Franklin Square/Elmont Herald 05-01-2025 by Richner Communications, Inc

HERALD Franklin square/elmont

Voices of Elmont celebrates choir’s first year in song

By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com

Voices of Elmont, a community-based youth choir spearheaded by Elmont Bus Attendant Aisha Stevenson, celebrated its one-year anniversary on April 19 at Averill Park in Franklin Square.

Stevenson, the choir’s founder, has been leading her students in song aboard what she calls the “party bus” since 2018. She sparked the rising youth movement last spring, growing membership from nine kids to over 50 in the past year.

As a bus attendant, Stevenson said she interacts with kids in the Elmont school district almost daily. She began directing students to sing songs on their way to and from school shortly after she began working for the school’s contracted transportation company, We Transport, Inc.

While she only has the kids under her supervision for a short, 15-minute bus ride to and from the school buildings, she said she uses the time to make it as lively and ConTinuEd on pagE 8

Legacies: Building a future by remembering the past

By RENEE DeloRENZo rdelorenzo@liherald.com

The Franklin Square Historical Society hosted its 44th Annual Dinner at the Plattdeutsche Park Restaurant on April 24, and honored Assemblyman Ed Ra with its Citizen of the Year Award.

More than 130 guests celebrated the accomplishments of the historical society as restaurant staff served them pastas, steak and chicken.

Paul van Wie, 68, the village historian and a lifelong Franklin Square resident, said the historical society was founded in 1975, alongside the Ben

Franklin Bicentennial Committee, in anticipation of the Unites States’ 200th birthday.

Van Wie, an 18-year-old history buff at the time, joined the new committee. Its main task, he recalled, was gathering artifacts and photos of historical significance to Franklin Square. Residents whose families had lived in the town for generations donated many of the museum’s items.

The next task, van Wie said, was raising money for a museum building. The historical society began fundraising in 1980, and, in 1993, launched a campaign to construct the building on Naple Avenue.

Work began in 2005, and the Franklin Square Historical Museum was finally finished in 2019. It opened to the public in late 2022.

Today, van Wie said, the historical society possesses thousands of artifacts and over 2,800 historical photographs.

According to Julie Soffientini, a member of the organization’s board of trustees, the docents at the museum are all volunteers—many of them retired teachers from the school district. They work hard, Soffientini said, to create an immersive experience for residents and students to explore the village’s rich history.

Soffientini, 76, started volunteering with the historical society in 2021, but has been a member since its inception. As the school district’s former superintendent of curriculum and instruction, she began mapping out a curriculum for students who would attend the museum before its opening.

“I don’t think they appreci-

ate how important the community of Franklin Square was in the history of Nassau County, or in the history of New York,” Soffientini said of the students. “They’re unaware of what it was like for the generations of their parents and grandparents.”

Much of the students’ expe-

ConTinuEd on pagE 7

Courtesy Tyrone Johnson

The children of Voices of Elmont celebrated their first anniversary, showing that every voice matters.

things to know Franklin square school District

Franklin Square’s $51.7 million 2025-26 school budget

Superintendent Jared Bloom presented details of the 2025-26 school year budget for the Franklin Square School District during a Board of Education meeting on April 23. The presentation marked the district’s fourth and final budget workshop. Bloom noted that because the New York State Executive Budget has not been finalized, there is a degree of uncertainty to the exact numbers outlined in the proposal. However, Bloom said the board is not anticipating substantial change from the preliminary numbers released from the state in January.

The Citizen’s Budget Advisory Committee approved the budget and the board unanimously adopted it at the end of the meeting. A public budget hearing will be held on May 6 at Washington Street School before the annual budget vote on May 20. More details about the budget are available on FranklinSquare.K12.NY.us.

–Renee DeLorenzo

The tax levy increase will not pierce the

cap

The Franklin Square School District proposes a $51.7 million budget for the 2025-26 school year, which requires a 2.79 percent tax levy increase. This increase is within the Nassau County limit, 2.8 percent, meaning only 50 percent of the vote is required to pass the budget. Budget drivers include increased costs in payroll, pensions, health insurance, mandated costs and operational costs. Taxes will contribute $32.5 million toward the district revenue, $2.3 million will come from other income and Payment in Lieu of Taxes programs, and $1.2 million will come from fund reserves. According to the board’s last budget presentation in March, state aid is projected at $15.6 million, which comprises 30 percent of the school’s budget revenue.

There will be no reductions in programming

Bloom said the board is not recommending any reductions in programs and remains committed to small class sizes, extracurricular clubs, and the district’s Saturday Enrichment Program. In particular, Bloom said, the district is prioritizing lower class sizes for kindergarten through second grade. Full day pre-K will continue for all students, as well as the district’s performing arts and theatre programs, for which it was awarded a Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants for the 2024-25 school year. Bloom also celebrated the accomplishments of the school’s current budget year, noting that all three elementary schools were named among U.S. News and World Report 2024 Best Elementary Schools.

Classrooms, building and capital improvements

The district is proposing to use $1.6 million of funds from its capital reserve, an account proposed and approved by voters during the 2019-20 school budget vote, to reconstruct the Washington Street School parking lot. Bloom noted this is at no cost to taxpayers, and stressed the need for the project due to safety concerns—such as poor lighting—lack of spaces for staff, and hazardous entrances and exits to and from the lot. The district will also be providing all pre-K programming at Polk Street School, which will be opening a new section of the building with classrooms to accommodate the additional children. As a result, Bloom said, the district will be ending their partnership with Our Precious Angels in order to serve all students at its own school buildings.

‘Engaged’: Student artists light up the library

By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com

Students from the Sewanhaka Central High School District celebrated their artwork during an artist reception at the Elmont Memorial Library on the evening of April 23.

In an art exhibit entitled “Engaged!” 24 students contributed art pieces that encompassed vibrancy, creativity and passion, demonstrating the students’ deep dedication to their craft. With artists ranging from seventh grade students taking their very first art class, to high school seniors mastering their skills in AP Studio Art, the exhibit shows a diverse collection of artwork highlighting student excellence.

Cassandra Papajohn-Shaw, the district coordinator of visual and media arts in the Sewanhaka district, said her goal was to showcase the ways in which students stay engaged in the arts through whatever mediums they choose to express them.

“To be engaged is to be deeply involved, committed and passionately connected,” Papajohn-Shaw remarked during a speech to attendees of the art reception. “These qualities shine through every art piece on display.”

Papajohn-Shaw explained that teachers at all five high schools in the Sewanhaka district—Elmont Memorial, Sewanhaka, H. Frank Carey, New Hyde Park Memorial and Floral Park Memorial—handpicked students from their classes to be featured in the library’s art gallery. She said they look for students who demonstrate hard work, dedication, creativity and enthusiasm for the arts.

Giselle Farquharson, a sophomore at Elmont Memorial, said she is currently enrolled in a drawing and painting class. She said the inspiration for her art piece—a colorful portrait of a young man combining cool blue and purple tones for his skin and hair, with bright hot reds and oranges for his clothing— was visual artist Bisa Butler. Butler, Giselle explained, takes differ-

ent fabrics and materials to quilt together colorful, abstract portraits that look like paintings. For Giselle, these colors elicit powerful emotions that influenced her personal artwork.

“It just comes to life,” Giselle said. “The colors that I see that bring up certain emotionsI try to bring that into my work.”

Sewanhaka junior Jennifer Hernandez-Martinez, who is currently enrolled in a photography class, said she is always searching for deeper meaning in the subjects she captures on camera. Her photograph that is featured in the Elmont art exhibit, she explained, was inspired by the unique details incorporated in the architecture of the school building.

Jennifer’s photography instructor is currently teaching the class to explore their own ideas and photograph what they see as meaningful. As a whole, Jennifer said, her eye for photography is largely driven by the patterns evident in nature and the connections they have with the human body.

“I’m trying to show how these things are similar in their own different ways,”

Jennifer said of the two naturally occurring subjects.

Her photography, she continued, is intended to evoke a sense of mystery.

Another Sewanhaka junior, Jade Trask, is enrolled in AP Studio Art and utilizes Procreate—a digital art app downloaded on a tablet with a special interface that mimics the experience of drawing on paper—to create her art.

Jade said her illustrations are more surrealistic and inspired by personal introspection.

Her piece for the exhibit, which is a digital drawing that includes two versions of Jade—one as a young child and one at her current age—was inspired by her recent experience at the playground when she saw a young girl and her friend on the swings.

“I was like, what if I put myself in, also as a young child, and we’re looking at each other?” Jade said. “It’s like a reflection of what I used to do when I was young, which was draw.”

All three students said they were interested in continuing their art education and pursuing careers in art or related industries.

Jennifer Hernandez-Martinez, a junior at Sewanhaka High School, captured striking architectural details in her photograph of the school.

Renee DeLorenzo/Herald photos

Sewanhaka Central High School District students proudly showcased their creativity and passion in the “Engaged!” art exhibit at Elmont Memorial Library, featuring vibrant works from grades 7–12 across a variety of artistic mediums.

Giselle Farquharson, a sophomore at Elmont Memorial High School, drew inspiration from artist Bisa Butler to create this vibrant portrait.

Jade Trask, a junior in AP Studio Art at Sewanhaka High School, used digital media to create a surreal self-portrait reflecting on childhood and identity.

Earth Day celebrated in Franklin Square

By REI WOLFSOHN Correspondent

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages joined forces with Rewild Long Island and the Franklin Square Public Library to host a low-waste project in celebration of Earth Day on April 26.

The project involved transplanting native plants into new flower pots and painting their pea pods.

Attendees of all ages participated in the community event to honor and celebrate Earth.

“Earth Day means to celebrate the earth’s birthday, to honor the earth for helping us and our community,” said Eleanor Libus, a young child decorating a pea pod at the event.

“It’s when we help the environment grow,” said Charlotte Libus, Eleanor’s sister.

Solages organized the Earth Day project for the past four years with the help of her office staff.

“I still have my native plants from this project from three years ago, and it’s flourishing in my garden, which is pretty neat,” Solages said.

In the second year of the event, Rewild Long Island started getting involved as a collaborator. Library employees and volunteers also help out by setting up the room, providing paints, and supervising the children as they create their projects.

“She really does the job,” said Sabrina Yazdpour, co-chapter lead for Rewild’s South Nassau chapter, about Solages. “She doesn’t just talk the talk. She’s doing everything for us.”

The key to this project is the choice of native plants, according to Solages.

“We’re not only encouraging young people to think about their consumption, but also to plant native plants,” Solages said. “It’s so easy to just go to Home Depot and buy a geranium. It’s another thing to plant a native plant to help flourish and strengthen our biodiversity in our communities.”

The project involved several species of flowers that could grow into a range of sizes. Since transplanting was necessary for the project, participants got to feel the soil in their hands, giving them an authentic gardening experience.

“Rewild makes it a point to have people connect to each other and to our local ecosystem,” Yazdpour said. “To make sure we’re understanding native plants, the issue of watering, the importance of using native plants to filter our soils and eliminate the runoff and protect our aquifers.”

While a smaller pot keeps the plant from growing too large, the biodegradable pea pods, which participants transplanted the seedlings into, are meant to be planted directly into the earth.

“Most of the materials are earthfriendly,” Solages said.

Solages explained that the team recycles everything and washes all the paintbrushes to use for the next year. They also use compostable plates and spoons for cleaning and painting. “We try to be earth-conscious while we do it,” Solages said. “But also understand-

ing that there’s little kids here too.”

Solages also emphasized that this celebration is meant to be a communitybuilding event. She said they chose to do the event in Franklin Square to attract more children and families.

That community exposure is a key reason why Eleanor and Charlotte’s father, Samson Libus, brought them to the event.

“For me personally—to have them socialize,” Libus said. “I think these events are important for that purpose. To let the kids come somewhere and be part of the community. For them—they do this to make a mess, enjoy themselves, have fun, do something interesting.”

Children wait to transplant their flowers and get their hands dirty at the Earth Day event at the library.

Adults and children alike enjoy painting pea pods together as a community to honor Earth Day.

Rei Wolfsohn/Herald photos

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and her daughters, Rose and Kristy, celebrate Earth Day with their low-waste painted pea pods at the Franklin Square Public Library on April 26.

Deon Smith delivers for Franklin Square

Smith was officially named the new postmaster of the Franklin Square Post Office in March

By RENEE DeLORENZO rdelorenzo@liherald.com

Deon Smith, 35, was promoted to postmaster of the Franklin Square Post Office on March 8. The office, located on Hempstead Turnpike, has more than 30 employees—including eight clerks and 25 mail carriers—which serve 18 city routes throughout town.

A postmaster, Smith explained, is head of the post office and oversees the entire facility, ensuring everyone in town receives their mail.

Smith began as a city carrier assistant at the Hempstead Post Office on Fulton Street in 2017. He trained to be a supervisor two years later and became a full-time city carrier in 2020. In 2021, he became a full-time supervisor at the Roosevelt Post Office, and two years later became postmaster at the Williston Park Post Office.

In July 2024, the Franklin Square Post Office enlisted Smith as officer-incharge after previous postmaster Meloney Hill resigned. Smith served in that role until his official promotion to postmaster in March.

Smith said he works long days, arriving at the office around 4:30 a.m. to ensure mail, which comes on a truck

from local processing centers in New York City or Long Island, is unloaded. While he generally tries to leave around 2:30 p.m., he can stay as late as 6 p.m. if his supervisor, Elvis Jiminez, is not present, sometimes working more than 13 hours a day.

When Smith worked in Roosevelt, he said he attended community events to introduce himself so residents knew who he was and what he did. The post office there, he said, was highly involved in the community, attending job fairs and occasionally responding to non-medical emergencies. “We’re there for the community anyway we can be,” Smith said.

Smith said the level of involvement depends on the community. Because post office workers handle mail delivery and address complaints, he said it is important for residents to know them.

“It’s good to get involved with the community so they know who’s in charge, who they have to deal with and who’s dedicated to what’s going on in the town,” Smith said.

Michelle Borland, a senior clerk who has worked at the Franklin Square Post Office since November 1995, said the office has a friendly environment and the customers know her by name. “It’s

Incredibly Great Rates & Personalized Service!

just a nice office,” Borland said. “It’s bright in there.”

Borland said she has already learned a lot from Smith’s leadership. “Deon’s really great,” she said. “He’s understanding, and he works with you if there’s a problem.”

Jiminez, 51, who has been a supervisor at the post office since 2021 and has 26 years of postal service experience, said he feels Smith values his insight and is very approachable.

“He listens to what you have to say and your opinion,” Jiminez said.

Jiminez emphasized the importance of community involvement to promote products like stamps and passports, explaining that the post office receives no federal funding and relies on sales for revenue.

Borland agreed, recalling when post offices were more active in the community, attending street fairs and running mobile postal stations that distributed memorabilia like mugs, backpacks and stamps.

She said she hopes to see a return to those values in the future because it strengthens community connections.

“It feels good when people say, ‘I stick up for my post office,’ or ‘I love my mailman,’” Borland said. “Even when I’m

out walking around, people always come up to me and say hi.”

As for Smith, he looks forward to strengthening the post office’s role in Franklin Square and hopes to build lasting connections with the community.

The New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) will answer questions & conduct an in-person Public Information Meeting to discuss the need to address safety concerns at Exit 13 (Central Avenue/Linden Boulevard) of the eastbound Southern State Parkway in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County.

Nassau County.

At the meeting, the public can review project proposals, ask questions, and provide comments. NYSDOT representatives will be available to discuss the project and informally answer any questions. Individuals unable to participate in-person will have the opportunity to view the presentation and submit comments virtually.

Additional project information and a link to the virtual presentation can be found online at https://projectdocs.dot.ny.gov/

Work will be done while minimizing all environmental, social, and economic impacts.

Comments may be submitted no later than May 19, 2025, to:

NYSDOT Region 10

NYSDOT Region 10 Southern State Parkway Eastbound Exit 13 Interchange, PIN 0534.87

250 Veterans Memorial Highway, Room 5A-10 Hauppauge, New York 11788

Southern State Parkway Eastbound Exit 13 Interchange, PIN 0534.87

250 Veterans Memorial Highway, Room 5A-10, Hauppauge, New York 11788

R10-RPIC@dot.ny.gov (631) 952-6929

For any requests, such as interpreter services or translations, please contact R10-RPIC@dot.ny.gov or (631) 952-6929 at least 10 days in advance.

50 Wolf Road, Albany, NY 12232 | www.dot.ny.gov

Courtesy Haydee Torres Deon Smith, newly appointed postmaster of Franklin Square, hopes to strengthen community ties and bring greater visibility to the local post office.

KATHY HOCHUL Governor

MARIE THERESE DOMINGUEZ Commissioner

MADISON WADE

Plainedge Senior Lacrosse

IT HAS BEEN A red-hot April for Wade and the Plainedge girls’ lacrosse team. The Red Devils have won eight of their last night games, with Wade serving as one of the integral parts of the success. The third-year varsity player is also a third-year captain and helping Plainedge’s offense fire. Entering this week’s action, Wade ranked near the top of Nassau County in goals with 42. She netted at least three goals in eight of the first 11 games.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, May 1

Boys Lacrosse: Baldwin at Freeport 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Calhoun at Carey 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: East Meadow at Clarke 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Sewanhaka at Freeport 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Mepham at Bethpage 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Elmont at Uniondale 5 p.m.

Friday, May 2

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

Flag Football: Bethpage at Long Beach 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Farmingdale at Massapequa 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: South Side at Wantagh

5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: South Side at North Shore 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Lynbrook at MacArthur 7 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Long Beach at Massapequa 7 p.m.

Saturday, May 3

Softball: Uniondale at Elmont 10 a.m.

Softball: North Shore at Baldwin 10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Lynbrook at Mepham 10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Calhoun at Oceanside 10 a.m.

Flag Football: Freeport at Oceanside 11 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Clarke at Division 12 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Island Trees at Hewlett 3 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

HERALD SPORTS

Carey looks to regain top form

By MICHELLE RABINOVICH sports@liherald.com

Carey’s softball team, currently 9-5 overall and 8-4 in conference play, is having mixed results according to their head coach, Anthony Turco.

“Doing well, it’s just an up and down, long but short season,” he said. “We’re in a conference where everybody is competitive. We have 6 teams in the conference and 5 out of the 6 are 7-3 or 8-3, so everybody is beating each other, so it’s fun in that regard, the competitiveness.”

The week following Easter, Carey played East Meadow and Herricks, not coming out victorious against either squad. The Seahawks fell short at East Meadow April 23, losing 15-6, and two days later dropped a 6-3 decision against Herricks.

“We’ve been struggling recently, last three or four games we haven’t been playing well,” Turco said. “We really haven’t been scoring runs the way we have in the past.”

Despite the recent tough patch, Turco says that his rotation of three pitchers is solid, all with different skill sets for different opponents. Turco explained Adrianna Barrigan pitches for location in the strike zone, whereas Andrea Arias is classified as a power pitcher with the strength and speed of her arm. Lastly there’s Kristen Peers whose dominance comes through in her off-speed pitches.

On top of that, Turco holds out plenty of hope for this experience-laden roster to pull through and get back to its winning ways, mostly in the batting lineup, so he and his athletes are not really afraid of any opponent they see on the field after prior varsity seasons.

“We returned a lot of players with varsity experience, they know what the season is about,” Turco said. “It’s a matter of who’s in the circle.”

Devon Barley leads off typically as one of the most reliable hitters on the squad, but the two-hole spot is still up for grabs. The most consistency comes from spots 3-7 on the batting order, with Paige Agate up third followed by catcher and third baseman Sabrina Chapman

Adrianna Barrigan is one of the Seahawks’ three pitching options and a key in the lineup as a strong contact hitter.

at clean-up, who Turco called Chapman a pure hitter. Notably, these three players are all, like Aaron Judge, batting over .400.

In the meat of the lineup is Arias at fifth, who also plays first base if she’s not in the circle. Arias leads the team in two categories: home runs with two and the most wins as a pitcher with five so far this season.

After her in the batting order, Barrigan typically follows behind and hits for contact according to Turco.

That leaves outfielders Emily Almache and Alessandra Varuzzi in the batting order after them continue the damage.

Turco is optimistic though, with hopes that in the next coming weeks, the bats will get hot as the weather does as well. He’s changed up the lineup every few games, recently putting in Varuzzi into the mix for a changeup. The consistency that Chapman has been bringing the team, Turco hopes, will permeate across the team as well.

Derrick Dingle/Herald

Franklin Square’s legacy throughout time

rience at the museum is hands-on, she noted: They get to play with old phones, examine money that was minted in the Franklin National Bank, dip pens in inkwells to write on old paper, and use old typewriters.

Bill Youngfert, 78, the historical society’s secretary, has lived in Franklin Square since 1979, when he married his wife, Nancy. Nancy Youngfert is now the historical society’s president.

“I fell in love with my wife, and she grew up in Franklin Square,” Bill said. “So we bought a house.”

I think

so sweet.”

The family returned for a museum open house two weeks later, he said, which is something he said he hopes more families do. “So many people in Franklin Square haven’t come to see the museum yet,” Youngfert said. “It blows my mind. It’s a wonderful experience.”

very important for a person to be proud of where they live. The Franklin Square spirit is very special.

Many new families that move to town, he added, don’t know about its eventful past. That is why, Bill said, it’s great having a museum that houses all of Franklin Square’s history. Even families who don’t live in town occasionally visit, he said.

Paul van WIe Franklin Square village historian

Two months ago, he recounted, a family from Chile—a couple with a young child—knocked on the museum door and told Youngfert they had found the museum on Google Maps. “It was neat someone from Chile found the museum,” he said, “and came to see and learn about Franklin Square. They were

Ra is a lifelong resident, having grown up two blocks from the Plattdeutsche.

“I’m very honored they chose me this year,” Ra said, remembering how his father, Joseph Ra, received the Citizen of the Year honor in 2018. “It’s especially meaningful for me.”

Ra, too, knows how much history the town has that residents don’t know about. “The most important thing with history is you need to preserve it,” he said.

Members like van Wie, Ra said, have gone above and beyond in preserving that history. Their efforts, Ra said, foster a sense of community. The village’s future is bright, he said, adding that he hoped to help reinvigorate the downtown business district in a way that preserves its history and heritage.

“I think it’s very important for a person to be proud of where they live,” van

Wie said. “The Franklin Square spirit is very special. All the things that shaped the United States—the Great Depression, the Roaring ’20s, the Victorian age, agriculture—it all happened here, too.”

Soffientini said that one of the most important aspects of maintaining the historical society and ensuring the museum is operational is encouraging

local residents to volunteer. “One of our goals in the upcoming year is to get more people involved,” she said. “We’re just trying to expand little by little.”

The staff does a phenomenal job of showing students and other visitors around the museum, Youngfert said, and he hopes to see more come through its doors.

Renee DeLorenzo/Herald

Village Historian paul van Wie, left, and assemblyman ed ra, who was named franklin Square’s Citizen of the Year at the historical society’s annual dinner, at the plattdeutsche park restaurant, on april 24.

Youth choir celebrates uplifting community

joyful as possible.

“I try to make the bus a fun, happy time, and that’s why I call it the party bus,” Stevenson said, laughing.

Stevenson taught her students to sing uplifting songs such as “Lean on Me” and “This Little Light of Mine,” occasionally allowing the kids to decide on a song they want to sing for the bus ride. Kids and parents, Stevenson said, have responded positively to her leadership, and she maintains close relationships with those in the district.

“I have a good rapport with the parents,” Stevenson said. “They call me for everything, because they know their kids are in good hands.”

Gina Collum, Voice of Elmont’s choir director and Stevenson’s sister, said she is close with Stevenson and supported her idea for the choir when she began floating it last year.

Collum, also a bus attendant for the Elmont school district, said she cares deeply about keeping kids off the streets so they can do something positive in the community.

“Kids go through a lot of things,” Collum said. “So, we bring them here. They’re all welcome.”

Getting kids together to sing, Stevenson explained, isn’t just something that’s fun. It helps them deal with real life issues like bullying, a behavior Stevenson does not tolerate on her bus.

When two kids aren’t getting along, Stevenson said, she sits them down and directs them to sing something together. Once the kids start singing, she said, they often forget about the cause of their fight.

More than anything, Stevenson said, providing a space for children to sing together offers them a safe place to hang out and make friends.

The choir rehearses twice monthly inside the Averill Boulevard Park building center, where they practice inspirational and gospel songs to perform at community events and churches, such as children’s parties and communions.

Abigail Occelin, a parent of two children in the youth choir, Allyson and Arielle Occelin, said she’s known Stevenson for years now. When Stevenson told her about her idea for the choir last year, Occelin was quick to sign her kids up.

builds confidence,” Occelin said. “They’re joining something that is inspiring, uplifting, and building community.”

Two students from Dutch Broadway Elementary School—Tyler Marcelin, 11, and Athena Montenez-Griffin, 11—have been members of the choir since it began. Both said the choir is a lot of fun, and their favorite part is singing with friends.

I t instills positive affirmations and builds confidence. They’re joining something that is inspiring, uplifting, and building community.

AbIg AIl OccelIn Elmont parent

Her reasoning, she said, is because she felt Voices of Elmont would help her children meet other kids and build lasting friendships. So far, Occelin said, she’s been right.

“It instills positive affirmations and

“I feel excited when I come here because it makes my mood very happy,” Tyler said.

“It’s like all the pressure is off me,” Athena added.

Shonda Ramirez, another sister of Stevenson, said she and her sisters have been singing together since they were children. She recounted that their mother, Geraldine Kelly, loved singing, and has since served as an inspiration for the youth choir’s founding.

As the eldest sister, Ramirez said, she would learn songs in her school choir and teach them to her sisters when she came home. It pushed her out of her comfort zone—an important life lesson she says children should learn.

“It just opened up this feeling for me to be able to express myself and be with other people,” she said of her own youth choir.

By learning to stand next to others, whether in a choir or a church, Ramirez said facing struggles together means no one is alone. “It’s an invisible bond that holds you together,” Ramirez said.

Music has been a huge part of Ramirez’s life, she explained, and the power of bringing communities togethereven through difficult times is a source of interpersonal connection that can be healing.

Ramirez has been a nurse with Northwell Health since 1991, and she currently works at the Long Island Jewish Forest Hills Hospital in Queens.

After the pandemic separated friends and families in 2020, the health company formed the Northwell Health Nurse Choir. At the time, almost all public spaces were still under lockdown. Nurses would practice over Zoom meetings, sometimes recording parts of their songs completely separate from one another.

“All of us were together, and none of us even knew each other,” Ramirez said. This is precisely what Stevenson intends to provide children when she gets them to sing together.

Stevenson said anyone interested in joining the choir, or hiring the choir for an event, can reach out to her at (917) 5616796, or email GodsSongbird76@aol.com.

News brief

Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages marks the opening of the

Career Center, a new hub for healthcare training.

Brand new career center debuts in Elmont

Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages celebrated the grand opening of the Elmont Career Center on April 16. Mireille Jumeau, a nurse with over 14 years of experience, founded the career center.

A news release about the grand opening said the facility is dedicated to shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals through educational programs for certified nursing assistants and home health aides.

“I am very proud of Mireille Jumeau for working so diligently to launch the Elmont Career Center—an endeavor which will empower people to secure a future in healthcare,” Solages said. “It is great that we have this resource right here in Elmont to help members of our local community secure the certifications they need to launch their careers.”

–Renee DeLorenzo

Protecting Your Future

Legacy Planning

Some thirty-five years ago your writer was taught that estate planning is about getting your assets to whom you want, when you want, and the way you want, with the least amount of taxes and legal fees possible.

In the intervening time, we have learned that estate planning is more — it is legacy planning. Legacy has two meanings (1) the assets you leave, and (2) the impression you leave. Your assets will dissipate, but your impression will endure.

Were you kind and generous? Were you forgiving and grateful? Were you compassionate and did you bring light into the world, despite your setbacks.

Our readers have surely noticed over the years that these sponsored columns are not only about law, but just as often about how to become a better human being. Much of it has been learned from our interactions with clients. A client once asked if I had a degree in psychology. I answered yes, I have a Masters. When she asked where I got it, I said sitting behind this desk eight hours a day for the last thirty-five years!

Observing people, you learn that perspective is everything. We consider it part of our calling to provide clients with different perspectives with which to view personal and family matters. It is not difficult to see how looking at a situation from a different perspective can completely change the way we see the world. A client came in relating how furious she was that her daughter’s abusive husband used her daughter to obtain his degree and then asked for a divorce and move out. Yes, I said, but if it was my daughter and she had an abusive husband I would be thrilled that he had move out. Oh, the client said, “I never thought of that!” Her view of the matter had shifted considerably. Thoreau put it, “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”

Working on oneself to become a better person is a classic win/win situation. Our lives become better as do those of everyone we come into contact with. The Dalai Lama says we are all selfish but we can engage in “enlightened selfishness”, doing better by others for our own sake.

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PSEG Long Island Hosts First “Business First” Workshop for Entrepreneurs

By Maureen Fitzgerald

On April 15, nearly 50 Long Island business owners attended PSEG Long Island’s first “Business First” workshop at its Bethpage headquarters, hosted in collaboration with the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce. The morning session featured a networking breakfast and expert-led presentations on reducing energy costs, managing utility bills, and securing funding for energy-efficient upgrades.

“Small businesses power our communities and fuel economic growth,” said Veronica Isaac, Manager of Customer and Community Partnerships at PSEG Long Island, reflecting on the vital role small businesses play here — a theme that resonated throughout the day’s program. “By helping them thrive, we unlock local jobs, boost reinvestment and create a cycle of shared success. A strong small business is a win for all of us.”

Christine Bryson and Shamisha Sims kicked off the event with an overview of financial and technical resources available through PSEG Long Island and partner agencies. Bryson explained how federal, state, and local programs—including grants, loans, and tax credits—can support energy-saving improvements. She also provided tips on working with economic development agencies. Sims introduced PSEG’s Business First program, which offers free or low-cost energy assessments, and shared sample audit reports highlighting quickreturn upgrades like LED lighting and HVAC controls.

The technical portion of the workshop focused on implementation. Matt Connors shared case studies of local companies that cut energy use by up to 25% and explained how to apply for rebates tied to improvements like programmable thermostats and motor retrofits. Nicole Jones-Cumberbatch followed with a presentation on PSEG’s renovation support services, which help businesses navigate permits, hire contractors, and stay on schedule. Paul DiBenedetto wrapped up the segment with a discussion on EV charging stations and available

incentives, sparking interest from several attendees planning future installations.

Thenaris Godbolt walked through PSEG Long Island’s commercial billing system, helping attendees better understand rate schedules, online tools, and cost-saving features like budget billing and prompt-payment discounts. The session closed with Jimmy Alty offering procurement tips to help businesses evaluate vendor bids, negotiate terms, and leverage PSEG Long Island’s contractor network — their Prime Efficiency

Partners — for quality assurance and cost control.

Attendees also had the opportunity to meet one-onone with Business First Advocates to discuss next steps, from rebate applications to project planning, receiving personalized advice and customized next steps and key contacts for follow-up support.

Future workshops are planned throughout the year. Businesses can email PSEGLI-BusinessFirst@pseg. com to schedule a free energy assessment or learn more.

Courtesy Office of Legislator Carrié Solages

Elmont

photo courtesy PSEG Long Island Long Island business owners attend PSEG Long Island “Business First” workshop on April 15.

The rise and fall of Franklin National Bank

How the United States’ 18th largest bank rose to success and fell from power in less than a century

By MELISSA PANIN

Intern

In 1968, Franklin National Bank was the 18th largest bank in the United States, renowned for its innovation and financial success. It grew from humble beginnings into a national powerhouse, only to collapse after being consumed by scandal and financial mismanagement.

“The story of the bank is really the story of the growth of the village,” said Pat Galaskas, a volunteer and former president of the Franklin Square Historical Society.

In 1926, Franklin Square was a small town, home to a few hundred residents and several businesses. But, the developing town lacked something crucial—a bank.

Residents of Franklin Square could not manage their finances locally and turned to Hempstead Bank or the Bank of Floral Park for their banking needs.

Two local businessmen, Fred Schilling and Arthur Phillips, took a chance on the growing population of Franklin Square by organizing a bank of their own. What they didn’t realize was that this risky venture would change the financial history of the United States.

The bank started as a modest institution with only three employees and limited resources, but it ended its first year of business with $91,106 in deposits and 102 opened accounts. While it wasn’t much at the time, it was a promising beginning.

Despite its successes, the bank soon faced a difficult challenge—the Great Depression.

Franklin National endured tough times in the 1930s. Deposits diminished, customers vanished, and like many other banks of the era, it was on the verge of collapse.

However, Franklin National had a secret weapon that no other bank possessed—Arthur Roth.

Roth was hired at the bank on April 30, 1934, a day that would unknowingly become the most significant event in Franklin National Bank’s history. Roth was the catalyst for the bank’s future success.

Galaskas said that the president of Franklin National during this time explained that their goal was “to put Franklin Square on the map.”

“Arthur Roth did just that,” Galaskas said.

It was Roth’s responsibility to revive the bank during the Depression. He recognized the importance of a diversified business model and began offering Federal Housing Administration loans and mortgages. He also invented installment loans, which made banking more accessible to everyday people.

Roth fostered relationships with the local community, earning their trust and their business. “Arthur Roth went around personally, door to door, to persuade people that it really was safe to bring their money back,” Galaskas explained.

The Franklin National Bank, which rose to prominence in the mid-twentieth century, grew to be the nation’s 18th largest bank until collapsing before the century ended.

By the time the Depression ended, Franklin National was not merely surviving—it was thriving.

By the 1940s, Franklin National had transformed from a small-town bank to a pillar of financial innovation.

Roth acknowledged the impact of the era when automobiles started to influence American life. Franklin National became the first bank to have a parking lot, accommodating up to 55 cars.

“He was truly a visionary,” Galaskas said of Roth’s advancements.

However, Roth didn’t stop there.

In 1941, the bank introduced outdoor banking, allowing customers to perform basic transactions at a colonial-style gazebo in the parking lot, eliminating their need to physically enter the bank.

Roth, who was named president in 1946, also believed that the bank was more than a place for money. He wanted it to represent the community. Franklin National was deeply engaged with local residents and their lives. They built a community room in the basement for holiday events and offered space for the Chamber of Commerce, Woman’s Club and Red Cross.

Once World War II began, Roth enabled Franklin National to play a vital role by promoting war bonds and encouraging postwar savings through its Purchase Club.

Franklin National’s influence soared during the postwar boom. By 1950, the bank’s deposits surpassed $100 million, and its employee count grew from just three in 1926 to 233.

The bank expanded rapidly, merging with the First National Bank in Bellerose in 1943, and then with South Shore Trust Company in 1950. New branches opened throughout Long Island in Elmont and Levittown, and by 1960, there were 37 locations.

Franklin National not only expanded, but also revolutionized banking during this time. In the early 1950s, it introduced a new charge account and credit card business—the first of its kind to be

established by a bank.

Customers could purchase items from local merchants without paying upfront. The merchant would then send the bank sales slips, and the bank would pay the store for the purchase. Customers would then be charged for the bill at a later date.

While their iteration of the credit card was discontinued, it set the standard for modern banking.

In 1960, the bank had grown so much that Roth, who was now chairman of the bank’s board, relocated its headquarters to Mineola and rebranded it as The Franklin National Bank of Long Island.

However, the original headquarters in Franklin Square remained “a sentimental favorite,” wrote Paul van Wie in a Franklin Square Historical Society journal about the bank.

In 1964, the institution expanded further with its first three offices opening in New York City. The shift from Long Island to Manhattan culminated in a new bank slogan, “A Country Bank Comes to the City.” By 1969, the bank was operating 24 locations in the city.

By the late 1960s, Franklin National had grown into a colossal institution, with deposits exceeding $2.3 billion.

But tensions were simmering behind the scenes.

In 1968, Roth stepped down as Chief Executive Officer of the bank, leaving it in the hands of Harold Gleason, one of his protégés. Power struggles within the board forced Roth out entirely in 1970, stripping Franklin National of its “guiding spirit,” van Wie wrote.

Galaskas explained that if someone had purchased a single share in the bank in 1934 for $10 and held onto it until Roth resigned in 1968, it would be worth $25,000.

“Roth got really fancy when he said if people deposited 100 shares, it would have been $2.5 million,” Galaskas said, laughing.

Then came Michele Sindona, an Ital-

ian banker with grand ambitions and shady connections.

Sindona seized control of Franklin National and exploited the institution to further his own financial empire, siphoning millions of dollars through fraudulent schemes. Under his leadership, the bank engaged in reckless investments and hidden deals that led it into a financial spiral.

The truth became undeniable by 1974. The federal government declared Franklin National “insolvent,” van Wie wrote. On October 8th, the bank that once symbolized prosperity and innovation closed its doors for good. At that time, it was the largest bank failure in American history.

It then reopened as the EuropeanAmerican Bank and Trust Company, later known as EAB. Management of the new bank quickly began expunging pieces of the bank’s history, including a large bust of Benjamin Franklin.

The bust ended up in the basement of a former employee of the bank and, years later, was given to the Franklin Square Historical Society. The bust is now on display at the Franklin Square Historical Museum.

Although the bank has vanished, its story lingers in Franklin Square. The grand white building remains, standing as a silent witness to the triumphs and tragedies that transpired within its walls.

In 2015, the bank was added to the National Register of Historic Places, marking it as a historical landmark. Though Franklin National Bank has long ceased to exist, its story continues. In its place is Chase Bank, which opened in 2005 and is located at the corner of James Street and Hempstead Turnpike.

The initials FSNB are etched in the stone structure, marking the history of the original bank. And, van Wie wrote, it will always be the Franklin Square National Bank for all who lived through its rise and fall.

Photos courtesy Franklin Square Historical Society Franklin National Bank President Arthur Roth introduced the nation’s first outdoor banking facility in Franklin Square in the early 1940s.

things to know Parkhurst CiviC

Parkhurst Civic Association empowers Elmont residents to act

The Parkhurst Civic Association was founded in 1972 by a group of Elmont residents, whose intention was to provide a forum for residents to voice concerns and act as an advocacy organization. The association represents the Elmont area bordered by Elmont Road to the east, Cross Island Parkway to the west, Dutch Broadway to the south, and Ludlam Avenue to the north. Aubrey Phillips, the civic association’s president, said those interested in joining Parkhurst can visit Parkhurst. Elmont.org. Links are available on their website for their monthly Zoom meetings, which are on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m.

They have a working partnership with the police department

Phillips said as a community that is largely comprised of immigrants, it is important for the civic association to maintain an open relationship with the Nassau County Police Department Fifth Precinct. Problem-Oriented Policing officers, commonly referred to as POP officers, attend Parkhurst’s monthly meetings to update the community on local crime and receive feedback from concerned residents. Phillips said the civic association includes POP officers in their meetings so residents feel there is transparency between law enforcement and constructive conversations around what residents want addressed by the precinct. Public safety is a central topic of Parkhurst meetings, and residents often inform officers of issues they might miss while they are on patrol, such as problematic intersections on local roads, illegally parked vehicles or gatherings of disruptive patrons near local businesses.

They have a strong relationship with the Elmont high school

Elmont Memorial High School is located within the boundaries of Parkhurst, and Phillips says the civic association takes great pride in their involvement with it. As a result of their close relationship, the school is currently engaged in a state-run program called Seal of Civic Readiness. According to Phillips, students at Elmont Memorial receive credit for participating in community events organized by the Parkhurst Civic Association. These events, Phillips explained, are intended to teach young residents what civic engagement entails and prepare them to be productive members of Elmont. He said it’s important for students to understand that serving your community is not about recognition or monetary gain, but rather something they engage in because it’s the right thing to do. Phillips said the school’s partnership with Parkhurst is a central part of their students’ experience.

Leadership encourages members to take individual action

While Phillips said Parkhurst is largely a collaborative effort among the residents, he does not want members to feel as though they cannot take action on their own. Rather, the civic association empowers residents to take initiative and work on resolving issues in the time between their monthly meetings. Phillips said it is still important for members to keep the civic association in the loop, such as including leadership on emails sent on behalf of Parkhurst or giving them a call to let them know they’ve initiated measures to address an issue. At that point, Phillips continued, Parkhurst will better be able to monitor the situation and work toward a solution. He emphasized that the culture of the civic association’s meetings are informal, and they often try to keep the tone light and fun. The organization is not meant to be a controlling entity, but rather a helpful hand in resolving concerns.

–Renee DeLorenzo

The Southern State at 100: a divided legacy

History, and real or imagined inequity, collide on 25 miles of one of Long Island’s busiest roadways

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

First in a series on the Southern State Parkway.

One bright Saturday afternoon in June 2020, a group of protesters stood near the Robert Moses statue in Babylon, calling for its removal. Their rallying cry: The “Master Builder” was not worthy of such recognition. He was, instead, a racist who, among other things, designed the Southern State Parkway to keep buses carrying low-income families from traveling from New York City to Long Island — and its beaches.

The group had collected more than 13,000 signatures in support of its cause.

major roadway expansion undertaken by New York state that also included the Northern State and Sagtikos parkways. Today, it is a 25.3-mile long roadway that stretches from the Queens-Nassau border to Heckscher State Park in East Islip.

Wayne Horsley, a former regional director of Long Island’s state parks and a local historian, countered at the time that the often aired claims against Moses, “a son of the village,” have never been proven.

What has been proven, however, is the impact of the visionary work of Moses, who was the architect behind the construction of the Southern State when he served as the chairman of the Long Island State Park Commission and president of the New York State Parks Council.

The 100th anniversary of the construction of the parkway this year offers an opportunity to reflect on both its history and its future.

Often referred to simply as “the parkway,” the Southern State was part of a

Construction on the Southern State began in 1925, under Moses’s leadership. It was designed to improve access to Jones Beach. The land was originally a water conduit owned by the borough of Brooklyn. It comprises the western portion of unsigned New York State Route 908M, with the Heckscher State Parkway occupying the eastern section. Its first section opened to the public in 1927; there were additions in 1949, and its current roadway was completed in 1962, when it reached Heckscher Parkway.

Following the post-war housing boom on Long Island, the parkway was widened and straightened in a number of places to serve commuters traveling at speeds unanticipated when the road was first constructed.

Initially, the Southern State had a toll between exits 13 and 14, at the Cross Island Parkway, until 1978 when the state eliminated it and removed the toll plaza.

Prior to World War II, the State Department of Transportation estimated that fewer than 15,000 cars traveled on the parkway each day. During the postwar population boom on Long Island, the volume expanded to 190,000 cars per day, with most using it to commute between home and work.

Mary Cascone, historian of the Town of Babylon, notes that the Long Island parkway system was initially designed to bring automobiles to state parks.

“By limiting access to passenger cars, the parkways were supposedly intended for recreational driving,” Cascone wrote in her research on Moses and the Southern State. “Drivers and passengers could enjoy the beauty of the tree-lined roadway, free of billboards and trucks, as they made the journey to the countryside.”

That intention is visually confirmed in photos taken of the road when it opened, showing one or two cars on a lushly landscaped parkway, portraying what was then known as the “leisurely Sunday drive.” With its verdant country-

side free of commercial traffic, the parkway appealed to the more affluent city residents who owned cars, whether an intentional outcome of the design or not.

An aspect of the roadway’s design that is often cited as evidence to support the claim that it was designed to deny access to the masses is its bridges, which have unusually low clearances.

“It appears to be accurate that the state parks and beaches reached by the Nassau and Suffolk County parkways were deliberately designed to accommodate motorists rather than people who used public transportation,” Cascone said. “The inference that many people make, however, is that Black people used public transportation — which they

Photos courtesy Babylon Town Historical Society

The Southern State Parkway under construction at Belmont Avenue in Babylon.

A colorized photo of the Southern State Parkway when it opened in 1927.

Southern State’s century of vehicular history

surely did — along with all the other people who could not afford to, or simply chose not to, own a car. This ignores the fact, however, that Black people did own automobiles, and drove them on the parkways and to the beaches.”

For some, however, the low parkway bridges are an unfortunate, lingering reminder of classism and inequity in the guise of public works, Cascone concluded.

Thomas J. Campanella, a professor at Cornell University, a historian and a writer on city planning and the urban environment, sees the potential evidence of discrimination in the lower height of the Southern State bridges compared with those on other parkways Moses designed.

“The low-bridge story is a microbiography of Moses, a tragic hero who built for the ages, but for a narrowly construed public,” Campanella wrote. “It also shows how something as inert as a stone-faced bridge can be alive with politics and meaning.”

He also noted that Moses’s attitude appeared contradictory, as he approved the construction of a swimming pool and play center in Harlem — now the Jackie Robinson Park — which is considered one of the best public works projects of the New Deal era anywhere in the United States, and established other recreational sites in communities of color across New York state.

In a press release dated July 23, 1934, Moses argued for the construction of more recreational facilities for all New Yorkers, noting, “It is no exaggeration to say that the health, happiness, efficiency and orderliness of many of the city’s residents, especially in the summer months, are tremendously affected by the presence or absence of adequate swimming and bathing facilities.”

Next installment: Accident statistics and causes.

■ Originally designed with quaint wooden lampposts, which became affectionately known as “woody” lights.

■ When the parkway was first built, then Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt wanted to have a western extension that reached into Brooklyn. That stretch of highway is known today as the Belt Parkway.

■ Following the suburban expansion of Long Island after World War II, the parkway was widened and straightened in places to allow for higher speeds and more traffic.

■ A state police substation and barracks were built on either side of the parkway in North Valley Stream.

■ A median service station was built in the 1930s east of Exit 32 (Route 110). It closed in 1985, but its abandoned ramps can still be seen in the median.

Jeffrey Bessen/Herald

Heading east on the south side of today’s Southern State Parkway.

Las Vegas Sands pulls out of casino bid

By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com

Las Vegas Sands is no longer pursuing its $6 billion proposal to build a casino resort on the Nassau Coliseum site.

The company will not apply in June for one of three available downstate gaming licenses in New York. Executives cited a range of market forces, including the rise of online gambling, economic uncertainty in the U.S. and a strategic shift to preserve shareholder value.

The proposed project included a 400,000-square-foot casino, hotels, restaurants, retail space and a convention center. It was projected to create more than 8,500 construction jobs and over 5,000 permanent positions across the 72-acre site.

Last August, the County Legislature approved a 42-year operational lease agreement with Las Vegas Sands for the Coliseum and surrounding land in an 18-1 vote, meaning that Sands was responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of the property but could not build or develop. The next steps for the project would have been for the company to apply for a lease that allowed it to develop the property, and to bid for one of the gaming licenses.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a forceful advocate for the project, issued a statement through Chris Boyle, his director of communications.

“County Executive Bruce Blakeman

Kelsie Radziski/Herald

Las Vegas Sands has withdrawn its plan to build a $6 billion casino on the Nassau Coliseum site. The project sparked debate from the start, with groups like the Say No to the Casino Civic Association, above, protesting outside legislative meetings.

has been aware of certain pressures that have factored into Las Vegas Sands’ rethinking of land-based brick and mortar casinos in the United States,” the statement read.

“The County Executive is grateful that Las Vegas Sands is committed to the development of the Coliseum site with or without a casino,” Boyle added. “However, there is strong interest from gaming organizations which have been in confidential discussions with Nassau County in taking the place of Las Vegas Sands in

the licensing application process.”

“Nassau County will crystallize within the next 30 days whether or not to entertain a casino component or develop the site without,” Boyle stated. “In either event there will be an exciting new development that will create jobs and positive economic activity.”

The Say No to the Casino Civic Association, whose members have been vocal opponents of the project since the beginning, is “thrilled” after a long fight against the “wholly destructive casino,”

according to a statement issued by members Monica Kiely and Allison O’Brien Silva.

“While we are concerned the door remains open for the county to find a new casino partner, it was always a bad idea, and it will continue to be a bad idea, whether the county works with Las Vegas Sands or another predatory gambling company looking to extract wealth from our community,” the statement read.

On April 24, County Legislator Seth Koslow sent a cease-and-desist letter to Blakeman demanding that all expenditures surrounding the Sands casino be terminated. Koslow said at a news conference that morning that there was no clear path forward for the project, and he was concerned about “wasting time, energy and money” on something that is “not what people wanted.”

Koslow, who is the Democratic candidate for county executive, supports development on the site that both brings in the money that the casino promised and aligns with what he maintains community members want.

“We need to invest in a real project that’s going to get done, that people want, that has community buy-in,” he said at the conference. “We can certainly do a hotel, an entertainment facility, with a convention center, something that’s going to bring more people here, something that’s going to bring tourism here.”

STEPPING OUT

“Choc”-full of delights

The Chocolate Expo is all sorts of delicious

By Danielle Schwab

Prepare for a day coated in all things chocolate.

Over 90 vendors soon set up shop at Hostra University’s David Mack Sports & Exhibition Center. The unique foodie experience returns, May 4, with sweet and savory tastes all in one place.

“We call ourselves the ofﬁcial home of chocolate, food, and fun,” Marvin Baum, the Chocolate Expo’s founder, says. “We’re using chocolate as a platform, not only to support small local businesses, but also to do good for the community.”

It all began in 2006, after Baum realized there was a strong desire to bring food vendors and communities together. Since 2012, the chocoholic’s delight has been sweetening Long Island and has grown to be the confectionery hot spot it is today.

“Long Island has always been a special spot for me. It helped us go to the next level in terms of what we could offer the public in terms of an experience,” Baum says.

From chocolate classics like bonbons, fudge and chocolate-dipped treats to interesting twists such as chocolate-covered bacon, there are no shortage of desserts to indulge in. For more savory pairings, baked goods, specialty foods, wine, and cheeses are also tempting; there’s surely something to satisfy everyone’s palate.

Visitors can check out the Long Island confectioners represented, including Bellmore’s Chocolate Works, a chocolaterie selling chocolate-covered pretzels, platters, and more.

“Last year was our ﬁrst year at the Expo. We had a great experience,” Nimisha Patel, who owns the store with her husband, Raj, reports.“People always buy chocolate, and we get to be creative and decorate with different designs.”

Other local favorites include Chez Hedwidge, an artisan gluten-free bakery, based in Valley Stream; Massapequa’s Swizzled Desserts, a purveyor of small batch alchohol-infused ice creams and sorbets; and Sunﬂower Bakeshop, a Kosher bakery in West Hempstead that caters to customers with

• Sunday, May 4, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Tickets are $20, $10 ages 5-12 when purchased online, children under 5 free, $30, $15 child at door; available from thechocolateexpo.com

• Hofstra University, David S. Mack Sports & Exhibition Complex, Hempstead

food and dietary restrictions, offering a wide range of glutenfree and vegan options.

This year, the choice of treats is more enticing than ever.

“There are a limited number of chocolate shops on Long Island. We’re bringing vendors from other states and countries, so we can bring unique things that people from Long Island have not seen elsewhere before,” Baum says.

Be sure to sample the diverse offerings that include the trendy Dubai chocolate (Omniya), rich artisanal chocolates from Paris (Chocolaknin), and luxury Swiss assortments (Canonica).

The binge-worthy experiences don’t stop with chocolate. Guests can meet up with this years’ special guests — everyone’s favorite 1970s TV family, “The Brady Bunch.”

“There’s a strong nostalgic quality to connecting with the original show. This is a chance to get together, to connect without a television screen, in a much more informal kind of way,” says Barry Williams, who fans will know as the eldest Brady child, Greg Brady.

Williams is readu to answer all your eager-to-know questions about the show — along with his castmates Christopher Knight (Peter Brady), Mike Lookinland (Bobby Brady), and Susan Olsen (Cindy Brady) — during the morning panel discussion. He’s also bringing some “Tikis” that fans may recognize from the iconic Hawaii episode.

“I see happen quite often is a fan will approach us, they might be middle-aged, and in front of my eyes they will turn into the giggling teenager that they were when they were watching the show,” he notes.

Balloon artist Robbie Furman adds to the magic, creating a life-sized ‘Brady Bunch’ — made entirely out of balloons!

For more family-sized fun, young visitors can drop by the Kidz Zone for face painting, balloon twisting and chocolate smashing. You may even catch a glimpse of a Stormtrooper — don’t forget to respond “May the Fourth be with you!”

At the end of the day, kids can enjoy a balloon popping party.

“We let the kids pop them with safe little picks at the end of the event, which we’ve never done on Long Island before,” Baum says.

Whether you’re familiar with the Expo or a curious newcomer, it’s always a delectable outing.

“We have a relationship with people on Long Island, and they look forward to it every year. I recently saw a Facebook post [about the Expo] saying ‘My friend and I had a magical day that we will never forget,’” Baum says.

“This is why we do what we do with the Chocolate Expo, for our guests have a magical time.”

Pink Talking Fish

Three mammoth bands. Three musical phenomenons. One idea inspired by love of the music. That’s Pink Talking Fish. The hybrid tribute fusion act takes the music from three iconic bands creating a remarkable musical jam. PTF brings their unique sound to the Landmark on Main Street stage, on their latest tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of the incredible Pink Floyd album “Wish You Were Here.” This show consists of two sets. The ﬁrst set will be a full rendition of this epic album from start to ﬁnish, with “Classic PTF” combinations for the second set. “Wish You Were Here” is extremely meaningful to the band members and so many music lovers around the world and PTF is thrilled to bring this album to life in 2025. Although the music from each act is different, PTF has discovered that fusing the material together creates an amazing story. The epic emotion of Pink Floyd; the funky, danceable layerings of The Talking Heads; the styles, unique compositional structures and pure fun of Phish — to merge these three into one gives music lovers a special experience.

Friday, May 2, 8 p.m. $49 and $46. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or call (516) 767-6444.

Regency Romance is afoot

Old Westbury Gardens welcomes everyone to Regency Romance Weekend, a most splendid affair in honor of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday. Families can wander the gardens for storybook strolls and hands-on crafts, while those with a playful spirit can enjoy lawn games fit for the finest estates. Also find inspiration in creative activities, while music lovers are serenaded with classical takes on familiar tunes. Of course, what would a Regency gathering be without fashion and society gossip? Take in a discussion on Regency fashion —fact versus fiction. And for those with a keen mind and a love of Austen’s world, Austen trivia will put your knowledge to the ultimate test. Plus indulge in a proper afternoon tea, or treat yourself to confections at the café.

Saturday and Sunday, May 3-4. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. For more information and program/events schedule, go to oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048.

Photos courtesy Chuck Fishman Every bite is a sweet discovery at The Chocolate Expo.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

MAY

On Exhibit Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) that publicly launched the movement. The direct follow-up to the wellreceived 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. On view through June 15.

• Where: 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor.

• Time: Ongoing

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

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

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

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City.

• Time: Also May 2-3, and May 7-8, times vary

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

MAY

2 Long Island Marathon Weekend

The Long Island Marathon and additional races return to Eisenhower Park with three days packed with races for runners of all ages and abilities, through May 4.

• Where: Eisenhower Park, East Meadow

• Time: Varying times on Friday, Saturday & Sunday

• Contact: RunSignUp.com/ Race/NY/EastMeadow/ LongIslandMarathon

Rummage Sale

Shop some great spring deals at Saint Catherine of Sienna’s spring rummage sale. What may be trash to some can be another’s treasure!

• Where: Saint Catherine of Sienna Auditorium, 990 Holzheimer St., Franklin Square

MAY

11 Brian Regan

Critics, fans and fellow comedians agree: Brian Regan is one of the most respected comedians in the country with Vanity Fair calling Brian, “The funniest stand-up alive,” and Entertainment Weekly citing him as “Your favorite comedian’s favorite comedian.” Having built his 30-plus year career on the strength of his material alone, Brian’s non-stop theater tour continuously fills prestigious venues across North America, visiting close to 100 cities each year. His comedic talent extends beyond the stage. He’s released two acclaimed Netflix specials, “Brian Regan: Nunchucks And Flamethrowers” and “Brian Regan: On The Rocks,” showcasing his knack for finding humor in everyday situations. He also starred in his own Netflix series,”Stand Up And Away! With Brian Regan,” and even made history with “Brian Regan: Live From Radio City Music Hall,” the first live broadcast of a stand-up special in Comedy Central’s history. Regan also co-stars in three seasons of Peter Farrelly’s series, “Loudermilk,” which moved to Netflix in January 2024, ranking in the Top 10 TV shows on Netflix for over a month. He’s also a familiar presence on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” He’s the standup guest who the show invites on for two segments: a performance segment and also on the couch to chat with Jimmy. $99.50, $79.50, $69.50, $49.50.

• Time: 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m.; also May 3, 9 a.m.-1 p.m

• Contact: The main office, (516) 352-0146, or email ParishOffice@ StCatherineOfSienna.org.

MAY

3 Storybook Stroll

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure.

Stroll the gardens and listen to “Jane Austen: Little People Big Dreams” by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5. Storybook Strolls start at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), and end at the Thatched Cottage. Registration required.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.

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

Healing Haiti

Everyone is invited to the Healing Haiti One Heartbeat at a Time Health Center’s 20th Anniversary Celebration! Tickets are $70 and include authentic Haitian food, live music, live and silent auction, Haitian artisan market, games and more.

• Where: L’Antillaise Caterers, 20 New Hyde Park Rd., Franklin Square

• Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Contact: servehaiti.org

American Legion Riders Barbecue

Help raise funds for local veterans at this annual event. Donations are $30 for bike riders and $20 for passengers and guests. Hamburgers, hot dogs, beverages, music and raffles will be available.

• Where: Elmont Post 1033, 60 Hill Ave., Elmont

• Time: Registration begins at 10 a.m., bike blessing starts at noon

• Contact: Elmont Post 1033 at (516) 354-9884

Relive the Magic of Elvis

Steve Mitchell presents a powerful concert at Elmont Memorial Library Theater. Enjoy the songs that made Elvis the King. No registration required. First come, first seated.

• Where: 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

• Time: 2-3:30 p.m.

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

budget presentation and public hearing before the budget vote. A regular meeting will follow at Washington Street School.

• Where: 760 Washington St., Franklin Square

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 481-4100 or visit franklinsquare.k12.ny.us

MAY

7 Sewanhaka Annual Budget Hearing

Attend the Sewanhaka Central High School District’s annual budget hearing before the budget vote at Sewanhaka High School.

• Where: 500 Tulip Ave., Floral Park

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 488-9800 or visit sewanhakaschools.org

MAY

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

MAY

8 Franklin Square Museum Open House

Bring the family to see the history of Franklin Square for the museum’s open house. Admission is free.

• Where: Franklin Square Museum, 861 Naple Ave., Franklin Square

• Time: 2-4 p.m.

• Contact: fshistoricalsociety.org

Splish Splash… Animal Baths

Hang out with some Long Island Children’s Museum’s “residents,” Join an animal educator in the Hive Studio in the Feasts for Beasts Gallery to learn what goes into the care of LICM’s animals. Observe animal bath time.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

MAY

Public Budget Hearing

Attend the Franklin Square School District’s final

Morton Civic Association Meeting

The Civic Association, which serves Franklin Square, holds a general meeting with two guest speakers: Valley Stream School District Assistant Superintendent for Business and Human Resources Gerard Antoine and Franklin Square School District Superintendent Jared Bloom.

• Where: Willow Road Elementary School, 880 Catalpa Dr., Franklin Square

• Time: 6 p.m.

• Contact: MortonCivic@ yahoo.com

Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA

PÚBLICA, VOTACIÓN

PRESUPUESTARIA Y ELECCIONES DE FRANKLIN SQUARE

UFSD CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que se hará una Audiencia pública de votantes calificados del UFSD de Franklin Square, ciudad de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, Nueva York, en Washington Street School, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York en ese distrito el martes, 6 de mayo de 2025, a las 8:00 p. m., hora local, para los acuerdos de negocios según lo autorice la Ley de Educación, que incluyen:

1. Presentar a los votantes una declaración detallada de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año fiscal 2025-2026.

2. Debatir todos los puntos que se establecen a continuación sobre los que se votará mediante máquina de votación en la votación presupuestaria y en las elecciones que se harán el martes 20 de mayo de 2025.

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

Y ADEMÁS POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA, que en la Franklin Square Public Library, ubicada en 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square, New York, en ese distrito, hará una audiencia presupuestaria con votantes calificados del UFSD de Franklin Square el lunes 12 de mayo de 2025 a las 6:30 p. m., hora local, con el propósito de presentarles una declaración detallada de la cantidad de dinero que requerirá la Franklin Square Public Library durante el año fiscal 2025-2026.

Y ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que cualquier residente del Distrito podrá obtener una copia de la declaración con la cantidad de dinero requerida para financiar el presupuesto del Distrito Escolar 2025-2026, excluyendo los fondos públicos, a partir del 6 de mayo de 2025, entre

las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., hora local, excepto los sábados, domingos o días festivos, en la Secretaría 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 POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA, que dicha votación y elecciones presupuestarias se harán el martes 20 de mayo de 2025, en John Street School, Polk Street School y Washington Street School, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 9:00 p. m., hora local, momento en el que se abrirán los centros de votación para votar por máquina sobre los siguientes puntos:

1. Adopción del presupuesto anual del Distrito escolar para el año fiscal 2025-2026 y autorización para la recaudación mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad imponible del Distrito.

2. Elección de un miembro del Consejo de Educación por un período de tres (3) años a partir del 1 de julio de 2025 y hasta el 30 de junio de 2028, para reemplazar a Stephen Toto, cuyo mandato finaliza el 30 de junio de 2025.

3. Elección de un miembro del Consejo de Educación por un período de tres (3) años a partir del 1 de julio de 2025 y hasta el 30 de junio de 2028, para reemplazar a Maura LewingerTorres, cuyo mandato finaliza el 30 de junio de 2025.

4. Autorizar al Consejo de Educación del Franklin Square Union Free School District para que haga ciertas mejoras de capital, que consisten en la renovación y reconstrucción de los campos en Polk Street Elementary School, incluyendo la renovación y mejora de equipos, todo con un costo adicional máximo calculado de $2,000,000 y asignar y gastar esa cantidad del Fondo de reserva de capital B de UFSD de Franklin Square.

5. Votar sobre la asignación presupuestaria de la Franklin Square Public Library para el año fiscal 2025-2026, según fuera presentada, y autorizar que la parte requerida se recaude de la

propiedad imponible de Franklin Square Union Free School District, de acuerdo con el Artículo 259 de la Ley de Educación.

6. Elección de un (1) miembro de la Junta de Fiduciarios de la Franklin Square Public Library por un período de cinco (5) años a partir del 1 de julio de 2025 y hasta el 30 de junio de 2030, para ocupar el cargo que anteriormente ocupaba Maxine Yarczower.

Y ADEMÁS POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA, que en virtud del Artículo 495 de la Real Property Tax Law (Ley de impuestos sobre bienes inmuebles), el Distrito escolar está obligado a adjuntar un informe de exención al presupuesto propuesto. Ese informe de exención, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, mostrará cómo el valor total tasado después de las exenciones usado para el proceso presupuestario está exento de impuestos, indicará las exenciones concedidas 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, ese informe de exención se publicará en todos los tableros de anuncios que tenga el Distrito para avisos públicos y en cualquier sitio web que tenga el Distrito.

Y ADEMÁS POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA, que las peticiones que nominan candidatos para los cargos de miembro del Consejo de Educación deberán presentarse en la Secretaría de ese Distrito escolar, Oficina Administrativa del Distrito, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York, a más tardar el 21 de abril de 2025, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 5:00 p. m., hora local. 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 dirección de cada firmante, y, deberá indicar el nombre y la dirección del candidato

y describir la vacante específica para la que se propone al candidato. Cada una de las vacantes del Consejo de Educación se considerará como una vacante específica separada que debe cubrirse. Se requiere una petición por separado para la nominación de candidatos para cada uno de los cargos vacantes. La petición deberá describir al menos la duración del mandato y contener el nombre del último titular. Para designar a un candidato para el 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.

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

Y ADEMÁS POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA, que los votantes pueden registrarse en la Secretaría de ese Distrito escolar, Oficina Administrativa del Distrito, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York, entre las 8:00 a. m. y 3:30 p. m., cuando la escuela esté en sesión, y cualquier día anterior al 15 de mayo de 2025 para agregar nombres adicionales al registro que se usará en las elecciones antes mencionadas, momento en el que cualquier persona tendrá derecho a hacer que su nombre se agregue a ese Registro, siempre que en esa reunión con la Secretaría del Distrito escolar, se sepa o se demuestre, a

satisfacción de la Secretaría de ese Distrito escolar, que esa persona tiene derecho ahora o lo tendrá de aquí en adelante de votar en las elecciones para las que se preparó el Registro. El Registro así preparado de acuerdo con el Artículo 2014 de la Ley de Educación se archivará en la Secretaría del Distrito, Oficina de Administración del Distrito, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York, y estará disponible para para cualquier votante calificado del Distrito a partir del jueves, 15 de mayo de 2025, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 3:30 p. m., hora local, cualquier día antes del día de las elecciones programadas, excepto el domingo, y en los centros de votación el día de la votación. Y ADEMÁS POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA, que los votantes militares que no estén registrados actualmente podrán solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del distrito escolar. Se puede pedir una solicitud de inscripción como votante militar en la Secretaría del Distrito, Oficina de Administración del Distrito, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New 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 de Franklin Square en “información para votantes”. La solicitud de inscripción debe recibirse en la Secretaría a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del 25 de abril de 2025. En la solicitud de inscripción, se permite al votante militar designar su preferencia para recibir la solicitud de inscripción, ya sea por correo, transmisión por facsímil o correo electrónico.

Y ADEMÁS POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA, que los votantes militares calificados del distrito pueden enviar una solicitud para recibir una boleta de voto militar durante el horario de atención de la Secretaría del Distrito, Oficina de Administración del Distrito, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New

York. La solicitud también está disponible en el sitio web del Distrito de Franklin Square en “información para votantes”. Las solicitudes completadas deben recibirse en la Secretaría del Distrito antes de las 5:00 p. m. del 24 de abril de 2025. 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 misma, tanto por correo, transmisión por facsímil o correo electrónico. La solicitud de boleta de voto militar y la boleta de todos los votantes militares calificados deben devolverse entregarse por correo o en persona. Las boletas para votantes militares se distribuirán a los votantes militares calificados a más tardar veinticinco días antes de las elecciones, el 25 de abril de 2025. La Secretaría del Distrito deberá recibir las boletas con el voto militar un (1) día antes del cierre de las urnas, el martes, 20 de mayo de 2025, y deberán tener el sello del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o de un país extranjero, o un endoso fechado mostrando que otra agencia del Gobierno de Estados Unidos lo recibió; o (2) a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del día de las elecciones y deberán estar firmadas y fechadas por el militar que vota y por un testigo, con una fecha comprobada que no sea posterior al día anterior a las elecciones. Una lista de las personas a las que se les han emitido boletas de voto militar estará a disposición de los votantes calificados del Distrito para su inspección en la Secretaría del Distrito a partir del jueves, 15 de mayo de 2025, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 3:30 p. m., hora local, todos los días anteriores al día fijado para las elecciones anuales, excepto los domingos, los sábados con cita previa y el 20 de mayo de 2025, día fijado para las elecciones. Cualquier votante calificado presente en ese momento en el centro de votación puede oponerse a la votación de la boleta por los

motivos apropiados, dando a conocer los motivos de su oposición al Inspector de elecciones antes del cierre de las urnas. Y ADEMÁS POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA, que las solicitudes de voto por correo y en ausencia por anticipado se podrán obtener durante el horario escolar en la Secretaría del Distrito a partir del 22 de abril de 2025. La solicitud también está disponible en el sitio web del Franklin Square School District https://www.franklinsq uare.k12.ny.us/ en “información para votantes”. La Secretaría del Distrito deberá recibir las solicitudes completadas no antes del 22 de abril de, 2025 y por lo menos siete (7) días antes de las elecciones, el 13 de mayo de 2025, si la boleta se debe enviar por correo al votante, o el día antes de las elecciones, el 19 de mayo de 2025, si la boleta se debe entregar personalmente al votante. La Secretaría del Distrito deberá recibir las boletas de voto por correo y en ausencia por anticipado a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m., hora local, el martes, 20 de mayo de 2025. Habrá una lista de las personas a quienes se les emitan boletas de voto por correo y de voto en ausencia por anticipado disponible para que los votantes calificados del Distrito verifiquen en la Secretaría del Distrito a partir del jueves, 15 de mayo de 2025, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 3:30 p. m., hora local, todos los días anteriores al día fijado para las elecciones anuales, excepto los domingos, los sábados con cita previa y el 20 de mayo de 2025, día de las elecciones. Cualquier votante calificado presente en ese momento en el centro de votación puede oponerse a una boleta de votación por los motivos apropiados, dando a conocer los motivos de su oposición 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 POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA

que, de acuerdo con una norma adoptada por el Consejo de Educación en virtud del Artículo 2035 de la Ley de Educación, toda consulta popular o propuesta para enmendar el presupuesto, o que de otro modo se someta a votación en dichas elecciones, debe presentarse en la Secretaría del Consejo de Educación, Oficina del Distrito, 760 Washington Street, Franklin Square, New York, con tiempo suficiente para permitir que el aviso de la propuesta se incluya en el Aviso de la audiencia pública, votación del presupuesto y elecciones exigida según el Artículo 2004 de la Ley de Educación o antes del 21 de abril de 2025, a las 3:30 p. m., hora local; debe estar mecanografiada o impresa en el idioma inglés; debe estar dirigida a la Secretaría del Distrito Escolar; debe estar firmada por al menos 40 votantes calificados del Distrito (lo que representa el 5 % de los votantes que votaron en las elecciones anuales anteriores); y debe indicar de forma legible el nombre de cada firmante. Sin embargo, el Consejo Escolar no considerará la presentación de ninguna petición a los votantes sobre una propuesta cuyo propósito no esté dentro de las facultades de los votantes determinar, que sea ilegal, o que no incluya una asignación específica cuando la propuesta requiera el gasto de dinero, o cuando exista otra razón válida para excluir la propuesta de la boleta de voto. Fechado en: Franklin Square, Nueva York, el 3 de abril de 2025 Por orden del CONSEJO DE EDUCACIÓN DE UFSD de Franklin Square Franklin Square, Nueva York

Laura Langstrand, secretaria del distrito 152580

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

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

May 1, 2025 —

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

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 6, 2025, 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 2025-2026 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 20, 2025.

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 12, 2025 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 2025-2026 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 2025-2026, exclusive of public moneys, may be obtained by any resident of the District beginning May 6, 2025, 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 20, 2025, 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 2025-2026 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, 2025, and expiring on June 30, 2028, to succeed Stephen Toto, whose term expires on June 30, 2025.

3. To elect one member of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term commencing July 1, 2025, and expiring on June 30, 2028, to succeed Maura Lewinger-Torres, whose term expires on June 30, 2025.

4. To authorize the Board of Education of the Franklin Square Union Free School District to undertake certain capital improvements consisting of improvements to and reconstruction of the fields at Polk Street Elementary School, including equipment replacement and upgrades, all at an estimated maximum aggregate cost of $2,000,000 and to appropriate and expend such amount from the Franklin Square UFSD Capital Reserve Fund B.

5. To vote upon the Franklin Square Public Library Budget Appropriation for the fiscal year 2025-2026 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.

6. 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, 2025, and expiring on June 30, 2030, to fill the position previously held by Maxine Yarczower.

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 21, 2025, 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 twenty-five (25) voters of the District.

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 15, 2025 to add any additional names to the Register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register provided that at such meeting 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 15, 2025, 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 April 25, 2025. 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 24, 2025. 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 25, 2025. Military ballots must be received by the District Clerk one (1) day before the close of the polls, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 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 15, 2025, 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 20, 2025, 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 April 22, 2025. The application is also available on the Franklin Square School District website https://www.franklinsq uare.k12.ny.us/ under “voter information.”

Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than April 22, 2025 and at least seven (7) days before the election, May 13, 2025, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, May 19, 2025, 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 20, 2025. 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 15, 2025, 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 20, 2025, 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 April 21, 2025, 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 03, 2025 By Order of the BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE Franklin Square UFSD Franklin Square New York Laura Langstrand, District Clerk 152578

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING, ANNUAL DISTRICT ELECTION, AND BUDGET VOTE OF VALLEY STREAM UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT THIRTEEN, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK TO BE HELD ON MAY 20, 2025

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Education of Valley Stream Union Free School District Thirteen shall hold a public hearing for the purpose of discussion of the proposed budget of expenditure of funds for the school year 2025-2026; that such public hearing will be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 7:30 p.m.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the vote by the qualified voters of Valley Stream Union Free School District Thirteen upon the following propositions and elections will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at the polling places set forth herein, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Daylight Savings Time on said day.

PROPOSITION NO. 1 DISTRICT THIRTEEN BUDGET

The vote upon the appropriation of the necessary funds to meet the estimated expenditures of Valley Stream Union Free School District Thirteen for the school year 2025-2026 and authorizing the levy of taxes to meet the estimated expenditures of money during said school year will be held on May 20, 2025 as set forth herein. Copies of the proposed budget, together with the text of any resolution which

Public Notices

will be submitted to the voters as well as copies of the estimated expenditures of Valley Stream Central High School District for the school year 2025-2026 may be obtained by any taxpayer of the School District at the Principal’s Office of each school building on each school day, during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., during each of the 14 days preceding the voting day, except on Saturday, Sunday or holidays, and at such annual election.

Notice is further given that pursuant to Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law, the 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 on 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 and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted.

PROPOSITION NO. 2

DISTRICT THIRTEEN EXPENDITURE FROM CAPITAL RESERVE

RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education hereby authorizes the placement of a proposition to expend monies from the District’s Capital Reserve Fund, established on May 15, 2018, at the Annual Budget Vote and Election on May 20, 2025, and directs the District Clerk to place said proposition in the Annual Notice of said Vote and Election: 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 field at Wheeler Avenue School, the playground at Willow Road School, the prekindergarten playground at Howell Road School, security fencing District wide,

replacing the main play structure at Wheeler Avenue School, and upgrading door security District-wide and 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 $1,200,000.

PROPOSITION NO. 3

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET

SHALL the proposed budget of expenditures of Valley Stream Central High School District, Nassau County, New York for the year 2025-2026 be approved in the amount of $166,848,681, 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.

PROPOSITION NO. 4

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

VOTER PROPOSITION 2025

SHALL the Board of Education hereby authorize the placement of the following voter proposition at the Annual Budget Vote and Election on May 20, 2025 and directs the District Clerk to place said proposition in the Annual Notice of said Vote and Election: SHALL the Board of Education be authorized to appropriate and expend the maximum amount of $4,500,000 as follows from fund balance for the purpose of completing capital improvements as follows: Restoration of Valley Stream South Streambank, Renovation of District Offices and Renovation of Classrooms. All of the above to include labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs.

PROPOSITION NO. 5

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT CAPITAL RESERVE

PROPOSITION 2025

SHALL the Board of Education hereby authorize the placement of the following voter proposition at the

Annual Budget Vote and Election on May 20, 2025 and directs the District Clerk to place said proposition in the Annual Notice of said Vote and Election:

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Valley Stream Central High School District is authorized to acquire by purchase that certain real property and improvements known as 10 Fifth Street, Valley Stream, New York, Section 39 Block 27 Lot 4-7 & 418, at a cost not to exceed $6,400,000.00 dollars, and said sum is hereby appropriated for out of the District’s Capital Reserve Fund established on May 15, 2018 and unappropriated fund balance.

ELECTION OF TRUSTEES

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that for the purpose of electing two members of the Board of Education of the Valley Stream Union Free School District Thirteen, an election will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 at the same times and at the same polling places as set forth herein.

The following are the vacancies to be filled on the Board of Education:

a) The office of Vincent Caposio, a member of the Board of Education, for a three-year term commencing May 21, 2025 and expiring June 30, 2028.1

b) The office of Milagros Vicente, a member of the Board of Education, for a three-year term commencing July 1, 2025 and expiring June 30, 2028.

NOMINATION PETITIONS

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that each vacancy is a separate, specific office and a separate petition is required to nominate a candidate to each separate office. Each petition must be directed to the Clerk of the District, must be signed by at least 26 qualified voters of the District, must state the residence of each signer, must state the name and residence of the candidate, and must describe the specific vacancy for which the candidate is nominated, including at least the length of the term of the office and the name of the last

incumbent. Petitions nominating candidates for the office of the Board of Education must be filed with the Clerk of the District between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. except that on the thirtieth (30th) day preceding the date set for election of trustees, namely Monday, April 21, 2025, nominating petitions may be filed between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The deadline for submitting petitions is 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 21, 2025. No person shall be nominated for more than one separate office on the Board of Education. A nomination may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for office or declares his/her unwillingness to serve.

In the event of the physical absence of the District Clerk from the District, nominating petitions are to be received and acted upon by the Acting District Clerk in the same manner as required of the District Clerk.

Voting machines will be used for the tabulation of all votes upon propositions and the election of Trustees. The meeting and the election will be conducted according to the Education Law and the rules previously adopted by the Board of Education.

REGISTRATION

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT qualified voters may register at the James A. Dever School, Howell Road School, Wheeler Avenue School and Willow Road School any day up until Tuesday, May 13, 2025 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. except Saturday, Sunday, and school vacations and at such times that the school facilities are open.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Board of Registration of this School District shall meet on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at the James A. Dever School, Howell Road School, Wheeler Avenue School and Willow Road School for the purpose of preparing a register of the qualified voters of this District for said annual District election, at which time any person shall be entitled to have his/her name

placed upon such register provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration, he/she is known, or proven to the satisfaction of the Board of Registration, to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the annual District election for which such register is prepared.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the register shall include (1) all qualified voters of the District who shall personally present themselves for registration; and (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 annual or special District meeting or election held or conducted at any time within the four calendar years (2021-2024) prior to preparation of the said register; and (3) voters permanently registered with the Board of Elections of the County of Nassau. The register shall be filed in the office of the District Clerk at James A. Dever School, 585 N. Corona Avenue, Valley Stream, New York where it shall be open for inspection by any qualified voter between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on each of the five days prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, and between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon on Saturday, May 17, 2025; and at each polling place on election day.

EARLY MAIL AND ABSENTEE BALLOTS

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that applications for absentee and early mail ballots will be obtainable during school business hours from the District Clerk beginning March 21, 2025. Completed applications may not be received by the District Clerk earlier than April 21, 2025, 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 20, 2025. 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 inspection to qualified voters of the District in the office of the District Clerk on and after Thursday, May 15, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 a.m.3:00 p.m. on weekdays prior to the day set for the annual election and on May 20, 2025, 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 13 by requesting and returning a registration application to the District Clerk in person, or by email to districtclerk@valleystre am13.com. The request for the registration application may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the registration application by either mail 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 24, 2025. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the Valley Stream Union Free School District 13, 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@valleystre am13.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 24, 2025. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a nonmilitary 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 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. 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 20, 2025 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 20, 2025 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.

ELECTION DISTRICTS

The boundaries of the four election districts are as previously adopted by the Board of Education by a resolution adopted on January 28, 1959, and which resolution is filed in the minutes of the District Clerk’s Office.

The places of voting and the general boundaries of the election districts are:

Election District One

The place of voting will be the Wheeler Avenue School, Wheeler Avenue and Rockaway Parkway, Valley Stream. Said District is the area in the vicinity of the Wheeler Avenue School and the southwesterly portion of the District.

Election District Two

The place of voting will be the James A. Dever School, 585 N. Corona Avenue, Valley Stream. Said District is the area in the vicinity of the James A. Dever School and the southeasterly portion of the District.

Election District Three

The place of voting will be the Howell Road

School, Howell Road and Dana Avenue, Valley Stream. Said District is the area in the vicinity of the Howell Road School and the northwesterly portion of the District.

Election District Four

The place of voting will be the Willow Road School, Willow Road and Catalpa Drive, Franklin Square. Said District is the area in the vicinity of the Willow Road School and the northeasterly portion of the District.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that this Board shall convene a special meeting thereof within twenty-four hours after the filing with the District Clerk of a written report of the results of the ballot for the purpose of examining and tabulating said reports of the result of the ballot and declaring the result of the ballot; that the Board hereby designates itself to be a set of poll clerks to cast and canvass ballots pursuant to Education Law 2019-a, subdivision 2b at said special meeting of the Board.

Dated: March 27, 2025 Valley Stream, New York BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, VALLEY STREAM UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT THIRTEEN, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK

Jennifer Mercatante District Clerk 152582

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

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 11, 2025 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

May 1, 2025 —

Public Notices

and capital reserves of said Central High School District will take place on MAY 20, 2025 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 THREE (3) 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 MICHAEL A. JAIME, whose term expires on June 30, 2025; one (1) member for a term of THREE (3) YEARS to the seat now occupied by DR. TAMEKA BATTLEBURKETT, whose term expires on June 30, 2025; and one (1) member for a term of THREE (3) YEARS to the seat now occupied by TRECIA WONG, whose term expires on June 30, 2025.

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 LIVINGSTONE YOUNG, whose term expires on June 30, 2025; and one (1) member for a term of FIVE (5) YEARS to the seat now occupied by SUZANNE SCHATZ, whose term expires on June 30, 2025.

NOTICE IS HEREBY

FURTHER GIVEN an election will be held on MAY 20, 2025, 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 2025-2026, 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. 3

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 2025-2026, 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 11, 2025, a public hearing for the purpose of discussion of the proposed budget to be voted upon May 20, 2025 will be held on May 13, 2025 at 8:00 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 school within their election district on any day school is in session between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM up to MAY 12, 2025. In addition, the Board of Registration of each separate election district will meet at the Registration place herein above stated on MONDAY, MAY 12, 2025, 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 20, 2025, 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 13, 2025, 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 21, 2025, 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 20, 2025.

ABSENTEE BALLOTS:

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that applications for absentee ballots for voting on said Proposition may be applied for at the Office of the District Clerk. Such application must be received by the District Clerk, completed 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 and such list will also be posted on the day of the voting at the Office of the District Clerk, Elmont Road School.

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 24, 2024. 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 24, 2025. Completed military ballots must be received by 5:00 PM on May 20, 2025, 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 20, 2025, 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 21, 2025, and by May 13, 2025, 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 19, 2025. 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 20, 2025. 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 14, 2025, 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 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

Public Notices

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, 2025 and which petition shall be subscribed by

not less than THIRTYEIGHT (38) 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 21, 2025. Please be advised that the schools and district offices will be closed the week of April 14, 2025. 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 21, 2025 until 5:00 PM.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that copies of the written estimates of expenses for the school year 2025-2026 (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 13, 2025, 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: Diana Delahanty

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

ANNA BARBAGALLO

Dated: 2/11/2025

District Clerk

I, ANNA BARBAGALLO, 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 11, 2025 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 11th day of February 2025.

ANNA BARBAGALLO DISTRICT CLERK 152448

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

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LEGAL NOTICE

Notice Pursuant to RPAPL§913(2)

In the Matter of Sherese Woodley-Bender and Sharon Woodley, Plaintiffs, -againstThomas L. Bender, U.S. Bank National Association, Secretary of Housing And Urban Development, Defendants; Index No. 614753-2021;

A partition action where the property has been ordered to be sold by Order of the Supreme Court, Nassau County, State of New York, dated February 11, 2024. Let it be known that all Lienholders of the property known as 1378 Madison Street, Elmont, New York, 11003 (Section 32, Block 303, Lot 136), and not already a party to this action, must notify and provide proof to the Referee appointed in this matter, Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., via mail to P.O. Box 1729, Mineola, New York, 11501, no later than May 15, 2025, that as of the aforementioned date, he/she/it has a

lien upon an undivided share or interest in the subject property stated herein and all sums currently due as a result of that lien. 152767

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. Bank Trust National Association, not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for Legacy Mortgage Asset Trust 2018-RPL4, Plaintiff AGAINST Vincenza Dipasquale; Vito Dipasquale; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 5, 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 14, 2025 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 873 Court Road, Franklin Square, NY 11010. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Franklin Square, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 33, Block: 399, Lot: 10 & 11. Approximate amount of judgment $782,145.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #612817/2022. Matin Emouna, Esq ., Referee Frenkel Lambert Weiss Weisman & Gordon, LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01095942-F00 85140 152781

A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232 To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

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 14, 2025 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 limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 152814

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR VERUS SECURITIZATION TRUST 2019-INV2, Plaintiff, vs. ZEESHANA KHAN, ET AL., Defendant (s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 14, 2023, 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 15, 2025, at 3:30 PM, premises known as

1314 GLOBE AVENUE, 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 and State of New York, Section: 32, Block: 571, Lot: 30, 31, 32 & 33. Approximate amount of judgment is $613,580.26 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 612216/2020. 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.

LOUIS IMBROTO, Esq., Referee Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 152816

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

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LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST JACQUELINE SALMON, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered December 2, 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 20, 2025 at 2:00 pm, premises known as 1601 Johnson Avenue 13, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Hamlet of Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 32 Block 470 Lot 27. Approximate amount of judgment $717,212.08 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #011587/2008. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 00-120754 85213 152929

May 1, 2025 —

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. LANIECE DENNING, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 27, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 19, 2025 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 401 Kirkman Avenue, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 32, Block 537 and Lots 12-13. Approximate amount of judgment is $524,522.95 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #617389/2023.

Merik R. Aaron, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 224419-1 152949

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 05/07/2025 at 9:30

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

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

200/25. ELMONTGeorge Shanz & Peter Shanz, Renewal of grant to use premises for

outside storage & sale of building materials & maintain 6’ high fence., E/s Meacham Ave. between P & Q Sts., a/k/a 747 Meacham Ave. THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M. 217/25. ELMONTChoudhry Developers Inc., Variances, subdivision of lot, front width from & on street line to front setback line, construct dwelling with garage (demolish existing dwelling) (parcel 1)., N/s Oakwood Pl., 800’ E/o 239th St., a/k/a 2114 Oakwood Pl. 218/25. ELMONTChoudhry Developers Inc., Variances, subdivision of lot, front width from & on street line to front setback line, construct dwelling with garage (parcel 2)., N/s Oakwood Pl., 827.48 ‘ E/o 239th St. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Elmont within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny. gov/509/Board-ofAppeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny. gov/576/LiveStreaming-Video

Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 153225

LEGAL NOTICE CASE NO. 21527

RESOLUTION NO. 2982025

Adopted: April 8, 2025

Councilmember Muscarella offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AND SETTING ASIDE CERTAIN PARKING SPACES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES FOR THE SOLE USE OF HOLDERS OF SPECIAL PARKING PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COUNTY OF NASSAU TO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED

PERSONS WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 2572025, adopted March 25, 2025, a public hearing was duly held on the 8th, day of April 2025, at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the proposed establishment and setting aside of a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons, in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, all as set forth in said resolution; and WHEREAS, after due consideration, this Town Board finds it to be in the public interest to establish and set aside a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons;

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, the following parking spaces be and the same hereby is set aside for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons:

(NR)ISLAND PARK

BROADWAY - east side, starting at a point 261 feet north of the north curbline of Saratoga Boulevard, north for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-64/25)

NORTH BELLMORE

DAVENPORT PLACEnorth side, starting at a point 249 feet east of the east curbline of Newbridge Road, east for a distance of 31 feet.

(TH-115/25)

ROOSEVELT

PENNYSLVANIA

AVENUE - east side, starting at a point 120 feet north of the north curbline of Hudson Avenue, north for a distance of 19 feet.

(TH-544/24)

VALLEY STREAM

CHARLES STREET - west side, starting at a point 94 feet south of the south curbline of Oliver Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-119/25)

LAW STREET - west side, starting at a point 420 feet south of the south curbline of Stuart Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-116/25) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons:

FRANKLIN SQUARE

CRAFT AVENUE - north side, starting at a point 195 feet west of the west curbline of Hall Street, west for a distance of 22 feet.

(TH-426/23 - 10/3/23)

(TH-121/25)

OCEANSIDE

LAWRENCE AVENUEeast side, starting at a point 30 feet north of the north curbline of Montgomery Avenue, north for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-33/22 - 3/22/22)

(TH-120/25) ; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall enter this resolution in the minutes of the Town Board and shall publish a copy of this resolution once a newspaper having a general circulation in the Town of Hempstead and shall post a copy hereof on the signboard maintained by her, and file in her office affidavits of such publication and posting. The foregoing resolution was seconded by Councilmember Goosby and adopted upon roll call as follows: AYES: SEVEN (7) NOES: NONE (0) 153233

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LEGAL NOTICE

At a meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, held at the Town Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on April 29, 2025

P R E S E N T:

Hon. Donald X. Clavin, Jr., Supervisor

Dorothy L. Goosby

Dennis Dunne, Sr. Thomas E. Muscarella

Melissa Miller

Laura A. Ryder

Chris Schneider, Council Members.

-X

IN THE MATTER - ofTHE INCREASE AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE FRANKLIN SQUARE PARK DISTRICT IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK

-X

ORDER CALLING PUBLIC HEARING

WHEREAS, the Deputy Commissioner of the Town of Hempstead Department of Parks and Recreation, as the Representative of

the Franklin Square Park District (the “District”), proposed an improvement project regarding a new equipment barn at Rath Park, and requested the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead hold a public hearing on such increase and improvement of the District; and WHEREAS, the Deputy Commissioner submitted to the Town Board an estimate of cost relating to said increase and improvement; and, WHEREAS, the proposed increase and improvement is a Type II Action pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and 6 N.Y.C.R.R. Part 617; and, WHEREAS, it is in the public interest that the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead consider the proposition herein set forth and to call a public hearing thereon; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT, ORDERED, the proposed increase and improvement is a Type II Action pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and 6 N.Y.C.R.R. Part 617; and, be it further, ORDERED, that a public hearing be held by this Town Board at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on May 13, 2025 at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of the day, on the increase and improvement of the Franklin Square Park District at an estimated maximum cost of $200,000.00 to be financed by the issuance of obligations of the Town of Hempstead. ALL persons desiring to be heard concerning the subject of the abovementioned hearing will be given an opportunity to be heard at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: Hempstead, New York

April 29, 2025

/s/________________

Donald X. Clavin, Jr., Supervisor /s/

Dorothy L. Goosby /s/

Dennis Dunne, Sr. /s/

Thomas E. Muscarella /s/

Melissa Miller /s/

Laura A. Ryder

Chris Schneider, Members of the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead 153235

LEGAL NOTICE

At a meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, held at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on April 29, 2025

P R E S E N T:

Hon. Donald X. Clavin, Jr., Supervisor

Dorothy L. Goosby

Dennis Dunne, Sr.

Thomas E. Muscarella

Melissa Miller

Laura A. Ryder

Chris Schneider, Council Members.

-X

IN THE MATTER - ofTHE INCREASE AND IMPROVEMENT OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD PARK DISTRICT IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK

-X

ORDER CALLING PUBLIC HEARING

WHEREAS, the Deputy Commissioner of the Town of Hempstead Department of Parks and Recreation, as the Representative of the Town of Hempstead Park District (the “District”), proposed an improvement project regarding replacing playgrounds, basketball courts, backboards, tennis courts, outdoor decking, pool lining, pool basins, retaining walls, fencing, indoor fans, driving range netting, pathways, electrical components, spray pad boosters, doors, windows, pool electric breakers; filter room and HVAC upgrades; sand box removals and upgrades; new outdoor pool piping, patios, and any other necessary improvements at Averill, Brook Road, Echo, Fraser, Hewlett Point, Julian Lane, Merrick Golf, Merrick Road, Newbridge, Oceanside, Veterans, and water fountain installations, backboards and recreation improvements, doors and window improvements, HVAC upgrades, pool electric breaker improvements, and sand box removals and upgrades at these and other District parks, and requested the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead hold a public hearing on such increase and improvement of the District; and,

WHEREAS, the Deputy Commissioner submitted to the Town Board an estimate of cost relating to said increase and improvement; and, WHEREAS, the proposed increase and improvement is a Type II action pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and 6 N.Y.C.R.R. Part 617; and, WHEREAS, it is in the public interest that the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead consider the proposition herein set forth and to call a public hearing thereon; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT, ORDERED, the proposed increase and improvement is a Type II action pursuant to the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act and 6 N.Y.C.R.R. Part 617; and, be it further, ORDERED, that a public hearing be held by this Town Board at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on May 13, 2025 at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of the day, on the increase and improvement of the Town of Hempstead Park District at an estimated maximum cost of $4,540,000.00 to be financed by the issuance of obligations of the Town of Hempstead. ALL persons desiring to be heard concerning the subject of the abovementioned hearing will be given an opportunity to be heard at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: Hempstead, New York April 29, 2025 /s/

Donald X. Clavin, Jr., Supervisor /s/

Dorothy L. Goosby /s/

Dennis Dunne, Sr. /s/

Thomas E. Muscarella /s/

Melissa Miller /s/

Laura A. Ryder /s/

Chris Schneider, Members of the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead ; and, BE IT FURTHER, 153236

LEGAL NOTICE TO THE TAXPAYERS of the Franklin Square & Munson Fire District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a resolution was adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners, Franklin Square & Munson Fire District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York at a special meeting thereof held on March 25, 2025, subject to Permissive Referendum as provided by Town Law. An abstract of the resolution is as follows: BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Franklin Square & Munson Fire District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, shall expend additional monies for the purchase of firefighter turn-out gear and equipment in an amount not to exceed, one hundred twenty five thousand dollars ($125,000.00). Said funds to be expended from Capital Reserve for Equipment Repair and Replacement as authorized by Section 6-g of the General Municipal Law. This resolution shall take effect 30 days from the date hereof, unless within 30 days a valid petition, as provided for in the Town Law is filed with the Fire District Secretary requesting a Permissive Referendum. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS FRANKLIN SQUARE & MUNSON FIRE DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

Attest: Kerry Santina District Secretary March 25, 2025 153238

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the Franklin Square and Munson Fire District on the 25th day of March 2025, subject to permissive referendum as provided for by the Town Law. An extract of the resolution is as follows: The Franklin Square and Munson Fire District shall sell the following vehicle: One (1) 2010 Chevy 3500 Rescue no longer necessary for the District’s uses and purposes valued at least twenty-thousand ($20,000.00) dollars but less than onehundred-thousand ($100,000.00) dollars

Sewanhaka celebrates student excellence

At the Sewanhaka Board of Education meeting on April 24, the district honored several students, staff and community members for their recent accomplishments.

During the superintendent’s advisory report at the start of the meeting, a news release about the event said, student representatives provided highlights and information about district events that have recently taken place, including the Sewanhaka Inter-District Model UN Conference and the Breaking Borders Conference.

On April 5, more than 300 district Model UN delegates participated in the annual SIDMUN conference, hosted at Elmont Memorial High School. The news release said secretary generals Madison Gale from Elmont Memorial, Julia Kim from New Hyde Park and Stella Travlos from H. Frank Carey spoke about the successful districtwide Model UN programs and shared what the club means to them.

Following their statements, Elmont Memorial student Amira ElringtonEdwards discussed the multi-school conference, held on April 11 as part of the

Breaking Borders Organization.

According to the news release, this event, hosted by the Talk Club at Elmont Memorial, focused on accessibil-

Public Notices

in accordance with the authority vested in the Board of Fire Commissioners under section 176 subdivision 23 of the Town Law with the actual price of the sale to be based upon market forces. Sale of said vehicle is subject to permissive referendum as required under section 176 subdivision 23 of the Town Law and in accordance with procedures for permissive referendum as described in the GML. BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS

FRANKLIN SQUARE AND MUNSON FIRE DISTRICT

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD ATTEST:

Kerry Santina District Secretary March 25, 2025 153239

SUPREME

COUNTY OF NASSAU, FLAGSTAR BANK, FSB, Plaintiff, vs. NICHOLAS YAWORSKI

A/K/A NICHOLAS M.

YAWORSKI, ET AL., Defendant (s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 11, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Courthouse, 100

Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 4, 2025, at 2:00 PM, premises known as 101 FRANKLIN STREET, FRANKLIN SQUARE, NY 11010. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Franklin Square, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 33, Block: 422, Lot: 118. Approximate amount of judgment is $640,101.55 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 618231/2019. 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.

ELLEN DURST, Esq., Referee Roach & Lin, P.C., 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 153240

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE OF POSTPONEMENT OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR ARGENT SECURITIES INC., ASSETBACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006Ml, Plaintiff, Against

LYSTRA M. RAMRATTAN AS HEIR AND ADMINISTRATRIX TO THE ESTATE OF SURDASH RAMRATTAN; RANDALL S. RAMRATTAN AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SURDASH RAMRATTAN; LYSTRA M. RAMRATTAN AS GUARDIAN OF CHELSEA K. R. RAMRATTAN WHO IS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SURDASH RAMRATTAN; ET AL

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 01/10/2019, 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 5/5/2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1069 Concord Street, Franklin Square, New York 11010, And

Described As Follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Franklin Square in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York. Section 33 Block 380 Lot 260

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $882,483.61 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 003792/2015 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.

Original sale date 4/7/2025 at 2:00PM at the same location Ellen Durst, Esq., Referee.

MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 2/24/2025 File Number: 17-300381 CA 153242

To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232

ity being the key to inclusivity and promoted student conversations.

After the superintendent’s advisory report, the awards and commendations of staff and students began. Elmont Memorial High School teacher and Key Club adviser Patricia Justin was recognized as a New York State District Key of Honor recipient. This is the highest distinction presented by the NYS District Key Club, the news release said, and is granted to an individual who has made a lifelong impact to Key Club and students. The news release said Justin’s Key Club students nominated her for the award.

H. Frank Carey High School senior Natalie Osorio, who was not in attendance, was honored for her recognition as a News 12 Scholar-Athlete Award recipient. The news release said Osorio is an All-County distance runner and was a member of the record-breaking 4x800 relay team. She received a $1,000 scholarship.

The news release said five members of the Family Career and Community Leaders of America from Sewanhaka High School, advised by Daisy Amaris, were recognized for earning Gold status in Students Taking Action for Recognition events at the annual New York State Leadership Conference. They competed against over 200 students statewide, the news release said. The honored students are Arianna Flores, Jade Gomez, Win

Hla, Arianna Rosa and Shilan Simsek. They have been invited to represent New York State at the National Conference in Orlando, Florida.

The district’s robotics team, under the supervision of Jack Chen, was honored for their successful competition season, the news release said. The team earned the Inspire Award at the Long Island Regional FIRST Tech Challenge Championship. They advanced to the FIRST Robotics World Championships in Houston. They finished 16th in their division, which included 64 teams. The team members are Zarif Abrar, Shohom Chakraborty, Ainsley Cunningham, Yashvi Gupta, Miles Lucatorto, Ethan Lin and Ian Tallani.

The student recognitions concluded with the achievement of the Floral Park Memorial High School boys varsity basketball team, the news release continued, who are 2025 Nassau County Class A champions. Coaches Sean Boyle and Matt Kelly led the team.

Additionally, the news release said, Superintendent of Schools Regina Agrusa commended the heroic acts of three Floral Park community members, who assisted referee Joe Gaskin at the basketball championship game in March as he suffered a cardiac arrest. Monica Lally, Darlene Sica and Tiffany Vargas were given certificates of recognition for their bravery and kindness.

–Renee DeLorenzo

Board Trustee Trecia Wong, left, Elmont Memorial Principal

Marya Baker, Superintendent Regina Agrusa, Elmont

Memorial teacher

Patricia Justin and Board Trustee Tiffany Capers celebrate Justin’s recognition as a New York State District Key of Honor recipient.

Photos courtesy Sewanhaka Central High School District

The Floral Park Memorial High School boys’ varsity basketball team was recognized as 2025 Nassau County Class A champions under the leadership of coaches Sean Boyle and Matt Kelly.

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Fixing things up downstairs

Q. Our basement is unfinished, and we plan to put in walls and a finished ceiling. We know we need an escape window, but what are your suggestions on other things, like the kind of ceiling? I’m thinking about just sheetrock, but what kind of access do you recommend for the pipes and wires I’ll need to get to?

A. There are many items to include in your thought process for finishing your basement. Mistakes are made, first, by ever assuming that the people doing the work know the laws.

The biggest problem I see is that the ceiling is just a little too low, that someone dropped the entire ceiling level just because of one pipe. The minimum ceiling height in the current code is 6 feet 8 inches clearance, with 6 feet 4 inches under the center beams, air ducts or soffits anywhere in the basement. Always leave access for shutoff valves, wiring connections, cleanouts and other controls.

If you need to move pipes that were installed without any care for your future use of the basement, move them. Piping should go around the perimeter of the basement, no matter what excuse you hear. Because of poor planning and even worse execution, pipes are the No. 1 problem, because someone thoughtlessly put them in a place that was good for them and not for you.

The ceiling finish can be sheetrock in the larger areas with perimeter “hung” track ceilings outfitted with removable ceiling tiles. Again, even those lowered perimeter and under-beam soffits need to be no less than 6 feet 4 inches above the floor. Tall firefighters need to avoid hitting their heads when they’re running though your smoke-filled basement to rescue you or your loved ones.

Although you know you need an escape well window or exterior door entry, placement of the well in some side or front yards can cause a code violation if it’s closer than allowed to a property line. Verify your setback requirements for your zone, and even confirm that with an official at your local building department.

Many jurisdictions require a permit with plans and inspections, so don’t forget these important requirements. There are so many people who are frustrated that their contractor didn’t tell them that they needed a permit, and even worse, that they now have a violation that requires reconstruction to pass inspections. Don’t be one of those people. Other important issues include what to do with enclosing your heating equipment, putting laundry sinks and washing machines too close to the main electrical service panel, using the wrong kind of wall studs for perimeter walls, not insulating correctly and forgetting to put handrails on the access stairs, inside and out. Heating equipment, to the code, must follow the manufacturer’s specifications. Installers rarely leave a manual. Sometimes the internet helps. There must be 5/8-inch type X gypsum board on the ceiling extending at least 1 foot in each direction around the boiler. Best of luck!

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opinions Battery storage is key to economic competitiveness

As a lifelong Long Islander, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when our energy system fails. I lived through Superstorm Sandy and helped lead recovery efforts in its aftermath — and I don’t need to remind those who went weeks without power and spent hours on gas lines that grid resilience isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a necessity — one we must urgently prioritize.

Unfortunately, more than a decade later, the challenge not only persists, but it’s more complex than ever. The surge in electric vehicles, the rise of data centers and the electrification of homes and businesses are pushing Long Island’s energy demand to unprecedented levels. This isn’t just about the next superstorm — it’s about how we power everyday life for families and small businesses right now. Our existing grid wasn’t designed for this kind of load, and without proactive investment, we risk higher costs, decreased reliability and a system stretched to its breaking point. And the pressure is mounting. The Long Island Power Authority anticipates a steep rise in electricity demand in the

As I fight tooth and nail for every dollar, every program, every piece of support that I can secure for my constituents, a clear pattern has emerged in the performance of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman — one that it is marred by self-promotional pageantry, misplaced priorities and big promises that ultimately collapse.

The most recent example is the failure of the NYU Langone hospital project that was supposed to rise on the campus of Nassau Community College. When Blakeman introduced it, he billed it as a multibillion-dollar economic engine that would create thousands of jobs, deliver cutting-edge medical care and provide opportunities for our students.

When it was withdrawn in March, it became just another abandoned plan — another missed opportunity that could have changed lives and transformed our economy. Questions from the public and lawmakers have been met with a lack of

coming years. Storage will be key. Planned battery storage projects in Shoreham and Hauppauge are expected to deliver 129 megawatts of capacity, enough to power 25,000 homes once they’re operational in 2028. These aren’t theoretical solutions; they’re essential to keeping Long Islanders’ lights on. And they demonstrate that the public and private sectors can work together to address infrastructure challenges with innovative solutions.

important in ensuring that clean power doesn’t go to waste.

Without it, rising demand can trigger price volatility, hurting small businesses.

Battery energy storage systems are a smart response to this challenge. By storing excess energy during off-peak times and discharging it when demand peaks, these systems stabilize the grid without requiring massive infrastructure overhauls. They help prevent blackouts, curb price spikes, and improve efficiency. In short, they let us do more with what we already have, and that’s a win for everyone.

One of BESS’s most powerful features is its flexibility. It can store energy from any source — solar, wind, natural gas — and dispatch it where and when it’s needed most. This ability to smooth out fluctuations in supply and demand is crucial not just for stability, but also for affordability. And as more renewable sources come online, storage becomes even more

And we don’t have to look far to see BESS in action. On Long Island, Brookhaven recently approved two major battery storage projects that will add more than 300 megawatts of capacity to the grid. These facilities will store renewable energy when production is high and release it during peak usage — cutting costs, improving reliability and reducing emissions. As New York state accelerates its clean energy goals, battery storage projects like these will prove to be a critical tool for making our power system cleaner, smarter and more resilient. They also mean job creation and local investment, as the clean energy economy continues to grow.

Beyond environmental benefits, BESS has an economic upside. Without storage, rising demand can trigger price volatility, hurting working families and small business owners most. Battery storage helps keep costs predictable by reducing reliance on expensive “peaker” plants. And for high-tech industries like AI, data processing and advanced manufacturing, energy stability isn’t just a bonus — it’s a requirement for doing business. The long-term economic competitiveness of our region depends on

getting this right. Of course, safety must be top of mind. Modern battery storage systems are equipped with cutting-edge fire-prevention measures, modular designs and rigorous safety protocols. Proposed updates to fire codes will go even further, requiring comprehensive emergency planning and more frequent inspections. These systems aren’t just high-performing — they’re engineered to be safe and dependable, with oversight from both developers and local authorities.

If we want Long Island to stay competitive, battery storage must become a core part of our energy strategy. That means updating regulations to enable faster deployment, incentivizing private investment and supporting community engagement. Doing nothing is not an option. The longer we wait, the more vulnerable we become — not just to storms, but also to soaring costs and system failures. The future of energy here doesn’t hinge on simply generating more power — it depends on using the power we already have more wisely. Battery storage is the bridge between today’s strained grid and tomorrow’s resilient, affordable and sustainable energy future. Let’s not wait for the next storm or the next blackout to act. The time is now.

Sammy Chu is chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council-Long Island Chapter and chief executive officer of Edgewise Energy.

Nassau has little to show for Blakeman’s big promises

transparency, and no explanation.

Just up the road from NCC, you’ll find the Uniondale Hub, where Blakeman unsuccessfully chased a casino license. Whether you supported or opposed it, you couldn’t help but notice that the pursuit was fraught. The first time it went through the Legislature, the process was so flawed that a court made him start over. The project, with his promises of jobs and tax revenues, finally fell through, and billions of dollars in promised economic development and opportunities for union workers disappeared with yet another failed attempt to develop the Hub.

accounting for how the money was used.

The same can be said of the handling of the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup. After major portions of Eisenhower Park were closed for months, and there was the promise of an economic windfall, all Nassau got in return (from what we can tell so far) is major disruptions to the park’s operations, questions about whether taxpayers made a dime and, once again, no accountability.

H e favors political theater over policies that will address our serious issues.

Worse yet, the Blakeman administration blocked the use of project labor agreements to build the temporary stadium, squandering an opportunity to boost the livelihoods of local workers.

world-class burn center and lifesaving drug detox facilities, fails, it won’t just be a health care catastrophe — it will also be an economic earthquake. Working families will lose access to care, and thousands of jobs in the medical field could vanish overnight. Finger-pointing does not suffice as a strategy.

And let’s not forget the fundamentals: Blakeman passed a county budget that was so out of balance that it violated generally accepted accounting principles, and Nassau’s fiscal monitor forced him to fix it. The county’s most recent capital infrastructure plan was stalled for months because of Blakeman’s inexplicable refusal to fund more than $1 million in grants for first responders in Democratic districts, adding political rancor where there should be none.

These are not the only things that have vanished under this administration. Remember Blakeman’s plan to use $10 million in federal coronavirus recovery funds to promote himself under the guise of the county’s 125th-anniversary celebration? While families struggled to get back on their feet after the pandemic, his administration concluded that the best use for a significant portion of those funds was gala banquets, golf outings, fireworks and parades. Yet many of these events never happened, and there is little

The disrespect for labor is further exemplified in the treatment of CSEA employees and retirees, the backbone of our county workforce. They were promised affordable health care in exchange for their service. Instead, Blakeman gutted their benefits.

Then there’s the future of Nassau University Medical Center. Instead of delivering on promises to save the hospital, the administration has installed political cronies and further deepened the crisis. If NUMC, a Level 1 trauma center with a

As someone who is fighting to make things better for our communities, it is profoundly frustrating to pick up the pieces after an administration that prioritizes political theater over implementing policies that will address the most serious issues facing our communities. Nassau County deserves better than disappearing headlines. We deserve leadership that delivers.

Seth Koslow, who represents Nassau County’s 5th Legislative District, is the Democratic candidate for county executive.

sAMMY CHU

sETH i. KosLoW

There should be nothing but support for law enforcement

in recent weeks I have been at a number of events sponsored by police organizations, including a gala honoring 100 years of the Nassau County Police Department. I also spoke at a meeting of the Long Island Shields, which comprises retired police and law enforcement officers from New York City’s five boroughs as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties. And I attended a news conference with County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Police Commissioner Pat Ryder, at which they announced the creation of a house of worship desk, and demonstrated how drones can be deployed within minutes of mass shootings at houses of worship to determine the precise location of the shooter.

I regularly attend NCPD briefings on possible terror threats on Long Island. This isn’t new for me, since for my final almost two decades in Congress after 9/11, both as chairman and as a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I worked very closely with the New York

The lessons of the Holocaust are for everyone opinions

Last week, millions of people of the Hebrew faith observed an event known as the Shoah. It is the Hebrew word for catastrophe or disaster, and it is frequently used to refer to the Holocaust, the deliberate killing of six million Jews by the Nazi regime. While not all of us pause to formally recognize this event, it is a painful reminder of man’s inhumanity to man, and deserves to be observed every year.

I am very much aware of the need to pause to remember the Holocaust, because many members of my immediate family were either innocent victims of the Nazi killing machine or managed to escape the horror. Despite the fact that many of my aunts and uncles were Holocaust survivors, there was rarely any discussion about their experiences, because they were too painful to recount.

City and Nassau and Suffolk police departments on counterterrorism strategies and resources. Unfortunately, I was also in Congress during the summer of 2020, when we saw massive demonstrations against the police, a number of which turned violent, and the coordinated effort to “defund the police.” Tragically, I have also attended too many funerals of cops who have been shot and killed in the line of duty.

Too many people take the police for granted, or in some cases are even anti-police.

I say all this because too many people too often take the police for granted, or in some cases even join or support the anti-police movement, focusing on inappropriate actions taken by the smallest minority of police while ignoring that no one does more than the men and women in blue to safeguard all of us while respecting the rights of everyone regardless of race, creed or national origin — all while putting themselves at great risk.

While I understand why everyday people, who are busy trying to make a living and provide for their families, can overlook the outstanding work cops are doing to protect us 24/7, I have little tolerance for elected officials who enact laws or implement policies to tie the

hands of the police or, even worse, turn against them when it suits their political purposes. Support for police shouldn’t be subject to the shifting political winds. It is hypocritical to see politicians who, just a few years ago, were riding the “defund the police” bandwagon, or saying nothing in defense of the police, now shamelessly demanding more funding for more police. Similarly hypocritical are those legislators who hailed themselves for passing “bail reform” now claiming they never intended it to put more criminals back on the streets.

Recent elections have shown that everyday Americans are rallying for the police and supporting policies best described as pro-law and order. For instance, most observers, Democrats and Republicans alike, would agree that Anne Donnelly was elected Nassau County district attorney over her much more well known opponent, State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, four years ago not just because of her decades-long career as a prosecutor, but because of Kaminsky’s previous outspoken support of cashless bail, which he unsuccessfully attempted to run away from during the campaign.

Similarly, the most obvious example of this growing pro-cop sentiment was Donald Trump’s election last fall. Trump ran on a clear pro-police, toughon-crime platform, moving many traditional Democrats to cross party lines to vote for him over the party they believed abandoned them.

I must admit that my support for the police is due in part to personal dealings I’ve had with members of law enforcement over the years, beginning with my father, who was in the NYPD for more than 30 years, and friends of mine who joined the NYPD and NCPD. There were also my close dealings with all levels of law enforcement — federal, state and local — in the years after 9/11, including the officers assigned to my security detail because of foreign and domestic threats against me.

But support for law enforcement must be based on more than personal or family friendships and relationships. Very basically, it is in all of our best interests to support the men and women who — often against the odds — put themselves at risk to protect our streets and communities. It’s also simply the right thing to do.

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

Those members of my family who were survivors were blessed to live long lives even though they suffered greatly during the war. A few lived into their 90s, and my grandma Sarah lived to be 100. Some might say that for them, long life was a blessing, but I believe it was a testament to their willingness to be living examples of what they had seen so that we didn’t forget their ordeal, or the millions who didn’t survive.

M y Grandma

Sarah never spoke of her confinement until her late 90s.

At this point, I choose to write about my grandmother and my aunt Irene. On a few rare occasions, they put aside their reticence to tell us something about the horrible past. In the case of Irene, she spoke of how she had been sent to a concentration camp, along with her mother and sister. When they got there, a German soldier directed her mother and sister to go to one area, and Irene to another. After that moment, she said, she never saw them again, because their fate was sealed. Grandma Sarah had another story, but she never spoke of her confinement

until her late 90s. We had been forced to put her in the Komanoff Pavilion, in Long Beach, due to her many physical needs. On the few occasions that we visited her, she told us that “they beat me last night.” She told us many other things that we knew she would never willingly reveal if she had control of her faculties. I share these stories out of my fear for where the world is going.

Recently there was an election in Germany. Before it, Vice President J.D. Vance decided to meet with the leaders of all of the nation’s political parties. He gave special support to the far right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, party, which has strong pro-Nazi leanings. Its platform has frightened the country, and Europe in general. Vance made a plea for the party to be recognized as a partner in future governments. His visit was totally unnecessary, and sent a message to bigots around the world that their antisemitism has the approval of a White House occupant.

We are currently hearing a great deal

of talk about antisemitism on college campuses as well as in the rest of America. Leaders of the Anti-Defamation League recently reported that there have been over 10,000 antisemitic incidents in the U.S. since the horrific tragedy of Hamas’s attack on Israel on Oct 7, 2023. It is believed to be the highest number of incidents ever recorded in a similar period since the ADL started tracking them in 1979.

History tells us that hate crimes don’t just single out one particular group. People of Italian, Irish, Chinese, Muslim and other backgrounds have suffered at the hands of wicked political leaders who strategically pick some group as their scapegoats. The observance of the Shoah is a stark reminder that, once again, these horror stories can be repeated, unless we are vigilant and willing to fight against hate in all forms. The forces of evil are always there waiting to strike, especially when we fail to ignore them.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.

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Incorporating the Franklin Square/Elmont

Renee DeLoRenzo

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Your Board of Education needs your attention

on Long Island and across New York state, incumbent trustees and new candidates for school district boards of education have submitted their petitions and are now on the ballot on May 20, when residents go to the polls to vote on their school budgets and capital improvement referendums, and elect their trustees.

For the next two and a half weeks, the candidates will hold forums with residents and plant lawn signs across their communities in an effort to keep their names in voters’ minds, as well as their stances on the districts’ spending plans.

While elected positions from village trustee to state legislator might appear more important and larger in scope, the decisions that shape our daily lives are frequently made on those school boards. And, from voters’ perspective, lifeimpacting decisions about where they choose to live are more often than not made based on where their children will go to school.

Quality public education not only prepares our children for bright futures, but also increases communities’ property values, attracts new residents, reduces crime and promotes social mobility.

For the 125 school districts in Nassau and Suffolk counties, boards of education, typically consisting of five to nine people, play a critical role in overseeing and shaping the educational system. Their responsibilities include creating a vision for the district, setting goals and

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establishing policies, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, and collaborating with administrators to help ensure the schools’ smooth operations. They must be accountable to the community, and offer regular, constructive public engagement.

Though trustees are volunteers, they are entrusted to guide the district and have a duty to represent their constituencies during their three-year terms. That includes being aware of, and understanding, the influence they wield.

All of the above are great reasons why you should care about your local school board: because its members represent the beating heart of civic responsibility, and because our schools deserve leadership that is not only competent and informed, but also reflective of and responsive to the communities they serve. Board trustees may have none of the glamour of state or national office holders, but the impact they have is often more immediate, and more personal. Their decisions don’t just affect students — they affect entire neighborhoods, in so many ways.

Residents have a responsibility to know who represents them and what those representatives stand for. That means researching school board candidates, attending their town halls, asking tough questions — making sure community concerns are heard — and judging the results with your vote. You can learn

F.S. Museum withdraws Prop. 6 from budget vote

To the Editor:

Earlier this year, the Franklin Square Museum submitted a proposition, known as Proposition 6, allocating the sum of $45,000 for the support of educational programs at the museum. As a result of deliberate misinformation, the proposition has regrettably caused division in our community.

Since its founding in 1976, the museum has always been a focus of pride and unity in Franklin Square, and must always remain so. Therefore, the museum board hereby withdraws Proposition 6 from consideration in the May 20 budget vote.

The museum will continue to stand by the merits of the proposition, but believes it is in the best interests of the community as a whole to withdraw it from consideration at this time. We thank the many residents who have expressed their support, and we resolve to continue serving our students with highquality educational experiences delivered by our allvolunteer. licensed professional staff.

more about candidates before elections, and then their effectiveness as trustees, each week in the Herald.

And anyone can run for their local school board. You don’t need a background in teaching, or a master’s in education policy, or to be working in a profession that has anything to do with either one. What you do need is a commitment to fairness, a willingness to listen and a passion for serving your community by providing its children with the highest-quality education possible.

Public education needs leaders who understand the complexities of modern classrooms and the myriad challenges faced by working families who have kids in school, and public servants who put the needs of students above special interests. That leadership doesn’t have to come from somewhere else. It can come from you. We need more residents to step forward — not for the prestige of being a trustee, but for the purpose.

At a time when trust in institutions is fragile and divisions run deep, school boards offer a rare opportunity to focus on unity and progress, where politics can — and certainly should — take a backseat to the shared goal of improving children’s lives.

So let this be a call not only to vote, but also to get involved. Attend meetings. Volunteer to help with a school activity. Speak up — ask questions. And if you’re ready to lead, step up. Our children are depending on us.

Greetings from Franklin Square’s new postmaster

To the Editor:

N“expected local governments struggling of Albany’s democrats

state. This deeply ance, important or deserving unfortunately, tion has Gov. Kathy governments working Albany mere suggestion.

I’m honored to introduce myself to the community as your new postmaster. My name is deon Smith, and I’m excited to begin this journey serving the residents and businesses of Franklin Square.

The u.S. Postal Service has a longstanding tradition of connecting people

The high cost of a delayed state budget

no surprise: The state budget is still late. At four weeks past the April 1 deadline, the insistent claim of a deal being “expected soon” offers little comfort to local governments and school districts struggling to plan responsibly in the face of Albany’s brazen dysfunction. While Democrats in the Capitol negotiate their priorities behind closed doors, communities across the state are left in limbo, including our own here in Nassau County.

School districts, in particular, are being forced to craft their budgets without knowing how much support they’ll receive from the state. This isn’t just frustrating — it’s deeply concerning. Without clear guidance, important programs could be cut or deserving schools left underfunded.

Unfortunately, this kind of dysfunction has become all too common under Gov. Kathy Hochul’s leadership. Local governments play by the rules, and hardworking families show up every day, yet Albany treats the budget deadline as a mere suggestion.

The delay is directly complicating school district planning. Most districts across the state were required to finalize their budgets by April 22, a deadline that has already passed. That means they’re moving forward without a full picture of their state aid, and are forced to make critical decisions about staffing and programming based on guesswork.

iAs Melinda Person, president of New York State United Teachers, warned earlier this month, “Time is running out — and our schools, students and educators deserve predictable, reliable funding that they can count on … timeliness matters.” She’s right. When districts need to hire a teacher or plan a special-education program, they need to know their funding in advance. Having to guess is unfair for districts and students, and leads to gaps in critical services and missed educational opportunities that could affect their long-term success.

sary resources to repair our roads after harsh winters. With the delay in the budget, municipalities are in a holding pattern, unsure of what projects they can move forward with as summer approaches. Road construction season is short, and this delay pushes crucial repairs further out.

t leaves school districts, municipalities and nonprofits in limbo.

To make matters worse, inflation has driven up the cost of labor and materials, and last year’s failure to increase CHIPS funding has only compounded the challenge. The solution shouldn’t be to get better at swerving around potholes on our way to work every morning. Unrepaired roads put drivers at risk, increase the likelihood of costly accidents and vehicle damage and, most important, can hinder emergency responders when they’re needed most.

and provide essential services to those in need. Instead of working toward solutions that address the state’s affordability crisis, Albany Democrats remain stuck on unrelated policy issues that could be discussed later in the session.

The budget should be focused on making New York more affordable and livable. Families and businesses are leaving for more affordable states, and who can blame them? Since Hochul took office in 2022, New York has failed to pass a state budget on time — not once. Yes, late budgets aren’t new, but each year we let the deadline slip further, we lower the standard just a little more. New Yorkers deserve better, and the state should demand better.

Beyond the education sector, municipalities are also stuck in budget limbo. Every year, my colleagues and I advocate for Consolidated Local Street and Highway Improvement Program, or CHIPS, funding to ensure that our local highway and town departments have the neces-

Letters

— through letters, packages and reliable service. Under our ambitious Delivering for America plan, I’m committed to upholding that tradition while working to enhance the customer experience in every way possible. Whether it’s ensuring timely deliveries, improving our retail services or listening to your feedback, my goal is to make our post office a place of trust and support for everyone.

I began my career in 2017 as a city carrier assistant in the Hempstead post office. In 2021 I became the supervisor of customer services in Roosevelt. In 2023 I was promoted to postmaster of Williston Park. I continue my career as the new postmaster of Franklin Square, and hope to serve the community well. During my spare time I am also a local volunteer firefighter.

I encourage you to stop by the post office, say hello, and share any questions or ideas you may have. Thank you for the opportunity to serve. I’m proud to be here, and look forward to working together to keep our community connected.

DEON SMITH Postmaster, Franklin Square

Gillen’s ‘town hall’ wasn’t much of one

Nonprofit organizations are also in this budget standstill. Many rely on state grants to achieve their goals and fulfill their missions. Local food banks, shelters and health organizations depend on these resources to support vulnerable populations. Without certainty on funding, they face mounting pressure to continue their work without clarity on how much they can count on, which undermines their ability to plan, hire staff

“Town Hall Meeting” on April 16. Sadly, it was nothing more than a performative press release with an audience. What a disappointment. and waste of her constituents’ time! A 30-minute presentation with no comments, feedback or questions from the audience.

While technically meeting the definition of a Q&A by reading pre-submitted — and perhaps pre-screened — questions, Gillen answered them with superficial, pre-fabricated responses that, in some cases, matched exactly the column she wrote for the Heralds last month. We could have just stayed home and read our copy of the Herald!

Gillen told us why she chose which committees she wanted to serve on, her hope and plan to work in a bipartisan fashion, and her desire to reduce roadway deaths and dangers. She shared her reason for supporting the Laken Riley Act, which requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain illegal immigrants who commit certain crimes, but when there was criticism from the audience, the person was removed by security.

What was never touched on was the elephant in the room, the reason so many people wanted to attend the meeting: We are in crisis in this country, our rights are being overridden, the Constitution trampled. The current administration is committing illegal acts in our name, “disappearing” people and shipping them to foreign countries where our tax dollars are

When you show up late to work, you get written up. When you’re late to school, there are academic consequences. When you miss a bill payment, there are penalties. So where’s the accountability for the Legislature? At the end of the day, it’s not lawmakers who suffer the consequences — it’s everyday New Yorkers like you.

The current path of reckless spending, missed deadlines and misplaced priorities is unsustainable. One-party rule in Albany continues to fail the very families Democrats claim to support. It’s time to stop playing politics and pass a responsible state budget.

Ed Ra represents the 19th Assembly District.

Framework by Tim Baker

used to keep them detained without due process. Our confidential personal data is being taken by rogue invaders without any security clearance. Our Social Security, health care system and Medicaid are in grave danger. This was not addressed in Gillen’s “town hall.” The fear, concern and dissent were not acknowledged in any way.

While I guess we should be happy that at least there was a performance of a town hall, since so many legislators are totally ignoring their constituents, and in fact hiding from them, this event was barely better. She can and should do better!

At the Nassau County Police Department’s 100th anniversary parade — Wantagh

Rep. Laura Gillen advertised a

LINDA ROBERTSON West Hempstead