Oyster Bay Herald 04-19-2024

Celebrating neurodiversity at Planting Fields Arboretum

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

Planting Fields Arboretum is gearing up to host its inaugural Natural Sensory Celebration, a weeklong event that will cater to neurodivergent people and their families. Scheduled to kick off on Monday and continue for a week, the event aims to foster a deeper connection with nature while providing a safe and inclusive environment for participants of all ages.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, an academic medical center, the term neurodivergent describes “people whose brain differences affect how their brain works.” While

that can include those who have medical disorders, learning disabilities and other conditions, it more broadly refers to those whose brains simply operate differently from what is considered “neurotypical.”

Sarah Crowley, the director of learning and youth engagement at Planting Fields, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming event, and emphasized the importance of offering programming that highlights acceptance and celebration of natural sensory experiences.

“This event was created so parents and their kiddos can explore Planting Fields and understand that nature is safe, and teaching

County hires RRDA as its tourism agency

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

In a significant development for the local tourism industry, RRDA, a Glen Head-based marketing agency, has been awarded the Nassau County Tourism contract by the county government.

The announcement comes after a rigorous selection process, marking a pivotal moment for RRDA and the promotion of Nassau County as a premier tourist destination.

Managing director and owner of RRDA, Jaime Hollander, named the company after her daughters’ initials, Ryan, Rose, Drew and Annabelle.

and Long Island locals working in the company as possible, although some employees do work remotely from Connecticut or the city. As a womenowned and operated business, RRDA holds WeBank MWBE certification and boasts a diverse team with roots in media and publishing.

O ne of the things that’s been so amazing is we’ve had such great support from the community. It’s been awesome.

JAIME HOLLANDER Managing director, RRDA

Founded in 2012 and officially incorporated as RRDA in 2019, Hollander said the agency has steadily grown from a one-person operation to a dynamic team of professionals.

She emphasized the importance to have as many women

“One of the things that’s been so amazing is we’ve had such great support from the community,” said Hollander. “We’ve had so much outreach from local businesses, bids, government. It’s been awesome.”

In April of 2023, the RRDA team submitted their Request for Proposal to the county, throwing their hat in the ring to replace Discover Long Island as the county’s tourism agency. Hollander recalled how she and her team had never expected to be awarded the RFP, but were elated when they got the news, the day

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Elisa Dragotto/Herald Neurodivergent children and their parents will have the chance to explore nature in safe locations around Planting Fields.

Effort to stop mayhem created by squatters

By LAURA LANE llane@liherald.com

Nadia Vitel, 52, was found dead in her late mother’s Manhattan apartment on March 14. Allegedly two squatters beat her to death, and then stuffed her into a suitcase.

According to Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz, squatters are not only prevalent in the five boroughs of New York City, they are also causing problems on Long Island.

“There are many cases of squatters wreaking havoc on families all over Long Island, in Patchogue, Jericho, cases that are not sensationalized in the news, so people continue to suffer in silence,” Blumencranz said. “Some have reached out to me.”

The Republican, who represents parts of the North Shore, introduced a bill in May 2023 to put a stop to the mayhem squatters are creating.

TVitel’s murder led Blumencranz to hold a news conference on March 27 to shed light on the urgency for passage of his bill.

Squatters gain homeowner rights after living in a residence after 30 days, forcing the property owner to go through lengthy court processes for eviction, that can take as long as two years.

he world is upside down that we’re not favoring the landowner and we’re favoring a person who is a criminal

PATRICIA CANZONERIFITZPATRICK New York state senator

“The numerous squatting cases and tragedies that have since occurred have only reaffirmed my commitment to getting my Property Protection Act passed,” he said. “There have been numerous incidents.”

“The fact that someone can break onto your house and have full legal protection after 30 days is completely wrong and un-American,” he said. “Long Islanders and all New Yorkers should not have to live in fear of people trying to game the system and take away their hard-earned property and their American dream.”

Blumencranz’s bill would close the loophole in the law by clarifying the definition of “tenant,” which would exclude squatters. Police would be able to remove and arrest squatters charging them with criminal trespass if they do not have a notarized lease, title or other documents proving they are tenants. Under current law, there is little police and judges can do.

State Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick proposed a similar bill on March 25. The Republican, who represents Long

Beach, Garden City, New Hyde Park, and the Five Towns, said squatters have been a serious problem for a long time.

“Squatters are like a theft of property. Property owners are not getting rent and now they have to pay a lawyer to get these people out,” Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick said. “And people don’t want to buy real estate anymore because how do they buy real estate to rent knowing that at any time somone could move in and be given legal rights and not have to pay for it.”

And squatters are becoming emboldened, Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick added.

“You see on TikTok there are ‘How to squat’ videos encouraging others how to take advantage of this loophole,” she said. “The world is upside down that we’re not favoring the landowner and we’re favoring a person who is a criminal. If you steal someone’s credit card and you get caught you don’t get to continue to use the credit card.”

And the law favoring squatters encourages people who could pay their rent not to do so, she added. Because they know they can’t be forced to leave.

Blumencranz’s bill has received support from both sides of the aisle. Assemblywoman Jaime Williams, a Democrat, representing the south-eastern part of Brooklyn, a suburban area, is supporting the Property Protection Act because she said squatters are a big issue in her district.

“In this one block radius there are a group of about 12 individuals that were

house hopping, and it took the police department almost two years to get them out of that house where they stayed,” she said. “The person who owned the house lived in New Jersey, and it made it easier for the squatters to live there and claim squatters rights, but they sold drugs there and there was prostitution. When Jake came up with this bill, it was just organic for me to sign on to it because we here experienced this, and it has to come to an end.”

Williams doesn’t believe squatters is a Republican issue, as some of her colleagues have suggested. It is instead a national problem, she said.

Courtesy Jake Blumencranz Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz has crafted a bill to change a law that benefits squatters.

Understanding the ‘American Dream’

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

History and contemporary art merge in a captivating dialogue at Raynham Hall Museum’s latest exhibition, “American Dream.” Curated in collaboration with Yellow Cat Gallery, the exhibition showcases the works of 28 diverse artists, ranging from emerging talents to seasoned veterans, each offering a unique perspective on the ever-evolving concept of the American Dream.

The inspiration for this innovative exhibition stemmed from the vision of Harriet Clark, the museum’s director, who sought to bridge the gap between historical narratives and contemporary expressions within the museum’s storied halls. Justinne LakeJedzinak, the museum’s director of education and public programs, emphasized the importance of intertwining past and present. She highlighted the dynamic nature of history, which is constantly reevaluated and reinterpreted, stressing the significance of understanding how the past informs the present and shapes the future.

“I think one of the things that a lot of people don’t necessarily consider when they think about history is the fact that is constantly being reevaluated and changing and it’s dynamic and not something that’s static and stays the same forever,” Lake-Jedzinak explained. “And in that way, (Raynham Hall) is really the perfect place to consider how our past and our present are connected.”

One of the exhibition’s standout pieces is Patrick Jackson’s “Portraits of Criminals,” a provocative series that challenges conventional notions of success and morality associated with the American Dream. Jackson’s stark portraits of individuals who have committed acts of financial misconduct prompt viewers to reflect on the darker aspects of ambition and wealth accumulation.

Another compelling work is Gregory Reid’s installation in the colonial parlor, which confronts the legacy of slavery and racial inequality in America. By placing contemporary African American art in a space once inhabited by enslaved individuals, Reid’s poignant pieces prompt viewers to reckon with the painful chapters of the nation’s history, while envisioning a more inclusive future.

Frank Olt, a local artist featured in the exhibition, expressed his delight in participating in a show that seamlessly blends the old with the new. He said that one of the best parts of being an artist was getting the chance to try and express a topic as nebulous as the American Dream.”

“It’s an incredible theme because it mixes the old with the new,” Olt said. “People who have visited Raynham Hall for years are now rediscovering its rooms and furnishings in a whole new light.”

The exhibition, which opened to the public on April 12, will remain on display until September 15, offering visitors ample time to explore the rich tapestry of perspectives on the American

For those interested in experiencing “American Dream” firsthand, the exhibition will be open to the public during normal museum hours, Tuesday to Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. Additionally, artworks featured in the exhibition will be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds supporting the museum’s initiatives.

Some of the artwork, such as this photo of Mike McCean by Raphael Fuchs, take a more nuanced approach to describing the American Dream.

Dream.

Will Sheeline/Herald photos Artist Dan Christoffel presented a piece showing the ‘Scottsboro Boys,’ nine black teenagers who were falsely accused of raping a white woman in the 1930’s and whose trials led to a reexamination of the right to fair trial and racism in the legal system.

Dasha Bazanova’s ‘Usurpation’ addresses nationalist fears of immigration and ‘illegal aliens.’

Elisa Dragotto/Herald

RRDA seeks to work with communities

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

after Christmas.

“I wish I could bottle that feeling,” Hollander said. “We thought to ourselves, ‘We were probably a long shot, we’re small potatoes,’ and when we got it, it was just crazy.”

Hollander said she thinks that RRDA’s proposal stood out for its focus on personalized experiences tailored to different visitor personas. Rather than a one-size-fits-all approach, the agency aims to highlight Nassau County’s diverse attractions, from pristine beaches to rich cultural offerings and everything in between. By aligning interests with activities, RRDA seeks to entice tourists with unique experiences that resonate with their preferences.

“I think the biggest difference is that while they’re focusing on Long Island as a region, we’re just focusing on Nassau County,” explained Hollander. “So we’re kind of more enticing people to come have these really unique experiences, versus just kind of a blanket ‘Come explore.’”

With Nassau County celebrating its 125th anniversary this year and hosting events like the Cricket World Cup, Hollander said that RRDA is looking forward to working with the county at such a pivotal moment in its history. Hollander added that the county has been very helpful and supportive, and that she and her team were looking forward to continuing to work with them.

The agency’s comprehensive approach encompasses not only popular tourist spots but also lesserknown gems, ensuring a holistic representation of Nassau County’s offerings. While Hollander said that her team certainly draws from their own life experiences on Long Island, it is important to them that they include the voices of residents, businesses, and

York. By way of

certain income and assets are exempt from Medicaid if there is a spouse. Generally, the spouse at home, known as the “community spouse” may keep about $3,850 per month of the couple’s combined income and up to about $150,000 of the assets or “resources”. Not included in those figures are any other exempt assets, such as a home (up to about $1,000,000 of the equity only) and one automobile. The spouse who is being cared for in a facility is known as the “institutionalized spouse”.

Many a spouse has advised us that they simply cannot afford to live on the allowances that Medicaid provides. This is where spousal refusal comes in. We start by shifting excess assets into the name of the “community spouse”. He or she then signs a document which the elder law attorney prepares and files with the county indicating that they refuse to contribute their income and assets to the care of the ill spouse since they need those income and assets for their own care and well-being. Note that you may not refuse your spouse’s own income over the $3,850 per month exemption as it is not coming to you.

local organizations to better highlight the different and wonderful aspects of their various communities.

“Obviously with a lot of us living here, we wanted to show people our Nassau County, but at the same time we joked we don’t want to be a focus group of one,” said Hollander. “We’re doing a lot of persona research at the moment, both for locals and for high value tourists coming to the area, to see what’s attractive to them.”

As RRDA prepares to roll out its tourism campaign, collaboration remains a cornerstone of its

Once the “community spouse” invokes their right to refuse, and all of the other myriad requirements of the Medicaid application are met, the state Medicaid program must pay for the care of the institutionalized spouse.

After Medicaid has been granted, the county may institute a lawsuit seeking to recover the cost of care from the refusing spouse. Nevertheless, there are a few reasons why spousal refusal makes sense, even in light of this risk. First, in many instances, the county never invokes this right. Secondly, these lawsuits are often settled for significantly less than the cost of care provided. Thirdly, the payment to the county can sometimes be deferred until the community spouse dies. As one county attorney told us when agreeing to such an arrangement, “the county is going to be around for a long time”. Finally, even though the county may seek recovery, it is only for the Medicaid reimbursement rate and not the private pay rate. For example, if the private pay rate is $18,000 per month, which is what you would have to pay, the amount Medicaid has to pay is generally a quarter to a third less. The county may only pursue you for the amount they actually paid.

Huntington

RRDA hopes to highlight aspects of Nassau County’s culture, history and businesses, such as historic Sagamore Hill, to encourage tourism.

strategy. The agency welcomes input and participation from local businesses eager to showcase their offerings on the new Nassau County tourism website, slated for launch in May.

Anyone interested in reaching out to RRDA can email Hollander directly at jaime@rrdali.com

“We want to make sure that all the businesses have an opportunity to really shine and share what makes them a part of the community,” emphasized Hollander. “What a dream project, to get to promote where you live.”

CRIME BRIEF

Bayville Adventure Park owner sentenced

Donald Finley, of Locust Valley, appearing at the federal courthouse in Central Islip on April 16, received a 24-month prison sentence from U.S. District Judge Joan M. Azrack. The ruling came after Finley pleaded guilty in May 2023 to charges of disaster relief fraud and wire fraud, connected to his illicit acquisition of $3.2 million in small business loans from the Paycheck Protection Program and Economic Injury Disaster Loan Program.

Finley, owner of Bayville Adventure Park, was found guilty of exploiting the

coronavirus pandemic for personal gain. The court mandated full restitution of the embezzled funds, along with a $15,000 fine and 500 hours of community service as part of his sentence.

The case sheds light on the broader issue of Covid-19 relief fund misuse, prompting a warning from law enforcement officials.

The case is an example of the government’s commitment to combating fraud and ensuring accountability in relief programs established under the Cares Act.

Former assemblyman declares candidacy

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

Mike LiPetri, an attorney and former Republican New York State Assemblyman, has officially announced his bid for the Republican primary in New York’s 3rd Congressional District. LiPetri, a relative newcomer to the political scene, is positioning himself as a candidate driven by integrity, dedication and a fervent commitment to representing the interests of district residents.

The 33-year old from Farmingdale said that he was motivated to get involved in politics because he wanted the chance to “make a difference.” LiPetri served in the state assembly from 2019 to 2021, representing the state’s 19th district, and although he lost the Republican primary to replace Peter King in Congress, he is confident that his work during his two years in office speaks for itself.

“My ultimate goal is having an affect where people can rest confident knowing that their representative is someone who actually wants to be here and wants to do what is right, not what is easy,” LiPetri said. “During my tenure in the assembly I proved just that.”

While unmarried, LiPetri claimed that he had a record of supporting families, both in his legal practice and dur-

ing his tenure in the assembly. The attorney argued that New York’s current representatives aren’t doing enough to help young and growing families on Long Island, and that one of his goals if elected was to increase support for them, although he did not provide specific ways this could be achieved.

“We want people to be flocking to Long Island,” LiPetri said. “We need to have a new vision for Long Island, a new vision of America, where people want to be here.”

LiPetri, grandson of former Phillies pitcher Angelo LiPetri, also cited his support for law enforcement, advocacy for immigration reform, and efforts to promote affordability on Long Island as some of the main issues he hoped to address during the campaign and if elected. The former assemblyman also accused the district’s current congressman, Tom Suozzi, of not doing enough to help district residents on these issues, and that the congressman’s departure of the office to run for governor paved the way for the infamous George Santos’ election and debacle of a term.

“Tom Suozzi left this seat; he didn’t want to be here, he wanted higher power,” LiPetri said. “There’s a difference between Tom wanting to help himself and me, who wants to help the people and make a difference.”

LiPetri’s platform focuses on addressing Long Island-specific issues, including decreasing crime, ensuring affordability, and protecting the quality of life for residents. The former assemblyman also spoke out vehemently against the state’s bail reform laws, and against illegal immigration, both of which he deemed were major threats to residents in the district.

“We stood side-by-side with immigrants to root out people here illegally who commit heinous crimes like sex predators and murderers,” LiPetri said. “(No other politician) can say in the third district that life has gotten better under them.”

Drawing from his legal background, LiPetri highlighted his understanding of constitutional law and the legislative process. He emphasized his ability to navigate complex policy issues and work collaboratively to achieve biparti-

san solutions. LiPetri also stressed the importance of proactive policymaking and pragmatic solutions to tackle the challenges facing the district.

“I’ve demonstrated through my tenure in the assembly that politics can be a force for good when guided by integrity and dedication,” LiPetri remarked. “As a congressman, I intend to continue championing the interests of Long Islanders and providing them with the representation they deserve.”

In response to questions about constituent outreach, LiPetri outlined his campaign’s efforts to engage with voters across the district. He emphasized the importance of transparency and accessibility, pledging to listen to the concerns of constituents and be responsive to their needs.

As LiPetri’s candidacy gains momentum, it has not been without controversy. Allegations regarding his past business dealings with George Santos have surfaced, with some characterizing them as questionable. LiPetri vehemently denied these allegations, attributing them to political smear tactics aimed as a distraction from substantive issues.

“It’s an absolute, total lie,” LiPetri said. “I several years ago introduced somebody to George Santos and made, by the way, no money, nothing off of it, nothing further.”

MIKE LiPETRI

Event focuses on neurodivergent people

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1

them to be aware of their natural surroundings,” Crowley said. “We want parents to know that your family can come here and you can feel safe, you can feel understood, and there is programming that respects you and understands your kiddo.”

The Sensory Celebration, scheduled to coincide with Autism Acceptance Month, will feature a variety of workshops and activities tailored to different age groups. Each day of the week will offer a new self-guided scavenger hunt, providing families with neurodivergent children the opportunity to explore the arboretum at their own pace. The even culminates in the Arbor Day Festival on April 27 and 28.

Participants can expect hands-on experiences that engage all eight senses — taste, touch, sight, smell, hearing, vestibular (sense of balance), proprioception (the body’s ability to sense movement, action and location) and interoception (the ability to sense internal body signals, such as hunger). The activities will be designed to promote sensory exploration and offer a holistic learning experience. Crowley, who has a background in behavioral therapy, expressed her commitment to ensuring that Planting Fields staffers are prepared to support neurodivergent individuals effectively.

“We are definitely trying to take every precaution and study other museums and parks who have a similar mission,” she explained. “Our staff are taking the time to learn and understand different strategies for these kiddos who may have learning differences.”

In the workshops, children ages 4 to 12 will take part in nature-based activities such as garden exploration, nature learning, and exercise. Each child will be accompanied by a guardian, with community habilitation workers and therapists welcome to attend. Planting Fields is offering accommodations for those who require them, and encourages interested parties to inquire about group rates.

The event aims to provide an easygoing environment in which families feel supported and understood. Crowley highlighted the positive response from the community, noting that many families have already registered for the workshops. “It’s very cool to see that parents are signing up,” she said,

emphasizing the growing interest in inclusive programming.

The Sensory Celebration aligns with Planting Fields’ broader mission of environmental stewardship and education. By embracing neurodiversity and an appreciation for nature, the arboretum hopes to create meaningful experiences for all of its visitors.

Participants will pick up the information for their daily scavenger hunts outside the Education Center at the historic Laundry Building, in the arboretum’s main parking lot. To sign up, visit PlantingFields.org. For those seeking more information, inquiries can be directed to erenwick@plantingfields.org.

As the arboretum prepares to welcome families for a week of inclusive fun, the Sensory Celebration promises to be a milestone event, setting the stage for future endeavors in promoting accessibility and acceptance in natural spaces. Crowley added that while this is the first event of its kind at Planting Fields, the staff hopes to host it biannually, in the spring and fall, going forward.

“This is brand new for us, and we’re super excited about it,” Crowley said. “We want to make sure we have specific programs that highlight acceptance and the celebration of the natural sensory experiences that you can get at Planting Fields.”

Elisa Dragotto/Herald photos

The Natural Sensory Celebration will take place next Monday through April 28 at the Planting Fields.

The historic Coe Hall and its surrounding grounds will be one of the many areas of Planting Fields people can visit during the Natural Sensory Celebration.

When a memoir helps to preserve history

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

To commemorate the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, the Holocaust Tolerance and Memorial Center of Nassau County hosted a book presentation by Adrienne Alexanian to discuss her father’s memoir, “Forced into Genocide.”

Alexanian’s exploration into her father’s past revealed a treasure trove of hidden history. After Yervant Alexanian’s passing in 1983, Adrienne delved into his belongings and unearthed a handwritten manuscript detailing his harrowing experiences during the Armenian Genocide, where he tragically lost 51 immediate family members.

The Armenian Genocide was a systematic campaign of extermination carried out by the Ottoman Empire against its Armenian population during World War I. Beginning in 1915, Armenians were subjected to mass deportation, forced marches, and massacres, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 1.5 million Armenians. The genocide was marked by widespread atrocities, including torture, starvation and mass killings. Despite ongoing denial by the Turkish government, the Armenian Genocide is widely recognized as one of the first modern genocides.

But for Glen Cove residents like Lynn Jamie, also a descendent of Armenian genocide survivors, her family history comes in fractured anecdotes from relatives. Her mother, Alice Boghosian, seldom spoke of the horrors she endured as a captive, often breaking down in tears when she attempted to share her experiences. Boghosian, was one of nine siblings, of whom only she and two sisters, along with their mother, managed to escape the march across the Syrian desert.

In 1916, the then 9-yearold Boghosian and her family eventually arrived in America through Ellis Island, where they faced challenges trying to enter the United States due to an illness Boghosian contracted, which caused her to lose one of her eyes in the orphanage. Authorities wanted to ensure that her illness wasn’t conta gious. Despite these hardships, she pur sued higher education, becoming a den tal hygienist and working diligently to provide for her family.

got her history.”

Jamie added her strength in life comes from her mother, because despite the hardships she endured, her mother still pursued higher education to become a dental hygienist and worked hard to raise a family.

ADRIENNE ALEXANIAN

“My mother never spoke of the hor rors, and when she did, she couldn’t even get more than two words out with out weeping,” Jamie said. “And I never

“To have that some of that writing that’s incredible,” Jamie said after the event. “I have nothing in writing, and Adrian is very fortunate to know all of her history.”

Years of dedication culminated in the publication of the book. This edition, painstakingly translated from Yervant’s original Armenian chronicle, shows previously unseen documents and photos meticulously preserved by the author.

offer to write a screenplay about his experiences as a survivor of the Armenian Genocide.”

What sets Alexanian’s account apart is his ability to not only document the brutality of the genocide but also to offer a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the motivations and actions of the Turkish military officials responsible for the atrocities. His narrative provides a nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play during this dark chapter, shedding light on both the cruelty of the perpetrators and the unexpected moments of humanity that occasionally emerged amidst the chaos.

“An aspect of the genocide that really hasn’t been brought to light that of Armenian soldiers conscripted into the Ottoman Turkish army during the Armenian Genocide,” Alexanian’s said. “The popular belief was that everybody was killed, all the conscripted soldiers were killed. But my father’s memoir

Lopez takes over county’s social services

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Jose Lopez has stepped in as the new acting commissioner for Nassau County’s social services department, filling the absence left by Nancy Nunziata.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to serve, to work with the county executive,” Lopez said. “To work with all the employees at the DSS. And to build a team that has a sense of morale, and more importantly, a sense of trust that the administration understands that what they do is vital to everyone that we serve.”

Lopez has spent the last three years as the county’s labor relations director, settling more than 8,000 bargaining agreements with Nassau County employees. He also guided more than 40 county departments in their negotiations with unions, and even served a member of the county’s health care committee.

At DSS, Lopez is now responsible for a department focused on supporting local families with day care, housing and homelessness prevention. He also will oversee the county’s management of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, that assists low-income, disabled or senior citizen residents with needed financial support to purchase food.

“The role is to make sure that we serve the constituency of Nassau County, and to provide services that are very much needed,” Lopez said. “At the same time, you provide an opportunity for those working with the county to do their best.”

Lopez also will lead Child Protective Services, child support enforcement, and accommodating the Abandoned Infant Protection Act, which provides a safe way for those with unwanted infants to part with them. It’s with CPS Lopez would like to add more peo-

ple, including more than a dozen former cops to help manage the department’s ever-growing workload.

These new hires will assist caseworkers after undergoing a six-week training period — largely calling upon prior experience as first responders, according to reports.

CPS is responsible for investigating neglect and all kinds of child abuse. The service employs casework-

ers and court liaisons. Child victims are brought to Nassau’s Child Advocacy Center, where they share information and receive various support services from the Coalition Against Child Abuse and Neglect.

“Jose Lopez has demonstrated through his many assignments in government that he has the intellect experience and work ethic to take on important challenges,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman said, in a statement. “Protecting our neighbors in their time of vulnerability is of paramount importance to me as county executive.”

Nunziata, appointed in 2019 by then-county executive Laura Curran, abruptly resigned last month, according to reports, after she says she was asked to fire someone in her office from an official in the county executive’s office. Nunsiata left over a disagreement over policy with the county executive.

Blakeman had no knowledge of the request, according to Boyle, who told a news outlet the employee in question was later transferred to a different department. The county executive also said he received no communication from Nunziata about why she stepped down.

Lopez’s experience includes a decade as the human resources director for the Western Beef supermarket chain, where he oversaw more than 2,000 employees across 22 stores and three warehouses.

He’s also a former deputy commissioner of Nassau County Parks, Recreation and Museums, and also oversaw key functions of Eisenhower Park Aquatic Center, including staffing and event planning.

Lopez intends to reduce the amount of staff training occurring upstate, preferring to train them within Nassau instead. He also intends to broaden the services the department provides, although he has yet to share details.

Courtesy Nassau County

Jose Lopez is the new acting commissioner for the Nassau County’s social services department.

Passover, a wonderful season of rejoicing

Next week, Jews all over the world will gather with our respective families and/or friends to observe Pesach (Passover), a Major Festival holiday in Jewish tradition, often referred to as “z’man simchateinu” (the season of our rejoicing).

From a narrative perspective, we retell the Biblical story Moses, who with the help of his siblings Aaron and Miriam, and a divine partnership with God, delivered our ancestors from generations of slavery in Egypt, and embarked upon a 40-year journey to return home to the land of their forefathers and mothers. Passover also serves as the Spring Harvest Festival, coinciding with the time when our ancient ancestors, living in the Tribal lands which would ultimately become Judea in the south and the kingdom of Israel to the north, would make their pilgrimage to offer the first fruits of their harvest at the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

Today, we offer prayers and tzedakah (acts of charity) instead of physical offerings at the temple, and we celebrate with a seder, an intricate meal

that follows a specific “order” of ritual, storytelling, questions, and conversation with family, friends, and other guests. Over the years I have polled my students asking them what they enjoy most about this celebration. Many answer that they love the food, several mentioned the activity of searching for the Afikomen (a piece of the ceremonial matzoh that is hidden, and children are asked to find it as the conclusion to the festival meal), while others relish the opportunity simply to gather for an evening or two with their loved ones.

My fondest memories of Passover bring me back to my youth when I celebrated the seder night with my large extended family. One memory that stands out was when I was a young boy and my great-uncle Leonard asked me to open the door to symbolically welcome Elijah the Prophet, a dignitary of a redemptive era. I remember being frightened to open the door for

this “ghost,” and so one of my older cousins accompanied me to fulfill the deed. Another memorable experience was the year I celebrated Passover at a seder in Amsterdam as a young adult. The feeling of being away from my family was mitigated by the way this community welcomed me and gave me a home for that important night, emphasizing the true spirit of the holiday. Overall, these powerful moments of memorable experiences truly do last a lifetime, and they influence how we choose to continue observing this special evening as we move into our more mature years.

This year our celebrations are likely to be tempered as we think of our brothers and sisters who are still being held hostage in Gaza, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza itself as we show empathy for Palestinians who do not identify with Hamas, and the emerging threat of a greater war with Iran, who

continues to stoke Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria. Regardless of where any of us stand politically and socially, Passover is a season to recall how “once we were slaves but now we are free.” Every citizen of this planet deserves to live in an environment where they feel safe and secure regardless of race, gender, sexual preference, or religion; where they have a home in which to live; where they can get a proper education and be trained in proper life skills; where they do not have to worry about when, where and how they will get their next meal: “Let all who are hungry come and eat!”

Next week, while gathering to create yet another enjoyable and memorable Passover experience, I encourage you to reserve a moment to remember those who are not as privileged, and as part of your conversation that evening, consider ways that you might help all people to be free.

Wishing you all a Mo’adim L’simcha – a wonderful season of rejoicing.

Michael S. Churgel is the rabbi at North Country Reform Temple – Ner Tamid.

Rabbi

Michael S. chuRgel

Culinary Delights celebrate 26 years

Culinary Delights, organized by the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce, celebrated its 26th year with resounding success, drawing over 650 attendees and boasting participation from 70 restaurateurs, participants, and vendors. Under the elegant ambiance of Glen Cove Mansion, the April 15 event showcased the finest culinary offerings of the North Shore, attracting attendees not only from Glen Cove, but also from neighboring communities in mid-Nassau and Suffolk counties.

With the support of 29 sponsors, Cliff Krauter, director of business development for the chamber, said the evening was hailed as one of, if not the largest and most successful event in the chamber’s history, offering a platform for attendees to sample delectable treats from local restaurants, bakeries and businesses. Attendees relished the opportunity to reconnect with old acquaintances and forge connections with new businesses, making Culinary Delights a memorable and enriching experience.

–Roksana Amid

Tim Baker/Herald photos Joseph Albert and Cathie Biano, from Sunrise Senior Living, prepared savory watermelon for guests to enjoy while telling them about the assisted living center.

Patricia Oliver, a Bayville resident, won the raffle basket with lottery tickets.

Jeanine and Fred DiMenna, from Jeanine’s American Bistro, haven’t missed a Culinary Delights event since it began 26 years ago. The DiMenna’s anticipate the opening of their new restaurant in May.

Matt Bomm spoke to attendees about the variety of foods served at North Shore Farms, a Glen Cove grocery store.

Tanya and Rowen Potter helped serve scrumptious meals from Sea Cliff’s new restaurant, Fosters.

Attend our upcoming

UNDERGRADUATE

OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Campus Tour times: 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., Noon, 1:30 p.m.

Hofstra University is a community designed with your future in mind.

During this year’s Spring Open House, speak with Hofstra’s world-class faculty and learn about its 175 undergraduate programs, various student services, clubs, organizations, and NCAA Division I athletics, all while touring a stunning 244-arce campus filled with cutting-edge facilities and research labs, and residence halls that will make you feel at home.

In-person and virtual tours are available. For event details and to RSVP, please visit hofstra.edu/visit

Fire departments rally to recruit new volunteers

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

“Firefighting is all about passion,” said Oyster Bay town supervisor Joe Saladino. “Do you have a fire in you?”

That’s the question being asked across Nassau County by the 69 volunteer fire departments that protect them. It’s all part of a renewed push from the Firefighters Association of the State of New York in its annual RecruitNY campaign to find more volunteer firefighters and EMTs.

To help support those efforts, County Executive Bruce Blakeman declared last week as a volunteer firefighter and ambulance worker recruitment week. That includes the launch of a new website, NassausBravest.com, providing information on volunteering in the county.

“Exactly 30 years ago in 1994, there were 10,000 firefighters here on Long Island. There are now 6.000, so we’ve got a lot of work to do,” Blakeman said. “It’s not just community service. That’s important, and it’s very rewarding to give back to your community, but it’s about the camaraderie between firefighters and EMT’s.”

Steve Klein knows exactly how rewarding it is. He joined the Oceanside Fire Department when he was 18, just a couple years after his father died from a heart attack. Now 77, Klein has decades of volunteer service under his belt, and is even the former president of state firefighters association.

Still, Klein will never forget how it was volunteer firefighters who responded to his father’s medical emergency. And it proves how important these types of services are. That’s why his statewide agency worked so hard to adopt more universal firefighting training methods.

“Anything we want to do, it’s going to cost money,” Klein said. “But the offshoot of that is that the volunteer fire service in the state of New York saves the taxpayers approximately $3.5 billion in taxes every year. We need to have trained peo ple available to respond to emergencies.”

Much of that money is saved in sala

ries, which volunteers obviously do not collect. Departments also look to fundraise as ways to avoid tax levies needed for purchasing, maintaining and operating firefighting equipment.

But there are benefits to volunteering beyond just doing the right thing. Volunteers get free training and equipment, as well as tax breaks and insurance coverage. All of that is provided by the Volunteer Firefighter Benefits Law, first passed in 1957.

Those tax breaks could include income tax credits of $500 to $1,000 per year, as well as property tax reductions of up to 10 percent — assuming local gov-

ernments have opted in.

There also are possibilities to earn a pension, as well as tuition reimbursement and scholarships.

Eugene Perry first joined the Patchogue Fire Department in 1979, thanks to his father — even those he was never a firefighter himself.

“My uncles were both in the fire service, but my father … took me to one of the tournament drills they had in Patchogue, and it was something that piqued my interest and got me to come in the door,” Perry said. “I learned quickly after that, that that’s not the whole aspect of the volunteer fire service.”

Perry has been an administrative officer for many years and is involved in fundraising efforts for the fire department and companies and is hoping to help even more through efforts at the state level, encouraging, even more, to receive benefits from the fire service in more ways than one.

“I’m still an active interior firefighter,” Perry said. “It’s still the rush of being in a firehouse and getting on a fire truck and going to a fire trying to help somebody.”

And that’s a big reason why there is so much longevity in this line of work, Blakeman said.

“You have a built-in family when you join a firefighting service,” the county executive said. “You have friends that share a love of protecting the community.”

Kepherd Daniel/Herald

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman was joined by firefighters in Plainview to share how important these volunteer departments are — and why solid recruitment this month is vital, for residents of all ages.

STEPPING OUT

Cultivating the future at Crossroads Farm

By Danielle Schwab

Vegetables, fruits, and honey, oh my!

Melissa Errico

With the growing season now upon us, Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s is ready to welcome visitors again. The historic 5.5-acre site hosts its annual season-opening event, next Saturday, April 27. It’s a day to enjoy being outdoors, and partake of family-friendly activities, delicious eats, farm-fresh items to purchase, and, naturally, a wealth of information on planting.

Crossroads Farms at Grossmann’s has a long tradition that’s been shared by generations of folks from throughout Nassau County and beyond. Since 1895, it’s been a go-to for produce, plants and related agricultural products. Owned and cultivated for more than 100 years by the Grossmann family, it was purchased by Nassau County through the Nassau Land Trust to preserve the acreage as an open farm space. It’s one of the closest farms to New York City.

“One of the big things for the Grossmann family was that Long Island Rail Road runs directly through the back of the farm,” Crossroads operations manager Michael D’Angelo says. “Back in the early 1900s, that was huge. Instead of having to use a horse and cart to go to Manhattan to sell their produce, they were able to load up onto the train that would then go right into the city.”

With more than 75 products offered, the farm produces diverse and beloved selection of organic produce for its loyal patrons. This includes best sellers like tomatoes and greens, along with turmeric, and even loofas — among the many items

Crossroads also showcases its crops at the Long Island Fair. Its tradition of excellence is evident with strong finishes in the agricultural competition.

“We put in like 50 entries last year, and 90 percent of our crops placed first, second or third,” adds Peter Notarnicola, Crossroads’ field

This year, Crossroads is doubling its production by planting on twice as much of its land. Anything that can’t be grown or produced in-house is obtained through a barter system with other farms and sold at the farm store.

Another popular product is the result of a collaboration with millions of special farm workers — worker bees that is. Their buzzy effort supplies the farm with rich tasty honey.

Melissa Errico appears on the Landmark stage with pianistarranger Billy Stritch for her new show ‘The Life and Loves of a Broadway Baby.’ Errico sets her own life to the Broadway songs that she has sung and owned in this theatrical tour de force. She presents both a sensational set of beloved standards and a series of witty and sometimes wicked stories about an ingenue’s life passed on the Great White Way. Its sexy, sublime study of American songs — ranging from Cole Porter to Harold Arlen, Lerner & Loewe to Taylor Swift, with a substantial peek at Melissa’s new Sondheim album, ‘Sondheim in the City’ — with songs like ‘Everybody Says Don’t,’ ‘Take Me to the World,’ and ‘Being Alive.’ A woman of stage, screen and song, Errico has been acclaimed as ‘the Maria Callas of American musical theatre’ by Opera News, referencing both her silken voice and dramatic, expressive intensity.

Friday, April 19, 8 p.m. $63, $53, $43. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 7676444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

• Saturday, April 27, noon-4 p.m.

• $10 per person or $25 per family, kids younger than

3 free

• Farmstand hours: Tuesday and Friday, 1-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 480 Hempstead Ave., Malverne

• XRoadsFarmLINY.com

either are first or second generation, or are foreign-born themselves. They ask for specific products that may be hard for them to find,” D’Angelo says. “And that is always exciting for us. We love hearing and catering to the way people cook different things.”

Crossroads also has a presence at local establishments. You’ll find Crossroads products incorporated into the menu at Malverne eateries such as Uva Rossa Wine Bar and Kookaburra Coffee Co.

While the season is just beginning, there will be no shortage of activities to occupy everyone on opening day. A ribbon-cutting ceremony kicks off the festivities, followed by entertainment, farm tours, hayrides and food vendors on hand with some tasty bites. Check out Rockin Roots, South Shore Brewery and Beach Barbecue, among the participating vendors.

Kids can keep busy visiting farm animals and taking in an ATV ride, along with puppetry and face painting. The youngsters can also gather around a maypole and chase down colorful ribbons.

“It’s a family fun day to come down and just enjoy the farm,” D’Angelo says.

Crossroads is so much more than simply a place to visit. Its valued community partner can be relied up to support many endeavors.

“Fresh produce, fresh flowers, educational opportunities and entertainment space truly make Crossroads Farm unique” Maria Casini, Malverne Chamber of Commerce co-president, adds.

Mike DelGuidice

“We got about a million ladies that work on the farm, and they’re the bees,” D’Angelo jokes.

Among the projects she’s involved in with Crossroads, the farm has partnered with LIJ-Valley Stream Northwell Hospital to introduce a”Food is Health” program tackling nutrition and hunger.

D’Angelo and Notarnicola are always on the go, planning and moving forward with new ideas — and crops. They maintain a close dialogue with visitors.

The farm also offers an interactive Sunshine program to introduce kids up to 11 to agriculture.

“A lot of people don’t know the process that it takes for food to get to their table,” Notarnicola says. “To see that hands-on, I think for someone who didn’t grow up with planting, is eye-opening.”

From a tiny seedling to your dinner plate, it’s a team effort to get it all there.

Mike DelGuidice, one of Long Island’s most celebrated singer/ songwriters continues his ‘residency’ at the Paramount. Mike DelGuidice and his band always give it their all, especially when playing the iconic Billy Joel songs. DelGuidice leads his band in a rousing concert that highlights the ‘Piano Man’s’ decades of hits. Like his idol, DelGuidice has become one of the area’s most celebrated performers, balancing his schedule between doing his own thing and touring with Joel all over the world. DelGuidice, as with Joel, grew up mastering several instruments, including bass guitar, guitar, piano and drums. He’s renowned for his encyclopedic knowledge of the Joel catalog, which caught the attention of Joel himself, who ultimately brought him on stage with him. DelGuidice and his band pack hit after charttopping hit, along with his own tunes in a high-energy show that’s always a crowd pleaser.

“We have customers from all different backgrounds, some who

Interested in become a part of the farm family? Crossroads Farms welcomes volunteers to help out. Various volunteering options include working in the fields planting and harvesting, or participating in education and fundraising programming.

Friday and Saturday, April 19-20, 8 p.m. $60, $40, $25, $20. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000. Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY. com.

beloved selection of organic produce for its loyal patrons. This you’ll find here. manager.

Michael D’Angelo, operations manager, is ready to reopen the popular farm for another busy season.

Photos courtesy Crossroads Farm Crossroads field manager Peter Notarnicola tends to his plantings.

THE Your Neighborhood

April 26

Chris Ruggiero

Experience the magic of Chris Ruggiero’s new show, “Teenage Dreams and Magic Moments.” The dynamic vocalist visits the Landmark stage, Friday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. Ruggiero is an old soul. Still in his 20s, the music that speaks to him is the music of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, breathing new life into the timeless classics that form the soundtrack of our lives. His approach to performing is more in line with that of a bygone era, bringing to the stage the panache of Frank Sinatra or Paul Anka, coupled with the energy of Jackie Wilson. Ruggiero first came to national attention when he performed in concert on a PBS coast-to-coast special and was featured on Good Morning America. Since then, he has traveled the country, delivering his unique brand of vintage rock and roll and sharing his passion for the classics.

On stage

Families will enjoy another musical adventure, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday, April 19, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Monday through Friday, April 20-26, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Back by popular demand after a sold-out 2023 run, see Pigeon, Bus Driver, and some zany passengers sing and dance their way to helping The Pigeon find his “thing” in this upbeat, energetic comedy based on four of Mo Willems’ popular Pigeon books.

On exhibit

He has shared the stage with artists such as Bobby Rydell, The Duprees and The Drifters. It seems almost preordained that the young man who loves the special sounds of an era is now performing on the same stages as those he admires most. The young singer was a 2020 East Coast Music Hall of Fame nominee and at the 2019 induction ceremony, he performed alongside Tito Puente Jr. singing the iconic song Tito’s father wrote, “Oye Como Va.” In his new show, “Teenage Dreams and Magic Moments,” Ruggiero tells his story by breathing ew life into the timeless music of the eras he loves, enhanced with a six-piece band and live brass. Songs like “Unchained Melody,” “My Cherie Amour,” “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “This Magic Moment” come to life with unique interpretations of these classics and more, with new orchestrations by Charlie Calello, arranger for the Four Seasons and known in the industry as “The Hit Man.” Chances are you’ll know every word of every song. $59, $49, $39. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

Featuring a live band to bring Deborah Wicks La Puma’s jazzy score to life, audiences will thoroughly enjoy singing and flapping along with The Pigeon and friends. The audience is part of the action, in this innovative mix of songs, silliness and feathers. It’s an ideal way to introduce kids to theater and the humorous stories from Willems’ books. $10 with museum admission ($8 members), $14 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.LICM.org.

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Urban Art Evolution,” is a comprehensive exhibit featuring a diverse range of compositions from the 1980s through the present by creators who were based in the rough and tumble downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and close surrounding neighborhoods. Artists pushed the boundaries of what was considered “art” with a primary focus on street/graffiti art. The exhibit’s scope, guest curated by art collector/gallerist Christopher Pusey, offers an even broader view from other creative residents, who worked inside their studios but still contributed to the rich fabric of the downtown art scene from different vantage points and aesthetics.

Works include sculpture, paintings, photography, music, and ephemera from many noted and influential artists. On view through July 7. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

May 16

Clean Water Symposium

Citizens Campaign for the Environment, North Shore Land Alliance, and The Nature Conservancy cohost the Long Island Clean Water Symposium: Global Challenges and Local Solutions conference, Thursday, May 16, 2:30-5:30 p.m. , at LIU Post Student Center Auditorium, This free event brings together water science leaders to discuss water quality and quantity challenges on Long Island. With keynote speaker David Sedlak, author of “Water 4.0” and “Water for All,” Adrienne Esposito of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, Stony Brook University’s Dr. Chris Gobler. 720 Northern Blvd, Greenvale. Registration required. Visit NorthShoreLandAlliance.org to register and for information.

Glen Cove City Council Meeting

Glen Cove City Council meets, Wednesday, April 24, at 7:30 p.m., to accomodate for Passover, at Glen Cove City Hall. 9 Glen St., Glen Cove.

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art, Saturday, April 20, noon3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork.

Kids and adults connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. For ages 2-14. Registration required. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for to register or call (516) 484-9337.

Glen Cove Women’s Golf Club

Glen Cove Women’s Golf Club is looking for members. The group plays 18 holes every Tuesday, starting in April through October, at the Glen Cove Golf Club. Play is weather permitting. Membership is open to all women regardless of residency. 109 Lattingtown Road. For more information, visit GCWomensGolf.com.

Having an event?

Eglevsky Ballet Gala

Eglvesky Ballet presents “Live from Studio 4,” an intimate evening of classical and contemporary ballets, Saturday, April 20, 7 p.m. The program features new and existing repertory works chosen to showcase the dancers unique ability to transfer from classical to neo-classical to contemporary with ease and mastery of their techniques. Eglevsky Ballet Studio, 700 Hicksville Road, Suite 102, Bethpage. For information and tickets, visit Eventbrite.com/e/ live-from-studio-4-tickets859994295087?aff=oddtdtc.

Blood drive

Tiegerman School hosts a blood drive, Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Appointments preferred; walk-ins welcomed if space is available. Remember to eat and drink, bring your donor or ID card. Masks are optional for all donors and staff. Contact Toya Davis at Idavis@ tiegerman.org to register. 27 Cedar Swamp Road, Glen Cove.

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.

Spring Dog Festival

Enjoy the glorious grounds of Old Westbury Gardens with your pooch (leashed of course), Saturday and Sunday, April 20-21, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. With varied vendors and activities. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens. org.

Understanding Nancy Drew

Gold Coast Library hosts a virtual presentation, “The Mystery of Nancy Drew,” Monday, April 22. The Nancy Drew series, created by publisher Edward Stratemeyer, emerged 90 years ago as a beloved detective character, captivating readers with her style and bravery. Historian Leslie Goddard, Ph.D., delves into the history of the iconic girl detective, exploring questions surrounding Carolyn Keene, the series’ author, and the enduring appeal that has captivated generations of readers. This is an online event at 2 p.m. To register visit GoldCoastLibrary.org.

Artist showcase

Sea Cliff Arts Council member Kaylin Burger’s paintings are on view at Sea Cliff Village Library, through April. She embodies a distinctive perspective shaped by the diverse cultural landscapes of both the east and west.

Enriched by her experiences, Burger integrates elements from both worlds into her work, creating a harmonious fusion of influences that captivates the viewer. Immersed in the familiarity of coastal living, Burger finds boundless inspiration in the ebb and flow of the sea, inviting all to experience a sense of calm. 300 Sea Cliff Ave. Visit SeaCliffArtsCouncil.org.

Game Time

Drop by Bayville Free Library, Wednesdays, 1-4 p.m., for casual table games. Bring your own games or use games offered by the library such as; cards, Canasta, Mah Jongg, Scrabble, chess, checkers, backgammon, and jigsaw puzzles.No registration required. 34 School St. For more information, visit BayvilleFreeLibrary.org or call (516) 628-2765.

April 19, 2024

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 2024-2025 will be held at the Library on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.

Michele Vaccarelli

Library Director

POR FAVOR TENGA EN CUENTA, que la reunión de consideración para el presupuesto bibliotecario 2024-2025, se realizará en la biblioteca pública en Oyster Bay-East Norwich el martes, 7 de mayo de 2024 a las 7:00 de la noche.

Michele Vaccarelli

Directora de la Biblioteca 145619

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

NASSAU COUNTY

CHRISTIANA TRUST AS

CUSTODIAN FOR GSRANZ LLC, Plaintiff against GEORGE CASTRIOTA, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Hersko & Ehrenreich P.C., 555 Willow Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered October 23, 2023, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 3, 2024 at 2:00 PM, all that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being, and identified on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York, the Premises known as 9 Seawall Ln., Bayville, NY 11709. Sec 29 Block 013 Lot 256.

Approximate Amount of Judgment is $21,253.82 plus interest, fees, and costs and attorneys fees. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 601949/2021. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.

Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Steven J. Homayoon, Esq., Referee File # 17-0520 145862

LOCUST

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 MiniTheater of the Locust Valley Middle School/High School, 99 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, New York on May 8, 2024 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 2024-2025 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 21, 2024.

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 21, 2024, 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 2024-2025 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 be authorized pursuant to Section 3651 of the Education Law to appropriate and expend the maximum estimated total amount of $3,700,000, of which $1,181,227 is from the Capital Reserve Fund established by the voters on May 19, 2015, and $2,518,773 is from the Capital Reserve Fund established by the voters on May 16, 2017, which actions shall result in no additional increase to the taxpayers of the District, for the following projects: Locust Valley Middle School/High School parking lot and bus loop improvements, Locust Valley Middle School/High School tennis court turf, Administration Building roof replacement, emergency drain and single pane window replacement, Ann MacArthur Primary School asphalt driveway replacement, and Bayville

Intermediate School concrete sidewalk and driveway replacement, as well as original equipment, machinery, apparatus and ancillary or related work required in connection therewith, provided that the details and costs of the components of the capital improvements as set forth may be reallocated among such components as the Board of Education shall determine to be in the best interest of the District.

3. Locust Valley Library Service Area Residents Only: To adopt the resolution for the Locust Valley Library appropriation submitted for the fiscal year 2024-2025, in the amount of $1,664,262 to appear on the voting machines on May 21, 2024, 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 two (2) members of the Board of Education for the following terms:

a) two (2) members of the Board of Education to three-year terms commencing July 1, 2024 and expiring on June 30, 2027. Vacancies on the Board of Education are not considered separate, specific offices; candidates run at large. The candidates with the first and second highest vote tallies will be elected to the full terms commencing July 1, 2024 and expiring on June 30, 2027.

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 2024-2025 proposed budget) and the Locust Valley Library’s budget for 2024-2025, 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 7, 2024, 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 22, 2024, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Nominating petitions must be signed by at least 44 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. The Board of Registration will meet for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law in each of the three election districts, on May 11, 2024, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. at the Office of the District Clerk, to add any additional names to the Register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have his/her name placed on such Register, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he/she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said Board of Registration to be entitled to vote at such election for which the register is prepared. Additionally,

registration shall be conducted for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law through May 14, 2024, 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 16, 2024, 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 pre-arranged 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@locustvalleysch ools.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 25, 2024 in order to be issued a ballot for the 2024 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@locustvalleysch ools.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 25, 2024. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be

processed in the same manner as a non-military 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 21, 2024 showing a cancellation mark of the United States Postal Service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or received not later than 5:00 p.m. on May 21, 2024 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 21, 2024, 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 2024, 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 21, 2024.

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, 2024. A completed application may not be received by the District Clerk earlier than April 22, 2024 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 21, 2024.

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 Thursday, May 16, 2024, 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 21, 2024, 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 March 22, 2024 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 111 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 20, 2024

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

Alison Dunne, District Clerk 145995

LEGAL NOTICE

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA

PÚBLICA, VOTACIÓN DE PRESUPUESTO Y ELECCIÓN

DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR CENTRAL DE LOCUST VALLEY

LOCUST VALLEY, 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/Preparatoria Locust Valley, 99 Horse Hollow. Road, Locust Valley, Nueva York en 8 de mayo de 2024 a las 7:30 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 2024-2025 año fiscal.

2. Discutir todos los puntos que se establecen a continuación para ser votados mediante máquinas de votación en la Votación y Elección del Presupuesto que se llevará a cabo el martes 21 de mayo de 2024.

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 llevarán a cabo el martes,

Public Notices

21 de mayo de 2024, 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.2024-2025 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 apropiar y gastar fondos del Fondo de Reserva de Capital: SE RESUELVE: Se debe autorizar a la Junta de Educación de conformidad con la Sección 3651 de la Ley de Educación para apropiar y gastar el importe total máximo estimado de $3,700,000, de los cuales $1,181,227 son del Fondo de Reserva de Capital establecido por los votantes el 19 de mayo de 2015, y $2,518,773 son del Fondo de Reserva de Capital establecido por los votantes el 16 de mayo de 2017, cuyas acciones no resultará en ningún aumento adicional para los contribuyentes del Distrito, para los siguientes proyectos: mejoras en el estacionamiento y circuito de autobuses de la escuela secundaria y preparatoria Locust Valley, césped de la cancha de tenis de la escuela secundaria y preparatoria Locust Valley, reemplazo del techo del edificio administrativo, drenaje de emergencia y reemplazo de ventanas de un solo panel, reemplazo de caminos de acceso de asfalto de la Escuela Primaria Ann MacArthur y reemplazo de aceras y caminos de acceso de concreto de la Escuela Intermedia Bayville, así como el equipo original, maquinaria, aparatos y trabajos auxiliares o relacionados necesarios en relación con los mismos. siempre que los detalles y costos de los componentes de las mejoras de capital según lo establecido puedan reasignarse entre dichos componentes según lo determine la Junta de La educación determinará qué es lo mejor para el Distrito.

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.2024-2025, en la cantidad de$1,664,262 aparecer en las máquinas de votación 21 de mayo de 2024, 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 dos (2) miembros de la Junta de Educación para los siguientes términos: a) dos (2) miembros de la Junta de Educación por períodos de tres años que comenzarán el 1 de julio de 2024 y finalizarán el 30 de junio de 2027. Las vacantes en la Junta de Educación no se consideran cargos separados y específicos; los candidatos se postulan en libertad. Los candidatos con el primer y segundo mayor número de votos serán elegidos para todos los mandatos que comienzan.1 de julio de 2024 y expiran el 30 de junio de 2027.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, que una copia de la declaración del cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para financiar el presupuesto del Distrito Escolar (el 2024-2025 presupuesto propuesto) y el presupuesto de la Biblioteca Locust Valley para 2024-2025, excluyendo dinero público, podrá ser obtenido por cualquier residente del Distrito entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m. comienzo 7 de mayo de 2024, 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 cuánto está exento de impuestos el valor tasado total en la lista de tasación final utilizada en el proceso presupuestario, enumerará cada tipo de exención otorgada, identificada por la autoridad legal, y mostrar: (a) el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención expresado ya sea como un monto en dólares del valor tasado o como un porcentaje del valor tasado total en la lista; (b) el monto acumulativo que se espera recibir de los beneficiarios de cada tipo de exención como pagos en lugar de impuestos u otros pagos por servicios municipales; y (c) el impacto acumulativo de todas las exenciones otorgadas. El informe de exención se publicará en cualquier tablero de anuncios mantenido por el Distrito para avisos públicos y en cualquier

sitio web mantenido por el Distrito.

Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, que las peticiones para nominar 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 22 de abril de 2024, entre las 9:00 y las 5:00 horas. Las peticiones de nominación deben estar firmadas por al menos 44 votantes calificados del Distrito (que representan el mayor entre 25 votantes calificados o el 2% del número de votantes que votaron en la elección anual anterior); debe indicar el nombre y residencia de cada firmante, y debe indicar el nombre y residencia del candidato.

Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, que el registro personal de los votantes es obligatorio de conformidad con la Ley de Educación. Si un votante se ha registrado hasta ahora y ha votado en una reunión anual o especial de distrito dentro de los últimos cuatro (4) años calendario, es elegible para votar en esta elección. Además, cualquier persona registrada en la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau conforme a las disposiciones de la Ley Electoral tendrá derecho a votar sin necesidad de registrarse. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deben registrarse. La Junta de Registro se reunirá con el propósito de registrar a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación en cada uno de los tres distritos electorales, el 11 de mayo de 2024, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 1:00 p. m. en la Oficina del Secretario de Distrito, para agregar cualquier nombre adicional al Registro que se utilizará en la elección antes mencionada, momento en el cual cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión de la Junta de Registro, se sabe o se demuestra, a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro, que tiene derecho a votar en la elección para la cual se prepara el registro. Además, el registro se llevará a cabo con el fin de registrar a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación a través de 14 de mayo de 2024, 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.16 de mayo de 2024, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. entre semana, y todos los días anteriores al día fijado para la elección, excepto el domingo, y los sábados sólo con cita previa, y en el 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 la Oficina del Secretario de distrito, 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560, por correo electrónico a aldunne@locustvalleysch ools.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. en 25 de abril de 2024 para que se le emita una boleta para la votación y elección del presupuesto de 2024.

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@locustvalleysch ools.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. 25 de abril de 2024. Las solicitudes de boleta militar recibidas de conformidad con lo anterior se procesarán de la misma manera que una solicitud de boleta no militar según la Sección 2018-a de la Ley de Educación. La solicitud de boleta militar puede incluir la preferencia del

votante militar de recibir la boleta militar por correo, fax o correo electrónico.

Y POR EL PRESENTE SE DA UN AVISO ADICIONAL, la boleta militar original de un votante militar debe devolverse por correo o en persona a la oficina del Secretario de Distrito en 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560. Las boletas militares serán escrutadas si son recibidas por el Secretario de Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el 21 de mayo de 2024 mostrando una marca de cancelación del Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o mostrando un endoso de recibo fechado por otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o recibido a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. en 21 de mayo de 2024 y firmado y fechado por el elector militar y un testigo del mismo, con una fecha que se determina que no es posterior al día anterior a la elección.

Y POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, que de conformidad con el artículo 2014 de la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York, la Junta de Registro se reunirá el martes,21 de mayo de 2024, 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 2024, y cualquier reunión especial de distrito que pueda celebrarse después de la preparación de dicho Registro, momento en el cual cualquier persona puede tener su nombre incluido 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 cualquier reunión especial del distrito celebrada después 21 de mayo de 2024.

Y POR EL PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que las solicitudes de ausencia y correo temprano Las boletas se podrán obtener durante el horario escolar del Secretario del Distrito a partir del 1 de abril de 2024. Es posible que el Secretario del Distrito no reciba una solicitud completa antes de 22 de abril de 2024 y dichas solicitudes deben ser recibidas por el Secretario de 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 la boleta se entregará personalmente al votante o su agente designado. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna para un ausente enviado por correo o correo temprano, 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.

de dinero es requerido por la propuesta, o cuando existe otra razón válida para excluir la propuesta de la boleta.

DISTRITOS ELECTORALES

ESCOLARES

Ausente Y principios las boletas deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. el martes, 21 de mayo de 2024. Una lista de personas a quienes ausente y correo temprano las boletas que se emitan estarán disponibles para su inspección en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a partir del jueves,16 de mayo de 2024, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. los días laborables anteriores al día fijado para la elección anual y en 21 de mayo de 2024, el día fijado para las elecciones. 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 regla adoptada por la Junta de Educación, cualquier referéndum 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 el aviso de la propuesta se incluya con el Aviso de audiencia pública, votación del presupuesto y elección requerido por la Sección 2004 de la Ley de Educación, pero a más tardar 22 de marzo de 2024 a las 5:00 horas; debe estar mecanografiado o impreso en idioma inglés; debe dirigirse al Secretario del Distrito Escolar; debe estar firmado por al menos 111 votantes calificados del Distrito (que representan 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 donde el gasto

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)

Con fecha de 20 de marzo de 2024.

Por Orden de la JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR CENTRAL DE LOCUST VALLEY Alison Dunne, Secretaria del Distrito 145997

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

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING AND ANNUAL DISTRICT ELECTION OF MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE OYSTER BAYEAST NORWICH CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT AND THE OYSTER BAY-EAST NORWICH PUBLIC LIBRARY TO BE HELD ON MAY 21, 2024

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Election of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District will be held in the music wing of the Oyster Bay High School, located at 150 East Main Street, Oyster Bay, New York, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM for the following purposes:

1. To vote upon the appropriation of the necessary funds to meet the estimated expenditures of the District for the school year beginning July 1, 2024 which shall be identified on the ballot as Proposition No. 1.

2. To vote on the following propositions:

PROPOSITION NO.2

(Technology Capital Reserve Fund Expenditure):

SHALL the Board of Education of the Oyster Bay East Norwich Central School District be authorized to expend: $415,000 from the Technology Capital Reserve Fund established on May 15, 2018 for the purpose of performing the following projects: purchase of iPads (Kindergarten) and Chromebooks (3rd and 8th grade); purchase of interactive boards; purchase of staff laptops, all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto.

PROPOSITION NO.3

(Capital Reserve Fund Expenditure): SHALL the Board of Education of the Oyster Bay East Norwich Central School District be authorized to expend $440,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund established on May 16, 2006 and amended on May 17, 2011 and May 21, 2013 and May 16, 2017 for the purpose of performing the following projects: new flooring, and ceiling and wall plaster renovation at Oyster Bay High School; main central fan/fresh air unit replacement at Vernon Elementary School; gymnasium renovations at Vernon Elementary School; concrete replacement at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School; replacement of exterior lighting at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School; and installation of door locks at Theodore Roosevelt Elementary School, all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto.

3. To elect one member of the Board of Education for a term of four (4) years each, beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2028.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the public budget hearing for the purpose of discussing the proposed budget of expenditure of funds for the school year 2024-2025 will be held May 7, 2024 at 7:30 PM in the Oyster Bay High School auditorium or remotely, if legally permissible.

The condensed form of the budget proposition and the text of all other propositions to appear on the voting machine and a detailed statement in writing of the amount of money which will be required for the school year 2024-2025 for school purposes, specifying the purposes and the amount for each, will be prepared and copies thereof will be made available, upon request, to any resident in

Public Notices

the district at each school house in the District between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM during the period of the 14 days immediately preceding said election for May 21, 2024, excluding Saturday, Sunday and holidays, and at such annual election.

Notice is further given that pursuant to Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law, the District is required to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how the total assessed value on the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted by the statutory authority, and show the cumulative impact of each type of exemption, the cumulative amount expected to be received as payments in lieu of taxes and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the Annual Election of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Public Library will be held in the music wing of the Oyster Bay High School, located at 150 East Main Street, Oyster Bay, New York, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 between the hours of 7:00 AM and 9:00 PM for the following purposes:

1. To vote upon the appropriation of the necessary funds to meet the estimated expenditures of the Public Library for the school year beginning July 1, 2024.

2. To elect one member of the Board of Library Trustees for a term of five (5) years beginning July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2029.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the copies of the proposed library budget will be made available, upon request, to any resident at the Reference Desk of the Oyster Bay-East Norwich Public Library, located at 89 East Main Street, Oyster Bay, New York between the hours of 10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon and from 1:00 to 4:00 PM during the period of the 14 days immediately preceding said election of May 21, 2024, excluding Saturday, Sunday and holidays, and at such annual election.

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

corresponding as nearly as may be with the requirements of the Education Law.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the nominations for the Board of Education member and Board of Library Trustee shall be made by petition subscribed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District, and filed with the District Clerk, Administration Building, 1 McCouns Lane, Oyster Bay, New York, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM no later than 5 PM on Monday, April 22, 2024. Such petition shall state the residence of each signer and shall state the name and residence of the candidate. For the Board of Education, the candidate receiving the greatest number of votes shall be considered elected to the office. For the Library, the candidate receiving the greatest number of votes shall be considered elected to the office. A nomination may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for office or declares his or her unwillingness to serve.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the registration of the qualified voters of this District for said annual District election is permitted in the District Clerk’s Office, located in the Administration Building, 1 McCouns Lane, Oyster Bay, New York, during the hours of 8:00AM and 1:00 PM and from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, up to and including May 16, 2024 Registration shall also take place at the James H. Vernon School, 880 Oyster Bay Road, East Norwich, New York, and the Theodore Roosevelt School, 150 West Main Street, Oyster Bay, New York, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 12:00 PM and from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, up to and including May 16, 2024. A register will be prepared and will be filed in the District Clerk’s Office and such register will be open for inspection by any qualified voter between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM on each of the five days prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, by appointment only on Saturday, May 18, 2024 and at each polling place on election day.

PLEASE TAKE

FURTHER NOTICE that the register shall include: (1) all qualified voters of the District who shall personally present themselves for registration; (2) all previously qualified voters of the District who shall have been previously registered for any annual or special District meeting or election and who shall

have voted at any annual or special District meeting or election held or conducted at any time within four calendar years (2019-2022) prior to preparation of the said register; and (3) voters permanently registered with the Board of Elections of the County of Nassau.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Board of Registration will further meet during the hours of voting at the Annual District Meeting on May 21, 2024 for the purpose of preparing a register for District meetings or elections to be held subsequent to May 21, 2024.

PLEASE TAKE

FURTHER NOTICE that applications for absentee and early mail ballots for the school district election and for the library trustee election may be applied for at the District Clerk’s Office. Applications for absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election. Furthermore, such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee or early mail voter ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application no later than six (6) days before the vote. A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots shall have been issued will be available in the District Clerk’s Office on each of the five days prior to the election except Sunday. Eligibility to vote by absentee and early mail ballot will be determined in accordance with the provisions of New York State Education Law §§2018-a and 2018e.

PLEASE TAKE

FURTHER NOTICE military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot.

Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms (the latter of which is to be delivered only by mail or in person) must be received in the Office of the District Clerk of the

school district no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 26, 2024. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the Office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the Office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the election.

Dated: MARCH 26, 2024 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, OYSTER

BAY-EAST NORWICH CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK

RITA BIZZARRO DISTRICT CLERK 145991

LEGAL NOTICE

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA SOBRE EL PRESUPUESTO Y ELECCIÓN ANUAL DEL DISTRITO DE MIEMBROS DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR

CENTRAL DE OYSTER

BAY-EAST NORWICH Y DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE OYSTER

BAY-EAST NORWICH QUE SE REALIZARÁ EL 21 DE MAYO DE 2024

POR EL PRESENTE, SE NOTIFICA que la elección anual del Distrito Escolar Central de Oyster BayEast Norwich se realizará en el ala de música de Oyster Bay High School, ubicada en 150 East Main Street, Oyster Bay, Nueva York, el martes 21 de mayo de 2024, entre las 7:00 am y las 9:00 pm con los siguientes propósitos:

1. Votar sobre la asignación de los fondos necesarios para cubrir los gastos estimados del Distrito para el año escolar que comienza el 1 de julio de 2024, que se identificará en la boleta electoral como Propuesta n.º 1.

2. Votar sobre las siguientes propuestas:

PROPUESTA N.º 2 (Gastos del Fondo de reserva de capitales para Tecnología)

SE AUTORIZARÁ a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Central de Oyster Bay-East Norwich a gastar la suma de: $ 415,000 del Fondo de Reserva de Capitales para Tecnología establecido el 15 de mayo de 2018, con el fin de realizar los siguientes proyectos: compra de iPads (jardín de infantes) y Chromebooks (3er y 8to grado); compra de tableros interactivos; compra de computadoras portátiles para el

personal. Todo lo anterior incluirá toda la mano de obra, materiales, equipos, los aparatos y los gastos imprevistos relacionados con estos.

PROPUESTA N.º 3 (Gastos del Fondo de reserva de capitales)

SE AUTORIZARÁ a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Central de Oyster Bay-East Norwich a gastar la suma de: $ 440,000 del Fondo de Reserva de Capitales establecido el 16 de mayo de 2006 y enmendado el 17 de mayo de 2011, el 21 de mayo de 2013 y el 16 de mayo de 2017 con el fin de realizar los siguientes proyectos: nuevos pisos y renovación de yeso de techos y paredes en Escuela Secundaria Oyster Bay; reemplazo del ventilador central principal/unidad de aire fresco en la Escuela Primaria Vernon; renovaciones de gimnasios en la Escuela Primaria Vernon; reemplazo de concreto en la Escuela Primaria

Theodore Roosevelt; reemplazo de la iluminación exterior en la Escuela Primaria Theodore Roosevelt; y la instalación de cerraduras en las puertas de la Escuela Primaria Theodore Roosevelt. Todo lo anterior incluirá toda la mano de obra, los materiales, los equipos, los aparatos y los gastos imprevistos relacionados con estos.

3. Elegir uno miembro de la Junta de Educación por un período de cuatro (4) años que comenzará el 1 de julio de 2024 y finalizará el 30 de junio de 2028.

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que la audiencia pública sobre el presupuesto con el objetivo de analizar el presupuesto propuesto de gastos de los fondos para el año escolar 2024-2025 se llevará a cabo el 7 de mayo de 2024 a las 7:30 pm en el auditorio de Oyster Bay High School o a distancia, si está legalmente permitido. La forma condensada de la propuesta de presupuesto y el texto de todas las demás propuestas que aparecerán en la máquina de votación y una declaración detallada por escrito de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año escolar 2024-2025 para fines escolares, especificando los propósitos y Se preparará el monto de cada uno y se pondrán a disposición copias de los mismos, previa solicitud, para cualquier residente del distrito en cada escuela del Distrito entre las 8:00 am y las 4:00 pm los 14 días inmediatamente anteriores a dicha elección para el 21 de mayo de 2024, excluyendo sábados, domingos y feriados, y en dicha elección. También se notifica que, de acuerdo

con la Sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, el Distrito debe adjuntar un informe de exenciones al presupuesto sugerido. En este informe de exenciones, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, se mostrará cómo el valor total estimado de la lista de tasación final que se utilice en el proceso presupuestario queda libre de impuestos, se enumerarán todos los tipos de exenciones que otorgue la autoridad legal y se expondrá el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención, el monto acumulado que se prevé recibir como pago en lugar de impuestos y el impacto acumulativo de todas las exenciones otorgadas. ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que la elección anual de la Biblioteca Pública de Oyster Bay-East Norwich se realizará en el ala de música de Oyster Bay High School, ubicada en 150 East Main Street, Oyster Bay, Nueva York, el martes 21 de mayo de 2024, entre las 7:00 am y las 9:00 pm. con los siguientes propósitos:

1. Votar sobre la asignación de los fondos necesarios para cubrir los gastos estimados de la biblioteca pública para el año escolar que comienza el 1 de julio de 2024.

2. Elegir un miembro para que sea fideicomisario de la Junta de la Biblioteca por un período de cinco (5) años que comenzará el 1 de julio de 2024 y finalizará el 30 de junio de 2029. ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que las copias del presupuesto propuesto para la biblioteca se pondrán a disposición, previa solicitud, de cualquier residente en el mostrador de consulta de la Biblioteca Pública de Oyster Bay-East Norwich, ubicada en 89 East Main Street, Oyster Bay, Nueva York, de 10:00 am a 12:00 pm, y de 1:00 pm a 4:00 pm durante los 14 días inmediatamente previos a la elección del 21 de mayo de 2024, excepto los sábados, domingos y feriados, y también en la elección anual.

ASIMISMO,

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

ASIMISMO,

SE NOTIFICA que las nominaciones de los miembros de la Junta de Educación y del fideicomisario de la Junta de la Biblioteca se deberán realizar mediante una solicitud firmada por al menos 25 votantes calificados del Distrito, y se deberán presentar en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito en el Edificio Administrativo en 1 McCouns Lane, Oyster Bay, Nueva York, entre las 8:00 am y las 4:00 pm, a más tardar el lunes 22 de abril de 2024 a las 5:00 pm. Estas solicitudes deberán indicar la residencia de cada firmante, así como también el nombre y la residencia del candidato. Para la Junta de Educación, el candidato que reciban la mayor cantidad de votos serán considerados electos para el cargo. Para la Biblioteca, el candidato que reciba la mayor cantidad de votos será considerado electo para el cargo. La Junta de Educación puede rechazar una nominación si el candidato no es elegible para el cargo o declara su falta de disposición para desempeñar las funciones.

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que se permite el registro de votantes calificados de este Distrito para esta elección anual del Distrito en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito ubicada en el Edificio Administrativo en 1 McCouns Lane, Oyster Bay, Nueva York, de 8:00 am a 1:00 pm y de 2:00 pm a 4:00 pm, de lunes a viernes, hasta el 16 de mayo de 2024 inclusive. El registro también se llevará a cabo en James H. Vernon School, 880 Oyster Bay Road, East Norwich, Nueva York y en Theodore Roosevelt School, 150 West Main Street, Oyster Bay, Nueva York, de 8:00 am a 12:00 pm y de 1:00 pm a 4:00 pm, de lunes a viernes, hasta el 16 de mayo de 2024 inclusive. Se preparará y presentará un registro en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito, y dicho registro estará abierto para que cualquier votante calificado pueda inspeccionarlo entre las 8:00 am y las 4:00 pm durante los cinco días previos al día establecido para la elección, excepto los domingos, y el sábado 18 de mayo de 2024 con cita, como así también en cada lugar de votación el día de la elección.

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que el registro incluirá: (1) a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se hayan presentado personalmente para el registro; (2) a todos los votantes previamente calificados del Distrito que se hayan registrado con anterioridad para cualquier elección o reunión anual o

extraordinaria del Distrito y que hayan votado en alguno de estos eventos realizados o llevados a cabo en cualquier momento durante los cuatro años calendario (2019-2022) previos a la preparación de dicho registro; y (3) a los votantes que estén registrados de manera permanente en la Junta Electoral del condado de Nassau.

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Registros se reunirá durante el horario de votación en la reunión anual del Distrito el 21 de mayo de 2024 con el fin de preparar un registro para las elecciones o reuniones del Distrito que se realizarán después del 21 de mayo de 2024.

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que las solicitudes de boletas de ausente y por correo anticipado electorales por ausencia para la elección del distrito escolar y para la elección del fideicomisario de la biblioteca se podrán realizar en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito. La secreteria del Distrito deberá recibir las solicitudes de voto por ausencia y por correo no antes de los treinta (30) días previos a la elección. Además, la secretaria del Distrito debe recibir esta solicitud al menos siete días antes de la elección si la boleta electoral se enviará por correo postal al votante, o el día antes de la elección si la boleta electoral se entregará personalmente al votante o a su representante designado. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna para enviar por correo una boleta electoral de voto por ausencia, la secretaria del Distrito enviará por correo dicha boleta a la dirección indicada en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la votación. Una lista de todas las personas ara quienes se les habran emitido boletas en ausencia y por correo anticipado estara ara las que se emitieron votos por ausencia disponible en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito durante los cinco días previos a la elección, excepto el domingo La elegibilidad para votar mediante voto por ausencia y por correo anticipado se determinará de acuerdo con las disposiciones de la Sección 2018-a y 2018-e de la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York.

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que los votantes militares que no estén registrados actualmente pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del distrito escolar. Los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del distrito escolar podrán enviar una solicitud de boleta electoral militar. Estos votantes pueden

indicar su preferencia de recibir un registro de votante militar, una solicitud de boleta electoral militar o una boleta electoral militar por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico en su pedido del registro, de la solicitud de boleta electoral o la boleta electoral. Los formularios de registro de los votantes militares y los formularios de solicitud de boleta electoral militar (esta última debe entregarse únicamente por correo postal o en persona) deben recibirse en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito antes de las 5:00 pm el 26 de abril de 2024. Las boletas electorales militares no serán escrutadas, a menos que (1) la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito las reciba antes del cierre de la votación el día de la elección y tengan una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o un endoso fechado de recepción por parte de otro organismo del gobierno de los Estados Unidos, o bien (2) la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito las reciba antes de las 5:00 pm del día de la elección, y estén firmadas y fechadas por el votante militar y un testigo de ello, con una fecha asociada que no sea posterior al día previo a la elección.

Fecha: 26 de marzo de 2024

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR

CENTRAL DE OYSTER BAY-EAST NORWICH, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

RITA BIZZARRO SECRETARIA DEL DISTRITO 145993

LEGAL NOTICE

VILLAGE OF UPPER BROOKVILLE PLANNING BOARD

PUBLIC NOTICE

A public hearing and meeting will be held before and by the Planning Board of the Incorporated Village of Upper Brookville, Nassau County, New York, at the Brookville Reformed Church, 2 Brookville Road, Glen Head, NY on April 30, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.

THE GREAT BOOK GURU

A world of trouble

Parker Kelsey Chairman

April 19, 2024 P-123 146225

SEALED

for the

Village of Upper Brookville by the attorneys for the Village, Humes & Wagner, LLP at their offices at 147 Forest Avenue, Locust Valley, NY, until 11:00 a.m. on May 17, 2024, at which time and place bids will be publicly opened and read aloud for: PROPOSED EXTERIOR/INTERIOR RENOVATIONS 5701 NORTHERN BOULEVARD

13048 Instructions to bidders, plans, specifications, proposal sheets and form of contract (“Bid Documents”) may be seen at or procured at the office of the Village Engineer, LiRo Engineers, Inc. 235 E. Jericho Turnpike, Mineola, New York on and after 10:00 AM April 19, 2024. A non-refundable fee of one hundred and fifty ($150) dollars made payable to the Village of Upper Brookville will be required for a printed copy of the Bid Documents. Bidders can receive an electronic copy of the Bid Documents by emailing McKay, Sabrina at McKayS@LiRo-Hill.com at no charge. Each Sealed Bid Proposal submitted must be in full compliance with the instructions to bidders and accompanied by a certified check on a solvent bank or trust company, in an amount of $1,000, made payable to the Village of Upper Brookville as assurance that the contract will be executed if awarded to such bidder. The Sealed Proposal must also contain a Statement of Non-Collusion as required by Section 103d of the

The hearing will be on the application of David Erfan, owner of a 2.0 acre parcel of land located on the easterly side of Cedar Swamp Road in the Village designated as Section 18, Block A, Lots 1072A&B on the Land and Tax Map of Nassau County. In accordance with the final Planning Board decision for Prayaan Properties, Inc., dated April 26, 2018, the Applicant seeks site plan approval to permit the construction of a new two-story residence, with inground swimming pool, patio and other appurtenant structures and site improvements, all as shown on the map entitled “Site Plan for Residence…” prepared by Ferrantello Land Surveying, P.C. and last dated November 2, 2023. The above application and plat are on file at the offices of Humes & Wagner, Attorneys for the Village, 147 Forest Avenue, Locust Valley, NY, where they may be seen during business hours of usual business days until the time of the hearing. All interested persons will be given an opportunity to be heard at said time and place. If any individual requires special assistance to attend, please notify the Village Attorney at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing.

General Municipal Law, along with evidence of Successful Completion of Similar Projects. The Bid deposit is to guarantee that if the successful Bidder is awarded the project, it will execute the contract and furnish all required documentation, including bonds and evidence of insurance.

The deposit will be forfeited to the Village as liquated damages, if the awarded Bidder fails to enter into the project contract within the time specified. Bidders are directed to review all requirements set forth in the form of contract that will be required of a successful Bidder in particular; conditions of employment to be adhered to including payment of NYS prevailing wage rates and full compliance with all provisions of the NYS and Federal Labor Laws of the State of New York; posting with the Village evidence of the required liability insurance, property insurance and Worker’s Compensation insurance coverage; and performance, payment and maintenance bonds. This project is partially funded by a State and Municipal (SAM) grant provided by the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY), identified as Grant Disbursement #13048, Construction of a multipurpose facility and parking lot. The Successful Bidder will be required to adhere to all terms and conditions associated with this Grant and will fully cooperate with all reporting requirements, including but not limited to providing any required documentation necessary for grant reimbursement.

All Bidders are deemed to have examined the scope of the project and the location of all proposed site where work is required and are fully aware of all factors pertaining to the project including existing conditions, which they have incorporated in their Bid. At no time after submission of a Bid, may a Bidder dispute, assert, or claim a misunderstanding in regard to the project, the amount of work required or factors pertaining to the site or existing conditions.

The Village Board of Trustees, in its sole discretion, reserve the right to reject any and all Bids, waive any informality in any Bids and to accept such Bid proposal the Village Board of Trustees deems most favorable to the interest of the Village.

The Village Board of Trustees in its sole discretion further reserves the right to reject any Bidder it deems unqualified.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Tracy L. Lynch

Village Clerk

Dated: April 19, 2024 146226

LEGAL NOTICE SUMMONS AND NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORKCOUNTY OF NASSAU EMIGRANT BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER WITH EMIGRANT SAVINGS BANK-LONG ISLAND, Plaintiff,against- SEYMOUR COHEN, et.al.

Defendants. INDEX NO. 610162/2023 Plaintiff designates NASSAU County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the situs of the real property. To Defendant Seymour Cohen YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s attorney within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York) and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. Commencement of this lawsuit does not affect your rights as set forth in the validation notice. We are a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.

Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated: April 11, 2024, TERENZI & CONFUSIONE, P.C. Attorneys for Plaintiff By: Lisa M. Confusione,

Dear Great Book Guru, We had a great family Easter celebration recently, and we vowed to choose a book we would all read and discuss the next time we got together which will be in about a month. We agreed we wanted something fast moving and attention gathering. Any ideas?

Family of Readers

Dear Family of Readers,

I am a big fan of John Grisham, having loved all 40 plus of his novels and I believe his latest, “The Exchange,” is a good choice for your family. Set 15 years after his 1991 bestselling legal thriller “The Firm,” this book answers the question as to what happened to Mitch and Abby McDeere who disappeared from Tennessee at the end of the novel. The Mitch we meet now is very, very different. He is living in Manhattan, a partner in a hugely prestigious interna-

ANN DIPIETRO

tional law firm, and still married to Abby who is now a cookbook writer (allowing for some great descriptions of culinary extravaganzas). Whether coaching his young sons’ baseball team or attending opening nights at the Met, we sense a well lived, orderly life. So when he receives a call from a colleague in Rome asking him to represent a client in a dispute with the Libyan government, he is reluctant to get involved. Things quickly prove him right as he finds himself caught up in a monstrous kidnapping with international reverberations, eerily mirroring today’s headlines.

It’s a great story dealing with many moral and ethical issues. Highly recommended!

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

401 Franklin Avenue, Suite 304, Garden City, NY 11530 (516) 812-0800

The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage covering: 11 Evans Drive, Brookville, NY 11545. JUDGMENT IN THE APPROXIMATE AMOUNT OF $1,996,991.69 plus interest.

HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE

New York State law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully.

SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT

You are in danger of losing your home. If you fail to respond to the summons and complaint in this foreclosure action, you may lose your home. Please read the summons and complaint carefully. You should immediately contact an attorney or your local legal aid office to obtain advice on how to protect yourself.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE

The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit

organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1(800) 342-3736 or visit the Department’s website at http://www.dfs.ny.go v.

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS

YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. You have the right to stay in your home during the foreclosure process. You are not required to leave your home unless and until your property is sold at auction pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale. Regardless of whether you choose to remain in your home, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY and pay property taxes in accordance with state and local law.

FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS

Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are

individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services.

146158

LEGAL NOTICE

Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 02/15/2024, I, the undersigned Referee,

viscardicenter 2x4 b.crtr - Page 1 - Composite

FULL-TIME DIRECT SUPPORT

PROFESSIONAL (DSP)

viscardicenter 2x4 b.crtr - Page 1 - Composite

Abilities, Inc. is looking for Direct Support Professionals to provide support services to successfully integrate individuals with developmental disabilities into their communities.

Transport and accompany Program Participants to recreational activities — bowling, movies, volunteering — and other socialization activities. Additional duties, such as assisting with personal care needs, may be required. $20.00/hr.

HS Diploma/equivalent, prior work experience with adults having disabilities required.

Valid NYS Driver’s License required.

For more information, call (516) 465-1432 or email humanresources@viscardicenter.org

FULL-TIME DIRECT SUPPORT

viscardicenter 2x4 b.crtr - Page 1 - Composite

FULL-TIME

DIRECT SUPPORT

PROFESSIONAL (DSP)

PROFESSIONAL (DSP)

Abilities, Inc. is looking for Direct Support Professionals to provide support services to successfully integrate individuals with developmental disabilities into their communities.

Transport and accompany Program Participants to recreational activities — bowling, movies, volunteering — and other socialization activities. Additional duties, such as assisting with personal care needs, may be required. $20.00/hr.

HS Diploma/equivalent, prior work experience with adults having disabilities required.

HS Diploma/equivalent, prior work experience with adults having disabilities required.

Valid NYS Driver’s License required.

Valid NYS Driver’s License required.

For more information, call (516) 465-1432 or email humanresources@viscardicenter.org

OPINIONS

L.I. GOP must condemn Trump’s dangerous remarks

Elected officials, including many in Nassau County, regularly say they’re committed to bipartisanship — to “reaching across the aisle.” That is, of course, a worthy sentiment, especially in these hyperpolarized times.

Compromise does indeed lie at the core of politics in a democracy. Conservatives and liberals, when acting in good faith and with a shared set of values, can reach agreements that benefit both sets of constituents.

KEVIN J. KELLEY

But in order for politics to function in this way, politicians of differing views need to show respect for one another, and for the standards of civil discourse. Comity isn’t possible when extremism prevails. Threats of violence and attacks on people’s religious beliefs must be repudiated, regardless of where they originate on the ideological spectrum. Calls for cooperation thus sound hypocritical when incendiary rhetoric is allowed to take the place of reasoned debate. Worse, politicians who lack the courage to condemn dangerous rantings by their own side’s leaders can be judged

Mcomplicit when unhinged speech results in criminal acts.

That’s why Long Island Republicans have a moral, as well as political, obligation to publicly condemn inflammatory remarks made by their party’s leader, Donald Trump.

We have already seen what happens when the bounds of civic decorum are breached. Trump’s unfounded insistence that the 2020 election was stolen led thousands of his followers to trash the U.S. Capitol, the citadel of American democracy.

WTrump. His defeat would not be acknowledged, or tolerated.

This is not how democracy works. Trump’s repeatedly demonstrated disdain for the rule of law should be denounced as an unpatriotic affront to the memory of the hundreds of thousands of Americans who have lost their lives in defense of the nation’s founding principles.

ill they follow former V.P. Mike Pence’s lead, or stand by silently?

Something similar — or even more calamitous — may well occur this year. Trump recently warned, “If I don’t get elected, it’s gonna be a bloodbath.” MAGA militants are likely to take that message literally. They’ll wink and nod at the former president’s subsequent claim that he was referring only to the consequences of not curbing imports of Chinese automobiles.

Trump is also stoking racist hatred. Some of his most rabid followers may feel emboldened to physically attack migrants, whom their idol has referred to as “animals.”

Trump has said, too, that if he loses the 2024 election, that will be proof that it was rigged. In other words, the only acceptable result will be victory for

Nassau County Republican officeholders have a responsibility to treat their impressive recent electoral victories not as an opportunity to gloat or ridicule their opponents, as Trump did throughout his term in the White House, but rather to urge their supporters to respect democratic processes, and their opponents. Similarly, local Jewish leaders — Conservative, Reform and Orthodox -- should assure their congregants that it’s possible to vote for Joe Biden and still be good Jews and defenders of Israel.

Trump, of course, does not agree.

He declared on March 18 that “any Jewish person that votes for Democrats hates their religion.” Asked the following day about that comment, Trump doubled down: “Democrats have been very, very opposed to Jewish people,” he said, absurdly.

Never one to engage in temperate criti-

cism, Trump has lately entered rhetorical realms far beyond the limits of responsible speech. He is certainly not a conservative of the Reagan variety, nor is he in sync with prominent local Republicans such as former Congressman Peter King, who has displayed the courage, in the pages of the Herald, to criticize Trump’s dangerous divisiveness.

The United States needs a credible conservative party that focuses on fundamental issues such as the role and the size of government. Liberal positions should be challenged in informed, reasoned exchanges based on facts, not fabrications. But this is not the case for the party led by Trump.

What will Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Hempstead Town Supervisor Donald Clavin do? Will they follow the lead of former Vice President Mike Pence, who has termed Trump unsuited to hold the nation’s highest office? Or will they stand by silently and allow political exigency to take precedence over government of, by and for the people?

History will judge their actions — or inactions.

Kevin J. Kelley was a congressional staff member in the 1980s, and is a retired journalist and journalism professor who worked for newspapers in New York, Vermont and Kenya and taught at St. Michael’s College in Vermont. He lives in Atlantic Beach.

Spring cleaning: Forget the brooms and mops

y clothes closet is a throwback, a collection from a past life. Who bought all these clothes, I wonder. Whose life was dressed in these costumes? What woman, aside from the extravagantly shod Imelda Marco, could possibly think she needed so many pairs of shoes?

RANDI KREISS

I stand in awe at the bizarre items hanging inside. I cannot connect to the life these clothes adorned. There is a floor-length, multi-colored, layer-cake skirt that I bought and last wore on a trip to Africa, when it was only marginally appropriate, even in Mozambique. Truth? There are two of these skirts. I also have a bright, bright red, heavily embroidered Chinese jacket I bought in Shanghai in 2003. It’s lovely, and it fits, but it is so, so pre-Covid life.

I see shirts I bought 25 years ago, when big, padded shoulders were de rigueur. They still have paper stuffed into the sleeves from the last time I had them cleaned, several decades ago.

It’s like wandering through Pompeii. Who was this person? I wonder. The big belts, the silk shawls, the long velvet pants for formal attire add to the sense of disconnection. A hot pink cocktail dress?

Today I could keep my wardrobe in a paper sack. Since the pandemic and the collapse of the social life we once enjoyed, I dress down. Way down. Still, there are four pairs of spiked heels on the shelf. A walk in those babies would be a suicide mission.

On another shelf in the closet is the crocheted blanket that I started with my mother-in-law, who has been dead 40 years. Any day now I guess I’ll take up crocheting again. The bejeweled handbag I bought in the gift shop at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore doesn’t go with my mom jeans.

sight.

With that in mind, I want to springclean my mind of the addictive behaviors brought on by the deprivations and anxieties of the coronavirus. The superkiller is done, and we’re still standing. The virus, no doubt, is here to stay, but with the appropriate vaccines, we will go on. What remains is our pathological obsession with devices that intensified during the pandemic, and that needs to be treated.

S ince the pandemic and the collapse of the social life we once enjoyed, I dress down.

You get my point. I hereby publicly vow to use this spring to fling out the old and give away the wardrobe of the woman who once lived a very different life from mine. My new life requires five hangars and a drawer.

There’s more. Closets are a metaphor, are they not? Clichéd, but still the perfect symbol of all that is tucked away, out of

For example, I thought I had a clear mind when I sat down to write this. Then I glanced at an incoming text. My sister wanted a recipe, so I stopped writing and looked up the ingredients of sheet pan lasagna. But wait — as I searched, there was “incoming”: A new sale by Eileen Fisher, so I checked it out, and was about to buy a new T-shirt to stash in the aforementioned closet when, blip, there were notices from a dozen charities offering to match my donation today if I made them right now. I started to give my $25 to Planned Parenthood when, whoosh, there was a text from my granddaughter, who was turning in a paper in three minutes that she wanted me to edit.

So, what was I doing? Writing my column — right, that’s it. But sister texted back, thanking me for the lasagna recipe, and then my husband texted to ask which lettuce to buy at the supermarket. I had to tell him romaine, right? Or he might come back with iceberg.

What did I sit down here to do? Oh yes, I want to focus on spring cleaning, but the news and the texts and the endless notifications are a disorienting sound-and-light show signifying nothing but distraction.

But, really, hold on a minute, can I afford to ignore a text from a company that will help me control upper-arm fat? Can I write about spring cleaning this week, when Donald Trump is possibly eating a puppy online in another magic MAGA moment? (Relax, I made that one up.)

What practical steps will I take to clean up the psychological and technological distractions? I will stop “notifications” and turn off my phone when I write. Next time. I really will do that, I promise, but first I have to check out two tiny must-read urgent news flashes: the best undiscovered beaches in Newfoundland and photos of an ancient worm that grew to 37 feet long.

Weaving a future of peace, harmony and justice

As the vibrant hues of spring emerge, so, too, do the sacred observances of Easter, Passover and Ramadan — each offering a tapestry of traditions woven with threads of renewal, redemption and hope.

Christians and Muslims have completed their observances of Easter and Ramadan, and now Jews are set to celebrate what they call Pesach — a holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites in ancient Egypt, and their eventual exodus to the Promised Land.

When it comes to the tapestry of humanity, however, all of these celebrations serve as poignant reminders of our shared quest for spiritual uplift and communal solidarity, transcending cultural boundaries and religious affiliations.

At the heart of Easter lies the profound narrative of resurrection, symbolizing the triumph of life over death, and the promise of renewal. Christians around the world gathered to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, finding solace in the belief that, through faith and redemption, new beginnings are possible.

LETTERS

There’s ‘my-partisanship’ far from D.C., Jerry

To the Editor:

Similarly, Passover holds a special place in the hearts of Jewish communities. Through rituals steeped in tradition, families gather around the Seder table to retell the story of Exodus, passing the torch of remembrance down from one generation to the next. Passover embodies the timeless themes of liberation and redemption, inspiring people to break free from the shackles of oppression and embrace the promise of a brighter future.

Amid the tapestry of religious diversity, Ramadan shines as a beacon of spiritual devotion and self-discipline for Muslims worldwide. During this holiest month of the Islamic calendar, believers fast from dawn to dusk, engaging in prayer, reflection and charity. Through the rigor of fasting, Muslims seek purifications of the soul and a deepened connection with the divine — finding strength and solace in the collective journey of faith.

Despite their distinct cultural expressions and theological nuances, Easter, Passover and Ramadan converge on the shared terrain of universal values and aspirations. Across these sacred seasons, the themes of renewal, redemption and hope serve as bridges that

Jerry Kremer’s good heart, I fear, is overly generous for our current moment (“Washington: where bipartisanship goes to die,” April 11-17). His desire for bipartisanship is currently unfashionable, not only in Washington but right here in Massapequa. Our former honorable representative and gentleman, Peter King, is now willing to pronounce on the political qualifications of mourners attending services for an NYPD officer lost in action.

The lawbreaking, felon-praising Donald Trump is noted for his “dignity” at Jonathan Diller’s memorial, while a rumor of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s being snubbed is pandered. Other notable Democrats are named and shamed with King’s party’s “anti-police” canard. Thus was Diller’s memorial stained with gratuitous my-partisanship. Bipartisanship is often a corpse, Mr. Kremer, before it departs for Washington.

BRIAN KELLY Rockville Centre

unite humanity in its quest for transcendence and meaning.

In the tapestry of diversity, we find unity in our shared humanity, transcending the boundaries of creed and nationality. As we reflect on the timeless messages of these three observances, let us embrace the richness of our religious heritage, and celebrate the mosaic of traditions that adorn the fabric of our collective existence.

In the face of adversity and uncertainty, these sacred days remind us of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of faith to sustain us through life’s trials.

Together, let us embrace unity in diversity, forging bonds of understanding and compassion that transcend the barriers of ignorance and prejudice. And may we find strength in our shared humanity, and hope in the process of a brighter tomorrow.

As the spring sun rises, let us embark on a journey of spiritual renewal and communal solidarity, guided by the timeless wisdom of Easter, Passover and Ramadan. In this tapestry of diversity, may we weave a future of peace, justice and harmony for generations to come.

ed to “allow” state school funding to remain status quo, I sent the following sentiments to my Board of Education as well as lobbyist/membership organizations that advocate for school boards, including the Nassau-Suffolk and New York State school boards associations. The crime of this state aid funding game is that districts ran around in a

frenzy and a state of panic for the past six weeks, each looking to make changes and cuts, all for nothing! This disturbing yearly exercise of dangling money like a carrot is getting old and tiresome. A new method must be put in place, immediately.

Perhaps it’s as simple as educating district boards with the understanding

OPINIONS

FBefore

Long Island, we were ‘t Lange Eylandt

or an area with as much history as Long Island, many of us tend to focus on the big events and names.

The Roosevelts. Washington’s spy ring. Billy Joel.

But an important — if overlooked — part of our history is the early Dutch settlement of the area.

WILL SHEELINE

Beneath Long Island’s modern landscape — with its bustling cities, quaint towns and scenic shores — lies a rich tapestry of history woven by the earliest European settlers. To comprehend the essence of Long Island — and, in many ways, all of New York today — we must understand its past, tracing back to the pivotal era of Dutch colonial settlement.

The roots of much Long Island’s identity — its culture, its governance, and even its place names — find their origins in the footsteps of Dutch explorers and settlers who arrived on its shores in the early 17th century.

The Dutch East India Company commissioned Henry Hudson to explore the uncharted waters of the New World in 1609. Hudson’s voyage led him to the shores of Long Island, where he navigated the waters of what is now known as the Hudson River.

This encounter marked the dawn of Dutch interest in the region, culminating in the establishment of New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island.

However, it was not until the 1630s that the Dutch began to establish footholds on Long Island itself, with individual families acquiring land and laying the groundwork for settlements such as Southold and Southampton.

The significance of these early Dutch settlements cannot be overstated. They served as the foundation upon which Long Island’s communities were built, shaping its social, economic, and political landscape for centuries to come.

Tpopulation, which now numbers more than 2 million.

The Dutch presence on Long Island was not without its challenges. The region became a contested territory, with rival claims from both Dutch and English authorities, as well as conflicts with Indigenous tribes.

he story of the Dutch settlers is one of courage, perseverance, collaboration.

The Dutch settlers brought with them not only their language and customs, but also their expertise in agriculture, commerce and governance. Through their toil and perseverance, they transformed the untamed wilderness into thriving villages and towns, leaving an indelible mark on the island’s character.

It was also thanks to the Dutch that the first Jewish people arrived in what would become New York. Solomon Pietersen and Jacob Barsimson were the first Dutch Jews to come to America in 1654, followed later that year by 23 Jewish refugees fleeing Portuguese persecution in Brazil.

These early settlers were the nucleus of what became New York state’s Jewish

LETTERS

that they can run their budgets like a business. Not only can they, they should! We are the fiduciary stewards of the taxpayers’ money. Let’s teach boards to be fiscally responsible.

The issue with most administrations, which is no fault of their own, is that they don’t earn the money they’re in charge of. Our schools are multi-million-dollar businesses, and there’s a very different understanding of how to spend money when you’re responsible for generating the business and chasing down the receivables. When you’re responsible for making payroll, and paying worker’s comp, insurance and all other fixed costs each week, you spend differently. When fixed costs rise, they eat into your profits, but in the educational world we just raise everyone’s taxes and ask for more. The mindset is vastly different.

The long and short of it is that the entire state just spent six weeks of budget season — the busiest time of year, when we’re planning for next year — wasting time, energy, manpower and productivity, only to be told, don’t worry, you really do have the money. It is counterproductive, cruel,

bad business and a cycle that has become accepted by all! We succumb to this every year, praising the governor for giving us our money back.

Our leadership at the state level — the education commissioner, Board of Regents members and elected officials on both sides of the aisle — needs to start having hard conversations with the governor’s office about their modus operandi. This disaster needs to stop.

Any successful businessperson understands that when an organization is kept in constant crisis mode, it affects every operation. The permacrisis in which this administration keeps our education system is slowly killing public education. So I’m not thankful that the governor let us “keep” our taxpayers’ money. Personally I’m disgusted, and I’m waiting for those who can to advocate for real change.

MARGARET MARCHAND President, Locust Valley Board of Education Founder, Coalition of New York State School Boards

The struggle for dominance played out in conflicts and negotiations, shaping the boundaries and allegiances of the burgeoning colonies, which still determine the borders between Nassau and Suffolk counties to this day.

Yet, despite these tensions, the Dutch settlers persevered, carving out a distinct identity for themselves within the diverse tapestry of early American society which lasted into the 1800s.

The legacy of the Dutch settlement on Long Island is evident in its place names, its architecture, and its cultural heritage. From the quaint villages of Astoria and Ravenswood, to the bustling streets of Queens Bridge Plaza, traces of Dutch influence are woven into the fabric of everyday life.

Long Island itself was named by the Dutch, who were the first to refer to the landmass as ‘t Lange Eylandt.

Nassau County was named after the royal house of Nassau — also known as the House of Orange — which continues to rule the Netherlands to this day.

Many of Long Island and New York’s

prominent early families trace their genealogy to the early Dutch settlers of New Amsterdam and ‘t Lange Eylandt. The Roosevelts — originally spelled Rosenvelt — came to New Amsterdam between 1638 and 1649, and would build their fortune through their properties across Long Island and in upstate New York, while the Vanderbilts came to the area in 1650.

To truly understand Long Island’s past and present, it is essential to explore the rich history of its Dutch settlers. Their story is not just a chapter in the annals of American history, but a living testament to the enduring legacy of exploration, settlement and adaptation.

As we reflect on the journey of those early pioneers, we gain insight into the forces that have shaped Long Island into the vibrant and dynamic region it is today.

In commemorating the legacy of the Dutch settlement, we honor the resilience and ingenuity of those who laid the foundation for our communities. While not perfect people by any means, theirs is a story of courage, perseverance and collaboration, reminding us of the enduring power of diversity and cooperation in shaping the course of history.

As we look to the future, we need to draw inspiration from the past, embracing the spirit of discovery and exploration that defines the legacy of the Dutch settlement on Long Island.

Will Sheeline is a senior reporter covering Glen Cove, Glen Head, Oyster Bay and Sea Cliff.

FRAMEWORK by Nicole Formisano