Bellmore Herald 05-14-2026 by Richner Communications, Inc

Danny Goodman, a sophomore at Clark University, balances his time as a student-athlete on the team’s baseball team while studying studio art.

Balancing the mound and the canvas Catching up with JFK alum Danny Goodman

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

While many college students struggle to balance academics and extracurricular activities, Merrick native Danny Goodman has found a way to successfully manage life as both a collegiate baseball player and an award-winning artist.

The 2024 graduate of John F. Kennedy High School is completing his sophomore year at Clark University, where he balances classes, practices, games and studio assignments while continuing to grow as both a pitcher and an artist.

Growing up in Merrick, Goodman said the close-knit nature of the community helped shape him into the person he is today.

“My class for elementary school was like 60 kids,” Goodman said. “So being with the same group of people basically your whole life, you build really close-knit relationships with everyone.”

Even while attending school in Worcester, Massachusetts, Goodman said he still keeps in touch with many of his longtime friends during breaks.

Baseball has been part of Goodman’s life since he was 3 years old, but he said his competitive drive truly developed during high school.

“I don’t think I really got serious about baseball until my junior year of high school,” he said. “Playing more competitively really showed me how competitive I am as

Jewish Centre to host author Sarah Hurwitz

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

The Merrick Jewish Centre will welcome author and former White House speechwriter Sarah Hurwitz on May 19 for a community conversation centered on her latest book exploring Jewish identity, history and modern antisemitism.

The event, scheduled for 7:30 p.m., at 225 Fox Blvd. in Merrick, will feature Hurwitz’s discussion of her book, entitled “As a Jew: Reclaiming Our Story from Those Who Blame, Shame, and Try to Erase Us.” The program is presented by the Rabbi Charles and Betty Klein Legacy Committee.

Her

sonal journey of Jewish discovery, including her experiences confronting antisemitism and re-engaging with Jewish tradition and learning.

Joanne Skop, co-chair of the Merrick Jewish Centre’s Lifelong Learning Committee and one of the event organizers, said the program comes at a time of heightened concern in Jewish communities nationwide.

words

illuminate the challenges of the present.

R ABBi CHARlES KlEiN

Merrick Jewish Centre, Rabbi emeritus

The book, a New York Times Bestseller, traces Jewish history, identity and the roots of antisemitism while also examining contemporary debates surrounding Zionism and anti-Jewish hatred. Hurwitz, who served as a speechwriter in the White House under President Barack Obama, reflects on her own per-

“In this time, when so much of the Jewish community is in fear — synagogues are spending so much of their budgets on security due to fear of being attacked — that’s one of the reasons why we brought her in,” Skop said.

She also pointed to concerns among Jewish college students navigating campus environments amid rising antisemitic incidents.

Skop said the book offers a balanced historical perspective on Jewish identity and the development of the State of Israel while also addressing questions around modern anti-

ContinUeD on paGe 2

Courtesy Danny Goodman

Rabbi: Hurwitz message comes at a critical time for Jews

semitism and anti-Zionism.

“I hope people leave fortified with knowledge to be able to address verbal attacks of antisemitism, and that they feel empowered to be whoever they were meant to be,” she said.

Skop added that Hurwitz’s background as a speechwriter and communicator is an asset to the discussion, noting her ability to translate complex historical and cultural issues into accessible language.

Rabbi Joshua Dorsch, spiritual leader of the Merrick Jewish Centre, said Hurwitz’s message arrives at a meaningful moment for the community.

“We are so excited to be bringing Sarah Hurwitz to the MJC,” Dorsch said. “Her message is both timeless and urgently relevant. It’s rooted in tradition while speaking directly to the questions and challenges of our time.”

Former Merrick Jewish Centre Rabbi Charles Klein, for whom the lecture series is named along with his wife Betty, said he and his wife were first introduced to Hurwitz through an interview and were immediately drawn to her message.

“In this historic moment in the history of the American Jewish community, her message needed to be heard by members of our community,” Klein said. “Her words illuminate the challenges of the present and the possibilities for our Jewish future.”

Organizers said copies of Hurwitz’s book will be available at the event, which is open to all community members interested in learning more about Jewish history and the contemporary issues Jewish people are facing.

BELMONT PARK VILLAGE

Herald file photo

the merrick Jewish Centre will welcome Sarah Hurwitz on may 19.

Birch School celebrates innovation and creativity at STEAM DAY

At Birch School, students recently spent the day learning by doing during the school’s annual STEAM Day, an event designed to bring science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics to life through hands-on exploration and collaboration.

The day featured a range of interactive activities aimed at building curiosity and strengthening problem-solving skills. Classrooms across the building were transformed into active learning spaces where students worked through engineering challenges, including tower-building exercises and BreakoutEDU activities, a game-based platform that requires teamwork and critical thinking to solve puzzles.

Educators said the goal of the event is to help students apply classroom concepts in real-world scenarios while encouraging creativity, persistence and collaboration.

A key feature of this year’s program was the introduction of aeroponic towers, which were incorporated into both the event and the school’s science curriculum.

Students planted seeds and monitored their growth, gaining hands-on experience with plant life cycles and sustainable growing practices.

The two Tower Gardens used during the event were donated by the Birch PTA, which also sponsored a Wacky Science interactive presentation that added to the day’s programming.

Teachers Debra Vernice and Trish Germann coordinated the event, helping organize activities across grade levels and ensuring a cohesive learning experience.

Second grade co-teacher Mike Savastano also played a memorable role, dressing as Albert Einstein and staying in character throughout the day to engage students and encourage curiosity.

Throughout STEAM Day, students rotated through activities designed to challenge their thinking while making learning engaging and accessible.

School leaders said events like STEAM Day reflect Birch’s broader commitment to innovative instruction and experiential learning, both inside and outside the classroom, aimed at preparing students with skills they will carry forward into future academic and professional settings.

Photos courtesy of the Merrick Union Free School District.

Robert, Luca, Vincent, Liron, Owen and Jagger (standing) with Diana Ketcham, superintendent of schools.

Ilyse, Isabel and Brynn with some of Birch’s sixth grade helpers at STEAM Day. Sixth grade helpers Quinn and Sophia help Skye, Vivienne and Colette.

Anthony Fauci, Birch assistant principal, with the team that built a 52-inch-tall structure during STEAM Day

A run for the homeless, and a bid to raise awareness

By ISABELLA SIMONE

Special to the Herald

More than 200 people ran towards change on April 25 at Belmont Lake State Park, demonstrating a powerful community effort.

Participants gathered for the Second Annual Milo’s 5K for the Homeless, which aimed to raise awareness for the thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness who often have to give up their pets. With most shelters unable to accommodate animals, these people are often forced to choose between their own safety and staying with their loyal companions-an extremely difficult decision no one should have to make. This issue has transformed compassion into action and created an event that shed a light on those navigating such conditions.

Kaitlyn Beers, the community engagement specialist for the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, said that the event was “a team effort,” driven by a shared commitment to addressing a critical gap in support. She explained the heartbreaking decisions many homeless people have to face.

“Most shelters in general don’t allow pets in them, so people often have to decide between entering the shelter or taking their pets with them, and so people will decide to live in their cars, or they’ll live on the street,” she said.

For Beers and her team, the goal is to shift public perception and highlight the urgency of the issue, emphasizing that homelessness is immediate and local. “It’s not this kind of mythic thing. It’s right in our backyards,” she said.

Dylan Schwarz is both speedy and philanthropic. As the winner of the 5K and a member of the coalition, Schwarz echoed a similar sentiment to Beers.

“I think it’s important to get the word out there as much as possible about the struggles that so many in our community are facing. A lot of them we don’t even know about, because it’s hidden,” he said.

Schwarz said he wore face paint and “tried to dress a little goofy to try to make people smile a little extra.”

But the mission is clear to Schwarz. “Anything we can do to raise funds and

ness for the thousands of individuals experiencing homelessness who often have to give up their pets.

raise awareness makes a difference,” he said.

Beers noted that this race is only the beginning of a growing tradition.

“This is our second race, so we did one last year, but we’re going to kind of continue it every year to rebuild the community,” she said.

When asked about the most fulfilling aspect of her playing a vital role in this event, Beers said, “I think a lot of people are very disconnected from some people, and seeing everybody rallying together for the same cause, coming here, having fun and just living life and kind of supporting each other, supporting our neighbors, and not letting this kind of crazy world that we’re living in ruin our fun and ruin our joy.”

Isabella Simone is a reporter with The SBU Media Group, part of Stony Brook University’s School of Communication and Journalism’s Working Newsroom program for students and local media.

Courtesy Isabella Simone Dylan Schwarz crossed the finish line at the Second Annual Milo’s 5K for the Homeless, which aimed to raise aware-

ROCCO sPAllINA MASSAPEQUA Junior LACROSSE

A UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA commit, Spallina is Nassau County’s leader in goals with 60 after scoring 52 as a sophmore in 2025 for the Class A champion. He’s scored at least four goals in nine games this spring including seven apiece against both Wantagh and Long Beach. He also has 19 assists.

eVeNts to watch

Monday, May 18

Boys/Girls Track & Field: Class AA championships at Roslyn High School 3 p.m.

Wednesday, May 20

Boys/Girls Track & Field: Class AAA championships at Westbury High School 3 p.m.

Thursday, May 21

Boys/Girls Track & Field: Class A championships at North Shore High School 3 p.m.

Saturday, May 23

Flag Football: Class A/B/C finals at LIU TBA

Wednesday, May 27

Girls Lacrosse: Class A/B finals at Adelphi TBA

Thursday, May 28

Girls Lacrosse: Class C/D finals at Adelphi TBA

Monday, June 1

Boys Lacrosse: Class B final at Hofstra 5:30 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Class C final at Hofstra 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday, June 2

Boys Lacrosse: Class D final at Hofstra 5:30 p.m. Boys Lacrosse: Class A final at Hofstra 7:30 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.

Bellmore-Merrick builds on legacy

By PATRICK MOQUIN sports@liherald.com

Bellmore-Merrick girls’ flag football is building its identity from scratch and blazing that trail with considerable success. In just their fifth season, the Chargers hold a 10-5-1 overall record and earned the third seed in the Nassau Conference A playoffs.

“Because the team is so young, for all intents and purposes, we shouldn’t really be considering ourselves in contention for the championship game,” coach Matthew Moody said. “But these girls are extremely talented and work so hard.”

With six freshmen and sophomores starting on defense and two starting on offense, older leadership has come at a premium for Bellmore-Merrick, making twoway senior Hailie Siegler a paramount figure in her final year.

“Hailie is the perfect leader for this kind of group of girls, with them being so young,” Moody said. “I met with her after last season and asked her what exactly we can do to build bonding. She really took these girls under her wing.”

In addition to being the most targeted wide receiver, earning 552 receiving yards through the first 14 games, Siegler has also proven to be a force on defense, with Moody noting she racked up a double-digit interception total at safety.

Along with junior wide receiver Katelyn Kuhl, who racked up 509 receiving yards in the same span, Siegler led an offensive core perfectly

with nine touchdowns.

tailored to freshman quarterback Erini Ballis.

With the help of her older teammates, Ballis caught fire down the stretch and ignited the entire offense, most notably in a 39-25 victory over Freeport on April 30. Siegler and Kuhl finished with nine receiving touchdowns each during the regular season.

Bellmore-Merrick’s air attack helped unlock the offense late in the year, but

sophomore running back Victoria Olson was always the anchor. Moody described her as a pure rusher in Conference A, where rushing stats are often dominated by mobile quarterbacks.

Entering the final two games with 1,036 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, Olson proved integral in the regular-season finale against Port Washington. Up 18-12 in the fourth quarter after

three passing touchdowns from Ballis, Olson twisted her way to a crucial first down on third-and-15, turning an inside run into an explosive play and hitting a spin move she had been practicing with Moody all year. She finished the game with 92 yards and successfully ran down the clock as the score held.

Olson also proved to be a one-girl wrecking crew on defense, collecting 26 sacks before Bellmore-Merrick’s penultimate game against Syosset. The Chargers ended up with 37 total interceptions, which Moody credited to Olson’s constant pressure.

Bellmore-Merrick was not without their defensive specialists, as Siegler led a precocious group that also included sophomores Kylie McKeon and Madeleine Bhunut, as well as freshman cornerback Christina Eromon. McKeon led the Chargers with 12 interceptions, while Eromon provided the dagger against Port Washington with her fifth pick. Bhunut chipped in with four.

Senior Katlyn Kestenbaum, the starting quarterback last year, has forged a new path as an effective slot receiver, while Moody said sophomore Kim McElroy is the only player who has not missed a single day.

In 2022, Bellmore-Merrick won the inaugural Long Island championship, making an immediate mark in a budding sport. At Moody’s request, players from that championship roster recently paid a visit to the current Chargers squad. Their message was simple: this is just the beginning.

Ron Manfredi/Herald

Junior wide receiver Katelyn Kuhl is a big part of the Chargers’ offense

A dual passion in baseball and art at Clark

a pitcher.”

At the same time, Goodman discovered a passion for art.

Originally planning to pursue engineering because many family members were in the field, Goodman changed course after taking an art class during his junior year at Kennedy High School.

“I just sort of fell in love with creating art and painting and drawing,” he said.

The following year, he took AP 2D Drawing and earned a 5 on his portfolio, convincing him that art could become more than a hobby.

Now a studio art major, Goodman said balancing athletics and academics requires strong time management and discipline.

“Student comes first,” Goodman said. “All the homework, all my studies, they are mandatory before sports.”

He explained that he completes his schoolwork before heading to practices, lifts or bullpen sessions and uses any free time during the day productively.

“There really isn’t a lot of downtime,” he said. “It’s just about finding the time and the extra hours to put into the work.”

Goodman recalled one particularly demanding experience last year when he spent 10 straight hours overnight completing a final art project before driving an hour to a baseball game after only two hours of sleep.

“It was one of those instances where academics and athletics merged together,” he said.

Despite the demanding schedule, Goodman credited his professors, coaches and family for helping him succeed. He said Clark baseball coach Billy Cather has been especially understanding when academic respon-

sibilities take priority.

“If I have a test I really have to study for, he’s totally okay with me missing practice or a lift,” Goodman said.

Goodman’s artistic talents also earned recognition this year when his colored-pencil drawing, “Triumph From Days Gone By,” received a Juror’s Prize at the

Avoiding Guardianship in New York

For the ever-increasing number of those who become legally incapacitated later in life (i.e. unable to handle their legal and ﬁnancial affairs) having a legal guardian appointed looms as a distinct possibility.

A guardianship proceeding may be commenced by a hospital, nursing home, assisted living residence, family member or a professional involved in the affairs of the “alleged incapacitated person” or “AIP”. These proceedings arise for various reasons such as the facility looking to secure payment or a family member or professional ﬁnding that the AIP is either not handling their affairs well or is being taken advantage of ﬁnancially.

Once the proceeding is commenced a vast bureaucratic process begins to unfold. Notice of the proceeding and of the date and location of any hearings are sent to all interested parties, including all immediate family members. The court appoints a court evaluator to meet with the AIP, determine the nature and extent

of the disability and write a report to the judge. The judge will also appoint a lawyer to represent the AIP in the proceeding and sometimes adult children will want their own lawyers to represent their interests.

The judge decides on who the legal guardian will be and it often ends up being a stranger to the family. Some judges feel that the AIP’s children should not be guardian due to a conﬂict – that whatever they spend on the AIP is coming out of their inheritance. Other reasons for not choosing one of the AIP’s adult children are sibling rivalry or inability to handle the responsibility.

ArtsWorcester College Show.

The piece, featuring an old baseball trophy, carried a deeper meaning than he initially realized.

“It reminded me of how just a piece of plastic can hold so many memories,” Goodman said. “It makes me reminisce about the days where my friends and I would just play the game for fun.”

Goodman said his artistic creativity has also helped him on the mound.

“Being so creative and out of the box helps me as a pitcher,” he said. “It helps me really change my pitches in certain ways to throw batters off balance.”

Former travel baseball coach Mike Sverator, who coached Goodman beginning at age 7, said Goodman stood out early for both his leadership and composure.

“We played a lot of games and won a lot of games, but we always tried to do it the right way,” Sverator said. “Danny was a true leader on our team.”

Sverator said Goodman’s calm demeanor has continued to serve him well as he has grown into a collegiate athlete.

“He doesn’t get rattled. Nothing bothers him,” Sverator said. “That calm presence under pressure — that’s not just a baseball lesson, that’s a lifelong lesson.”

Clark finished the season 21-17 and reached the NEWMAC Tournament before falling in the opening round. Goodman said the team’s playoff appearance marked a successful season, and he hopes to take on a larger leadership role moving forward.

While he does not envision pursuing professional baseball, Goodman said the sport still gives him purpose and enjoyment.

“For me personally, baseball right now is just having a fun time, going out there and competing with my teammates,” he said.

Guardianship proceedings are expensive, time-consuming and highly stressful to all involved, including the AIP. Trusts avoid guardianship by providing privately who will handle your legal and ﬁnancial affairs should you become legally incapacitated. Having a trust means you will have those in charge who you know and

instead of the possibility of a

Courtesy Danny Goodman

Clark finished the season 21-17 and reached the neWmaC tournament.

Bellmore, North Bellmore Board of Eds.

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

As the school budget and Board of Education elections quickly approach, here’s what the community needs to know on May 19:

- Both board of education races in Bellmore and North Bellmore are uncontested. There is one seat up for grabs, both held by incumbents.

- Polls open in Bellmore at 6:30 a.m. at the Charles A. Reinhard Early Childhood Center, located at 2750 S St Marks Ave, Bellmore. Taxpayers can cast their vote till 9 p.m. Schools affected include Charles A. Reinhard Early Childhood Center, Winthrop Avenue School and Shore Road School.

- Polls open in North Bellmore at 6 a.m. at Newbridge Road School, located at 1601 Newbridge Road, North Bellmore, and close at 9 p.m. Schools affected include John G. Dinkelmeyer, Martin Avenue, Newbridge Road, Park Avenue and Saw Mill Road Elementary Schools.

- There is no polling location for the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District budget vote — taxpayers will vote at their respective elementary district polling sites. Schools affected include Grand Avenue and Merrick Avenue Middle Schools and John F. Kennedy, Sanford H. Calhoun and Wellington C. Mepham High Schools.

Up for re-election for the Bellmore

Board of Education is Jay L.T. Breakstone. Breakstone has served on the board since 1997. His three children all attended Bellmore Public Schools and later John F. Kennedy High School in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District. Recently, he has served on the Bellmore board as a trustee. Breakstone is a career lawyer, who has also previously served as the president of the Nassau-Suffolk School Boards

Association. He credits his longevity on the school board to thinking of the district’s children as his own and coming up with ethical procedures to use the district’s funds accordingly, for the benefit all of its students.

Bellmore’s proposed 2026-27 budget is $43.3 million designed to maintain all current programs and services, keep class sizes steady and continue investments in technology, while remaining

mindful of rising costs. The plan reflects a balance between preserving the district’s educational offerings and staying within fiscal constraints. For a comprehensive breakdown, visit Bellmore.k12.us.

In North Bellmore, that Board of Education’s current vice president Christine Malloy is running unopposed. Malloy was elected to the board in 2020. She has lived in the community for the last decade, with her four children attending Saw Mill Road Elementary School. A secondary teacher for over 20 years, Malloy has campaigned on the idea of building upon a strong educational foundation that grows with time, regarding the importance of class size, flexible seating, sensory pathways and making technology more available for the district’s students.

North Bellmore’s proposed budget for next school years is $73 million. The spending plan includes increases across all major areas, with the largest share allocated to programs at $55.3 million, alongside $8.2 million for administration and $9.6 million for capital costs. For more, visit NorthBellmoreSchools. org.

The Central District’s proposed budget is $210 million. If approved, it will allow the district to focus more heavily on enrollment and staffing needs. Visit Bellmore-Merrick.k12.us for more budget information.

Voters in the Bellmore Public Schools and the North Bellmore Union Free School District will head to the polls to decide on their 2026-27 budgets and board of education seats.

Local artist promotes healing through art

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

For Merrick native Mia Barkan, art has never been just about aesthetics — it’s about survival, healing and connection.

That philosophy is at the heart of “VIBES,” her solo exhibition on display at the North Merrick Public Library through this Saturday.

Library officials said the exhibit has become a visible and welcome addition to the space.

“We’re so excited to have her art in our library, and we’re really lucky because it’s in the middle of our reference room, so everyone from the community who comes in is able to see that art,” Jackie Perez, North Merrick Public Library director said. “We benefit from it, because it certainly brightens up our space.”

Barkan, who has lived everywhere from Italy and Israel to California, said returning home to raise her family felt like a “full circle” moment. Now, she’s sharing a deeply personal body of work with the same community in which she grew up.

“I’ve been painting my whole life,” she said. “Art rescues me every single day.”

Since earning her degree from Hofstra University, Barkan, a creative arts therapist in private practice, has spent

more than two decades working with adults with psychiatric disorders. Her dual identity as both artist and therapist shapes not only her career, but also the intent behind her work.

The “VIBES” series — a collection of large, abstract expressionist paintings — draws inspiration from nature, emotion and fleeting moments. Through layered color and texture, Barkan aims to capture what she describes as a “vibration” or emotional impression rather than a literal image.

“When you think of the word ‘vibes,’ it’s a feeling, an expression,” she said. “The goal is to help soothe the viewer.”

Works in the exhibit include pieces inspired by cherry blossoms and water, though viewers won’t find clearly defined forms. Instead, Barkan leans into abstraction, inviting people to experience the paintings on an emotional level.

“You really can’t recognize anything right off the bat,” she explained. “But you get the feeling — the vibration — of what it is.”

That emotional response is no accident, even if it isn’t consciously planned. Barkan said her creative process is deeply personal, often rooted in her own need to process and externalize feelings.

“I don’t think about anybody else when I’m painting,” she said. “It’s something I have to get out. It’s really for

ies as a young girl, she found comfort in making art during hospital stays — an experience that ultimately led her to pursue art therapy as a career.

“It helped me get through a very difficult time,” she said. “It made me feel empowered.”

Today, she applies that same philosophy in both her clinical practice and her personal work, emphasizing authenticity and self-expression. She regularly creates art as a form of self-care, a practice she encourages in her patients as well.

“If I’m asking my clients to do it, I should be doing it too,” she said.

Hosting the exhibit at the library holds special meaning for Barkan, who said the space’s calm, welcoming atmosphere aligns naturally with the tone of the “VIBES” series. She intentionally chose to display work that would complement the environment, offering visitors a quiet moment of escape.

me.”

Still, she has found that viewers consistently connect with the work in a similar way — often describing a sense of calm or peace.

“I think because I’m trying to soothe myself while painting, it comes through,” she said.

That connection between art and healing traces back to Barkan’s childhood. After undergoing multiple surger-

“I wanted people to be able to look up from their studies and just have a moment,” she said.

With the exhibit running through mid-May, Barkan hopes local residents take more than just a visual experience away from the show.

“Life is very stressful right now,” she said. “If people can come in and get even a brief emotional break — a little sense of peace — that’s what I’m hoping to give.”

Courtesy Mia Barkan

Local artist Mia Barkan is presenting a solo exhibition at the North Merrick Public Library through Saturday. The exhibit is described as a meditative, expressionistic evocation of place.

L.I. Rail Road strike looms as talks continue

By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

With less than a week remaining before a potential Long Island Rail Road strike set for midnight Saturday, negotiations between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and a coalition of rail unions remain ongoing, with both sides offering sharply different assessments of progress.

At the center of the dispute are pay and working conditions. Union leaders are seeking a retroactive 9.5% wage increase over the past three years and an additional 5% raise beginning this year.

Meanwhile, the MTA is offering raises but is also seeking changes to work rules and productivity standards in return, saying it must control costs and protect the system’s long-term financial stability.

The sides were scheduled to meet again on Monday.

The dispute involves more than 3,500 workers represented by the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen; the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers–Transportation Division; the Transportation Communications Union/IAM; the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen; and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Two Presidential Emergency Boards were convened between September 2025 and last March to help resolve the dispute.

With a May 16 strike deadline approaching, the MTA and a coalition of LIRR unions continue negotiations over wages and work rules for more than 3,500 employees.

Both boards sided with the unions, rejecting the MTA’s proposed work rule changes and recommending wage increases, helping set the stage for the current standoff.

At a press conference in New York City on May 8, MTA Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said he believes progress has been made in negotiations but acknowledged a deal has not yet been reached.

“I do think progress has been made,” he said. “We had a very long meeting yesterday and I would say we are closer, although we’re not there yet.”

Lieber urged the unions to avoid a strike, warning of financial consequences for workers.

“At this point, we’re getting close enough that it would be, I think, crazy for the workforce who is looking for more money to throw it away by going on a strike,” he said. “Remember, if you go on a strike for a day, that’s one out of roughly 260 days of pay. Pretty quickly, that starts to wipe out the small increments that we’re still trying to negotiate out.”

However, union leaders said in a May 8 statement that negotiations made no progress and accused the MTA of failing to offer acceptable wage terms.

“What was presented did not move us closer to a settlement,” said Jeff Klein, general chairman of IBEW Local 589. “Every day, as a result of MTA’s phony surface bargaining, we move closer to the

May 16 strike date.”

Shaun O’Connor, general chairman of IAM District 19, said talks have been slowmoving.

“We’re running out of time here,” he said. “The MTA is still showing a lack of urgency. We practically had to drag them back to the bargaining table this week and what they’ve offered can be best described as ‘too little, too late.’”

Kevin Sexton, vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, said workers want a contract that reflects rising costs.

“Our members are very frustrated,” he said. “They have gone years without a raise, and they want the trains to keep moving. But they won’t agree to a concessionary contract when the cost of living on Long Island has dramatically increased.”

Lieber disputed those characterizations.

“I don’t think it’s accurate,” he said. “I don’t want to get into a debate. It’s their turn to come back and respond to the new proposals that have been put on the table.”

He also said the MTA has already put money on the table.

“It’s money in the pockets of the families that they represent,” Lieber said. “No one’s playing gimmicks, but we’ve got this money on the table. Don’t hurt your workforce. Let’s make a deal.”

The unions also held a rally May 9 at the Massapequa LIRR station.

Spirit Club boosts school pride at Newbridge Road

School spirit is alive and well at Newbridge Road Elementary School, where a group of sixth graders is helping lead the charge through the school’s Spirit Club.

The club, made up of selected sixth grade students, is responsible for organizing monthly spirit assemblies designed to build enthusiasm and foster school pride among students and staff.

At the beginning of each school year, interested sixth graders apply to join the club by explaining why they would be an asset to the group. Once selected, students work alongside Principal Amanda Licci to plan and coordinate assemblies held on the first Friday of every month.

Club members take on a variety of responsibilities, from dressing up as Thunder the school mascot to operating music and leading students in the school song. The assemblies often feature skits and games tied to holidays or school events.

This month’s assembly focused on good sportsmanship ahead of the school’s annual field day later in May. Earlier in the year, students participated in a winter-themed “snowman says” activity.

Sixth grader Joseph Xenakis said

he had admired the Spirit Club members since the program began several years ago and now feels proud to be part of the group himself.

“I want to make sure the assemblies are fun for all grades,” Joseph said. “It makes people happy and it brings school pride.”

Fellow club member Grace Wang said she enjoys collaborating with other student leaders to create assemblies that bring smiles to classmates throughout the building.

She added that Spirit Club members understand the importance of serving as role models for younger students.

Members also wear custom Spirit Club T-shirts during assemblies, which were designed by teacher Brenda Adragna.

Licci praised this year’s Spirit Club for its creativity and enthusiasm, noting the positive impact the students have had on the school community.

“What better way to show your spirit than by seeing your peers in roles of leadership and wanting to emulate them,” Licci said.

— Hernesto Galdamez

Kyle Denson/Herald

Courtesy of the North Bellmore School District

Members of the Newbridge Road Elementary School Spirit Club plan monthly spirit assemblies for the student body.

Managing the risks of excessive social media use

Numerous studies show that screen time— whether on cell phones, tablets, computers, or TVs—is interfering with children’s sleep, physical activity, hobbies, behavioral health, and academic achievement.

Many parents, however, are underestimating or unaware of the harmful impact that excessive social media use may have or is having on their children, according to the results of a recent Mount Sinai South Nassau Truth in Medicine poll.

A study of U.S. children ages 12-15, referenced in the 2023 U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory “Social Media and Youth Mental Health,” found that teens who spent more than three hours per day on social media faced double the risk of poor mental health, including depression and anxiety. The advisory also pointed out that when 13-17-year-olds were asked about the impact of social media on their body image, 46 percent said social media makes them feel worse, 40 percent said it makes them feel neither better nor worse, and only 14 percent said it makes them feel better.

So what is a parent to do?

Lincoln Ferguson, MD, Chair of Pediatrics at Mount Sinai South Nassau, says a family media plan is an effective way to help parents and children manage time on mobile devices (and computers) for social media, gaming, and entertainment. Based on recommendations by the American Academy of Pediatrics, Dr. Ferguson believes the plan should include:

• One hour daily of physical activity

• 8-12 hours of sleep, depending on age

• A ban on use of devices or screens one hour before bedtime

• Media-free homework time, family time (such as dinner, family outings, and other activities), and locations in the home (including the kitchen, dining room, and/or bedrooms)

Many Long Island children are spending considerably more time with their screens than recommended.

Limiting screen time and ensuring your children are getting at least one hour of daily physical activity is vital to promote better health.

The Mount Sinai South Nassau Truth in Medicine Poll released in September 2024 asked 600 parents from New York and Long Island to estimate the amount of time per day their children use social media apps. In response, 27 percent said their children spend up to two hours per day, 34 percent said they spend between three and four hours, 16 percent said five or more hours, and 23 percent said they were not sure.

As part of the fiscal year 2026 State Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation that announced and enacted on May 9, 2025, a statewide, “bell-to-bell” smartphone restriction in schools to reduce distractions and improve students’ mental health. Many school leaders are reporting positive results from the restriction.

Concern about overuse of social media is not limited to children. Nearly a third of area residents agree that they also spend too much time on social media or their cell phones, according to the Truth in Medicine poll. Some 16 percent of adults admit that they may be addicted to their cell phones, although most do not believe it is harming their relationships.

Residents concerned about mental health issues can turn to several resources, including Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Mental Health Counseling Center in Baldwin, as well as its Center for Primary and Behavioral Healthcare in Hempstead. Both Nassau and Suffolk counties also provide mobile crisis teams. Call 516-227-TALK (227-8255) for the Nassau County Mobile Crisis Team, which operates seven days a week, from 10 am to 11 pm. The Suffolk County Mobile Crisis Team phone number is 631-952-3333 for adults 18 and older; 631-3701701 for those under 18. For more information or a physician referral, call (516) 632-3000 or visit mountsinai.org/southnassau.

And the Experts Agree

At Mount Sinai South Nassau, patient safety isn’t just a priority— it’s a standard, one we work on every day. And the experts agree.

We’ve earned national recognition for patient safety, including an “A” Hospital Safety Grade from The Leapfrog Group and the Healthgrades Patient Safety Excellence Award.

That means better outcomes for our patients with lower risk of infections or hospital acquired conditions.

When it comes to your health, nothing matters more than knowing you’re in a place where patient safety matters most.

Learn more at mountsinai.org/southnassau

Mental health on Long Island

By Christy Hinko

Mental health needs across Long Island are rising, even as awareness and resources continue to expand. From Nassau to Su olk counties, providers, educators and advocates say the region is facing a complex moment: more people are seeking help, but barriers to access—including wait times, stigma and workforce shortages—remain signiﬁcant.

“We’re still in a crisis,” said Liz Hildebrandt, executive director of NAMI Queens/Nassau. “The needs are high and people are still desperate to ﬁnd care. There are long wait times for appointments, especially in the private sector.”

At the same time, Hildebrandt points to a shift that is both encouraging and urgent. “The rate of death by drug overdoses in Nassau County may be down, but behind the scenes, the state of mental health is in disarray,” she said. “Suicide rates are still very high and we’re seeing increases among young people.”

“

Long Island’s network of nonproﬁt providers continues to play a critical role. Organizations such as Family & Children’s Association, North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center and CN Guidance & Counseling Services o er more immediate access to care than many private practices.

“Our local nonproﬁts can see people, and they provide excellent care,” Hildebrandt said. “We can’t ignore them. They are essential, especially for families who need help now.”

e’re still in a crisis,”

said Liz Hildebrandt, executive director of

Access to crisis care has also improved in Nassau County with the addition of a 24/7 behavioral health crisis center in Hicksville, o ering an alternative to emergency rooms for individuals in acute distress. Still, the system faces capacity challenges, particularly when it comes to inpatient psychiatric beds.

NAMI Queens/ Nassau. “The needs are high and people are still desperate to find care. There are long wait times for appointments, especially in the private sector.”

Youth mental health has become a central concern. Anxiety and depression are rising, and many experts point to a combination of social, environmental and behavioral factors.

“The conversations with our youth show increased anxiety and depression,” Hildebrandt said. “Social media isolation is a big part of that. It’s not just how much time they’re spending online—it’s what they’re doing and whether they’re still connecting with people in real life.”

Substance use, particularly among teens, is another emerging factor. “There’s growing concern around THC use and vaping, which may be contributing to increased paranoia and psychosis,” she said. “That’s a serious issue when we talk about long-term mental health outcomes.”

Despite these challenges,

“There’s still a very limited number of beds available if someone needs to be hospitalized,” Hildebrandt said. “That’s an area where increased funding is critical.”

At the state level, recent policy changes have expanded the criteria for psychiatric intervention, allowing providers to consider a person’s overall ability to care for themselves—not just whether they pose an immediate danger. Hildebrandt called the shift “a really important step,” though she noted that public awareness of such changes remains low.

Education and outreach are also evolving. NAMI has seen increased interest from schools in bringing mental health programming directly to students.

“More schools are recognizing that students need more than just academic support,” she said. “They need real mental health education— understanding anxiety, learning coping skills and knowing when to ask for help.”

At Molloy University, faculty members are seeing the impact of the mental health crisis from another angle: the growing need for trained professionals.

“Mental health is health. Without mental health, everything else really doesn’t work,” said Joseph Amnawah, a psychiatric nurse practitioner and assistant professor. “There isn’t a meaningful separation between the mind and body.”

Amnawah said awareness is improving, particularly among younger generations.

“We’re seeing increased awareness, which is a positive shift,” he said. “More people are recognizing the need for care for conditions like anxiety, depression and ADHD, but many of these still go untreated for long periods of time.”

Stigma remains a major barrier.

“If someone has diabetes or high blood pressure, they don’t hesitate to seek treatment,” Amnawah said. “But with mental health, there’s still this perception that it’s a personal failing and that prevents people from getting help.”

Breaking that stigma, he said, requires visibility and education.

“More community outreach, more public awareness—those are key,” he said. “Even seeing things like 988 crisis line ads in public spaces is a step in the right direction.”

Keep a Consistent Routine

Your brain likes predictability. Waking up, eating, and going to sleep at roughly the same time helps stabilize mood and energy levels.

Move YouR BodY dailY

You don’t need a full workout—just 20–30 minutes of walking, stretching, or light exercise can reduce stress and improve mood by boosting endorphins.

liMit infoRMation oveRload

Constant news and social media can spike anxiety. Set boundaries—check in once or twice a day instead of constantly scrolling.

Get QualitY sleep

Aim for 7–9 hours. Poor sleep directly impacts mood, focus, and stress tolerance. A simple rule: no screens 30–60 minutes before bed.

staY ConneCted

“We’re seeing people from ICU, ER, pediatrics, oncology—all different specialties,” he said. “What they have in common is that they’ve seen the unmet need for mental health care in the populations they serve.”

Many students bring personal connections to the field as well.

“People are going into this because they want to make a difference,” Amnawah said. “They’ve seen how mental health affects individuals and families and they want to be part of the solution.”

The demand for providers is also shaping the next generation of healthcare workers. At Molloy, Amnawah said students are entering psychiatric programs from a wide range of medical backgrounds.

For residents navigating the system, both Hildebrandt and Amnawah emphasize the importance of reaching out— whether through nonprofits, crisis centers or educational programs.

“People should know that help is available,” Hildebrandt said. “If you call these organizations, you will get care. You will get support.”

As Long Island continues to confront growing mental health needs, the path forward appears to depend on a combination of expanded access, sustained funding and continued efforts to normalize the conversation around mental wellbeing.

Even brief conversations with friends, family, or coworkers can improve mental health. Isolation tends to amplify stress.

pRaCtiCe “Mental offloadinG”

Write things down—tasks, worries, ideas. Getting them out of your head reduces overwhelm and helps you focus.

Be RealistiC With YouR WoRKload

Not everything is urgent. Prioritize what truly matters and push back when needed. Constant overload leads straight to burnout.

Photo by Marcel Straub

Mental health is health; barriers remain significant

Hearing

Mental health resources: where to turn on Long Island

By Christy Hinko

From crisis hotlines to longterm counseling and peer support, Long Island o ers a wide network of nonproﬁt mental health services. Whether you’re seeking immediate help or ongoing care, these organizations provide accessible, often low-cost or free support across Nassau and Su olk counties, as well as nearby Queens.

Nassau County

NAMI Queens/Nassau

A leading grassroots organization

oﬀering free peer-led support groups, education programs and advocacy for individuals and families aﬀected by mental illness. Services are available both in person and online.

Contact: (516) 326-0797 or (718) 347-7284

Helpline: 800-950-NAMI (6264)

Local crisis lines: Nassau: (516) 227-8255

NAMI provides ongoing support groups and educational resources at no cost.

CN Guidance & Counseling Services

A major behavioral health provider oﬀering therapy, substance use

treatment, crisis services and care coordination. Operates a 24/7 Community Crisis Center in Hicksville. Contact: (516) 822-6111

CN Guidance serves Long Islanders with comprehensive clinical and support services under one umbrella.

Family & Children’s Association

Provides a wide range of mental health programs for children, adults and seniors, including counseling, recovery services and community outreach.

Address: 377 Oak St., Garden City Contact: (516) 746-0350

Programs include senior mental health care, addiction recovery and family support services.

Mental Health Association of Nassau County

Serving the community since 1953, MHANC oﬀers advocacy, education and direct services to help individuals navigate mental health challenges. Provides wellness programs, training and recovery support.

Su olk County

Association for Mental Health and Wellness

Oﬀers peer support, family services, recovery programs and education across Suﬀolk County. Known for support

groups and community-based care.

Family Service League

A major regional nonproﬁt providing mental health counseling, addiction services, housing support and crisis intervention.

Crisis/DASH (Diagnostic, Assessment and Stabilization Hub): (631) 952-3333

Suﬀolk residents can access 24/7 behavioral health crisis services through DASH.

Queens (NYC-based, serving western Long Island)

NYC Well

A free, conﬁdential mental health support line for New York City residents, including Queens. Call: 1-888-692-9355

Oﬀers phone, text and chat support 24/7

NAMI NYC

Provides education, support groups and advocacy across New York City, complementing services oﬀered by NAMI Queens/Nassau.

Statewide & Crisis Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Dial or text 988 for immediate mental health support anywhere in the U.S. Free, conﬁdential and available 24/7.

New York State Mental Health Hotline Call: 1-844-863-9314

Provides emotional support and referrals across New York State.

How To Use These Resources

Long Island’s mental health network is designed to meet people where they are. Crisis lines oﬀer immediate help, while organizations like NAMI and MHANC focus on peer support and education. Providers such as CN Guidance and the Family & Children’s Association oﬀer more structured clinical care, including therapy and case management.

Many services are free or covered by insurance, and several organizations provide multilingual support and telehealth options. For those unsure where to start, calling a local helpline or visiting a community-based nonproﬁt can be the ﬁrst step toward care.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. For urgent emotional support, dialing 988 connects you to trained counselors at any time.

Photo by Vitaly Gariev

Photo: Long Island’s mental health network is designed to meet people where they are.

Mepham hosts International Night celebration

Wellington C. Mepham High School held its annual International Night on April 27, bringing together students, families and staff for an evening celebrating cultures from around the world.

The event featured a variety of cultural displays, performances and international cuisine, with students sharing traditions that reflect the school’s diverse community. Attendees sampled food from different countries and learned about cus-

toms in an atmosphere focused on connection and appreciation.

Organizers said the event aimed to promote inclusion and unity among students while highlighting global traditions.

Teachers Chris Patten and Neeru Partap were recognized for their support in helping students plan and coordinate the program.

— Hernesto Galdamez

Courtesy of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District. Students, families, and staff enjoy a celebration of cultures from around the world.

C gratulati s

FROM OUR TEAM TO DOROTHY RENZ AND ALL OF THE OTHER HONOREES

DOROTHY

RENZ

Dorothy Renz is a partner at Duffy & Duffy. She practices personal injury law with a concentration in medical malpractice. Ms. Renz sits on the Associate Board of Directors of the New York State Academy of Trial Lawyers. She is the vice chair of the Medical Legal Committee of the Nassau County Bar Association.

She earned the Silver Pro Bono Service Award at St. John’s University, awarded for dedicating more than 50 hours of pro bono work throughout her law school career. Her service included aiding victims of domestic violence in obtaining temporary orders of protection against their abusers. She also presently volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) advocating for the best interests of abused and neglected children in Nassau County.

Ms. Renz graduated from Boston College in 2006 with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies. She attended St. John’s University School of Law, where she earned her J.D. in 2010. She is admitted to practice law in New York State. She is also admitted in Pennsylvania

Top lawyers of Long Island honored at annual gala

By ABBEY SALVEMINI asalvemini@liherald.com

The Herald Top Lawyers of Long Island Awards Gala transformed The Heritage Club at Bethpage into a lively gathering of the region’s legal community, where polished professionalism met an atmosphere of celebration.

The evening opened with a cocktail reception, where attorneys, sponsors and guests mingled, reconnecting with colleagues and forming new connections ahead of the formal program. A portion of the proceeds from the event will also be donated to the Legal Aid Society of Suffolk County.

As attendees made their way into the ballroom, the atmosphere shifted to one of recognition and reflection, setting the tone for a night centered on honoring excellence in the legal field.

Richner Communications CEO Stuart Richner called the event “a celebration of an extraordinary group of professionals who represent the very best of the legal community.” Richner also recognized Steno as the evening’s presenting sponsor, noting its continued support of the legal community.

Suffolk County Chief Assistant District Attorney Allen Bode also addressed the audience, opening with light humor as he apologized for District Attorney Ray Tierney’s absence before reflecting on his colleague’s leadership and career. Bode highlighted Tierney’s more than 30 years as a prosecutor and emphasized his role in advancing major cases, particularly the Gilgo Beach investigation, where improved collaboration proved critical.

“The real problem was that different agencies weren’t working together,” Bode said.

He noted that the coordinated effort led to rapid progress and ultimately a strong, evidence-based case, adding, “A sister of one of the victims told us that before the arrest, every time she left her house she wondered if [Rex] was across the street watching, now she doesn’t have to wonder anymore.”

As awards were presented and applause filled the room, honorees reflected on both the personal and professional meaning behind their recognition, many emphasizing the human impact of their work beyond the courtroom.

Dorothy Renz of Duffy & Duffy, PLLC spoke about the tangible difference her work makes in clients’ lives, noting that the most rewarding part of her career is seeing real outcomes. “You can see how it helps them. It benefits people on a real

level,” she said, adding that success in the legal field requires deep commitment and a willingness to take on challenges head-on.

Gayle Damiano of Steno underscored the importance of connection in a relationship-driven industry, describing the event as “an excellent entryway into meeting a large number of law firms” as the company continues to expand in New York. Surrounded by both familiar faces and new contacts, she pointed to networking as a cornerstone of growth in a service-based business.

Among the evening’s standout honorees were Stuart L. Finz, CaraMia R. Hart, and Brandon S. Finz of Finz & Finz, P.C., who were recognized for Trial Team of the Year. Reflecting on the achievement, Stuart L. Finz credited the collective effort behind the win. “You can’t win a case unless you have a superb team, nobody can do it by themselves,” he said, emphasizing the collaboration required to succeed at the highest level.

Joseph Milizio of Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP reflected on

his firm’s continued recognition, emphasizing a commitment to both excellence and client care. “The VMM team works diligently to provide our clients with the very best legal counsel and representation,” he said. “Whether it’s a private or business client, there are two things we never compromise on: the quality of our legal service and the personal attention the client receives, from start to finish.”

Alexander Sklavos also spoke about the personal significance of the honor, particularly within his area of practice. “Being recognized in matrimonial law is especially meaningful to us as a husband-andwife team,” he said. “There is an undeniable irony in that, but also a deep sense of purpose.”

Brooke McDonald of Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP described the honor as a reflection of her purpose within the legal field. “This profession gives me a purpose to help people and be their voice,” she said, pointing to the fulfillment that comes from advocating for others and working alongside a strong, collaborative team.

Brian A. Tully, founder and managing partner of Tully Law Group, P.C., echoed the theme of impact, noting that the recognition extends beyond individual achievement. “It acknowledges the time, the effort, the expertise and how much we’ve been able to help the community,” he said, adding that his work in elder law is deeply personal, inspired by his grandparents and family experiences. He emphasized his firm’s commitment to serving families through a holistic approach to elder law.

As the evening unfolded, a clear theme resonated among both honorees and speakers: success in the legal profession goes beyond technical expertise, grounded instead in empathy, resilience and a true dedication to serving others.

Conversations carried on over dinner, where attendees exchanged insights, experiences and advice, further strengthening the sense of community that shaped the night. To learn more, see additional photos and view the complete list of honorees, visit richnerlive.com.

Tim Baker/Herald Honorees and their guests enjoyed the private cocktail hour prior to the awards gala.

Chief Assistant District Attorney, Allen Bode, delivering a keynote speech.

Brooke McDonald of Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP with her Rising Star award.

Jason A. Greenberg of JAG Law Group with his award in Personal Injury.

Stuart Richner with Andrew B. Woolf, left, and Jonathan R. Klee of Klee Woolf Goldman & Filpi, LLP.

Stuart Richner, right, with Alexander Sklavos of Sklavos Law Group accepting his award in Family Law.

Trial Team of the Year honorees CaraMia R. Hart, left, Brandon S. Finz, and Stuart L. Finz of Finz & Finz, P.C. with their award.

Dorothy Renz of Duffy & Duffy, PLLC walking to stage to accept her award in Personal Injury & Medical Malpractice.

The team at Vishnick McGovern Milizio, LLP with their award for Top Law Firm (Under 20 Employees).

Stuart Richner, right, with Gil Aldad of The Law Office of Gilad Aldad accepting his award in Real Estate.

The team at Schroder & Strom, LLP with their award for Top Tax Certiorari Law Firm.

Why Long Island Law Firms Are Rethinking Their Court Reporting Partners

Coordinating schedules across multiple parties, managing remote and hybrid proceedings, handling exhibits seamlessly during testimony, locating critical statements across volumes of transcripts— the logistical demands of modern depositions are daunting. Yet too many Long Island-area firms are still working with court reporting services that haven’t evolved beyond delivering transcripts and hoping you’ll figure out the rest.

The Hidden Cost of Outdated Workflows

The traditional approach costs more than most firms realize. Schedule a deposition, show up, receive a transcript weeks later, and manually search through hundreds of pages for that one critical admission. Attorneys and paralegals spend countless hours on administrative work that could be spent on case strategy. The most progressive firms recognize that their court reporting partner should function as a litigation support system, with technology that actually reduces workload rather than adds to it.

The Remote Deposition Reality

The surge in remote depositions isn’t temporary, and more

and more attorneys are deposing witnesses virtually or managing hybrid proceedings that combine in-person and remote participants. The firms succeeding in this new normal have court reporting partners with purpose-built technology for seamless exhibit handling, real-time collaboration and zero technical complications.

When your court reporting service provides integrated exhibit handling directly within video platforms, with private previews and autonumbering, it eliminates the chaos of “Can everyone see Exhibit 47?” moments that derail deposition flow. When your firm dashboard provides 24/7 access to scheduling, transcripts, and video files going back seven years, your team can pull case materials instantly instead of making phone calls and waiting for responses.

What Modern Litigation Support Actually Looks Like

Consider the reality of preparing for a complex motion or trial. You need to review testimony from multiple depositions, identify inconsistencies in witness statements, and locate key admissions buried in thousands of

pages of transcripts. Traditionally, this meant junior associates spending hours with highlighters and sticky notes.

Advanced AI-powered transcript analysis tools can now accomplish in minutes what used to take days. Semantic search capabilities let you find testimony based on concepts and meaning, not just keywords. Automated analysis identifies contradictions and patterns across multiple transcripts. These aren’t theoretical conveniences, they’re practical tools that Long Island firms are using to build stronger cases more efficiently.

The Concierge Difference

Technology matters, but so does the human element. Firms recognize that having a dedicated account manager who understands their preferences and workflows eliminates the repetitive explanations that waste time with transactional vendors. When you can get a non-automated response to requests within an hour, you’re not left scrambling when last-minute scheduling changes arise.

Complimentary conference rooms in major metropolitan areas,

deposition links sent the same day you book, and white-glove service delivered by legal and technology experts— these details may seem small individually, but collectively they represent the difference between a vendor and a true litigation partner.

Making the Switch

For Long Island law firms evaluating their court reporting relationships, the question is straightforward: Is your current partner helping you work more efficiently, or are they simply fulfilling orders? The legal market is competitive enough without handicapping yourself with outdated litigation support.

Learn more about how Steno delivers exceptional court reporting and cutting-edge litigation technology to law firms nationwide. Visit Steno.com or contact us to discuss your firm’s needs.

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STEPPING OUT

A garden invites children to take part in nurturing life and understanding the outcomes of their choices. When things don’t go as planned, it becomes a valuable space to build resilience, accept outcomes and try again.

Planting seeds of wonder

By Karen Bloom

One of the most meaningful things you can grow in a garden isn’t a flower or a vegetable — it’s a lifelong gardener. With summer on the horizon, outdoor spaces begin to feel like an extension of home, creating a natural setting for families to connect, explore and unwind. For children, the benefits of gardening go far beyond getting a little dirt under their nails. A growing body of research links hands-on gardening to improved physical health, emotional well-being and even stronger academic performance. Add in the value of family time, and it’s easy to see why more parents and grandparents are heading outside together.

Let curiosity lead

The key to success? A little flexibility — and a lot of patience.

When gardening with kids, be prepared to pivot. Adults may focus on neat rows and finished results, but children are often drawn to discovery. That carefully planned planting activity might pause for a closer look at a grasshopper or a worm—and that’s okay. Lean into their curiosity. Use those moments as opportunities to teach, connect and nurture a sense of wonder.

At its core, gardening with children is about building positive associations. If they leave the garden feeling curious, happy and engaged, you’ve done it right — and they’ll be eager to return.

America

Following a sold-out run of shows for their 55th anniversary, America is on the road again. Known for their timeless tunes, the Grammy-winning band draws on their deep catalog of hits, including their signature song, “Horse With No Name,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1972. America — Gerry Buckley and Dewey Bunnell — met in while attending school in London, along with Dan Peek, while their Air Force fathers were stationed there. The band is also the subject of a new documentary, “I Need You: 53 Years Of The Band America,” which takes audiences backstage as Beckley and Bunnell privately say goodbye to a lifetime together on the road. Beckley remains an active band member but retired from touring in 2024, while America continues to tour with Bunnell at the helm. America’s audiences continue to grow, bearing testament to their enduring appeal.

Friday, May 15, 8 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Life lessons in the garden

Dig, plant, repeat

Giving kids a say in what they grow can also make a big difference. While it helps to include a few easy, reliable plants, don’t shy away from their creative choices. Whether it’s beets, roses or bright petunias, that sense of ownership encourages them to stay involved. And remember, gardening doesn’t require a large backyard — containers on a porch, balcony or windowsill can be just as rewarding.

It’s also important to choose projects that fit your family’s lifestyle. Consider your children’s ages and abilities, along with your time, space and budget. Setting realistic expectations helps ensure the experience remains enjoyable rather than overwhelming.

And don’t underestimate the simple joy of digging. For many kids, that’s the highlight. Designating a small “dig zone” in the garden allows them to explore freely — searching for worms, examining soil and engaging their senses — while protecting more delicate plantings.

Many hands, one garden

Creating a welcoming, joyful environment is essential. Early, positive experiences in nature can foster a lasting sense of responsibility for the world around them. Encourage participation and small responsibilities, but avoid turning gardening into a chore. Let children engage at their own pace, and respect their comfort levels when it comes to touching, tasting or smelling plants.

If you’re gardening with multiple children, think about ways to make the experience inclusive. Collaborative tasks — one child digging, another adding soil, another placing a plant — can keep everyone involved and invested.

Equally valuable is unstructured time. Allow kids to simply be in the garden without a set agenda. Those quiet moments of observation and self-directed play often spark the deepest connections to nature.

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy it yourself. Children take cues from the adults around them, and your enthusiasm can be contagious. When they see your genuine appreciation for gardening, they’re far more likely to develop their own.

Because in the end, the real harvest isn’t just what grows in the soil — it’s the love of nature that grows alongside it.

Wallflowers

The Wallflowers mark the 30th anniversary of their breakthrough album “Bringing Down the Horse” on their latest tour, with a special full-album performance at the Paramount, presenting the record in sequence from start to finish. Originally released in 1996, the album became a defining success of the decade, reaching No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and going quadruple platinum. It produced a string of major hits, including “6th Avenue Heartache,” “The Difference,” and the Grammy-winning “One Headlight,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and remains one of the era’s most recognizable rock singles. Led by songwriter Jakob Dylan, the band draws on classic American rock influences such as The Band and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers — a legacy echoed in the tour’s additional tribute segment to Petty, including a full performance of the 1982 album Long After Dark. Saturday, May 16, 7:30 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

MAY 15

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.

Tote Bag Decorating

Decorate tote bags at Bellmore Library to be given out to the adult summer reading club participants.

• Where: 2288 Bedford Ave.

• Time: 3:45-4:45 p.m.

• Contact: bellmorelibrary.org

Family theater

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

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon.; also May 16, May 20-21

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

MAY

Nature Connects

Old Westbury Gardens welcomes internationally acclaimed artist Sean Kenney and his Nature Connects exhibition. Explore 17 larger-than-life sculptures inspired by the wonders of the natural world — each built from over 300,000 LEGO® bricks. Vibrant and imaginative, these creations blend art, science, and nature, offering visitors of all ages a playful new way to experience the gardens. Opens May 16 and is on view through Sept. 7. Tickets required.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: Ongoing

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

‘Cold Beer on a Saturday Night’

for purchase onsite. All participants take their LEGO kit home at the end of the program. Arrive 15 minutes early to the Barn at Orchard Hill to check in before the tour. For ages 21+. $50, with member discount. Registration required.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

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

MAY 28

Live After Five Don’t miss out on Merrick’s Live After Five, back for another year. Merrick Community Civic Association hosts an evening dedicated to supporting local businesses. Participating restaurants and shops offer special promotions for the evening for all customers. Enjoy music at the Gazebo near the LIRR (weather permitting).

• Where: Along Merrick Avenue, from LIRR to Loines Ave, and into the Merrick Mall.

• Time: Beginning at 5 p.m.

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

Spring blooms with a taste of summer as Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band bring their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to the Paramount stage, celebrating the music of Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett, and Zac Brown Band. Long Island–based and led by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals and acoustic guitar, the group also features Linn DeMilta (Lovely Linn) on lead and backing vocals, Luis Rios on guitar, Frank Stainkamp on keyboards, Dan Prine on bass, and Mike Vecchione on drums. Together, they’ve spent more than a decade channeling the laid-back spirit of beach-country favorites across stages throughout the Northeast. With a setlist built for singing along, the band blends crowd-pleasing hits with an easygoing, sun-soaked energy that evokes margaritas, ocean breezes and carefree nights where, as they like to say, it’s always “5 o’clock somewhere.” Fans of Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily alike can expect a lively, feel-good night of music that turns the Paramount into a full-on coastal celebration. Everyone has a great time grooving to their lively mix of their popular sing-along hits and feel good, easy living flair. If you like your toes in the sand, wasting away with a margarita or a cold beer, then you’ll surely have a great time with the Jimmy Kenny Band.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Merrick

Garden Club Plant Sale

Get your garden going at the annual plant sale. Select from native perennials, ornamental plants, and houseplants grown by club members. Get free advice from Cornell Master Gardeners! Cash only.

• Where: 150 Woodpecker Lane

• Time: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Contact: merrickgardenclub.org

STEM Explorers: May Flowers

Flowers are happening at Long Island Children’s Museum. As the weather gets warmer, the world around us starts blooming! Join the Green Teens and learn about the importance of flowers in our natural world.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: Noon-2 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

Brahms, Samuel Barber and Randall Thompson, plus some traditional selections celebrating America at 250. Under the baton of Music Director Michael C. Haigler, ensemble is joined by a chamber orchestra and featured soloists Georgia Rehbock, soprano; Christopher Judge, tenor, and Ian Joyal, baritone. Tickets are available at the door. $20 adult, $10, youth.

• Where: Garden City Community Church, 245 Stewart Ave., Garden City

• Time: 4 p.m.

• Contact: lics.org or (516) 652-6878

MAY

Author visit Sarah Hurwitz, former chief speechwriter for Michelle Obama discusses her new book, “As a Jew” at Merrick Jewish Centre

• Where: 225 Fox Blvd.

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 379-8650

MAY

Concert program

North Bellmore Public Library hosts free outdoor concert with the American Airpower Museum Band. Enjoy a stirring patriotic performance.

• Where: 1551 Newbridge Road

• Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.

• Contact: northbellmorelibrary.org

Merrick

MAY

Carnival

The Merrick Train Station Carnival returns, bringing rides, games, food and family entertainment to the community.

• Where: 2099 Sunrise Hwy.

• Time: Noon-11 p.m., through May 25

Bricks & Brews

• Contact: For the most up to date list of participating businesses, check out @MerrickLiveAfterFive on Instagram

Teaching Kids News Literacy

The South Shore Women’s Alliance hosts Howard Schneider, Executive Director of the Center for News Literacy at Stony Brook University, a national leader in teaching young people how to think critically about the news they consume. He’ll share how media-literacy programs in our public schools can empower students to recognize credible information, question sources, and understand the difference between truth and propaganda. At a time when some voices are pushing to narrow what students learn, help us ensure that our youth on Long Island are learning to navigate the news media.

• Where: Merrick Road Golf Course, 2550 Clubhouse Road

• Time: 7-9 p.m.

• Contact: mobilize.us/ southshorewomensalliance-1/ event/937753

Having an event?

Long Island Choral Society Spring Concert

The Long Island Choral Society performs a concert of varied delights, including Franz Schubert’s Mass No.2 in G, selections by Haydn, MAY 17

North Merrick BOE meets

The Board of Education holds its next meeting. Stay up to date on district issues.

• Where: 1057 Merrick Ave.

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: nmerrickschools.org

Old Westbury Gardens hosts an adult-only, brick-building experience using official LEGO sets. Begin your evening with a guided tour of Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects an exhibit made with LEGO bricks. After the tour, build your own LEGO Botanical Daisies Kit at the Barn at Orchard Hill while enjoying refreshments. Each guest receives one drink ticket redeemable for a glass of beer or wine, with additional drinks available

Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF 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:

PROPOSITION NO. 1CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, is authorized to expend the sums in the General Fund Appropriate of two hundred ten million, three hundred sixtyfour thousand, one hundred thirty-one dollars ($210,364,131) to be raised through taxation in the several districts included with the Central High School District after first deducting the monies available from state aid and other sources.

PROPOSITION NO. 2CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Bellmore Merrick Central High School District is hereby authorized to expend $2,500,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund established in May, 2024 for the purpose of performing the following projects; (1) elevator reconstruction; (2) public address and intercom system renovations; (3) masonry renovations; (4) flooring and ceiling renovations; (5) gymnasium partition replacement; (6) sewage ejector system replacement; and (7) HVAC renovations; (8) sidewalk replacements, all at Wellington C. Mepham High School, all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto. Since the funds to be expended hereunder come from the Capital Reserve Fund approval of this proposition will not require a tax levy upon the real property of the district. This Proposition shall be independent of Proposition No. 1.

PROPOSITION NO. 3CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT CAPITAL RESERVE FUND

RESOLVED, that pursuant to Education Law Section 3651, the Board of Education of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District is hereby authorized to establish a Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of funding the following capital improvement projects: instructional and non-instructional space improvements/ renovations/upgrades, (including but not limited to classroom improvements/ renovations/upgrades and/or additions to existing facilities), auditorium renovations, gymnasium renovations, cafeteria renovations, library/multi media center renovations, exterior renovations/ reconstruction, computer/ technology upgrades, security system upgrades, plumbing improvements/ renovations/upgrades, electrical improvements/ renovations/upgrades, HVAC improvements/ renovations/upgrades, energy efficiency improvements/ renovation/upgrades,

including the installation of solar power, improvements/ renovations/upgrades, fuel tank replacement, renovations required for compliance with ADA requirements, vocational and career preparation renovations, portable classroom replacement and/or purchase, roof/gutter/ leader replacement, window replacement, structural renovations including masonry, brick and steel replacement, paving and concrete replacement, interior and exterior door/ entry ways replacement (including hardware), toilet room renovations, lighting upgrades, ceiling replacement, floor replacement, wall replacement, boiler replacements, elevators, carpentry renovations, purchase of buildings/ land, site renovations/ reconstruction including track resurfacing and turf field replacement, press box/dugout/ field house improvements/ renovations/ upgrades, bleacher improvements/ renovations/ upgrades, upgrades of signs, athletic field renovations/ reconstruction, tennis court renovations, playground renovations, lockers/locker room renovations, public address/clock system replacement, sound system upgrades, telephone system upgrades, hazardous material remediation, storage space renovations, furnishings and equipment, including the purchase of vehicles.

The maximum amount of the aforesaid Capital Reserve Fund shall be $20,000,000, plus investment income.

The probable term is to be twenty (20) years. The funds are to be transferred from surplus monies remaining in the general fund, capital fund, and/or in other reserves not to exceed $5,000,000 from the 2025-2026 budget and thereafter in an annual amount of not more the $5,000,000 for each remaining year of the term. The Superintendent of Schools or his designee is hereby directed to deposit monies of this reserve fund in a separate bank account to be known as the “Facilities Improvement Program 2026.”

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 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 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,

(REVISED)April 30, 2026 and May 14, 2026. 159882

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, 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:

PROPUESTA NUMERO 1- PRESUPUESTO DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR CENTRAL DE EDUCACIÓN SECUNDARIA

SE RESUELVE, que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Central de Escuelas Secundarias CHSD) de BellmoreMerrick, ciudad de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, está autorizada a gastar las Sumas apropiadas del fondo general de $210,364,131 que se recaudarán mediante impuestos en los distintos

distritos incluidos dentro del Distrito Central de Escuelas Secundarias después de deducir, primero, los fondos disponibles correspondientes a la ayuda estatal y otras fuentes.

PROPUESTA NUMERO 2 - PROYECTOS DE MEJORAS DE CAPITAL DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR CENTRAL DE EDUCACIÓN SECUNDARIA

SE RESUELVE, que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Central de Bellmore Merrick queda autorizada para gastar $2,500,000 del Fondo de Reserva de Capital establecido en mayo de 2024 con el propósito de realizar los siguientes proyectos: (1) reconstrucción del elevador; (2) renovaciones del sistema de altavoces e intercomunicación; (3) renovaciones de mampostería; (4) renovaciones de pisos y techos; (5) reemplazo de particiones del gimnasio; (6) reemplazo del sistema de expulsión de aguas residuales; (7) renovaciones de HVAC; (8) reemplazo de aceras, todos en la Escuela Secundaria WellingtonC. Mepham, incluyendo toda la mano de obra, materiales, equipos, aparatos y costos incidentales relacionados. Dado que los fondos a utilizar provienen del Fondo de Reserva de Capital, la aprobación de esta proposición no requerirá un impuesto sobre la propiedad inmobiliaria del distrito. Esta Proposición será independiente de la Proposición No. 1.

PROPUESTA NUMERO 3 - FONDO DE RESERVA PARA INVERSIONES DE CAPITAL DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR CENTRAL SE RESUELVE, que de conformidad con la Sección 3651 de la Ley de Educación, por la presente se autoriza a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Central de BellmoreMerrick a establecer un Fondo de Reserva para Inversiones de Capital con el fin de financiar los siguientes proyectos de mejoras de capital: mejoras/renovaciones/ modernizaciones de espacios educativos y no educativos (incluyendo, entre otros, mejoras/renovaciones/ modernizaciones de aulas y/o ampliaciones a las instalaciones existentes), renovaciones de auditorios, renovaciones

Public Notices

de gimnasios, renovaciones de cafeterías, renovaciones de bibliotecas/ centros multimedia, renovaciones/ reconstrucción exterior, modernizaciones de computadoras/ tecnología, modernizaciones de sistemas de seguridad, mejoras/renovaciones/ modernizaciones de plomería, mejoras/ renovaciones/ modernizaciones eléctricas, mejoras/ renovaciones/ modernizaciones de HVAC, mejoras/ renovación/ modernizaciones de eficiencia energética, incluida la instalación de energía solar, mejoras/renovaciones/ modernizaciones, reemplazo de tanque de combustible, renovaciones requeridas para el cumplimiento de los requisitos de ADA, renovaciones para la preparación vocacional y profesional, reemplazo y/o adquisición de aulas portátiles, reemplazo de techos/canaletas/ bajantes, reemplazo de ventanas, renovaciones estructurales, incluido el reemplazo de mampostería, ladrillo y acero, repavimentación y reemplazo de concreto, reemplazo de puertas interiores y exteriores/ vías de acceso (incluidos los herrajes), renovaciones de baños, mejoras de iluminación, reemplazo de cielorrasos, reemplazo de pisos, reemplazo de paredes, reemplazo de calderas, ascensores, renovaciones de carpintería, adquisición de edificios/terrenos, renovaciones/ reconstrucción del predio, incluida la repavimentación de pistas y el reemplazo de campos de césped, mejoras/renovaciones/ modernizaciones de cabinas de prensa/ refugios/instalaciones deportivas, mejoras/ renovaciones/ modernizaciones de gradas, modernización de letreros, renovaciones/ reconstrucción de campos deportivos, renovaciones de canchas de tenis, renovaciones de áreas de juego, renovaciones de casilleros/vestuarios, reemplazo del sistema de megafonía/relojes, modernización del sistema de sonido, modernización del sistema telefónico, remediación de materiales peligrosos, renovaciones de espacios de almacenamiento,

mobiliario y equipo, incluida la adquisición de vehículos.

El límite máximo del Fondo de Reserva para Inversiones de Capital se establece en $20,000,000, incluyendo los rendimientos generados por las inversiones. Se prevé un plazo de veinte (20) años para la ejecución del mismo. Los fondos se transferirán desde los excedentes remanentes en el fondo general, el fondo de capital y/o otras reservas, sin superar los $5,000,000 en el presupuesto 20252026. Posteriormente, se asignará una cantidad anual que no excederá de $5,000,000 por cada año restante del plazo. Se instruye al Superintendent of Schools, o a la persona que este designe, a depositar los fondos de esta reserva en una cuenta bancaria separada denominada “Facilities Improvement Program 2026”. a.

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 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 (revisado) y el 30 de abril de 2026 y el 14 de mayo de 2026. 159883

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

Public Notices

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 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

SUMMONS Supreme Court of New York, Nassau County.

WILMINGTON

SAVINGS FUND

SOCIETY, FSB, AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF THE RESIDENTIAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES TRUST X-A, Plaintiff -againstUNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF CHRISTOS KYRIAKOULIAS; PETER KYRIAKOULIAS, INDIVIDUALLY, AND AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CHRISTOS KYRIAKOULIAS; TASIA VIETH, AS HEIR AND

DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CHRISTOS KYRIAKOULIAS; THEONI KYRIAKOULIAS, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF CHRISTOS KYRIAKOULIAS; NORTH SHORE PLUMBING SUPPLY CO., INC.; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (EASTERN DISTRICT) O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; “JOHN DOE” AND “JANE DOE” said names being fictitious, it being the intention of Plaintiff to designate any and all occupants of premises being foreclosed herein, Defendants Index No. 618072/2025. Mortgaged Premises: 2841 Grand Avenue Bellmore, NY 11710 Section: 56 Block: 417 Lot: 34 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above captioned action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECTIVE of the above captioned action is to foreclose on a mortgage to secure $375,000.00 and interest, recorded in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on June 7, 2005, in Liber Book M 28918, at Page 746, Control Number 1702, covering the premises known as 2841 Grand Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710. The relief sought herein is a final judgment directing sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the reverse mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Nassau as the place of trial. Venue is based upon

the County in which the mortgaged premises is located.NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

FRIEDMAN VARTOLO, LLP 1325 Franklin Avenue, Suite 160 Garden City, NY 11530, Attorneys for Plaintiff. 159806

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. BUPM NJ ASSETS LLC, Plaintiff -against- KENT HONG, JOSIE HONG, CHESTER HONG, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated April 7, 2025 and entered on April 9, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction “Rain or Shine” on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on June 1, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Bellmore, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the Westerly side of Newbridge Road, distant 250 feet Northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the Westerly side of Newbridge Road to the Northerly side of Orange Street; being a plot 131.87 feet by 45.47 feet by 132.47 feet by 54.46 feet.

Section: 56 Block: 203 Lot: 102

Said premises known as 2312 NEWBRIDGE ROAD, BELLMORE, NY 11710

Approximate amount of lien $721,140.91 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 613262/2023.

MARIA SIDERIS, ESQ., Referee KRISS & FEUERSTEIN LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 360 Lexington Avenue, Suite 1200, New York, NY 10017 {* BELLMORE L*} 159692

LEGAL NOTICE

The Bellmore UFSD intends to request an exemption for the 2026-27 school year from the mandate of establishing a breakfast program in each elementary school building. This exemption request is being made to the New York State Department of Education. Please forward your comments regarding this exemption in writing to business@bellmoresch ools.org. 160202

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that a public auction for a used vehicle sale will be held on May 26, 2026 on the website www.auctionsinternati onal.com. Bidders must register on website prior to bidding. Vehicles are sold “as is” condition and do not come with vehicle keys. Vehicles pictures and descriptions can be found on website when bid is live. Vehicles must be paid through the website prior to removal of vehicle.

Vehicles are located at 390 E. Clinton Avenue, Roosevelt NY 11575.

2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee; Gray; VIN: 1J4GR48K55C523371; Owner: Wayne Huey of 2832 Bruner Ave 1, Bronx, NY 10469

*2007 Kia Sedona; Gray; VIN: KNDMB233876173866; Owner: Renee McDonough of 157 59 27th Ave, Flushing, NY 11354

*2010 Chevrolet Equinox; Gray; VIN: 2CNALDEW4A6371649

; Owner: Boris Mizhquero-Yunga of 276 Mountain Grove St, Bridgeport, CT 06605

*2009 Chevrolet Malibu; Black; VIN: 1G1ZK57B59F169309;

Owner: Glendon Cateau of 716 E. 45th St, Brooklyn, NY 11203

*2007 Dodge Sprinter; White; VIN: WD0PE845X75208525; Owner: Haim Tobaly of 21 Weyant Dr, Cedarhurst, NY 11516

*2004 Toyota Corolla; Blue; VIN: 2T1LR32E04C317785;

Owner: Luis V. Peraltamorban of 1934 Harrison Ave 5E, Bronx, NY 10453

*2006 Lexus ES250; Black; VIN: JTHCK262382022200; Owner: Klein Georges of 185 Rutland Rd, Hempstead NY 11550

*2014 Audi AS4; Gray; VIN: WAUBGAFL5EA082964

; Owner: Dominique Blackman of 8400 Lindbergh Blvd Apt 716, Philadelphia PA 19153

*2010 Honda Accord; Black; VIN: 1HGCS2B85AA004466; Owners: Mike Eli Landaverde and C.L. Landaverde of 69 Hewlett St, Hempstead NY 11550

*2005 Nissan Altima; Red; VIN: 1N4AL11D75N900462; Owner: Timothy Wanser of 1141 Norbay St, Franklin Square NY 11010

*2002 Acura MDX; Blue; VIN: 2HNYD188X2H530024; Owner: Zaynah Witter of 632 Nauer Ct, Elmont, NY 11003

*2016 Nissan Sentra; Gray; VIN: 3N1AB7AP1GY299861; Owner: Nissan Infiniti Lease Trust of PO Box 254648 Sacramento, CA 95865

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD DEPARTMENT OF HIGHWAYS Antonio Fanizzi Commissioner 160208

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff AGAINST JON FARRUGIA; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 1, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 17, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 1287 Pierce Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710

A/K/A 1287 North Pierce Avenue, North Bellmore, NY 11710. All that certain plot

piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at North Bellmore, Town of Hempstead, Section: 56 Block: 473 Lot: 23. Approximate amount of judgment $86,204.87 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #614678/2024. For sale information, please visit ServiceLink Auction at https://www.servicelink auction.com or call (866) 539-4173.

Lawrence Farbman, Esq., Referee FEIN, SUCH & CRANE, LLP 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800 Rochester, NY 14614 NFUNY005 89859 160148

Teacher Alexander Roff leads a vocal lesson in a general music class at Newbridge Road Elementary School, part of the North Bellmore School District which just received the Best Communities for Music Education distinction for the first time.

N. Bellmore music program earns national accolades

LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

The Bank Of New York Mellon as Trustee for Home Equity Loan Trust 2007-FRE1, Plaintiff AGAINST Eduardo Escobedo; Dawn Escobedo a/k/a Dawn M. Escobedo; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 13, 2018, amended June 17, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 15, 2026, at 2:00PM, premises known as 2553 Washington Boulevard, North Bellmore, NY 11710. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in Bellmore, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 56 Block 478 Lots 63, 64, 65, 66 & 198. Approximate amount of judgment $968,521.76 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 009598/2014. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Brian J. Carmody, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff

The North Bellmore School District has been recognized on a national stage, earning the Best Communities for Music Education award from the NAMM Foundation for the first time, an honor that highlights the district’s long-standing commitment to music instruction.

The designation places North Bellmore among more than 1,000 school districts and schools across the United States honored this year through the Best Communities for Music Education program. The annual recognition celebrates school systems that demonstrate exceptional access to and support for high-quality music education.

Recipients of the 2026 awards were selected through a detailed application process that evaluated multiple factors, including funding for music programs, instructional time, student participation rates, facilities, and overall community support. Applications were independently reviewed and verified by WolfBrown, a research and evaluation firm specializing in education and the arts.

In North Bellmore, music education begins in kindergarten and continues through sixth grade. The district’s program includes general music instruction for students in grades K-6, along with

175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624

(877) 430-4792

Dated: May 1, 2026 160122

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE

FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ROBERT ATELA A/K/A ROBERT T. ATELA, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on December 2, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court

opportunities for band, chorus, and orchestra beginning in grade 4. Lessons also incorporate music history, cultural traditions, and foundational music literacy skills.

District leaders said the recognition reflects not only program quality, but also broad community support.

“This prestigious national designation reflects the dedication and talent of our students, the passion and expertise of our music educators, the strong support of our administrators, families and community, and the continued commitment of our board of education,” Superintendent Marie Testa said.

Testa added that the district views music as a core part of student development.

“We are especially proud that this recognition highlights not only the strength of our programs, but also our shared belief in the importance of music education in fostering creativity, collaboration and personal growth in every child,” she said. “Together, we will continue to ensure that music remains a vibrant and integral part of North Bellmore’s core instructional program for our students.”

— Hernesto Galdamez

Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 16, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 114 Beach Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 63, Block 223 and Lot 15. Approximate amount of judgment is

$566,265.24 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #612746/2022. Cash will not be accepted. Beth Chamow, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 160144

Photos courtesy of the North Bellmore School District

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So, how did they build the pyramids?

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Q. The question of how the pyramids were built came up in a recent discussion among friends. I’m wondering if there’s any definite answer to that question. One person said that even with hundreds of thousands of slaves, you’re only as strong as the rope can bear, and another suggested that they were built by extraterrestrials, but nothing serious came out of that. What do you know about this?

A. There are many theories about the construction of the pyramids. The Library of Alexandria may have contained this information, but was burned by Julius Caesar, accidentally, when he attacked the ships in the harbor nearby and the sprinkler system for the library (which had failed inspections) wasn’t working that day, or nobody ever made the drawings to begin with. We’ll never know the true answer, but there are many profound and wise engineering ideas on this subject. You may not be aware that there are more than 100 pyramids in Egypt alone, and many of them are still standing today.

So how did ancient Egyptians build them, using millions of blocks of Nile riverbank stone (and white limestone, dragged from much farther south, for the finishes)? How did they construct a 6.5-million-ton mountain of stone blocks, each weighing 2.5 tons, or 5,000 pounds, on sand? Several historical figures, pardon the pun, weighed in on this question.

The most prominent, Herodotus, of ancient Greece, who wasn’t there but is considered the father of historians, wrote of a machine system of levers and pulleys that lifted each block to the next level, and then another set of levers and pulleys was used for the next level, etc. I am fascinated by the writings of a more recent pair of writers, Matthys Levy and Mario Salvadori, who propose an idea, based on the dissection of pyramids that have, through recent history, been documented. In their book “Why Buildings Fall Down,” they describe and illustrate in sketches how stones were placed.

Imhotep, considered the greatest mathematician and engineer in Egyptian history, designed later-era pyramids, observing and calculating how to avoid previous failures. For his success with some of the largest mountains of stone, he was worshipped as a god in the ancient Egyptian culture. So, kids, stay in school.

What I believe Imhotep did was use gravity. The later pyramids were built in man-made valleys, where the stones could be moved down an incline and then set at a 52-degree angle. That way, instead of laying the stone horizontally, they pushed into each other on a downward incline, relieving vertical weight and reducing the stones’ ability to crush each other.

Remember, Egyptians didn’t have block and tackle, didn’t use wheels to move heavy loads and didn’t have metal harder than copper. They had a lot of laborers, spent much less time watching TV or staring at their cellphones, and filled in each level of the valley as the pyramids grew in height. Great question!

Monte

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We can’t solve a housing crisis with hypocrisy or politics

There is no question that Long Island is facing a housing crisis. The real question is whether we’re serious about solving it or just using it as another political talking point.

Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti has spent taxpayer dollars promoting misleading claims across social media, print ads and op-eds, attacking and sowing lies about initiatives that could bring real relief to thousands of families in the town. These are the same tired fear tactics designed to divide communities, stall progress and avoid real solutions.

That’s not just unproductive. It’s hypocritical. The same leadership that’s warning about overdevelopment has supported and approved major projects in Hempstead — projects that raise legitimate concerns about density, traffic, flooding and long-term community impact. You can’t rail against development with one breath while allowing it in your own backyard with the next.

The only thing consistent about the town’s leadership is its inconsistency.

Housing has now been turned into a partisan weapon, when it should be a

shared responsibility. Meanwhile, the consequences are very real. Families are struggling to stay on Long Island. Seniors are being priced out of communities they spent decades building. Young people can’t afford to put down roots, let alone raise families.

These aren’t abstract policy debates. They’re everyday realities.

Yet instead of working across party lines to address these challenges, we see more political posturing and fear-based messaging. It raises a simple question: Is this really about solutions, or about scoring political points?

Tspeak out and raise valid concerns, only to end up feeling like those concerns were never part of the decision-making process.

Just ask the residents surrounding the Woodmere Country Club project, who filled Town Board meetings, pleading for an independent environmental review. They deserved to be heard. They deserved leadership willing to listen and act. Instead, they were ignored. That’s not good government.

his moment calls for leadership that is willing to rise above the noise and tell the truth.

In a recent op-ed, Ferretti claimed, “Albany is trying to strip away local control with automatic approval.” That statement isn’t just inaccurate; it’s inflammatory rhetoric that distracts from the real issue. Because beyond the slogans and news conferences, the question remains, Where is his plan?

The answer isn’t as simple as saying yes or no to development. And it’s certainly not found in blanket opposition or empty sound bites.

The answer is balance.

We need development that respects the voices of the community, not one that ignores them. We need decisions guided by real environmental-impact studies. Too often, residents show up,

We also need partnerships among municipalities, responsible developers and union labor to ensure that projects are done the right way. That means using local workers, maintaining high standards and making sure developments are sustainable for the long term, not just profitable in the short term.

Right now, too many decisions are driven by political relationships and donor interests rather than what’s best for residents.

If we’re going to talk about housing, let’s have an honest conversation. Not one driven by fear or partisan lines, but one grounded in transparency, accountability and a willingness to work together.

Because the housing crisis isn’t going away, and if we continue to treat it as a

political talking point instead of a real challenge, we will keep failing the very people we’re supposed to serve. There’s a better way forward. It starts with leadership that is willing to bring people to the table, including local officials, state partners, community leaders, developers and labor, and do the hard work of finding solutions that actually fit each community. Not onesize-fits-all mandates or blanket opposition, but thoughtful, community-driven planning.

A better way forward means engaging with developers early to ensure that projects reflect the needs of the neighborhoods they enter. It means working with unions to create good-paying local jobs and uphold the highest standards. And it means restoring transparency, so residents aren’t left guessing about decisions that shape their communities. Most important, it means putting people before politics. Because housing isn’t a partisan issue. It’s a human issue. This moment calls for leadership that is willing to rise above the noise, tell the truth, and make tough decisions rooted in what’s right for our communities. Because the choices we make now will define whether Long Island remains a place where families can build a future. One thing is clear: We need leaders ready to be part of the solution, or it’s time for them to step aside.

Joe Scianablo is the Democratic candidate for Town of Hempstead supervisor.

Preparing students to succeed in L.I.’s creative economy

Last month, five students from Long Island High School for the Arts advanced from regional competition to the SkillsUSA state championships in an impressive showcase of career readiness and leadership ability. Two went on to win bronze for their work in digital cinema production.

If you watched the LIHSA students present their work, explain their creative choices and demonstrate their technical skill, one thing was clear: These young people aren’t simply pursuing their passions, but are diligently preparing to enter Long Island’s thriving creative economy.

According to the Center for an Urban Future’s 2025 report, “Sustaining Long Island’s Creative Spark,” employment in Long Island’s arts and culture sector grew 21.6 percent from 2014 to 2024, compared with overall job growth in the region of just 4.1 percent. During that

same period, the number of independent artists on Long Island nearly doubled, and nonprofit arts and culture organizations generated more than $330 million in annual economic activity, according to the Long Island Arts Alliance.

Iinvite Long Island families to consider the growing promise of creative industries.

The creative economy is trending upward at the national level, too. The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis’ most recently reported data attests that arts and cultural economic activity increased 6.6 percent in 2023, more than double the 2.8 percent increase of the prior year. It accounted for 4.2 percent of the nation’s GDP in 2023, and supported 5.4 million jobs.

As district superintendent and CEO of Nassau BOCES, where our mission includes a focus on vocational career training, I am thrilled that SkillsUSA — the nation’s top workforce-development organization for students — has recognized rigorous arts education for what it is: vital preparation for real careers.

And yet there is still a lingering perception that arts education is somehow less practical than other vocational tracks, like those in health care, con-

struction, automotive technology and computer science — pathways that matter deeply. And concerns about the arts often come from a good place. Families want stability for their children. School leaders want to prepare students for real opportunity. But those goals aren’t at odds with arts education.

Students pursuing design, animation, digital media, filmmaking, music and performance are building specific and transferable skills that have value in today’s world. They are learning how to create under pressure, revise based on feedback, collaborate with others, communicate clearly and produce work for an audience. They are also learning industry tools and technology while building portfolios that make them competitive college applicants and open doors to conservatory training and professional employment.

For Nassau BOCES, this is evident at LIHSA and among the school’s alumni, who have gone on to study at Juilliard, the Parsons School of Design and the Boston Conservatory at Berklee and to work for employers ranging from The

New Yorker to the Metropolitan Opera. I offer LIHSA as an example, but this isn’t about one school. I invite Long Island families, educators and public officials to re-examine the full range of career pathways that lead to meaningful work in today’s evolving economy and consider the growing promise of creative industries.

We are quick to guide students who want to become nurses, engineers or electricians toward those programs of study. We should be just as ready to do the same for students who want to work in design, media or the performing arts.

The five LIHSA students currently advancing through the national rankings at SkillsUSA remind us of something important — talent matters, but so does training and opportunity.

If our region is serious about economic growth, we should prepare our students accordingly and not ignore the creative sector, which is outpacing overall job growth by a factor of five to one. Long Island has built strong pipelines into other trades. We owe our young artists, performers and producers the same counseling, the same investment, and the same expectation of success.

Larry Leaven is district superintendent and CEO of Nassau BOCES.

May 19 decisions carry outsized local impact

long Islanders will be asked to make decisions on May 19 that quietly but profoundly shape their communities. From Amityville to Valley Stream and from Oyster Bay to Massapequa, voters will head to the polls to weigh in on public school district budgets, elect Board of Education trustees and, in several cases, decide funding for their local libraries.

These are not minor matters. Yet year after year, school district elections draw strikingly low turnout and are often decided by a small fraction of eligible voters. More often than not, only 5 to 10 percent of eligible voters cast ballots. That disconnect is hard to justify given the outsized influence these votes have on taxes, educational quality, public services and overall community health.

School budgets determine far more than what happens inside the classroom. They shape the volume of opportunities available to students — from arts and music programs to athletics and extracurricular activities — as well as spending on classroom instruction, staff salaries, employee benefits, school operations, transportation and specialized programs. The budgets, proposed by local school boards and voted on by residents, dictate the allocation of local property taxes, state aid and federal funding.

In districts where library budgets are on the ballot, these votes also impact access to books, technology, program-

ming and community space for residents of all ages.

Equally important are the elections for Board of Education trustees. These individuals are not figureheads; they are elected officials responsible for setting district policy, hiring and evaluating the superintendent, and establishing the annual budget. They ensure compliance with state education laws, manage district property and represent the community’s interests.

Their choices influence curriculum, long-term planning and how effectively taxpayer dollars are managed. The direction of a school district for years to come can hinge on who fills these seats. What makes these elections especially significant is how much can turn on so few votes. In many Long Island communities, multimillion-dollar spending plans and major capital projects are approved or rejected by narrow margins. A relative handful of ballots can alter the outcome. That reality means that every vote carries real weight, much more than in higher-profile elections where margins often stretch into the thousands or millions.

The 2006-07 Baldwin School District budget passed by only five votes. Last May, the Shelter Island School District spending plan fell just 40 votes short of the required 60 percent supermajority needed to pierce the state tax cap, A year earlier, only a few of Long Island’s 124 school districts, including Sachem and

West Babylon, had their budgets rejected. It is also a mistake to view these elections as relevant only to parents of school-aged children. Strong public schools are a cornerstone of vibrant communities. They help sustain property values, attract families, support local businesses and contribute to a shared sense of stability and pride. Libraries, too, serve as essential civic hubs, offering educational resources, workforce support and cultural programming that benefit entire neighborhoods.

Participation in these elections is not complicated, but it does require intention. Voters should take time to review the proposed budgets and any referendums, understand what is at stake and, if possible, attend public hearings or information sessions. These forums provide valuable insight into how decisions are made and where priorities lie. Most important, residents must show up. Local democracy is strongest when it reflects the voices of the many, not the few. When turnout is low, decisions that affect entire communities are left in the hands of a limited group of voters, weakening the representative nature of the process.

May 19 may not carry the fanfare of a national election, but its consequences are immediate and tangible. Those who participate will shape the future of Long Island’s schools, libraries and neighborhoods. That alone should be reason enough to make voting a priority.

It’s long past time to recognize the Montauketts

in March, the State Assembly unanimously passed — yes, even in these polarized times, it unanimously passed — a bill sponsored by Assemblyman Tommy John Schiavoni providing for reinstatement and acknowledgement of the Montaukett Indian Nation.

The bill has now gone to the State Senate, which, like the Assembly, has overwhelmingly passed it seven times. Yes, seven times. But Gov. Kathy Hochul has vetoed it four times. And her predecessor, Andrew Cuomo, a fellow Democrat, vetoed it three times.

“The people of the Montaukett Indian Nation are a rich part of the Long Island community,” declared a statement issued by Schiavoni’s office. But “After several attempts to advance legislation that would recognize and acknowledge the Montauketts, New York State has continued with the precedent set in 1910 to deny them their right of existence in the eyes of the state. Despite the 1910 Pharaoh v. Benson case when the court declared them to be extinct while their leaders and 75

members of the nation sat in the courtroom, the Montaukett Indian Nation has continued to thrive and govern itself. The wrongful removal of their state recognition remains uncorrected.”

Schiavoni, a Sag Harbor Democrat, joined the Assembly in January 2025.

The 2026 Montaukett recognition measure, and earlier bills, were sponsored in the Senate by Anthony Palumbo, a Republican from New Suffolk. One of them passed the Senate, 50 to 1, last year.

The Indian nation has been dissed by no fewer than seven vetoes by two governors.

In her veto message about that bill in December, Hochul again pointed to the 1910 ruling in Pharaoh v. Benson. In it, State Supreme Court Justice Abel Blackmar sided with the descendants of Arthur Benson, a developer, in awarding them Montaukett tribal lands. Hochul said there were still “outstanding questions and issues concerning the Montauketts’ eligibility for recognition, according to traditional criteria.”

Schiavoni succeeded Fred W. Thiele Jr., a member of the Assembly for nearly 30 years, who sponsored the earlier Montaukett measures in the Assembly.

After Hochul cited Pharoah v. Benson in a veto of the 2023 bill, Thiele, a Sag Harbor Democrat, said he was shocked

Framework by Tim Baker

that the governor would reference that ruling, which he described as “one of the most racist decisions in the history of New York jurisprudence. The prior vetoes were unfortunate but the language in this one was stunning. To take the Benson case, which has language in it that would embarrass the Proud Boys, and hold that up as the justification for this veto is just crazy. Instead of rejecting the noxious rationale of Benson, [Hochul’s] veto affirmed it. I am ashamed of our state government.”

The case focused on an effort by the Montaukett chief, Wyandank Pharoah, to undo the taking of Montauk lands by Benson. As Newsday’s Mark Harrington noted in his coverage of the 2025 Hochul veto: “Newsday in a 1998 investigation found that the process by which developers and the Long Island Rail Road annexed Montaukett and Shinnecock Indian Nation lands over the past 200 years was rife with ‘deceit, lies and possible forgery.’”

There is a passage in the vetoed 2025 bill — and in the current and prior measures — stating that Blackmar’s “arbitrary ruling ignored earlier U.S. Supreme Court decisions defining Indian Nations according to criteria under

which the Montaukett Indian Nation qualified as an existing sovereign tribe and giving Congress, rather than the courts, power to decide [its] status.”

The Montaukett situation has attracted attention beyond Long Island. A New York Post article on Hochul’s December veto quoted Sandra BrewerWalker, executive director of the Montaukett Indian Nation, saying, “The governor just doesn’t get it — she lacks an understanding of Native American history and is upholding an illegal, racist ruling.”

On the floor of the Senate, Palumbo has decried the ruling in the Pharoah v. Benson case, which he termed “likely racist” and spoke of how the tribe “was recognized for years prior” to the case. He declared, “Now is the time to correct this injustice and provide the Montaukett Indian Nation with the status they deserve.”

The Montauketts were one of the original great tribes of Long Island — and they’re still here. Peter Pharaoh, a proud Montaukett, was a journalism student of mine. They thoroughly deserve the restoration of their recognition.

Karl Grossman has been an investigative reporter in a variety of media for more than 50 years. He is a professor of journalism at the State University of New York at Old Westbury.