Baldwin Herald 04-30-2026

Naela brings lebanese flavors to library kitchen

Patrons got a taste of Lebanese cuisine during a special cooking demonstration at the library on April 16 led by Chef Naela Zeidan. During the evening program, Zeidan showed attendees how to prepare organic beef and vegetable pies with sauteed onions, baba ghanoush, Middle Eastern salad and the traditional dessert Layali Lubnan. Guests sampled the freshly made dishes while learning culinary techniques and the cultural background behind each recipe. Above, Chef Naela Zeidan, right, guided Jane Policastro through a cooking demonstration featuring Lebanese favorites during the library’s culinary program. At right, Aileen Nathan displayed a plate of organic beef pie, baba ghanoush and Middle Eastern salad after sampling dishes prepared during Chef Naela Zeidan’s cooking demonstration.

Scouts provide lasting message of belonging

By AllYSoN FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com

Every morning, students and family members who walk through the front doors of Meadow Elementary School are greeted by the word “welcome” in a variety of languages.

Until recently, however, not every Meadow family could find themselves reflected there.

For fourth-grader Sothanee Sainsurin, whose family speaks Cambodian and Haitian Creole, the omission was impossible to ignore.

I

entering the building felt acknowledged.

t helps us understand that other people may live differently than we do and helps us understand each other.

“I always loved that we had a welcome wall at Meadow, but I didn’t like that not all languages were included,” Sothanee wrote in an email to the Herald. “I am Cambodian and Haitian, and neither of my languages were on the wall. Some of my friends also felt left out.”

ElIANA EuStAchE Girl Scout Troop 2210

That realization sparked a months-long mission by Meadow School Girl Scout Troop 2210 — seven elementary students determined to make sure every child

As part of earning the Girl Scout Bronze Award, the highest honor available to Girl Scout Juniors, the troop identified a need in the school community and created a lasting solution: updating Meadow’s welcome mural to reflect more of the languages spoken by its students while also producing a multilingual storybook designed to teach students how to say “welcome” in many different languages. The girls unveiled the completed project during Meadow School’s third annual Multicultural Festival on April 17. According to the scouts, the original welcome wall was created in 2016, but Meadow’s school population has evolved significantly since then. As the girls looked around at classmates and neighbors, they realized that many students’ native languages and cultural backgrounds were not represented at one of the school’s most visible gathering

Continued on page 14

Delilah Roberts/Herald photos

Middle school teaching program earns state honor

The Baldwin Union Free School District has earned statewide recognition once again, receiving its sixth New York State School Boards Association Champions of Change Award for an innovative student careerreadiness program.

This year’s honor was awarded to Baldwin Middle School’s Future Teachers of Baldwin Pre-Academy, a program designed to introduce eighth grade students to the field of education through hands-on teaching experiences.

The NYSSBA Champions of Change program recognizes school districts and Boards of Cooperative Educational Services across New York for implementing creative initiatives that make a meaningful difference for students and school communities. Honorees are selected through committee observation and member input.

Through Baldwin’s Pre-Academy, middle school students gain firsthand exposure to what it means to be an educator. Participants learn how to create lesson plans, practice classroom teaching strategies and ultimately deliver instruction to Baldwin elementary school students in kindergarten through fifth grade.

District officials said the program is intended to help students begin exploring future career options while building confidence, leadership and communication skills at an early age.

“Earning our sixth Champions of Change Award is a proud milestone that reflects our ongoing commitment to innovative, future-focused learning,” Superintendent Anthony Mignella said. “The recognition of Baldwin Middle School’s Pre-Academy Program underscores our district’s commitment to ensuring students are future-ready at every level of their educational journey.”

Mignella credited Erica Taylor, Gabriella Franza

and Eric Rothbard for helping make the Education Pre-Academy successful, and said the district looks forward to continuing to expand future-driven educational opportunities for students.

The Pre-Academy also serves as a pipeline into Baldwin High School’s Education Academy, one of the district’s seven Academic Academies, where students can continue pursuing studies connected to careers in teaching and child development.

Baldwin has now been recognized by NYSSBA six times through the Champions of Change initiative.

Previous award-winning district programs have included Baldwin High School@Shubert’s Future Jewelers Academy, the Baldwin Schools Wellness Center, Brookside Elementary School’s Shark Tank Project, the districtwide Hello Neighbor Project and Baldwin High School’s Education Academy.

NYSSBA Area 11 Director Charmise Desire presented the district with its latest Champions of Change banner during the Baldwin Board of Education’s April meeting.

— Allyson Ferrari

Courtesy Baldwin School District

Baldwin Middle School’s Future Teachers of Baldwin Pre-Academy earned the district its sixth New York State School Boards Association Champions of Change Award.

News briefs

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Baldwin Relay meeting set for May 6

As preparations continue for this year’s Relay for Life of Baldwin, community members are invited to attend an upcoming planning meeting on Tuesday, May 6, from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Baldwin Public Library.

The meeting will help organizers finalize details for the annual Relay for Life event, scheduled for June 13 at Baldwin Park.

Volunteers, team captains, cancer survivors, caregivers and residents interested in supporting the cause are encouraged to attend. Organizers will discuss fundraising efforts, team recruitment, sponsorship opportunities, entertainment, survivor recognition and other event logistics as the communitywide fundraiser draws closer.

Relay for Life of Baldwin has long been one of the community’s signature annual events, bringing together residents to celebrate cancer survivors, remember loved

ones lost to the disease and raise money for the American Cancer Society.

The June 13 relay at Baldwin Park will once again feature walking teams, luminaria tributes and activities designed to honor those impacted by cancer while funding research, advocacy and patient support programs.

Organizers say the May 6 meeting is open to both longtime participants and newcomers looking to volunteer, form a team or contribute in other ways.

With just weeks remaining before the event, the planning session will serve as an important opportunity for the Baldwin community to come together and continue a longstanding tradition of hope, remembrance and action in the fight against cancer.

For more information, residents can attend the meeting at the Baldwin Public Library on May 6.

— Allyson Ferrari

School board president earns regional honor

Baldwin Board of Education President Pamela Green has been named a recipient of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association’s 2026 Outstanding School Board Service Award, recognizing her longtime leadership and commitment to public education.

The award is presented annually to a school board trustee who has demonstrated at least 24 years of dedicated service. Green will be honored at the association’s 66th annual Business Dinner and School Board Service Awards Ceremony on May 28 at The Hamlet Golf & Country Club in Commack.

“Congratulations to Ms. Pamela Green on this well-deserved recognition,” Baldwin Superintendent Anthony Mignella said in a statement. “Ms. Green has been a steadfast and positive presence, demonstrating exceptional dedication to both the Baldwin community and our Board of Education.”

Green joined the Baldwin Board of Education in 2023 and was selected by fellow trustees to serve as board president for the 2025-26 school year. District officials said she has focused on transparency, collaboration and governance in support of student success.

Safety award places South Nassau on top

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Mount Sinai South Nassau (MSSN) has been named among the nation’s top hospitals for patient safety, earning the 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades and placing in the top 10 percent nationwide.

The recognition places the Oceanside-based hospital among 438 facilities out of nearly 4,500 evaluated across the country that met the criteria for the award, according to Healthgrades, an independent online platform that compares health care providers.

said. “Our patients should rest a little easier, knowing that patient safety at Mount Sinai South Nassau is a priority.”

Healthgrades’ broader analysis highlighted a significant gap between topperforming hospitals and lower-performing facilities nationwide, underscoring the importance of safety ratings for patients choosing where to receive care.

A longtime Baldwin resident, Green is also the parent of five Baldwin High School graduates. Professionally, she brings more than two decades of experience in education, having served as a special education teacher and dean of students.

She has also worked as Nassau Region PTA’s diversity chair, advocating for equitable and inclusive practices in school communities.

Mignella said Green’s “commitment to service and advocacy for students truly embodies the spirit of this award, and we are proud to see her contributions recognized.”

Green holds School Building Leadership and School District Leadership certifications from the College of Saint Rose, a master’s degree in special education from St. John’s University and a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Virginia Union University.

The Nassau-Suffolk School Boards Association represents school board members across Long Island and annually recognizes trustees for outstanding leadership and years of service.

— Allyson Ferrari

Healthgrades determined recipients by analyzing risk-adjusted complication and mortality rates across 13 patient safety indicators, each representing serious but preventable complications. The analysis found that Mount Sinai South Nassau performed at a high level in preventing infections, medical errors and other avoidable conditions.

“Our entire team — physicians, nurses and support staff — are focused on patient safety every day,” said Dr. Adhi Sharma, president of Mount Sinai South Nassau. “We’ve made quality care a priority, and we are constantly reviewing ways to improve.”

Dr. Alan Wong, chief medical officer and senior vice president for medical affairs, said the recognition reflects years of coordinated effort across the hospital.

“This really takes the efforts of everyone in the hospital to achieve, especially our nursing and physician staff,” Wong said. “And it doesn’t happen overnight. We have been working toward this goal for several years now.”

Hospital leadership and its advisory board have emphasized patient safety as a long-term priority, said Joseph Fennessy, a member of the Mount Sinai Health System Board of Trustees and former chair of the hospital’s board of directors.

“When you have to go to a hospital — for an emergency or elective procedure — you often have anxiety,” Fennessy

Between 2022 and 2024, more than 167,000 preventable safety events occurred among Medicare patients in U.S. hospitals, according to the study. Four key indicators accounted for nearly 78 percent of those incidents.

Patients treated at top-performing hospitals such as MSSN were significantly less likely to experience major complications, Healthgrades reported. Those included a 52.4 percent lower likelihood of in-hospital falls resulting in fractures; a 57.5 percent lower risk of collapsed lung related to procedures; a 67.8 percent lower risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections; and a 71.9 percent lower risk of developing pressure sores during hospital stays.

The data used in the analysis was drawn primarily from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review dataset produced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

Mount Sinai South Nassau has also earned the Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention Award for the third consecutive year.

The hospital has received multiple quality recognitions as well, including 10 “High Performing” ratings from U.S. News & World Report in areas such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, kidney failure, pneumonia, maternity care and blood cancers.

MSSN officials said the latest recognition reinforces their ongoing commitment to improving care and ensuring patient safety remains at the forefront of operations.

Maureen Lennon/Herald

Relay for Life of Baldwin is set to meet May 6 at the Baldwin Public Library to finalize the details for the June

event.

Courtesy Mount Sinai South Nassau

Mount Sinai South Nassau has been named among the nation’s top hospitals for patient safety, earning the 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades and placing in the top 10 percent nationwide.

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Basement blaze injures two Baldwin firefighters on job

Two Baldwin firefighters were injured Monday night while battling a house fire on Matheron Avenue that began in the basement and spread to the first floor, according to the Baldwin Fire Department.

An Estate Plan is More Than it Appears

An estate plan consists of a set of documents for older adults most often consisting of a trust, power of attorney, health care proxy and other supporting documents providing certain legal, financial and health instructions. Most people, and even many attorneys, consider the tangible documents to be the plan, the exchange of which, for payment, constitutes the completion of the transaction.

In our view, it is the “relationship” between the client and the law firm, intangible though it may be, that is of greater value. Only the relationship can provide the benefits needed to fully effectuate the plan. First among the intangibles is the peace of mind which the client is seeking in creating an estate plan in the first place. This requires an inquiry into the capabilities and sensibilities of each family member. The substitute decision-making that will be entrusted to others demands nothing less. As to the passing of assets, we are as concerned with the emotional legacy, as with the financial legacy, the client will leave to those loved ones who survive them.

Secondly, for any estate plan to be effective,

care and attention not to mention experience, in funding the plan -- in other words getting the assets either into the trust or left to the trust as beneficiary -- are essential. The extraordinary level of care and knowledge needed to properly fund a trust is, in our experience, often found lacking. You cannot see it, but it is invaluable.

Third, of what benefit is a plan that is inorganic, in other words not subject to change. Some mechanism for the plan to be adjusted as changes in personal circumstances and in the law occur is essential. An estate plan must be designed with a review process so that it works when needed, often decades after it was first conceived.

As a relationship-based, rather than a transaction-based firm, Ettinger Law Firm has developed processes such as not charging for emails and phone calls and providing a free review every three years to provide the safety and security clients are looking for. Together with our proprietary publications and videos, and weekly client newsletter, these features allow our clients to live out the firm’s motto, “Protecting Your Future”.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

Fire officials said crews were dispatched to the two-story home at about 8:30 p.m. on April 20. First-arriving firefighters encountered smoke showing and discovered fire in the basement, prompting the transmission of a working fire and a request for mutual aid.

At least two hand lines were put into operation as firefighters worked to contain the blaze, which extended to the first floor of the private dwelling. The fire was brought under control within about 35 minutes.

Two firefighters suffered burns and smoke inhalation and were transported to a hospital for treatment, officials said.

All occupants of the home self-evacuated safely and were not injured.

The Baldwin Fire Department was assisted by mutual aid departments, with approximately 75 firefighters responding to the scene. The American Red Cross also responded to assist displaced residents.

Baldwin Chief of Department Mike Parise had command of operations.

The cause of the fire is under investigation by the Nassau County Fire Marshal and the Nassau County Police Department’s Arson & Bomb Squad. — Allyson Ferrari

Bill Kelly/Herald photos

Baldwin firefighters advanced hose lines into a smoke-filled Matheron Avenue home Monday night after a basement fire spread to the first floor, injuring two firefighters.

Firefighters exited the front entrance of a Matheron Avenue home as heavy smoke poured from the structure.

EAC Network expands child protection services

EAC Network officially became Long Island’s lead agency for child protection services last week, opening the Nassau County Child Advocacy Center in Bethpage and expanding its coordinated response to child abuse, sexual exploitation and trafficking across both Nassau and Suffolk counties.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony at the new center, located at 15 Grumman Road West, Suite 1000, included Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly, state lawmakers and officials from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

EAC Network already operates the Suffolk County Child Advocacy Center, and with the addition of the Nassau location, it is now the only agency overseeing child advocacy centers in both counties.

“Child abuse and sex trafficking don’t stop at county lines, and neither do we,” EAC Network President and Chief Executive Officer Neela Mukherjee Lockel said in a statement. “With our Child Advocacy Centers now in both Nassau and Suffolk, EAC Network is the first organization in Long Island’s history to offer a unified, island-wide response to child exploitation.”

According to Lockel, the Nassau center has already received nearly 200 referrals for suspected physical or sexual abuse of minors in its first three months of operation.

The Nassau County Child Advocacy Center will operate two main programs under EAC Network’s leadership. Its Child Advocacy Center program provides forensic interviews, medical evaluations and mental health support for children who have experienced abuse in a childfriendly setting. Its Safe Harbour program focuses on minors under age 18 who are victims of sex trafficking and sexual exploitation, offering advocacy and com-

prehensive services.

“Nassau County is committed to ensuring every child is safe, protected, and supported,” Blakeman said in a written statement. “By taking the helm of the Child Advocacy Center, they are strengthening our county’s ability to respond swiftly and compassionately to our most vulnerable residents.”

Donnelly called the center “a cornerstone of how we protect children and hold

offenders accountable,” noting that the partnership between law enforcement, prosecutors and victim advocates helps ensure trauma-informed care while cases are investigated.

EAC Network works alongside Nassau and Suffolk police departments, both district attorneys’ offices, the FBI, child protective services agencies, hospitals and mental health providers.

The opening comes amid growing statewide concern over child abuse and trafficking. New York’s child protective system received nearly 149,000 reports of suspected child abuse and maltreatment in 2022, according to state data, with more than 31,700 reports formally indicated.

The New York State Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking also confirmed 114 human trafficking referrals on Long Island and in the lower Hudson Valley in its most recent reporting period, with minors accounting for 38 confirmed victims statewide.

A former child advocacy center client, identified only as Julianna, spoke at the ceremony about the center’s role in her recovery from abuse, calling it “a place where I could begin to rebuild myself.”

EAC Network officials said the new Nassau center is intended to ensure that children facing abuse or exploitation receive coordinated care, advocacy and support closer to home.

—Jordan Vallone

Courtesy EAC Network

EAC Network opened the Nassau County Child Advocacy Center in Bethpage, expanding its coordinated response to child abuse, sexual exploitation and trafficking in Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

DEVIN PACCIONE

WANTAGH Senior LACROSSE

A DYNAMIC THREE-SPORT athlete, Paccione last spring helped lead Wantagh to Nassau and Long Island Class C lacrosse championships and earned All-America honors. He followed that up this fall as a major contributor to the Warriors’ county football title. This spring, the University of Villanova bound attacker was leading Nassau County in points with 72 (26 goals and 46 assists) as of April 28. He has over 300 career points.

games to watch

Thursday, April 30

Baseball: Plainedge at Wantagh 4:30 p.m.

Baseball: Lynbrook at V.S. North 5 p.m.

Softball: East Meadow at Clarke 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Elmont at Freeport 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Massapequa at South Side 5

Flag Football: Freeport at Bell-Merrick 5 p.m.

Flag Football: East Meadow at V.S. District 5 p.m.

Flag Football: Long Beach at Glen Cove 5 p.m.

Flag Football: Bethpage at Plainedge 5 p.m.

Friday, May 1

Softball: East Rockaway at Freeport 4:15 p.m.

Softball: Syosset at Wantagh 5 p.m.

Softball: V.S. South at V.S. Central 5 p.m.

Softball: Kennedy at Seaford 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Carey at Mepham 5 p.m.

Baseball: Lawrence at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.

Baseball: South Side at Calhoun 5 p.m.

Baseball: Carey at MacArthur 5 p.m.

Softball: Oceanside at Massapequa 6 p.m.

Saturday, May 2

Softball: South Side at Floral Park 10 a.m.

Flag Football: East Rock. at West Hemp. 10 a.m.

Softball: Baldwin at Hewlett 2 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 battling in close games

By PATRICK MOQUIN sports@liherald.com

When Baldwin softball defeated Manhasset in a 9-8 walkoff victory April 23, it felt like a dam finally broke. The Bruins had previously lost five games by two runs or one, making the momentous result mean even more.

“When you drop a couple early that are close, the team can go one of two ways,” coach Tom Llewellyn said. “They can pack it in and be upset over the losses or they get motivated and they keep pushing towards that goal. And that’s where the team leadership really steps in the most. To be in that situation again and come out on top just shows the growth they have, not just from a physical standpoint, but from the mental standpoint.”

With a 4-7 overall record and multiple losses coming in heartbreakers, Baldwin is in a somewhat strange position as the postseason approaches. After so many close games, the roster is seasoned enough to surprise someone in a playoff matchup, but getting there will require some late momentum with five games remaining.

Senior third baseman Chloe Collado was the hero in the Bruins’ win over Manhasset, hitting the game-winning single with the bases loaded in the bottom of the seventh inning. That knock was one of many in a stellar year, however, as she is currently batting .625 with 23 RBIs in league games.

“We actually moved her into the two spot because we wanted to protect her in the lineup and get her more at-bats,” Llewellyn said. “When she’s going, the people around her start to click as well.”

Alongside Collado in Baldwin’s big three, senior outfielders Akua Bonsu and Amanda Aguiluz are also enjoying strong campaigns. Bonsu has stolen 17 bases without getting caught so far and earned 15 walks, ballooning her on-base percentage to .565.

“A walk or base hit for her is a double,” Llewellyn said. “You can’t throw her out.”

Erik Lee/Herald

Senior Chloe Collado is a smooth fielder at third base and raking at the plate for the Bruins with a .625 average.

Aguiluz, Baldwin’s “gliding” center fielder, was described by her coach as the player others look to in difficult positions. Her leadership off the field has become as valuable as her immense contributions on it, providing her coach with leadership and initiative in hardfought games.

The Bruins’ bruising lineup also includes the likes of power-hitting sophomore catcher Lilly Duet, crafty junior shortstop Isabella Fleck, and sure-handed junior first baseman Lizzie Albrecht. Sophomore Liv Pascual has become a key hitter as well, amassing a .480 batting average in league games, but her performance in the circle has been allimportant.

The starting pitcher in most games, Pascual has stepped up to assume an

unforgiving role in the Bruins’ hardfought schedule. Though they have missed out on several games they could have won, Pascual did much of the work to keep them in contention and has handled the pressure well.

“It’s her second year as the starting pitcher, so even though she’s only in 10th grade, we look at her as an experienced player,” Llewellyn said. “We expect a lot out of her.”

When it completes the regular season, Baldwin is not guaranteed to get the result it deserves after so many close defeats. But for a hard-working group that has always been committed, it never feels like the Bruins are truly out of any game.

Baldwin travels to Hewlett this Saturday for a 2 p.m. first pitch.

Heralds capture 11 awards in N.Y. press contest

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

Herald Community Media received 11 awards at the New York Press Association’s 2025 Better Newspaper Contest. The awards were presented at the organization’s spring convention in Saratoga Springs on April 23-24.

Creative Designer Jeffrey Negrin took first place for Best Special Section Cover, Division I, for the Herald’s basketball section. Karen Millindorf was the photographer.

“The layout is clean and bold,” the judges said. “Good use of the isolated subjects placed center frame and the text is well balanced. Overall solid.”

Negrin also placed second in the same category for a Rockville Centre cover. “The mostly monotone color scheme is well complimented to [the] line art doodle graphic,” the judges said. “The lightness of the graphic placed center frame is well balanced with the heaviness of the text at both the top and bottom of the layout.”

“It’s always an honor to be recognized by our peers,” Herald Community Media publisher Stuart Richner said. “We’re proud to continue telling the stories of our communities, and I congratulate our team on this well-deserved recognition. Ultimately, our greatest reward is delivering comprehensive local news to our readers each week.”

Vice President of Sales Rhonda Glickman, Special Sections Editor Karen Bloom and Negrin combined their talents and captured second place for Best Special Section in Advertising, Division I.

“An eye-catching and meaningful special section,” the judges said. “The editorial is local, informative and well writ-

ten. The ads complement the section and align with the section’s intent.”

Negrin and Advertising Director Ellen Reynolds partnered to grab second and third place in the Best Multi-Advertiser Pages.

“This piece does a nice job of capturing the spirit of this campaign and community,” the judges said of the secondplace submission, “combining the multiple advertisers into a harmonious layout. A subtle mix of patterns and color makes a strong impression. Well done.”

Of the third-place entry, the judges said, “A fun piece that visually captures the reader while being based on a strong concept that is a service to the community. The art and topography are appropriate for the theme and lend themselves to the overall mood of the piece. Nice job.”

“Good journalism doesn’t chase applause — it chases accountability,” COO Brad Harmon said. “That’s what makes me proud and reminds me why the work we do matters.”

On the editorial side, Copy Editor Jim Harmon and Production Designer Yolanda Rios received second-place recognition for editorial pages that appeared in all 24 weekly editions of the Heralds. “This was a close second,” the judges said. “The editorial writer is excellent.”

Staying on the editorial page, Managing Editor Jeffrey Bessen, Harmon and Zack Richner combined their efforts to take third place in Editorials, Division 1.

“Three editorials delve into some of the troubling dangers of our time — unaddressed impacts of long Covid; Meta abandoning moderators and the implications on civility and democracy; and the harshness of the housing crisis,” the judges said. “All are told with

perspective and expertise.”

Multiple sports stories that appeared in the Massapequa Herald Post were part of the package that took second place in Sports Coverage, Division 1.

“Greatly enjoyed the range of stories covered in this issue, from the longtime Hofstra soccer coach to the Ryder Cup volunteers,” the judges said. “Well written and attractive layout, easy to read.”

It takes a great team to bring back awards from NYPA — we have the best!” Glickman said. “From finance to sales to editorial, production, press, circulation etc. Together we win!”

For Online Breaking News, Will Sheeline, editor of the Oyster Bay and Sea Cliff/Glen Head Heralds, and past reporter Luke Feeney placed second for their story “Pirate Booty founder Robert Ehrlich addresses attempt to seize control of Village of Sea Cliff.”

The judges said: “The reporters not only identified Robert Erhlich first as the person behind the attempted power grab, but also landed the first on-therecord, exclusive interview with him and posted it online before state, national and international outlets followed. Excellent use of community trust and source relationships to turn a chaotic, somewhat bizarre local power struggle into a clear, timely story.”

Sports Editor Tony Bellissimo and Negrin earned third place for Special Sections/Niche Publications for the Herald’s lacrosse book.

“Very well organized, and comprehensive,” the judges said. “Visually appealing and something for everyone who likes Lacrosse.”

Sheeline also took third place in the Environment Story category for his “Keeping the ‘oyster’ in Oyster Bay” story.

The Herald’s Basketball section was a winner in the category Best Special Section Cover.

“I kept reminding myself that this is a reporter’s award and not an award for which environmental project was the coolest,” the judges said. “And this project was cool! I’ve decided not to hold it against the reporter, however, because the reporter has done an excellent job of making me feel invested in these people and this place and their oysters without getting mawkish or too purple in the prose.”

For the Better News Contest, 150 newspapers submitted 2,732 entries and competed in 67 categories, and a total of 389 awards were presented. The Michigan Press Association judged the contest submissions in January.

Courtesy NYPA

At the New York Press Association’s spring convention in Saratoga Springs, members of Herald Community Media’s editorial team with President and CEO Stuart Richner, far left.

Herald file photo

Bill targets harassment at houses of worship

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

Calls to protect religious institutions from harassment and intimidation took center stage last Friday morning at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County.

There, U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi unveiled the bipartisan Safeguarding Access to Congregations and Religious Establishments from Disruption Act, known as the SACRED Act, legislation Suozzi said would address growing concerns among his constituents about safety at houses of worship.

“There’s too much hate in our country right now,” Suozzi said. “A lot of people are being intimidated as they enter into their religious institution to practice their faith.”

The bill, co-led by Rep. Max Miller, a Republican from Ohio, would make it a federal crime to intentionally intimidate, obstruct or harass individuals within 100 feet of a place of worship, including blocking their path or approaching within 8 feet with the intent to harass.

Suozzi said the measure “ensures that people can access their place of worship safely and without obstruction, while still preserving First Amendment protections for peaceful expression.” He added that it draws “a clear line: Intimidation and threats have no place in our communities.”

“We at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center understand religious persecution,” Alan Mindel, the center’s chairman, said, “and so we are so proud to stand with Congressman Suozzi in protecting the rights of all Americans, regardless of where they pray.”

Leaders of several national advocacy and faith organizations attended the event, including represen-

Community leaders, elected officials and faith advocates gathered at the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center of Nassau County to highlight efforts to protect religious institutions and ensure safe access to places of worship.

tatives of the Anti-Defamation League, the American Jewish Committee, Hadassah and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America.

According to the Anti-Defamation League, antisemitism has reached historic levels, with 9,354 incidents recorded in 2024, underscoring concerns about the safety of those attending religious services.

“Religious freedom thrives where respect prevails,” Azhar Azeez, CEO of the Islamic Society of North America, said. “Let every place of worship be a sanctuary free from intimidation, obstruction or harassment so all people may practice their faith in peace, dignity and safety within every sacred space.”

The proposal has also drawn political criticism.

Mike LiPetri, who is challenging Suozzi for his 3rd Congressional District seat in November, said he believed the congressman had not been sufficiently vocal on the issue in the past.

“Now in an election year he wants to take action?” LiPetri wrote in a statement to the Herald. “We’re not buying it.”

Rep. Laura Gillen, who was not in attendance, emphasized the need for additional protections.

“In the wake of rising hate crimes in our own backyard, we must safeguard our houses of worship and ensure every Long Islander has the freedom to gather without fear of violence,” Gillen wrote. “Establishing buffer zones is a step in the right direction.”

Roksana Amid/Herald

BALDWIN HERALD — April 30, 2026

Recycled pages made into blooming works of art

Patrons at the library celebrated National Library Week in a creative way on Tuesday, April 14, transforming recycled book pages into handcrafted paper roses during an evening workshop.

Held from 6:30 to 8 p.m., the program was led by Casey Cunningham, owner and instructor of Art and Flowers Custom Design, a Holbrook-based business. Cunningham guided attendees step by step through the process of folding, curling and shaping discarded book pages into delicate floral arrangements. By the end of the session, each participant completed three paper roses, each one featuring snippets of printed words that gave the flowers a distinct literary charm.

Using wooden stems, floral tape and glue, patrons carefully assembled the blooms while Cunningham demonstrated techniques for building layered petals and realistic shapes. What began as worn pages destined for recycling slowly took on new life as decorative keepsakes.

The workshop served as a fitting tribute to National Library Week, the annual celebration recognizing libraries as centers of learning, creativity and community engagement.

Throughout the evening, patrons filled the tables comparing their flowers, helping one another with tricky folds and sharing laughs as the room buzzed with conversation. The class offered not only a hands-on craft project, but also a chance for attendees to connect over a shared appreciation for books and art.

By combining sustainability with creativity, the event showcased another way libraries continue to offer patrons experiences beyond traditional reading programs.

As the evening concluded, participants left with bouquets of paper roses — and a reminder that even old stories can be turned into something beautiful.

— Allyson Ferrari

Casey Cunningham, owner and instructor of Art and Flower Custom Design, displays the rose she made from recycled book pages at the Baldwin Public Library on April 14.

Lori Fischetti and Dora Spira learn how to fold and assemble their paper flowers by instructor Casey Cunningham.

Michelle and Wendi Shoenfeld display their handmade paper roses created from recycled book pages during a National Library Week workshop led by Casey Cunningham on April 14.

Maureen Lennon/Herald photos

Casey Cunningham taught library patrons how to make their own paper rose.

Baldwin friends Lori Fischetti, Dora Spira, Jane Policastro and Valerie Blanchette got together at the library for a bookish craft night to celebrate National Library Week.

Stamp Out Hunger drive will return May 9

Residents across Long Island are being asked to take part in the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive on May 9 by leaving donations at their homes for pickup.

Island Harvest Food Bank and the National Association of Letter Carriers are partnering for the nationwide one-day effort.

Community members can leave nonperishable food items and personal care products in a bag by their mailboxes, where letter carriers will collect them during regular delivery. All donations collected on Long Island will support Island Harvest’s network of community-based food pantries and feeding programs.

The need remains significant, according to Randi Shubin Dresner, president and chief executive of Island Harvest Food Bank, which distributed a record 21 million pounds of food across Nassau and Suffolk counties last year.

“Hunger and food insecurity impact about a quarter of a million Long Islanders, including children, families, older adults, and veterans — and virtually every ZIP code is affected,” Shubin Dresner said in a news release. “We have always depended on the generosity of Long Islanders to support their neighbors. The Stamp Out Hunger food drive is an easy yet powerful way for our community to come together. When Long Islanders act as one island for one day, the impact is extraordinary.”

Items needed include canned goods, cereal, pasta, rice, boxed juices and shelf-stable milk. Prepared food and items in glass containers are not accepted. Personal care products such as toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant and disposable diapers are also accepted.

Tom Siesto, executive vice president of NALC Branch 6000, said that letter carriers see the effects of

food insecurity every day.

“Our members see firsthand the impact of food insecurity on Long Island during their daily routes,” Siesto said in the release. “We are proud to partner

with Island Harvest once again and to help bring neighbors together for the 34th annual Stamp Out Hunger food collection. This one day when letter carriers and residents unite island-wide makes a real difference.”

Stamp Out Hunger is held annually on the second Saturday in May, and has collected more than 2 billion pounds of food nationwide since it began in 1993.

Last year, Long Island residents donated more than 360,000 pounds of food, enough for more than 600,000 meals. Island Harvest aims to collect more than 500,000 pounds this year.

This year’s collection campaign on Long Island is supported by presenting sponsor National Grid, lead sponsor JPMorgan Chase, and IPRO Healthcare, along with nearly 40 additional corporations.

Island Harvest Food Bank is a leading human-services organization whose mission is to end hunger and reduce food waste on Long Island. It has organized innovative programs and services aimed at enhancing hunger awareness, short-term case management, nutrition education, outreach and advocacy initiatives, its Healthy Harvest Farm, a Workforce Skills Development Institute, and efficient food collection and distribution.

Island Harvest’s work directly supports children, families, seniors and veterans who turn to the organization in times of crisis, and supports a network of community-based nonprofits. Its Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, a nationwide network of food banks leading the effort to combat hunger in the United States. To learn more, go to IslandHarvest.org.

–Jeffrey Bessen

Courtesy Don Miller

Long Island residents can help by leaving food donations outside their homes for the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive on May 9.

MSSN-Anthem reach three-year agreement

The Mount Sinai Health System and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield have reached a new three-year agreement that restores in-network access to Mount Sinai hospitals, physicians and services for many Anthem members across New York.

The agreement, announced April 13, took effect immediately and applies to Anthem’s commercial plans, Child Health Plus, Medicaid, HARP, MLTC/ MAP and Essential Plans 1-5. Anthem Medicare Advantage and Anthem Individual Marketplace plans are not included in the deal.

The agreement ends months of uncertainty for patients after Mount Sinai physicians went out of network earlier this year when the two sides failed to reach a new contract by their Dec. 31 deadline. Thousands of patients across New York, including many on Long Island, had been forced to find new doctors, delay appointments or seek continuity-of-care exemptions while negotiations continued.

“Most importantly, we were able to work with Mount Sinai to protect our members’ access to care while keeping costs as low as possible for the families, employers and taxpayers who pay for healthcare,” said Victor DeStefano, commercial president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, in a statement.

According to Anthem, the new con -

tract includes responsible price increases, more predictable cost trends and value-based care models that tie reimbursement to patient outcomes. The agreement also includes safeguards intended to ensure accurate hospital billing, appropriate care settings and healthcare costs that more closely track inflation and workers’ wages.

Mount Sinai officials said the deal restores in-network access to all of the system’s physicians, hospitals and services immediately, bringing relief to patients who had been waiting for the dispute to end.

—

Abigail Grieco Herald file

The Mount Sinai Health System and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield reached a new three-year agreement on April 13.

Meadow Girl Scouts make every family feel seen

points.

“When I didn’t see my languages on the wall, it made me feel a little invisible,” Sothanee wrote. “I wanted every student and family to feel proud of where they come from and know that their culture matters at our school.”

The scouts began by writing a letter to Meadow families, asking what languages were spoken in their homes and how each family says “welcome.” The responses, collected in a Google Form, gave the girls a broader understanding of the school’s linguistic diversity. Then they researched pronunciations, completed translations and partnered with the Art Studio, in Rockville Centre, to redesign the mural.

In addition to the wall, the girls created a storybook that students and visitors can use to learn the greetings.

“We wanted to create something that students and families could always use,” Sothanee wrote. “A storybook was a fun and easy way for people to learn how to say ‘welcome’ in different languages.”

The project took nearly 25 hours of planning, meetings, fundraising and collaborative work over the course of five months. The girls met in person, over Zoom and in group chats while balancing schoolwork and other activities.

“We realized that most students’ languages weren’t represented at the front of Meadow School and thought about how that would make someone feel,” fourth-grader Charlotte Friedman wrote in an email. “We planned to find all the languages spoken at home and add them to the mural.”

For the troop, the project was never simply about adding decorative words to a wall. It was about changing the message Meadow sends to everyone who walks inside.

“I think this project will help make sure nobody feels

left out,” fourth-grader Eliana Eustache said.

The girls said the work also helped them better understand the importance of cultural awareness at a young age. “It helps us understand that other people may live differently than we do and helps us understand each other,” Eliana emailed.

Troop leader and Bronze Award adviser Sophea Sainsurin, said that watching the girls bring the idea to life over several months was a powerful reminder of how capable young students can be when they are trusted to lead meaningful change.

Starters - Choice of 1: Small Signature Antipasto • Small Bruschetta Platter

“I’ve known some of these girls since they were kindergartners and first-graders, and being with them for almost six years has made watching their growth incredibly special,” Sainsurin wrote. “You see them evolve from little girls with ideas into confident young leaders who know how to turn those ideas into action.”

Now, each morning, Meadow students are welcomed by an entrance that more fully reflects the many cultures and languages that make up their school community — a lasting reminder, created by children, that everyone belongs.

Pasta - Choice of 1 Half Tray: Farfalle with Mixed Vegetables • Orecchiette with Broccoli Rabe & Sausage

Salad - Choice of 1: Caesar Salad • Tossed Salad

Entrées - Choice of 1 Half Tray: Sliced Pork Loin Roast with Potatoes & Onions

Chicken Francese with Lemon Butter Sauce & Mushrooms

Flank Steak with Mushrooms +25 • Shrimp Oreganata • Roasted Salmon +35

Vegetable - Choice of 1 Half Tray: String Bean Almondine • Broccoli Cauliflower Oreganata

Red Roasted Potatoes

Included: Two Loaves of Bread • Cookie Tray

Courtesy Sophea Sainsurin

meadow School girl Scout troop 2210 members in front of the newly redesigned, multilingual welcome mural they redesigned as part of their Bronze award project, aimed at making every student and family feel represented at the school.

STEPPING OUT

You don’t have to be a kid to love bubbles. Step into the museum’s bubble playroom and see why bubbles are fun for any age.

No kids allowed

By Abbey Salvemini

For many folks a trip to the Long Island Children’s Museum isn’t just a childhood outing, it’s a shared community memory. Now, those of us “big kids” who grew up visiting here will have a chance to step back inside but this time as grown-ups.

Relive the wonder of childhood at the museum’s inaugural “Adults Only Nostalgia Night” on May 6. Open to guests ages 23 and up, this after-hours event (starting at 6:30 p.m.) offers a lively, playful reimagining of a beloved local destination — welcoming visitors to explore familiar exhibits in a whole new light, long after the kids have gone home.

“This has been something that’s been talked about for years,” Communications Coordinator Stephanie Silver says. “We have so many people who came here as kids and are now bringing their own children or even grandchildren. There’s always been this desire to come back and experience it again for themselves.”

That idea recently gained momentum online after a nostalgic TikTok post comparing the museum’s former Stewart Avenue location with its current home in Garden City went viral, creating a wave of former visitors in the comments reminiscing and sharing memories.

The result is an occasion designed to feel equal parts reunion and night out.

For three hours, the museum’s galleries are open exclusively to adults, giving guests the rare opportunity to explore exhibits at their own pace. From the popular bubble station to newer installations, visitors can revisit old favorites or discover exhibits they may have missed.

“It’s really about giving people the freedom to explore,” Silver explains. “They can go wherever they want, spend as much time as they want, and just enjoy it without any responsibilities.”

Beyond exploring the exhibits, the evening comes

Children’s Museum turns childhood memories into an adults-only night out

alive with a DJ spinning crowd pleasing hits from across the decades, inviting guests to hit the dance floor or simply enjoy the music. Classic games add a touch of friendly competition, while photo stations capture the fun along the way. Together, these elements transform the museum into a vibrant, social “playground,” a striking departure from its usual daytime pace. The result is a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where nostalgia, play and connection come together for a memorable night. Light bites and refreshments are available; admission includes two drink tickets for beer and wine. Organizers aim to create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where everyone can mingle, unwind, and rediscover a beloved space in an entirely new way — all without straying far from home.

Guests are also invited to take part in hands-on memory-making activities throughout the evening. Design your own I Heart LICM friendship bracelet to keep as a personal memento, or contribute to the Nostalgia Wall by posting photos and sharing stories from past visits. Over the course of the night, the growing display will reflect decades of community connection — ranging from childhood snapshots to treasured, multigenerational memories — woven together into a heartfelt collective tribute.

For Silver, that piece hits close to home.

• Wednesday, May 6, 6:30-9 p.m.

• Tickets are $45 per person, $40 members, with limited availability; Advance registration and valid ID required

• Visit the events calendar at licm.org for tickets and additional information

• 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

“I grew up coming here,” she says. “My own photos will be up there. It’s special to see how many people have that same connection.”

While designed to be lighthearted and fun, the museum’s educational spirit remains an underlying thread throughout. Exhibits originally created to spark curiosity in children take on a new dimension for adults, offering a fresh perspective that invites reflection, rediscovery and a touch of wonder in a familiar setting.

“That’s actually the easiest part,” Silver adds. “Everything here is already grounded in education. The nostalgia just comes naturally.”

If the evening proves successful (as expected), museum leadership aims to make this a recurring offering and potentially expand it in future seasons, building on what’s anticipated to be strong community enthusiasm.

“We’d love to make this a reoccurring event,” Silver says, enthusiastically. “But we also want to hear from visitors … what they enjoy, what they want to see. This is really about the community.”

Nostalgia Night will offer something that’s familiar yet new: a chance to revisit a childhood staple, reconnect with friends or neighbors and see a well-known local institution in a completely different light.

“We want people to walk away feeling reconnected, not just to the museum, but to that sense of joy and creativity,” Silver adds. “Play is just as powerful for us as adults as it is for the children.”

And for those who recall spending rainy afternoons or birthday parties inside the museum’s walls, this might feel somewhat like coming home — only this time, with music, companions and no curfew.

George Thorogood and The Destroyers

For the past five-plus decades, over 8,000 live shows and more than 15 million albums sold, George Thorogood and The Destroyers have been “The All-American Rock & Roll Party Band” (Goldmine Magazine). In celebration of their 53rd year of “playing rock ‘n roll hot enough to melt the polar icecaps and flood the world’s major population centers” (Rolling Stone), the group continues The Baddest Show On Earth Tour — a stage-shaking, roof-raising, guitar-snarling blast. For an artist whose music honors the blues, rock and country legends of the past, Thorogood’s forward momentum is now stronger than ever. And along with longtime Destroyers Jeff Simon (drums), Bill Blough (bass), Jim Suhler (guitar) and Buddy Leach (saxophone), they continue “to slap a custom flame paint job onto those classic sounds” (Blues Blast Magazine) like never before.

Saturday, May 2, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Til Death Do Us Part … You First!

Love, regret and second chances take center stage in a fast-paced, laugh-out-loud solo show directed by Broadway veteran Chazz Palminteri. Written and performed by comedian Peter Fogel, the 90-minute multimedia performance blends sharp humor with heartfelt reflection on the realities of modern relationships. At the heart of the story is Fogel himself — an eternal bachelor blindsided by a Valentine’s Day breakup that forces him to confront more than just heartbreak. As he wrestles with questions of love, timing and personal growth, he’s guided by his own conscience, voiced by Palminteri, in a clever theatrical device that adds both wit and depth. What follows is a whirlwind of storytelling as Fogel transforms into more than a dozen characters, Saturday, May 2, 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $40. Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org.

Photos courtesy LICM

Building boom! ‘Big kids’ are sure to have fun unleashing their creativity by building with KEVA planks

Delve into Long Island’s maritime history and connections at the Saltwater Stories exhibit.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

Family theater

Long Island Children’s Museum stages

“Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!,” back at the museum by popular demand. With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), this show is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party! It’s not easy being the Pigeon since you never get to do anything. But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can finally do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon.; also May 2 and May 6-7

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

Long Island Marathon Weekend

Get ready for a weekend of running, celebrations and more as the Jovia Financial Credit Union Long Island Marathon returns to Eisenhower Park, through May 3.

• Where: Eisenhower Park

• Time: Races on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at various times

• Contact: RunLongIsland Marathon.com

may

Storybook Stroll

2

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a Storybook Stroll. Little listeners are invited to participate in a guided stroll through the Gardens, with a reading of Isabel Sanchez Vergara’s “Little People Big Dreams.” Along the way, discover nature’s wonders, in the formal gardens. The tour ends at the Thatched Cottage with a story and hands-on craft for each child to take home.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

• Contact: oldwestburygardens.org or call (516) 333-0048

Chalk It Up!

Families are welcome to Long Island Children’s Museum to mix, pour and create your own sidewalk chalk. Then bring it

Ben Folds & A Piano

Pooch on the Loose,” the first book in an inspiring new series about friendship, community, and the power of kindness. In this rare Long Island appearance, the award-winning actress, producer, director and best-selling author discusses her legendary career, and her children’s book series, written with Lin Oliver and illustrated by Breanna Chambers.

• Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

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

may

7

Spring 2026

Daisy Parent Info Night

Ben Folds, widely regarded as one of the major music influencers of his generation. brings his latest tour to the Tilles Center, joined by multi-talented actress-singer- composer Lindsey Kraft. Known for pushing genre boundaries, Folds first rose to prominence with Ben Folds Five before launching a wide-ranging solo career that blends sharp lyricism, piano-driven melodies and orchestral ambition. Over the years, he has released multiple solo albums alongside collaborative projects, earning an Emmy nomination and a devoted global following. His most recent pop album (2023) drew critical praise and played to sold-out audiences, followed by a holiday release in 2024. Folds’ recent work also reflects his deep engagement with orchestral music, including a live album featuring a live orchestral performance of his hits recorded just before concluding his eight-year tenure as Artistic Advisor to the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center — an appointment that marked a first for the role. Today, he continues to move fluidly between pop tours and performances with leading orchestras worldwide, while also developing new work for film, television and theater.

A bestselling author and former podcast host, Folds remains a restlessly creative force — an artist constantly expanding the reach of his music.

home to create a sidewalk masterpiece. This is a drop-in program, free with admission.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: Noon-2 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

Old Westbury Gardens’ Regency Romance Weekend

Enjoy two delightful days of romance, revelry, and refinement in true Jane Austen-style at the lush estate. Step onto the grounds, don your finest gowns and cravats, and prepare for a weekend of charm, wit, and elegant amusements. Stroll the gardens, try your hand at lawn games and crafts, enjoy classical melodies, test your Austen knowledge, and admire the finery of fellow guests dressed for the occasion. Between diversions, indulge in sweet treats at the café and discover Regency-inspired treasures in the gift shop. Visit the website for programming details.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: Ongoing, through May 3

• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

may

3

Sunday music

Join Baldwin’s favorite jazzR&B fusion band, Musically Inclined, rescheduled from Feb. 22, at Baldwin Public Library. Members of this local group come from different walks of life and careers who share one thing in common: the love of gospel, funk, and jazz music they enjoy performing as a band. Join in on the fun! Tickets are required; tickets from cancelled performance are honored.

• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.

• Time: 2-3 p.m.

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

Stars On Ice

Celebrate America’s skating superstars! Fresh off their Olympic performances, the 2026 Stars on Ice tour brings the thrill of the Games to fans/ Headlined by Ilia Malinin, the “Quad God” and Olympic Gold Medalist Alysa Liu, Olympic Silver Medalists Madison Chock & Evan Bates, the tour also stars National Champions Isabeau Levito, Amber Glenn, Jason Brown and more. Feel the passion, precision and power of the U.S. National Figure Skating Team — live on the ice.

• Where: Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100

• Where: 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

• Time: 4 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com

Spring Dust-Off Car Show

The Town of Hempstead welcomes all to check out all makes and models of cars and trucks at this competitively judged show — from pre-war to the ‘50s ‘60s, ‘70s and up. With entertainment, a popular touch-a-truck experience, a kids zone, a beer garden, and dozens of vendors offering food, merchandise, and automotive accessories. $25 pre-registration fee for cars, or $30 the day of the event. Spectators are welcome at no charge.

• Where: Point Lookout Town Park, 1300 Lido Blvd, Point Lookout

• Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m; gates open at 7 a.m. for vehicles

• Contact: townofhempstead events.com or (516) 670-1050

4

An Evening With Goldie Hawn

The Madison Theatre welcomes Goldie who introduces “The After-School Kindness Crew #1: may

Girl Scouts of Nassau County host a Spring 2026 Daisy Parent Information Night at the Baldwin Public Library, offering families a chance to learn about the program for girls in prekindergarten through first grade. The session providse an overview of Girl Scouts, with opportunities to register and learn about activities. For adults only. Registration required.

• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.

• Time: 6:30 p.m.

• Contact: gsnc.wufoo.com

Movie matinee

8

Baldwin Public Library welcomes all to an afternoon viewing of the new psychological thriller, “The Housemaid,” based on the novel by Frieda McFadden. The film is about Millie, played by Sydney Sweeney, a struggling woman who is relieved to get a fresh start as a housemaid to Nina, played by Amanda Seyfried, and Andrew, played by Brandon Sklenar, an upscale, wealthy couple. She soon learns that the family’s secrets are far more dangerous than her own. No registration is required.

• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.

• Time: 1-4 p.m.

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

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.

NEWS BRIEF

Zucker School of Medicine earns top ranking

The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell has been recognized among the nation’s top medical schools for research, earning a Tier 2 designation in the 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings released by U.S. News & World Report.

The school ranked among the top three in New York and in the top half of medical schools nationwide for research excellence, according to the report.

The recognition comes amid a challenging funding climate for medical research, including reductions in grants from the National Institutes of Health.

Research activity now accounts for 60 percent of a school’s overall ranking in the U.S. News methodology, making federal funding levels a critical factor.

Despite those pressures, the Zucker School of Medicine has maintained a strong research performance, supported by its academic programs and institutional partnerships.

A key component of the school’s research environment is its partnership with Northwell Health, the state’s largest health care provider. The affiliation gives students access to an extensive clinical network, diverse patient populations and advanced research facilities.

“We are incredibly proud that our dedication to impactful research has been recognized by U.S. News & World

The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell has been recognized among the nation’s top medical schools for research.

Report, amidst federal funding challenges,” said David Battinelli, the Deborah and Lawrence Smith dean of the medical school. “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to pioneering discovery.”

Battinelli said students “benefit tremendously” from research opportunities across Northwell’s system, including the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, as well as collaborations with institutions such as Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

More information about the school and its research programs is available on its website.

— Abigail Grieco

NEW YORK’S WRONGEST RUNNING COMEDY!

Join WEDLI for a strictly

eventnetworking and catching up with friends! We will also install the new WEDLI officers and board members. All are welcome to attend.

Tuesday, May 19 | 6 p.m. Captain Bill’s | 122 Ocean Ave, Bay Shore

April 30, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

AVISO DE ELECCIÓN ANUAL DEL DISTRITO, AUDIENCIA PRESUPUESTARIA Y VOTACIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE UNIÓN DE BALDWIN CIUDAD DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU ESTADO DE NEW YORK, A CELEBRARSE EL 19 de mayo de 2026

POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que la audiencia presupuestaria de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de Unión de Baldwin, ciudad de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, se llevará a cabo el miércoles 6 de mayo de 2026, en la cafetería A de Baldwin High School, Ethel T. Kloberg Drive, Baldwin, New York, en dicho Distrito Escolar, para la realización de los asuntos que estén autorizados por la ley, incluidos los siguientes fines:

1. Presentación y debate del presupuesto para el funcionamiento de las escuelas del distrito para el año escolar que comienza el 1 de julio de 2026.

2. Presentación y debate del presupuesto para el funcionamiento de Baldwin Public Library para el año fiscal que comienza el 1 de julio de 2026.

3. Tratamiento de cualquier otro asunto autorizado por la ley.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que la votación sobre la asignación de los fondos necesarios para cubrir los gastos necesarios del año escolar 2026-2027, la asignación para la biblioteca, y todas las propuestas debidamente presentadas ante la Junta de Educación para cubrir vacantes de miembros de la junta en la Junta de Educación, se llevará a cabo en el gimnasio de Baldwin High School, Ethel T. Kloberg Drive, East of Grand Avenue, Baldwin, New York, en dicho Distrito Escolar, el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, entre las 7:00 a. m. y las 9:00 p. m. Hay dos cargos en la Junta de Educación que deberán cubrirse en la votación sobre el presupuesto anual y las elecciones del 19 de

mayo de 2026. Un cargo es para un período completo de tres (3) años, desde el 1 de julio de 2026 hasta el 30 de junio de 2029. El otro cargo es por el resto de un período no vencido desde el 19 de mayo de 2026 hasta el 30 de junio de 2027. El candidato que reciba el mayor número de votos será elegido para el período más largo. El candidato que reciba el segundo mayor número de votos será elegido para el resto del período no vencido.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que se presentarán las siguientes propuestas a los votantes en la votación del 19 de mayo de 2026:

PROPUESTA N.º 1:

PRESUPUESTO DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR SE RESUELVE que se adopte el presupuesto propuesto del Distrito Escolar Libre de Unión de Baldwin de la ciudad de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, estado de New York, para el año fiscal 2026-2027 por un monto de $180,001,342, y que dicho monto se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad sujeta a impuestos del Distrito Escolar, después de deducir primero los fondos disponibles provenientes de la ayuda estatal y otras fuentes.

PROPUESTA N.º 2: PRESUPUESTO DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA SE RESUELVE que se adopte el presupuesto propuesto de Baldwin Public Library para el año fiscal 2026-2027, por un monto de $6,489,946, y que dicho monto se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad sujeta a impuestos del Distrito Escolar, después de deducir primero los fondos disponibles provenientes de la ayuda estatal y otras fuentes.

PROPUESTA N.º 3: USO DE LOS FONDOS PROVENIENTES DEL FONDO DE RESERVA DE CAPITAL CONOCIDO COMO CAPITAL 2023

SE AUTORIZA a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Unión de Baldwin a desembolsar un monto adicional de $8,000,000.00 del

Fondo de Reserva de Capital conocido como “Capital-2023”, establecido el 16 de mayo de 2023, con el propósito de llevar a cabo los siguientes proyectos: (a) construcción/renovació n de una cocina en Brookside Elementary School; (b) construcción/renovació n de una cocina en Lenox Elementary School; (c) construcción/renovació n de una cocina en Meadow Elementary School; (d) construcción/renovació n de una cocina en Plaza Elementary School; (e) construcción/renovació n de una cocina en Steele Elementary School; (f) construcción/renovació n de una cafetería en Brookside Elementary School; y (g) construcción/renovació n de una cafetería en Steele Elementary School, lo cual incluye toda la mano de obra, los materiales, el equipo, los aparatos y los gastos incidentales relacionados con lo anterior.

PROPUESTA N.º 4: USO DE LOS FONDOS PROVENIENTES DE LA RESERVA TECNOLÓGICA DE 2022

SE AUTORIZA a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Unión de Baldwin a desembolsar un monto que no exceda de $475,000 del Fondo de la Reserva Tecnológica establecido el 17 de mayo de 2022, con el propósito de llevar a cabo los siguientes proyectos: (a) nuevas Chromebooks para estudiantes de 3.º grado; (b) nuevas Chromebooks para estudiantes de 8.º grado; (c) lápices Stylus/Meta; (d) fundas/carcasas para Chromebooks; (e) gabinetes de carga para bancos de baterías; y (f) pizarras interactivas, lo cual incluye toda la mano de obra, los materiales, el equipo, los aparatos y los gastos incidentales relacionados con lo anterior.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que la votación se llevará a cabo mediante máquinas de votación, conforme a lo dispuesto por la Ley de Educación, y que los centros de votación permanecerán abiertos desde las 7:00 a. m.

hasta las 9:00 p. m., y durante el tiempo adicional que sea necesario para permitir que los votantes presentes en ese momento emitan sus votos. Por el presente, se autoriza y se instruye a la secretaria del Distrito a que haga imprimir las etiquetas de las boletas necesarias para dichas máquinas de votación en una forma que se ajuste, en la mayor medida posible, a los requisitos de la Ley de Educación. Se preparará la forma resumida de la propuesta sobre el presupuesto y el texto de todas las demás propuestas que aparecerán en la máquina de votación, así como una declaración detallada por escrito del monto de dinero que se requerirá para el año escolar 2026-2027 para fines escolares, especificando los fines y el monto correspondiente a cada uno, y se pondrán copias a disposición, previa solicitud, de cualquier contribuyente del distrito en cada edificio escolar del distrito en el que funcione una escuela, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., durante el período de catorce días inmediatamente anteriores a dicha elección del 19 de mayo de 2026, excepto los sábados, domingos y festivos, y en dicha elección anual.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que la elección se celebrará de conformidad con el Reglamento para la celebración de reuniones y elecciones aprobado por la Junta de Educación.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las candidaturas para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación, salvo que la ley disponga lo contrario, se presentarán mediante una petición firmada por al menos 25 votantes calificados del Distrito, y que las candidaturas para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de la Biblioteca, salvo que la ley disponga lo contrario, se presentarán mediante una petición firmada por al menos 25 votantes calificados del Distrito, que deberá presentarse en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p.

m., a más tardar el día 30, el 20 de abril de 2026, anterior a la reunión o elección en la que se votará a los miembros de la junta. Dicha petición deberá indicar el nombre y la residencia de los candidatos. Los candidatos que reciban el mayor número de votos se considerarán electos para sus respectivos cargos. Cuando los períodos sean de distinta duración, el candidato que reciba el mayor número de votos será electo para el período más largo. La Junta de Educación podrá rechazar una nominación si el candidato no reúne los requisitos para el cargo o declara su falta de disposición para desempeñarlo.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que cualquier propuesta o cuestión que se deba incluir en las máquinas de votación se presentará por escrito mediante petición suscrita por al menos 52 votantes calificados del Distrito y se presentará en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., a más tardar el día 30, el 20 de abril de 2026, anterior a la reunión o elección en la que se votará dicha cuestión o propuesta, excepto que esta disposición no aplicará a aquellas cuestiones o propuestas que deban indicarse en el aviso publicado o fijado de la reunión ni a aquellas propuestas o cuestiones que la Junta de Educación tenga autoridad por ley para presentar en cualquier reunión anual o extraordinaria del Distrito.

También se permitirá el registro en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito en el edificio administrativo de Baldwin durante el horario de inscripción de 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 y elección escolar.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que el registro incluirá (1) a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se presenten personalmente para registrarse; y (2) a todos los votantes

previamente calificados del Distrito que se hayan registrado previamente para cualquier reunión o elección anual o extraordinaria del Distrito celebrada o realizada en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro (4) años (2022-2025) anteriores a la preparación de dicho registro; y (3) a los votantes registrados de forma permanente ante la Junta Electoral del condado de Nassau.

SE NOTIFICA DEMÁS que la Junta de Registro se reunirá además durante el horario de votación en la Elección Anual del Distrito del 19 de mayo de 2026, con el propósito de preparar un registro para las reuniones o elecciones del Distrito que se celebren con posterioridad al 19 de mayo de 2026. Dicho registro incluirá (1) a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se presenten personalmente para registrarse, y (2) a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se hayan registrado previamente para cualquier reunión o elección anual o extraordinaria del Distrito celebrada o realizada en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro años calendario (2022-2025) anteriores a la preparación de dicho registro.

El registro se archivará en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito del distrito escolar en el edificio administrativo, Hastings Street, Baldwin, New York, donde estará disponible para su inspección por cualquier votante calificado entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 2:00 p. m. durante cada uno de los cinco días previos a la fecha fijada para la elección, excepto el domingo, y el sábado únicamente con cita previa. SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las solicitudes de boletas de voto en ausencia y de voto anticipado por correo para la elección del distrito escolar podrán presentarse en la oficina de la secretaria. Una lista de todas las personas a quienes se hayan emitido boletas de voto en ausencia y de voto anticipado por correo estará disponible en la oficina

de la secretaria durante cada uno de los cinco días previos al día de la elección, excepto el domingo, y el sábado únicamente con cita previa. La secretaria del Distrito deberá recibir las solicitudes de boletas de voto en ausencia y de voto anticipado por correo no antes de treinta (30) días antes de la elección. Asimismo, la secretaria del Distrito deberá recibir dicha solicitud al menos siete días antes de la elección si la boleta se enviará por correo al votante, o el día anterior a la elección si la boleta se entregará personalmente al votante o a su agente designado. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna de una boleta de voto en ausencia o de voto anticipado por correo para envío postal, la secretaria del Distrito enviará la boleta a la dirección indicada en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la votación.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que los votantes militares que no se encuentren actualmente registrados podrán solicitar su registro como votantes calificados del distrito escolar. Los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del distrito escolar podrán presentar una solicitud para obtener una boleta militar. Los votantes militares podrán indicar su preferencia de recibir el registro de votante militar, la solicitud de boleta militar o la boleta militar por correo, transmisión por fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de dicho registro, solicitud de boleta o boleta. La oficina de la secretaria del Distrito deberá recibir los formularios de registro de votante militar y los formularios de solicitud de boleta militar a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del 23 de abril de 2026. No se contabilizará ninguna boleta militar a menos que (1) la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito la reciba antes del cierre de las urnas el día de la elección y muestre un matasellos del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o muestre una constancia fechada de recepción por otra agencia del gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o (2) la oficina de la

secretaria del Distrito la reciba a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del día de la elección y esté firmada y fechada por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha que no sea posterior al día anterior a la elección.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que esta Junta convocará a una reunión extraordinaria dentro de las veinticuatro horas posteriores a la presentación ante la secretaria del Distrito de un informe escrito de los resultados de la votación, para reunirse en Baldwin Senior High School con el propósito de examinar y tabular dichos informes de los resultados de la votación y declarar el resultado de la votación; asimismo, la Junta por la presente se designa a sí misma como funcionarios electorales para emitir y escrutar los votos de conformidad con la Ley de Educación 2019-a, subdivisión 2b, en dicha reunión extraordinaria de la Junta.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que el Informe sobre exenciones del impuesto sobre bienes inmuebles, elaborado de conformidad con la sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, se adjuntará a cualquier presupuesto provisional o preliminar, así como al presupuesto definitivo aprobado, del que formará parte; y se publicará en los tablones de anuncios del Distrito destinados a los avisos públicos, así como en el sitio web del Distrito.

Fecha: 31 de marzo de 2026 Baldwin, NY POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE UNIÓN DE BALDWIN CIUDAD DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU NEW YORK

Saide P. Vidal, secretaria del distrito 159197

Richner Communications, Inc. public notice rates will increase at a minimum of 9% for all notices published on or after May 1, 2026, to reflect rising production and distribution costs. To place a public notice contact 516-569-4000 x232.

Public Notices

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 19, 2026

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 6, 2026, 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, 2026.

2. Presentation and discussion of the budget for operation of the Baldwin Public Library for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.

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 2026-2027, the library appropriation, and on all propositions duly filed with the Board of Education to fill vacancies for Trustees on the Board of Education 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 19, 2026, between the hours of 7:00AM and 9:00PM. There are two board of education offices to be filled at the May 19, 2026, annual budget vote and election. One office is for a full three (3) year term from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029. The other office is for the balance of an unexpired term from May 19, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The candidate receiving the largest number of votes will be elected to the longer term. The

candidate receiving the second most votes will be elected to the balance of the unexpired term.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the following propositions will be presented to the voters at the May 19, 2026, 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 2026-2027 in the amount of $180,001,342 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 2026-2027 be adopted, in the amount of $6,489,946 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 THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND KNOWN AS CAPITAL 2023

SHALL the Board of Education of the Baldwin Union Free School District be authorized to expend an additional $8,000,000.00 from the Capital Reserve fund known as “Capital-2023”, established on May 16, 2023 for the purpose of performing the following projects: (a) construction/renovation of a kitchen at Brookside Elementary School; (b) construction/renovation of a kitchen at Lenox Elementary School; (c) construction/renovation of a kitchen at Meadow Elementary School; (d) construction/renovation of a kitchen at Plaza Elementary School; (e) construction/renovation of a kitchen at Steele Elementary School; (f)

construction/renovation of a cafeteria at Brookside Elementary School; and (g) construction/renovation of a cafeteria at Steele Elementary School, all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto.

PROPOSITION NO. 4: USAGE OF FUNDS FROM TECHNOLOGY RESERVE 2022

SHALL the Board of Education of the Baldwin Union Free School District be authorized to expend an amount not to exceed $475,000 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) new Chromebooks for 8th grade students; (c) Stylus/Meta pens; (d) cases/covers for Chromebooks, (e) battery bank charging cabinets; and (f) interactive boards, all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the voting shall be on voting machines as provided by 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 2026-2027 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 19, 2026, 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 25 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 25 qualified voters of the District, filed in the office of the Clerk of the District between the hours of 8:00AM and 4:00PM not later than the 30th day, April 20, 2026, preceding the meeting or election at which the trustees shall be voted upon. 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 52 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, not later than the 30th day, April 20, 2026, preceding the meeting or election at which such question or proposition shall be voted upon, 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 (2022-2025) prior to preparation of the said register; and (3) voters permanently registered with the Board of 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 19, 2026, for the purpose of preparing a register for District meetings or elections to be held subsequent to May 19, 2026. 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 (2022-2025) 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 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.

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 a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it

is (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the election.

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: March 31, 2026

Baldwin, NY BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK

Saide P. Vidal, District Clerk 159195

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU Citibank, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely as trustee of COLT 2022-5 Trustee of Colt 2022-5 Trust Plaintiff, Against I Have Been Restored, Inc., Tanya R, Bostick, 2020 Kennedy Group Inc., New York State Department of Taxation and Finance Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 01/15/2026, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 5/12/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1124 Hayes Place, Baldwin, New York 11510, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 54 Block 358 Lot 757, 758, and 759. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $852,482.33 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 602887/2024 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine. Matthew Vishnick, Esq., Referee. SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 Dated: 3/18/2026 File Number: 39388 CA 159486

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., -againstSTAMATIOS SITZANIS A/K/A S. SITZANIS, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a

257 Main Street project moves forward

By ABBEY SALVEMINI asalvemini@liherald.com

After years of starts, stops and behind-the-scenes work, a long-discussed redevelopment project in downtown Hempstead is finally coming into focus.

Developer Rashid Walker who grew up just minutes from Main Street has secured the 257 Main Street site, where his firm First Street Companies plans to build a 246-unit apartment complex with retail space and parking.

The project adds to a broader effort by local officials and private developers to re-energize Main Street with housing, commerce and pedestrian activity, marking a significant new investment in the village’s downtown.

For Walker, the project is both a professional and personal milestone. A longtime real estate executive with experience at firms including AvalonBay Communities, JPMorgan Asset Management and Wood Partners, Walker said the Hempstead development represents the culmination of nearly a decade of effort to unlock a site he began working on in 2015.

The project also reflects First Street’s broader strategy of targeting multifamily markets across the New York metropolitan region, including recent collaborations with Charlotte-based Grubb Properties on large-scale residential developments in Long Island City and Lower Manhattan.

Walker said the idea behind 257 Main Street is rooted in both local history and present-day housing needs.

“The vision really is to bring high-

quality multifamily housing to the Village of Hempstead,” Walker said. “I think the village has been overlooked for a long time, and this is an opportunity to bring quality housing back.”

He added that Long Island faces a significant shortage of multifamily housing options, with restrictive zoning and limited developable land making projects like this increasingly rare.

“There’s a dearth of multifamily housing on Long Island,” he said. “So, I think this would be much needed.”

The development is expected to include roughly 6,100 square feet of

Public Notices

Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on October 22, 2025, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A. is the Plaintiff and STAMATIOS SITZANIS A/K/A S. SITZANIS, 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 19, 2026 at 3:30PM, premises known as 2753 CENTRAL AVENUE, BALDWIN, NY 11510; and the following tax map identification: 54-284-26.

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.: 608418/2019. Paul L. Meli, 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. 159618

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County of Nassau CitiMortgage, Inc. successor by merger to ABN AMRO Mortgage Group, Inc., Plaintiff AGAINST Carmelle Arguizoni, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on February 24, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 14, 2026 at 2:30 PM premises known as 3029 Grand Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New

York, SECTION: 54, BLOCK: 409, LOT: 72 and 78. Approximate amount of judgment is $626,602.16 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 610708/2017. This sale may be subject to the US Dept of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Real Estate Reporting Rule. In such event, all p urchasers are required to provide the information needed for proper reporting in accordance with the terms of sale. Jon Ward, Referee

FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-073204-F00 89576 159601

retail space at street level, designed to attract neighborhood-serving businesses. Walker said the tenant mix is still being finalized but could include cafés, a bagel shop or other local retail establishments intended to support daily foot traffic.

Village officials have expressed strong support for the project, pointing to both its economic potential and its connection to a local developer with deep roots in the community.

“Very excited about this project, not only because it supports the Village of Hempstead’s downtown revitalization, but because we have a developer who grew up in Hempstead,” said Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr., noting the project aligns closely with the village’s longterm revitalization goals. “Someone that not only knows our history but knows our path forward.”

Local business leaders also see the project as a meaningful opportunity to strengthen the area’s commercial base. LaShawn Lukes, president of the Greater Hempstead Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the importance of mixed-use development in supporting small businesses.

“Since there are store fronts downstairs, it gives the small businesses an opportunity to be a part of the new development process with affordable rent while having the option of having tenants and possible customers right upstairs,” she said.

Lukes also said the development could help bring residents closer together.

“I believe that the project itself, is going to stimulate a sense of community.”

Beyond its physical footprint, Walker hopes the project could help shift perceptions of downtown Hempstead and encourage further private investment in the area.

“I hope it’s a catalyst for new development and new investment in the village,” he said. “That people have confi-

dence that the village is a place open for business, and that you can do well and do good at the same time.”

The project’s path to approval has been unusually long, spanning nearly a decade and weathering multiple mayoral administrations, zoning debates and pandemic-related delays. A key milestone came with the approval of a 25-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement— called a PILOT— that helped move the financing structure forward.

A groundbreaking is anticipated by July, pending final preparations. Construction is expected to begin in late summer

For Walker, the development represents more than a single project, it is a statement about what is possible in Hempstead’s future.

Village leaders and developers alike are hoping the project marks not just the completion of a long-delayed deal, but the beginning of a broader transformation for downtown Hempstead.

Photos courtesy Rashid Walker

A rendering of the proposed 257 Main Street development in downtown Hempstead that is expected to have a 246-unit mixeduse building with ground-floor retail along Main Street.

Rashid Walker, founder of First Street, who plans a 246-unit mixed-use building at 257 Main Street in Hempstead village.

Space Meets Style!

There’s not much creativity in suburban building design

Q. My daughter is in architecture school, and she has always had an interest in doing more artistic things, thinking outside the box, so to say. When she comes back home after architecture school, she wants to look for somewhere that she can do more artistic designs, not just the ordinary kinds of buildings that you see around us, for the most part. Where would you recommend that she look? What communities are more open to doing unusual designs?

A. Not on Long Island. I, too, was once a starry-eyed young architecture graduate, ready to change the world with groundbreaking designs that inspired forward thinking, etc. I even got an amazing opportunity I didn’t plan on when I was hired to work in a firm that landed three entire cities to redesign Jeddah, Jubail and Yanbu, Saudi Arabia.

Between my minor in city planning and studying with a group called Superstudio in Florence, Italy, I ,too, thought this was the most extraordinary opportunity. And it was, for a time, but the process of building design is very long, and cash flow changes by the day. The city design started with a lot of statistical analysis, referred to as the scope of work or program, which was better suited to an accountant, so that by the time the design phase began, the cost analysis showed that the exciting ideas had to be cut back.

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On Long Island, government regulations such as zoning, parking, height restrictions, use allowances, groundwater containment you get the idea create so many restrictions that artistic creativity is limited. Then you encounter architectural review boards that won’t let you deviate from their version of local styles, such as no flat roofs in some communities, to adding colonial trim details and only specific colors. If you ever notice in architecture magazines, most of the more creative, curvy or flat-roof homes are somewhere out away from cities. The land of the free isn’t so free when it comes to suburban building design.

Your daughter will need to search for communities with fewer restrictions, away from populated or conservative towns and villages, if she wants to generate her ideas. You could bond over road trips, like my family did. My father was an aerospace engineer who worked on Saturn, Gemini and Apollo rockets, and my mother was an interior designer, so we set out to find the latest new designs by piling into the family car and traveling all over. Fortunately, with the internet, your daughter can research the regulations of community governments before you drive off to the horizon.

Remember, some things that stand out may have taken many years to even get permission because of restrictions and politics. For example, the Guggenheim Museum, on Manhattan’s Central Park, a complete departure from convention, took 14 years to obtain approvals to build. Even the replacement World Trade Center tower took three years to get final approvals. Your daughter must persist if she wants to fulfill her dreams. Good luck!

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MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

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PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20

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Federal funding has helped science thrive on L.I.

While the headlines have focused on science funding cuts at elite national universities, we shouldn’t lose sight of the local impact. Long Island is home to major research centers, including Brookhaven National Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, the Feinstein Institutes at Northwell and Stony Brook University, among others.

The $47 billion in cuts to the National Science Foundation and other federal sources of research funding affect those institutions, too. The administration has halted thousands of approved grants for projects focusing on infectious diseases, energy management and quantitative computing, while also releasing staff and curtailing new funding, causing major upheavals in research.

Some now argue that the United States model for research, involving universities, research institutes and private corporations, should change because there’s too much reliance on unstable federal support. Fair enough, but first we should ask how we got here, and how federal support became so important. Our current research enterprise originated in World War II. Reflecting on the

immense and immediate response of universities and scientific laboratories to the war effort, Dr. Vannevar Bush, an engineer at MIT, accepted President Harry Truman’s invitation to write a report on what worked and how to plan for the future.

years. They include support for federal student aid, immigration policy and grant programs for basic and applied research at universities and private companies.

RBush assembled several committees of experts to examine the issues, and wrote an essay entitled, “Science: The Endless Frontier.” In it he summarized the various reports and recommended goals and a strategy for the president to consider.

First, Bush highlighted the fact that many of the discoveries and advances that aided the war effort were made by scholars who had migrated to the United States from countries under totalitarian rule. One conclusion was that immigration was an important source of intellectual talent. A second was that the war had kept millions of Americans from advanced education, and that we should create a program that offered them opportunities to earn college and higher degrees. The G.I. Bill was one result.

esearch here has led the world, and Washington shouldn’t forget that.

The war also gave birth to the Grumman Corporation, which mass-produced aircraft as well as an innovative wing configuration that made it possible to fit more planes on aircraft carriers. The story of how this unique folding feature was developed from a model using two paper clips and a soap eraser is engineering legend. That same spirit launched the lunar module that transported two astronauts to the surface of the moon.

Another example is Brookhaven National Laboratory, established on an unused Army base in1946 by a consortium of nine major universities. Today it is a leader in high-energy physics, materials chemistry, national security and nonproliferation, neurosciences and computational sciences.

A significant source of science innovation is Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, home to eight Nobel Prize winners in physiology and medicine. It has an education division that awards doctoral degrees, hosts international conferences and partners with regional medical schools affiliated with Hofstra/Northwell and Stony Brook University.

Stony Brook’s prominence is grounded in biomedical science, including work that led to the development of magnetic resonance imaging, which was recognized with a Nobel Prize in 2003. Other research is dedicated to understanding and addressing water quality challenges on Long Island, in the interest of restoring the health of bays and waterways, safeguarding fisheries and protecting the coastal environment that is so central to the region’s identity and economics.

A third conclusion was that the country needed systemic support for ongoing research and advanced learning not limited to defense. The National Science Foundation was another result.

The models that Bush’s report inspired have worked well for over 80

The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research at Northwell Health, established in 1999, is home to 50 research labs, 2,500 clinical trial studies and 5,000 professional and support staff. They conduct research in molecular medicine, genetics, cancer, neuroscience, behavioral science and bioelectronic medicine.

Together, these Long Island enterprises employ thousands and operate with millions of dollars in federal grants. They contribute to improved health outcomes and the economic well-being of individuals and communities. The products and services they develop create businesses, expand services and contribute tax revenue that supports our schools and public services. Rather than shutter these programs, let’s work together to remember why they exist and consider how they can improve even further.

Robert Scott is president emeritus of Adelphi University and the author of “How University Boards Work.”

My colleagues in Congress did the right thing — finally

In January, I received a phone call at my Garden City office that no parent should ever have to make.

Andrew Jedlicka, a father from Merrick, whose 5-year-old son is fighting a rare and debilitating genetic disorder, was desperately seeking help. The only lab in the world treating, and potentially capable of curing, his son was set to shut down because its federal funding had run out.

The lab, in Queens, had been partially funded by grants from a federal program known as the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer. The program is branded as “America’s Seed Fund” for high-risk, highreward medical and technological research and development that is often not attractive to investors. The federal funding is the crucial factor to incentivize and enable private-sector investment

in these types of innovations.

For the Jedlicka family and others, SBIR/STTR program dollars promise a future for a child whose life depends on them. And the program not only aids the families and smallbusiness owners who directly benefit from it; it also grows and strengthens our economy and enhances the United States’ competitive edge and dominance in medicine and technology. For every dollar the federal government invests in SBIR/STTR, taxpayers see a return of $22 to $33 in economic impact.

I helped a unique lab in Queens get some of those crucial federal funds.

The program has supported everything from new, innovative cancer treatments to semiconductors that power our lives to the world’s smallest heart pumps. It should have been reauthorized without delay. Unfortunately, it ground to a halt in late 2025, leaving small businesses and families like the Jedlickas in peril.

Andrew’s plea was heartbreaking — I certainly understood the anguish and

fear his family felt, and was determined to break the gridlock and get his family the help they needed. Reauthorizing the program had broad bipartisan support — a bill had passed the House, but because of delays in the Senate, the program expired without being reauthorized.

I immediately reached out to and pushed my colleagues on the Senate Small Business Committee, including the chair, to work across the aisle to reauthorize the program. Following my efforts, the Senate finally reached a bipartisan deal to reauthorize funding for five years.

After passage of a revised bill in the Senate, followed by the House, with a bipartisan, veto-proof majority, we thought the Jedlicka family’s nightmare might be over. But then, instead of moving to the president’s desk, the bill inexplicably sat on the House speaker’s desk for weeks, awaiting his signature. There was no good reason for this, and on April 1, I demanded that the speaker

act. Two days later, the bill was at last presented to the president, and on April 13 it was finally signed into law.

I’m glad colleagues on both sides of the aisle came together to finally reauthorize the SBIR/STTR program. This long-overdue victory belongs to Andrew and his son, and it is an honor to fight on their behalf. Andrew’s relentless advocacy shows how one father can make a real difference for Americans at a time when constant partisanship in Washington leaves many families feeling helpless. His family, and others facing the diagnosis of a rare disease, should never have faced this uncertainty.

My office is now working to ensure that the National Institutes of Health moves the funding to the lab immediately. We have extended vital medical research funding for the next five years, but Washington should not need a crisis to compel it to act. I will never stop fighting for Long Island families, and will use every tool available to cut through the partisanship and political games that put their futures at risk.

Laura A. Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.

Long Island must make pedestrians safer now

atroubling pattern is emerging across Nassau and Suffolk counties — and it should force leaders in both to act with urgency. In recent weeks, there have been a number of serious and fatal crashes involving pedestrians in our communities, from Wantagh to Freeport, Rockville Centre and Lindenhurst.

In Wantagh on March 9, a 53-year-old woman was killed when a pickup truck struck her while it was making a turn at an intersection. On April 4, In Freeport, a 66-year-old man died after being hit while crossing Merrick Road, with police later charging the driver for a hitand-run.

In Rockville Centre on April 10, a 76-year-old woman died of injuries she sustained when she was struck by a vehicle at an intersection. And in Lindenhurst on April 15, an 85-year-old woman was seriously injured when she was hit by a vehicle making a left turn. These were not isolated incidents. They were part of a steady, devastating rhythm of crashes that too often end in tragedy for people doing something routine — crossing the street.

Even in Long Beach, where city officials are now reviewing traffic data in an effort to improve safety, the response remains reactive. Studying the problem isn’t the same as solving it. Long Island has reached the point where analysis

letters

Ferretti

favors status quo amid the housing crisis

To the Editor:

The “local control” lauded by Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti in his April 16-22 op-ed, “REVIVE Act is the wrong solution to the housing crisis,” is spelled NIMBY, for Not In My Backyard, and he spells it out by rote. On Long Island, local control is widespread, a slogan for a politician’s assertion of veto power.

It is, in effect, a feudal remnant of the creation days of “suburbia,” shaped by the interests of bankers, builders, insurance and real estate. It was an illusion then, and is now a distraction from broader visions needed for a better future. Mr. Ferretti’s claim that REVIVE is the wrong solution suggests some better choice on offer. The one he offers is the status quo — a denial, in effect, that any crisis exists.

The REVIVE Act will benefit the same interests named above, and will not solve the housing crisis alone, but “house” construction is core to any solution, and thus the right one for the present.

must give way to action.

The uncomfortable truth is that Nassau and Suffolk are still operating under an outdated suburban model of road design that prioritizes speed and vehicle flow over human safety. Wide lanes encourage faster driving. Long crossing distances expose pedestrians to danger. Intersections are designed for convenience, not caution.

We do not need to reinvent the solution. We need to look west.

New York City, through its Vision Zero initiative, has spent years reshaping its streets with a different philosophy: that no loss of life on the road is acceptable. That approach has led to lower speed limits, redesigned intersections, pedestrian islands, expanded enforcement and a fundamental shift in the way streets are used. The results haven’t been perfect, but they have been meaningful. Fatalities have declined over time, and the conversation has changed.

Now the city is going even further, considering a “full stop” rule that would require drivers and cyclists to remain stopped at intersections until pedestrians have completely crossed the street — not just cleared their immediate path. It is a simple idea with powerful implications: The pedestrian comes first, fully and without compromise.

Long Island should not wait to see how that proposal plays out. The princi-

ple behind it is already clear, logical, and overdue here.

And not every solution requires tearing up asphalt. Some changes can happen quickly: reducing speed limits on local roads, increasing enforcement of failure-to-yield laws, improving signage and crosswalk visibility, and launching public-awareness campaigns that reinforce a culture of caution.

The data makes this urgency undeniable. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, roughly 90 percent of crashes in the United States are tied, at least in part, to human error — speeding, distraction, poor judgment. That means safer systems are not optional; they are essential. Road design must anticipate mistakes and reduce their consequences.

Long Island has the benefit of proximity to one of the largest real-world laboratories for traffic safety reform. The question is whether its leaders are willing to learn from its city neighbors. How many more deaths will it take before that happens?

The recent fatalities in our area shouldn’t fade into the background of the next news cycle. They should serve as a call to action. Nassau and Suffolk must act now to prioritize pedestrians, redesign dangerous roads and adopt proven safety measures. The cost of waiting is already far too high.

opinions Advanced economics: the bacon, egg and cheese effect

economic trends remain solid on Long Island and across most of the united States, yet consumers still seem “unhappy.” Measures of sentiment, both local and national, are more downbeat than some relevant information would suggest.

For example, inflation, as measured in the consumer price index, continues to moderate from the highs of 2022, up 3.3 percent in March nationwide, while our region was up 3.6 percent. Even with higher gas prices likely to fuel an uptick in inflation overall, we’ve been seeing moderating trends.

Even so, the cumulative increase in inflation since early 2017 remains roughly 32 percent. Prices have gone up over the past five years, and consumers haven’t forgotten it, even if the recent trends are more moderate — or even if they temporarily move in the wrong direction.

Letters

Do your part to keep construction workers safe

To the Editor:

The perception that prices are still going higher can be partially attributed to what we call the Snickers Bar Effect: consumers remember the prices of more frequent purchases. Economists at uBS began examining this issue in early 2024, and it remains highly relevant today. In 2020, the popular candy bar cost $1.50, but today it costs $2.39, an increase of nearly 80 percent. Most consumers, however, don’t know how much their car insurance has gone up over the past few years.

Ysis suggests that in 2015, the average price of a BEc was $3, and in 2020 it was $4.25. Today it’s closer to $7.50. People see the higher prices every morning, which reminds them daily that expenses are higher.

ou’re more likely to know about its price increases than those of your insurance.

We’re all much more aware of the price increases on everyday products, which creates a sense that inflation is still surging. So, even though it has in fact been moderating, most consumers still feel that prices are too high.

For those who don’t scarf down a mix of savory peanuts, caramel and chocolate for breakfast, lunch or a snack several times a week, let’s drill down to a very Long Island-specific product: the bacon, egg and cheese sandwich. Nearly every neighborhood deli or bodega serves it, on a roll or a bagel. Our analy-

Last week was National Work Zone Awareness Week, a nationwide campaign reminding motorists that warmer temperatures bring an increase in construction activities along our transportation system.

Here on Long Island, the state Department of Transportation is scheduled to perform hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of paving and bridge projects this year. For the safety of the highway workers doing this work, NYSDOT will deploy signs, cones, barrels and attenuators to make these work zones as visible as possible. Motorists, however, must also do their part to ensure that our workers return home safely each night: slow down, move over and stay alert. Honoring this simple request can save a life.

Earlier this year, a NYSDOT worker was senselessly struck by a vehicle while setting up a closure on the Long Island Expressway. It’s a miracle that worker survived. Throughout this construction season, in an effort to better protect our workers, NYSDOT will be working with our police partners on targeted enforcement, and will be deploying automated speed-enforcement cameras in our work zones. Thank you for doing your part to keep our highway workers safe.

RIcHARD cAuSIN L.I. regional director, New York State Department of Transportation Hauppauge

To be clear, it isn’t just Snickers, bacon, egg and cheeses or even overall inflation that weighs on purchasers on Long Island. Data shows that consumers are also worried about possible layoffs, the seeming likelihood of artificial intelligence replacing jobs, and the so-called K-shaped economy, in which high earners thrive while low earners struggle. These concerns are real, even if they aren’t fully showing up in the hard economic data.

Recent survey data reinforces this point. A few months ago, PKF O’connor Davies, in partnership with the Siena Research Institute, released its annual Long Island Economic Survey–Outlook 2026. Like consumers, Long Island businesses also seem more worried about the economy, even though current trends are solid. Economic sentiment in

Framework by Tim Baker

the survey is the third lowest since 1995. Even with March housing data showing continued strength and the stock market rebounding dramatically, affordability and inflation for residents of Nassau and Suffolk counties remain issues. If you bought a home five or more years ago, you are sitting on strong price appreciation. But if you’re entering the market today, there aren’t enough reasonably priced alternatives. Entry-level buyers are being squeezed, and affordability remains a major problem. That’s why the Long Island Association and business leaders have been advocating for federal, state and local support for more housing development. Sentiment matters, because it drives spending, hiring and investment decisions. When consumers and business leaders feel downbeat, they may pull back — even in a relatively solid economy. until they begin to feel relief in their day-to-day purchases, housing becomes more attainable and there’s less volatility in economic news, that disconnect is likely to persist, even if the numbers continue to tell a more positive story.

Steven Kent is chief economist at the Long Island Association. Comments? Skent@longislandassociation.org.

Showing the teachers a few new tricks, much to the amusement of their students — Hewlett High School