Also serving Amityville, North Amityville, Amity Harbor, Copiague, and East Massapequa
Nathanael Spence, Coordinator of School Transportation for the Amityville School District, has been accepted as a Master Instructor Candidate for the 2026–27 program year.
The Amityville School District has announced that Nathanael Spence, Coordinator of School Transportation, has been accepted as a Master Instructor Candidate for the 2026–27 program year, recognizing his leadership and professionalism in pupil transportation.
The Master Instructor program is designed to prepare experienced transportation professionals to train and mentor School Bus Driver Instructors (SBDIs). These instructors, in turn, provide required safety training for school bus drivers, monitors and attendants, helping ensure consistent and highquality instruction across school districts.
Spence was selected based on his demonstrated commitment to excellence in pupil
transportation, professional development, and school transportation safety. Master Instructor Candidates are expected to exhibit strong leadership, technical expertise, and a dedication to advancing safety standards, while collaborating with peers across the field. His selection reflects both his experience and ongoing efforts to strengthen training practices and safety protocols within the district’s transportation operations.
The district congratulated Spence on the achievement and noted that his continued leadership is expected to support student safety and transportation excellence.
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
The Village of Amityville’s proposed 2026-27 budget includes a 3.1 percent increase in real property taxes while remaining under New York state’s tax cap for the 14th consecutive year, Mayor Michael O’Neill said at the village’s budget hearing April 27.
O’Neill said the increase is lower than in neighboring villages, where taxes have risen by more than 20 percent over the past three years in Lindenhurst and Babylon. During that same period, Amityville’s tax increase totaled 6.8 percent.
The budget projects a $2.25 million increase in state aid tied to grant-funded projects, while most other revenue lines are expected to remain level. A slight increase in impact fees is also anticipated, related to payments from the Avalon Bay development that offset its tax obligations through a payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement.
Spending is rising in several departments due to contractual costs, employee raises and a projected 10 percent increase in health insurance.
Police department expenses are expected to increase by 8 percent, including funding for a new
server.
“We have also budgeted for three new police vehicles that we are anxiously waiting to hear of grant approval that will cover that expense,” O’Neill said.
The building department budget includes four part-time code enforcement officers and the addition of a full-time fire marshal. Public works projects include tree replacements, new plantings at village entryways, equipment upgrades and drainage improvements.
The fire department will expand emergency medical service coverage by adding 16 hours per week for a third EMS provider. The department also took possession of a new Hose Company No. 4 fire truck that will be paid off with a yearly expense of $111,614 over the next nine years, O’Neill said.
Capital projects planned for the coming year include street paving, playground upgrades and continued repairs to the Trihy House on Ocean Avenue.
Village officials also pointed to Amityville’s A2 bond rating from Moody’s.
“This is quite an accomplishment and is a testament to the financial stability of the Village,” O’Neill said. “Also we have
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THURSDAY, MAY 7
•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.
•Suffolk County First Precinct Community Meeting: Noon, Deer Park Public Library, 44 Lake Ave., Deer Park. For more information, please call (631) 854-8100.
•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, Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, please call (631) 957-3012.
FRIDAY, MAY 8
•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, MAY 9
•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, MAY 10
•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, MAY 11
•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.
Calendar items are printed for non-profit organizations, as space permits, or when an event, service or information is being sponsored by a profit-making organization without charge to readers. Submit items to us at Richner Communications, attn: Record Editor, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530; or email: dconsola@liherald.com at least two - three weeks prior to the publication date in which the item must appear. Sorry, but open-ended requests without the specific dates of the events are not acceptable. While we make every attempt to accommodate each request, we cannot guarantee publication of any items. For more information, call 516-569-4000.
TUESDAY, MAY 12
•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) 220-7808. 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, MAY 13
•Town of Babylon Town Board Meeting: 5:30 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst.
For more information, please call (631) 9573000.
•Amityville School District Board of Education Combined Session: 7:30 p.m., Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School, 140 Park Ave., Amityville. For more information, please call (631) 565-6000.
•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free weekly, virtual meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.
•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
CONTINUED FROM COVER another bond dropping off our payment schedule after the next budget year, which we are looking forward to.”
Following the hearing, the Village Board voted unanimously to approve the spending plan.
In other business, the board approved landscaping licenses for 11 companies working in the village, denied a request for
on-street parking at 107 Locust Drive, and scheduled a public hearing to re-levy unpaid property cleanup charges for properties at 38 West Smith Street and 1012 Sterling Place. The next Village Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 11, at 7 p.m. at Village Hall.
School Board and budget elections are Tuesday, May 19.
School votes and board of education elections give residents a direct role in shaping local public education, from how tax dollars are spent to who sets district policy.
Each spring, school districts across New York present proposed budgets outlining spending on instruction, staffing, transportation, facilities and extracurricular programs. Because these budgets rely heavily on state aid and local property taxes, voter approval is required. If a budget is rejected, districts may submit a revised proposal or adopt a contingency budget, which typically limits spending increases and can affect programs and services.
Residents also elect members of their boards of education. Trustees are unpaid volunteers responsible for overseeing district operations, hiring and evaluating the superintendent, and setting long-term priorities. Terms are typically staggered to ensure continuity while allowing for new representation.
Voter turnout for school elections is often lower than in general elections, though the results can significantly affect class sizes, academic offerings and local taxes. Contested races frequently highlight issues such as curriculum, fiscal management and school safety.
Following are details about school districts in the area:
The Amityville School District is proposing a $123.96 million budget for the coming school year, a 2.63 percent
increase, or $3.18 million, over the current $120.77 million budget. The proposed spending plan is within the state tax cap.
The current school tax rate is $214.40 per $100 of assessed value in the Town of Babylon and $1,026.04 in the Town of Oyster Bay. District officials said updated tax rates for the coming year will not be available until the fall.
State aid is projected at $47.58 million for 2026-27, up from $45.73 million this school year.
The district serves approximately 2,678 students, employs 256 teachers and maintains five school buildings.
Four seats are open on the Board of Education: three, three-year terms and one unexpired one-year term previously held by Carol Fanning, who stepped down. Incumbents Lisa Johnson, Leslie Kretz and Carol Seehof are not seeking re-election.
Eight candidates are running at large: Stephannie A. Andrews, Wendy Canestro, Donelle M. Cronin, Angel Davenport, Michael McDonald, Christopher Papile, Cheryl Quintyne-Best and Equasia YardJean. The top three vote-getters will win three-year terms, while the fourth-place finisher will fill the remaining one-year term.
Voting will take place from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Northeast School, 420 Albany Ave., and Amityville Memorial High School, 250 Merrick Road. For more information, visit amityvilleschools.org or call (631) 565-6000.
COPIAGUE
The Copiague School District is proposing a $199.47 million budget, a 6.79
percent increase, or $12.68 million, over the current $186.78 million budget. The plan is within the state tax cap.
If approved, the tax rate would increase from $231.38 to $237.95 per $100 of assessed value. A home assessed at $3,500 would pay $8,328.25 annually, an increase of $229.95.
State aid is projected at $105.60 million. The district received $104.29 million in 2025-26, excluding pre-K funding.
The district serves 4,290 students, employs 393 teachers and maintains five buildings.
Incumbents Brian J. Sales and Ledy Torres are running unopposed for reelection to three-year terms.
Voting will take place from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Deauville Gardens East Elementary School, 45 Waldo St., Copiague. For more information, call (631) 842-4015, ext. 501.
recently held its annual National Junior Honor Society induction ceremony, inducting 22 students into the organization.
Edmund W. Miles Middle School recently held its annual National Junior Honor Society (NJHS) induction ceremony in the school gymnasium, officially welcoming 22 students into the prestigious academic organization.
The NJHS recognizes students who exemplify the pillars of scholarship, leadership, citizenship, service, and character. Induction into the society reflects both
strong academic achievement and a commitment to making a positive impact through leadership, community service, and ethical behavior.
The 2026 inductees are: Belkie Arevalo, Emily Casasola-Guzman, Bridgeth Chavez Ponce, Harper DeBruin, Natasha Diaz, Grayson Egan, Emely Espinal, Asnel Fernandez, Jessica Joyce, Richard Leach, Jonathan Lys, Esther Majano Alvarado,
Angel Mendez Oliva, Celeste Mendoza Urias, Brianna Mejia, Keyla Perez Herrera, Jaxon Romain, Emily Tejada, Olivia Thomas, Nathan Thorpe, Jeremy Xo Chocooj, and Allison Yanes Bonilla.
During the ceremony, students Gabriella Cabrera, Jamie Torres, and Emmy Velasquez led the traditional candlelighting segment, symbolizing the values and responsibilities each member upholds as
part of NJHS.
Principal Rose Hutcherson, along with district administrators, commended the inductees for their academic dedication, integrity, and leadership.
The district congratulated the new members, noting that their achievements reflect a continued tradition of student excellence and service within the school community.
The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County Police Department and other local law enforcement and emergency service units: North Amityville: Someone rifled through a vehicle that was parked on Bentley Road April 21 and stole personal items including a credit card that was then used to make purchases. The incident was reported at 3:40 a.m., that day.
SCAM
Babylon: A resident received a call from an individual who told the victim that they were from her bank and that someone had attempted to access her account and withdraw money. She provided the caller with personal information and wired an undetermined amount to them, realizing only later that it was a scam. The victim attempted to cancel
A Babylon man has been indicted in a March hit-and-run that killed a 66-yearold pedestrian, Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced. Michael Bonner, 40, was arraigned before Judge Caryn Fink on charges of leaving the scene of an incident resulting in death, tampering with physical evidence and multiple traffic violations. He pleaded not guilty. Bail was set at $500,000 cash, $1 million bond or $1 million partially secured bond. He is due back in court May 20.
Prosecutors said the incident occurred about 8 p.m. on March 25, when Bonner allegedly struck Narcizo de Jesus Guerra Lopez in a crosswalk at East Merrick Road and South Main Street, then continued driving eastbound without stopping.
Guerra Lopez was taken to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital in critical condition and died April 3 from his injuries.
Authorities said surveillance video and cell phone data helped identify Bonner’s vehicle, a 2001 Chevrolet Suburban with distinctive markings. Investigators allege he removed a sticker from the vehicle after the crash and fled the state, traveling to the Carolinas before returning to New York.
He was located and arrested April 4 in Hempstead by Nassau County police, with assistance from multiple local departments.
If convicted, Bonner faces up to 3 to 11 years in prison.
the wire, but it was too late. That occurred shortly before 1 p.m., April 20.
ARRESTS
Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired
Jahmane Laylor, 25, of 2 Winnifred St., Bay Shore; Harold Asencio Sarmento, 45, of 1137 Brookdale Ave., Baywood; Christian Flowers, 27, of 27 Venedia Dr., Wyandanch; Giovanny Menjivaraviles, 24, of 326 S. Strong Ave., Lindenhurst; Aaron DiPlan, 19, of 240 N. Delaware Ave., Lindenhurst; Shoron Ramotar, 39, of 401 Park Ave., Babylon; Anthony Dilluvio Pittman, 548 15 St., West Babylon; Gerard Arce, 45, of 297 Florida Ave., Copiague; Mathew Figueroa, 22, of 24 Lockwood Rd., Bay Shore; Petit Larceny
Melquan Mctizic, 18, of 360 45 St., Copiague; Philip Colwell, 29, of 56 Oakdale Rd., Centerport; Hector Gomez, 54, of 257 Lake Dr., Copiague; Jeffrey Rizzo, 64, of 15 Weeks Rd., North Babylon; Mandy Myers, 41 of 19B N. Village Ave., Rockville Center; Imani Milligan, 30, of 3553 Great Neck Rd., North Amityville; Christopher Wendel, 52, of 76 E. Minerva Rd., Copiague; Robert O’Neill,
37, of 515 Lenox Ave., North Bellport; Radel Lora, 28, of 22 Surry Dr., North Amityville; Dasheem Walker, 28, of 44 Harrison St., Brentwood; Sean Barrett, 34, of 64 Heathcote Rd., North Lindenhurst; Franklin Gnauza, 28, of 50 Ferndale Ave., Selden; Jaclyn Habekost, 38, of 161 Garfield St., Massapequa Park; Marvin Barnwell, 59, of 116 N. 21 St., Wyandanch; William Bennett, 35, of 16 Montgomery St., Brentwood.
Grand Larceny
Sharisa Griffin, 47, of 28 Broome St., West Babylon; Isabel Woodard, 25, of 622 Broadway, North Amityville; Joel Santiago, 43, of 790 Park Ave., Huntington; Andre Neyrey, 61, of 102 Emerson St., Port Jefferson.
Criminal Possession of a Weapon
Shavonne Rigers, 32, of 197 Albany Ave., West Babylon.
Assault Gregory Sargent, 38, 450 Crooked Hill Rd., Brentwood.
Menacing With a Weapon
Adam Mlodynia, 38, of 41 Swallow La., Brentwood.
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.
Bereavement Support Group
Bereavement Support Group hosted by Our Lady of Grace Church, 666 Albin Ave., West Babylon, every Saturday through November 8, from 9:30 to 11 a.m. For more information, contact John Laszewski 631 874-0210.
Response 24/7 Crisis Hotline
The Response crisis intervention/ referral hotline is open every day of the year, day and night, including holidays. Professionally trained and supervised counselors offer callers telephone support and help them to explore options that allow them to think through their next steps. This counseling helps callers lower their anxiety
and find their own solutions. Crisis counselors also provide referrals for support groups, clinicians, mental health clinics, other hotlines and a host of other community programs and services. Response Hotline is available 24/7 at (631) 751-7500.
Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation
•LICADD substance abuse 24-hour hotline: 631-979-1700; licadd.org
•DASH: 631-952-3333; fsl-li.org/helpservices/diagnosis-assessment-andstabilization-hub-dash
•Talbot House: 24-hr. substance abuse crisis center: 631-589-4144; catholiccharities.cc/our-services/chemicaldependence
EDITORIAl DEPARTMENT: Ext. 329
At South Shore University Hospital, nursing is more than a profession for two Smithtown and East Islip families — it is a multi-generational calling shaped by compassion, mentorship and a shared commitment to care.
For Barbara Makofske, 65, nursing began more than 40 years ago after she was inspired as a teenager by an ICU nurse she babysat for. She entered the field through a BOCES nurse-aide program, later joining the hospital in the 1980s.
She returned in 1992 to help open the inpatient rehabilitation unit as head nurse and later served as a nurse manager. She ultimately finished her career in quality management, working with regulatory agencies to ensure standards of care were met before retiring Dec. 31.
“I may still come back per diem,” she said, noting she is now enjoying travel, reading and time at the gym.
Her son, Dennis Makofske, 29, now works on a medical-surgical telemetry
unit caring for cardiothoracic surgery patients. He began at the hospital in 2018 as a transporter before advancing through nursing school and into his current role.
“I love the human connection,” he said. “Patients don’t want to be in the hospital, so I try to make it as easy as possible and really get to know them.”
Dennis said his perspective changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, reinforcing his commitment to the profession. He has since earned a Rising Star award from colleagues.
“Skill is one thing,” Barbara said, “but compassion is something you can’t teach — and he brings that every day.”
A similar legacy is found in the Porti family of East Islip, where nursing spans three generations.
For Abby Porti, 47, the path into healthcare was deeply rooted in family history. Her mother began her nursing
career at the hospital in 1965, setting an example that shaped her future.
“It’s in our DNA,” Abby said. “Growing up, hearing the stories, seeing the impact… it just felt innate.”
With more than 20 years in nursing, Abby has worked in critical care, interventional radiology and administration. She now serves in quality management, focusing on performance improvement and patient safety.
“The people are my favorite part,” she said. “I am a patient advocate on a grander scale, identifying and solving systemic issues before they reach the patient.”
Her daughter, Emily Porti, 24, recently completed her first year as a nurse on a medical-surgical unit. She said she was “practically born into it.”
“There are pictures of me as a kid with a stethoscope, listening to my dolls’ hearts,” she said with a laugh. Now at the bedside, Emily said she is embracing the challenges of the profession. “It’s been a tough first year, but I love it. I wouldn’t change anything.”
Together, the Makofske and Porti
families reflect a shared legacy at South Shore University Hospital — where nursing is passed down not just as a career, but as a way of life.
—Courtesy of South Shore University Hospital
By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com
Amityville’s girls flag football team is finding its stride at the right time.
After a challenging start to the season, the Tide has surged back into contention with a four-game winning streak, improving its overall record to 5-6, including an even 5-5 mark in league play.
Under the guidance of head coach Bill Maisel, the team is beginning to show the growth and cohesion that comes with perseverance, youth development, and strong leadership.
“We had a rough start, really tough schedule at the beginning of the year,” Maisel said. “We have a lot of young players, including a freshman quarterback who is learning the game.”
That early adversity now appears to be paying dividends. Amityville’s recent run has been fueled by balanced performances on both sides of the ball, highlighted by decisive victories including an 18-12 win over Eastport-South Manor on April 21, a 30-7 triumph against East Hampton on April 27, a 31-12 victory over Riverhead Charter Schools on April 28, and a commanding 25-6 win against Smithtown Christian School on April 30.
At the center of the team’s leadership is a strong senior class. Captain Beverley Polemon, a standout running back and defensive lineman, has been a force on both sides of the ball and is set to continue her career at LIU. Alongside her, fellow senior captains Jaelle Aiken, who plays wide receiver and safety, and Anayah Hampton, who’s the center and defensive lineman, provide experience, stability, and intensity, helping guide a roster that blends veterans with emerging young talent. She’s headed to Five Towns College.
Junior captain Grace Luis has also played a key role, contributing as both a wide receiver and defensive lineman while setting the tone for underclassmen. Meanwhile, freshman quarterback Amaya Hendricks has steadily grown into her role, gaining confidence and composure with each game. Her development has been a key factor in the team’s midseason turnaround.
The Tide has also benefited from contributions beyond their core leadership group.
Anayah Hampton is a key two-way starter at center and D-line for the Tide.
Senior newcomer Mya Wilson has made an immediate impact at wide receiver and defensive back, adding depth and playmaking ability. Another senior, Pauvy Morales, now in her second year on varsity, has stepped up “in a big way,” according to Maisel, delivering key performances during the team’s winning streak.
With momentum on its side, Amityville is now focused on finishing the season strong. The team’s goals are clear and within reach.
For a team that weathered early struggles and leaned on a mix of youth and leadership, the recent turnaround is a testament to resilience and growth. As the regular season winds down, the Tide is no longer just developing, its competing, and doing so with confidence.
Playing your best at the end of the season right before the playoffs is the best time to get hot. Amityville may have figured things out at the perfect time which has the Tide in position to do something the program has never achieved before.
“We want to win out and finish the season with a winning record for the first time in program history,” Maisel said. “If we do our part, there’s also a chance we can make the playoffs. Most importantly, though, we have to take care of our business.”
By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com
Babylon’s baseball team is navigating a season defined by transition, resilience, and growth.
Sitting at 6-8 overall and 4-8 in League 7, the Panthers have faced a challenging schedule while working to replace the production and leadership of 17 seniors who graduated from last year’s state championship roster.
Under coach Mike Birnbaum, the revamped Panthers are embracing a steep learning curve, with an eye toward peaking at the right time.
Despite its record, Babylon has shown flashes of its potential. Early in the season, the Panthers swept Glenn in an impressive three-game stretch, earning wins by 16-14, 2-0 and 12-14 scores.
More recently, Babylon snapped a five game losing streak with an 8-2 win over Shoreham-Wading River on May 1, a result that could serve as a turning point as the team heads into the final stretch of the season.
“We play in a really tough league,” Birnbaum said. “We graduated 17 seniors last year, so there’s been a learning curve. We have six games left, all against playoff teams. This is what the season is made of.”
The Panthers’ senior class has played a critical role in stabilizing the team. Owen Killeen, who pitched in last year’s state final, has taken on the role of staff ace, anchoring the rotation with experience and composure. Connor Cavaliere has been a valuable addition as both a corner infielder and pitcher, providing depth on the mound. Behind the plate, Ethan Meinken has been exceptional, boasting a .545 on-base percentage and serving as a consistent offensive catalyst in the 2-hole. Finn Chatterton, in his first year with the program, has made his presence felt as a strong clubhouse leader.
Junior standout Jake Ostertag has emerged as one of the team’s most dynamic players. A key contributor last season, he brings power and versatility, throwing 91 mph on the mound while hitting .400 with 10 extra base hits. He also leads the team with 25 strikeouts, underscoring his impact on both sides of the ball.
At the top of the lineup, John Stricoff
Sheryl Amorosino/Herald Third baseman Timmy Higgins is Babylon’s RBI leader as the season turns for home.
sets the tone. A relentless competitor, he has swiped 16 bases and consistently gets on base, serving as a spark plug. On the pitching side, Jonathan Basile has established himself as one of the team’s most reliable arms, known for his ability to throw strikes and get outs efficiently.
The Panthers are also benefiting from contributions across the roster. Freshman Mason Koch, nephew of former MLB pitcher Billy Koch, has handled high pressure situations with maturity beyond his years. Joe DiPalma has been steady in the outfield, covering both left and center field. Daniel Murphy, an All-State soccer player, has been a pleasant surprise, hitting .380. Austin McElroy provides stability at shortstop with his smooth fielding, while Timmy Higgins has taken on a new role at third base and leads the team in RBIs. Eli O’Farrell is another player the coaching staff hopes will step up as the season progresses.
With a tough slate ahead, the Panthers are focused on growth and execution.
“Baseball is a very simple game that people tend to overcomplicate,” Birnbaum said. “Our seniors know what it takes to be successful, so their leadership is going to be huge.”
Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School students from Anastasia Kourtis’ Introduction to Poetry Writing and Intermediate Poetry Writing classes recently participated in a class trip to the Walt Whitman Birthplace Association, a New York State historic site in Huntington Station. The visit provided students with a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the life and legacy of one of America’s most influential poets.
During the trip, students toured the historic grounds and museum, gaining insight into Whitman’s early life and the experiences that shaped his writing. The visit deepened their understanding of his work and its lasting impact on Amer-
ican literature.
A highlight of the experience was a poetry workshop led by writer and Farmingdale State College professor Laurie Tozakis. Through guided exercises and discussion, students explored their own creative voices while learning new techniques to enhance their writing.
The trip offered an enriching extension of classroom learning, allowing students to connect literature with realworld experiences. By engaging directly with Whitman’s history and participating in a hands-on workshop, they left inspired and motivated to further develop their craft as writers.
Village officials are calling on residents to take part in a community spring cleanup at Avon Lake on Saturday, May 9, from 8 a.m. to noon.
The cleanup will take place at Avon Lake, located at Avon Place and West Lake Drive, just north of Amityville Memorial High School. Volunteers are asked to meet at the lake and come prepared with protective gloves and appropriate attire, including long pants and long-sleeved shirts. Participants are also encouraged to bring loppers or other gar-
dening hand tools if available.
The event aims to remove litter and enhance the appearance of one of Amityville’s public green spaces, contributing to broader efforts to maintain the village’s parks.
Those interested in participating must register in advance by submitting their name, address and email to Mayor@amityville.com with the subject line “Volunteer.” All participants will be required to sign a release form prior to taking part in the cleanup.
Don’t miss the chance to support the class of 2038 with an ad or special greeting. Speak to your rep today or contact Rhonda at (516) 569-4000 x250 or rglickman@liherald.com. Don’t miss the bus reserve your space now!
By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com
Herald Community Media and RichnerLive hosted the latest installment of the Senior Health Expo series, designed to aid those to stay active, informed and engaged in every stage of life.
Dozens of seniors piled into the Deer Park Knights on April 16 for the free event focused on health, wellness and lifestyle.
The event brought together trusted local exhibitors and service providers, giving attendees the opportunity to learn about resources available to them while also taking advantage of on-site health screenings.
The event had several sponsors, including gold sponsors PSEG Long Island and National Grid. For National Grid, it was their first time attending.
“We’re here to help seniors and provide some information about all the several programs that we have to help with affordability, to help with energy efficiency, to show the different programs that we have to help pay your bills,” Wendy Frigeria, Strategic Communications for National Grid said.
Nicole Hall, community partnerships coordinator for PSEG Long Island spoke on their commitment to connecting with seniors across the island.
“We thought it was a great opportunity to partner with the Long Island Herald to reach as many seniors as possible,” Hall said. “We just really want our seniors to know that if they have any questions or concerns, that they can reach out to us.”
The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation sponsored as well, continuing their dedication to seniors across the island. Jennifer Roth, community outreach said.
“We are dedicated to elder care and the aging community,” Roth said. “The mission for the Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation is excellence, quality standards and compassionate healthcare for the aging community, whether they’re at home or need to be in a facility.”
Many vendors were in attendance to share their resources with the attendees, including the Urban League of Westchester County, who came to share how they serve not just Westchester, but Long Island and Queens as well.
“Our program assists [seniors] in training and working with local nonprofits to get back into the job
market, and anything that they do to enhance their careers, any classes that they take, our program will pay them for those hours,” Yvette Hallman, director of the urban seniors job program said.
Mae Caime, founder of Amaezing Midlife and Beyond, hosted the question and answer portion while welcoming each of their speakers.
With PSEG Long Island, Allison Puglia spoke on resources for seniors within the community. She spoke on various energy assistance programs including the Home Energy Assistance Program, which offers aid for energy and electric bills and the Cooling Heat program, which helps provide air conditioners and installment for seniors.
Karla Ayala with National Grid spoke on similar resources including protections on their accounts from service interruptions and disconnection to seniors gas. This also includes a Warm Fund, that aids $500 toward a gas heating account.
The director of social work at East Neck Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Regina Gorman, spoke on what advanced care planning is, and how to keep your dignity in
different medical situations.
Jill Wasser with the NYS Department of Public Service Long Island discussed the agency’s role in overseeing utilities while ensuring affordable and reliable services. She also highlighted the Home Energy Fair Practices Act and the Critical Care Program for those who use life support equipment.
Roth was the final speaker with The Parker Jewish Institute for Health Care and Rehabilitation, speaking on their various services, including grants for caregivers of individuals with cognitive decline.
Seniors enjoyed getting their bodies moving while learning of these resources that could assist them whenever they need be.
Northeast Elementary School in Amityville marked Earth Day on April 22 with its annual Earth Day Gallery Walk, transforming the school into a vibrant showcase of student creativity, environmental awareness and hands-on learning.
Classrooms throughout the building displayed a wide variety of student-made recycling projects, inviting classes to take part in a schoolwide tour to explore each other’s work. The hallway exhibits featured imaginative creations such as piggy banks crafted from coffee cans, binoculars made from paper tubes, interactive recycling stations, bird feeders designed from milk cartons and sporks, and colorful Earth Day posters displayed outside each classroom.
As students traveled from room to room, they not only admired the creativity of their peers, but also deepened their understanding of sustainability and the importance of caring for the planet. Adding to the festive atmosphere, many students proudly wore decorative Earth Day crowns, bringing an extra touch of fun and school spirit to the celebration.
The annual event continues to be a meaningful tradition at Northeast, encouraging students to think creatively about recycling and environmental responsibility while celebrating Earth Day in an engaging and memorable way.
the photos: On April 22,
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Edwin G. ‘Ed’ Lawrence, a lifelong public safety volunteer whose service spanned multiple decades and states, died peacefully on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the age of 93. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Born on August 15, 1932, in Amityville, Mr. Lawrence dedicated much of his life to military and emergency service. At just 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Navy, where he served as an Aviation Machinist’s Mate, Third Class during the Korean War.
Following his military service, Mr. Lawrence continued his commitment to community protection through volunteer fire and rescue work. He joined the Massapequa Fire Department in 1950, where he served on the drill team and remained an active member until relocating his family to New Hampshire in 1966.
After moving to Cornish, New Hampshire, he became one of the founding members of the Cornish Rescue Squad and served as a volunteer firefighter with the Cornish Fire Department. He remained active in those roles until returning to Long Island in 1985.
He moved back to Amityville and continued his volunteer service with the Amityville Fire Department, Engine
4. Even after retiring to Florida, he remained closely connected to the fire service community, regularly corresponding with department members, sharing safety messages, and expressing deep pride in his fellow firefighters.
“My father was easy going and got along with everyone,” said his son Ed. “He had a passion for fire department service and loved being a member of the departments he served. We estimate that he responded to 10,000 fire calls in his lifetime.”
Ken Lang of the Amityville Fire Department, where Mr. Lawrence served from 1985-2024, said Mr. Lawrence understood what it took to be a firefighter.
“He was smart, confident and had the creative ability to do whatever had to be done; he had the skill to handle whatever situation he was put into.”
His dedication and compassion went beyond the fire department, however,
said Marilyn Lang.
“He was a kind man who was always there to help people. Whether someone needed help cleaning out their home or a hot meal delivered, he was there,” she said.
‘He was devoted to Amityville,” added Ken Lang.
In his later years, Lawrence remained
147 Park Ave., Amityville Office Tel. 631-264-0763
The Rev. Thomas W. Cusanelli, Pastor
WORSHIP SERVICES: Sunday Worship & Sunday School 10:00 a.m. Wednesday Worship 7:30 p.m.
Accessible to the Physcially Challenged “The Friendly Church”
Cats have perfected the art of indifference to their humans. Owners get frustrated when their cats do not come running when they call them. However, 2019 research from Sophia University in Tokyo states that domestic cats do recognize their names, even when they do not respond.
The lead researcher was Atsuko Saito, a behavioral scientist at Sophia University. Her past experiments have revealed cats can interpret human gestures to find hidden food, recognize their owner’s voice, and beg for food from a person who looks at them and calls their name, which together suggested that felines know their names.
JOANNE ANDERSON
Cats are Saito’s favorite animal. She studied primate cognition in graduate school and shifted to studying cats later because she feels their behavior is often misunderstood.
In her 2019 study, which involved 78 cats from Japanese households and a “cat café”, she focused on determining whether cats recognize their own names, an ability wellknown about dogs.
Saito and her colleagues first had owners repeatedly say four nouns that sounded similar to their cats’ names until the animals were used to those words and stopped responding. Next the owners said the actual names, and the researchers looked at whether individual cats (when living among other cats) appeared able to distinguish their names. The cats had more pronounced responses to their own names— meowing or moving their ears, heads or
tails—than to similar words or other cats’ names.
Next, the researchers had people unfamiliar to these cats speak the names. Although the felines’ responses were less prominent than when their owners called them, they still appeared to recognize their names.
Saito says the felines in the experiments probably “associated their names with some rewards or punishments,” and she thinks it is unlikely they understand that these sounds are attached to them as individuals.
“There is no evidence that cats have the ability to recognize themselves, like us,” she explained. “So, the recognition [of] their name is different from ours.” Still, it may be possible to teach cats to recognize other words. Whether that could allow humans to train cats to respond to commands—as dogs readily do—is another matter.
Dogs have at least a 20,000-year headstart living with humans. Canine domestication was active, and involved performing various tasks such as hunting, guarding, sheep herding, which required people to communicate with them so they could train them. This bond fostered social dependence, and resulted in genetic diversity, as dogs were bred for specific jobs.
Conversely, feline domestication began later, approximately 10,000 years ago, and was more passive. It was a “self-domestication” process where solitary wildcats approached places where people settled to hunt rodents (for themselves). There was little genetic change, even after people real-
ized that having cats nearby as rodent control was an asset. The cats remained more independent than the dogs.
ANOTHER JAPANESE UNIVERSITY STUDY found cats can recognize their feline friends’ names if the cats live together. In 2022, this team of researchers from Kyoto University conducted a study with 48 very social cats who lived in households with at least three other cats or from “cat cafés” where up to dozens of felines can live under the same roof.
Each participating cat was shown a computer screen that displayed one of her feline friend’s faces, along with an audio recording that played their caregiver’s voice calling either the displayed cat’s real name or a made-up name that didn’t match the one on the screen.
The cats who heard the name that matched the familiar cat’s face spent less time staring at the computer screen compared to the cats that heard a phony name, which may have perplexed them. (More time = cat confusion.) The researchers said that this suggests that cats can associate a specific individual with a stimulus like a cat’s name.
Still, not everyone is convinced. It’s possible the cats simply recognized the images, not the names. More research may be needed. What do you think?
KITTENS FOR ADOPTION AT BABYLON ANIMAL SHELTER (631-643-9270), 80 New Highway, N. Amityville 11701. These females are most likely sisters. Each is 8 months old. They are spayed, vaccinated, FeLV/FIV negative, microchipped. Sarafina #6-119 is an orange tabby with some white, and Nala #6-118 is mostly white with an orange tabby hairdo. My name is Rumpelstiltskin.
By Nick Mongiovi
Long Island has been home for the Ducks for 26 seasons in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB), and who better to add to a successful organization than a former CY Young Award winner?
Trevor Bauer signed with the Ducks on April 2, after pitching the last five years in Japan and Mexico. Long Island went 72-54 in 2025, as it looks to build upon last year’s success with speed and dominant pitching.
“When we signed guys, we were looking for guys that wanted to win, wanted to be here and further their careers,” says third-year manager Lew Ford, the franchise’s all-time hits leader. “They’re going to play hard. I think the fans enjoy that and that’s the kind of baseball we want to play.”
Last year’s Ducks led the league in pitching, finished in second in both fielding and hitting, and broke a team record for most stolen bases in a season with 239. Before last season, Ford emphasized speed, reiterating “The game is moving a lot towards speed.”
“We’re very happy with all these guys,” he says “They can still run, hit and play defense. We have a good mix of veterans and younger guys, too.”
Bauer is the name that’ll bring the reigning No. 1 pitching staff to the next level. He received the nod from Ford to be the team’s Opening Day starter on April 21 against the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars. The 10-year MLB veteran struck out eight but surrendered five hits, three walks and two runs in four innings of work in the 7-0 loss. Bauer, who followed his Ducks debut with a dominant no-hitter, makes his return to the United States to pitch on American soil for the first time since 2021 with a “hate to lose” mentality.
“They’ve had a lot of good players here,” Bauer says, on why he chose the Ducks. “A lot of guys have come through here and then signed elsewhere, kind of elevated their careers. All the guys who have been here and have had a really good time here, so that’s part of it. They win. I don’t like losing.
Danielle Huebner
Infielder Wilmer Difo brings MLB experience.
creation to be featured on his and the team’s social media and streaming outlets.
“We are excited to welcome Trevor to Long Island,” Ducks President/CBO Michael Pfaff says. “His talent and knowledge will be important additions to our ballclub, and we are happy to offer him this opportunity to showcase his talents to MLB clubs while giving fans unprecedented access to Ducks baseball. We felt that was a unique and interesting approach. He’s got very unique content, and his approach is overwhelmingly positive.”
Along with Bauer, the Ducks’ starting rotation features Island Park native Ryan Sandberg, who was the team’s most reliable and dominant starter, Nolan Clinton, Harrison Francis and Michael Dominguez. Sandberg pitched to a 3.82 ERA in 91.2 innings of work, striking out 73 batters,
Familiarity returns in the bullpen for Long Island as Jacob Asa, Garrett Crowley, Tanner Jacobsen, Ryan Langford, Michael Reed and Ramon Santos all return.
“Most of these guys came halfway through the year; they had a lot of success here,” Ford adds. “Ramon Santos, being our closer, had under a one ERA, did a very good job for us.”
Dix Hills native Matt Hogan is the starting center fielder.
Ben Folds is widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of his generation is joined by multitalented actress-singer-composer Lindsey Kraft. Known for pushing genre boundaries, Folds first rose to prominence with Ben Folds Five before launching a wide-ranging solo career that blends sharp lyricism, piano-driven melodies and orchestral ambition. His recent work reflects his deep engagement with orchestral music, including a live album featuring an olrchestral performance of his hits recorded just before concluding his eight-year tenure as Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center — an appointment that marked a first for the role. Today, he continues to move fluidly between pop tours and performances with leading orchestras worldwide, while also developing new work for film, television and theater.
Friday, May 8, 8 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
6,
He possesses “a lot of speed and defense,” Ford says. It’s a “full-circle moment” for Hogan, who grew up attending Ducks games.
“Teams I’ve been on have been in the playoffs the last decade, except for 2019, when I was traded. “So I want the chance to be in the playoffs and play for something meaningful at the end of the year. Checks that box here. Great market, big in New York, with a huge baseball market. There are a lot of things that are important to me that go on here.”
meaningful at the end of the year. Checks that box are
Additionally, Bauer will be “Mic’d Up” for all games and practices for the purposes of content
“I remember I sat up in that box up there with my aunt and uncle,” Hogan says, reminiscing on his time as a kid coming to Ducks games. “So coming here and being able to enjoy the time here and have my family come to games. It’s my first time playing on Long Island in about eight years. It’s humbling, it feels good. I’m excited to be here and really play with this team.”
here and being able to enjoy the time here and have my family come to with
Tickets can be purchased online at LIDucks.com, by calling (631) 940-TIXX, or in person at the Fairfield Properties Ballpark box office in Central Islip. All games will be streamed on HomeTeam Network (HTN) with a paid subscription.
Some promotions include fireworks at all Saturday home games, sunglasses to the first 1,500 fans May 17, and Bark in the Park with Ducks patriotic hats July 1.
Big band energy meets Jamaican soul. The unique 20-piece band blends the exuberant musical layers of the jazz Big Band era with Jamaican roots music. Their sound is powered by a passionate team of talented musicians, each bringing unique energy and expertise to create an unforgettable experience. Led by trumpeter and vocalist Kevin Batchelor, and featuring Jamaican music legend 87-year-young celebrated percussionist/vocalist Larry MacDonald on congas and vocals, and Jamaican master drummer Carl Wright, band creates and perform lush original compositions and arrangements of classic songs from the rich and culturally iconic Jamaican music of ska, mento, rock steady, reggae, and jazz from the 1950s, ’60s and ‘70s.
Friday, May 8, 8 p.m. $91, $42, $37. andmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
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
MAY 8
Stop by Simpson
United Methodist Church’s Thrift Shop for some unique finds.
• Where: 30 Locust Ave., Amityville
• Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 789-2569
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.
• Contact: sos.org/ event/findingpeaceNYapr21/?prev=AmityvilleE or (631) 822-7979
MAY
13
Babylon Town Board meets
The Town of Babylon holds their next own Board meeting. All are welcome to attend.
• Where: Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst
• Time: 3 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 957-3000
Kid Zone
Children in grades Pre-K-5 are invited to First Presbyterian Church’s Kid Zone, weekly. Included is dinner, a Bible story, as well as crafts and games.
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
The Wallflowers mark the 30th anniversary of their breakthrough album “Bringing Down the Horse” on their latest tour, with a special full-album performance at the Paramount, presenting the record in sequence from start to finish. Originally released in 1996, the album became a defining success of the decade, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and going quadruple platinum. It produced a string of major hits, including “6th Avenue Heartache,” “The Difference,” and the Grammy-winning “One Headlight,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of the era’s most recognizable rock singles. Led by songwriter Jakob Dylan, the band draws on classic American rock influences such as The Band and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers — a legacy echoed in the tour’s additional tribute segment to Petty, including a full performance of the 1982 album Long After Dark. Over the years, Dylan has remained a consistent figure in rock music, collaborating widely and appearing in projects such as Echo in the Canyon alongside artists including Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Beck, Norah Jones and others. The Wallflowers also recently supported Eric Clapton on his 2025 U.S. tour, continuing their long-standing presence on major stages.
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
MAY 9
First United Methodist Church hosts a Spring Fling. Browse among 79 vendors and hanging plants for Mother’s Day. In case of inclement weather, the event is rescheduled for May 16.
• Where: 25 Broadway, Amityville
• Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 264-0152
Save the Great South Bay Creek Defender Cleanup
Save the Great South Bay hosts a cleanup in Amityville. The date may change due to rain or other circumstances. Sign up on Sign UP Genius to be alerted of changes.
• Where: Ketchum Lake Drive
and Kenmore Ave., Amityville
• Time: 9 a.m.-noon
• Contact: savethegreatsouthbay. org/volunteer or info@ savethegreatsouthbay.org
Weekly 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
In concert
10
The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame welcomes Phil Kennelty, a genrehopping songwriter and multiinstrumentalist from Long Beach. His musical journey stretches from the shores of the Atlantic to the heart of New York City. A gifted pianist-guitarist- keyboard player, Phil has been a staple of the Long Island and NYC music scenes, performing in bands that span country, R&B, rolk, Americana, classic rock, and everything in between. His sound is rooted in classic influences but
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
always leans forward, finding fresh expression in timeless forms.
• Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook
• Time: 3 p.m.
• Contact: limusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888
Nourish
Babylon SitDown Dinner
Every Monday
Nourish Babylon holds a sit-down 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
MAY
12
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
• Where: 79 E. Main St., Babylon
• Time: 5:30-7 p.m.
• Contact: (631) 587-5838
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.
REFEREE'S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE
SUPREME COURT
- COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
LNV CORPORA -
TION, 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 sub-
sequent 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
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 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
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be conducted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Amityville at Village Hall, 21 Ireland Place, Amityville, NY
on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 7:00 PM to review the work, labor, and materials expended by the Village’s Department of Public Works and the reasonable cost thereof, in the clean-up of two (2) properties; said premises being known as:
Premises:
38 West Smith St. Amityville, NY 11701
SCTM#:
101-1-1-14
Owner/Occupant: Teresa M. Foster and Thomas Thompson
38 West Smith St. Amityville, NY 11701
Date of Cleanup: 7/3/25
Premises:
101 Sterling Pl. Amityville, NY 11701
SCTM#:
101-3-1-33
Owner/Occupant: Anthony DePaola
101 Sterling Pl. Amityville, NY 11701
Dates of Cleanups: 2/3/26 and 2/9/26
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the reasonable cost of said clean up as determined by the Board of Trustees will then be assessed against said premises in the same manner as prescribed for the collection of real property taxes. By order of the Board of Trustees
Village of Amityville
Catherine C. Murdock
Clerk/Treasurer April 22, 2026 26-104. 4/29, 5/6
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
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
NEW REZ LLC
F/K/A NEW PENN FINANCIAL LLC
D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, -againstBEVERLY V. DOWD, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE
IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Suffolk on March 10, 2023, wherein NEW REZ LLC F/K/A NEW PENN FINANCIAL LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING is the Plaintiff and BEVERLY V. DOWD, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the BABYLON TOWN HALL, 200 EAST SUNRISE HIGHWAY, NORTH LINDENHURST, NY 11757, on June 2, 2026 at 10:00AM, premises known as 81 PURDY LN, AMITYVILLE, NY 11701; and the following tax map identification: 0101012.00-05.00-030.001. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF
LAND, SITUATED IN THE VILLAGE OF AMITYVILLE, TOWN OF BABYLON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 606513/2016. Arthur E. Shulman, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury,
New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/ CLERK DIRECTIVES.
26-106. 4/29, 5/6, 13, 20
NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF TENTATIVE ASSESSMENT ROLL
ASSESSOR
(Pursuant to Sections 506 & 526 Of the Real Property Tax Law) HEARING OF COMPLAINTS
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the Assessor and authorized members of the Assessor's staff of the Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, have completed the Tentative Assessment Roll for the current year of 2025/2026. A copy has been left with the Assessor at Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, NY where it may be seen and examined by any person until the third Tuesday in May.
THE ASSESSOR WILL BE IN ATTENDANCE WITH The Tentative Assessment Roll on: DATE Babylon Town HallLOCATION
1. Tuesday. Mav 12, 2026 9:30 AM -4:00 PM
Babylon Town HallAssessment Dept.
2. Wednesday. May 13, 2026 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Babylon Town HallAssessment Dept.
3. Saturda\" May 16, 2026 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM and in the evening Babylon Town Hall Assessment Dept.
4. Thursday, Mav 14, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM Assessment Dept.
AN APPOINTMENT MAY BE MADE WITH THE ASSESSOR'S OFFICE DURING THE HOURS SHOWN
ABOVE at 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York 11757
By calling 631-957-3015
THE BOARD OF ASSESSMENT REVIEW will meet on the third Tuesday in May to hear and examine all complaints in relation to assessments on the application of any person believing himself to be aggrieved:
Tuesday, May 19, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM LOCATION: Board Room of Babylon Town Hall
Dated this 21st day of April, 2026
Matthew R. Cronin, IAO Assessor Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk 26-100 4/29, 5/6
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 Sec-
ASSESSOR'S OATH
STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK
TOWN OF BABYLON
I. the undersigned, do depose and swear that, to the best of my knowledge and belief, I have set forth in the 2026/2027 Tentative Assessment Roll attached hereto or filed herewith all the real property situated in the assessing unit in which I am Assessor and with the exception of assessments made by the New York State Office of Real Property Services, I have estimated the value of such real property at the sums which I have determined to be in accordance with the provisions of Section Three Hundred Five of the Real Property Tax Law.
Matthew R. Cronin, IAO Assessor Town of Babylon 26-101 4/.29, 5/6
tion 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, May 11, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. prevailing time or as soon thereafter as can be heard to consider the following application(s):
PUBLIC HEARING/ MINOR SUBDIVISION
JOB# HPLN-92 (2556B); Jose Paulino.: SCTM# 0100-20504-081: Zone – B Residence: SEQRA – Unlisted Action, Uncoordinated Review: The applicant is proposing to subdivide a 15,049.54sf parcel into two (2) 7,524.77sf parcels in order to construct two (2), twostory, single-family dwellings.: Property is located on the north side of 43rd Street, 29.08' west of Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, Suffolk County, Town of Babylon, New York
PUBLIC HEARING/ SITE PLAN REVIEW/MINOR SUBDIVISION/SPECIAL EXCEPTION
JOB# HPLN-84 (1830ABH); VL10 1620
New Highway, LLC.:
SCTM# 0100-03501-017.012, 0100035-01-017.011 and 0100-035-01-031.004: Zone – G Industry (Light): SEQRA - Type I Action, Coordinated Review: The applicant proposes a modified site plan to eliminate the three proposed warehouse buildings and construct one 12,666sf, one-story building for an office and service garage for Enterprise Rent-a-Car and outdoor storage of vehicle inventory, along with associated site improvements.: Property is located on the west side of New Hwy, 721' north of Conklin Street, East Farmingdale, 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: 05/06/2026 36-108 5/6
May 6, 2026
COPIAGUE UNION
FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
TOWN OF BABYLON, COUNTY OF SUFFOLK, NEW YORK
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that the Annual District Election of qualified voters of Copiague Union Free School District, Town of Babylon, Suffolk County, New York, will be held at the Deauville Gardens East Elementary School, 100 Deauville Blvd., Copiague, New York, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 between 10:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. to vote for the election of members of the Board of Education and to vote upon the following propositions:
PROPOSITION
NO. 1
SHALL the proposed budget of the Board of Education of Copiague Union Free School District, Town of Babylon, County of Suffolk, State of New York, for the school year 2026-2027 requiring the appropriation of the necessary funds to meet the estimated expenditures and requiring the levying of taxes on the taxable property of said district be adopted?
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the fiscal year 2026-2027 for school purposes, may be obtained by any resident of the District, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding the Annual School District Election except Saturday, Sunday or any holiday, at the district office, at each school house in the district, on the school district’s
internet website ( HYPERLINK "http:// www.copiague.k12. ny.us" www.copiague. k12.ny.us) and at the Copiague Memorial Library during their operating hours.
A Real Property Tax Exemption Report prepared in accordance with Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law will be annexed to any tentative/ preliminary budget as well as the final adopted budget of which it will form a part; and shall be posted on District bulletin board(s) maintained for public notices, as well as on the District’s website.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education must be filed with the undersigned School District Clerk not later than April 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Each vacancy to be filled shall be considered a separate specific office. A separate petition shall be required to nominate a candidate to each separate office. Each petition shall be directed to the Clerk of the School District and shall be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the district. Each petition shall state the residence of each person signing, shall state the name and residence of the candidate, and shall describe the specific vacancy for which the candidate is nominated, which description shall include at least the length of the term of office, and the name of the last incumbent, if any. The following vacancies are to be filled on the Copiague Board of Education: TERM OF OFFICE
LAST INCUMBENT
July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029
Brian J. Sales
July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2029
Ledy Torres
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that a petition to place a proposition on the ballot may be filed with the District Clerk by also not later than April 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m., except for petitions relating to a proposition which must be included in the notice of the annual meeting. Such petitions must be submitted 60 days in advance of the annual meeting to facilitate the preparation and printing of the ballots. This rule will not apply to those propositions or questions which the Board has authority by law to present at any annual or special meeting and election of the district. Except as provided by law, such petition shall state said question or proposition clearly and concisely, and shall be signed by at least thirty (30) qualified voters of this district and shall show the address of each signer and the date of signature.
The Board of Education reserves the right to determine the exact wording of the question or proposition as it is to appear on the ballot; and further reserves all powers vested in the Board of Education by the Education Law to determine whether any question or proposition shall be submitted at any District meeting or election and to determine the order in which each question or proposition should appear on the ballot.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that, pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law, personal registration of voters is required.
NOTICE IS FUR-
THER GIVEN that voters at the May 19,
1998 Copiague School Budget/Trustee Election approved Continuous Voter Registration. Qualified voters may register on a continuous basis as follows: Registration will be conducted Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during the school year, and from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. during school recesses at the Office of the District Clerk, Central Administration Office, 2650 Great Neck Road, Copiague, except there will be no registration allowed after seven (7) days prior to the election. Voter registration will also be held on Saturday, May 9, 2026 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Deauville Gardens Elementary School, 100 Deauville Blvd, Copiague, NY 11726. Any person whose name appears on such register or who shall have been previously registered hereunder or who shall have voted at any Annual or Special District Meeting or Election held or conducted at any time within four (4) years prior to the preparation of the register for this Annual District Election will not be required to register personally for this Annual District Election. In addition, any person otherwise qualified to vote who was registered with the Board of Elections of Suffolk County under the provisions of the Election Law shall be entitled to vote at said Annual Election without further registration.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that the Board of Education has duly adopted a resolution providing for absentee ballots for the election of members of the Board of Education, the adoption of the School Dis-
trict Budget and any other propositions in accordance with the provisions of Section 2018-a of the Education Law of the State of New York. An applicant for an absentee or early mail ballot must submit an application therefore setting forth the information required by subdivision 2 of Section 2018-a of the Education Law and Section 2018-e of the Education Law, respectively. Applications for absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election. Furthermore, such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee or early mail ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application by no later than six (6) days before the vote. No absentee or early mail voter's ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received in the office of the District Clerk not later than 5:00 P.M. (prevailing time) on the day of the election.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military
ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk of the school district no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the election. NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the qualifications of voters at School District Meetings or Elections are as follows: A person shall be entitled to vote at any School Election for the election of School District Offices and upon all other matters which may be brought before such Election who is:
(1) A citizen of the United States
(2) Eighteen years of age
(3) A resident within the district for the period of thirty days next preceding the meeting at which he offers to vote
(4) Not disqualified pursuant to the provisions of Sec.
5-106 of the Election Law.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Register as prepared by the Board of Registration, shall be filed in the office of the undersigned School District Clerk, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District, and the hours during which such register shall be open for inspection on each of the five days (Saturday by appointment) prior to the date set for the Annual District Election, except Sunday or holiday, shall be 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a Public Hearing on the proposed budget will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. in the Everett E. Newman III Administrative Offices Board of Education Room, 2650 Great Neck Road, Copiague, NY 11726.
By order of the Board of Education Copiague Union Free School District Town of Babylon, Suffolk County, New York Deborah Van Florcke District Clerk 26-68 4/1, 15, 29, 5/6
COPIAGUE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
CIUDAD DE BABYLON, CONDADO DE SUFFOLK, NEW YORK
AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA, VOTO DE PRESUPUESTO Y ELECCIÓN
A CONTINUACIÓN, SE DA AVISO que la Elección Anual de Distrito de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar de Copiague Ciudad de Babylon, Condado de Suffolk, Nueva York, se llevará a cabo en el gimnasio de la Escuela Primaria de Deauville Gardens
East, 100 Deauville Blvd., Copiague, Nueva York, el martes 19 de mayo de 2026 entre las 10:00 am y las 9:00 pm para votar por la elección de los miembros de la Junta de Educación y votar sobre la siguiente proposición: PROPOSICIÓN No. 1
¿Debemos proponer el presupuesto de la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Sindicato de Copiague, Ciudad de Babylon, Condado de Suffolk, Estado de Nueva York, ¿para el año escolar 2026-2027 exigiendo la apropiación de los fondos necesarios para cubrir los gastos estimados y exigir la recaudación de impuestos sobre la propiedad sujeta a impuestos de dicho distrito?
SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que cualquier residente del distrito podrá obtener una copia del estado de cuenta de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año fiscal 2026-2027 para fines escolares, entre las 9:00 am y las 4:00 pm durante los catorce (14) días inmediatamente anteriores a la Elección Anual del Distrito Escolar, excepto los sábados, domingos o feriados, en la oficina del distrito, a cada casa escolar del distrito, en el sitio web de Internet del distrito escolar (www. copiague.k12.ny) y en la Biblioteca Memorial de Copiague durante sus horas de atención al público.
Un informe de Exención del Impuesto a la Propiedad Real preparado de acuerdo con la Sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto a la Propiedad Real se adjuntará a cualquier presupuesto provi -
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Continued from previous page sional / preliminar, así como al presupuesto final adoptado del cual formará parte; y se publicarán en el tablón de anuncios del Distrito que se mantendrán para avisos públicos, así como en la página web del Distrito.
SE DA AVISO
ADICIONAL que las solicitudes de nominación de candidatos para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación deben presentarse ante el Secretario del Distrito Escolar abajo firmante a más tardar el 20 de abril de 2026 a las 5:00 p.m. Cada vacante que deba llenarse se considerará una oficina separada. Se requerirá una petición por separado para nominar a un candidato a cada oficina por separado. Cada petición debe dirigirse al Secretario del Distrito Escolar y debe estar firmada por al menos veinticinco (59) votantes calificados del distrito.
Cada petición debe indicar la residencia de cada persona que firma, debe indicar el nombre y la residencia del candidato, y debe describir la vacante específica para la cual se postula el candidato, cuya descripción debe incluir al menos la duración del mandato, y el nombre del último titular, si lo hubiere. Las siguientes vacantes disponibles de La Junta de Educación de Copiague: PERÍODO
EN EL CARGO
ÚLTIMA PERSONA
EN EL CARGO
1 de Julio 2026 a 30 de Junio 2029
Brian J. Sales
1 de Julio 2026 a 30 de Junio 2029
Ledy Torres
SE DA AVISO
ADICIONAL, de que se enviará una petición para presentar una
propuesta en la boleta electoral ante el Secretario del Distrito antes del 20 de abril de 2026 a más tardar a las 5:00 pm, a excepto de las solicitudes relacionadas con una propuesta que deberán incluirse en el aviso de la reunión anual. Tales peticiones deben presentarse 60 días antes de la reunión anual para facilitar la preparación e impresión de las boletas. Esta regla no se aplicará a aquellas proposiciones o preguntas que la Junta tiene autoridad por ley para presentar en cualquier reunión anual o especial y elección del distrito. Excepto por lo dispuesto por la ley, dicha petición deberá indicar dicha pregunta o proposición de manera clara y concisa, y deberá estar firmada por al menos treinta (30) votantes calificados de este distrito y deberá mostrar la dirección de cada firmante y la fecha de la firma.
La Junta de Educación se reserva el derecho de determinar la redacción exacta de la pregunta o proposición tal como aparece en la boleta electoral; y además reserva todos los poderes otorgados a la Junta de Educación por la Ley de Educación para determinar si alguna pregunta o proposición se presentará en una reunión o elección del Distrito y para determinar el orden en que cada pregunta o proposición debe aparecer en la boleta electoral.
SE DA AVISO
ADICIONAL que, de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación, se requiere el registro personal de los votantes.
SE DA AVISO
ADICIONAL que los votantes en la Elección de Presupuesto /
Elección de los Miembros de la Junta de la Escuela Copiague del 19 de mayo de 1998 aprobaron el registro continuo de votantes. Los votantes calificados pueden registrarse de manera continua de la siguiente manera: La inscripción se llevará a cabo de lunes a viernes de 9:00 a.m. a 3:00 p.m. durante el año escolar, y de 9:00 a.m. a 1:00 p.m. durante los recreos escolares en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, Oficina de Administración Central, 2650 Great Neck Road, Copiague, excepto que no se permitirá el registro después de siete (7) días antes de la elección. El registro de votantes también se llevará a cabo el sábado 9 de mayo de 2026 de 8:00 a.m. a 12:00 p.m. en la Escuela Primaria Deauville Gardens, 100 Deauville Blvd, Copiague, NY 11726
Cualquier persona cuyo nombre aparezca en dicho registro o que se haya registrado anteriormente en el presente documento o que haya votado en cualquier reunión o elección anual o especial del distrito celebrada o llevada a cabo en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro (4) años anteriores a la preparación del registro para esta Elección Anual del Distrito no tendrá que registrarse personalmente para esta Elección Anual del Distrito. Además, cualquier persona que califique para votar y que esté registrada en la Junta de Elecciones del Condado de Suffolk bajo las disposiciones de la Ley de Elecciones tendrá derecho a votar en dicha Elección Anual sin más registro.
SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que la Junta de Educación ha adoptado debidamente una resolución que estipula
las papeletas de voto en ausencia para la elección de los miembros de la Junta de Educación, la adopción del Presupuesto del Distrito Escolar y cualquier otra propuesta de acuerdo con las disposiciones de la Sección 2018-a de la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York. El solicitante de una boleta de votación en ausencia o anticipada por correo debe presentar una solicitud, por lo tanto, debe establecer la información requerida por la subdivisión 2 de la Sección 2018-a de la Ley de Educación y articulo 2018-e de la ley de Educación respectivamente. Las solicitudes de boletas en ausencia o anticipada por correo deben ser recibidas por el Secretario Del Distrito no antes de treinta (30) días antes de la elección. Además, dicha solicitud debe ser recibida por el Secretario del Distrito por lo menos siete días antes de la elección si la boleta se envía por correo al votante, o el día antes de la elección si la boleta se entrega personalmente al votante o su agente designado. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna para una boleta de votación en ausencia enviada por correo o boleta anticipada por correo, el Secretario del Distrito enviara la boleta por correo a la dirección establecida en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la votación. No se votará ninguna boleta de votante ausente o boleta anticipada a menos que se haya recibido en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. (hora predominante) en el día de la elección. SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que los votantes militares que no están actualmente reg-
istrados pueden registrarse como votantes calificados del distrito escolar. Los votantes militares que son votantes calificados del distrito escolar pueden presentar una solicitud para una boleta militar. Los votantes militares pueden designar una preferencia para recibir un registro de votante militar, una solicitud de boleta militar o una boleta militar por correo, transmisión de fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de dicho registro, solicitud de boleta o boleta. Los formularios de inscripción de votantes militar y los formularios de solicitud de boletas militares deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito del distrito escolar a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. el 23 de abril de 2026. NO se realizará una votación militares militar a menos que se (1) reciba en la oficina del Secretaria del Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el día de las elecciones y muestre una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o que muestre un endoso de recepción fechado por otra agencia del gobierno delos Estados Unidos; o (2) recibido por la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. el día de las elecciones y firmado y fechado por el votante militar y un testigo del mismo, con una fecha que se asocia a no más tardar del día anterior a la elección.
SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL de que las calificaciones de los votantes en las reuniones o elecciones del Distrito Escolar son las siguientes: Una persona tendrá derecho a votar en cualquier elección escolar
para la elección de las Oficinas del Distrito Escolar y sobre todo los demás asuntos que puedan plantearse antes de tal elección quien es: (1) Ciudadano de los Estados Unidos (2)18 años de edad (3)Un residente dentro del distrito por un período de treinta días antes de cualquier votación que se vaya a dar (4)En virtud de las provisiones de la Sec. 5-106 de la Ley Electoral.
SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, de que el Registro, tal como lo preparó la Junta de Registro, se archivará en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar que está abajo firmante y estará abierto para la inspección por parte de cualquier votante calificado del Distrito y las horas durante las cuales dicho registro estará abierto para inspección en cada uno de los cinco días (sábado con cita previa) antes de la fecha establecida para la Elección Anual del Distrito, excepto el domingo o feriados, serán 9:00 am a 4:00 pm
SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL de que se llevará a cabo una audiencia pública sobre la propuesta del presupuesto el martes 5 de mayo de 2026 a las 7:00 p.m. en las oficinas administrativas
Everett E. Newman III en el salón de conferencias, 2650 Great Neck Road, Copiague, NY 11726. Por orden de la Junta de Educación Distrito Escolar de Copiague Ciudad de Babylon, Condado de, New York Deborah Van Florcke Secretaria de Distrito 26-69. 4/1, 15, 29, 5/6
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION AMITYVILLE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWNS OF BABYLON, SUFFOLK COUNTY, AND OYSTER BAY, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a budget hearing before the qualified voters of the Amityville Union Free School District, Town of Babylon, Suffolk County, and Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County, New York will be held at the Amityville Memorial High School, 250 Merrick Road, Amityville, New York, in said District on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 5:30 p.m., for the transaction of business as authorized by the Education Law, including the following items:
1. To present to the voters a detailed statement (proposed budget) of the amount of money which will be required for the 20262027 fiscal year.
2. To discuss all the items hereinafter set forth to be voted upon by voting machines at the vote and election to be held on Tuesday, May 19. 2026.
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting pursuant to Education Law of the State of New York and acts amendatory thereto.
A copy of the proposed budget shall be made available, upon request, to residents of the school district beginning May 4, 2026 through and including May 19, 2026 during regular business hours at the Office of the District Clerk, Park North Administration Building, 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, New York. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN, that pursuant to Chapter 258 of the Laws of 2008, Section 495 was added to the Real Property Tax Law, and requires the School District to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how much of the total assessed value on the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted, identified by statutory authority, and show: (a) the cumulative impact of each type of exemption expressed either as a dollar amount of assessed value or as a percentage of the total assessed value on the roll; (b) the cumulative amount expected to be received from recipients of each type of exemption as payments in lieu of taxes or other payments for municipal services; and (c) the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. The exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on any website maintained by the District. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the annual vote and election will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., in the two election districts, namely Northeast Elementary School, 420 Albany Avenue, Amityville, New York, and Amityville Memorial High School, 250 Merrick Road, Amityville, New York, at which time the polls will be opened to vote by voting machine upon the follow-
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May 6, 2026
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ing items:
1. To adopt the annual budget of the School District for the fiscal year 2026-2027 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District.
2. To elect four members of the Board of Education as follows:
• One member of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term to succeed Lisa Johnson, whose term expires on June 30, 2026;
• One member of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term to succeed Leslie Kretz, whose term expires on June 30, 2026;
• One member of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term to succeed Carol Seehof, whose term expires on June 30, 2026; and
• One member of the Board of Education to complete the remainder of the unexpired term of the seat left vacant by the resignation of Caroline Fanning, such term beginning immediately after the election and expiring June 30, 2027.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required to fund the School District’s budget for 2026-2027, exclusive of public monies, may be obtained by any resident of the District during business hours beginning May 4, 2026 through and including May 19, 2026, except Saturday, Sunday or holidays, at the Park Avenue Administration Building, 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, New York, and at each of the following schoolhouses:
Amityville Memorial High School
Edmund W. Miles Middle School Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School Northwest Elementary School Northeast Elementary School AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education shall be filed with the Clerk of said School District at her office in the Park North Administration Building, 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, New York, not later than April 20, 2026 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. prevailing time. Nominating petitions must be directed to the Clerk of the District; must be signed by at least 29 qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 qualified voters or 2% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); and must state the name and residence of each signer, and, must state the name and residence of the candidate. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for absentee and early mail ballots will be obtainable during school business hours at the office of the District Clerk beginning April 20, 2026. In accordance with Education Law §§ 2018-a and 2018-e, completed absentee and early mail ballot applications may not be received by the District Clerk earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the election, and must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be deliv-
ered personally to the voter or to the agent named in the absentee ballot application. Absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
A list of persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued, and a list of all persons to whom early mail voter’s ballots shall have been issued, will be available for public inspection in the office of the District Clerk, 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, New York, on and after Thursday, May 14, 2026 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. each weekday through Tuesday, May 19, 2026 the day set for the election. Any qualified voter may, upon examination of such lists, file a written challenge of the qualifications as a voter of any person whose name appears on such lists, stating the reasons for such challenge. Any such written challenge shall be transmitted by the District Clerk or a designee of the Board of Education to the Inspectors of Election on election day.
AND FURTHER
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law or pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law in the Amityville Union Free School District and has voted at an annual or special district meeting in such district within the last four calendar years, he or she is eligible to vote at this election. If a voter is registered and eligible to vote under Article 5 of the Election Law, he or she
is also eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register. Voters may register to vote on any school day up to and including May 14, 2026 at the District Office, 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, New York, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such registers, provided that he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of the Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the register is prepared. The register so prepared pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the School District in the Park North Administration Building, 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on May 14, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., on weekdays, and each day prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, by advance appointment on Saturday and at the polling place(s) on the day of the vote.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the Amityville Union Free School District by requesting and returning a registration application to the District Clerk in person, by mail to District Clerk, Amityville Union Free School District, 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, New York, 11701 by email to DistrictClerk@amityvilleufsd.org or fax sent to (631) 691-3215. The request for the
registration application may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the registration application, by either mail, fax or email. Military voter registration application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the Amityville Union Free School District, may request an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk in person, by mail to District Clerk, Amityville Union Free School District, 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, New York, by email to DistrictClerk@ amityvilleufsd.org or fax sent to (631) 6913215. In such request, the military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application by mail, fax or email. A military voter must return the original military ballot application by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, New York. In order for a military voter to be issued a military ballot, pursuant to Section 2018-d of the Education Law, a valid military ballot application must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m., on April 23, 2026. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a non-military ballot application under Section 2018-a of the Education Law. The application for military ballot may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the military ballot by mail, fax, or
email.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, a military voter’s original military ballot must be returned by mail or in person to the Office of the District Clerk at 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, New York. Military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District Clerk before the close of polls on May 19, 2026, showing a cancellation mark of the United States Postal Service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or received not later than 5:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026, and signed and dated by the military voter and one (1) witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the election.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law of the State of New York, the Board of Registration will meet on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., at the Northeast Elementary School and the Amityville High School, to prepare the Register of the School District to be used at the election to be held in 2027, and any special district meetings that may be held after the preparation of said Register, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register provided that at such meeting of said Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the school election for which said Register is prepared,
or any special district meeting held after May 19, 2026. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education in accordance with §2035 of the Education Law, any referenda or propositions to amend the budget, or otherwise to be submitted for voting at said election, must be filed with the District Clerk of the Board of Education at the Park North Administration Building, located at 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, New York, on or before March 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, except for petitions relating to a proposition which must be included in the notice of the annual meeting which must be filed with the District Clerk of the Board of Education at the Park North Administration Building on or before April 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.; must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the Clerk of the School District; must be signed by at least 29 qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 voters or 2% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); and must legibly state the name of each signer. However, the School Board will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, which is unlawful or any proposition which fails to include a specific appropriation where the expenditure of monies is required by the proposition, or where other valid reason exists for excluding the proposition from the ballot.
AND FURTHER
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that election districts have been established in the School District. The boundaries of the election districts, as adopted by resolution of the Board of Education, and the polling place in each election district shall be as follows:
Election District No.
1 – Northeast Elementary School
• North by school district boundary line (Southern State Parkway)
• East by school district boundary line (Great Neck Road, Albany Avenue and Bayview Avenue)
• South by Long Island Rail Road
• West by School district boundary line (Carman Road)
• Being that part of the School District North of the Long Island Railroad Election District No. 2 – Amityville Memorial High School
• North by Long Island Rail Road
• East by school district boundary line (Amityville Village line)
• South by school district boundary line (Great South Bay)
• West by school district boundary line (Carman River and Carman Road)
• Being that part of the School District South of the Long Island Railroad Dated: Amityville, New York March 18, 2026 By Order of the Board of Education of the Amityville Union Free School District
Towns of Babylon, Suffolk County and Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County, New York
Anne-Marie Monahan, District Clerk 26-97 4/29, 5/6,, 13
AVISO DE JUNTA ANUAL, VOTACIÓN DE PRESUPUESTO Y ELECCIÓN EN EL DISTRITO ESCOLAR DE AMITYVILLE (AMITYVILLE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT) MUNICIPIO DE BABYLON, MUNICIPIO DE OYSTER BAY, CONDADO DE SUFFOLK, Y CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK
POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO, de que va a llevar a cabo una audiencia presupuestaria ante los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar de Amityville (Amityville Union Free School District), Municipio de Babylon, Municipio de Oyster Bay, Condado de Suffolk y Condado de Nassau, Nueva York en Amityville Park Avenue Memorial Elementary, 140 Park Avenue, Amityville, Nueva York, en dicho distrito el 6 de mayo de 2026 a las 5:30 pm, para la gestión de los siguientes asuntos tal y como faculta la Ley de Educación, incluidos los siguientes elementos:
•Presentar a los votantes una declaración detallada (propuesta de presupuesto) de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año fiscal 2026-2027.
• Discutir todos los puntos que se establecen a continuación para ser sometidos a plebiscito mediante máquinas de sufragio para la votación y elección que se realizará el martes 19 de mayo de 2026.
• Tratar cualquier otro asunto debidamente presentado antes de la reunión de conformidad con la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York y cualquier enmienda a ella.
Se pondrá a disposición de los residentes del distrito escolar una copia del presupuesto propues-
to, previa solicitud, a partir del 4 de mayo de 2026 hasta el 19 de mayo de 2026 inclusive durante el horario de atencion al publico habitual en la Oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito, Edificio de Administración
Park North, 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, Nueva York.
Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO
ADICIONAL, que de conformidad con el Capítulo 258 de las Leyes de 2008, fue incorporada la Sección 495 a la Ley del Impuesto sobre la Propiedad Inmobiliaria, por la que se requiere que el Distrito Escolar adjunte a su propuesta de presupuesto, un informe de exención. Dicho informe de exención, que también pasará a formar parte del presupuesto final, mostrará qué parte del valor tasado total en el registro tributario final usado en el proceso presupuestario está exento de impuestos, se enumeran todos los tipos de exenciones otorgadas, identificadas por la autoridad legal, mostrando: (a) el impacto acumulado de cada tipo de exención expresado bien como una cantidad en dólares del valor tasado o como un porcentaje del valor tasado total en el registro; (b) el monto acumulado que se espera recibir de los beneficiarios de cada tipo de exención como pagos en lugar de impuestos u otros pagos por servicios municipales; y (c) el impacto acumulado de todas las exenciones otorgadas. El informe de exención se publicará en alguno de los tablones de anuncios que tiene el Distrito para avisos públicos y en cualquier sitio web administrado por el Distrito.
Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, de que
la votación y elecciones anuales se llevarán a cabo el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, entre las 7:00 am y las 9:00 pm, en los dos distritos electorales, a saber, Northeast Elementary School, 420 Albany Avenue, Amityville, Nueva York, y Amityville Memorial High School, 250 Merrick Road, Amityville, Nueva York, cuando estarán abiertas las urnas para votar mediante máquinas de votación sobre los siguientes asuntos:
•Adoptar el presupuesto anual del Distrito Escolar para el año fiscal 2026-2027 y autorizar que la cuota requerida del mismo se recaude mediante los impuestos sobre las propiedades sujetas a tributación en el distrito.
• Elegir cuatro miembros de la Junta de Educación de la siguiente manera:
• Un miembro de la Junta de Educación por un plazo de tres (3) años para suceder a Lisa Johnson, cuyo mandato expira el 30 de junio de 2026,
• Un miembro de la Junta de Educación por un plazo de tres (3) años para suceder a Leslie Kretz, cuyo mandato expira el 30 de junio de 2026,
• Un miembro de la Junta de Educación por un plazo de tres (3) años para suceder a Carol Seehof, cuyo mandato expira el 30 de junio de 2026, y •Un miembro de la Junta de Educación para completar el resto del mandato no vencido del puesto que quedó vacante tras la renuncia de Caroline Fanning; dicho mandato comenzará inmediatamente después de la elección y vencerá el 30 de junio de 2027. Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, de que cualquier residente del
Distrito puede obtener una copia del estado de cuenta con el importe necesario para financiar el presupuesto del Distrito Escolar durante 2026-2027, excluyendo el dinero público, durante las horas de atención al público, a partir del 4 de mayo de 2026 hasta el 19 de mayo de 2026 inclusive, excepto sábados, domingos o festivos, en el Edificio de Administración de Park Avenue, 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, Nueva York, y en cada una de las siguientes escuelas: Amityville Memorial High School
Edmund W. Miles Middle School Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School Northwest Elementary School
Northeast Elementary School
Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, de que las solicitudes para nominar a los candidatos para los cargos en la Junta de Educación deberán presentarse ante la Secretaria de dicho Distrito Escolar en su oficina en el Edificio de Administración de Park North,150 Park Avenue, Amityville, New York no más tarde del 20 de abril de 2026 entre el 9:00 am y 5:00 pm. Las solicitudes de nominación deberán estar dirigidas a la Secretaria del Distrito y deberán estar firmadas al menos por 29 votantes calificados del Distrito (representando al mayor de mas de 25 votantes calificados o el 2% del total de votantes que participaron en la elección anual previa); deberá indicar el nombre y domicilio de cada firmante y deberán indicar el nombre y el domicilio del candidato.
Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, de que
las solicitudes para las papeletas de voto en ausencia y votación anticipada se podrán obtener durante el horario de atencion al publico en la oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito a partir del 20 de abril de 2026; De acuerdo a la Ley de Educación §§ 2018-a y 2018-e, Las solicitudes completas de voto en ausencia y votación anticipada deben ser recibidas en la Secretaría del distrito antes de treinta (30) días antes de la elección y deberán ser recibidas en la Secretaría del Distrito al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la papeleta se va a enviar por correo al votante o el día antes de la elección si la papeleta se entrega personalmente al votante o al agente designado en la solicitud de voto en ausencia. La Secretaria del Distrito debe recibir las papeletas de voto en ausencia no más tarde de las 5:00 p.m. del martes 19 de mayo de 2026. La lista con las personas a las que se les ha emitido las papeletas de voto en ausencia estará disponible para ser inspeccionada por los votantes calificados del Distrito en la Oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito, 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, Nueva York a partir y después del 14 de mayo de 2026 entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m. los días laborables anteriores al día establecido para la elección anual y el mismo día 19 de mayo de 2026, día establecido para la elección. Cualquier votante cualificado puede, al examinar dicha lista, presentar una impugnación por escrito sobre la habilitación como votante de cualquier persona cuyo nombre aparezca en dicha lista, indicando las razones de dicha impugnación. Cual-
quier impugnación por escrito será transmitida a los inspectores electorales por la Secretaria del Distrito o una persona designada por la Junta de Educación el día de la elección.
Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, de que es necesario el registro en persona de los votantes conforme a la sección §2014 de la Ley de Educación o conforme al Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral. Si un votante está registrado con anterioridad conforme a § 2014 de la Ley de Educación en el Distrito Escolar de Amityville (Amityville Union Free School District) y ha votado en alguna reunión anual o especial en dicho distrito dentro de los últimos cuatro años naturales, será elegible para votar en esta elección. Si un votante está registrado y es elegible para votar bajo el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral,será también apto para votar en esta elección. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deben registrarse. Los votantes pueden registrarse para votar cualquier día lectivo antes de o el mismo día 14 de mayo de 2026 en las Oficinas del Distrito,150 Park Avenue, Amityville, Nueva York, entre las 8:30 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m., momento en el que cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dichos registros, siempre y cuando él o ella cumplan con los requisitos de la Junta de Registro para tener el derecho de votar a partir de ese momento o en el futuro en las elecciones para las que se establece el registro. El registro así establecido de conformidad con §2014 de la Ley de Educación se archivará en la Oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito
Escolar en el Edificio Administrativo de Park North, y se abrirá para poder ser inspeccionado por cualquier votante cualificado del Distrito a partir del 14 de mayo. 2026, entre las 9:00 A.M. Y las 4:00 P.M., de lunes a viernes, los días previos al día fijado para la elección,excepto el domingo, con cita previa el sábado y en los centros de votación el mismo día de la votación.
Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, de que los votantes militares que no están registrados actualmente pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar de Amityville (Amityville Union Free School District) solicitando y devolviendo una solicitud de registro a la Secretaria del Distrito en persona, por correo a la Secretaria del Distrito, Distrito Escolar de Amityville (Amityville Union Free School District), 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, Nueva York, 11701 por correo electrónico a DistrictClerk@ amityvilleufsd,org o por fax al (631) 6913215. La solicitud de registro puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar para recibir la solicitud de registro, ya sea por correo, fax o correo electrónico. La solicitud de inscripción en el registro de los votantes militares debe recibirse en la oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito no más tarde de las 5:00 p.m. el 23 de abril de 2026. Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, de que los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar de Amityville (Amityville Union Free School District), pueden solicitar pa-
peletas de voto para militares en la Secretaria del Distrito en persona, por correo a la Secretaria del Distrito, Distrito Escolar de Amityville (Amityville Union Free School District), 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, Nueva York, por correo electrónico a DistrictClerk@amityvilleufsd.org o por fax al (631) 691-3215. En dicha solicitud, el votante militar puede indicar su preferencia para recibir la solicitud por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico. Los militares que voten deben devolver la solicitud original de papeletas de voto para militares por correo o en persona a la oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, Nueva York. Para que un votante militar reciba una papeleta de voto para militares, conforme a la Sección 2018-d, se debe recibir una solicitud de papeleta de voto para militares válida en la oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito no más tarde de las 5:00 p.m., el 23 de abril de 2026. Las solicitudes de papeleta de voto para militares recibidas de acuerdo con lo anterior se procesarán de la misma manera que una solicitud de papeleta de voto no militar bajo la Sección 2018-a de la Ley de Educación. La solicitud de papeleta de voto para militares puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar de recibir la papeleta de voto por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, de que el original de la papeleta de voto de un votante militar debe devolverse por correo o en persona a la Oficina de la Secretaria
May 6, 2026
Continuedfrom previous page del Distrito en 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, Nueva York. Las papeletas de votos de militares serán escrutadas si son recibidas por la Secretaria del Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el 19 de mayo de 2026 mostrando un matasellos del Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o mostrando el acuso de recibo de otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o recibido a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. el 19 de mayo de 2026 y firmado y fechado por el elector militar y un (1) testigo del mismo, con una fecha que se verifica no posterior al día anterior a la elección.
Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO
ADICIONAL, de que de conformidad con la §2014 de la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York, la Junta de Registro se reunirá el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, entre las 7:00 A.M. Y las 9:00 P.M., en Northeast Elementary School y Amityville Memorial High School, para preparar el Registro del Distrito Escolar que se utilizará en la elección que se llevará a cabo en 2027, y cualquier reunión especial del distrito que pueda realizarse después de la preparación de dicho Registro, momento en el que, cualquier persona tendrá derecho de inscribir su nombre en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión de la Junta de Registro se demuestre que el o ella cumplen con los requisitos de dicha Junta de Registro otorgándole el derecho a votar en ese momento o en el futuro, en las elecciones de la escuela para las que se establece dicho Registro, o cualquier
reunión especial del distrito que se lleve a cabo después del 19 de mayo de 2026. Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO
ADICIONAL, que de conformidad con una regla adoptada por la Junta de Educación de acuerdo con la sección §2035 de la Ley de Educación, cualquier referéndum o propuesta para modificar el presupuesto, o cualquier otro asunto que sea sometido a votación en dicha elecciones, deberá presentarse ante la Secretaria del Distrito de la Junta de Educación en el Edificio de Administración de Park North, el mismo dia o antes del 20 de marzo de 2026 a las 5:00 pm, hora vigente, excepto las peticiones relacionadas con una proposición que deba ser incluida en el avviso de la reunión anual que debe ser registrado en la Secretaria del Distrito de la Junta de Educación el mismo dia o antes del 20 de abril de 2026 a las 5:00 pm deberá estar mecanografiado o impreso en el idioma inglés; deberá estar dirigido a la Secretaria del Distrito Escolar; deberá estar firmado por al menos 29 votantes calificados del Distrito (que representan al mayor de 25 votantes calificados o el 2% del número total de votantes en la elección anual anterior); y deberá indicar de manera legible el nombre de cada firmante.
Sin embargo, la Junta Escolar no aceptará ninguna proposición para presentar a los votantes cuyo propósito no esté dentro de las atribuciones de los votantes, ya que sería ilegal, o cualquier proposición que no incluya una asignación específica de los gastos incurridos mediante dicha propuesta, o cuando exista cualquier
otra razón válida para excluir la propuesta de las papeletas de votación.
Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO
ADICIONAL, de que se han establecido distritos electorales en el Distrito Escolar. Los límites de los distritos electorales, adoptados por resolución de la Junta de Educación, y el lugar de votación en cada distrito electoral serán los siguientes:
Distrito Electoral No.
1-Northeast Elementary School
•Al l Norte por la línea fronteriza del distrito escolar (Southern State Parkway)
•Al este por la línea fronteriza del distrito escolar (Great Neck Road, Albany Avenue y Bayview Avenue)
•Al Sur por Long Island Rail Road (Ferrocarril de LI)
•Al Oeste por la línea fronteriza del distrito escolar (Carman Road)
•Siendo esa parte del distrito escolar al norte del Long Island Rail Road
Distrito Electoral No.
2-Amityville Memorial High School
•Al Norte por el Long Island Rail Road
•Al Este por la línea fronteriza del distrito escolar (línea de Amityville Village)
•Al Sur por la línea fronteriza del distrito escolar (Great South Bay)
•Al oeste por la línea fronteriza del distrito escolar (Carman River y Carman Road)
•Siendo esa parte del distrito escolar al sur del Long Island Rail Road
Fecha: Amityville, Nueva York
18 de marzo 2026
Por orden de la Junta de Educación de la Amityville UFSD Ciudad de Oyster Bay, Ciudad de Babylon, Condado de Nassau y Condado de Suffolk, Nueva York
Anne-Marie Monahan, Secretaria del Distrito 26-98 4/29, 5/6, 13
NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Village of Amityville will hold a Public Hearing in the Court Room of Village Hall, 21 Ireland Place, Amityville, NY at 7:00 PM on THURSDAY, May 21st, 2026, to consider the following applications:
Application of William Young. Applicant seeks a variance to install a 6-foot fence pursuant to Section 183-139 A (3) of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the South side of Cedar Street approximately 340 feet East of Park Avenue in a “Residential B” District known as 32 Cedar Street a/k/a SCTM# 101-7-4-7.
Application of Amanda Dugan. Applicant seeks a variance to install a 6-foot fence pursuant to Section 183-139 A (3) of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the North side of Macdonald Avenue approximately 100 feet West of Grand Central Avenue in a “Residential A” District known as 55 Macdonald Avenue a/k/a SCTM# 101-12-3-35.
Application of William Valleau. Applicant seeks a variance to install a 6-foot fence pursuant to Section 183-139 A (3) of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the East side of Forrest Place approximately 100 feet South of Bedell Place in a “Residential B” District known as 43 Forrest Place a/k/a SCTM# 101-6-4-21. Application of Edward Lanham on behalf of Jose Sanchez. Applicant seeks renewal of a previously approved Special Exception for an owner-occupied two-family dwelling pursuant to Section 183-43 C (6) of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the South side of Oak Street approximately 1062 feet West of Bayview Av-
enue in a “Residential B” District known as 75 Oak Street, a/k/a SCTM# 101-5-3-12. Application of Harrison Lowe on behalf of Colleen Nugent. Applicant seeks variances to increase the maximum allowable accessory structure area from 1,000 square feet to 1,020 square feet and the maximum allowable accessory structure height from 14 feet to 23 feet in association with the proposed construction of a detached 3-car garage pursuant to Section 183-23 of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the East side of Bennett Place approximately 515 feet North of South Ireland Place in a “Residential A” District known as 72 Bennett Place a/k/a SCTM# 101-9-5-15. By order of the Zoning Board of Appeals, Village of Amityville Catherine Murdock, Clerk/Treasurer 26-107. 5/6, 13
Memorial Day is celebrated at the end of May each year to honor those who lost their lives while serving in the Armed Forces. Memorial Day, the origins of which can be traced to the aftermath of the American Civil War, holds deep historical significance, and the following are five interesting facts about the holiday.
1. The holiday began as Decoration Day. Before the official establishment of Memorial Day, communities began holding spring tributes to fallen soldiers, decorating soldiers’ graves with flowers to pay respects. In 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for northern Civil War veterans, officially proclaimed May 30 as Decoration Day. War.gov says that graves at Arlington National Cemetery continued to be adorned in the same fashion they were back in the 1860s.
2. Memorial Day became an official holiday in 1968. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Memorial Day into law on June 28, 1968, officially marking Memorial Day as a national holiday. However, two years prior, he signed a proclamation officially declaring Waterloo, New York, as the birthplace of Memorial Day. The town was the first to honor fallen soldiers, and has been featuring a formal, community-wide event since May 5, 1866.
3. Blooming flowers have a place in Memorial Day history. Historians believe that the original choice of May 30 for Decoration Day was not due to any specific battle. Rather, it was a day when no particular conflict had taken place and was the time of year when flowers would be in full bloom. So on May 30 there would be plenty of flowers across the country to decorate soldiers’ graves.
4. All fallen veterans were eventually honored on Memorial Day. Many early Memorial Day iterations honored those who died during the American Civil War. After World War I, however, the Memorial Day holiday was expanded to honor all American military personnel who died during any war.
5. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act changed when Memorial Day is commemorated. Memorial Day once was commemorated on May 30 regardless of the day of the week. In 1968, Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, moving Memorial Day to the last Monday in May to create a three-day weekend for federal employees. This change went into effect in 1971.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11
engaged and forward-thinking, often developing ideas and inventions aimed at improving public safety. He was predeceased by his parents, Edwin and Helen (Donnolly) Lawrence; his sister, Caroline Smith; his brotherin-law, Ed Smith; and his son-in-law, Larry Dingee. He is survived by his five children: Jim (Tammy) of Fall City Washington , Ed (Karlene) Webser NH , Dale, Cornish NH Diana (Robert) Daytona Beach Fla. , and Patty (Michael) Homosassa, Florida. ; ten grandchildren: Shane, Mary, Ashley, Lisa, Kelsey, Jessica, Kyle, Marisa, Stephen, and Santino; and ten great-grandchildren: Emma, Blake, Maisie, Jacob, Logan, Brooke, Julius, Liam, Sofia, and Isabel.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ed Lawrence’s memory may be made to the following organizations: Massapequa Fire Department Companies 4 & 6, P.O. Box 382, Massapequa, NY 11758; AFD Cares, c/o Amityville Fire Department, P.O. Box 725, Amityville, NY 11701or the Cornish Fire Department Association, P.O. Box 274, Cornish Flat, NH 03746.
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Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
This breathtaking property is a masterfully crafted home set on a sprawling threequarter acre corner lot, where elegance, space, and thoughtful design come together. From the moment you step inside, the superior craftsmanship and refined interior design make an unforgettable impression. Rich wood flooring flows seamlessly throughout, grounding every room with warmth and character. The soaring vaulted ceiling of the magnificent living room creates
Q. I’ve been interviewing architects and want your opinion on the issue of interior design. I have no sense of space, color or furniture. I’m getting mixed ideas from the architects about having an interior designer involved at the beginning, and I’m wondering what to do. Should I have the interior designer do the space plan first, and then hire the architect, or should I get the interior designer involved more toward the middle, before plans are done?
A. This is a touchy subject that often leads to frustration, mostly because the tasks of each are not always understood. There’s an old saying, “Too many cooks spoil the broth.” An interior designer on my projects has always been requested to work after the building is designed, from the beginning to the end. The reasons for this are the differences in our knowledge of laws, engineering qualifications and responsibilities.
An interior designer doesn’t have a license, qualification or, generally, the education to perform the integrated services of an architect or an engineer. The reason that’s a frustrating answer is that I like working with interior designers personally, when the enhancement of the building’s finishes come into play, after the building has met the requirements of being able to stand, shed light to spaces, allow for all the safety requirements and myriad codes that must be followed. Unfortunately, clients often see that as being egotistical, overly sensitive or domineering, and that’s due to the lack of education as to what each person’s role is in construction. It’s no different than when a carpenter tells a homeowner that the structure could have been thinner and would have saved the owner money. The carpenter may not understand that the structure has to be sized for insulation thickness to meet energy codes before voicing their perspective. I’ve had multiple experiences that turned out very well because it was understood, from the project beginning, that the architect wasn’t there just to draw what they were told to draw. At times, issues needed to be discussed, and changes were necessary to accommodate the material thickness.
For example, stairways have a minimum width, and you can’t arbitrarily add a thick stone surface to the side walls that would reduce the clear width. It might be beautiful, but imagine having the inspection fail for safety reasons. In that instance, the plans could have been discussed or the material selection could have been revised.
I once had an interior designer repeatedly changing the shape of spaces, requiring the arbitrary removal of columns. A building won’t stand without columns, and moving them is like pulling one card out of a house of cards, literally and figuratively. A great design starts with great communication and a clear understanding of each person’s responsibilities and boundaries, both legal and by the project team as a whole. As a team, you will be successful if you and every team member understand this. Good luck!
© 2026 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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I have more than enough words for a memoir
Recently I entered into an agreement with noted editor Peter Ginna to put my 140,000-word memoir manuscript into final form to be presented to publishers. That will probably result in the reduction of at least 30,000 words and some reformatting. The final product, though, will be mine.
This project began five years ago. After I retired from Congress in January 2021, I started to assemble my thoughts, news stories, photos and memorabilia from 28 years in office in an attempt to make some sense of, and put in some perspective, my experiences. The more I assembled, the more I realized how long and unlikely the journey had been — and how fortunate I had been.
Particularly helpful to me in collating so much of the memories and information was Anne Rosenfeld, who worked in my district office, in Massapequa Park, for all of those years, including the last 20 as district director. Melissa Zimmerman was one of the Nassau County Police Department
detectives on my congressional security detail. Having retired shortly before I did, she agreed to be my post-congressional security director. As she learned what I was doing and heard my discussions about my experiences, she urged me to put it all into a memoir. And she didn’t let up until I started the process.
As I began to write, I realized that the story would have to begin where it all began, on the bluecollar sidewalks of Sunnyside, Queens, and then St. Albans.
if not a ragsto-riches tale, my life has certainly been an improbable journey.
My grandparents were Irish immigrants. My father was a World War II veteran and an Army Reserve major who served for three decades in the New York City Police Department, rising to the rank of lieutenant as commanding officer for physical training and head of the department’s first Ceremonial Unit, which he formed. My mother, a product of the Depression, had to turn down a college scholarship and take a job instead.
My younger brother, Kevin, and I attended St. Teresa’s grammar school, in Woodside, where there were 70-plus kids in a classroom, with no concern for feelings or sensitivity. Tuition was 25 cents a week. After that it was Brooklyn Prep and then St. Francis College, while
TI worked full-time at the Railway Express freight yards on Manhattan’s West Side as a junior and senior. After that I was unexpectedly accepted by Notre Dame Law School, where I made friendships that would last a lifetime. At neighboring St. Mary’s College I met Rosemary, who has been putting up with me for a lifetime.
All of this somehow led to experiences with an eclectic mix of people and events that made for an interesting, never boring, life, as I navigated the minefields of New York and Washington politics and government. I dealt with tragedies such as Sept. 11 and its lasting aftermath, which included fighting for health care benefits for its survivors and first responders. I was one of only two members of Congress in history to vote against the impeachment of two presidents. I faced challenges as chairman of the Homeland Security Committee, holding controversial hearings into Islamic radicalization and ensuring that New York and Long Island received the funding necessary to defend against future terrorist attacks.
Over the years in New York, Washington and overseas, there were dealings with Presidents Clinton, Bush,
Obama, Trump and Biden; British Prime Minister Blair and Irish P.M. Ahern; Israeli leaders Rabin, Peres and Netanyahu; and meeting foreign leaders and dignitaries such as Russia’s Yeltsin, Poland’s Walesa and Britain’s Queen Elizabeth. There were New York leaders, characters and personalities including Cardinal John O’Connor, Al D’Amato, Ed Koch, Rudy Giuliani and Roy Cohn. There was also the almost surreal experience of being the grandson of Irish immigrants and having a great uncle who was in the IRA and imprisoned during the Irish War of Independence in the 1920s — and working with Clinton, Blair, Ahern and Irish Republican leader Gerry Adams to bring about the historic 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which ended the centuries-old, bloody struggle between the British government and the people of Ireland.
My life has not been a rags-to-riches tale, but it has certainly been an improbable journey, beyond what I ever could have dreamed of or imagined. It has indeed been what my book title describes, “The Road to God Knows Where — From the Blue Collar Sidewalks of Queens to the Halls of Congress.”
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
We all need friends, and NATO is our best one
he older you get, the more you need to have some friends. While we should always be lucky to have a family that cares for us in good times and bad, we still have to have friends. A little research showed me that there are more songs about the value of friends, and the need for them, than about independence or going it alone.
I’m sure many readers are familiar with the Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends.” Or Dionne Warwick’s “That’s What Friends Are For,” or Carole King’s “You’ve Got a Friend,” Or Bill Withers’ “Lean on Me.” I could list another dozen songs that capture the importance of having a friend. Which brings us to the subject of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization. Somehow, President Trump has advanced the distorted idea that America can go it alone in the world without the help of our overseas allies. Long before NATO came into existence in 1949, our European friends were fighting with us in World War II, losing thou-
sands of young men to keep democracy alive.
When NATO was founded, its membership comprised Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, the United Kingdom and the United States. It now includes Albania, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Turkey. It is a powerful union of allies who all have economic and strategic relationships with the United States.
There is no way the United States could go it alone with these allies.
has always stood by us since then. Trump alleges that Iran was almost ready to attack the United States and Israel, but it did not launch an attack on our country. Being a “threat” to a NATO ally isn’t the same as attacking it. On 9/11, the NATO countries immediately declared their support for the United States and provided numerous forms of assistance, both technical and economic.
territory.) Russia could mount an attack on our country in minutes if it ever served their purposes.
What gets lost in the debate about NATO’s obligations to intervene in the war with Iran is that NATO was never consulted before the war began, and no member country was attacked by Iran. Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty says that an armed attack against one member is considered an attack against all members, which is not what happened in the war with Iran.
The first time the NATO charter was invoked was when America was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001. The alliance
To this day, NATO members continue to offer us strategic advice about actions around the world that may be a threat to America. They provide us with warnings about weather patterns and environmental events that are a threat to our region of the planet. And most of all, they buy billions of dollars’ worth of military equipment and other products that make our manufacturers healthy and wealthy.
Whether the president admits it or not, our two biggest enemies are China and Russia. In the case of Russia, it is worth noting that it is less than 60 miles from Alaska. (And actually, Big Diomede Island, in Russian territory, is just 2½ miles from Little Diomede Island, in U.S.
As for China, even with some severe economic problems, it is capable of causing major upheaval for the U.S. if it chooses. Should it invade Taiwan, America would lose its major supplier of the semiconductor chips that companies like Nvidia and Apple use for advanced computing. Other chips are used in automobiles and a wide variety of products, and we can’t afford to lose that supply.
There is no way that the United States could go it alone without its NATO allies. We can’t protect our country from the world’s two worst predators without those allies on our side. Breaking up that alliance would be strategic and economic suicide. Talk is cheap, so the president has every right to pick occasional spats with NATO, but he can’t afford to abandon it. To do so would create chaos for generations to come.
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.
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Small Business Week, which runs from May 3 to 9, will bring the usual round of proclamations, ribbon-cuttings and feel-good photo ops. Local entrepreneurs deserve every one of them. They also deserve the truth: The Main Streets of Long Island are under siege, and a week of celebration cannot paper over what the rest of the year has made painfully clear.
Walk down Park Avenue, in Long Beach, or Merrick Avenue, or any commercial corridor from Lynbrook to Glen Cove, and the strain is visible. For Lease signs have not come down in months. Restaurants have cut hours because they can’t find or afford the staff to stay open. Family-owned shops that survived the pandemic now wonder whether they will survive the aftermath. The business owners who anchor our downtowns aren’t asking for sympathy. They are asking, quietly and increasingly, whether the math still works.
The pressures are no secret. Rents for Long Island commercial space have climbed steadily. Costs have skyrocketed, outpacing what owners can charge without losing customers. Wages have risen, as they should, but for thin-margin businesses, every raise is a calculation about how many shifts can be staffed next month.
Energy bills and insurance premiums keep grinding higher. And looming over all of it is the e-commerce machine — Amazon, Temu, Shein and a growing list of online giants whose business model depends on undercutting the shop down the block, capturing the sale, and sending the profit somewhere far from Long Island.
The numbers tell a more complicated story than the celebratory ones we usually hear. In Nassau County, the U.S. Small Business Administration backed more than $207 million in loans last year, supporting roughly 500 businesses and helping create or sustain 2,850 jobs. That is real and meaningful. But SBA lending is also a barometer of need. A community in which hundreds of businesses require government-backed credit just to keep their doors open is not a community where small business is thriving on its own. It is a community where small business is fighting to hold ground.
Matt Coleman, the SBA’s regional administrator, has said that anyone who wants to understand the local economy needs to look past the financial markets and pay attention to those small businesses, embedded in our communities. He’s right. And what those businesses are telling us, if we listen honestly, is that the ground beneath them is shifting faster than they can adapt.
Federal tax relief on tips and overtime will help some workers. Modest tax reductions for small-business owners will help some operators. Neither will reverse the structural forces reshaping retail, hospitality and local service. The playing field is not level, and pretending otherwise does our merchants no favors.
What small businesses can offer is what e-commerce cannot: presence, accountability and a stake in the community. The pizzeria in East Rockaway that sponsors the Little League team.
The diner in Seaford that hosts the volunteer fire department’s monthly breakfast. The florist in Oyster Bay that decorates the village gazebo for the holidays.
None of those things show up on a balance sheet. All of them disappear when the storefront goes dark.
The Herald takes pride in standing alongside local businesses every day of the year. Our reporters tell their stories — the grand openings, the second-generation handoffs, the milestone anniversaries, the moments when local owners step up to feed first responders during a storm. Our advertising and marketing teams work shoulder to shoulder with owners to help them reach customers and grow their brand across print, digital and social channels. We do this because we believe local journalism and local commerce rise and fall together.
Honesty about the challenges is not pessimism. It is the precondition for a serious response. Policymakers should be looking hard at commercial rent pressures, at the unequal tax treatment that favors online sellers, at workforce housing that should allow people to actually live near where they work. Residents have a role, too — a more direct one. Every dollar spent locally is a dollar that stays here, resulting in sponsors for Little League teams, donors for nonprofit events, tenants for local storefronts, and more.
So this week, before clicking “buy now” online, walk into the shop down the block. Order takeout from the family-run restaurant in Island Park. Book the local landscaper from Malverne. Tip generously. The Main Streets of Long Island are not guaranteed. They are chosen, one transaction at a time, by the people who live here — and that choice has never mattered more.
where are all the government’s best and brightest?
In the current administration, there are fewer models for academic achievement, moral rectitude and ethical behavior. The swamp is real, and it’s drowning the smart and dedicated people who go to Washington to serve the country.
Many of our best federal officials have been muted or sidelined by the Elon MuskDonald Trump one-two punch.
The president has appointed a succession of officials who are unprepared for their demanding jobs. He has trolled the bottom for people whose only standard is loyalty to the regime. As they sink and flunk out, as scandal after scandal unfolds, as their inexperience and absurd behavior come to light, they leave and are replaced by other sycophants.
As education standards sink, we witness the rise of “influencers,” selfappointed experts who have co-opted the attention and expendable income of millions of people old enough to use a phone. We are ceding critical questions about our health and well-being to self-
promoters who may have no real expertise and even less education. What many of them do have is a social media presence and the marketing know-how to garner thousands — even millions — of followers.
This isn’t a new problem, but it’s getting worse.
One example: In February, The New York Times published a story titled, “Do Energy Drinks Offer Benefits Beyond Caffeine?”
sThe takeaway was that most of the boost in these drinks comes from oldfashioned caffeine, not the add-on vitamins or extracts or purified water. Even though many drinks are marketed by health influencers as enhancing focus or endurance, the evidence, the article said, is inconsistent. In addition, the high caffeine levels in these jazzed-up drinks are concerning for those with a variety of health issues.
and because they hold sway with millions of followers whose only source of scientific information and medical advice is social media.
ocial media offer an uninformed public a circular firing squad of ignorance.
They are influencers, too, because their audience often doesn’t read or listen critically to what they are peddling. The social media audience isn’t researching the claims made on Instagram, for example, because many don’t know how to do research. And it’s so easy to just click and buy and think your pimples will disappear with a new product. We need a savvier buying public, and that comes with old-fashioned, top-tier education backed by quality teachers who are paid generously for the immense responsibility they carry — to educate our young.
pelted with stones by members of the Red Guards. Allegiance to Mao was all.
I think of this as our best-trained military leaders are fired by Trump, as longtime officials in the FBI and CIA are replaced by flunkies, as people like Kristi Noem and Pam Bondi spin through the revolving door of our dysfunctional government.
A true leader seeks to elevate the best and brightest, without a loyalty test as the filter.
The concept of influencers has roots dating back to the early 1900s. It began with celebrities endorsing products. Remember the Marlboro Man who smoked his way to fame? And all the dead lung cancer victims who followed his lead?
What you get from some of these aggressively marketed drinks is an expensive thirst-quencher with a ton of caffeine.
This is just one example of how we have surrendered our power to people who may have no scientific background at all when it comes to herbs or lotions or foods or exercise regimens. They are “influencers” because they say they are,
The problem starts at the top, with an elected influencer in chief and his unqualified appointees, and it continues with an increasingly uninformed public whose only information comes from social media, a circular firing squad of ignorance.
In China, during the Cultural Revolution, from 1966 to 1976, intellectuals in every discipline were banished to the countryside. Illustrious scientists and writers were made to sit in public squares wearing dunce caps while being
I don’t understand the influence of influencers, the promotion of knownothings whom we empower to tell us how to live. I do know that to survive as a viable society, we must educate a new generation of critical thinkers.
It starts with our kids and grandkids, who must learn the difference between scientific-based information and random opinion offered up by charismatic but ignorant actors, even when they are handsome and riding a black stallion. Even when they live in the White House.
Copyright 2026 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.
moms opened a spa. It had one big, on
Mery and Sindy always knew they wanted to open a spa to bring beauty to customers. Little did they know it would have the same effect on the community. And Business First was there. We provided $23,000 in grants to help with much-needed renovations so Mery and Sindy could bring their vision to life.* Now, not only does their spa impact clients in a beautiful way, it gives the community an economic lift as well. *Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.