Courtesy/Town of Babylon
At the grand opening of the Babylon Town Hall of Fame are Councilman Tony Martinez; Warren Fuller; Kia Wright; Danny Greene; Tom Gargiulo; Christopher Vaccaro, President of the S.C. Sports Hall of Fame; Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer; Councilman DuWayne Gregory and S.C. Exec. Ed Romaine.
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
The Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame has unveiled a new satellite exhibit at the Town of Babylon Annex, spotlighting hometown heroes whose athletic accomplishments have left an enduring mark on the Greater Babylon area.
The exhibit, installed just outside the newly dedicated Tom Gargiulo Gymnasium on Phelps Lane, features more than 40 inductees connected to local communities — from sandlots to stadiums — each etched into the fabric of Suffolk County’s rich sports legacy.
“This wall isn’t just a celebration of the
past—it’s a spark for the future,” said Chris R. Vaccaro, president of the Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame. “We want every kid who walks through the annex to see those names and faces and to believe that greatness is within reach—and that they, too, can leave their mark on this community.”
Among those featured are NBA champion Danny Green (North Babylon), MLB All-Star Billy Koch (West Babylon), NFL player Darryl Young, MLS veteran Chris Wingert (Babylon), and WNBA guard Bria Hartley (North Babylon). Hall of Famers Kia Wright of Copiague and Warren Fuller of Wyandanch, both basketball standouts, attended the unveiling.
“This exhibit is a proud reminder that CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
When Angela Florie’s 13-year-old son, Alec, decided to attend Chaminade High School in Mineola after graduating from Bridges Academy in West Islip this June, the Amityville resident enrolled him and submitted the required transportation paperwork to the Amityville Union Free School District on time.
But when Florie followed up about a month later, she was told that the district would no longer provide bus service to Chaminade starting in September. The reason: The school is approximately two miles beyond the 15-mile maximum busing limit allowed under New York state law.
Previously, the district had been able to transport students to Chaminade because at least one “anchor” student lived within the 15-mile radius. Under the law, other students outside that range were permitted to meet at a central location to ride the same bus. However, that student graduated several years ago, and the district continued to provide the service — a violation of state regulations, according to officials.
To comply with the law, the district would need voter approval to extend the maximum mileage limit, officials said.
That’s exactly what Florie and other local parents are asking their neighbors to support. Proposition 2 on next week’s school budget and trustee election ballot seeks voter approval to increase the mileage limit from 15 to 17 miles. If approved, the district could resume busing for Alec and approximately 17 other Amityville students who
attend private schools like Chaminade.
Parents advocating for the measure launched a website, yesto17miles.com, to explain the issue and urge voters to approve Prop. # 2.
Also supporting the measure is Todd Brice, an Amityville High School graduate who has two boys going to Chaminade. Brice believes the decision by district officials to cut the service was driven more by the district’s goal to reduce a large budget gap than to come into compliance with the law. With the district facing a significant budget gap, eliminating private school busing would save the district approximately $400,000, plus an additional $75,000 in anticipated increases in charges from the bus company for the coming year, said Brice.
“Year after year, I have paid school district taxes without using the schools at all,” said Brice pointing out that the busing is the only service the district provides him and his family. “There are approximately 700 kids in Amityville who go to private school, which saves the district millions of dollars every year, yet they want to pull the rug out from under us and take away the one service they do provide— the busing.”
Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gina Talbert rejected that saying the focus in leaving the issue to voters was to bring the district in full compliance with the law.
“This budget item ensures transparency and full compliance with state law,” she said. “The decision to extend transportation services beyond the statutory 15-mile limit rests with the voters of the Amityville community.”
The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County and Amityville police departments and other fire and emergency services agencies:
Cop stabbed in Amity Harbor; two charged incident
Suffolk County Police arrested two men in connection with an incident in Amity Harbor that took place at 12:26 a.m., May 6. Police gave this account:
First Precinct officers responded to Gibbs Road at 12:26 a.m. after a 911 caller reported men attempting to steal items from vehicles. When officers arrived, they arrested Marcello Martinez at the corner of East Gibbs Road and Western Concourse while a second man fled.
A short time later, officers located Steven Vazquez hiding under a vehicle in front of 11 Gibbs Road. While attempting to flee from under the vehicle, Vazquez stabbed an officer in the upper right thigh and slashed him in the face. A tourniquet was applied to the officer’s leg, and he was transported to a local hos-
pital where he was treated and released.
Vazquez, 22, of 1420 Ackerson Blvd., Bay Shore, was charged with Assault 2nd Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree, Resisting Arrest, Menacing a Police Officer, and Grand Larceny 4th Degree. Martinez, 19, of 72 Greenwood Dr., North Babylon, was charged with Possession of Burglar’s Tools and Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 5th Degree.
The two will be arraigned on May 7 at First District Court in Central Islip.
The Suffolk Police Benevolent Association released a statement saying, in part, that officers continue to face “great peril as they work to protect the life and property in Suffolk County.
“This is yet another case of a violent perpetrator attempting to kill a Suffolk County Police Officer and almost succeeding. I commend these Officers for their bravery and quick action,” PBA President Lou Civello said in a statement.
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.
Results from school budget votes and trustee elections will be posted on our website, amityvillerecord.com, shortly after the polls close on Tues., May 20. Detailed stories will be posted online the next day and will appear in print in the Amityville Herald in the May 28 edition. For more information call the editor us at 631-383-7165.
The following students were recently recognized for academic achievements and graduation at their respective colleges:
• Jones Ethan of Amityville, assigned to the 106 th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard, was recently promoted to the rank of airman basic.
• Shelmel Dixon of Amityville, a member of the New York Army National Guard and assigned to the Company A, NY Army National Guard
Recruiting and Retention Battalion, was recently promoted to the rank of private.
The following students were recently recognized for academic achievements and graduation at their respective colleges:
• Anahis Rodriguez recently participated in Hofstra University’s Annual Pride and Plant event, which connects students with local homeowners who need help with yard work and planting.
NYS Assemblyman Michael Durso, in partnership with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, is holding a free Senior Medical ID Card program on Thurs., May 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 120 p.m. at the West Islip Public Library, 3 Higbie Lane in West Islip. The program is free and open to Suffolk County residents 50 years old and older.
The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office
Medical ID Cards assist seniors or those with medical needs to keep all required medical information available on a small card with them at all times in case of emergency. No registration is required. Walk-ins welcome.
For more information, please contact Assemblyman Durso’s district office at (516) 541-4598.
Saturday, June 7, 2025
10 a.m.
At Hofstra University, graduate students grow the seeds to advance in their career. Hear from representatives across 200 programs that include business, communications, education, engineering, health sciences, nursing, and psychology, and learn all the ways your success can sprout at Hofstra University. Your future awaits.
For event details and to RSVP, visit hofstra.edu/visit Attend
On Tues., May 20 voters will head to the polls to vote on their local school budgets and other propositions. In addition, they will be asked to elect school board members.
Here are the responses from school board candidates to the five questions we asked them.
For more information on your local school elections, go to amityvillerecord.com.
There are four candidates running for three seats on the school board.
How long have you lived in the district?
I have lived in the Amityville School District for 34 years. I am a proud product of the Amityville School district and now my two children attend Amityville public schools.
Why are you running for re-election?
I previously served on the Board of Education and successfully achieved a -0.21 percent (negative) tax levy increase in 2016-2017, essentially returning funds back to the taxpayers. In 20202021, I again held the line on taxes and delivered a 0 percent increase in the tax levy while simultaneously implementing Universal Pre-K and no cuts to staff. No other candidate can say that they’ve achieved anything like this for children or taxpayers of the Amityville School District.
What professional and personal experience do you bring to the board?
I’m an experienced board member with a track record of delivering results. As a veteran with service in Afghanistan, I have a strong sense of discipline and commitment. My academic background includes an associate degree in math and science, a bachelor’s degree in bio science, and a master’s degree in business administration. I want our students to achieve higher scores in math and science because these subjects are essential skills for many highpaying careers.
If elected, what will be your priority and why?
My priority would be to stabilize the budget and stabilize our district. A new administration was put in place two years ago and for the past two years, the school district has been operating in financial deficits. This is not acceptable. Financial deficits erode the faith of the taxpayers and put our students at a disadvantage. We need commonsense leaders who are willing to fight hard for our school district.
One thing you would change about the school district to make it better and/or improve student outcomes.
There is no silver bullet for achieving everything. It begins with implementing small, effective strategies and building upon them. It involves identifying students who need support in
specific areas and providing targeted assistance. It involves coaches ensuring that students who are struggling academically are not participating until their grades improve. It involves having adequate ENL/ESL services, especially since Latinos constitute most of our student population.
How long have you lived in the district?
35 years
Why are you running for election?
To improve the lives and education of our children; to be impactful in improving the lives and education of the Amityville and Massapequa community, and to improve and promote a culture of “we are all in this together.” It takes a village in this post-Covid era for all, including the superintendent, administrators, counselors, teachers, teacher aides, coaches, custodial staff and security personnel.
What professional and personal experience do you bring to the board?
I bring a wide range of gifts and professional talents. I am a retired New York City firefighter who served in both World Trade Center explosions. I am also a person who understands teamwork and working to a common goal. I served in the elite Hazardous Materials Rescue Unit. I have been head varsity track and field coach at Amityville High School; asst. varsity football coach at Amityville High School; security officer at Amityville High School; Nassau County basketball referee and head track & field coach at Saint Anthony’s High School. I also coached boys and girls Catholic High School State Championship Teams and was named U.S. High School Track & Field Coach of the Year 2001 and lead instructor of Inside/Out Dads program at Nassau County Men’s Correctional Facility. I am a leader of Symbis Marriage Counseling Ministry and a member of numerous civic organizations. If elected, what will be your priority and why?
To secure the future of Northeast Elementary School. This school has a longstanding history in our community of historic importance. It serves our most vulnerable young students.
One thing you would change about the school district to make it better and/or improve student outcomes.
To improve the culture of the community and to be in accord with the superintendent and the students and everybody in between. To promote the best learning experience and teaching experience possible by listening more than talking just to talk. To be respectful and lead our community to the best future possible for our children. Use my leadership skills to bring our community together and advocate for every member of our community and support early academic intervention, including Universal Pre-K.
How long have you lived in the district?
My wife and I moved here four years ago.
Why are you running for election?
I am running because I started to get involved after volunteering for the CBAC (Citizens’ Budget Advisory Committee). I didn’t like much of what I saw. And one day I just decided to act on it. The board is beholding to students and taxpayers. No one else. Or at least it is supposed to be. As 67 percent of our property taxes goes toward education, full transparency should be demanded by every parent and taxpayer.
What professional and personal experience do you bring to the board?
I spent nearly 40 years as a software engineer. I have a MS and a BS in computer science and an AS in mathematics. I was a soccer coach for nine years, five at the travel level. I sat on the executive board of the Baymen Soccer Club for two years. I raised two successful children and am the proud grandfather of five. I’m married to a retired ESL/ENL teacher.
If elected, what will be your priority and why?
The first thing I would do is get more people to come to board meetings. If parents and taxpayers get involved, they will want to know more. They will want to do more. When that happens, it will drive the board to better represent the community. And if that happens, it puts pressure on the superintendent to do better. And when that happens, the students win.
One thing you would change about the school district to make it better and/or improve student outcomes.
I would demand transparency. We all should. The board has direct control over just one person, the superintendent. So many times the board asks for information, in many instances more than once. Streamlining the district would ensure more resources for children. I would do my best to make sure all competent teachers are retained. If we can hit all the marks, maybe the students can have a field trip this year.
CHRISTOPHER (CHRIS) NEHRING
How long have you lived in the district? 37 years.
Why are you running for reelection?
I am hoping to continue my service on the Amityville Board of Education working cohesively with administration, teachers, staff, and the board of education to move this district forward.
What professional and personal experience do you bring to the board?
Professionally, I have over 15 years of workforce leadership experience, building, training, and maintaining teams of 20 to 100 employees. During that time, I have managed budgets, handled staffing and personnel matters, facilities maintenance, supplies and merchandise order-
The dog is the most varied mammal on Earth, with over 400 breeds recognized worldwide. While the origin of each breed’s name may not rival the evolutionary importance of Charles Darwin’s On the Origin of Species, their etymologies remain fascinating.
Etymology, the study of word origins, reveals that many dog breeds are named after geographic locations. Some are well known, like the Irish Setter, developed in Ireland, while others are more obscure, such as the Saluki, named for an ancient town in Arabia. Certain breeds are named after people, including the Doberman, named for German tax collector Louis Dobermann, and the Gordon Setter, named for the Duke of Gordon.
Other breed names describe their original jobs or characteristics. Pointers and Shepherds reflect working roles. “Borzoi” is Russian for “swift,” while “Shih Tzu” is Mandarin for “lion.” The Schnauzer takes its name from the German word “schnauz,” meaning “snout.”
The French “barbichon frisé,” or “curly lap dog,” was shortened to Bichon Frise.
Starting with basics, both “dog” and “hound” come from Old English. “Dog” is derived from “docga,” meaning a powerful canine breed, while “hound” stems from “hund,” which by the 12th century referred specifically to a hunting dog. The Basset Hound’s name comes from the Old French word for “low,” while “Dachshund” combines the German words for “badger” (dasch) and “dog” (hund).
The word “Terrier” originates from the Latin “terra,” meaning “earth,” as these dogs hunt prey underground. “Spaniel” dates to the 13th century and denotes a dog from Spain. Despite their French flair, Poodles are German in origin, from “pudel,” meaning “to splash,” referencing their work as water retrievers. Their elaborate haircuts once served a functional purpose for swimming.
The Vizsla has dual meanings: “to seek” in Turkish and “to point” in Hun-
garian. “Schipperke,” a Dutch word, translates to “little boatman” or “skipper,” as these compact watchdogs patrolled barges.
Arctic sled dogs such as Huskies, Malamutes and Samoyeds are named for the Inuit or Siberian groups that bred them. Other breeds resemble geography lessons: Dalmatians are from a region in Croatia, Lhasa Apsos from Tibet’s capital, and Rottweilers trace back to the German town of Rottweil, where Roman legions once marched with Mastiffs. Airedales were developed near the River Aire in England.
French Poodles are not the only geographical misnomers. Great Danes originated in either Germany or Britain, but a French naturalist traveling in Denmark coined the mistaken name in the 1700s. Labrador Retrievers are from Newfoundland, though Labrador is nearby.
Other breeds have multiple theories behind their names. The word “Collie” may stem from the Anglo-Saxon for “black like coal” or the Gaelic “cuilean,” meaning “puppy.” The Pug may have been named for its resemblance to marmoset monkeys—also called “pugs”— popular in the 1700s, or from the Latin “pugnus,” meaning “fist,” because of the dog’s head shape. Another theory links “Pug” to “Puck,” the fairy from Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream.
The Chow Chow also has more than one possible origin. One version suggests “chow” was Chinese slang for “edible,” while another connects it to the phrase “chow chow,” used in the 1800s to describe miscellaneous cargo from the Far East.
Beagles have varied theories about the root of their name. Snoopy’s ancestors may be described by the French term “be’geule” which means “gape throat” because of their baying voice, or possibly by the Celtic word “beag” meaning “small”. Fittingly, Darwin’s famed ship, the HMS Beagle, carried a namesake of Snoopy’s ancestors as he recorded his revolutionary observations of
the natural world. Sons of Snoopy everywhere bay with pride about their famous namesake ship.
At Last Hope Animal Rescue, 3300 Bel-
tagh Ave., Wantagh: Monica is an 8-yearold Beagle surrendered to a local shelter when her family moved to Europe. Tristan is a playful young Goldendoodle. For more information, call 631-946-9528.
By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com
The Amityville girls flag football team is wrapping up a season marked by progress, passion, and promise for the future.
While coach Bill Maisel admits they may fall just short of its ultimate goals this season, there’s no denying the strides that have been made. “It’s gone okay,” said Maisel. “We’re not going to finish where we hoped, but we’ve had more wins this year than in the history of the program.”.
That improvement is no accident. This Warriors’ squad has benefitted from a strong group of seniors who have been with the program since its inception. Quarterback/safety Alana Henry and wide receiver/linebacker Erin Creuder have not only grown into leaders but have helped shape the culture of the program. “We’ve gotten more consistency,” said Maisel. “We have a bunch of seniors, so the leadership, chemistry, and understanding of the game have improved so much.”
One of the biggest challenges in girls flag football is most players don’t come in with a background in the sport. “They didn’t play pee wee football like the guys,” Maisel said.
That’s where the leadership from players really makes a difference. Seniors like Henry, Crowder, Nevaeh Hankins, play key roles in mentoring newcomers, bridging the gap between raw athleticism and football IQ. “Sometimes we as coaches will use football terms that some of our players don’t understand,” said Maisel. “That’s where the leadership of our captains comes into play as a huge help.”
Amityville’s final record was 5-10-1. The five wins were against Center Moriches (12-6), Wyandanch (20-2), East Hampton (21-6), Smithtown Christian (21-6), and Riverhead Charter (26-0).
The blend of experience and new talent has created a dynamic roster. Juniors Jaelle Aikan and Anayah Hampton have emerged as first-year contributors, while junior newcomers Beverley Polelomon and Pauvy Morales are proving their potential. Sophomore Anna Marie Gomez, who is a second-year player, along with
seniors Sydney Carter and Imani Brown, continue to add depth and heart.
Maisel and assistant coach Jason Epps have been instrumental in turning that depth into results. Epps, who handles the defense, has helped lead Amityville through several tight, low-scoring games thanks to disciplined and aggressive defensive play. “His defense has been on point,” Maisel said. “It’s the reason we’ve won as many games as we have.”
But for Maisel, success isn’t just about this season. It’s all about building something that lasts. “Our goal is to build a program, not just a team,” he said. As a teacher in the district, he’s already scouting future talent, jotting down names of promising girls in elementary school. That long-term vision, paired with the foundation laid by this year’s group, sets Amityville up for a bright future in the growing sport.
In just a few short years, Amityville has gone from learning the basics to building a competitive program with real momentum. Thanks to strong leadership on and off the field, this program is no longer just getting started. It’s on the rise.
By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com
In her third year at the helm, head coach Nicole O’Donnell has once again positioned the Babylon High School softball team as a top contender in League VII.
Known as a pitcher-heavy league with an influx of young talent, League VII is never easy, but O’Donnell and her squad have embraced the challenge with confidence and grit.
Coming off a league title last year, the Panthers knew the road to another championship wouldn’t be easy, especially after graduating six seniors. “This year was about reconnecting,” O’Donnell said. “We have a wide age range on the team, from 7th graders to seniors, and we’ve worked hard to build chemistry. It’s not just about winning, it’s about having fun and aligning our goals.”
Despite finishing second to BayportBlue Point in the regular season, Babylon has secured a playoff spot thanks to its 12-4 record and is eyeing the Class B championship with high hopes. In all 12 wins, the Panthers put up double digit run totals, including a season high against Center Moriches on April 10 in a 23-4 victory.
Leadership has played a crucial role in the team’s success. Senior corner infielder Kerin Tanner has been a key contributor since 8th grade, and her versatility is unmatched. Primarily a first baseman, Taylor has also played third base, outfield, and even pitched when needed. “She’ll do whatever it takes for the team,” O’Donnell said. Batting .531 with two home runs and 27 RBIs, Taylor is a constant threat at the plate, even when opponents try to pitch around her. “She knows that teams are hesitant to attack her but she’s still always ready.”
Behind the plate, sophomore catcher Eliana Romero brings poise and leadership well beyond her 10th-grade status. “She’s a silent leader,” said O’Donnell. “She steadies the team with her calm presence and strong relationship with the pitching staff.” Romero is hitting .442 with a home run.
In the circle, 8th grader Sofia HagertyCori has carried the pitching load entirely on her own. Logging 88 innings with 88
strikeouts, Cori has proven she belongs at this level and then some. “She’s always ready to go,” said O’Donnell. “Her future is incredibly bright.”
The youth movement doesn’t stop there. Seventh grader Addy Janawsky and her .383 batting average have made an immediate impact at second base. “She plays with a maturity beyond her years,” said O’Donnell. “She’s earned her spot through consistency and a strong work ethic.”
In the outfield, junior Carissa Arena has shown elite athleticism, capable of patrolling all three positions. “Her diving catches and relentless effort have saved countless runs and energized the team,” said O’Donnell.
Then there’s senior and five-year varsity player Hazel Bivona. A righty thrower but lefty batter, Bivona can slap, bunt, or hit for power. With a .455 average and a staggering .657 on-base percentage, teams still struggle to find a way to keep her off the bases.
What stands out most about Babylon softball isn’t just the talent, it’s the unity. “They mesh so well together,” O’Donnell said. “I see them in the classroom and on the field, and it’s amazing to watch them grow and support each other. They love the game, and they want to succeed.”
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3
ing. While working with many different personalities with varying strengths and weaknesses, I have developed an aptitude to work well in all types of environments.
Personally, I am an alumnus of the district and the father of two active students in the district, which affords me a better understanding of the history of the district as well as the current needs and environment of the district.
If elected, what will be your priority and why?
I want to restore the community’s trust in the district. I hope to accomplish this mainly by transparently rebuilding the district’s financial status while properly staffing the district to ensure students’ needs are met.
One thing you would change about the school district to make it better and/or improve student outcomes.
I would like to change the availability of field trips and find a way to bring them back for students in all grades by finding further budget savings and finding outside funding through donations and grants. The fun and educational experiences will help improve morale while providing memorable events with their classmates.
There are two seats open on the Copiague School Board. Anthony S. Pepe is running unopposed, and Paul Daubel is challenged by Tia Knight-Forbes. The candidates did not respond to requests for more information. Vote Tuesday, May 20
Babylon Town Councilmen Anthony Manetta and Terence McSweeney hosted a successful Town of Babylon Career Fair on April 30, connecting high school students and young adults with trade unions, healthcare providers, first responders, and local employers. The event offered valuable career pathways for those not pursuing college and was well-attended by students, families, and educators. For more information on the event or career options call Manetta’s office at 631-9574482 or Councilman McSweeney’s office at 631-9573081.
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By AINSLEY MARTINEZ amartinez@liherald.com
Second story in a series on the Southern State Parkway.
Ana Marte, 67, said that a fatal car accident on the Southern State Parkway in January changed her life.
Her grandson Anthonie Marte, 23, was severely injured in a one-car crash shortly after 11 p.m. on Jan. 12, in the eastbound lanes not far from Exit 30, near Farmingdale and Massapequa, according to the New York State Police.
Investigators said that the car in which Marte was a passenger, a black 2016 Dodge Dart, was traveling at a high rate of speed and weaving between lanes before the driver lost control and crashed into a tree.
Two rear-seat passengers, ages 23 and 21, were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver, Jaden Dsouza, 19, of College Point, Queens, and Marte, of East Elmhurst, Queens, who was in the front passenger seat, were both extricated from the vehicle and transported to a nearby hospital in serious condition.
Marte’s grandmother said he suffered major head injuries, and she still takes care of him daily, feeding him and giving him pain medicine. He is slowly recovering, with doctors’ appointments and physical therapy. “He’s like a baby again,” she said. “He doesn’t want to go outside because he’s scared, and all he does is sleep.”
Marte does not remember the accident, his grandmother said.
Dsouza was later charged with one count of driving while ability impaired by drugs, second-degree manslaughter, first-degree vehicular manslaughter, second-degree assault and aggravated vehicular homicide, police said.
Crash data from the New York State Police shows a fluctuating, but persistent, pattern of accidents on the Southern State Parkway over the past six years, with the number of fatal crashes in a year reaching as high as six.
Crashes resulting in serious personal injury in Nassau have remained relatively low throughout the period, with no more than two reported in any given year.
While most incidents are non-fatal, serious crashes often involve an added risk: intoxication. Speed and distraction remain consistent contributing factors, but impairment by drugs or alcohol increases the potential for deadly outcomes.
“It’s on the driver for the most part,” State Police Capt. Mike Rhodes said. “If they’re inattentive, if they’re speeding, if they’re not following the vehicle and traffic law, they do not understand the severity of what could happen.”
Rhodes oversees 56 state troopers and eight sergeants, many of whom patrol the 25.3-mile long Southern State. Most accidents, he said, occur during peak congestion, at around 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Crash data from the state police show a fluctuating but persistent pattern of accidents on the parkway over the past six years, with fatal crashes increasing in 2024.
In 2019, there were 3,127 crashes on the Nassau County stretch of the parkway, including six fatalities. That number dropped to 2,331 in 2020, but rose again in subsequent years, reaching 2,716 in 2022 and 2,725 in 2023. In 2024, state police recorded 2,549 crashes and five fatalities. Thus far this year, there have been 328 crashes and one fatality.
“A lot of these things, they hit every single age category,” Rhodes said.
To combat the persistent problem, state police focus on enforcement and outreach. Not every traffic stop results in a citation; many serve as opportunities for education.
Personal injury attorney Stephen Cohen said that in his more than five decades of handling lawsuits, most of those that involve accidents on the Southern State involve intoxicated drivers.
Cohen, a partner at the law firm Cohen and Jaffe, in New Hyde Park, said that speed, intoxication and reckless driving continue to be the common factors in the region’s most serious accidents.
“I don’t believe road design is an issue at all,” Cohen said. “Posting more signs to slow down isn’t an answer, because when somebody is either speeding or just intoxicated, they don’t really care what the sign says.”
Many collisions during rush hour, he explained, stem from traffic congestion and insufficient braking distance. “People are gliding along, and they hit a certain spot, and all of a sudden they weren’t prepared, because they’re going 70 miles an hour,” Cohen said. “So you
see a lot of rear-end collisions, not necessarily death-related.”
Fatal crashes, he noted, often involve younger drivers, high speeds and intoxication or impairment.
“You don’t see fatalities at 11 o’clock in the morning,” Cohen said. “You just don’t. You may see them at 4 in the morning. When your ability to observe is not sharp because of either impairment or intoxication, the car is going to go airborne. And if there happens to be a tree there, that’s the next thing you’re going to hit.”
In his practice, Cohen said, the firm represents victims or passengers, but not intoxicated drivers.
Under state law, he noted, lawsuits require plaintiffs to meet the “serious injury” threshold defined in insurance law. In cases involving fatalities, death, families must petition a Surrogate’s Court to appoint a representative for the estate before filing a lawsuit. That process can take over a year, he said.
Insurance coverage limits often dictate how quickly a case can be resolved. “If somebody has — let’s say, the responsible party — has a $100,000 policy, that case is going to be over in two seconds,” Cohen said.
Efforts to reform wrongful death laws in New York have repeatedly stalled, despite advocacy from legal organizations.
Despite changes in laws and vehicle technology over the years, Cohen said, the root problems remain unchanged.
“It only seems to get worse because cars are faster than they were 20, 30 years ago,” he said. “There’s more people drinking or doing some sort of drugs. And that’s what you see in all horrific accidents.”
Additional reporting by Mohammad Rafiq.
2019 – Total: 3,987
(3,127 Nassau, 860 Suffolk)
Serious personal injury: 2 (Nassau)
Fatal: 8 (6 Nassau, 2 Suffolk)
2020 – Total: 2,977
(2,331 Nassau, 646 Suffolk)
Serious personal injury: 3 (2 Nassau, 1 Suffolk)
Fatal: 9 (6 Nassau, 3 Suffolk)
2021 – Total: 3,566
(2,782 Nassau, 784 Suffolk)
Serious personal injury: 1 (Nassau)
Fatal: 9 (6 Nassau, 3 Suffolk)
2022 – Total: 3,552
(2,716 Nassau, 836 Suffolk)
Serious personal injury:
5 (1 Nassau, 4 Suffolk)
Fatal: 13 (5 Nassau, 8 Suffolk)
2023 – Total: 3,500 (2,725-Nassau, 775-Suffolk)
Serious personal injury: 1 (Nassau)
Fatal: 6 (3 Nassau, 3 Suffolk)
2024 – Total: 3,405
(2,549 Nassau, 856 Suffolk)
Serious personal injury:
2 (1 Nassau, 1 Suffolk)
Fatal: 15 (5 Nassau, 10 Suffolk)
2025* – Total: 426 (328 Nassau, 98 Suffolk)
Serious personal injury: 0
Fatal: 3 (1 Nassau, 2 Suffolk)
* To date
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
Dr. Edward J. Mohr, a compassionate ophthalmologist whose skilled hands helped preserve the vision of thousands and whose heart helped preserve the legacy of his late daughter, died peacefully on March 27, 2025. He was 78 and had practices in West Islip and Amityville.
A beloved husband, father, grandfather and community figure, Dr. Mohr practiced medicine on Long Island for nearly 50 years, earning the deep respect of his patients and colleagues alike for his dedication, kindness and unwavering resolve.
Born Oct. 21, 1946, in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, he was the son of Mary and Allen Mohr. His family later
moved to Massapequa, where he was raised alongside his siblings, Colleen, Denise and Allen. He graduated from Seton Hall High School in 1964, where he met his future wife and loving partner, Cabrini Cirillo. The two were married June 7, 1970 and would spend the next 54 years building a rich life together.
Dr. Mohr earned his undergraduate degree from St. Bonaventure University in 1968 and his medical degree from Creighton University in Omaha in 1972. He completed his internship and residency at Nassau County Medical
Center, specializing in ophthalmology. In 1976, he opened his first private practice in West Islip, later expanding to Amityville. Over the next four decades, he performed thousands of eye
surgeries, restoring sight and offering hope to patients across the region. Even after semi-retiring in 2017, he
Honoree Kia Wright and Suffolk Sports Hall of Fame president Chris Vaccaro examine banner for Babylon’s new Sports Hall of Fame in Phelps Lane Annex
greatness can start right here in our hometowns,” said Babylon Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer. “From little league fields to professional arenas, the athletes honored here show what’s possible when talent meets determination—and we’re thrilled to celebrate their legacy.”
The Babylon display is the latest in a series of satellite exhibits the Hall has installed across Suffolk County, including locations at Fairfield Properties Ballpark (home of the Long Island Ducks), Huntington Town Hall, and Long Island MacArthur Airport. The
initiative is part of a broader campaign to celebrate the Hall of Fame’s 35th anniversary, marked by events and partnerships throughout the year.
Next on the calendar: the unveiling of a historical marker on May 31 in Babylon Village, commemorating the 140th anniversary of the New York Cuban Giants, the nation’s first all-Black professional baseball team.
The Town of Babylon Annex exhibit is free and open to the public during regular building hours. The annex is at 281 Phelps Ln., North Babylon. It can be reached at 631-422-7600.
A “meet and greet” with school board candidates for Amityville, Babylon Village, Copiague, Deer Park, North Babylon and Wyandanch will be taking place on May 15 at the Dominican Village in Amityville at 7 p.m.
Hosted by NAACP Central Long Is-
land, all are invited and encouraged to come.
The Dominican Village is located at 565 Albany Ave., Amityville.
For more information, call (631) 7669870 or email naacpcli@gmail.com
The annual Soldier Ride in Babylon will take place on July 18. Take part in this special 25-mile cycling event as you ride alongside the men and women who served our country and support their journey to recovery.
If you register up until June 30, the cost for an adult is $75 and a t-shirt is included.
For children ages 6 through 17, the cost is $25 per child. Day of registration, July 1, is $100 for adults with a T-shirt included, and $40 for children.
To register and for more information, visit soldierride.org/babylon. If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, contact communitysr@woundedwarriorproject.
THURSDAY, MAY 15
• Town of Babylon Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting: 6 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, call (631) 957-3012.
• Amityville Rotary Club Meeting: 8 a.m., Brownstones Coffee, 55 Merrick Road, Amityville. For more information, call President Michele Camilleri at (631) 598-1700 or email amityvillerotaryclub@gmail.com.
• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway, Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information call (631) 972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.
• 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.
FRIDAY, MAY 16
• 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 17
• 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.
• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway, Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information call (631) 972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.
SUNDAY, MAY 18
• 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 19
• Copiague School District Board of Education Meeting, Public Budget Hearing: 7 p.m., Everett E. Newmann III Administrative Offices at Copiague Middle School, 2650 Great Neck Road, Copiague. For more information, call (631)-842-4015.
• Town of Babylon Planning Board Meeting: 7 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, call (631) 957-4434.
TUESDAY, MAY 20
• Amityville and Copiague School Districts: Budget Vote and Election. Visit amityvillerecord.com for more information on the budget and the candidates who are running.
• Town of Babylon Accessory Apartment Review Board Meeting: 6 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, call (631) 957-7468.
• Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 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 21
• Amityville Public Library Board of Trustees Meeting: 6 p.m., 19 John St., Amityville. For more information, call (631) 264-0567.
• Town of Babylon Town Board Meeting: 3 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, call (631) 957-4292.
• Town of Babylon Rental Board Meeting: 6 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, call (631) 957-4434.
• Amityville School District Board of Education Regular Meeting: 7:30 p.m., Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School, 140 Park Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631) 5656000.
• Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free weekly, virtual 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.
• The Long Island Dahlia Society: 9 a.m., Bayard Cutting Arboretum, 440 Montauk Highway., Great River. All are welcome. Come and learn how to care for your dahlias. For more information call (631) 972-8829 (leave message) or visit longislanddahlia.org.
• 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.
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.
Students and teachers at Amityville Memorial High School recently went head-to-head in the school’s inaugural “Amityville Feud.”
Based on the popular game show “Family Feud,” classes at each grade level competed against each other while two groups of high school teachers competed in the preliminary rounds in the school’s auditorium. Emceed by senior Adonis Lyons, dressed as Steve Harvey, the topics were based on daily habits of students and teachers in school. The final competition came down to the sophomores against the teachers, and the high
school’s teachers emerged as the winners in the best of two out of three games.
The “Amityville Feud” was held at the high school to celebrate the school’s positive culture in the building. The high school has sought ways to increase the number of activities that encourage student participation and build a stronger sense of community. The district commends its high school students on their continued growth of positive culture which has led to meaningful and enjoyable activities that keep students engaged, motivated, and excited to be part of the school.
Northeast Elementary School in Amityville is proud to celebrate its third year of the school’s Parent Empowerment Program.
Under the leadership of Northeast Principal Pauline Collins, Ed.D., the program provides parents with the information and resources needed to help their children while assisting them in navigating the school system. The parents and students meet at Northeast every Saturday morning where they en-
joy breakfast and participate in a children’s program that would mirror the same theme for the day.
The school’s social worker, Jessenia Bermudez, was instrumental in securing partnerships with organizations such as Hope for Youth, the Crime Victims Center and Cornell Cooperative Extension, among other programs. Hope for Youth conducts a three-part positive parenting training program
NYS Assemblyman Michael Durso, in partnership with the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, is holding a free Senior Medical ID Card program on Thurs., May 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 120 p.m. at the West Islip Public Library, 3 Higbie Lane in West Islip. The program is open to Suffolk County residents 50 years old and older. The Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office
Medical ID Cards assist seniors or those with medical needs to keep all required medical information available on a small card with them at all times in case of emergency. No registration is required. Walkins welcome.
For more information, contact Assemblyman Durso’s district office at (516) 5414598.
which focuses on training confident, happy and resilient children. The Crime Victims Center provides education and awareness on identifying and protecting children against sexual abuse and the Cornell Cooperative Extension educates parents on nutrition and healthy eating.
The district would like to thank all of the educators who continue to make this program a strong tool for our parents and students to grow together in Amityville.
St. Patrick’s Church at 305 Carll’s Path, Deer Park is hosting a fish fry & thrift shop event Sat., May 17 at the church. The event is outdoors from noon to 4 p.m. The cost is $20 for take-out and advanced orders; beverages will also be available.
The thrift shop will be open from noon to 4 p.m. also and give event goers a chance to purchase new and slightly used clothing, shoes, jewelry, household items, books and more.
For more information. call 631-2427530.
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9
continued seeing patients in West Islip until just weeks before his passing.
He is remembered not only as a talented surgeon but as a generous community member who coached youth sports, supported church and school events, and cheered loudly for his beloved New York Mets.
His family was the heart of his world. He and Cabrini welcomed three children: Jacqueline Mary, Michael Allen and Natalie Lillian. His devotion to his late daughter Jackie lives on through Jac’s Pack, a charitable effort supporting cancer research at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Mohr proudly wore the group’s signature, rainbow Tshirts, at fundraising races and events, helping to turn grief into purpose.
“He’s the greatest father, role model, mentor and best friend that I could have ever asked for, and I am forever honored, privileged, thankful, lucky, and proud to be his son,” said his son, Michael.
His grandson Brady Lessing will remember his grandfather as a strong, yet kind man. “He guided me toward a life of
integrity and compassion,” he said.
“Most of us knew Dad as ‘The Big E’—not just for Ed, but because he was truly extraordinary” said his daughter Natalie Lessing. “ His remarkable spirit, filled with wisdom, love, laughter, and compassion, lives on as a powerful legacy in me, my children, and all those he touched.”
Dr. Mohr is survived by his wife, Cabrini; his children, Michael and Natalie; his son-in-law, Christopher Lessing; and three grandsons, Christopher Brady Jr., Edward Mohr and Nicholas Michael, all of East Islip. He was predeceased by his daughter Jackie.
He reposed at Fredrick J. Chapey & Sons Funeral Home, 200 E. Main St., East Islip April 1, 2025. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated the following day at St Mary’s R.C. Church, 20 Harrison Ave., East Islip
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Jac’s Pack at www.jacspack. org or mailed to Jac’s Pack, Natalie Lessing, 26 Percy Williams Drive, East Islip, NY 11730.,
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, a Democrat representing New York’s 4th Congressional District, and Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Lawler, of the 17th District, have reintroduced a bipartisan bill aimed at protecting access to in vitro fertilization across the country.
The Access to Family Building Act, which Gillen is shepherding with support from Lawler and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, seeks to federally codify the right to access IVF services. The legislation is in response to growing concerns that reproductive technologies like IVF are being threatened by recent state-level legal developments and court rulings.
During a virtual press conference on May 7, Gillen emphasized the importance of ensuring legal certainty for families relying on reproductive technology. Infertility, she said, is a widespread issue affecting Americans of all backgrounds, and she called for Congress to act swiftly to protect the procedure.
len said. “The Access to Family Building Act will simply ensure that IVF remains accessible to families in every state.”
Lawler echoed Gillen’s sentiments, sharing his own family’s experience with fertility challenges. He reaffirmed his support for protecting IVF access, calling it a nonpartisan issue with widespread public backing. Lawler also referenced other related legislative efforts he supports, including tax credits and insurance mandates to reduce the financial burden of IVF treatments.
“Access to IVF should not be a partisan issue,” he said. “We want to help people through this journey and certainly make sure that their right to IVF is protected.”
The press event also featured Barbara Collura, president and CEO of Resolve: The National Infertility Association, who stressed the emotional and financial toll of infertility and the need for guaranteed nationwide access to IVF.
“There are so many challenges that our communities face in building their families,” Collura said. “Our goal is to reduce and eliminate those barriers. We
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, IVF accounted for nearly 3 percent for U.S. births in 2022, with over 91,000 babies born through assisted reproductive technology.
Democrats that year introduced the Right to Build Families Act, to protect access to IVF and other fertility treatments amid concerns after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. The bill was blocked by Senate Republicans.
The lawmakers emphasized the bipartisan nature of the new legislation, with Gillen noting that Republican support like Lawler’s is vital to passing it in the current Congress.
When the Herald asked about the path forward, both lawmakers said they planned to advocate within their parties and with the congressional leadership to advance the bill through committee and onto the House floor.
The legislation comes amid renewed national attention to IVF following recent court rulings in states like Alabama, where embryos created through IVF were legally recognized as children,
U.S. Representatives Laura Gillen and Mike Lawler announced bipartisan legislation to protect nationwide access to in vitro fertilization at a virtual press conference on May 7.
onstrate that this is not a partisan issue,” Gillen said. “This is an easy one for us to agree on. We want to support couples and individuals who want to bring a child into the world. IVF may be
By Danielle Schwab
Long Island Children’s Museum transforms into a colorful hub of creativity for some of its smallet visitors, every Thursday at 11:30 a.m. Its Little Learners Art Lab welcomes young artists — and the grownups with them — for a handson art adventure designed to spark curiosity and imagination.
Whether it’s painting, planting or playing with textures, sessions offer an inviting space where toddlers and preschoolers can explore the world through art. This is more than about creating something beautiful — it’s about growing minds and nurturing self-expression.
“We try to infuse in all of the themes different mediums, exposure to different artists and different approaches to art,” says Ashley Niver, the museum’s director of education.
Each week, children are introduced to artists, techniques, and styles through engaging projects and materials, led by museum educators. Parents and grandparents are welcome to join in the fun, making it a bonding experience that’s as enriching for adults as it is for kids. Through these immersive projects, the tots explore their creativity and even make new friends.
“Around a third of our visitors are under the age of five. It’s important for early childhood development to have activities that are process-focused to give them that expressive freedom [to create],” Niver explains.
In each class, young learners are encouraged to ask questions, try new things and take the lead in their creative journey. The program mixes play with gentle guidance, helping children explore big concepts in age-appropriate ways.
The activities act as a gateway to talk about new concepts for young learners as they discover the world around them, combining inquisitive thinking with instructional supervision. On the schedule, May 22, families can explore the lifecycle of a plant while decorating terracotta pots during Art In Bloom. Kids will plant seeds in those pots and take their tiny gardens home to watch, water and nurture as litle sprouts grow into blooming plants.
That’s followed by Crystallized Creations on May 29. The salt-based art project allows kids experiment with textures and observe how salt and paint interact — adding a rocky twist to their creativity.
“Science isn’t just happening behind the scenes. It can
‘Murr’ goes solo
Get ready to laugh — and laugh you will. Prepare for an unforgettable night filled with comedy, chaos and wild antics as Impractical Jokers’ James “Murr” Murray hits the stage on The Errors Tour. Known for his outrageous pranks, laugh-out-loud moments and unpredictable humor, Murr brings the party to you with a show packed full of hilarious stories, ridiculous mishaps and plenty of jaw-dropping moments. With his signature style of comedy and a few unexpected surprises, Murr will have you in stitches from start to finish. It’s surely a non-stop ride of comedy, antics and pure fun you won’t want to miss. For more than a decade, Murr and his lifelong Friends — Sal, Joe and Q — have been making audiences laugh across the country, and now he’s bringing the laughs to you. Murr Live is hysterical — of course, interactive — stand-up comedy, in true Impractical Jokers style. Hangout with Murr as he tells funny stories, shows off his own personal never-before-seen videos from Impractical Jokers and plays Jokers “live” on stage with the audience.
• Weekly Thursdays, 11:30 a.m.-noon
• Admission: $18 adults and children over 1 year old, $16 for seniors, free to members and under one year; additional fees for theater and special programs may apply
• For more information, visit licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
happen when you’re mixing paint and looking at changes in color or how, for instance, the salt disperses the paint pigment,” Niver says.
Other sessions examine techniques like pointillism or even introduce self-portraits in a thoroughly kid-friendly approach.
“When the parents see these ‘sticky moments’ for younger kids where they’re ingrained in these memories and these experiences, they are right there for the ride,” Niver adds.“They’re going through it with their children, and seeing their children light up and experience joy and learning of these new concepts connects the parents to the activities.”
Of course, art doesn’t have to happen in a classroom or museum space, it can also be done right at home! Niver encourages families to use these classes as an accessible way to bring the creativity back to their households.
“We want to give the opportunity for parents to incorporate making art in easy forms at home that may be less daunting for them,” Niver says.
And often, the youngsters can try materials and methods they may not have access to elsewhere. The sessions offer an introduction to new media as well.
“We also try to balance with materials that maybe they wouldn’t be exposed to normally at home. We could bring in easels one day and have the kids do canvas painting,” she adds.
The fun doesn’t stop when class ends. The museum’s exhibits and upcoming events are often tied into the weekly themes. So, when the class concludes, there’s plenty more to explore!
For example, in celebration of National Zoo and Aquarium Month, in June, kids can make majestic underwater creatures using recycled materials and bubble wrap. This is a creative “sneak peek” teaser what’s to come as the museum prepares to open its newest permanent exhibit, “Saltwater Stories,” in October.
Accessibility is another important component of the museum’s approach to arts programming. Little Learners Art Lab provides families with high-quality early childhood education at a fraction of the cost of private art classes or specialized preschool programs, according to the leadership team. The program’s affordability ensures that all children in the community have access to enriching artistic experiences that contribute to cognitive, social, and emotional development.
“Our whole point is to bring people in, and celebrate and cater to the audience that is coming to us daily, and that is the early childhood audience,” Niver says.
“We hope that for years to come families will bring back other children in their family, as their family grows, and continue to value the museum.”
Photos courtesy LICM
Kids and their adult partners play and create together at the Art Lab. Artistic inspiration involves developing young motor skills as everyone fully engages in the moment.
Friday, May 16, 7 p.m. $65, $55, $45, $35. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.
David Finckel, Wu Han
Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center Artistic Directors David Finckel (piano) and Wu Han (cello) have assembled a scintillating collection of works that reveal the joy and depth of the chamber music literature. Starting as frequent collaborators, Finckel and Han have been married since 1985. As a duo, they began to tour regularly while retaining residencies in New York. In this program, volin sonatas from the Baroque and Classical eras are performed by the young virtuoso Chad Hoopes, followed by Mendelssohn’s invigorating Second Sonata for cello and piano, a gem of the Romantic era. The art of romantic music hits a high point in the concluding work, in which all combine for a trio by the founder of Czech music, Bed�ich Smetana.
Sunday, May 18, 3 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
On Exhibit Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) that publicly launched the movement. The direct follow-up to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. On view through June 15.
•Where: 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor
•Time: Ongoing
•Contact: (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org
The beloved musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved award-winning, best-selling children’s books, is back on stage at Long Island Children’s Museum. Willems’ classic characters Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences.
•Where: Museum Row, Garden City
•Time: Also May 17 and May 20-22, times vary
•Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
High school vocalists and musicians can participate in the Summer Band Camp Program. Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, LIMEHOF, hosts its first All-Star Band Camp for high school students in grades 9-12. The week-long program runs from July 28 through Aug. 1, 9-11:30 a.m. each day and concludes with a final concert on Aug. 3 at 3 p.m. $350 fee. To apply, email student’s name, age, specific instrument or vocalist, and contact information to Tom Needham. Deadline is June 1.
•Contact: (631) 689-5888, info@limusichalloffame.org
There are still slots for pickleball lessons with the Town of Babylon. Lessons will be at Tanner Park through August and Phelps Lane through the month of May and June.
•Contact: (631) 893-2100, townofbabylon.com/parks
Comedy legend Jon Lovitz brings his signature wit and unforgettable characters to the Paramount stage for a night of nonstop laughs. Best known for his Emmy-nominated run on SNL and roles in hit films like “A League of Their Own” and “The Wedding Singer,” Lovitz has been a staple of comedy for over 30 years. He got his start acting in high school productions, developing his skills at the University of California, Irvine where he earned a B.A. in Drama. He also studied acting with Tony Barr at the Film Actors Workshop. At the advice of Tony Barr, Jon decided to concentrate solely on comedy. From there his trajectory took off. He began taking classes with the famed improv comedy group The Groundlings in 1982. One year later, Jon got his first acting job on the television show “The Paper Chase: the Second Year.” Two years followed and then he was accepted into The Groundlings main company. In March 1985 The Groundlings appeared on “The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson” where Jon premiered his character “Tommy Flanagan of Pathological Liars Anonymous. SNL and numerous other offers followed and Jon was on his, working non-stop since. Along with his comedy, Jon is well known for his distinctive voice. It has served him will in his varied TV and film career. He is one of the few performers to start as an actor and then become a stand-up comedian who successfully headlines venues nationwide. Jon’s humor is unique, which is attributable to his quirky personality, and he is sure to entertain. $59.50, $49.50, $39.50, $29.50. MAY
Registration is now open annual Soldier Ride in Babylon on July 18. Take part in this unique 25-mile cycling event as you ride alongside the brave men and women who served our country and support their journey to recovery.
•Contact: soldierride.org/ babylon
Teens can enjoy a showing of “Wicked” at Copiague Memorial Public Library. The untold story of the witches of Oz, Wicked stars Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a misunderstood young woman who has yet to discover her true power, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman who has yet to discover her true heart. For students in grades 6=12. Registration required.
•Where: 50 Deauville Blvd., Copiague
•Time: 5:30-8 p.m.
•Contact: (631) 691-1111 or copiague.librarycalendar.com/ event/teen-movie-pizza-51001
The community is invited to the first Town of Babylon Italian Food Festival. Enjoy food vendors, live music and DJ and LaFamiglia Cadillac Club as guests learn about Town of Babylon Italian history in the Town Board Room. Bring a pasta or sauce donation to support Councilman Manetta’s 6th Annual Pasta and Sauce Food Drive. Additional parking with free shuttle bus service at Lindenhurst Train Station will be available. A rain date is scheduled for May 18.
•Where: Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst
• Time: noon-5 p.m.
•Contact: (631) 957-4482
Permit
Drive-thru beach permits are now on sale for the Town of Babylon beaches at Geiger Park.
•Where: 50 W. 23rd St., Deer Park
•Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
•Contact: (631) 893-2100 or shorturl.at/rlRkk
•Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point
• Time: 3 p.m.
•Contact: sandspointpreserveconservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901
19
•Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.
• Time: 7 p.m.
•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Amityville Public Library hosts a fascinating program. Starting with the soil and ending with making a delicious garden pizza, attendees will learn step by step the process of how healthy food is made.
•Where: 19 John St., Amityville
•Time: 2:30-4 p.m.
•Contact: (631) 264-0567
Sands Point Preserve’s reserve’s historic mansions and waterfront grounds are the backdrop for the latest edition of its unique chamber music series, “Amami in primavera” (Love me in Spring).” A trip to Italy is a good idea any time of the year, but spring is the best. There is love in the air and new life everywhere. With a little Puccini, Donizetti, Verdi and more, it will be a “bel pomeriggio di Musica (a beautiful afternoon of music).” duoJalal ensemble-in-residence featuring Kathryn Lockwood, viola and Yousif Sheronick, percussion, with violinists Karla Donehew Perez and Rebecca Fischer, and cellist Raman Ramakrishnan, are joined by vocalist Abby Brodnick. With wine reception following. $56, $45 members.
Your financial journey focuses on managing spending, saving wisely and using credit responsibly. Amityville Public Library holds an education series focuses on money habits and helping attendees explore whether their current money habits are serving them well.
•Where: 19 John St., Amityville
•Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
•Contact: (631) 264-0567 MAY
Town of Babylon Beach
Permit Sales Drive-thru beach permits are now on sale for the Town of Babylon beaches at Tanner Park.
•Where: 400 Baylawn Ave., Copiague
•Time: 3-6 p.m.
•Contact: (631) 893-2100, shorturl.at/2FhFO
20 Advanced Beginner Mah Jongg
MAY 21
Get in on the game at Amityville Public Library. The class is designed for players who have already learned the basic rules of American Mah Jongg and can play a game but want to develop more strategic skills by focusing on advanced hand evaluation, defensive play and tile-passing techniques. The cost is $5 ,by check or money order, made payable to Amityville Public Library and due at registration.
•Where: 19 John St., Amityville •Time: 10 a.m.-noon •Contact: (631) 264-0567
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.
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
What’s the best-tasting tap water on Long Island?
That was the question posed to students at Farmingdale State College during the Long Island Water Conference’s 37th annual drinking water tasting contest, held during National Drinking Water Week.
The conference, also known as LIWC, is made up of members of public and private water suppliers across Long Island. According to LIWC Commissioner Robert McEvoy, the event has taken place at the Farmingdale campus for the past four years, sparking student interest in water quality.
“It draws in a lot of the students,” McEvoy said. “They’re interested in where the water comes from, and if there’s any variance in taste. We also try to promote tap water as being the most regulated and tested, even more so than bottled water.”
The finals, held on May 7, featured 16 Long Island water providers competing for the title of best-tasting drinking water in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Students, faculty and staff on campus participated in a blind taste test, sampling water from each provider and casting their votes.
The Oyster Bay Water District won the Nassau County competition, while
Oyster Bay Water District Secretary Michael Rich, second from right, and Treasurer Nick Niznik offered samples to students during the Long Island Water Conference’s annual water tasting event at Farmingdale State College.
the Greenlawn Water District took the top spot in Suffolk. Both districts will advance to the New York State Regional Metro Tap Water Taste Contest in New York City in August, where they will compete for a spot in the statewide competition held later that month at the Great New York State Fair in Syracuse.
LIWC representatives at the event also took the opportunity to educate attendees about the water supplied to their homes, and assured them that Long Island’s drinking water remains of high quality.
McEvoy, who is also a commissioner
and the chairman of the Oyster Bay Water District, said that frequent testing is conducted by the state Department of Health to ensure the water’s quality.
“It’s safe, it’s highly regulated and it’s extremely affordable,” McEvoy said. “It’s something that should be utilized by the public, and it’s a far greater value than bottled water.”
Michael Rich, a commissioner and the secretary of the Oyster Bay district, has taken part in the competition for the past 10 years, educating the community about local water supplies.
“It’s great to come out to the commu-
nity and have everyone get involved with local water,” Rich said.
He noted that most people aren’t aware of where their water comes from. On Long Island, drinking water comes from an aquifer system, a naturally formed underground storage area.
In an aquifer system, unwanted chemicals are capable of seeping into the water supply. The LIWC urges residents to dispose of hazardous household waste properly at designated town drop-off sites and never pour it down drains, into storm sewers or on the ground.
“Anything that we put on the ground will ultimately find its way into the aquifer,” Rich stated.
Lawn irrigation, he said, accounts for much of Long Island’s water use. He urged residents to follow odd/even watering schedules, watering on days that match their house numbers. He also highlighted the importance of leak detection, noting that undetected leaks can waste hundreds of thousands of gallons each month, making it vital for both residents and water providers to monitor and address them.
Rich added that it doesn’t take much water to maintain a healthy lawn.
“You don’t have to water your lawn for a half-hour a day,” Rich said. “You’ll get the same results 15 minutes a day, so we try to stress that.”
For more information on the local water supply, visit liwc.org.
May 14, 2025 —
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF Suf -
folk, U.S. Bank Trust Company, National Association, not in its Individual Capacity but Solely as Indenture Trustee of CIM Trust 2022-NR1, Plaintiff, vs. Dominick Amorese a/k/a Dominick J. Amorese, as Possible Heir of the Estate of Dominick Amorese, ET AL., Defendant(s Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on May 27, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 44 Lafayette Avenue, Amityville, NY 11701. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Amityville, County of Suffolk and State of New York, District 0101, Section 001.00, Block 03.00 and Lot 017.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $218,138.96 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #612025/2023.
Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 222278-2
25-293. 4/23, 30, 5/7, 14
NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County of Suffolk U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, successor in interest to Bank of America, National Association, as Trustee, successor
by merger to LaSalle Bank National Association, as Trustee for Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust, Mortgage Loan Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-AR1, Plaintiff AGAINST Frank E. Connor, Jr.
a/k/a Frank E. Connor a/k/a Frank Connor, Cathy Morris, et al, Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated December 20, 2022 and entered on January 6, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Hwy., North Lindenhurst, NY on June 9, 2025 at 9:00 AM premises known as 64 Offaly Street, Amityville, NY 11701. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Suffolk, State of New York, SECTION: 163.00, BLOCK: 03.00, LOT: 066.001, District 0100. Approximate amount of judgment is $686,972.95 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 613660/2017. For sale information, please visit XOME at www.xome.com or call (844) 400-9633. Richard Lavorata, Jr., Referee
FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP
53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 25-307. 5/7, 14, 21, 28,
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF Suffolk, Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, D/B/A Christiana Trust,
not in its individual capacity but as Trustee of Securitized Mortgage Asset Loan Trust 2015-1, Plaintiff, vs. Santiago A. Santos, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 21, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Babylon Town Hall, 200 East Sunrise Highway, North Lindenhurst, NY 11757 on June 11, 2025 at 10:00 a.m., premises known as 90 26th Street, Copiague, NY 11726. 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, District 0100, Section 199.00, Block 03.00 and Lot 068.000. Approximate amount of judgment is $228,110.45 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #606240/2024.
Richard Lavorata Jr., Esq., Referee
Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 233364-1 25-306. 5/7, 14, 21, 28,
The Town of Babylon Rental Review Board will hold a Public Hearing at The Town of Babylon, 200 East Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst, New York (East Wing Board Room) on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 at 6:00pm NEW APPLICATION
1. ROHM Corp. 36 E. June St.
Lindenhurst NY 11757
SCTM NO: 0100128-1-73
2. Ronald Hernandez
420 Verrazano Ave. Copiague NY 11726
SCTM NO: 0100176-3-19
3. Luz Beteta 65 Nims Ave. West Babylon NY 11704
SCTM NO: 0100157-3-66
4. Anastasia Holding Corp. 227 9th St. West Babylon NY 11704
SCTM NO: 0100129-1-42
RENEWALS
1. Gerard & Elaine Kelly 5 Lido Prom W. Lindenhurst NY 11757
SCTM NO: 0100190-2-26
2. Thomas & Donna Lombardo
301 Copiague Place Copiague NY 11726
SCTM NO: 0100195-1-72
3. Suffolk Family Equites 970 Great Neck Rd. Copiague NY 11726
SCTM NO: 0100196-2-1
4. Donna Dorso 410 Hawkins Blvd. Copiague NY 11726
SCTM NO: 0100194-2-29
5. 475 Oak St. LLC 475 Oak St. Copiague NY 11726
SCTM NO: 0100178-1-46
6. Marlon Pun 105 Irving Ave. Wyandanch NY 11798
SCTM NO: 010058-2-33
7. Michael Ferrara 22 Springwood Dr. N. Babylon NY 11703
SCTM NO: 0100146.01-1-43
8. Meng Ung & Yim Tam
1404 Herzel Blvd. West Babylon NY 11704
SCTM NO: 0100135-2-68 25-314 5/14
Elevate Rehabilitate OT PLLC: Notice of formation of Elevate Rehabilitate OT PLLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/29/24
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: Elevate Rehabilitate OT PLLC, 16 Kent Place, Amityville NY 11701
Purpose: any lawful act.
25-304. 5/7, 14, 21, 28, 6/4, 11
PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Hearing will be conducted by the Board of Trustees of the Village of Amityville on Monday, June 9th, at 7:00 PM in the third floor Court Room of Village Hall, 21 Ireland Place, Amityville, NY for Introductory Local Law No. 1 of 2025, a local law to establish a license for acupuncture and massage parlors within the Village of Amityville and Introductory Local Law No. 2 of 2025, a local law to amend chapter 178 of the Village Code to require a permit from the Board of Trustees to erect or alter bulkheads, docks and piers.
By Order of the Board of Trustees Village of Amityville Catherine C. Murdock
Village Clerk/Treasurer 5/14/2025 2 x 25-315. 5/14, 21
Memorial Day weekend is a popular time to entertain. For many, the weekend marks the first outdoor entertaining opportunity of the year, which is certainly something to look forward to.
As outdoor entertaining season begins, homeowners can take these steps to prepare their outdoor living spaces for the first big backyard get-together of the year.
• Break out the power washer. Pressure washing is an important component of spring home cleanup. The warmer temperatures of spring allow water from power washing to dry more quickly, which can decrease the chances that mold and mildew will grow on surfaces like siding. A freshly power washed home also makes for a welcoming entertaining space. A power washer also can be used on outdoor entertaining spaces to remove dirt and debris that built up over the winter. Just make sure to read manufacturer instructions before using a power washer to clean paving stones, decks and outdoor furniture.
• Inspect outdoor furniture. Now is a good time to inspect outdoor furniture if the task was not performed in late fall or early winter before items were moved into the garage or placed in storage. Check to make sure furnishings are still safe to use, addressing any issues before guests come over for a Memorial Day weekend gathering. Wash cushions for outdoor furniture and replace any that might be showing their age.
• Clean the grill. A thorough cleaning of the grill also is in order prior to summer entertaining season. Many homeowners do little or no grilling during winter, so now is the time to give grilling surfaces and the interior of the grill a deep cleaning. Check for leaks if using a gas grill, and scrub the interior of any grease that accumulated last season. Many grilling experts advise lighting a grill and letting it burn for roughly 20 minutes prior to putting any foods on the grates for the first time. Such a strategy allows residual fluids like soap, vinegar and de-greasing products used when cleaning the grill to burn off before food is placed on the grates.
• Inspect the landscaping, too. It’s not just seating areas like patios and decks that need some investigation prior to outdoor entertaining season. Take a walk around the landscape and make sure there’s no potentially dangerous spots where people could be injured when playing backyard games. Fill in any holes with soil and fresh grass seed, and inspect trees to see if any branches need to be pruned.
Summer entertaining season begins each Memorial Day weekend. Homeowners can take various steps to ensure their outdoor entertaining spaces are comfortable and safe.
Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action Supreme Court Of The State Of New York County Of Suffolk Action To Foreclose A Mortgage Index #: 607885/2024 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Plaintiff, vs Public Administrator Of Suffolk County As Administrator Of The Estate Of Shirley Anderson, Unknown Trustees Of The Clara Mitchell Living Trust, Dated May 06, 2002 If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respe ctive Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff As Trustee, People Of The State Of New York, New York State Department Of Taxation And Finance, Clerk Of The Suffolk County Traffic & Parking Violations Agency, United States Of America On Behalf Of The IRS John Doe
(Those unknown tenants, occupants, persons or corporations or their heirs, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, guardians, assignees, creditors or successors claiming an interest in the mortgaged premises.) Defendant(s). Mortgaged Premises: 245 State Avenue Wyandanch, NY 11798 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appear ance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Suffolk. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Unknown Trustees of the Clara Mitchell Living Trust, dated May 06, 2002 Defendant In this Action.
The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. C. Stephen Hackeling of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Fourth day of April, 2025 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk o f the County of Suffolk, in the City of Riverhead.
The object of this action is to foreclosure a mortgage upon the premises described below, dated April 23, 1996, executed by Shirley Anderson (who died on February 15, 2004, a resident of the county of Suffolk, State of New York) and Clara Mitchell (who died on November 19, 2017, a resident of the county of Suffolk, State of New York) to secure the sum of $64,417.00. The Mortgage was recorded at Book 19056, Page 632 in the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk on April 30, 1996. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed April 23, 1996 and recorded on May 9, 1996, in the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk at Book 19060, Page 191. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed August 16, 1996 and recorded on October 30, 1996, in the Office of the Suffolk County Clerk at Book 19125, Page 439. The mortgage was subsequently modified on February 18, 2003. The property in question is described as follow s: 245 State Avenue, Wyandanch, NY 11798 HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD
IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The state encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York Sta te Department of Financial Services at 1-800342-3736 or the Foreclosure Relief Hotline 1-800-269-0990 or visit the department's website at WWW.DFS. NY.GOV. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO STAY IN YOUR HOME DURING THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME UNLESS AND UNTIL YOUR PROPERTY IS SOLD AT AUCTION PURSUANT TO A JUDGMENT OF FORECLOSURE AND SALE. REGARDLESS OF WHETHER YOU CHOOSE TO REMAIN IN YOUR HOME, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY AND PAY PROPERTY TAXES IN ACCORDANCE WITH STATE AND LOCAL LAW. FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to have your home. There are individuals who watch for notices
of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner's distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your dee d. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. ｧ 1303 NOTICE NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this Foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: April 9, 2025 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 85337 25-294. 4/23, 30, 5/7, 14
In recognition of National Safe Boating Week, America’s Boating Club of Great South Bay on May 17 will be at West Islip Public Library, 3 Higbie Lane, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., to provide information about safe boating to the boating and future boating public. There will also be a boat simulator on premises so that participants can take the wheel of a boat and follow a boating route brimming with obstacles.
“This is an excellent opportunity for boaters, as well as those interested in boating, to experience boating and to sharpen up on the boating safety skills, prior to this upcoming boating season on Long Island, said Jeanne Braun, Executive Officer of America’s Boating Club of Great South Bay.
For more information, please call America’s Boating Club of Great South Bay at (631) 533-2628.
Lily Flanagan’s Freedom Fest will be taking place at Lily’s Babylon on May 23 from 5 to 9 p.m. Proceeds from the event will benefit Project Thank A Cop.
The event will include a food truck festival, live music by Beer Nutz, raffles and a 50/50, and LFRG Bleed Blue cocktails. Lily Flanagan’s Babylon is located at 345 Deer Park Ave., Babylon. For more information, please call (631) 539-0816.
Registration open for Babylon Village Summer 2025 Recreation Programs
Registration is now open for the Babylon Village Summer 2025 Recreation Programs. Registration will take place until May 31 and forms are available by emailing bvrec11702@gmail. com or by visiting villagofbabylonny.gov.
The program will run from June 30 to August 1 and will include the following programs: arts and crafts, theatre, tennis, basketball, gymnastics and chess club.
Please note that the recreation programs are for village residents only.
For more information, please call (631) 669-1500.
West Babylon’s Memorial Day Parade
West Babylon will be holding their annual Memorial Day Parade on May 26. Assembly will take place at 9 a.m., Arnold Ave., at Karen St., and the parade will kick off at 10 a.m., ending at Post 1634 at 10 Bruce St.
A Memorial Service and Wreath Ceremony will take place after the parade, followed by a community picnic. Everyone is welcome.
If you are interested in participating, please register your group by emailing secretary.post1634@gmail.com . All youth and community groups are invited to march in the parade. For more information, please call (631) 669-3931.
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 20, 2025 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 2025-2026 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?
PROPOSITION NO.
2
SHALL the Board of Education of the Copiague Union Free School District be authorized to expend a sum not to exceed $15,883,000 from the Building and Improvement Capital Reserve Fund as established on May 17, 2022 for the purpose of performing the following capital improvements: (i) interior alterations and renovations to Deauville Gardens Elementary School (commonly referred to as Deauville Gardens East and Deau-
ville Gardens West Elementary Schools) including reconfiguration and reconstruction of space to create nurses’ offices, library expansion and upgrades, flooring replacement, renovation of student toilets, and support offices; (ii) additions, renovations and reconstruction of athletic fields at Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School/ Copiague Middle School Athletic Complex including replacement of grandstand and addition of concession stand structure with storage, athletic trainer room, and restrooms; (iii) HVAC additions and upgrades including air conditioning of the cafeteria at Susan E. Wiley Elementary School, the cafeteria and library at Great Neck Road Elementary School, the cafeterias at Deauville Gardens East and Deauville Gardens West Elementary Schools and the cafeterias in Copiague Middle School; and (iv) athletic field renovations, site work and addition, renovation, or reconstruction of exterior athletic spaces with field lighting at the Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School including all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental cost related thereto? Since the funds to be expended hereunder are from the Capital Reserve Fund, approval of this Proposition will not require a tax levy upon the real property of the School District.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the fiscal year 2025-2026 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 (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 21, 2025 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:
July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028
Paul Daubel
July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2028
Anthony S. Pepe
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 21, 2025 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 FURTHER 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 10, 2025 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 mem-
bers of the Board of Education, the adoption of the School District 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 24, 2025. 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
By order of the Board of Education Copiague Union Free School District Town of Babylon, Suffolk County, New York Deborah Van Florcke District Clerk 25-298. 4/30, 5/7, 14
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
(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 6, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. in the Everett E. Newman III Administrative Offices Board of Education Room, 2650 Great Neck Road, Copiague, NY 11726.
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Continued from previous page a cabo en el gimnasio de la Escuela Primaria de Deauville Gardens East, 100 Deauville Blvd., Copiague, Nueva York, el martes 20 de mayo de 2025 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 2025-2026 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?
PROPOSICIÓN No. 2
¿Se autorizará a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Copiague a gastar una suma que no exceda los $15,883,000 del Fondo de Reserva de Capital para Edificios y Mejoras, según lo establecido el 17 de mayo de 2022, con el fin de realizar las siguientes mejoras de capital: (i) alteraciones y renovaciones interiores de la Escuela Primaria Deauville Gardens (conocida como Escuelas Primarias Deauville Gardens Este y Deauville Gardens Oeste), incluida la reconfiguración y reconstrucción del espacio para crear oficinas de enfermería, expansión y mejoras de la biblioteca, reemplazo de pisos, renovación de baños estudiantiles y oficinas de apoyo: (ii) adiciones, renovaciones y reconstrucción de campos deportivos en Wal-
ter G. O'Connell Copiague High School/ Copiague Middle School Complejo Atlético que incluye el reemplazo de la tribuna y la adición de la estructura del puesto de comida con almacenamiento, sala para entrenadores deportivos y baños: (iii) Adiciones y mejoras de HVAC, incluido el aire acondicionado de la cafetería de la Escuela Primaria Susan E. Wiley, la cafetería y la biblioteca de la Escuela Primaria Great Neck Road, las cafeterías de las escuelas primarias Deauville Gardens Este y Deauville Gardens Oeste y las cafeterías de la Escuela Copiague Middle School: y (iv) renovaciones de campos deportivos, trabajos en el sitio y adición, renovación o reconstrucción de espacios deportivos exteriores con iluminación de campo en la Escuela Walter G. O'Connell Copiague High School, incluida toda la mano de obra, materiales, equipos, aparatos y costos incidentales relacionados con ellos?
Dado que los fondos que se gastarán en virtud del presente son de los Fondos de Reserva de Capital, la aprobación de esta Proposición no requerirá un gravamen fiscal sobre la propiedad inmobiliaria del Distrito Escolar.
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 2025-2026 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 distri-
to, 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 provisional / 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 21 de abril de 2025 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
ÚLTIMA PERSONA EN EL CARGO
1 de Julio 2025 a 30 de Junio 2028
Paul Daubel
1 de Julio 2025 a 30 de Junio 2028
Anthony S. Pepe
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 21 de abril de 2025 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 10 de mayo de 2025 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 registrados 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 24 de abril de 2025. 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 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 6 de mayo de 2025 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 25-299. 4/30, 5/7, 14
BOARD OF EDUCATION
AMITYVILLE
UFSD REGULAR
MONTHLY BUSINESS MEETING –MARCH 26, 2025
ACTION AGENDA ITEM
2C-1
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 Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School, 140 Park Avenue, Amityville, New York, in said District on May 7, 2025 at 7:30 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 20252026 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 20. 2025
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 5, 2025 through and including May 20, 2025 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 HERE-
BY GIVEN, that the annual vote and election will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 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 following items:
• To adopt the annual budget of the School District for the fiscal year 2025-2026 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District.
• To elect two members of the Board of Education as follows:
• One member of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term to succeed Christopher Nehring, whose term expires on May 20, 2025.
• One member of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term to succeed Wendy Canestro, whose term expires on June 30, 2025;
• To approve Proposition No. 2Transportation: Shall the District expand its school bus service for resident students in grades 7-12 attending secondary schools offering education through 12th grade, effective at the beginning of the 20252026 school year, by increasing the maximum distance limit for transportation of up to 15 miles to a new maximum distance limit of up to 17 miles from home to the school they
legally attend, appropriate funds in the amount of $400,000 for such transportation, and levy the necessary tax therefor?
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 20252026, exclusive of public monies, may be obtained by any resident of the District during business hours beginning May 5, 2025 through and including May 20, 2025, except Saturday, Sunday or holidays, at the Park North 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 21, 2025 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Vacancies on the Board of Education are not considered separate, specific offices; candidates run at large. Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the
Board for which the candidate is nominated; must be directed to the Clerk of the District; must be signed by at least 35 qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 qualified voters or 2% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); must state the name and residence of each signer, and, must state the name and residence of the candidate. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for absentee ballots will be obtainable during school business hours at the office of the District Clerk beginning April 21, 2025; completed applications 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 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., on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. Absentee Ballot applications will not be accepted by the District more than 30 days prior to the election.
A list of persons to whom absentee ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the office of the District Clerk, 150 Park Avenue, Amityville, New York, on and after Thursday, May 15, 2025 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays prior to the day set for the annual election and on May 20, 2025 the day set for
the election. Any qualified voter may, upon examination of such list, file a written challenge of the qualifications as a voter of any person whose name appears on such list, stating the reasons for such challenge. Any such written challenge shall be transmitted by the District Clerk or a designee of the Board of Education to the inspectors of election on election day.
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 15, 2025 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 15, 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 llarson@amityvilleufsd.org or fax sent to (631) 598-6586. 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 24, 2025. 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 llarson@ amityvilleufsd.org or fax sent to (631) 598-6586. 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, a valid military ballot application must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m., on April 24, 2025. 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
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District Clerk before the close of polls on May 20, 2025 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 20, 2025 and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the election.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law of the State of New York, the Board of Registration will meet on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 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 2026, 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 20, 2025.
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 21, 2025, 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 21, 2025, 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 35 qualified voters of the District (representing 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 elec-
tion 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 26, 2025
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
Lynn Larson, District Clerk 25-316. 5/14
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 7 de mayo de 2025 a las 7:30 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 2025-2026.
• 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 20 de mayo de 2025.• 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 propuesto, previa solicitud, a partir del 5 de mayo de 2025 hasta el 20 de mayo de 2025 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 20 de mayo de 2025, 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 2025-2026 y autorizar que la cuota requerida del mismo se recaude mediante los impuestos sobre las propiedades sujetas a tributación en el distrito.
• Elegir dos 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 Christopher Nehring, cuyo mandato expira el 20 de mayo de 2025
• Un miembro de la Junta de Educación por un plazo de tres (3) años para suceder a Wendy Canestro, cuyo mandato expira el 30 de junio de 2025.
• Aprobar Propuesta Núm. 2 –Transporte
¿ Debería el Distrito expandir su servicio de bus escolar para los alumnos residentes que estén en-
tre los grado 7-12 y asistan a escuelas secundarias que ofrezcan educación hasta el grado 12,efectivo a partir del curso escolar 2025-2026. incrementando el límite máximo de distancia para el transporte de hasta 15 millas a una nuevo límite máximo de distancia de hasta 17 millas desde la casa a la escuela a las que asisten legalmente, asignando fondos por un montante de $400,000 para dicho transporte, recaudando los impuestos necesarios para ello?
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 2025-2026, excluyendo el dinero público, durante las horas de atención al público, a partir del 5 de mayo de 2025 hasta el 20 de mayo de 2025 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 21 de abril de 2025 entre el 9:00 am y 5:00 pm. Los puestos vacantes en la Junta de Educación no se consideran cargos independientes específicos, los candidatos se presentan en general. Las solicitudes de nominación no deberán indicar ninguna vacante especifica en la Junta para la que el candidato está nominado, deben estar dirigidas a la Secretaria del Distrito, deberán estar firmadas al menos por 35 votantes calificados del Distrito (representando a más 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 se podrán obtener durante el horario de atencion al publico en la oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito a partir del 21 de abril de 2025; Las solicitudes completas deben ser recibidas en la Secretaría del distrito al menos siete 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 va a entregar personalmente al votante o al agente designado en la solicitud de voto en ausencia . La Secretaria del Distrito debe recibir las papeletas de
Continued on next page
Continued from previous page voto en ausencia no más tarde de las 5:00 p.m. del martes 20 de mayo de 2025. El distrito no aceptará solicitudes para papeletas de voto en ausencia más de 30 días antes de la elección.
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 15 de mayo de 2025 entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m. los días laborables anteriores al día establecido para la elección anual y el mismo día 20 de mayo de 2025, 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. Cualquier 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 Ami-
tyville (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 15 de mayo de 2025 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 15 de mayo. 2025, 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 llarson@amityvilleufsd. org o por fax al (631) 598-6586. 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 24 de abril de 2025.
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 papeletas 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 llarson@ amityvilleufsd.org o por fax al (631)5986586. 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, 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 24 de abril de 2025. 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 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 20 de mayo de 2025 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 20 de mayo de 2025 y firmado y fechado por el elector militar y un 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 20 de mayo de 2025, 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 2026, 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 20 de mayo de 2025.
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 21 de marzo 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 21 de abril de 2025 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 35 votantes calificados del Distrito (que representan 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 reso-
lución 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 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
26 de marzo de 2025 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
Lynn Larson, Secretaria del Distrito 25-317. 5/14
• Al Norte por el Long Island Rail Road
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Q. We bought our home three years ago, and are finally ready to finish our basement to make a family room, guest bedroom and a bathroom while enclosing our laundry. Right now it’s just a big open space with a lot of columns. The ceiling is low, and we’ve had estimates to cut down the basement floor. It seems like a lot of money to do all these things at once, but we understand that we need to do it before the prices for materials, as we’ve been warned, go a lot higher. We want to know what needs to be done if we want to lower the floor, take out two columns so our recreation room is bigger, and put in a bathroom. Is there any way to save money?
A. This third column ties together the previous two to state that, basically, you get what you pay for, and sometimes less. I explained that basement bathrooms may not be allowed to have a bathing fixture, tub or shower, depending on the municipal requirements, and that many communities also won’t allow a bedroom in a basement, for safety reasons. I also outlined the process for figuring out beams so that columns can be removed, and that while “guessers” may save you some money up front, repairs can erase the savings.
Now we’re up to lowering the basement floor. “Saving money” and “lowering a basement floor” should rarely be in the same sentence, except for when writing an answer as to why. In general, you want more living space, structurally sound and waterproof. Both of those needs are hard to achieve if any part of the process is left out.
It’s always best to gain the most amount of interior space, and I can often tell when either saving money was the focus or amateur work was done when I see a foundation wall projecting into the basement like a concrete bench. To avoid this look and to get the most use out of the space, you have to start with knowing where the underground water table is. Unless you dig a hole or order a soil-boring test from a professional company, you may soon find out why the floor wasn’t lower to begin with. This test could save you great expense.
The process of correctly supporting the exterior concrete foundation walls is called “underpinning.” The excavation can be done from the interior side of the foundation wall if the exterior isn’t accessible. Either way, the underpinning process must be done in sections, not all at once. There would be complete collapses of walls and floors above if entire foundations were removed at one time. When this is done, it usually causes tremendous damage, possible death and news coverage.
Engineered sections, with waterproofing to the exterior, have to be planned. The old sections are carefully cut out, and then replaced several feet apart before the next sections are removed. Good luck!
© 2025 Monte Leeper
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it is essential that Congress do all it can to fully restore the World Trade Center Health Program. I commend Long Island Congressmen Andrew Garbarino and Nick LaLota for leading a bipartisan effort to undo the damage, intentional or not, to this program by Elon Musk’s chainsaw cuts of government health programs.
During my years in Congress, no issue was more vital or intensely personal to me than ensuring that all of the surviving victims of the attacks of Sept. 11 — police officers, firefighters, emergency responders, construction workers and civilians — receive the care they require and deserve for the illnesses caused by the toxins they breathed in at ground zero in the days, weeks and months afterward.
It wasn’t until several years after 9/11 that evidence emerged of a growing number of blood cancers and lung and breathing disorders suffered by 9/11 first responders and nearby residents and students. The concern was bipartisan. Democratic Representatives Jerry Nadler and Carolyn Maloney and
ARepublicans Vito Fossella and I were the original prime advocates. We introduced legislation in 2005 and again in 2007 to establish and fund a 9/11 illness detection and treatment program.
ed a rare and fatal blood cancer after working together at ground zero. The chances of this being a coincidence were infinitesimal. And there were countless similar situations.
session, our efforts paid off: Zadroga passed both the House and Senate.
TToday we know that more people have died from 9/11 illnesses than from the attacks, but in those early years, the numbers of victims weren’t yet especially high, and there was no proof of direct linkage to 9/11, which made it difficult to generate strong interest or support outside the New York and New Jersey congressional delegations.
hey’re causing many of the 9/11 doctors and experts to be terminated.
Soon enough, however, there was too much evidence to ignore. Anecdotally, I would see FDNY and NYPD neighbors who had worked at ground zero wearing oxygen masks as they watched their kids’ Little League games or stopped by 7-Eleven for coffee. Those scenes were repeated across Long Island and the entire downstate region, and there would eventually be victims among rescue workers who had come to New York from almost all 50 states. To make our case, we asked 9/11 heroes to visit Congress to make direct appeals to individual members. I particularly recall NYPD Commissioner Ray Kelly sitting in my Washington office telling me about two cops who contract-
The enormity of what was becoming a 9/11 health crisis could no longer be denied. In 2008, we thought our legislation — named the Zadroga Bill, after James Zadroga, who was believed to be the first NYPD officer to die from a 9/11 illness — would be included in a large year-end package of legislation agreed on by Congress and the White House. Unfortunately the combined tumult of a Presidential election and a stock market collapse prevented it from coming to a vote, and there was no opportunity to salvage it.
After close but disappointing nearmisses over the next two years, primarily because of opposition from Republicans in Southern and Western states, I and others fought furiously to get Zadroga passed. I had no tolerance for opposition from the crowd who primarily represented states and districts that received disproportionate levels of federal assistance at the expense of donor states like New York, which effectively subsidized them. Finally, on Dec. 22, 2010, the last day of the congressional
Unfortunately the bill had a five-year limit, so we had to wage the fight again in 2015. This time the struggle wasn’t as difficult, and Zadroga was extended. But then, in 2019, we learned there were many more victims than expected, and the fund was running short. With the bipartisan support of Democrats like then House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, and House Republicans like then Whip Steve Scalise and Representatives Doug Collins and Mike Johnson, Zadroga was extended to the end of the century. I was proud to be with President Trump when he signed this legislation at a ceremony on the White House lawn.
Now the fund is seriously threatened by Musk’s misplaced cuts, which, probably made unknowingly, are causing many of the 9/11 doctors and experts to be terminated, including program Director Dr. John Howard.
Though the White House has promised to fully reinstate the program, so far it has not been done. Victims are being denied necessary testing. This insanity must end. Our nation’s commitment to the victims of 9/11 must be honored!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
merica is fixated on picking winners and losers. We use that term every day, applying it to sports, the stock market and every other field of endeavor. I heard it during the trial of O.J. Simpson, and I remember hearing it as far back as the 1960s, when, following a massive snowstorm, some parts of Queens were the last neighborhoods in New York City to see snowplows. Winners and losers are proclaimed extensively in politics, because politicians are tested on an almost daily basis.
Which leads to a discussion of the long-delayed New York state budget. Over the years, when there was an agreement between the three leaders — the governor, the leader of the State Senate and the Assembly speaker — they would all show up at a much-heralded news conference, at which each would take credit for some portion of the budget bill. For the past few years, that practice has changed, because the only person who has been taking the
media spotlight is Gov. Kathy Hochul. Before talking about winners and losers, it’s worth looking at this year’s budget process. The new spending plan budget is the latest to be finalized since 2010. Since the April 1 deadline, there have been 11 legislative extensions, which assures state employees that they can collect their paychecks.
LCould the governor have refused to delay the passage of an agreed-on budget and submitted her own spending plan on a take-itor-leave-it basis? The answer is yes. During the administration of Gov. David Paterson, the courts decided that if the Legislature can’t agree on a budget by March 31, the governor can force a vote on his or her own plan with no further delays.
cation, housing, mental hygiene and tax reform. When the dust settled, the two leaders got their asks, but the governor got the lion’s share of what she proposed back in January.
ooking to next year’s election, she set aside money for every region of the state.
But in the spirit of harmony, succeeding governors have chosen to go through the arduous process of countless meetings and formal extensions until all of the parties sign on to a final accord. This year, Hochul made it clear that she had a long list of priorities, and had no plans to give in on them. She presented the Assembly and Senate with a long list of programs covering criminal law, edu-
With an eye on next year’s election, Hochul set aside money for every region of the state. She addressed subway crime, and sided with the state’s district attorneys on their demand for reforms that will allow them to prevent the dismissal of pending cases. Taxpayers can anticipate expansion of childcare tax credits and many other goodies, including $400 checks for families on limited incomes. School districts will get a hefty increase in education aid, and students won’t be unable use their cellphones from the first school bell to the last.
During a typical give-and-take that is part of the negotiating process, each of the parties shows some willingness to bend on their key issues. But this time, the governor stuck to her guns and yielded on very few issues. Facing what could be a very tough re-election campaign next year, Hochul dug in on almost every proposal she made and
gave little ground, which added to the delays. Albany insiders were surprised at her insistence on winning on so many issues, but she has powers, and used them.
An outsider might wonder why budgets take so long these days, compared with the process 20 and 30 years ago, when spending plans were adopted days and weeks before the deadline. Once upon a time, the state budget was strictly a numbers game. The leaders would promote their pet programs, and possibly sneak in a new program or two. But in the late 1980s, the leaders began to introduce items that were controversial and had little to do with the budget. Wrapped up in one big bill, these nonfiscal items would pass, because the members would have no choice but to swallow the whole document.
Is there a chance that state budgets will once again become just a numbers package? That’s highly unlikely, because all of the leaders have developed an appetite for inserting proposals in the budget that would have no chance of passing as stand-alone bills.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.
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COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS Cliff Richner
s college dorm rooms empty across the nation, millions of parents are preparing for a significant homecoming. Your freshman is returning — perhaps changed, certainly tired, and undoubtedly with more laundry than you thought humanly possible. This transition marks the beginning of a new chapter in your family story, one that requires delicate navigation, open communication, and occasional deep breaths as you adjust to your evolving relationship.
The transformation that occurs during college’s freshman year is nothing short of remarkable. The timid student who needed reminders about deadlines may return with strong opinions about political systems you’ve never discussed. The picky eater might come home raving about kimchi or curry. The once-shy teenager might stride through your door with newfound confidence and independence. Your child has spent months making independent decisions, forming new social circles, and discovering aspects of themselves that may surprise you — and them.
What parents sometimes fail to acknowledge is that we’ve changed, too. We’ve adjusted to quieter evenings, reclaimed bathroom counter space, and perhaps discovered new routines or even aspects of our identities that had been subsumed by active parenting. Your student’s return disrupts not just their new normal, but yours as well.
The first summer home represents uncharted territory for both generations. Your student has grown accustomed to complete autonomy — deciding when to eat, sleep, study and socialize without consultation or explanation. Meanwhile, you’ve maintained a household with certain rhythms and expectations. Within the first few days of your college student’s homecoming, have a detailed conversation with them about expectations to prevent misunderstandings.
We have to be cautious while supporting sustainability
To the Editor:
What routines did they develop at college? What do they need to feel comfortable at home? How will household responsibilities be shared? This opens the door to compromise rather than confrontation.
For many freshmen, college is their first opportunity to define themselves beyond their family context or high school reputation. They’ve experimented with new identities, beliefs and social circles. Coming home can feel like stepping backward, especially if you still see them as the person they were before they left.
This identity navigation works both ways. Your student may struggle to integrate their college self with their home self. They might seem different with college friends than with family. They might challenge family traditions or political views that once went unquestioned. These explorations, while sometimes uncomfortable, represent healthy development and should be met with curiosity rather than defensiveness.
Don’t be surprised if your student spends the first week home sleeping extraordinary hours, eating everything in sight, or displaying emotional volatility. Freshman year is physically and emotionally exhausting — particularly its conclusion, with final exams, packing and goodbyes to new friends. The transition home often reveals the school year’s toll. Students maintain a frantic pace during the semester, running on adrenaline and caffeine. When they finally reach the safety of home, their bodies and minds demand recovery time. Parents should view excessive sleeping or emotional sensitivity as necessary healing, not regression or laziness.
The social landscape for your adult child has likely shifted dramatically as well. High school friendships that once seemed permanent may have drifted. New romantic relationships may have formed. Your student might spend little
As communities across New York and the nation explore ways to transition to cleaner energy, there is growing momentum behind battery energy storage systems, particularly those using lithium-ion technology. However, we must not let the promise of sustainability blind us to the inconvenient truths of our present reality.
The concept of a circular battery economy — in which batteries are reused, repurposed, and ultimately recycled to recover key materials — is a commendable goal. Yet we are far from achieving it. Our current
time at home as they reconnect with local friends or process the changes in these relationships. Alternatively, they might seem isolated if their primary social connections now exist at school. Both scenarios require your patience and understanding.
And while your instinct might be to recreate family traditions exactly as they were before, this summer presents an opportunity to develop new ways of connecting that honor your student’s developing adulthood. Ask them to teach you about their newfound passions. Take them to places that were once offlimits — a sophisticated restaurant, an art exhibit — that signal your recognition of their maturation. When they share stories about college experiences, practice active listening without immediately offering advice. Questions like, “How did you handle that?” communicate respect for their problem-solving abilities and invite deeper conversation. There’s a poignant truth most parents discover during this first post-college summer: Each homecoming from now on will be temporary. Your child’s primary residence increasingly exists elsewhere — in dorms, apartments and, eventually, their own home. The full nest you’ll experience this summer will empty again, with each cycle of departure becoming more permanent.
This realization, while sometimes painful, also brings opportunity. The time-limited nature of these summers encourages making the most of the moments you share. Rather than focusing on the inevitable goodbye at summer’s end, embrace the gift of time together, even if it seems fleeting.
What awaits in these summer months is a delicate dance of holding close and letting go — a choreography that, when performed with grace, becomes the foundation for a relationship that will sustain you both long after the last box is packed for sophomore year.
Wnal, someone and deserves is far more during have a sonal experience of the behind My arrived hope and
when we hear the term “illegal immigrant,” it’s easy to jump to the conclusion that the individual is a criminal, someone who has broken the law, and deserves punishment. But the truth is far more nuanced. For many immigrants, coming to the United States without legal documentation isn’t an act of criminality, but an act of survival — an effort to escape violence, political persecution or a situation so dire that the only option is to flee.
As the child of immigrants who fled El Salvador during its civil war in the late 1980s, I have a perspective that is shaped by personal experience and an understanding of the deeper human motivations behind these decisions.
My parents, both from El Salvador, arrived in the U.S. with nothing but hope and fear for their lives. They
understood the risks they were taking by entering this country without legal documentation, but the alternative was staying in a country where the government was killing its own people.
El Salvador’s civil war, which began in 1979, was marked by brutal violence, corruption and ruthless repression. The Salvadoran government, heavily supported by U.S. military aid, waged war against leftist insurgents and civilians it accused of being sympathetic to them. Throughout the conflict, military and paramilitary forces committed countless atrocities — massacres, forced disappearances and the destruction of entire villages. Thousands of innocent civilians were murdered or disappeared simply for being suspected of opposing the government.
wasn’t just about seeking a better life; it was about survival. It was about fleeing a government that viewed its citizens as expendable.
F or my parents, staying in El Salvador meant living in constant fear.
This is not to say that I support illegal immigration or that breaking the law should be excused. But I believe it’s essential to understand the perspective of those who make the difficult decision to flee their homeland. My parents did not come here to exploit the system or cause harm. They came to escape unimaginable violence, and to find a place where they could live without the constant threat of death.
the mechanic, my father was the only one in his family to leave, and he never got the chance to see his parents again. A few years ago, he and I stood at their graves for the first time — a painful reminder that the cost of leaving isn’t just physical, but deeply emotional and enduring. His journey wasn’t about breaking the law; it was about survival.
It’s easy to forget that behind every “illegal immigrant” label is someone with a story, and usually with pain, sacrifice and hope for a better future. These people don’t come here to break the law. They come to escape the laws and systems that were oppressing them. And for every immigrant like my father or that mechanic, there are countless others who face the same impossible decision every day.
For my parents, like many others, staying in El Salvador meant living in constant fear — fear of being killed, of losing loved ones, or of being caught in the crossfire of a war they had no part in starting. Their decision to leave
infrastructure for battery recycling is still in its infancy, and the environmental and economic costs of lithium extraction remain extraordinarily high.
Lithium mining is not benign — it consumes vast amounts of water, devastates ecosystems, and often occurs in regions with poor labor and environmental protections. Meanwhile, the lack of cost-effective and widely available recycling facilities means that today’s lithium-based storage systems could become tomorrow’s toxic waste problem.
Until we have robust recycling infrastructure, updated fire and safety codes, and enforceable end-oflife regulations for BESS, policymakers must exercise caution. Approving large-scale lithiumbased projects now, without these safeguards, risks trading one environmental crisis for another.
Sustainability must be more than a buzzword. It requires fullcycle accountability — from cradle to grave and, ideally, cradle to cradle. Let’s not build the clean-energy future on the unstable foundation of unresolved waste and extraction.
These are my beliefs as a private citizen, and do not reflect the official stance or opinion of the Village of Sea Cliff.
BrUCE KEnnEdy Glen Cove Sea Cliff village administrator
To the Editor:
I am not a Jew, but I am a Zionist, in that I support Israel’s right to exist as a sovereign state.
I regard Hamas as a terrorist organization guilty of a barbaric attack on Israeli civilians in October 2023 as well as vicious repression of the people it purports to represent. Hamas must free all hostages immediately and unconditionally.
But the time has come for American Jews and gentiles alike who share these views to publicly urge the Israeli government to cease its military campaign in Gaza. Our voices can be powerful — if we exercise our moral duty to speak out.
Even if Hamas has inflated the death count, it is incontestable that many thousands of non-combatant Palestinians, including children and aid workers, have been killed in Israeli strikes. It is likewise certain that civilian suffering, already acute, is intensifying as a result of Israel’s two-month-long blockade of food and medicine deliveries to Gaza. And any escalation of the war is sure to further endanger the lives of the remaining hostages, according to the Israeli forum of families of the hostages.
There’s nothing antisemitic
My father eventually found work managing an apartment complex in roslyn, contributing to society, paying taxes, and respecting the country that took him in, belying the false narrative that immigrants don’t pay taxes or contribute to the economy.
My parents’ story is far from unique. not long ago, I met a mechanic who had fled Venezuela to escape violence — just as my father had decades earlier. Like
Framework by Tim Baker
So, I ask: If you were living in a country where your government was killing its own people, where staying meant a likely death, would you remain and accept your fate, or would you flee in search of safety? Would you risk breaking the law for a chance at survival?
Hernesto Galdamez is editor of the Baldwin Herald.
about opposing Israel’s disproportionate response to Hamas’s atrocities. Indeed, this stance should rest firmly upon the core Jewish values of rachamim (mercy and
