Baldwin Herald 04-24-2025

The Baldwin Public Library is offering a prom-clothing giveaway to community members throughout May.

‘It’s okay to thrift, even for prom’ Baldwin library

offers clothing giveaway for teens

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

With prom season approaching, the Baldwin Public Library is helping local teens get ready for the big night — so they could dress to the nines without the burden of high costs.

Throughout May, the library is hosting a prom-clothing giveaway, which will be open to all teens in the community. Participants are invited to browse a wide selection of donated formalwear, try on items, and take home one gown or suit free of charge.

Mariel DePalma, head of the library’s teen services, and Kaitlyn Botsakos, teen services librarian, have led the initiative since its launch in February.

Inspired by similar programs at libraries in East Meadow, Hicksville and Queens, the effort aims to ease the financial strain of prom on some families while ensuring every student has a chance to feel confident and celebrated by wearing elegant attire for the big night.

A section of the library’s Teen Zone has been transformed into a pop-up boutique, complete with racks filled with dresses, suits, shoes and accessories. Donations have come from community members and past prom-goers eager to pass along a little sparkle.

“It was slow at first,” DePalma said. “But once word got around the community, the

Pickleball clinic set for this weekend

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

As the rapid-fire pop of pickleballs hitting paddles echoed through Baldwin Park on a warm day last week, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin announced a new way for more residents to get in on the action: a free pickleball clinic for youth and seniors in the hamlet.

The clinic, which will take place this Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m., is intended to introduce the sport to two growing groups of players — kids ages 7 to 13 and adults 50 and over. Paddles, balls and instruction will all be provided at no cost, and registration opened online on April 15.

enjoying themselves.”

Baldwin, like much of the Town of Hempstead, has become a hot spot for pickleball in the past couple of years, with packed courts and year-round activity. The town says it has installed more than 70 courts to meet the growing demand, including Long Island’s first Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant pickleball court in Wantagh.

f there is a craze that has taken this nation, ladies and gentlemen, it is pickleball.

DoN ClAVIN Town supervisor

“If there is a craze that has taken this nation, ladies and gentlemen, it is pickleball,” Clavin said at the busy Baldwin Park pickleball courts on April 14, where dozens of players were already taking advantage of the spring weather. “It’s Monday, and look behind me. We have a full field of residents just down here playing and

Clavin was joined for the announcement by Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby, Councilwoman Laura Ryder, Town Clerk Kate Murray and town pickleball instructor Barbara Sims, along with a crowd of local players.

“14 years ago, I started pickleball at Seamans Neck Park (in Seaford) and we had maybe a few courts,” Sims, who will help lead the clinic, said. “Like the supervisor said, we now have 70.

“We have been sold out for the 14 years,” she added. “I thought by now we’ve taught everybody, but apparently not.”

ConTinued on Page 14

Courtesy Baldwin Public Library

Pope Francis dies at 88

He became an ordained Jesuit priest at 33 and was the first pope from outside Europe in centuries, yet Pope Francis was known for his human touch.

He died on Monday. He was born on Dec. 17, 1936.

“The Church has lost a very humble devoted man for the poor and I have met him a couple of times and experienced in his presence that he is always a caring person,”

Reverend Johnny Mendonca, pastor at The Church of St. Christopher in Baldwin, told the Herald. “He was the true voice of the poor for humanity so today we can say that the poor has lost a father who cared for them. He will always be remembered for a person for spiritual courage who served all those who needed help. I will truly pray that God will grant him eternal rest,”

Bergoglio, just before his 17th birthday, was hurrying to meet friends when something directed him to go into the Basilica of St. Joseph in Buenos Aires that moved him to become a priest.

Jesuits are known for highlighting humility, aid the poor and having respect for indigenous people.

Bishop John Barres who leads the Archdiocese of Rockville Centre noted the works in his statement.

“As we mourn the death of Pope Francis on this Easter Octave Monday and the gift of his contemplative global evangelization grounded in Matthew 25 and the spiritual and corporal works of mercy, we give thanks to Father, Son and Holy Spirit for his unique graces and charisms and the compelling way during his Pontificate that he has been a Light of Jesus Christ and the mission of mercy of the Catholic Church to the world,” he said.

“In *Evangelii Gaudium* (2013), Pope Francis speaks about the original freshness of the Gospel: “Jesus can also break through the dull categories with which we would enclose him and he constantly amazes us by his divine creativity. Whenever we make the effort to return to the source and to recover the original freshness of the Gospel,

new avenues arise, new paths of creativity open up, with different forms of expression, more eloquent signs and words with new meaning for today’s world. Every form of authentic evangelization is always ‘new.’”

“As a family of faith, we join the Church in mourning the passing of Pope Francis, a humble servant, who led with compassion and simplicity,” St. Raphael Parish in East Meadow posted on Facebook. “May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”

“It is with a deep sense of sorrow that we join the Universal Church and the whole world in mourning the death of our Supreme Pontiff, Pope Francis, who left this world to his Father this morning,” Father Eugene Umeor of Malverne’s Our Lady of Lourdes Church said in Monday’s morning prayer that are posted online. “I hope in the resurrection we continue to live out the values he taught us, universal love, his care for poor, the vulnerable, and all those in special needs.”

“Today the Chair is Empty. Easter Sunday an empty tomb is found and we know Jesus our hope has risen,” said Mark Daley, former grand knight for Valley Stream Knights of Columbus. “Today we pray for our Pope who has Risen to be with God Our Father.”

Phyllis Zagano Ph.D, is senior research associate-in-residence in the Department of Religion at Hofstra University. One of the world’s foremost experts on the question of women deacons and in 2016 was appointed to serve on Pope Francis’ first commission to look at this issue. She was the only commissioner to travel from the Western Hemisphere.

“Pope Francis will be remembered as the pope who opened the door to more people, especially lay people, especially women, to participate in conversations about how the Church might best move forward,” Zagano said.

Let me know if you want a cleaned-up version of the entire article too—happy to help polish it further.

Courtesy The Vatican Pope Francis, the first pope from outside Europe in centuries, died on Monday morning at 88.

Baldwin Fire Department to participate in RecruitNY

By CAROLYN JAMERS cjames@liherald.com

Baldwin Fire Department along with other volunteer fire departments across New York state will open their doors to the public the weekend of April 26–27 as part of the 16th annual RecruitNY campaign, an effort aimed at boosting volunteer membership in local fire departments.

We are hoping that all New Yorkers will help us shine the ‘light’ red for the recruitment of volunteer firefighters across the state this April.

EugENE PERRY President, FASNY

The statewide event is organized by the Firefighters Association of the State of New York (FASNY).

As part of the campaign, FASNY will also relaunch its “Light Up NY Red” initiative to raise awareness about the need for volunteer firefighters. April 21-27, residents, businesses, landmarks and government buildings are encouraged to display red lighting in support of the effort.

All Baldwin firehouses will host an open house throughout the day this Sunday.

“It gives community members in Baldwin the opportunity to come to any firehouse in Baldwin to talk recruitment with us,” Michael Perise, first deputy chief at the Baldwin Fire Department told the Herald. “It is important to build generations within the fire department so each generation can teach the next. We are looking to build off of that.”

“We are hoping that all New Yorkers will help us shine the ‘light’ red for the recruitment of volunteer firefighters across the state this April,” said FASNY Presi-

dent Eugene Perry. “FASNY is working with state and local officials to get some of New York’s biggest landmarks involved in this program again this year. It would be great to see even more participation in support of this initiative, and to help departments gain more volunteers.”

Notable landmarks that participated in last year’s campaign included Niagara Falls State Park, the JMA Wireless Dome at Syracuse University, and several county and municipal buildings in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

“These lights symbolize FASNY’s commitment to a tradition of community and a sense of camaraderie, and we are very grateful for the support,” Perry said. Volunteer fire departments statewide continue to face challenges such as declining membership and increasing emergency call volumes. According to FASNY, New York has about 40,000 fewer volunteer firefighters than it did two decades ago. Economic pressures, time constraints and other lifestyle demands have made recruiting and

retaining volunteers more difficult.

Volunteer firefighters respond to a variety of emergencies, including fires, medical calls, vehicle accidents, downed power lines and lithium battery incidents. Officials say increasing volunteer ranks is essential to maintaining public safety.

“We’re looking to recruit people who want to help the community and be a part of something bigger than themselves,” Perise said. “You gain a lot of useful knowledge, lifelong friends and gain a second family.”

FASNY is encouraging communities to share their support for the “Light Up NY Red” campaign on social media using the hashtag #LightUpNYRed. Photos and captions can also be emailed to photos@fasny.com for possible inclusion in Volunteer Firefighter magazine and on FASNY’s social media platforms.

For more information about RecruitNY or to find a participating fire department, visit www.recruitny.org.

Additional reporting by Hernesto Galdamez

things to know from the Board of education meeting

Recognition in high school sports and ‘Champion of Change’ award were discussed

n

Recognition for high school sports teams

Members of the Baldwin High School track and field team expressed concerns about unequal recognition compared to other sports teams, particularly basketball. They cited the lack of a send-off event for the track team going to the state championship but explained that it is a broader issue in high school sports. Specific examples of track team’s achievements are three-time indoor state and federation champions in the 4x200 meter relay and threetime indoor state and federation champion in the 55-meter.

Shari Camhi, superintendent of Baldwin schools, said she would be “happy to meet” with the students. She added that the district recognizes milestone accomplishments at its May Board of Education meetings every year.

n Champions of Change

The New York State School Board Association presented the Baldwin school district with a “Champion of Change” award for the Future Jewelers Academy at Baldwin High School@Shubert School.

The academy introduces Shubert School students to all aspects of the jewelry industry and held a ribbon cutting ceremony earlier this year.

n Next meeting

The next Board of Educa tion meeting for Baldwin is scheduled for May 7 at Baldwin High School.

Herald file photo

Baldwin Fire Department will host an open house throughout the day this Sunday across their firehouses.

Arts and Crafts Festival in Baldwin set for May 18

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

The Baldwin Civic Association is once again celebrating local talent with its annual Arts and Crafts Festival, an event that continues to highlight the work of artists from Baldwin and neighboring communities.

Spousal Refusal - Just Say No

Spousal refusal is a legally valid Medicaid planning option in New York. By way of background, certain income and assets are exempt from Medicaid if there is a spouse. Generally, the spouse at home, known as the “community spouse” may keep about $3,950 per month of the couple’s combined income and up to about $158,000 of the assets or “resources”. Not included in those figures are any other exempt assets, such as a home (up to about $1,100,000 of the equity only) and one automobile. The spouse who is being cared for in a facility is known as the “institutionalized spouse”.

Many a spouse has advised us that they simply cannot afford to live on the allowances that Medicaid provides. This is where spousal refusal comes in. We start by shifting excess assets into the name of the “community spouse”. He or she then signs a document which the elder law attorney prepares and files with the county indicating that they refuse to contribute their income and assets to the care of the ill spouse since they need those income and assets for their own care and wellbeing. Note that you may not refuse your spouse’s own income over the $3,950 per month exemption as it is not coming to you.

Once the “community spouse” invokes their right to refuse, and all of the other myriad requirements of the Medicaid application are met, the state Medicaid program must pay for the care of the institutionalized spouse.

After Medicaid has been granted, the county may institute a lawsuit seeking to recover the cost of care from the refusing spouse. Nevertheless, there are a few reasons why spousal refusal makes sense, even in light of this risk. First, in many instances, the county never invokes this right. Secondly, these lawsuits are often settled for significantly less than the cost of care provided. Thirdly, the payment to the county can sometimes be deferred until the community spouse dies. As one county attorney told us when agreeing to such an arrangement, “the county is going to be around for a long time”. Finally, even though the county may seek recovery, it is only for the Medicaid reimbursement rate and not the private pay rate. For example, if the private pay rate is $18,000 per month, which is what you would have to pay, the amount Medicaid has to pay is generally a quarter to a third less. The county may only pursue you for the amount they actually paid.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

The event is scheduled for Saturday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Baldwin Community Garden.

This year’s festival will feature dozens of vendors offering original, handmade pieces. Items for sale will include artwork, jewelry, pottery, and other crafts— each created and sold by the artists themselves. In addition to shopping, attendees can enjoy live music and learn more about local nonprofit organizations that will also be on site.

“It’s a great venue for local artists to showcase their work,” said Elissa Kirchner, co-chair of the festival. “With the addition of music and nonprofits, it becomes a real community experience. It’s not just about the Civic Association— it’s about everyone coming together.”

Vendor spaces are 10-by-10 feet, and participants must bring their own tables

and chairs. Garden spaces are available for $40, while a limited number of premium spots in front of the Baldwin Historical Museum are offered for $50.

Kirchner said the festival was founded to encourage community support for the arts and to celebrate Baldwin’s creative spirit.

“It’s great to bump into your neighbors while walking around,” she said. “Events like this and our Food Truck Fridays are all about connection and community.”

Last year’s festival drew a large turnout and a diverse group of vendors, with booths offering personal prints, handmade bracelets, clay art, and amigurumi—crocheted or knitted stuffed toys.

Organizers hope to build on that momentum this year by providing a space where artists can thrive and residents can support local talent.

“Once everything is set up, and you see people walking around, smiling, dancing to the music—it warms my heart,” Kirchner said. “It’s about enjoying the craftsmanship and the artistry. Everything is handmade, and that’s what makes it so special.”

For more information, visit BaldwinCivic.Org

Tim Baker/Herald

Jamilet Hernandez, Abigail Magwood and Erin Healey selling bracelets at last years Arts and Craft Festival.

ELIzABEtH pOIROt West Hempstead Senior Lacrosse

TO SAY POIROT is off to an incredible start would be an understatement. A year after leading Nassau County in goals with 74 to go along with 25 assists, she’s set a torrid pace so far and has the Rams at 4-3 entering this week’s action. She scored their last seven goals April 2 in a 13-11 victory over Freeport and has a county leading 41 goals and 53 points. In 2023 as a sophomore, she scored 45 times to rank amoung Nassau’s best.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, April 24

Softball: Freeport at Lynbrook ..............................4:30 p.m.

Baseball: South Side at New Hyde Park ...................5 p.m.

Baseball: Bethpage at East Meadow ........................5 p.m.

Baseball: MacArthur at Division ................................5 p.m.

Baseball: Mepham at Calhoun .................................5 p.m.

Baseball: Long Beach at Kennedy ............................5 p.m.

Softball: V.S. Central at West Hempstead ..................5 p.m.

Softball: Westbury at Hewlett ....................................5 p.m.

Softball: Mepham at Seaford ....................................5 p.m.

Softball: Wantagh at MacArthur ................................5 p.m.

Softball: Division at Plainedge ..................................5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Calhoun at G. City (Mitchel Field) .....5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: North Shore at Hewlett .....................5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Long Beach at South Side ................5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Massapequa at Wantagh ..................5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: V.S. District at West Hempstead ........5 p.m.

Girls Flag Football: MacArthur at Lynbrook...........6:30 p.m.

Friday, April 25

Baseball: C.S. Harbor at East Rockaway ...................5 p.m.

Baseball: Oceanside at Freeport ...............................5 p.m.

Baseball: North Shore at Malverne ...........................5 p.m.

Baseball: Sewanhaka at Lawrence ...........................5 p.m.

Softball: Massapequa at Kennedy ............................5 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

Baldwin (6-2) raining in the goals

By MICHELLE RABINOVICH sports@liherald.com

Sitting at 6-2 so far this season, the Baldwin boys lacrosse team won its most recent matchup April 14 but also lost a tough game to Clarke, 7-5, three days earlier so head coach Tim Clancy isn’t one to celebrate until the big cahuna is won and done.

Last season, Baldwin finished their season 7-8, so when the calendar flipped to 2025, it was a race to the drawing board to do better this year.

A couple of seniors have returned to the team, and with a vengeance from the looks of it.

Preston Kirchner, who Clancy called one of the top guys to wield the stick at the attack and midfield spots this season, has 24 goals and 8 assists. The next man up is Jake Stevenson, a starting midfielder with 18 goals and 15 assists to his name.

Baldwin graduated 14 seniors off its roster last June, so the offense was a point of emphasis coming into the season.

“Offensively we’re putting ourselves in a lot of positions to score and we just got to finish,” Clancy said. “We have some kids we the physical ability to play offense, but I think there’s some learning [to do]. As far as our offense goes, there’s still more to learn, offensively we’re still learning our identity a little bit.”

That much is true: in their most recent game, it was pour goals for the Bruins. In a brutal 15-1 decision, in which Kirschner had a hat trick, Stevenson had five goals and four assists, Alejando Acosta had four goals, and Garris Williams found the back of the net twice. Overall, the offense isn’t cause to lose sleep over, but it’s still something that Clancy wants to hammer away, calling it a work in progress for the rest of the season.

Then there’s the starting goalie, senior Dwight Lindsay, that has been equally as fierce between the pipes with 78 saves this season at a 65% save percentage. He went from subbing in for the starter if he got injured to a full-

Ian Chan and the Bruins are clicking on offense and off to an impressive start against a new set of conference rivals.

time role, blossoming in the meantime. Elijah Iles, a junior defenseman who’s been starting for the team since he’s been a freshman. Clancy said that he anchors the back row, leading the team in groundballs, and also contributes at the face-off.

What’s new this year are some of the players brought up from the JV: Noah Collado being one of them. The junior defenseman was labeled as a solid force on the backend of the field and a standout player overall.

There’s also Amir Karl-Otto, a junior midfielder, but he’s relatively new to the game. A basketball player by trade, but has been tearing it up nonetheless. Now with a tougher leg of their scheduling on deck, with teams like New Hyde Park, Kennedy, East Meadow and Friends Academy coming up, the Bruins know they need to brace themselves for some challenging games, but Clancy said that he’s hoping to finish with an overall winning record. After that, playoffs are on the horizon.

Derrick Dingle/Herald

We don't do it for the attention. We don't do it for the recognition. We don't do it for the personal gain. And we certainly don't do it for the awards. We do it for you.

Catholic Health is the winner of Press Ganey’s 2025 HRO Foundation Award for exceptional reliability and patient safety.

At Catholic Health, we pursue the very best in health care for one reason only: you. Every single one of you that walks through our doors, every day. So, while we’re honored by this recognition, we also know there’s no finish line in health care. There’s always a new goal just over the horizon, and a new level of excellence for us to achieve for the health of Long Island.

Learn more at DedicatedtoBetter.org

Herald gala celebrates L.I.’s top lawyers

Legal excellence and community service are honored at Heritage Club gathering of 300

By Brian Norman

Some of Long Island’s top attorneys were honored for their professional achievements and community contributions at the 2025 Herald Top Lawyers of Long Island Awards Gala at the Heritage Club in Bethpage on April 8.

More than 300 people attended the gala, where 50 of Long Island’s top attorneys, nominated by their peers, were recognized for their professional excellence and dedication to their communities.

Before the awards ceremony, attorneys gathered for a cocktail hour, where they had the opportunity to meet and connect with fellow honorees and colleagues.

Stuart Richner, president and CEO of Richner Communications Inc., opened the ceremony by thanking all of those who were in attendance for their dedication to their professions and the people they serve. “Lawyers are pivotal in navigating business and personal matters, and we admire the commitment that our honorees have to their clients and all of the institutions they serve,” Richner said.

He added that a portion of the proceeds from the gala would be donated to the WE CARE fund, the charitable arm of the Nassau County Bar Association. The gala attracted representatives from law firms across Long Island. Among those honored were Minevich Law Group, Villacorta Law Group, JAG Law Group, Schroder & Storm LLP, and Meyer Suozzi Attorneys at Law.

Thomas A. Kenniff, a criminal defense attorney and founding partner of Raiser & Kenniff P.C., was the keynote speaker. He detailed his high-profile defense of Marine veteran Daniel Penny last year, when the Long Island native was acquitted of homicide charges stemming from a fatal subway confrontation with a man who had a history of violent behavior.

Kenniff said he was humbled to speak in front of the gala honorees, and honored to be recognized by his peers as the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award.

“It’s very humbling, and it’s difficult to speak and be recognized by a crowd of this caliber,” he said. “You look around the room and see first-class attorneys, household names in the legal industry, and you can’t help but ask yourself, ‘Why me?’ It’s a tremendous honor.”

Nicholas Papain, director and managing member of Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C., was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Papain, who has spent his entire career with the firm since joining it in 1978, has been a personal injury lawyer for 47 years. He has represented families of first responders to the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, and played a key role in securing a $700 million settlement for rescue and recovery workers.

“I represent people who have been

Hundreds attended to celebrate award winners recognition.

catastrophically injured, and offer them, through our work for them, some financial security for the losses that they have suffered,” Papain said. “It’s a huge honor, I am very humbled by it, I am very appreciative of it, and I am fortunate to be in this position.”

Other honorees included Svetlana Minevich, of the Minevich Law Group, named top health care attorney; Eduardo M. Villacorta, of Villacorta Law Group, recognized as top immigration attorney; and Marjorie Mesidor, of Mesidor PLLC, honored as top employ-

ment discrimination attorney. Mesidor said that to be recognized for what she does drives her to do well. “To be recognized for the work that you are doing is always a great motivator, particularly in times like these, where you feel like there is a lot going on in our country both socially and politically and in the legal field,” Mesidor said. “So this helps to put a little gas in your tank, so to speak, and encourages me to keep going.”

Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP was among the firms with multiple members

The Schroder and Strom, LLP team, Allison Brewi (left), Nicolette MainiMoligano, Robert Goldstein, Esq., Edward Mohlenhoff, Esq., Anthony Forzaglia, Esq., Honorees Joseph C. Packard, Esq. and Christopher P. Byrnes Esq., Jeremy May, Esq., Asad Jilani, Michael Spellman, Esq. (right).

honored, and was recognized as the Top Law Firm on Long Island for the seventh consecutive year. Managing Partner Joseph G. Milizio said that it was a great feeling to receive the award at this point in his career.

“This award is an honor, and it means that I am at a stage in my career where I am able to be recognized for the things that I have done,” he said, “and that is a great feeling.”

For a full list of honorees and to view more pictures please visit: RichnerLive. com/toplawyerawards.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Deborah A. Kelly, Esq. from Mejias, Milgrim, Alvarado, & Lindo, P.C.

Marjorie Mesidor from Mesidor PLLC.

Platinum Sponsor, Eduardo M. Villacorta, Esq. from Villacorta Law Group.

Courtesy Nixon Peabody

Allan Cohen (left), Honorees, Ashley Mistretta, Neil Diskin, and Christopher J. Moro (right) pose for photo representing their firm, Nixon Peabody LLP.

Honorable Joseph Spinola from Resolute Systems, LLC.

Anthony A. Nozzolillo Esq. accepts his award for Real Estate Law.

Jason A. Greenberg, Esq. from JAG Law Group.

Laurette D. Mulry accepts her award for her work with Legal Aid of Suffolk County, Inc.

Matthew T. McDonough, Esq. CRE accepts his award for Municipal Law.

Charles Skop from Meyer Suozzi, English, and Klein, P.C.

Ellen N. Savino from Sahn Ward Braff Coschignano PLLC. Neil Diskin Esq. from Nixon Peabody.

Kathryn C. Cole from Greenberg Traurig.

Michael S. Amato from Ruskin Mosco Faltischek, P.C.

Platinum Sponsor, Svetlana Minevich from Minevich Law Group, P.C.

Amy E. Bedell from Lewis Johs Avallone Aviles, LLP.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

The Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP team, Roy Schwartz (left), Joseph Trotti, Katherin Valdez-Lazo, Theresa DeStasio, Honorees Joseph G. Milizio and Kristine Garcia-Elliott, Helen L. Tuckman, and Philip Hornberger. (right).

Nicholas Papain from Sullivan, Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo, P.C.

Baldwin community celebrates Easter

The Baldwin Civic Association welcomed residents to its annual Spring Swing & Bazaar on April 19 at Baldwin Harbor Park, offering a day of familyfriendly fun on the eve of Easter.

Attendees of all ages enjoyed an afternoon filled with entertainment, carnival-style games, and a festive Easter egg hunt. The event drew a large turnout, creating a lively atmosphere that celebrated community spirit and togetherness.

Founded in 1945, the Baldwin Civic Association has worked for decades to promote civic pride and enhance the quality of life for Baldwin residents. The Spring Swing & Bazaar is one of many initiatives aimed at fostering unity and engagement within the community.

— Hernesto Galdamez

Tim Baker/Herald

The Easter bunny spent time with members of the Baldwin Key Club and children.

Children were off to find their Easter eggs at the Spring Swing & Bazaar in Baldwin.

George Feldchun, 5, during the Easter egg hunt.

Justus Brown, BaileyRae .Courtnie and Courtnie White enjoying ice cream.

Town hall

Laura Gillen answers questions on taxes and tariffs at Hofstra

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen answered the questions that are on hundreds of Nassau County residents’ minds at a town hall event on April 16. Gillen, who represents a large swath of the county’s South Shore, initially spoke about her current projects in Washington. But the majority of the meeting was a questionand-answer session, with questions submitted on index cards by audience members.

Q: How will Gillen work with Republicans to eliminate the cap on the income tax deduction for state and local taxes?

Gillen: She is a member of the bipartisan SALT Caucus, a group of representatives from states that pay the highest taxes in the country, as well as the

Ways and Means Committee, which dictates tax policy. She co-sponsored a bill with fellow Long Island Rep. Andrew Garbarino to reinstate the full SALT deduction.

Q: How will she protect Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid?

Gillen: “I (joined) 200 of my colleagues in writing a letter to the administration saying that we will not tolerate cuts to Social Security, to Medicaid or to Medicare,” she said.

“We can use our voice,” she continued. “You can use your voice also to reach out to Republicans on Long Island and tell them that you will not stand for these cuts to Medicaid, and put pressure on them so that maybe they will retreat from this position.”

Q: What is she planning to

do to oppose President Trump’s “illegal removal of migrants”?

Gillen: “I, like the majority of Americans, do believe that people who are undocumented and who commit crimes should be deported,” she said.

The main problem, according to Gillen, is that the administration is not following orders from the judiciary. “I support our Constitution,” she said. “I will fight in the halls of Congress to make sure the dear principles upon which this nation was founded

are upheld, and will work with my colleagues in Congress to push back against overreach of the executive branch.”

Q: How is she working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to keep it operational?

Gillen: She is a member of the Science, Space and Technology Committee. “I continue to advocate to make sure that we get the grants necessary to continue the important work of the CDC, and we are pushing back

on our caucus against any action to reduce the ability of the CDC to perform its important work,” she said.

A theme that Gillen emphasized was bipartisanship — whether with members of the administration, or with representatives across the aisle, she emphasized her desire to cooperate for the best results.

Q: Why hasn’t Congress stepped in to prevent a trade war?

Gillen: She supports a new bipartisan bill, the Trade Policy Relief Act, which would “reassert Congress’s authority over trade policy.” The bill would give Congress the authority to review any tariff policies implemented by the administration for 60 days, and to cancel a tariff it does not consider justified.

Q: Why did sheen vote for the Laken Riley Act?

Gillen: “Homeland Security has the right to detain undocumented folks who commit crimes,” she said of the act, which gives federal authorities broader power to deport immigrants accused of crimes. “This expanded the types of crimes that could require mandatory detention. I am proud to join a number of Democrats who voted for this legislation.”

UNIONDALE SCHOOLS

Championship

Grant-funded

Specialized

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen spoke to hundreds of her constituents about the state of the country at a town hall event at Hofstra University on April 16.

Baldwin gears up for Community Bike Rodeo and Parade

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Baldwin residents are gearing up for a morning of fun, fitness and community connection as the third annual Community Bike Rodeo and Parade rolls into Baldwin Park.

The event, scheduled for Saturday, May 10, from 9 a.m. to noon, is a collaboration between Nassau County Legislature Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Debra Mulé and the Baldwin Civic Association. It aims to promote health, safety and neighborhood unity through cycling.

“This fun and inclusive event is designed to bring people together of all ages and abilities to celebrate the joy of cycling,” Mulé said. “Whether you’re an experienced rider or a beginner, there’s something to enjoy as you explore the community, get active, and meet your neighbors at the parade.”

The morning kicks off at Baldwin Park, where participants—whether young children, teenagers or adults— will be given designated routes to follow. The path for young children and families will begin on Grand Boulevard and lead them past Meadow Elementary School before returning to the park. This route is separated from the one for teenagers and adults.

Older participants will continue

along Grand Boulevard, riding through Park Avenue, Harrison Avenue, Merrick Road, Atlantic Avenue and other streets.

“By showcasing Baldwin’s vibrant neighborhoods, scenic parks and commercial corridors, this event invites residents to explore their community in a more personal and environmentally friendly way,” Kimberly Malone, president of the Baldwin Civic Association, told the Herald. “Which will strengthen community pride.”

In addition to the ride, the Bike Rodeo will offer a free bike clinic where participants can receive safety checks and tune-ups. Nearby Oceanside Cycle is sponsoring the event, along with Transit Solutions, Let’s Move LI, Vision Long Island, the Town of Hempstead and the Nassau County Police Department.

Last year’s parade drew families, casual cyclists and seasoned riders alike. This year, organizers hope to expand on that success with even more community involvement, while promoting a healthy lifestyle.

“Our third bike parade will generate excitement for a potential permanent bike network in Baldwin,” Malone said. “The event not only encourages active transportation such as cycling and walking but also promotes a healthier lifestyle.”

Participants are encouraged to bring

their own bikes and helmets. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Bald-

win Civic Association’s website or Legislator Mulé’s official social media pages. Photos courtesy Office of Debra Mule

The third annual Community Bike Rodeo and Parade, presented in collaboration with the Baldwin Civic Association and Nassau County Legislator Debra Mule, is set to roll out May 10 at Baldwin Harbor Park.

things to know Long isLAnD toURisM

Discover Long Island gears up for busy tourism season

Discover Long Island, the marketing organization promoting Long Island to the world, held its annual meeting and legislative breakfast at Hilton Long Island on March 14.

Discover LI presented its agenda for the year and premiered its new YouBelong campaign, featuring stories of local Long Islanders and business owners. “2025 is already proving to be a monumental year, and there is much more on the horizon,” said Mitchell Pally, chairman of the Discover LI board of directors.

In 2023, travelers spent $7.5 billion while visiting Long Island, in large part as a result of Discover Long Island’s global marketing of the region as a premier travel destination. With events like the 2025 Ryder Cup, the 100th anniversary of “The Great Gatsby” and the 2026 NHL All-Star Game, Long Island is expecting an unprecedented number of visitors in the coming months.

–Madison Gusler

The role of tourism in boosting the local economy

The goal of Discover LI is to increase tourism in the region, because tourism drives revenue across the Island. Over 42 million tourists visited Long Island in 2023, generating $900 million in local and state tax revenue. During peak season, tourism generates over 100,000 jobs.

With 11 social media channels and over 10 million followers, Discover LI promotes Long Island tourism to audiences around the globe.

Targeting

high-value international visitors and promoting local exploration

Discover LI’s team attends tourism trade shows around the world to promote Long Island internationally. They target high-value visitors who spend more when they visit. When travelers come to LI from outside the region, they spend on hotels, dining and activities.

And Discover LI isn’t ignoring residents, featuring hyper-local marketing that aims to acquaint Long Islanders with new experiences in their own backyards.

Discover LI’s digital advances, with NearMe app and AI implementation

Discover LI has made strides in digital options for those planning a visit. Its AI chatbot, LiLi, was launched in 2024, and has since sent 6,071 messages. LiLi speaks a number of languages, and has saved Discover LI staff more than 200 hours of work.

The Discover LI app, which has seen a 300 percent increase in downloads since 2024, generates suggestions for dining and entertainment near users and provides information about the area. There is also a section of the website that allow users to buy tickets for various events without leaving the Discover LI page.

Over 70 TOH pickleball courts are opened

This weekend’s event will cover the game’s fundamentals as well as more advanced strategies for experienced players. Clavin noted that the timing was perfect, with April being National Pickleball Month and warmer temperatures drawing more residents to the courts.

Phylis Lubell, who has played pickleball for three years, said it has given her the chance to socialize with other players and to remain active. She also appreciates how it has become popular with younger players.

“In the last year, you’re hearing that the younger kids are playing, and they’ve introduced it into the gym aspect of it at some of the schools,” Lubell told the Herald. “I think it’s fabulous, because us Americans need to get moving.

“I was never a sports person,” she added. “I believe that’s what the appeal here was for me, because it’s outdoors, you’re exercising and you’re becoming social.”

For information on registering for the clinic, visit HempsteadNY. Gov/289/Pickleball-Lessons.

THURSDAY, MAY 22

Hernesto Galdamez/Herald

STEPPING OUT

An Evening with Misty Copeland

By Karen Bloom

pring is calling — and there’s no better place to answer than at Old Westbury Gardens. As blooms burst into color and we shake off winter — and early spring’s chill — the beloved 200-acre historic estate is the perfect place to be.

Now a few weeks into its re-opening, this idyllic landmark is ready to enchant visitors with its lush gardens, a refreshed Westbury House and a calendar packed with events and activities. And this momentous season marks the conclusion of its 65th anniversary year as a public garden and historic home.

For Maura Brush, Old Westbury Gardens’ president and horticulturist extraordinaire, the milestone continues to carry a deep meaning.

“Our anniversary year is still ongoing and we have so much to offer,” she says. “And we’re excited about the event we have planned for the 100th anniversary of ‘The Great Gatsby’ being published.”

Gatsby enthusiasts will have to wait for fall to celebrate iconic novel. In the meantime, there’s so much to enjoy — right now.

“When the gardens first opened to the public, it was Peggy Phipps and her friends who helped usher in that new chapter. Sixty-five years later, we’re still here, thriving,” Brush says. It’s a real testament to how loved these gardens are.”

Indeed, it’s not just about surviving — it’s about flourishing. The estate, once home to prominent lawyer John Shaffer Phipps, draws record numbers of visitors and members alike, year after year, enticed by its historic charm and horticultural magic.

And that magic begins the moment you step through the gates.

“All winter long you’re sort of just looking for any signs of life in the garden,” Brush says, about the transition to spring.

“The smallest snowdrop or crocus means the world. And then when you hit this time of year it feels like I can take a walk in the garden in the morning, and by the afternoon something else has sprung up. I love that the garden really changes almost day to day.”

One of her favorite early spring spots? The serene lakeside.

“In the early part of the season, the lake areas are just

Old Westbury Gardens sets its sights on the exciting conclusion of a milestone anniversary year

stunning. The trees haven’t fully leafed out yet, so the

stunning. The trees haven’t fully leafed out yet, so the sunlight dances on the water,” she says.

Keep your eyes open for some of the garden’s wildest residents: turtles sunning on logs, ducks gliding and birdsong echoing through the trees.

“This time of year you start to see the turtles more,” she notes. “The logs are filled with those turtles trying to get their Vitamin D, getting any sun they can.”

Just like us.

• Old Westbury Gardens

71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• For more information and program/events schedule visit oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048

Another mustvisit is the delightful Primrose Path, at its peak in April through mid-May. Here, you’ll find delicate primroses in vibrant hues, forget-me-nots and a scattering of ephemerals — in an expression seasonal joy.

As spring progresses, Old Westbury Gardens transforms week by week. Daffodils, fritillaria, tulips, and more unfurl in careful succession, planned and planted by Brush’s dedicated team.

Of course, you’ll want to head over to the Walled Garden where tulips are in spring’s spotlight.

“The tulips change every year. What we really try to do is create a display that starts with the very early spring tulips and goes to the late bloomers,” Brush explains.

Some appear in early April while others flower closer to May, or even in the middle of May.

“We take a lot of pride in the tulip display,” she continues. “The combinations are very thoughtful. We’ll find a tulip that we really like and then we’ll try to find a pansy or some other annual that has some colors that bring out the tulip’s color and coordinate with that tulip. One row might be very ‘hot’ with ambers and yellows and oranges and then the center aisle will be very ‘cool’ with pale pink and silvery blues and purples. The Walled Garden is a masterpiece.”

Each year Old Westbury Gardens offers a soul-refreshing way to celebrate spring’s return. Plus the extensive schedule of programs enhances its surroundings — and its rich heritage.

“I am especially proud of the dynamic public programming we have curated,” Brush says.“Beloved favorites like Dog Days and Midsummer Nights return, alongside exciting new additions. From inspiring art programs and wellness, we always have a rich roster of programming because that’s who we are.

“It’s a legacy to the Phipps family that their lovely home is so enjoyed by so many people. I think that’s what Peggy envisioned when she so generously gifted Old Westbury Gardens. She had a very happy childhood and life here. Her vision was she would be able to share some of that with the generations to come after her.

And that’s exactly what she’s done.”

So go ahead — let spring sweep you away. The gates are open, the flowers are blooming and it’s all more spectacular than ever.

Experience an intimate and inspiring night with Misty Copeland, the trailblazing ballerina who made history as the first Black female principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre. Hear her incredible journey, from overcoming obstacles to becoming a global icon in the dance world and beyond. Copeland has often spoken out about being “different” in the ballet scene. From living in a motel to dancing on the stage of the Metropolitan Opera House, her story of perseverance through poverty, racism, and overcoming setbacks from injury has made Copeland an inspiring figure to millions. She is joined in conversation by screenwriterauthor-producer Susan Fales-Hill. She reflects on lessons learned, the remarkable mentors who have guided her on her path and her hopes and aspirations for the future. Also enjoy a performance by members of the prestigious ABT Studio Company, media from Misty’s legendary and trailblazing career, and some surprises, including students of Copeland’s Be Bold program, her groundbreaking afterschool dance initiative.

Saturday, April 26, 7:30 p.m. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Jessie’s Girl

Drag out that neon once again and give your hair its best ‘80s ‘do. Those wild days are back — as only Jessie’s Girl can pull off, on the Paramount stage. The band of NYC’s top rock/ pop musicians and singers gets everyone into that “Back To The Eighties” vibe with the latest edition of their popular concert experience. With a lineup including four pop-rock vocalists dressing and performing as 80s icons, backed by a dynamic band, this is the definitive ‘80s experience. Throw on top of that: a load of super-fun choreography, audience participation, props, costumes bubbles, and confetti — and you have a party that audiences don’t want to leave. Jessie’s Girl has mastered over-the-top renditions of the some of world’s most unforgettable songs, all while dressed up as the iconic characters of that decade. Theater meets live music — covered with a load of ‘80s glitz.

Saturday, April 26, 8 p.m. $49.50, $37.50, $35, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Photos courtesy Old Westbury Gardens Old Westbury Gardens enchants visitors with brilliant pops of color.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

APR

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 wellreceived 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

‘Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!’

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 April 27, April 30-May 1, times vary

•Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

APR

Country Western Dinner Dance

Enjoy a Country Western Dinner Party/ Dance hosted by American Legion Baldwin Post #246. Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per couple. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

•Where: American Legion Baldwin Post #246, 2754 Grand Ave.

• Time: 6:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m.

•Contact: (516) 867-9873

Defensive Driving Class

Baldwin Public Library hosts a Defensive Driving course. The six-hour class is an opportunity to improve driving skills, reduce auto insurance, and/or points. Fee is $35.

•Where: 2385 Grand Ave.

•Time: 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

•Contact: baldwinpl.org or (516) 223-6228

MAY 2

Pink Talking Fish

LIMEHOF Music Documentary Film Festival submissions

The inaugural Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame Music Documentary Film Festival is set to launch Aug. 8-10. LIMEHOF is currently open to submissions up until May 1.

•Contact: (631) 689-5888 or shorturl.at/VqmkM.

Food Truck Fest

MAY

2

Baldwin Civic Association hosts a Food Truck Fest at Baldwin Community Garden. Stop by for some tasty bites.

•Where: 1980 Grand Ave.

• Time: 5-8:30 p.m.

MAY

3

•Where: Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington

• Time: 8 p.m.

•Contact: landmarkonmainstreet.org.

Three mammoth bands. Three musical phenomenons. One idea inspired by love of the music. That’s Pink Talking Fish. The hybrid tribute fusion act takes the music from three iconic bands creating a remarkable musical jam. PTF brings their unique sound to the Landmark on Main Street stage, on their latest tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of the incredible Pink Floyd album “Wish You Were Here.” This show consists of two sets. The first will be a full rendition of this epic album from start to finish, with “Classic PTF” combinations in the second set. “Wish You Were Here” is extremely meaningful to the band members and so many music lovers around the world and PTF is thrilled to bring this album to life in 2025. Although the music from each act is different, PTF has discovered that fusing the material together creates an amazing story. The epic emotion of Pink Floyd; the funky, danceable layerings of The Talking Heads; the styles, unique compositional structures and pure fun of Phish — to merge these three into one gives music lovers a special experience. Tickets are $49 and $46.

Earth Day Beach Cleanup

Celebrate Earth Day at beautiful Sands Preserve Preserve! Join the efforts to help prevent plastic and other harmful materials from polluting our oceans and help keep the preserve’s shoreline clean. Bring your own gloves, all other materials will be provided. No registration is required. All beach cleanup volunteers receive free admission to the Preserve, as a thank you for their help in this important mission.

•Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point

•Time: noon-2 p.m.

•Contact: sandspointpreserveconservancy. org or call (516) 570-2185 or email info@sandspointpreserve. org

Giada Valenti’s ‘From Italy with Love’

Enjoy an evening of romantic songs in English, Italian and Spanish at the Madison Theatre. This exquisite concerts celebrates the enchantment of Italy, showcasing the captivating persona and velvety vocals of Giada Valenti. Her voice evokes memories of Celine Dion’s powerful vocals blended with the charm of Edith Piaf, accompanied by remarkable

special guests. Hailing from Venice, Giada promises an unforgettable performance filled with passion, emotion, and pure musical artistry.

From the hauntingly beautiful “The Prayer” to the romantic “A Place for Us” from Romeo and Juliet, she mesmerizes her with stunning interpretations of beloved tunes.

•Where: Molloy University campus, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

•Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444

series with a lively look at the Carole King songbook. The iconic singer-songwriter gets a brand-new sound with Carole’s Kings, the world’s first all-male Carole King tribute. This dynamic performance is jam-packed with chart-topping sensations such as “The Locomotion,” “I Feel the Earth Move,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” and many more. $40, $35 seniors.

•Where: Plaza’s stage at Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont.

• Time: 2 p.m.

•Contact: plazatheatrical.com or call (516) 599-6870

Participate in the annual autism awareness walk at Baldwin Harbor Park. With entertainment, dancing, a raffle, and arts and crafts activities.

•Where: 3232 Grand Ave.

• Time: 1 p.m.

•Contact:

MAY

Breastfeeding Support Group

1

Mercy Hospital offers a peer-topeer breastfeeding support group facilitated by a certified counselor. Open to new moms with babies from newborn to 1 year. Registration required.

•Where: St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre.

• Time: 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

•Contact: Call Gabriella Gennaro at (516) 705-2434

‘Bridgerton’inspired dance workshop

Learn to dance like Simon and Daphne! Enjoy an hour of grace and merriment at Old Westbury Gardens and learn some of the dances from the “Bridgerton” and “Queen Charlotte” series. No experience is necessary and no partner is needed. Instructor Susan de Guardiola guides participants through easy choreographies inspired from the TV series and talks about how the Bridgerton dances differ from the dances of the actual Regency/ Jane Austen era. Ages 16+ welcome.

•Where: The Barn at Orchard Hill, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: Noon-1 p.m.

•Contact: oldwestburygardens.org

MAY

7

Baldwin Board of Education Meeting

Parents are encouraged to attend and voice their concerns at the Baldwin Board of Education meeting.

•Where: Baldwin High School, 841 Ethel T Kloberg Dr.

• Time: 7 p.m.

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.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON

SAVINGS FUND

April 24, 2025 —

SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF STARWOOD MORTGAGE

RESIDENTIAL TRUST

2019-INV1, Plaintiff, vs. SILVIA PANTON, Defendant.

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 19, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 13, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 746 Allwyn Street, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 575 and Lot 14. Approximate amount of judgment is $570,725.71 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 604010/2022.

Mary Ellen Divone, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff Firm File No.: 234326-1 152822

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

DEUTSCHE BANK

NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAA HOME EQUITY TRUST 2006-8, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-8, -against-

GLORIA C. FORTE

A/K/A GLORIA DEROCHE FORTE, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on February 18, 2025, wherein

DEUTSCHE BANK

NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAA

HOME EQUITY TRUST 2006-8, ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-8 is the Plaintiff and GLORIA C. FORTE

A/K/A GLORIA DEROCHE FORTE, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 13, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2316 HARRISON AVENUE, BALDWIN, NY 11510; and the following tax map identification: 54-101-48. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN BALDWIN, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 606489/2023. Brian J. Carmody, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 152812

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee, for Residential Asset Securities Corporation, Home Equity Mortgage Asset-Backed PassThrough Certificates, Series 2006-EMX1, Plaintiff AGAINST Patrick Christopher; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 30, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 28, 2025, at

2:00PM, premises known as 3368 Bertha Drive, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 54. Block 551 Lot 51.

Approximate amount of judgment $1,390,389.93 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 603298/2023.

Foreclosure auction will be held “Rain or Shine”

Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: April 10, 2025 153078

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ANNUAL DISTRICT ELECTION, BUDGET HEARING AND VOTE OF BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU STATE OF NEW YORK, TO BE HELD ON May 20, 2025

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the budget hearing of the qualified voters of the Baldwin Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, in Cafeteria A of Baldwin High School, Ethel T. Kloberg Drive, Baldwin, New York in said School District for the transaction of such business as is authorized by law including the following purposes:

1. Presentation and discussion of the budget for the operation of the district schools for the school year beginning July 1, 2025.

2. Presentation and discussion of the budget for operation of the Baldwin Public Library for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025.

3. Transactions of such other business as is authorized by law.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the vote upon the appropriation of necessary funds to meet the necessary expenditures for the school year 20252026, the library appropriation, and on all propositions duly filed with the Board

of Education, to fill two vacancies for Trustees on the Board of Education for a term commencing July 1, 2025 and expiring June 30, 2028, and to fill one vacancy on the Board of Trustees of the Baldwin Public Library for a term commencing July 1, 2025 and expiring June 30, 2030, shall be held in the gymnasium of Baldwin High School Ethel T. Kloberg Drive, East of Grand Avenue, Baldwin, New York, in said School District on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, between the hours of 7:00AM and 9:00PM.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the following propositions will be presented to the voters at the May 20, 2025, vote:

PROPOSITION NO.

1: SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET

RESOLVED, that the proposed Budget of the Baldwin Union Free School District of the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, for the fiscal year 2025-2026 in the amount of $172, 880, 888 be adopted, and the amount be raised by tax upon the taxable property of the School District after first deducting the monies available from State Aid and other sources.

PROPOSITION NO.

2: PUBLIC LIBRARY BUDGET

RESOLVED, that the proposed Budget of the Baldwin Public Library for the fiscal year 20252026 in the amount of $6,393,961 be adopted, and the amount be raised by tax upon the taxable property of the School District after first deducting the monies available from State Aid and other sources.

PROPOSITION NO.

3: USAGE OF FUNDS FROM TECHNOLOGY RESERVE 2022

RESOLVED that the Board of Education shall present to the qualified voters of the Baldwin Union Free School District at the annual meeting to be held on May 20, 2025 the following proposition in substantially the following form: SHALL the Board of Education of the Baldwin Union Free School District be authorized to expend an amount not to exceed $450,000 from the Technology Reserve fund established on May 17, 2022 for the purpose of performing the following projects:

(a) New Chromebooks

for 3rd grade students; (b) Stylus pens for 3rd grade students; and (c) MedVision (medical mannequins), all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto.

PROPOSITION NO. 4: USAGE OF FUNDS FROM CAPITAL RESERVE #4, ESTABLISHED MAY 21, 2019, AND FROM CAPITAL RESERVE #5, KNOWN AS “CAPITAL-2023”, ESTABLISHED ON MAY 16, 2023

RESOLVED that the Board of Education shall present to the qualified voters of the Baldwin Union Free School District at the annual meeting to be held on May 20, 2025 the following proposition in substantially the following form: SHALL the Board of Education of the Baldwin Union Free School District be authorized to expend a total of $18,100,000.00 from the following: (1) $10,647,867.94 from Capital Reserve Fund #4, established on May 21, 2019, together with all accrued interest thereon, representing all remaining monies from Capital Reserve Fund #4 and (2) an amount not to exceed $7,452,132.06 from Capital Reserve Fund #5, known as “Capital-2023”, established on May 16, 2023, for the purpose of performing the following projects: (a) Baldwin High School Career Tech Ed Center Addition (CTE); (b) Baldwin High School existing auditorium renovations; (c) Baldwin Middle School new turf soccer field (west of track); (d) Lenox Elementary School, A/C electrical upgrades; (e) Meadow Elementary School, A/C electrical upgrades, all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto.

PROPOSITION #5

TO AUTHORIZE A PROPOSITION TO ESTABLISH CAPITAL RESERVE FUND #6, KNOWN AS THE “CAPITAL-2025” RESERVE FUND RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Baldwin Union Free School District hereby authorizes the following proposition to be placed on the ballot of the May 20, 2025 annual vote: SHALL the Board of Education, pursuant to Education Law section 3651, be authorized

to establish a Capital Reserve Fund #6, known as the “Capital - 2025” Reserve Fund for the purpose of performing the District-Wide capital improvements: instructional and noninstructional space improvements/ renovations/upgrades, (including but not limited to classroom improvements/ renovations/upgrades and/or additions to existing facilities), auditorium renovations, gymnasium renovations, cafeteria renovations, library/multi media center renovations, exterior renovations/ reconstruction, computer/ technology upgrades, security system upgrades, plumbing improvements/ renovations/upgrades, electrical improvements/ renovations/ upgrades, HVAC improvements/ renovations/upgrades, energy efficiency improvements/ renovation/upgrades, including the installation of solar power, improvements/ renovations/upgrades, renovations required for compliance with ADA requirements, vocational and career preparation renovations, portable classroom replacement and/or purchase, roof/gutter/ leader replacement, window replacement, masonry/concrete replacement, interior and exterior door/entry ways replacement, toilet room renovations, lighting upgrades, floor replacement, wall replacement, boiler replacements, elevators, carpentry renovations, purchase of buildings/ land, site renovations/ reconstruction, press box/dugout/ field house improvements/ renovations/ upgrades, bleacher improvements/ renovations/ upgrades, upgrades of signs, athletic field renovations/ reconstruction, playground renovations, lockers/locker room renovations, public address/clock system replacement, security system upgrades, sound system upgrades, telephone system upgrades, hazardous material remediation, storage space renovations, furnishings and equipment, including the purchase of vehicles, all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental cost related thereto. The maximum amount of

the aforesaid Capital Reserve Fund shall be $25,000,000.00 plus investment income. The probable term is to be 5 years; the funds are to be transferred from surplus monies, if any, remaining in the general fund including a sum not to exceed $10,000,000.00 from the 2024-2025 budget and thereafter in an annual amount of not more than $10,000,000.00 for each remaining year of the probable term.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the voting shall be on voting machines as provided by the Education Law and the polls will remain open from 7:00AM until 9:00PM and as much longer as may be necessary to enable the voters then present to cast their ballots. The District Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to have the necessary ballot labels printed for said voting machines in the form corresponding as nearly as may be with the requirements of the Education Law. The condensed form of the budget proposition and the text of all other propositions to appear on the voting machine and a detailed statement in writing of the amount of money which will be required for the school year 2025-2026 for school purposes, specifying the purposes and the amount for each will be prepared and copies thereof will be made available, upon request, to any taxpayer in the district at each school building in the district in which school is maintained between the hours of 8:00AM and 4:00PM during the period of fourteen days immediately preceding said election of May 20, 2025, excluding Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, and at such annual election.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the election shall be held in accordance with the Rules for the Conduct of Meetings and Elections adopted by the Board of Education.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the nominations for the office of members of the Board of Education unless otherwise provided by law, shall be made by petition subscribed by at least 37 qualified voters of the District, and nominations for office of member of the Library Board, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be made by petition

subscribed by at least 37 qualified voters of the District, filed in the office of the Clerk of the District between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, and by no later than 5:00 PM on April 21, 2025. Such petition shall state the name and residence of the candidates. Candidates receiving the greatest number of votes shall be considered elected to their respective offices. Where terms are of different length, the candidate receiving the highest vote shall be elected to the longest term. A nomination may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for the office or declares his unwillingness to serve

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that any proposition or question to be placed upon the voting machines shall be submitted in writing by petition subscribed by at least 93 qualified voters of the District and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the District between the hours of 8:00AM and 4:00PM and by no later than 5:00 PM on April 21, 2025 , except that this rule shall not apply to those questions or propositions which are required to be stated in the published or posted notice of the meeting or to those propositions or questions which the Board of Education has authority by law to present at any annual or special meeting of the District.

Registration shall also be permitted in the office of the District Clerk at Baldwin’s Administration building during the hours of enrollment of children for a school term and also from 8:00AM to 3:00PM on any school day at any of the District schools not later than five days preceding the school meeting and election.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the register shall include (1) all qualified voters of the district who shall personally present themselves for registration; and (2) all previously qualified voters of the District who shall have been previously registered for any Annual or Special District Meeting or election held or conducted at any time within four (4) years (2021-2024) prior to preparation of the said register; and (3) voters permanently registered with the Board of

Public Notices

Election of the County of Nassau.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Board of Registration will further meet during the hours of voting at the Annual District Election on May 20, 2025, for the purpose of preparing a register for District meetings or elections to be held subsequent to May 20, 2025. Said register shall include (1) all qualified voters of the District who shall present themselves personally for registration, and (2) all qualified voters of the District who shall have been previously registered for any annual or special District meeting or election held or conducted at any time within four calendar years (2021-2024) prior to the preparation of said register.

The Register shall be filed in the Office of the District Clerk of the school district at the Administration Building, Hastings Street, Baldwin, New York where it shall be open for inspection by any qualified voter between the hours of 9:00AM and 2:00PM on each of the five days prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, and on Saturday by appointment only.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that an application for absentee and early mail ballots for the school district election may be applied for at the office of the Clerk. A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots shall have been issued will be available in the office of the Clerk on each of the five days prior to the day of the election, except Sunday, and on Saturday by appointment only. Applications for absentee ballots and early mail 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 ballot shall be canvassed unless it is received in the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 PM, prevailing time, on the date of the election.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE 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 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 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.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that this Board shall convene a special meeting thereof within twenty-four hours after the filing with the District Clerk of a written report of the results of the ballot, to meet at the Baldwin Senior High School for the purpose of examining and tabulating said reports of the result of the ballot and declaring the result of the ballot; that the Board hereby designates itself to be a set of poll clerks to cast and canvass ballots pursuant to Education Law 2019-a, subdivision 2b at said special meeting of the Board.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that 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.

Dated: April 9th, 2025 Baldwin, NY BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK

Jacqueline Torres, District Clerk 152621

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE LA ELECCIÓN ANUAL DEL DISTRITO, AUDIENCIA PRESUPUESTARIA Y VOTACIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE BALDWIN UNION CIUDAD DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU, ESTADO DE NUEVA YORK, QUE SE CELEBRARÁ EL 20 de mayo de 2025 POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que la audiencia presupuestaria de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de Baldwin Union, Ciudad de Hempstead, Condado de Nassau, se llevará a cabo el miércoles 7 de mayo de 2025 en la Cafetería A de la Escuela Secundaria Baldwin, Ethel T. Kloberg Drive, Baldwin, Nueva York en dicho Distrito Escolar para la transacción de dichos negocios autorizados por la ley, incluidos los siguientes propósitos:

1. Presentación y discusión del presupuesto para el funcionamiento de las escuelas del distrito para el año escolar que comienza el 1 de julio de 2025.

2. Presentación y discusión del presupuesto para la operación de la Biblioteca Pública Baldwin para el año fiscal que comienza el 1 de julio de 2025. 3.Transacciones de cualquier otro negocio que esté autorizado por la ley. TENGA EN CUENTA que la votación sobre la asignación de los fondos necesarios para cumplir con los gastos necesarios para el año escolar 20252026, la asignación de la biblioteca y todas las proposiciones debidamente presentadas ante la Junta de Educación,

para llenar dos vacantes para Fideicomisarios en la Junta de Educación por un período que comienza el 1 de julio de 2025 y expira el 30 de junio, 2028, y para llenar una vacante en la Junta de Fideicomisarios de la Biblioteca Pública de Baldwin por un período que comienza el 1 de julio de 2025 y expira el 30 de junio de 2030, se llevará a cabo en el gimnasio de la Escuela Secundaria Baldwin Ethel T. Kloberg Drive, East of Grand Avenue, Baldwin, Nueva York, en dicho Distrito Escolar el martes 20 de mayo, 2025, entre las 7:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m. TENGA EN CUENTA que las siguientes proposiciones se presentarán a los votantes en la votación del 20 de mayo de 2025:

PROPOSICIÓN NO. 1:

PRESUPUESTO DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR

SE RESUELVE, que el presupuesto propuesto del Distrito Escolar Libre de Baldwin Union de la ciudad de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, estado de Nueva York, para el año fiscal 20252026 por la cantidad de $172, 880, 888 se adoptarán, y la cantidad se incrementará mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad imponible del Distrito Escolar después de deducir primero el dinero disponible de la Ayuda Estatal y otras fuentes.

PROPOSICIÓN NO. 2: PRESUPUESTO DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA

SE RESUELVE, que se adopte el presupuesto propuesto de la Biblioteca Pública de Baldwin para el año fiscal 2025-2026 por un monto de $ 6,393,961, y que el monto se aumente mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad imponible del Distrito Escolar después de deducir primero el dinero disponible de la Ayuda Estatal y otras fuentes.

PROPOSICIÓN Nº 3: USO DE FONDOS DE RESERVA TECNOLÓGICA 2022

SE RESUELVE que la Junta de Educación presentará a los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de Baldwin Union en la reunión anual que se llevará a cabo el 20 de mayo de 2025 la siguiente proposición sustancialmente de la siguiente forma: ¿Se autorizará a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Baldwin Union a gastar una cantidad que no exceda los $450,000

del fondo de Reserva Tecnológica establecido el 17 de mayo? 2022 con el propósito de realizar los siguientes proyectos: (a) Nuevos Chromebooks para estudiantes de 3er grado; (b) Lápices ópticos para estudiantes de 3er grado; y (c) MedVision (maniquíes médicos), todo lo anterior incluye toda la mano de obra, materiales, equipos, aparatos y costos incidentales relacionados con los mismos.

PROPOSICIÓN NO. 4: USO DE FONDOS DE LA RESERVA DE CAPITAL #4, ESTABLECIDA EL 21 DE MAYO DE 2019, Y DE LA RESERVA DE CAPITAL #5, CONOCIDA COMO “CAPITAL-2023”, ESTABLECIDA EL 16 DE MAYO DE 2023

SE RESUELVE que la Junta de Educación presentará a los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de Baldwin Union en la reunión anual que se llevará a cabo el 20 de mayo de 2025 la siguiente proposición sustancialmente de la siguiente forma:

¿Se autorizará a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Baldwin Union a gastar un total de $18,100,000.00 de lo siguiente: (1) $10,647,867.94 del Fondo de Reserva de Capital # 4, establecido el 21 de mayo de 2019, junto con todos los intereses acumulados sobre el mismo, que representan todo el dinero restante del Fondo de Reserva de Capital # 4 y (2) una cantidad que no exceda los $ 7,452,132.06 del Fondo de Reserva de Capital # 5, conocido como “Capital-2023”, establecido el 16 de mayo de 2023, con el propósito de realizar los siguientes proyectos: (a) Baldwin High School Career Tech Ed Center (CTE); (b) Renovaciones del auditorio existente de la Escuela Secundaria Baldwin; (c) Nuevo campo de fútbol de césped de la Escuela Intermedia Baldwin (al oeste de la pista); (d) Escuela Primaria Lenox, mejoras eléctricas de aire acondicionado; (e) Escuela Primaria Meadow, actualizaciones eléctricas de aire acondicionado, todo lo anterior incluye toda la mano de obra, materiales, equipos, aparatos y costos incidentales relacionados con los

mismos. PROPOSICIÓN #5 PARA AUTORIZAR UNA PROPUESTA PARA ESTABLECER EL FONDO DE RESERVA DE CAPITAL #6, CONOCIDO COMO EL FONDO DE RESERVA “CAPITAL-2025” SE RESUELVE, que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Baldwin Union autoriza por la presente que la siguiente proposición se coloque en la boleta electoral anual del 20 de mayo de 2025: ¿DEBERÍA la Junta de Educación, de conformidad con la sección 3651 de la Ley de Educación, estar autorizada a establecer un Fondo de Reserva de Capital # 6, conocido como el Fondo de Reserva “Capital - 2025” con el propósito de realizar las mejoras de capital en todo el Distrito: mejoras/renovaciones/ actualizaciones de espacios educativos y no educativos (incluidas, entre otras, mejoras/renovaciones/ actualizaciones de aulas y/o adiciones a las instalaciones existentes), renovaciones de auditorios, renovaciones de gimnasios, renovaciones de cafeterías, renovaciones de bibliotecas/ centros multimedia, renovaciones /reconstrucciones exteriores, actualizaciones de computadoras/ tecnología, actualizaciones de sistemas de seguridad, mejoras/renovaciones/ actualizaciones de plomería, mejoras/ renovaciones/ actualizaciones eléctricas, mejoras/ renovaciones/ actualizaciones de HVAC, mejoras de eficiencia energética / renovación/ actualizaciones, incluida la instalación de energía solar, mejoras/renovaciones/ actualizaciones, renovaciones requeridas para cumplir con los requisitos de la ADA, renovaciones vocacionales y de preparación profesional, reemplazo y/o compra de aulas portátiles, reemplazo de techo/ canalón/líder, reemplazo de ventanas, reemplazo de mampostería/ concreto, reemplazo de puertas/entradas interiores y exteriores, renovaciones de baños, mejoras de iluminación, reemplazo de pisos, reemplazo de paredes, reemplazos de calderas, ascensores, renovaciones de carpintería, compra de edificios/terrenos, renovaciones/ reconstrucción de sitios, caja de prensa/ dugout/casa de campo mejoras/renovaciones/ mejoras, mejoras/ renovaciones/mejoras de gradas, mejoras de letreros, renovaciones/ reconstrucción de campos deportivos, renovaciones de parques infantiles, renovaciones de casilleros/vestuarios, reemplazo del sistema de megafonía/reloj, actualizaciones del sistema de seguridad, actualizaciones del sistema de sonido, actualizaciones del sistema telefónico, remediación de materiales peligrosos, renovaciones de espacios de almacenamiento, mobiliario y equipo, incluida la compra de vehículos, todo lo anterior incluye toda la mano de obra, materiales, equipos, aparatos y costos incidentales relacionados con los mismos. El monto máximo del mencionado Fondo de Reserva de Capital será de $25,000,000.00 más ingresos de inversión. El plazo probable será de 5 años; el Los fondos se transferirán del dinero excedente, si lo hubiere, que permanezca en el fondo general, incluida una suma que no exceda los $ 10,000,000.00 del presupuesto 2024-2025 y, posteriormente, en un monto anual de no más de $ 10,000,000.00 por cada año restante del plazo probable. TENGA EN CUENTA que la votación se realizará en máquinas de votación según lo dispuesto por la Ley de Educación y las urnas permanecerán abiertas desde las 7:00 a.m. hasta las 9:00 p.m. y tanto tiempo como sea necesario para permitir que los votantes presentes en ese momento emitan sus votos. Por la presente, se autoriza y ordena al Secretario del Distrito que imprima las etiquetas de boleta necesarias para dichas máquinas de votación en la forma que corresponda lo más cerca posible de los requisitos de la Ley de Educación. Se preparará la forma condensada de la propuesta presupuestaria y el texto de todas las demás proposiciones que aparecerán en la máquina de votación y una declaración detallada por escrito de

la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año escolar 2025-2026 para fines escolares, especificando los propósitos y la cantidad para cada uno, y se pondrán a disposición copias de las mismas. previa solicitud, a cualquier contribuyente del distrito en cada edificio escolar del distrito en el que se mantenga la escuela entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m. durante el período de catorce días inmediatamente anterior a dicha elección del 20 de mayo de 2025, excluyendo sábados, domingos y días festivos, y en dicha elección anual.

TENGA EN CUENTA que la elección se llevará a cabo de acuerdo con las Reglas para la Realización de Reuniones y Elecciones adoptadas por la Junta de Educación.

TENGA EN CUENTA que las nominaciones para el cargo de miembros de la Junta de Educación, a menos que la ley disponga lo contrario, se harán mediante petición suscrita por al menos 37 votantes calificados del Distrito, y las nominaciones para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de la Biblioteca, a menos que la ley disponga lo contrario, se harán mediante petición suscrita por al menos 37 votantes calificados del Distrito, presentada en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m . o, a más tardar, las 5:00 p. m. del 21 de abril de 2025. En dicha petición se indicará el nombre y residencia de los candidatos. Los candidatos que obtengan el mayor número de votos se considerarán elegidos para sus respectivos cargos. Cuando los mandatos sean de diferente duración, el candidato que obtenga la votación más alta será elegido para el mandato más largo. Una nominación puede ser rechazada por la Junta de Educación si el candidato no es elegible para el cargo o declara su falta de voluntad para servir. TENGA EN CUENTA que cualquier proposición o pregunta que se coloque en las máquinas de votación deberá presentarse por escrito mediante una petición suscrita por al menos 93 votantes calificados del Distrito y presentada en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. o, a más tardar, las

Public Notices

5:00 p. m. del 21 de abril de 2025, excepto que esta regla no se aplicará a aquellas preguntas o proposiciones que se requieran indicar en el aviso publicado o publicado de la reunión o a aquellas proposiciones o preguntas que el Consejo de Educación tenga autoridad por ley para presentar en cualquier reunión anual o especial del Distrito. También se permitirá la inscripción en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito en el edificio de Administración de Baldwin durante las horas de inscripción de los niños para un período escolar y también de 8:00 a.m. a 3:00 p.m. en cualquier día escolar en cualquiera de las escuelas del Distrito a más tardar cinco días antes de la reunión escolar y la elección.

TENGA EN CUENTA que el registro deberá incluir (1) todos los los electores del distrito que se presentarán personalmente para el registro; y (2) todos los votantes previamente calificados del Distrito que se hayan registrado previamente para cualquier Reunión Anual o Especial del Distrito o elección celebrada o realizada en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro (4) años (2021-2024) anteriores a la preparación de dicho registro; y (3) votantes registrados permanentemente en la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau.

TENGA EN CUENTA que la Junta de Registro se reunirá nuevamente durante las horas de votación en la Elección Anual del Distrito el 20 de mayo de 2025, con el fin de preparar un registro para las reuniones o elecciones del Distrito que se llevarán a cabo después del 20 de mayo de 2025. Dicho registro incluirá (1) a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se presentarán personalmente para el registro, y (2) a todos los

votantes calificados del Distrito que deberán haber sido previamente registrados para cualquier evento anual o especial Reunión o elección distrital celebrada o realizada en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro años calendario (2021-2024) antes de la preparación de dicho registro.

El Registro se archivará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito escolar en el Edificio de Administración, Hastings Street, Baldwin, Nueva York, donde estará abierto para la inspección de cualquier votante calificado entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 2:00 p.m. en cada uno de los cinco días anteriores al día establecido para la elección. excepto los domingos, y los sábados solo con cita previa.

TENGA EN CUENTA que una solicitud de boletas de voto en ausencia y por correo anticipado para las elecciones del distrito escolar se puede solicitar en la oficina del Secretario. Una lista de todas las personas a las que se les habrán emitido boletas de voto en ausencia y por correo anticipado estará disponible en la oficina del Secretario en cada uno de los cinco días anteriores al día de la elección, excepto el domingo, y el sábado solo con cita previa. Las solicitudes de boletas de voto ausente y correo anticipado 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 al menos siete días antes de la elección si la boleta se va a enviar por correo al votante, o el día antes de la elección si la boleta se va a entregar personalmente al votante o a su agente designado. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna de una boleta de voto en ausencia o por

correo anticipado, el Secretario del Distrito enviará la boleta a la dirección establecida en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la votación. No se escrutará ninguna boleta electoral por ausencia ni por correo anticipado a menos que se reciba en la oficina de la secretaria del distrito antes de las 5:00 p. m. a más tardar, hora en vigor, en la fecha de la elección.

TENGA EN CUENTA que los votantes militares que no están registrados actualmente pueden solicitar 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 su 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 registro de votantes militares y los formularios de solicitud de boletas militares deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 24 de abril de 2025. No se realizará el escrutinio de ninguna boleta militar a menos que (1) se reciba en la oficina del Secretario 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 muestre un endoso fechado de recepción por otra agencia del gobierno de los 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 asociada a no más tarde del día antes de la elección.

POR FAVOR, TENGA EN CUENTA que esta Junta convocará una reunión especial de la misma dentro de las veinticuatro horas posteriores a la presentación ante el Secretario del Distrito de un informe escrito de los resultados de la votación, para reunirse en la Escuela Secundaria Superior Baldwin con el propósito de examinar y tabular dichos informes del resultado de la votación y declarar el resultado de la votación; que la Junta por la presente se designa a sí misma como un conjunto de secretarios electorales para emitir y escrutar votos de conformidad con la Ley de Educación 2019-a, subdivisión 2b en dicha reunión especial de la Junta.

TENGA EN CUENTA que un Informe de Exención del Impuesto sobre la Propiedad Inmobiliaria preparado de acuerdo con la Sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre la Propiedad Inmobiliaria se adjuntará a cualquier presupuesto tentativo / preliminar, así como al presupuesto final adoptado del que formará parte; y se publicará en el Distrito tablón de anuncios para avisos públicos, así como en el sitio web del Distrito.

Fecha: 9 de abril de 2025

Baldwin, Nueva York POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN

DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE LA UNIÓN BALDWIN CIUDAD DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

Jacqueline Torres, Secretaria del Distrito 152623

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

Free prom attire is available throughout May

Continued from page 1

donations started coming in and haven’t stopped. I’d say it really picked up in March. Especially when you try something new, you never know how people will respond — some teens like picking out a brand-new dress.”

According to Fortune.com, the average American teenager spends about $1,078 on prom-related expenses, including attire, tickets, transportation, and pre- and post-prom activities.

For girls, prom dresses typically range from $100 to $500, with additional costs for shoes, accessories, and professional styling. Boys often rent tuxedos for around $100 to $250, with extra expenses for shoes and accessories.

As of press time, the library has collected more than 40 dresses, a tuxedo, shoes, purses and ties. Teens are welcome to try on items and return them if they don’t fit. A restroom outside the Teen Zone is available for changing.

DePalma said the response has

Mulé

helped foster a sense of community, as many patrons have shared how excited they are to see their donated outfits get a second life.

“Many teens never wear their dresses again — myself included — so I hope the takeaway is that the community is behind them, and that it’s okay to thrift, even for prom,” she said. “You don’t have to go out and buy something new if you find something great to use in a great way.”

The library hopes the giveaway not only helps students prepare for prom, but also encourages them to see the library as a resource for more than just books.

“The library is happy to offer our first prom-clothing giveaway,” Elizabeth Olesh, the library’s director, said. “It benefits teens in the community and is a sustainable way to reuse clothing. This initiative is just one example of the many services we provide that go well beyond books.”

News brief

delivers supplies to

Nassau County Legislature Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Debra Mulé delivered a large donation of essential supplies to Bethany House this month capping off a successful Women’s History Month supply drive led by her office throughout March.

The initiative, organized in partnership with the Freeport Memorial Library, Baldwin Public Library, and Roosevelt Public Library, gathered much-needed items such as toilet paper, paper towels, 13-gallon garbage bags, cases of bottled water, and gift cards for rideshare services and grocery stores.

Bethany House

Bethany House, which operates shelters in Roosevelt and Baldwin, serves women and mothers with children experiencing homelessness. Their mission centers on providing a safe, supportive environment that fosters healing, personal growth, and long-term stability. The organization offers trauma-informed services, access to healthcare, case management, and programs designed to help clients achieve educational, employment, and housing goals.

“Bethany House does a tremendous job helping women and children in our community get back on their feet and rebuild their lives, and I was proud to work with them during Women’s History Month in support of their vital mission,” Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Mulé said. “I am so thankful to the Freeport, Baldwin and Roosevelt Libraries and all of our generous donors for making this effort a success – your contributions will help families break the cycle of homelessness and have a brighter future!”

— Hernesto Galdamez

Office of Debra Mule

nassau County Legislator debra mule delivered supplies to Bethany House earlier this month for Women’s History month.

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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. I doubt that you’ll save money, since you are correct that prices are creeping up, but only because of the uncertainty of markets. It seems that the Canada lumber tariffs may not take affect so rapidly, because Congress — including those from both sides of the aisle — is reportedly working on bills to stop the economic strife with our neighbor to the north. But it’s anybody’s guess, right now, day to day.

Basements have always seemed so minor when compared with additions and other renovations, but there are many safety codes you should become familiar with. First, many jurisdictions disallow any sleeping room in basements. Bathrooms are allowed in most jurisdictions, but verify whether a bathing fixture, shower or tub, is allowed. Some will only allow a toilet and sink.

You also need a second means of escape from the main room, not just the staircase you already have from the first floor. You’ll need an escape window or stairwell to the outside. If you choose a window, the sill can’t be more than 44 inches above the floor, and the window must have at least 5.7 square feet of clear opening, swinging outward into a 9-squarefoot (3 feet by 3 feet minimum) area of escape well with a ladder to get out to the ground level. I’ve watched these escape wells go from $3,500 to $12,000 over the past decade.

You will also be required to insulate the basement walls, and insulation must meet the State Energy Code, because when the basement is done legally, with a permit, it must pass the energy code analysis submission to the state’s website portal.

Many people, hearing all these requirements, elect to skirt the rules by hiring someone who does what they think will pass. When you are required to legalize the work, as the responsible party (the homeowner) in the process, sometimes work has to be redone because someone missed something. There’s a reason that professionals have to be involved, and it’s best not to try to save money by avoiding the inevitable, because experience teaches that the rules don’t get simpler over time. More next week.

© 2022 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd.,

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opinions Liberty customers, we need your help

picking up right where we left off last legislative session, the Liberty Water team has been hard at work, talking with New York’s elected officials about providing meaningful rate relief to customers. Currently, roughly 30 percent of a Liberty customer’s bill is made up of taxes that provide no benefit to the water system itself.

The disproportionate level of taxes paid by our customers unnecessarily drives up the cost of water. That is unjust, but thankfully, we are keeping up the momentum from last year’s efforts to eliminate the special franchise tax — which makes up a significant portion of the overall taxes paid by Liberty customers — and to provide access to the state’s drinking water infrastructure grant programs. Once again, we are

asking our customers to join us in this fight in Albany, and use the tools we have created to make their voices heard.

Stopthehiddentax.org is our advocacy website, and we encourage every Liberty New York Water customer to visit and use it to take action. Showing your support for these legislative changes is very simple. Visit the website, click on the “Take Action” tab and fill out some basic information. Once it is submitted, a letter will automatically be sent on your behalf to key decision-makers who can move this legislation forward.

Jextremely impactful, and will build on the nearly 60,000 letters that have been sent to elected officials in the past year.

oin us in the fight in Albany to stop the hidden taxes and lower your water bills.

Showing overwhelming support from our customers for this legislative change will move the needle. If you are one of the more than 3,600 Liberty customers who have already taken action through the site, take action again. The continuous reinforcement to our elected officials that you want to see these cost-saving efforts become a reality is

As a company, we continue to make a strong case to the prominent policymakers on behalf of our customers, and the message is resonating. Legislation to eliminate the special franchise tax as well as to provide access to public grant funding has been introduced again this year. Right now it is vital that the elected officials responsible for moving the bill through the legislative process hear from our customers. For those who want to see lower water bills, going to Stopthehiddentax. org and sending a letter to state leaders takes less than five minutes, and policymakers won’t be able to ignore the voices of our 125,000 customers.

While the taxes collected do help fund local taxing jurisdictions, it is our firm belief that these taxes should not be collected through customer water bills. Making matters worse, our cus-

tomers are the only ones in Nassau County who have to pay this excessive tax. Moreover, your tax dollars are being used to fund water infrastructure projects throughout the state that Liberty is currently ineligible to access. Once again, those dollars are being collected without any benefit returning to the water system in your community.

I want to be perfectly clear on one final point: The only advantage Liberty stands to gain in pursuing this legislative change is water rates that more accurately reflect the true cost of providing high-quality water service. That’s it. It is written into the proposed legislation that Liberty cannot realize any financial benefit from either bill.

So what can our customers do? Visit stopthehiddentax.org, click on the “Take Action” section, and fill in your information to have a letter sent on your behalf directly to key decisionmakers. There is power in numbers, and we are hoping every one of our customers will join the fight for lower bills. Let your voice be heard!

Deborah Franco is president of Liberty Water New York.

School budgets offer something for everyone

sJuDitH A.

pring is here, which also means it’s school budget time. School spending plans will be decided on May 20. Now is the time for everyone to take part in what is one of the most local ways to exercise civic responsibility. Not only is a school budget vote as local as it gets, but its impact is also important for everyone in the community. Did you know that district administrators begin the following year’s budget process at the start of the school year? In October we begin to build our budgets, anticipating what the future may hold. What will enrollment look like? What will the economy look like? What will state aid revenue be? What do families want for their students? How is our infrastructure holding up? These are just a handful of the many questions we ask as we work to ensure our students’ future success while remaining fiscally responsible to the community.

The largest portion of any school budget is directly related to student

instruction. Seventy to 80 percent of the budget represents the program component, or the salaries and benefits for teachers and staff that serve students each day. School districts should provide a competitive wage to all employees so they can afford to live in the local communities near where they work. This is essential for recruiting and retaining the best employees for our children so that students can succeed now and into the future.

Roughly 10 percent of the budget is the administrative component, for the general operation and management of the school district. The remaining 10 to 15 percent is the capital component, for transportation and facilities costs.

ings, floors, lighting, ADA compliance and masonry maintenance, to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment.

Lastly, the spending plan will inform us about what is new and innovative. New playgrounds, outdoor learning spaces, classroom redesign, and the latest technological improvements may all be part of the budget.

F ind out what’s in your district’s spending plan and be an informed voter.

Did you know that public school district budgets include funding for private and charter schools? Students whose families choose to send them to private schools have a personal stake in the publicschool budget process. The costs of transportation, textbooks and nursing services are all covered by publicschool budgets.

ership affordable in New York. School districts must aim to craft their budgets as closely as possible to what they anticipate their expenditures will be. While employee raises, instructional enhancements and capital projects are important, so is balancing affordability for taxpayers. The tax levy is an important indicator of a balanced and fiscally responsible spending plan that keeps a district moving forward without unnecessarily burdening taxpayers.

Families with school-age children have the most direct stake in the school budget process. The spending plan will outline what class sizes are projected to be. It will indicate what services, and how many, will be available in schools — special education, reading and math, multilingual learner, and mental health support. Sports, music, art, library, clubs, assemblies, and field trips are all funded in the budget, as are necessary capital improvements — new roofs, ceil-

In our area, property values are closely tied to the performance of neighborhood schools. People choose to buy homes in specific areas because of the reputation of the school district. Whether you’re invested in your home or plan to buy or sell, taking part in, and understanding, the school budget process should be at the top of your list.

Residents should know how much a district is asking to raise its tax levy. The state tax cap helps keep home own-

Over the next month, school districts across the state will be presenting their 2025-26 budgets to their communities. Whether you’re a family with a child in school or a homeowner, now is the time to find out what’s is in the budget, so you make an informed decision in May. Review the budget information page on your district website. Attend a budget hearing in May, and read the budget newsletter that is sent home to district residents. If you have a question, reach out to the district business official. Most important, ensure that your voice is heard by participating in the budget vote and trustee elections on May 20. Your active engagement in this important process will help shape your community next year and for years to come.

Judith A. LaRocca, Ed.D., is superintendent of Valley Stream Union Free School District 13.

laRoCCA

Fax: (516) 569-4942

HERALD

Small Business Week celebrates entrepreneurs

every May for more than 60 years, the United States has taken the time to celebrate a crucial force in its economy: the small-business owner. This year during National Small Business Week, May 4 to 10, we will honor the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels innovation, drives local economies, and creates opportunity in communities across the country.

It’s important to recognize that this is more than just a ceremonial observance. Small Business Week is a chance to spotlight the backbone of America’s economic engine and the importance of supporting the 33 million small businesses nationwide.

Two of their biggest backers are the federal Small Business Administration and SCORE, a nonprofit organization that has mentored more than 11 million entrepreneurs since 1964. The SBA is a government agency that promotes and safeguards the interests of small businesses. Its mission is to support them and help them thrive, because they are such a vital component of the nation’s economy. The SBA provides access to federal contracts, counseling and financing, among other resources, to help these business grow.

Together, the SBA and SCORE will offer invaluable resources to both aspiring and established business owners at the annual National Small Business Week Virtual Summit, a free online event May 6 and 7. It will offer more than educational workshops; it will be a showcase of what’s possible when the public and private sectors collaborate.

That effort will include mentorships,

letters

Remembering ‘Steady Eddie’

To the Editor:

practical advice and access to federal programs and tools that can help smallbusiness owners navigate the myriad challenges they face, from financing to digital marketing.

The Summit won’t just be about learning — it will also be about community. Consider the sheer number of small businesses that dot the landscape of the cities, towns and villages that Herald newspapers cover. How many do you patronize on a regular basis, from your favorite pizza place to your favorite stationery store or barbershop? Many are anchors of their neighborhoods or downtown commercial areas, making towns into home towns.

Beyond the summit, the SBA is organizing in-person events across the country, including a national awards celebration in Washington, D.C., on May 5. There will be local events as well, giving municipalities the chance to recognize their own standout entrepreneurs.

But why should National Small Business Week matter to everyone — not just business owners? Because small businesses do more than sell products and services. They create jobs. Half of all U.S. workers are employed by small and medium-sized businesses, which contribute 43 percent of the country’s GDP. Small businesses mentor future leaders. They drive innovation. They support schools, sponsor local Little League teams, and strengthen the fabric of our communities.

Almost every dollar spent at a small business goes back into the local economy. And during challenging times, as we saw during the coronavirus pandemic,

Re Peter King’s column, “Ed Kranepool was the real Mr. Met,” last week: As a graduate of James Monroe High School in the Bronx (I entered as Kranepool left), I was following even his high school career, because my dad umpired high school games as Ed chased Hank Greenberg’s (no relation) career high school home run record.

As an aside, the title of Jimmy Breslin’s book, “Can’t Anybody Here Play This Game?” was a quote by Casey Stengel as he appraised his new team.

JOEL GREENBERG Merrick

Time for a bigger, better bottle bill

To the Editor:

Over 40 years ago, I walked with a group of concerned citizens from Inwood, Manhattan, to the Coca-

these businesses often demonstrate resilience and creativity that not only help their communities endure those times, but inspire new ways to overcome them, bringing residents closer together in the process.

Smart legislation is critical, too. State Sen. Monica Martinez, whose district covers parts of Long Island, recently introduced the Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally, or LOCAL, Act. This bill would provide truly small businesses — 10 employees or fewer — as well as minority-, female- or veteran-owned businesses of any size with a tax credit of up to $4,000 so they can advertise their products and services.

Supporting small businesses is a yearround responsibility, but next month’s special week will give us a chance to recommit to their success. Whether you attend the virtual summit, shop locally, or simply share the story of a small business that inspired you, there are countless ways to show support.

To learn more about this year’s events, to register for the summit, or to find a celebration near you, visit SBA. gov/NSBW. And be sure to follow along, and join the national conversation, at #SmallBusinessWeek. Throughout the year, the Herald offers small businesses webinars and training, too, and we encourage businesses to sign up for these valuable sessions.

In celebrating this special week, we celebrate the grit, vision and drive that continue to shape our nation by shaping its economy — one idea, one storefront and one hardworking entrepreneur at a time.

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opinions Reconnecting with old friends

the other week I had the pleasure of flying to Atlanta to celebrate the wedding of two good friends. The ceremony was beautiful, the bride and groom were happy, and nothing disturbed the sanctity of the moment.

What really struck me was how much fun I had seeing a bunch of old friends from college and high school, and how much I’d missed spending time with them.

The groom and I had gone to neighboring colleges, although we’d known each other for years through mutual friends. I spent so much time over my four years with him and the other kids at St. Andrews university that there were some days when I thought I knew their campus better than mine. Certainly I knew where all the cheapest bars in their town were. But after graduation, we all went our separate ways, as happens. While we

kept in touch sporadically, the demands of life and work — not to mention the pandemic and general global craziness — meant that I rarely, if ever, saw or talked to many people who only a few years before I’d hung out with every day. until this recent weekend, when we spent practically every waking moment getting up to our old shenanigans again. It sounds cliché to say, but it truly felt like no time had passed.

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every weekend. And for many young people, this connection is something that we’re all deeply missing.

Most people are aware that there is a loneliness epidemic in America.

fter college, we went our separate ways, but it was silly of me not to reach out before.

The most astonishing part was finding out how many of these friends now lived so close to me, with the majority of them having moved to New York City in the past few years. The last I’d heard from them, they were scattered as far apart as Los Angeles and London; little did I know that most of them now lived less than an hour away on the LIRR. I’ve already made plans to see some of them again soon.

That got me thinking about how silly it was of me not to reach out before. A simple text, “Hey, how’s it going, dude?” and I could have been seeing them

Letters

Cola plant in Tarrytown to call attention to the fact that New York state needed a bottle deposit bill. I was sore for three weeks! We achieved victory, and New York passed the Returnable Container Act, commonly known as the Bottle Bill. This landmark law has proven to be a highly effective program, reducing litter and increasing recycling rates in our state.

Albany now needs to support the Bigger Better Bottle Bill (S5684, A6543). This legislation would raise bottle and can deposits from 5 to 10 cents, which would increase redemption rates, support some of our state’s most marginalized workers and further reduce litter. The nickel deposit was enacted into law in 1983. If it were adjusted for inflation, it would be 15 cents today.

This bill could generate as much as $100 million for the state, and those funds could be used to address limits on redemption options in low-income communities and other litter and solid waste problems. It would also create more consistency by including sports drinks, iced tea, wine and spirits and more. With more beverage types included, there would be more recycling, less confusion and less pollution.

We must stop littering our Earth with one-time-use disposable bottles. This 42-yearold law needs to be updated. Here’s hoping our Legislature and governor will carry this bill through to fruition.

JoSEpH M. VARoN West Hempstead

Food

According to a study released in 2024 by the American psychiatric Association, 30 percent of adults experience feelings of loneliness at least once a week, with 10 percent admitting that they feel lonely every day.

This is even more pronounced in young people, with 30 percent of Americans ages 18 to 34 saying they are lonely every day or several times a week.

This crisis, while not as immediately obvious as a drug or disease epidemic, is just as insidious in its negative impact on the health of our country and our communities. A variety of factors are believed to contribute to this problem, from technology to being overworked to our hyper-focused sense of individualism.

While experts argue about the cause, the negative results speak for themselves. Humans are naturally social

& Water Watch, and Beyond Plastics.

Surely we can shelter the homeless and their pets

To the Editor:

There is a desperate need for Nassau County politicians to establish a homeless shelter for people with pets.

There is nothing more emotionally jarring than looking into the eyes of a person who has lost everything and, in order to be admitted to a shelter, must surrender a beloved lifelong companion to an animal rescue — or continue to live on the streets — because Nassau County has no place for the two of them to go.

And it’s equally soul-wrenching to sit with a newly surrendered homeless animal, confused and scared, and console them as they get one last glimpse of the best friend they adored unconditionally.

Last month, the Safe Center of Long Island, in Bethpage, closed. Isn’t there a space like this that can be used as shelter for both the homeless and their pets?

politicians, for decades you have been telling homeless people what they need, instead of asking them. They have told me through their tears, and their animal friends by their despair. Will you act, or continue to look away from the truly voiceless, who in your campaign speeches you profess you will be a champion for.

DANA

FuCHS Long Beach

Dana Fuchs works at an animal rescue facility.

animals, and when we are unable to socialize, for whatever reason — from prisoners in solitary confinement to teenage shut-ins who spend all of their time online — the effects of being separated from others take a serious mental and physical toll on our health.

Studies have compared the impact of loneliness on our bodies to the effects of smoking 15 cigarettes, and concluded that it leads to higher rates of Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases. Loneliness literally kills us.

on the flip side, the desire for companionship can also lead people to seek connection and validation from unhealthy sources, such as political extremist groups, criminal organizations, and even drugs.

That’s why, now more than ever, it’s important to reach out. Shoot a text to your buddy from high school or call your friend from your sports team in college. Sometimes even a short conversation catching up is all you need to remind yourself how many friends you have, and how much they mean to you.

Will Sheeline is an editor covering Glen Head, Locust Valley, Oyster Bay and Sea Cliff. Comments? wsheeline@liherald.com.

Framework by Tim Baker

Hanging out on the Nautical Mile — Freeport

Joseph Varon is a past president of the New York State Marine Education Association, and a member of the Long Island chapter of

WARNING: GROCERY PRICES ABOUT TO SOAR

AFFORDABILITY IS THE TOP PRIORITY FOR NEW YORKERS, WHO ARE ALREADY SUFFERING FROM HIGH COSTS. RADICAL ACTIVISTS ARE PUSHING A LAW THAT WILL SEND GROCERY PRICES EVEN HIGHER AND MAKE NEW YORK LESS AFFORDABLE!

X X X

UNDER THIS RADICAL LAW:

The average family of four will pay $456 to $732 more per year for groceries.

It'll be harder to buy everyday products like cheese, hot dogs, bread, frozen veggies, and items for school lunches by banning some packaging.

Small businesses that make up the backbone of our communities will be hurt. Join your neighbors and businesses across New York and Tell Senator Bynoe and Assemblymember Griffin:

TO S.1464 /A.1749 HIGHER PRICES. EMPTY SHELVES. AN UNAFFORDABLE NEW YORK. MORE FINANCIAL BURDENS FOR CONSUMERS.

YES TO AFFORDABLE WASTE REDUCTION THAT DOESN’T OVERBURDEN CONSUMERS!