Wantagh Herald 04-18-2024

HERALD WANTAGH

Wantagh Chamber celebrates businesses

By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

The Wantagh Chamber of Commerce partied like it was the 1930s at last week’s installation dinner, as it celebrated the contributions of several its members.

The event, which attracted a crowd of around 70 guests, took place on April 11 at Gatsby on the Ocean, at Jones Beach’s historic West Bathhouse.

“This is such a beautiful place that represents the history of Wantagh,” chamber President Cathy McGrory Powell said. “It’s such a historic place, and it’s an incredible example of art deco. We’re really

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Historical museum hosts presentation on Fire Island Lighthouse

By RACHEl BAMGBoSE Herald intern

The Seaford Historical Society recently invited author and south shore Long Island resident Angela Reich to make a presentation on the history of Fire Island and the infamous shipwreck of The Elizabeth off New York Harbor.

Reich’s presentation was one of the highlights of an April 11 meeting at the Seaford Historical Museum, where she delved into the book she wrote on the subject, entitled “Shipwreck of Hopes.”

Also during the meeting, the historical society announced that it has received a $50,000

Mr. Giangregorio came to the rescue and hand-delivered the check to my home first because he knew what I’d been through.

Judy BoNGIoVI President, Seaford Historical Society

grant to replace the damaged roof of the museum, with renovations scheduled to begin on April 15. The museum was built in 1893 as a two-room schoolhouse and became the Seaford

Historical Museum in 1976. Since then, the property has been maintained by the historical society.

At the event, Reich told the museum audience that she worked as a Fire Island docent for more than 11 years, dedicating five of those years to researching and working on her novel, which was published in November 2018.

“I just decided to knock on the door, basically, and ask to become a docent, and I just got so into it that I couldn’t stop,” Reich said.

She discussed the Fire Island Lighthouse — a popular landmark on the Great South Bay that was originally built in

1826 at 74 feet high, at what was then, the end of the island. The lighthouse served as a literal beacon of hope to ships importing and exporting goods through New York Harbor.

Only steps away from the original, the current lighthouse stands at 150 feet tall. According to Reich, architects realized the lighthouse needed more height to help guide lost boats.

A lighthouse served as an important safety measure to prevent shipwrecks during a time when breeches buoys and poorly crafted lifeboats were the only life saving devices. In her book, she described “Wreck Valley,” the stretch of water under Long Beach and above New Jersey, which, without the presence of a light -

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Lisa Romano/Herald

County Legislator Michael Giangregorio, fifth from right, with members of the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce at the organization’s annual installation dinner on April 11. The event, which took place at Gatsby on the Ocean at Jones Beach, celebrated the contributions of several chamber members.

Museum receives grant for roof repairs

Continued from page 1

house, was the site of many shipwrecks.

The shipwreck of The Elizabeth in 1850 was known around the world and remained in the newspapers for months afterwards. Family members of author Margaret Fuller, who wrote “Woman in the Nineteenth Century,” were passengers on that ship.

The ship’s original captain fell ill and unexpectedly died early on during the voyage, leaving the sailing to an inexperienced first mate, which, in part, was to blame for The Elizabeth’s shipwreck, Reich explained. Eight people died, although some records show two others died too.

Reich also illustrated the importance of the Fire Island Lighthouse and how it still stands today, the evolution of its architecture and the variation of its uses, as well as the strengths and weaknesses of early life-saving services, capturing the audience with laughter and zingers.

“Between 1878 and 1914, Fire Island alone, their seven (emergency live-saving) stations aided 721 vessels and saved 7,086 lives,” Reich said. “The numbers are massive.”

Audience members were encouraged to ask questions, sparking discussion about Fuller and her writings, the search for survivors of The Elizabeth and the remodeled emergency-at-sea system.

Judy Bongiovi, historical society president since 2015, kicked off the April 11 meeting by thanking the group’s supporters, including Nassau County Legislator Michael Giangregorio for the $50,000 grant for the museum’s roof repairs. The historical society has been seeking the grant since October 2023 but due to new community pol-

icies for grants, the process took longer than expected. Bongiovi did not specify the process, but mentioned it was a “long winded procedure.”

“Mr. Giangregorio came to the rescue and hand-delivered the check to my home first because he knew what I’d been through,” Bongiovi said.

The money comes from the County’s Hotel/ Motel fund that gives money through grants, which are designed to help bolster education, tourism and organizations that promote Nassau County history.

“I was pleased to join members of the Seaford Historical Society, to present them with a $50,000 grant check to replace the roof of the Seaford Historical Museum,” Legislator Giangregorio said in a statement. “The Seaford Historical Society plays a pivotal role in educating our community and students on the Town’s maritime and farming history. I am grateful to be playing a small role in assisting the Historical Society in replacing the roof so that they can continue with their mission of keeping Seaford’s history alive.”

The museum’s artifacts are precious and expensive, according to Bongiovi, and the grant will help to preserve them. Bongiovi also expressed hope that the grant will help the museum continue to draw speakers and presenters like Reich and entertain scouts coming to see the artifacts.

Reich’s book is available for purchase on amazon.com for $12.06. She sold signed copies of her book at the April 11 museum event, which also featured a $5 raffle and prizes. Reich announced that 20 percent of the money that was raised from the books and raffle would go toward the historical society.

Rachel Bamgbose/Herald author and Long island resident angela reich stopped by the Seaford Historical museum to discuss her book, ‘Shipwreck of Hopes,’ detailing the history of the f ire island Lighthouse and the shipwreck of the elizabeth.

Annual benefit brings community together

The community came together at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh during the annual benefit fundraiser hosted by the Michael J. Cawley Memorial Foundation.

Named after FDNY firefighter Michael J. Cawley, who gave his life on 9/11, the event aimed to aid those affected by 9/11-related illnesses and support Archbishop Molloy High School Scholarships. Attendees enjoyed music, raffles, and spirited bidding wars during live and silent auctions.

Contributions made throughout the evening honored the memory of those lost while providing vital support to survivors and their families. The event, fueled by the efforts of organizers and attendees, presented the community’s compassion to help out those who are still affected by that tragic day.

— Charles Shaw

Danielle Sinacori/Herald photos

Grace Andrews, second from left, who suffers from brittle bone disease, is the daughter of a New York City firefighter. The Michael J. Cawley Memorial Foundation presented her family with a check on stage at their annual benefit at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh on April 6.

Members of the FDNY pipe and drum band performed at the annual benefit.

Attendees at Mulcahy’s in Wantagh enjoyed a drink at the Michael J. Cawley Memorial Foundation 22nd Annual Benefit on April 6.

Marissa Granotta, left, and Lena Granotta handing out raffle tickets during the annual benefit.

Roger Rudzwick, left, Chris Granotta and Michael Drake enjoying the event at Mulcahy’s.

Chamber honors several standout members

excited to be able to do this here tonight.”

McGrory Powell, who has been the organization’s president since 2019, was sworn in again by Nassau County Legislator Michael Giangregorio, who also presented several special award winners with citations.

Looking back, McGrory Powell said, getting involved with the chamber was a matter of making a difference in the business community.

“I love the community,” she said. “I always want to do more for the community, and make memories with people and help our businesses.”

She and her husband, Bill Powell, operate Universe Home Services in Seaford, which is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.

Marilynne Rich, the chamber’s second vice president, presented the Nassau Council Chambers of Commerce Business Person of the Year award to Frank Ubriaco, owner of Blackbird Kitchen and Cocktails and Uncle Frank’s Wood Fired Pizza. According to Rich, Ubriaco and his brother-in-law, chef Chris Perrotta, have built a familyrun restaurant group that has been a highlight on the Wantagh dining scene since 2016.

“Frank will always greet you with a smile, and ask what he can do to help,” Rich said.

Ubriaco said he was thankful for being welcomed into the community, and that the chamber has always been supportive of his business.

“They’ve been fantastic,” he said. “Huge support from everybody. A mutual support, professional and personal.”

The Wantagh Fire Department, which celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, won both Organization of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards, presented by Karen Lofgren, the chamber’s first vice president.

“We are honored to recognize the

Spousal Refusal - Just Say No

in New York. By way of background, 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.

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.

Wantagh Fire Department for both awards, as they are the epitome of distinction, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to our community through their services as volunteer firefighters and EMTs,” Lofgren said.

Parlour on the Park received the Beautification of the Year award. The salon was founded in 2022 by Alexandra Tumminello-Ciullo and Jennifer RomeoLaucella, friends and co-workers for over 15 years who had dreamed of opening a shop of their own.

The Citizen of the Year award went to Laura Dupkin Memisha, an associate broker for Realty Advisors. According to the chamber, Memisha specializes in new construction, and has extensive experience in sales of both residential and commercial properties.

“It feels absolutely fabulous, and I am honored,” Memisha said. “I love my Wantagh community, and I live for it.”

McGrory Powell presented the Leadership award to John Theissen, founder and executive director of the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit that helps sick and underprivi -

leged children through donations and fundraisers. Since 1992, Theissen’s organization has collected more than a million toys for children in need at more than 180 hospitals and child-care facilities.

“He is always so gracious, and appreciates anything that people do to help his cause, his mission, his purpose on this earth,” McGrory Powell said of Theissen. “It is that kind of leadership that we need a lot more of.”

Theissen said he was honored to receive the award, but added that everything he does has always been a community effort, and the people who donate and bring awareness to his organization help him continue to be there for children in need.

“People make it possible,” Theissen said. “The volunteers, the supporters, it’s a community effort.”

Gail Sherwood, of West Babylon, who has been a volunteer for Theissen’s organization since 2002, was the President’s Choice award winner. According to McGrory Powell, Sherwood has been dedicated to Theissen’s cause, whether answering phones, collecting donations or helping him organize events to help children in need.

“To me, this award is for someone who isn’t in the spotlight, but is always there, as an important piece of the puzzle,” McGrory Powell said. “That’s Gail Sherwood.”

Lisa Romano/Herald photos

Chamber f irst Vice president Karen Lofgren, far left, with president Cathy mcgrory powell, frank ubriaco and Second Vice president marilynne rich at the installation dinner. ubriaco, a restaurant owner in Wantagh since 2016, was presented with the nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce Business person of the Year award.

County Legislator michael giangregorio swore in Cathy mcgrory powell as chamber president, a title she has held since 2019, during the chamber’s annual installation dinner.

Passover - The night our creator was on the watch

The upcoming holiday of Passover is a time to reflect on our lives, our strengths, our freedom and more. Jewish people all over the world will celebrate their heroic escape from being slaves to the wicked king, Pharoh. The night before Passover, The Almighty was on the watch, protecting the Israelites and made sure that every single one of them escaped Egypt safely. Our Creator had performed many miracles for the Israelites, including the splitting of the sea and the ten plagues, but was the lesson learned?

Many of us who read Alex Haley’s book “Roots”, or even watched the mini-series, saw a glimpse of what slavery was like. “Roots” portrays the story of Kunta Kinte who was kidnapped from Gambia, Africa. Kunta was stripped of his freedom and brought into North America where he was sold as a slave. Haley lucidly describes slavery. His writing touched people of all colors, religion or economic status. Slavery was wrong in Egypt and was equally wrong in North America or anywhere else in the world for this mat-

ter. Did anyone ever learn to work together and fight to abolish inequality between people? Yes! Look no further than Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, may their souls rest in peace.

It was January 14, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois. Rabbi Heschel delivered a powerful speech with a clear message. The speech dealt with religion and race. It was a moving and motivating speech, both condemning and comparing the slavery of the Israelites in ancient Egypt and the slavery and racism toward the African Americans. Dr. King was impressed by the speech and the two became friends. Dr. King made his famous, “I have a dream speech”, on August 28, 1963. With a tremendous crowd, believers and supporters, his dream came true but not without struggles. To this day, we are still struggling to perfect his dream. It took plagues

for Pharoah to let the Israelites go and it took a civil war to free the African Americans from slavery. Yet, we are strong as we unite to combat this evil, and we will succeed.

On March 21, 1965, Selma, Alabama and the rest of the world watched and saw an unprecedented march. People of all colors and religions marched together. Rabbi Heschel was there, in the now famous march. G-D was there in the smallest details as well, a Torah, The Five Books of Moses was dearly and carefully held in support of the marchers. This was a powerful message. If we want a better world, we must unite. Equality is not just another word in the dictionary, we must strive to implement it every day, hour or minute of our lives.

One of the commandments’ of Passover is that every Jewish person should see himself as he him -

self was just freed from Egypt. This year, I invite us all to see ourselves as we survived slavery, just as Alex Haley did in a brilliant way. The Divine Providence will continue watching over us, His children. Our appearance does not make The Omnipresent love us more or less, in His eyes we are all equal.

Alex Haley, Dr. Martin Luther King and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel might have departed from us physically, yet they are with us through their legacy. This Passover let’s keep their memory and legacy alive. While asking the four traditional Passover questions, look into yourself and ask some more questions. Did I do my utmost to build bridges between people? Can I do better? Am I active enough in my community? Feel FREE to add questions, after all this holiday we celebrate FREEDOM!

Happy Passover,

RABBI

MOSHE P. WEISBLuM, PHD

Rabbi Moshe Weisblum is the spiritual leader for Congregation Beth Tikvah in Wantagh.

R abbi M oshe Weisblu M

SPOTLIGHT ATHLETE

GARRET GATES

North Shore Senior Baseball

GATES AND THE VIKINGS couldn’t have scripted a better start to 2024. In the March 25 opener, the hard-throwing southpaw who quarterbacked North Shore’s football team to the playoffs, pitched a perfect game against Herricks. Even more impressive was he needed minimal help from the defense, as he struck out 20 of 21 batters. An All-Conference selection last spring, Gates fanned 12 in his next start and blanked Manhasset over five innings.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, April 18

Baseball: V.S. South at Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Calhoun at MacArthur 4:45 p.m.

Softball: North Shore at West Hempstead 5 p.m.

Softball: Elmont at Lynbrook 5 p.m.

Baseball: Seaford at Clarke 5 p.m.

Baseball: Baldwin at V.S. Central 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Baldwin at East Meadow 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Oceanside at Long Beach 5 p.m.

Friday, April 19

Baseball: Malverne at Lynbrook 4:45 p.m.

Girls Flag Football: Lynbrook at West Hempstead 5 p.m.

Softball: Carey at Wantagh 5 p.m.

Softball: East Meadow at Calhoun 5 p.m.

Softball: V.S. Central at Uniondale 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Baldwin at Hewlett 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Calhoun at Carey 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Oceanside at Freeport 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Somers at South Side 6 p.m.

Saturday, April 20

Softball: Freeport at West Hempstead 10 a.m.

Softball: Sewanhaka at V.S. North 10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Seaford at Long Beach 10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: MacArthur at Oceanside 10 a.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a spring sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

MacArthur eyes conference crown

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

A season removed from an early playoff exit, the MacArthur baseball team is determined to have a far deeper postseason run this spring.

MacArthur went unbeaten in its first nine conference games last year before encountering a gauntlet of tough teams on the back-end of the schedule and ultimately getting bounced in the first round of the Class A playoffs by Wantagh.

The Generals lost many key seniors from last year’s 13-9-1 team, but have once again started the season strong with four wins in five games. They’re eyeing a league title in Conference AA-II that would earn them one of the top seeds in the looming postseason and a first round bye. A new Nassau County classification based on school enrollment has moved MacArthur from Class A to Class AA without many longstanding rivals like Wantagh, Plainedge and Clarke.

“We want to compete for the conference,” said longtime MacArthur coach Steve Costello, whose team entered the week at 3-0 in league play. “Our goal is to win the league championship and get a bye.”

Senior Tyler Bonsignore once again leads the pitching staff and is shining on the mound in his final season in a MacArthur uniform. The lefty Adelphi commit struck 16 and surrendered just two hits in an 8-1 win against Great Neck South on April 8.

Junior pitcher Alex Darzano has also proved dominating at times on the mound this season, recording 13 strikeouts in six scoreless innings in a 7-0 non-league win versus Lynbrook on April 5. He also had nine strikeouts while throwing a three-hitter in MacArthur’s 11-1 win against Great Neck South last Saturday.

The third starting pitcher spot remains up in the air early on between Chris Lonergan, Mike Joyce and Dom Calone. The trio combined to guide MacArthur to a 12-3 victory at Great Neck South on April 9.

“For the third game of a series we have a bunch of different arms and can see who looks the best that day,” Costello said.

The offense has been anchored by juniors Chase Palma and Dylan Tripi, who both started as sophomores and were hitting above .500 through the first five games of the season. Palma registered three hits in MacArthur’s 8-1 win against Great Neck South on April 8. Trip smacked a grand slam in the Generals’ blowout win Saturday as part of five RBI day.

Senior Dan Reynolds has emerged as the Generals’ leadoff hitter this year in his first season as a full-time starter. Reynolds hit two RBIs in the Lynbrook win and

entered the week batting around .500. MacArthur is tacking on Herricks in a three-game series this week that concludes Thursday with a road game at 5 p.m. before the Generals host Plainview JFK Saturday at noon.

Costello said he expects Mepham and Long Beach to be the biggest competitors for winning Conference AA-II. In the 12-team county playoffs that will commence next month, Costello projects Calhoun, Division and Garden City to be county title contenders in the Class AA playoffs.

David Meisenholder/Herald Junior Dylan Tripi is off to a torrid start with the bat for the Generals, hitting over .500 through the first five games this spring.

Crime Brief

Alleged victim claims Wantagh F.D. seeking dismissal

One year after Amanda Gross filed a lawsuit against the Wantagh Fire Department and two former firefighters over an alleged sexual assault, her lawyer, Vesselin Mitev, says the department is trying to have it dismissed.

During an interview with NBC 4 news, Gross, who remains a volunteer medic for the fire department, spoke about the alleged incident that led to her filing a lawsuit against the department in January of last year.

“I thought these people were my friends and they weren’t,” Gross told NBC 4. “They did the complete opposite and took advantage.”

The Herald reached out to the Wantagh Fire District, and the district said they couldn’t comment on pending litigation at the advice of their legal counsel.

According to the lawsuit, Gross alleges that ex-chief Kenneth Kelly Jr. and Engine 7 captain Josef Seier sexually assaulted her at a birthday party that took place at the station 4 firehouse throughout the late evening and early morning of Jan. 14 and Jan. 15 in 2022.

The lawsuit claims Gross was at the party celebrating Seier’s birthday, and Kelly and Seier executed a premeditated plan to get her intoxicated by overserving liquor before taking advantage of her in a bathroom.

After Kelly shut down the party and told everyone to leave at around 2 a.m., the lawsuit claims that Seier began forc-

Petit LarCeny

On April 8, items were stolen from a CVS on Merrick Road in Merrick. A woman stole items from a Walgreens on Hempstead Turnpike in Bethpage on April 9.

arrests

Michael Kemmann, 36, of Holbrook, was arrested for shoplifting on Division Avenue in Levittown on April 4. Nicola Colandrea, 48, of Wantagh, was arrested for shoplifting at King Kullen on Wantagh Avenue in Wantagh on April 8. Ogechukwuka Nwaesei, 31, of Wyandanch, was arrested for shoplifting at Shoprite on Sunrise Highway in Massapequa on April 8.

CriminaL misChief

A basement window was damaged at a home on Bellport Avenue in Wantagh on April 6.

Three tires from a car parked on Spring Lane in Levittown were damaged on April 6.

On April 9, tires from a car were damaged while parked on North Jerusalem Road in Levittown.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

ing himself on Gross at the firehouse company bar. Gross repeatedly told Seier “no”, as well as telling him that it was “a bad idea,” but Seier ignored her and continued the alleged assault and forced himself on her.

After Gross arrived home the following day, she received a text from Kelly, according to the lawsuit, which said “Had fun last night. But remember that’s between you me and Joe only forever.”

Gross told NBC 4 news that both men she accused of sexual assault have been

removed from the fire department.

— Charles Shaw

A Wantagh Fire Department fire medic claims she was sexually assaulted during a birthday party at the firehouse in 2022.

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 people 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.

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.

What’s up next door and around the corner

HERALD neighbors

Dance takes attendees through the ages

Temple B’Nai

in Wantagh

attendees back in time with a lively dress-up dance party on April 13th.

From the nostalgic tunes of the 1950s to present-day hits, guests grooved to the beats while donning period-appropriate costumes. The dance floor saw a colorful display of outfits, ranging from groovy hippies reminiscent of Woodstock to the glitz of the disco era. The event featured energetic tunes and slow songs for couples to take the dance floor.

Amid the spirited atmosphere, food and drinks kept energy levels high as attendees indulged in a trip down memory lane.

Torah

transported

— Charles Shaw

Maureen Lennon/Herald photos

Attendees hit the dance floor at Temple B’Nai Torah’s Party Through The Decades dress-up dance party on April 13.

Guests danced to hit tunes from the 50’s to the present and dressed for the occasion at the dance party.

Rick and Joyce Rappaport partied like it was the 1960s in psychedelic-themed costumes.

Stuck in the 80’s and loving it - Helaine Schnall with her MTV shirt, head band and her Boom Box.

Couples took to the floor at the dress-up dance party for familiar songs of yesteryear.

Debbie Schlesinger dancing with friends and having so much fun.

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.

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.

Mike DelGuidice

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.

“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.

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.

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

is of buzzy jokes.

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, 1:30 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.

“I Never Finish Anythi…”

“I Never Finish Anythi…”

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.

“I Never Finish Anythi…”

Does this pretty much sum it up for you?

“I Never Finish Anythi…”

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Does this describe you?

Does this pretty much sum it up for you? Or someone you care for?

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Or someone close to you?

If the answer is Yes.

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Bingo at Temple B’Nai Torah

Every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and every Thursday from 7:15 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Temple B’nai Torah will be hosting a fun-filled day of bingo. Prizes, progressive games and refreshments will be available. Temple B’Nai Torah is located at 2900 Jerusalem Ave in Wantagh. For more information, call 516221-2370.

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art, Saturday, April 20, noon-3 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. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for to register or call (516) 484-9337.

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.

Game time

Join the JULIETS for Mahjongg and card games at Congregation Beth Tikvah, every Thursday, noon-4 p.m. Masks are optional, but proof of Covid-19 vaccination is required for newcomers, as well as a contribution of $5 per person. 3710 Woodbine Ave., in Wantagh, For more information email mahjonggCBT@yahoo.com or call (516) 785-2445.

Having an event?

Defensive Driving Class

Wantagh Public Library hosts a 6-hour AARP Defensive Driving Class, Saturday, April 20, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Participation in this six-hour course gives you a reduction of insurance fees for three years and can reduce points $25 for AARP members and $30 for non-members; with a check or money order made out to AARP. Participants are required to bring a valid NYS drivers license and AARP membership card (for members).

Registration required. 3285 Park Ave., in Wantagh. For more information, visit WantaghLibrary.org or call (516) 221-1200.

Weekly bingo

Bingo everyone! Temple B’nai Torah host fun-filled bingo sessions, every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.; every Thursday, 7:15 p.m.-10 p.m. Prizes, progressive games and refreshments are available. 2900 Jerusalem Ave., in Wantagh. For more information, visit TBTWantagh. org or call (516) 221-2370.

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.

Community Passover Seder

Join Congregation Beth Tikvah for the second night of Passover, Tuesday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m. Led by Rabbi Moshe P. Weisblum, the event will feature an inspirational Hebrew/English Haggadah, a fun multi-generational Seder, food, singing and storytelling. 3710 Woodbine Ave., in Wantagh. For menu, pricing, dietary concerns, reservations or repayment, call the synagogue office at (516) 785-2445.

B’Nai Torah Community Seder

Temple B’Nai Torah hosts a Community Seder, Tuesday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m. Led by Cantor Rica Timman, participate in a complete Seder with a full dinner. Adult admission is $65; $25 ages five to 13; under five are free. 2900 Jerusalem Ave. in Wantagh. For more information, contact Brian Levy via email at Bellobl@gmail.com or phone at (516) 459-4450.

Spring Fling

The Seaford Chamber of Commerce hosts their third annual Spring Fling on Saturday, May 4, 11 a.m.-5 p.m., at the Seaford LIRR parking lot. The outdoor shopping and food truck event includes varied vendors selling clothing, jewelry, crochet items, artwork, bags candles, and more. Jackson Avenue and Sunrise Highway. Rain date is Sunday, May 5. For more information, contact the chamber at SeafordChamberNY@gmail.com.

Baby shower for moms-to-be

Mercy Hospital hosts this free event for expecting moms-to-be, Saturday, May 11, noon to 2 p.m., in the lower level cafeteria. With raffles, giveaways for mom and baby, and meet and greets with physicians, lactation specialists, mother/baby nurses, games and more. For moms only. 1000 N. Village Ave. Email Elizabeth.Schwind@chsli.org to register. For more information, visit CHSLI.org/mercy-hospital or call (516) 6263729.

Public Notices

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING, ELECTION AND PERSONAL REGISTRATION, LEVITTOWN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Annual Meeting of the School District, the vote on the School District budget and election of candidates for the School Board of Levittown Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, and the vote on the Public Library budget and election of a candidate for the Board of Trustees for the Levittown Public Library, will be held in the several election districts of the School District at the voting places designated below on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 between the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM, to vote by ballot on voting machines on the proposition or propositions set forth below, as well as any other propositions which may properly come before the electorate, and to elect members of the Board of Education and to elect a member of the Library Board of Trustees. Shall the following resolutions be adopted:

PROPOSITION NO. 1

SCHOOL DISTRICT

BUDGET

BE IT RESOLVED, that the School District budget for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025, as presented to the Board of Education, in the amount of $261,572,899 be approved and the necessary taxes be levied therefore on the taxable real property of the district.

PROPOSITION NO. 2

LIBRARY BUDGET

RESOLVED, that the Public Library Budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025 proposed by the Library Board of Trustees of the Levittown Public Library heretofore filed pursuant to law shall be approved and the necessary taxes be levied therefore on the taxable real property of the district.

NOTICE IS FURTHER

GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education and for the office of member of the Library Board of Trustees must be filed with the District Clerk between the hours of 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM but between the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on April 22, 2024. Forms of the petitions may be obtained from the District Clerk.

The following vacancies are to be filled on the Board of Education: Two (2) members for the term of three (3) years, commencing July 1, 2024 and expiring June 30, 2027.

A separate petition is required to nominate a candidate for member of the Board of Education. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected. Each petition must be directed to the District Clerk, must be signed by at least twentyfive (25) qualified voters of the District, or 2% of the voters who voted in the 2023 election, whichever is greater, and shall state the residence of each person who signed, must state the name and residence of the candidate and the length of the term of office. This year all nominating petitions must include 37 signatures.

The following vacancies are to be filled on the Library Board of Trustees: One (1) member for the term of five (5) years, commencing July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2029.

A separate petition is required to nominate a candidate for member of the Library Board of Trustees. Each petition must be directed to the District Clerk, must be signed by at least twentyfive (25) qualified voters of the District, or 2% of the voters who voted in the 2023 election for members of the Library Board of Trustees, whichever is greater, and shall state the residence of each person who signed, must state the name and residence of the candidate and the length of the term of office. This year all nominating petitions must include 37 signatures.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that a statement of estimated expenses for the 2024-2025 school year will be presented at a Public Hearing on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 7:30 PM in the Board Meeting Room of the Levittown Memorial Education Center and copies of such statement, as well as the statement of the amount of money required for the 2024-2025 fiscal year of the Public Library, will be made available on the District’s website and at each schoolhouse and library in the District during the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM on each day other than a Saturday, Sunday or holiday during the fourteen (14) calendar days immediately preceding the election together with the text of any resolution which will be presented to the voters.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law, personal registration of voters is required and only those persons whose names appear on the register of the said school district, or who are registered pursuant to Article 5 of

the Election Law, shall be entitled to vote at said meeting and election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that all qualified voters who have previously registered for any annual or special meeting or election and have voted at any annual or special election held or conducted at any time within four (4) calendar years prior to this year are not required to register with the Board of Registration for this meeting.

All other persons who wish to vote must register. A voter may register at the office of the District Clerk of the Levittown UFSD between the hours of 8:00 AM. and 1:00 PM on school days provided that such registration is effected no later than May 16, 2024.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that said register will be filed in the office of the District Clerk and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District on each of the five (5) days prior to the day of the election, except Sunday, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, on Monday through Friday by appointment on Saturday ( May 18, 2024), in the office of the District Clerk and at each voting place on the day of the election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that absentee ballots for those eligible pursuant to the provision of Section 2018a of the Education Law are available, and that applications for absentee ballots may be applied for at the office of the District Clerk. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots have been issued will be available in the office of the Clerk on each of the five (5) calendar days prior to the day of election except Sunday, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM on Monday through Friday and by appointment on Saturday ( May 18, 2024), in the office of the District Clerk. Such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) calendar days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or by the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. No absentee voter’s ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received in the office of the District Clerk not later than 5:00 PM on the day of the election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that pursuant to Section 2018-e of the Education Law, applications for early mail ballots may be obtained at the Office of the District Clerk of the School District, during all days in which the School District is in session.

Completed applications must be received by the

District Clerk no earlier than April 22, 2024 and by May 14, 2024, if the early mail ballot is to be mailed to the voter. If the early mail ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter at the Office of the District Clerk the completed application must be received by the District Clerk no later than May 20, 2024. No early mail voter’s ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received in the Office of the District Clerk of the School District no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 21, 2024. A list of all persons to whom early ballots have been issued will be available in the Office of the District Clerk’s office during office hours on and after May 15, 2024 until May 20, 2024, except on Saturday May 18, 2024, by prearranged appointment. A challenge to an early voting ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should have applied for an absentee ballot.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that during the voting hours on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM, in the various election districts, the Board of Registration will meet to receive registrations for subsequent elections. During the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM on voting days, the District Clerk shall be in her office at the Levittown Memorial Education Center.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law requires the 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 the total assessed value of the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted by statutory authority, and show the cumulative impact of each type of exemption, the cumulative amount expected to be received as payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. In addition, said exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on the District’s website.

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Education Law §2018-d, Military Voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the District by submitting a Military Voter Registration Application to the District Clerk, no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 25, 2024. A copy of the Military Voter Registration Application

is available both by contacting the District Clerk by email at vesposito@levittownscho ols.com and online at the District’s website located a t <http://www.levittownsc hools.com/>. Military voters who are qualified voters of the District may submit an application for a military ballot. A Military Voter is entitled to designate a preference to receive a Military Voter Registration Application, Military Ballot Application or Military Ballot by mail, facsimile or electronic mail. Such designation will remain in effect until revoked or changed by the voter. If no preference is designated, the District will transmit the Military Voter Registration Application, Military Ballot Application or Military Ballot by mail.

Military Voter Ballot Application forms must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 25, 2024.

Military Ballots will not be canvassed unless they are received by the District Clerk on or before 5:00 p.m. on May 21, 2024.

SCHOOL ELECTION DISTRICTS:

The boundaries of the school election districts and the place of each election district for voting and registration shall be as follows:

ELECTION DISTRICT #1GARDINERS AVENUE SCHOOL

Beginning at Wantagh

Parkway and Chase Lane; east on Chase Lane to Center Lane, thence south to Prairie Lane; thence east to Gardiners Avenue; thence south to Slate Lane; then east and north to Swan Lane; then east and north to Grey Lane; continuing east to Wantagh Avenue; thence south on Wantagh Avenue to Jerusalem Avenue; thence west to Oakfield Avenue; continuing north to Old Jerusalem Road; thence east on Old Jerusalem Road to Wantagh Parkway Line; north along Line to the point of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT #2EAST BROADWAY SCHOOL

Beginning at north side of Southern State Parkway and east side of Wantagh Avenue; north on Wantagh to Miller Place; thence east to Exit Lane; thence south to Elm Drive; thence west to Elbow Lane; thence southwest to End Lane; south to End Lane and Elm Drive East to Pope Street; thence east to District Line; thence south to Regent Lane; thence east to Red Maple Drive; thence northeast, and south to Regal Lane; east on Regal Lane and Cordwood Lane to Arlington Drive; thence southeast to Town Line; thence south to Southern State Parkway; west along Parkway to point of

beginning. Beginning at south side of Southern State Parkway and west side of Town Line; south on Town Line to Jerusalem Avenue; thence west to Wantagh Avenue; thence north to Southern State Parkway; thence east to point of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT #3LEVITTOWN MEMORIAL

EDUCATION CENTER

Beginning at east side of Wantagh Parkway and south side of Hempstead Turnpike; east on Hempstead Turnpike to Silver Lane; thence south to Forge Lane; thence east to Cotton Lane; thence southeasterly to Wantagh Avenue; then south to Grey Lane; thence west to Swan Lane; then southwesterly to Slate Lane; then south to Gardiners Avenue, thence north to Prairie Lane; thence west to Center Lane; thence north to Chase Lane; thence west to Wantagh Parkway Line; north along Line to point of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT #4DIVISION AVENUE HIGH SCHOOL

Beginning at north side of Hempstead Turnpike and west side of Jerusalem Avenue; west on Hempstead Turnpike to District Boundary Line at Wantagh State Parkway; thence northeast to northerly border of School District; east on Boundary Line (Flamingo Rd., Magpie Lane, Blacksmith Rd) to Jerusalem Avenue; thence south to point of beginning. Dated: Levittown, New York March 2024 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION LEVITTOWN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK 145920 LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA, VOTACIÓN PRESUPUESTARIA Y ELECCIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE WANTAGH UNION WANTAGH, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que se llevará a cabo una Audiencia Pública de los votantes calificados del DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE WANTAGH UNION, Condado de Nassau, Wantagh, Nueva York, en la Escuela Secundaria Superior, Wantagh, Nueva York, en dicho distrito escolar el 8 de mayo de 2024, a las 8:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, para la transacción de negocios según lo autorizado por la Ley de Educación, incluyendo los siguientes elementos:

1. Presentar a los votantes una declaración detallada (propuesta de presupuesto) de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año fiscal 2024-25.

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

3. Tratar cualquier otro asunto que pueda presentarse ante la reunión de conformidad con la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York y las leyes que la modifiquen.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que una copia de una declaración detallada por escrito de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año escolar 2024/25 para fines escolares (el presupuesto propuesto) se pondrá a disposición, previa solicitud, de cualquier residente del Distrito entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, a partir del 1 de mayo de 2024, excepto sábados, domingos o días festivos, en la oficina del Superintendente Adjunto de Negocios, Edificio de Administración, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, en cada escuela del Distrito, en las oficinas del distrito escolar, en el sitio web del Distrito en www.wantaghschools.or g y en la Biblioteca Pública de Wantagh.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que dicha Votación y Elección del Presupuesto se llevará a cabo el martes 21 de mayo de 2024, entre las 7:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, en los Tres (3) Distritos Electorales, descritos a continuación, momento en el cual las urnas se abrirán para votar por máquina de votación sobre los siguientes elementos:

1. Adoptar el presupuesto anual del Distrito Escolar para el año fiscal 2024-25 y autorizar que la parte requerida del mismo se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad imponible del Distrito.

4. Elegir a un (1) miembro de la Junta de Educación por un período de tres años que comienza el 1 de julio de 2024 y expira el 30 de junio de 2027.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que de conformidad con la Sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre la Propiedad Inmobiliaria, se requiere que el Distrito Escolar adjunte a su presupuesto propuesto un informe de exención. Dicho informe de exención, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, indicará qué parte del valor total de tasación en la lista de liquidación final utilizada en el proceso presupuestario está exenta de impuestos,

2. Votar sobre la siguiente proposición: “¿Se autorizará a la Junta de Educación de conformidad con la Sección 3651 de la Ley de Educación a asignar y gastar una cantidad que no exceda el costo total estimado (incluidos los intereses acumulados) de un millón doscientos mil ($1,200,000) dólares del fondo de reserva de capital establecido por los votantes del Distrito Escolar en la reunión anual celebrada el 15 de mayo? 2018, para los siguientes proyectos: Actualización y reemplazo de los sistemas de megafonía e intercomunicación y comunicación en el aula en la Escuela Primaria Forest Lake, la Escuela Primaria Mandalay, la Escuela Primaria Wantagh, la Escuela Secundaria Wantagh y la Escuela Secundaria Wantagh”. 3. Votar sobre la siguiente proposición: “¿Se autorizará a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Wantagh Union a establecer un fondo de reserva de capital de conformidad con la Sección 3651 de la Ley de Educación de Nueva York que se conocerá como el Fondo de Reserva de Capital 2024 por un plazo probable de quince (15) años, con el monto principal final del mismo por un total de hasta diez millones ($ 10,000,000) dólares, más los intereses devengados por los mismos; cuyo propósito será financiar en su totalidad o en parte, mejoras de seguridad y protección, reparaciones, renovaciones, adiciones y mejoras en todo el distrito (es decir, mejoras de capital a las instalaciones del Distrito, incluidas, entre otras, la reconstrucción y renovación de instalaciones, techos, reducción de asbesto, calefacción/ventilación, trabajos de albañilería, ventanas, trabajos en el sitio y trabajos relacionados), así como la compra de vehículos de pasajeros (que no sean autobuses escolares) que tengan una capacidad de asientos de menos de diez personas cuando se compran para reemplazar un vehículo similar previamente en servicio durante tres años o más, con dichos fondos que se obtendrán de las asignaciones presupuestarias y los intereses devengados sobre los mismos, y los saldos de fondos no asignados puestos a disposición por la Junta de Educación”.

Public Notices

enumerará cada tipo de exención concedida, identificada por la autoridad legal, y mostrará: (a) el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención expresado como un monto en dólares del valor catastral o como un porcentaje del valor catastral total en el rollo; b) el importe acumulado que se espera recibir de los beneficiarios de cada tipo de exención en concepto de pagos en lugar de impuestos u otros pagos por servicios municipales; y c) el efecto acumulativo de todas las exenciones concedidas. El informe de exención se publicará en cualquier tablón de anuncios mantenido por el Distrito para avisos públicos y en cualquier sitio web mantenido por el Distrito. Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que las peticiones de nominación de candidatos para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación se presentarán ante la Secretaria de dicho Distrito Escolar en su oficina en el Edificio de Administración, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, a más tardar el 22 de abril de 2024, entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m., tiempo prevaleciente. Las vacantes en la Junta de Educación no se consideran cargos separados y específicos; Los candidatos se postulan en general. Las peticiones de nominación no describirán ninguna vacante específica en la Junta para la cual se nomina al candidato; debe dirigirse al Secretario del Distrito; debe estar firmada por al menos cuarenta y cinco (45) votantes calificados del Distrito (que representen el mayor de veinticinco (25) votantes calificados o el 2% del número de votantes que votaron en la elección anual anterior); debe indicar el nombre y la residencia de cada firmante, y debe indicar el nombre y la residencia del candidato.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que se requiere el registro personal de los votantes de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación o de conformidad con el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral. Si un votante se ha registrado hasta ahora de conformidad con §2014 de la Ley de Educación y ha votado en una reunión anual o especial del distrito dentro de los últimos cuatro (4) años calendario, él o ella es elegible para votar en esta elección. Si un votante está registrado y es elegible para votar bajo el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral, él o ella también es elegible para votar en esta elección. Todas las demás personas

que deseen votar deben registrarse.

El registro se llevará a cabo con el propósito de registrar a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito de conformidad con §2014 de la Ley de Educación hasta el jueves 16 de mayo de 2024, entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, en todos los días regulares durante los cuales la oficina del Secretario del Distrito esté en funcionamiento, ubicada en el Edificio de Administración, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, en cuyo momento cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se coloque en dicho registro, siempre que en ese momento se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de dicho Secretario de Distrito que tiene derecho a votar en esa elección para la cual se prepara el registro. La Junta de Registro también se reunirá con el propósito de registrar a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito de conformidad con §2014 de la Ley de Educación el 7 de mayo de 2024, entre las 9:00 a.m. y la 1:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, en el vestíbulo de la escuela secundaria superior, y el sábado 11 de mayo de 2024, entre las 9:00 a.m. y la 1:00 p.m., en el Edificio de Administración, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, para agregar cualquier nombre adicional al Registro que se utilizará en la elección antes mencionada, momento en el cual cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se coloque en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión de la Junta de Registro se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro que tiene derecho en ese momento o en lo sucesivo votar en la elección para la cual se prepara el registro. El último día para inscribirse será el jueves 16 de mayo de 2024. El registro así preparado de conformidad con §2014 de la Ley de Educación se archivará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, y estará abierto para su inspección por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito a partir del jueves 16 de mayo de 2024, entre las 9:00 a.m. y la 1:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, en días laborables y todos los días anteriores al día fijado para la elección, excepto el domingo, y el sábado 18 de mayo de 2024 entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 12:00 p.m., y en el lugar de votación el día de la votación.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que los votantes militares que no están registrados actualmente pueden

solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de Wantagh Union solicitando y devolviendo una solicitud de registro al Secretario del Distrito en persona, por correo postal a 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, por correo electrónico a mcguigane@wantaghsch ools.org o por fax enviado al (516) 765-4154. La solicitud de la solicitud de registro puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar para 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. del 25 de abril de 2024.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que los votantes militares que son votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de Wantagh Union, pueden solicitar una solicitud para una boleta militar del Secretario del Distrito en persona, por correo a 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, por correo electrónico a mcguigane@wantaghsch ools.org, o por fax enviado al (516) 765-4154. En dicha solicitud, el votante militar puede indicar su preferencia por recibir la solicitud por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Un votante militar debe devolver la solicitud original de boleta militar por correo o en persona a la oficina del Secretario de Distrito en 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793. Para que un votante militar reciba una boleta militar, se debe recibir una solicitud de boleta militar válida en la oficina del Secretario de Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m., el 25 de abril de 2024. Las solicitudes de boletas militares recibidas de acuerdo 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 para recibir la boleta militar por correo, fax o correo electrónico.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE

DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que la boleta militar original de un votante militar debe devolverse por correo o en persona a la oficina del Secretario de Distrito en 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793. 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 fechado de recepción por otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o recibida a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 21 de mayo de 2024 y firmada y fechada por el votante militar y un testigo de la misma, con una fecha que se determina que no es posterior al día anterior a la elección.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE

DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que de conformidad con §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 7:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, en cada uno de los tres (3) distritos electorales separados para preparar el Registro del Distrito Escolar que se utilizará en la Votación y Elección del Presupuesto que se llevará a cabo en 2025, y cualquier reunión especial de distrito que pueda celebrarse después de la preparación de dicho Registro, momento en el cual cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se coloque en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión de dicha Junta de Registro se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro que tiene derecho a votar en la elección escolar para la cual se encuentra dicho Registro o cualquier reunión especial de distrito que se celebre después del 21 de mayo de 2024.

TENGA EN CUENTA que se permitirá la votación en ausencia y por correo anticipado de acuerdo con las Secciones 2018 a y 2018-e de la Ley de Educación. Todas las solicitudes de boletas de voto ausente y por correo anticipado se pueden solicitar en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar a partir del lunes 22 de abril de 2024. A partir del jueves 16 de mayo de 2024, una lista de todas las personas a las que se les habrán emitido boletas de voto en ausencia y por correo anticipado estará disponible durante el horario de oficina regular en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar (entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente) en cada uno de los cinco días anteriores al día de la elección, excepto domingos o días festivos. y disponible los sábados solo con cita previa. Una solicitud para una boleta de voto en ausencia, en un formulario que será proporcionado por el Secretario del Distrito Escolar, se hará al Secretario del Distrito Escolar. Dicha solicitud debe recibirse al menos siete (7) días antes de la

time, for the transaction of business as authorized by the Education Law, including the following items:

1. To present to the voters a detailed statement (proposed budget) of the amount of money which will be required for the 2024-25 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.

DISTRITOS ELECTORALES ESCOLARES Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que se han establecido Distritos Electorales en el Distrito Escolar. Los límites de los Distritos Electorales, según lo adoptado por resolución de la Junta de Educación, y el lugar en cada distrito electoral para votar serán los siguientes:

DISTRITO ELECTORAL NO.

1 - Todos los votantes que residen al sur de Sunrise Highway votan en la Escuela Primaria Mandalay, 2667 Bayview Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793.

DISTRITO ELECTORAL NO.

2 - Todos los votantes que residen al norte de Sunrise Highway y al este de Wantagh Parkway votan en la Escuela Primaria Wantagh, 1765 Beech Street Wantagh, Nueva York 11793.

DISTRITO ELECTORAL NO.

3 - Todos los votantes que residen al norte de Sunrise Highway y al oeste de Wantagh Parkway, votan en la Escuela Primaria Forest Lake, 3100 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793.

Fecha: Wantagh, Nueva York

21 de marzo de 2024

Por orden de la CONSEJO DE EDUCACIÓN DE LA

DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE WANTAGH UNION Wantagh, Nueva York

Elaine McGuigan, Secretaria de Distrito 145916

PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES

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

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION OF THE WANTAGH UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

WANTAGH, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing of the qualified voters of the WANTAGH UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, Nassau County, Wantagh, New York will be held in the Senior High School, Wantagh, New York, in said school district on May 8, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. prevailing

elección si el Secretario del Distrito Escolar debe devolver la boleta de voto en ausencia al solicitante por correo. Si el solicitante o su agente va a recoger personalmente la boleta de voto en ausencia, la solicitud debe ser recibida por el Secretario del Distrito Escolar al menos un (1) día antes de la elección. Una solicitud para una boleta electoral anticipada por correo, en un formulario que será proporcionado por el Secretario del Distrito Escolar, se hará al Secretario del Distrito Escolar. Para cualquier solicitud de boleta anticipada por correo recibida al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección, el Secretario del Distrito enviará por correo una boleta anticipada por correo a cada votante calificado que solicitó que dicha boleta anticipada por correo se envíe por correo a la dirección establecida en la solicitud presentada a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la elección. Si un solicitante o su agente entrega una solicitud para una boleta electoral anticipada por correo después del 14 de mayo de 2024 y a más tardar el día antes de la elección, el Secretario del Distrito entregará la boleta electoral anticipada por correo cuando el solicitante y/o su agente se presenten en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito. No se realizará el escrutinio de ninguna boleta de votante ausente o por correo anticipado, a menos que se haya recibido en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, el martes 21 de mayo de 2024, el día de la elección. Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que cualquier referéndum o propuesta para enmendar el presupuesto, o de otra manera para ser presentada para votar en dicha elección, debe presentarse ante el Secretario de Distrito de la Junta de Educación en el Edificio de Administración, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, en o antes del 22 de abril de 2024, a las 4:00 p.m., tiempo prevaleciente, excepto que los referendos o proposiciones que la ley exija que se incluyan en el aviso de la reunión anual deben presentarse ante el Secretario del Distrito en o antes 22 de marzo de 2024, a las 4:00 p.m.; debe estar mecanografiado o impreso en inglés; debe dirigirse al Secretario del Distrito Escolar; debe estar firmada por al menos ciento once (111) votantes calificados del Distrito (que representen el mayor de los 25 o el 5% del número de votantes que votaron en la elección anual anterior); y debe indicar de forma legible el nombre de cada firmante. Sin embargo, la Junta Escolar no considerará ninguna petición para presentar ante los votantes cualquier proposición cuyo propósito no esté dentro de los poderes de los votantes para determinar, que sea ilegal o cualquier proposición que no incluya una asignación específica cuando el gasto de dinero sea requerido por la proposición, o cuando exista otra razón válida para excluir la proposición de la boleta.

School, Mandalay Elementary School, Wantagh Elementary School, Wantagh Middle School and Wantagh High School.”

3. To vote on the following proposition:

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 a copy of a detailed statement in writing of the amount of money which will be required for the 2024/25 school year for school purposes (the proposed budget) will be made available, upon request, to any resident of the District between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, beginning May 1, 2024, except Saturday, Sunday or holidays, at the office of the Assistant Superintendent for Business, Administration Building, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, at each school house in the District, at school district offices, on the District’s website at www.wantaghschools.or g, and at the Wantagh Public Library.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that said Budget Vote and Election will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, in the Three (3) Election Districts, described below, at which time the polls will be opened to vote by voting machine upon the following items:

1. To adopt the annual budget of the School District for the fiscal year 2024-25 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District.

2. To vote on the following proposition:

“Shall the Board of Education be authorized pursuant to Section 3651 of the Education Law to appropriate and expend an amount not to exceed the total estimated cost (including accrued interest) of One Million Two Hundred Thousand ($1,200,000) Dollars from the capital reserve fund established by voters of the School District at the annual meeting held on May 15, 2018, for the following projects:

Upgrade and replacement of the public address and classroom intercom and communication systems at Forest Lake Elementary

“Shall the Board of Education of the Wantagh Union Free School District be authorized to establish a capital reserve fund pursuant to Section 3651 of the New York Education Law to be known as the 2024 Capital Reserve Fund for a probable term of fifteen (15) years, with the ultimate principal amount therein to total up to Ten Million ($10,000,000) Dollars, plus interest earnings thereon; whose purpose shall be to fund in whole or in part, safety and security enhancements, districtwide repairs, renovations, additions, and improvements (i.e., capital improvements to the facilities of the District, including, but not limited to, reconstruction and renovation of facilities, roofing, asbestos abatement, heating/ventilation, masonry work, windows, site work and related work), as well as the purchase of passenger vehicles (other than a school bus) having a seating capacity of less than ten persons when purchased to replace a similar vehicle previously in service for three years or more, with such funds to be obtained from budget appropriations and the interest accrued thereon, and unappropriated fund balances made available by the Board of Education.”

4. To elect one (1) member of the Board of Education for a threeyear term commencing July 1, 2024 and expiring on June 30, 2027.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law, the School District is required to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how much of 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 member of the Board of Education shall be filed with the Clerk of said School District at her office in the Administration Building, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, not later than April 22, 2024, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., prevailing time. Vacancies on the Board of Education are not considered separate, specific offices; candidates run at large. Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the Board for which the candidate is nominated; must be directed to the Clerk of the District; must be signed by at least forty-five (45) qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of twenty-five (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 either pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law or pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law and has voted at an annual or special district meeting within the last four (4) calendar years, he or she is eligible to vote at this election. If a voter is registered and eligible to vote under Article 5 of the Election Law, he or she is also eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register. Registration shall be conducted for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law through Thursday, May 16, 2024, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, on all regular days during which the office of the District Clerk is in operation, located in the Administration Building, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such register, provided that at such time he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said District Clerk to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the register is prepared. The Board of Registration will also

meet for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law on May 7, 2024, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., prevailing time, in the Senior High School Lobby, and on Saturday, May 11, 2024, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 pm., at the Administration Building, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, to add any additional names to the Register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the register is prepared. The last day to register shall be Thursday, May 16, 2024. The register so prepared pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, 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 1:00 p.m., prevailing time, on weekdays, and each day prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, and on Saturday, May 18, 2024 between the hours of 9:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m., 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 Wantagh Union Free School District by requesting and returning a registration application to the District Clerk in person, by mail to 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, by email to mcguigane@wantaghsch ools.org or fax sent to (516) 765-4154. 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.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the Wantagh Union Free School District, may request an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk in person, by mail to 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, by email to mcguigane@wantaghsch

ools.org, or fax sent to (516) 765-4154. 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 at 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793. 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, that a military voter’s original military ballot must be returned by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793. 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 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, at each of the three (3) separate election districts to prepare the Register of the School District to be used at the Budget Vote and Election to be held in 2025, and any special district meetings that may be held after the preparation of said Register, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register provided that at such meeting of said Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the school election for which said Register is prepared,

or any special district meeting held after May 21, 2024.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that absentee and early mail voting will be permitted in accordance with Sections 2018 a and 2018-e of the Education Law. All applications for absentee and early mail ballots may be applied for at the Office of the School District Clerk beginning Monday, April 22, 2024.

Beginning Thursday, May 16, 2024 a list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots shall have been issued will be available during regular Office hours in the Office of the School District Clerk (between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., prevailing time) on each of the five days prior to the day of the election except Sunday or holidays, and available on Saturday by appointment only.

An application for an absentee ballot, on a form to be provided by the School District Clerk, shall be made to the School District Clerk. Such application must be received at least seven (7) days before the election if the School District Clerk is to return the absentee ballot to the applicant by mail. If the applicant or their agent is to personally pick up the absentee ballot, the application must be received by the School District Clerk at least one (1) day before the election.

An application for an early mail ballot, on a form to be provided by the School District Clerk, shall be made to the School District Clerk. For any early mail ballot applications received at least seven (7) days prior to the election, the District Clerk shall mail an early mail ballot to each qualified voter who requested that such an early mail ballot be mailed to the address set forth on the submitted application no later than six (6) days before the election. If an applicant or their agent delivers an application for an early mail ballot after May 14, 2024 and not later than the day before the election, the District Clerk shall deliver the early mail ballot when the applicant and/or their agent appears in the District Clerk’s office. No absentee or early mail voter’s ballot shall be canvassed, unless it shall have been received in the Office of the School District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m., Prevailing Time, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, the day of the election.

Viewing the eclipse at Jones Beach

Crowds gathered at field six in Jones Beach to enjoy the solar eclipse on April 8. Although Long Island was not in the path of totality, the sky dimmed, and thousands were thrilled to witness the celestial event.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that 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 of the Board of Education at the Administration Building, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, on or before April 22, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, except that referenda or propositions required by law to be included in the notice of the annual meeting must be filed with the District Clerk on or before March 22, 2024, at 4:00 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 one hundred eleven (111) qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 or 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:

ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 1

- All voters who reside south of Sunrise Highway vote at the Mandalay Elementary School, 2667 Bayview Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793.

ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 2

- All voters who reside north of Sunrise Highway and East of Wantagh Parkway vote at the Wantagh Elementary School, 1765 Beech Street Wantagh, New York 11793.

ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 3

Dated: Wantagh, New York

March 21, 2024

By Order of the BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE WANTAGH UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT Wantagh, New York Elaine McGuigan, District Clerk 145914

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Nassau, entered on March 18,

- All voters who reside north of Sunrise Highway and West of Wantagh Parkway, vote at the Forest Lake Elementary School, 3100 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793.

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How can I earthquakeproof my house?

Q. Since the recent earthquake, I have looked all over my house and see some small cracks in corners and a few in ceilings. Some of the cracks were there before, but it made me concerned about whether my house is protected from earthquakes, and what can I do to make it safer. Of course, nobody can predict earthquakes or how strong they’ll be, but if there is anything you can suggest, please tell me.

Nestled on a peaceful cul-de-sac

A. I was surprised by the number of questions I got about this. Obviously, the unknown is scary, because people feel helpless against the power of nature. Your home, unless it’s made of extremely rigid masonry (concrete or brick) without any reinforcement, is already fairly flexible. Unfortunately, seismic design of residential structures isn’t very well understood, either by designers or builders, because there are very few threatening earthquakes in our region.

Ask The Architect

Monte Leeper

Our safety factor on Long Island is the ground we are built on, which is very sandy along the shorelines, and becomes a little more rigid moving inland, but not enough to put us in a more restricted category. There are charts and graphs in the New York State Residential Building Code that show what categories to follow when designing a building, and what restrictions and exceptions there are to various conditions.

If your home, for example, has interior walls that are perpendicular to exterior walls, bracing the exterior walls, and if the exterior walls are generally in the same plane, from foundation to roof, you have met some of the first requirements for strength in an earthquake. The exterior walls are sheer walls, and the interior perpendicular walls are brace walls that help resist inward and outward movement in a high-wind or an earth-shaking event.

Many people have opened up the interiors of their homes, making the kitchen, dining room and living room, for example, one big open space. In doing so, especially without the benefit of having included a trained professional architect or engineer in the design, they may have subjected themselves to problems with a lack of bracing or sheer design. Just having a beam connecting an outside wall where a wall used to connect to an interior wall across the room usually isn’t enough to resist extreme seismic or high-wind conditions. But because we rarely have either of these two events, most people ignore the possibility. That makes everything much more difficult when a licensed professional has to mop up the mess from when a homeowner only hired someone who didn’t know the whole scope of different regulations.

Cracks in walls and ceilings are often caused by movement, but there are multiple types of movement, from heating and cooling resulting in expansion and contraction, humidity and settling. There is little you can do to strengthen your home’s conditions without the knowledge of a trained professional, engineer or architect, because you may just be adding weight in the wrong places.

© 2024 Monte Leeper

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

Migrants get more government support than veterans

Many corners of New York continue to deteriorate thanks to the left-wing policies instituted by radical ideologues in the White House, the governor’s mansion and City Hall — but prioritizing the financial well-being of migrants over American military veterans who served our nation should be a step too far, and a rallying cry for Empire State residents fed up with the status quo instituted by the Democratic “leaders” of New York.

Indeed, recent reporting has uncovered that in many cases, illegal migrants who have made their way to New York City are receiving more public assistance than disabled veterans. What’s even more jarring is that there seems to be no appetite for correcting this glaring misplacement of priorities among Democratic lawmakers.

Reporting by Newsweek revealed that “a family of four migrants in New York City receives more monthly funding than a family of four that includes a military veteran who receives disability compensation.” Many migrants who have arrived in New York City are receiving prepaid debit cards that can be used to cover a wide range of expenses. Indeed, many migrant families of four are receiving debit cards preloaded with $1,400 a month — courtesy of taxpayers. This dwarfs the amount received by a family of four utilizing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which averages $713 monthly.

Too many elected officials believe in open-border, pro-migrant policies.

The assistance for migrants is also higher than military veterans’ disability compensation in many cases: A veteran who has a 50 percent disability rating, a spouse and one child receives only $1,255 every four weeks, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

These infuriating statistics are just the latest iteration of New York’s proillegal migrant record. In fiscal year 2023 alone, the Big Apple welcomed over 175,000 migrants and shelled out

over $1.45 billion to shelter, feed and provide services to these lawbreakers. Thanks to New York City’s progressive “right to shelter” legislation, there is reportedly no end in sight to the droves of migrants consuming taxpayer resources at an unsustainable rate. Indeed, if the current rate of migration holds, the city alone could spend around $12 billion to support migrants by fiscal year 2025.

While President Biden, Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City progressives continue to facilitate the migrant cost crisis with their open-border and pro-migrant policies, over 35,000 veterans had no permanent housing in the United States in 2023, and the number continues to rise. It’s time we place the priorities of veterans, and all Americans, ahead of migrants whose first action in this country was breaking our immigration laws.

Correcting Democrats’ horrific migrant policies in New York will require a multifaceted approach, starting at the municipal level and ending at the White House. New Yorkers and all

Americans must elect leaders committed to ending the migrant crisis, and not merely “managing” it.

In Congress, I was proud to join my fellow House Republicans in passing a comprehensive border-security bill last year. This sweeping legislative package is the strongest bill in a generation, and would provide a large infusion of resources to support our Border Patrol agents and enhance security infrastructure along our southern border — tools that would end the migrant crisis. The Democratic majority in the Senate has refused to vote on the legislation, and instead attempted to sell the American people a bag of fake goods in the form of their “compromise” border security plan, which would have merely codified the current migrant crisis, not ended it.

We can stop the prioritization of migrants’ well-being over that of veterans and all Americans by rejecting the radical immigration policies of a Democratic Party that has been captured by its progressive base from the top down, and demanding that Democratic leaders join Republicans in placing the interests of Americans first once again.

Spring cleaning: Forget the brooms and mops

My 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?

I stand in awe at the bizarre items hanging inside. I cannot connect to the life these clothes adorned. There is a floorlength, 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.

perfect symbol of all that is tucked away, out of 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

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. Copyright

Anthony D’Esposito represents the 4th Congressional District.

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

How will we discuss the presidential campaign in class?

amajor goal of teachers, especially secondary school social studies teachers, is to help students learn to evaluate multiple perspectives on issues by weighing evidence, separating fact from fiction, examining underlying assumptions and then formulating their own informed opinions. As a teacher, I generally withhold my opinion on a topic — but I have no problem asserting that slavery, genocide, racism, dictatorship and antisemitism are bad. There are no upsides.

J.

On any given topic, I give students documents to evaluate that include things I agree with and things I don’t. In class, my primary role is to ask questions that promote respectful discussion of the issues. I use this approach whether we’re talking about the past — say, the causes of the American Revolution — or current issues, such as the role of human action in climate change, whether a military campaign constitutes war crimes, or whether a group’s behavior should be identified as terrorism.

This fall, one important topic of discussion will be the Biden administration’s record on foreign policy, the economy, the climate, and the migrant/refu-

gee “crisis.” Another will be whether Biden’s age should be an issue in the election, whatever your evaluation of his first term.

The big problem in September will be what to do about former President Donald Trump. How do you manage a balanced, unbiased analysis of a candidate who makes outrageous, hateful and blatantly false statements?

the big problem in September will be what to do about you know who.

Trump is facing scores of criminal indictments, has been found guilty of defamation and fraud, tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election, continues to claim that the election was stolen, dismisses any accusations against him as politically motivated, and demands immunity from prosecution as a former president.

November’s election will be a major focus in middle school and high school social studies classes. I’m not neutral about slavery, genocide, racism, dictatorship or antisemitism, and I’m not neutral about the threat Trump poses to the future of democracy in the United States and the country’s constitutional foundation. I won’t use unsubstantiated conspiracy theories, propaganda websites, and Trump-sycophantic reports in document packages and pretend that students are evaluating legitimate sources.

Even an exercise in fact-checking Trump statements can leave a teacher

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,

open to accusations of injecting opinions into class dialogue and trying to influence students’ ideas. But a teacher’s job is to influence students’ ideas. Our responsibility to promote civic discourse supported by evidence in an election year means we must encourage students to think critically about the campaign and the candidates, and if that means presenting an accurate picture of the threat Trump poses, we’ll have to live with the consequences.

There will be students in every class who support Trump, which is their right. They should be welcomed into the discussion and encouraged to offer evidence to support their positions, but they can’t be permitted to shout down or intimidate other students, which I witnessed in 2016 and 2020.

Trump has recently said some scary things, some of which he has backtracked on and some of which he has not. Any one of them should disqualify him from being president. He told American Jews, who already face a rising tide of antisemitism, that “Any Jewish person that votes for Democrats hates their religion. They hate everything about Israel, and they should be ashamed of themselves.” He has accused immigrants of “poisoning the blood of our country,” echoing the ideas of Adolf Hitler, and promises mass deportations, in violation of constitu-

tional guarantees of due process.

Trump lowers the character of political speech as he raises the level of hostility. He has warned of a “bloodbath” if he isn’t elected, threatens to withdraw the United States from, or sharply reduce U.S. financial support for, NATO, which has helped prevent broader European wars since tens of millions of people died in World Wars I and II, and to withdraw the U.S. from global efforts to minimize climate change. He has repeatedly expressed admiration for authoritarian leaders like Russia’s Putin, China’s Xi and North Korea’s Kim.

In his speeches, Trump continuously lies about his record as president. He didn’t build the greatest economy or pass the biggest tax cut in U.S. history. He didn’t do more for African Americans than any president since Lincoln. He didn’t defeat ISIS or increase government revenue — and he wasn’t reelected in 2020.

Teachers shouldn’t tell students who to vote for or how they themselves will vote, but they will be remiss if they don’t help them understand who Trump is and what he represents. Those who are unsure how to do this can have students read and debate the points raised here. Students can evaluate whether they raise legitimate concerns, or are just anti-Trump propaganda.

Dr. Alan Singer is a professor of teaching, learning and technology and the director of social studies education programs at Hofstra University.

Framework by Nicole Formisano

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

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Nassau Community College offers a full college experience with 28 nationally ranked athletic teams, 80+ student clubs, and flexible routes to a college degree.

Our student-athletes score big with academic scholarships and top-notch coaching. Many transfer to distinguished four-year universities and launch careers in the professional sports and entertainment industry.