Franklin Square/Elmont Herald 04-16-2026

Franklin square/elmont

HERALD

Reading partnerships build literacy and community

Dutch Broadway School’s Pick a reading partner celebration roared through three vibrant weeks, turning pages into portals and families into reading partners. With a Subway Reading Race theme, students tracked minutes, wore creative outfits, and dived into stories at assemblies, read-alouds and a buzzing literacy night. Highlights included a virtual library trip, Read Across America festivities, a lively book fair and a young author’s inspiring visit. The program culminated in a dazzling Multicultural Night on March 12, honoring the community’s rich diversity. Story, more photos, Page 5.

Porczak inspires youth through art

By HAIlEY FUlMER hfulmer@liherald.com

Dorota Porczak, an artist and the owner of Great Playtime Daycare in Franklin Square, has managed to merge her love for art with early childhood education, inspiring kids to creatively express themselves.

Porczak, 37, a native of Franklin Square, has taken on a variety of artistic endeavors, including painting murals featuring popular cartoon characters for children’s rooms and local businesses, often customizing the themes based on what her clients want.

it’s so important for their development.”

Porczak said she believes that fostering creativity helps children build confidence and a sense of accomplishment. She also discussed the joy of tailoring her murals to suit a variety of settings. “I’ve painted everything from business spaces to newborn nurseries and even teenagers’ rooms,” she said. “Some people ask for cartoon characters, others want animals or beach scenes — whatever fits their vision.”

M y dream is to keep blending art and education, inspiring kids to express themselves through creativity.

DoRotA PoRczAk artist and owner, Great Playtime Daycare

Her artistic work especially extends to her role at the family daycare, where she enjoys introducing children to creative activities.

“We do lots of arts and crafts,” she said. “I’m passionate about helping kids explore art and become comfortable expressing themselves because

This versatility has helped her build a strong reputation in the community.

In addition to her mural work, Porczak collaborates on the comic series “Phil the Pig,” which she began illustrating in 2019. She explained that the series follows a family of anthropomorphic pigs who “look like actual pigs, but they walk on two legs, and they

Continued on page 7

Photos courtesy Elmont Union Free School District

Blakeman looks to curtail NIFA’s oversight

By CHRIS COLUCCI ccolucci@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Chris Colucci/Herald

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

Meera to host annual free prom giveaway

By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com

The Meera Empowerment Foundation is set to host its annual prom giveaway on April 25, providing free formalwear and accessories to students across Long Island and New York City in an effort to make prom more accessible and inclusive.

The event, led by founder Selene Ferdinand, 13, and supported by her mother, Savitre Ferdinand, will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. at Sewanhaka Central High School in Elmont. The giveaway is open to all students, with no cost for any items.

Now in its fifth year, the prom giveaway has steadily expanded, both in size and reach. Last year alone, more than 150 dresses were distributed, along with suits, shoes and accessories. The event has become a key resource for students who may face financial barriers when preparing for prom, which can often cost hundreds of dollars when factoring in attire, grooming and other expenses.

“It really helps the students, especially the ones who might not be able to afford a prom dress or prom shoes or accessories and things like that,” Selene said. “So I feel like it kind of helps those students too, but also students who might just be having trouble finding something.”

organizations to serve various communities.

In addition to formalwear, last year Meera was able to provide vouchers for services such as haircuts, hairstyling and other grooming needs, helping students fully prepare for the occasion. Selene and her mother believe these

added resources can make a meaningful difference for families navigating rising costs.

“Different people donate, we get clothes from families where their children graduated last year and they

donate to us,” Savitre said.

Local businesses, including Jim Dandy Cleaners of Elmont, are contributing donations, as well as teachers and staff across the district to help with the initiative.

The foundation has partnered with You’re Our Unity, a community outreach network and media platform focusing on community initiatives. The founder, LeShawn Walker, is also supportive of Meera and has been joining forces with the organization to help with outreach. Walker originally initiated the event and reached out to Meera four years ago to commence their partnership.

This year, the foundation is also incorporating an international component into its efforts by supporting students in Haiti with graduation attire, further extending its mission beyond Long Island.

The prom giveaway is part of the foundation’s broader work focused on youth empowerment, community service and access to resources. In addition to the giveaway, the organization hosts an annual fashion show each summer, which serves as both a fundraiser and a platform for young talent.

Meera Empowerment encourages students to arrive early for the best selection of items. Donations are still being accepted in the days leading up to the event.

Historical society hosts 45th annual dinner

By HAILEY FULMER

hfulmer@liherald.com

The Franklin Square Historical Society is hosting its 45th annual fundraising dinner, the organization’s largest yearly event aimed at supporting museum operations, educational programming and preservation efforts.

The dinner, held annually at Plattduetsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square, this year on April 15, brings together community members, local businesses and supporters for an evening of fundraising, raffles and recognition awards. The event is essential to sustaining the nonprofit’s day-to-day operations, as the society does not receive taxpayer funding.

“This is our biggest fundraiser for the year,” said Mary Anne Grey, museum director. “We have other fundraisers, but this is certainly our biggest one we do.”

Grey said the organization relies heavily on ticket sales and raffle contributions to generate revenue. This year’s event has drawn more than 100 attendees, with additional support coming from local businesses that donated items and services for raffle baskets.

Grey said the nonprofit depends on fundraising because it does not receive taxpayer funding, adding that all of its revenue comes through donations and events. The annual fundraiser, typically held during the month of April, is the largest the society hosts throughout the year.

Julie Soffientini, who has been volunteering since 2021, said this is the most important fundraising event for the society.

Each year, the Historical Society also honors individuals who have made significant contributions to the community through its award program. The

John E. Rath Citizen of the Year Award will be presented this year to Matthew Buck, general manager of Plattduetsche Park Restaurant.

Buck was selected for his leadership and community involvement.

“He was certainly selected with his leadership and service to the community,” Grey said.

The society will also present its Trustees Award to Frank Pavanco, a 40-year member of the Historical Society and former treasurer.

“It’s given to somebody who supports the society,” Grey cited. “And you know, through their leadership and expertise and generosity and just giving, you know, of their time.”

The John E. Rath Award is named after a prominent Franklin Square civic leader born in 1899. Rath was the first chief of the Franklin Square Fire Department in its modern form and played a key role in securing land for community use.

Rath was a Franklin Square civic leader and the first chief of the Franklin Square Fire Department.

Funds raised through the dinner support museum operations, programming, and preservation efforts.

Grey said the money raised helps support day-today operations, including programming, preservation work and planned improvements such as a new classroom extension funded through designated donations.

Val Mazzone, another volunteer with the society, said in an interview with the Herald that she believes it is her duty to pass along the area’s history, given that she grew up and became a teacher in Franklin Square.

The society is also preparing additional fundraising events, including an antiques appraisal show scheduled for May 16 at the museum.

Courtesy Savitre Ferdinand

From a young age, Selene Ferdinand has helped host several events throughout the year, partnering with other

Hailey Fulmer/Herald

The annual fundraiser for the Franklin Square Historical Society not only allows the museum to continue running throughout the year but pass down its history to generations of Franklin Square students.

News brief

Solages promotes Lakeview cleanup

In observance of Earth Day, Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages is encouraging residents to participate in the Lakeview Civic Association’s annual spring cleanup at the Lakeview Long Island Rail Road station.

The event will take place at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 18, near the corner of Woodfield Road and Eagle Avenue in West Hempstead.

Organizers will provide garbage bags and gloves. Participants are

encouraged to bring tools such as rakes, grabbers and pokers, and to wear protective clothing, including long sleeves and pants, to guard against ticks and other hazards.

Community service hours will be available for eligible participants.

For more information or to volunteer, contact concerns.lakeview@ gmail.com.

–Hailey Fulmer

ELMONT FUNERAL HOME INC.

Reading comes alive at Stewart Manor Elemntary

“Protecting Your Future”

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mind.

Stewart Manor School celebrated Pick a Reading Partner throughout March with a series of activities designed to promote a love of reading and strengthen the connection between home and school.

PARP, a New York State initiative, encourages reading as a shared family experience while helping students improve comprehension skills.

The program opened with a Brain Show assembly hosted by the PTA, where students competed in a game show-style event covering a range of academic subjects. Families also participated in a virtual pizza-making event with Interim Principal Robert Cavaliere and Assistant Principal Pamela Boyd, joining over Zoom to learn how to prepare pizzas at home.

The school’s literacy focus continued March 17 with a Mystery Reader event featuring district and school leaders, including Superintendent of

Schools Marlon Small, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Administration Dr. Johane Ligondé, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Pamela Stamidis and Board President Tiffany Capers. Additional readers included Sewanhaka Central High School District Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Richard Faccio and Sewanhaka High School Assistant Principal Dr. Marc Isseks, highlighting collaboration across the district.

On March 26, buddy classes participated in peer read-aloud activities, with students and staff dressing as their favorite book characters.

PARP concluded March 27-28 with a book fair, where students had the opportunity to explore and purchase new books to take home.

–Hailey Fulmer

Courtesy Elmont Union Free School District

Superintendent Marlon Small read, “Yes, I Can!” by Devon Harris, during the Mystery Reader event on March 17.

HERALD SchoolS

Inspiring readers through the PARP program

To spark a deeper love of reading and strengthen the partnership between school and home, Dutch Broadway School annually hosts its Pick a Reading Partner (PARP) celebration.

PARP, a New York state program launched in 1987, encourages families to make reading a shared experience while helping students build stronger comprehension skills.

This year’s three-week celebration, themed “The Great Subway Reading Race,” inspired students to become lifelong readers through dress-up days such as Comfy Commute Day and Train Colors Day, along with assemblies, read-alouds and a family literacy night. Each student received a reading record sheet to track minutes read at home, reinforcing daily reading habits.

At the conclusion of the program, a grand prize will be awarded to one class and one student per grade level who logged the most minutes, recognizing their dedication to reading.

Highlights included a virtual field trip to Elmont Memorial Public Library, where a librarian introduced students to digital and community resources and

read “The Three Ninja Pigs” to students in grades 3-5.

The celebration continued March 2 with Read Across America Day, featuring literacy-focused activities designed by teachers. Students also explored new books during a two-day Scholastic Book Fair.

Another highlight featured guest reader Videsh Muneshwar, a former Dutch Broadway student and current senior at Elmont Memorial High School. He shared his children’s book, “Alex and the Wishing Well,” with students in grades K-4 and answered questions about the writing process.

The celebration culminated March 12 with a Multicultural Night. Members of the Fashion Show Club presented writing about their families’ countries of origin, showcasing the school’s diversity. The event also marked the introduction of the Multicultural Club. As an extension, students were encouraged to wear cultural attire during the school day.

PARP activities were organized by the PTA in collaboration with the Building Advisory Committee.

–Hailey Fulmer

Incredibly Great Rates & Personalized Service!

Elmont Union Free School District

As part of Dutch Broadway School’s PARP celebration, Elmont Memorial High School senior Videsh Muneshwar read his book, “Alex and the Wishing Well.”

BRIAN FALK

SEAFORD Senior Lacrosse

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

games to watch

Thursday, April 16

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

Boys Lacrosse: Uniondale at Clarke 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Hewlett at Baldwin 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: MacArthur at Mepham 5 p.m.

Baseball: Seaford at Lynbrook 5 p.m.

Baseball: Oceanside at East Meadow 5 p.m.

Baseball: Farmingdale at Massapequa 5 p.m.

Softball: Kennedy at East Meadow 5 p.m.

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

Softball: Plainedge at Farmingdale 5 p.m.

Softball: Hewlett at South Side 5 p.m.

Friday, April 17

Baseball: MacArthur at Hewlett 5 p.m.

Baseball: South Side at Kennedy 5 p.m.

Softball: Freeport at West Hempstead 5 p.m.

Softball: Oceanside at Mepham 5 p.m.

Softball: Lawrence at East Rockaway 5 p.m.

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

Boys Lacrosse: Plainedge at Lynbrook 5 p.m.

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

Saturday, April 18

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

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

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

Lofty goals for senior-led Carey

By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com

Carey’s baseball team has unfinished business.

There’s a nucleus of hungry multiyear veteran players who had their seasons end agonizingly close to competing for a county championship, losing in the decisive third game of a best-of-three semifinal series in each of the last two years.

Nine seniors are desperate to take that next step. And the first step has been a positive one, with the Seahawks off to a solid 4-1-1 start and 3-0 in Conference AA-2.

“The kids, besides having talent, are very goal-oriented,” Carey coach Doug Robins Jr. said. “I don’t just mean individually. As a team, they want to get back, they want another shot at competing at the highest level.”

Leading the way is senior centerfielder Jayden Gigante, a five-year player and five-tool standout who is committed to St. John’s University.

“He increased his speed, he increased his power, his defensive skills are minor league caliber skills, the way he roams center field,” Robins Jr. said. “There are a lot of kids who might just say, “Hey, I’m getting a scholarship, I’m gone.” He wants to go out on top. He’ll do anything for the team, whether that’s relief pitching or whatever, he’s a team guy first.”

Gigante, Carey’s all-time hits leader, bats leadoff and is hitting .615 early this season. In a 5-2 win over Manhasset on Friday, he hit a home run, walked three times, and scored three runs.

Tristan Hickis, a Hofstra commit, has been lights out on the mound. The senior four-year player is 2-0 with one no-decision and has struck out 26 in 16-1/3 innings, while hitting .353.

The hard-throwing righty struck out six and scattered two hits in a five-inning 13-0 season-opening shutout of Herricks on March 24. Against a loaded BellmoreJFK team with four Division I players on its roster, Hickis pitched five shutout innings in a 5-2 loss on March 31 and was pulled only because of pitch count.

Mark Vera is one of the Seahawks’ nine seniors and a big piece of the

as a pitcher/third baseman.

Hickis struck out 13 and allowed one unearned run in a 7-6 win over Manhasset on April 7. And when he’s not on the mound, Hickis is an elite defensive first baseman.

“He might be, in my 27 years, the best defensive first baseman I’ve ever coached,” Robins Jr. said.

Mark Vera is a Division I-caliber senior who has proven to be a dual threat as a third baseman/pitcher. He is batting .462 with two home runs, including one in the 5-2 win over Manhasset in which he struck out five in two innings of relief of Ryan Kunkel, who got the

win, allowing three hits and striking out seven in five innings.

Vera also went 3-for-3 with two runs scored in a 4-2 victory against Manhasset on April 8.

Behind the plate is senior Dominick Peluso, who has taken the next step to call more of the pitches this year. And a pair of freshmen have proven that the future is also bright at Carey. Jack LaDuca comes out of the bullpen and plays first base when Hickis pitches, and second baseman Jasper Persaud is a good contact hitter and a solid defensive player.

Derrick Dingle/Herald

puzzle

Local artist blends daycare and creativity

speak and do everything human,” including going to school and having jobs.

She said the story begins with a farmer who “decided that he kind of didn’t really like how animals actually shortened humans,” and experimented on them so they could live more like people. After his wife found out, she left and took the animals, eventually moving them to New York.

Porczak added that the series continues to evolve, with new stories still being developed, including one about a young pig named Dora, who goes to camp and struggles to fit in because she snores. In the story, Dora eventually tells others about herself and is accepted by a new friend who understands her differences, turning it into a message about acceptance and friendship.

Nick Bertozzi, Porczak’s former professor and mentor, praised her work.

“‘Phil the Pig’ offers a humorous and heartfelt look at life,” he said. “Dorota has always been dedicated to capturing life’s details, and it’s wonderful to see her continuing to create such meaningful art.”

Porczak shared that her interest in drawing started at a very young age. “I was always drawn to drawing itself,” she said, recalling how, as a child, she enjoyed reading comic strips with her father after school. “I would practice copying those comics and spent a lot of time collecting and reading them.”

Porczak studied cartooning at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, graduating in 2012. There, she learned essential skills like creating comic panels and assembling graphic novels.

“The school taught me how to put comics and graphic novels together,” she explained.

Her sister, Anna McCombs, spoke about Porczak’s impact on their community and family.

“She is deeply committed to bringing art to everyone around her, especially the children in her care,” McCombs said. “Her projects show kids there’s no single right way to create, and finishing their work boosts their confidence.”

McCombs also shared how even today, Porczak’s children do not want to repaint the murals that they had created, but they want to keep them as long as possible.

Porczak described how her career evolved naturally from a childhood love of comic strips to professional artistry.

“I realized in high school that I could make a career out of drawing,” she said. “My high school teacher encouraged me to explore colleges that focused on art, and that’s when I decided on cartooning.”

She explained how her work blends illustration and comic art, allowing her to work on both full-page drawings and smaller panels.

Looking ahead, Porczak hopes to continue expanding her creative projects, and she’s also developing children’s

books with writer Brandon Palmer.

“I have a couple of children’s books in the works and am gathering publishers and agents to help bring them to life,” she said. “My dream is to keep blending art and education, inspiring kids to express themselves through creativity.”

Courtesy Dorota Porczak

from a young age, porczak always had a pencil and paper in hand, ready to draw.

Concerns about water rise across the region

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

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

Sixth installment in a series about water.

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

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

neglect beneath the surface

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

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

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

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

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

a patt

ern of delays and uncertainty

The water tower is not just a one-off

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

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

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

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

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

researchers are still working to understand the full scope.

Rising seas, stronger storms strain water supply

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy City of Glen Cove

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

Water infrastructure faces increased demand

Continued from PreViouS PAGe

included.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aging infrastructure adds to growing risks

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

N. Shore water divide highlights cost and quality

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

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

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

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

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

To stabilize the system, the city

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

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

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

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

Cost differences across the North Shore

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Looking ahead

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

South Nassau earns patient safety award

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

“This really takes the efforts of everyone in the hospital to achieve, especially our nursing and physician staff,” Wong said. “And it doesn’t hap-

pen overnight. We have been working toward this goal for several years now.”

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

“When you have to go to a hospital — for an emergency or elective procedure — you often have anxiety,” Fennessy said. “Our patients should rest a

little easier, knowing that patient safety at Mount Sinai South Nassau is a priority.”

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

Between 2022 and 2024, more than 167,000 preventable safety events occurred among Medicare patients in

U.S. hospitals, according to the study. Four key indicators accounted for nearly 78 percent of those incidents.

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

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

In addition to the patient safety, recognition, Mount Sinai South Nassau has also earned the Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention Award for the third consecutive year.

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

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

Adelphi business school rises to top spot

Adelphi University’s Robert B. Willumstad School of Business ranked first among Long Island institutions in the 2026 Poets & Quants Best Undergraduate Business Schools ranking, the university announced March 23.

Adelphi climbed 17 spots, from No. 102 in 2025 to No. 85 this year, marking the largest increase among all colleges and universities included in the ranking. The improvement was driven in part by gains in career outcomes, which rose from No. 103 to No. 79, and admissions standards, which increased from No. 97 to No. 83, according to Poets & Quants.

The publication evaluates undergraduate business programs nationwide using a composite index that includes surveys of alumni two years after graduation, as well as schoolreported data on admissions, academic experience and employment outcomes.

Adelphi officials pointed to the school’s Willumstad Winning Edge program as a key factor in the rankings jump. The two-course sequence pairs each student with faculty and career-readiness advisers while emphasizing hands-on professional experience and career preparation.

“While we are extremely proud of this ranking, it is what is behind the ranking

that really sets Adelphi apart,” said MaryAnne Hyland, dean of the Willumstad School of Business, in a press release sent to the Herald. “Our commitment to student success is reflected in high alumni satisfaction and strong internship and job placement rates that give our students the competitive edge necessary to thrive in today’s economy.”

Hyland added that recent graduates have reported high satisfaction with their experience, and that the school’s focus on career readiness has contributed to improved internship and job placement outcomes.

The recognition comes as Adelphi prepares to expand its business offerings in New York City. Later this spring, the university will open a new Manhattan Center at 529 Fifth Ave., near Grand Central Terminal. The three-floor, 51,000-square-foot facility is designed to serve working professionals seeking advanced degrees or certifications.

Beginning this fall, the Manhattan Center will offer the Willumstad School of Business’s Flex MBA and Professional Accelerated MBA programs. University officials said the programs can be completed in as little as one year.

–Allyson Ferrari

Herald file photo

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

Courtesy Adelphi University

Adelphi University’s Robert B. Willumstad School of Business ranked No. 1 among Long Island institutions in the 2026 Poets & Quants Best Undergraduate Business Schools ranking.

PSEG Long Island supports small businesses

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

tives, and procurement-related opportunities.

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

Presenters will include Nayan Parikh, on digital channels; Christine

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy PSEG Long Island

Rex Heuermann pleads guilty in Gilgo case

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Additional reporting by Carolyn James.

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

Rex Heuermann admitted to killing the following women:

Melissa Barthelemy — strangled July 10, 2009.

Maureen Brainard-Barnes — strangled July 9, 2007.

Amber Lynn Costello — strangled Sept. 2, 2010.

Sandra Costilla — strangled Nov. 19, 1993.

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

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

Megan Waterman — strangled June 6, 2010.

Heuermann also admitted to killing:

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

–Heuermann allocution

OUT

Destination: Outdoor escape Your backyard, reimagined

By Karen Bloom

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

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

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

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

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

Keep It Manageable

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

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

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

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

Build A Strong Foundation

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

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

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

Add Structure With Hardscaping

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

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

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

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

Try Raised Beds

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

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

Let

Nature Take The Lead

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

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

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

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

Asbury Short Film Concert

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

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

Micky Dolenz

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

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

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

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

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Family theater

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

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

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

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

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Long Island Home Show

Check out the best resources in home improvement, landscaping and design services. Experts are ready to provide guidance on enhancing your living spaces, ensuring every corner of your home meets your needs and style.

• Where: Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale

• Time: Opens 10 a.m., also April 19

• Contact: ticketmaster.com

‘Dog Days’ Weekend and Dog Festival

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

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury

• Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., also April 19

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

Jazzin’ with Kirk Whalum

The sax icon appears at the Madison Theatre. He blasts off with his highly-anticipated new album “Epic Cool.” an electrifying collection of original grooves. Whalum focuses on his

Once upon a time in the Bronx

community service experience.

• Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke.

• Time: 6-7 p.m.

• Contact: elmontlibrary.org or (516) 354-5280

Community Prayer Breakfast

St. Catherine of Sienna holds a morning gathering where everyone come together for prayer, reflection and fellowship over a shared meal. It includes short inspirational messages, scripture readings, and opportunities for connection in a welcoming environment.

• Where: 33 New Hyde Park Road

• Time: 9-10:30 a.m.

• Contact: (516) 352-0146

‘Once Upon A Song!’

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

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

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

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

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

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

Community Fun Run

John Street Elementary School hosts a Community Fun Run, inviting families and residents to take part in a lighthearted run aimed at promoting fitness and community spirit. All ages are encouraged to participate, which brings together students, parents and neighbors for a morning activity.

• Where: 835 John St., Franklin Square

• Time: 9-10 a.m.

• Contact: (516) 434-2350

Romeo Santos

Latin music superstar

Romeo Santos brings his signature

Bachata sound to Long Island for a

standout performance at UBS Arena. Known for his smooth tenor voice, dramatic melodies, and charismatic stage presence, Santos’ shows blend intimate storytelling with high - energy dance tracks.

• Where: 2150 Hempstead Tpke.

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: livenation.com

Broadway Big Band Bash

Plaza Theatrical welcomes Susan Marten to its stage at Elmont Memorial Library. She headlines Broadway Big Band Bash, a high-octane celebration of Broadway’s golden age powered by a sensational live big band. With roaring horns, lush swing arrangements and electrifying musicianship front and center, the orchestra drives a thrilling afternoon of classic show tunes — from soaring ballads to show-stopping favorites. This is Broadway nostalgia turned all the way up: bold, brassy, and impossible to resist. $40, $35 seniors.

• Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

• Time: 2:30 p.m.

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

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Love Letter to My Sisters Brunch

All are invited to this Women’s History Month celebration, hosted by the GNaked Project at Plattduetsche Park. It brings together men and women to honor women who are leading positive change in areas like social justice, education, the environment, and economic empowerment. The focus is on women’s health, especially the challenges affecting Black women, while creating space for community dialogue, support, and recognition of outstanding women making a difference.

• Where: 1132 Hempstead Tpke., Franklin Square

• Time: 12:30 p.m.

• Contact: parkrestaurant.com or (516) 354-313

Elmont Library

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Teen Advisory Board meets

Teens are welcome to participate in Elmont Library’s leadershipbased program. Collaborate with library staff to plan future events, suggest new programs, and share ideas to improve services for young people. Participants develop communication, leadership, and teamwork skills while earning

Join L.I. Cabaret Theatre for their latest performance at Elmont Memorial Library. In this latest production, the cast of 30, plus special guests, keeps the action moving along, with a live band. The singers and dancers perform current hits, oldies and songs from the Broadway stage, including a tribute to Woodstock and a tribute to the musical “Wicked.” Free admission.

• Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

• Time: 2 p.m.

• Contact: licabaret@aol.com or (516) 946-7207

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Broadway Goes Hollywood

This musical revue at Elmont Memorial Library features songs that bridge the worlds of Broadway and Hollywood. The show highlights memorable musical numbers from stage and screen.

• Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke.

• Time: 2 p.m.

• Contact: elmontlibrary.org or (516) 599-687

Having an event?

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

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ANNUAL ELECTION

ELMONT UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN, that pursuant to the Education Law of the State of New York, and pursuant to Resolution adopted by the Board of Education of the Elmont Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, on February 10, 2026 to vote on the school budget, and to vote on the library budget, and pursuant to Resolution duly adopted by the Board of Education of Central High School District No. 2 of the Town of Hempstead and North Hempstead, Nassau County, the vote on the school budget and capital reserves of said Central High School District will take place on MAY 19, 2026 in the seven (7) separate election districts as hereinafter in this notice stated and provided.

NOTICE IS HEREBY

FURTHER GIVEN that for the purpose of electing TWO (2) members of the Board of Education of the Elmont Union Free School District; one (1) member for a term of THREE (3) YEARS to the seat now occupied by TIFFANY CAPERS, whose term expires on June 30, 2026; and one (1) member for a term of THREE (3) YEARS to the seat now occupied by ANGEL L. RAMOS, whose term expires on June 30, 2026.

NOTICE IS HEREBY

FURTHER GIVEN that for the purpose of electing TWO (2) members of the Board of Library Trustees of the Elmont Library; one (1) member for a term of FIVE (5) YEARS to the seat now occupied by MIMI PIERRE-JOHNSON, whose term expires on June 30, 2026; and one (1) member for a term of ONE (1) YEAR to the seat previously occupied by ELLICE BEKIER, whose term expires on June 30, 2027.

NOTICE IS HEREBY

FURTHER GIVEN an election will be held on MAY 19, 2026, between the hours of 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM, voting to take place in the seven (7) separate election districts at the polling places hereinafter stated, and for the further purpose of voting upon the following propositions:

PROPOSITION NO. 1

ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUDGET

RESOLVED, that the amount of the estimated expenses for the school year 2026-2027, as presented in writing by the Board of Education of the Elmont Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, shall be raised by tax upon the taxable property of this school district after first deducting the estimated monies available from State Aid and other sources.

PROPOSITION NO. 4

LIBRARY BUDGET

RESOLVED, that Elmont Union Free School District of the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, appropriate the amount of estimated expenses for the school year 2026-2027, as presented in writing by the Board of Trustees of the Elmont Public Library, to be levied and collected annually as are other general taxes for the equipment, support and maintenance of the existing free public library including its existing branches.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to the Education Law of the State of New York and pursuant to Resolution adopted by the Board of Education on February 10, 2026, a public hearing for the purpose of discussion of the proposed budget to be voted upon May 19, 2026 will be held on May 12, 2026 at 7:30 PM at Clara H. Carlson School.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that no person will be entitled to vote at the annual election whose name does not appear on the register of the Elmont Union Free School District prepared for such annual election. Otherwise, qualified residents may have their names placed upon such register at the office of the District Clerk on any day school is in session between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM up to MAY 11, 2026.

In addition, the Board of Registration of each separate election district will meet at the Registration place herein above stated on MONDAY, MAY 11, 2026, between the hours of 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM, at which time any person shall be entitled to have his/her name placed upon such register, provided that upon such meeting of the Board of Registration he/she is known or proved to

the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which such register is prepared.

The register of the qualified voters of the said school district prepared at the last annual election and for any subsequent school district meetings or elections in said school district shall be used by said Board of Registration as the basis for the preparation of the register for this annual election. Any person whose name appears on said register prepared at and for said district meetings and elections will not be required to register for said annual election to be held on MAY 19, 2026, between the hours of 6:00 AM and 9:00 PM.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the registrar of voters shall include (1) all qualified voters of the District who shall personally present themselves for registration; (2) all previously qualified voters of the District who shall have been previously registered for any Annual or Special District Meeting or Election and who shall have voted at any time within the four calendar years prior to preparation of the said register; and (3) voters permanently registered with the Board of Elections of the County of Nassau.

The register will be filed on May 12, 2026, in the office of the District Clerk at the Elmont Road School and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the school district between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM on each day thereafter, including the day of the annual election, except that on Saturday the hours shall be 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and the school will not open for the said inspection on Sunday.

Commencing May 20, 2026, otherwise qualified residents may have their names placed upon such register at the office of the school within their election district on any day school is in session between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, for the purpose of preparing a register for elections held subsequent to May 19, 2026.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS:

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that applications for absentee ballots

for voting on said Propositions may be applied for at the Office of the District Clerk or obtained on the district website, www. elmontschools.org. Such application must be received by the District Clerk, completed no earlier than April 20, 2026 and at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or by 5:00 PM on the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter.

A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk and available for public inspection during regular business hours on each of the five (5) days (except Sunday) prior to the day of said vote.

MILITARY BALLOTS: NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that pursuant to Education Law Section 2018-d, any person serving in the military, including a spouse, parent, child or dependent accompanying or being with such voter, may register to vote in the upcoming school district election no later than 5:00 PM on April 23, 2026.

A military voter who is a qualified voter may obtain a registration form by contacting the District Clerk.

A military voter who is duly registered may apply for a military ballot by requesting an application from the District Clerk. Completed applications must be personally delivered or mailed to the District Clerk and received no later than 5:00 PM on April 23, 2026. Completed military ballots must be received by 5:00 PM on May 19, 2026, if signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto with a date which is not later than the day before the election, or not later than the close of polls on May 19, 2026, if postmarked or endorsed by an agency of the United States government.

A military voter may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration form, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile or electronic mail in the request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Such designation will remain in effect until revoked or

changed by the voter. If no preference is designated, the District will transmit the military voter registration by mail.

EARLY MAIL VOTING BALLOTS:

NOTICE IS FURTHER 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 of the School District, during all days in which the School 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 in the Office of the District Clerk of the School District no later than 5:00 p.m. 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 during office hours on May 13, 2026, including the day of the annual election, except that on Saturday the hours shall be 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM and the school will not open for the said inspection on Sunday.

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 boundaries of the seven (7) separate election districts and the voting places for each of said separate election districts as established by the Board of Education are as follows:

ELECTION DISTRICT 1. The place of registration and voting will be the STEWART MANOR SCHOOL, Stewart Manor, New York, with said Election District commencing at a point in the north line of School District No. 16 where the same adjoins School District No. 22 at the intersection of Third Avenue (which point is approximately 50 feet south of the south line of the main line of the Long Island Railroad); running thence along the boundary line between School District No. 16 and School District No. 22 as it

runs generally south, then generally east and again south crossing the Hempstead Branch of the Long Island Railroad; thence continuing east and south along such boundary line to Tulip Avenue; thence southerly along the Covert Avenue center line for about 100 feet and continuing southeasterly 100 feet south of and parallel to Tulip Avenue to the easterly boundary line of School District No. 16; thence continuing in a general northerly direction along the easterly boundary of School District No. 16 to the northeast corner of the School District; thence westerly along the northerly boundary line of School District No. 16 to the point or place of beginning. In addition the said Election District shall include the following: a point commencing at a point on the boundary line between school District No.16 and School District No. 22 at the intersection of the center line of Memphis Avenue and a line about 100 feet North of and parallel to Chelsea Street; thence continuing easterly along this line to it’s intersection with the extension of a line midway between and parallel to Fredrick Avenue and Arthur Avenue; thence proceeding north easterly along said line to the boundary between School District No.16 and School District No. 22; thence north westerly along the said boundary line and continuing north westerly along the said boundary line to the point and place of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT 2. The place of registration and voting will be the COVERT AVENUE SCHOOL, Elmont, New York, with said Election District commencing at a point midway between and parallel to Frederick Avenue and Arthur Avenue and proceeding south along this line to its intersection with the center line of Makofske Avenue; thence south in a straight line to the intersection of the center line of Hempstead Turnpike at a point midway between Emporia Avenue and Stone Street; thence continuing easterly along the Hempstead Turnpike center line to a point 100 feet west of Butler Boulevard; thence continuing southerly

along a line 100 feet west of and parallel to Butler Boulevard to a line approximately 100 feet north of Omega Street; thence easterly along the said line 100 feet north of and parallel to Omega Street to a line approximately 25 feet east of South Covert Avenue thence southerly along the said line 25 feet east of and parallel to South Covert Avenue to the intersection of an extension of the Elliott Street center line thence easterly along the Elliott Street center line to an intersection with the Sun Avenue center line; thence continuing along the Sun Avenue center line to an intersection with the Meacham Avenue center line; thence proceeding south along the Meacham Avenue center line midway between E Street and F Street; thence proceeding north easterly and continuing northerly along the District No. 16 boundary line to a point about 100 feet south of Tulip Avenue; thence proceeding in a northwesterly direction along a line about 100 feet south and parallel to Tulip Avenue to the center line of the District No. 16 western boundary where the center line of Covert Avenue and Tulip Avenue intersect; thence continuing on the boundary line, southeasterly, southerly and westerly on a line approximately 100 Feet south of Webster Street to a line midway between Fredrick Street and Arthur Street approximately 50 Feet south of the point or place of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT 3. The place of registration and voting will be the CLARA H. CARLSON SCHOOL, Elmont, New York, with said Election District commencing at a point midway between Emporia Avenue and Stone Street on the center line of Hempstead Turnpike; thence continuing easterly along the Hempstead Turnpike center line to a point approximately 100 feet west of Butler Boulevard; thence continuing southerly along the said line 100 feet west of and parallel to Butler Boulevard to a line approximately 100 feet north of Omega Street thence easterly along the said line 100 feet north of Omega Street to a line approximately 25 feet east of South Covert Avenue; thence

southerly along the said line 25 feet east of and parallel to South Covert Avenue to the intersection of an extension of the Elliott Street center line; thence continuing easterly along the Elliott Street center line to an intersection with the Sun Avenue center line; thence continuing along the Sun Avenue center line to an intersection with the Meacham Avenue center line; thence proceeding south along the Meacham Avenue center line to a point midway between Collier Avenue and Star Avenue; thence proceeding westerly on a line midway between Collier Avenue and Star Avenue to the boundary of Beth David Cemetery; to an extension of the easterly boundary of the Beth David Cemetery; thence north westerly along the northerly boundary of the Beth David Cemetery; then, northerly along the boundary of the Beth David Cemetery to a point midway between Emporia Avenue and Stone Street; thence northerly along the midway line between Emporia Avenue and Stone Street to the point or place of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT 4. The place of registration and voting will be the ELMONT ROAD SCHOOL, ELMONT, New York, with said Election District commencing at a point in the boundary line between School District No. 16 and School District No. 22 at the intersection of the center line of Plainfield Avenue and a line approximately 100 feet north of and parallel to Chelsea Street; thence continuing easterly along this line to the intersection of Chelsea Street and Makofske Avenue thence south in a straight line to the northern boundary of Beth David Cemetery; thence westerly along the northern boundary of Beth David Cemetery to the center line of Elmont Road; thence northerly along the center line of Elmont Road to the intersection of Elmont Road and the Hempstead Turnpike; thence westerly along the center line of the Hempstead Turnpike to the intersection of the Hempstead Turnpike and Plainfield Avenue, thence northerly along the center line of Plainfield Avenue to the point or place of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT 5. The place of registration

Public Notices

and voting will be the GOTHAM AVENUE SCHOOL, Elmont, New York, with said Election District commencing at a point on the westerly boundary line of District No. 16 at its intersection with the center line of Hempstead Turnpike; thence easterly along the center line of Hempstead Turnpike to its intersection with the Elmont Road center line; thence south along the center line of Elmont Road to the extension of a line forming the northerly boundary of Elmont Memorial High School ; thence westerly along said line to a point 25 feet west of Kirby Road north westerly to a point approximately 25 feet east of Rye Street northerly on a line parallel to Rye Street to a point approximately 25 feet north of Baylis Avenue to a point approximately 100 feet west of 4th Street; thence north to the southerly side of Hathaway Avenue west on a line formed by the southerly side of Hathaway Avenue to the north along the westerly boundary of School District No. 16 to the point and place of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT 6.

The place of registration and voting will be the DUTCH BROADWAY SCHOOL, Elmont, New York, with said Election District commencing at a point on the Linden Boulevard center line where it intersects the Elmont Road center line; thence proceeding southeasterly along the Linden Boulevard center line and continuing on a projection of this line along the Southern State Parkway to its intersection with the District No. 16 easterly boundary line; thence continuing in a northeasterly direction along the District No. 16 easterly boundary line, to the intersection of Meacham Avenue and F Street; thence northerly along a center line of Meacham Avenue to a point approximately 20 feet northerly of Star Avenue; thence westerly along said line to the eastern boundary line of the Beth David Cemetery; thence southerly along the east boundary line of Beth David Cemetery; thence westerly along the south boundary line of Beth David Cemetery to its intersection with the Elmont Road center line; thence continuing in a southwesterly direction along the Elmont Road center

line to a line formed by the extension of the Northerly Boundary of Elmont Memorial High School ; thence westerly said line to a point 25 feet west of Kirby Road; thence north westerly to a point 25 north of Renfrew Avenue; thence westerly on a line approximately 25 feet north and parallel to a point approximately 25 feet east of Rye Street northerly on a line parallel to Rye Street to a point approximately 25 feet north of Baylis Avenue to a point approximately 100 feet west of 4th Street; thence north to the southerly side of Hathaway Avenue continuing west on a line formed by the southerly side of Hathaway Avenue to the western boundary of School District No. 6 and then south along the western boundary of School District No. 16 to the center line of Dutch Broadway; thence last along the center line of Dutch Broadway to the intersection of Dutch Broadway and Elmont Road; thence south along the center line of Elmont Road to the point and place of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT

7. The place of registration and voting will be the ALDEN TERRACE SCHOOL, Valley Stream, New York, with said Election District commencing at a point in the westerly boundary of District No. 16 at its intersection with the center line of Dutch Broadway; thence southerly along the westerly boundary line of School District No. 16; to the intersection of Elmont Road and Sobro Avenue thence southeasterly along the center line of Sobro Avenue continuing southeasterly then northeasterly along the boundary of School District No. 16 to the northerly side of the Southern State Parkway thence westerly along the Southern State Parkway to the center line of Linden Boulevard thence westerly along the center line of Linden Boulevard to the intersection of Linden Boulevard and Elmont Road thence northerly along the center line of Elmont Road to the intersection of Elmont Road and Dutch Broadway thence westerly along the center line of Dutch Broadway to the point or place of beginning.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that nominations

for the office of members of the Board of Education and members of the Board of Trustees of the Public Library shall be made by petition, which petition shall name the specific seat the candidate seeks by naming the Board member who occupies the seat and whose term expires on June 30, 2026 and which petition shall be subscribed by not less than FORTYSEVEN (47) qualified voters of the school district, addressed to the District Clerk and filed with the District Clerk at her office no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, APRIL 20, 2026. Please be advised that the schools and district offices will be closed from April 2nd – April 10th. Said petitions to run for a seat on the Board of Education and the Library Board will be available in the District Office at 135 Elmont Road, on any day school is in session between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM and on Monday, April 20, 2026 until 5:00 PM.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that copies of the written estimates of expenses for the school year 2026-2027 (proposed budgets) to be voted on, together with the text of any resolution which will be presented to the voters will be available on request to any qualified voter of the district on and after May 12, 2026, and may be obtained at each school building of the District between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM on each school day on and after such date.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that any proposition or question to be placed upon the voting machines shall be submitted in writing by petition subscribed by at least 1,000 qualified voters of the District and filed with the office of the District Clerk between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, not later than the 30th day preceding the meeting or election at which time such question or proposition shall be voted upon, except that this rule shall not apply to those questions or propositions which are required to be stated in the published or posted notice of the meeting or to those propositions or questions which the Board of Education has authority by law to present any Annual or Special Meeting of the District.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to Chapter 258 of the Laws of 2008, Section 495 was added to the Real Property Tax Law and requires the School 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 exemption granted by statutory authority, and show the cumulative impact of each type of exemption, the cumulative amount expected to be received as payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. In addition, said exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the district for public notices and on any website maintained by the District.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Board authorizes the District Clerk to appoint qualified persons as Chairpersons for the annual District elections at the following locations:

Election District No. 1

Election District No. 2

Election District No. 3

Election District No. 4

Election District No. 5 Election District No. 6 Election District No. 7

The Board authorizes the District Clerk to appoint qualified persons as Co-Chairpersons for the annual District elections at the following locations:

Election District No. 1

Election District No. 2

Election District No. 3

Election District No. 4

Election District No. 5 Election District No. 6 Election District No. 7

The Board authorizes the District Clerk to appoint qualified clerks to assist the District Clerk, the Board of Registration, and the Inspectors of Election on the registration day and at the annual District elections at the following locations:

Election District No. 1

Election District No. 2

Election District No. 3

Election District No. 4

Election District No. 5 Election District No. 6 Election District No. 7

The Board authorizes the following qualified person to be appointed, as Coordinator, for the annual District election:

Anna Barbagallo The District Clerk shall attend on registration day and on Election Day each of the seven (7) separate election districts.

The Superintendent of Schools is authorized to arrange with the County Board of Elections for use of voting machines at such annual district election; and counsel is authorized to have the candidate labels and the proposition labels printed for the voting machines.

By order of the Board of Education

NICOLE J. TERMINI

Dated: 2/10/2026

District Clerk I, NICOLE J. TERMINI, District Clerk of the Elmont Union Free School District of the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, hereby certify that the foregoing annexed extract from the minutes of a meeting of the Board of Education of said School District duly called and held on February 10, 2026 has been compared by me with the original minutes as officially recorded in my office in the Minute Book of said Board of Education, and is a true, complete and correct copy thereof, and of the whole of said original minutes so far as the same relate to the subject matters referred to in said extract.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the corporate seal of said School District this 10th day of February 2026.

NICOLE J. TERMINI DISTRICT CLERK 158923

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION OF THE FRANKLIN SQUARE UFSD NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing of the qualified voters of the Franklin Square UFSD, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, will be held in the Washington Street School, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York in said district on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at 8:00 p.m., prevailing time, for the transaction of business as authorized by the Education Law, including the following items:

1. To present to the voters a detailed statement of the

amount of money which will be required for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

2. To discuss all the items hereinafter set forth to be voted upon by voting machine at the Budget Vote and Election to be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting pursuant to Education Law of the State of New York and acts amendatory thereto.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a budget hearing of the qualified voters of the Franklin Square UFSD will be held by the Franklin Square Public Library at 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square, New York in said district on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 6:30 p.m., prevailing time, for the purpose of presenting to the voters a detailed statement of the amount of money which will be required by the Franklin Square Public Library for the 20262027 fiscal year.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required to fund the School District’s budget for 2026-2027, exclusive of public moneys, may be obtained by any resident of the District beginning May 5, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, except Saturday, Sunday or holidays at the Office of the District Clerk, 760 Washington Street School, Franklin Square, New York, at the Franklin Square Public Library, and on the District’s internet website.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that said Budget Vote and Election will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in the John Street School, Polk Street School and Washington Street School, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, at which time the polls will be opened to vote by voting machine upon the following items:

1. To adopt the annual budget of the School District for the fiscal year 2026-2027 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District.

2. To elect one member of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring on June 30, 2029, to succeed William Leder, whose term expires on June 30, 2026.

3. To vote upon the Franklin Square Public Library Budget Appropriation for the fiscal year 2026-2027 as submitted and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised on the taxable property of the Franklin Square Union Free School District in accordance with Section 259 of the Education Law.

4. To elect one (1) member of the Board of Trustees of the Franklin Square Public Library for a five (5) year term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring on June 30, 2031, to fill the position previously held by William Youngfert.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law, the School District is required 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 exemption granted by the statutory authority, and show the cumulative impact of each type of exemption, the cumulative amount expected to be received as payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. In addition, said exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on any website maintained by the District.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education shall be filed with the Clerk of said School District at her office in the District Administrative Office, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York, not later than April 20, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., prevailing time. Each petition shall be directed to the Clerk

of the District; must be signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District; must state the name and residence of each signer, and, must state the name and residence of the candidate and shall describe the specific vacancy for which the candidate is nominated. Each vacancy upon the Board of Education to be filled shall be considered separate specific vacancies. A separate nominating petition is required to nominate a candidate to each separate specific office. The petition shall describe at least the length of the term of office and contain the name of the last incumbent. To nominate a candidate for the office of Trustee of the Franklin Square Public Library Board, each petition must be signed by at least twentyfive (25) voters of the District. Vacancies on the Board of Trustees are not considered separate specific offices; candidates run at large. Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the Board for which the candidate is nominated.

AND 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 within the last four (4) calendar years, he or 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 or she is also eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, the voters may register with the Clerk of said School District at her office in the District Administration Office, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., when school is in session at any day prior to May 14, 2026 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

Public Notices

at such meeting with the Clerk of said School District he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of the Clerk of said School District to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the Register is prepared. The Register so prepared pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk, at her office in the District Administration Office, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on Thursday, May 14, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., prevailing time, on each day prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, and at the polling place(s) on the day of the vote.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. An application for registration as a military voter can be requested from the office of the District Clerk at her office in the District Administration Office, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., when school is in session. The application is also available on the Franklin Square District website under “voter information.” The application for registration must be received in the office of the clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026. In the request for an application for registration, the military voter is permitted to designate his/her preference for receiving the application for registration by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the district may submit an application for a military ballot during school business hours from the District Clerk at her office in the District Administration Office, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York. The application is also available on the Franklin Square District website under “voter information.” Completed applications

must be received by the District Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026. In the request for an application for a military ballot, the military voter is permitted to designate his/her preference for receiving the application for a military ballot, and the military ballot, by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail. All qualified military voters’ ballot application and military ballot must be returned by mail or in person. Ballots for military voters shall be distributed to qualified military voters no later than twenty-five days before the election, April 24, 2026. Military ballots must be received by the District Clerk one (1) day before the close of the polls, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, and must show a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or must show a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or (2) not later than 5:00 pm on the day of the election and be signed and dated by the military voter and one witness, with a date ascertained to be not later than the day before the election.

A list of persons to whom military ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the Office of the District Clerk on and after Thursday, May 14, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., prevailing time, on each day prior to the day set for the annual election, except Sunday, on Saturday by appointment, and on May 19, 2026, the day set for the election. Any qualified voter then present in the polling place may object to the voting of the ballot upon appropriate grounds by making his or her challenge and the reasons therefore known to the Inspector of Election before the close of the polls.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for early mail ballots and absentee ballots will be obtainable during school business hours from the District Clerk beginning Monday, April 20, 2026. The application is also available on the Franklin Square School District website https:// www.franklinsquare. k12.ny.us/ under

“voter information.”

Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than April 20, 2026 and at least seven (7) days before the election, May 12, 2026, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, May 18, 2026, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Early mail ballots and absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

A list of persons to whom early mail ballots and absentee ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the Office of the District Clerk on and after Thursday, May 14, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., prevailing time, on each day prior to the day set for the annual election, except Sunday, on Saturday by appointment, and on May 19, 2026, the day set for the election. Any qualified voter then present in the polling place may object to the voting of the ballot upon appropriate grounds by making his or her challenge and the reasons therefore known to the Inspector of Election before the close of the polls. A challenge to an absentee ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should have applied for an early mail ballot.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education in accordance with Section 2035 of the Education Law, any referenda or propositions to amend the budget, or otherwise to be submitted for voting at said election, must be filed with the Clerk of the Board of Education at the District Office, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York in sufficient time to permit notice of the proposition to be included with the Notice of the Public Hearing, Budget Vote and Election required by Section 2004 of the Education Law or on or before Friday, April 17, 2026, at 3:30 p.m., prevailing time; must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the Clerk of the School District; must be signed by at least 40 qualified voters of the District

(representing 5% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); and must legibly state the name of each signer. However, the School Board will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, which is unlawful, or any proposition which fails to include a specific appropriation where the expenditure of monies is required by the proposition, or where other valid reason exists for excluding the proposition from the ballot.

Dated: Franklin Square, New York, April 2, 2026

By Order of the BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE Franklin Square UFSD Franklin Square New York

Laura Langstrand, District Clerk 159184

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA, VOTACIÓN Y ELECCIÓN

PRESUPUESTARIA DE UFSD DE FRANKLIN SQUARE

CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

SE NOTIFICA POR EL PRESENTE, que se llevará a cabo una Audiencia Pública de los votantes calificados del Franklin Square UFSD, Town of Hempstead, condado de Nassau, New York, en la Washington Street School, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York, en dicho distrito el martes, 5 de mayo de 2026, a las 8:00 p.m.., hora oficial, para tratar los asuntos autorizados por la Ley de Educación, incluidos los siguientes puntos:

1. Presentar a los votantes una declaración detallada de la cantidad de dinero que se necesitará para el año fiscal 2026-2027.

2. Hablar sobre todos los puntos que se indican después para votarse mediante máquina de votación en la Votación del Presupuesto y Elección que se llevará a cabo el martes, 19 de mayo de 2026.

3. Tramitar cualquier otro asunto que pueda plantearse en la reunión de acuerdo con la Ley de Educación del estado de Nueva York y sus enmiendas.

Y ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA POR EL PRESENTE, que una audiencia del presupuesto de los votantes calificados del Franklin Square UFSD se llevará a cabo en la Franklin Square Public Library, 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square, New York, en dicho distrito el lunes, 11 de mayo de 2026 a las 6:30 p.m., hora oficial, para presentar a los votantes una declaración detallada de la cantidad de dinero que necesitará la Franklin Square Public Library para el año fiscal 2026-2027.

Y ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA POR EL PRESENTE que una copia de la declaración de la cantidad de dinero que se necesitará para financiar el presupuesto del Distrito Escolar para 2026-2027, sin incluir fondos públicos, podrá obtenerse por cualquier residente del Distrito a partir del 5 de mayo de 2026, entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m., hora oficial, excepto sábados, domingos o días festivos, en la Oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito, 760 Washington Street School, Franklin Square, New York, en la Franklin Square Public Library, y en el sitio web del Distrito.

Y ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA POR EL PRESENTE, que dicha Votación del Presupuesto y Elección se llevará a cabo el martes, 19 de mayo de 2026, en la John Street School, Polk Street School y Washington Street School, entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m., hora oficial, momento en que se abrirán las urnas para votar mediante máquina de votación sobre los siguientes puntos:

1. Adoptar el presupuesto anual del Distrito Escolar para el año fiscal 2026-2027 y autorizar que la parte necesaria se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad sujeta a impuestos del Distrito.

2. Elegir un miembro de la Junta de Educación por un período de tres (3) años que comenzará el 1 de julio, 2026, y terminará el 30 de junio de 2029, para reemplazar a William Leder, cuyo período termina el 30 de junio de 2026.

3. Votar sobre la asignación del presupuesto de la Franklin Square Public Library para el año fiscal 2026-2027 según

se presenta y autorizar que la parte necesaria se recaude sobre la propiedad sujeta a impuestos del Franklin Square Union Free School District conforme a la Sección 259 de la Ley de Educación.

4. Elegir un (1) miembro de la Junta de Fideicomisarios de la Franklin Square Public Library por un período de cinco (5) años que comenzará el 1 de julio de 2026 y terminará el 30 de junio de 2031, para ocupar el cargo que tenía William Youngfert.

Y ADEMÁS SE AVISA POR LA PRESENTE, que de conformidad con la Sección 495 de la Real Property Tax Law (Ley de impuestos sobre bienes inmuebles), el Distrito escolar está obligado a adjuntar a su proyecto de presupuesto un informe de exención. Dicho informe de exención, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, mostrará cómo el valor total tasado de la lista final de tasaciones usada en el proceso presupuestario está exento de impuestos, enumerará cada tipo de exención concedida por la autoridad estatutaria y mostrará el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención, la cantidad acumulativa que se espera recibir como pagos en lugar de impuestos (PILOT) y el impacto acumulativo de todas las exenciones concedidas. Además, dicho informe de exención se publicará en cualquier tablero de anuncios que mantenga el Distrito para avisos públicos y en cualquier sitio web que mantenga el Distrito.

Y ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA POR EL PRESENTE, que las peticiones para nominar candidatos al cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación deben presentarse ante la Secretaria de dicho Distrito Escolar en su oficina en la Oficina Administrativa del Distrito, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York, a más tardar el 20 de abril de 2026, entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m., hora oficial. Cada petición deberá dirigirse a la Secretaría del Distrito; deberá estar firmada por al menos 25 votantes calificados del Distrito; deberá indicar el nombre y la residencia de cada firmante, y, deberá indicar el nombre y la residencia del candidato y describirá la vacante

específica para la que se propone al candidato. Cada vacante en el Consejo de Educación que deba cubrirse se considerará una vacante específica separada. Se requiere una petición de nominación separada para nominar a un candidato a cada cargo específico separado. La petición deberá describir al menos la duración del mandato y contener el nombre del último titular. Para nominar a un candidato al cargo de Fideicomisario de la Junta de la Franklin Square Public Library, cada petición debe estar firmada por al menos veinticinco (25) votantes del Distrito. Las vacantes en la Junta de Fideicomisarios no se consideran cargos específicos separados; los candidatos se presentan en general. Las peticiones de nominación no deben describir ninguna vacante específica en la Junta para la cual se nomina al candidato.

Y ADEMÁS SE AVISA POR LA PRESENTE, que se requiere el registro personal de los votantes de acuerdo con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación, o de acuerdo con el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral. Si un votante se ha registrado previamente conforme a la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación y ha votado en una reunión anual o especial del distrito dentro de los últimos cuatro (4) años calendario, puede votar en esta elección. Si un votante está registrado y es elegible para votar según el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral, también es elegible para votar en estas elecciones. Todas las demás personas que quieran votar deben registrarse.

Y ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA POR EL PRESENTE, que los votantes pueden registrarse con la Secretaria de dicho Distrito Escolar en su oficina en la Oficina Administrativa del Distrito, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York, entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 3:30 p.m., cuando la escuela esté en sesión en cualquier día antes del 14 de mayo de 2026 para agregar nombres adicionales al Registro que se usará en la elección antes mencionada, momento en que cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho Registro siempre que en esa reunión con la Secretaria de dicho Distrito Escolar sea

conocida o demuestre a satisfacción de la Secretaria que tiene derecho entonces o después a votar en dicha elección para la cual se prepara el Registro. El Registro preparado conforme a la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación se archivará en la Oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito, en su oficina en la Oficina Administrativa del Distrito, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York, y estará disponible para revisión por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito a partir del jueves, 14 de mayo de 2026, entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 3:30 p.m., hora oficial, cada día antes del día fijado para la elección, excepto domingo, y en el(los) lugar(es) de votación el día de la votación.

Y ADEMÁS SE AVISA POR LA PRESENTE, que los votantes militares que no estén registrados actualmente pueden solicitar registrarse como votante calificado del distrito escolar. Se puede pedir una solicitud de inscripción como votante militar en la Secretaría del Distrito en la Oficina de Administración del Distrito, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, Nueva York, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 3:30 p. m., cuando la escuela está en sesión. La solicitud también está disponible en el sitio web del Distrito Franklin Square en “voter information”. La solicitud de registro debe recibirse en la oficina de la secretaria a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. el jueves, 23 de abril de 2026. En la solicitud de inscripción, se permite al votante militar designar su preferencia para recibir la solicitud de inscripción por correo, transmisión por facsímil o correo electrónico.

Y ADEMÁS SE AVISA POR LA PRESENTE, que los votantes militares que son votantes calificados del distrito pueden enviar una solicitud para una boleta de voto militar durante el horario de atención escolar de la Secretaría del Distrito en la Oficina de Administración del Distrito, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, Nueva York. La solicitud también está disponible en el sitio web del Distrito de Franklin Square en “información para votantes”. Las solicitudes completas deben recibirse por la

Public Notices

Secretaria del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. el 23 de abril de 2026. En la solicitud de boleta de voto militar, se permite al votante militar designar su preferencia para recibir la solicitud de boleta de voto militar, y la boleta de voto militar, por correo, transmisión por facsímil o correo electrónico. La solicitud de boleta de voto militar y la boleta de voto militar de todos los votantes militares calificados deben devolverse por correo o en persona. Las boletas para votantes militares se enviarán a los votantes militares calificados a más tardar veinticinco días antes de la elección, 24 de abril de 2026. Las boletas militares deben recibirse por la Secretaria del Distrito un (1) día antes del cierre de las urnas, el martes, 19 de mayo de 2026, y deben mostrar un sello de cancelación del Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o mostrar un endoso fechado de recepción por otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o (2) a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. el día de la elección y estar firmadas y fechadas por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha que no sea posterior al día antes de la elección.

Una lista de las personas a quienes se les emitan boletas militares estará disponible para revisión por votantes calificados del Distrito en la Oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito a partir del jueves, 14 de mayo de 2026, entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 3:30 p.m., hora oficial, cada día antes del día fijado para la elección anual, excepto domingo, el sábado con cita previa, y el 19 de mayo de 2026, día fijado para la elección. Cualquier votante calificado presente en ese momento en el lugar de votación puede oponerse a la votación de la boleta por los motivos apropiados, dando a conocer su impugnación y los motivos de la misma al Inspector de elecciones antes del cierre de las urnas.

Y ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA POR EL PRESENTE, que las solicitudes para boletas por correo adelantadas y boletas en ausencia estarán disponibles durante el horario escolar en la oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito

a partir del lunes, 20 de abril de 2026. La solicitud también está disponible en el sitio web del Distrito escolar de Franklin Square https://www. franklinsquare.k12. ny.us/ en “información para votantes”. Las solicitudes completas deben recibirse por la Secretaria del Distrito no antes del 20 de abril, 2026 y al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección, 12 de mayo de 2026, si la boleta se enviará por correo al votante, o el día antes de la elección, 18 de mayo de 2026, si la boleta se entregará en persona al votante. Las boletas por correo adelantadas y las boletas en ausencia deben recibirse por la Secretaria del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m., hora oficial, el martes, 19 de mayo de 2026.

Una lista de las personas a quienes se les emitan boletas por correo adelantadas y boletas en ausencia estará disponible para revisión por votantes calificados del Distrito en la Oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito a partir del jueves, 14 de mayo de 2026, entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 3:30 p.m.., hora oficial, cada día antes del día fijado para la elección anual, excepto domingo, el sábado con cita previa, y el 19 de mayo de 2026, día fijado para la elección. Cualquier votante calificado presente en ese momento en el lugar de votación puede oponerse a la votación de la boleta por los motivos apropiados, dando a conocer su impugnación y los motivos de la misma al Inspector de elecciones antes del cierre de las urnas. La impugnación de un voto en ausencia no puede basarse en que el votante debería haber solicitado un voto anticipado por correo.

Y ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA POR EL PRESENTE, que conforme a una norma adoptada por la Junta de Educación de acuerdo con la Sección 2035 de la Ley de Educación, cualquier referendo o propuesta para enmendar el presupuesto, o que de otro modo se someta a votación en dicha elección, debe presentarse ante la Secretaria de la Junta de Educación en la Oficina del Distrito, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York con tiempo suficiente para permitir

que el aviso de la propuesta se incluya con el Aviso de la Audiencia Pública, Votación del Presupuesto y Elección requerido por la Sección 2004 de la Ley de Educación o a más tardar el viernes, 17 de abril de 2026, a las 3:30 p.m., hora oficial; debe estar mecanografiada o impresa en inglés; debe dirigirse a la Secretaria del Distrito Escolar; debe estar firmada por al menos 40 votantes calificados del Distrito (que representen el 5% del número de votantes que votaron en la elección anual anterior); y debe indicar claramente el nombre de cada firmante. Sin embargo, el Consejo Escolar no aceptará ninguna petición para presentar ante los votantes ninguna propuesta cuyo propósito no esté dentro de las facultades de los votantes para determinarlo, que sea ilegal, o ninguna propuesta que no incluya una asignación específica cuando el gasto de dinero lo requiera la propuesta, o cuando exista otra razón válida para excluir la propuesta de la boleta de voto.

Fecha: Franklin Square, New York, 2 de abril de 2026

Por orden del CONSEJO DE EDUCACIÓN DE UFSD de Franklin Square Franklin Square New York

Laura Langstrand, secretaria del distrito 159186

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION VALLEY STREAM UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT THIRTEEN, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing of the qualified voters of the Valley Stream Union Free School District Thirteen, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, will be held at the James A. Dever School in said District on May 6, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. prevailing time, for the transaction of such business as is authorized by the New York State Education Law, including the following items.

1. Presentation of the budget document.

2. To discuss all of the items herein set forth, to be voted upon by voting machine, at the election to be held on May 19, 2026. as hereinafter set forth.

3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that said vote and election will be held on May 19, 2026, at 6:00 a.m., prevailing time, in the school buildings located in such districts as enumerated below:

District No. 1: Wheeler Avenue School 1 Wheeler Ave W Valley Stream, NY 11580

District No. 2: James A. Dever School 585 Corona Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580

District No. 3: Howell Road School 1475 Howell Rd Valley Stream, NY 11580

District No. 4: Willow Road School 880 Catalpa Dr Franklin Square, NY 11010

at which time the polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, to vote by voting machines upon the following items:

1. To adopt the annual budget of the School District for the fiscal year 2026-2027 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District.

2. SHALL the Board of Education of the Valley Stream Union Free School District Thirteen be authorized to expend from the Capital Reserve Fund which was established on May 15, 2018, for the following capital improvement project of improving the playground and baseball field at James A. Dever Elementary School, the Upper Grade playground at Howell Road School, exterior doors District wide, other improvements, additions, renovations and other work required in connection therewith; and to expend from the Capital Reserve Fund therefor, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto an amount not to exceed the estimated total cost of $700,000.

3. SHALL the proposed budget of expenditures of Valley Stream Central High School District, Nassau County, New York for the year 2026-2027 be approved in the amount of $173,600,882 and that the sum be raised through a levy upon the taxable property in the Valley Stream Central High School District, after first deducting the monies from state aid and other sources, as provided by law.

4. SHALL the Board of Education be authorized to establish a Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of financing capital improvements to District facilities and sites, including but not limited to additions, reconstruction, renovation, rehabilitation, expansion and equipping of District buildings and grounds; site work and improvements; parking areas and paving; sidewalks and curbing; drainage and utility infrastructure; ADA features; auditoriums; ceilings; computer and technology systems; data and communication networks; doors; mechanical, electrical, plumbing and sanitary systems; energy management and conservation systems; exterior and interior lighting; fencing; flooring; fire safety and suppression systems; heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; gymnasiums; masonry; roofs; security systems; toilet rooms; walls; windows; furnishings and equipment permanently affixed to buildings, and similar projects together with architectural, engineering and other incidental costs related thereto; with the ultimate amount of such Capital Reserve Fund to be $15,000,000, plus accumulated interest, and with a term of fifteen (15) years, to be funded by transfers of unappropriated fund balance from the District’s general fund and interest earned thereon.

5. To elect members of the Board of Education as follows: “ To elect one (1) member of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring on June 30, 2029, to succeed Gerardo Cavaliere, whose term expires on June 30,

2026. “ To elect one (1) member of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring on June 30, 2029, to succeed Patricia Farrell, whose term expires on June 30, 2026. “ To elect one (1) member of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring on June 30, 2029, to succeed Anthony Grosso, whose term expires on June 30, 2026.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that petitions nominating candidates for the office of Member of the Board of Education of the Valley Stream Union Free School District shall be filed with the District Clerk of said School District at the District Clerk’s office, 585 N. Corona Avenue, Valley Stream, New York not later than April 20, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., prevailing time. All nominating petitions must be signed by 31 qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 or 2% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); must state the name and residence of each signer, and must state the name and residence of the candidate. Each petition shall be directed to the District Clerk and shall describe the specific vacancy for which the candidate is nominated. Each vacancy upon the Board of Education to be filled shall be considered a separate specific vacancy.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 or pursuant to Article 5 of the New York State Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 and has voted at any annual or special district meeting within the past four (4) calendar years, such voter is eligible to vote at this election; if a voter is registered and eligible to vote pursuant to Article 5 of the New York State Election Law, such voter is also eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register. Voters may register on

any school day prior to May 12, 2026, at the James A. Dever School, Howell Road School, Wheeler Avenue School and Willow Road School, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., prevailing time, to add any additional names to the registers to be used at the aforesaid election, and the Board of Registration will meet for the purposes of registering all qualified voters of the District at the James A. Dever School, Howell Road School, Wheeler Avenue School and Willow Road School, on May 12, 2026, between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, 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 her or his name placed on such registers provided that at the meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known, or proven to the satisfaction of the Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such public hearing or election for which such registers are prepared, and that the registers so prepared pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 and the registration list prepared by the Board of Elections of Nassau County will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk of the School District, 585 N. Corona Avenue, Valley Stream, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District on weekdays between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., prevailing time, on and after May 12, 2026, and Saturday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., except Sunday;

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that qualified voters with disabilities who seek information about access to polling places may, in advance of the day of the vote, contact the District Clerk at (516) 568-6110 for information about accessibility.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that beginning May 5, 2026, any resident in the District may request to review a copy of the proposed budget by appearing at the Office of the District Clerk, 585 N. Corona Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580. Additionally, a statement of the estimated expenses for the ensuing year may be obtained by any resident in the District during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding said election on the school district website https://valleystream13. com/district/budgetinformation, at the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library during its normal hours of operation, located at 60 Verona Place, Valley Stream, NY 11580, at the School District Administrative Center, 585 N. Corona Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580, and at each of the following school buildings in which school is maintained between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., prevailing time, except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays:

Wheeler Avenue School 1 Wheeler Ave W Valley Stream, NY 11580

James A. Dever School 585 Corona Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580

Howell Road School 1475 Howell Rd Valley Stream, NY 11580

Willow Road School 880 Catalpa Dr Franklin Square, NY 11010

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Real Property Tax Law Section 495, the School District is required to attach to its proposed budget an

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to New York Education Law §2014, the Board of Registration shall meet on May 19, 2026, at the James A. Dever School, Howell Road School, Wheeler Avenue School and Willow Road School between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, to prepare the Register of the School District to be used at the annual meeting and election that is to be held in 2027, and any special meeting that may be held after the preparation of said Register, at which time any person will be entitled to have her or his 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 such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the school meeting or election for which such Register is prepared.

Public Notices

exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how much of the total assessed value on the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted, identified by statutory authority, and show: (a) the cumulative impact of each type of exemption expressed either as a dollar amount of assessed value or as a percentage of the total assessed value on the roll; (b) the cumulative amount expected to be received from recipients of each type of exemption as payments in lieu of taxes or other payments for municipal services; and (c) the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. The exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on any website maintained by the District.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for absentee and early mail ballots will be obtainable during school business hours at the office of the District Clerk beginning March 20, 2026. In accordance with Education Law §§ 2018-a and 2018e, completed absentee and early mail ballot applications may not be received by the District Clerk earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the election, and must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or to the agent named in the absentee or early mail ballot application. Absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

A list of persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued, and a list of all persons to whom early mail voter’s ballots shall have been issued, will be available for public inspection beginning May 12, 2026, in the office of the District Clerk during regular office hours, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., each weekday through May 19, 2026, the day set for the election. Any

qualified voter may, upon examination of such lists, file a written challenge of the qualifications as a voter of any person whose name appears on such lists, stating the reasons for such challenge. Any such written challenge shall be transmitted by the District Clerk or a designee of the Board of Education to the inspectors of election on election day.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the Valley Stream Union Free School District

Thirteen by requesting and returning a registration application to the District Clerk in person, or by email to districtclerk@ valleystream13.com. The request for the registration application may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the registration application by either mail, fax or email. Military voter registration application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the Valley Stream Union Free School District Thirteen may request an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk and return such military ballot application to the District Clerk in person, or by email to districtclerk@ valleystream13.com. In order for a military voter to be issued a military ballot, a valid military ballot application must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m., on April 12, 2026. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a non-military ballot application under Section 2018-a of the Education Law. The application for military ballot may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the military ballot by mail, fax, or email. A military voter’s original military ballot application and military ballot must be returned by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at 585 N. Corona Avenue, Valley Stream,

New York 11580 along with the required signed affidavit by the voter.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District Clerk before the close of polls on May 19, 2026, showing a cancellation mark of the United States Postal Service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or received not later than 5:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026, and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the election.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education in accordance with New York Education Law §2035, any referenda or propositions to change the number of Board of Education members, or a bond issue for capital improvements, or any other petition required by law to be stated in the Notice of Annual Meeting and Election must be filed with the District Clerk at 585 N. Corona Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580, not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on March 20, 2026. Any other petition, except those petitions required by law to be stated in the Notice of Annual Meeting and Election, must be filed with the District Clerk at the 585 N. Corona Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580, no later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time on April 20, 2026. All such petitions must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the Clerk of the School District; must be signed by at least 100 qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 100 or 5% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); and must legibly state the name of each signer. However, the Board of Education will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, nor any proposition or amendment which is contrary to law.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that those voters seeking information regarding this Budget Vote and Election in Spanish should contact the Office of the District Clerk at (516) 568-6110.

Jennifer Mercatante

District Clerk of the Board of Education Valley Stream Union Free School District Thirteen 585 N. Corona Avenue Valley Stream, NY 11580 159199

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

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

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF MORGAN STANLEY ABS CAPITAL I INC. TRUST 2007-NC3 MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-NC3, Plaintiff, AGAINST LENIOR V. WRIGHT, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on October 15, 2024. 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 April 23, 2026 at 3:00 PM premises known as 93 Terrace Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. 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 at Elmont in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 32, Block 453 and Lot 61-63.

Approximate amount of judgment $842,282.61 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #015839/2008. Thomas R. Scanlon, Esq., Referee,

Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 159061

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF POPULAR ABS, INC. MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-4, Pltf. vs. THEYCESLYN FREEMAN, et al, Defts. Index #610776/2019. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Jan. 28, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on April 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 32 Cerenzia Boulevard, Elmont, NY 11003 a/k/a Section 32, Block 672, Lot 00001. Said property known as and by Lot No. 1 in Block 645 on a certain map entitled, “Amended Map of Argo Village, N.Y., owned by Argo Homes Inc., 481 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont, New York, surveyed by Howard J. Teas, Civil Engineers and Surveyors, Homeland Building, Malverne, N.Y., June 23, 1947 under file Number 4421. Approximate amount of judgment is $520,118.02 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law. JOHN BOKLAK, Referee. HILL WALLACK, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 260 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor, Ste. 940, New York, NY 10016. File No. 20292-1223 - #102827 159063

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County of Nassau The Bank of New York Mellon FKA The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the Certificateholders of the CWABS Inc., AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2005-16, Plaintiff AGAINST Jules Fabien, Carine Fabien, et al, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July

26, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 23, 2026 at 2:30 PM premises known as 1692 Greenway Boulevard, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 37, BLOCK: 655, LOT: 17. Approximate amount of judgment is $881,221.94 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 611126/2019. This sale may be subject to the US Dept of the Tr easury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Real Estate Reporting Rule. In such event, all purchasers are required to provide the information needed for proper reporting in accordance with the terms of sale. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Ronald J. Ferraro, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-091013-F01 89232 159039

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff against MARIETTA DONOFRIO, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered September 8, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 29, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 2318 Hoffman Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003-2841. Sec 32 Block 409 Lot 5. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land situate lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of

Nassau and State of New York.

Approximate Amount of Judgment is $115,826.80 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 616304/2023. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Keith A LaVallee, Esq., Referee File # NY202300000397-1 159055

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. CITIBANK, N.A., Plaintiff -againstRICARDO CASTILLO A/K/A RICARDO A. CASTILLO, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated July 18, 2024 and entered on July 26, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on May 5, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as

follows: BEGINNING at a point on the westerly side of Stewart Street, distant 220 feet northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the westerly side of Stewart Street with the northerly side of Atherton Avenue; being a plot 100 feet by 40 feet by 100 feet by 40 feet. Section: 32 Block: 481 Lots 42 and 43. Said premises known as 108 STEWART STREET, ELMONT, NY 11003

Approximate amount of lien $214,001.69 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Index Number 605713/2023. HEATHER D. CROSLEY, ESQ., Referee David A. Gallo & Associates LLP Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 47 Hillside Avenue, 2nd Floor, Manhasset, NY 11030 File# 7777.248 {* Elmont Herald*} 159141

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, CMG MORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff, vs. AQUIRA NEAL-CLARKE A/K/A AQUIRA CLARKE, AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SHANTAY NEAL, ET AL., Defendant (s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 4, 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 12, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 1588 WOODSTOCK STREET, ELMONT, NY 11003. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 32, Block: 606, Lot: 162A & 162B. Approximate amount of judgment is $403,380.86 plus

Public Notices

interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 615850/2022.

If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, the Mortgagee’s attorney, or the Referee. For Sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.

SCOTT SILLER, Esq., Referee Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 159492

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

CitiMortgage, Inc., Plaintiff AGAINST Kettie Jean; Milius Jean; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 2, 2015, amended May 24, 2022, 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 May 14, 2026, at 2:00PM, premises known as 500 Cameron Street, Elmont, NY 11003. 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, State of New York, Section 0032 Block 00543 Lot 00015-00017. Approximate amount of judgment $479,741.91 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 008892/2014.

Foreclosure auction will be held “Rain or Shine” Leslie Feifer, Esq., Referee

LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: March 26, 2026

159498

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

The Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A., f/k/a The Bank of New York Trust Company, N.A., as Trustee, in trust for ChaseFlex Multi-Class Mortgage PassThrough Certificates, Series 2007-1 Plaintiff, Against Sung Choi a/k/a

Thomas Choi a/k/a

Thomas L. Choi a/k/a

Thomas R. Choi a/k/a

Tomas Choi a/k/a

Thomas Lee Choi, Capital One Bank New York State Department of Taxation and Finance, Capital One Bank (USA), NA, Atlantic City Showboat, Inc., American Express Centurion Bank, Monrovia Growers Company, Boardwalk Regency Corp. d/b/a

Caesars Atlantic City, Trump Taj Mahal Associates (formerly Trump Taj Mahal Associates, L.P.) t/a Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort, JPMorgan Chase Bank, NA, Discover Bank, Chase Bank USA, NA Chung Choi Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 11/01/2018, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 5/12/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 16 Park Place, Floral Park, NY 11001, and described as follows:

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 Floral Park, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Section 32 Block 65 Lot 187 and 188. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $742,622.44 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 606764/2017 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at

www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.

Scott H Siller, Esq., Referee.

SHELDON MAY & ASSOCIATES Attorneys at Law, 255 Merrick Road, Rockville Centre, NY 11570

Dated: 3/18/2026 File Number: 32674 CA 159488

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU M&T BANK, Plaintiff AGAINST DAVID B. KAYODE, LUCITIA

FORTUNE A/K/A L C FORTUNE CLEMENT

A/K/A LUCITIA C FORTUNE CLEMENT

A/K/A LUCITIA C FORTUNE A/K/A L C

FORTUNE-CLEMENT

A/K/A LUCTITIA C FORTUNECLEMENT

A/K/A LUCITIA C FORTUNE A/K/A

LUCITIA C FORTUNECLEMENT A/K/A

LUCITA FORTUNE

A/K/A LUCITIA C. FORTUNE CLEMENT, ET AL., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 21, 2024, 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 12, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 11619 240th Street a/k/a 116-19 240th Street, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York, Section: 32 Block: 640 Lot(s): 242, 243. Approximate amount of judgment $696,237.61 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605818/2019. For sale information, please contact XOME at www.Xome.com or call (844) 400-9633. Robert J. Aiello, Esq., Referee Tromberg, Miller, Morris & Partners, PLLC 39 Broadway, Suite 1840 New York, NY 10006 25-001347

89282 159460

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR BEAR STEARNS ALT-A TRUST, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-4, -againstLUZ FONSECA, 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 September 11, 2019, wherein WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR BEAR STEARNS ALT-A TRUST, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-4 is the Plaintiff and LUZ FONSECA, 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 11, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1342 EAST STREET, ELMONT, NY 11003; and the following tax map identification: 35-84-8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ELMONT (NOT AN INCORPORATED VILLAGE) IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 003767/2016. Kevin J. O’Brien, 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

News brief

HAFALI gala honors community leaders

Carrié Solages and Viviana L. Russell joined the Haitian American Family Association of Long Island on April 11 for the organization’s annual fundraising gala at Mirelle’s Restaurant.

The event celebrated leadership, legacy and transformation while recognizing several community members for their contributions. Honorees included Frenal Mezilas, who received the Cultural Preservation Award; Lindell Senior, honored with the Next Generation Leader Award; Vanessa BairdStreeter, who received the Community Impact Award; and Ceus Joseph, recognized with the Community Business

Excellence Award.

HAFALI’s mission focuses on bridging Caribbean communities and American society by promoting engagement and cultural pride. Russell emphasized the importance of organizations that support immigrant communities and cultural integration.

“As a person who cherishes my family’s Cuban lineage, I know the challenges that my father experienced when he came to America, and the important role that community organizations like HAFALI can play in assisting with that transition,” Russell said.

–Hailey Fulmer

Public Notices

limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 159477

LEGAL NOTICE TO THE TAXPAYERS OF THE ELMONT FIRE DISTRICT: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the ELMONT FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the 25th day of March, 2026, subject to permissive referendum as provided for by the General Municipal law. An extract of the resolution is as follows: THE ELMONT FIRE DISTRICT SHALL PURCHASE A NEW CHEVY TAHOE DISTRICT VEHICLE AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT AT A COST, INCLUDING COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH SUCH TRANSACTION, NOT TO EXCEED THE MAXIMUM COST OF ONE HUNDRED TWENTY-FIVE THOUSAND

($125,000.00) DOLLARS WITH FUNDS FROM THE FIRE APPARATUS AND EQUIPMENT CAPITAL RESERVE FUND. This resolution shall not take effect until thirty (30) days, unless in the meanwhile a permissive referendum as provided by the General Municipal Law is required to be held. Dated: March 25, 2026 BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS ELMONT FIRE DISTRICT

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD ATTEST: FRANCES ANDINO Secretary 159613

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR NEW CENTURY HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2005-C, ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, Plaintiff, Against JEAN PIERRE FORTURE, REBECCA FORTURE; ROSE FORTURE, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 05/08/2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 5/19/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 54 Biltmore Avenue, Elmont, New York 11003, and described as follows: 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 0032 Block 00426-00 Lot 36, 37, 38 and 139. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $437,474.19 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and

Sale; Index # 602172/2020 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine. Brian Davis, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 3/19/2026 File Number: 19-302406 CA 159626

LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU SACHEM CAPITAL CORP., Plaintiffagainst - EVAN E. BLUM, LESLIE BLUM AS TRUSTEE OF THE WALTER E. BLUM IRREVOCABLE TRUST DATED MAY 25,2018, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on October 30, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 14th day of May, 2026 at 2:30 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being near the Incorporated Village of Great Neck, Town of North Hempstead, State of New York. Premises known as 21 Brook Lane, Great Neck, NY 11023. (SBL#: 2-354-25)

Approximate amount

of lien $2,857,127.63 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 606957/2022. Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., Referee. Mitchell Pollack and Associates, PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 150 White Plains Road, Suite 310 Tarrytown, NY 10591 Tel. 914/332-0700

Dated: March 23, 2026

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 159611

LEGAL NOTICE Formation of GreyGreen Ventures LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/6/2026. Office loc.: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address SSNY shall mail process to Simone Lowry, 159 Locustwood Blvd., Elmont, NY 11003. Purpose: Any lawful activity 159631

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HomesHERALD

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

New to Market

estled in the heart of the Five Towns, this beautifully renovated Colonial seamlessly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

© 2026 Monte Leeper

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

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REVIVE Act is the wrong solution to the housing crisis

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

John Ferretti is the Town of Hempstead supervisor.

Let’s strengthen protections for domestic violence victims

new York had almost 90,000 reported victims of domestic violence in 2022 alone. What makes this statistic most troubling is that domestic violence often goes unreported, as does the harm. Whether the victim is protecting their abuser out of fear of retaliation, economic or emotional dependency, denial or shame, abusers continue to exploit and further victimize survivors. Abusers can be creative in finding ways to manipulate and control their victims. We need to provide tools to victims, victims’ advocates and law enforcement to ensure that survivors of domestic violence get the support they need and perpetrators are held accountable. That’s why I have introduced a legislative package to increase support for victims, including bills I carry with Assemblyman Ari Brown that would help strengthen our services for those victims, and close loopholes in the law that

allow predators to control their domestic partners by threating their pets.

More than one-third of domestic violence survivors suffer head, neck or facial injuries. Nonetheless, one study found that although 65 percent of victims of intimate partner violence reported having lost consciousness or experiencing a period of being dazed and confused, only 35 percent sought medical treatment. In some cases, a victim may opt not to seek care on their own to protect their abuser, or their abuser may prevent them from seeking care.

T hey are often overlooked, despite the increased focus on traumatic brain injuries.

As a result, victims of such violence are especially vulnerable to undiagnosed traumatic brain injuries. While there has rightfully been an increased focus on TBI among athletes, military personnel and seniors who fall, domestic violence victims are typically overlooked. The state Department of Health has taken steps to address this issue, such as alerting health care providers to this connection, but there is still more to be done.

For instance, the state’s Traumatic Brain Injury Program includes a variety of state departments and offices that can

offer unique insights into how their mission intersects with challenges related to TBI, and these agencies also have their commissioner or a designee on the Traumatic Brain Injury Services Coordinating Council. However, the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence does not have a seat on the council, and has no role in the TBI Program. One of my bills would correct that oversight and ensure the office’s inclusion in shaping policies and training to mitigate the epidemic of TBI among survivors of domestic violence.

Another oversight in our laws deals with the crime of coercion and the use of coercive control, whereby an abuser controls their victim through the use of threats, pressure, shame or other manipulative tactics. While New York has a criminal penalty for coercion, which includes using the threat of physical harm or damage to property, it does not include threats against pets. This critical gap in the law is especially concerning given that roughly 70 percent of pet owners entering domestic violence shelters report that their abuser threatened,

injured or killed a family pet. Additionally, 90 percent of animal abuse incidents committed by perpetrators of domestic violence are done in the presence of their victims to exert control or revenge. That’s why I have introduced a bill to include threats to harm animals in the crime of coercion.

Domestic violence is a blight that is as complex as it is ever-changing, because technology offers opportunities for abusers to exert even more control over their victims’ lives. While we may never be able to achieve a world in which this horrific crime is nonexistent, we must commit to continuously examining our laws to ensure that we are doing everything we can to prevent it and to provide critical services to those in need.

Other legislative improvements I am exploring with other lawmakers include a bill I introduced to create a registry of persistent domestic violence offenders, and one I cosponsor to allow orders of protection to include prohibiting an abuser from having contact with a shared pet. Lawmakers must be diligent in our efforts, and comprehensive in our proposals, to protect women and all victims of domestic violence.

Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick represents the 9th State Senate District.

Established

LIRR riders, put on your damn headphones

tHERALD

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

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

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

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

letters

Turning our backs on nuclear power will cost us

To the Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why expanding child care on Long Island is so difficult

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LeTTers

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

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

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

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

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

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

would not only destabilize the grid but devastate entire communities.

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

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

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

PATRICk GUIdICE Holtsville

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FrAmework by Tim Baker

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

The Herald misidentified Ellen Andrasick, of Franklin Square, Nassau County’s Senior Citizen of the Year, as Ellen Andrews in its front-page story in the April 2-8 issue. CorreCTion

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