Bellmore Herald 04-16-2026

HERALD bellmore

Joseph Maroney, an 18-year-old Mepham High School senior, was an avid lacrosse player. He is remembered for his leadership, kindness and steady presence both on and off the field.

Joseph Maroney, Mepham senior, remembered for courage, kindness

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Joseph Patrick Maroney, an 18-year-old senior at Wellington C. Mepham High School, died April 6, 2026, after a courageous battle with a secondary cancer. He was the oldest of 10 siblings and a lifelong resident of North Bellmore.

Born July 17, 2007, Maroney was first diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age 6 in November 2013. He underwent a bone marrow transplant and entered remission, remaining cancer-free for more than a decade.

In January 2025, Maroney was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive sarcoma known as malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor.

The cancer primarily affected his abdomen and required multiple surgeries, with complications continuing throughout his treatment.

Despite his illness, Maroney was remembered as consistently positive, selfless and deeply devoted to his family.

“He was amazing. He was always very happy, very easygoing. He never complained about any of it,” his mother, Gemma Maroney, said.

Gemma Maroney said her son’s identity was rooted in his role as an older brother in a large family.

“He was the oldest of my 10 children,” she said. “He was always very helpful at home, just an amazing big brother and friend to Continued on page 5

There’s something special about Bellmore — and if you live here, you already know it doesn’t take long to feel it.

Looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors? Spend an afternoon at Newbridge Road Park & Pool or take in the quiet along the local canals and neighborhood green spaces that make this South Shore community so inviting. When the weather warms up, there’s always something happening nearby — from summer concerts and school events to the Bellmore Family Street Festival, a longtime tradition that brings neighbors together right in the heart of town.

that matter most to you. We’re here for the milestones and the everyday moments in between.

This week’s Bellmore Herald is being delivered to homes throughout the area and includes our annual community guide — a go-to resource highlighting local businesses, organizations, schools, and events that help define life here.

If you’re not yet a subscriber, we hope this issue shows you what local journalism is all about. Each week, in print and online, we bring you the news you won’t find anywhere else — stories rooted right here in your neighborhood.

And when it comes to schools, Bellmore continues to stand out. From strong programs in North Bellmore, Bellmore and the BellmoreMerrick Central High School District to students who excel in academics, athletics, and the arts, education remains a point of pride across the community.

The Bellmore Herald is your hometown newspaper. We know this community because we live it, day in and day out — the people, the places, and the stories

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If you’re already a subscriber, thank you for reading and supporting local journalism. And if you’re new here — welcome. We’re glad you’ve joined us.

Hernesto Galdamez, Editor

Courtesy Gemma Maroney

Local father offered hope for son with rare disorder

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

A Merrick father who feared his young son could lose access to a potentially lifesaving treatment is now expressing relief after Congress passed legislation to restore critical medical research funding, sending the bill to President Donald Trump for final approval.

Andrew Jedlicka, an adjunct professor and consultant who has lived in Merrick since 2014, spent months advocating for the reauthorization of the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, known as SBIR/STTR. The funding had lapsed in October 2025, putting at risk laboratories and small businesses conducting experimental medical research.

“I was extremely excited and filled with gratitude,” Jedlicka said. “Not just for my son and the lab that’s trying to help treat his genetic disorder, but for all research facilities and small businesses that were looking for that funding.”

Jedlicka’s 5-year-old son, whose name he declined to provide, was diagnosed last year with KBG syndrome, a rare genetic disorder associated with developmental delays, seizures and other health challenges. A Long Island City-based lab is working to develop a personalized treatment for him, though the process is still in its early phases.

The potential closure of that lab earlier this year prompted Jedlicka to travel to Washington, D.C., during Rare Disease Week, where he met with lawmakers and their staff to advocate for restoration of the funding.

He credited Rep. Laura Gillen, who represents Bellmore and Merrick, along with U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer’s team and Rep. Gus Bilirakis, for helping move the legislation forward.

“I spoke directly and met with Congresswoman Gillen in Washington, and she wrote letters to help get the bill passed,” Jedlicka said. “Senator Schumer’s team was also very helpful, and there were others on both sides of the aisle who supported this.”

Gillen announced that the House of Representatives advanced the Small Business Innovation and Economic

Security Act after months of delays, reauthorizing the SBIR/STTR programs through 2031.

“I’m proud to have helped push this funding for vital medical research through Congress after months of a partisan stalemate in the Senate and weeks of inaction by the Speaker of the House,” Gillen said in a statement. “Every day that passed without a reauthorization of this funding threatened to end lifesaving treatment for Long Islanders and others across the country. This legislation now moves one step closer to saving the medical breakthroughs and innovations they rely on.”

Jedlicka said he remains cautiously optimistic as he awaits the bill’s final approval.

“I’m relieved that it’s finally sitting on the president’s desk,” he said. “I’m just looking forward to it becoming law so labs and research facilities can get the funding they need to continue their work.”

The treatment for his son has not yet begun, he said, requiring multiple research phases, which he has partially funded out of pocket. If successful, the treatment could significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms associated with KBG syndrome.

“His seizures could go away, and other symptoms could go away,” Jedlicka said. “That’s what we’re working toward.”

Jedlicka said the experience underscores broader challenges for families navigating rare diseases, particularly when delays in federal policy put research at risk.

“It was disturbing how long it took to reauthorize such an important bill,” he said, noting that more than 100 labs and small businesses were waiting for the funding.

Looking ahead, he said he plans to continue advocating for rare disease research.

“I’m in it for life,” Jedlicka said. “I want to help not just my son, but others dealing with genetic disorders.”

Courtesy Andrew Jedlicka

Andrew Jedlicka with U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen during a visit to Washington, D.C., where he advocated for the reauthorization of federal research funding critical to his son’s treatment for a rare genetic disorder.

Bellmore resident to perform in ‘Yeomen of the Guard’

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Life and death hang in the balance at the Tower of London when the Gilbert & Sullivan Light Opera Company of Long Island presents its 2026 production of The Yeomen of the Guard” at the North Merrick Public Library on April 26 at 2 p.m.

The classic operetta, which debuted in 1888 with a libretto by W.S. Gilbert and music by Arthur Sullivan, is known for its blend of drama and humor. Set in the 1510s during the reign of King Henry VIII, the story follows Colonel Fairfax, who is unjustly imprisoned and facing execution. Phoebe Meryll, who is in love with him, devises a plan with her family to save him — a scheme that draws in a cast of characters and puts several lives at risk.

Director Gayden Wren said the show stands apart from other works in the Gilbert and Sullivan canon.

“The Yeomen of the Guard has a depth and realism that’s unique in the Savoy operas,” Wren said. “There are laughs and there’s melodramatic drama as well, but it all grows out of the characters.”

Wren said the operetta’s emotional strength comes from its character development.

“They’re real, well-rounded people who have the kind of contradictions and ambiguities that you find every day in real people, but rarely in comic opera,” he said. “People feel for these characters because Gilbert and Sullivan feel for them.”

He added that the work held special significance for its creators.

“Both Gilbert and Sullivan separately said that The Yeomen of the Guard was the favorite of their own operas,” Wren said, calling it “one of the best works of musical theater ever written.” He noted that the production is staged infrequently due to the resources required, but said, “when it comes up, we’re thrilled.”

Among the performers is Bellmore resident Jordan Breslow, who plays the First Yeoman. Breslow has lived in Bellmore for nearly 30 years and has been a member of the company since 2011. He has also served as its treasurer for the past eight years.

“We’re not made up of professionals — we’re all volunteers,” Breslow said. “But we get really great talent from all different backgrounds.”

Breslow, who works professionally as a marketing research manager, said his passion for music dates back to his school years, when he performed in choir and a cappella groups. He continued performing in college at Bingham-

ton University and remains involved in theater for the enjoyment and camaraderie it provides.

In Yeomen of the Guard, Breslow takes on a supporting role as the First Yeoman, part of the ensemble that helps bring the story to life. The production marks the company’s first staging of the operetta since 2009.

Preparing the show is a months-long process, he said, beginning with auditions in the fall and continuing through rehearsals into the winter.

“It does take a number of months to actually put something like this together,” Breslow said. “By January and February, we’re really starting to stage the production.”

For Breslow, performing in North Merrick carries special meaning, as the company regularly rehearses locally.

“It’s great to perform so close to home,” he said.

Breslow said he hopes audiences leave with a new appreciation for the genre.

“Opera tends to get a bad rap,” he said. “This is light opera — it’s in English, it’s accessible, and I hope people can really appreciate what it brings.”

The performance will take place at the North Merrick Public Library, 1691 Meadowbrook Road. Admission is free. For more information, call 516-378-7474.

Shore Road students brought fairytale fun to stage

Fifth- and sixth-grade students at Shore Road School in the Bellmore School District stepped into the spotlight with their production of Shrek Jr., which premiered March 25 and 26.

The student performers, members of the school’s Musical Theatre Club, spent weeks rehearsing lines, learning choreography and helping to build sets in preparation for the show. The production fea-

tured dozens of students portraying beloved fairytale characters in a story centered on an unlikely hero and a group of misfits who discover the value of friendship, teamwork, confidence and selfacceptance.

The show included colorful costumes, coordinated dance numbers and a dedicated stage crew working behind the scenes to ensure a smooth performance.

The production was directed by teachers Mallory Aronoff, Laura Itzkovitz, Beth Obergh and Joanna Rocco, who guided students through every step of the process.

School officials said the experience allowed students to collaborate creatively while building confidence and bringing a well-known story to life on stage.

— Hernesto Galdamez

Courtesy Bellmore Public School Shore Road School students are brought the story of ‘Shrek’ to life through the Musical Theatre Club’s latest production.

The show featured several musical numbers performed by talented students.

Courtesy Jordan Breslow

Jordan Breslow, above, will perform in ‘The Yeomen of the Guard’ at the North Merrick Public Library this month.

Man pleads guilty in fraud case linked to N. Bellmore coffee shop

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

A former Massapequa-based financial adviser pleaded guilty this week to federal charges that he defrauded clients and steered investor money into risky and undisclosed ventures, including a North Bellmore coffee shop, federal prosecutors from the Eastern District said.

More than 430 clients of A.G. Morgan Financial Advisors LLC, many of them Long Islanders, lost their life savings through investments tied to Vincent J. Camarda’s funds, according to prosecutors and a civil lawsuit filed by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Camarda, 62, of Amityville, the chairman and chief executive officer of A.G. Morgan Financial Advisors LLC, pleaded guilty in federal court in Central Islip to securities fraud and investment adviser fraud.

The proceeding was held before U.S. District Judge Nusrat J. Choudhury. When sentenced, Camarda faces up to 20 years in prison, as well as restitution of at least $160,022,836.81 and forfeiture of $6,639,498.17.

Camarda ran a yearslong scheme in which he misled clients about the safety of their investments, repeatedly describing funds as “safe” or “low-risk” while concealing major risks and conflicts of interest, according to prosecutors.

“We will aggressively prosecute investment advisors who betray their clients’ trust and commit crimes for their own financial gain,” U.S. Attorney Joseph Nocella Jr., said in a news release. “This defendant used a series of lies to lure clients, including elderly and other vulnerable individuals, into investing with him, all while enriching himself. Today’s guilty plea is an important step toward holding the defendant

accountable for the substantial harm he has caused.”

“CEO Vincent Camarda repeatedly deceived trusting clients to steal hundreds of thousands of dollars to finance extravagant purchases. The FBI is committed to protecting investors from executives who abuse their authority to line their own pockets,” James C. Barnacle Jr., FBI assistant director in charge, said in the release.

According to court filings, Camarda created several investment funds under A.G. Morgan between 2017 and 2024, including AGM Capital, Windsor Capital and Omni Diversified.

Prosecutors said investor money was funneled into a range of ventures, including a Philadelphia-area

Ponzi scheme, a mining operation out West, and a North Bellmore coffee shop, Buzz’d Express Coffee, according to court documents on the U.S. Department of Justice’s website.

As press time, there was no response for comment to a call to Buzz’d Express Coffee using the phone number listed on its website for comment.

Prosecutors said Camarda also diverted investor funds for personal use, including luxury purchases such as travel, jewelry, plastic surgery and credit card payments. In one instance, a victim wired more than $700,000, much of which was later misappropriated. Camarda faces up to 25 years in prison and will be sentenced on Aug. 12.

News

brief

Women’s Alliance hosts presentation

The South Shore Women’s Alliance will host a “Teaching Kids Media Literacy Presentation” aimed at helping parents, educators and community members address concerns about misinformation and social media influences.

cuss how schools can help students recognize credible information, evaluate sources and distinguish between truth and propaganda.

The program will feature Howard Schneider, executive director of the Center for News Literacy at Stony Brook University, a national leader in media literacy education. He will dis-

The presentation is scheduled for Thursday, April 23, at 7 p.m. at the Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse. Organizers ask attendees to RSVP at nassausouthshorewomensalliance@gmail.com.

— Hernesto Galdamez

Herald file photo

Vincent J. Camarda pleaded guilty to securities fraud in a case tied in part to a North Bellmore coffee shop.

Mepham senior lived with faith over fear

anybody that he encountered.”

She added that even during his illness, Maroney remained focused on others.

“Ninety percent of the pictures I look at now, he’s holding one of his younger siblings,” Maroney’s Joseph’s father, Christian Maroney said.

Faith was central to Joseph Maroney’s life and his family’s approach to his illness. The Maroney family, who are Catholic, said prayer was a constant source of strength throughout his treatment.

“We did the rosary a lot,” Gemma Maroney said. “We prayed together as a family all the time. Faith over fear.”

“Joseph really found solace in that,” Christian Maroney added. “In the face of everything, faith in Go in d is what sustained him.”

Maroney’s friend Jackson Amiruddin first met him in 2016 at Sunrise Day Camp in Wheatley Heights, a camp for children with cancer and their siblings. The two remained close through summers until 2024.

“He was an overall great kid. He was smart, caring, he was brave,” Amiruddin said. “He was a big family guy.”

Amiruddin said Joseph Maroney’s role as the oldest sibling was always visible.

“He always cared so much about every single one of them,” he said. “You

never really saw him in a bad mood. He was always smiling.”

He described Maroney as a steady, trusted presence among friends.

“He was like the ultimate older brother,” Amiruddin said. “If everything was going wrong, he was the guy you could go to and talk to.”

Amiruddin said one of his most meaningful memories came in 2024, when a group of campers formed a close friendship circle, they called the “Sunrise Six.”

Even while undergoing treatment, Amiruddin said Joseph Maroney tried to return as a counselor at camp, despite his health.

“He tried to come back and be a counselor and help others,” he said. “I really admire him for that and how brave and courageous he was.”

In addition to his close ties with family and friends, Maroney was an active member of the Mepham High School community, where he played lacrosse and built strong relationships with teammates, teachers and staff.

School officials said his presence left a lasting impact on those around him.

“Joseph Maroney carried himself with the character, kindness, and strength we hope to inspire in all of our student body,” Principal Anthony DeMartinis said. “Joseph was an avid lacrosse player, and he treasured his role in our successful program. Joseph’s

teachers report that he was the consummate gentleman and diligent participant in class; he enriched his class community simply by being himself. Joseph’s genuine goodness and positivity left an indelible mark on our school culture, which is evident by the strong bonds he forged with his peers and teachers. Joseph Maroney will be remembered forever, as a Mepham Pirate of the highest caliber, and we will miss him dearly.”

Joseph was previously honored in 2016 as “Comeback Player of the Year” in a Sacred Heart Youth basketball program after recovering from leukemia.

He is remembered by family and friends as a devoted son, brother and friend whose presence deeply impacted those around him.

“I kind of coined it: ‘What would Joseph do?’” Christian Maroney said. “Because he didn’t have an evil bone in his body.”

Joseph Maroney is survived by his parents, Gemma and Christian Maroney, and his nine siblings.

In reverence to Joseph’s life, the Maroney family held services to honor his memory. An overnight vigil took place on April 13 at St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother Church in Queens. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on April 14 at the same church. Maroney was then laid to rest at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale.

Friday, April 24: Rides 6 PM - 10 PM

Saturday, April 25: Rides 11 AM - 9 PM

Sunday, April 26: Rides 11 AM - 7 PM Vendors Sat. & Sun. 10 AM - 6 PM

Courtesy Gemma Maroney Joseph maroney, the oldest of 10 siblings, was active in school athletics and community programs.

BRIAN FALK

SEAFORD Senior Lacrosse

A DYNAMIC THREE-SPORT athlete who helped Seaford’s football team to the Nassau Conference IV championship and the basketball team to a deep run in the Class A playoffs, Falk is one of the most talented lacrosse players in the county. He shared the Herald’s 2026 Lacrosse Preview cover with West Hempstead’s Elizabeth Poirot. Bound for Villanova, Falk racked up 25 goals and 18 assists a year ago and earned All-County honors.

games to watch

Thursday, April 16

Boys Lacrosse: Glen Cove at Freeport 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Uniondale at Clarke 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Hewlett at Baldwin 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: MacArthur at Mepham 5 p.m.

Baseball: Seaford at Lynbrook 5 p.m.

Baseball: Oceanside at East Meadow 5 p.m.

Baseball: Farmingdale at Massapequa 5 p.m.

Softball: Kennedy at East Meadow 5 p.m.

Softball: V.S. North at Baldwin 5 p.m.

Softball: Plainedge at Farmingdale 5 p.m.

Softball: Hewlett at South Side 5 p.m.

Friday, April 17

Baseball: MacArthur at Hewlett 5 p.m.

Baseball: South Side at Kennedy 5 p.m.

Softball: Freeport at West Hempstead 5 p.m.

Softball: Oceanside at Mepham 5 p.m.

Softball: Lawrence at East Rockaway

5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Lynbrook at South Side 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Plainedge at Lynbrook 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Long Beach at Farmingdale 6 p.m.

Saturday, April 18

Girls Lacrosse: V.S. District at Sewanhaka 10 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Uniondale at East Meadow 1 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

HERALD SPORTS

Colts gain steam in new conference

By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

After navigating some early inconsistency in a Nassau’s top conference, the Calhoun softball team is hoping it has finally found some rhythm in April.

The Colts are off to a 4-3 overall start, including a 3-2 mark in the highly competitive Conference 1. The Colts alternated losses and wins through their first six games before breaking through with consecutive victories, including a 7-4 win at MacArthur last Saturday.

Calhoun’s early success comes on the heels of an 11-10 campaign in which it reached the Nassau Class AA playoffs as a Conference 3 participant, defeating Long Beach in the opening round before a heartbreaking 1-0 quarterfinal loss at eventual county champion Glen Cove.

“Conference 1 gives you a real taste of what’s out there,” Colts coach Michael Pisano said. “Every game is a battle, and those kinds of competitive games are only making us better and preparing us for playoff softball. We’re excited about where we are right now, but even more excited about where this team can go.”

Offensively, junior Madison Martins has been a standout catalyst. She delivered a three-hit performance, including a triple, and drove in five runs against MacArthur, and also enjoyed a 4-for4 performance in a 10-8 victory over Syosset on March 30 that helped boost her batting average to .536 and on-base mark to .591 while leading the team in RBIs.

“She’s been the driving force of our offense so far,” Pisano said. “She is absolutely on fire at the plate right now. She’s always had talent,

but this year she’s been locked in, consistent, and confident every time she steps to the plate. She’s been a major difference maker for

us.”

Calhoun opened with a 10-1 non-league win over Carey behind contributions throughout the lineup, including senior Ruth Small’s three RBIs and a combined nine strikeouts from sophomore hurlers Sophia Nicastro and Megan Hobdy.

Nicastro also struck out eight in a 4-2 win over Mepham on April 9, allowing just two runs as the Colts scored all four of their runs in the first inning. Hobdy earned the save, while Martins delivered a key two-run double.

“Nicastro is one of the top young players around,” Pisano said of his hurler, who also blasted a home run at Oceanside on April 7. “She impacts the game both in the circle and at the plate and has all the tools to be a star. What stands out most is how hard she works and how much she loves the game. She’s a humble, team-first player and is only getting better.”

Eighth-grader Selma Radoncic and senior Alexa LaBarbera are also off to strong starts after both homered and combined to drive in five runs against Syosset. Pisano also praised LaBarbera for her seamless transition to the outfield and the clutch hitting of senior captain Katie DiPaola, who is batting .343 with a .455 OBP.

Following a five-day break, Calhoun returns to action with three challenging games in four days, beginning with a non-league home matchup against Plainedge on April 20. The Colts then travel to Massapequa the next day before hosting Wantagh on April 23.

Ron Manfredi/Herald

Ruth Small drove in three runs as Calhoun opened the campaign in winning fashion against Carey.

Blakeman looks to curtail NIFA’s oversight

By CHRIS COLUCCI ccolucci@liherald.com

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the Republican nominee for governor, held a news conference last week to laud the county’s budget surplus and financial stability. Blakeman also called for an end to the strict oversight of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, which was created in 2000 to monitor county finances.

“We are calling on NIFA to basically transfer from being a control authority to an advisory authority,” Blakeman said on April 10. “NIFA costs county taxpayers approximately $3 million a year in administrative expenses. That money is unnecessary. It is not doing anything to help our fiscal status.”

The $3 million cost Blakeman cited is a rough estimate of the combined salaries of the five NIFA committee members. The committee has had oversight of county spending since 2011.

“We will do everything necessary to make sure that we are no longer burdened in a control period that is completely unnecessary, unwarranted and, quite frankly, not according to the law,” Blakeman added.

Richard Kessel, chairman and director of NIFA, delivered a direct rebuttal, saying, “The only reason the county budget is balanced is that it got over $200 million in federal funding during

Covid, and it’s using that money and other reserves to balance and to hide what is a deficit.” In 2024, Blakeman’s administration moved more than $220 million received from federal pandemic aid into the county’s general fund.

Blakeman noted recent county prosperity — including seven bond upgrades in the past three and a half years and gross economic output that he described as larger than that of nearly 150 mem-

bers of the United Nations — before addressing the potential for a political slant to NIFA’s financial control.

“NIFA has been a political machine, governed by [Gov.] Kathy Hochul,” he said. “She wants to control every aspect of our business here in Nassau County, just like she has throughout the state of New York.”

Blakeman said that State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, a Democrat, has

declared that the county has no fiscal stress. And County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, a Republican, emphasized Nassau’s financial health despite rising costs statewide. “In 2024 to 2025, we saw almost a $5 million increase in health insurance costs,” Phillips said, “[and] a 23 percent increase in our pension costs.”

Phillips commended Blakeman’s decision not to raise county taxes for the entirety of his four-year tenure, and added that NIFA’s shift to an advisory role would be appropriate. “I wholly support that NIFA does not keep us in a control period,” she said.

County Treasurer David Chiang also voiced support for reduced NIFA oversight while stressing the county’s current financial position. “Nassau County is in the best fiscal shape it’s ever been in,” he said. “Without cutting services, we have maintained our service level while keeping revenues stable. Our expenses have been going down. We have budget surpluses.”

“Bruce Blakeman has no authority to decide whether there’s a control period in effect,” Kessel said. “It’s our position that a control period is absolutely necessary, and we will continue it going forward. It’s up to us to decide whether or not to decide to have a control period. If he doesn’t comply with it, we’ll take the appropriate action at the appropriate time.”

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“Protecting Your Future”

The 2026 edition of “Ettinger Law Firm’s Guide to Protecting Your Future”, a free download at trustlaw.com, and in hard copy on Amazon or complimentary at your no-cost consultation (by phone, Zoom or in-person), with Ettinger Law Firm provides:

Elder Law Estate Planning: Explains planning for death and disability, including avoiding probate, the five steps to an elder law estate plan, mistakes to avoid, and special situations (such as estranged children, special needs, and second marriages).

Financial and Tax Aspects of Estate Planning: Estate planning for IRA’s and other “qualified” plans, reducing or eliminating New York and Federal estate taxes, avoiding mistakes with beneficiary designations, and reducing or eliminating capital gains taxes.

The Social Side of Estate Planning: The social aspects of how and to whom to leave your estate to and whether you should discuss these matters with your adult children. Are any more deserving, more in need, your relationships with them and theirs with each other, which are most

capable, what to do with a vacation home and much more.

Medicaid Planning Strategies: With 36 years’ experience in over 5,000 Medicaid applications, we show you (a) how to protect your assets from long-term care with the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT), (b) the seven myths surrounding the MAPT, (c) how to get home care though Medicaid while keeping your income, (d) how to apply for Medicaid, (e) Medicaid exempt assets, and (f) “spousal refusal”.

Estate Administration on Death: Executors’ and trustees’ duties, including how to settle an estate quickly, efficiently, and at least cost while avoiding misunderstandings and litigation.

Health Issues for Older Adults: “Protecting Your Future” also includes living longer and healthier lives. Here you’ll find many of the keys to successful mental and physical aging.

Well-Being for Older Adults: As we age and begin to consider our legacy, how do we learn to “accept what is”, to forgive, to become less fearful, to increase our gratitude and generosity, and to achieve peace of mind.

Chris Colucci/Herald

County Executive Bruce Blakeman, center, recognized the financial guidance of Comptroller Elaine Phillips and Treasurer David Chiang at a news conference last week.

Thomas L. Kearns

Join jazz night fundraiser to feed local families

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Many of Long Island’s best jazz musicians are coming to Bellmore for a good cause: funding programs that feed the hungry.

Congregation Beth Ohr is holding a charity jazz concert at the CBO Annex at 2655 Clubhouse Road in Merrick on April 19 at 2 p.m. At $10 per ticket, the proceeds from ticket sales will go towards funding the Congregation Beth Ohr’s Alix Rubinger Kosher Food Pantry’s operations.

Steve Tepper is an officer of Congregation Beth El and the organizer for this fundraiser. He is also a skilled musician with 50 years of experience, playing the drums from Bellmore to Broadway. With these skills and the help of likeminded artists, Tepper plans on helping his neighbors get food to the table while sharing his love for jazz music.

Treception, jazz nights may become a regular fixture of the congregation’s calendar.

“It’s a wonderful idea… we need the funds because we have a lot of people coming in that depend upon us,” said Iris Astrof, the director of the CBO food pantry. “I’m thrilled that we’re doing this.”

The pantry attracts those with a generous streak to their character. Hector Brizuela works with CBO as an employee, going above and beyond to volunteer with the pantry for 14 years.

here’s a great need for the food pantry right now.

STE vE TEPPER

Congregation Beth Ohr Officer

“There’s no real good jazz on Long Island except for restaurants,” he said. “The venue is part of Congregation Beth El, it’s our annex, and we have a piano and a stage, and it’s perfect for what I wanted to do… I wanted to I made it a charity because we have a community food pantry, and unfortunately, there’s a great need for the food pantry right now.”

The concert will feature performances from volunteer local bands Phantom Galaxy, McKenna Fenimore and All Star Band Jam. Depending on

“I come in from nothing, and I know the feeling, (to not) have any money in your pocket, food to eat that day, and things like that,” he said. “That is why I like to do that.

“I see very the people that like to help, very generous people,” he continued. “That is my inspiration.”

Brizuela encouraged community members who cannot attend the event to help whenever and however they can.

A person in need can come to the pantry every other Thursday and receive one or two large bags of high-quality food. To make this possible, the pantry accepts financial and physical donations year-round. Funds go towards the purchase of grocery store gift cards that can be used to buy perishable goods such as fresh vegetables.

For more information, visit cbohr.org/event/ jazz-concert-fundraiser.html.

Reinhard students celebrate Music in Our Schools Month

Students at Reinhard Early Childhood Center took center stage in March as part of Music in Our Schools Month, celebrating with a series of themed activities designed to highlight different musical styles.

Throughout the month, students in the Bellmore School District participated in weekly themes that encouraged them to explore music in creative ways. At Reinhard, Rising Star Leaders embraced each theme by dressing the part and engaging with the spirit of the genre.

One week focused on country music, with students wearing blue jeans, flannel shirts, boots and cowboy hats. Another theme highlighted

different decades of music, and on March 27, students arrived in tie-dye shirts, leather jackets and gold chains to represent a variety of musical eras.

District officials said music education plays a key role in student development, helping reinforce leadership skills and core values. Through songs and activities, students learn lessons in teamwork, dedication and synergy.

Music in Our Schools Month is observed nationwide each March to recognize the importance of music education and its impact on student learning.

— Hernesto Galdamez

Photos courtesy Bellmore Public Schools

Reinhard students had an exciting time becoming the stars of the show.

Tie dye and gold chains represented the day’s theme.

Courtesy Steve Tepper

Proceeds from the Congregation Beth Ohr’s Jazz Concert’s ticket sales will go towards funding the Alix Rubinger Kosher Food Pantry’s donations to community members in need.

Karma Beauty celebrates 20 years in business

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Nikki Cestaro, owner of the 20-year-old salon Karma Beauty Studio, has seen it all. Cestaro is an East Meadow resident whose business operates in Merrick.

Cestaro’s salon opened on April 5, 2006, and since then, she has seen hundreds of clients, dozens of employees, and a few exceptional events that she shares in her book, “Super Hairo,” published in 2024.

“How in the world can it be 20 years since I opened my salon? A generation of hair and relationships that has transformed this tiny little space into a special home for my staff and loyal clients,” she said. “I was so unhappy in my work environment at that time when I started, and I dreamed of a place that would function and inspire joy for my business to grow. My clients and career were so special to me, and I felt in order to succeed, it was the right decision to make. I took the risk and let Karma lead the way.”

Cestaro’s book is an autobiography exploring the highs and lows of her hairdressing career with good humor and sincerity. In addition to jokes and drama, Nikki also shares her experience as an entrepreneur.

“I will not lie and say it has been easy, but to see how we can transform not only someone’s hair, but their mindset by the work we do makes all the effort worthwhile,” she said. “Like the old saying, ‘if you build it, they will come,’ so I did. And here we are.”

NIkkI CEStARO Founder of Karma Beauty Studio

While the book records Nikki’s story up to now, she does not intend on stopping her work anytime soon.

“I want to be that 88-year-old hairdresser that gets dropped off from the assisted living bus to go work at the salon,” she said in prior conversations with the Herald. “I’m never going to leave the chair. I have hairspray running through my veins.”

“Super Hairo” is available digitally and in print on Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

Courtesy Nikki Cestaro

Nikki Cestaro, owner of Karma Beauty Studio, celebrated 20 years of operation on April 5.

BRUCE

Concerns about water rise across the region

Uneven investment in treatment, emerging contaminants leave many residents feeling vulnerable

By Roksana amid, stacy dRiks & Hailey FulmeR of the Herald

Sixth installment in a series about water.

Concerns about water quality remain visible and closely tied to patterns of neglect in communities across Long Island.

In the region, water problems don’t exist in isolation. Flooding, contamination and aging infrastructure are increasingly intersecting, and all of it can be traced back to a single source: the Island’s underground aquifer system. The sole-source system supplies all of the region’s drinking water, leaving little margin for error as environmental pressures intensify.

neglect beneath the surface

In Uniondale, aging infrastructure, delayed upgrades and a lack of investment are reflected in a deteriorating water tower and broader concerns about environmental health. The tower is known locally as “Old Rusty,” according to Pearl Jacobs, president of the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association, and has stood for more than three decades without proper maintenance. Experts typically recommend inspection, repainting and structural upkeep every seven years, Jacobs said.

“It’s beyond repair,” she said of the tower. “You can see the corrosion. There were reports of leaks. This is not just infrastructure; it’s a health and safety issue.”

Despite years of complaints, advocates like Jacobs say local officials initially proposed only cosmetic fixes, such as applying internal epoxy coatings to stop leaks. It was only after community pressure that roughly $10 million was allocated in 2025 for a new tower. The project is still in its early stages over a year later. The new tower is planned to be fully operational by the summer of 2027.

Residents have reported brown water in their homes, raising concerns about unsafe levels of contaminants. Water quality studies conducted one of Jacobs civic partners, Jeannine Maynard, cofounder of the Greater Uniondale Area Action Coalition and vice president of the Uniondale Community Land Trust indicated elevated levels of 1,4-dioxane, [a synthetic industrial chemical that is often found as a contaminant in water supplies, especially in places with past manufacturing or heavy chemical use], in the system.

Uniondale’s water infrastructure also includes aging pipes, with much of the system’s lead content still unknown. Maps show large portions of Uniondale untested, highlighting gaps in oversight compared with nearby communities. Advocates say these combined issues — brown water, an outdated tower, unknown lead risks and industrial contamination — reflect broader inequities.

a pattern of delays and uncertainty

The water tower is not just a one-off

issue but, for many residents, part of a broader pattern of neglect in the Town of Hempstead.

Jacobs pointed to a stark comparison: while Uniondale’s water tower deteriorated, West Hempstead received millions of dollars for a new facility. “They took taxpayer money and invested it elsewhere while our infrastructure was failing,” she said.

Uniondale residents, Jacobs said, have been diagnosed with a variety of cancers. “People start asking questions like, ‘What’s in our water?’”

reflects “a level of neglect,” leaving residents in the dark about risks.

“When things are ignored for decades, it sends a message,” Maynard said. “The question is: whose communities get prioritized and whose are left waiting?”

researchers are still working to understand the full scope.

Rising seas, stronger storms strain water supply

“We have a single-source water supply on Long Island,” Ali FarhadZadeh, an associate professor of civil engineering at Stony Brook University, said. “The water basically comes from the ground — from the aquifer.”

Residents wonder about the safety of their water because much of the community’s infrastructure has not been fully studied, said Maynard.

An interactive map from the League of Conservation Voters shows that while neighboring Hempstead has many defined lead service lines, most of Uniondale is listed as unknown, raising concerns about potential contamination. Air studies and local health data suggest higher rates of certain conditions, such as asthma, in the community, which may be linked to environmental exposure. Experts say the lack of detailed pipe inventories and testing

She also pointed to growing concern over PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a class of human-made chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. Used for decades in products designed to resist heat, water and stains — including firefighting foam, nonstick cookware and waterproof materials — PFAS have entered groundwater through industrial processes.

And because Long Island relies on a sole-source aquifer, those contaminants can persist and circulate throughout the region, Maynard said. “These weren’t things people were even looking for,” she said. “So they built up over time.”

She added that PFAS and related contaminants have been detected widely across Long Island. Exposure has been linked in studies to increased risks of cancers, hormone disruption and other long-term health effects, though

As storms grow more frequent and sea levels rise, that system is under mounting strain. Heavier rainfall is overwhelming drainage systems and saturating the ground, increasing flooding and raising the risk of saltwater intrusion.

“We have saltwater that’s in the sediment, under the ocean on the South Shore,” Ryan Wallace, assistant professor at Adelphi University’s Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences said. “That saltwater could actually make its way to make its way into and mix with the freshwater aquifer, and that’s a lot of different towns.”

While residents are not drinking saltwater, intrusion can render wells unusable and reduce the region’s supply of clean drinking water.

New York state launched a pilot program on March 8 to help residents with private wells testing for PFAS contamination and cover cleanup costs. Suffolk is among the counties expected to be

Courtesy City of Glen Cove

Former Glen Cove Mayor Reggie Spinello, second from left, toured the Duck Pond Road well’s filtration system with Public Works Director, James Byrne, far left, Denise O’Connor, Water Service Foreman Michael Colangelo, Daniel Ermmarino and Kevin Basile.

Water infrastructure faces increased demand

Continued from PreViouS PAGe

included.

Eligible homeowners can receive free testing and may qualify for rebates of up to $5,000 for filtration systems or $10,000 to connect to public water companies.

“It makes infrastructure like septic systems and pipelines very vulnerable,” FarhadZadeh said of heavy rainfall. “They’re old — they’re not built for the new norm that we have with these storm patterns.”

Low-lying communities — particularly along the South Shore and in eastern Suffolk County — face more frequent flooding and infrastructure stress. Flooding is no longer limited to major storms.

When groundwater is already close to the surface, even routine rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, creating a direct pathway between surface pollution and the aquifer.

“When it floods, water picks up and carries a lot of pollutants with it,” Robert Hayes, Environmental Advocates NY’s senior director of clean water, said. “Those pollutants might make their way into drinking water sources, whether it’s groundwater or surface water.”

Hayes said that investing in naturebased solutions such as wetlands or rain gardens could help capture water before it carries pollutants.

Aging infrastructure adds to growing risks

Many of Long Island’s water and sewer systems were built decades ago, at a time when both population and climate pressures were lower.

“The aging infrastructure is a big deal,” FarhadZadeh said. “I think it should be taken very seriously.”

Systems not designed to handle today’s volume of stormwater can quickly become overwhelmed, increasing the likelihood of overflows, leaks or system failures.

A $250 million water infrastructure funding package announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul on March 12 includes projects aimed at upgrading aging systems and improving water quality statewide. It includes $23 million for the Village of Hempstead and $5 million for PFAS treatment in Williston Park.

Hayes said that such investments are critical, but risks — and resources — vary across the region.

“Long Island has some of the most polluted drinking water in the state of New York,” he said. “But there is much more contamination still out there, and much more still to be done to make sure that no New Yorker is exposed to harmful levels of contamination when they turn on the tap.”

“Drinking water and quality issues on Long Island — we can consider them to be disproportionately affecting certain communities,” Wallace said. “Especially communities with older infrastructure, in close proximity to industrial zones or historically industrial areas.” Communities like Uniondale and Hempstead Village, which also have fewer resources to address the problem.

Exposure to contaminated drinking water, Wallace said, has been associated with increased risks of cancers including stomach, bladder, kidney, ovarian and prostate.

As flooding increases and infrastructure continues to age, the challenge for Long Island is not just protecting its water supply, but understanding how interconnected pressures are reshaping it from the ground up.

N. Shore water divide highlights cost and quality

Glen Cove’s drinking water meets all state and federal safety standards, according to the city’s 2024 annual water quality report, but maintaining that standard has required years of infrastructure upgrades, careful management of its well system and, at times, reliance on neighboring communities.

In nearby Glen Head and Sea Cliff, water is supplied privately by Liberty Utilities, highlighting differences not only in cost, but in how water systems are maintained and experienced by residents.

Glen Cove relies on a network of six municipal wells, including sites at Duck Pond Road, Nancy Court, Seaman Road and Kelly Street. According to former Councilwoman Marsha Silverman, the system was under significant strain eight years ago , with only two of the six wells operational at the time.

Multiple wells were offline for different reasons — contamination, storm damage, long-term deterioration — forcing the city to act quickly to restore capacity.

“We had purchased a couple hundred thousand dollars’ worth of water from Locust Valley because we couldn’t supply Glen Cove,” Silverman said.

To stabilize the system, the city

implemented a multi-year plan that included installing temporary filtration systems at the Duck Pond Road wells to address freon contamination, repairing the Kelly Street well after a lightning strike, and fully rehabilitating the Seaman Road well.

That work is ongoing. In January, the City Council approved more than $700,000 in additional repairs to the Seaman Road well, awarding a $776,000 contract to Philip Ross Industries Inc. to upgrade its granular activated carbon system. The improvements are intended to better regulate PFAS, which have been linked to serious health risks, and ensure that the well remains in compliance with state Department of Health standards.

The investment follows a broader pattern of spending, with the city investing tens of millions of dollars in its water system in recent years, including a $5 million rehabilitation project completed in 2024 at the Seaman Road station. Those upgrades are necessary as state and federal guidelines for contaminants become increasingly strict.

“There was always talk about building a seventh well, because we really need it,” Silverman said.

Cost differences across the North Shore

Despite those infrastructure challenges, Glen Cove’s municipal system remains relatively affordable compared with neighboring communities, because it is publicly operated and not for profit.

Residents’ quarterly bills typically range from $40 to $50 in the winter to a few hundred dollars in the summer, depending on usage.

In contrast, residents of Glen Head and Sea Cliff — served by private systems — often face significantly higher costs, with some paying hundreds of

dollars per month. Those systems generally factor operational expenses, infrastructure upgrades and profit into their rate structures, contributing to higher bills.

For Glen Head resident Agatha Nadale, the cost is substantial — about $1,800 per year. Her concerns, however, extend beyond the money.

“I can remember [in the ’70s] we’d fill a pitcher of water in the summer and there were these, like, little squiggly things swimming in the water,” she said. She also recalled a strong chlorine taste, and said those early experiences continue to shape how she uses water today. Nadale said she relies on a wholehouse filtration system, and does not drink tap water.

“I have already saved a handful of families from buying homes where Liberty Utilities is,” she said.

While Glen Head’s system has undergone upgrades — including carbon filtration systems designed to remove PFAS and meet stricter standards for water quality — public perception has not always kept pace with those improvements.

Although Glen Cove’s system remains compliant, continued monitoring and investment will be necessary as environmental standards evolve.

That concern extends across Long Island, where all communities rely on the same groundwater source and face challenges not only of contamination and saltwater intrusion, but also of steadily increasing demand.

Looking ahead

Silverman has also raised the possibility of long-term alternatives, including desalination, though no formal plans have been established.

At the federal level, U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi said that water quality has been a longstanding priority.

“This has been a problem for a long time, and I’ve been working on improving our water quality on Long Island for over 30 years,” Suozzi said. “Dealing with aging infrastructure as mayor of Glen Cove, I realized how crucial drinking water projects were to my community. I installed one of the earliest ‘granulated activated carbon’ filtration systems on Long Island.”

“Improvements need to consistently be made to ensure our water remains safe,” he added.

For Glen Cove, the ability to draw from neighboring systems like Locust Valley provides a critical safety net. But it also highlights the importance for the city of maintaining its own infrastructure — particularly its network of wells — as demand continues to grow.

Across the North Shore, the contrast is clear: While water may come from the same aquifer, the cost, management and experience of that water can vary significantly from one community to the next.

And for residents like Nadale, of Glen Head, those differences are not abstract — they shape daily decisions about cost, safety and trust in what comes out of the tap.

Courtesy New York American Water the new York American Water treatment facility in Glen Head has updated its filtering process with the installation of two new granular-activated carbon vessels.

Long Island supports small businesses

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

To mark Small Business Week, May 3-9, PSEG Long Island will host a Business First Workshop to support small businesses across the region.

The workshop is scheduled for May 6, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management, at 510 Grumman Road West in Bethpage, commonly referred to as the old Grumman building. The event is intended to bring together business owners and PSEG Long Island representatives to share information about programs and services that can help businesses operate more efficiently and manage energy use and costs.

“PSEG Long Island is proud to support our local business community — the entrepreneurs who invest in our neighborhoods, drive local economy and create jobs,” Veronica Isaac, PSEG Long Island’s senior manager of Economic Development, said. “Our Business First Workshop on May 6 will present all of the products and services offered by our PSEG Long Island Business First program for small and medium business owners. We will also have a special recognition ceremony to honor local companies and business organizations that participate in, promote and support our programs.”

Last year’s Business First Workshop

The company’s Business First program provides businesses with dedicated support for managing electricity needs, as well as information on billing processes and energy-efficiency incentives. Other areas of focus include building and renovation services, electric vehicle infrastructure and fleet incen -

tives, and procurement-related opportunities.

The topics will include digital tools such as the utility’s app and online account management platforms, as well as economic development initiatives that offer grants and bill credit opportunities.

Presenters will include Nayan Parikh, on digital channels; Christine

Bryson, on economic development; Alex Nyilas, on the Business First program; Alexandro Campos, on billing; Brittany Degel, on energy efficiency; Nicole Jones-Cumberbatch, on building and renovation services; Paul DiBenedetto, on electric vehicles; and Jimmy Alty, on procurement.

The workshop will also provide an opportunity for attendees to connect with Business First Advocates and representatives from procurement and building and renovation services, offering direct access to support resources.

Long Island is home to more than 100,000 small businesses, according to the Long Island Association, underscoring their significance to the regional economy.

“We proudly share information about PSEG Long Island’s revitalization programs with all new businesses in our community,” Cheryl Fajardo, past president of the Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, said. “As a strong partner in local economic development, PSEG Long Island has played a vital role in helping us improve our downtown areas through beautification projects, infrastructure support and promotional efforts.”

Pre-registration is recommended by emailing PSEGLI-Businessfirst@psegliny.com.

Courtesy PSEG Long Island

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Rex Heuermann pleads guilty in Gilgo case

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Rex Heuermann admitted in Suffolk County Court last week to being the Gilgo Beach serial killer, and to murdering seven women whose remains were found along Ocean Parkway between 1993 and 2011.

Heuermann said on April 8 that he strangled Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Lynn Costello, Sandra Costilla, Valerie Mack, Jessica Taylor and Megan Waterman. He also admitted to killing Karen Vergata, who disappeared in 1996. Her remains were found later on Fire Island and near Tobay Beach.

“When Rex decided that he wanted to accept responsibility and didn’t want to proceed the trial, from a defense standpoint, we then pivoted and did our best to protect his interest,” Michael Brown, Heuermann’s attorney, said. “That included the fact that he’s going to cooperate with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Behavioral Analysis Unit.”

Heuermann is expected to be sentenced to three consecutive terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murders of Barthelemy, Costello and Waterman. He is also expected to receive four consecutive sentences of 25 years to life for the killings of Brainard-Barnes, Costilla, Mack and Taylor. Sentencing is scheduled for June 17.

Brown stated that with this new plea, Heuermann will face no further prosecution.

Asa Ellerup, Heuermann’s ex wife, attended the hearing with their daughter, Victoria Heuermann, and attorney Robert Macedonio.

“Rex Heuermann, and Rex Heuermann alone, is responsible for these horrific crimes,” Macedonio

said. “Any suggestion that Asa Ellerup and Victoria Heuermann were involved is irresponsible. They have no knowledge, no involvement or any connection to these heinous acts.”

“My thoughts are prayers are with the victims and their families,” Ellerup said. “Their loss is immeasurable, and the focus should be on them. I ask that you give some privacy to my family as they navigate this very difficult time.”

In January, Heuermann appeared before state Supreme Court Justice Timothy Mazzei, and his attorneys filed a 178-page omnibus motion seeking multiple forms of legal relief, including dismissal of a second-degree murder charge in the 1993 death of Costilla and a review of grand jury minutes.

He had previously pleaded not guilty, and his attorneys mounted a broad challenge to the prosecution’s case. At earlier court proceedings, the defense focused on disputing key forensic evidence, particularly DNA analysis that prosecutors said linked Heuermann to the victims.

Defense attorneys argued that the testing methods and conclusions should be closely examined, raising questions about how the evidence was collected and interpreted. They also challenged other elements of the investigation, signaling an effort to weaken the case and prepare for a potential trial.

Prosecutors maintained that the evidence was strong, citing DNA findings, cellphone data and years of investigative work that led to Heuermann’s arrest.

In September, Mazzei ruled that Heuermann would face one trial for all seven of the alleged murders.

Additional reporting by Carolyn James.

The victims of an admitted serial killer

Seven women were killed between 1993 and 2010. Their remains found near Gilgo Beach and Ocean Parkway.

Rex Heuermann admitted to killing the following women:

Melissa Barthelemy — strangled July 10, 2009.

Maureen Brainard-Barnes — strangled July 9, 2007.

Amber Lynn Costello — strangled Sept. 2, 2010.

Sandra Costilla — strangled Nov. 19, 1993.

Valerie Mack — strangled and dismembered between Sept. 1 and Nov. 1, 2000.

Jessica Taylor — strangled and dismembered around July 23, 2003.

Megan Waterman — strangled June 6, 2010.

Heuermann also admitted to killing:

Karen Vergata — disappeared in 1996; remains found later on Fire Island and near Tobay Beach.

–Heuermann allocution

Zucker School of Medicine earns top ranking

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

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

The recognition comes amid a challenging funding climate for medical research, including reductions in grants from the National Institutes of Health. Research activity now accounts for 60 percent of a school’s overall ranking in the U.S. News methodology, making federal funding levels a critical factor.

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

U.S. News evaluates research-focused medical schools based on faculty resources, funding and the strength of training programs for physician-scientists. At Zucker, MD/PhD and PhD programs emphasize the study of human disease, translational research and applying scientific discoveries in patient care.

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

“We are incredibly proud that our dedication to impactful research has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report, amidst federal funding challenges,” said David Battinelli, the Deborah and Lawrence Smith dean of the medical school. “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to pioneering discovery.”

Battinelli said students “benefit tremendously” from research opportunities across Northwell’s system, includ-

News & World Report.

ing the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, as well as collaborations with institutions such as Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

Since opening 15 years ago, the Zucker School of Medicine has built a reputation for hands-on learning, innovative programming and a strong emphasis on research. Graduates have gone on to match into competitive specialties, including surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery, as well as primary care fields such as internal medicine, pediatrics and family medicine.

According to a nationwide survey conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges, program directors report that Zucker graduates consistently exceed national expectations in professionalism, clinical skills and systems-based practice.

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

— Abigail Grieco

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

OUT

Destination: Outdoor escape Your backyard, reimagined

By Karen Bloom

Spring has surely sprung (at last) — and we’re very much attuned to Earth Month as we embrace the outdoors. It’s great get out and about and not feel so housebound, which leads many of us to rethink how we use our outdoor space. The season definitely invites us outside, offering a chance to reconnect with nature right at home and shape a backyard that works for everyday living.

Start by considering how your yard can better serve your household. Maybe you’re envisioning a space for easy entertaining, a safer play area for kids and pets, or simply a peaceful retreat to unwind. Increasingly, homeowners are embracing “backyarding” — bringing indoor comforts like dining, lounging and even workouts into the open air.

A little planning now can pay off all season long, with vibrant blooms, fresh herbs and a space that feels both functional and inviting.

“With the season’s first signs appearing, this is the time to prepare your garden for months of enjoyment,” garden design expert Fiona Jenkins says.

Here are her practical tips for creating a beautiful, low-maintenance yard that doesn’t demand all your free time.

Keep It Manageable

When it comes to flower beds, smaller is often smarter. Narrow beds — about one to two feet wide — are easier to plant, maintain and keep looking tidy.

Limiting plant variety can also make a big difference. Sticking to a handful of dependable options helps you better handle their needs and simplifies care. Hardy perennials such as geraniums and peonies, along with evergreen shrubs, offer reliable color year after year without the need for constant replanting.

“Once established, these plants can provide lasting beauty with minimal effort,” Jenkins says. “Just be

sure you understand their watering, feeding and pruning needs before planting.”

Build A Strong Foundation

Healthy soil is the backbone of any successful garden. Investing in rich, organic soil — and refreshing it annually with compost — helps plants thrive while reducing the necessity of frequent watering and fertilizing.

Mulch is another essential. A layer of organic material such as bark, leaves or compost helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature and keep weeds in check — all while improving soil quality over time.

“Mulching is a great way of protecting your soil and making it last longer by helping to maintain moisture levels and prevent weeds from growing,” she explains.

Add Structure With Hardscaping

Incorporating hard surfaces like decking, patios or walkways can transform a backyard into a more usable living space. These elements provide structure, define different zones and create natural gathering areas.

Composite decking remains a popular choice for its durability and low maintenance, while natural stone, concrete or porcelain pavers offer a clean, timeless look.

Thoughtful additions like built-in lighting can extend the use of your yard into the evening, adding both safety and ambiance.

For visual interest with minimal upkeep, consider a rock garden. Combining alpine plants or succulents with layered stones and pebbles creates texture and dimension — without demanding much attention.

Try Raised Beds

Raised beds are a practical solution for both flowers and vegetables. They help contain plant growth, improve drainage and make gardening more accessible. Whether placed over existing soil or integrated into a patio design, they also serve as attractive focal points.

“A raised flower bed will stop them from spreading out of control and add a focal point of interest to your garden,” Jenkins says.

Let Nature Take The Lead

For a softer, more natural look, consider embracing a slightly “wild” aesthetic. Swapping part of a traditional lawn for a meadow-style area can reduce maintenance while supporting pollinators.

“This isn’t to say you should let it grow completely out of control, but your garden can look beautiful with the aesthetic of a grassy meadow rather than an urban space,” she continues.

Scattering wildflower seeds introduces bursts of color and attracts bees and butterflies, creating a lively, ever-changing landscape that benefits the local ecosystem.

With thoughtful choices and a bit of early effort, your backyard can become one of your favorite places to spend time this season and throughout the year — a space that feels as welcoming and comfortable as any room inside your home.

Asbury Short Film Concert

The acclaimed national touring showcase returns with a curated showcase of standout short films — many seen by the local audience for the first time. Presented by Asbury Shorts, the New York City-based long-running short film exhibitor, the program highlights an eclectic mix, including film festival favorites and Oscar-recognized selections. The dynamic lineup spans genres, from sharp comedies like “The Tailor,” where culture and confusion collide on a Brooklyn street (pictured), to compelling dramas, inventive animation and occasional thoughtprovoking documentaries. This is a rare opportunity to experience these cinematic “hidden gems” in a true theater setting — films that often don’t reach traditional big screens. These shorts provide a window into emerging filmmakers alongside early works from directors who go on to achieve major acclaim.

Friday, April 17, 7 p.m. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444.

Micky Dolenz

Micky Dolenz celebrates the 60th anniversary of The Monkees with a special tour honoring the band’s enduring legacy and timeless sound. In this nostalgic and high-spirited performance, Dolenz takes audiences on a musical journey through The Monkees’ rise to fame, performing their biggest hits in chronological order while sharing personal stories from his decades in entertainment — as he keeps the music alive for new generations As the last surviving member of the beloved group, Dolenz brings both heart and history to the stage, paying tribute to bandmates Davy Jones, Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith, while celebrating the fans who helped transform a fictional TV band into a global sensation. This is sure to be a heartfelt, hit-filled evening that blends music, memories and a lasting connection to one of pop culture’s most iconic acts.

Sunday, April 19, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Photos: Spring unfolds in your backyard, where patios, gardens and greenery set the stage to gather and unwind.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

APR 17

Friday Night Car Show

Drop by to check out hundreds of antique and custom cars, every Friday, through Oct. 30.

• Where: Bellmore LIRR parking lot on Broadway between Bellmore and Bedford avenues.

• Time: 5-10 p.m.

Evening of laughs

Comedian Mark Viera performs at The Brokerage Comedy Club. Known to his fans as the Latin Prince, he performs regularly at top clubs and venues. He made his network TV debut on NBC’s Emmy award winning show, “30 Rock,” an opportunity that piqued the interest of the industry’s most prominent executives. Tickets start at $36.

• Where: 2797 Merrick Road

• Time: 8 p.m., also April 18

• Contact: brokerage.govs.com

Family theater

It’s the final weekend for Long Island Children’s Museum staging of “Pete the Cat,” the charming musical based on the book series by Kimberly and James Dean. Life is certainly an adventure for Pete, no matter where he winds up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon.; also April 19

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

APR

18

An evening with “The Sopranos’ Fans of the hit HBO series have an opportunity to participate in session with cast members who share behind-thescenes stories during “A Night with the Cast of The Sopranos” at the Bellmore Movies & The Showplace. General admission start at $40.

• Where: 222 Pettit Ave.

• Time: 8-10 p.m.

• Contact: bellmoremovie.com

Once upon a time in the Bronx

Hofstra University Jazz Ensemble and Vocal Jazz Quartet. The ensembles perform original student arrangements and traditional jazz repertoire.

• Where: Hofstra’s Helene Fortunoff Theater, Monroe Lecture Center, South Campus, Hempstead

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: hofstra. universitytickets.com or call the Hofstra Box Office at (516) 463-6644

APR

25

Paul Joseph Jazz Duo

Enjoy an afternoon of jazz with the Paul Joseph Duo at Merrick Library.

• Where: 2279 Merrick Ave.

• Time: 2-3 p.m.

• Contact: merricklibrary.org

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

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Chazz Palminteri is back on the Paramount stage with his electrifying solo performance of “A Bronx Tale,” the autobiographical one-man show that launched his remarkable career. Raw, riveting and deeply personal, the play draws on Palminteri’s own bruising childhood in the Bronx, including the moment — at just nine-years-old — when he witnessed a gangland killing that would forever shape his view of the world. Onstage, Palminteri inhabits 18 vividly drawn characters, seamlessly shifting between friends, foes and family members to conjure an entire neighborhood with nothing but his voice, physicality and storytelling prowess. First written and performed in 1989, A Bronx Tale quickly became a sensation, hailed as one of the most sought-after stage properties since Rocky. The original production paved the way for the acclaimed film adaptation — directed by Robert De Niro—and later a hit Broadway musical. Born and raised in the Bronx, Palminteri stands firmly in the lineage of iconic Italian-American artists who redefined New York storytelling in the 1970s, including Martin Scorsese, De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. Like them, he brings grit, muscle and an unflinching realism to his work, capturing both the violence and the humanity of life on those sidewalks. This return engagement offers audiences a chance to experience the original, powerhouse performance that started it all — up close, uncompromising and unforgettable.

and design services. Experts are ready to provide guidance on enhancing your living spaces, ensuring every corner of your home meets your needs and style.

• Where: Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale

• Time: Opens 10 a.m., also April 19

• Contact: ticketmaster.com

‘Dog Days’ Weekend and Dog Festival

Get ready to wag those tails, at Old Westbury Gardens with your pooch (leashed of course), Bring your canine companions for a scenic stroll through grounds bursting spring’s first blooms. With a curated lineup of local pet and dog-focused vendors offering treats, accessories, services, and more — ust for your pup (and you!).

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., also April 19

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

Jazzin’ with Kirk Whalum

The sax icon appears at the Madison Theatre. He blasts off with his highly-anticipated new album “Epic Cool.” an

electrifying collection of original grooves. Whalum focuses on his songwriting to craft an album that’s passionate and spirited on a monumental scale, but with his trademark soul. Get ready to groove, because like his new album, Whalum is anything but ordinary.

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

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

‘Romantic Rendezvous’

Old Westbury Gardens chamber ensemble in residence, Poetica Musica welcomes the season in the intimate and elegant Red Ballroom of Westbury House. Renowned pianists Javor Bracic and Angelina Gadeliya make their series debut, performing solo and duo piano works by Chopin, Schubert, Fauré, Barber, and others.The program includes Sonata in A minor by Franz Schubert, Dolly Suite for piano four hands by Gabriel Fauré, Rondo, Op. 5 by Frédéric Chopin, Souvenirs for piano four hands by Samuel Barber, and Crimean Sketches for solo piano by Serhii Bortkiewicz. Advance ticket purchase required. A pre-concert talk will take place at 7:30 pm, followed by a reception after the concert on the West

Porch. $30, $25 for members, seniors and students.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 8-9:30 p.m.

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

APR

19

Art Reception: Through the Lens of Glenn Urquhart Award-winning local photographer Glenn Urquhart presents a collection of his work at Merrick Library.

• Where: 2279 Merrick Ave.

• Time: 1:30-4:30 p.m.

• Contact: merricklibrary.org

Benefit Jazz Concert

Local musicians gather for a special benefit jazz concert featuring three bands. $10 for admission

• Where: CBO Annex 2655 Clubhouse Road

• Time: 2 p.m.

APR

20

Hofstra Jazz Ensemble

All are welcome to“An Evening of Jazz,” with the

Spring Sips/Sweet Treats

Enjoy a spring afternoon with wine and spirit tastings, pastries and pizza hosted by Sip & Say Craft Wine & Spirits.

• Where: 2067 Merrick Road

• Time: 3-7 p.m.

• Contact: sipsay.com

APR

27

Superhero Story and Craft Families with children ages 2-5 are welcome to celebrate National Superhero Day at Merrick Library. Enjoy fun stories and a creative craft; design your very own cape to show off the superpowers you’d love to have. Registration required.

• Where: 2279 Merrick Ave.

• Time: 10:30 a.m.-11:15 a.m.

• Contact: merricklibrary.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.

FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle

Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers

Take advantage of on-site health screenings

Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences

Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A

Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways

Snack station for all

*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees

All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.

+ Q&A

DRAWINGS MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN

Register for this FREE event: Seaford.eventbrite.com or email rbamgbose@liherald.com or call 516.569.4000 x273

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC

HEARING OF THE BELLMOREMERRICK

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the Board of Education of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District will hold a Public Hearing on May 6, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in the Boardroom of the Central Administration Building located at the Brookside Educational Center, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, Merrick, New York, for the purpose of transacting all business as is authorized by the Education Law, including, but not limited to, discussion of the expenditure of funds and budgeting therefore relative to the appropriation of necessary funds to meet the necessary expenditures of the Central High School District for the school year 2026-2027 and on propositions involving the expenditure of funds or the levy of tax, at which time and which place all persons interested in the subject matter thereof concerning the same will have an opportunity to be heard.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for school purposes (school budget) and copies of propositions involving expenditure of moneys and the operation of the school system for the ensuing year, will be available to any taxpayer in the District seven days immediately preceding the public hearing except Saturday, Sunday or holidays, at each schoolhouse in which school is maintained during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a Real Property Tax Exemption Report, prepared in accordance with Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law, will be annexed to any tentative/preliminary budget as well as the final adopted budget of which it will form a part; and shall be posted on District Bulletin board(s) maintained for public notices, as well as on

the District’s website.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

PATTIANNE GUCCIONE DISTRICT CLERK

The above notice will be published in the Bellmore and Merrick Herald Life newspapers on Thursday, April 2, 2026, April 16, 2026, April 30, 2026 and May 14, 2026. 159351

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT CIUDAD DE HEMPSTEAD CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

EL AVISO SE HA DADO AQUÍ que la Junta de Educación del BellmoreMerrick Central High School District celebrará una audiencia pública el 6 de mayo de 2026, a las 7:30 p.m. en la Sala de la Junta del Edificio de Administración Central ubicado en la Centro Educative Brookside, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, Merrick, Nueva York, con el propósito de tramitar todos los negocios según lo autorizado por la Ley de Educación, que incluye, entre otros, la discusión de los gastos de fondos y presupuestos, por lo tanto, en relación con la apropriación de fondos necesarios para cubrir los gastos necesarios del Distrito Central de Escuelas Secundarias para el año escolar 2026-2027 y sobre las propuestas que involucran el gasto de fondos o la recaudación de impuestos, en qué momento y en qué lugar todas las personas interesadas en el tema del mismo en relación con el mismo tendrán la oportunidad de ser escuchadas.

Y TAMBIÉN SE DE AVISO que una copia del estado de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año siguiente con fines escolares (presupuesto escolar) y copias de las propuestas relacionadas con el gasto de dinero y el funcionamiento del sistema escolar para el año siguiente , estará disponible para cualquier contribuyente en el Distrito siete días inmediatamente antes de la audiencia pública, excepto los sábados, domingos o días festivos, en cada escuela en la que se mantenga la escuela durante las

horas de 8:00 a.m. y 4:00 p.m.

Y TAMBIÉN SE DE AVISO que un Informe de Exención del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, preparado de acuerdo con la Sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, se adjuntará a cualquier presupuesto provisional / preliminar, así como al presupuesto adoptado final del cual formará parte; y se publicarán en el (los) tablón (s) de boletines del Distrito que se mantendrá para avisos públicos, así como en el sitio web del Distrito

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN

BELLMORE-MERRICK

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

PATTIANNE GUCCIONE

SECRETARIO DE DISTRITO

El aviso anterior se publicará en los periódicos Herald de Bellmore y Herald de Merrick el Jueves, el 2 de abril de 2026, el 16 de abril de 2023 y el 30 de abril de 2026. 159353

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ANNUAL SCHOOL DISTRICT VOTE OF THE BELLMOREMERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual vote of the qualified voters of the BellmoreMerrick Central High School District, Nassau County, New York, will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the several polling places designated by the Bellmore, Merrick, North Bellmore, and North Merrick Union Free School Districts, as follows:

BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, at the Charles A. Reinhard Early Childhood Center, 2750 South St. Marks Avenue, Bellmore, New York between 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, at the Merrick District Office-Katherine E. Reif Administration Center, 21 Babylon Road, Merrick, New York, between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

NORTH BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, at the Newbridge Road School, 1601 Newbridge Road,

North Bellmore, New York, between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

NORTH MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, at the North Merrick Public Library, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York, between 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

For the following purposes:

a.) To vote upon the annual school budget for the year 2026-2027 and to authorize the levying of a tax upon the taxable property of the district for the foregoing purposes.

b.) To vote upon such other propositions as may properly come before the voters.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that registration shall be conducted at the several polling places stated above by the Boards of Registration of the several component districts as follows: the Bellmore Union Free School District at the District Office, Winthrop Avenue School, 580 Winthrop Avenue, Bellmore, New York, on all school days of the school year until five (5) days preceding the vote between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.; the Merrick Union Free School District at the Administrative Office, 21 Babylon Road, Merrick, New York on all school days of the school year until five (5) days preceding the vote between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.; the North Bellmore Union Free School District at the Office of the District Clerk, 2616 Martin Avenue, Bellmore, New York, on all school days of the school year until five (5) days preceding the vote between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.; and the North Merrick Union Free School District at the Harold D. Fayette School, 1057 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, New York, on all school days of the school year until five (5) days preceding the vote between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. for the purpose of preparing a register of the qualified voters entitled to vote at the school meeting and election for which such register is prepared, in the manner provided by law. The register, as so prepared, will be filed in the office of the clerk at each of the respective Union Free School

Districts as set forth in this notice of meeting and such register is to be open for inspection at reasonable times for at least five (5) days prior to the date set for voting on the budget and election, except Sunday, and by appointment on the Saturday prior to the election at each elementary district.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a person shall be entitled to vote at the annual meeting and election who is a citizen of the United States, eighteen years of age, a resident of the Union Free School District in which he intends to vote for a period of thirty days next preceding the election he offers to vote and registered to vote for said election. A person shall be registered to vote if he or she shall have permanently registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections or with the Board of Registration of the component Union Free School District in which he resides. Only persons who shall be registered shall be entitled to vote.

AND NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Boards of Registration of the several component Union Free School Districts will meet during the hours of voting on May 19, 2026 at the polling places in each of the Union Free School Districts for the purpose of preparing a register for district meetings or elections to be held subsequent to May 19, 2026; said register shall include (1) all qualified voters of the Union Free School Districts, who shall present themselves personally for registration; and (2) all qualified voters permanently registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for school purposes (school budget) and copies of propositions involving expenditure of moneys and the operation of the school system for the ensuing year, may be obtained by any resident in the District during the fourteen days immediately preceding the annual vote except Saturday, Sunday or holidays, at school district offices and any schoolhouse within the district and on the

district’s website.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that applications for early mail voting and absentee ballots for the school district election may be applied for at the Office of the Clerk of the District. Applications for early mail voting and absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election. Furthermore, such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or his/ her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application by no later than six (6) days before the vote. No early mail voting or absentee voter’s ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received in the office of the District Clerk not later than 5:00 P.M. (prevailing time) on the day of the election. A list of all persons to whom early mail voting and absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available for inspection at the Office of the Clerk until the day of the vote.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk of the school district no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a

en la Biblioteca Pública de North Merrick, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, Nueva York, entre las 6:30 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m.

Para los siguientes propósitos:

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION BELLMORE-MERRICK

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

PATTIANNE GUCCIONE DISTRICT CLERK

The above notice will be published in the Bellmore Herald and Merrick Herald newspapers on Thursday, April 2, 2026, April 16, 2026, April 30, 2026 and May 14, 2026. 159355

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE VOTO ANUAL DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT CIUDAD DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

EL AVISO SE HA DADO AQUI que el voto anual de los votantes calificados del BellmoreMerrick Central High School District, el Condado de Nassau, Nueva York, se llevará a cabo el Martes, el 19 de mayo de 2026, en los varios lugares de votación designados por el Bellmore, Merrick, North Bellmore y North Merrick Union Free School Districts, de la siguiente manera:

BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, en el Charles A. Reinhard Early Childhood Center, 2750 South St. Marks Avenue, Bellmore, New York, entre las 6:30 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m.

MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, en la Merrick District Office-Katherine E. Reif Administration Center, 21 Babylon Road, Merrick, Nueva York, entre las 7:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m.

NORTH BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT en la escuela Newbridge Road, 1601 Newbridge Road, North Bellmore, Nueva York, entre las 6:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m.

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

a. Para votar sobre el presupuesto escolar anual para el año 2026-2027 y para autorizar la imposición de un impuesto sobre la propiedad sujeta a impuestos del distrito para los propósitos anteriores.

b. Para votar sobre otras proposiciones que puedan presentarse adecuadamente antes los votantes.

Y TAMBIÉN SE DA AVISO que el registro se llevará a cabo en los lugares de votación indicados anteriormente por Las Juntas de Registro de los varios distritos componentes de la siguiente manera: la Bellmore Union Free School District en la Oficina del Distrito, Winthrop Avenue School, 580 Winthrop Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York, en todos los días de clases del año escolar hasta cinco (5) días anteriores a la votación entre el horario de 9:00 a.m. y las 3:00 p.m.; la Merrick Union Free School District en la Oficina Administrativa, 21 Babylon Road, Merrick, Nueva York, en todos los días de clases del año escolar hasta cinco (5) días anteriores a la votación entre las horas de 9:30 a.m. y 3:30 p.m.; la North Bellmore Union Free School District en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, 2616 Martin Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York, y en todos los días de clases del año escolar hasta cinco (5) días anteriores a la votación entre el horario de 9:00 a.m. y las 3:00 p.m.; y la North Merrick Union Free School District en la escuela Harold D. Fayette, 1057 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, Nueva York, en todos los días escolares del año escolar hasta cinco (5) días antes de la votación entre las 9:00 a.m. y 3:30 p.m. con el fin de preparar un registro de los votantes calificados con derecho a votar en la reunión de la escuela y la elección para la que dicho registro es preparado, en la forma prevista por la ley. El registro, como así preparado, será archivado en la Oficina del Secretario (District

— April 16, 2026

April 16, 2026

Public Notices

Clerk) en cada uno de los respectivos Distritos Unión Libre como se establece en este aviso y dicho registro sera abierto por inspección en horas razonables hasta cinco (5) días antes de la fecha establecida para votar sobre el presupuesto y la elección del distrito, excepto el domingo, y por cita el sábado anterior de la elección en cada distrito elemental.

Y TAMBIÉN SE DA AVISO que una persona quien es cuidadano de Los Estados Unidos, tenga diez y ocho años de edad y es residente del Distrito Escolar de la Unión en el que se tiene la intención de votar a favor un período de treinta días antes de la elección y esta registrado para votar para la elección dicha tendrá derecho a votar. Una persona debera ser registrada para votar si el o ella han registrado permanente con La Junta de Elecciones del Condado de Nassau (Nassau County Board of Elections) o con La Junta de Registro (Board of Registration) del distrito donde el o ella reside. Solamente las personas que estan registradas tienen el derecho para votar.

Y ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que Las Juntas de Registro (Boards of Registration) de las varias escuelas componentes tendran una reunion el 19 de mayo 2026 durante las horas de votación en los lugares de votación en cada escuela para el propósito de preparer el registro para que las elecciones tendran lugar despues del 19 de mayo 2026; El Registro incluirá (1) todos los votantes calificados de las escuelas, quines se presentáran personalemente para registro; y (2) todos votantes calificados permanente registrados con la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau (Nassau County Board of Elections).

Y TAMBIÉN

SE DA AVISO que una copia de la declaración de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año siguiente para fines escolares (presupuesto escolar) y copias de las propuestas que involucran gastos de dinero y el funcionamiento del sistema escolar para el año siguiente , puede ser obtenido por cualquier residente del Distrito

durante los catorce días inmediatamente anteriores a la votación anual, excepto sábados, domingos o días festivos, en las oficinas del distrito escolar y en cualquier escuela dentro del distrito y en el sitio web del distrito.

Y TAMBIÉN

SE DA AVISO que las solicitudes de votación anticipada por correo y boletas en ausencia para las elecciones del distrito escolar se pueden solicitar en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito. Las solicitudes de votación anticipada por correo y de voto en ausencia deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito no antes de treinta (30) días antes de la elección. Además, dicha solicitud debe ser recibida por el Secretario de Distrito al menos siete días antes de la elección si la boleta se enviará por correo al votante, o el día antes de la elección si la boleta se entregará personalmente al votante o a su agente designado. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna de una boleta por correo, el Secretario del Distrito enviará la boleta por correo a la dirección indicada en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la votación. No se escrutará ninguna boleta de votación anticipada por correo ni de votante ausente a menos que se haya recibido en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. (horario predominante) del día de la elección. Una lista de todas las personas a quienes se les habrá emitido la votación anticipada por correo y el voto en ausencia estará disponible para su inspección en la Oficina del Secretario hasta el día de la votación.

Y TAMBIÉN SE DA AVISO de que los votantes militares que no están registrados actualmente pueden registrarse como votantes calificados del distrito escolar. Los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del distrito escolar pueden presentar una solicitud para una boleta militar. Los votantes militares pueden designar una preferencia para recibir un registro de votante militar, una solicitud de boleta militar o una boleta militar por correo, transmisión por fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de dicho

registro, solicitud de boleta o boleta. Las formas de registro de votantes militares y las formas de solicitud de boletas militares deben ser recibidas en la oficina del secretario de distrito del distrito escolar no más tarde que a las 5:00 p.m. el 23 de abril de 2026. No se escrutará ninguna boleta militar a menos que (1) se reciba en la oficina del Secretario de Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el día de las elecciones y que muestre una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o de un servicio postal de un país extranjero, o mostrando un endoso fechado de recibo de otra agencia del gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o (2) recibido por la oficina del secretario de distrito no más tarde que las 5:00 p.m. el día de la elección y firmada y fechada por el votante militar y un testigo del mismo, con una fecha que se asocia a no ser mas tarde del día anterior de la elección.

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN

BELLMORE-MERRICK

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

PATTIANNE GUCCIONE

SECRETARIO DE

DISTRITO

El aviso anterior se publicará en los periódicos Herald de Bellmore y Herald de Merrick el Jueves, el 2 de abril de 2026, el 16 de abril de 2026 y el 30 de abril de 2026 y el 14 de mayo de 2026. 159357

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING, PUBLIC HEARING, ELECTION, AND REGISTRATION OF VOTERS

NORTH BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

NORTH BELLMORE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

Pursuant to Section 1716 of Education Law a Public Hearing for discussion of the proposed 2026/27 School District Budget, and such other business as may come before the meeting, will be held on May 05, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Administration Building on Martin Avenue, Bellmore, New York. A copy of the state of the amount of monies which will be required for the 2026/27 school year for school purposes may be

obtained, upon request, by any school district resident commencing April 30, 2026 during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. except for Saturdays, Sundays or holidays.

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Vote of the qualified voters of the North Bellmore Union Free School District will be held at the Newbridge Road School, North Bellmore, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 for the following purpose:

A. To vote upon the Annual School Budget for the school year 2026-2027 and to authorize levying of a tax upon the taxable property of the North Bellmore School District for such purposes.

B. The election of one (1) member of the Board of Education.

C. To vote upon such other propositions as may properly come before the meeting.

Voting will be by ballot on voting machines and the polls will remain open for voting from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., and as much longer as may be necessary for all voters then present to cast their votes. Voting will be in the gymnasium of the Newbridge Road School.

Copies of the proposed 2026/27 budget will be available at each of the offices of the school houses in the district, J. G. Dinkelmeyer School, Newbridge Road School, Park Avenue School, Saw Mill Road School and Martin Avenue School between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on each day other than a Saturday, Sunday or holiday during the fourteen (14) days preceding the Annual Vote, and on the school’s website.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE pursuant to Real Property Tax Law Section 495, an exemption report detailing exemptions from real property taxation shall be available and appended to any tentative, preliminary or final budget.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the election of members of the Board of Education will be as follows:

One (1) member of the Board of Education; for full terms of three (3) years, commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2029.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that nominating petitions for candidates for the Board of Education must be filed with the District Clerk between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. not later than April 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Each petition shall state the name and residence of each signor, shall state the name and residence of the candidate, and must be signed by not less than thirty (30) qualified voters of the school district for election of members of the Board of Education. Vacancies on the Board of Education are not considered separate, specific offices; candidates run at large. Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the Board for which the candidate is nominated.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that at the Annual Vote, qualified voters of the BellmoreMerrick Central High School District shall vote for the following purposes:

A. To vote upon the annual budget of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District for the year 2026-2027 and to authorize the levying of a tax upon the taxable property of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District for such purposes.

B. To vote upon such other propositions as may properly come before the voters.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to Education Law §2014 personal registration of voters is required, and no person shall be entitled to vote at the District Meeting whose name does not appear on the register of the District. Voter registration for the District will be ongoing through and including Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 9:00 o’clock A.M. until 3:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time), on all school days of the school year, at the office of the District Clerk, for the purpose of preparing a register of the qualified voters of the District for said District Meeting, at which time any person shall be entitled to have

his/her name placed upon such register, provided that he/she is known or proven to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at said District Meeting for which such register is prepared. Immediately upon its completion, the register will be filed in the office of the District Clerk, 2616 Martin Avenue, Bellmore, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. and 3:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) on each of the five (5) days prior to the District Meeting for which it was prepared, except Sunday, and on Saturday, May 16, 2026 by appointment only.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to Education Law §2018a and Education Law §2018-e applications for absentee and early mail ballots may be applied for at the office of the District Clerk. The District Clerk must receive applications for absentee and early mail ballots no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election. Furthermore, the District Clerk must receive such application at least seven days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee or early mail ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application, by no later than six (6) days before the vote. No absentee or early mail voter’s ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received in the office of the District Clerk not later than 5:00 P.M. (prevailing time) on the day of the election.

A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots shall have been issued will be available in the office of the District Clerk, 2616 Martin Avenue, North Bellmore, New York, commencing with the issuance of the first absentee or early mail ballot and during regular business hours on each of the five (5) days prior to the day of the election between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. (Prevailing Time), except Sunday and on Saturday, May 16, 2026

by appointment only. Such list will also be available at the polling place on the date of the vote. No absentee or early mail voter’s ballot shall be canvassed unless it shall have been received in the office of the District Clerk of the North Bellmore Union Free School District not later than 5:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) on the day of Annual District Meeting.

NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a person shall be entitled to vote at the annual meeting and election who is a citizen of the United States, eighteen years of age, a resident of the District for a period of thirty days next preceding the election he offers to vote and registered to vote for said election. A person shall be registered to vote if he or she shall have permanently registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections or with the Board of Registration of the school district. Only persons who shall be registered shall be entitled to vote.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Board of Registration will meet during the hours of voting on May 19, 2026 at the polling place of the school district for the purpose of preparing a register for District meetings or elections to be held subsequent to May 19, 2026. Said register shall include (1) all qualified voters of the school district who shall present themselves personally for registration; and (2) all qualified voters permanently registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the office

of the District Clerk of the school district no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the election.

BY THE ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Laurice Gunnels District Clerk

This information is provided in Spanish in compliance with the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 159359

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE REUNIÓN ANUAL, AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA, ELECCIÓN, Y EL REGISTRO DE VOTANTES DISTRITO ESCOLAR NORTH BELLMORE UNION FREE NORTH BELLMORE, MUNICIPIO DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

De acuerdo con la Sección 1716 de la Ley de Educación, se celebrará una Audiencia Pública para debatir el presupuesto propuesto del Distrito Escolar 2026/27 y cualquier otro asunto que pueda surgir antes de la reunión, el 5 de mayo de 2026 a las 19:30 horas en el Edificio de Administración en Martin Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York. Cualquier residente del distrito escolar a partir del 30 de abril de 2026 de 2026 a fin escolar podrá obtener una copia del estado del importe que se requerrá para el curso escolar 2026 a petición de cualquier residente del distrito escolar a partir del 30 de abril de 2026, excepto sábados, domingos y 15:00, excepto sábados, domingos o festivos.

SE DA UN AVISO ADICIONAL de que la votación anual de los votantes cualificados del Distrito Escolar

Public Notices

Libre de North Bellmore Union se celebrará en la escuela Newbridge Road, North Bellmore, el martes 19 de mayo de 2026 con el siguiente propósito:

A. Para votar sobre el Presupuesto Anual de la Escuela para el curso escolar 2026-2027 y autorizar la imposición de un impuesto sobre los bienes gravables del Norte Distrito Escolar de Bellmore para tales fines.

B. La elección de uno (1) miembro de la Junta de Educación.

C. Votar sobre otras proposiciones que puedan presentarse adecuadamente ante la reunión.

La votación se realizará por papeleta en las máquinas de votación y las urnas permanecerán abiertas desde las 6:00 a.m. hasta las 9:00 p.m., y durante todo el tiempo que sea necesario para que todos los votantes presentes puedan emitir su voto. La votación se realizará en el gimnasio de la escuela Newbridge Road.

Copias del presupuesto propuesto para 2026/27 estarán disponibles en cada una de las oficinas de las escuelas del distrito: J. G. Dinkelmeyer School, Newbridge Road School, Park Avenue School, Saw Mill Road School y Martin Avenue School entre las 9:00 y las 15:00 horas de cada día excepto sábado, domingo o festivo durante los catorce (14) días previos a la Votación Anual, y en la página web del colegio.

POR FAVOR, TOME MÁS NOTA conforme a la Sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, estará disponible un informe de exención detallando exenciones de la tributación sobre bienes inmuebles que se adjuntará a cualquier presupuesto tentativo, preliminar o final.

POR FAVOR, TOME NOTA de que la elección de los miembros de la Junta de Educación será la siguiente:

Un (1) miembro de la Junta de Educación; por mandatos completos de tres (3) años, comenzando el 1 de julio de 2026 y finalizando el 30 de junio de 2029.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las peticiones de nominación para

candidatos a la Junta de Educación deben presentarse ante el Secretario del Distrito entre las 9:00 y las 15:00 horas, a más tardar el 20 de abril de 2026 a las 17:00. Cada petición deberá indicar el nombre y la residencia de cada señor, el nombre y la residencia del candidato, y deberá ser firmada por no menos de treinta (30) votantes cualificados del distrito escolar para la elección de los miembros de la Junta de Educación. Las vacantes en la Junta de Educación no se consideran cargos separados o específicos; los candidatos se presentan en la categoría de votos libres. Las peticiones de nominación no describirán ninguna vacante específica en la Junta para la que el candidato sea nominado.

POR FAVOR, TOME NOTA de que en la votación anual, los votantes cualificados del Distrito Escolar Central de BellmoreMerrick deberán votar para los siguientes fines:

A. Votar sobre el presupuesto anual del instituto BellmoreMerrick Central High Distrito Escolar para el año 2026-2027 y autorizar la recaudación de un impuesto sobre la propiedad sujeta a impuestos del instituto Bellmore-Merrick Central High School Distrito para tales fines.

B. Votar sobre otras proposiciones que puedan presentarse adecuadamente ante el votantes.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, conforme a la Ley de Educación §2014, se requiere el registro personal de votantes, y ninguna persona tendrá derecho a votar en la Asamblea del Distrito cuyo nombre no figure en el registro del Distrito. El registro de votantes para el Distrito continuará hasta el jueves 14 de mayo de 2026, desde las 9:00 a.m. hasta las 3:00 p.m. (hora vigente), en todos los días escolares del curso escolar, en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito, con el fin de preparar un registro de los votantes cualificados del Distrito para dicha reunión del distrito, en ese momento, cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho registro, siempre que se sepa o se demuestre que tiene

derecho a voto en dicha Asamblea de Distrito para la que dicho registro se prepare. Inmediatamente después de su finalización, el registro se archivará en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito, 2616 Martin Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York, y estará abierto para la inspección de cualquier votante cualificado del Distrito entre las 9:00 y las 15:00 (hora vigente) de cada uno de los cinco (5) días previos a la reunión del distrito para la que fue preparado, excepto el domingo y el sábado 16 de mayo de 2026 solo con cita previa.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, conforme a la Ley de Educación §2018-a y la Ley de Educación §2018-e, las solicitudes para papeletas por correo anticipado y por correo anticipado pueden solicitarse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito. El Secretario del Distrito debe recibir solicitudes para votos por correo anticipado y por correo anticipado no antes de treinta (30) días antes de la elección. Además, el Secretario del Distrito debe recibir dicha solicitud al menos siete días antes de la elección si la papeleta debe enviarse al votante, o el día antes de la elección si la papeleta debe entregarse personalmente al votante o a su agente designado. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna de una papeleta por correo por correo anticipado o por correo postal, el Secretario del Distrito enviará la papeleta a la dirección indicada en la solicitud, a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la votación. No se solicitará el voto de votación por correo anticipado o por correo anticipado a menos que se haya recibido en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 17:00 horas (hora vigente) el día de la elección.

Una lista de todas las personas a las que se hayan emitido papeletas por correo anticipado y por correo anticipado estará disponible en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito, 2616 Martin Avenue, North Bellmore, Nueva York, comenzando con la emisión de la primera papeleta por correo por correo anticipado y durante el horario laboral regular en cada uno de los cinco (5) días previos al día de

la elección, entre las 9:00 y las 15:00 (hora vigente), excepto el domingo y el sábado 16 de mayo de 2026 solo con cita previa. Dicha lista también estará disponible en el colegio electoral en la fecha de la votación. No se podrá hacer campaña de votación por correo o por correo anticipado a menos que se haya recibido en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar Libre de North Bellmore Union a más tardar a las 17:00 horas (hora vigente) del día de la Asamblea Anual del Distrito.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que una persona tendrá derecho a votar en la asamblea anual y elección que sea ciudadano de los Estados Unidos, de dieciocho años, residente del Distrito por un periodo de treinta días antes de la elección que ofrezca votar y registrada para votar en dicha elección. Una persona estará registrada para votar si se ha registrado permanentemente en la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau o en la Junta de Registro del distrito escolar. Solo las personas que vayan a estar registradas tendrán derecho a voto.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que la Junta de Registro se reunirá durante el horario de votación del 19 de mayo de 2026 en el colegio electoral del distrito escolar con el fin de preparar un registro para las reuniones o elecciones del distrito que se celebrarán después del 19 de mayo de 2026. Dicho registro incluirá (1) todos los votantes cualificados del distrito escolar que se presenten personalmente para su registro; y (2) todos los votantes cualificados registrados permanentemente en la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau.

SE AVISA ADEMÁS de que los votantes militares que no estén actualmente registrados pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes cualificados del distrito escolar. Los votantes militares que sean votantes cualificados del distrito escolar pueden presentar una solicitud para una papeleta militar. Los votantes militares pueden designar una preferencia para recibir un registro de votante militar, solicitud de

papeleta militar o papeleta militar por correo, transmisión por fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de dicho registro, solicitud de papeleta o papeleta. Los formularios de registro de votantes militares y los formularios de solicitud de papeleta militar deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito escolar a más tardar a las 17:00 horas del 23 de abril de 2026. No se revisará ninguna papeleta militar a menos que (1) se reciba en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el día de las elecciones y muestre una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o que muestre una avalación fechada de recepción por parte de otra agencia del gobierno de Estados Unidos; o (2) recibido por la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 17:00 horas del día de las elecciones y firmado y fechado por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha asociada a no más tardar que el día anterior a la elección.

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN

Laurice Gunnels Secretario de distrito Esta información se proporciona en español en cumplimiento de la Ley de Derecho al Voto de 1965. 159361

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF THE TRUMAN 2021 SC9 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. JACKIE HOFFMAN A/K/A

JACKIE M. HOFFMAN A/K/A JACKIE MARIE HOFFMAN, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 4, 2026, 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 April 27, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known

as 2749 Clarendon Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Bellmore, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 56, Block 344 and Lots 23 and 24. Approximate amount of judgment is $318,812.33 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 612618/2023.

Merik R. Aaron, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 232175-1 159094

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, -againstMICHELLE ROITMAN, 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 January 6, 2026, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION is the Plaintiff and MICHELLE ROITMAN, 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 April 30, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2151 JOHNSON PLACE, BELLMORE, NY 11710; and the following tax map identification: 56-279-49, 418 and 419.

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

LEGAL NOTICE

SURROGATE’S COURT, NASSAU COUNTY CITATION

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 605895/2023. 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. 159285

2. Allowing the commissions of the Petitioner in the amount of $ 31,965.98 pursuant to SCPA 2307(1) and the reasonable and necessary expenses of the office in the amount of $ 9,105.33 pursuant to SCPA 1207(4);

3. Fixing and determining the attorney’s fees and disbursements of Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC attorney for petitioner in the amount of $ 74,670.00 as and for legal fees and $ 3,401.83 as and for disbursements, for a total of $ 78,071.83, of which $ 24,571.83 has been paid and $ 53,500.00 is unpaid; 4. Fixing and determining the accounting fees of Grassi & Co, CPA’s, PC in the amount of $ 10,050.00, of which $ 4,050.00 has been paid and $ 6,000.00 is unpaid; 5. Releasing and discharging the surety;

6. Directing each of you claiming to be a distributee of the Decedent to establish proof of your kinship, and show cause why the balance of said funds should not be paid to said alleged distributees upon proof of kinship or deposited with the New York State Comptroller on account for the unknown next of kin of Madeline McGlynn, decedent, should said alleged distributees default herein or fail to establish proof of kinship; 7. Granting such other and further relief as to the Court is just and proper. Dated, Attested, and Sealed, March 18, 2026 (Seal) HON. DAVID P. SULLIVAN HON.JUDGE OF THE SURROGATE’S COURT Surrogate s/ Debra Keller Leimbach

Chief Clerk

Richard T. Kerins, Esq.

Print Name of Attorney

Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC

Firm Name 516) 538-1111

Telephone

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO: Office of the NYS Attorney General Grassi Advisory Group Jasper Surety, Attorney in Fact, Arch Insurance Company Valentine Krutys Edward J. Krutys, Jr. Glenn Krutys Catherine Ragusa Audrey Krutys any and all unknown persons whose names or parts of whose names and whose place or places of residence are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained, distributees, heirs-atlaw and next-of-kin of the said Madeline McGlynn, deceased, and if any of the said distributees named specifically or as a class be dead, their legal representatives, their husbands or wives, if any, distributees and successors in interest whose names and/or places of residence and post office addresses are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained A petition having been duly filed by Nassau County Public Administrator, who is domiciled at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York 11501. YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Nassau County, at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York, on May 27, 2026, at 10:00 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, why the account of Nassau County Public Administrator, a summary of which has been served herewith, as Administrator of the estate of Madeline McGlynn, should not be judicially settled. [X] Further relief sought (if any): 1. Releasing and discharging the Petitioner from all liability, responsibility and accountability as to all matters set forth in the account of proceedings;

Address

Dems push to protect opioid settlement funds

By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com

A half dozen Democratic Nassau County legislators led by Olena Nicks are looking to have much more than the 8.5 percent of the $95 million in opioid settlement money distributed, as Nicks unveiled legislation to protect opioid settlement funds.

The announcement of the proposed legislation comes after $13.7 million in interest was moved from the settlement fund that the county operates into a general account, also run by the county. The $95 million is proceeds from settlements with opioid manufacturers, retailers and distributors, secured in 2021.

“That raises some serious questions,” Nicks said. “Are we moving quickly enough to meet the needs of the residents who are struggling? Are we honoring the intent of these funds?”

Aidan Warshavsky/Herald

Nassau County Legislators, led by Olena Nicks, third from right, announced new legislation providing transparency and permanent safeguards for how opioid settlement funds should be used.

fellow legislators, she has also attended breakfasts and meetings. She said that many health care groups and organizations are concerned over the loss of federal funding — some even mentioning the possibility of staff layoffs.

“All of these incredible institutions in Nassau County, and we still can’t get them the funds they need,” she said. “It’s probably the worst thing I’ve seen in 20 years.”

Legislator Arnold Drucker said the decision by Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and his administration to pull money from the fund is offensive and violates their commitment to taxpayers and residents in the county.

“It’s a betrayal of the administration’s commitment to this life-saving opportunity,” Drucker said. “It’s going to cost lives.”

“There are no restrictions on how that money is being moved,” DeRiggiWhitton said.

Nicks noted that the proposed legis -

Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, the Legislature’s minority leader, said that the settlement reached in 2021 did not outline when the funds had to be distributed. She said that every time she and fellow legislators investigate the transfers, they are told it remains within the fund.

Public Notices

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LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR HARBORVIEW MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE LOAN PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-7, -againstWENDI OFFSEY, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF STEPHEN L. SINGER

A/K/A STEPHEN SINGER, 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 3, 2026, wherein

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR HARBORVIEW MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE LOAN PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-7 is the Plaintiff and WENDI OFFSEY, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF STEPHEN L. SINGER

A/K/A STEPHEN SINGER, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 5, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 25-33 PARK PLACE, BELLMORE, NY 11710; and the following tax map identification: 63-203-155. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT BELLMORE, 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.: 605027/2024. Scott H. Siller, 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. 159281

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, -againstAMALIA FRAINA, 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 2, 2026, wherein MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC is the Plaintiff and AMALIA FRAINA, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME

COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME

COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 5, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2157 LEGION STREET, BELLMORE, NY 11710; and the following tax map identification: 63-287-28. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT BELLMORE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 611603/2023. Scott H. Siller, 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. 159283

lation aims to establish permanent safeguards to ensure that settlement funds and interest earned remain dedicated to prevention, treatment, recovery and education. She said the legislation would increase transparency by allowing the public to see how the resources are being used.

The settlement money is used by state and local governments and approved organizations such as health care providers and community groups. Nicks, who volunteers with the Uniondale Fire Department, said the legislation is about bolstering support and education.

“We need to support the first responders, the health professionals and the service providers who are confronting this crisis every single day,” she said.

DeRiggi-Whitton said that like her

Christopher Boyle, the director of communications for the county, said the practice of moving accrued interest to the general fund is standard, and that the money is being used properly.

“Like all other county funds, the interest accrues to the general fund,” Boyle said. “Opioid overdoses have declined by 16 percent in just the past year (countywide, according to the Nassau County Medical Examiner’s office). The money is being put to good use.”

Nicks called for the $13.7 million to be transferred back into the settlement fund and increase spending from the fund countywide.

“We need to act now,” Nicks said. “Addiction does not wait, and neither should we.”

The legislators did not say when the proposed legislation would be discussed among the other county lawmakers.

News brief

Reinhard students witness chick

Kindergartners at Reinhard Early Childhood Center in the Bellmore School District recently got a front-row seat to one of nature’s most memorable moments — watching baby chicks hatch.

The young students observed the process from start to finish, as eggs were kept warm in incubators and carefully monitored each day. As the anticipated moment approached, excitement grew in the classroom when tiny cracks began to appear on the shells.

Courtesy Bellmore Public Schools

hatching

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HomesHERALD

How much extra money does a home cost these days? Part 2

to Market

Q. I saw a billboard and several TV commercials for something called “Let Them Build, NY” and was wondering what you could tell me about it. The commercial said that there is an extra $82,000 spent on housing, per home, just due to government red tape. Is this true, and is anything being done about it?

A. As I continue to answer this delicate and complicated question, I have to respond to people who called this column, over the years, just an advertisement. I’ve received criticism and pushback for nearly four decades because I’ve pointed out where changes needed to happen, in a constructive manner. Instead of causing positive change, I saw projects delayed, passive-aggressive behavior and extra tasks thrown at me that weren’t required by others. It hasn’t been easy, and this is hopefully a forum for positive reflection on how to improve our lives, not just criticism. I will never just complain about a problem without stating that there is a solution.

The cost of building has gone up. It should be understood by all that building safety requirements should never be ignored. The problem with cost increases is that delays, due to issues that have nothing to do with safety, are a part of the problem, not the solution.

For example, the average project starts out with research. There are many issues that must be addressed, from environmental conditions, such as ground water levels, to parking and zoning use, structural conditions and fire safety. Local government archives information about each property, yet when it comes time to request the records, many have stumbling blocks, such as Freedom of Information Law, or FOIL, requests that can sometimes take weeks. Then, when you get the information, it is often inaccurate sketches.

Local government expects very detailed information from professionals, to fix the information problems of the past, yet often provides inaccurate plans that hardly reflect the building. This is because as-built drawings and final surveys were neither required nor enforced. A new home has always been required to have an accurate final survey from a licensed surveyor for the initial certificate of occupancy, but the surveys in municipal records are often inaccurate sketch diagrams made by the developer, a contractor or expeditor, not a licensed professional (as was also always required). Those “plot” plans often say “prop. dwelling” (proposed) with completely useless, inaccurate information. So, after waiting, in some cases, weeks just to see the records, what you get is just a waste of time and money. Might as well hire the surveyor at the outset, something many customers are reluctant to spend for.

The playing field is definitely not level. Government should require of itself the same standards it forces on the public. Imagine getting valuable data without delays, right at the beginning of a project, instead of waiting weeks for the answer that there are no records.

Experienced developers already know to hire the surveyor, do the testing, do the zoning analysis, etc.

© 2026 Monte Leeper

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

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REVIVE Act is the wrong solution to the housing crisis

To the surprise of no one, Albany extremists — following the lead of Gov. Kathy Hochul — have once again proposed a one-sizefits-all, top-down mandate that would attack suburbia by stripping municipalities of control over local zoning.

The recently introduced REVIVE Act — sponsored by State Sen. James Skoufis and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages — proposes to fast-track high-density housing by redeveloping “underutilized” commercial properties, and in the process, completely bypass the local review processes that ensure thoughtful, responsible growth.

Conveniently, the definition of “underutilized” is broad and open-ended, and includes shopping centers, office parks and parking lots, setting the threshold for “underutilized” as 50 percent vacant for one year. To make matters worse, the legislation contains a fast-track clause that would grant automatic approval to developments if municipalities fail to act within a rigid, state-imposed timeline that is far too short to accommodate any type of thoughtful and meaningful public input.

Worse yet, under the REVIVE Act, new developments would be permitted to be built as-of-right to the same height as the tallest existing building in the municipality. In the Town of Hempstead, the tallest building is Nassau University Medical Center, at 280 feet. This would allow high-density, high-rise developments of nearly 30 stories to be fast-tracked throughout our community on any “underutilized” parcel a developer should choose.

This proposal simply has one goal in mind: to increase density in suburban areas, no matter what.

Ted. Responsible growth isn’t just about adding housing units. It’s about ensuring that our neighborhoods can thrive in the best way possible for every resident. Development needs to be sustainable, strategic, and aligned with the needs and character of the community.

he proposal has one goal: to increase housing density in suburban areas.

It does not adequately take into consideration the real-world impact that high-density developments would have on traffic congestion, school capacity, environmental concerns and public safety. And frankly, it sends a troubling message that Albany doesn’t care about those impacts. Local zoning exists for a reason, and decisions about development should be made by the people who live in these communities, not imposed by bureaucrats hundreds of miles away.

This “Albany knows best” approach is not just misguided; it’s dangerous. Legislation like the REVIVE Act fails to account for a community’s existing infrastructure, its long-term planning goal, and, most concerningly, the voices of residents who would be most affect-

That’s why I’ve been proud to stand with local and state leaders in strong opposition to this egregious state overreach. Last month I joined members of the State Senate and Assembly in Albany to denounce the REVIVE Act. More recently, I stood with a coalition of elected officials from across Nassau County in front of Samanea Mall in Westbury — a site that could easily be deemed “underutilized” under this legislation and targeted for highdensity redevelopment.

That location is not unique. There are countless sites across Long Island that could fall under the scope of this bill. And instead of encouraging balanced economic development or supporting job-creating commercial investment, Albany appears determined to impose high-density, high-rise residential projects with little regard for community impact.

Suburban communities aren’t Albany’s plaything to experiment with. They are neighborhoods where families have

built their lives, where small businesses support local economies and where residents take pride in the character of their towns. Stripping those communities of their voice isn’t just bad policy — it’s fundamentally detrimental to the principles of local governance and community-driven planning.

And make no mistake: Opposition to the REVIVE Act isn’t limited to elected officials. Residents across the region are speaking out because they understand what is at stake. They know that once local control is taken away, it will be impossible to get back. They know that decisions made without their input will shape their neighborhoods for generations to come.

That’s why I launched an online petition so residents can make their voices heard and stand up against this misguided proposal. I encourage everyone to visit Change.org/StopReviveAct and join the growing number of Long Islanders who are saying enough is enough.

The REVIVE Act doesn’t just get the balance wrong — it ignores it entirely. And if we allow that to happen, the consequences won’t be felt in Albany. They’ll be felt on our roads, in our schools and in the neighborhoods we call home.

That’s why this fight matters. And that’s why the REVIVE Act must be stopped.

John Ferretti is the Town of Hempstead supervisor.

Restoring accountability to school bus camera programs

Every driver has a legal and moral obligation to stop for a school bus, since violations can have devastating consequences — children getting on and off their school buses are among the most vulnerable people on the road. Consistent enforcement of traffic laws to deter illegal passing can help prevent injuries and save lives. At the same time, these systems must be implemented carefully. When enforcement programs are poorly administered, lack clear authorization or fail to provide drivers with adequate notice, they undermine trust in traffic safety efforts. Safety and accountability should go hand in hand, not come at the expense of one another.

In 2021 I helped pass legislation in the County Legislature approving schoolbus stop-arm cameras. As a former school board trustee, I did so with a deep sense of responsibility to protect chil-

dren not only in the classroom, but on their way to and from school. The law allowed the county to partner with a private vendor to operate the system — but only in districts that chose to opt in.

That distinction matters. The program was designed to give local school districts the ability to decide what was best for safety in their own communities. It was never intended to be a blanket system imposed across every neighborhood, nor was it designed to operate without clear local consent.

Tickets are being issued in school districts that never agreed to participate.

Soon after its implementation, however, concerns began to emerge. A Newsday investigation last year found that, over a two-year period, the Town of Hempstead issued more than 80,000 tickets in and around school districts that never agreed to participate in the program — raising serious legal and ethical questions about how the system was being enforced.

Town officials have suggested that these tickets stemmed from buses that take part in the program making stops outside their home districts. But that reality makes clear why stronger safe-

guards are necessary. A program built on local consent shouldn’t result in enforcement spilling into communities that never opted in. When the boundaries of participation become blurred, so does the public’s confidence in the system itself — and in the fairness of the penalties it produces.

That’s why I introduced legislation in the State Senate to restore fairness and transparency. My bill makes clear that enforcement cannot begin until there is authorization by local school boards for implementation in their school districts, proper public notice, and certification that a system is active. Drivers deserve to know when and where automated enforcement is being used. The bill also ensures that no one can be penalized retroactively for actions that occurred before a system was officially authorized and put in operation.

School bus camera systems would only be permitted to operate within school districts that formally opt in. That would restore the balance that was originally intended: protecting children while respecting the role of local com-

munities in making decisions about their own safety measures. It would also ensure that enforcement is consistent and applied only where it is authorized.

To protect local decision-making and ensure that enforcement is fair and transparent, the bill would set clear rules for both municipalities and vendors. Municipalities would be required to maintain accurate records of participating districts. Vendors would be required to ensure that bus camera systems operate only within the boundaries of those districts, and could not issue violations outside them. In other words, unless a district had made a clear and informed decision to participate, there would be no cameras and no tickets.

This is not about weakening school bus safety laws. Drivers must always stop for school buses to protect children — but enforcement must be transparent to maintain trust.

At its core, this legislation is about restoring public confidence. When people trust that laws are being enforced fairly and as intended, they are far more likely to respect and follow them. That’s how we create safer streets — not just through enforcement.

Siela Bynoe represents the 6th State Senate District.

HERALD

LIRR riders, put on your damn headphones

there is an unwritten contract that comes with riding on the Long Island Rail Road. You buy your ticket, you find your seat and you agree — implicitly, silently, without anyone asking you to sign anything — to share a small, enclosed space with strangers for the duration of your journey. It’s not always comfortable. It’s rarely glamorous. But it works, because most people understand that shared spaces require a certain baseline of consideration for the people around you.

That contract is being violated, every day, by people who can’t be bothered to use headphones. This lack of common decency is getting worse. Perhaps it signals the erosion of pre-pandemic norms, or the proliferation of short-form video content that simply must be consumed the moment it appears. But the reason doesn’t matter. The result is the same: a train car held captive by one person’s indifference.

You know what I’m talking about. The commuter who has his phone propped against his coffee cup, watching a video at full volume like he’s in his living room — a living room, apparently, with very thick walls or no neighbors. The guy on his Bluetooth speaker. Yes, a Bluetooth. On a train. In public. Among other humans.

What is so urgent that it cannot wait — or at minimum, be routed through a pair of earbuds? If you’re going to subject your fellow passengers to unsolicit-

letters

Turning our backs on nuclear power will cost us

To the Editor:

ed audio, the least you can do is make it enriching. Bach’s “Goldberg Variations.” A Pulitzer Prize-winner on Audible. Perhaps a documentary about the migratory patterns of the Arctic tern. Something that, when the woman across the aisle glances up from her book, she might think, “Well, I didn’t ask for this, but I’ll learn something today.”

Instead, what Long Island commuters are treated to after a long day of work is a TikTok of someone attempting to fit way too many cherry tomatoes in their mouth. Or a Twitch stream of a man dropping words that would make a sailor take notes. Or, my personal favorite, a FaceTime call conducted at a volume that suggests the party on the other end is located not in Queens but in Uzbekistan.

The headphone — wireless, wired, over-ear, in-ear, take your pick — is sold at every price point from reasonable to why-does-this-cost-more-than-my-firstcar, and is one of the great inventions of the modern age precisely because it solved this problem. It lets each of us live inside our own sonic world without inflicting it on everyone else. The technology is cheap, ubiquitous, and works perfectly well even when moving at 60 miles per hour.

And before anyone reaches for the ready-made excuse, “My AirPods died” is not quite the sympathetic defense it might seem. Yes, it’s mildly inconvenient to sit for 40 minutes without being

Karl Grossman’s op-ed critique of New York’s zeroemission credit program, “Nuclear power for $33 billion, and guess who’s paying?” (April 2-8) mischaracterizes both the program’s purpose and its value. The figure he cites is designed to alarm, but stripped of context, it obscures a central truth: New York is not subsidizing failure — it is investing in reliability, climate compliance and economic stability.

In 2016, the state Public Service Commission established zero-emissions credits as part of its Clean Energy Standard to preserve existing nuclear generation, the single largest source of zero-emission electricity in the state. At the time, upstate nuclear plants were at risk of premature closure due to distorted wholesale markets. The commission found that losing those facilities would result in “significantly increased greenhouse gas emissions,” higher capacity costs and immediate reliability risks.

Federal courts agreed. In 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld New York’s ZEC program, finding it lawful and consistent with federal energy policy. The court rejected claims that ZECs distorted markets, affirming that states retain

able to catch up on the latest episode of “Love Is Blind.” We understand. We feel for you. But that inconvenience — yours, private, manageable — pales significantly when compared with forcing the occupants of an entire train car to listen to it with you.

Charge your headphones. Toss a wired pair in your bag. The bar here is low, but it’s still worth clearing.

Long Island commuters are not a fragile lot. Anyone who has navigated Penn Station at rush hour or waited half an hour for a delayed train on an unsheltered platform in January has developed a certain resilience. We don’t need silence. We don’t need perfection. Trains are noisy — the screech of the rails, the hiss of the doors, the conductor calling out “Jamaica next!” in a voice that carries to the next car. That’s the deal. That’s ambient. That’s fine.

What isn’t fine is being forced to listen to someone else’s choice of entertainment, which, based on available evidence, is made with absolutely no one else in mind.

So here’s a modest proposal: bring your headphones, and use them. The train is a community — a rolling slice of Long Island life, hurtling toward work or home. Communities are at their best when their members extend small courtesies to one another.

And, if you absolutely must share your audio with the world, at the very minimum, make it Bach.

authority to value environmental attributes of generation. As the court noted, “States are not preempted from encouraging production of clean energy.”

Nuclear power supplies roughly 20 percent of New York’s electricity and more than 40 percent of its carbon-free generation. Without it, emissions would spike dramatically, undoing years of progress under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. As New York’s independent system operator has repeatedly warned, premature retirements of dispatchable resources, espe-

Why expanding child care on Long Island is so difficult

Across Long Island, families are struggling to find reliable child care. Waiting lists are growing, educators are stretched thin and communities continue to ask the same question: Why can’t we simply open more child care programs?

As an early-childhood educator and a small-business owner on Long Island, I see this challenge from both sides — as someone serving families in need of care, and as someone actively working to expand child care in our community.

Many people assume that the primary barriers to opening new programs are licensing requirements, zoning regulations or finding appropriate space. These are certainly significant hurdles. Child care providers must meet strict safety regulations, navigate local zoning rules and secure properties that meet both municipal and state requirements.

But what often goes unrecognized is what happens after those hurdles are cleared.

In some cases, providers manage to secure the property, obtain the necessary approvals and design programs that expand the number of available

spots for families with children. The plans are approved. The need in the community is clear.

Yet even at that stage, expansion can stall because of one remaining obstacle: access to capital.

Child care programs are small businesses that operate with extremely tight margins. Unlike many other industries, the cost of delivering quality care — staffing, safety requirements, training, compliance and maintaining appropriate childto-staff ratios — leaves little room for financial flexibility. At the same time, many lending institutions continue to view child care as a high-risk investment.

Ters must manage both the expense of running a small business and the rising cost of maintaining a home.

Utility costs alone can be substantial when caring for children in a program that operates for long hours each day. Heating, electricity, water, sanitation, food preparation and cleaning requirements all contribute to increased operational costs. These aren’t optional expenses; they are essential components of maintaining a safe, healthy environment for children.

he cost of delivering quality care leaves little room for financial flexibility.

The result is a troubling disconnect. Communities are asking for more child care options, providers are ready to expand, and projects may already have the proper approvals in place, but financing remains out of reach.

On Long Island, this challenge is compounded by the broader affordability crisis. The cost of operating any small business here continues to rise.

Property costs, insurance, utilities, food, supplies and maintenance expenses have increased significantly in recent years. For home-based child care providers, the financial pressures can be even more complex. Many programs operate in residential homes, meaning provid-

LeTTers

cially nuclear, pose “significant reliability challenges,” particularly as electrification increases demand.

Critics often invoke plant age as a proxy for danger. That is misleading. Nuclear facilities are regulated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission under one of the most stringent safety regimes in the world. License extensions are granted only after exhaustive review of materials, systems and operational performance. Comparing a nuclear plant to a “57-year-old car” may be rhetorically effective, but it is technically unserious. Nuclear facilities are continually upgraded with the latest technology, which is often mandated by the commission.

The economic argument also collapses under scrutiny. ZECs are not a “bailout”; they are a market correction. Fossil fuel generation benefits from decades of embedded subsidies and does not pay for its environmental externalities. ZECs attempt to internalize those costs, something economists across the spectrum have long advocated. As former Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz has stated, “Retaining existing nuclear plants is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent carbon emissions.”

As well, these facilities support thousands of high-skilled, union jobs that cannot be quickly or easily replaced. More important, they anchor local economies across upstate New York. Abrupt closures

At the same time, providers must invest in staff wages, professional development, educational materials and regulatory compliance. These costs are necessary to ensure quality care, but they also make it more difficult for programs to accumulate the capital needed to grow. When providers attempt to secure financing to expand services, many encounter lending systems that aren’t designed with childhood programs in mind. Even projects that have secured zoning approval and appropriate facilities, and demonstrated community demand, may struggle to access the financing necessary to move forward.

This gap in financing has real consequences. Families across Long Island are already experiencing the impact of limited child care availability. Parents are delaying career opportunities,

would not only destabilize the grid but devastate entire communities.

Nuclear power is not a panacea. Renewables will continue to expand, but the idea that wind and solar alone can replace firm, dispatchable baseload power in the near term is not supported by grid realities. Even the Union of Concerned Scientists acknowledges that maintaining existing nuclear capacity can play a role in reducing emissions during the transition.

The real question isn’t whether ZECs cost money. It is whether abandoning them would cost more in emissions, in reliability failures, in lost jobs and, ultimately, in higher long-term energy prices.

New York’s energy transition must be grounded in pragmatism, not ideology. Preserving zero-emission nuclear generation through ZECs isn’t a step backward. It is a necessary bridge, one that ensures we reach a cleaner future without falling into the very pitfalls critics claim to oppose.

PATRICk GUIdICE Holtsville

Patrick Guidice is the business manager of IBEW Local 1049, representing over 4,000 workers in the electrical and gas utility industry on Long Island. Karl Grossman’s column did not appear in all print editions of the Herald, but can be found at liherald. com/oped.

adjusting work schedules or leaving the workforce entirely because they cannot find reliable care for their children.

Employers also feel the effects. Businesses depend on employees who depend on child care. When their child care options are limited, workforce participation declines and productivity suffers.

Expanding child care isn’t simply about building classrooms. It’s about investing in the system that allows families, businesses and communities to function. Long Island has no shortage of educators who are committed to serving families and expanding access to early learning opportunities. What we need now is greater alignment between that commitment and the financial system that supports small businesses trying to meet this urgent need.

When approved child care projects can’t move forward due to lack of financing, it should prompt an important conversation about how we invest in one of the most essential services our communities depend on.

Child care isn’t a luxury. It is the foundation that allows families to work, businesses to operate and communities to grow. If Long Island is serious about addressing the child care shortage, we must ensure that providers who are ready to expand have a viable path to do so.

Janna Rodriguez is an early childhood educator and a small-business owner in Freeport.

FrAmework by Tim Baker

Dancing to ‘Uptown Funk’ at Covert School’s Variety Show — Rockville Centre