Bats, bases, and a warm welcome: Amityville Little League kicks off season in style
The Amityville Little League Opening Day Parade was held this past weekend, marking the official start of the season. Players, coaches, and families came together as teams marched through town in full uniform, showcasing their division pride. Community members lined the route to cheer on the young athletes and celebrate the return of baseball. The parade highlighted the strong community support behind the league and its players. Following the march, opening ceremonies took place at the field with team introductions and remarks from league officials. The event set an enthusiastic tone for the season ahead. See more photos on Page 7.
Amityville, Copiague voters okay their library budgets
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Voters in Amityville approved the public library budget and elected new trustees in an election held Tuesday, April 14, after weeks of debate over costs and construction delays.
Karen Klein was elected to a five-year seat on the Amityville Public Library board with 339 votes, and Equasia Yard-Jean won a one-year seat with 137 votes. They defeated Robert Brachman and Lauren Scanlon. The five-year seat was previously held by Eileen Taylor, who did not seek re-election, while Leslie
Kretz stepped down from the oneyear seat.
“The level of community involvement spoke volumes and personally I’m incredibly grateful and humbled by the overwhelming support I received.,” said Klein. “Having served on this board before, I expect to return with experience and a strong sense of our library’s history.”
She added that she is aware o the library’s potential and is committed to “helping move it forward in a way that reflects our unique and wonderful community. It is a privilege and responsibility that I do not take lightly.”
The library budget was approved by 62.8 percent of voters, with 308 voting yes and 182 voting no.
The library proposed a tax levy of $3.77 million, an increase from the current budget of $3.59 million — a 4.9 percent increase.
“We would like to thank all the Amityville residents who came out to vote in support of the Library’s budget,” Library Director Todd Schlitt said. “We will remain committed to fiscal responsibility and to providing the Amityville community with a library its residents, and future generations, can be proud of.”
Opposition to the budget was
largely expressed on social media and focused on an increase of about $40 per year for the average household, as well as delays in an ongoing construction project.
The delay was caused by the discovery of elevated levels of zinc in the groundwater during installation of a new elevator.
The issue prompted a pause in work and intervention from
the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, which lasted months.
The general contractor developed a filtration system to meet DEC standards, allowing treated water to be safely discharged into storm drains. With that issue resolved, the project resumed, and steel was installed this week,
Erik Lee/Herald photos
Spiritual leader to host programs in Amityville
Internationally recognized spiritual leader Sant Rajinder Singh Ji will visit Amityville in May to lead a series of public programs focused on meditation and inner peace.
Events will be held at the Science of Spirituality Meditation Center, 79 County Line Road. A Hindi satsang, or public discourse, with English and Spanish translation, is scheduled for Saturday, May 23, at 7:30 p.m.
Additional programs will take place Monday, May 25, beginning at 3 p.m. with a talk titled “From Stress to Calm through Meditation,” followed by in-depth meditation instruction at 5 p.m. Spanish translation will be available.
Organizers said the programs are free and open to the public.
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji, head of Science of Spirituality, has been recognized for his work promoting peace and unity across cultures, including honors from the United Nations’ NGO community.
For more information, visit sos.org/ tours/newyork-2026.
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Enrollment open for free class at PCALI Plumbing Institute
Enrollment is now open for the next class at The Plumbing Contractors Association of Long Island’s, PCALI, Plumbing Institute. Interested students are encouraged to apply soon as admission is offered on a first-come, first-served basis until the class reaches its limit of 25 participants.
This no-cost program delivers hands-on, real-world training to build a reliable workforce pipeline for contractors across Long Island. The PCALI Plumbing Institute is designed to provide students the foundation they need to begin a successful career in plumbing at no cost to the participant. Last September, the Institute welcomed its first class, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the service and maintenance plumbing trade while creating new employment opportunities for Long Islanders.
As the demand for qualified and licensed plumbing professionals continues to grow, the PCALI Plumbing Institute plays an important role in preparing the next generation of skilled tradespeople. By combining hands-on training with real-world experience, the Institute helps ensure that future licensed
plumbers are ready to support local businesses and safely meet the plumbing, heating, and cooling needs of our communities for years to come.
“The Plumbing Contractors Association of Long Island’s Plumbing Institute is all about strengthening the plumbing industry on Long Island,” said PCALI President Jeff Connelly. “By offering students hands-on training and valuable industry experience, we’re helping prepare the next generation entering the trade while also supporting the continued growth of our members.”
Joe Enea, Director of the PCALI Plumbing Institute, added “Our goal is to develop well-trained plumbers, and it all starts right here. Our current students have already benefited exponentially from the network of industry professionals they have met and learned from. We encourage anyone interested in learning the plumbing trade at no cost and building a successful career to apply now.”
Those interested in applying for the upcoming class can contact Joe Enea by telephone at (631) 560-0973 or by email to joe@pcali.org.
Courtesy Science of Spirituaity Center
Sant Rajinder Singh Ji who will visit Science of Spirituality Meditation Center May 25.
Freeze-thaw cycle drove up snow removal costs and is hiking road repair expenses across Long Island
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherld.com
The days may be getting longer and temperatures warmer, but Long Island municipalities are still reckoning with the financial fallout from this winter’s snow removal and road maintenance costs— expenses that, in many cases, have far exceeded budget projections.
Across Nassau and Suffolk counties, public works departments report that repeated freeze-thaw cycles and multiple storms significantly increased both operating costs and infrastructure damage.
In Massapequa Park, officials estimate snow removal costs more than doubled, rising from about $95,000 last year to $230,000 this year. Pothole repair costs also ticked upward, from $8,300 to more than $10,000.
At the Town of Oyster Bay, officials said snow removal costs climbed from $1.249 million last year to more than $2.35 million this year.
In Suffolk, Babylon Town reported a 113% increase, with costs rising from $581,000 to a projected $1.42 million.
Amityville Village saw even sharper jumps: snow-related costs totaled $30,434
in 2023–24, then rose to $38,000 the following year before surging to approximately $128,000 this winter. Overtime alone jumped from $29,300 to $111,402.
In Babylon Village, snow-related spending increased from $38,000 in 2023–24 to $49,852 in 2024–25, with an estimated $170,000 expected this year, not including roughly $2,700 in asphalt for pothole repairs.
Officials say snow removal remains one of the costliest seasonal obligations for municipalities, driven by labor, overtime, salt and brine, fuel, and equipment wear. Rapidly occurring storms and freeze-thaw conditions further strain resources, often forcing emergency purchases and reallocations from other infrastructure accounts.
Meanwhile with winter behind them, officials say the focus now turns to repairing roadways and absorbing the lingering costs of a season that continues to stretch municipal budgets.
In Suffolk County officials are asking for the public’s help in reporting serious road conditions by having them call Suffolk 311 where dispatchers are available during the day to connect them to county services and intake road maintenance requests. They can also go online to: suf-
folk.my.site.com/public/s/
“In minutes, callers can complete a request and alert DPW of potholes, road defects, tree maintenance and more,” said S.C. Exec. Ed Romaine. “Suffolk County DPW estimates a five-day response time from the moment of submission.”
In Nassau County, residents can call the Nassau County Department of Public Works at 516 571-6900 or go online to https://www.nassaucountyny.gov/3449/ Department-Overview
Innovation in action during Edmund W. Miles’ annual STREAM Night
Edmund W. Miles Middle School in Amityville came alive with creativity, curiosity, and collaboration on March 26, as students, families, and educators gathered for the school’s annual STREAM Night.
The event, centered around Science, Technology, Research, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics, drew an enthusiastic crowd and showcased the power of hands-on learning. Throughout the evening, attendees explored a wide variety of interactive experiences designed to spark imagination and encourage problem-solving. From student-led exhibits and immersive escape rooms to coding activities and a collaborative art studio mural, there was something to engage every interest. A lively photo booth and a merchandise and food fair added to the festive atmosphere, making the night both educational and fun for all.
STREAM Night highlighted the importance of blending creativity with critical thinking, giving students the opportunity to apply their skills in innovative ways. It also provided a meaningful space for families and educators to come together in support of student learning and exploration.
“With such a strong turnout and high level of engagement, the event was a resounding success — demonstrating the excitement and potential that comes from inspiring students to think creatively, work collaboratively, and explore the world around them,” said Superintendent of Schools Gina Talbert.
Courtesy Amityville school district
Music teacher Megan Ashe led students and parents through an interactive musical performance during Edmund W. Miles Middle School’s STREAM Night on March 26.
Weapon recovered from subject on Noelle Court April 13
Medical Emergency Call Leads to Gun, Drug Arrest on Noelle Court in Amityville
A routine medical emergency call escalated into a serious criminal arrest on the afternoon of April 13, 2026, after Amityville police responding to a residence on Noelle Court discovered a loaded firearm and suspected controlled substances on a 38-year-old man.
According to police, Officers Michael Schwenzer and Graham Eickelberg responded alongside Amityville Fire Department Ambulance 1-1-27 for a reported medical emergency. Upon arrival, officers began rendering aid to the male subject.
While providing medical assistance to the subject, Officer Schwenzer observed what appeared to be the handle of a handgun protruding from the individual’s pocket. Officers immediately secured the
scene and conducted a further investigation, which led to the recovery of a loaded and defaced .380 caliber Ruger LCP handgun.
The man was taken into custody at the scene without incident. A subsequent search reportedly yielded a clear plastic bag containing a substance believed to be a controlled substance, pending laboratory confirmation.
The defendant was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon and related offenses.
“The investigation underscores the unpredictable nature of emergency response calls and the risks faced by first responders, even in situations that initially appear medical in nature,” said Amityville Police Chief Frank Caramanica. “No call is considered routine.
Three, including Amityville woman, arrested for prostitution
Three women were arrested Friday afternoon April 11 following an undercover investigation into alleged prostitution at a Jerusalem Avenue location, according to Nassau County police.
Detectives with the Narcotics Vice Squad said the investigation led them to 150 Jerusalem Ave., where they determined illegal activity was taking place. At approximately 4:55 p.m. on April 10, officers arrested Xiaomei Ye, 46, of Whitestone; Danping Yu, 62, of Amityville; and Yan Hua Lin, 45, of Flushing, without incident.
Police said Yu is charged with fourth degree promoting prostitution and unauthorized practice of a profession. She is scheduled to be arraigned Saturday, April 11, at First District Court in Hempstead.
Ye and Lin are each charged with prostitution and unauthorized practice of a profession, authorities said. Both were issued desk appearance tickets and are due to return to First District Court on April 23.
Police did not release additional details about the investigation.
Copiague driver charged after pedestrian struck Lindenhurst woman
Suffolk County police arrested a Copiague man for driving with a revoked license after he was involved in a crash that seriously injured an elderly pedestrian Wednesday, April 15, police said.
Police said Frederick Finger was driving a 2019 Mitsubishi Outlander on and attempted to make a left turn onto eastbound Montauk Highway from South Strong Avenue. His vehicle struck a pedestrian who was crossing Montauk Highway from south to north at 7:36 a.m.
The pedestrian, Rose Marie Schementi, 85, of Lindenhurst, was taken to Good Samaritan University Hospital in West Islip, where she was admitted with serious injuries.
Finger, 74, was charged with third-degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. He was issued a desk appearance ticket and will appear in court at a later date.
Detectives are asking anyone with information about the crash to call the First Squad at (631) 854-8152.
CRIME WATCH
The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County Police Department’s First and Third precincts and other law enforcement and emergency service units:
PETIT LARCENY
North Amityville: Three cans of motor oil were removed from the shelf at 7-Eleven on Broadway April 9 by a subject who left the store without paying for them. The incident was reported at 2 p.m.
ARRESTS
Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired: Rodrigo Martinez Turcios, 23, of 63 Pear St., Brentwood; Erick Martinez Turcios, 21, of 240 Saint Johns St., Central Islip; Perris Johnson, 42, of 26 E. Poplar St., Central Islip; Selvin Marquez, 24, 59 Saint Peters Dr., Brentwood; Lusvin Najera, 19, of 220 Old Country Rd., Deer Park; Anthony Gelormino, 35, of 654 S. Wellwood Ave., Lindenhurst; Iurii Romaniuk, 29, of 140 Abbington Ct., Copiague; Ayendi Rodriguez Vasquez, 30, of 6 Scudder Ave., Copiague Richard Bacon, 65, of 674 Centerwood St., West Babylon; David Ventura, 47, of 159 Copiague Pl., Copiague; Brittany Wright, 32, of 58 Poplar Rd., North Amityville; Gregory Fox, 31, of 22 Blue Grass La., Commack; Daniel Rodriguez, 36, of 320 Paumanake Ave., West Islip; Robbery Wendy Rodriguez Gonzalez, 25, of 279
Katherine Stasys, 45, of 30 Sycamore St., North Patchogue; Michael Snow, 61, of 28 Jetmore Pl., Massapequa; Moloy Graham, 34, of 11 South 7th St., Mt. Vernon, Westchester; Jonel Nunez, 23, of 160 Warwick Ave., Copiague; Jhon Vivas Campuzano, 31, of 21 Millpond La., Bay Shore; Christina Pernell, 37, of 7 Beech St., Wyandanch; Jessica Calkins, 33, of 151 Burrs La., Dix Hills; Miriam Kingsberry, 36, of 341 Westchester Ave., West Babylon; William Filippi, 38, undomiciled; Evelyn Toloza, 35, of 1064 Tooker Ave., West Babylon;
Resisting Arrest
Isabel Woodward, 622 Broadway, North Amityville (also charged with Petit Larceny).
Allowing minors to consume alcohol Vilma Mejia, 45, of 69 Story Ave., Central Islip was charged with allowing underaged individuals. With drinking alcohol at her home.
Public Lewdness Nico Luppino, 33, of 126 N. Park Ave., Rockville Center.
Assault Frank Puglisi, 55, of 264Livingston Ave., Babylon.
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.
Annual Emergency Preparedness Day, April 25
National PrepareAthon Day and Touch-A-Truck Event will be taking place on April 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Town of Babylon Municipal Lot in Wyandanch.
The event will include Touch-ATruck, meeting local heroes, safety demons and activities. There will
also be a free bikes and scooters giveaway while supplies last. The Town of Babylon Municipal Parking Lot is located at S. 18 th St. and Long Island Avenue in Wyandanch.
For more information, please call (631) 957-4292.
■ WEB SITE: www.amityvillerecord.com / www.liherald.com/Amityville
■ E-MAIl: Letters and other submissions: cjames@liherald.com
■ PUBlIC NOTICES: Ext. 232 E-mail: legals@liherald.com
Callie Debuts at a School as a Calm, Therapy Dog Pro -
Why did the zebra and camel at her petting zoo job harass her?
Did Callie train herself?
Border Collies are considered highly intelligent, yet a selftaught dog is a stretch. This red Border Collie became a certified therapy dog on Long Island without the required classes. She skipped right to the test and aced it.
Pets, Pets, Pets...
Callie came to Last Hope Animal Rescue on a Georgia rescue transport in July 2024. She was an owner surrender on her way to a crowded local shelter. She had worked at a petting zoo with exotic animals, but, supposedly, the zebra and the camel started kicking her. An Australian Shepherd was aggressive toward her. (Note: Callie is the mildest Border Collie ever. Her background story and actual petting zoo job are sketchy.)
JOANNE ANDERSON
She never made it to the Georgia shelter because a transport driver picked Callie up at the wildlife park and drove her to Last Hope in Wantagh along with Georgia shelter dogs. Upon arrival, it became clear that Callie, about six years old, was terribly neglected. She went home as a foster dog with volunteers -Kathy and Andy -who had owned Jake, a typically active Border Collie for 17 years. Callie never came back to Last Hope.
Callie was covered with ticks and tested positive for two tick-borne diseases- erlichia and anaplasmosis. Both are treated with doxycycline. Her mouth was a black/green,
painful mess. Her teeth were worn down as if she had been eating rocks. The vet extracted five teeth that basically fell out of her mouth during her dental.
Kathy and Andy quickly realized Callie was a treasure. She was attentive, looking at her owners for permission before she completed a task. She got along with everyone from kids to the neighborhood dogs. She soon acquired a fan club on long walks around the neighborhood. Her paparazzi took turns giving her pets and belly rubs. The children across the street brought out books and read to Callie.
She does step in front of whoever is leash walking her as if she were herding sheep. However, unlike Jake and most Border Collies, she is calm, not always on the go, and doesn’t need to be entertained. She has never barked in two years, only during bad dreams. She cowers when someone gets up quickly, suggesting someone (other than the zebra and camel) hit her.
Kathy took Callie to Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs in East Rockaway to be evaluated as a therapy dog candidate. She already did the tasks and commands needed, without taking any lessons. Callie was signed up for the test with a certified evaluator. The therapy dog test is a combination of an AKC Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test of ten commands plus extra tasks such as not being
afraid of a wheelchair. She passed the test with flying colors and now wears an official red vest when working as a Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dog.
PASSING THE TORCH:
For over ten years, Team Timmy, consisting of Timmy, a three-legged Lhasa, certified therapy dog and his sisters, Pammy Sue, a puppy mill breeder Shih tzu who needed complex orthopedic surgery to repair the leg she broke in the Kentucky puppy mill cage, and Beverly, a tiny Poodle rescued off Lost Angeles streets where she suffered from severe tremors, probably the result of surviving distemper, were Last Hope ambassadogs during adoption center tours and off-site visits. Sue, adopter of all three, and I are retired teachers. Our talks had two themes: shelter rescue and overcoming physical disabilities. Timmy and Beverly passed two years ago. Pammy Sue earned her retirement. We miss them terribly. They were the canine “Tony Orlando and Dawn”. Timmy was the animated leader who showed off how fast he could run on three legs, while his sisters were adorable but low key.
CALLIE’S DEBUT THERAPY DOG VISIT:
On April 15th, she made her first visit to James L. Vernon School in Oyster Bay- East Norwich district- a 3rd through 6th grade school. Callie, Kathy and I met with their Ambassador Club during an after-school meeting. The student ambassadors from each class host a community service fundraiser each year.
In December, club members sold squishy Mochis for $1 a piece during recess. Under the guidance of Ashley Weiman, school social worker, the club raised $350 for Last Hope. Callie was there to accept the generous check and to represent both rescue and therapy dogs.
Kathy has seen Callie with neighborhood children who read to her outdoors, but this was Callie’s first large group, inside event. Callie was a calm pro- quiet during discussion, appreciative to receive petting and belly rubs from simultaneous hands. The club members, faculty, and security guard joined the Callie fan club too.
Callie has two more school visits penciled on her dance card, And the best news- James L. Vernon School did not have a camel, zebra, or Australian Shepherd, lurking on school grounds.
Callie, Border Collie, certified therapy dog.
Copiague (5-2) battles through adversity
By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com
Copiague’s flag football team has experienced both the highs and challenges of a developing season, showcasing resilience as it navigates injuries and a shifting lineup under head coach Phil Fortuno.
The Eagles opened the year in dominant fashion, racing out to a 5-0 record and quickly establishing themselves as a team to watch. Their early season success included a 20-0 shutout victory over Amityville on March 19, followed by decisive wins against Wyandanch (27-6) and Lindenhurst (27-12). They continued their strong play with a narrow but impressive 6-0 defensive battle against Sachem North on April 1, before edging Kings Park 28-25 in a thrilling contest on April 4.
However, momentum shifted as the team encountered adversity. Copiague has dropped its last two games, suffering consecutive shutout losses to Whitman (19-0) on April 8 and Ward Melville (24-0) five days later.
Despite the setbacks, their overall record stands at 5-2, with a 2-2 mark in league play, keeping postseason aspirations within reach.
“Going into the season we were looking for some growth,” Fortuno said. “We have a mixture of young players with experienced players, including five middle schoolers. We believe we can be a playoff team.”
Injuries have played a significant role in the Eagles’ recent struggles. Senior captain Amaya McFadden, a dual-threat quarterback who had been instrumental in the fast start, is currently sidelined. McFadden, who has committed to SUNY Old Westbury, had developed into a dynamic leader before her injury. The team also lost senior running back Kerah McHugh for the season. McHugh was coming off a standout campaign in which she rushed for 800 yards and scored 10 touchdowns, leaving a significant void in the offense.
Still, Copiague has found ways to adapt. Senior captain Allison Ramirez has embodied the team’s gritty identity, contributing wherever needed and providing leadership
HERALD SPORTS West Babylon off to promising start
on both sides of the ball. Sophomore Gianna Thomas has emerged as a defensive standout, leading the team in flag grabs while also recording three interceptions. She has begun to take on a larger offensive role as well, adding a receiving touchdown.
The Eagles’ future is particularly promising thanks to a group of talented eighth graders stepping into key roles. Gianna Lewis has shown remarkable versatility, contributing eight interceptions, six receiving touchdowns, and two rushing scores despite playing out of position at quarterback. Fredricka Cooper has taken over as the new starting quarterback, bringing athleticism and composure, while also contributing four receiving touchdowns. Layla Rogers continues to develop, dedicating herself to studying film and finding ways to make an impact.
Senior captain Ja’Nyah Martin has also been a key contributor, ranking fourth on the team in flag grabs and third in receiving touchdowns, while offering additional versatility at quarterback.
While the Eagles have stumbled recently, their early success and ability to adapt suggest a team still capable of making noise as the season progresses.
“Dealing with the injury bug, but we’ve done a nice job staying together and fighting through it,” Fortuno said. “It’s been nice to see players move around to different positions and step up.”
By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com
West Babylon baseball is off to a strong and competitive start, posting a 6-3 record through its first nine League 4 games under coach Shaun Kaminski.
With a veteran heavy roster and a mix of emerging young talent, the team is already showing signs of both consistency and growth as it eyes a return to the postseason.
“The goal is to make the playoffs after making it four years in a row,” Kaminski said, emphasizing the program’s standard of sustained success.
With 13 seniors leading the way, expectations are naturally high. Early on, those expectations have evolved into something even bigger. “Over the first two weeks, we’ve grown some championship aspirations,” he added.
West Babylon opened with an exciting three game set against West Islip. A 17-7 victory on March 26 showcased the offense at its best, with Vinny Iorio, Tylan Edwards, Mason Martinez, and Timmy Erwig each going 2-for-4. The momentum carried into a tight 4-3 win two days later before West Islip handed them a narrow 5-2 loss on March 30.
The offense erupted again in a dominant sweep of Bellport in April. West Babylon won 16-0 on April 7 behind a perfect 3-for-3 performance from Dean Geiger, who also drove in three runs. Xavier Estevez (2-for-3) and Steve Gervasi added to the offensive outburst. The following day, the team secured a 15-5 win, with Erwig, Iorio, and Gervasi each recording two hits. The series concluded with a 9-1 victory on April 10, further establishing West Babylon as a dangerous lineup.
More recently, the team faced a tough test against East Islip, dropping close games 4-3 and 5-0 on April 14 and 15 before winning the series finale 11-2 on April 17. Despite losing two out of three games, Kaminski views matchups like these as valuable opportunities. “Playing East Islip is a great test for our guys,” he said.
Leadership for West Babylon is spread throughout the roster, as the team does not designate captains. Instead, experienced players have naturally taken on key roles.
had a walk-off hopmer
Erwig, a three year starter, continues to improve each season, while shortstop Gervasi, an All-League selection last year and a Staten Island commit, anchors the infield. Pitcher Matt Critchly, also a three year starter, is committed to Maritime and provides stability on the mound.
Other contributors include Nico Milani and Josh Gomez, another pitcher, along with catcher Dylan Cousins, who has been particularly effective behind the plate with his framing skills. Iorio, now transitioned from left field to center field, has embraced his role as the leadoff hitter and is committed to Mount St. Mary’s.
The future is also bright, with younger players already making an impact. Estevez, a sophomore, has built on his varsity experience from last year, while Jadiel Adames has been swinging the bat well. Geiger, a hard throwing lefty, adds another dimension to the pitching staff.
Perhaps the most exciting moment of the season came from eighth- grader Martinez, who delivered a walk-off home run against West Islip March 28.
“A lot of guys were young when we won the Long Island championship [in 2023] so they saw that and want to replicate it.”
Sheryl Amorosino/Herald Mason Martinez
in the Eagles’ 4-3 win over West Islip March 28.
Tony Bellissimo/Herald Gianna Lewis, left, has done it all on both sides of the ball for the Eagles, who won five of their first seven.
Share Your Game Photos!
Izzy & Oliver Taylor during the opening ceremonies of the 2026 Amityville Little League Parade.
Erik Lee/Herald Photos
Ready and rarin’ to go for the 2026 Little League baseball season. Mark your calendars to get out and support these young athletes, and the hard work of their dedicated coaches.
Addison and Jack Egglinger during the opening ceremonies of the 2026 Amityville Little League Parade.
Rotarian Michele Camilleri and Catcher Zoey Cooperbefore just before Camilleri threw out the first pitch for the first game of the season.
AMITYVILLE HERALD RECORD
22, 2026
THURSDAY, APRIL 23
•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.
•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
•Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting: 6 p.m., Town Board Room,
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, please call (631) 957-3012.
FRIDAY, APRIL 24
•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631) 789-2569.
•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 25
•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 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 26
•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 27
•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 28
•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 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) 2207808. All calls are confidential.
•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
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29
•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) 9573000.
•Town of Babylon Rental Review Board Meeting: 6 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, please call (631) 957-4434.
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ST. PAUL’S LUTHERAN CHURCH
147 Park Ave., Amityville Office Tel. 631-264-0763 The Rev. Thomas W. Cusanelli, Pastor
Woo Young Choi, Pastor
Library budgets approved in Copiague and Amityville
marking a major advance.
“We have always used the library,” said Jennifer Kennedy, who voted April 14 with her two teenage children. “I always bring my children with me when I vote because I think it is important to teach them about responsibility in a democracy.”
She added that she was disappointed many programs had been reduced over the past two years because of construction but was encouraged that work is now moving forward again.
Christian Maldonado, another voter, said he had been “an apathetic voter” in the past but decided to become more engaged this year.
“I decided to go to the library’s budget meeting where the director explained everything and told us how the library was spending our money,” he said. “I realized I wanted to support it.”
Not all residents agreed.
“The real story is that the ‘no’ votes went from 45 last year to 182 this year,” wrote Julie Collorafi, a resident who mounted an online campaign opposing the budget. “We are not all made out of money. A lot of people are on fixed incomes and every dollar counts.”
In Copiague, the library’s budget passed easily 183 to 19.
The library proposed a budget of $4.5 million, an increase of $100,000 or 2.3percent over the current budget of $4.4 million. It is within the New York State Tax Cap.
Helen Reilly, a former Library board secretary and a former library director, won a seat on the board. She defeated Charylle Williams, who was appointed to the vacant seat in December, and Travis Jackson.
Reilly thanked voters for their support and said she hopes to work to carry on the services the library has provided over
Resident Jennifer Kennedy is checked in at the Amityville library voter registration table where she cast her ballot saying it is important to vote.
the years. “And moving forward, I’d like to. work with the library director and the board in providing even more new and exciting initiatives,” she said.
Louise Archibald, who went to the Copiague library polls April 14 with her adult daughter, said she believed it was important to vote and support the services the library offers to the community. “We use the library and have to make sure that it has what it needs…to keep the programs going,” she said. “And we have to make sure that the person representing the community on the board is the right person.”
Open House
Carolyn James/Herald photos
Voters and staff at Copiague Public Library.
K-9 officer brings smiles and learning to Northeast Elementary School
Students at Northeast Elementary School in Amityville recently experienced a tail-wagging good time as they welcomed a very special guest from the Suffolk County Police Department: K-9 Officer Hamilton and his handler, Officer George Politis.
Pre-K and kindergarten students eagerly lined the hallways, sitting side by side in anticipation of meeting the friendly and highly trained K-9. One by one, students had the opportunity to greet K-9 Officer Hamilton, creating memorable moments filled with excitement, curiosity, and plenty of smiles.
In addition to the meet-andgreet, students learned about the important role K-9 officers play
in keeping communities safe. Officer Politis shared insights into Hamilton’s training and daily responsibilities, helping students better understand how police dogs assist officers in their work. The visit provided not only a fun and engaging experience, but also an educational opportunity that brought classroom learning to life in a meaningful way.
The Amityville School District extends its sincere thanks to the SCPD for their continued service and for taking the time to connect with students at Northeast. Visits like these help foster positive relationships between students and local law enforcement while inspiring young learners
Courtesy of the Amityville school district
Suffolk County Police Department K-9 Officer Hamilton and his handler, Officer George Politis recently visited students at Northeast Elementary School in Amityville.
By Carolyn James/Herald Photos
Ada Fanning Holmes
Amityville
I like to sit inside and watch a good movie.
What is the best rainy day activity when April showers hit?
Amityville
I like to go outside and play football in the rain and hang out with my friends.
Joseph Grant
East Massapequa
I would be a fool. Get it, April Fools. No really, I would probably watch television and have some snacks or get into my jacuzzi.
Amityville
When it rains, I like to play video games, hang out with my friends and eat snacks.
Amityville
It depends. Is it a work day or a weekend? That makes a difference.
Rhys Davi
Oliver Guluzzi
Ashly Polanco
FASNY sounds alarm for new recruits
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
As part of a statewide effort to address declining volunteer firefighter enrollment, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York launched its 17th annual RecruitNY campaign with a news conference and a live firefighting demonstration at the Melville Fire Department April 15.
The initiative comes as the number of volunteer firefighters across the state has dropped by roughly 33 percent over the past two decades, from about 120,000 in the early 2000s to 80,000 today — even as emergency calls continue to rise. Recent data compiled by FASNY shows a 16 percent increase in house fires and a 37 percent jump in overall fire calls over that time, putting added strain on departments.
“It is very important for all of our communities to understand that fire and rescue service is staffed by volunteers who are will-
ing to go out 24/7 and respond to medical and fire emergencies as needed,” the association’s president, Gene Perry, said. “While some departments are doing very well, others face challenges and are trying to get more people and younger people involved.”
Nearly 90 percent of fire departments statewide — including about 70 in Nassau and 100 in Suffolk — rely on volunteers, making recruitment a growing public safety concern.
As part of RecruitNY, departments across Long Island opened their doors for demonstrations and outreach events aimed at attracting new members. Officials said the effort is critical to maintaining staffing levels and emergency response capabilities.
At the Long Island kickoff, FASNY representatives joined local officials and firefighters to highlight recruitment efforts and encourage residents to consider volunteering. They also conducted a demonstration on how firefighters extinguish
dangerous car fires.
In a survey conducted by the association two years ago, 49 percent of New York residents expressed an interest in becoming volunteer firefighters. As well, 66 percent of respondents said they would visit their local fire station to learn more, and 55 percent reported that they would begin with an online search for information.
“What we need are more incentives to encourage people to volunteer, like tax
breaks on homes and priority for affordable housing for volunteers,” Assemblyman Steve Stern said. “These are critically important, but we need to go much further, and I want you to know that we see it and we hear it, because not having enough volunteers is a direct hit on us all — our families and our communities — and it puts our safety at risk.”
For more information on volunteering, contact your local volunteer fire department or visit fasny.com.
Carolyn James/Herald photos
Melville firefighters demonstrate procedures used in putting out a car fire safely at press conference April 15.
FASNY President Gene Perry speaks at press conference about the importance of recruiting more volunteers to local volunteer fire departments across the state.
STEPPING OUT
Rooted in springtime Blossoming out at Planting Fields
By Abbey Salvemini
As spring moves forward towards its peak, Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay bursts into a vivid celebration of color, nature and community. This weekend, April 25–26, the inaugural Branches in Bloom Festival invites visitors to stroll beneath sweeping canopies of magnolias, cherry blossoms and other flowering trees.
Blending longstanding tradition with new experiences, the festival refreshes the site’s beloved Arbor Day celebration of years past. Guests can explore the historic estate in colorful bloom while enjoying guided tours, live entertainment and familyfriendly activities, making it an easy spring highlight for visitors of all ages.
The new festival is both a tribute and a transformation.
“Branches in Bloom is a reimagination of a 40-year-old tradition here at Planting Fields,” Communications and Marketing Manager Kayla Cheshire says. “It’s still in honor of Arbor Day, but now we’re really able to focus on our spring flowering collection, something thousands of visitors come to see each year.”
That shift is most visible in the festival’s new setting. Instead of hosting activities away from the colorful trees, organizers moved the entire event to the West Lawn, placing everyone directly among the site’s most stunning seasonal displays. That change will have an immediate impact, according to Stewardship Director Lilly McGurk.
“The focus on the spring blooms is really going to knock everybody’s socks off,” she says with enthusiasm.
The refreshed format also reflects a broader push to make the festival more engaging and accessible to all audiences. While hands-on tree education and environmental programming remain at its core, the expanded offerings are designed to be inviting for families, younger visitors and those discovering the grounds for the first time.
“We wanted to create something that feels contemporary and welcoming to all,” McGurk explains. “People are looking to get outside, enjoy nature and spend time together. This brings in that wellness aspect while still celebrating the environment.”
Over the course of the weekend, the festival
Harry Chapin’s Greatest Stories Live
blends learning with leisure, offering something for both the curious and the casual visitor. Guided tours led by expert horticulturalists, including Arboretum Director Vincent Simeone, provide behind-the-scenes insight into the site’s celebrated collections, while interactive demonstrations and displays offer practical inspiration for gardeners at every level.
Music, magic shows, jugglers and roaming performers keep the grounds buzzing with energy throughout the day.
Anchoring the schedule are performances by Strummin’ and Drummin’ (spanning late morning into the afternoon), complemented by face painting, caricatures and a lineup of food trucks offering plenty of casual bites and treats.
For families, interactive experiences are a major draw. The Kids Tree Climb run by longtime sponsor Wonderland Tree Care + Landscapes returns as a centerpiece activity, giving children the chance to safely scale trees under professional supervision. Due to high demand, last entry is at 2:30 p.m. to ensure all finish by the 4 p.m. close.
• Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Admission is $30 per car, or if taking the LIRR to Oyster Bay, $5 per person (kids under 3 free); learn at plantingfields.org
• 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay
Craft stations include simple coloring and imaginative projects like wearable “bee crowns,” designed to spark creativity and connect visitors to nature.
“We design activities with everyone in mind,” McGurk says. “There are things for kids, adults and families to enjoy together.”
The festival also underscores the broader mission of the Planting Fields Foundation, which works in partnership with New York State Parks, to preserve and maintain stewardship of the site. Beyond its celebrated horticulture, the organization continues to highlight the estate’s layered history, art and culture — threads that run throughout the programming and shape the visitor experience.
“There’s so much more here than just the plants,” Cheshire adds. “There’s history, there’s art, there’s culture. Events like this allow us to showcase all of that while making the site accessible to people of all ages and abilities.”
Accessibility remains a priority. This year, organizers pilot a shuttle from the Oyster Bay LIRR station making it easier for visitors from throughout the region to attend without a car. Supported by a state tourism grant through I Love New York, this expands the festival’s reach.
“We want everyone to feel welcome here,” Cheshire says. “This is about creating access not just to the festival, but to green space and nature in general.”
Even with its expanded offerings, Branches in Bloom remains firmly rooted in its Arbor Day heritage. Tree giveaways, educational exhibits, a plant sale, and environmental partnerships continue to anchor the festival, preserving its mission-driven focus while allowing it to evolve and resonate with a new generation.
With blooms in full display, immersive activities and a renewed focus on community connection, organizers aim for the festival to take root as a lasting seasonal celebration.
“It’s a new take on a tradition that means a lot to us. At the end of the day, it’s about bringing people together, celebrating the season and sharing this incredible place with as many people as possible,” Cheshire says.
In the long tradition of American roots music family groups, the Chapin family holds a distinctive place. Tom Chapin, Steve Chapin, Jen Chapin, and The Chapin Sisters (Abigail and Lily Chapin) are all accomplished artists with a shared commitment to family and music that connects deeply with audiences. Their performances together bring that spirit into focus in a powerful and personal way at this special concert honoring Harry Chapin’s legacy. Two generations of his family come together to perform his songs, joined by The Harry Chapin Band, featuring Big John Wallace and Howard Fields.His iiconic works are performed lwith the energy and intimacy they were written with in mind. In keeping with Harry’s lifelong commitment to fighting hunger, everyone is encouraged to bring nonperishable items, to be donated to a local food bank.
Friday, April 24, 8 p.m. $91, $71, $51. JLandmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
Wild days in the Bronx
Chazz Palminteri returns with his electrifying solo performance of “A Bronx Tale,” the autobiographical one-man show that launched his career. Raw, riveting and deeply personal, the play draws on his bruising childhood in the Bronx, including the moment — at just nineyears-old — when he witnessed a gangland killing that forever shaped his world-view. Onstage, Palminteri inhabits 18 vividly drawn characters, seamlessly shifting between friends, foes and family members to conjure an entire neighborhood with nothing but his voice, physicality and storytelling prowess. First written and performed in 1989, A Bronx Tale quickly became a sensation, hailed as one of the most sought-after stage properties since Rocky. The original production paved the way for the acclaimed film adaptation — directed by Robert De Niro—and later a hit Broadway musical.
Sunday, April 26, 7:30 p.m. The Paramount. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Photos courtesy Planting Fields
Photos: Visitors wander the West Lawn at Planting Fields as spring blooms frame a weekend of music, art and family activities.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
APR
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
‘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
Thrift Shop Stop by Simpson United Methodist Church’s Thrift Shop for some unique finds.
MAY 2
George Thorogood and The Destroyers
APR
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
28
Transforming
the Self: Finding Peace in Challenging Times
Take in another session of the Experiencing the Soul Series. Each of us has unique gifts and a special place and purpose in this world. Too often, however, our lives are overwhelmed with anxiety, adversity, and depression. Learn how to better find peace in these challenging times through this workshop. This event is free of charge but registration required. All are welcome.
• Where: 79 County Line Road, Amityville
• Time: 7-9 p.m.
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Where: 30 Locust Ave., Amityville
• Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 789-2569 APR
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
Kite Festival
APR
This year’s Kite Festival is in memory of Diana Simulcik who six years ago pioneered the beginning of the Kite Festival. The event is hosted by the North Babylon Chamber of Commerce.
• Where: Overlook Beach, Ocean Parkway, Babylon
• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 983-4283
Arbor Day Planting
The Village of Amityville Parks Commission hosts an Arbor Day Celebration. Learn about the importance of trees and get tips on planting and maintenance during a tree-planting event
• Where: Mary Carroll Marsden Community Garden, S. Bayview
Ave. at Bayview Place (160 S. Bayview), Amityville
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Contact: (631) 264-6000 or woneill@amityville.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
Astronomy Day
Vanderbilt Museum’s Reichert Planetarium celebrates Astronomy Day. Astronomy Day is an international celebration of educational programs designed to engage families in the aweinspiring fields of Earth and space science. The program includes exciting science, takehome materials, and engaging discussions about astronomy. Participants will create nebula spin art, investigate constellations, explore craters, and much more! These fun activities introduce guests to the ongoing research happening at NASA in the fields of Earth science, planetary science, and astrophysics. Activities are
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
For the past five-plus decades, over 8,000 live shows and more than 15 million albums sold, George Thorogood and The Destroyers have been “The All-American Rock & Roll Party Band” (Goldmine Magazine). In celebration of 53 years of “playing rock ‘n roll hot enough to melt the polar icecaps and flood the world’s major population centers” (Rolling Stone), the group continues The Baddest Show On Earth Tour — a stage-shaking, roofraising, guitar-snarling blast. For an artist whose music honors the blues, rock and country legends of the past, Thorogood’s forward momentum is now stronger than ever. And along with longtime Destroyers Jeff Simon (drums), Bill Blough (bass), Jim Suhler (guitar) and Buddy Leach (saxophone), they continue “to slap a custom flame paint job onto those classic sounds” (Blues Blast Magazine) like never before. The band has lways delivered on their promises. In 1976, they debuted as the most explosive indie breakthrough act of the decade. Throughout the ‘80s/’90s MTV era, Thorogood was the epitome of snakeskin and shades guitar-slinger cool. And with chart-topping hits like ‘One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer’, ‘Move It On Over’, ‘Who Do You Love?’, ‘I Drink Alone’, ‘Get A Haircut’ and the ultimate badass anthem ‘Bad To The Bone’, the band soon became undeniable cornerstones of classic Rock. Meanwhile, their album catalog continues to dominate streaming charts worldwide.
included with planetarium show tickets and admission to the museum grounds.
• Where: 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport
• Time: 11 a.m.-3 p,m.
• Contact: vanderbiltmuseum. org or call (631) 854-5579
In concert
APR
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame welcomes guitarist Bob Westcott. He is no stranger to Long Island audiences. His career began as a teenager playing guitar in the streets and basket houses of Greenwich Village, and, more auspiciously, as one of the very first members of the Wes Houston Band. Onetime owner of Folk City and famed Greenwich Village scene author Robbie Woliver has called Bob “the real deal”, and for good reason: Bob has been perfecting his elegant finger-style guitar work many years.
• Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook
• Time: 3 p.m.
• Contact: limusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888
• Contact: sos.org/ event/findingpeaceNYapr21/?prev=AmityvilleE or (631) 822-7979
MAY 16
Italian Food Festival
The Town of Babylon once again hosts their Italian Food Festival. Entertainment includes Angelo Venuto, Maria Venuto, Carmelo Raccuglia and DJ Domenick. With the La Famiglia Cadillac Club, food vendors and a kid zone. Bring a pasta or sauce donation to support Councilman Manetta’s 8th Annual Pasta and Sauce Food Drive. Additional parking with free shuttle bus service at Lindenhurst Train Station. Rain date is May 17.
• Where: Great Lawn at the Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst
• Time: Noon-5 p.m.
• Contact: For more information or to become a vendor, call Councilman Manetta’s office at (631) 957-4482
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.
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
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 undersigned 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
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
REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURT - COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
Public Notices — Your right to know
LNV CORPORATION, Plaintiffagainst - AFRIKA C. PARKS, et al
Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on March 5, 2026. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on the 18th day of May, 2026 at 12:30 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, and State of New York. Premises known as 2 Biel Dr., Amityville, NY 11701.
(Section: 171.00, Block: 02.00, Lot: 067.000)
Approximate amount of lien $380,653.17 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.
Index No. 207754/2022. Pamela Greene, Esq., Referee. Stein, Wiener & Roth LLP
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff
1400 Old Country Road, Suite 315 Westbury, NY 11590 Tel. 516/742-1212
Dated: March 18, 2026
During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6-feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency
Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. Auction Locations are subject to change.
26-85 - 4/15, 22, 29, 5/6
NOTICE CONCERNING THE EXAMINATION OF ASSESSMENT INVENTORY AND VALUATION
DATA
(Pursuant to Section 501 of the Real Property Tax Law)
Notice is hereby given that the assessment inventory and valuation data is the information that will be used to establish the assessment of each parcel which will appear on the Tentative Assessment Roll of the Town of Babylon, which will be filed on or before May 1, 2026. This information may be reviewed, by appointment, in the Assessor’s office on Thursday, April 23, 2026 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM and Friday, April 24, 2026 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM. An appointment to review the assessment information may be made by calling the Assessor’s office at (631) 957-3015.
Dated: April 1, 2026
Matthew R. Cronin, IAO
Assessor 26-88 - 4/15, 22
NOTICE is hereby given that the PLANNING BOARD of the Village of Amityville will hold a Public Hearing in the Court Room of Village Hall, 21 Ireland Place, Amityville, NY at 6:00 P.M. on THURSDAY, May 7, 2026, to consider the following applications: Application of Village Greene Apts., LLC. Applicants seek architectural review and approval for the pro-
posed conversion of a one-story office building to a one-family dwelling pursuant to Section 24-6 A. (1) (g) of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the East side of John Street between Greene Avenue and West Oak Street in a “B-2 Business” District known as 3 John Street a/k/a SCTM# 101-5-2-2.
Application of Pinal Patel for 250-260 Broadway. Applicant seeks architectural review and approval for a proposed façade renovation pursuant to Section 24-6 A (1) (g) of the Village Code. Premises located on the Northwest corner of Broadway and Sterling Place in a “B-1 Business” District known as 250256 Broadway a/k/a SCTM #101-3-1-14.
Application of Thomas Lauritano. Applicant seeks architectural review and approval for the proposed construction of a new one-family dwelling pursuant to Section 24-6 A. (1) (h) of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the North side of Mole Place approximately 302 ft. East of Richmond Avenue in a “Residential BB” District known as 24 Mole Place a/k/a SCTM #101-11-6-28. By Order of the Planning Board, Village of Amityville Catherine Murdock, Clerk/Treasurer 26-91. 4/22, 29
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 28th, 2026. Public hearings begin 6:00pm. NEW
APPLICATIONS:
•Anthony & Stephanie Nici 79 Monarch Ave West Babylon, NY 11704
SCTM#0100-1374-37
•Fradeline & Geronimo Branagan 42 Parkway Blvd Wyandanch, NY 11798
SCTM#0100-80-137
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 22, 2026 26-90. 4/22
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 27, 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
JOB# HPLN-44 (2531A); Skidmore Rd, LLC.: SCTM# 0100093-02-041: Zone – G Industry: SEQRAUnlisted Action, Uncoordinated Review: Applicant proposes to demolish existing structure to construct a multi-tenant industrial building (4,738sf footprint) with 5 garage spaces, accessory offices, and storage mezzanines, along with associated site improvements.: Property is located on the southeast corner of South Skidmore Road and De Kay Place, Deer Park, Suffolk County, Town of Babylon, New York
PUBLIC HEARING/ BAR/RESTAURANT
JOB# PLAN-26-1; Fore and Pour: SCTM# 0100-222-01-001.002: Zone – E Business: SEQRA - Type II Action: The applicant is proposing to change the use of a 6,750sf tenant space from a retail use to a virtual golf simulator and bar, along with associated site improvements.: Property is located on the northeast corner of Montauk Highway and Park Place, Suffolk County, Town of Babylon, New York
PUBLIC HEARING/SITE PLAN REVIEW/BAR/RESTAURANT
JOB# PLAN-26-4; Cava: SCTM# 0100048-02-014.002: Zone
– G Industry (Light): SEQRA - Type II Action: The applicant is proposing interior alterations to an existing 1,142sf tenant space into a 40-seat Cava restaurant.: Property is located on the west side of Broadhollow Road, 250' n/o Michael Drive, 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: 04/22/2026 26-94 4/22
The annual meeting of the plot owners of the MOUNT ARARAT CEMETERY will be held at the cemetery's offices, 1165 Rt. 109, North Lindenhurst, New York, on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM. The meeting will be used to elect Directors and transact any other business that may lawfully come before it.
Robert Ziolkowski, President 26-92. 4/22, 29, 5/6
Notice of formation of Neon Noir LLC. Articles of Organization files with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 12/25/25. Office located in Suffolk County. SSNY has been designated for service process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against LLC 49 Bethpage Road Copiague NY 11726. Purpose: any lawful purpose. 26-93. 4/22, 29, 5/6, 13, 20, 27
Public Notices
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, MAY 7, 2026
BEGINNING AT 6:00 P.M.
6:00 p.m.
1. Application #26-59
3 Hermanos Property LLC, 121 Lake Drive, Wyandanch, NY.
Permission to diminish width at the front property line from 75’ to 40’ (on Lake Drive); diminish lot area from 7,500 sq. ft. to 5,820 sq. ft.; diminish front yard setback from 30’ to 11’ (on Arlington Avenue); diminish south side yard setback from 10’ to 5. All in connection with the proposed erection of a two-story single-family dwelling. Property located on the southwest corner of Arlington Avenue and Lake Drive, Wyandanch, NY.
SCTM#0100-58-361
Zoning District: Residence C
6:05 p.m.
2. Application #26-60
Jacqueline Adelson and Sean Hussey, 914 7th Street, West Babylon, NY. Permission to diminish front yard setback from 30’ to 26.25’; increase total building area from 20% to 26.77% (over by 676.77 sq. ft.). All in connection with the proposed erection of a one-story addition
and to legally maintain a front roofed over porch. Property located on the north side of 7th Street, 100’ east of 9th Avenue, West Babylon, NY.
SCTM#0100-1322-128
Zoning District: Residence B
6:10 p.m.
3. Application #2662 Dawn Ruocco, 13 Adrian Court, North Amityville, NY. Permission to increase total building area from 20% to 51.7% (over by 2,611.2 sq. ft.). All in connection with the proposed installation of a pool, outdoor kitchen, and paver patio. Property located on the east side of Adrian Court, 217.20’ south of Southern State Parkway, North Amityville, NY.
SCTM#0100-1631-40
Zoning District: Residence B 6:15 p.m.
4. Application #26-64 Nicholas DeStefano and Nancy DeStefano as Co-Trustees of the DeStefano Family Irrevocable Trust, 50 Watson Avenue, West Babylon, NY. Permission to diminish distance to front street line on Litchfield Avenue from 50’ to 20’ (for proposed pool); allow a 6’ high fence beyond the front building line on Litchfield Avenue. All in connection with a proposed semi-inground swimming pool and to legally maintain a fence. Property located on the southwest corner of Watson Avenue and Litchfield Avenue, West Babylon, NY.
SCTM#0100-2114-11
Zoning District: Residence A 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
April 14, 2026 26-95 4/22
Notice of formation of Langer Advisory Group LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on April 15, 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: Langer Advisory Group LLC, 15 Dubois Ave, Amityville, NY 11701. Purpose: any lawful act.
26-96. 4/22, 29, 5/6, 13, 20, 27
Tips to make Mother’s Day extra special
Mother’s Day is celebrated each May and marks a perfect opportunity to show Mom how much she’s loved and appreciated. Mother’s Day has been celebrated for more than 100 years, and in that time mothers have grown accustomed to certain staples of the holiday. A bouquet of fresh flowers, Sunday brunch at a local restaurant and some gifts from a partner and the children have become standards each Mother’s Day.
While Mother’s Day standards may never lose their appeal, families looking to make this year’s celebration a little more unique can consider these ideas.
• Whip up (or order in) some baked goods. If Mom is the family baker, surprise her this year with some homemade baked goods. An aroma of freshly baked goodies around the house can set a welcoming tone for the day, particularly if the treats are prepared in the morning before Mom wakes up. Partners and children whose baking skills leave a little to be desired can get some freshly baked treats from a local bakery and have them waiting for Mom when she wakes up.
• Take to the road. Another way to make Mother’s Day extra special is to make the celebration a weekend affair. A weekend getaway can be a welcome breath of fresh air for mothers and serve as a great opportunity for the family to unwind and celebrate Mom away from everything that reminds her of the hustle and bustle of everyday life. A getaway can be an especially ideal surprise for mothers whose children are full grown. Invite adult kids along and make their attendance a surprise for Mom.
• Book a unique experience. Experiential
gifts have been wildly popular in recent years, so why not incorporate this trend into Mother’s Day celebrations? Book a tour of a local vineyard or winery, take Mom to a live theater performance, or take her out for a day on the water, complete with brunch and a champagne toast. Such memorable experiences won’t soon be forgotten and can provide an exciting alternative to previous Mother’s Day celebrations.
• Ensure Mom doesn’t lift a finger. A truly special Mother’s Day will give Mom a day off. Partners and kids can team up to take care of everything from the moment Mom wakes up until she returns to bed at night. Serve breakfast in bed, order in some lunch and then take Mom out for a nice meal at a local restaurant. In between meals, let Mom relax any way she sees fit, whether that’s curling up with a good book, dusting off her paint brush and engaging in some artistic endeavors and/or squeezing in a rare midday nap. Mom will undoubtedly appreciate a full day off, which might just make for the best gift of all.
Mother’s Day is the ideal time to offer Mom a unique experience that shows her how much she’s loved and appreciated.
Learn the meanings behind popular Mother’s Day flowers
Mother’s Day is a time to express love and appreciation for mothers, sentiments that are often expressed with gifts. Flowers are a popular present to bestow on Mother’s Day, as they can brighten a room and bring a sweet aroma to any household.
While any flowers may ultimately suffice on Mother’s Day, gift givers may want to select flowers for Mom that convey specific messages. The language of flowers has been recognized for centuries. Though perhaps not as heralded as it once was, flower symbolism persists to this day. Here’s a look at some of the meanings behind certain types of flowers to help guide Mother’s Day gifting.
• Amaryllis: These plants start as bulbs and are naturally spring-blooming flowers. The name comes from the Greek word “amarysso,” which means “to sparkle,” and they symbolize pride.
• Aster: These daisy-like flowers are delicate-looking perennials. Asters make great gifts because they symbolize love and daintiness.
• Begonia: There are more than 2,000 types of begonias, and the flower symbolizes deep thoughts. Begonias were made famous by French horticulturist Michel Bégon, who thought the blooms looked like beautiful girls.
• Bleeding heart: These flowers are red
and pink blossoms that look like the perfect heart shape with a teardrop at the bottom. They’re beautiful and symbolic of love and affection.
• Buttercup: These are associated with youthfulness and cheerfulness and can call to mind childhood days spent picking buttercups and holding them under chins to reveal that you like butter. The flower is known for its beauty and innocent charm.
• Camellia (white): White camellias stand for purity and innocence, but they also symbolize admiration and respect. Camellias make beautiful additions to any bouquet.
• Daisy: Daisies are happy-looking flowers, and according to Norse mythology they represent motherhood and children.
• Delphinium: Delphiniums come in pink, white and blue varieties and embody youth and renewal. They’re a good pick if you want to convey a continued or renewed affection for a person.
• Tulip: Tulips with an orange hue are thought to represent understanding and appreciation. They can express appreciation for Mom or another special person. Yellow tulips symbolize happiness, while pink tulips are symbolic of love. Red blooms should be reserved for sweethearts.
Various flowers symbolize feelings people want to express to their mothers, grandmothers and other special women on Mother’s Day.
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I don’t have a permit yet, but I do have an impatient contractor
Q. I have been through a year of permits. My architect warned me it could take this long, but I didn’t believe them. My neighbor did the same addition and told me it would only take a few weeks for a permit, but then I learned they didn’t even get permits, and I’m really wondering if I should have done the same thing. I follow your column and can now attest to what you’ve been saying. We had to get a zoning variance, and it took many, many months certainly not a few weeks. Now we’re right at the end, and I’ve been assured by the building department that we’re “almost there.” Funny thing is, I still don’t have a permit, and my contractor is ready to move on to another project if we don’t start now. Should I just get started, to keep my contractor, knowing I’ll have the permit soon, or will there be problems if I do?
A. Getting started ahead of having a permit in hand is problematic. A licensed professional should never advise someone to deviate from an ordinance, law or building code. This issue ties directly into my last two columns about the New York state campaign to “Let Them Build.” Delays are costly. Between fuel increases and tariffs, every day makes a difference when it comes to the cost of construction.
Building authorities won’t directly tell you that you could start without your permit, even if the permit is almost there. They do, however, have a method referred to as a “maintain” permit, where they recognize work that was already done and review it with an increased fee, in most cases. By doing so, they’re accommodating people to start construction without permits, even if they wouldn’t say so. It’s understandable that you feel you’re doing everything right, and shouldn’t be penalized for having done so, and therefore want to just start, already.
When you look over at your neighbor’s home, you may be compelled to follow their example, but remember, they, or some owner of that property in the future, will still have to file with building plans, even after the fact. When that happens, the building codes may have changed, or things that they did may not be compliant and will need reconstructing. This isn’t always the case, but when a professional is called to figure out what someone constructed and then to draw plans, after the fact, they find things that don’t always work out smoothly. It isn’t uncommon, when plans haven’t been reviewed and permitted, to find structure undersized, room sizes and ceiling heights smaller than allowed, not enough windows or the wrong-sized windows to meet light, ventilation and fire escape requirements, and more.
You’re doing this project the right way, and even though nobody will tell you that you can just start, there seem to be ways to condone your doing so.
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The tumor was malignant — but then it was gone
Three years ago this week, I had what I’ve called my “unexpected medical adventure.” As I described to readers then, it was a life-altering experience with a very good ending.
It all began innocuously enough, with a routine endoscopy for acid reflux in the summer of 2017 by my gastroenterologist, Dr. Michael Barth. As expected, the procedure turned up nothing, and Barth simply prescribed a medication, which I took regularly. Over the next few years, I had few symptoms, and put off my fiveyear follow-up endoscopy.
Finally, at Barth’s insistence, I scheduled another endoscopy in March 2023. I had no concern. Just closing the loop. Just another test guys my age go through. Imagine my surprise when I woke up from the procedure and Barth told me that he’d found a protrusion in my stomach wall. While he thought it was benign, he recommended that I see Dr. Arvino Trini-
dade, a specialist at Northwell, who scheduled a biopsy at Long Island Jewish hospital.
Melissa Zimmerman, a retired Nassau County Police Department detective who’d been on my security detail when I was in Congress, offered to drive me and Rosemary to the hospital. Before I was taken into the operating room, Trinidade told me he thought there was nothing there. But when I woke up, he told me there was a tumor, and it was probably malignant. Four days later, Barth and Trinidade called to confirm it. But they were confident of a good outcome, and told me the surgery would be done at LIJ by Dr. Matthew Weiss, a premier cancer surgeon.
iWABC-AM studios in Manhattan and attended a political dinner at King Umberto’s in Elmont. I told almost nobody about the upcoming surgery. With a day to go, I began a liquid diet, with Jell-O being the closest thing to solid food.
’ve become more aware of those who receive more severe diagnoses than mine.
That afternoon, Weiss called and told me I should be confident of complete success. He casually told me to “enjoy the weekend.” That evening, Rosemary and I had dinner at an Italian restaurant in Manhattan with Zimmerman and her husband, Lance.
The following week, I had appointments at Northwell, saw my cardiologist in Manhattan to get his sign-off on the operation, did several radio shows at the
Early Monday morning, Zimmerman again drove us to the hospital. By 6:30 I was ready for showtime. Lying on a gurney with an intravenous tube in my arm, I was wheeled into the operating room, a science fiction-style enclosure crowded with doctors, nurses, bright lights and a table filled with knives and scissors. An epidural was painlessly inserted in my spine, and an anesthesia mask placed over my face.
The next thing I knew, I was in the recovery room, and Rosemary was telling me that Weiss said that all had gone well. I had no significant pain — unless I moved or reached for something. Each day the pain receded, and I was able to walk a little more. When I was discharged the following Saturday, I walked from the hospital to the car.
At home I was able to eat regularly, felt nothing more than soreness at the
incision site and, after a week or so, was outside, walking a few more blocks each day. As the doctors had predicted, all follow-up tests showed complete success. I recounted much of this to readers at the time. Now, having had three years to reflect and put it all in perspective, I appreciate more than ever how fortunate I’ve been: Barth urging me to get the “routine” endoscopy; Trindade and Weiss being ultimate professionals; and having strong family support from Rosemary; my son, Sean; my daughter, Erin; and my sister, Barbara, who’s a nurse. There were also the friends who took the time to visit me in the hospital or call to wish me luck.
I’ve also become increasingly aware of the many people who receive much more severe diagnoses than I had, which do not end well. I was also fortunate to have access to outstanding medical care at a first-rate hospital. (To the naysayers and critics, I didn’t have any congressional or federal health insurance.) I’m also grateful that I broke loose from the traditional Irish suspicion and distrust of doctors and hospitals.
Yes, I’m a lucky guy!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Trying desperately to avoid the stress of TV news
These nearly two months of war in Iran have me, and countless others, more on edge than we have ever been. The idea that a conflict in the Middle East could become World War III is very unsettling. When a war is that far away and the parties themselves have a long history of bickering, our lives become unsettled, and we need diversions.
To blot out the talking heads on Fox, MS Now and CNN, I found myself looking for other distractions beyond my work as a government-affairs specialist. I watched some sports events, tuning to NCAA baskeball’s Final Four, hoping to relax. To my surprise, those games could ruin your sleep if you watched every upset. I was rooting for St. John’s, and when the junior point guard Dylan Darling sank a driving, buzzer-beating layup to beat Kansas and send the Red Storm to their first Sweet 16 in 27 years,
I almost fell off my chair.
A lot of the other games had surprise endings, and when the final ended with a Michigan victory, I realized that watching the tournament wasn’t the best way to avoid nail-biting. So I turned to other sports, and anything that would distract me from all the news about the Israelis killing Iranian leaders one by one. I got some initial relief watching a women’s pro hockey game between New York Sirens and the Seattle Torrent at Madison Square Garden. It was nice to watch a no-nonsense game that attracted a record crowd of 18,000 .
pages unnerved me, when he lavished praise on the recently ousted attorney general, Pam Bondi.
s t. John’s basketball. Women’s hockey. Testing Negative for Stupid — and more.
I also watched the women’s basketball national championship. There were quite a few nervous moments until the final game, when UCLA won its first national title.
Then I decided to do some casual reading, and started with Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy’s new book, titled “How to Test Negative for Stupid, And Why Washington Never Will.” Most of its 224 pages are a lot of fun, thanks to Kennedy’s folksy humor, but the last 30
Rather than move on to a new book, I turned my attention to my streaming television services, Netflix, Amazon and Hulu, in the hope of finding some feelgood movies. When I opened them up, they offered me such calming films as “Supernatural,” “Scream,” “Send Help,” “Sinners” and “The Substance.” I know there are other offerings, but most of the feel-good movies are old and I’ve already seen them. All my life, I’ve loved good comedy. I cherish the great old names like Jackie Mason, Henny Youngman, Buddy Hackett, Jerry Lewis, Jackie Gleason, George Carlin, Don Rickles and Lenny Bruce. Occasionally I stumble on one of these legends on Facebook, and try to share their comedy with people around me. Regrettably, there are no comedians these days that give me the same belly laughs that I got from those giants. My grandson in Los Angeles heads up a unit of Netflix that promotes a number of comedians, but I haven’t adapted to their new style.
So where do I go for some badly needed diversion? I’m a devout Knicks and Yankees fan, but there’s no way I can get a Knicks playoff ticket without paying big dollars. I love going to Yankees games, too, but their tickets are getting pricier, so I limit my purchases to no more than three games. I enjoy watching major golf tournaments, but sometimes you feel as if the announcers will put you to sleep with their commentary. I am looking forward to the U.S. Open in June, though.
Some of us are lucky to have hobbies that help us escape the pressures of today’s headlines. I love writing and making speeches, but neither lulls you into a peaceful state of mind. Short of moving to Antarctica, where I imagine you can avoid the daily news horrors, I’ll keep trying to find some other relaxing activity. I still watch TV for the weather reports, but goodbye to the other channels.
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.
Playground safety for kids requires vigilance
as spring returns and families stream back to neighborhood parks, playgrounds quickly reclaim their place as a focus of community life. They are where children test their limits, build confidence and simply enjoy being kids.
But beneath that joy lies a sobering reality: More than 200,000 children, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, are injured on playgrounds each year in the United States — many in ways that are preventable.
That’s why National Playground Safety Week, April 20-24, should be treated as more than a symbolic observance. It is a necessary prompt for parents, caregivers, schools and local officials to refocus on safety as playground use surges.
Playgrounds were never meant to be spaces for careless behavior. In fact, they were created with safety and development in mind. In the 19th century, educators such as Friedrich Fröbel promoted the idea of structured play as essential to childhood growth, helping to instill cooperation, coordination and social skills.
As cities grew more crowded and streets more dangerous with the rise of motor vehicles, playgrounds became protected environments where children could play away from traffic and other hazards. Early efforts by civic groups and park advocates helped establish designated play areas as a public safety measure — a mission that still resonates today.
opinion Matters
The strength of our community comes from open dialogue.
The strength of our community comes from open dialogue.
We invite residents to submit letters to the editor on issues affecting our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government.
The strength of our community comes from open dialogue. We invite residents to submit letters to the editor on issues affecting our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government.
In the U.S., the Outdoor Recreation League funded the building of playgrounds on parkland after newspapers reported on the high number of children run down by cars in New York. One of the first recreational areas in America was built in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park in 1887.
Yet even within these safer spaces, risks remain — especially after months of winter wear and limited use. Equipment may have loosened, surfaces can degrade, and aging structures may no longer meet modern safety standards. The playgrounds’ young users, meanwhile, return with pent-up energy, eager to climb higher and move faster than conditions safely allow. Caregivers often distracted by cell phones only add to the challenge.
Preventing injuries doesn’t require diminishing the joy of play, but does require managing the environment around it. The National Program for Play Area Safety is a nonprofit organization that emphasizes practical, researchbased strategies that communities can adopt. Chief among them is active, attentive supervision. Its “ABC” model — Anticipating hazards, Behaving in ways that guide safe play and Considering the unique needs of each playground — makes clear that safety is not passive. It is intentional.
The program builds on a 30-year initiative started at the University of Northern Iowa to help communities and organizations ensure safe, high-quality
playgrounds. It promotes best practices grounded in research, guidelines and standards while collaborating with agencies at the local, state, national and international levels.
Equally important is age-appropriate design. When younger children use equipment meant for older users, the risk of falls and misuse increases. Clear guidance and thoughtful layout can help families make safer choices without limiting exploration.
Communities must also prioritize proper surfacing and regular inspections, particularly in early spring. What lies beneath a child’s feet can determine whether a fall results in a minor scrape or a serious injury.
Safety extends further still. Accessibility ensures that all children can benefit from outdoor play, while attention to thermal comfort — such as shaded areas and heat-safe materials — helps protect children from high temperatures.
National Playground Safety Week offers a timely reminder, but it should also serve as a starting point. The original purpose of playgrounds — to give children a safe place to grow, learn and play — demands ongoing attention.
A quick inspection, a watchful eye and a renewed awareness can go a long way. With thoughtful action at the start of the season, communities can ensure that playgrounds remain what they were always meant to be: spaces of safe discovery, not preventable harm.
We invite residents to submit letters to the editor on issues affecting our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government.
Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com
Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com
Be heard. Be part of the conversation.
Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com
Be heard. Be part of the conversation.
Be heard. Be part of the conversation.
Long Island’s ‘hidden workforce’ has visible needs
Long Island’s “hidden workforce” of family caregivers faces very visible challenges. The term is frequently used to describe family caregivers who, while not employed by our health care system, play a critical role in it. They don’t wear uniforms or ID badges, but this massive workforce of more than 329,000 Long Islanders provides over 307 million hours of unpaid care, valued at $5.7 billion, per year, according to AARP New York data released in February.
Nationally, nearly one in four American adults provided ongoing care to an adult or child with a complex medical condition or disability in the past year, a 2025 report, by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, found. Almost 25 percent of those people reported giving more than 40 hours of care per week, the equivalent of a full-time job, for free. Taking on the unpaid labor of love of caring for a family member can be both extremely rewarding and enormously straining. Emotionally, caregivers may struggle with stress, anxiety, guilt and social isolation. Physically, they may
increase their own health risks with the stress and exhaustion of helping loved ones with daily activities they can no longer manage alone.
Financially, that can cause hardships such as reduced work hours, loss of employment or new debt to cover care-related expenses, especially for middleaged people balancing their caregiving responsibilities with the demands of jobs and raising children.
Like all workers, family caregivers need breaks, but they frequently forgo their own needs to prioritize someone else’s. Repeatedly making this sacrifice, while well-intended, is ultimately detrimental for both them and their loved ones. Self-care is a necessity, not a luxury.
w
hen it comes to caregiving, Rosalynn Carter couldn’t have said it better.
The workload is even greater for the 60,000-plus Long Island families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related illness. Roughly 80 percent of people living with dementia receive care at home, primarily from unpaid family members. Along with assisting with medication management, bathing, dressing, transportation, meal preparation and financial oversight, dementia family caregivers also face unique challenges caused by the disease’s impact on a person’s memory, behavior and independence. Sufferers may forget who their loved ones are, manifest personality changes like agitation, aggression and hallucinations, and wander from safety. Their caregivers face higher risks of anxiety, depression, burnout and declining quality of life.
Framework by Tim Baker
One of the most important things caregivers can do is take advantage of support resources. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers free caregiver support groups at its AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center in Amityville, where people caring for loved ones with dementia can connect and share with others who are going through similar experiences. Caregivers can learn more and register by calling the Center at (631) 223-4000. AFA also has a free Helpline — (866) 232-8484 — that provides caregiver support seven days a week.
Nassau and Suffolk counties’ Offices for the Aging are available to provide support and guidance to family caregivers about local, state and federal assistance programs. Local nonprofit organizations, libraries and religious institutions often have caregiver services available, which can include support groups, educational and training pro-
grams or financial assistance.
Finally, don’t be afraid, reluctant or embarrassed to ask for, or accept, help. Seeking help is a sign of neither weakness nor failure; it is an essential step toward sustaining the ability to care for a loved one. Other relatives or friends are often eager to help but don’t know exactly how; embrace these offers and explain specific things that would be helpful, such as spending time with the person so you can run errands, assisting with meals or providing transportation. Offering options allows the volunteer to decide what they are comfortable doing, while ensuring that it’s something that will be helpful.
If you know someone who’s a family caregiver, check in on them periodically and offer your help. Seemingly little things can make an enormous difference.
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, a lifelong caregiver advocate, once said, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” Her words reinforce the crucial need to support and prioritize Long Island’s “hidden workforce” that all of us will either be part of or depend on one day.
Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. is president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and a Merrick resident.
