9 p.m., promises an insightful exploration into how landscapes have been portrayed throughout art history.

Susan Giordano, a trustee at Bailey Arboretum, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming event, emphasizing its role in reconnecting the community with the natural beauty of the arboretum.

“People understand nature in different ways, not just walking through the grounds of a preserve or arboretum,” Giordano stated. “So we’re trying to bring the different aspects of connecting with nature to the public.”

The presentation will be led by Leonard Antinori, a Sea Cliff-based artist and educator with extensive experience in fine arts instruction. Antinori highlighted the significance of historical landscapes in art, tracing their evolution from ancient Roman frescoes to modern interpretations by artists like Edward Hopper and David Hockney.

“Landscape painting brings you to another environment, and often it’s a very peaceful environment that expands the dimension of a room,” Antinori explained. “It’s almost

innate, in reference to our fascination with thee environment, with our landscapes, because it harkens back to a time that is in our DNA.”

The evening will feature a comprehensive two-hour lecture with insights into various artistic techniques and influences, primarily focused on Western traditions. Antinori plans to illustrate the impact of Asian art on Western impressionism, underscoring the global dialogue within landscape artistry.

Giordano, who spearheaded the event as part of a broader initiative to revitalize Bailey Arboretum’s educational offerings, expressed hopes for future programs.

Proceeds from the event will support Bailey Arboretum’s ongoing maintenance and educational programs, with potential funding earmarked for the renovation of a children’s garden.

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to enjoy a stroll through Bailey Arboretum’s picturesque grounds before the presentation begins. Light refreshments will be served during a brief intermission, fostering opportunities for attendees to mingle and discuss the evening’s insights.

Tickets for the Earth Day presentation can be purchased online through Bailey Arboretum’s website. For more information about the event and future programs, visit BaileyArboretum.org or contact the arboretum directly at (516) 801-1458.

Many impressionist painters, such as Vincent Van Gogh, used their art to capture beautiful pastoral scenes, and were heavily influenced by Japanese woodcuts.

said he believes that landscapes still resonate because they speak to an innate human desire to appreciate the beauty of the natural world.

Photos courtesy Leonard Antinori

Leonard Antinori

Dozens argue for extension of moratorium

The moratorium was originally approved in February 2024, and took effect last April. It was extended for another six months in October, which aimed to give the town additional time to assess the potential risks posed by these facilities, particularly fire hazards and environmental impacts, before making any long-term decisions.

The proposed Oyster Shore Energy Project by Jupiter Power, a 275-megawatt battery energy storage system, at the site of the current Global Energy facility on the corner of Glenwood Road and Shore Road has drawn substantial pushback from Glenwood Landing and Glen Head residents; who expressed serious concerns about safety, environmental impact, and the project’s proximity to homes, schools, and Hempstead Harbor.

Proponents of Battery Energy Storage Systems highlight their ability to reinforce the power grid, improve grid stability, and facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources, while also offering backup power and potentially reducing costs for consumers.

Ralph Raymond, the second vice president for the Association of Fire Districts for the State of New York and commissioner of the North Massapequa Fire District, spoke to the board about some of the concerns that fire departments throughout Long Island had about fighting potential fires at BESS factories as well as showing his support for an extension of the moratorium.

“I have to be perfectly honest here for public safety reasons we would really like this extended for another six months” he said.

No representatives from Jupiter Power, a private equity-owned company, spoke during the public comment. Champe Fisher, a representative from the Beth-

Several Glen Head residents said that the thought of having a battery energy storage system in their neighborhood scared them, and asked the board to extend the town’s moratorium on the systems.

page Battery Storage Project, which has proposed a one-acre, 44-megawatt facility at the old Grumman site, made the only public comment against the moratorium extension.

“We would like the board to know that we are still interested in pursuing our project at the appropriate time,” he said.

Over 30 residents spoke during the public comment. Several Glen Head residents said that the thought of having a BESS in their neighborhood was “terrifying” and numerous residents wanted the board to consider

Protecting Your Future

The Young Family Estate Plan (YFEP)

Parents of young children often overlook the need to plan for death or disability. Many believe they don’t have enough assets yet or that anything they have will automatically go to their spouse. However, every young parent needs basic documents – a Will, Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy –what we term a “Young Family Estate Plan” (YFEP), that formalize your wishes in a variety of unexpected circumstances.

Without a YFEP, if one spouse dies, any assets that were in the husband’s or wife’s name alone will be subject to a court proceeding to name an “administrator” of the estate and New York law decides who gets which assets. The first $50,000 goes to the surviving spouse and the rest is divided 50% to the spouse and 50% to the children. The court will appoint a legal guardian to manage the money for them and then, ready or not, any remaining funds would be turned over at age 18.

If your spouse becomes disabled, and

you don’t have a Power of Attorney for them, you must petition the court to be appointed as your spouse’s legal guardian to handle their affairs (such as selling or refinancing the house or drawing funds from their accounts). The court may decide against you as legal guardian and appoint someone else.

A YFEP also includes life insurance reviews and recommendations, so in the event your spouse dies you will have the financial resources to raise your children.

A YFEP (1) ensures that all of your spouse’s assets go to you and not half to your children if your spouse dies unexpectedly, (2) allows you to choose the legal guardian for your children, and at what age they will receive the unused assets, (3) avoids guardianship proceedings should your spouse have a disabling accident or illness, and (4) provides the financial wherewithal so that your children may continue to prosper and thrive.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

implementing an even longer moratorium or a ban. Several speakers pointed out examples such as the Moss Landing energy storage facility fire that happened at the beginning of the year.

North Shore School District Superintendent Chris Zublionis spoke in favor of extending the moratorium. “The school district has significant safety concerns related to BESS,” Zublionis said, “including the ability to put out lithium fires and the individual and cumulative impact on the community.”

North Shore Board of Education Trustee Lisa Cashman also attended the hearing and spoke. However, she did not speak as a trustee but spoke as Associate Director of the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor. She maintained her support for continuing the moratorium, citing environmental concerns and safety issues.

During the Feb. 27 North Shore Board of Education meeting nearly a dozen residents spoke during the public comment portion of the evening urging the district to take action in support of maintaining the moratorium. Many of the same residents spoke during the town’s public comment.

One of those speakers was Glen Head resident Chris Panzca, who repeated her claims that the BESS systems were “toxic noxious ticking time bombs” and that they “don’t belong anywhere near residential communities.” She also echoed many of the environmental concerns that residents raised during the hearing.

Edward Lieberman, the former mayor of Sea Cliff, who sat at the front during the majority of the hearing said he did not plan on speaking; but after being called on by Saladino, he approached the board and decided to add a comment.

“If I can’t get on a plane carrying a lithium battery, then that says it all,” Lieberman said as the meeting neared its end.

Holy Week and Easter Worship

First Presbyterian Church

60 East Main Street, Oyster Bay (516) 922-5477

April 2 - Palm Sunday - 10:00 a.m.

April 13

April 2 - Palm Sunday - 10:00 a.m.

April 7 - Good Friday Service - 8:00 p.m.

April 18

April 7 - Good Friday Service - 8:00 p.m.

April 9 - Easter Sunday

April 20

April 9 - Easter Sunday

- Easter Sunrise - 6:30 a.m. (call for details)

- Easter Worship - 10:00 a.m.

- Easter Sunrise - 6:30 a.m. (call for details)

- Easter Worship - 10:00 a.m.

■ WEB SITE: www.liherald.com/oysterbay

E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: llane@liherald.com

EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 327 E-mail: oysterbayeditor@liherald.com ■ SUBSCRIPTIONS: Press ”7” E-mail: circ@liherald.com

Luke Feeney/Herald

oyster bay

Milestone celebrated at Life Enrichment

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Filomena Ladisa has done a lot in her 95 years on the plant. She is an immigrant, a cook, a former seamstress, a mother, and a grandmother. The Life Enrichment Center of Oyster Bay celebrated Ladisa’s life with a 95 birthday party on Friday, April 4.

Ladisa’s Italian parents immigrated from the United States to Greece in the early 1900s, Ladisa was born in Greece in 1930. One of seven children, she lived in Greece until she was 13 and immigrated back to Italy. Ladisa met her husband in Florence and had three boys, she lived in Florence for another 12 years and immigrated to the United States during the 1940s due to the turmoil caused by World War 2.

Ladisa’s husband worked as a barber while she worked as a seamstress for about 40 years until her retirement. Lived in Astoria for 40 years and moved to Oyster Bay around 12 years ago according to her daughter, Benedetta Ladisa.

Ladisa has been at the center for six years, according to Benedetta. Located in the hamlet of Oyster Bay, the Life Enrichment Center offers older adults a wide variety of programs and services, including exercise, lunch, transportation, social services, activities, health and wellness programs, and socialization according to their website.

She has four living children and ten grandchildren, although her daughters say that one way or another everyone ends up calling her grandma.

“Everyone calls her nonna, everyone she has met throughout her life ends up calling her that,” Ladisa’s daughter said. “She cooks for everyone, she still tells her recipes to people to make for her even though she can’t do it anymore.”

The center was packed with older adults, Ladisa’s family, her aide, government officials and live music. The celebration started at 11:30 a.m. Jeffrey Pravato, the Town of Oyster Bay’s receiver of taxes, and Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh presented Ladisa with a citation from the town. Walsh said she was “beautiful” and “stunning”

“Vicki and I are so proud to be here,” Pravato said. “Happy 95 birthday from the 300,000 residents of the Town of Oyster Bay.”

Oyster Bay Town Clerk Richard LaMarca joined the celebrations later in the morning. After the attendees indulged in cake supplied by Ladisa’s family, Christopher Judge a 50-year-old Huntington man, sang several Italian songs for Ladisa. Choices included “Mambo Italiano”, “Whatever Will be, Will Be” and “That’s Amore” among many other songs.

When asked during the celebration the keys to her longevity, Ladisa attributed it to cooking her own food. Her daughter corroborated her mother’s love of homestyle cooking. “We have to force her to go to a restaurant for dinner,” Benedetta said. “She still insists that she would rather eat at home. She’s a great mom and grandma.”

Christopher Judge a 50-year-old Huntington man, sang several Italian songs for Ladisa. Choices included “Mambo Italiano” and many other songs.

Ladisa’s family brought cakes to celebrate her birthday, in addition there was music and a citation from the Town of Oyster Bay.

Luke Feeney/Herald photos

Jeffrey Pravato, the Town of Oyster Bay’s receiver of taxes, and Town Councilwoman Vicki Walsh presented Ladisa with a citation from the town. Walsh said she was “beautiful” and “stunning”.

Stay Connected this Year:

Chametz of the soul PASSOVER MESSAGE

Happy Passover, everyone. So let me ask you a question.

“How is your quest for stray bread crumbs and rogue cheerios going?

Indeed, this is the time of the year, when Jews traditionally scour their kitchens, scrub their shelves and look at “best before” dates, as they prepare their homes for the upcoming holiday of Passover – known in Hebrew as Pesach.

We are told in the Torah, that during the upcoming holiday, as we remember the fact that the fleeing Israelites had no time to let their bread rise, that we are to eat no chametz – leavened foods for seven days – eight days outside of Israel.

The festival feeds into our seasonal sense of renewal, as once again, we have endured and survived another “long cold lonely winter.”

Jewish people across the globe use this period to perform a type of spring cleaning,” as they prepare for the “festival of freedom.”

into our souls and ask ourselves, “what leaven are we acquired in recent months, as we have spent more time indoors?”

These are difficult times we are living in. Passover begs us to consider –what spiritual bloat have we acquired during the winter months?

Are we a bit more pessimistic or cynical than we were at the end of last summer?

Have we become a bit more stubborn, perhaps even more intolerant of others – and the world around us?

Matzah – the dry and flat bread we eat during Pesach is also called “lechem ani,” the poor person’s bread – and perhaps this provides a clue for us, according to our Sages, of Passover’s deeper meaning.

For, according to our ancient rabbis, not only is there chametz – leavened products, hiding in the cracks of our kitchen – also within our thoughts, and behaviors as well.

It is known as the “Chametz of the Soul.”

So, according to tradition, it is important that we rid our homes of leavened products, and restrict ourselves beginning Saturday from bagels, pizza, bread, muffins and other staples of our regular diet.

But perhaps as well, we need to delve

Are we carrying a bit more physical and spiritual weight?

The great Sage, Rabbi Alexandri is quoted in the Talmud, as saying, that what prevents us from meeting our full life potential is “the yeast in the dough.”

Later, esteemed Rabbi Yehudah Prero offered an interesting take on what that really means.

He said, chametz represents “all of our character flaws such as haughtiness, jealousy, and unbridled passion…”

And so, in our passion to rid ourselves of the physical chametz hidden within the cracks of our homes, let us also consider spiritual leaven which has, over the winter months, lodged itself in our souls.

For while physical preparations are important during this time of the year, let us also reflect upon, the chametz we are we hanging, as, like a piece of matzah, we undertake to flatten our souls.

For true freedom is more than completing physical acts.

Rather, true freedom comes from within.

Rabbi Irwin Huberman is the spiritual leader of Congregation Tifereth Israel, Glen Cove.

NEWS BRIEF

Town of O.B. to host drug

The Town of Oyster Bay is partnering with Drug Free Long Island and the Nassau County Police Department to host a ‘Shed the Meds’ Drug Take Back Day at Massapequa Park Village Hall on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Through proper disposal of old medications, we can prevent them from contaminating the environment through improper disposal and also keep them out of the wrong hands and away from young people,” said Supervisor Joseph Saladino.

The event will be held in the back parking lot. This program is anonymous. For those who cannot attend this Drug Take Back Day, disposal containers are located at all police precincts

take back day

throughout the county for safe deposit. For those looking to turn in unused or expired medication, be sure to make sure of the following:

■ If left in original container, please remove all personal information from label.

■ Liquid medication will not be accepted

■ Illicit substances are also not part of this initiative.

■ Intra-venous solutions, injectables, and syringes will be accepted.

For more information about the ‘Shed the Meds’ Drug Take Back Day, call Drug Free Long Island at (516) 6392386 or email info@drugfreeli.org.

R abbi iRwin HubeRman

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

HERALD SCHOOLS

Locust Valley film students takes home the gold

Locust Valley High School welcomed aspiring student filmmakers from 13 other Long Island high schools to the Howard A. Schmock Auditorium on April 3 for its 19th annual film festival.

High School filmmakers from across Long Island created projects in the animation, comedy, commercial, drama, horror, music video, public service announcement and trailer categories that were judged by industry professionals Kory Diskin, Rob Graydon, Colin Hickey, John Marean and Debra Markowitz. The first-place winners in each genre, as well as the cinematography, directing, editing and sound design categories all received full scholarships to the 2025

Summer Scholars program at Five Towns College.

The students spent the day watching their peers’ films, before enjoying lunch and dessert made by the Locust Valley High School culinary club and then voting on their favorite project for the audience choice.

Locust Valley students took home 19 of the 41 awards this year, including the Audience Choice Award winning PSA “Say No to Nic!” and Best in Show “Pianissimo.” “Pianissimo”

creator Abigail Maselli will have the film screened at the 28th Annual Long Island International Film Festival in July.

–Will Sheeline

Locust Valley High School star Olivia Wilde, left, and director Abigail Maselli won Best in Show for “Pianissimo” in the school’s 19th annual film festival on April 3.

Photos courtesy Locust Valley Central School District

Chris Emmerich, left, Peter Vitale, Ciaran Bowden and Kai Hoy won first place in the commercial category for their cologne advertisement titled “Peter Vitale.”

Film/broadcasting teachers Roger Boucher and Genna Cecchini with longtime students Kai Hoy and Abigail Maselli.

Gage Hoehne, left, Robert Poczatek and Chris Gianoukakis won the Audience Choice Award for their public service announcement “Say No to Nic!”

Discover what’s coming in the

APR 10

2025 High School Lacrosse Preview

Get ready for an action-packed season with the 2025 High School Lacrosse Preview, your ultimate guide to the upcoming year in local high school lacrosse. This special section highlights the teams, standout players, key matchups, and expert analysis of what to expect on the ﬁeld. Look for the Football Preview on Sept. 11 and Basketball Preview Dec. 18

APR 17

Great Homes

Great Homes is a large, full-color photo section featuring current listings, local realtors, and businesses related to real estate. Its broadsheet design makes ads 75% larger than traditional tabloid ads. Distributed with Herald Community Newspapers and mailed to local subscribers, it allows targeted community outreach. Don’t miss this opportunity to boost your business and make your season a success!

APR 17 Your Health

Welcome to Your Health: Senior Healthy Living, a dedicated section designed to help older adults embrace a vibrant, active, and fulfilling lifestyle. Here, you’ll find expert advice on nutrition, fitness, mental well-being, and preventative care tailored specifically for seniors.

APR 17

Kids, Camp and School

Welcome to Kids, Camp, and School, your go-to section for everything related to children’s learning, growth, and fun! Whether you’re preparing for the school year, exploring exciting camp opportunities, or looking for tips on child development, we’ve got you covered. From educational resources and parenting advice to creative activities and back-to-school essentials, this section is packed with helpful insights to support kids in every stage of their journey.

Steven Kent appointed LIA’s chief economist

By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

Steven Kent, an economist and financial expert with over 25 years of experience with Goldman Sachs, was recently named chief economist of the Long Island Association Research Institute.

The LIA is a nonprofit business organization advocating for the region’s economic vitality and overall business community. In his role, Kent will provide real-time economic insights that will allow business across Long Island to forecast for operational success and growth.

“Our mission will be enhanced with the addition of Dr. Steven Kent to the LIA team as the new Chief Economist of the LIA Research Institute,” Matt Cohen, president and CEO of the Long Island Association, stated in a press release. “The LIA will be well-served by his extensive private-sector experience and the valuable data and analyses he will provide to our members at this pivotal inflection point for the future of Long Island, and indeed the entire country, as we navigate uncertain economic conditions and the existential crisis of affordability.”

Kent is a lifelong Long Island resident, having grown up in Islip before

attending Stony Brook University, where he became fascinated with economics and received a B.A. in the subject.

“I walked into SUNY Stony Brook and took a class with one of the best professors on campus, intro to economics, and it basically changed my life,” said Kent. “I like the analytic part, the mathematical part, and the social science part.”

Kent joined Goldman Sachs as a junior analyst after graduating, before leaving for another firm and pursuing an MBA at NYU’s Stern School of Business. Then he returned to Goldman Sachs, where he researched and oversaw investments in the global hospitality and leisure sector before he retired as managing director in 2016. Kent was named “best stock picker” eight times by the Wall Street Journal.

“I learned you had to know the companies, you had to understand the stocks, but I started to look at what was going on in the broader economy,” he said.

After retiring, Kent wanted to share what he learned in the industry. “I always wanted to help the next generation of business leaders,” he said. “My whole career, both academic and business, I have had lots and lots of mentors

who guided me, focused me, and helped me out along the way. I wanted to do the same.”

Kent, a Baldwin resident, guest lectured at several universities before becoming a professor of economics and finance at Molloy University. He also received a Ph.D. in hospitality management.

Being named LIA’s chief economist was “a little bit of a surprise,” he said.

Kent will continue teaching at Molloy while serving the LIA. As chief economist, he will share data-informed insights and explanations of the Island’s economy, helping business owners make informed decisions about their businesses.

Kent will be releasing a newsletter broadly reporting on the U.S., New York, and Long Island economies. He will focus on specific topics and develop special projects to uplift the local economy.

According to Kent, Long Island’s current economy is vibrant. “Our unemployment rate is lower than the rest of the country. Our economic activity continues to expand,” he said. “One of the advantages Long Island has is where we’re located, so we have access to transportation and access to great universities, and that facilitates a lot of

growth.”

He said he wants to “help to allow the Long Island economy to continue its robust trajectory.”

Courtesy Steven Kent

Steven Kent grew up in Islip, earned an economics degree at Stony Brook, and then joined Goldman Sachs.

Propel NY aims to update L.I. connectivity

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

The Propel NY Energy project is a $3.26 billion initiative aimed at modernizing Long Island’s aging electric transmission system.

Why the project Is needed

New York’s electric transmission infrastructure is largely outdated — roughly 80 percent of it was built before 1980, at a time when energy needs were vastly different. With electric vehicles, heat pumps, data centers, and advanced digital technologies there will be a projected 50 to 90 percent increase in electricity demand over the next 20 years. Long Island’s grid, currently connected to the statewide network through only two points, is vulnerable to congestion and outages.

The existing grid faces significant congestion, akin to a crowded highway, which leads to inefficiencies and increased costs. Propel NY Energy is designed to add new transmission pathways that facilitate bidirectional power flow, enhancing both the reliability and resilience of the grid. This project prepares the region for a more robust and future-ready energy infrastructure.

Project scope and technical details

At the heart of the project is the construction of 90 miles of new underground transmission lines, including 66 miles in Nassau County. Additional segments will extend into Suffolk County, the Bronx and Westchester. Unlike surface lines, these cables will be installed underground using conventional trenching methods — typically 5 to 7 feet deep. In logistically challenging areas, advanced trenchless technologies such as horizontal directional drilling will be used. Propel NY Energy will add three new interconnec-

tion points. This enhancement will enable power to flow in multiple directions, relieving congestion and providing critical redundancy.

Propel NY Energy is exclusively focused on upgrading electric transmission infrastructure. It is not associated with battery storage systems or offshore wind projects, though the upgraded grid will support future renewable energy integration. Selected through a competitive solicitation process by the New York Independent System Operator from among 19 proposals by four developers, the project was chosen for its costeffectiveness and technical merits.

Environmental and community considerations

To reduce new environmental disruptions, most of

the project’s new lines will follow existing road corridors and disturbed areas. For segments crossing environmentally sensitive zones, such as the Long Island Sound, the team is applying sediment transport modeling and best management practices. When unavoidable impacts occur — particularly in wetlands — compensatory measures will be implemented by creating two to three acres of new wetlands for every acre affected.

The project is undergoing a review under New York’s Article Seven permitting process. This comprehensive environmental and socio-economic evaluation involves multiple state agencies. Anticipated approval is around July 2026.

Regular open houses and public meetings are planned to keep local communities informed and dispel misconceptions. The project prioritizes local union labor and contractors, ensuring that Nassau County and surrounding areas benefit from job opportunities. Any temporary disruptions will be addressed through detailed restoration plans.

Cost, funding and timeline

The total investment for Propel NY Energy is capped at $3.26 billion, and is funded by ratepayers across the state. For the average residential customer, the project is expected to add roughly 6 cents per day to utility bills. Projected costs are expected to be offset by long-term savings, with enhanced grid efficiency estimated to save nearly $3.3 billion in congestionrelated costs over time.

Construction is slated to begin in mid-2026 and will continue for up to four years, with project completion anticipated by mid-2030. During construction, crews are expected to progress between 50 and 150 feet per day per.

For more on Propel, go to PropelNyEnergy.com.

Lindenhurst’s Pat Benatar rocks and writes

By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com

Singing and writing for over four decades, Pat Benatar has been inspiring her fans with hits including “We Belong “and “Love Is a Battlefield,” and new songs as well, performing alongside her husband and partner, Neil Giraldo. A multi-platinum artist who has had 15 U.S. Billboard Top 40 singles and a fourtime Grammy Award winner, Benatar is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, and even received the Key to Babylon from then Town Supervisor Steve Bellone. Benatar spoke with the Herald about what Lindenhurst still means to her, what continues to inspire her, and some exciting news.

Herald: What are your thoughts on having been inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame?

Benatar: It’s great. I’m still very attached to Lindenhurst. I’m still close friends with all of the girls I went to elementary school, junior high and high school with. We still see each other all the time. Every time we go back, I always try to go to Patsy’s to get a cannoli cookie and Italian Ice. I’m still attached to where I grew up. It was such a wonderful childhood, so being inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame was important and sweet.

Herald: You are not only a singer but a songwriter as well. What has inspired your writing over the years?

Benatar: It’s pretty organic. We don’t begin songs together, my husband and I. He’ll come up with a line or a melody and I’ll come up with a poem. I write all day, that’s all I do. So I’ll come up with a poem, which will become a chorus. Once we do begin the songs, we come together and write the songs together. Inspiration comes from everywhere, which is so fascinating to me, and probably the most seductive thing about what we do. Everything is still interesting, a mystery and exciting, because the world is just an amazing place — crazy and beautiful.

Herald: What has given you strength over the years to truly give your all at your live shows?

Benatar: I just love it. It has never changed for Neil or me. Live performance is still my favorite thing to do. The joy of actually being in a shared experience of performing is still the thing I love the most, that keeps me going, and it’s never old.

Herald: I’m sure you’ve had many career highlights. Are there a couple of moments that have stood out?

Benatar: There are so many moments. Sometimes they’re very small

— a little child will come up to the front of the stage and they hand you a flower. You’re always in awe of being blessed with something like this. I feel like my only job is to be a good steward of what I have.

The thing that stopped me in my tracks, though, I would have to say, was 9/11. We had to perform that night. The promoter begged us to perform. We begged him to please cancel the concert. We were just as distraught as everyone

else. The promoter said that people wanted to come, they wanted to be together. So we went out there and I just said to the audience that before we do this, I need to talk to you all first, because I don’t know how I’m going to do this and I may have to stop songs. The audience was sobbing. It was amazing. It was awful. They had bed sheets with God Bless America on them. This was one of the moments where you understand how important it is what you’re giving to each other in a performance. What they gave to me and what I hope I gave back to them at that moment is healing, it’s an embrace. That’s what it felt like. I felt like they were embracing us and we were embracing them. And songs like “Invincible,” were so powerful that night, it became like a rallying cry. I sang that song a billion times, but that night it was different.

Herald: Do you have any advice regarding resilience, overcoming odds and pursuing a dream, that you would like to share with our women readers in particular?

Benatar: Much has changed, and then much hasn’t changed, and someone is always ready to take it all back away from us. Everyone will push that limit, and you have to stand there like a warrior. Don’t think that you’re safe and everything is going to be OK, because every single day there’s someone challenging the position, trying to take away any strides we have made. I have two daughters, two granddaughters, and my whole thing is, you are unique and at the same time you are part of a collective, you are part of every female that went before you and every female that will go after you. Make it count!

Herald: And what do you have coming up in regard to new music, touring and projects?

Benatar: We’re going out on a spring tour and hitting all the places we didn’t hit last year. We’re looking forward to it. We’ll be pulling out a lot of new songs that haven’t been recorded yet. Neil and I also have a children’s book coming out, “My Grandma and Grandpa Rock.” It’s such unbelievable fun.

The one thing about art is it has so many forms. We have these three darling grandbabies. They are very precocious, and have seen us perform a few times, and they ask us all kinds of questions, so we thought it would be really fun to write them a book about why we do what we do and that people do all different kinds of things for jobs — some people are teachers and doctors, and these are people’s grandpas and grandmas too. It was joyous and fun, and it’s a very inclusive book. I really believe diversity is a superpower.

To learn more about “My Grandma and Grandpa Rock” or to pre-order a copy, visit read.sourcebooks.com/my-grandmaand-grandpa-rock-by-pat-benatar-andneil-giraldo. To find out more about Benatar and her upcoming tour, visit benatargiraldo.com.

Travis Shinn

Pat Benatar with her husband and creative partner, Neil Giraldo.

STEPPING OUT

Where the audience always comes ﬁrst

Long Island Children’s Museum Theater Director

Jim Packard says goodbye to his role of a lifetime

By Danielle Schwab

There are 140 seats at the theater at Long Island Children’s Museum and Jim Packard has sat in almost every single one.

“There’s not a bad seat in the theater. Wherever you sit, you can see the whole stage, and you’re no more than ﬁve, six rows away from the stage, which is pretty special,” he says.

Packard has been instrumental in the growth of the museum’s theatrical programming from inception, since the theater’s construction in 2001. It all begin with a committee he didn’t know he was on, when he was asked to consult on the museum’s theater then in development.

Prior to joining the museum, Packard was involved with theater and event management in Manhattan, and has taught stage technology and design.

“I was asked by a friend on the LICM theater committee to look at the plans the architect had drawn up. Then that spring, they had listed me as ‘not present’ at a theater committee meeting,” Packard recalls.

“I said: ‘I didn’t know I was on this committee, but I’m happy to serve on it and to help out the museum in whatever way I can.’ They said: ‘That’s all right. The committee has dissolved at this point.’

“I asked: ‘Who’s watching out for the theater?’ And that’s when I got hired.”

From his ﬁrst position — as Theater Coordinator to his ﬁnal role as Director of Theater Programs — Packard has made his mark over these past 24 years.

His philosophy, in keeping with the museum’s mission, is to put the audience ﬁrst.

“It always boils down to making sure that the audience is the one that you’re paying attention to, because there’s no point in doing theater without an audience,” he explains. The productions are carefully chosen with a strong focus on audience interaction, with many tying into exhibits and related events.

“Our dressing room door has a big sheet of brown paper on it, and every time the actors hear something fun or interesting coming from the audience, they will write it on that board, just to remind them to pay attention to what the audience is saying,” he adds.

There is sure to be plenty of audience response to the upcoming production of “Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play!” The beloved show, opening April 14, which involves the audience as a character in the story, is always popular with visitors. Adapted from Mo Willems’ best-selling children’s series, the hilarious duo of Elephant and Piggie gets tangled in all sorts of antics, learning the meaning of friendship along the way.

“Elephant and Piggie realize there’s an audience watching them, and then they talk and interact with the audience, invite them to sing along and be a part of the show,” Packard says.

With Packard’s retirement this month, the production

• Performances April 14-19, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.

• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800 for tickets

• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City

acts as a passing of the baton to new hands. Taking on the assignment are not one but two folks: Lisa Rudin as artistic director and Austin Costello as technical director.

It’s a full circle moment for both Rudin and Costello, who appeared as Elephant and Piggie in previous stagings of the production.

Costello, a distinguished puppeteer in his own right, has worked with the museum’s theater since 2015.

His love of puppetry started back as a kid in ‘90s, when he visited the museum and saw a puppet on display. His career led him to roles in children’s theater, including Sesame Street.

“The little lessons that we ﬁnd along the way in our shows are the major takeaways that we get to share with families and especially with kids who might be having problems. It’s such an important thing to me to bring children up in a good way, and to help them understand the world around them,” Costello says.

“It’s wonderful to be able to carry on the legacy of Jim, who’s worked so hard for so many people, and who has taken a lot of time to take me under his wing and train me,” he adds.

Rudin also has a personal history with the museum.

“The ﬁrst time I came to the theater here was when I brought my children in 2019. I was like, ‘what a beautiful theater this is.’ This is just perfect,” she says.

She has worn many theatrical hats throughout her career, including as an actor on Sesame Street Live and an education director for a children’s theater school.

Rudin and Costello will surely continue the theater’s aim to connect with children through imaginative and creative storytelling,

”Children learn empathy from watching characters on stage. They understand content and what happens in the story more from seeing it live,” Rudin says.

While Packard may be waving goodbye as director, his legacy remains rooted to the museum’s very foundation.

Joan Osborne sings Dylan

The seven-time Grammy nominee brings her extraordinary voice and artistic depth to the timeless music of Bob Dylan.The recent biopic “A Complete Unknown” brings Dylan to the forefront once again. Meanwhile Osborne has spent over 25 years captivating audiences with her fearless exploration of genres ranging from rock and blues to soul, gospel and country. Her journey with Dylan’s catalog began in 2016 with a series of “Dylanology” concerts. Her critically-acclaimed 2018 album, “Songs of Bob Dylan,” and her live performances showcase her ability to reimagine Dylan’s iconic works, highlighting the emotional resonance and poetic brilliance of his music. Osborne turns back the clock with her soulful reinterpretations that exude passion, emotion and energy. .

Friday, April 11, 8 p.m. $59, $55, $48, also special VIP package. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Rick Wakeman

“When I was 19-years-old, walking

“When I was 19-years-old, walking across my college theater’s auditorium, I thought I could do this every day for the rest of my life — and I got that opportunity,” he shares.

“It’s been one of the more wonderful

“It’s been one of the more wonderful experiences in life, in terms of just getting to do so much that makes so many people happy.”

Photos courtesy LICM

Top photo: Outgoing Director Jim Packard, center, and cast and crew of “Interstellar Cinderella” gather at the ﬁnal performance.

Bottom photo: Elephant (Finn MacDevitt) and Piggie (Anneka Shepherd ) return to the museum’s stage in a production helmed by new Artistic Director Lisa Rudin.

Experience the magic of progressive rock legend Rick Wakeman when he brings his “Final Solo Tour” to Long Island. Renowned for his keyboard wizardry and captivating stage presence, Wakeman invites you on a journey through iconic Yes classics, unforgettable solo compositions and personal favorites. With a career spanning over ﬁve decades and album sales exceeding 50 million, Rick’s extraordinary contributions to music have earned him accolades, including a CBE from Queen Elizabeth II. This tour is a heartfelt farewell to his legendary one-man shows in the U.S., but his music will continue to inspire fans worldwide. Rick’s career is a testament to his versatility and enduring artistry. His live performances seamlessly blend masterful musicianship with humor and storytelling, creating an intimate and unforgettable experience.

Wednesday, April 16, 8 p.m. $75, $65, $55, $45, $35, $29.50. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.

THE Your Neighborhood

‘Cold Beer on a Saturday Night’ Spring blooms with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band. Before you know back on the beach, but Jimmy Kenny and his band come to the rescue, on the Paramount stage, Saturday, April 19, 8 p.m. Join in their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily: it’s 5 o’clock somewhere so let’s ‘raise ‘em up and sing along.

The Long Island-based band — guided by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals/ acoustic guitar, with Linn DeMilta (aka Lovely Linn), lead and backing vocals, Luis Rios, lead guitar/ backing vocals, Frank Stainkamp, keyboard/backing vocals, Dan Prine, bass, and drummer Mike Vecchione, have been celebrating the beach country sounds of Buffett, Chesney and Zac Brown Band for over a decade, spreading their vibe up and down the Northeast coast. Everyone has a great time grooving to their lively mix of their popular sing-along hits and feel good, easy living flair. If you like your toes in the sand, wasting away with a margarita or a cold beer, then you’ll surely have a great time with the Jimmy Kenny Band. $35, $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Jazz it up

Jazz at Lincoln Center brings its Webop Family Jazz Party’s “Swingin’ Nursery Rhymes and Lullabies” to the Long Island Children’s Museum theater, Sunday, April 13, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Get ready to hear classic nursery rhymes and lullabies like “Old McDonald,” “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and “Wheels on the Bus” with a jazzy twist! Led by talented musicians and educators, little ones will be introduced to the magic of jazz while singing, dancing, and joining in on the fun. This family-friendly performance is sure to inspire future jazz lovers, so be sure to bring the whole crew for a toe-tapping, finger-snapping good time! $5 with museum admission ($4 members), $10 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Go to licm.org or call (516) 2245800 for more information.

Little Learners’ Earth Day

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, April 19, noon-3 p.m. Kids and their adult partners talk about and make art together. While there, enjoy reading and play in the Reading Room, and contribute to the collaborative Lobby Project. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit nassaumuseum. org to register or call (516) 484-9337.

Easter Egg Hunt

Heritage Farm and Garden hosts an Easter Egg Hunt, Saturday, April 12. With spring-themed crafts, photos with “Heritage Harry” the Easter Bunny, visiting farm animals, and more. $5 if purchased online at heritagefarmandgarden.com; $7 if purchased at the gate. Parking is free. 6050 Northern Blvd., in Muttontown, For questions call (516) 922-1026.

Planting Fields Little Learners series continues with an Earth Day celebration, Friday, April 18, 10-11 a.m. Families will enjoy a funfilled experience, with a reading of “Gifts from the Garbage Truck” by Andrew Larsen. Together, explore the importance of reusing, reducing, and recycling in a way that’s perfect for young minds. With an Earth-inspired craft project. For ages 2-5. $15 per child. 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay. Visit plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210 to register and for information.

Author talk

The Gold Coast Forum hosts author-editor-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.

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.

Independent Bookstore Day

Theodore’s Books celebrates Independent Bookstore Day, Saturday, April 26, with a full day of activities and a raffle with a big prize for one lucky shopper. Shoppers can enjoy a Blind Date with a Book, add to the store’s community writing prompt, enter a raffle to win a free stack of books by spending $50. Sip some wine and snack on treats, 5-7 p.m. 17 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. For more information visit theodoresbooks.com. For questions call (516) 636-5550.

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 dog-friendly vendors offering unique products and services for your furry friends, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

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.

April 11, 2025 —

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 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

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

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION OF THE 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 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

Public Notices

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

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

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 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

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.

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 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

April 11, 2025 —

22 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.

Public Notices

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.

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

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

ASSESSOR’S NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF THE FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL

THE ASSESSOR OF THE COUNTY OF NASSAU HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that he has completed the 2025/2026 final assessment roll, which will be used for the 2026 levy of Town and County Taxes in the Towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay, and the City of Glen Cove and the City of Long Beach, and for the 2025/2026 levy of school taxes in such Towns and in the City of Long Beach. A certified electronic copy of the roll was filed with the Department of Assessment on April 1, 2024. The electronic roll may be examined on public terminals located in the offices of:

DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENT

NASSAU COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING 240 OLD COUNTRY ROAD, FOURTH FLOOR MINEOLA, NY 11501 where the same will remain open for public inspection for fifteen days.

Dated this 1st day of April 2025.

JOSEHA A. ADAMO Assessor, Nassau County 152810

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an On Premises Tavern Full Liquor License, Application ID NA-0370-25-108290 has been applied for by Provisions Market LLC d/b/a Provisions Market serving beer, wine, cider and liquor to be sold at retail for on premises consumption in a tavern for the premises located at 108 South Street Oyster Bay NY 11771. 152886

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF PROFESSIONAL LIMITED LIABILITY

COMPANY: Quinn Legal Solutions, PLLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/25/2025. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail a copy of any process to the LLC at PO Box 312, Mill Neck, NY 11765. Purpose: Any lawful purpose permitted for LLCs under NY Ltd Liability Co Act. 152888

Town of O.B. joins neighbors in opposition to RAPID Act

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino joined Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, North Hempstead Town Supervisor Jen DeSena, Town and fire officials from across Nassau County to denounce the latest attempt by Albany to override local zoning laws through their latest proposal known as the RAPID Act. Through this legislation, Albany would have the power to fast-track largescale energy projects such as high voltage power lines and electric battery storage facilities throughout Long Island, bypassing local regulations.

Tmunity input. It also calls for eminent domain expansion, where private property could be taken for power lines. All approvals would be under the jurisdiction of New York State, bypassing local laws and zoning regulations.

Those comments brought quick response from the New York State Public Service Commission which supports the changes.

his proposal could strip away our ability to decide what’s best for our communities, ultimately silencing local residents.

“This proposal could strip away our ability to decide what’s best for our communities, ultimately silencing local residents,” said Saladino. “Under the RAPID Act, massive energy projects would be forced on local neighborhoods and expansive lithium storage facilities or highvoltage power lines could even be placed near homes and schools. The proposal removes local control – giving Albany the final say, not the residents who live here.”

JOSEPH SALADINO Oyster Bay

Town Supervisor

Officials further explained that the RAPID Act includes automatic approvals, greenlighting projects with no com-

“The supervisors’ position is unfounded,” said James Denn, a spokesman for the New York State Public Service Commission.

“Local governments will be able to continue to provide input on project compliance, including compliance with zoning laws. The RAPID Act does not remove public participation/consultation and it maintains the requirement that local zoning codes are honored to the extent practicable.”

In fact, the RAPID Act improves public participation and builds in more provisions for public involvement and requires developers to do local engagement on transmission projects, which the current law only encourages it, said Denn.

The PSC is currently seeking comments regarding proposed RAPID Act regulations. Comments can be submitted here: shorturl.at/ki9Na

Villainous Venice THE GREAT BOOK GURU

Dear Great Book Guru, One of my favorites places in the world is Venice and I have visited it many, many times over the years. Alas, this year I’m not able to make the journey. Do you have books that might help me experience Venice while in Sea Cliff?

Lover of All Things Venetian

Dear Lover of All Things Venetian,

I too am a huge fan of Venice and often tell my friends that Sea Cliff and Venice are so very much alike. I do admit they usually look puzzled at this comparison.

This book opens in early spring 2024 and Venice is dealing with the problem of “baby gangs” - young boys all under fourteen - thus too young to be prosecuted. They stage wild meetups just to appear on social media.

ANN DIPIETRO

But I have a perfect solution to your malaise – Donna Leon’s newest literary mystery: “A Refiner’s Fire.” This is the thirty-third book in her Commissario Brunetti series. Brunetti is a seasoned lawyer, police commissioner, and Roman scholar. His wife, a Henry James expert, teaches at the university.

When these rival gangs are picked up by the police, parents are called to retrieve them. One of the boys is left and a kindly policewoman walks him home. This good deed opens up an amazing tale of deceit, corruption and violence going back to 2002 with its aftermath coloring the lives of high-powered government officials and low level mobsters.

Throughout this, we see the unique beauty of Venice’s plazas, churches, canals, and byzantine streets. As always, the crime is secondary to the story - and the story is always Venice - highly recommended.

Would you like to ask the Great Book Guru for a book suggestion? Contact her at annmdipietro@gmail.com.

OPINIONS

Democrats put Nassau at risk by not passing Capital Plan

Nassau County has enjoyed a lot of success during my time as county executive. Our residents have benefited from a notax-increase budget for three years straight, and I plan to deliver them a fourth. My administration cut $150 million in taxes planned by the previous administration. I hired over 300 new police and correctional officers to protect our streets.

And the county was named the most desirable place to live in all of New York state by Niche magazine.

But our county now faces a crisis that threatens to halt our growth and impede our progress. I am deeply disappointed and frustrated that the 2025 Capital Plan was not passed by the County Legislature. The plan, which is vital for the continued development and safety of all of Nassau, has been blocked by Democratic legislators who have refused to give it their bipartisan support. It is disturbing to witness such a politically motivated decision when it directly jeopardizes the welfare of our residents.

The implications of not passing the Capital Plan extend far beyond politics. I am very concerned about delaying funding for important public-safety ini-

tiatives. I am proud to say that Nassau County holds the title as the safest county in America, but we risk throwing that away and undermining the systems designed to protect our families and neighborhoods without the funding and resources guaranteed by the plan.

Under the negotiated proposal blocked by Democratic legislators, the plan would provide tens of millions of dollars in funding to secure essential tools for police officers who put their lives on the line to protect us. Those investments include:

■ $1.14 million for bulletproof vests

■ $1.1 million for tasers

■ $105,000 for upgraded firearms

Fals vehicle.

ailing to

secure this funding will hurt communities across the county.

■ $1.5 million for body cameras.

Support for our firefighters and emergency responders is also jeopardized while the Capital Plan stalls in the Legislature. For 2025 alone, we have millions of dollars budgeted for key items that include:

■ $3 million for new ambulances

■ $550,000 for new firefighting equipment and high-axle vehicles to save residents during floods

■ $500,000 to upgrade fire department communications system

■ $600,000 for a new hazardous-materi-

IWe also negotiated a six-figure investment in the Fire Service Academy Master Plan so that our volunteer firefighters get the best training available. Setting back that training by not passing the Capital Plan would be an egregious mistake by our Democratic legislators. On top of spending on public safety, the Capital Plan also includes important initiatives aimed at improving the county’s infrastructure, including improvements that will improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. The hamlet of Elmont, for example, was scheduled to receive $2.7 million in traffic and pedestrian safety improvements that are now being blocked.

Another $1.5 million in similar improvements was slated for the Village of Lynbrook, at the five-way intersection at Hempstead Avenue. Blocked.

We planned to spend $250,000 on traffic safety and pedestrian improvements for Merrick Road in Freeport.

Blocked.

You can see just how quickly the money adds up. Failing to secure this funding will hurt communities across the county if we don’t act now. We cannot afford indecision or crass political posturing when our taxpayers are relying on us. I am calling on our Democrat-

ic legislators to put aside politics and prioritize the well-being of Nassau County residents by passing the Capital Plan. It is time to focus on what truly matters — the safety and quality of life of our citizens.

I also urge county residents to make their voices heard. Contact your legislators, express your concerns, and advocate for the passage of the Capital Plan. Here is the contact information for the Democratic legislators who blocked the plan and put you at risk.

Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton Phone: (516) 571-6211

Email: dderiggiwhitton@nassaucountyny.gov

Legislator Scott Davis

Phone: (516) 571-6201

Email: SDavis@nassaucountyny.gov

Legislator Olena Nicks

Phone: (516) 571-6202

Email: onicks@nassaucountyny.gov

Legislator Carrie Solages

Phone: (516) 571-6203

Email: csolages@nassaucountyny.gov

Legislator Seth Koslow

Phone: (516) 571-6205

Email: skoslow@nassaucountyny.gov

Legislator Debra Mulé

Phone: (516) 571-6206

Email: dmule@nassaucountyny.gov

Legislator Arnold Drucker Phone: (516) 571-6216

Email: adrucker@nassaucountyny.gov

Bruce Blakeman is Nassau County executive.

Why I still cheer like a kid for my teams

am 64 years old. I have lived a full life, raised a family, built a career and seen the world change in ways I never imagined. But when one of my favorite sports teams takes the field, I’m still a 12-year-old boy, heart pounding, stomach twisting, living and dying with every play or atbat.

A great touchdown catch or a clutch base hit still sends me into wild fist pumping. A botched play or a baffling coaching decision has me pacing the room, muttering in disbelief.

The baseball season just started, and I moaned about the Mets’ slow start in a sports text thread. One of my friends texted, “They’ve faced strong pitching.” I responded, “Aren’t they supposed to have a strong lineup and that Soto guy?” The same friend wrote: “It’s one week, calm down.”

When you’re a fan, calm isn’t your default state of mind. This isn’t a hobby — it’s a lifelong relationship. And like any deep, long-term commitment, it started early.

I still remember my first baseball game. I was 7, holding my father’s hand as we made our way through the crowded concourse of Yankee Stadium. Though I was a Mets fan, we went with family friends. The air smelled of hot dogs, beer and cigars. Two years later, I went to my first football game, also in Yankee Stadium. I’m a Giants fan, and on that October Sunday my dad and I watched Big Blue defeat the then St. Louis Cardinals. Sitting around us were football fans who held transistor radios to their ears so they’d know what penalty had been called and exactly where the ball was on the field. At the time, no planet-sized TV screen showed the previous play seconds after it ended.

S ports are a connection — to my childhood, to my dad, to my friends.

superstitions, the little things we do that make us feel like we’re part of something bigger. For me, it started with where I sat to watch at home. Every time my team was in the playoffs, I had to be in the same spot on the couch. Not just the same couch — the same spot on that couch.

pure joy. The kind of joy that makes you jump up and down like a kid on his birthday.

But the lows? Oh, the lows hurt. A blown lead, a boneheaded play that costs the game, a gut-wrenching loss — they stay with you. You replay them in your head and commiserate about them with friends.

Sports fandom isn’t just about watching games — it’s about the rituals, the

Before the most recent two Super Bowls that the Giants played in (and won), I had to watch the movie “Friday Night Lights” two hours before game time. Was there any logical reason to believe that watching a film about high school football would influence the outcome of a Super Bowl? Of course not. But did I dare test my illogical theory by not watching it? Absolutely not. If you ask any true sports fan why they put themselves through the emotional rollercoaster of fandom, they’ll tell you the highs are worth the lows. And it’s true — when my team wins, when they pull off an improbable comeback or dominate their opponent, it’s

People who don’t follow sports don’t get it. They ask why I let a game played by people I’ve never met affect me so deeply. Or they ask whether I have a big bet on the game.

But it’s not just a game. It’s a connection — to my childhood, to my father, who took me to those first games, to my friends who have shared in the victories and defeats. It’s a constant in a world that constantly changes.

At 64, I’m not the same person I was at 12. But when my team takes the field, that kid inside me comes roaring back across the decades, full of hope, excitement and the unshakable belief that this time, maybe this time, we’ll win it all.

Jeffrey Bessen is the managing editor of Herald Community Media.

JEFFREY BESSEN

OPINIONS

Have fun, and learn new skills, working for the town

Imagine spending your summer outdoors, making new friends, gaining valuable experience, and even getting paid for it. For young people in the Town of Oyster Bay, a variety of exciting job opportunities offer just that — fun, meaningful work that builds skills for the future. Whether you’re looking to be a camp counselor, lifeguard, coach or referee, the possibilities for a rewarding summer are endless.

Those who enjoy working with kids and making a difference can apply to be counselors in the town’s Summer Recreation or Group Activities Program for developmentally disabled children and young adults. Counselors help plan activities, lead games, and foster a sense of community among campers. This role is perfect for those who thrive in dynamic environments and want to develop valuable skills such as leadership, communication and problem-solving.

Participants in the Summer Recreation Program take part in trips, tournaments, shows and athletic events, making it a great first job for many residents. More-experienced applicants can apply for coordinator, leader and assistant leader positions. The GAP program also offers roles for activities specialists with a degree in special education or experience working with those with special needs, as well as recreation aides starting at age 16. Both programs offer real-world experience while allowing counselors to make lasting memories and a real impact in their community.

You name the summer job, and we’ve got it, from counselors to lifeguards.

For young athletes eager to share their love of sports, the town is hiring basketball coaches and referees for the Summer Youth Basketball Program, as well as youth and adult tennis assistants. In these positions, individuals teach the fundamentals of the game while promoting teamwork and sportsmanship. Coaching not only helps develop leadership skills, but also fosters a sense of camaraderie among participants. Watching young athletes grow

and succeed is a reward in itself. Experienced swimmers as young as 15 can apply to be lifeguards at one of the town’s fantastic summer facilities. This role builds confidence, self-esteem and responsibility while providing a vital service to the community. Town lifeguards play a crucial role in keeping residents safe, and have saved countless lives in both pool and ocean waters. Lifeguarding also provides excellent training for those interested in careers in emergency response, health care or sports instruction. Those who qualify will have access to lifeguard certification courses, ensuring that they are fully prepared for this essential role.

Summer jobs aren’t just about filling time — they’re about gaining real-world experience that prepares young people for the future. Beyond the practical skills like leadership and teamwork, these roles help build confidence, independence and strong work ethics.

Employers and colleges look for candidates with hands-on experience, and summer employment in recreation is a standout addition to any resume. Many

former participants have gone on to successful careers in education, sports management and public service, crediting their summer job as a pivotal learning experience.

Beyond career benefits, summer employment is also about creating lifelong friendships and cherished memories. Many who work in these programs form bonds that extend well beyond the summer, staying in touch with colleagues and campers for years to come. It’s an experience that leaves a lasting impact, shaping young people into responsible and compassionate adults. The connections made during a summer job often open doors to future opportunities, whether through networking, mentorship or leadership growth.

If you know of enthusiastic and dedicated young people looking for a summer job, visit the Town’s website, oysterbaytown.com/parks, for more information. And if you’re one of them, whether you’re looking to keep swimmers safe, inspire young athletes or lead campers on summer adventures, there’s a role for you. Apply today and make this summer one to remember.

Joseph Saladino is supervisor of the Town of Oyster Bay.

A holiday homily: the family that ate its pets

Thus it came to pass, in the Land of Brooklyn, that Morris Brownstein knew Anna Brownstein, his second cousin, and they begat Hilda, Murray, Pearl and Zelda. Pearl, third in the family order, was my mother, and the only one who seemed to have entirely escaped the questionable legacy of having parents who were also blood relatives.

In the warm bosom of my mother’s nuclear family, accent on nuclear, Passover was a sacred time. Sacred not in a religious way, but in a culinary way. Grandma Annie and Grandpa Morris spared no effort in bringing to their four children an authentic holiday experience.

Perhaps the most cherished Brownstein family tradition was dining on homemade gefilte fish for the holiday. Let me digress. Gefilte fish (from the Yiddish word for “stuffed”) is an acquired taste. A cement-colored composite of various scaled fish, such as carp and pike and whitefish, mixed with

ground vegetables and matzo meal, it tastes like a fishy matzo ball. People eat it cold, with mouth-scorching horseradish to kill the taste.

When I say it is an acquired taste, I mean you had to be there at the beginning. Let’s see, it’s 5785 on the Hebrew calendar, so if you started eating gefilte fish two or three thousand years ago, you probably look forward to having it on the Seder table this year. You can’t just munch gefilte with no prior experience.

himself too thin.

Anyway, keeping the carp in the tub wasn’t without consequences for the Family Brownstein. First, since the carp was in the tub for some time, and there was only one bathtub, well, draw your own conclusions.

M y mother always wanted a kitten or a puppy, but learned to bond with a carp.

For her gefilte fish, Grandma Annie believed in going to the source, so she would buy a large, live carp and keep it in the bathtub for a week or two until it was time to ease it from its comfortable aquatic home into a grinder.

This was fish farming in its most primitive form. The business possibilities were not lost on young Murray, who was blessed with an entrepreneurial spirit. When he was 19, he considered buying up tens of thousands of bathtubs to raise carp. Unfortunately, at the time all his funds were tied up in a machine that made shoes out of sweet potatoes, and he didn’t want to spread

The second consequence of growing their own, so to speak, was that my mother, the most tenderhearted of the lot, immediately bonded with the carp. She had always longed for a kitten or a puppy, but her parents weren’t about to indulge her, so once a year she had what you might call a transitory experience in nurturing an animal. Granted, a carp isn’t much of a pet, but young Pearl had little else to call her own.

This was not what you would call a psychologically enlightened family. Since “Sesame Street” had not yet been created, Grandma would entertain her kids by taking them to the Canarsie slaughterhouse, where they would watch the chickens being killed. You can see why they didn’t worry much about young Pearl playing with the carp in the tub.

When the day came, a few days before Passover, Grandma was the designated

executioner. This was an interesting division of labor, since Grandpa Morris displayed distinct homicidal potential, having once chased a woman around a butcher shop with a knife after she insulted President Roosevelt. He was also enlisted in a civilian patrol, looking for submarines in Brooklyn, when he fell into a sidewalk hole and wasn’t found for days. But that’s another story.

Anyway, Grandma Annie, ignoring all pleas for clemency for the fish, would drain the tub and dispatch the carp with her cleaver. A day later, they set a beautiful table, and after a few prayers, devoured the fish, which lived on in its new incarnation — homemade gefilte fish swimming in its own aspic.

For dessert, Grandma made what came to be known as the Cake of Affliction, a 12-egg, foot-high sponge cake that, year after year, stuck to the pan, fell like a pancake instead of rising like a soufflé and broke our hearts.

Times pass, and so do people. Rituals change. This Passover, my husband is the only one at the table who will eat gefilte fish. The Cake of Affliction isn’t on the menu. At today’s egg prices, the family sponge cake has become a highrisk investment.

Spring into the new season by volunteering

As the winter chill fades and the warmth of spring sets in, April presents us with the perfect opportunity to step out of our homes and into our communities. It is National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize the vital contributions of volunteers and encourage others to take part in acts of service. With the season’s longer days, there’s no better moment to embrace the spirit of giving, and making a difference.

Volunteering is more than just a noble act — it’s a powerful way to foster change, make personal connections and enhance our well-being. Whether you’re helping clean up a local park, mentoring a young student or lending a hand at a food bank, your contributions have a lasting impact. This month, let’s not only celebrate those who dedicate their time to service, but also join them in strengthening our communities.

National Volunteer Month highlights the invaluable role that volunteers play in shaping society. The best, most selfless volunteering isn’t confined to a single day or week; it’s an ongoing effort that promotes social responsibility, empathy and collective progress.

It also benefits the volunteer. Studies show that devoting time to helping others can reduce stress, combat loneliness and engender a sense of purpose. It helps people acquire new skills and build professional as well as social networks, and often opens doors to new career opportunities.

One of the best aspects of volunteering is its flexibility — there’s something for everyone. Whether you have a few hours to spare each month or can commit to a regular schedule, there are countless ways to contribute. Here are just a few examples:

■ Community cleanups: Help beautify

LETTERS

Thanks for a young woman’s perspective

To the Editor:

Great places to lend a hand

American Red Cross, Long Island Chapter

195 Willis Ave. Mineola (516) 747-3500

RedCross.org/local/new-york

Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center

100 Crescent Beach Road, Glen Cove (516) 571-8040 hmtcli.org

Island Harvest 126 Spagnoli Road, Melville (516) 294-8528 (631) 873-4775 IslandHarvest.org

Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation

3300 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh (631) 425-1884

LastHopeAnimalRescue.org

Long Island Cares 10 Davids Drive, Hauppauge (631) 582-3663 LiCares.org

United Way of Long Island 819 Grand Blvd., Deer Park (631) 940-3700 UnitedWayLi.org

your local parks, streets and other community spaces by picking up litter, powerwashing sidewalks or planting flowers.

■ Animal welfare: Volunteer at an animal shelter or foster a rescue pet. The need for volunteers at these facilities has

I very much appreciated Jordan Vallone’s recent op-ed, “Some thoughts on books, privilege and girlhood.” As a lifelong reader, I think life is so much more enjoyable having a good book to read. Books are, in many ways, our teachers. Vallone’s emphasis on the importance of books for young women dealing with this complex and stressful world is so relevant. As I look back on my teaching career, I think we should have had more literature from a woman’s point of view, focusing on the situations and problems they had to face.

And thanks to Jordan for her book suggestions. I feel I should read some literature from the perspective of young

never been greater.

■ Educational support: Tutor a student, chaperone a school field trip or help out in your local library.

■ Food assistance: Work at a food pantry or take part in a meal delivery program. Lots of community members lend a hand during the holiday season, but here, too, volunteers can find plenty to do all year round.

■ Health care and support services: Visit a nursing home, assist hospital staff, or support a mental health initiative.

■ Environmental advocacy: Take part in a tree-planting effort, a recycling program or a sustainability project.

April is also Global Volunteer Month, celebrating the many ways people and organizations support their neighbors and strengthen their communities around the world. Volunteer Recognition Day, April 20, will kick off National Volunteer Week, April 20-26, a weeklong celebration of the efforts of volunteers. There are numerous opportunities this month to take part in events, campaigns and initiatives that need and will welcome your help. It’s a time to take action, and inspire others to do the same. And by getting children and young adults involved, we can help instill a lifelong commitment to service and civic responsibility. Whether through school programs or community projects, we can encourage the next generation to embrace the values of kindness, empathy, and community involvement.

If you’ve been looking for a way to give back, let the month that symbolizes renewal and growth be the time you take that first step. Whether you join a oneday event or dedicate a few hours a week, your contribution matters. Step outside, lend a hand and experience the joy of making a difference.

OPINIONS

No more excuses on county opioid funding

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

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

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

tlements with ShopRite supermarkets, Target and Henry Schein Inc.

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

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

Whave the ability to handle the distribution of these funds under its current leadership — and that agencies entrusted with distributing these funds should at least be consulting with experts in the field as they formulate a strategy.

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

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

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

Their testimony and lack of results to date made it clear that DHS doesn’t

LETTERS

people growing up in 2025.

More power to her pride in being a woman, her seeing the importance of literature for young women and her having the talent to bring attention to women’s stories that deserve to be told and heard.

JIM HAWKINS Baldwin

Why so much opposition to the president?

To the Editor:

Spreading propaganda is an evil tool used to create anger, hysteria, rage and jealousy among unthinking people. This method was successfully used in Nazi Germany in the 1930s. It encouraged book burning and Kristallnacht. It appears very similar to Tesla burning and mob protesting against Jewish students at Columbia University.

When children are young, they are taught to obey their parents, because they are the adults. In a mob mentality, people behave very similar to children, because they are also told what to do, and encouraged to engage in destructive, harmful, irrational behavior. When those who attack our American citizens are released and defended by judges, whose civil rights are violated? Can judges overrule the president of the United States?

We need strong leadership to prevent civil disobedience and violence, and more credit must be given to President Trump, who was given this arduous task by a clear majority. Why is there so much opposition?

PAT KING Merrick

The Senate should not confirm D’Esposito

To the Editor:

Just how much confidence can we have in a failed congressman, Anthony D’Esposito, whose brief tenure was marked by slavish obeisance to the grossly unqualified President Trump (before he returned to office), and who now, ironically, Trump has appointed inspector general for the Labor Department, which the administration is eviscerating, after Trump has dismissed independent inspectors-general in more than a dozen such agencies?

The answer is a resounding, Not a scintilla of trust!

More likely, like the multi-failed Kari Lake in Arizona, who lost races for both governor and senator but became Trump’s nemesis of the hugely successful Voice of America, D’Esposito is keeping a political profile for a return run for

After years of delays, the Legislature in February created a method for providers to submit applications, and authorized a maximum allocation of $1 million to bring in an outside firm to fix this disaster. I joined my fellow legislators in supporting the measure because we need professionals to cut through the confusion and get these lifesaving resources to where they belong. Had we known of the level of disorganization three years ago, we could have acted much sooner — but the administration would not admit that it was unable to adequately manage this critical task. Its failure to come clean — a recurring problem with the administration — will have real-life consequences.

I have attended far too many funerals for young overdose victims, and know the heartbreak this crisis inflicts. Addiction doesn’t discriminate — it

devastates families of all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, religion, sex or economic status. The catastrophic danger posed by the increasing presence of deadly fentanyl makes the stakes higher than ever before.

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

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

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

FRAMEWORK by Tim Baker

elective office. They, along with the current administration, belong not to a (Pete) Hegseth “meritocracy,” but together form the gang that couldn’t shoot straight: incompetent, ignorant, intol-

erant and dangerous to our liberal democratic republic. D’Esposito should be denied Senate confirmation.

At Culinary Delights at the Mansion — Glen Cove

ASHER MATATHIAS Woodmere

DELIA