HERALD AMITYvIlle
ReCORD
Amityville cleanup delayed at the Delano Preserve
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
A community cleanup targeting an invasive plant species at Delano Preserve in Amityville has been postponed, village and Town of Babylon officials announced.
The event, originally scheduled for April 11, will be rescheduled for May or June after officials observed slower-than-expected growth of parrot feather, an invasive aquatic plant that threatens local waterways.
“We wanted to get an early start on remediating this threat to our waterways but Mother Nature had other plans,” Village Trustee Adam J. Ansanelli said. “We hope our volunteers will be able to join us at a later date to help us control this invasive species.”
Following a recent inspection, the Town of Babylon’s environ-
mental control department found that growth of the plant had not progressed as anticipated.
The slower growth is likely due to the harsh winter, said Richard Groh, chief environmental analyst for the town, who added that it is too early to determine the full impact of prolonged cold temperatures and snow cover on plant life. If left untreated, parrot feather can spread quickly, degrade water quality and disrupt ecosystems in the preserve’s stream and nearby Avon Lake.
The Delano Preserve is named for Charles Delano, the first publisher of the Amityville Record newspaper, which started in 1904. Updates on the rescheduled cleanup will be posted on Amityville.gov, the Amityville Village Hall Facebook page and the Save the Great South Bay website, where volunteers can sign up once a new date is announced.
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
The Amityville and Copiague public libraries will each have contested board races this year, with multiple candidates seeking open seats.
Amityville
The vote is Tuesday, April 14. Residents will also be asked to approve the library budget (see related story, page 3).
Four candidates — Equasia Yard-Jean, Robert Brachman, Lauren Scanlon and Karen Klein — are running at large for two seats. One is a five-year term currently held by Eileen Taylor, who is not seeking re-election, and the other is a one-year term held by Leslie Kretz, who is stepping down.
The top vote-getter will serve the five-year term, while the second-highest will fill the
one-year seat.
Karen Klein
Klein previously served as a trustee and board president but stepped down seven years ago to pursue a master’s degree. Now retired, she said she hopes to rejoin the board.
“I have been a library patron my entire life, since I was old enough to have a library card,” Klein said. “Now that I am retired, I have more time and would like, among other things, to help move the library’s renovation project forward. I believe my qualifications are appropriate.”
The other candidates were not available for interviews but their biographies were posted on the Amityville Library website.
Robert Brachman Brachman is a senior budget analyst at
Charylle Williams, candidate for the Copiague Library Board
Helen Reilly, candidate for the Copiague. Library Board
Karen Klein, candidate for the Amityville Library Board
Equasia Yard-Jean, candidate for the Amityville Library Board
Robert Brachman, candidate for the Amityville Library Board
Lauren Scanlon, candidate for the Amityville Library Board
Carolyn James/Herald Delano Preserve on Union Avenue.
The true story of the Ride of Paul Revere
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Paul Revere was an American patriot, skilled silversmith and trusted messenger during the tense days leading up to the American Revolutionary War. Born in Boston in 1735, he became deeply involved in colonial resistance to British rule, joining groups like the Sons of Liberty. Revere used both his craftsmanship and his connections to support the patriot cause, producing engravings that spread anti-British sentiment and serving as a cou -
1
He didn’t ride alone.
While Paul Revere is the most famous name associated with the midnight ride, he was not the only rider. A coordinated network of messengers helped spread the warning. William Dawes left Boston by a different route, and Samuel Prescott later joined them, continuing the ride after Revere was stopped. This teamwork ensured that their message reached multiple towns quickly.
2
He never shouted “The British are coming!”
rier for important information.
On the night of April 18, 1775, Revere carried out the mission that would define his legacy. British troops were preparing to march from Boston to seize colonial weapons and arrest patriot leaders. Revere set out on horseback to warn militias in the surrounding countryside that the troops were on the move. His ride helped alert communities in time to prepare for what would become the Battles of Lexington and Concord the following day—widely considered the opening clashes of the Revolu -
The popular image of Revere loudly announcing “The British are coming!” is more myth than fact. At the time, many colonists still identified as British, so such a phrase would have been confusing. More importantly, the mission required secrecy. Revere likely used quieter, more precise warnings such as “The Regulars are coming,” referring to British soldiers.
3 He was briefly captured. Revere’s journey did not go exactly as planned. Along the route, he was
tionary War.
Though the ride itself was just one part of a larger communication effort, it became a powerful symbol of American resistance and readiness. It was later immortalized in Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s 1861 poem, “Paul Revere’s Ride” which elevated Revere’s role while simplifying the contributions of other riders such as William Dawes and Samuel Prescott, underscoring how memory and myth can shape public understanding of complex historical events and collective action across regions and generations over time.
intercepted by British soldiers and detained. Although he was eventually released, the delay prevented him from completing the ride. Fortunately, other riders continued the warning, ensuring that the message still spread effectively.
4
The ride became famous.
Revere’s midnight ride was not widely celebrated immediately after it happened. Its legendary status grew decades later, largely due to Longfellow’s 1861 poem “Paul Revere’s Ride.” The poem dramatized the event and helped
cement Revere’s place in American folklore, even though it simplified and embellished parts of the story.
5
He had many careers.
Paul Revere was far more than a midnight rider. He was a highly respected silversmith whose work is still admired today. He also worked as an engraver, producing political illustrations, and later became an industrialist. In fact, he operated one of the first copper rolling mills in the United States, contributing to the young nation’s early manufacturing efforts.
Local libraries set dates for budget votes and trustee elections
Residents
to head to the polls Tuesday, April 14th
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherld.com
Public libraries serve as community hubs, offering free access to books, technology, programs and meeting space. As annual budget votes and trustee elections approach, residents will weigh funding levels that determine programming, staffing and services.
Libraries remain among the most heavily used public institutions, supporting needs ranging from early literacy and student homework help to job search assistance and digital access for those without home internet.
Budget votes typically decide whether library tax levies will increase or remain flat, directly affecting hours, collections, technology upgrades and community programming such as children’s story hours, senior services and meeting spaces for local groups.
Trustee elections also shape longterm direction, as board members oversee policy, fiscal planning and strategic priorities. Supporters say stable funding helps maintain free access to resources, while advocates for restraint point to property tax concerns.
In communities across Long Island, library votes are often decided by rela-
tively small margins, underscoring the importance of turnout. The following information outlines local budgets and trustee elections. Residents are encouraged to review proposed budgets in advance to understand how changes may affect services and tax bills in the coming year.
AMITYVILLE
The vote is April 14 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the library, 19 John St., Amityville. The phone number is (631) 264-0567.
The library is proposing a tax levy of $3.77 million, an increase from the current budget of $3.59 million — a 4.9 percent increase.
“The Library Board of Trustees worked diligently to hold this year’s operating budget increase to 2%,” said Todd Schlitt, library director. “The remaining increase — bringing the total tax levy to approximately 4.9% — is attributable solely to debt service payment on the previously voterapproved capital bond. To further offset the impact on taxpayers, the Board is once again applying $200,000 in reserves toward this year’s levy.”
Running for seats in an at large election in Amityville are Equasia YardJean, Robert Brachman, Lauren
SCWA taps Stony Brook for water treatment study
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherld.com
The Suffolk County Water Authority has launched a new research fund to improve drinking water treatment and lower costs, awarding its first grant to Stony Brook University.
The funding will support a study on removing PFAS — harmful chemicals found in some water supplies — using new materials made from waste products like oyster shells, bamboo and wood.
“I’m really excited about using the funds for this most important purpose,” said Jeff Szabo, chief executive of the Suffolk County Water Authority. “The Authority has a long history of being at the forefront of developing innovative treatment. I’m glad to continue that moving forward.”
The project will test whether these materials can replace the carbon currently used in water filters. Right now, the authority spends about $90,000 each time it replaces carbon in a single treatment system. With more than 200 systems in use, the cost adds up quickly.
Officials said finding a cheaper, locally sourced material could reduce those costs while maintaining water quality.
“This fund ensures SCWA remains
Scanlon and Karen Klein. Scanlon, Yard-Jean and Brachman were not available for an interview. Their profiles are from the library’s website.
For more information, go to amityvillelibrary.org.
COPIAGUE
Vote is Tuesday, April 14 at the library, 50 Deauville Blvd., Copiague, from 10 a.m., to 8 p.m. The phone number is 631 691-1111.
The library is proposing a budget of $4.5 million, an increase of $100,000 or 2.3 percent over the current budget of
$4.4 million. It is within the New York State Tax Cap.
There are no new initiatives or other propositions on the ballot.
There is one seat open on the board. Running for the seat is Trustee Charylle Williams, who was appointed to fill the unexpired term of retired Trustee Joanne Kirschner in December 2025. She has opposition from Travis Jackson and Helen Reilly.
For more information go to copiaguelibrary.org
Fire at WB Stop & Shop quickly contained as crews overcome faulty hydrant
to extend 400 ft. of hose
at the cutting edge of the industry,” said Charlie Lefkowitz, the authority’s chairman. “Investing in local research provides cost-effective solutions without burdening ratepayers.”
The first phase of the project is expected to cost about $220,000. The water authority is contributing $60,000, with Suffolk County covering the rest.
“Developing sustainable, locally sourced materials for PFAS removal is a critical scientific challenge, and we are thrilled to collaborate with SCWA to tackle it,” said Dr. Christopher Gobler, director of the Stony Brook Center for Clean Water Technology.
“By repurposing waste products like bamboo, wood and oyster shells into highly effective biochar, this project has the potential to transform water treatment.”
“Testing materials like oyster shells and other waste materials keeps SCWA ahead of the curve in water treatment innovation,” said Tim Kilcommons, the authority’s chief engineer and director of research and development. “A successful pilot could reduce our carbon change-out costs and maintain our high-water quality standards.”
Officials said the research fund is paid for through a private partnership program, not customer water bills.
Babylon firefighters battled a truckf ire that spread to nearby supermarket on Friday, April 3
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherld.com
The West Babylon Fire Department responded to a fire at the Stop & Shop at 365 Route 109 on April 3. Firefighters put out the blaze and secured the scene within a half hour, despite having to extend more than 400 feet of hose after a hydrant on the supermarket’s property failed.
Firefighters were initially advised that the fire started in an electric-powered van parked next to the building. However, Fire Chief William Allen, who was first on the scene, said it was actually a gasoline-powered vehicle. “This made it easier for us,” he said, noting that electric cars have highvoltage batteries that can reignite after being extinguished.
After the first hydrant failed, the department brought in a second engine and ex-
tended a hose line to a hydrant in front of the West Babylon Post Office.
About 50 members responded, along with four engines, two ambulances and a tower ladder. The department’s Fire Police Unit and two chiefs also responded, including Allen and 2nd Assistant Chief Ryan Fischer.
Initial units worked to safely evacuate the store, though some patrons were hesitant to leave, Allen said.
Allen also requested representatives from the New York State Department of Agriculture to inspect store products and ensure they were safe. The New York State Department of Health also responded because the store has a pharmacy.
“The biggest weakness in a daytime fire, is manpower,” said Allen. “For a week day fire, that kind of a response from volunteers was formidable. The work of the volunteers was incredible and I am very proud of their response.”
Courtesy West Babylon Fire Department
West
Tools used to swiftly extract catalytic converters from cars were found in the trunk of defendant’s vehicle said police.
Four Bronx men indicted for theft and assault on police officer in Lindenhurst
Four Bronx men have been indicted on charges including assault on a police officer after a catalytic converter theft spree in Lindenhurst escalated into a high-speed chase that left a Suffolk County police officer seriously injured, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.
The defendants — Henry Cruz, 25, Luis Acosta, 24, Jeorge Santana Sanchez, 34, and Madinson Silverio Ventura, 27 — are accused of targeting parked vehicles in Lindenhurst during the early morning hours of March 7, 2026.
Prosecutors said the group allegedly used a 2021 Maserati Levante while coordinating roles to steal catalytic converters, often targeting Toyota Prius vehicles. The operation allegedly involved lifting cars with a jack and cutting converters using a power saw before moving on to additional targets.
When Suffolk County police attempted a traffic stop at approximately 4:37 a.m., the suspects allegedly fled, leading offi-
cers on a pursuit onto the Southern State Parkway at speeds exceeding 90 mph, officials said.
Police deployed stop sticks, disabling the vehicle. All four suspects allegedly fled on foot, during which a Suffolk County officer suffered a fractured ankle requiring emergency surgery after a fall during the chase.
Cruz and Acosta were arrested at the scene, while Santana Sanchez and Silverio Ventura were later located and arrested at a Bronx hotel on March 19. Ventura was also wanted in connection with a prior Lindenhurst catalytic converter theft in 2023.
The defendants were arraigned April 1 before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei. Charges include assault on a police officer, auto stripping, criminal mischief, and criminal possession of stolen property.
Prosecutors said Cruz is being held on $500,000 cash bail, $1 million bond, or $5 million partially secured
Self Help/Crisis Hotlines
Bereavement Support Group
Bereavement Support Group hosted by Our Lady of Grace Church, 666 Albin Ave., West Babylon, every Saturday through November 8, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. For more information, contact John Laszewski 631 874-0210.
Food Pantry/Clothing Closet
Offered by Hands Across Long Island, Inc. (HALI), Food Pantry and Clothing Closet work together to alleviate hunger, address food insecurity, and fulfill the basic need for clothing within the surrounding community. By offering a diverse selection of food items and clothing options, we support individuals and families facing economic challenges while promoting dignity, sustainability, and community support in times of adversity. For more information, go to: www.hali88. org or call 631-234-1925. HALI is at 159
Brightside Ave., Central Islip. Response 24/7 Crisis Hotline
The Response crisis intervention/referral hotline is open every day of the year, day and night, including holidays. Professionally trained and supervised counselors offer callers telephone support and help them to explore options that allow them to think through their next steps. This counseling helps callers lower their anxiety and find their own solutions. Crisis counselors also provide referrals for support groups, clinicians, mental health clinics, other hotlines and a host of other community programs and services. Response Hotline is available 24/7 at (631) 751-7500.
Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation
•LICADD substance abuse 24-hour hotline: 631-979-1700; licadd.org
•DASH: 631-952-3333; fsl-li.org/helpservices/diagnosis-assessment-andstabilization-hub-dash
CRIME WATCH
The following incidents were reported by the Suffolk County Police Department’s First and Third Precincts and other law enforcement and emergency service agencies:
GRAND LARCENY
North Amityville: Three separate incidents occurred on Greybarn Lane during the early morning hours of March 23. In the first, a 2021 Dodge Ram was reported stolen. In the second, a 2023 gray Acura was reported missing. In the third, credit cards were reported stolen from another vehicle at the location.
PETIT LARCENY
North Amityville: An assortment of body wash, toothpaste and other personal care items were stolen from Dollar General on Great Neck Road March 26. The theft was reported at 8:40 a.m. The items were valued at approximately $300.
• Snacks were stolen from the 7-Eleven store at 827 Broadway March 24. The theft was reported at 3:13 p.m.
Copiague: Cosmetics valued at $233 were shoplifted from Target on Sunrise Highway March 25. The theft was reported at 6 p.m.
DISSEMINATING INDECENT MATERIAL
East Farmingdale: An unidentified
subject engaged in inappropriate text conversations with a 16-year-old. No pornographic images were exchanged. Police are investigating.
ARRESTS
Driving While Intoxicated
Dilan Zhindon Mendez, 23, Deer Park; Jawan Murphy, 52, West Babylon; Thomas Astin, 23, Lindenhurst; Taron White, 36, Brentwood; Osman Alvarez Moreno, 27, Brentwood.
Petit Larceny
Babbie Casimir, 51, North Amityville; Christopher Porciello, 45, West Babylon; Alexis Roberts, 18, Copiague; Cleon Wilson, 55, North Amityville; Daniel Serrano, 29, Middle Village; Kadeem Reid, 33, Massapequa; Shamar Fraser, 26, North Amityville; Christopher Gatto, 57, Melville.
Criminal Possession of Stolen Property
Sebastien Pierre, 24, New Britain, Conn.; Jerrell Colon, 20, Hicksville.
Burglary
Patrick Degori, 66, Huntington.
Criminal Mischief
Jada Joseph, 22, Wyandanch; Jason Edwards, 40, Huntington Station.
Grand Larceny
Joseph Veracolos, 30, Wyandanch; Dasani Barker, Wyandanch.
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.
In a story that appeared on Page 3 last week, News12 reporter Antoinette Biordi, who was shown interviewing filmmakers Erin Colton and George Massimillo, was misidentified. We apologize for the error.
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Suffolk County Police
Amityville and Copiague have challenges in library board races
Stony Brook University and holds a Master of Science in business analytics from William & Mary. He said he hopes to expand community outreach.
“The libraries across Long Island were integral for research, meeting merit badge counselors, and just a fun place to be,” he wrote in his biography, “I want to help create those opportunities for
children today.”
Equasia Yard-Jean Yard-Jean holds a doctorate in instructional leadership from St. John’s University. She has worked as a classroom teacher, literacy coach and assistant principal serving incarcerated students. She currently serves as a school district administrator and is an adjunct professor at the University of Mount
Herald to host FREE Senior Health Expo
This is an event you won’t want to miss.
The Herald will host a free Senior Health and Beyond Expo on Thursday, April 16, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Deer Park Knights, 759 Long Island Ave.
The community event will feature health and wellness exhibitors, free screenings, fitness demonstrations, en-
tertainment, and refreshments, along with raffles and giveaways.
A panel discussion and Q&A will also be held, offering guidance on staying healthy, active, and engaged at every stage of life.
Admission is free. To preregister, visit Deerpark.eventbrite.com or call 516569-4000, ext. 243.
Amityville PBA 5K Run/Walk, May 16
The Amityville PBA will be hosting a 5K Run/Walk to honor the life and service of Officer Patricia Espinosa on May 16 at 8 a.m. at James A. Caples Memorial Park.
All proceeds from the race will be donated directly to Officer Espinosa’s fam-
ily to support them during this difficult time.
To register, please visit events.elitefeats.com/26amityvillepba.
James A. Caples Memorial Park is located at 398 S. Bayview Ave., Amityville.
Saint Vincent.
Lauren Scanlon
Scanlon, a two-year Amityville resident, holds a Master of Arts in teaching biology from Stony Brook University and teaches chemistry at Forest Hills High School in Queens.
“As a teacher, I know how important it is for students to have access to information,” she said. “I want the Amityville Public Library to bring the same joy and memories to our community as it has for me.”
Copiague
The vote is Tuesday, April 14. Residents will also vote on the library budget (see related story, page 3).
Three candidates — Charylle Williams, Helen Reilly and Travis Jackson — are running for one open seat.
Charylle Williams
Williams was appointed in December 2025 to fill the unexpired term of Trustee Joanne Kirschner. She has been a
Copiague resident since 1996 and worked as a flight attendant for United Airlines for 33 years. She has two children, both graduates of Copiague High School.
“I have always served my community and the broader community; service is a staple in my life,” Williams said. “I was raised as a preacher’s child and taught to serve.”
Helen Reilly Reilly served as secretary to the library board and as library director for 22 years. A lifelong Copiague resident, she raised her family in the community.
“I have the time and the interest at this time in my life,” Reilly said. “I want to continue to support the library’s mission, and I believe I bring the knowledge and experience — a working understanding of its operations and goals.”
Travis Jackson
Jackson is also running for the seat. He could not be reached for comment.
Amityville Junior League Spring Plant Sale
The Amityville Junior League will be hosting their Spring Plant Sale. Orders must be placed by 3 p.m. on April 13. Pick up is May 3. Please add $10 to your order for delivery—Amityville only.
All proceeds help support the Junior League’s scholarship fund.
To purchase your plants, please visit shorturl.at/ejjed.
For more information, please email amityvillejuniorleague@gmail.com
Copiague working to take next step
By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com
With a new season on the horizon, Copiague baseball brings a mix of experience, leadership, and unfinished business. Under the guidance of coach Ezequiel Hernandez, now in his fifth season, the program is focused on steady growth and turning last year’s narrow losses into wins.
The message from Hernandez is simple but meaningful: to take it one game at a time and improve. That approach comes after a 2025 season that saw the Eagles fall just short in several key moments. Six of their losses came by a single run, underscoring how close the team was to a breakthrough. Rather than dwell on frustration, the coaching staff and players are using those experiences as motivation.
“We were right there in a lot of games last year,” said Hernandez. “We know we have what it takes to be successful.”
A major reason for optimism is a brand new home field and returnee who understand the varsity level. Leading the way is senior Aidan Roman, a pitcher and outfielder committed to Manhattanville. Roman brings versatility and production to the lineup after swiping six bases last season while also anchoring the pitching staff. One of his standout performances came in a complete game effort against Hampton Bays, where he struck out nine. He finished the season with 36 strikeouts, and his presence will be critical both on the mound and in key offensive situations.
Roman is far from alone when it comes to experienced leadership. Seniors Steven Falco and Carlos Gutierrez provide stability, with Gutierrez entering his fourth year on varsity, a valuable asset for a team looking to stay composed in tight games. Alongside them, Anthony Peralta adds another veteran voice, helping to set the tone in the clubhouse and on the field.
The leadership core extends beyond just seniors. Junior Justice Santiago and sophomore Jaden Robinson both return after gaining meaningful varsity experience last season, giving Copiague a strong foundation across multiple grade levels. Their develop-
HERALD SPORTS West Babylon gears up for big year
Sheryl Amorosino/Herald Pitcher/outfielder Aidan Roman is an important two-way contributor for the Eagles.
ment will be key as the team looks to maintain consistency throughout the season.
In addition to the returning contributors, two underclassmen are expected to make immediate impacts. Sophomores Jhoan Ortiz and Jake Vargas have impressed early and could play significant roles as the season unfolds. Their emergence adds depth and gives Hernandez more flexibility when constructing lineups and managing games. Ultimately, Copiague’s success may come down to execution in the smallest moments.
After so many one run games a year ago, the margin for improvement is clear. Turning those close losses into wins will require disciplined at-bats, timely pitching, and strong defense, areas the team has emphasized in the offseason.
Health will also be a major factor. There is a lot of hope going into the season and if the roster can stay intact, the combination of veteran leadership and rising young talent gives Copiague a legitimate chance to make noise in Suffolk League 3 against the likes of Northport, North Babylon and Smithtown East.
“If we can remain healthy throughout the year, we really feel like we have a good chance to compete,” Hernandez said.
By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com
The West Babylon softball program entered the season with a clear sense of purpose and a roster that blends experienced leadership with an influx of young, developing talent.
Now in his third year at the helm, coach Joe Montanino has his sights set on a return to the playoffs, a goal that reflects both the team’s potential and the steady foundation being built.
After graduating key infielders at third base, shortstop, and second base, West Babylon faces the challenge of reshaping its defensive core. Those departures leave big shoes to fill and the responsibility now falls on a youthful group that’ll be asked to grow quickly at the varsity level.
While there may be early growing pains, the coaching staff is confident that consistent game experience will accelerate development and help the team find its rhythm as the season progresses. “The only way they’re going to grow is by getting out there and playing,” said Montanino.
Leading the way is a strong senior class anchored by center fielder Sarah Caltabiano, a five-year varsity player who brings both experience and production. Caltabiano tallied 16 hits last season, including four doubles, and is known for her defensive instincts and steady presence at the plate. Fellow senior Giovanna Miranda adds versatility, contributing in the outfield and at third base, while continuing to refine her game after recording eight RBIs a year ago.
At first base, senior Jill Goldberg stands out as one of the Eagles’ most important pieces. Entering her third varsity season, Goldberg combines a disciplined eye at the plate with consistent offensive output, highlighted by 11 RBIs last season. Off the field, senior Jennise Gomez transitions into a manager role after previously playing on varsity, continuing to provide leadership and support in a new capacity.
The junior class adds depth and flexibility across the roster. Catcher Maria Fiume,
who can also play shortstop and the outfield, leads the team in batting average and serves as a key offensive catalyst.
Alijah anchors second base with strong hands and reliable contact hitting, while Lilly Johnson and Kayleigh Carlson provide options in the circle and across multiple positions. Brooke Lubeck, in her first varsity season, brings potential at first base and in the outfield as she continues to develop.
West Babylon’s future is particularly bright with a talented group of underclassmen. Freshman Autumn Romano offers exceptional versatility, capable of playing virtually any position, while Lauren Giudice steps into the starting shortstop role and leadoff spot, showcasing speed, athleticism, and the rare ability to switch hit.
Eighth-grader Adriana Criollo adds another dynamic element as a left handed hitter who can both slap and hit for power, while also contributing in the circle. Additional youth in Alannah Ahern and Scarlett Tymann further emphasizes the team’s multi positional depth.
Despite the youth movement, the philosophy remains constant.
“Everything we do is together,” Montanino said. “No one player is better than the team. We love the culture we’ve built here.”
The Golden Eagles (2-2 overall) are back in action this Saturday at home versus Rocky Point at 10 a.m.
Erik Lee/Herald Seniors, from left, Giovanna Miranda Sarah Caltabiano, , Jillian Goldberg and Jannise Gomez look to lead West Babylon.
Staging a Cat Bath -
Are you feeling brave? Then, you should be able to bathe your cat if you follow certain steps.
Although cats are selfcleaning, they do require baths occasionally, especially when flea-infested, covered with an oily or toxic substance, or when you’re trying to reduce the dander level in your house. You can wash your cat at home without maiming Fluffy or yourself if you orchestrate the bath like a well-rehearsed play. Here is advice straight from the script of “Cat Wash” starring Fluffy: GATHER THE PROPS. It’s best to have everything- rubber gloves, shampoo, rinse cup, a washcloth for the cat’s face and soft towels- at your fingertips before you begin. Cats calm down more quickly if they have a window screen placed at a 45-degree angle to grab onto in the tub or sink. A hand spray faucet is a huge help. Mixing the shampoo in a bottle with warm water before starting makes it easier to spread the soap evenly. This gathering should be done nonchalantly so not to tip off the bathee.
open carrier accessible before you start. SET THE STAGE. Put on an outfit you don’t care about. Remember any sweater could be pulled and destroyed. Grooming smocks offer another layer of protection. Long sleeves are necessary in case you are scratched or bitten. Clear all drenchables and breakables from the area before you begin. Adjust the water temperature to lukewarm, open the bottle, and put the screen in place. Mix your shampoo and water combo. Cats can be freaked out by a hand sprayer so you might want to use the faucet and rinse cups instead. Fold another towel and place it at the edge of the sink because cats often like the feel of the towel when they step out of the sink.
Have all the props handy and nearby
Make sure the product you are about to use is safe for cats; be extra cautious with kittens. Certain pet shampoos are just for dogs. Read the bottle instructions beforehand. For a flea or medicated bath, the cat may have to stay lathered for 5-10 minutes. It is easier to put the sudsy cat in a carrier while you time it, so have an
MAKE-UP. You will finish with fewer scars if you do prepaaratory work such as clipping nails or de-matting a longhaired cat. Baths make mats worse. If you have a rescue kitten with ear mites, clean the ears before the bath. When possible, use tearless cat shampoo. Since shampoos can be eye irritants, apply a little eye ointment before starting. Petroleum-based tubes are available at the vet.
SUMMON THE STAR. Resort to sleight of hand or there will be no cat in sight when you are ready to direct Act 1. Block all exits. Cats possess a mathematical skill to position themselves under the
widest bed, equidistant from either side, beyond the widest arm span of any human. Pretend to be doing something else and then scoff up the feline by the scruff of the neck and gently deposit him in the sink.
LIGHTS, ACTION, SOAKING. Make sure the water is lukewarm. Hold the cat with one hand by the scruff. (For novice bathers or tough cats, two pairs of hands are best.) Talk or sing to the cat. Tell her how good she is even if she isn’t. I prefer show tunes. Just add the cat’s name to the lyrics. Your duet may dumbfound the wet wailer. Soap the cat from the head back. Rinse thoroughly.
DRY THE STAR. Wring loose fur care-
fully. Towel dry as water you can. Shorthaired cats dry quickly on a warm day. Long-haired cats, kittens or chilly weather baths may require a dryer. You can put a cat in a carrier and use your hair dryer on warm. Cooperative cats allow you to hold them and blow dry. Never leave a pet unattended under a dryer. When you are done drying, give your cat a treat. Then get one for yourself If you don’t think you can manage bathing your cat, go to a professional groomer. Be forewarned that not all groomers work with cats, and the price is comparable to that of a shorthaired dog. Use a groomer who has been recommended by a “cat” person.
Have all supplies and towels within reach before trying to give your cat a bath.
Babylon artists get their work showcased
The Town of Babylon Parks & Recreation recently announced its 2026 art contest winners.
Supervisor Rich Schaffer, Deputy Supervisor Tony Martinez and members of the Town Board recognized these local
artists, whose work captured this year’s theme, “Faces of Our Town,” celebrating the people who make our community so special.
The following artists’ work were recognized:
Emergency police drill set at Jones Beach
Large-scale training to close Field 5 May 31
Residents should expect an increased law enforcement presence at Jones Beach State Park on May 31, when state and local agencies conduct a large-scale emergency response exercise.
The training, organized by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and State Park Police, will run from 8 a.m. to noon near Field 5. The exercise will simulate several emergency scenarios to test coordination among agencies.
Officials said the area around Field 5 will be closed to the public during the drill, and visitors will see a noticeable increase in police, fire and emergency personnel throughout the park.
Participants will include State Park Police, New York State Police, Nassau County Police, the Wantagh Fire Department and Jones Beach State Park staff, along with representatives from other federal, state and local agencies.
Authorities said any weapons used in the exercise will be incapable of firing live rounds.
Park Police are seeking volunteers age 18 and older to portray park visitors from 6:30 a.m. to noon. Those under 18 may participate with parental consent if they are part of an auxiliary or similar program. Volunteers must complete a service agreement and submit it to ParksEmergencyMgmt-Exercises@parks.ny.gov.
Maurer Foundation for Breast Health Motorcycle Ride, June 7
The Maurer Foundation for Breast Health Education is hosting its 12th Annual Motorcycle Ride for Breast Health Education. The event is Sunday, June 7 and starts at Overlook Beach where participants will gather before heading east to Mattituck for a team-building lunch.
The cost to ride is $30; vendor tables and sponsorships start at $100. All funds raised goes to charity.
For more information about the Maurer Foundation or to register go to: https:// bit.ly/4bPaAUt
•Ages 7 and under: Gianna Rzymski, Valentina Gomez Ortiz and Dira Vargas.
•Ages 8–10: Madison Threadgill, Aaliyah Rose and Kaylee Wolfe.
•Ages 11–19: Zarah Valentina Gomez, Kayla Rose and Crismeli Furcal
•Ages 20 & Up: Edward Lee, Nicole Girgenti and Sarah DeSalvo Their work will be showcased in the Town of Babylon’s 2026 Recreation Guide and displayed at Town Hall this summer.
Belmont Lake State Park hosting Spring family fishing festival April 18
The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and the Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will host the annual Spring Family Freshwater Fishing Festival at Belmont Lake State Park on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The free, rain-or-shine event will offer fishing with loaner rods and bait, casting and fishing instruction, fish-cleaning demonstrations, and children’s activities, including the “Spring Fling” casting contest with prizes provided by DEC’s I FISH NY program. Educational displays from DEC and State Parks will also be featured.
The festival is designated as a Free Fishing Event, meaning anglers ages 16 and older will not need a freshwater fishing license during the event.
“This fishing festival continues to be a highlight for Long Islanders,” said State Parks Long Island Regional Director George Gorman, noting the park’s setting provides
a family-friendly outdoor experience.
DEC Regional Director Cathy Haas said the event helps kick off the spring trout season and encourages anglers of all skill levels to participate in Long Island’s fishing tradition.
A vehicle use fee of $8 will apply, though Empire Pass holders may park free.
Ahead of the festival, Belmont Lake will be stocked with nearly 1,000 brown and rainbow trout. DEC and State Parks will also stock additional waters across Nassau and Suffolk counties as part of a spring program placing about 20,000 trout in Long Island ponds and streams.
Sponsors include several conservation, media, and community organizations such as The Fisherman Magazine, Trout Unlimited’s Art Flick Chapter, LI Flyrodders, and local businesses.
For more information, contact I FISH NY at (631) 444-0283 or Belmont Lake State Park at (631) 667-5055.
Courtesy Town of Babylon
The Town of Babylon recognized its 2026 art contest winners whose work will be showcased in the town guide and at Babylon Town Hall this summer.
THURSDAY, APRIL 9
•Amityville Rotary Club Meeting: 8 a.m., Brownstones Coffee, 55 Merrick Road, Amityville. For more information, please call President Carolyn Dodd at (631) 374-8712.
•Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting: 6 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, please call (631) 957-3012.
FRIDAY, APRIL 10
•St. Mary’s Thrift Shop: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 175 Broadway, Amityville, enter from rear parking lot. Lots of collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items. For information, call (631) 464-4899.
SATURDAY, APRIL 11
•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com.
•St. Mary’s Thrift Shop: 10:30 a.m. to
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
1 p.m., 175 Broadway, Amityville, enter from rear parking lot. Lots of collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items. For information, call (631) 464-4899.
SUNDAY, APRIL 12
•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631) 789-2569.
MONDAY, APRIL 13
•Town of Babylon Planning Board Meeting: 7 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, please call (631) 957-4434.
TUESDAY, APRIL 14
•Town of Babylon Accessory Apartment Review Board Meeting: 6 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, please call (631) 957-7468.
•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of
Calendar items are printed for non-profit organizations, as space permits, or when an event, service or information is being sponsored by a profit-making organization without charge to readers. Submit items to us at Richner Communications, attn: Record Editor, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530; or email: dconsola@liherald.com at least two - three weeks prior to the publication date in which the item must appear. Sorry, but open-ended requests without the specific dates of the events are not acceptable. While we make every attempt to accommodate each request, we cannot guarantee publication of any items. For more information, call 516-569-4000.
Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 15
•Town of Babylon Town Board Meeting: 3 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, please call (631) 957-3000.
•Amityville Public Library Board of
Trustees Meeting: 6 p.m., 19 John St., Amityville. For more information, please call (631) 264-0567 or email trustees@amityvillepubliclibrary.org
•Amityville School District Board of Education Combined Session: 7:30 p.m., Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School, 140 Park Ave., Amityville. For more information, please call (631) 5656000.
•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com
ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
147 Park Ave., Amityville Office Tel. 631-264-0763
The Rev. Thomas W. Cusanelli, Pastor
WORSHIP SERVICES: Sunday Worship & Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Worship 7:30 p.m.
Accessible to the Physcially Challenged “The Friendly Church”
AMITYVILLE HERALD RECORD — April 8, 2026
Fr. Dale W. VanWormer, Rector
Woo Young Choi, Pastor
HERALD NEIGHBORS
Students were excited to read along with Assemblyman Kwani O’Pharrow.
Northwest students celebrate Read Across America Week with guest readers
Northwest Elementary School in Amityville recently brought stories to life as it celebrated Read Across America Week with a special lineup of guest readers and engaging activities centered around a love of reading.
This year’s theme, “Celebrating a Nation of Diverse Readers,” highlighted the importance of inclusive literature while encouraging students to see themselves reflected in stories, build empathy and appreciate diverse perspectives.
Throughout the week, students heard from an esteemed group of guest readers, including Village of Amityville Mayor Michael O’Neill, Edmund W. Miles Middle School educator Stephanie Sage, State Assemblyman Kwani O’Pharrow, and Superintendent of Schools Gina Talbert. Each guest reader shared a book of their choosing, bringing energy and enthusiasm into the classrooms.
Featured stories included “Harry the Dirty Dog,” “Dyani the Super Swimmer,” “Honeysmoke” and “I Believe I Can,” each offering meaningful lessons and sparking thoughtful conversations among students.
The read-aloud sessions were highly interactive, with students eagerly asking questions — not only about the stories, but also about the guest readers’ careers and responsibilities. These meaningful exchanges helped connect literacy with real-world experiences, making the event both educational and inspiring.
The Amityville School District extends its sincere appreciation to all of the guest readers for taking time out of their busy schedules to share their love of reading with Northwest’s students. Their participation helped make Read Across America Week a memorable and impactful celebration for all.
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gina Talbert was among the guest readers during Northwest Elementary School’s Read Across America Week in Amityville.
Meet some local scholars...
The following students were recently recognized for academic achievements and graduation at their respective colleges:
•April Kenny of Amityville, majoring in Psychology at Emmanuel College, was recently named to the Dean’s List.
•Aidan Wild of Amityville, attending Kellenberg Memorial High School, recently earned a certificate in cybersecurity, completing the school’s first Introduction to Cybersecurity course.
Courtesy of Amityville school district
L.I. Association hosts state transport chief
Presentation by DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez ranges from speeding to potholes
By NOAH PERETZ nperetz@liherald.com
The Long Island Association hosted state Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez as a guest speaker last week. Dominguez spoke about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s fiscal year 2027 executive budget and policy proposals for the DOT.
Appearing at LIA headquarters in Melville on March 31, Dominguez explained that Hochul’s administration matched the federal funding for New York state’s transportation needs from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021 with a five-year, $35 billion plan. Hochul added $800 million to the plan last year to offset the cost of tariffs and inflation.
“Our federal dollars are expiring on Sept. 30, which presents a unique challenge,” Dominguez said. “We need to make sure that we are positioning New York for the next level of transportation funding.”
She detailed Hochul’s proposed spending plan, which totals $260 billion. Federal funding is down 11.4 percent, or $10.3 billion, and state operating funds have increased by $157 billion. The state is expecting $17 billion more in state revenue over the next two years than earlier estimates.
“The governor is committed to economic growth and making sure there is a social safety net, and funding that social safety net across the board without increasing taxes,” Dominguez said. “In sum, the 2027 Executive Budget successfully balances two simultaneous realities that we have real momentum here in New York, and addressing the volatility that we know is ahead.”
The budget plan includes automated work-zone speed enforcement with new
speed cameras. Dominguez noted that some drivers have been speeding at over 100 miles per hour through work zones, according to the cameras.
The budget proposes deployment of the cameras on non-controlled-access highways, like Sunrise Highway. It also proposes protections for highway maintenance workers against violent assault.
Dominguez also touched on Hochul’s plan to lower the cost of car insurance.
The plan proposes changes to the state’s auto insurance laws that will punish perpetrators of staged car crashes.
The spending plan also includes funding for filling potholes on main roadways. “We are on a blitz statewide addressing potholes,” Dominguez said. It proposes investments of $107 million for paving on Long Island, including 50 miles of the Northern State Parkway and 35 miles of Sunrise Highway.
Action Long Island representative Michael Rodin suggested more improvements he wanted to see. “We want to make sure public transit is a part of the DOT’s agenda in the future,” he said. “We want roads to be able to accommodate buses as well as more cars — a lot of people take public transit to work.”
When the presentation was open for questions, Dominguez addressed a concern about independent contractors’ coverage under the anti-assault provisions in the budget. “The worker assault provision covers state employees as well as independent contractors,” she said.
“We need to make sure elected officials understand that transit and the lives of transit workers are important, so they fund initiatives to help these efforts and these people,” Marc Herbst, executive director of the Long Island Contractors Association, said. “If we don’t ask, they don’t respond.”
Noah Peretz/Herald
DOT representatives, including Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez, center right, made a presentation to the Long Island Association.
STEPPING OUT
‘Rent’ star Adam Pascal returns to reimagine the jukebox musical
By Iris Wiener
When Adam Pascal pulls into Long Island these days, it’s not just a commute; it’s a homecoming layered with memory, coincidence, and creative possibility. This spring, the Tony-nominated performer-turned-director from Syosset is channeling all of that into “Feels Like the First Time: The Foreigner Musical.”
The new production premieres April 17 at the Little Theatre on Long Island University’s Brookville campus.
The project, created in collaboration with the legendary rock band Foreigner, marks the launch of LIU’s New Works Initiative and Pascal’s tenure as the university’s inaugural Artist-in-Residence. But for Pascal, the journey to this moment is anything but typical.
The path to directing the show began not in a rehearsal room, but at a backyard barbecue.
“Tom Dunn [Tilles Center’s creative producer, executive/artistic Director and Dean of LIU’s College of Arts and Design] lives across the street from my sister. I first met Tom and his wife at a barbecue,” Pascal relates. “Tom said, ‘We’re doing this thing. Do you want to direct it?’”
From there, the pieces quickly began to align. A previous version of the musical had been developed, but Pascal and the team — including book writer Stephen Garvey and arranger David Abbinanti — set out to reshape it into something fresh: a high-energy, heart-driven story set in the 1980s, centered on three families whose lives collide when a rock star arrives for a backyard concert after an MTV contest win.
“We wanted to create something that was fun and that had heart, that understood its purpose using Foreigner’s music,” Pascal says.
That purpose, however, comes with a unique creative challenge. The musical weaves iconic songs into an original narrative — a process Pascal describes as both complex and deeply collaborative.
“You’re creating a story, and in many ways building a scene backwards,” he explains. “You have these lyrics that were never written to be narrative in that way, so you have to do a lot of reverse engineering.”
Still, that creative freedom is part of the appeal.
“We get to reimagine these songs,” he adds. “They’ve now become narrative storytelling songs.”
The new musical features a company of 26 performers, primarily LIU students — a fact Pascal calls fortuitous.
“The combination of this process, this particular show, and this university … it couldn’t have been a better melding of all things.”
For Pascal, working with students isn’t just about mentorship — it’s personal, as he has two sons the same age as the young cast. His directing style reflects that perspective, blending instinct, experience and a focus on emotional authenticity.
“I approach it from a much more naturalistic and real place. I’m trying to orchestrate a picture and to get them to use their emotions in a physical way.”
That lived-in approach comes from decades in the industry, which includes roles in Broadway’s “Aida,” “Memphis” and “Something Rotten,” besides the iconic“Rent.” However, Pascal quickly points out that he was never formally trained.
New Works Initiative, an incubator for developing and refining new theatrical works by both emerging and established writers.
• Friday through Sunday, April 17-19 and Thursday through Sunday, April 23-26, varied times
• Tickets are $43.82, $17.82 students; available at tillescenter.org/events
• Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville
“My approach can only be [described as] a layman approach. I’m fortunate enough to now have 30 years of experience making musicals.”
And yet, for all his Broadway credentials, Pascal is candid about the challenges facing the industry today — particularly the financial barriers that make developing new work increasingly difficult in New York City.
“We all have to change the mindset about working in New York,” he says bluntly, pointing to rising production costs and systemic issues. Instead, he sees projects like “Feels Like the First Time” as part of a larger shift — one that prioritizes creativity, collaboration and accessibility over tradition and expense.
“I want to take the power out of Broadway’s hands and put it back into the hands of people who make theater,” he states.
That philosophy is evident in the show’s development process, which Pascal praises for its efficiency and clarity of vision.
For LIU students like Anna Frost, being part of that process is nothing short of transformative. A senior serving as dramaturg for the show, Frost is deeply embedded in the rehearsal rooms, helping to shape the evolving script.
“It is so exciting for me to work on a show which is in development,” she says. “I get to work with a living, breathing text.”
For her, the experience underscores the importance of new work in today’s theatrical landscape.
“There has to be new art that is relevant to what is happening now,” she adds. “Getting to be a part of something that will be history is really cool.”
Pascal agrees and hopes the students recognize the significance of their involvement.
“They’ll forever be connected to this show as the first people that played these characters,” he says. “If the show becomes a hit, they’ll always have that on their resume.”
That sense of legacy resonates deeply with Pascal himself, particularly given his return to Long Island. He remains deeply connected to his roots, and optimistic about its potential as a hub for theatrical innovation.
“There’s no better place for it,” he says of LIU. “They have the facilities, the desire and the proximity to the city.”
As for what’s next, Pascal continues to develop new musicals through his production company, including an adaptation of “Ruthless People.” He’s also set to direct “Our Little Secret: A True New Musical” in Toronto. For now, “Feels Like the First Time” offers something that feels incredibly meaningful — -a chance to build, collaborate, and rediscover the spark that started it all.
Or, as Pascal might put it, to make it feel like the first time all over again.
Mike DelGuidice
Local favorite Mike DelGuidice returns to the Paramount stage with his popular residency, delivering the high-energy, feel-good performances that have made him a hometown standout. Backed by his powerhouse band, DelGuidice brings the music of his idol, Billy Joel, to life with passion and precision, celebrating decades of iconic hits in a rousing, crowd-pleasing show. A multi-instrumentalist who grew up immersed in music, DelGuidice’s deep knowledge of Joel’s catalog ultimately led to sharing the stage with the Piano Man himself, touring around the world. Alongside Joel’s beloved classics, he weaves in his own original songs, showcasing the songwriting that has earned him a devoted following. Whether performing on stage or connecting with fans through his “Live on the Porch” series, which brought audiences together during the pandemic, DelGuidice continues to share his love of music in ways that resonate far and wide.
Friday and Saturday, April 10-11, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Fleetwood Macked
Eighteen years ago Fleetwood Macked set out to provide audiences with the truest live Fleetwood Mac experience as possible and haven’t stopped since. Much of the realism comes from the New York-based band’s history. Husband and wife musical team Hillary and Michael Epstein (Stevie and Lindsey) and friends Tracy Wells, Jay Novas, Phil Weiss and Andrew Nadien (Christine, John and Mick) have made great music together in various incarnations that finally all came together with their mutual love of Fleetwood Mac. They are and have always been professional touring rock musicians, which also adds to the authenticity of the sound of the band. Fleetwood Macked live brings audiences the passion, depth, heart, and the musicianship Fleetwood Mac’s music requires. Out of love and respect musical liberties are not taken, songs are recreated just as Fleetwood Mac intended them.
Friday, April 10, 8 p.m. $48. My Father’s Place 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. Tickets available at mfpproductions.com.
Photo courtesy Jack Roman
Adam Pascal, left, with Tilles Center’s Executive and Artistic Director Tom Dunn, is launching LIU Post’s
the Porch” series, which brought
“Feels is
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
9
Wendy Klemperer: Wrought Taxonomies
Vanderbilt Museum welcomes everyone to enjoy the exhibition of outdoor sculpture at the historic summer estate of William Kissam Vanderbilt II. Klemperer’s sculptures. a haunting assemblage of animal forms that span imaginary, endangered, familiar, and exotic species, celebrate natural history and the nonhuman world through evocative interactions with the surrounding environment. Using materials salvaged from scrapyards, she composes ecological narratives that respond to the history and collections of Suffolk County’s first public park and museum. Her brilliant use of gestural lines captures the spectator’s attention and invites museum-goers to reflect on the relationship between an interest in animal life and the incessant push of human industry. Visitors are encouraged to picnic on the grounds.
• Where: 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport
• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Contact: vanderbiltmuseum. org or call (631) 854-5579 APR
‘Everybody Loves
Raymond: Celebrating 30 Years’
Visit the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame for an immersive exhibit (designed by LIMEHOF Creative Director, renowned designer Kevin O’Callaghan). It features the 70-foot-wide set from the show’s recent 30th anniversary TV special on CBS, never before on display. Visitors can walk into the world of the Barone family and explore their home through original studio sets, which include the living room, the kitchen and other areas of the house. Also see a variety of iconic items, including original clothing, the famous fork and spoon, and the Christmas toaster, among other classic items from the series. Multimedia clips, including behind the scenes and rare out-takes and a range of related videos play in LIMEHOF’s surround sound theater.
• Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook
• Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Contact: limusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888
Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals meets
The Town of Babylon holds a Zoning Board of Appeals meeting. All are welcome to attend.
• Where: Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 E.
Micky Dolenz
Participants discover how meditation can be the catalyst for creating a healthy lifestyle with Jerry Kelly, LMT. This workshop is free but registration is required.
• Where: 79 County Line Road, Amityville
• Time: 7-9 p.m.
• Contact: sos.org/event/ springcleaningforsoulNYapr7/?prev=AmityvilleEN or (631) 822-7979
APR 15
Amityville Public Library Board of Trustees meet Amityville Public Library holds their Board of Trustees Meeting. All are welcome to attend.
• Where: 19 John St., Amityville
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 264-0567
Kid Zone
Children in grades Pre-K-5 are invited to First Presbyterian Church’s Kid Zone, weekly. Included is dinner, a Bible story, as well as crafts and games.
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.
• Time: 8 p.m.
Micky Dolenz celebrates the 60th anniversary of The Monkees with a special tour honoring the band’s enduring legacy and timeless sound. In this nostalgic and high-spirited performance, Dolenz takes audiences on a musical journey through The Monkees’ rise to fame, performing their biggest hits in chronological order while sharing personal stories from his decades in entertainment. As the last surviving member of the beloved group, Dolenz brings both heart and history to the stage, paying tribute to bandmates Davy Jones, Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith, while celebrating the fans who helped transform a fictional TV band into a global sensation. A true entertainment veteran, Dolenz’s career spans decades and disciplines — from his early days as a child star on “Circus Boy” to his work as a singer, actor, director and radio host. In recent years, he has continued to keep The Monkees’ music alive for new generations, including a solo tour performing the group’s 1967 album “Headquarters” in its entirety. This is sure to be a heartfelt, hit-filled evening that blends music, memories and a lasting connection to one of pop culture’s most iconic acts.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
• Where: 79 E. Main St., Babylon
• Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 587-5838
APR
Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 957-3012
Thrift Shop Stop by Simpson United Methodist Church’s Thrift Shop for some unique finds.
• Where: 30 Locust Ave., Amityville
• Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 789-2569 APR 10
St. Mary’s Thrift Shop
Stop by St. Mary’s Thrift Shop to check out some found treasures. Choose from collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items.
• Where: St. Mary’s, 175 Broadway, Amityville (enter from rear parking lot)
• Time: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 464-4899
Save the Great South Bay Project Volunteers are needed for the Village of Amityville and Town of Babylon environmental partnership to control invasive APR 11
plant species in local waterways. This project is to remove invasive parrot feathers. Volunteers must wear old clothing. Bring boots, waders or hip boots are best. Also bring rubber gloves, or disposable plastic gloves will be provided. Coffee and breakfast. Park on the south side of Union Ave. Rain date is April 18.
• Where: Delano Preserve, Union Ave., east of Route 110
• Time: 8:30 a.m.-noon.
• Contact: amityville.com/facilities/ facility/details/delano-nature-trail-6 or (631) 264-6000
Shredding at 9/11 Park
A shredder truck is available for use by the community. A $10 donation is requested by the Bay Village Civic Association for three bags or boxes of personal paper material to be destroyed on site. The donation, made in cash or check payable to the BVCA, will help fund scholarships for Amityville High School seniors. BVCA volunteers will assist residents in unloading when they arrive at the parking lot. Drivers should wait until the volunteers signal to them to proceed to the truck. This is always a well anticipated and patronized event. Rain or shine.
• Where: 9/11 Park, Broadway,
near the railroad trestle, across from Peter’s Diner, Amityville.
• Time: 9 a.m.-noon.
• Contact: bayvillagecivic@aol.com
Church Attic Thrift Shop
Visit First United Methodist Church for their weekly thrift shop.
• Where: 25 Broadway, Amityville
• Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com
APR
13
Nourish Babylon SitDown Dinner
Every Monday Nourish Babylon holds a sitdown dinner at Christ Episcopal Church. All are welcome to attend.
• Where: 12 Prospect St., Babylon
• Time: 5-6:30 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 661-5757
APR 14
Meditation: Spring Cleaning for the Soul The Science of Spirituality hosts a workshop series.
16
Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group
This group meets weekly, at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, in person with Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. All calls are confidential.
• Where: 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown
• Time: 7:30 -9 p.m.
• Contact: Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar 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 kbloom@ liherald.com.
April 8, 2026 —
Notice of Formation of ENCLAVE HOMES LLC
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/14/2025
Office location: County of Suffolk. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a process served to: ENCLAVE HOMES LLC, 216 E State Street, Suite 100, Trenton, NJ 08608 Purpose: any lawful act.
26-57 3/11, 18, 25, 4/1, 8, 15
Notice of formation of EMILY EVER AFTER
Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SS Y) on 02/08/2026
Office location, County of Suffolk SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a process served to:
Emily Ever After 6 Albert Road Amityville, NY 11701
Purpose: any lawful act.
26-58. 3/18, 25, 4/1, 8, 15, 22
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
- COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC, Plaintiff, Against
YINKA DANIEL, TOWN SUPERVISOR
Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 07/19/2022, I, the un-
dersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, at Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757, on 4/30/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 31 Croydon Road, Amityville, New York 11701, and described as follows:
ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Amityville, in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk and State of New York.
District 0100 Section 175.00 Block 01.00 Lot 008.000
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $453,494.35 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 620212/2017
James A. Pascarella, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 3/12/2026 File Number: 17-301761 CA 26-74. 4/1, 8, 15, 22
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be conducted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Amityville on Monday, April 13th, 2026 at 7:00 PM in the third floor Court Room of Village Hall, 21 Ireland Place, Amityville, NY for Introductory Local Law No. 1 of 2026, a local law to amend § 172-29.1 of the Village Code to include a violation for improperly parked landscaping vehicles.
By Order of the Board of Trustees
Public Notices — Your right to know
Village of Amityville
Catherine C. Murdock
Village Clerk/ Treasurer 4/1/26 2 x 26-75. 4/1, 8
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY
COMPANY. Sketch Imprint LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 03/15/26. NY Office location: Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated as an agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 6 Bank Ct Greenlawn, NY 11740 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity.
26-64. 3/25, 4/1, 8,15, 22, 29
NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Village of Amityville will hold a Public Hearing in the Court Room of Village Hall, 21 Ireland Place, Amityville, NY at 7:00 P.M. on THURSDAY, April 16, 2026, to consider the following applications:
Application of Michael Esposito. Applicant seeks a Special Exception to maintain a Mixed-Use Dwelling consisting of two residential dwelling units on the second floor and one business occupancy on the first floor pursuant to Section 183-81 A. (8) (b) of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the Northwest corner of Broadway (Route 110) and Greene Avenue in a “B-1 Business” District known as 184 Broadway a/k/a SCTM #101-5-2-15. Application of Greg
Kleczka. Applicant seeks a special exception for the outdoor storage of business related materials pursuant to Section 183-96 of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the West side of Bayview Avenue in an “Industrial” District known as 336 Bayview Avenue a/k/a SCTM #101-4-1-27.
By order of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Village of Amityville, Catherine Murdock, Clerk/Treasurer
26=76. 4/1, 8
NOTICE OF FORMATION of Ellani Beauty LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/23/2020 Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 80G Montauk Hwy, Suite 2, Amityville NY 11701. Purpose: any lawful act.
26-79. 4/1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 5/6
SUPREME
COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. 619832/2025 COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
Plaintiff designates SUFFOLK as the place of trial situs of the real property
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS
Mortgaged Premises: 41 SOUTH 31ST STREET, WYANDANCH, NY 11798
District: 0100, Section: 054.00, Block: 04.00, Lot: 019.002
MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. LAWRENCE SCOTT, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ANNA-
BELLE SCOTT; ERIC SCOTT, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ANNABELLE SCOTT; VALENCIO BLACKWOOD, JR., AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ANNABELLE SCOTT; CARL ANTHONY BLACKWOOD, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ANNABELLE SCOTT; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF ANNABELLE SCOTT, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS LLC; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMER-
ICA, "JOHN DOE #1" through "JOHN DOE #12," the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.
To the above named Defendants
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.
NOTICE OF NA-
TURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT
THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $352,500.00 and interest, recorded on February 14, 2007, in Liber M00021476 at Page 599, of the Public Records of SUFFOLK County, New York., covering premises
known as 41 SOUTH 31ST STREET, WYANDANCH, NY 11798.
The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.
SUFFOLK County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.
NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.
Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action.
YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
Dated: March 17th, 2026
ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC
Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq.
900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590
516-280-7675
26-67 3/25, 4/1, 8, 15
NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING OF THE AMITYVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY BUDGET VOTE AND TRUSTEE ELECTION
APRIL 14, 2026
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Special Meeting of the qualified voters of the Amityville Union Free School District (the “District”), Town of Babylon, Suffolk County and Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County, New York will be held at the Amityville Public Library, 19 John St., Amityville, New York 11701 (the “Library”) on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, between the hours of 10:00am and 9:00pm, for the purpose of voting on the following items:
• To adopt the annual budget of the Amityville Public Library for the fiscal year 2026-2027, and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation upon the taxable property of the District; and
• The election of two (2) members of the Board of Trustees, consisting of: (i) one (1) trustee to serve a five-year term commencing July 1, 2026 and expiring June 30, 2031; and (ii) one (1) trustee to serve a one-year term commencing July 1, 2026 and expiring June 30, 2027. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected to the five-year term, and the candidate receiving the second highest number of votes shall be elected to the oneyear term.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that candidates for the office of Trustee of the Library Board of Trustees shall be
Continued on next page
Continued from previous page
nominated by petition. Petitions must be filed with the School District Clerk (address above), between the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm no later than Monday, March 16, 2026. Forms of petition may be obtained from the School District Clerk. Each petition must be directed to the School District Clerk; must state the name and address of the candidate; must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District and list each signer’s address.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that copies of a statement of the estimated library expenses for the fiscal year 2026-2027 may be obtained at the Library (address above) and in the Office of the School District Clerk, located at 150 Park Ave., Amityville, NY 11701, daily except Saturday and Sunday, beginning March 16, 2026, between 9:00am and 4:00pm.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that the Library will host a public informational meeting for the purposes of discussion of the proposed 20262027 Library Budget on March 30, 2026 at 6:00pm. All residents of the District are invited to attend at the Library.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to section 2014 of the Education Law, personal registration of voters is required, and no person shall be entitled to vote at said meeting and election whose name does not already appear on the register of said school district, or who does not register as hereinafter provided, except as may otherwise be provided by the laws
of the State of New York. Registration is available in the Office of the School District Clerk (address above) Monday through Friday, from 9:00am to 4:00pm, through April 14, 2026. The register so prepared includes all persons who have presented themselves personally for registration in accordance herewith, and all persons who shall have been registered previously hereunder for an annual or special meeting or election, and who shall have voted at any annual meeting or election, held or conducted at any time within four (4) years prior to the preparation of the register. A qualified voter is one who is (i) a citizen of the United States, (ii) at least eighteen (18) years of age, and (iii) a resident within the District for a period of thirty (30) days next preceding the meeting and election
NOTICE IS FUR-
THER GIVEN that applications for early mail or absentee ballots may be applied for at the Office of the School District Clerk (address above). Completed applications must be received in the Office of the School District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Early mail or absentee ballots must be received by the School District Clerk, or in the polling place at the Library, not later than 5:00pm, prevailing time, on Monday, April 13, 2026. A list of persons to whom early mail or absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available in the Office of the School District Clerk on each of the five days
Public Notices — Your right to know
prior to the day of the election, except Saturdays and Sundays and such list will also be posted at the polling place at the election.
NOTICE IS FUR-
THER GIVEN, that a qualified voter whose ability to appear personally at the polling place is substantially impaired by reasons of permanent illness or physical disability, and whose registration record has been marked “permanently disabled” by the Board of Elections pursuant to the provisions of the Education Law, shall be entitled to receive an absentee ballot without making separate applications therefor.
FURTHER NOTICE IS GIVEN that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter. Military voters who are qualified voters of the Library District may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission, or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot applications must be received in the Office of the School District Clerk (address above) no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday March 20, 2026. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is received by the Office of the School District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the election.
Dated: Amityville, New York
February 19, 2026 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES OF THE AMITYVILLE PUBLIC
LIBRARY, TOWN OF BABYLON, SUFFOLK COUNTY AND TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK BY DISTRICT CLERK
AMITYVILLE
UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF BABYLON, SUFFOLK COUNTY, TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
26-43. 2/25, 3/11, 25, 4/8
AVISO DE REUNIÓN ESPECIAL
DEL DISTRITO DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE AMITYVILLE
VOTACIÓN PRESUPUESTARIA Y ELECCIÓN DE LOS ADMINISTRADORES 14 DE ABRIL DE 2026
SE EMITE AVISO de que se celebrará una Reunión Especial de los votantes cualificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de Amityville Union (el "Distrito"), el municipio de Babylon, condado de Suffolk y el municipio de Oyster Bay, condado de Nassau, Nueva York, en la Biblioteca Pública de Amityville, 19 John St., Amityville, Nueva York 11701 (la "Biblioteca"), el martes 14 de abril, 2026, entre las 10:00 y las 21:00, con el fin de votar los siguientes puntos:
• Adoptar el presupuesto anual de la Biblioteca Pública de Amityville para el año fiscal 2026-2027, y autorizar que la parte necesaria de este se recaude, mediante impuestos, sobre los bienes sujetos a impuestos del Distrito; y
• La elección de dos (2) miembros de la Junta de Síndicos, compuestos por: (i) uno (1) fideicomisario para servir un mandato de cinco años que comienza el 1 de julio
de 2026 y expira el 30 de junio de 2031; y (ii) un (1) fideicomisario para cumplir un mandato de un año que comienza el 1 de julio de 2026 y expira el 30 de junio de 2027. El candidato que reciba el mayor número de votos será elegido para el mandato de cinco años, y el candidato que reciba el segundo mayor número de votos será elegido para el mandato de un año.
SE NOTIFICA
ADEMÁS que los candidatos al cargo de Fideicomisario de la Junta de Síndicos de la Biblioteca serán nominados mediante petición. Las peticiones deben presentarse ante el Secretario del Distrito Escolar (dirección anterior), entre las 9:00 y las 17:00 horas, a más tardar el lunes 16 de marzo de 2026. Los formularios de petición pueden obtenerse del Secretario del Distrito Escolar. Cada petición debe dirigirse al Secretario del Distrito Escolar; debe indicar el nombre y la dirección del candidato; debe estar firmado por al menos veinticinco (25) votantes cualificados del Distrito y indicar la dirección de cada firmante.
SE NOTIFICA
ADEMÁS que se pueden obtener copias de un estado de cuenta de los gastos estimados de la biblioteca para el año fiscal 2026-2027 en la Biblioteca (dirección anterior) y en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar, situada en 150 Park Ave., Amityville, NY 11701, todos los días excepto sábados y domingos, a partir del 16 de marzo de 2026, entre las 9:00 y las 16:00 horas.
SE EMITE
ADEMÁS AVISO de que la Biblioteca acogerá una reunión informativa pública
con el fin de debatir el presupuesto propuesto para el periodo 20262027 el 30 de marzo de 2026 a las 18:00. Se invita a todos los residentes del distrito a asistir a la Biblioteca.
SE NOTIFICA
ADEMÁS que, conforme a la sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación, se requiere el registro personal de los votantes, y ninguna persona tendrá derecho a votar en dicha reunión y elección cuyo nombre no aparezca ya en el registro de dicho distrito escolar, o que no se registre según lo establecido posteriormente, salvo que lo dispongan las leyes del Estado de Nueva York. La inscripción está disponible en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar (dirección arriba) de lunes a viernes, de 9:00 a 16:00, hasta el 14 de abril de 2026. El registro así preparado incluye a todas las personas que se hayan presentado personalmente para su registro conforme a este documento, así como a todas las personas que hayan estado previamente registradas bajo este término para una reunión o elección anual o extraordinaria, y que hayan votado en cualquier asamblea o elección anual, celebrada o celebrada en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro (4) años previos a la preparación del registro. Un votante cualificado es aquel que (i) es ciudadano de los Estados Unidos, (ii) tiene al menos dieciocho (18) años de edad y (iii) es residente dentro del Distrito durante un periodo de treinta (30) días previos a la reunión y elección SE NOTIFICA
ADEMÁS que las solicitudes para votos anticipados por correo o por correo pueden
solicitarse en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar (dirección arriba). Las solicitudes completadas deben recibirse en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección, si la papeleta se va a enviar por correo al votante, o el día antes de la elección, si la papeleta debe entregarse personalmente al votante. Las papeletas anticipadas por correo o por correo deben ser recibidas por el secretario del distrito escolar, o en el colegio electoral de la biblioteca, a más tardar a las 17:00 horas, hora vigente, el lunes 13 de abril de 2026. Una lista de personas a las que se hayan entregado papeletas anticipadas por correo o por correo estará disponible en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar en cada uno de los cinco días previos al día de la elección, excepto sábados y domingos, y dicha lista también se publicará en el colegio electoral durante la elección.
SE DA ADEMÁS AVISO de que un votante cualificado cuya capacidad para comparecer personalmente en el colegio electoral esté sustancialmente afectada por motivos de enfermedad permanente o discapacidad física, y cuyo registro de registro haya sido marcado como "permanentemente discapacitado" por la Junta Electoral conforme a las disposiciones de la Ley de Educación, tendrá derecho a recibir una papeleta de voto por correo sin presentar solicitudes separadas para ello.
SE DA UN AVISO ADICIONAL de que los votantes militares que no estén actualmente registrados pueden solicitar regis-
trarse como votantes cualificados. Los votantes militares que sean votantes cualificados del Distrito de la Biblioteca pueden presentar una solicitud para una papeleta militar. Los votantes militares pueden designar una preferencia para recibir un registro de votante militar, una solicitud de papeleta militar o una papeleta militar por correo, transmisión por fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de dicho registro, solicitud de papeleta o papeleta. Los formularios de registro de votantes militares y las solicitudes de papeleta militar deben recibirse en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar (dirección arriba) a más tardar a las 17:00 horas del viernes 20 de marzo de 2026. No se solicitará ninguna papeleta militar a menos que la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar la reciba a más tardar a las 17:00 horas del día de las elecciones.
Fechado: Amityville, Nueva York 19 de febrero de 2026
POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE FIDEICOMISARIOS DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE AMITYVILLE, DEL PUEBLO DE BABYLON Y DEL PUEBLO DE BAY, SUFFOLK COUNTYOYSTERNASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
POR SECRETARIO DEL DISTRITO DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE AMITYVILLE UNION, MUNICIPIO DE BABYLON, CONDADO DE SUFFOLK, MUNICIPIO DE OYSTER BAY, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK
26-44 2/25, 3/11. 25, 4/8
April 8, 2026 —
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE TOWN OF BABYLON ACCESSORY APARTMENT
REVIEW BOARD
Pursuant to provisions of Local Law # 9 of the Babylon Town Code, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Accessory Apartment Review Board will hold a public hearing in the Town Board Meeting Room in the East Wing of Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York on Tuesday eve, April 14th, 2026. Public hearings begin 6:00pm. NEW APPLICATIONS:
•Muhammad Khan 89 Birs Ave Lindenhurst, NY 11757
SCTM#0100-133-426.00
•Volkan Levent 7 Wheeler Ct Deer Park, NT 11729
SCTM#0100-61-480
Printing
Instructions: RENEWALS BY AFFIDAVIT APPLICANTS, ARE NOT REQUIRED TO APPEAR. ALL NEW CASES WILL BE HEARD IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY ARE ADVERTISED. All interested persons should appear at the above time and place by order of Sandra Thomas, Chairperson, Accessory Apartment Review Board, Town of Babylon, North Lindenhurst, Suffolk County, New York.
Amityville Record: Wednesday, April 8th, 2026 26-80. 4/8
NOTICE OF PUBLIC AND/OR INFORMATIONAL HEARINGS BY THE TOWN OF BABYLON PLANNING BOARD
Pursuant to Chapter 186, Site Plan Review, and Chapter 213, Zoning, of the Babylon Town Code and Section 276 of the Town Law, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Planning Board will hold public and/or informational hearings(s) at the Babylon Town Hall, Town Board Room, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York, on the Monday, April 13, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. prevailing time or as soon thereafter as can be heard to consider the following application(s):
PUBLIC HEARING/ SITE PLAN REVIEW/CHANGE OF ZONE
JOB# HPLN-36 (2527AE); Stanley Gilpin: SCTM# 0100-168-02022: Zone – E Business/B Residene to B Residene: SEQRA - Unlisted Action, Uncoordinated Review: Applicant is seeking a change of zone from B Residence/E-Business to B Residence, in order to construct a 2-story single family dwelling, along with associated site improvements.: Property is located on the northeast corner of Gilbert Place and Overland Avenue, Amityville, Suffolk County, Town of Babylon, New York
All interested persons should appear at the above time and place by order of Patrick Halpin, Chairperson of the Planning Board, Town of Babylon, North Lindenhurst, Suffolk County, New York
PRINTING INSTRUCTIONS
Amityville Record: 04/08/26 Babylon Beacon: 04/09/26 26-81 4/8
Public Notices — Your right to know
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TOWN OF BABYLON - ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to Chapter 213, Article II of the Building Zone Ordinance of the Town of Babylon, notice is hereby given that the Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a Public Hearing at TOWN BOARD ROOM
(Located in the East Wing) at Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York on THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2026
BEGINNING AT 6:00 P.M.
6:00 p.m.
1. Application #26-53 Yvonne Flemmings, 49 Embargo Place, North Babylon, NY. Permission to diminish front yard setback from 30’ to 23’ – 6’’; diminish south side yard setback from 10’ to 5’; diminish north side yard setback from 10’ to 7.9’; diminish total side yards from 25’ to 12’.9’; diminish rear yard setback from 30’ to 18.5’; diminish distance to rear lot line from 6’ to 3’ (for pool); increase total building area from 30% to 54.14% (over by 1,345.82 sq. ft.). All in connection with fire damage repair and to legally maintain an inground pool and paver patio. Property located on the east side of Embargo place, 120.99’ north of Veronica Lane, North Babylon, NY.
SCTM#0100-1533-24
Zoning District: Residence C 6:05 p.m.
2. Application #26-50 Cherokee Realty Corp. (prop. owner), 300 Henry Street, Lindenhurst, NY. Requesting a special exception
permit to operate a scrap metal processing facility, diminish north side yard setback from 19’ to 10.83’; allow outdoor storage in the front yard (on Bahama Street); allow outdoor storage in the front yard (on Henry Street); allow outdoor storage in the front yard (on Thorburn Avenue); allow three (3) buildings, where one (1) is permitted. All in connection with legally maintaining three (3) buildings and outside storage in connection with associated site work for a change of use to a scrap metal processing facility. Property located on the northwest corner of Thorburn Avenue and Henry Street, Lindenhurst, NY.
SCTM#0100-2152-72.001
Zoning District: Industry G Subject Premises: 1 Bahama Street, Lindenhurst, NY 6:10 p.m.
3. Application #26-51 Patton Ave Properties, LLC (prop. owner), 20 Patton Avenue, Wyandanch, NY. Permission to diminish frontage occupancy from 55-75% required to 29.2% provided; Public Frontage Type N1: Neighborhood 1 required, not provided; increase allowable density (floor area ratio (FAR)) from .6 permitted to 0.64 proposed. All in connection with the proposed construction of six (6) duplexes and one (1) single unit building. Property located on the south side of Patton Avenue, 344’ west of Straight Path, Wyandanch, NY.
SCTM#0100-79-337 & 38
Zoning District: Wyandanch Straight Path Corridor T3 6:15 p.m.
4. Application #26-52 First Baptist Church of Wyandanch, Inc.
(prop. owner), 20 Patton Avenue, Wyandanch, NY. Permission to diminish frontage occupancy from 5575% required to 34% provided for Patton Avenue; diminish frontage occupancy from 55-75% required to 39% provided for Straight Path; Public Frontage Type N1: Neighborhood 1 required, not provided on Patton Avenue; Frontage Type N1: Neighborhood 1 required, not provided on Straight Path; increase allowable density (floor area ratio (FAR)) from .6 permitted to 0.64 proposed. All in connection with the proposed construction of twenty-five (25) duplexes and one (1) single unit building. Property located on the southwest corner of Patton Avenue and Straight Path, Wyandanch, NY.
SCTM#0100-79-339, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, Zoning District: Wyandanch Straight Path Corridor T3 6:20 p.m.
5. Application #2654 Winters 19 Nancy, LLC (prop. owner), 19 Nancy Street, West Babylon, NY. Requesting a special exception permit to allow a transfer station; increase allowable height from 35’ to 44’ – 6 3/16th’’ proposed; increase total building area from 40% permitted to 52% proposed (over by 6,720 sq. ft.); diminish front yard setback from 30’ required to 20’ proposed; diminish side yard setback from 19’ required to 9.8’ proposed; diminish offstreet parking from forty-six (46) parking stalls required to eight (8) parking stalls provided; allow two (2) buildings where one (1) is permitted. All in connection with a demolition of an existing transfer station
due to fire damage and to construct a new transfer station.
Property located on the east side of Nancy Street, 271.91’ north of Edison Avenue, West Babylon, NY.
SCTM#0100-78-131 & 46
Zoning District: Industry Gb ALL PERSONS OR THEIR DULY APPOINTED REPRESENTATIVE MUST APPEAR IN PERSON AT THE ABOVE HEARING. ALL CASES WILL BE HEARD IN THE ORDER IN WHICH THEY ARE ADVERTISED, TO BE FOLLOWED BY ADJOURNED CASES. BY ORDER OF THE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
MICHAEL KANE, CHAIRMAN
Dated: Babylon Town Hall Lindenhurst, New York March 30, 2026 26-82. 4/8
Legal Ad
Please visit www.amityville.gov to view full RFQ proposal. Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Preliminary Engineering, Detailed Design Services, and Construction Support and Inspection for Stormwater and Roadway Improvements in the Village of Amityville. [choose applicable phases – include all phases you may need for the project duration]
The Village of Amityville is seeking qualified engineering firms to provide professional design services for the Stormwater and Drainage Improvements, encompassing roadway elevation improvements, reconstruction, and drainage infrastructure upgrades within the following project limits:
• Shore Road, Shore Drive West, and Berger Avenue
PUBLIC NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Budget Hearing will be conducted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Amityville on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 7:00 PM in the third floor court room of
• South Bayview Avenue street end, north of the James Caples Memorial Park, from the park entrance to the bulkhead in the vicinity of Victoria Drive The Village of Amityville was awarded a grant from the New York State Disaster Recovery Grant Reporting (DRGR), under the US Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery (CDBGDR) program for redevelopment efforts. This project will be fully funded with Federal funds and is subject to the Federal laws and regulations associated with the CDBG-DR program. By Order of the Board of Trustees Village of Amityville Catherine C. Murdock Village Clerk/Treasurer 26-84. 4/8, 15
Village Hall, 21 Ireland Pl., Amityville, NY. By Order of the Board of Trustees Village of Amityville Catherine C. Murdock Village Clerk/Treasurer 26-83. 4/8, 15
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
BRANDS CYCLE (WILL TRAIN)
*MECHANICS
*FITNESS EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN
1966 Wantagh Ave, Wantagh 516-781-6100 info@brandscycle.com
Building Maintenance Assistant and Porter needed for Management Co. in Long Beach Experience Preferred
Email: humanresoures5771 @gmail.com or Call: (212) 873-7575
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!
$22 - $27/ Hour
Bell Auto School 516-365-5778
Email: info@bellautoschool.com
PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED
$20 - $25 Per Hour
Must Be Available On Weekends April - June 516-902-6258
Randy@LISNYC.com
Waiting For The Right Family
This is a standout listing in Woodmere’s Five Towns. Fully renovated legal mother-daughter (2-family classification 220.01), this originally 6-bedroom, 3-bath home is ideal for rental income or extended family living. This oversized 3,500 sq. ft. Hi-Ranch is in the award-winning Hewlett-Woodmere District 14.
How much extra money does a home cost these days?
Q. I saw a billboard and several TV commercials for something called “Let Them Build, NY,” and was wondering what you could tell me about it. The commercial said that there is an extra $82,000 spent on housing, per home, just due to government red tape. Is this true, and is anything being done about it?
A. There is plenty of finger-pointing in the construction industry, on top of the current cost increases due to tariffs, war and subsequent delivery costs due to higher fuel prices. But long before there were these current issues, government officials began, at every level, to either increase enforcement of existing regulations or to add regulations on top of what was already fairly complicated and burdensome.
Many years ago I was very active in the American Institute of Architects, to the point of being vice president of the Long Island chapter. I left them when I realized that they did not want to have the backbone to challenge, as a professional group, the regulations that cause construction and building design to become out of reach for a large segment of our population. In the years following, I daily encountered the thousands of building owners who never even attempted to comply with building regulations, basically skirting the entire permit process altogether because of the added expense.
The first and foremost expense is caused by the delays in getting through the approval process. There are so many reasons for the slowdown that it will take several columns, at 500 words apiece, to get through the long list of problems. If you ask a government official, they will point to the design professionals who “just can’t seem to get the regulations right” in their drawing submissions. I have often listened as officials complained to me about inadequate drawings being submitted. In all fairness, it is a two-way street, because the communications from officials back to the architects and engineers is often incoherent or incomplete.
When a plans examiner uses phrases like “demonstrate compliance” or “incomplete submission,” they are contributing to the problem, not solving it. Instead of pointing to specific sections of code and explaining the very specific problem, they communicate in generalities that are useless and cause a lot of extra work and discussion among the people trying to move a project forward. The phrase “If you aren’t part of the solution, you’re part of the problem” applies here.
I remember when a plans examiner would mark up and discuss specific drawings, and some even went the extra mile and pulled out their code books. In the era of computers, the internet and the “portal,” building officials often abbreviate and confuse both the professional and the customer by not pointing out that “the wording on Sheet 3 in the upper right-hand corner should state…” The lack of specifics creates lots of back-and-forth, delays and cost to the owner for the delays. Rent and taxes still need to be paid during the delays.
More to follow.
© 2026 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.
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Did I ever tell you about my grad school?
Rosemary and I and our son Sean recently visited the University of Notre Dame. In many ways it was a homecoming.
Rosemary, her mother and her sister graduated from St. Mary’s College, adjacent to Notre Dame, in the days before it accepted female students. Her father and two brothers are Notre Dame grads. Our daughter Erin and I graduated from Notre Dame Law School, and Sean earned his MBA from Notre Dame’s Mendoza School of Business. Sean is now an affiliated scholar at the university’s Liu Institute for Asian Affairs, and regularly lectures on Asian geopolitics and economic policy at the institute and the Mendoza School. When I was growing up as an IrishCatholic kid in blue-collar Queens, Notre Dame embodied Irish-Catholic immigrant success in becoming a part of the American fabric and achieving the American dream. That success was exemplified by Notre Dame’s fabled football teams, which dominated college
football during that era. Of course, there was and is more to the university than football. Notre Dame was founded at a time of severe anti-Catholic bias in the country, led by hate groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and the Know Nothing movement. There also was anti-Catholic bias in academia well into the 20th century, which Arthur Schlesinger Sr. described as “the anti-Semitism of intellectuals.”
MNotre Dame, though, went beyond being a defensive religious fortress to making Catholic thought a part of American life, along with full acceptance of other religions, with open debate and finding common ground encouraged. Striking that balance can be difficult, but it is still working. Religious freedom was on display on the campus last year, when pro-Hamas demonstrations did not devolve into the antisemitic violence that occurred at other universities, such as Columbia. Students were given prescribed locations and time periods for demonstrations, and those who ignored them were arrested. The result was intelligent debate without violence. Rosemary and I visited this year to meet with some of Sean’s academic colleagues and watch him in action. We
y wife and I visited a university you may have heard of to watch our son in action.
also walked around the campus, taking in iconic sights like the Golden Dome and rekindling old memories. On our first morning, we met with Frank Pomarico and his wife, Eileen. A Queens native and a graduate of St. Francis Prep, Frank was the captain of Notre Dame’s 1973 national champion football team, coached by the legendary Ara Parseghian. Frank and Eileen live in South Bend, and are amazingly friendly and interesting. It was a great way to start the day.
Then we walked over to the law school to meet with Diane Desierto, a professor of international law and human rights, a native of the Philippines, a friend of Sean’s and a true scholar. Desierto updated me on the state of the law school (all good), her strong belief that law students should be exposed to all sides of issues and that legal education must include a moral component.
We had lunch with Josh Gobel, a good friend and a longtime member of the South Bend Police Department who now works in the Notre Dame P.D. in various key capacities, including protecting visiting dignitaries, such as Supreme Court Justice Amy Cony Barrett — who
iattended the law school at the same time as Erin. Great conversation with Josh, as always.
After a visit to the campus bookstore, Rosemary and I joined Sean at the Morris Inn on campus for dinner with Michel Hockx, a Chinese scholar and a professor at the Liu Institute, where Sean had just finished teaching a class. Hockx, who is originally from the Netherlands, has been teaching at Notre Dame for 10 years, and has worked with Sean on various projects. After dinner, we all walked to the Mendoza School to watch Sean give a lecture to a group of students preparing to visit Japan.
He discussed the intricacies of Japanese political, cultural and economic development since the end of World War II, the country’s relationship with the United States and the threats it faces from China. My biased opinion? A thoughtful, virtuoso performance. (He must have gotten it from Rosemary, who was a teacher.)
The next day we flew back to New York. Rosemary and I went home to Seaford, and Sean to his apartment in Manhattan — all three of us with new Notre Dame memories to share. And yes, Notre Dame football is still great. Go, Irish!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Will there be a blue wave this fall?
Is this the year of the blue wave? Will it be a modified one or a total rout? Is there any chance of a red wave? Not likely. But, once again, we are facing a year in which the U.S. House of Representatives, and perhaps the Senate, are up for grabs, and the early odds favor the party that’s out of power.
We often refer to political prognosticating it as “reading the tea leaves.” But tea leaves are no longer the best way to pick winners and losers. There are now so many more sophisticated ways to handicap the races, some of which we have been used for years and others that are brand new. The media is dominated by daily polling announcements, and if you give the polls any credence, they spell bad news for President Trump and the candidates of his party.
Poll after poll, whether from the left or the right, seem to indicate that this may be a very bad year for Republicans.
You know that things look bad for them when Fox News consistently announces polls showing that everyday Republicans and independents are slowly moving away from long-favored party candidates. In addition, wellknown commentators such as Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson are predicting only bad things for the party come November.
i
The newest form of political projections is occurring on such outlets as Kalshi and Polymarket.
On Kalshi, people trade contracts on the outcome of real-world events. They are deep into gambling on sports events, but lately have also been involved in betting on political events. Polymarket is built on a crypto platform. People bet on “yes” and “no” shares that reflect the feelings of the bettors and their inkling to pick winners. Both platforms have become highly controversial. Demands are being made for them to be regulated by Congress, but that won’t happen soon. If you want to find more reliable trends, pay attention to what’s going on in Washington and around the country. This year, more than 30 Republican
’ve seen many waves, red and blue, which are part of the ups and downs of politics.
members of the House have announced that they won’t seek re-election. Some are campaigning for Senate seats and others are running for governor, but the vast majority of the retirees have announced that they’re eager to spend more time with their families, the age-old excuse to get out of Washington.
At last count, there were 35 House seats up for reelection that were tilting toward the Democrats. If the blue wave is really going to happen, most of those seats will go to the Democrats. In 2025 the party won major races in Virginia, New Jersey and New York. This year, a number of Democrats have had upset wins in races for state House seats in districts that Trump won in 2024 by wide margins. If these victories are any indication of the national trend, it’s all bad news for the Republicans.
Up to a few months ago, there was little or no talk about Democrats having any chance to take over the U.S. Senate, but the latest polls seem to show a tightening of the races in Maine, North Carolina, Texas and Ohio. If Democrats can
pull off any upsets in these key states, Jon Ossoff can hold on to his seat in Georgia and a newcomer can win in Michigan, the party’s chances of capturing the Senate will improve remarkably.
One of the more disturbing factors for Republicans is the fact that Trump hasn’t made any strong statements about his desire to see his party stay in power. He is promoting various ideas about how they can win at the ballot box, but any federal effort to take the power to oversee voting away from the states will likely be struck down as unconstitutional.
Having reached an advanced age, I’ve seen many waves, both red and blue. They sometimes last two years, and occasionally continue for four years. The swings back and forth between parties are part of the ups and downs of politics. So if it turns out that the Democrats have a great year, they’d better handle their newfound power very carefully, because two years can pass very quickly.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.
Local News Day now means more than ever
Somewhere on Long Island tonight, a village board will vote on a zoning variance, a school district will finalize a budget or a contractor will win a bid. None of it will lead the network news or trend on social media. But it will matter — to the family whose street gets rezoned, to the teachers whose contract is on the line, to the taxpayers footing the bill.
In most cases, a Herald reporter will be in that room. But in too many communities across the country — and increasingly in our own backyard — that reporter’s chair sits empty. And when no one is watching, things have a way of going sideways.
April 9 is Local News Day, a national moment to recognize what local news does, why it matters, and what we lose when it disappears.
Local news isn’t the shouting matches on cable or the partisan warfare that passes for national political coverage. Local news is the Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Day parade and the Hewlett High School science fair. It’s the Nassau County budget hearing that will affect your property taxes for the next decade, the obituary that captures a neighbor’s life, and the investigation that stops a bad idea before it becomes law. At Richner Communications — publisher of the Long Island Herald — we’ve been doing this work since 1964. Sixty-two years, three generations, over 100 local employees, nearly 30 weekly newspapers.
The Founding Fathers understood the stakes. The free press is the only indus-
Your opinion Matters
try they considered important enough to protect by name in the Constitution. But we are failing that promise. Since 2004, one-third of all American newsrooms have closed. There are 43,000 fewer local reporters and editors working today than there were then. New York alone has lost nearly half its newspapers, and a quarter of the state’s counties now have one or no local news sources. Digital-only outlets have not filled the void.
Today, more than 2½ newspapers shutter in America each week. The consequences are documented and dire: Communities without local news see lower voter turnout, higher taxes and measurable increases in corruption, political polarization, and even toxic environmental emissions.
Wealth is no inoculation from this trend. The Scarsdale Inquirer was founded in 1901 and served one of the wealthiest communities in America for 123 years. It closed without warning in January 2024. The Westchester village — mirroring the demographics of many Long Island communities — still doesn’t have a newspaper over two years later.
Compounding this problem is the rise of artificial intelligence, which can now manufacture articles, quotes, and entire “news sites” that look authoritative and cost almost nothing to create. That means the news environment has only grown harder to navigate. Trusted news brands, with reporters who actually live and work in the communities they cover, are more important than ever. It’s the reason that we at the Herald use A.I. as a tool to support, not replace, the report-
ers you know and respect.
And yet the climate for news in America has rarely been more hostile than today. The United States now ranks 57th in the world in press freedom — labeled “problematic” by Reporters Without Borders, placing us alongside countries we’re accustomed to lecturing about democratic norms. Arrests of reporters and editors in America nearly tripled between 2023 and 2024. A national shield law for reporters has failed to pass Congress twice. Right now, the Pentagon is aggressively curtailing press access, a policy that flies in the face of a functioning democracy. The temperature in Washington sets a tone, and that tone travels — all the way to the reporters covering Long Island’s myriad municipal entities.
The Herald has always believed that local news is worth fighting for. It’s why we helped found the Empire State Local News Coalition, which won a first-of-itskind state tax credit for local newspapers. That legislation is already helping newspapers survive that might otherwise have gone dark, meaning that thousands of New Yorkers who might otherwise have lost their only trusted local news source still have one.
Every community gets the local news it deserves — which is to say, the local news it supports. If you want a paper that shows up, you have to show up for it. On Local News Day, make that decision. Subscribe. Advertise. Tell your neighbors. The Herald has been here for over a century. Whether we’re here for the next one is, in no small part, up to you.
Singing the low-down, how-did-I-get-so-old
iam astonished to tell you that I just marked my 79th birthday. No greetings and salutations, please. It’s a big number, and it weighs a ton. I’m standing on the threshold of lights-out and wondering how I got from then to now.
In 1949 I could walk under my parents’ dining room table. It was my special parlor trick. Then playground, school, dating, college, marriage, kids, grandkids and closing curtains. I’m still short, but I can’t clear the tabletop. And that’s not all that has changed. Culture, politics, fashion, food and entertainment are often unrecognizable to me. Sometimes I feel estranged from “modern” life. As I write this out of my own brain, sharing my unadulterated, unimproved or revised thoughts, I’m being assaulted by prompts asking if I want “Copilot” to rework my sentences. I don’t know where Copilot came from and have no
idea how to get rid of it. This isn’t a one-off experience. It’s daily combat with technology that threatens to drive me screaming from the house.
I’m barely exaggerating. Many friends are more adept with technology, but many more are less skilled. This is a constant challenge, whether I try to pay a bill or reach a doctor or, heaven forbid, get a copy of a document from the DMV.
my daily combat with technology threatens to drive me screaming from the house.
Life is hard enough, what with approaching death and such. But add heaven knows how many streaming services when all you want to do is turn on the freaking TV for a half hour; it’s too much. With all the tools that are supposed to make life easier, it has undoubtedly become more complicated. And this isn’t just an oldster’s kvetch.
Time was, I could go for a walk in peace and quiet, enjoying my own thoughts. Now I’m fully sucked into the need to do three things at once: walk, listen to a book while I read and answer messages, and have some app count my steps. I never signed on to this app, yet it has the nerve to tell me after a walk:
Framework by Tim Baker
“Next time you can do better.” I want to be alone, and all day long I’m assailed by pings and rings and notifications ad nauseum. I talk to friends in real time and real space, and as I share my private thoughts with them, they’re talking to the watch on their wrist. This can’t be good for anyone.
I know this sounds like every older generation’s observations of the young, but in this case, really, you know I’m right. No one just sits and talks to one another anymore without a prop, like a phone.
I think about my first encounters with boys when we were in grade school. We started and stumbled and learned to talk to one another, and then danced and then dated and made out in cars. Today I read story after story about how 20-somethings say that romance and dating are dead. Who killed it? Did we boomers somehow get the best of it? You know, right place, right time? The pace of life, the devices, the culture of increasing isolation are not working to make a better life for the grandkids.
We were inexperienced and naïve enough to feel wonder and delight in love and travel and having children. Now “parenting” seems like a burden to many young people, and indeed it is, with apps that track ovulation and breast milk availability. The technology hijacks the entire experience. You can’t do better as a parent by finding the exact time Baby will burp after feeding. What you can do is lose the joy of the moment.
From my vantage point, stepping into my 80th year, it’s been a pretty good life so far. These last years have brought some painful challenges, but the decades before provided a buffer of good memories and gratitude. We can’t travel right now, but it is said that real discovery isn’t looking for something new but seeing the same life with different eyes.
I believe with all my heart that for many of us boomers, the pandemic and its isolation, the separation from kids, grandkids and friends, robbed us of the years we might have eased into older age. And now we’re here. The best I can do is look at this moment, and it will be just a moment, with new eyes.
Copyright 2026 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
APRIL 16 • 10AM-12:30PM
FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle
Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers
Take advantage of on-site health screenings
Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences
Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A
Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways
Snack station for all
*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees
All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.
MAE CAIME FOUNDER, AMAEZING MIDLIFE & BEYOND
Register for this FREE event: Deerpark.eventbrite.com or email lcreem@LIHerald.com or call 516.569.4000 x243 AGENDA:
EXPERT PANEL + Q&A
RAFFLE DRAWINGS MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN
