Baldwin Herald 06-05-2025

From Baldwin to Hollywood Jared Cohn reflects on Long Island upbringing

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Before Jared Cohn was directing movies with multi-million-dollar budgets or working with networks like Lifetime, he was just a kid growing up in Baldwin.

He walked the halls of Meadow Elementary and Baldwin High School, graduating with the Class of 2000. His path to filmmaking, however, wasn’t one he always envisioned.

“I wish I could say I knew I wanted to be a filmmaker when I was a teenager in Baldwin,” Cohn said. “But honestly, I was a little lost.”

After high school, Cohn enrolled at Northeastern University in Boston, majoring in

liberal arts. He wasn’t thinking about cameras or scripts—until a roommate, an aspiring actor, changed everything.

“I went to visit him on set, and something clicked. I always loved watching movies and TV, but that was the moment I realized, wow, this is something I want to be part of.”

That epiphany led Cohn to Los Angeles, where he spent several years exploring acting and filmmaking. But feeling like he was spinning his wheels, he returned home to regroup. Back in Baldwin, he enrolled in the New York Institute of Technology, where he earned his film degree in 2010.

“I needed to hit reset. That time on Long Island really helped me get focused,” he said.

After graduation, Cohn dove into the

Bringing live music back to the library

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Musically Inclined performed a live concert at the Baldwin Public Library on May 18, continuing a tradition that began four years ago during the Covid-19 pandemic, when the local band put on a virtual performance that the library hosted.

The popular group now has performed four times at the venue since its initial online debut.

The in-person setting, according to bandleader Ronnie Roddy Jr., offered a much different experience than the virtual format that launched the band’s public career.

Wphone and steel pan.

Between 40 and 50 audience members watched the live performance. Roddy described the crowd as mostly adults, with one young child in the audience who became an unexpected standout fan.

“It was very meaningful especially since we started off with the virtual concert during the pandemic through the library,” Gallagher said. “The library gave us our first start. It was cool to be back there and be able to play years later in person.”

e’re really excited to share this with everyone.

RoNNiE

RoDDy JR. Baldwin

“In a virtual setting, we could do multiple takes and really shape the performance,” Roddy said. “But live, you go with whatever happens — it’s real-time. This one felt really good.”

Musically Inclined features seven musicians from across Long Island: Roddy, of Baldwin, on keyboard and piano; Matt Mener, of Massapequa, on tenor and soprano saxophones; Mike Smith, of Massapequa Park, on guitar; Joe Gallagher, of Baldwin, on bass; Gregory J. Tyson, of Williston Park, on baritone and tenor saxophones; Nsikak Ekong, of Hempstead, on trombone; and Kevin Jackson, of Freeport, on alto saxo -

Musically Inclined performed nine songs, including original works and jazz and R&B covers such as “Mr. Magic” by Grover Washington Jr. The group also previewed unreleased tracks from its upcoming selftitled debut album, scheduled for release in July.

Roddy said performing those new songs live gave the band more confidence about the album’s potential success.

“After hearing the live feedback and revisiting the tracks in the studio, we’re really excited to share this with everyone,” he said.

The group previously released an EP, but the upcoming album will be its first fulllength project. It will include studio-recorded songs with con-

Courtesy Jared Cohn

Baldwin native Jared Cohn has made Hollywood his home, directing more than a dozen films.

Baldwin prepares for return of Relay For Life this Saturday

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ and FARHAN ALAM Of the Herald

After months of planning and community outreach, Relay For Life is returning to Baldwin. The event, organized by the American Cancer Society, brings people together to raise money for cancer research, patient services and awareness.

This year’s event will take place this Saturday, 2 p.m., at Baldwin Harbor Park. It welcomes everyone — cancer survivors, caregivers, families and friends — to walk in support of those affected by cancer.

Organizers and volunteers across Baldwin have been working for the past year to bring the event back. Among those leading the charge are longtime residents Abby and Miguel Melendez, both cancer survivors.

“People realize that there are other survivors and they aren’t alone,” Abby said.

Relay For Life first came to Baldwin more than a decade ago at Baldwin High School. It later moved to Baldwin Park and raised nearly $28,000 in 2016. Participation slowed in the following years, and the pandemic put the event on hold. But in 2021, it returned virtually — and came back in person last year.

The relay begins with an emotional opening lap, where cancer survivors walk the track, followed by a second lap to honor caregivers. Later in the evening, a luminary lap — lit with candles — will

honor those who have died and those still fighting cancer.

“Think about the people you lost and the people who are surviving,” Abby said.

Planning for this year’s event has been a team effort, with community members meeting regularly at the Baldwin Public Library. One key organizer is Jennifer Scarduzio, a breast cancer survivor and top fundraiser.

This year’s fundraising goal was $22,000. As the event nears, more than $23,000 has already been raised — with Scarduzio contributing over $8,000 herself.

“One of the reasons why I’m still alive is because of the American Cancer Society,” she said. “We need to show the support that goes around in the community when you’re fighting.”

The Melendezes are also active yearround, supporting others through their ThyCa L.I. support group for thyroid cancer survivors. Miguel also volunteers with the Road to Recovery program, which provides rides to patients traveling to treatment. In January, the couple launched a caregiver support group to assist families and friends of those facing cancer.

Organizers hope this year’s Relay not only raises money but also brings the Baldwin community together in hope and healing.

“Come and see what it’s all about,” Miguel said.

Zhiyong Lin, 27, a Brooklyn man, was arrested on May 20 for allegedly trying to open a credit card using fake names at the Best Buy on Sunrise Highway in Baldwin, Nassau County Police said.

Police say they were called to the store at 3:09 p.m. Detectives found that Lin had tried to apply for a store credit card several times using different names and fake

IDs.

Officers arrested Lin at the scene without any problems.

Lin is facing several charges, including identify theft, attempted identity theft, forgery and unlawful possession of personal ID. His arraignment at First District Court in Hempstead.

Maureen Lennon/Herald

This Saturday at Baldwin Harbor Park, Relay for Life returns to help raise awareness for cancer research, patient services and awareness.

Band celebrates 4-year anniversary in July

tributions from guest musicians on flute, clarinet and additional guitar. One track, “Backyard Song,” was co-written by Roddy, guitarist Smith and saxophonist Mener. Another song, “Groovy St Louie,” serves as a tribute to Roddy’s father and the St. Louis roots that Roddy and Ekong share.

“When we released our EP, we wanted to do an album but at that time we were focused on putting little music out and see how people like it,” Gallagher explained. “Now, we are at a point where we have so much new material.”

The band, formed in 2020, will celebrate its four-year anniversary on July 3. Roddy said the group hopes to time the album release with that date.

Musically Inclined is also planning summer performances, including potential shows at St. Christopher’s Church in Baldwin— a regular venue for the group — and the Hempstead Public Library.

For upcoming releases and performance updates, follow Musically_Inclined99 on Instagram and on Spotify.

News brief

Baldwin homeowners can get tax assistance

Baldwin homeowners can receive assistance filing for property tax exemptions this summer through Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé’s office.

Staff members from the county’s Department of Assessment will be at the Baldwin Public Library to help residents apply for tax exemptions on Aug. 19, from noon to 2 p.m.

This includes benefits for veterans, seniors, volunteer firefighters, ambulance workers, and people with disabilities or limited income.

The event is part of the county’s Homeowner Exemption Liaison Program, which gives residents one-on-one help with their applica-

tions. Homeowners already in the STAR program before 2015 can also apply for Enhanced STAR.

“Not only does the HELP program give homeowners the tools they need to complete their exemption applications, it allows you to submit your completed forms right after you finish them – right in your backyard,” Mule said in a news release.

Attendees are asked to bring their 2024 federal and state tax returns. For the full list of documents needed, call (516) 571-1500.

— Farhan Alam

Maureen Lennon/Herald photos musically inclined recently performed at the Baldwin public Library, previewing upcoming songs that will be featured on the local band’s debut album.

ronnie roddy Jr. performs on the keyboard.

from left to right, ronnie roddy Jr., mike Smith, Joseph gallagher and nsikak ekong.

‘Still Smiling’ inspired on true story

industry with a mix of scrappy indie projects and self-funded productions. But it was the 2011 Lifetime thriller “Born Bad” that became his breakout moment.

“That was the turning point,” he said. “It wasn’t a huge budget, but it was my first real movie with a crew, real production value. It gave me hope.”

Cohn’s credits have since ballooned to over 60 directing projects, many through The Asylum—the indie studio behind cult hits like “Sharknado”. He credits the company for giving him a shot, saying, “They really put me on the map.”

In 2023, he published a book, Fifty Movies Made: Lessons Learned on a Filmmaker’s Journey, which chronicles his experiences behind the camera and the realities of working in Hollywood. Packed with behind-the-scenes stories and practical insights, the book serves as a guide for aspiring filmmakers navigating the industry.

“I am starting to think my Facebook page looks like his because I put everything he does in L.A. on mine,” his mother, Karyn Cohn, chuckled. “I am so proud of him. After reading his book, I didn’t know all about the ups and downs he went through in the industry.”

But even as he’s directed action movies, horror films, thrillers, and even TV shows, Cohn says it’s always about one

thing: the story.

“I’ve made $50,000 movies and $10 million movies, and the ones that stick with me are the ones with heart,” he said. “Genre is secondary to character and emotion.”

That passion is evident in his latest film, “Still Smiling,” a true story that tackles domestic violence and female empowerment. The film stars Shohreh Aghdashloo, Billy Zane, Peter Facinelli, and Shiva Negar, and will premiere June 26 at the Dances With Films festival at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood.

“It’s a heavy story,” Cohn said. “It’s about a woman whose husband tried to have her killed. But it’s also about survival, about strength. It was a privilege to work with a team of incredibly strong women to tell that story.”

For Cohn, the premiere represents more than just another title on his IMDb page.

“I’ve lit people on fire, flipped cars, and shot crazy action scenes,” he chuckled. “But this film? This one means something deeper.”

As “Still Smiling” begins its festival run, Cohn is already at work on several other projects. But no matter where his career takes him, he says he’ll always carry a piece of Baldwin with him.

“Long Island is where it all started for me,” he said. “Baldwin made me who I am.”

Editor’s note: Please join Michael Ettinger’s live Zoom webinar “Four Advantages of Using Trusts” on Wednesday, June 4 at 7 pm or Wednesday, July 9 at 7 pm. Kindly register on our website, trustlaw.com

Generally, parents leave their assets to the children thinking that the children will then take care of their children. Occasionally, parents want to bypass the children, either wholly or partially, and leave an inheritance directly to the grandchildren.

Inheritances to minors come in different varieties, such as bequests in wills and as beneficiaries or contingent beneficiaries on IRA’s, investment accounts, life insurance policies and annuities.

Although well-intentioned, inheritances to minors, without a trust, must go through a court proceeding on death. Minors, those under 18, cannot hold property in their names. In the proceeding, the judge appoints a legal guardian to protect the minor’s interest until age eighteen, at which time the beneficiary receives the asset. The expenses of the legal guardian will be paid out of the minor’s bequest. Generally, the legal guardian will use the funds for the child’s health, education, maintenance and support having regard to any other assets or resources of

the minor known to the guardian. Again, ready or not, the legal guardian must turn over the assets to the minor at age eighteen, a tender age in today’s world.

A better plan would be to leave assets to a minor beneficiary by creating a trust. You leave directions for the use of the funds, distribution at a stated age, such as thirty years old and, in the meantime, the trustee, a person you choose instead of a legal guardian chosen by the court, uses the money for the purposes enumerated above, either by giving money directly to the minor or by paying bills on their behalf.

Trusts avoid probate court proceedings entirely for the trust assets. You either put assets into the trust while you are living or, alternatively, you may name the minor’s trust as death beneficiary on bank accounts, investment accounts, IRA’s or the retirement plans, annuities and life insurance policies.

The intention to benefit minor beneficiaries must be attended to with thoughtful planning to avoid having the good deed punished.

Hollywood was never in Jared Cohn’s plans while growing up in Baldwin. the filmmaker has over 50 films attached to his name.

Courtesy Jared Cohn

Jared Cohn’s latest film, “Still Smiling,” will premiere this month in Hollywood. german actor and filmmaker t il Schweiger, left, with Cohn.

GREAT RELATIONSHIPS BEGIN WITH HEART.

St. Francis Heart Center’s renowned cardiovascular team is now partnering with NewYork-Presbyterian.

For Catholic Health and NewYork-Presbyterian with doctors from Columbia and Weill Cornell Medicine, clinical collaboration means that advanced and comprehensive cardiac care is now the norm for every patient across Long Island. Together, we’re expanding St. Francis Heart Center’s advanced heart failure, congenital heart disease and pediatric cardiology programs, while partnering with NewYork-Presbyterian’s leading heart transplant program. So, for anything your heart may need, you can find it right here.

To learn more, visit chsli.org/heart

Herald Senior Health & Beyond Expo expands 2025 Series with Massapequa debut

By Dana McDermott

Herald Community Media and RichnerLIVE successfully hosted the second event in the 2025 Senior Health & Beyond Expo series on May 22, at the Massapequa Elks Lodge #2162. Despite rainy and chilly weather, the free community event drew hundreds of attendees from across the region — including seniors, families, and care-givers — all eager to explore the latest in wellness, lifestyle enhancements, and essential health resources.

Held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the expo marked its debut in Massapequa with resounding success. Attendees engaged with over 35 educational vendors offering information on topics ranging from rehabilitation and home care to wellness programs and state services. Attendees had the opportunity to connect one-on-one with experts in various fields.

Informational booths offered resources on home rehabilitation, in-home care services, chronic disease management, wellness programs, state and local assistance, and more. Many participants took the time to explore all the booths, gathering literature, asking questions, and signing up for programs to help improve their quality of life.

“This was our very first Senior Health Expo in Massapequa, and the community’s enthusiasm far exceeded our expectations,” said Amy Amato, Executive Director of Corporate Relations and Events at RichnerLIVE. “We are proud to provide a platform where seniors and their loved ones can access vital information and engage with professionals who truly care about their well-being.”

The event wasn’t just educational—it was fun, too. A special comedy performance by Larry Izzo brought lighthearted entertainment to the morning, sparking laughter and community connection. His blend of humor and relatability added a personal touch that resonated with many in the crowd.

One of the highlights of the morning was a lively Q&A panel discussion featuring several distinguished speakers. Each panelist brought expertise from their respective fields, offering actionable tips and meaningful insights. Representatives from the Parker Jewish Institute for Healthcare and Rehabilitation discussed the differences between short- and long-term rehabilitation options, addressing common misconceptions and helping families better plan for care transitions. Mid-Island Audiology highlighted the crucial link between hearing loss and brain health, stressing the importance of early intervention and regular hearing evaluations. East Neck Nursing and Rehabilitation Center offered practical advice on fall prevention, a major concern for many seniors, including home safety modifications and physical therapy strategies. PSEG Long Island presented on advocacy, out-

reach, and education, sharing programs available to help seniors manage utility bills and understand energy usage. The New York State Department of Public Service – Long Island Office provided information on saving money and energy, as well as preparing homes for the warmer months ahead, including statesupported incentives and rebates.

Each presentation was followed by a Q&A session, giving audience members the opportunity to ask questions and receive tailored responses. These panels were especially popular, with attendees appreciating the chance to speak directly to experts in an accessible, conversational setting.

The event was made possible through

the support of several key sponsors and partners who share the goal of improving the lives of seniors. Event sponsors included AARP, CenterLight Healthcare PACE, East Neck Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, the New York State Department of Public Service, Parker Jewish Institute for Healthcare and Rehabilitation, and Silver Lining Homecare Agency, which also served as the event’s Gift Bag Sponsor. These partnerships reflect the collaborative spirit behind the Senior Health & Beyond Expo series, emphasizing the importance of bringing together public, private, and nonprofit organizations to better serve the aging population.

Following the success in Mass -

apequa, the next Senior Health & Beyond Expo is scheduled for Thursday, June 27, at Congregation Ohav Sholom in Merrick, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Like all events in the series, it will be free and open to the public, offering another opportunity for seniors and their loved ones to discover new services, engage with experts, and enjoy a morning of education, community, and connection.

To view a full gallery of photos from the Massapequa expo, visit RichnerLive.com. For a complete schedule of upcoming events in the 2025 Senior Health & Beyond Expo series, including locations and times, visit LiHerald.com.

The Massapequa Senior Expo attracted over 200 people to the May 22 event.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Senior Expo attendees took part in stationary exercises led by emcee Mae Caime.

Nicole Hall and Diane Finocchio from PSEG Long Island.

Claire Masih and Angela Mistretta of Park Lane Jewelry By ClairMarie.

Pablo Rendon, Janette Lebron, and Carmen Quinones of Parker Jewish Institute Health Care and Rehabilitation.

Ryan Lynch from New York Cancer & Blood Specialists. Expo attendees had the opportunity to meet 35 vendors.

Carol Bottiglieri from TrueCare Adult Day Care Center.

Jackie Rothermel from Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein, & Breitstone, LLP.

Alyssa Ednie, Christen L. Cassidy, and Rochelle L. Verron, Esq. from Verron Law Group.

Robert Perricone, Sherri M. Stoklasa, and Laura Williams from WellCare.

Stephanie Penza and Sheila O’Brien from SightMD.

James Senese, Marguerite L. Ryan, and Ed Ryan from Equitable Advisors.

AnneMarie Fragkoulis and Alexa Panariello of East Neck Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.

Debbie D’Amato of Centerlight HealthCare PACE.

Patricia Barna from ClarCaptions.

Jill Wasser from the NYS Department of Public Service.

Manuel Martinez from Elegance At Home.

Mae Caime speaking at the Senior Health Expo in Massapequa.

Rallying on L.I. for transgender rights

By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

More than 200 people gathered for Long Island’s largest rally in support of the transgender community at the Nassau County Legislative building in Mineola over the weekend to express support for the trans, nonbinary and intersex communities.

Organized by Huntington Station-based nonprofit Gender Equality New York, which advocates for the rights of transgender, gender non-binary and intersex New Yorkers, the event highlighted support for shield laws that protect both reproductive and gender-affirming health care being targeted by legislators across the country.

“We’re here to show courage in the face of hate and discrimination. We’re here to affirm our existence to those who would rather see us erased,” Juli GreyOwens, executive director of GENY, said. “We are here to stand firm and fight for our rights, our dignity and for our future.”

Transgender and non-binary communities in New York State were only recently granted civil rights protections with the passage of 2019’s Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act. This followed years of organizing from various transgender activists. But nationally, transgender rights have been under attack since Donald Trump’s first presidency.

“They’re targeting trans kids, criminalizing gender affirming care, and feeding the flames of hate to score political points,” said Chanel Lopez, deputy director of LGBTQ+ Affairs for Governor Kathy Hochul. “We are here to say ‘not in New York, not today, not ever.’” New York has pledged to be a safe haven to trans people.

A wave of recent anti-transgender legislation

mental health care, and far too often, it is suicide prevention care.”

“At a moment when the federal government and roughly half U.S. states are aligned in attacking access to abortion and gender affirming care, New York must take action to protect providers, patients, seekers, and supporters,” Arlo Fleischer, local organizer with the New York Civil Liberties Union, said.

She explained how several states are not only stopping care provided within their state, but are actively working to “prevent people from accessing care in other states by imposing civil and criminal penalties on those who treat them.”

In February, Trump signed an executive order seeking to prohibit transgender women and girls from participating in girls’ and women’s sports, similar to local legislation passed in June 2024 by Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman.

“We have seen across the state this slow rolling back of the protections that we have been able to achieve here in New York, and we must stand strong and united in solidarity with one another in order to fight back,” Kei Williams, executive director of New Pride Agenda, said.

GRADUATE OPEN HOUSE

passed by state legislatures around the country has prohibited access to medical care, limited trans adults from making decisions regarding their own bodies and criminalized trans people’s existence.

“There is strong consensus among the most prominent medical organizations that evidence-based, gender affirming care for transgender children is medically necessary and appropriate. It can even be life saving,” local pediatrician, Dr. Eve Meltzer-Krief, said. “Gender affirming firming care is health care. It is

While the Nassau County trans athlete ban has many issues, state laws protecting Long Island’s trans residents who partake in sports under their preferred identity also supersede it.

The ban has contributed to larger discrimination against those who don’t fit in under the label of man or woman.

“Nassau County has fallen prey to the propaganda that trans people are a problem. I’m here to tell you, we’re not going to stand for that,” Dolores Covrigaru, a Human Rights Campaign board member and a mom who raised her trans child in Nassau County, said.

Madison Gusler/Herald

Over 200 people gathered in Nassau County on Saturday to rally in support of transgender rights across Long Island and beyond.

Baldwin nonprofit earns BOCES award

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Hangout One Happy Place, a Baldwin-based nonprofit that serves young adults with developmental disabilities, was named one of 15 recipients of the 2025 Nassau BOCES Education Partner award.

The organization was recognized for its work supporting public education and providing life skills instruction, social development, and community engagement opportunities for students of varying abilities. The award was presented last month at a gala hosted by the Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation.

“Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where every individual can shine, grow and develop their talents, regardless of their abilities,” Angela Lucas, founder and president of Hangout One Happy Place said. “We firmly believe that by providing opportunities for personal growth, self-expression and social interaction, we can make a profound impact on the lives of our participants.”

Founded by Lucas, the organization offers a six-daya-week program with classes in art, fitness and dance. The curriculum emphasizes practical life skills and social interaction, aiming to build independence and confidence among participants. The staff includes educators and professionals who provide structured instruction and mentoring.

The nonprofit also participates in community events such as local fundraisers and the annual Autism Walk. Its work has earned support from educators, parents and local leaders, who credit the program with improving student engagement and emotional growth.

Lucas, who was named the Baldwin Herald’s Person of the Year in 2020, was praised in her award nomination for promoting values such as inclusion, respect

and equity.

“Angela Lucas and her team embody the values of Nassau BOCES,” Robert Schoen, a member of the Nassau BOCES board said. “They bring a dynamic approach to community engagement that positively impacts students, families and educators across Nassau County.”

Schoen told the Herald that Lucas was nominated for her commitment to a population that often slips through the cracks.

“The work that she’s done with a segment of the population that has aged out of special education,” he

News briefs

Water program aims to save

Liberty Water is encouraging residents to take advantage of its water conservation program, warning that common issues like running toilets and dripping sinks can waste hundreds of gallons each year — adding up to thousands each year.

The program helps residents find water leaks and provides rebates for watersaving tools such as smart irrigation controllers, drip irrigation kits, and rain barrels. Liberty also provides a free app called EyeOnWater, helping customers track their water use and spot leaks quickly.

Learn how to save money through Liberty Water.

“We can work together to conserve water, one of our most precious resources,” Deborah Franco, president of Liberty New York Water stated in a news release. “These programs are simple and can help both customers and the environment.”

Liberty reminds residents that lawns only need about one inch of water per week. Nassau County rules say watering is not allowed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Homes with even numbered addresses can water on even days, and odd num -

bered addresses on odd days. Liberty has additional rules to help avoid low water pressure during peak times.

Customers who use more than 15,000 gallons of water during peak summer months may qualify for a free in-person or virtual water audit.

For more information, visit LibertyEnergyandWater.com

— Farhan

Alam

at the Crest Hollow Country Club.

said. “There still are needs and what she does is just wonderful because she keeps them involved with each other and has a great sense of community.

“Anything that goes on in Baldwin, you’ll see Angela, her staff and clients,” he added. “It makes it all one happy place.”

The Nassau BOCES Education Partner awards recognize individuals and organizations that support the agency’s mission of advancing student success. Since 1967, Nassau BOCES has provided regional educational services and programs to school districts throughout Long Island.

Courtesy Nassau BOCES

Nassau BOCES Board members B.A. Schoen, left, and Marty Kaye, right, present Hang Out One Happy Place’s Angela Lucas with the Nassau BOCES Education Partner Award at the Nassau BOCES Education Partners Awards gala held last month

Courtesy Liberty Water

Brookside students earn state honors in PTA Reflections contest

Students in the Baldwin School District were recently recognized in the PTA Reflections competition, a national arts program that draws more than 300,000 submissions annually from pre-K through grade 12. Participants submit original works across categories such as dance, film, literature, music, photography and visual arts, based on this year’s theme, “Accepting Imperfection.”

More than 80 Baldwin students participated in this year’s contest, with 18 named Nassau Region finalists. Brookside Elementary School students

Hailey Nembhard and Christopher Voegtlen advanced to the state level and were among 107 statewide recipients of an Award of Merit, chosen from hundreds of submissions.

All district participants were recognized during the March Board of Education meeting, where they received certificates from their school PTAs.

For over 50 years, the National PTA Reflections program has aimed to foster creativity and confidence in students while promoting artistic literacy and a passion for learning.

Baldwin students were honored for their achievements in the annual PTA Reflections competition, which encourages creativity through categories like visual arts, music, literature and more.

New York State PTA Reflections Awards Winners

Brookside Elementary School

■ Hailey Nembhard, 5th Grade

■ Christopher Voegtlen, 2nd Grade

Nassau Region PTA Finalists

Brookside Elementary School

■ Hailey Nembhard, 5th Grade

■ Kelsey Nembhard, 2nd Grade

■ Christopher Voegtlen, 2nd Grade

Lenox Elementary School

■ Nathanael Hendricks, 2nd Grade

■ Kaylee Ricca, 3rd Grade

■ Kristian Clarke, 4th Grade

■ Colin Heyward, 5th Grade

Meadow Elementary School

■ Stephan Calixte 3 Grade

■ Zoe Hans 5 Grade

Plaza Elementary School

■ Lucy Cain, 4th Grade

■ Emilie Gervais, 1st Grade

■ Zoe Michel, 3rd Grade

■ Nia Ross, 5th Grade

Baldwin Middle School

■ Cerai Ashby, 7th Grade

■ Elijah Casseus, 6th Grade

■ Synthia DeSantos, 8th Grade

■ Angelica Resurrecion, 6th Grade

■ Marcus Semedy, 8th Grade

— Hernesto Galdamez

Baldwin Middle School hosts college and career

Baldwin Middle School held its annual College and Career Week, offering students early exposure to higher education and a variety of career paths.

The multi-day event featured guest speakers, hands-on learning, and professional insights from a wide range of industries. Local professionals were stationed throughout the school’s commons area to speak with students about their careers on March 27.

“Early exposure to college and career options allows middle school students to connect their ambitions with real-world opportunities,” Erica Taylor, principal of Baldwin Middle School wrote in a news release. “Life is their oyster, and our role is to help them find the pearls that align with their dreams.”

The following day, the school hosted a seventh-grade Career Day Symposium in the auditorium. The lineup included professional artist Evan Wilson, Brandice Daniel, founder of Harlem’s Fashion Row, and Baldwin alumni Trillian Wood Smith, a music artist and son of rapper Busta Rhymes, and Chef Ary Peralta. Speakers shared their personal career journeys and offered guidance to students about achieving success.

The event was organized by the school’s guidance department, including Maria Sheldon, Lindsay Spielberg, Ron Woodall, and Assistant Principal Corinne Tumbarello.

— Hernesto Galdamez

Courtesy Baldwin school district

Courtesy Baldwin school district

Students at Baldwin Middle School spoke with local professionals during College and Career Week, an event aimed at introducing them to a variety of career paths and higher education opportunities.

STEPPING OUT

out of science as you encounter some

Digging for dinos

Explore a prehistoric world at Long Island Children’s Museum

By Danielle Schwab

Your family’s summer “travel” plans might want to include an adventure back millions of years when mighty dinosaurs ruled the Earth.

The museum welcomes visitors to get up close to models of dinosaur bones that demystify the enigmatic creatures and shed light on the reality of the past at it’s newest STEM-based exhibit, “Dinosaurs: Fossils Exposed,” now in residence until Aug. 31.

“Dinosaurs are such a popular, fascinating thing for kids to explore,” says Ashley Niver, the museum’s director of education. “It’s exciting to be standing next to these replicas of dinosaurs, seeing the full-blown skeletons, because it gives them such a great sense of scale compared to their bodies.”

Six full skeletal bodies represent real-life “legends,” including a Triceratops, a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and a Velociraptor. Of course, there’s plenty of opportunity to view and touch, plus examine additional molds of skulls, arms, legs, eggs, footprints, and even a 6-foot-1-inch Apatosaurus femur. Also go deeper into the science and history of the prehistoric era through a timeline matching game and enjoy a dig box where everyone can use paleontology tools to unearth dinosaur bones.

• Now until Aug. 31

• $17 museum admission, $16 seniors 65 and older

• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800

• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City

“Kids have a very close view of what these dinosaurs look like compared to one another, and their interesting bone structure. It’s a different perspective than they would get from just a book. They can touch all of these things,” Niver says. A fascinating highlight is surely that enormous Apatosaurus femur. This gigantic animal weighed as much as five elephants and walked with a thunderous sound as the feet hit the ground, Niver explains.

Fossil replicas are made of fiberglass and foam, which allows a unique opportunity for kids to interact with dinos outside of glass displays. For Niver, this all goes hand-in-hand with the museum’s mission to make immersive learning accessible to families.

“To have something that would normally be hands-off is exciting for kids. Any kind of tactile component within our programs and exhibits enhances the whole experience,” she explains.

Visitors won’t just look at bones, they can also dig for

them! Kids can step into the role of a paleontologist by wearing paleontology gear as they take their curiosity to two “dig sites” and use paleontology tools to excavate for new skeletons — and then hide them for the next explorer to find.

As always, related programming enhances

As always, related programming enhances the exhibit experience.

can join Dr. Patricia Osiris and help coax a

Among the highlights, the museum’s theater team presents an original interactive performance, “Unbox-a-saurus.” Families can join Dr. Patricia Osiris and help coax a shy dinosaur out of its crate to meet new friends, for an additional fee.

Other activities include creating pterodactyl flyers and clay fossil impressions on select dates.

For those curious minds, paleontologist Michael D’Emic, PhD, brings his tools and artifacts to the museum on July 10. Feel free to ask questions about dinosaurs and their ancient world of D’Emic and the graduate students accompanying him.

discovering new species — it is

“Studying dinosaurs is more than just naming and discovering new species — it is about learning how environments and species changed over time, which is more important than ever to understand in today’s changing world,” D’Emic wrote in an email.

Visitors of all ages will certainly have an engaging time with all things dinos.

“The range of dinosaur appeal is a multi-generational thing. Any dinosaur enthusiasts who are adults will be thrilled to get to share that with their kids,” Niver says.

Any dinosaur enthusiasts who are adults will be thrilled to get to

From their habitats to their bone structures, the world of dinosaurs sparks imagination and creative play through their larger-than-life legacy.

“They have their own personalities in many ways. There are ones that eat

“They have their own personalities in many ways. There are ones that eat meat and others that eat plants. Some are big and some are small. That’s what’s interesting and intriguing. This majestic-seeming creature no longer roams the Earth, but you knew it once did,” she adds.

And there’s no better place to start than at Long Island Children’s Museum.

“It’s local. You don’t have to go to the city to learn about dinosaurs and see fossil replicas up close, it’s right here in Garden City,” Niver continues, encouraging everyone to check out the museum’s latest offering, in collaboration with the Museum of Discovery, Little Rock, Ark.

The world’s top-selling jazz instrumentalist, Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti has been one of the world’s most popular instrumentalists for nearly three decades. A trumpeter with a sumptuous, enveloping tone, fluent phrasing, and sense of space, Botti became a masterly musician equally at home in the realms of jazz and pop. He honed his craft performing and recording with stars like Frank Sinatra, Buddy Rich, Paul Simon, Joni Mitchell, Herbie Hancock, Yo-Yo Ma, and Sting, who featured him on his Brand New Day tour and who was one the stellar artists on Botti’s chart-topping 2009 album “Live in Boston.” In short, Chris Botti really needs no introduction. Yet with his Blue Note Records debut, he’s offering one anyway. Vol.1 is in many ways a fresh start for the trumpeter. Having successfully crossed over from jazz renown to pop stardom, Botti’s first album in more than a decade finds him crossing back, with a small group project focused on acoustic jazz and classic standards.

Friday, June 6, 8 p.m. $99.50, $89.50, $69.50, $64.50, $59.50, $39.50. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.

Northwinds Symphonic Band

Recreate a favorite creature or make the dino of your dreams using large-scale foam blocks.

Sands Point Preserve’s reserve’s historic mansions and waterfront grounds are the majestic backdrop for a lively musical afternoon. Northwinds Symphonic Band returns with “Broadway, Movies, and Light Classics.” Immerse yourself in a feast for the senses. The concert (indoors) features a host of treasured music from the big screen to the stage. Conductors Helen P. Bauer and Brandon Bromsey have designed an entertaining program of both instrumental and vocal selections. A special appearance by Broadway performer Karen Murphy and tenor Joe Stroppel with spotlight solos by Northwinds musicians are among the highlights. Consider bringing a picnic lunch to enjoy on the delightful grounds before the concert.

Sunday, June 8, 3 p.m. $10.

Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit sandspointpreserveconservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

BALDWIN

Chris Botti

Photos courtesy LICM

Take a bite

hulking behemoths.

Junior paleontologists can unearth fossils in two dig pits.

Roam among dinos and make some new friends.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

JUNE

5

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the

100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) that publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. On view through June 15.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: Ongoing

• Contact: (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org

JUNE 6

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

The beloved musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved award-winning, best-selling children’s books, is back on stage at Long Island Children’s Museum. Willems’ classic characters Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: Also June 8 and June 10-12, times vary

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

JUNE 14

Voyage

Coffee House Series

Baldwin Public Library Creative Writing Workshop invites those to read their own work in an open mic session.

• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.

• Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• Contact: baldwinpl.org

JUNE

13

National BBQ Festival

The National BBQ Festival touches down in Nassau County at Eisenhower Park for the first time on Father’s Day Weekend. It’s slated to be packed with mouthwatering eats, live entertainment and family-friendly fun, through June 15.

• Where: 1899 Hempstead Tpke., East Meadow

• Time: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

• Contact: nationalbbqfest.com

Food Truck Fest

Baldwin Civic Association hosts its Food Truck Fest on the first Friday of every month until September.

• Where: 1980 Grand Ave.

• Time: 5-8:30 p.m.

JUNE

Gala Fest

GalaFresh Farms says ‘thank you’ to the community with Gala Fest. Enjoy entertainment, raffles, games, and food demos.

7

• Where: 2485 Grand Ave.

• Time: Noon-2 p.m.

Relay for Life

The annual Relay for Life, Baldwin edition, returns to Baldwin Park.

• Where: 3232 Grand Blvd.

• Time: 2 p.m.

“Don’t stop believin’… Voyage has returned with its rockin’ tribute to Journey. The popular band takes everyone back to the ‘80s when Journey’s timeless music ruled the airwaves. Hailed by fans and critics alike, the band performs the music with chilling accuracy. Voyage is celebrated for their uncanny ability to recreate the legendary sound, energy and passion of one of rock’s greatest bands. The attention to detail is unrivaled: blistering guitar solos, lush keyboard arrangements, electrifying stage presence, and stunning harmonies, has earned them a reputation as the ultimate homage to Journey’s timeless music. Fronted by vocalist Pedro Espada, whose range and tone is acclaimed as rivaling the iconic Steve Perry, he’s backed by a lineup of world-class musicians — Robby Hoffman, Greg Smith, Lance Millard, and Dana Spellman — who bring every note to life with precision and heart. Voyage doesn’t just perform Journey’s greatest hits — they transport audiences back to the height of arena rock glory. From the soaring ballads of “Faithfully” and “Open Arms” to the anthemic energy of “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Separate Ways,” every performance is a journey through the soundtrack of a generation. $40, $35, $30, $25, $20.

• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Pride Day

Baldwin Public Library hosts teens so they can relax and connect with others. Join other teens while reading and discussing your current book selections or choose from a variety of LGBTQUIA books.

• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.

• Time: 2-4:30 p.m.

• Contact: baldwinpl.org

JUNE

8

Tunes with Oceanside Chorale

Join with the Oceanside Chorale for “Opera or Popera” The concert, at Fulton Avenue School in Oceanside, is sure to entertain. $10, under 12 free.

• Where: 3252 Fulton Ave., Oceanside

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Contact: oceansidechorale.com or call Frank at (516) 764-2787 or email fxdefontes@hotmail.com

Rockin’ with Gold Dust Woman

Plaza Theatricals welcomes the Stevie Nicks tribute band, featuring Janet Soluri. Gold Dust Woman takes audiences into the four-plus decades of the timeless solo career of rock ‘n roll’s mystic

poet and two-time Rock Hall inductee, along with Fleetwood Mac classics. $40, $35 seniors. Groove along at Plaza’s stage at Elmont Memorial Library.

• Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

• Time: 2:30 p.m.

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

JUNE

11

Baldwin BOE meets

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

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

• Time: 7 p.m.

JUNE

12

Baldwin Civic Association meeting

General membership meeting for community members.

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

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

Open Mic

Baldwin Public Library invites the community for its open mic session. All are welcome to read their own personal work in any genre.

• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.

• Time: 6:30-8 p.m.

• Contact: baldwinpl.org

Little Learners Art Lab

Each week in this engaging workshop, participants are introduced to artmaking and inspiration from artists and techniques.Ages 2-5 build critical thinking skills as they play, create and explore. This week families explore the techniques used in expressionist art. $4 with museum admission.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 11:30 a.m.-noon

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

Police Appreciation Run

David Lerner Associates hosts the annual Police Appreciation 5K.

• Where: Eisenhower Park, Field 2

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: EliteFeats. com/25Appreciation

JUNE

Kiwanis Bicycle Challenge

Ride in support of others. The Nassau Bicycle Challenge (formerly Nassau to Suffolk Bicycle Challenge) supports the work of the Kiwanis Club of North Shore Foundation. It supports charities such as Kiwanis Pediatric Trauma Center, Pediatric Lyme Disease Foundation, Kamp Kiwanis, NOSH, Boys and Girls Club and charities aligned with those of Kiwanis International “Serving the Children of the World”, including Kiwanis’ signature programs of Klothes 4 Kids, Koats 4 Kids and Kicks 4 Kids. The beautiful ride through the Gold Coast features picturesque vistas and water views. Choose from a 25 mile loop with 1,060 feet of vertical climb or the more challenging ride with an additional 10 mile loop, totalling 35 miles, with 1,600 feet of vertical climb. Routes are clearly marked and ride is equipped with a rest stop. Snacks and water provided. Sponsorships also available. Online registration ends June 24, but walkins are welcome. Online registration is $50, day of is $60.

• Where: Starting at Harry Tappen Beach, Sea Cliff

• Time: Staggered starts, rain or shine

• Contact: n2nbc.org

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.

Debating casino zoning at Coliseum site

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Residents, business leaders, and elected officials shared their thoughts on the proposed changes to the Nassau Coliseum and Mitchel Field sites during two public hearings before the Hempstead Town Board May. The proposed zoning change would create a Mitchel Field Integrated Resort District, and while the change would not guarantee a casino, it would allow for a casino resort or other tourism attractions to be built on the Uniondale site.

While the Las Vegas Sands corporation announced that it will not apply in June for one of three available downstate gaming licenses in New York last April, they are still responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of the property, but cannot build or develop on it after the Nassau County Legislature approved a 42-year operational lease agreement with the company last August.

The Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum and the Marriott Hotel Property are currently zoned within the Mitchel Field Mixed-Use District. In the district, gaming facilities including bars, casinos, cocktail lounges, nightclubs, hotels, and other facilities under their control are not allowed, according to the town.

When the Sands announced they were pulling out in late April, County Executive Bruce Blakeman said the county would look into other projects. “In either event, there will be an exciting new development that will create jobs and positive economic activity,” he said previously. A potential new developer was not discussed during the public hearing.

Over 90 comments were submitted at the two May 27 sessions. The town reserved a decision until a future date.

Town Board on May 27.

Daniel Baker, an attorney from the Garden City law firm Greenberg Traurig, said the renovations would transform the area from “a sea of asphalt parking areas with an underutilized arena,” into a “mixed entertainment destination that fosters a sense of community and connectivity within its surroundings and draws people together.”

Pearl Jacobs, a Uniondale resident, a member of the Say No to the Casino Civic Association and president of

the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association, brought up several environmental concerns that she said would stem from high traffic at a casino, pointing to the high asthma rates in Uniondale, Roosevelt and Hempstead.

“Championing a casino proposal with its myriad of environmental burdens while chastising the FAA is the height of hypocrisy,” Jacobs said.

“Moving forward with a casino proposal would be detrimental to county resident’s quality of life and public health,” she noted in a later portion of her statement that she did not read due to time constraints. Jacobs also added that the proposal is “nothing other than environmental racism” due to its proximity towards and potential health impacts on disadvantaged communities.

Speakers in favor of the zoning changes pointed to economic growth, the potential of developing an underdeveloped area, as well as benefits for union and construction workers.

“It is a commitment to create jobs, develop business, and be part of the transformational project that will uplift this entire community in Nassau County,” said Rachel Lugo, a Hempstead resident, who additionally serves as division director of family support and vocational services for the EAC Network, a social service agency that assists and cares for people in need across Long Island and New York City.

Lugo added that the new employment opportunities would benefit the unemployed, working class, and people with disabilities among others. The town board ended the hearing with a unanimous vote to leave the hearing open for written comment until June 10 at 10:30 a.m. Comments can be sent to Hempstead Town Hall, One Washington St., Hempstead, NY 11550.

Have an opinion on the zooming change. Send letter to jbessen@liherald.com.

Luke Feeney/Herald

Residents, business leaders and elected officials spoke on the proposed changes to the Nassau Coliseum and Mitchel Field sites during the first of two public hearings before the Hempstead

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. COMMUNITY LOAN

June 5, 2025 —

SERVICING F/K/A BAYVIEW LOAN

SERVICING LLC, Pltf. vs. NATHTOE SPENCE, et al, Defts. Index #617290/2023.

Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Oct. 16, 2024, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on June 24, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. premises k/a 1312 Grand Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510

a/k/a Section 36, Block 216, Lot 158. Said property beginning at the corner formed by the intersection of the northerly side of Washington Boulevard with the westerly side of the northerly side of Washington Boulevard with the westerly side of Grand Avenue, as widened in 1952, being a plot 104.49 ft. x 20 ft. x 102.57 ft. x 20.09 ft. Approximate amount of judgment is $281,600.29 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. The sale will take place “rain or shine.”

MICHELLE AULIVOLA, Referee. DEROSE & SURICO, Attys. for Pltf., 213-44 38th Avenue, Bayside, NY 11361. #102282 153637

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY MORTGAGE ELECTRONIC REGISTRATION SYSTEMS, INC. AS NOMINEE FOR LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, TRUSTEE, Plaintiff against STANLEY SMITH, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered September 20, 2006, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 24, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 5 Church Street, Baldwin, NY 11510. Sec 54 Block 481 Lot 423. All that certain

plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Approximate Amount of Judgment is $387,480.45 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 007909/2005.

The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Ellen Durst, Esq., Referee File # SPSJN209 153635

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR DEUTSCHE ALT-A SECURITIES, INC. MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2007-BAR1 MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, -againstRHONDA SCOTT A/K/A RHONDA T. SCOTT, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure and entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on October 11, 2023, wherein HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR DEUTSCHE ALT-A SECURITIES, INC. MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2007BAR1 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES is the Plaintiff and RHONDA SCOTT A/K/A RHONDA T. SCOTT, ET AL., are the Defendants. 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 July 1, 2025 at 2:00PM, the premises known as 531 STANTON AVENUE, NORTH BALDWIN, NY 11510 and the following tax map identification 36-388-11, 12 and 13.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN BALDWIN, IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 610580/2017. Peter Famighetti, Esq., as 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. 153771

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. HECTOR HUGO VARGAS, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Amending Caption, Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 30, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 1, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 880 Washington Street, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 407 and Lot 68. Approximate amount

of judgment is $620,427.29 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604043/2020. Cash will not be accepted.

Melissa D. Mohan, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 153769

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, CHONDRITE ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. 34 DRIVE CORP., ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 19, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the North Side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 1, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 3498 Bertha Drive, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin Harbor, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 590 and Lot 6. Approximate amount of judgment is $883,031.27 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #607423/2021.

David S. Dikman, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 200539-1 153767

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on The 17th day of June, 2025, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon

of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following locations:

BALDWIN

SOPER AVENUE (TH 217/25) East Side -NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Chelsea Road, north for a distance of 30 feet.

SOPER AVENUE (TH 217/25) West Side -NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Chelsea Road, north for a distance of 30 feet.

ELMONT

HERBERT AVENUE (TH 180/25) West Side -NO

PARKING ANY TIMEstarting at a point 138 feet south of the south curbline of Chelsea Street, south for a distance of 24 feet.

FRANKLIN SQUARE

SCHERER BOULEVARD (TH 198/25) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Phoebe Street, south for a distance of 25 feet.

SCHERER BOULEVARD (TH 198/25) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from thenorth curbline of Phoebe Street, north for a distance of 25 feet.

GARDEN CITY SOUTH

EUSTON ROAD SOUTH (TH 195/25) West SideNO STOPPING ANY TIME - starting at a point 29 feet south of the south curbline of Princeton Avenue, south for a distance of 34 feet

LEVITTOWN

JERUSALEM AVENUE (TH 196/25) West SideNO STOPPING ANY TIME - starting at the north curbline of Heather Lane, north for a distance of 305 feet.

MERRICK

SENECA PLACE (TH 214/25) East Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Smith Street, south for a distance of 50 feet.

OCEANSIDE

ANTUCKET LANE (TH 208/25) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Skillman Avenue, east for a distance of 30 feet.

WEST HENRIETTA AVENUE (TH 142(B)/25) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Lawrence Avenue, west

for a distance of 30 feet.

WEST HENRIETTA AVENUE (TH 142(B)/25) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from thewest curbline of Lawrence Avenue, west for a distance of 30 feet.

LAWRENCE AVENUE (TH 142(B)/25) West Side -NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNERstarting from the south curbline of West Henrietta Avenue, south for a distance of 38 feet.

LAWRENCE AVENUE (TH 142(B)/25) West Side -NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNERstarting from the north curbline of West Henrietta Avenue, north for a distance of 30 feet.

LAWRENCE AVENUE (TH 142(B)/25) East Side - NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNERstarting from the north curbline of West Henrietta Avenue, north for a distance of 30 feet.

LAWRENCE AVENUE (TH 142(B)/25) East Side -NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNERstarting from the south curbline of West Henrietta Avenue, south for a distance of 30 feet.

UNIONDALE VAN BUREN STREET (TH 185/25/25) North Side -NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNERstarting from the west curbline of Nassau Road, west for a distance of 30feet. ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: May 27, 2025 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR.

Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 153906

To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold

a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 06/11/2025 at 9:30

A.M. & 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.

320/25. BALDWINJoseph Lloret, Variance, lot area occupied, construct 1-story addition & screened-in roofed-over porch with steps, both attached to dwelling (demolish existing wood deck)., S/s Jeffrey Dr., 142.38’ W/o Grand Ave., a/k/a 708 Jeffrey Dr. THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M.

329/25. BALDWIN757 Foxhurst Road LLC, Special exception for proposed laundromat in existing building (51 washers 23 dryers)., W/s Foxhurst Rd., 303.57’ S/o Merrick Rd., a/k/a 757 Foxhurst Rd. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.

This notice is only for new cases in Baldwin within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo

Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 153896

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY IN ITS CAPACITY AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF ACM PRIME ALAMOSA 2018 TRUST, Plaintiff against PATRICK A. JOHNSON A/K/A PATRICK JOHNSON A/K/A PATRICK ANTHONY JOHNSON, et al Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered April 8, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 1003 Steele Boulevard, Baldwin, NY 11510. Sec 54 Block 370 Lot 830. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $627,134.58 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 601982/2020.

During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in

Skies roar as crowd flocks to Jones Beach Air Show

Thousands flocked to Jones Beach State Park over Memorial Day weekend for the Four Leaf Air Show, which featured breathtaking aerial performances and sky-high patriotism.

Headlining the show were the United States Air Force Thunderbirds, who returned to Long Island with their precision flying and signature diamond formation. Also soaring above the crowds were the United States Army Golden Knights, who parachuted onto the beach, and the United States Marines F-35B demonstration team, showcasing the jet’s advanced maneuverability.

Long Island native Dave Windmiller thrilled spectators with aerobatic stunts in his Zivko Edge 540 aircraft.

The event, hosted by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and sponsored by FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, drew large crowds again this year. Last year’s show welcomed more than 350,000 attendees.

The Four Leaf Air Show continues to be one of the region’s most anticipated Memorial Day weekend traditions for Long Islanders on the South Shore.

— Charles Shaw

Public Notices

the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Brian Davis, Esq., Referee File # NY202000000022-1 153927

email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF NASSAU

DEUTSCHE BANK

NATIONAL TRUST

COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR HSI

ASSET

SECURITIZATION

CORPORATION TRUST

2006-NC1 MORTGAGE

PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES

2006-NC1, -against-

JOCELYNE BERNARD, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on March 16, 2020, wherein

DEUTSCHE BANK

NATIONAL TRUST

COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR HSI

ASSET

SECURITIZATION

CORPORATION TRUST

2006-NC1 MORTGAGE

PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES

2006-NC1 is the Plaintiff and JOCELYNE BERNARD, 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 July 8, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1515 PAUL ST, BALDWIN, NY 11510; and the following tax map identification: 0036334-00 - 00271, 00272, 00273, & 00274. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT BALDWIN, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 008915/2016. Charles Casolaro, 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. 153931

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU State of New York Mortgage Agency, Plaintiff AGAINST Tricia Mayers, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 16, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 8, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 1771 Browning Street, Baldwin, NY 11510 a/k/a 1771 Browning Street, North Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 36 Block: 409 Lots: 540 and 541. Approximate amount of judgment $541,907.57 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #607830/2018. Mark Ricciardi, Esq., Referee McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC 420 Lexington Avenue-Suite 840 New York, NY 1017 0 21-07453NY 85765 153890

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF THE FW SERIES I TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. DANIEL FERNANDEZ, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 17, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on July 9, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 840 Kings Parkway, Baldwin a/k/a North Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Baldwin, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 36, Block 132 and Lots 196-198. Approximate amount of judgment is $919,807.64 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604647/2024. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 160147-3 153921

Sergeant First Class at U.S Army Stephen Ponce, left, with Specialist Alexis Balkissoon and Corporal Jorge Rodriguez

Tim Baker/Herald photos

A U.S. Coast Guard ship watches as an aircraft performs during the Four Leaf Air Show at Jones Beach State Park over Memorial Day weekend.

Help Wanted

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

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Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

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 fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

Engineer for Panaghia Church (Island Park, NY). Dsgn, install & maintain HVAC, plumbing, electric systems, diagnose faulty operations. BS or MS in Mech Eng req., $90-95K p/y. Apply by email to panaghiaofislandpark@outlook.com

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT 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 $34,320 + 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

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $34,320 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

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

Household

Mechanical

Enduring Grandeur

Experience timeless elegance at The Trafalgar House, the former residence of acclaimed author Nelson DeMille. Located in Garden City’s prestigious Hill Section, this nearly 10,000 sq. ft. Tudor-style estate showcases refined craftsmanship and grand scale. The home offers 5+ bedrooms,

To add a

family room, will we need another garage? Part 2.

Q. We want to add a family room at the back of our house. Even though we have over 50 feet to work with to the back property line, we are being told that our garage is a problem because it’s too close to the side property line, and when we attach the family room, we’ll need to get a zoning variance. If we take the garage down we have to put up another garage, because our building department requires us to have a garage. Why is this a problem, and how can we get around it? Our contractor said he could “take care of it,” that the garage shouldn’t be a problem, but so far that hasn’t happened, and we think we have to change our plans or not do the job.

A. As I described last week, there’s a bigger picture than just the couple of issues you describe. State rules and regulation codes are intended to keep us all safe from fire, wind, floods and other hazardous conditions. The building code has overlapping fire- protection requirements. A structure built closer than 3 feet to a property line must have fire-rated materials, as an “assembly,” including wall or roof interior and exterior materials.

I often get questions from contractors calling to ask why I showed fire-rated sheetrock on only the side walls and roofs of a garage facing a property line, with a specific fastening pattern and insulation, especially when the garage won’t be heated. They ask this because nobody requires them to know the building codes, even though most consumers are under the false impression that all contractors are well-versed in building codes. One such conversation, when a contractor called, led to 20 minutes of argument, because the contractor was repeating, “I’ve never had to do this, this is overkill, nobody does this, I’m not doing this…” I could only answer that it was required in the codes, and there wouldn’t have been a permit if the plans didn’t show this, and the owner needed to know if the construction wouldn’t pass inspection, leaving the owner with a possible violation and greater expense to fix incorrect work.

One of the reasons for this friction is because in the past, most garages were approved without these requirements. Regulations were not uniformly enforced, leaving contractors with the impression that these regulations were just for some but not for all. Although things may be changing, contractors, generally, aren’t held to a level of responsibility that would require them to sign documents for their work to show that they followed the law and that they are part of the safety process. In some departments, this is changing as building departments begin to recognize that everyone involved in a construction project, including the ones who construct, are part of the safety team. “Taking care of it” sounds illegal, with you, the owner left holding the bag. Good luck!

© 2025 Monte Leeper

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

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INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept

opinions

Enhanced automatic voter registration is needed

Democracy begins at the ballot box. But for far too many Long Islanders—especially working-class residents, naturalized immigrants, and communities of color—that access remains out of reach. According to the Institute for Responsive Government, which reviewed data from the analytics firm Catalist, more than 400,000 eligible but unregistered voters live in Nassau and Suffolk counties. This is a crisis of representation.

Long Islanders are working harder than ever to make ends meet, care for their families, and contribute to the future of their communities. Yet, when it comes to voting, the system still places unnecessary obstacles in the path of participation. Enhanced Automatic Voter Registration (EAVR) offers a simple, secure, and transformative solution. And Long Island stands to benefit significantly from this critical piece of legislation. Our current voter registration system is outdated, confusing, and inefficient. It

places the burden of registering entirely on individuals, many of whom are busy working multiple jobs, caring for children, or navigating bureaucratic systems in a second language. On Long Island and across New York State, this is particularly true for young people, lowincome residents, immigrants, and people of color.

An d when people vote, our government works better for everyone .

Enhanced Automatic Voter Registration offers a commonsense, modern solution to change this dynamic. By upgrading our current voter registration system, this legislation would register eligible voters automatically when they interact with government agencies, like the DMV or Medicaid, unless they choose to opt out. EAVR would streamline an unnecessarily complex process. Long Island residents wouldn’t have to deal with any more missed forms or waiting in line at confusing registration events, causing them to fall through the cracks.

Enhanced Automatic Voter Registration will not just make voting more accessible, it will make our elections more secure. Under EAVR, state agencies that automatically register voters must first verify their citizenship, resi-

dence, and eligibility to vote in New York. This document-based verification will prevent noncitizens from inadvertently registering to vote and ensure that voters who have moved recently are registered at the correct address. Expanding voter participation, while preventing paperwork errors with potentially serious consequences, is critical on Long Island, where immigrant households often include both citizens and noncitizens and high mobility results in frequent address changes.

Beyond the logistical benefits, Enhanced Automatic Voter Registration would restore power to many people historically locked out of the electoral process. In Nassau and Suffolk Counties, hundreds of thousands of our neighbors are unable to influence key decisions about housing affordability, school funding, public transportation, and environmental safety. When more of our neighbors are registered, more of our voices are heard, and our democracy becomes more representative and more responsive.

The numbers speak for themselves. In states that have adopted similar

enhanced registration systems, voter participation has surged. For example, since Colorado implemented Enhanced Automatic Voter Registration in 2020, the state saw an increase of more than half a million registered and active voters. That’s no coincidence. And when people vote, our government works better for everyone.

Long Island’s future depends on inclusive democracy. We cannot afford to leave nearly half a million potential voters on the sidelines. The Enhanced Automatic Voter Registration act would bring us one step closer to a system where voting is not a privilege of the few, but a right accessible to all who qualify.

We must act now to ensure our local, state, and national elections reflect the real diversity and strength of our communities. For our neighborhoods, our families, and our future, it’s time for New York to pass Enhanced Automatic Voter Registration and make it law. Let’s unlock the power of Long Island’s people—and build a democracy that is truly representative of us all.

Assemblymember Charles David Lavine represents the 13th Assembly District and serves as Chair of the Judiciary Committee and as a member of the Committees on Codes, Ethics and Guidance, Rules, and Insurance.

CHARLEs

LAVinE

We needed science when I was a kid, and we need it now

idiscovered my love of science through the Long Beach Middle School science fair. Luckily for me, my grandfather was a federally funded researcher, and agreed to help me develop my project. He astutely recognized that I wasn’t excited about anything that would take time away from my new puppy, so together we raised the question, whose mouths are cleaner, dogs or humans?

We swabbed the mouths of the residents of East Penn Street and their dogs, spreading the samples in Petri dishes and tracking their growth with Polaroid pictures each day. I didn’t win the science fair, but the experience taught me that science could be fun, and a way to lean into my curiosity.

As I was growing up, a career in science is not where anyone thought I would end up. I wasn’t in advanced science or math classes, refused to dissect a frog, and broke a fair share of test tubes in chemistry. To be honest, my friends

and family were very surprised that I didn’t return to become the band teacher at Long Beach High School. Ever since I started playing flute at East School, music was my passion, my escape, and a major source of social connection.

TIt took me a lot of time and exploration to land on a research-focused career path. It wasn’t until college, when I was studying music education at SUNY Potsdam, that I realized I was passionate about supporting young people and their well-being through mental health care. I landed a summer internship at Northwell Health’s Zucker Hillside Hospital, in Glen Oaks, working on a mental health-focused clinical trial, and haven’t looked back since.

he National Institutes of Health is one of the agencies threatened by funding cuts.

accessible, culturally relevant and responsive to their needs. I’ve been privileged to receive over $1 million in NIH funding over the past 10 years to support my research, including through programs to help repay my educational loans. My work is funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, one of the 27 institutes and centers of the NIH, focusing on advancing science on the causes and consequences of substance use to improve individual and public health.

ing clinical trial, the new graduate seeking a job in the health care industry, and those living in areas where coastal erosion threatens our homes.

When I was growing up in Long Beach, summers for me meant spending long days on the east end beaches, riding bikes on the boardwalk and taking trips to Marvel. None of this would have been possible without science: the jetties to manage beach erosion, sunscreen to avoid serious sunburns, clean water to drink, and the list goes on. No matter your political party, we all benefit from scientific advances.

I now have a career as a clinical psychologist and a National Institutes of Health funded researcher, working to improve access to mental health and substance-use treatment for adolescents and families who are impacted by the legal and child welfare systems. Our Juvenile in Justice behavioral health team at the University of California, San Francisco, works directly with families to co-create interventions that are

iMy story isn’t unique. In 2024, NIH awarded $3.55 billion in grants and contracts that directly supported 30,522 jobs and $8.27 billion in economic activity in New York. Of these grants, over $157 million was awarded to institutions on Long Island. Federal funding has been vital to the Long Island economy.

Recent executive orders, however, are threatening to disrupt public agencies that fund research, like the NIH. The proposed changes and budgetary cuts have the potential to negatively impact all our health and well-being. This is an issue for all of us — for the cancer patient looking for a potentially lifesav-

Government funding is essential to support scientific progress. It allows us not only to make cutting-edge discoveries and gain global recognition, but also to strengthen communities like Long Beach. If you’re concerned about the harm that budget cuts to agencies like the NIH will have, please join me in taking action. Contact your representatives and tell them you oppose science budget cuts. The 5calls.org website and app make it easy by providing their phone numbers and sample scripts to follow.

I hope you will join me in being a science advocate.

Dr. Johanna Folk is a clinical psychologist on the faculty of the University of California, San Francisco.

Texas to ban social media for kids: Yeehaw!

never thought I would say these words, but Texas is leading the way on protecting kids from social media abuse. You read that right. The Lone Star State is moving towards passing a bill that would shut down social media access to young children and teens. This is a win-win for children and for parents enlightened enough to see the proven dangers of too much media time, and then do something about it.

According to KSLA TV in Shreveport, “The Texas House of Representatives has passed a bill prohibiting people under age 18 from creating or using social media accounts … It aims to address the concern that social media has a negative impact on the mental health of young people. The bill was passed in a 116-25 vote with support from both sides of the aisle. “… Social media companies would be required to verify the age of their users. It would also allow parents to request that their child’s social media accounts be deleted, and companies would have to

remove the account within ten days.”

The bill is headed to the Texas Senate and could take effect on Sept. 1. Social media has long been associated with increased bullying among children, feelings of low self-esteem, and incidents of self-harm and increased depression. Yet, the kids can’t put down their phones. You don’t need me to tell you this if you’ve been in the company of teenagers recently.

As of 2025, 12 states have passed or are working on similar legislation, but the process is coming together slowly, and the kids are falling apart quickly.

Csent for social media are akin to age limits on drinking, driving, and smoking,” she said.

Cheng added, “No policy replaces the need for parents to have frank, open conversations with their kids on the inherent mental and physical risks involved … Informed kids become informed young adults who make better decisions.”

hildren don’t have the self-discipline to monitor their exposure to social media.

Danny Rivera, a New York City high school English teacher and father quoted on Investopedia, said, “Students are on social media so much — inside and outside the classroom — they end up losing track of basic needs like food and sleep. They routinely tell me that they choose ‘doomscrolling’ or working on a dance routine to post over getting rest on a school night.”

Susan Cheng, associate dean of public health at Tulane University, and with a teenager at home, told Investopedia that changes to kids’ access are common sense. “Guardrails around age of con-

New York State passed a squishy law that seems both difficult to understand and enforce. On websites like Facebook, X and TikTok, a complex set of algorithms helps create personalized feeds to keep users engaged on the platform for as long as possible. The State Legislature passed a bill last year that, according to a New York Times story, will disrupt the relationship between tech companies and young people by restricting the use of algorithms on minors’ social media feeds.

Many of these laws are complex and face endless challenges in court.

Maybe legislation is not the most effective, or only, way to lasso the social media giants. Our basic, common, core values compel us to do an intervention, at the family level, the state level, in the courts and schools. Unrestricted social

media is hurting our kids.

We need only look around to see the creepy fixation and attachment to phones pervasive in our culture. Adults have tools to self-regulate, but children are easy prey for financially motivated influencers and celebrities who are selling products and insecurity in equal measure. Visit a restaurant and see families eating together and apart with everyone on their own phone.

There are epidemics that kill and epidemics that diminish and pervert normal social development. Social media, especially too much too soon, is making our children, and especially our teenagers, less secure, more anxious and more vulnerable to companies who are using them for profit. Children don’t have the self-discipline necessary to monitor their exposure to social media. Kids I know have told me students use their phones in the classroom to check out social media, look up test answers, watch videos, or worse.

Kudos to Texas for moving ahead with big, bold legislation. New York must create child-protective laws that have teeth. It’s our job as citizens and our obligation as human beings to defend our children’s privacy and mental health.

RAnDi KREiss

JoHAnnA FoLK

HERALD

Hurricane season is here — Prepare to be safe

as the calendar turns to June, the Atlantic hurricane season officially begins—and this year, forecasters are predicting an active one. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration projects an above-average number of storms, fueled by warm ocean temperatures and shifting climate patterns.

For many across Long Island that means more potential for destructive winds, flooding, and widespread power outages. Whether you live on the coast or in-land now is the time to prepare.

Every year, we’re reminded that hurricanes are among nature’s most powerful and unpredictable forces. Hurricane Sandy nearly 13 years ago offers sobering examples of what can happen when people are unprepared —or underestimate the threat.

Preparation isn’t just a matter of prudence; it’s a matter of survival.

First and foremost, build or update your emergency supply kit. It should include at least three days’ worth of food and water for each member of your household—one gallon of water per person, per day. Non-perishable foods such as canned goods, protein bars, peanut butter, and dried fruit are essentials. Don’t forget a manual can opener.

You’ll also need a flashlight with extra batteries, a portable phone charger (preferably solar or battery-powered), a first-aid kit, hygiene supplies, and copies

letters

Stop summer power shutoffs

To the Editor:

Summer is almost here, and with it will come deadly heat waves supercharged by the climate crisis.

Yet in 27 states, it’s perfectly legal for utility companies to shut off electricity on the hottest days of summer, leaving individuals and families without air conditioning in extreme temperatures and threatening their health and safety.

Shutting off power and preventing access to lifesaving air conditioning in the summer can have life-or-death consequences. We need to shine a spotlight on this critical issue and raise our voices to demand change.

This may not be Florida, Louisiana or Georgia, but it can still get plenty hot here in the summer.

Utility companies and local leaders everywhere must act to end utility shutoffs on the hottest days of summer. Save lives — stop the summer shutoffs.

of important documents stored in a waterproof container. Include any medications and special items for infants, the elderly or pets.

A battery-powered or hand-crank radio is crucial. But when the power goes out and cell service is spotty, local radio may be the only way to receive lifesaving information.

It’s also important to know your risk. Are you in a flood-prone zone? Is your home vulnerable to storm surge? Local emergency management offices and the Federal Emergency Management Agency websites provide hazard maps that can help you answer those questions. If you live in an evacuation zone, know your routes and have a plan for where you will go—whether it’s a public shelter, a hotel or a relative’s home inland. Secure your property. Trim trees and shrubs, clean gutters, and reinforce windows and doors. If advised to do so, board up windows with plywood. Move outdoor furniture and decorations indoors so they don’t become projectiles in high winds.

Don’t wait until the last minute to gather supplies. As storms approach, store shelves empty quickly, gas lines grow long, and traffic jams snarl evacuation routes. Acting early not only gives you peace of mind — it gives you options.

Perhaps the most vital part of hurricane preparedness is staying informed. Tune in regularly to trusted local news

sources, the National Hurricane Center, and the county’s emergency management office — NassauCountyny.gov. Weather conditions can change rapidly, and up-to-date information is key to making smart decisions.

Social media is helpful, but it’s also a breeding ground for misinformation. Always verify what you see with official sources. False rumors about evacuation orders or shelter availability can put lives at risk.

Sign up for emergency alerts on your phone. Many local governments offer text or email notifications for severe weather, road closures, and evacuation notices. Don’t ignore the warnings. When authorities urge you to evacuate, it’s not a suggestion — it’s a life-saving directive.

Disasters don’t discriminate. They affect young and old, rich and poor. But preparation can make a world of difference. Having a plan, gathering supplies, and staying informed can reduce injuries, save lives, and make recovery faster and less stressful.

This hurricane season, let’s not be caught off guard. The cost of inaction is simply too high. Talk to your family. Check in with neighbors, especially the elderly or those with disabilities. Preparedness is not just personal — it’s communal.

And by working together, we can save lives.

A decade of innovation: a model to all

For the past 11 years, I have had the profound privilege of serving as superintendent of the Baldwin Union Free School District — a diverse and vibrant community that truly exemplifies the best of public education. Together, we’ve embraced the challenge of rethinking how schools can prepare students for a rapidly changing world, and we’ve emerged as a national model of excellence.

Our journey has been grounded in a simple yet powerful belief: “We are innovative, we are involved, we are inclusive, we are Baldwin.” These words are more than a slogan — they reflect the culture and commitment that define our students, educators, families, and community partners.

Baldwin High School has consistently maintained a graduation rate of 99 percent while closing the achievement gap — a rare and remarkable accomplishment. This success is a testament to the belief that every student deserves a unique experience in school where learning is accessible, meaningful and relevant.

We’ve developed a guiding philosophy that ensures there is a home for every student, designing programs from

pre-K through 12th grade that honor individuality and build future-ready skills. Together, we have fostered a culture rooted in the six Cs of deep learning: character, citizenship, collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking. They are the foundation for how we prepare our students for life, learning, and leadership in the modern world. These efforts have resulted in meaningful, sustainable transformation across every level of our district.

tThe future of education is being redefined by bold, visionary models that prioritize relevance, meaning and innovation — and Baldwin has emerged as a compelling example of what is possible when schools commit to transformative change. Across the nation, districts are recognizing that preparing students for tomorrow’s world requires more than incremental improvement; it calls for a complete reframing of how we think about learning, teaching, and the purpose of school itself.

to collaborate, reflect, and implement next-generation teaching strategies.

Education is also expanding beyond school walls through robust partnerships with colleges, corporations, and community organizations. These collaborations are creating dual-credit and early college opportunities that allow high school students to graduate with real college experience and credentials. Programs like full-time college enrollment during senior year are quickly becoming models for early post-secondary success.

h e future of education is being redefined ... relevance, meaning and innovation.

Classrooms are being redesigned to mirror the dynamic, team-oriented nature of today’s workplaces, while wellness centers and emotional health supports are becoming standard features in schools that aim to nurture the whole child.

special needs to embedded work-based learning opportunities, the future of education is grounded in the belief that every student deserves access to meaningful and fulfilling pathways.

As we look ahead, academic excellence remains essential, but it now includes competencies like emotional intelligence, civic engagement, and collaborative problem solving. Initiatives like Service-Learning Week and multidisciplinary curriculum design are helping students become knowledgeable, thoughtful, responsible and compassionate global citizens.

The future of education is not a distant ideal — it is being built now by visionary school districts that lead with purpose. As Baldwin’s journey shows, when schools embrace innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, and collaboration, they become catalysts for redefining public education on a national scale.

At the heart of this shift is a growing movement toward aligning every aspect of education —curriculum, instruction, physical spaces, and partnerships — with the demands of the future workforce. Innovative programs like Baldwin’s teacher residency models are disrupting traditional roles, allowing educators to step outside the daily routine

Letters

Protect first responders, don’t hinder newsgathering

To the Editor:

The Press Club of Long Island strongly opposes Nassau County’s newly enacted “First Responder Zone of Protection Act” for its potential to unlawfully restrict newsgathering — a fundamental right protected by the First Amendment.

The act empowers any first responder — including police officers, EMTs, firefighters, and others — to order someone to stay at least 15 feet away if they “reasonably believe” that person may pose a threat or interfere with their duties. Violating such a warning is punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 or up to one year in jail.

Critically, the law does not define what constitutes a “reasonable” belief or what behavior may be considered a threat or interference. This gives first responders broad discretion, opening the door to subjective and inconsistent enforcement.

This law risks criminalizing the pub-

lic’s right to occupy public spaces and observe or record public officials — including law enforcement — performing their duties. As the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled, the First Amendment protects the right to challenge and criticize police and to record their actions in public (City of Houston v. Hill, 1987). Without that right, public accountability suffers.

The 15-foot buffer is arbitrary and could easily be manipulated to block the public from witnessing important events, particularly if multiple overlapping zones are created at once. Importantly, existing laws already give police the authority to manage truly unsafe or obstructive behavior.

This act, rather than promoting safety, appears aimed at shielding law enforcement from public scrutiny. If such a law had been in place in Minneapolis in 2020, the world might never have seen the video of George Floyd’s death — and Derek Chauvin might not have been held accountable.

The New York Civil Liberties Union warned Nassau lawmakers that this law is overly broad, likely unconstitutional, and destined for legal challenge. Nonetheless, the legislature passed it unani-

Career readiness is beginning earlier and becoming more integrated. Programs that link students with real-world experiences, starting as early as middle school, are transforming how we view “vocational” education. These re-imagined models emphasize adaptability, creativity, and hands-on learning in real business settings, preparing students not just for jobs, but also for lifelong careers.

Importantly, inclusive education is no longer an afterthought. From expanded life skills programs for students with

Leadership in education is not about personal accolades — it’s about building systems that continue to flourish long after any one individual moves on. As I reflect on my time in Baldwin, I know that our greatest accomplishment is not a list of programs or awards, but the culture of continuous learning, compassion, and courage that we’ve built together.

In Baldwin, we don’t just educate. We innovate. We inspire. We lead.

And that is a legacy that will live on — because our legacy is in the people.

Shari L. Camhi is superintendent of the Baldwin School District.

Framework by Tim Baker

mously.

Laws that hinder public oversight of police don’t enhance safety — they erode constitutional rights, undermine transparency, and damage trust in law enforcement.

Aerial view of the Jones Beach Water Tower — famously known as “the pencil.” — Wantagh

DENISE CIVILETTI Vice president PCLI

sHarI L. CamHI