East Meadow Herald 04-23-2026

HERALD east meadow

Courtesy Nassau BOCES

Cooper daSilva is one of two east Meadow students enrolled in the Long island High School for the arts. on april 16, he was sworn into the national Honor Society at the Jerusalem avenue School in Bellmore.

LIHSA students take the spotlight

Exceptional artists from East Meadow join honor societies

By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com

Long Island is a hotspot for artists of all ages, the home of famous musicians, local painters and young performers receiving an education from the Long Island High School for the Arts.

More than 40 LIHSA students were inducted April 16 into the National Honor Society in a ceremony held in the Nassau BOCES Jerusalem Avenue School in Bellmore. The ceremony recognized students for achievements in five groups: visual arts, national dance, international thespian, technical arts, and tri-am music.

The students were selected based on their academic achievements and community service, representing towns across Long Island including Long Beach, Levittown, Bethpage and more.

Olivia Carmody and Cooper daSilva are juniors at East Meadow High School, splitting their days between normal curriculum and theatrical training at LIHSA. The two students are members of the Thespian Society, a badge of honor representing their hard work and cooperative spirit.

The two students have been passionate about theater since childhood.

“I’ve been doing theater since I was in

Continued on page 13

Officer and K-9 honored by

American Legion

By REI WolFSoHN Correspondent

Nassau County Police Officer Rory Kerley and his K-9 partner, Shammy, were honored by East Meadow American Legion Post 1082 on April 10, for tracking down a drunk driving suspect in the fatal hit-andrun death of Daniel Bliss last October.

Bliss, 63, a North Bellmore resident and an East Meadow Sons of the American Legion member, was struck while riding a motorcycle on North Jerusalem Road, and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Ias he reflected on the search and its outcome.

“I was excited that the dog did his job, even though there (were) obstacles in the way,” Kerley said, detailing that the duo had to jump over a fence to continue their search, following the crash. “I was relieved because I ultimately knew what had happened at the accident.”

’m just happy my dog does his job, that’s it.

RoRy KERlEy Nassau County police officer

During the Legion’s Law & Order ceremony held at the Legion’s headquarters on Bellmore Road, Kerley and Shammy received a plaque from the American Legion, along with a citation and certificates from several local government officials. Shammy also received an honorary vest from the American Legion Riders, a motorcycle division of the veterans’ service organization.

Kerley expressed tremendous pride in Shammy’s work,

Patrick Thompson, 59, of Levittown, was recently sentenced to six to 18 years in prison, following a guilty plea for aggravated vehicular homicide.

Members of the American Legion expressed sadness over the loss of Bliss’s life and were upset with the prison term.

“I wasn’t pleased with the sentence,” Mark Papagni, commander of the Sons of the American Legion, said. “He intentionally got in that car. I’m sure it wasn’t his intention to kill Danny, but he did. Danny can never see his family, never be with his fiancée.”

Bliss’s fiancée, Raquel Osteikoetxea, was in tears during

Continued on page 10

East Meadow clean up project for Earth Day

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Ahead of Earth Day, residents of East Meadow will be an opportunity to keep their community clean.

The Earth Day Cleanup Project is a partnership between the East Meadow Union Free School District, the Girl Scouts of East meadow and the East Meadow Baseball and Softball Association.

The cleanups will happen at each elementary school in East Meadow on April 26 at 12:00 p.m. There will also be cleanups at the East Meadow Baseball Complex and the triangle between Roosevelt Ave. and Prospect Ave., just south of Hempstead Turnpike. Each location will have a girl scout troop leading the effort.

Ted Rosenthal co-founded Friends for a Beautiful East Meadow with Taleen Krug and Richie Krug Jr. The two-year-old organization has the sole focus of improving East Meadow’s appearance and environment at once.

“The good thing about it is that the schools and the ball fields are kept pretty well, but what we’re trying to instill in the young people of the community is that this is our home and it is our obligation to help where we can,” he said.

The last Earth Day cleanup was held two years ago.

“The first time, it was a Friends for a Beautiful East Meadow project, and we contacted the Girl Scouts who were thrilled to be included,” Rosenthal said. “This year was almost reverse; before we even started planning, the Girl Scouts contacted us and said, ‘let’s do it again.’

“I think it’s fantastic,” he continued. “It

occurred to them to do it, and now we have people thinking about these types of projects, and hopefully more and more do so it’s not just what we’re putting it out.”

Beautification has multiple benefits, according to Rosenthal.

“Our goal is to bring attention to the fact that more beautiful our areas are, the more people enjoy living here, and the more people enjoy working here, and the more people enjoy shopping here and doing business here,” he said. “East Meadow is a wonderful place to be.”

Additionally, the group will be holding a special contest for local businesses beginning on May 1. The “Most Fabulous Business” award will be granted to whichever local establishment earns the most votes over the course of two months. The theme of the friendly competition is to beautify: plant flowers, dress up windows and start a movement to improve the beauty of the region.

While the organization may be young, Taleen Krug noted that its growth indicates a bright future to come.

“As we continue to grow this event and year over year, we definitely have been able to add both participation volunteers and different areas that people would like to clean up,” she said. “The more people, whether you’re involved in a community organization or not, or you just have a passion to help, this is the perfect event for you.”

To learn more, visit FabEM.org.

Friends for a Beautiful East Meadow are leading the second Earth Day annual cleanup on April 26.

Courtesy Ted Rosenthal

HERALD SCHOOLS

East Meadow students ‘razzle dazzle’ on stage

The East Meadow High School Theatre Guild and music department recently celebrated a standout success with their production of “Chicago,” captivating audiences with a bold and energetic performance.

Presented by the school’s talented student performers and musicians, the show brought the iconic jazz-age story to life with style, precision and undeniable stage presence. Featuring music by John Kander, lyrics by Fred Ebb, and a book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, the production showcased not only the enduring appeal of the musical but also the exceptional abilities of East Meadow’s students.

The cast delivered vibrant performances filled with confidence and charisma, while the dedicated crew worked behind the scenes to ensure a seamless production. In addition, the live pit orchestra elevated the experience, adding richness and excitement that truly “razzle dazzled” the audience. Performed over three shows, the production drew enthusiastic crowds and earned praise for its professionalism and high level of artistry.

This memorable production highlighted the strength of East Meadow High School’s performing arts programs and provided students with an invaluable opportunity to collaborate, grow, and shine on stage.

–Jordan Vallone

The production showcased not only the enduring appeal of the musical but also the exceptional abilities of

students.

Photos courtesy East Meadow Union Free School District

Students in East Meadow High School’s Theatre Guild dazzled on stage during a production of ‘Chicago.’

The show brought the iconic jazz-age story to life.

East Meadow’s

This memorable production highlighted the strength of East Meadow High School’s performing arts programs.

The cast delivered vibrant performances filled with confidence and charisma, while the dedicated crew worked behind the scenes to ensure a seamless production.

Detectives were canvassing the scene on Thursday following the shooting, near Field 2 in the park.

Protecting Your Future

15-year-old is shot and killed in Eisenhower Park

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

A 15-year-old has died last week, and two others were injured, following a shooting on April 15 in Eisenhower Park.

The shooting occurred around 8:30 p.m. in the East Meadow park’s Field 2, according to police reports, near Hempstead Turnpike and Merrick Avenue.

Health Benefits of Forgiveness

Each one of us experience countless injustices in the course of everyday living. Like other experiences, it is not the experience itself so much that counts, but how you process it. The Mayo Clinic addresses the health benefits of “forgiveness” which they define as “an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger”. Letting go of grudges and bitterness can lead to:

Everett Worthington, Profession Emeritus of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, provides a free workbook at for whom forgiveness may be difficult (most of

Recall: Recall the hurt. Look at the incident in an objective way and don’t try to push aside your feelings.

Empathize: Empathize with the offender without excusing the action or invalidating your own feelings. Maybe the person was having a bad day or was raised in dire circumstances.

forgiveness. Think about a time when you were rude or harsh, and recognize that everyone has shortcomings.

Commit: Make a decision to forgive. You can write a letter that you don’t send to help yourself make the commitment.

Hold:

how you react to those feelings will.

“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned”

At an overnight police briefing in the park, Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said early investigations revealed that the incident was tied to a gang meetup, according to an invite shared on social media.

A group of people assembled in the park for a “barbecue,” Ryder said, when an argument started and shots were fired. Three people were hit, he said.

The 15-year-old, identified as Quacere Hagans, of Coram, died at a hospital from his injuries.

The other victims, two males, ages 28 and 31, were in critical condition.

“We currently have two people under arrest, both recovered with weapons,” Ryder said at the overnight press conference. “We have two people with guns that have been arrested.”

Heavy police and ambulance presence were outside of the park on Wednesday night.

Those arrested were not yet charged in connection to the park shootings. One person arrested, a 17-year-old, was arraigned on weapons charges.

Last week, police officers continued patrolling the park and the area the shooting occurred.

Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding the shooting to call 911. Callers will remain anonymous.

Photos courtesy John Scalesi

things to know EMCon

East Meadow’s EMCon AnimeFest returns this weekend

By JORDAN VALLONE

jvallone@liherald.com

The East Meadow Public Library will transform into a hub of anime, cosplay and pop culture this coming weekend as EMCon AnimeFest returns for a two-day celebration. The family-friendly event, set for April 25 and 26, will feature live performances, hands-on workshops and special guests from the entertainment world. From professional voice actors to local cosplay creators, the festival aims to offer something for fans of all ages. Activities will take place throughout the library, with many events requiring in-person registration.

Star power and live entertainment at this weekend’s event

The festival will feature a mix of live entertainment and special guest appearances, highlighted by Emmy Award–winning performer Leslie Carrara-Rudolph. Best known for bringing Abby Cadabby to life on “Sesame Street,” Carrara-Rudolph will meet fans during a session on April 25 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Community Room. Later that day, performer Robin Channing, known as “The Mind Bender,” will present a show blending magic, mentalism and psychological illusion from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. The weekend will also include a live concert by Eternal HOSHI on April 26 from 3 to 4 p.m., featuring high-energy performances inspired by popular anime music and fan-favorite songs.

Cosplay takes center stage for adults and local youth

Cosplay will play a central role throughout the weekend, with opportunities for both beginners and experienced participants to get involved. A kids cosplay contest for ages 7 to 11 will take place April 25 from 3 to 4 p.m., giving younger fans a chance to showcase their creativity. The main cosplay contest will continue into April 26, with judging scheduled from 1 to 2:45 p.m. Registration will be held in person across both days. In addition to competitions, attendees can meet cosplay creator Rizuki during a workshop titled “Pls Cosplay w/Me,” scheduled for April 25 from 1 to 2 p.m., where participants can collaborate and learn more about building characterinspired looks.

Look ahead to hands-on workshops and fan experiences

Beyond performances and contests, EMCon AnimeFest will offer interactive workshops designed to bring fans deeper into the creative process. The “From Concept to Costume: 3D Cosplay Studio” session on April 25 from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. will guide participants through techniques for designing and constructing detailed costume pieces using hands-on methods. Many events will take place in the library’s Makerspace, emphasizing creativity and skill-building. Running from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on April 25, with additional programming on April 26, the festival will feature activities across multiple rooms. Organizers are encouraging early registration for select sessions, as space may be limited.

Friday, April 24: Rides 6 PM - 10 PM

Saturday, April 25: Rides 11 AM - 9 PM

Sunday, April 26: Rides 11 AM - 7 PM

Vendors Sat. & Sun. 10 AM - 6 PM

CHARLOTTE WEBSTER EAST ROCKAWAY Senior SOFTBALL

ALREADY A TWO-TIME All-Conference selection, Webster appears well on her way to at least a third if not an All-County season. Heading into this week’s action, the Rocks’ fourth-year starting shortstop leads Nassau County in home runs with 6 and RBIs with 28 while batting .700 through nine games. Webster blasted a pair of homers against Baldwin on March 21 and repeated the accomplishment April 11 versus Freeport.

games to watch

Thursday, April 23

Flag Football: Oceanside at East Rockaway 5 p.m.

Flag Football: Bell-Merrick at Massapequa 5:30 p.m.

Friday, April 24

Softball: Clarke at Farmingdale 5 p.m.

Softball: Malverne at Uniondale 5 p.m.

Softball: North Shore at South Side 5 p.m.

Baseball:Calhoun at Long Beach 5 p.m.

Baseball: Elmont at Kennedy 5 p.m.

Boys Tennis: South Side at Hewlett 5 p.m.

Flag Football: East Meadow at Freeport 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Carey at Kennedy 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: West Hempstead at Clarke 5 p.m.

Saturday, April 25

Softball: Wantagh at Oceanside 10 a.m.

Softball: Hicksville at Long Beach 10 a.m.

Softball: West Hempstead at Lawrence 10 a.m.

Softball: Lynbrook at Freeport 10 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Herricks at Baldwin 11 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Roslyn at Long Beach 1 p.m.

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

Boys Lacrosse: Freeport at V.S. District 1 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: North Shore at Seaford 3 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Lynbrook vs Hewlett 6:30 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.

HERALD SPORTS

Clarke still hungry after 9-1 start

By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com

Even with a 9-1 start, Clarke baseball coach Tom Abruscato knows his team has not yet reached its potential.

The Rams continued their winning ways last Friday, rallying for a 2-1 walkoff victory over Division to complete a three-game sweep and extend their winning streak to five games. The surge comes after their only loss of the season, a 3-0 setback at Bethpage on April 7.

Despite outscoring opponents 69-28 through 10 games and hitting six home runs, Abruscato has remained focused on improving consistency at the plate.

“They need to understand the way we’re supposed to have an approach,” he said. “We’re playing great defensively, the pitching has been phenomenal, but our at-bats are poor.”

Clarke’s latest win followed a familiar formula — strong pitching and timely execution. Trailing entering the bottom of the sixth inning, the Rams got a spark when senior center fielder Matt Kurz and junior third baseman Vinny Juliano led off with singles. After advancing on a wild pitch, Kurz scored on a fielder’s choice by sophomore Luke Walker to tie the game.

Kurz then took over in the seventh inning, tossing a scoreless frame before delivering the decisive blow. His single to center scored junior Nick Buffolino for the walk-off win, capping another standout performance in the series.

“Matty Kurz is a prospect,” Abruscato said. “We’ve had five or six major league scouts at every game for him, and he’s done a good job. It’s a lot of pressure for a kid in that spot. I don’t think he’s felt the pressure. He’s been pretty cool with it.”

Kurz was dominant throughout the Division series, homering in each of the first two games. His biggest swing came in an April 15 win, when he launched a three-run homer in the sixth inning to break a 6-6 tie in what became a 9-8 victory.

Buffolino played a key role in both

comeback wins, delivering a pinch-hit double that helped set up Kurz’s goahead homer on April 15 before scoring the winning run in the series finale.

“Like we always tell these kids, we don’t make the lineup. You make the lineup,” Abruscato said. “He kind of forced his way in. He did a heck of a job this series.”

Sophomore Nico Burriesci also made an impact in the finale, earning praise after a strong varsity debut. He tossed three scoreless innings in relief, striking out three and keeping Clarke within striking distance.

While the offense continues to search for rhythm, Clarke’s pitching staff has

been a steady force. Senior Richard Luke is 4-0, fellow senior James Beckworth has added a win and two saves, and senior Mike Iadevaia recorded the save in a 7-4 non-league win over Long Island Lutheran on March 31.

“All of the seniors that are starting right now were all starting as sophomores on the county championship team from two years ago,” Abruscato said. “They’ve all been lights out.”

Clarke will finish a three-game series against Jericho at home Friday before a non-league matchup at Calhoun on April 27. The Rams held a one-game lead atop the conference over Bethpage entering this week’s action.

Paul Grassini/Herald

Matthew Kurz, No. 10, was greeted by teammates after blasting a homer April 14 in a win over Division.

TPS bill backed by Gillen advances in House

Measure that would extend protections for Haitian immigrants through 2029 heads to the Senate

By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com

House Democrats secured enough bipartisan support last week to pass legislation to extend temporary protected status for roughly 350,000 Haitians living in the United States. Since Rep. Laura Gillen assumed office last year, she has backed a bill that would allow Haitian TPS holders legal status for three more years.

During a roundtable discussion in Elmont just days before the pivotal vote on April 16, Gillen acknowledged the limitations of temporary measures and pointed to broader legislative efforts, including bipartisan immigration proposals aimed at creating pathways to legal status.

The latest legislation would mark a transformational moment for TPS holders seeking clarity about their future. Haiti was first designated for TPS following a devastating 2010 earthquake, and ongoing instability has kept the designation in place.

Last week’s House effort, led by Rep. Ayanna Pressley and backed by Gillen and original co-sponsor Rep. Mike Lawler, secured the required 218 signatures earlier this month, triggering the House vote, in which it passed, 224-204.

“Our immigration system has been

broken for a long time,” Gillen said.

Mimi Pierre-Johnson, a community leader and activist in Elmont — home to one of Long Island’s largest Haitian populations — emphasized the importance of bipartisan support.

“This should be something that galvanized folks to understand it doesn’t matter about the people who’s trying to divide you, it’s what’s important to you, right?” Pierre-Johnson said. “So if your

neighbors that are going to work, paying taxes, you know, building a family, building a life, and the only thing stopping them from doing all of that is a piece of legislation.”

In January, Gillen signed a bipartisan letter urging the Trump administration to extend TPS for Haitian nationals ahead of the Feb. 3 expiration. She also met with White House officials to advocate for continued protections, efforts

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that coincided with a federal court ruling issued one day before the deadline that preserved TPS.

Gillen reiterated the need for broader reform, noting the limits of temporary protections. She is also among the Democratic co-sponsors of the bipartisan Dignity Act, which aims to create a pathway to legal status for long-term U.S. residents.

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, whose 22nd District encompasses Elmont, became the first person of Haitian descent elected to the New York State Legislature in 2012. Solages wrote in a statement that although the House vote should be applauded, progress “isn’t anywhere near the finish line” — referencing to the bill’s possible fate in the Senate and the likelihood of a presidential veto if it passes there.

“We may take this moment to rejoice at the progress made, but we cannot lose focus,” Solages said.

For advocates of the House bill, the push for TPS protections is about more than passing legislation; it reflects the realities of immigrant communities and the uncertainties they face.

The bill is now expected to move to the Senate for consideration, though a date for a vote has not yet been scheduled. Its aim is to protect Haitians who hold TPS through April 20, 2029.

Why Battery Storage Is Key to Long Island’s Energy Future

As Long Island’s energy system modernizes, battery storage is becoming a central piece of how electricity is generated, delivered and managed.

At its core, battery energy storage systems (BESS) capture electricity from the power grid — including solar and wind — when demand and prices are low and store it for later use. When demand increases, instead of turning to costly and dirty peaker plants, batteries can discharge, selling their power at a lower price. The result is a more flexible system that can better match supply with demand, saving ratepayers money.

For a region like Long Island, where aging infrastructure and high energy use have long posed challenges, that flexibility is increasingly important. Storage supports the expansion of clean energy while reducing reliance on older, fossil fuel-based generation the region has depended on for years.

“One very, very critical element into the clean energy transition is energy storage,” said Melissa Parrot, executive director of Renewable Energy Long Island.

Safety Built Into Every System

Paul Rogers, a retired FDNY lieutenant now with the Energy Safety Response Group, said today’s systems are guided by rigorous standards, extensive training and coordination with local fire departments. Updated fire safety codes adopted in 2025 are the most stringent in the country, reinforced by a highly trained local workforce.

This is not theoretical. According to the New York State Energy

Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), more than 7,400 BESS facilities are already operating across New York State, supporting grid reliability with minimal safety issues reported.

Stabilizing the Grid, Lowering Costs

Beyond safety, battery energy storage is helping stabilize Long Island’s aging grid. By storing energy when supply is abundant and releasing it during peak demand, these systems reduce

strain on infrastructure, limit outages and decrease reliance on costly peaker plants.

“Battery energy storage helps stabilize the grid and keep pricing down,” said Carrie Meek Gallagher, CEO of the Long Island Power Authority.

For residents and businesses, affordability remains a key benefit. By reducing price spikes and improving system efficiency, storage creates more predictable energy costs.

“Battery energy storage, in my opinion, is the silver bullet for us over the next decade,” said Billy Haugland II of the Haugland Group.

Paul Rogers, retired FDNY lieutenant and founding principal of Energy Safety Response Group, gives a tour of a battery storage facility in Brooklyn to members of FASNY.

Hailey Fulmer/Herald

Rep. Laura Gillen, left, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages at a roundtable hosted by Gillen at Le Spot Cafe in Elmont, where advocates gathered to discuss legislation that would extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants.

American Legion remembers Bliss’s impact

the ceremony, but said the tribute reflected the kind of person Bliss was and the impact he had on those around him.

“He would be so proud to have seen Shammy with the jacket,” Osteikoetxea said. “That is a gift to him, a tailor-made event for Danny. I cannot think of a better way to honor Danny than to have Shammy, a proud K-9, wear a Riders jacket.”

Bliss was not a veteran himself but gained membership through his father. He only joined the Sons of the American Legion last May but made an immediate impact on the organization.

Legion members at the ceremony shared memories of Bliss’s willingness to help others and his deep ties to the community.

Papagni said that in Bliss’s short time with the organization, he came to the rescue of a woman whose car had flipped in a bad accident and helped one of the American Legion’s bartenders whose basement had flooded. A plumber by trade, Bliss was planning to help refurbish the American Legion post’s headquarters.

“He made an impact right away,” Papagni said.

Michael Caputo, assistant director of the American Legion Riders, said he felt an immediate connection with Bliss.

“Everybody hit it off with him,” Caputo said. “We all felt that we knew him for a long time. We hung out a lot and did a lot of stuff together — we’re grateful for him.”

The ceremony, held in memory of Bliss, was organized to recognize Kerley and Shammy for their work in the case. The pair received citations from Nassau County Legislator Tom McKevitt, Town of Hempstead Councilman Dennis Dunne, State Sen. Steve Rhoads and Assemblyman John Mikulin.

Rhoads, who previously served as a captain in the Wantagh Fire Department, said he has known Kerley, the son of a former fire lieutenant, for more than 20 years. Rhoads added that Kerley’s recognition came as no surprise.

“I wasn’t surprised, one, when Rory decided to become a police officer,” Rhoads said. “And I’m not surprised that he is here tonight for having done amazing work that I knew he was capable of and know that he does every single day protecting and serving the people of Nassau County.”

Shammy quickly became the focus of attention during the ceremony, with many in attendance drawn to the K-9’s role in the case. Rhoads joked that “Shammy was the one who did the heavy lifting.”

Kerley, who has worked with Shammy for seven years, affectionally calls him by his nickname, Rock, and emphasized the bond between handler and dog.

“I’m just happy my dog does his job, that’s it,” Kerley said. “Best partner in the police department.”

Shammy was outfitted in his own american Legion riders motorcycle vest.

State Sen. Steve rhoads, who has known nassau County police officer rory Kerley for 20 years, presented him with a citation.

Rei Wolfsohn/Herald photos officer rory Kerley and Shammy, with Councilman dennis dunne, assemblyman John mikulin, post Vice Commander Lenny d’andrea, post Commander Lenny Volpe, County Legislator tom mcKevitt, State Sen. Steve rhoads and nassau County american Legion Commander dawn Samuel.

FASNY sounds alarm for new recruits

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

As part of a statewide effort to address declining volunteer firefighter enrollment, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York launched its 17th annual RecruitNY campaign with a news conference and a live firefighting demonstration at the Melville Fire Department April 15.

The initiative comes as the number of volunteer firefighters across the state has dropped by roughly 33 percent over the past two decades, from about 120,000 in the early 2000s to 80,000 today — even as emergency calls continue to rise. Recent data compiled by FASNY shows a 16 percent increase in house fires and a 37 percent jump in overall fire calls over that time, putting added strain on departments.

“It is very important for all of our communities to understand that fire and rescue service is staffed by volunteers who are will-

ing to go out 24/7 and respond to medical and fire emergencies as needed,” the association’s president, Gene Perry, said. “While some departments are doing very well, others face challenges and are trying to get more people and younger people involved.”

Nearly 90 percent of fire departments statewide — including about 70 in Nassau and 100 in Suffolk — rely on volunteers, making recruitment a growing public safety concern.

As part of RecruitNY, departments across Long Island opened their doors for demonstrations and outreach events aimed at attracting new members. Officials said the effort is critical to maintaining staffing levels and emergency response capabilities.

At the Long Island kickoff, FASNY representatives joined local officials and firefighters to highlight recruitment efforts and encourage residents to consider volunteering. They also conducted a demonstration on how firefighters extinguish

dangerous car fires.

In a survey conducted by the association two years ago, 49 percent of New York residents expressed an interest in becoming volunteer firefighters. As well, 66 percent of respondents said they would visit their local fire station to learn more, and 55 percent reported that they would begin with an online search for information.

“What we need are more incentives to encourage people to volunteer, like tax

breaks on homes and priority for affordable housing for volunteers,” Assemblyman Steve Stern said. “These are critically important, but we need to go much further, and I want you to know that we see it and we hear it, because not having enough volunteers is a direct hit on us all — our families and our communities — and it puts our safety at risk.”

For more information on volunteering, contact your local volunteer fire department or visit fasny.com.

Carolyn James/Herald photos

Melville firefighters demonstrate procedures used in putting out a car fire safely at press conference April 15.

FASNY President Gene Perry speaks at press conference about the importance of recruiting more volunteers to local volunteer fire departments across the state.

Jennings focuses on reliability, cost as he leads PSEG Long Island pseg l.i.

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

Scott Jennings was appointed president and chief operating officer of PSEG Long Island in January, overseeing electric service for about 1.2 million customers. He joined PSEG in 1998 after starting at Deloitte, and held leadership roles in finance and energy investments. He helped develop PSEG’s Long Island agreement, leading to its 2014 launch, and most recently served as senior vice president of finance, planning and strategy. He earned a degree in business administration and an MBA in accounting from Pace University.

Q: From a business degree in accounting, how did you get into the power industry?

A: I started with Deloitte, and PSEG was one of my clients. The engagement showed me how critical the energy industry is to the overall economy and every family. At PSEG I’ve been able to see every part of the business as I moved into several different roles in finance supporting the overall company, and directly managed a number of our business areas.

Q: Having been involved in creating PSEG Long Island’s operating structure in 2014, how does that influence your current priorities?

A: Yes, it was a great experience to lead our pitch to LIPA to serve as the operator more than a decade ago, and I’m really happy to move out here and join and lead the PSEG Long Island team. I think this publicprivate partnership brings great value to the customers of Long Island. With the utility system owned by LIPA, they have access to FEMA funding to recover the costs of storms and support grants for investments, they don’t pay federal or state taxes, and they have access to low-cost debt financing. That’s real value. And then engaging a private company, like PSEG, brings the expertise to operate the utility efficiently and effectively. So my first priorities are aligned with that: leading the utility to bring value to our customers by providing strong reliability and customer service at an affordable price.

Q: Being responsible for PSEG-New Jersey’s high standard in the industry, how do you lift PSEG Long Island to that level?

A: Over our first 12 years on Long Island, we’ve made great strides — this is a very, very different electric system and process compared to the past. Reliability has greatly

improved — PSEG Long Island is now in the top 10 percent of the country for reliability, just behind our sister in New Jersey. We see this in fewer sustained outages, fewer momentary outages, and lesser impacts and quicker responses during recent storms.

Similar on the customer satisfaction front. When we took over in 2014, the Long Island utility had the lowest customer satisfaction in the industry. Since then, PSEG Long Island has been recognized as having the most improvement in the entire country, and was even ranked No. 1 in the 2025 J.D. Power Business Customer Satisfaction Study among large utilities in the East.

And finally I’d point to affordability. When we took over, Long Island electric rates were about the highest in the country. Since then, through good cost control, New York state actions on property taxes and LIPA refinancing its debt, our rates are now lower than our neighboring utilities in NYC and Connecticut.

So we’ve made great progress, and my focus will be to continue to improve our service while managing costs.

Q: From your 30 years of experience, what lessons are

FROM THE COMPOSER OF WICKED

most relevant as you take on this position?

A: It’s about putting the right people in the right positions and keeping focus on what is most important for customers: reliability, service and cost.

Q: Under your leadership, what does success look like, and how can PSEG Long Island help strengthen the L.I. region?

A: I look for success in two timeframes. First is the nearterm of maintaining continued strong reliability and customer service while managing costs effectively. The second is positioning the Long Island electric utility for long-term success. We’re making additional system reliability investments so the strong reliability performance we’ve recently delivered can be maintained. Similarly, we’ll be assessing our longterm energy needs and the generation supply needed to meet them reliably and affordably, while also balancing environmental considerations. These actions and more will position Long Island for reliable and affordable service for years to come, which will help support the region’s continued economic development and great communities for our families.

Long island Premiere

ScOtt JENNINGS

LIHSA helps build friendship across L.I.

sixth grade, and when I was in the end of my eighth-grade year, heard about LIHSA and their summer program, so I came here and I auditioned for it,” daSilva said.

That early experience drove daSilva to join the program when he became eligible to join the specialist school, which is only available to juniors and seniors.

“Every single day, from 12:00 to 2:00, we are completely immersed in theater,” he said. “It’s fantastic.”

Out of the school’s many majors — studio or digital art, coding, film and more — Carmody opted to pursue musical theater as a combination of multiple interests.

“Musical Theater does a kind of a little bit of dance, a little bit of singing and a little bit of acting,” she explained. “I think it’s really important for people our age to find something that they’re good at and be able to follow that passion and be able to refine their skills, and this school really gives that to us.”

Throughout the school year, the thespians take classes in dance choreography, theater history and even personal finance to take care of themselves when establishing their careers. Primarily,

LIHSA is an opportunity to connect with peers and professionals in the fields students plan to pursue a career within.

The educators prepare students for the challenging next steps in their development: auditions for arts colleges. They strike a balance between constructive critique and encouragement, helping students find their footing as professional artists.

“Going after our dreams… it brings us joy,” Carmody said. “The teachers here are fantastic; they advocate for us, they find what’s special in each person, and guide us to be something like more refined, and also to find ourselves to be unique.”

To all young aspiring artists, LIHSA Principal Lindsay Rogan shared a message.

“Cooper and Olivia started at LIHSA at our Summer Arts Academy program,” she explained. “Our summer program is running again this summer, from June 29 until July 24. They both spent a couple summers here working on the shows, and that’s where we started to say to them, ‘you’re definitely a LIHSA kid, definitely make sure that you apply’ … they really are two of our exemplary students here.”

invites you and your family to visit the NATION’S ONLY MUSEUM OF

HISTORY located at The Viscardi Center in Albertson, NY.

Come learn about local disability rights pioneer Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr. and explore over 125 artifacts highlighting the fight for equal opportunity for people with disabilities. The museum provides an inclusive, fully accessible experience for all visitors and is the perfect place to spend a fun and educational day with your family. School field trips and group tours welcome.

Courtesy Nassau BOCES

olivia Carmody is a junior enrolled in the Long island High School for the arts, enjoying the opportunity to connect with peers and industry professionals as she pursues a career in theater.

Cooper daSilva student, LIHSA

Compiled By Herald Staff

Charlotte Jacobs Massapequa Park

I like to do doodles and to color with my mom and my sister. Sometimes my sister gets markers on my pictures, but that’s okay.

Mackenzie Alessandro

Glen Cove, age 11

I like to go to Claymation and paint.

Tim Baker/Herald

Charlie McDonald Rockville Centre, age 8

I like to go to the library and play on my iPad and look for books.

Tim Baker/Herald

Aviana Mannino Lynbrook, age 12

Calling my friends and playing Roblox and watching Hannah Montana.

Tim Baker/Herald

Alonnah Joggy East Meadow I love being in my room listening to the rain while playing music and falling asleep. Abbey Salvemini/Herald

STEPPING OUT

Rooted in springtime Blossoming out at Planting Fields

By Abbey Salvemini

As spring moves forward towards its peak, Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay bursts into a vivid celebration of color, nature and community. This weekend, April 25–26, the inaugural Branches in Bloom Festival invites visitors to stroll beneath sweeping canopies of magnolias, cherry blossoms and other flowering trees.

Blending longstanding tradition with new experiences, the festival refreshes the site’s beloved Arbor Day celebration of years past. Guests can explore the historic estate in colorful bloom while enjoying guided tours, live entertainment and familyfriendly activities, making it an easy spring highlight for visitors of all ages.

The new festival is both a tribute and a transformation.

“Branches in Bloom is a reimagination of a 40-year-old tradition here at Planting Fields,” Communications and Marketing Manager Kayla Cheshire says. “It’s still in honor of Arbor Day, but now we’re really able to focus on our spring flowering collection, something thousands of visitors come to see each year.”

That shift is most visible in the festival’s new setting. Instead of hosting activities away from the colorful trees, organizers moved the entire event to the West Lawn, placing everyone directly among the site’s most stunning seasonal displays. That change will have an immediate impact, according to Stewardship Director Lilly McGurk.

“The focus on the spring blooms is really going to knock everybody’s socks off,” she says with enthusiasm.

The refreshed format also reflects a broader push to make the festival more engaging and accessible to all audiences. While hands-on tree education and environmental programming remain at its core, the expanded offerings are designed to be inviting for families, younger visitors and those discovering the grounds for the first time.

“We wanted to create something that feels contemporary and welcoming to all,” McGurk explains. “People are looking to get outside, enjoy nature and spend time together. This brings in that wellness aspect while still celebrating the environment.”

Over the course of the weekend, the festival

Harry Chapin’s Greatest Stories Live

blends learning with leisure, offering something for both the curious and the casual visitor. Guided tours led by expert horticulturalists, including Arboretum Director Vincent Simeone, provide behind-the-scenes insight into the site’s celebrated collections, while interactive demonstrations and displays offer practical inspiration for gardeners at every level.

Music, magic shows, jugglers and roaming performers keep the grounds buzzing with energy throughout the day. Anchoring the schedule are performances by Strummin’ and Drummin’ (spanning late morning into the afternoon), complemented by face painting, caricatures and a lineup of food trucks offering plenty of casual bites and treats.

For families, interactive experiences are a major draw. The Kids Tree Climb run by longtime sponsor Wonderland Tree Care + Landscapes returns as a centerpiece activity, giving children the chance to safely scale trees under professional supervision. Due to high demand, last entry is at 2:30 p.m. to ensure all finish by the 4 p.m. close.

• Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Admission is $30 per car, or if taking the LIRR to Oyster Bay, $5 per person (kids under 3 free); learn at plantingfields.org

• 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay

Craft stations include simple coloring and imaginative projects like wearable “bee crowns,” designed to spark creativity and connect visitors to nature.

“We design activities with everyone in mind,” McGurk says. “There are things for kids, adults and families to enjoy together.”

The festival also underscores the broader mission of the Planting Fields Foundation, which works in partnership with New York State Parks, to preserve and maintain stewardship of the site. Beyond its celebrated horticulture, the organization continues to highlight the estate’s layered history, art and culture — threads that run throughout the programming and shape the visitor experience.

“There’s so much more here than just the plants,” Cheshire adds. “There’s history, there’s art, there’s culture. Events like this allow us to showcase all of that while making the site accessible to people of all ages and abilities.”

Accessibility remains a priority. This year, organizers pilot a shuttle from the Oyster Bay LIRR station making it easier for visitors from throughout the region to attend without a car. Supported by a state tourism grant through I Love New York, this expands the festival’s reach.

“We want everyone to feel welcome here,” Cheshire says. “This is about creating access not just to the festival, but to green space and nature in general.”

Even with its expanded offerings, Branches in Bloom remains firmly rooted in its Arbor Day heritage. Tree giveaways, educational exhibits, a plant sale, and environmental partnerships continue to anchor the festival, preserving its mission-driven focus while allowing it to evolve and resonate with a new generation.

With blooms in full display, immersive activities and a renewed focus on community connection, organizers aim for the festival to take root as a lasting seasonal celebration.

“It’s a new take on a tradition that means a lot to us. At the end of the day, it’s about bringing people together, celebrating the season and sharing this incredible place with as many people as possible,” Cheshire says.

In the long tradition of American roots music family groups, the Chapin family holds a distinctive place. Tom Chapin, Steve Chapin, Jen Chapin, and The Chapin Sisters (Abigail and Lily Chapin) are all accomplished artists with a shared commitment to family and music that connects deeply with audiences. Their performances together bring that spirit into focus in a powerful and personal way at this special concert honoring Harry Chapin’s legacy. Two generations of his family come together to perform his songs, joined by The Harry Chapin Band, featuring Big John Wallace and Howard Fields.His iiconic works are performed lwith the energy and intimacy they were written with in mind. In keeping with Harry’s lifelong commitment to fighting hunger, everyone is encouraged to bring nonperishable items, to be donated to a local food bank.

Friday, April 24, 8 p.m. $91, $71, $51. JLandmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Wild days in the Bronx

Chazz Palminteri returns with his electrifying solo performance of “A Bronx Tale,” the autobiographical one-man show that launched his career. Raw, riveting and deeply personal, the play draws on his bruising childhood in the Bronx, including the moment — at just nineyears-old — when he witnessed a gangland killing that forever shaped his world-view. Onstage, Palminteri inhabits 18 vividly drawn characters, seamlessly shifting between friends, foes and family members to conjure an entire neighborhood with nothing but his voice, physicality and storytelling prowess. First written and performed in 1989, A Bronx Tale quickly became a sensation, hailed as one of the most sought-after stage properties since Rocky. The original production paved the way for the acclaimed film adaptation — directed by Robert De Niro—and later a hit Broadway musical.

Sunday, April 26, 7:30 p.m. The Paramount. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Photos courtesy Planting Fields

Photos: Visitors wander the West Lawn at Planting Fields as spring blooms frame a weekend of music, art and family activities.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

Hofstra Spring Dance Concert

Hofstra University’s Department of Drama and Dance welcomes all to Spring 2026 Dance Concert. The performance features includes pieces by Hofstra faculty choreographers and guest artists. $15 general admission, $10 for seniors and Hofstra alumni.

• Where: Toni and Martin Sosnoff Theater, John Cranford Adams Playhouse, South Campus, Hempstead

• Time: 8 p.m., also April 24April 25

• Contact: hofstra.universitytickets.com

Westbury House Tour

For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now go beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: Noon-1 p.m., also April 24, April 26-27 and April 29-30

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

EMCon

APR

25

EMCon, the East Meadow Public Library’s take on Comic Con, is back for an action-packed weekend filled with cosplay, artists, special guest, gaming and fandom fun.

• Where: 1886 Front St.

• Time: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m., also April 26

• Contact: EastMeadow.info

The Lovin’ Spoonful

Fondly known as “America’s answer to the Beatles,” the band brings their chart-topping folkrock hits to the Madison Theatre. Formed in New York’s Greenwich Village, The Lovin’ Spoonful, made up of original band members John Sebastian, Steve Boone, Joe Butler, and Zal Yanovsky, exploded onto the charts sending their first seven singles soaring onto Billboard’s Top-10 virtually overnight. Their first single, “Do You Believe in Magic,” flew to the top of the charts, followed by

MAY 2

George Thorogood and The Destroyers

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

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

Performance Poets Association

All are welcome to the ensemble’s performance. The ensembles perform original student arrangements and traditional jazz repertoire.

• Where: 1886 Front St., East Meadow

• Time: 1 p.m.

• Contact: EastMeadow.info

MAY

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

For the past five-plus decades, over 8,000 live shows and more than 15 million albums sold, George Thorogood and The Destroyers have been “The All-American Rock & Roll Party Band” (Goldmine Magazine). In celebration of 53 years of “playing rock ‘n roll hot enough to melt the polar icecaps and flood the world’s major population centers” (Rolling Stone), the group continues The Baddest Show On Earth Tour — a stage-shaking, roofraising, guitar-snarling blast. For an artist whose music honors the blues, rock and country legends of the past, Thorogood’s forward momentum is now stronger than ever. And along with longtime Destroyers Jeff Simon (drums), Bill Blough (bass), Jim Suhler (guitar) and Buddy Leach (saxophone), they continue “to slap a custom flame paint job onto those classic sounds” (Blues Blast Magazine) like never before. The band has lways delivered on their promises. In 1976, they debuted as the most explosive indie breakthrough act of the decade. Throughout the ‘80s/’90s MTV era, Thorogood was the epitome of snakeskin and shades guitar-slinger cool. And with chart-topping hits like ‘One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer’, ‘Move It On Over’, ‘Who Do You Love?’, ‘I Drink Alone’, ‘Get A Haircut’ and the ultimate badass anthem ‘Bad To The Bone’, the band soon became undeniable cornerstones of classic Rock. Meanwhile, their album catalog continues to dominate streaming charts worldwide.

an unprecedented string of hits. Today, The Lovin’ Spoonful tours with founding member Steve Boone, along with Jeff Alan Ross (Badfinger, Peter Asher), Bill Cinque (Neil Diamond), longtime drummer Mike Arturi, and Rob Bonfiglio (The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson Band, Wilson Phillips).

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

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

APR 26

Spring Community Dinner

St. Francis PNC Church welcomes all to a spring dinner. Donation requested to attend.

• Where: 1752 Harton Ave., East Meadow

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Contact: RSVP at (516) 794-5189

Boater/Jet Ski Certification Class

Get set for your water adventures at the certification class at Allstate in East Meadow. There is a fee to attend. Registration required.

• Where: 1576 Front St., East Meadow

• Time: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Contact: NYBoatingSafety.com

Comedy

APR

27

showcase

Join East Meadow’s comic phenom, Mark Brier, for some laughs with a cast of local comedians at East Meadow Library.

• Where: 1886 Front St., East Meadow

• Time: 1 p.m.

• Contact: EastMeadow.info

Shower Roll Assembly

Teens can earn community service hours by attending a shower roll making session at East Meadow Public Library, which will be donated to local shelters.

• Where: 1886 Front St. East Meadow

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: EastMeadow.info

APR

Program features the premiere of a new work by Rebecca Feynberg written for the Hofstra New Music Ensemble and student compositions by Luis Romero, Owen Andruchow and others.

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

• Time: 3 p.m.

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

Long

MAY

1 Hofstra New Music Ensemble

Island Marathon Weekend

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

• Where: Eisenhower Park

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

• Contact: RunLongIslandMarathon.com

3

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

• Where: 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

• Time: 4 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com

Having an event?

All are welcome to the ensemble’s performance. The ensembles perform original student arrangements and traditional jazz repertoire.

MAY

29 Storybook Stroll

2

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a Storybook Stroll. Little listeners are

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

FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle

Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers

Take advantage of on-site health screenings

Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences

Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways

Snack station for all

*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees

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

& BEYOND

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

PANEL + Q&A RAFFLE DRAWINGS MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION

WESTBURY UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWNS OF NORTH HEMPSTEAD AND HEMPSTEAD COUNTY OF NASSAU WESTBURY, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to a resolution of the BOARD OF EDUCATION OF WESTBURY UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWNS OF HEMPSTEAD AND NORTH HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW

YORK, adopted July 1, 2025 a public hearing of the qualified voters of the Westbury Union Free School District, County of Nassau, Westbury, New York will be held in the Auditorium of the Westbury High School, One Post Road, Old Westbury, New York on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at 7:30 PM for the purpose of reviewing the proposed budget and for the transaction of such business as authorized by the Education Laws of the State of New York. A copy of such budget statement may be obtained by any resident of the school district, upon request, starting April 28, 2026 at the Administration Office, Two Hitchcock Lane, Old Westbury, New York. AND FURTHER NOTICE

IS HEREBY GIVEN that, said vote and election by registered voters of the Westbury Union Free School District, Towns of Hempstead and North Hempstead, County of Nassau, Westbury, New York will be held in the election districts described in the following paragraphs on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 and the voting shall be held between the hours of 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM in the schools designated in said paragraphs for the following purposes:

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

(b) The election of two (2) members to the Board of Education, each for a full term of three (3) years commencing July 1, 2026 and expiring June 30, 2029. The two (2) present incumbents are Robin L.

(c) To vote upon such other propositions as may properly come before the meeting and conduct other business as authorized by law.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, a copy of such budget or statement may be obtained upon request by any resident of the school district during business hours beginning April 28, 2026, except Saturday, Sunday or holidays, at the Administration Office, Two Hitchcock Lane, Old Westbury, New York and at each schoolhouse in the District in which the school is maintained during the hours of 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (prevailing time) at the principal’s office in each of the following schools and the Westbury Memorial Public Library: Westbury High School, One Post Road, Old Westbury, New York Westbury Middle School, 455 Rockland Street, Westbury, New York

Drexel Avenue School, 161 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, New York Powells Lane School, 603 Powells Lane, Westbury, New York Park Avenue School, 955 Park Avenue, Westbury, New York

Dryden Street, School, 545 Dryden Street, Westbury, New York Westbury Memorial Public Library, 445 Jefferson Street, Westbury, New York Westbury School District Website - www. westburyschools.org

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Real Property Tax Law Section 495 requires the District to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how the total assessed value of the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemptions granted by statutory authority, and show the cumulative impact each type of exemption, the cumulative amount expected to be received as payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) and the cumulative impart of all exemptions granted. In addition, said exemption report shall be posted on any District bulletin board maintained by the District for Public

Notices, as well as on the District’s website.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, petitions containing at least twenty-five (25) signatures of qualified voters nominating candidates for the office of Member of the Board of Education shall be filed with the District Clerk at 6 Hitchcock Lane, Old Westbury, NY between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM not later than Monday, April 20, 2026; said petitions must also state the name and residence of each signer, and must state the name and residence of the candidate.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, applications for absentee ballots may be applied for at the Administration Building during school business hours Monday through Friday, excluding holidays or on the Westbury UFSD website no earlier than April 20, 2026. If the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, the completed application must be received by the District Clerk no later than May 12, 2026. If the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter by the Office of the District Clerk, the completed application must be received by the District Clerk no later than Monday, May 18, 2026. Absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 PM on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available in the Office of the Clerk of the District during school business hours on each of the five (5) days prior to the day of the election, excluding Sundays, and on Saturday, May 16, 2026 between 9:00 AM and l2:00 PM and at the polling places on election day. Any qualified voter present in the polling place may object to the voting of the ballot upon appropriate grounds for making his/her challenge and the reasons therefore known to an Election Inspector before the close of the polls.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to Section 2018-e of the Education Law, applications for early mail ballots may be obtained at the Office

of the District Clerk during all days in which the District is in session. Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than April 20, 2026 and by May 12, 2026, if the early mail ballot is to be mailed to the voter. If the early mail ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter at the Office of the District Clerk the completed application must be received by the District Clerk no later than May 18, 2026. No early mail voter’s ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received by the Office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00pm on May 19, 2026. A list of all persons to whom early ballots have been issued will be available in the Office of the District Clerk’s office during office hours on or after May 13, 2026 until May 18, 2026, except on Saturday May 16, 2026, between 9:00am and 12:00pm. A challenge to an early voting ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should have applied for an absentee ballot.

The district has been divided into election districts as follows:

ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 1 consists of all the area lying between the eastern side of Post Road and Post Avenue, south and west of the North HempsteadOyster Bay Town Line, north to Brush Hollow Road, Union Avenue to School Street to Old Country Road and north of Old Country Road. Voting and registration in this election district shall take place in the WESTBURY MIDDLE SCHOOL, 455 ROCKLAND STREET, WESTBURY, NEW YORK.

ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 2 consists of all the land lying to the west of Post Avenue, Westbury and Post Road, Old Westbury, east of Ellison Avenue and north of Old Country Road. Voting and registration in this election district shall take place in the DREXEL AVENUE SCHOOL, 161 DREXEL AVENUE, WESTBURY, NEW YORK.

ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 3 consists of all the land known as New Cassel, Town of North Hempstead, which lies east of School Street between the Long Island Railroad and Union Avenue and Brush Hollow Road; also that which lies between Grand Boulevard and the eastern boundary of the district, north

of Old Country Road and south of the Long Island Railroad. Voting and registration in this election district shall take place at the PARK AVENUE SCHOOL, 955 PARK AVENUE, WESTBURY, NEW YORK.

ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 4 consists of all the land known as New Cassel, Town of North Hempstead, which lies south of the Long Island Railroad and north of Old Country Road, east of School Street and bounded on the northeast by Grand Boulevard. Voting and registration in this election district shall take place at the DRYDEN STREET SCHOOL, 545 DRYDEN STREET, WESTBURY, NEW YORK.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Military Voters who are not currently registered to vote may apply to register as a qualified voter of the District by contacting the District Clerk at 6 Hitchcock Lane, Old Westbury, NY, by telephone 516-874-1828, or email: districtclerk@ westburyschools.org to receive an application to register as a qualified voter of the District for the Annual Meeting on May 19, 2026. The Military Voter may indicate their preference for receiving the registration application by mail, by facsimile or electronic mail (email). The application to register must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 P.M. on April 23, 2026. The register of voters prepared and filed in the District Clerk’s office shall include the names of all military voters who submit a valid military voter registration. A military voter means a qualified voter of New York State who is in actual military service and will, therefore, be absent from the District in which he or she is qualified to vote on the day of registration or election or is discharged from military service within 30 days of an election or a spouse, parent, child or dependent of the military voter if a qualified voter of New York State and a resident of the same school district as the military voter, or military personnel residing on a military base within a school district in New York State for a period of 30 days immediately preceding the election.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Military Voters who are qualified voters of the District may obtain an application for a military ballot by contacting the District Clerk at 6 Hitchcock Lane, Old Westbury, NY, by telephone 516-874-1828, or email: districtclerk@ westburyschools.org.

The application for a military ballot must be received by the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 P.M. on April 24, 2026. The Military Voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application for a military ballot by mail, by facsimile or email. Military ballots will be mailed or otherwise distributed no later than April 25, 2026. Military ballots must be received by the District Clerk (1) before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the U.S. postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the U.S. government or (2) by 5:00 P.M. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereof, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the election. A list of all persons to whom military ballots shall have been issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the said Office of the District Clerk during regular office hours, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., until the day of the Annual School District Election and Vote.

NOTICE OF REGISTRATION

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that; personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law or pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law and has voted at an Annual or Special District Meeting (election) held during the prior four (4) calendar years, he/she is eligible to vote at this election; if a voter is registered and eligible to vote under Article 5 of the Election Law, he/ she is also eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register. Qualified residents of the District shall be

permitted to register for school district meetings and elections at the Office of the District Clerk, located at 6 Hitchcock Lane, Old Westbury, NY from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Wednesdays when school is in session beginning with the first day of student attendance in September and ending with the last day of student attendance in June, and from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on regular business days during the months of July and August. The final date to register for the Annual Meeting to be held on May 19, 2026 is Thursday, May 14, 2026 between 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

The Board of Registration shall meet, with the District Clerk, on Thursday, May 14, 2026 between the hours of 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law, to add any additional names to the Register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the register is prepared, at the following places:

ELECTION DISTRICT NO.

1

WESTBURY MIDDLE SCHOOL 455 Rockland Street, Westbury, New York

ELECTION DISTRICT NO.

2

DREXEL AVENUE SCHOOL 161 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, New York

ELECTION DISTRICT NO.3

PARK AVENUE SCHOOL 955 Park Avenue, Westbury, New York

ELECTION DISTRICT NO.4

DRYDEN STREET SCHOOL

545 Dryden Street, Westbury, New York

Immediately upon completion of said register, it shall be filed in the Office of Clerk of the District, where it shall be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District between the

hours of 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM on each of the five (5) days prior to the day set for Annual Meeting excluding Sunday and including Saturday, May 16, 2026 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM and at the polling place(s) on election day.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law of the State of New York, The Board of Registration and the District Clerk will meet in the WESTBURY MIDDLE SCHOOL, 455 Rockland Street, Westbury, New York (for Election District No. 1 as hereinbefore set forth) and the DREXEL AVENUE SCHOOL, 161 Drexel Avenue, Westbury, New York (for Election District No. 2 as hereinbefore set forth) and the PARK AVENUE SCHOOL, 955 Park Avenue, Westbury, New York (for Election District No. 3 as hereinbefore set forth) and the DRYDEN STREET SCHOOL, 545 Dryden Street, Westbury, New York (for Election District No. 4 as hereinbefore set forth) on May 14, 2026 between the hours of 2:00 PM and 8:00 PM for the purpose of preparing the REGISTER of the School District for meetings and elections held subsequent to the Annual Meeting held on May 19, 2026. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education in accordance with Sections 2035 and 2008 of the Education Law of the State of New York, any referenda or propositions to amend the budget or otherwise to be submitted for voting at such election, that are not required by law to be included in the legal notice for the vote, must be filed with the Board of Education at the Administration Building, Two Hitchcock Lane, Old Westbury, New York on or before April 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m., must be typed or printed in the English language, must be directed to the Office of Clerk of the District, must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District; and must state the name of each signer. Any proposition may be rejected by the Board of Education if the purpose of the proposition is not within the power of the voters, or where the expenditure of the monies is required by

Bolling and Rodney A. Caines.

Public Notices

the proposition, if the proposition fails to include the necessary specific appropriation.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOTING AT ANY SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING

A. A person shall be a citizen of the United States.

B. Eighteen or more years of age.

C. A resident of the district for a period of thirty days or more next preceding the election at which he/she offers to vote.

D. Must be registered to vote in Nassau County or School Elections.

Beverley Cathnott District Clerk Board of Education

Westbury Union Free School District Towns of Hempstead and North Hempstead County of Nassau Westbury, New York 159406

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ROBERTO TRISTAINO, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 18, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 5, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 539 Adelphi Street, East Meadow, NY 11554. 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 50, Block 154 and Lot 660. Approximate amount of judgment is $348,193.33 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 608499/2023.

Frank M. Scalera, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File

No.: 231032-1 159307

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR MFRA TRUST 2016-1, -againstVLADIMIR C. PUNTO A/K/A VLADIMIR PUNTO, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on April 28, 2025, wherein WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR MFRA TRUST 2016-1 is the Plaintiff and VLADIMIR C. PUNTO A/K/A VLADIMIR PUNTO, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 4, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 839 WINTHROP DRIVE, EAST MEADOW, NY 11554; and the following tax map identification: 50-437-24. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDING AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT EAST MEADOW, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 611656/2021. Leslie Feifer, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH

COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 159289

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR OPTEUM MORTGAGE ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION, ASSETBACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-4, Plaintiff, AGAINST

JESUS A. AVELARLEMUS, et al. Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on December 2, 2025.

I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 8, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 629 Oxford Street, Westbury, NY 11590. Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Westbury, Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 0011, Block 00219-00 and Lot 00090-00094. Approximate amount of judgment $630,018.13 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #607755/2023.

Steven M. Feinberg, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 159531

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF NASSAU

Index No. 616045/2025

File Date: 3/27/2026

SUPPLEMENTAL

SUMMONS

Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial based on

the location of the mortgaged premises in this action.

Plaintiff’s principal place of business is c/o NewRez LLC dba Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, 55 Beattie Place, Suite 100, Greenville, South Carolina 29601.

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR ARGENT SECURITIES INC., ASSET-BACKED PASS- THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-W3, Plaintiff,against- DANIELA PANGANIBAN; JAMIE M. PANGANIBAN

A/K/A JAIME PANGANIBAN if living, and if dead, the respective heirs at law, next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignors, lienors, creditors and successors in interest and generally all persons having or claiming under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise of any right, title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, and their respective husbands, wives or widow, if any, and each and every person not specifically named who may be entitled to or claim to have any right, title or interest in the property described in the verified complaint; all of whom and whose names and places of residence unknown, and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained by the Plaintiff; DONALD NEIDHARDT; FRED PERRY PROPERTY TAX REDUCTION GROUP; CLERK OF NASSAU COUNTY; (NO NAME PROVIDED), NEW YORK STATE

DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; JOHN DOE (NO NAME PROVIDED) “JOHN DOE #2” to “JOHN DOE #10,” the last 10 names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the persons or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the complaint, Defendants. To the above-named defendants: YOU ARE

HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the plaintiff’s attorneys within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and 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: 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 (DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR ARGENT SECURITIES INC., ASSET-BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-W3) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. This action was commenced to foreclose a mortgage against real property located at 137 Spring Lane Levittown, New York 11756. McCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC By: Caren Bailey, Esq. Attorneys for Plaintiff One Huntington Quadrangle, Suite 4N25 Melville, NY 11747 631-812-4084 8 55-845-2584 facsimile File # 17-300110

HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE NEW YORK STATE LAW REQUIRES THAT WE SEND YOU THIS NOTICE ABOUT THE FORECLOSURE PROCESS. PLEASE READ IT CAREFULLY. SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. IF YOU FAIL TO RESPOND TO THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT IN THIS FORECLOSURE ACTION, YOU MAY LOSE YOUR HOME. PLEASE READ THE SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT CAREFULLY. YOU SHOULD IMMEDIATELY CONTACT AN ATTORNEY OR YOUR LOCAL LEGAL AID OFFICE TO OBTAIN ADVICE ON HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF. SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and nonprofit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at 1-800-342-3736 or visit the Department`s website at www.dfs.ny.gov RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO LEAVE YOUR HOME AT THIS TIME. You have the right to stay in your home during the foreclosure process. You are not required to leave your home unless and until your property is sold at auction pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale. Regardless of whether you choose to remain in your home, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR PROPERTY and pay property taxes in accordance with state and local law.

FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a

homeowner`s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services. § 1303 NOTICE 16-12-20* 159465

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU MCLP ASSET COMPANY, INC., Plaintiff AGAINST RICHARD ORTIZ, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 16, 2024, and amended March 19, 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 May 19, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 7 Mockingbird Lane, Levittown, NY 11756. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Levittown, near Hicksville, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 45, Block 172, Lot 0048. Approximate amount of judgment $585,728.31 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604115/2018. Curtis R. Exum, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 19-001737 89639 159603

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, LBC3 TRUST, A DELAWARE STATUTORY TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. JERP EAST REALTY, LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on December 1, 2025, and an Order Appointing

Successor Referee duly entered on February 19, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 14, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 980 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury, NY 11590. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being near Hicksville, partly in the town of North Hempstead and partly in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 11, Block B and Lot 1091. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,634,466.28 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #610793/2024. Scott Siller, Esq., Referee

Chartwell Law, One Battery Park Plaza, Suite 710, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff 159644

To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 38-2026

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 14th day of April 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 38 -2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 38-2026, to amend Section 197-15 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “PROHIBITION OF LEFT TURNS” at various locations.

Dated: April 14, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 159770

— EAST

April 23, 2026

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 05/06/2026 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30

A.M.

245/26. NR WESTBURY - Museum of Urban Arts, Amusement Rides (Special Event) duration May 21, 2026 - May 25, 2026., S/W cor. Old Country Rd. & Merchants Concourse running thru to Zeckendorf Blvd., a/k/a 1500 Old Country Rd.

235/26. NR WESTBURY - 7-Eleven # 45006, Renewal of grant to maintain double-faced, illuminated logo sign & LED price sign (not permitted) to existing pylon; overall size 134 sq. ft. (67 sq. ft. per face) & overall height 17’1”., N/W cor. Merrick Ave. & Stewart Ave., a/k/a 525 Merrick Ave.

ALL PAPERS

PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Westbury within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals

other matters as may properly come before it.

159779

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. Bank National Association, as Trustee for Lehman XS Trust Mortgage PassThrough Certificates, Series 2006-GP2, Plaintiff AGAINST Roberto Monsalve; John Monsalve a/k/a John Eric Monsalve; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 24, 2026, 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 4, 2026, at 2:00PM, premises known as 259 Merrick Avenue, East Meadow, NY 11554. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at East Meadow, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 50 Block: 462 Lot: 8. Approximate amount of judgment

$595,241.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 606768/2023. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

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

Dated: April 14, 2026 159804

LEGAL NOTICE

DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF DIANA ORNES A/K/A ESPERANZA ORNES any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff, SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN

NY 11590

Section: 10, Block: 53, Lot: 5299, 5300, & 5301

To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other 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. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF

Belevate the Conversation

Life recipes

efore we ever heard of Covid19, my son often complained that we were collecting food recipes from various sources but never took the time to try them out. His diligence during the pandemic resulted in storing the best of them in a half-inch orange binder with plastic sleeves that still sits precariously on the top of the refrigerator — ready when we are.

He’s made a lot of dishes over these years given his available time and opportunity. In contrast, I tap into this binder for particular “once each year” recipes naturally moved by the memory of those who gave them to us, as well as the recollection of what it took to make, fail or triumph with the dish. The faded photocopies don’t tell the stories; it’s all in my head and my spoon.

welcoming table with our two families in his home.

There’s Debbie’s mandel bread (a kind of biscotti cookie) that has single handedly replaced the chocolate chip cookie in our household. This recipe is also in the chef’s handwriting, photocopied for posterity, with my son’s notation in pen to put a teaspoon of vanilla in the mix.

Anytime I make it, I think of the spontaneous phone call I got inviting my (then) child to an immediate playdate, with enough chance to rest the batter for 45 minutes and bake it for 30 minutes while still being on time for the unexpected invite. Those were days when an hour or two of play (him) or relaxation (me) were never enough and just in time.

SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $544,185.00 and interest, recorded on February 06, 2008, in Liber M 32711 at Page 998, of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New York., covering premises known as 99 LONGFELLOW AVENUE, WESTBURY, NY 11590. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above.

There’s that “Jay’s thing” which is a matzo farfel (chopped up matzo) type pudding with canned fruit in which I annually find myself searching for on the grocery shelf. Size, fruit format (half/whole/sliced) and sugar/natural syrup balances noted on every can but even if I buy it all correctly, I inevitably put the wrong amount or type of liquid into the mix. Yet this recipe stands the test of time, is written in his hand, and I remember initially requesting at his

I miss the many people who gave us these recipes, who have passed on, who lost touch, who moved away or went another way. But even if they are no longer in my orbit, they have left a kitchen “legacy” that comes alive every time I open that three-ring binder.

A contributing writer to the Herald since 2012, Lauren Lev is a direct marketing/ advertising executive who teaches marketing fundamentals as well as advertising and marketing communications courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology and SUNY Old Westbury.

News Brief

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo

Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. 624437/2025 COUNTY OF NASSAU

COMPU-LINK CORPORATION, DBA CELINK, Plaintiff, vs. NASSAU COUNTY PUBLIC

ADMINISTRATOR, AS ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF DIANA ORNES A/K/A ESPERANZA ORNES; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND

DEVELOPMENT; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE-DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY; “JANE DOE” (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #1; “JOHN DOE” (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #2; “JOHN DOE” (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #3, “JOHN DOE #4” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last nine names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants.

Plaintiff designates NASSAU as the place of trial situs of the real property

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises: 99 LONGFELLOW AVENUE, WESTBURY,

Prohibited products recovered in E.M. store

The NCPD reported an arrest following an investigation into the sale of prohibited products.

According to police, officers conducted an investigation at a convenience and smoke shop located at 2050 Hempstead Turnpike. During the investigation last month, officers observed a large quantity of flavored vape products as well as a large quantity of kra-

Public Notices Public Notices

NASSAU County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.

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 the mortgage company will not stop the 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.

Dated: January _____, 2026 ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC

tom displayed for sale, police said. As a result of the investigation, Assem Mohamed, 33, of Brooklyn, was charged with sale of restricted products and sale of flavored products prohibited. Police said Mohamed was issued a desk appearance ticket returnable to First District Court on April 28.

L auren L ev

–Jordan Vallone

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CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com

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to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

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EDITOR/REPORTER

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

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

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

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

OUTSIDE SALES

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PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

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I don’t have a permit yet, but I do have an impatient contractor

Q. I have been through a year of permits. My architect warned me it could take this long, but I didn’t believe them. My neighbor did the same addition and told me it would only take a few weeks for a permit, but then I learned they didn’t even get permits, and I’m really wondering if I should have done the same thing. I follow your column and can now attest to what you’ve been saying. We had to get a zoning variance, and it took many, many months certainly not a few weeks. Now we’re right at the end, and I’ve been assured by the building department that we’re “almost there.” Funny thing is, I still don’t have a permit, and my contractor is ready to move on to another project if we don’t start now. Should I just get started, to keep my contractor, knowing I’ll have the permit soon, or will there be problems if I do?

A. Getting started ahead of having a permit in hand is problematic. A licensed professional should never advise someone to deviate from an ordinance, law or building code. This issue ties directly into my last two columns about the New York state campaign to “Let Them Build.” Delays are costly. Between fuel increases and tariffs, every day makes a difference when it comes to the cost of construction.

Building authorities won’t directly tell you that you could start without your permit, even if the permit is almost there. They do, however, have a method referred to as a “maintain” permit, where they recognize work that was already done and review it with an increased fee, in most cases. By doing so, they’re accommodating people to start construction without permits, even if they wouldn’t say so. It’s understandable that you feel you’re doing everything right, and shouldn’t be penalized for having done so, and therefore want to just start, already.

When you look over at your neighbor’s home, you may be compelled to follow their example, but remember, they, or some owner of that property in the future, will still have to file with building plans, even after the fact. When that happens, the building codes may have changed, or things that they did may not be compliant and will need reconstructing. This isn’t always the case, but when a professional is called to figure out what someone constructed and then to draw plans, after the fact, they find things that don’t always work out smoothly. It isn’t uncommon, when plans haven’t been reviewed and permitted, to find structure undersized, room sizes and ceiling heights smaller than allowed, not enough windows or the wrong-sized windows to meet light, ventilation and fire escape requirements, and more.

You’re doing this project the right way, and even though nobody will tell you that you can just start, there seem to be ways to condone your doing so. Good luck!

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The tumor was malignant — but then it was gone

Three years ago this week, I had what I’ve called my “unexpected medical adventure.” As I described to readers then, it was a life-altering experience with a very good ending.

It all began innocuously enough, with a routine endoscopy for acid reflux in the summer of 2017 by my gastroenterologist, Dr. Michael Barth. As expected, the procedure turned up nothing, and Barth simply prescribed a medication, which I took regularly. Over the next few years, I had few symptoms, and put off my fiveyear follow-up endoscopy.

Finally, at Barth’s insistence, I scheduled another endoscopy in March 2023. I had no concern. Just closing the loop. Just another test guys my age go through. Imagine my surprise when I woke up from the procedure and Barth told me that he’d found a protrusion in my stomach wall. While he thought it was benign, he recommended that I see Dr. Arvino Trini-

dade, a specialist at Northwell, who scheduled a biopsy at Long Island Jewish hospital.

Melissa Zimmerman, a retired Nassau County Police Department detective who’d been on my security detail when I was in Congress, offered to drive me and Rosemary to the hospital. Before I was taken into the operating room, Trinidade told me he thought there was nothing there. But when I woke up, he told me there was a tumor, and it was probably malignant. Four days later, Barth and Trinidade called to confirm it. But they were confident of a good outcome, and told me the surgery would be done at LIJ by Dr. Matthew Weiss, a premier cancer surgeon.

iWABC-AM studios in Manhattan and attended a political dinner at King Umberto’s in Elmont. I told almost nobody about the upcoming surgery. With a day to go, I began a liquid diet, with Jell-O being the closest thing to solid food.

’ve become more aware of those who receive more severe diagnoses than mine.

That afternoon, Weiss called and told me I should be confident of complete success. He casually told me to “enjoy the weekend.” That evening, Rosemary and I had dinner at an Italian restaurant in Manhattan with Zimmerman and her husband, Lance.

The following week, I had appointments at Northwell, saw my cardiologist in Manhattan to get his sign-off on the operation, did several radio shows at the

Early Monday morning, Zimmerman again drove us to the hospital. By 6:30 I was ready for showtime. Lying on a gurney with an intravenous tube in my arm, I was wheeled into the operating room, a science fiction-style enclosure crowded with doctors, nurses, bright lights and a table filled with knives and scissors. An epidural was painlessly inserted in my spine, and an anesthesia mask placed over my face.

The next thing I knew, I was in the recovery room, and Rosemary was telling me that Weiss said that all had gone well. I had no significant pain — unless I moved or reached for something. Each day the pain receded, and I was able to walk a little more. When I was discharged the following Saturday, I walked from the hospital to the car.

At home I was able to eat regularly, felt nothing more than soreness at the

incision site and, after a week or so, was outside, walking a few more blocks each day. As the doctors had predicted, all follow-up tests showed complete success. I recounted much of this to readers at the time. Now, having had three years to reflect and put it all in perspective, I appreciate more than ever how fortunate I’ve been: Barth urging me to get the “routine” endoscopy; Trindade and Weiss being ultimate professionals; and having strong family support from Rosemary; my son, Sean; my daughter, Erin; and my sister, Barbara, who’s a nurse. There were also the friends who took the time to visit me in the hospital or call to wish me luck.

I’ve also become increasingly aware of the many people who receive much more severe diagnoses than I had, which do not end well. I was also fortunate to have access to outstanding medical care at a first-rate hospital. (To the naysayers and critics, I didn’t have any congressional or federal health insurance.) I’m also grateful that I broke loose from the traditional Irish suspicion and distrust of doctors and hospitals.

Yes, I’m a lucky guy!

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

Trying desperately to avoid the stress of TV news

These nearly two months of war in Iran have me, and countless others, more on edge than we have ever been. The idea that a conflict in the Middle East could become World War III is very unsettling. When a war is that far away and the parties themselves have a long history of bickering, our lives become unsettled, and we need diversions.

To blot out the talking heads on Fox, MS Now and CNN, I found myself looking for other distractions beyond my work as a government-affairs specialist. I watched some sports events, tuning to NCAA baskeball’s Final Four, hoping to relax. To my surprise, those games could ruin your sleep if you watched every upset. I was rooting for St. John’s, and when the junior point guard Dylan Darling sank a driving, buzzer-beating layup to beat Kansas and send the Red Storm to their first Sweet 16 in 27 years,

I almost fell off my chair.

A lot of the other games had surprise endings, and when the final ended with a Michigan victory, I realized that watching the tournament wasn’t the best way to avoid nail-biting. So I turned to other sports, and anything that would distract me from all the news about the Israelis killing Iranian leaders one by one. I got some initial relief watching a women’s pro hockey game between New York Sirens and the Seattle Torrent at Madison Square Garden. It was nice to watch a no-nonsense game that attracted a record crowd of 18,000 .

pages unnerved me, when he lavished praise on the recently ousted attorney general, Pam Bondi.

s t. John’s basketball. Women’s hockey. Testing Negative for Stupid — and more.

I also watched the women’s basketball national championship. There were quite a few nervous moments until the final game, when UCLA won its first national title.

Then I decided to do some casual reading, and started with Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy’s new book, titled “How to Test Negative for Stupid, And Why Washington Never Will.” Most of its 224 pages are a lot of fun, thanks to Kennedy’s folksy humor, but the last 30

Rather than move on to a new book, I turned my attention to my streaming television services, Netflix, Amazon and Hulu, in the hope of finding some feelgood movies. When I opened them up, they offered me such calming films as “Supernatural,” “Scream,” “Send Help,” “Sinners” and “The Substance.” I know there are other offerings, but most of the feel-good movies are old and I’ve already seen them. All my life, I’ve loved good comedy. I cherish the great old names like Jackie Mason, Henny Youngman, Buddy Hackett, Jerry Lewis, Jackie Gleason, George Carlin, Don Rickles and Lenny Bruce. Occasionally I stumble on one of these legends on Facebook, and try to share their comedy with people around me. Regrettably, there are no comedians these days that give me the same belly laughs that I got from those giants. My grandson in Los Angeles heads up a unit of Netflix that promotes a number of comedians, but I haven’t adapted to their new style.

So where do I go for some badly needed diversion? I’m a devout Knicks and Yankees fan, but there’s no way I can get a Knicks playoff ticket without paying big dollars. I love going to Yankees games, too, but their tickets are getting pricier, so I limit my purchases to no more than three games. I enjoy watching major golf tournaments, but sometimes you feel as if the announcers will put you to sleep with their commentary. I am looking forward to the U.S. Open in June, though.

Some of us are lucky to have hobbies that help us escape the pressures of today’s headlines. I love writing and making speeches, but neither lulls you into a peaceful state of mind. Short of moving to Antarctica, where I imagine you can avoid the daily news horrors, I’ll keep trying to find some other relaxing activity. I still watch TV for the weather reports, but goodbye to the other channels.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.

Playground safety for kids requires vigilance

as spring returns and families stream back to neighborhood parks, playgrounds quickly reclaim their place as a focus of community life. They are where children test their limits, build confidence and simply enjoy being kids.

But beneath that joy lies a sobering reality: More than 200,000 children, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, are injured on playgrounds each year in the United States — many in ways that are preventable.

That’s why National Playground Safety Week, April 20-24, should be treated as more than a symbolic observance. It is a necessary prompt for parents, caregivers, schools and local officials to refocus on safety as playground use surges.

Playgrounds were never meant to be spaces for careless behavior. In fact, they were created with safety and development in mind. In the 19th century, educators such as Friedrich Fröbel promoted the idea of structured play as essential to childhood growth, helping to instill cooperation, coordination and social skills.

As cities grew more crowded and streets more dangerous with the rise of motor vehicles, playgrounds became protected environments where children could play away from traffic and other hazards. Early efforts by civic groups and park advocates helped establish designated play areas as a public safety measure — a mission that still resonates today.

opinion Matters

The strength of our community comes from open dialogue.

The strength of our community comes from open dialogue.

We invite residents to submit letters to the editor on issues affecting our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government.

The strength of our community comes from open dialogue. We invite residents to submit letters to the editor on issues affecting our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government.

In the U.S., the Outdoor Recreation League funded the building of playgrounds on parkland after newspapers reported on the high number of children run down by cars in New York. One of the first recreational areas in America was built in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park in 1887.

Yet even within these safer spaces, risks remain — especially after months of winter wear and limited use. Equipment may have loosened, surfaces can degrade, and aging structures may no longer meet modern safety standards. The playgrounds’ young users, meanwhile, return with pent-up energy, eager to climb higher and move faster than conditions safely allow. Caregivers often distracted by cell phones only add to the challenge.

Preventing injuries doesn’t require diminishing the joy of play, but does require managing the environment around it. The National Program for Play Area Safety is a nonprofit organization that emphasizes practical, researchbased strategies that communities can adopt. Chief among them is active, attentive supervision. Its “ABC” model — Anticipating hazards, Behaving in ways that guide safe play and Considering the unique needs of each playground — makes clear that safety is not passive. It is intentional.

The program builds on a 30-year initiative started at the University of Northern Iowa to help communities and organizations ensure safe, high-quality

playgrounds. It promotes best practices grounded in research, guidelines and standards while collaborating with agencies at the local, state, national and international levels.

Equally important is age-appropriate design. When younger children use equipment meant for older users, the risk of falls and misuse increases. Clear guidance and thoughtful layout can help families make safer choices without limiting exploration.

Communities must also prioritize proper surfacing and regular inspections, particularly in early spring. What lies beneath a child’s feet can determine whether a fall results in a minor scrape or a serious injury.

Safety extends further still. Accessibility ensures that all children can benefit from outdoor play, while attention to thermal comfort — such as shaded areas and heat-safe materials — helps protect children from high temperatures.

National Playground Safety Week offers a timely reminder, but it should also serve as a starting point. The original purpose of playgrounds — to give children a safe place to grow, learn and play — demands ongoing attention.

A quick inspection, a watchful eye and a renewed awareness can go a long way. With thoughtful action at the start of the season, communities can ensure that playgrounds remain what they were always meant to be: spaces of safe discovery, not preventable harm.

We invite residents to submit letters to the editor on issues affecting our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government.

Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com

Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com

Be heard. Be part of the conversation.

Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com

Be heard. Be part of the conversation.

Be heard. Be part of the conversation.

Long Island’s ‘hidden workforce’ has visible needs

Long Island’s “hidden workforce” of family caregivers faces very visible challenges. The term is frequently used to describe family caregivers who, while not employed by our health care system, play a critical role in it. They don’t wear uniforms or ID badges, but this massive workforce of more than 329,000 Long Islanders provides over 307 million hours of unpaid care, valued at $5.7 billion, per year, according to AARP New York data released in February.

Nationally, nearly one in four American adults provided ongoing care to an adult or child with a complex medical condition or disability in the past year, a 2025 report, by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, found. Almost 25 percent of those people reported giving more than 40 hours of care per week, the equivalent of a full-time job, for free. Taking on the unpaid labor of love of caring for a family member can be both extremely rewarding and enormously straining. Emotionally, caregivers may struggle with stress, anxiety, guilt and social isolation. Physically, they may

increase their own health risks with the stress and exhaustion of helping loved ones with daily activities they can no longer manage alone.

Financially, that can cause hardships such as reduced work hours, loss of employment or new debt to cover care-related expenses, especially for middleaged people balancing their caregiving responsibilities with the demands of jobs and raising children.

Like all workers, family caregivers need breaks, but they frequently forgo their own needs to prioritize someone else’s. Repeatedly making this sacrifice, while well-intended, is ultimately detrimental for both them and their loved ones. Self-care is a necessity, not a luxury.

w

hen it comes to caregiving, Rosalynn Carter couldn’t have said it better.

The workload is even greater for the 60,000-plus Long Island families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related illness. Roughly 80 percent of people living with dementia receive care at home, primarily from unpaid family members. Along with assisting with medication management, bathing, dressing, transportation, meal preparation and financial oversight, dementia family caregivers also face unique challenges caused by the disease’s impact on a person’s memory, behavior and independence. Sufferers may forget who their loved ones are, manifest personality changes like agitation, aggression and hallucinations, and wander from safety. Their caregivers face higher risks of anxiety, depression, burnout and declining quality of life.

Framework by Tim Baker

One of the most important things caregivers can do is take advantage of support resources. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers free caregiver support groups at its AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center in Amityville, where people caring for loved ones with dementia can connect and share with others who are going through similar experiences. Caregivers can learn more and register by calling the Center at (631) 223-4000. AFA also has a free Helpline — (866) 232-8484 — that provides caregiver support seven days a week.

Nassau and Suffolk counties’ Offices for the Aging are available to provide support and guidance to family caregivers about local, state and federal assistance programs. Local nonprofit organizations, libraries and religious institutions often have caregiver services available, which can include support groups, educational and training pro-

grams or financial assistance.

Finally, don’t be afraid, reluctant or embarrassed to ask for, or accept, help. Seeking help is a sign of neither weakness nor failure; it is an essential step toward sustaining the ability to care for a loved one. Other relatives or friends are often eager to help but don’t know exactly how; embrace these offers and explain specific things that would be helpful, such as spending time with the person so you can run errands, assisting with meals or providing transportation. Offering options allows the volunteer to decide what they are comfortable doing, while ensuring that it’s something that will be helpful.

If you know someone who’s a family caregiver, check in on them periodically and offer your help. Seemingly little things can make an enormous difference.

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, a lifelong caregiver advocate, once said, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” Her words reinforce the crucial need to support and prioritize Long Island’s “hidden workforce” that all of us will either be part of or depend on one day.

Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. is president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and a Merrick resident.