Freeport Herald 04-23-2026

L.I. Cares is a part of tri-state food drive effort

By ANDREW FRANCIS

afrancis@liherald.com

Long Island Cares, a nonprofit with a major location in Freeport, is joining forces with Island Harvest, six other food banks in the tri-state area, Stop & Shop, NBC New York and Telemundo 47 for the annual Feeding Our Families food-collection drive.

The one-day hunger relief campaign will take place on April 25, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., at more than 170 Stop & Shop locations, where participants can donate funds, food and household items that regional food banks can distribute.

Feeding Our Families was launched in 2017 with the mission of combatting hunger in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Long Island Cares has been a part of each iteration of the event and will have at least 14 volunteers helping with collections across three Long Island stores.

The annual food drive was cancelled in 2019 due to a COntinued On page 3

LIRR strike over job conditions could start May 16

By BRIAN KACHARABA & ANDREW FRANCIS of the Freeport Herald

A potential Long Island Rail Road strike is looming on May 16, setting up what could be the first major work stoppage on the commuter rail system in more than three decades if no deal is reached between the Metropolitan Transportation Authority and its unionized employees.

At the center of the dispute are issues with pay and working conditions. Union leaders are seeking a retroactive 9.5 percent wage increase for the past three years, and an addi -

tional 5 percent raise starting this year.

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

Many Freeport residents and commuters expressed frustration at the possibility of a work stoppage. “What would they be striking for now?” Ann Haynes-Sanders, a local LIRR rider, said. “Prices just went up in December or January. People really need the trains to get to work and back.”

“Higher wages? That’s comi-

cal,” resident Jason Mackie said. “I know people personally that make $80K a year collecting tickets.”

Two Presidential Emergency Boards were convened between September 2025 and last month to help resolve the dispute between the LIRR and a coalition of five rail unions representing a majority of its workforce. Both boards sided with the unions, rejecting the MTA’s proposed work rule changes and recommending wage increases, helping to set the stage for the current standoff.

The dispute involves more than 3,500 workers represented by the Brotherhood of Locomo-

tive Engineers and Trainmen; the International Association of Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers –Transportation Division; the Transportation Communications Union/IAM; the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen; and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.

Michael Sullivan, general

chairman of the Brotherhood of Railroad Signalmen, said frustration is mounting among union leaders as negotiations have stalled in recent weeks, with no follow-up meetings currently scheduled.

“I’m frustrated because we didn’t really speak about anything of substance, and they

COntinued On page 10

Courtesy Daniel Wolk

Feeding Our Families unites several nonprofits and communities with the mission of delivering families the basic human right of food.

FASNY sounds alarm for new recruits

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

dangerous car fires.

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

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

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

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

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Carolyn James/Herald photos

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

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

Communities to join one-day food drive

Stop & Shop labor strike and from 202022 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but the event has since returned and helped collect massive amounts of food items and thousands of dollars in funding for food banks in the tri-state area.

“The reality is simple,” Katherine Fritz, president and CEO of Long Island Cares, said. “Too many Long Islanders are still struggling to keep food on the table, and partnerships like this are how we meet the need in a real and meaningful way. This is about more than a single day of giving. It is about showing up for our communities with consistency and purpose.”

In addition to collections on April 25, Stop & Shop already has opened the campaign by giving shoppers the opportunity to round up their food purchases to the nearest dollar to go towards supporting Long Island Cares and other food banks. This front-end campaign began on April 13 and will end on April 26.

Daniel Wolk, Stop & Shop’s external communications manager, voiced similar enthusiasm for the event and its partnerships, stating that combatting hunger and food insecurity is “Stop & Shop’s number one charitable pillar.”

“What many people don’t realize is that currently hunger and food insecurity across the nation is worse now than at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic,” Wolk said. “That’s why we’re asking our customers to support this. That’s why we’re partnering with NBC 4, Telemundo and our fantastic food bank partners because we want to give them every opportunity to support those in need. Food shouldn’t be a luxury. It should be a basic human right.”

According to officials, food banks are in greater demand, while supplies have stayed stagnant or decreased for a variety of factors. John Durso, vice president for Community and Communications for NBC New York, said that food banks and other nonprofit organizations that he’s spoken with have faced significant challenges in recent years.

“They have seen significant challenges due to the federal cuts,” Durso said, citing major cutbacks and policy revisions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, through the federal administration’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act in July 2025, as a factor leading to less affordability for many families and more strain being placed on food banks.

Durso also mentioned the rising price of gasoline across Long Island and the rest of the United States as further contributing to financial hardships of some of the country’s most vulnerable households.

“They’ve had to do more with less,” he said.

Peter Crescenti, a Long Island Cares spokesman, also mentioned that many immigrants who would typically rely on the agency’s services, are refraining from going to their food banks in Freeport and other locations due to fear of being arrested or profiled by immigration authorities, furthering their per-

sonal food insecurity concerns.

According to Long Island Cares, an estimated 313,800 Long Island residents are food insecure, accounting for nearly 3 percent of its population. They estimate that “more than 2.2 million” people in New York state are food insecure, which is about a tenth of the state’s population.

Various studies conclude that food insecure people, especially children and seniors, are more likely to exhibit decreased stamina, poor social skills, behavioral issues and more physical and mental health deficiencies.

Beyond non-perishable items like canned goods and dried pasta, some of the most requested items include every-

are

to counteracting

day items like diapers, baby formula and other hygiene products. The funds and resources collected in each area will be given to the food bank in that location. Long Island Cares and Island Harvest will split the proceeds that are collected at the various Long Island locations.

Some nearby participating Stop and Shop addresses include but are not limited to, 905 Atlantic Avenue in Baldwin, 2160 South Merrick Mall in Merrick, and 3577 Long Beach Road in Oceanside.

To view the complete list of requested donation items and the participating Stop & Shop locations, visit NBCNewYork.com/fooddrive or telemundo47. com/ayuda.

Courtesy John Durso donated food items and household supplies will be collected at Stop & Shop locations across the tri-state area.

Courtesy Peter Crescenti Long island Cares will split the resources raised on Long island with island Harvest.

Courtesy Daniel Wolk

Locals of all ages

invited to help contribute

hunger on Long island.

Protecting Your Future

Health Benefits of Forgiveness

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hold:

how you react to those feelings will.

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

Seven candidates for school board trustees announced

By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com

a school board seat.

Marie Carmel Houanche is the fourth candidate, who’s recent experience includes being an administrator for the Freeport Veteran’s Affairs while being a retired veteran herself.

Three trustee positions on the Freeport Public Schools school board are up for election this year, two full term seats and one unexpired term seat, according to the district. Two incumbents and five new candidates have registered their names as candidates with the school district ahead of the May 19 election. Two candidates ran unopposed for school board seats in 2025.

Scott Richardson, current school board vice president, is seeking re-election, while Dina C. Skeffrey, a current school board trustee, hopes to be elected for the first time after she was an unappointed board appointee last November to replace Beverly Jouissance after she was dismissed when it was discovered that she did not live within the district. Jouissance has decided to run again for

The final three candidates, Gabriela Castillo, Eddie Gordon and Michael Pomerico, are running together as one unofficial ticket. Pomerico and Castillo have served on the Freeport Board of Education in the past, while Gordon has worked with Freeport students and the community after graduating from Freeport schools.

The Herald will be publishing interviews with all willing candidates where they will be asked about their administrative experience and vision for Freeport Public Schools. Candidates and campaign managers can email afrancis@liherald.com to have their campaigns featured in an upcoming issue.

Herald file photo

Incumbents Scott Richardson and Dina C. Skeffrey seek to defend their school board seats, while Sonia Dixon is opting out of re-election.

Community rallies to clean-up Brookside

In recognition of Earth Day on April 22, the South Shore Conservation Society and several other organizations and legislators will be working together to clean the Brookside Preserve on Saturday, April 25.

Starting at 10 a.m., participants will gather at the Brookside Preserve, located in Freeport and Baldwin, and will take up the trash and waste that presently exists in the nature preserve. Garbage bags and rubber gloves will be provided to all, while participants are encouraged to bring pokers, rakes, grabbers, heavy duty gloves and other supplemental tools to assist in the clean-up.

To safeguard against ticks and other hazards, attendees are also asked to wear long sleeve tops, pants, socks and other attire that does not expose skin. Pets are asked to be left at home.

“District 6 is blessed with some of our region’s most beautiful green spaces and aquatic preserves, and it is imperative for each of us to do our part to enhance and preserve them for future generations,” Legislator Debra Mulé said.

Joining the South Shore Conservation Society and Mulé in the clean-up effort will be Operation SPLASH, the Freeport-Merrick Rotary Club, The Green Army, the Girls Scouts of Nassau County Freeport chapter, the Environmental Rotaract of Nassau County, students from the Freeport and Baldwin

High Schools, Legislator Scott Davis, Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, State Senator Siela Bynoe and more.

Those interested in joining the volun-

teer

–Andrew Francis

effort are asked to RSVP with Legislator Mulé’s office at 516-571-6206.

Andrew Francis/Herald photos Residents and local organizations will attempt to clean up and repair portions of the Brookside Preserve on Saturday, April 25.

Nassau County Legislator Debra Mulé and Jose Cuevas, vice president of the South Shore Conservation Society, stand in front of the now precarious, dangerous and illmaintained pathways and foliage of the Brookside Preserve in Freeport.

CHARLOTTE WEBSTER EAST ROCKAWAY Senior SOFTBALL

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

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, April 23

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

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

Friday, April 24

Softball: Clarke at Farmingdale 5 p.m.

Softball: Malverne at Uniondale 5 p.m.

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

Baseball:Calhoun at Long Beach 5 p.m.

Baseball: Elmont at Kennedy 5 p.m.

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

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

Girls Lacrosse: Carey at Kennedy 5 p.m.

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

Saturday, April 25

Softball: Wantagh at Oceanside 10 a.m.

Softball: Hicksville at Long Beach 10 a.m.

Softball: West Hempstead at Lawrence 10 a.m.

Softball: Lynbrook at Freeport 10 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Herricks at Baldwin 11 a.m.

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

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

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

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

Boys Lacrosse: Lynbrook vs Hewlett 6:30 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

HERALD SPORTS

Freeport topples Sewanhaka, 13-5

By NICK MONGIOVI sports@liherald.com

Sewanhaka and Freeport squared off in a Conference IV girls’ lacrosse bout last Friday, which extended Freeport’s win streak to two games as it beat the host Ravens 13-5.

The Red Devils were led by senior captains Julia Mendoza-Pinyero and Ava Smith. The pair combined for 11 of the 13 goals, with Mendoza-Pinyero netting six and Smith adding five in a performance that highlighted their chemistry and leadership.

“Those two, they can do it all,” Freeport coach Lauren Chimeri said. “This is their fourth year together and they just communicate so well. They’re leaders on the field, so the rest of the girls look up to them. They’re amazing.”

Mendoza-Pinyero scored the game’s first three goals in four minutes. She scored at 9:56, 8:59 and 5:45, but Sewanhaka was able to answer with two quick ones of its own. Junior Alexandra Salazar scored at 3:56 and 3:14 to pull within one.

“Alex thrives off the energy, so I think she felt the crowd,” Sewanhaka coach Brianne Giuliano said of Salazar. “She felt motivated and that’s how she got her two goals.”

Mendoza-Pinyero found the back of the net once more before the end of the first quarter at the 2:11-minute mark, to take a 4-2 lead after the first frame. It was all Red Devils in the second quarter, as Smith scored three and MendozaPinyero notched one.

“We hadn’t found that team chemistry yet, we weren’t connecting as much, but we finally were able to find it and it all came together,” Mendoza-Pinyero said.

All four goals came in the final eight minutes of the first half: 8:05 from Smith, 4:00 from Mendoza-Pinyero and 3:27 and 1:05 from Smith.

“I think that we really came together as a team,” Smith said. “We just came off a good win on Wednesday, so I think that really brought us together, and we all hustled very well today. I’m proud of the team.”

Ravens junior Jade Young and junior captain Athena Thomaidis each scored in the third quarter, with Young’s goal coming at 3:50 and Thomaidis’ coming at 2:43. Sewanhaka’s fifth goal came off the stick of junior Zoe Knibb in the fourth quarter. Sophomore Talia Bossous and Knibb have also carved out roles for themselves.

“For our progression, it shows me as a coach that we really do thrive off of the high energy,” Giuliano said regarding the team’s second-highest goal total of the season. “Going into this game, we were excited; it was a home game. I think going forward, this shows me that we are ready for the next competition.

We’re going to keep this energy up high.”

The other two goal scorers for Freeport (2-6) came from junior Jazline Bautista and Jolenny Gil Nunez. Freshman goalie Camila Rodriguez made “great saves,” Smith said, as she notched eight.

“She did great,” Chimeri said of Rodriguez. “She gets nervous in the beginning and then she steps in and does her thing. I think every day she gets a little bit better.”

Sewanhaka (0-6) will look for its first win this Friday on the road against Jerricho. Freeport has its sights set on a three-game win streak, but Island Trees stands in its way also on Thursday.

Sue Grieco/Herald

Ava Smith scored five times last Friday as the Red Devils won their second straight, topping Sewanhaka.

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

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BRANDED CONTENT

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

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

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

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

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

most relevant as you take on this position?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Safety Built Into Every System

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

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

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

Stabilizing the Grid, Lowering Costs

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

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

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

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

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

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

ScOtt JENNINGS

Chamber of Commerce installs ‘26 officers

Ben Jackson, a business owner and lifelong Freeport resident, officially began his fifth term as president of the Freeport Chamber of Commerce during a special installation ceremony. Jackson has continued to make the accessibility of the Chamber to all residents a priority for his leadership.

Jackson was installed during a ceremony on Thursday, April 16, at the Bayview on the Water venue on Freeport’s Nautical Mile. He was joined in the ceremony by returning Chamber officers First Vice President Gregory Ingino, Second Vice President Jacques Butler, Third Vice President James Tucker Williams, Treasurer John Hrvatin, Executive Secretary Jennifer Jerome and Directors John Jutt and Matthew Karp.

The officers’ agenda has been described as “ambitious,” with a focus on offering more family friendly events and increasing the Chamber’s membership.

“We don’t just have business memberships, we also have associate memberships for individuals,” Jackson explained. “Any resident can join as an associate member. We also are encouraging not for profit and religious organizations to join the Chamber and experience the benefits we offer.”

In addition to providing valuable networking opportunities for local member businesses, Chamber membership provides further potential public exposure

and possible assistance with the missions of each member.

Part of the Chamber’s efforts for 2026 include supporting the U.S. 250th anniversary celebrations in the Village of Freeport. The Chamber is sponsoring special anniversary banners and decorations will be placed on every light pole along Woodcleft Avenue and a special fireworks display in the summer. The fireworks display, which the Chamber supports annually on July 3, will be “bigger this year,” according to Jackson. His

wife, Jen, who is trained in pyrotechnics, coordinating the display. More information will be shared closer to the date.

Beyond anniversary celebrations, Chamber officers say they are looking to get even more events and initiatives done across Freeport with help from Village Mayor Robert Kennedy and other community leaders.

“While we do a lot with the Nautical Mile, we want to also be responsive to North and South Freeport,” Jackson said. “We have a good relationship with

the mayor and the Village, and it has benefitted both, especially when it comes to big events. The mayor is always supportive and attends all of our events that he can.”

Kennedy affirmed the work of the Chamber and congratulated Jackson and his fellow officers on their installation and the work they are setting out to do.

“They do a fantastic job of promoting and supporting Freeport businesses,” Kennedy said. “I also am 100 percent in favor of growing the Chamber’s membership by adding more individuals and organizations.”

In addition to acknowledging the installed Chamber of Commerce officers, six awards were given to residents and local businesses for their community contributions. The honorees were Martin and Associates, a construction company, Harmony Healthcare, a local medical center, Jimmy Tsikis of bagel shop Pantano Doz. Bagels, retired police officer Shawn Randall, Village of Freeport Fire Chief Michael Gordon and Village of Freeport Police Department Sargeant Melissa Rodriguez.

To learn more about the Freeport Chamber of Commerce’s future events and how to become a member, please visit freeportchamberofcommerce.org or call 516-223-8840.

–Andrew Francis

Carmine Carpinone Funeral Director/ Manager

Michael Carpinone Funeral Director

Andrew Francis/Herald

The Freeport Chamber of Commerce seeks to improve its accessibility and services for community businesses and residents.

Strike threat persists amid stalled talks

were not able to even put anything on the calendar,” Sullivan said. “They said that they would reach out to us, and they have not.”

Sullivan added that the unions believe the recent recommendations by the federal mediation boards should serve as a foundation for a deal, arguing that labor has already adjusted its position, while the MTA has yet to respond with a counteroffer.

“We believe that we moved a lot off of our position twice, and they have not moved at all,” he said.

The two sides last met on March 20, continuing negotiations under federal oversight after months of delays that have repeatedly pushed back the possibility of a strike, which would be the LIRR’s first since 1994.

MTA CEO Janno Lieber stressed the financial impact of a potential walkout, and urged continued negotiations.

“It is insane for us to have a strike, not just because the harm it does to Long Islanders and to their economy, but because three days of a strike will wipe out 1.1 percent of wage raises that you are fighting for,” he said. “The nurses just finished a strike, and they had it for several weeks. And it’s no secret that a lot of people lost the value of several years of wage increases because of the duration of the strike.

“So, what we said to them is, look out for your members,” Lieber continued. “We understand you’re fighting for compensation. But let’s sit down and figure out how do we give you a little bit more money than maybe the pattern increases and offset it with some productivity improvements.”

LIRR President Rob Free, referring to the findings of the Presidential Emergency Boards, said the reports acknowledged the need to address work rules even if they were not included in the final recommendations.

“It’s important, if you read it, they also did cite that work rules were out there,” Free said, “and it was a good idea to talk about a couple of the work rules.”

Federal mediation has helped prevent a strike so far. In September, a potential walkout was avoided when federal officials stepped in and both sides agreed to continue negotiating in a cooling-off period.

If no agreement is reached by midnight on May 16, workers would be allowed to strike, which could disrupt commutes for more than 270,000 daily riders.

According to MTA payroll data from 2024, the average pay for LIRR employees before overtime is over $121,000 a year. Some 259 LIRR employees received at least $100,000 in overtime in 2024.

Some Freeport residents say they support a strike, citing inflation as reason enough. “I support the workers,” Ericka McJinx said. “It’s been three years since

they’ve gotten an increase. Inflation is out of control, and makes it harder for families.”

Another resident, Steven Samuelson, said that he is fine with using alternative methods for his commute — taking a bus or taxi, or using rideshare apps like Uber — for the sake of the strike.

“I’m in favor of everyone being paid a fair wage and getting raises that at minimum keep up with inflation,” Samuelson said.

Under the Taylor Law — the state Public Employees’ Fair Employment Act — strikes by MTA workers are illegal. The law, enacted in 1967, following a transit strike in 1966, prohibits public employees from walking off the job, and provides alternative methods for resolving labor disputes. It also carries penalties for violations, including fines and loss of pay for workers and their unions.

Roosevelt students explore career options

Roosevelt High School welcomed Long Island nonprofit Career Day Incorporated to its building on April 10 for a special day-long event that helped students explore career options and develop financial literacy. The program was run in partnership with the school’s My Brother’s Keeper chapter.

The day’s program featured a panel of diverse professionals who shared their personal career journeys, professional insights and life lessons with Roosevelt High School students. Following discussions with students about various career choices and pathways, the program incorporated a strong focus on financial literacy, equipping students with foundational knowledge and tools to make informed financial decisions while in high school and during their adult lives.

“The opportunity for our students to learn directly from professionals and gain real-world insight into both career pathways and financial responsibility is invaluable,” Shawn Wightman, superintendent of schools for the Roosevelt Union Free School District, said. “Experiences like this help ensure our students are not only inspired about their futures but also equipped with the knowledge and confidence to succeed beyond high school.”

Beth Bucheister, founder of Career Day Incorporated, also detailed the importance of her organization partner-

Partnering with Roosevelt’s Brother’s Keeper chapter, Career Day Inc.

preparation and finding their own careers.

ing with communities like Roosevelt and providing proper advice and guidance for its youth.

“At Career Day Inc., we believe every young person deserves the chance to see what’s possible for their future,” she said. “It is inspirational to see the students lighting up as they heard from

professionals who looked like them, who came from communities like theirs and who had the courage to pursue careers they were passionate about. Our partnership with My Brother’s Keeper allowed us to deliver that experience to students who need it most, and we are incredibly proud of the impact this pro-

gram is making.”

The immersive event sought to continue the district’s commitment to working with community partners to expand access to impactful, real-world career programming and opportunities for its students.

–Andrew Francis

Herald file photo

Some Freeport residents expressed irritation at the prospect of significant LIRR delays and stoppages from a strike.

Courtesy Career Day Inc.

helped educate Roosevelt High School students on financial

things to know about national garden month

Growing a garden is more than just a hobby

By Chris ColuCCi & Andrew Fr AnCis

Each year begins with months that spread awareness of powerful social issues, such as February’s Black History Month and March’s Women’s History Month. April brings a very different and impactful recognition with National Garden Month. With Earth Day occurring on April 22, the environmental focus can last all month long with the smallest of steps.

Ensure appropriate conditions

Although Freeport and the rest of Nassau County are in a prime geographic location to grow plenty of beautiful flowers and foliage this spring, it is important that the plants in your garden are given the appropriate conditions to grow and thrive. Pick spots that get plenty of sunlight and have good drainage for watering and rain but make sure it’s away from roads or any areas prone to flooding and waste runoff. If you are interested in growing produce in your garden, try using compost, mulch or manure to enrich your soil and minimize the chance of any harmful chemicals in the soil getting into your body through your food. Mulch also maintains soil moisture and helps minimize the chance of weeds.

Rely on our local nurseries

Nurseries and garden centers are local businesses that specialize in helping beginning gardeners get off to a strong start while also providing support and resources for experienced green thumbs. They typically offer everything from soil and garden supplies to partially developed plants — saving gardeners the time and frustration of growing fruits, vegetables or flowers from seed. They’re also an invaluable source of expertise on local climate and ecology, helping advise what types of plant life the local temperatures and soil conditions can support. With several nurseries in surrounding areas, residents have the chance to get direction from garden professionals to make the most of a growing season.

Improve your mental health

Tending a garden can yield more than just bountiful crops and beautiful flowers. In addition to the benefits of eating garden-fresh tomatoes or enjoying the sights of colorful zinnias, research has consistently found that basic gardening and “therapeutic horticultural” — garden and plantbased activities guided by a professional — may reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Whether it’s a windowsill box with fragrant basil and fresh herbs, a small potted flower on a table, or a modest vegetable container in an outdoor area, cultivating a plant can encourage daily physical activity, often in fresh air. It can also be a mental stimulus, requiring patience and concentration.

of the Freeport Herald

TPS bill backed by Gillen advances in House

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

By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

“Our immigration system has been

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

broken for a long time,” Gillen said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NEW YORK’S WRONGEST RUNNING COMEDY!

Hailey Fulmer/Herald

Compiled By Herald Staff

Charlotte Jacobs

Massapequa Park

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

Mackenzie Alessandro Glen Cove, age 11

I like to go to Claymation and paint.

Tim Baker/Herald

Charlie McDonald Rockville Centre, age 8

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

Tim Baker/Herald

BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

invites you and your family to visit the NATION’S ONLY MUSEUM OF DISABILITY HISTORY located at The Viscardi Center in Albertson, NY.

Aviana Mannino Lynbrook, age 12

Calling my friends and playing Roblox and watching Hannah Montana.

Tim Baker/Herald

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

Come learn about local disability rights pioneer Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr. and explore over 125 artifacts highlighting the fight for equal opportunity for people with disabilities.

The museum provides an inclusive, fully accessible experience for all visitors and is the perfect place to spend a fun and educational day with your family. School field trips and group tours welcome.

For more information and to purchase

STEPPING OUT

Rooted in springtime Blossoming out at Planting Fields

By Abbey Salvemini

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

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

The new festival is both a tribute and a transformation.

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

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

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

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

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

Over the course of the weekend, the festival

Harry Chapin’s Greatest Stories Live

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

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

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

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

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

• 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wild days in the Bronx

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

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

Photos courtesy Planting Fields

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

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

APR 23

Bayview PTA Meeting

Parents and guardians of students attending the Bayview Avenue School Of Arts and Sciences are invited to attend the meeting and Parent University training session.

• Where: 325 West Merrick Road

• Time: 6 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 867-5255

Freeport High School PTA Meeting

Parents and guardians of students attending Freeport High School are invited to attend the meeting to stay up to date on matters impacting the school community.

• Where: 50 South Brookside Ave.

• Time: 6:30 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 867-5300

Hofstra Spring Dance Concert

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

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

• Time: 8 p.m., also April 24 and April 25

• Contact: hofstra.universitytickets.com

APR

24

In concert

Join New York City-based concert pianist Robert Carlson, a champion of accessible programming, for his compelling Water/Fire recital. This stunning program is a dramatic journey across the elemental, featuring music that captures the shimmering flow of Debussy’s water, the passionate intensity of Brahms, and Scriabin’s terrifying vision of the world’s destruction by flame. Don’t miss this opportunity to experience how these composers channeled the power of nature into moments of high virtuosity and profound musical drama.

• Where: 144 West Merrick Road

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: freeportlibrary.info or (516) 379-3274

APR

25

Brookside Preserve Cleanup Join Freeport and Baldwin residents, along with the South

MAY

George Thorogood and The Destroyers

Feynberg written for the Hofstra New Music Ensemble and student compositions by Luis Romero, Owen Andruchow and others.

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

• Time: 3 p.m.

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

Family theater

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

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

Shore Conservation Society, to help clean up the Brookside Preserve. Participants are asked to wear long sleeves, long pants, boots and gloves to safely assist in clean up efforts.

• Where: North Brookside Ave.

• Time: 10 a.m.

• Contact: (917) 513-3479

Cemetery

Cinema

Sparkle on Stage’s Cemetery Cinema presents Jim Haggerty’s Unnatural Causes starring Baron Misuraca and Tina Krause. With a musical preshow performance by In Flesh And Spirit.

• Where: Sparkle on Stage Cultural Arts Center, 195 Woodcleft Ave.

• Time: 8-11 p.m.

• Contact: sparkleonstage.org

The Lovin’ Spoonful

Fondly known as “America’s answer to the Beatles,” the band brings their chart-topping folk-rock hits to the Madison Theatre. Formed in New York’s Greenwich Village, The Lovin’ Spoonful, made up of original band members John Sebastian, Steve Boone, Joe Butler, and Zal Yanovsky, exploded onto the charts sending their first seven singles soaring onto Billboard’s

Top-10 virtually overnight. Their first single, “Do You Believe in Magic,” flew to the top of the charts, followed by an unprecedented string of hits. Today, The Lovin’ Spoonful tours with founding member Steve Boone, along with Jeff Alan Ross (Badfinger, Peter Asher), Bill Cinque (Neil Diamond), longtime drummer Mike Arturi, and Rob Bonfiglio (The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson Band, Wilson Phillips).

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

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

APR

27

Freeport SEPTA Meeting

Parents and guardians of Freeport students are invited to attend the Special Education Parent-Teachers Association (SEPTA) meeting to stay up to date on matters impacting the school community.

• Where: Freeport High School, 50 South Brookside Ave.

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 867-5300

APR

28

BOE Action Meeting

The Freeport Board of Education holds its next action meeting with BOCES administrative operations budget vote and BOCES trustee election.

• Where: Caroline G. Atkinson Intermediate School, 58 West Seaman Ave.

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: freeportschools.org or (516) 867-5265

MAY

Festival of the Arts

Freeport High School hosts its Spring Festival of the Arts choral concert. Open to parents, families and community.

• Where: 50 South Brookside Ave.

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: freeportschools.org or (516) 867-5300

Hofstra New Music Ensemble

All are welcome to the ensemble’s performance. The ensembles perform original student arrangements and traditional jazz repertoire. Program features the premiere of a new work by Rebecca

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

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon.; also April 30-May 1

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

Having an event?

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

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF THE ANNUAL MEETING

FREEPORT UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

Nassau County, N. Y.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Freeport Union Free School District, Nassau County, New York, shall conduct its Annual Budget Vote and Trustees Election on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The vote will be by voting machines at the designated polling places set forth below, between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. (local time).

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a budget hearing will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, at 7:30 P.M. in the Caroline G. Atkinson School for the purpose of discussing the expenditures of funds and budgeting thereof. Copies of the budget document will be made available to District residents commencing Thursday, April 29, 2026, upon request between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. at the school district offices and the Freeport Public Library and the school district’s Internet website.

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the following matters will be submitted to the registered voters of the Freeport School District:

(1) To vote on the annual school budget as set forth in Proposition No. 1 below:

Proposition No. 1 SCHOOL BUDGET

RESOLVED that the Annual School Budget be adopted and the necessary amount be raised by a tax upon the taxable property located in Freeport Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Freeport, New York, for the School Year 2026-2027.

(2) To vote on the annual library budget as set forth in Proposition No. 2 below:

Proposition No. 2

FREEPORT MEMORIAL LIBRARY BUDGET

RESOLVED, that the Freeport Memorial Library Budget be adopted and the necessary amount be raised by a tax upon the taxable property located in Freeport Union Free School District,

Town of Hempstead, Freeport, New York, for the Freeport Memorial Library for the year 2026- 2027.

(3) To vote on the expenditure of funds from the Capital Reserve Fund established on May 16, 2017, as set forth in Proposition No. 3 below:

PROPOSITION #3

Capital Reserve Fund Proposition

SHALL the Board of Education of the Freeport Union Free School District be authorized to expend:

$2,500,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund established on May 16th, 2017, for the purpose of performing the following projects:

Classroom Ceiling Tiles, Flooring & Lighting Replacements - Districtwide; Bathroom Renovations - Districtwide. All the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto.

(4) Two (2) members of the Board of Education will be elected to fill two three-year (3) terms commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2029, and one (1) member of the Board of Education will be elected to fill an unexpired term commencing May 19, 2026, and expiring June 30, 2028.

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Board of Registration shall be open, in accordance with the Laws of the State of New York, every school day in the Administration Building, 235 North Ocean Avenue, between the hours of 9:00 o’clock a.m. and 5:00 o’clock p.m. (local time) until Thursday, May 14, 2026, for the Annual Budget Vote and Election to be held on May 19, 2026. In addition, the Board of Registration will open Tuesday, April 21, 2026, and Thursday, April 23, 2026, from 4:00 o’clock p.m. until 8:00 o’clock p.m. for residents to register to vote for the Annual Budget and Trustee election to be held on May 19, 2026.

Any person who is not registered with the School District or who is not registered in the General Election or who has not voted at any annual or special district meeting or election held within the last four calendar years (2022-

2025) must register to vote on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

The Board of Registration will meet during the election held in the District on May 19, 2026, at each of the polling places to prepare a register for meetings and elections held subsequent to this Annual Meeting or Election.

The voting registers will be open for inspection by any qualified voter on weekdays between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. from May 14, 2026, to May 18, 2026, excluding Sunday, May 17, 2026, and between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. noon on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at the Office of the District Clerk; and at each polling place on election day.

Absentee and early mail ballots will be available for the election of School Board Members and the Budget Vote. Applications for absentee and early mail ballots are available in the Office of the District Clerk at the Freeport Public School Administration Building, 235 North Ocean Avenue, in Freeport, NY 11520. Applications for absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election. Furthermore, such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee or early mail ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application no later than six (6) days before the vote.

Absentee and early mail ballots will be accepted in the Office of the Clerk of the school district no later than 5:00 P.M. on the day of the vote; any ballot received after that time will not be counted.

A listing of all people to whom absentee and early mail ballots were issued will be available in the District Clerk’s Office during regular office hours until the day before the vote. Candidates for the Office of School Board Trustee must be nominated

by a petition signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District. The petition shall state name and residence of the candidate and shall state the name and residence of each signer. Candidates receiving the greatest number of votes shall be considered elected to their respective offices. Where terms are of different lengths, the candidate receiving the highest vote shall be elected to the longest term. However, a nomination may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for the office or declares his/her unwillingness to serve. Petitions shall be filed between 9:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. no later than Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Office of the District Clerk.

A statement of the amount of money which will be required for the School Year 2026-2027 will be available to the taxpayers at any of the School District buildings between 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. during the fourteen (14) days immediately before the vote, except Saturdays and Sundays or holidays, and at such annual election.

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

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a proposition in writing by petition of least thirty-nine {39) signatures of qualified voters of the district is required to place a proposition on the ballot. The petition must be filed in the Office of the District Clerk on or before 5:00 P.M. (local time) Monday, April 20, 2026. Petitions for propositions which are required by law to be included in the notice of the annual meeting must be submitted no later than 5:00 P.M. on or before Friday, March 20, 2026. The Board of Education reserves the right to edit or amend any proposition without changing the intent thereof.

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk of the school district no later than 5:00 P.M. on April 23, 2026. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 P.M. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the election.

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the election shall be held in accordance with the Rules for the Election of School Board Members adopted by the Board of Education.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOTING 1. Person shall be a citizen of the United States. 2. Eighteen or more years of age. 3. A resident of the District for a period of thirty days or more preceding the election at which he or she offers to vote. 4. Must be registered to vote.

TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the school election districts within the school district are as follows:

DISTRICT N-1

DISTRICT N-2

The Atkinson School Voting District is in the area, which is west of North Main Street, south of the northerly School District Boundary Line, east of Milburn Creek, and north of the Long Island Railroad.

The Columbus Avenue School Voting District is in the area, which is north of the Long Island Railroad, east of North Main Street, south of the northerly District boundary line, and west of the Meadowbrook Parkway.

DISTRICT S-3

The Bayview Avenue School Voting District is contained in the area which is south of the Long Island Railroad right of way and west of the Eastern boundary line which runs south down South Long Beach Avenue to the southern property lines of the properties on the south side of Smith Street, then west along said property lines to the easterly property lines of the properties fronting on Bayview Avenue, thence proceeding south along said property lines to the easterly property lines on Branch Avenue and then southerly along the eastern boundary lines of said properties fronting on the east side of Branch Avenue to the northern property lines of properties fronting on the north side of Lewis Street, thence easterly along said boundary to Randall Bay. The southern boundary is the Village Line, and the western boundary is the Village Line.

DISTRICT S-4

The Archer Street School Voting District is in the area which begins at the southerly side of the Long Island Railroad right of way where same intersects with the westerly boundary lines of properties fronting on the west side of Long Beach Avenue; thence running easterly along said right of way to the westerly boundary lines or properties fronting on the west side of Henry Street; thence southeasterly along said boundary lines to the intersection with South Main Street; thence southerly along the west side of South Main Street to the intersection with Mill Road; thence easterly along the south side of Mill Road to the intersection of Mill Road and Freeport Creek; thence southerly along Freeport Creek to the northerly boundary lines of properties fronting on the north side of East Bedell Street; thence easterly

along said property lines to the Village Line also known as Freeport Creek; thence southerly along said line to the most southerly Village Line; thence westerly along said Village Line to Hudson Bay; thence north and northwesterly along Woodcleft Basin to Sportsman’s Channel; thence north along said Channel and its extension to the center line of Atlantic Avenue; thence westerly along said center line of Atlantic Avenue to the easterly boundary lines of properties fronting on the east side of Bayview Avenue; thence northerly along said boundary lines to the intersection of the southerly boundary lines of properties fronting on the south side of Smith Street; thence easterly along said boundary lines of properties fronting on the west side of Long Beach Avenue; thence northerly along said boundary lines to the point or place of beginning.

DISTRICT S-5

The Giblyn School Voting District is contained in the area which begins at a point where the easterly boundary lines of properties fronting on Bayview Avenue intersects the center line of Atlantic Avenue running thence easterly along said center line to the western boundary line of properties fronting on the west side of Sportsman’s Avenue; thence southerly along said lines to the Sportsman’s Channel; thence southerly along said Channel to the Woodcleft Basin; thence southeasterly along said basin to easterly boundary of Village Line running along Hudson Bay; thence southerly along said boundary line to the southerly boundary of the Village Line also known as Little Swift Creek; thence westerly along said Village Line to a point where same intersects Randall Bay; thence northerly along said Bay to the intersection of the northerly boundary lines of properties fronting on the north side of Lewis Street; thence westerly along said boundary line to the easterly boundary lines of properties fronting on the east side of Branch Avenue; thence northerly along said boundary lines to the intersection of the east boundary lines of properties fronting on the east side of Bayview Avenue;

thence northerly along said boundary lines to the point or place of beginning.

DISTRICT S6

The Cleveland Avenue School Voting District (now based at the Albany Avenue Field House, 55 Albany Avenue) is contained in the area which is south of the Long Island Railroad right of way, east of the eastern boundary of District 5-4, with the eastern and southern boundary being the village boundaries.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION Sunday F. Coward President Sheena Verna-Agard District Clerk 159402

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ANNUAL DISTRICT ELECTION, BUDGET HEARING AND VOTE OF BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU STATE OF NEW YORK, TO BE HELD ON May 19, 2026

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the budget hearing of the qualified voters of the Baldwin Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, will be held on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in Cafeteria A of Baldwin High School, Ethel T. Kloberg Drive, Baldwin, New York in said School District for the transaction of such business as is authorized by law including the following purposes:

1. Presentation and discussion of the budget for the operation of the district schools for the school year beginning July 1, 2026.

2. Presentation and discussion of the budget for operation of the Baldwin Public Library for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026.

3. Transactions of such other business as is authorized by law.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the vote upon the appropriation of necessary funds to meet the necessary expenditures for the school year 2026-2027, the library appropriation, and on all propositions duly filed with the Board of Education to fill vacancies for Trustees on the Board of Education shall be held in the gymnasium of Baldwin High School

Public Notices

Ethel T. Kloberg Drive, East of Grand Avenue, Baldwin, New York, in said School District on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, between the hours of 7:00AM and 9:00PM. There are two board of education offices to be filled at the May 19, 2026, annual budget vote and election. One office is for a full three (3) year term from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029. The other office is for the balance of an unexpired term from May 19, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The candidate receiving the largest number of votes will be elected to the longer term. The candidate receiving the second most votes will be elected to the balance of the unexpired term.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the following propositions will be presented to the voters at the May 19, 2026, vote:

PROPOSITION NO.

1: SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET

RESOLVED, that the proposed Budget of the Baldwin Union Free School District of the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, for the fiscal year 2026-2027 in the amount of $180,001,342 be adopted, and the amount be raised by tax upon the taxable property of the School District after first deducting the monies available from State Aid and other sources.

PROPOSITION NO.

2: PUBLIC LIBRARY BUDGET

RESOLVED, that the proposed Budget of the Baldwin Public Library for the fiscal year 20262027 be adopted, in the amount of $6,489,946 be adopted, and the amount be raised by tax upon the taxable property of the School District after first deducting the monies available from State Aid and other sources.

PROPOSITION NO 3: USAGE OF FUNDS FROM THE CAPITAL RESERVE FUND KNOWN AS CAPITAL 2023

SHALL the Board of Education of the Baldwin Union Free School District be authorized to expend an additional $8,000,000.00 from the Capital Reserve fund known as “Capital-2023”, established on May 16, 2023 for the purpose

of performing the following projects:

(a) construction/ renovation of a kitchen at Brookside Elementary School; (b) construction/ renovation of a kitchen at Lenox Elementary School; (c) construction/ renovation of a kitchen at Meadow Elementary School; (d) construction/ renovation of a kitchen at Plaza Elementary School; (e) construction/ renovation of a kitchen at Steele Elementary School; (f) construction/ renovation of a cafeteria at Brookside Elementary School; and (g) construction/renovation of a cafeteria at Steele Elementary School, all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto.

PROPOSITION NO. 4: USAGE OF FUNDS FROM TECHNOLOGY RESERVE 2022

SHALL the Board of Education of the Baldwin Union Free School District be authorized to expend an amount not to exceed $475,000 from the Technology Reserve fund established on May 17, 2022 for the purpose of performing the following projects:

(a) new Chromebooks for 3rd grade students; (b) new Chromebooks for 8th grade students; (c) Stylus/Meta pens; (d) cases/covers for Chromebooks, (e) battery bank charging cabinets; and (f) interactive boards, all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the voting shall be on voting machines as provided by Education Law and the polls will remain open from 7:00AM until 9:00PM and as much longer as may be necessary to enable the voters then present to cast their ballots. The District Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to have the necessary ballot labels printed for said voting machines in the form corresponding as nearly as may be with the requirements of the Education Law. The condensed form of the budget proposition and the text of all other propositions to appear on the voting machine and a detailed statement in writing of the amount of money which will be required for the

school year 2026-2027 for school purposes, specifying the purposes and the amount for each will be prepared and copies thereof will be made available, upon request, to any taxpayer in the district at each school building in the district in which school is maintained between the hours of 8:00AM and 4:00PM during the period of fourteen days immediately preceding said election of May 19, 2026, excluding Saturday, Sunday, and holidays, and at such annual election.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the election shall be held in accordance with the Rules for the Conduct of Meetings and Elections adopted by the Board of Education.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the nominations for the office of members of the Board of Education unless otherwise provided by law, shall be made by petition subscribed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District, and nominations for office of member of the Library Board, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be made by petition subscribed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District, filed in the office of the Clerk of the District between the hours of 8:00AM and 4:00PM not later than the 30th day, April 20, 2026, preceding the meeting or election at which the trustees shall be voted upon. Such petition shall state the name and residence of the candidates. Candidates receiving the greatest number of votes shall be considered elected to their respective offices. Where terms are of different length, the candidate receiving the highest vote shall be elected to the longest term. A nomination may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for the office or declares his unwillingness to serve.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that any proposition or question to be placed upon the voting machines shall be submitted in writing by petition subscribed by at least 52 qualified voters of the District and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the District between the hours of 8:00AM and 4:00PM, not later than the 30th day, April

20, 2026, preceding the meeting or election at which 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 at any annual or special meeting of the District.

Registration shall also be permitted in the office of the District Clerk at Baldwin’s Administration building during the hours of enrollment of children for a school term and also from 8:00AM to 3:00PM on any school day at any of the District schools not later than five days preceding the school meeting and election.

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 held or conducted at any time within four (4) years (2022-2025) prior to preparation of the said register; and (3) voters permanently registered with the Board of Election of the County of Nassau.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Board of Registration will further meet during the hours of voting at the Annual District Election on May 19, 2026, for the purpose of preparing a register for District meetings or elections to be held subsequent to May 19, 2026. Said register shall include (1) all qualified voters of the District who shall present themselves personally for registration, and (2) all qualified voters of the District who shall have been previously registered for any annual or special District meeting or election held or conducted at any time within four calendar years (2022-2025) prior to the preparation of said register.

The Register shall be filed in the Office of the District Clerk of the school district at the

Administration Building, Hastings Street, Baldwin, New York where it shall be open for inspection by any qualified voter between the hours of 9:00AM and 2:00PM on each of the five days prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, and on Saturday by appointment only.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that application for absentee and early mail ballots for the school district election may be applied for at the office of the Clerk. A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots shall have been issued will be available in the office of the Clerk on each of the five days prior to the day of the election, except Sunday, and on Saturday by appointment only. Applications for absentee ballots and early mail must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election. Furthermore, such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee or early mail ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application by no later than six (6) days before the vote.

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

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

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, to meet at the Baldwin Senior High School 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.

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

Dated: March 31, 2026 Baldwin, NY BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK

Saide P. Vidal, District Clerk 159195

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE ELECCIÓN ANUAL DEL DISTRITO, AUDIENCIA PRESUPUESTARIA Y VOTACIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE UNIÓN DE BALDWIN CIUDAD DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU ESTADO DE NEW YORK,

A CELEBRARSE EL 19 de mayo de 2026

POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que la audiencia presupuestaria de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de Unión de Baldwin, ciudad de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, se llevará a cabo el miércoles 6 de mayo de 2026, en la cafetería A de Baldwin High School, Ethel T. Kloberg Drive, Baldwin, New York, en dicho Distrito Escolar, para la realización de los asuntos que estén autorizados por la ley, incluidos los siguientes fines:

1. Presentación y debate del presupuesto para el funcionamiento de las escuelas del distrito para el año escolar que comienza el 1 de julio de 2026.

2. Presentación y debate del presupuesto para el funcionamiento de Baldwin Public Library para el año fiscal que comienza el 1 de julio de 2026.

3. Tratamiento de cualquier otro asunto autorizado por la ley.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que la votación sobre la asignación de los fondos necesarios para cubrir los gastos necesarios del año escolar 20262027, la asignación para la biblioteca, y todas las propuestas debidamente presentadas ante la Junta de Educación para cubrir vacantes de miembros de la junta en la Junta de Educación, se llevará a cabo en el gimnasio de Baldwin High School, Ethel T. Kloberg Drive, East of Grand Avenue, Baldwin, New York, en dicho Distrito Escolar, el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, entre las 7:00 a. m. y las 9:00 p. m. Hay dos cargos en la Junta de Educación que deberán cubrirse en la votación sobre el presupuesto anual y las elecciones del 19 de mayo de 2026. Un cargo es para un período completo de tres (3) años, desde el 1 de julio de 2026 hasta el 30 de junio de 2029. El otro cargo es por el resto de un período no vencido desde el 19 de mayo de 2026 hasta el 30 de junio de 2027. El candidato que reciba el mayor número de votos será elegido para el período más largo. El candidato que reciba el segundo mayor número de votos será elegido para el resto del período no vencido.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que se presentarán las siguientes propuestas a los votantes en la votación del 19 de mayo de 2026:

PROPUESTA N.º 1: PRESUPUESTO DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR SE RESUELVE que se adopte el presupuesto propuesto del Distrito Escolar Libre de Unión de Baldwin de la ciudad de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, estado de New York, para el año fiscal 20262027 por un monto de $180,001,342, y que dicho monto se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad sujeta a impuestos del Distrito Escolar, después de deducir primero los fondos disponibles provenientes de la ayuda estatal y otras fuentes.

PROPUESTA N.º 2: PRESUPUESTO DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA SE RESUELVE que se adopte el presupuesto propuesto de Baldwin Public Library para el año fiscal 20262027, por un monto de $6,489,946, y que dicho monto se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad sujeta a impuestos del Distrito Escolar, después de deducir primero los fondos disponibles provenientes de la ayuda estatal y otras fuentes.

PROPUESTA N.º 3: USO DE LOS FONDOS PROVENIENTES DEL FONDO DE RESERVA DE CAPITAL

CONOCIDO COMO CAPITAL 2023

SE AUTORIZA a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Unión de Baldwin a desembolsar un monto adicional de $8,000,000.00 del Fondo de Reserva de Capital conocido como “Capital-2023”, establecido el 16 de mayo de 2023, con el propósito de llevar a cabo los siguientes proyectos: (a) construcción/ renovación de una cocina en Brookside Elementary School; (b) construcción/renovación de una cocina en Lenox Elementary School; (c) construcción/ renovación de una cocina en Meadow Elementary School; (d) construcción/renovación de una cocina en Plaza Elementary School; (e) construcción/renovación de una cocina en Steele Elementary

Public Notices

School; (f) construcción/ renovación de una cafetería en Brookside Elementary School; y (g) construcción/renovación de una cafetería en Steele Elementary School, lo cual incluye toda la mano de obra, los materiales, el equipo, los aparatos y los gastos incidentales relacionados con lo anterior.

PROPUESTA N.º 4: USO DE LOS FONDOS PROVENIENTES DE LA RESERVA TECNOLÓGICA DE 2022

SE AUTORIZA a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Unión de Baldwin a desembolsar un monto que no exceda de $475,000 del Fondo de la Reserva Tecnológica establecido el 17 de mayo de 2022, con el propósito de llevar a cabo los siguientes proyectos: (a) nuevas Chromebooks para estudiantes de 3.º grado; (b) nuevas Chromebooks para estudiantes de 8.º grado; (c) lápices Stylus/Meta; (d) fundas/carcasas para Chromebooks; (e) gabinetes de carga para bancos de baterías; y (f) pizarras interactivas, lo cual incluye toda la mano de obra, los materiales, el equipo, los aparatos y los gastos incidentales relacionados con lo anterior.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que la votación se llevará a cabo mediante máquinas de votación, conforme a lo dispuesto por la Ley de Educación, y que los centros de votación permanecerán abiertos desde las 7:00 a. m. hasta las 9:00 p. m., y durante el tiempo adicional que sea necesario para permitir que los votantes presentes en ese momento emitan sus votos. Por el presente, se autoriza y se instruye a la secretaria del Distrito a que haga imprimir las etiquetas de las boletas necesarias para dichas máquinas de votación en una forma que se ajuste, en la mayor medida posible, a los requisitos de la Ley de Educación. Se preparará la forma resumida de la propuesta sobre el presupuesto y el texto de todas las demás propuestas que aparecerán en la máquina de votación, así como una declaración detallada por escrito del monto de dinero que se requerirá para el año escolar 2026-2027 para fines

escolares, especificando los fines y el monto correspondiente a cada uno, y se pondrán copias a disposición, previa solicitud, de cualquier contribuyente del distrito en cada edificio escolar del distrito en el que funcione una escuela, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., durante el período de catorce días inmediatamente anteriores a dicha elección del 19 de mayo de 2026, excepto los sábados, domingos y festivos, y en dicha elección anual.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que la elección se celebrará de conformidad con el Reglamento para la celebración de reuniones y elecciones aprobado por la Junta de Educación.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las candidaturas para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación, salvo que la ley disponga lo contrario, se presentarán mediante una petición firmada por al menos 25 votantes calificados del Distrito, y que las candidaturas para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de la Biblioteca, salvo que la ley disponga lo contrario, se presentarán mediante una petición firmada por al menos 25 votantes calificados del Distrito, que deberá presentarse en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., a más tardar el día 30, el 20 de abril de 2026, anterior a la reunión o elección en la que se votará a los miembros de la junta. Dicha petición deberá indicar el nombre y la residencia de los candidatos. Los candidatos que reciban el mayor número de votos se considerarán electos para sus respectivos cargos. Cuando los períodos sean de distinta duración, el candidato que reciba el mayor número de votos será electo para el período más largo. La Junta de Educación podrá rechazar una nominación si el candidato no reúne los requisitos para el cargo o declara su falta de disposición para desempeñarlo.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que cualquier propuesta o cuestión que se deba incluir en las máquinas de votación se presentará por escrito mediante petición

suscrita por al menos 52 votantes calificados del Distrito y se presentará en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., a más tardar el día 30, el 20 de abril de 2026, anterior a la reunión o elección en la que se votará dicha cuestión o propuesta, excepto que esta disposición no aplicará a aquellas cuestiones o propuestas que deban indicarse en el aviso publicado o fijado de la reunión ni a aquellas propuestas o cuestiones que la Junta de Educación tenga autoridad por ley para presentar en cualquier reunión anual o extraordinaria del Distrito.

También se permitirá el registro en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito en el edificio administrativo de Baldwin durante el horario de inscripción de niños para un período escolar y también de 8:00 a. m. a 3:00 p. m. en cualquier día escolar en cualquiera de las escuelas del Distrito, a más tardar cinco días antes de la reunión y elección escolar.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que el registro incluirá (1) a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se presenten personalmente para registrarse; y (2) a todos los votantes previamente calificados del Distrito que se hayan registrado previamente para cualquier reunión o elección anual o extraordinaria del Distrito celebrada o realizada en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro (4) años (20222025) anteriores a la preparación de dicho registro; y (3) a los votantes registrados de forma permanente ante la Junta Electoral del condado de Nassau.

SE NOTIFICA DEMÁS que la Junta de Registro se reunirá además durante el horario de votación en la Elección Anual del Distrito del 19 de mayo de 2026, con el propósito de preparar un registro para las reuniones o elecciones del Distrito que se celebren con posterioridad al 19 de mayo de 2026. Dicho registro incluirá (1) a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se presenten personalmente para registrarse, y (2) a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se hayan registrado previamente

para cualquier reunión o elección anual o extraordinaria del Distrito celebrada o realizada en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro años calendario (2022-2025) anteriores a la preparación de dicho registro.

El registro se archivará en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito del distrito escolar en el edificio administrativo, Hastings Street, Baldwin, New York, donde estará disponible para su inspección por cualquier votante calificado entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 2:00 p. m. durante cada uno de los cinco días previos a la fecha fijada para la elección, excepto el domingo, y el sábado únicamente con cita previa.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las solicitudes de boletas de voto en ausencia y de voto anticipado por correo para la elección del distrito escolar podrán presentarse en la oficina de la secretaria. Una lista de todas las personas a quienes se hayan emitido boletas de voto en ausencia y de voto anticipado por correo estará disponible en la oficina de la secretaria durante cada uno de los cinco días previos al día de la elección, excepto el domingo, y el sábado únicamente con cita previa. La secretaria del Distrito deberá recibir las solicitudes de boletas de voto en ausencia y de voto anticipado por correo no antes de treinta (30) días antes de la elección. Asimismo, la secretaria del Distrito deberá recibir dicha solicitud al menos siete días antes de la elección si la boleta se enviará por correo al votante, o el día anterior a la elección si la boleta se entregará personalmente al votante o a su agente designado. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna de una boleta de voto en ausencia o de voto anticipado por correo para envío postal, la secretaria del Distrito enviará la boleta a la dirección indicada en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la votación.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que los votantes militares que no se encuentren actualmente registrados podrán solicitar su registro como votantes calificados del distrito escolar. Los votantes

militares que sean votantes calificados del distrito escolar podrán presentar una solicitud para obtener una boleta militar. Los votantes militares podrán indicar su preferencia de recibir el registro de votante militar, la solicitud de boleta militar o la boleta militar por correo, transmisión por fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de dicho registro, solicitud de boleta o boleta. La oficina de la secretaria del Distrito deberá recibir los formularios de registro de votante militar y los formularios de solicitud de boleta militar a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del 23 de abril de 2026. No se contabilizará ninguna boleta militar a menos que (1) la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito la reciba antes del cierre de las urnas el día de la elección y muestre un matasellos del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o muestre una constancia fechada de recepción por otra agencia del gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o (2) la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito la reciba a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del día de la elección y esté firmada y fechada por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha que no sea posterior al día anterior a la elección.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que esta Junta convocará a una reunión extraordinaria dentro de las veinticuatro horas posteriores a la presentación ante la secretaria del Distrito de un informe escrito de los resultados de la votación, para reunirse en Baldwin Senior High School con el propósito de examinar y tabular dichos informes de los resultados de la votación y declarar el resultado de la votación; asimismo, la Junta por la presente se designa a sí misma como funcionarios electorales para emitir y escrutar los votos de conformidad con la Ley de Educación 2019-a, subdivisión 2b, en dicha reunión extraordinaria de la Junta.

Fecha: 31 de marzo de 2026 Baldwin, NY POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE UNIÓN DE BALDWIN CIUDAD DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU NEW YORK

Saide P. Vidal, secretaria del distrito 159197

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

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

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, ONEWEST BANK, FSB, Plaintiff, vs. LILLIE EDWARDS A/K/A LILLIE R. EDWARDS, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 15, 2015, a Short Form Order Substitute Referee duly entered on June 28, 2023 and an Order for Extension of Time to Conduct Foreclosure Sale duly entered on December 31, 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 4, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 123 Shonnard Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55, Block 223 and Lot 194. Approximate amount of judgment is $474,792.08 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #014486/2012. Heather D. Crosley, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 159311

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que el Informe sobre exenciones del impuesto sobre bienes inmuebles, elaborado de conformidad con la sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, se adjuntará a cualquier presupuesto provisional o preliminar, así como al presupuesto definitivo aprobado, del que formará parte; y se publicará en los tablones de anuncios del Distrito destinados a los avisos públicos, así como en el sitio web del Distrito.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, UMB BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR MLM 13648 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. PANTHER ENTERPRISES INC., ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 18, 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 6, 2026 at 3:00 p.m., premises known as 305 Roosevelt Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62, Block 152 and Lot 5 & 6. Approximate amount of judgment is $859,190.66 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 614107/2023. Peter L. Kramer, Esq., Referee 516-510-4020 Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.:234193-1 159313

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, -againstHALEY M. CURRY, IF LIVING, AND IF SHE/HE BE DEAD, 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 February 11, 2025, wherein BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR

MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST is the Plaintiff and HALEY M. CURRY, IF LIVING, AND IF SHE/HE BE DEAD, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 5, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 28 CONLON ROAD, ROOSEVELT, NY 11575; and the following tax map identification: 55-527-20. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ROOSEVELT (UNINCORPORATED) AREA IN THE TOWN HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 604167/2021. Matin Emouna, 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. 159295

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES I TRUST, -againstFELICIA BENN AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF MARGARET M. BENN, 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 July 10, 2025, wherein BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST

Public Notices

COMPANY, N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT SERIES

I TRUST is the Plaintiff and FELICIA BENN AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF MARGARET M. BENN, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 4, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 189 EVANS AVENUE, FREEPORT, NY 11520; and the following tax map identification: 55-23-183. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED

VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 617968/2019. Steven Losquadro, 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. 159297

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2016-CTT, Plaintiff, vs. CARLOS MEMBRENO, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 26, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court,

100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 12, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 166 Porterfield Place, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Freeport, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 88 and Lot 17. Approximate amount of judgment is $649,164.15 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 002455/2016.

Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 254205-1 159550

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION, -againstANGEL RECINOS, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on January 14, 2025, wherein PHH MORTGAGE CORPORATION is the Plaintiff and ANGEL RECINOS, 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 7, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 556 SOUTH BAYVIEW AVENUE, FREEPORT, NY 11520; and the following tax map identification: 54-325-36, 37, 38 and 39.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index

No.: 608685/2019. Scott H. Siller, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 159552

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. JACOB POST INC., et al, Defts. Index #609725/2024. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Feb. 27, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on May 14, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. premises k/a Section 62, Block 92, Lot(s) 328-330, 461. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. The foreclosure sale will be held “rain or shine.” GEORGIA PAPAZIS, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY 11021. #102902 159548

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE TRUST 2006-3, ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGEBACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-3, Plaintiffagainst - SANDRO COLLADO, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on August 22, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 12th day of May, 2026 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and

being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 213 North Long Beach Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520.

(Section: 54, Block: 55, Lot: 3)

Approximate amount of lien $603,189.32 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 618335/2023. Brian J. Davis, Esq., Referee. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170

Tel. 347/286-7409

For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: March 20, 2026

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 159450

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST DIANA J. BARNES A/K/A DIANE CARTER A/K/A DIANA CARTER; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 7, 2017, 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 11, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 39 Lessing Place, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and

improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 55 Block: 377 Lots: 1267, 1268, and 1269. Approximate amount of judgment $331,470.41 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #011584/2007. Janine T. Lynam, Esq., Referee Fein, Such & Crane, LLP 28 East Main Street Rochester, NY 14614

NSRNC625 89495 159462

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, AS SUCCESSOR-ININTEREST TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE, FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE CIM TRUST 2019R2, MORTGAGEBACKED NOTES, SERIES 2019-R2, Plaintiff, vs. JUAN TAVERAS, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 5, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 155 Roosevelt Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62, Block 131 and Lot 9. Approximate amount of judgment is $537,351.58 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 600963/2023.

Christine M. Grillo, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.:222779-1 159670

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, CITIMORTGAGE, INC., Plaintiff, vs. CHRISTINE ARIS, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Counter Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 12, 2022, 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 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 66 Martha Street, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62, Block 95 and Lot 132-134. Approximate amount of judgment is $303,577.10 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 612262/2019.

John G. Kennedy, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 159672

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 REO TRUST 2017RPL1, Plaintiff, vs. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS-ATLAW, NEXT-OF KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING, UNDER, BY OR THROUGH THE DECEDENTS VIOLA WHALEY AND WALTER GRABOWSKI BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, IN AND TO THE PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Discharging the

Guardian Ad Litem, Amending Caption, Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Fore Nunc Pro Tunc Relief duly entered on August 4, 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, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 62 East First Street, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62, Block 69 and Lot 189. Approximate amount of judgment is $390,426.96 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 616841/2022. Cash will not be accepted. Michelle Aulivola, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 159668

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC., ASSETBACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-AMC1, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, -againstFRANKI JOSEPH, 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 February 2, 2024, wherein CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC., ASSETBACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-AMC1, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE is the Plaintiff and FRANKI JOSEPH, 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 20, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 100 WILSON PLACE, VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, NY 11520; and the following tax map identification: 54-59-1.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 611202/2019. Brian J. Davis, 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

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST SUSAN SINCLAIR AKA SUSAN VAUGHN AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF VERA MAE VAUGHN, BILLY VAUGHN AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF VERA MAE VAUGHN, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 19, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 18, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 39 Pleasant Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Roosevelt, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 55 Block 335 Lot 24. Approximate amount of judgment $412,136.38 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #616567/2022. Lori B. DeCapua, Esq, Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 We hrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003352 89506 159599

April 23, 2026 —

Public Notices

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. 159620

LEGAL NOTICE

The Roosevelt Union Free School District of the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, hereby invites the submission of sealed proposals for FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLE

PROGRAM. The District will receive sealed proposals on or prior to 12:00 PM Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Roosevelt UFSD, Attn: Grants and Funded Programs, 240 Denton Place, Roosevelt, New York 11575. Proposals will be opened at the stated date and time. There will be no discussions at the time of the opening of the proposals. Request for Proposals (RFP) may be obtained at the abovenamed office.

The Board of Education reserves the right to waive any informality in the RFP, or to reject all RFPs or to accept any RFP which in the opinion of the Board of Education is in the best interest of the School District. 159820

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS

2026 ANNUAL WATER QUALITY TESTING SERVICES FOR THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF FREEPORT WATER DEPARTMENT NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

Notice is hereby given that the Purchasing Agent of the Incorporated Village of Freeport, New York will receive sealed proposals for the following contract:

York, 11520, from 9:00 A.M. on Monday, April 27, 2026 until 4:00 P.M. Friday, May 1, 2026 or by visiting the Village’s website at www.freeportny.gov.

The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bid proposals received and subject to these reservations, shall award the contract to the lowest qualified and responsible bidder. Bids which, in the opinion of the Board, are unbalanced shall be rejected.

In submitting a bid, bidders agree not to withdraw their bid within forty five (45) days after the date for the opening thereof.

Taylor

D’Orta

Buyer

Village of Freeport VILLAGE OF FREEPORT

Issue Date - April 23, 2026 Freeport Herald 159821

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK - COUNTY OF NASSAU

JR LARES GROUP INC., Plaintiff, V.

LORNA G. PROPERTIES, INC., LORNA GRAY, ET. AL.

Defendant(s) Index No. 610061/2022

NOTIGE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure ?nd Sale duly enterecj July 8, 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, New York 11501, ‘Rain or Shine’ on May 27, 2026 at 2:30 P.M., (1) premises known as 80 Connecticut Avenue, Freeport, New York 11520, All those certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, Section 54, Block 55, Lots 177 and 187 and (2) premises known as 231 Beechwood Avenue, Roosevelt, New York 11575, All those certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in Roosevelt, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, Section 55, Block 551, Lot 7. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $1,010,166.33 plus interest, fees, and costs.

subject to the terms and conditions and provisions of filed Judgment under Index No. 610061/2022 and terms of sale. The aforementioned auction will be conducted in accordance with the NASSAU County COVID-19 Protocols and as such all persons must comply with social distancing, wearing masks and screening practices in effect at the time of this foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the court appointed referee will cancel the foreclosure auction.

LOCATION OF SALE

SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF AUCTION IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES

DARICE GUZMAN

PIOTROWSKI, ESQ.REFEREE. THOMPSON LAW GROUP, P.C., Attorneys for Plaintiff 190 Jericho Turnpike Mineola, New York 11501. 159815

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Ind ex #605706/2023. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Kenneth J. Weinstein, Esq., Referee Tromberg, Miller, Morris & Partners, PLLC 39 Broadway, Suite 1840 New York, NY 10006 25-001039 89351 159709

Premises will be sold

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON FKA THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE CERTIFICATEHOLDERS OF CWALT, INC., ALTERNATIVE LOAN TRUST 2005-7CB, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-7CB, Plaintiff AGAINST ALAN RICHARTZ, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 4, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 26, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 111 East Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and state of New York, Section: 62 Block: 57 Lot: 180. Approximate amount of judgment $169,507.68 plus interest and costs.

LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNS, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES, EXCEPT AS STATED, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF THE IRS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON BEHALF OF THE SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, CLIFTON SYLVESTER SIMMONS AKA TONY SIMMONS AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF DOLLIE SIMMONS AKA DOLLIE M. SIMMONS, AMELIA C. SIMMONS AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF DOLLIE SIMMONS AKA DOLLIE M. SIMMONS, CHRISTOPHER A. SIMMONS AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF DOLLIE SIMMONS AKA DOLLIE M. SIMMONS, FELICIA A. SIMMONS AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF DOLLIE SIMMONS AKA DOLLIE M. SIMMONS, JEMELL S. WALKER AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF DOLLIE SIMMONS AKA DOLLIE M. SIMMONS, KEITH O. MURRAY, JR. AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF DOLLIE SIMMONS AKA DOLLIE M. SIMMONS, DEMETRIA C. MURRAY AKA CLARA DEMETRIA SEWARD AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF DOLLIE SIMMONS AKA DOLLIE M. SIMMONS, RENEE SIMMONS IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; SUCH UNKNOWN PERSONS BEING HEREIN GENERALLY DESCRIBED AND INTENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN WIFE,

WIDOW, HUSBAND, WIDOWER, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF SUCH DECEASED, ANY AND ALL PERSONS DERIVING INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON, OR TITLE TO SAID REAL PROPERTY BY, THROUGH OR UNDER THEM, OR EITHER OF THEM, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE WIVES, WIDOWS, HUSBANDS, WIDOWERS, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNS, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES, EXCEPT AS STATED, ARE UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF DOLLIE SIMMONS AKA DOLLIE M. SIMMONS, “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the Subject Property described in the Complaint, Defendants.

MORTGAGED

PREMISES: 54 Pleasant Avenue Roosevelt, NY 11575 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental

Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Nassau. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO Renee Simmons In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Jeffrey A. Goodstein of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Thirteenth day of April, 2026 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, in the City of Mineola. The object of this action is to foreclosure a mortgage upon the premises described below, executed by Dollie Simmons AKA Dollie M. Simmons (who died on October 23, 2024, a resident of the county of Nassau, State of New York) dated the December 20, 2007, to secure the sum of $544,185.00 and recorded at Instrument No. 058973 in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk on January 23, 2008. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed January 26, 2010 and recorded on March 9, 2010, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Book M 34657, Page 237. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed April 7, 2025 and recorded on April

17, 2025, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Instrument Number 2025-24209 Book M47936, Page 1. The property in question is described as follows: 54 Pleasant Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575 NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this Foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: April 15, 2026 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 89892 159754

Richner Communications, Inc. public notice rates will increase at a minimum of 9% for all notices published on or after May 1, 2026, to reflect rising production and distribution costs. To place a public notice contact 516-569-4000 x232.

2026 ANNUAL WATER QUALITY TESTING SERVICES until 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 in the Main Conference Room of the Municipal Building, 46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New York, 11520, at which time and place they will be opened publicly and read aloud. Specifications, proposal and proposed contracts may be obtained at the Office of the Purchasing Agent, Municipal Building, 1st Floor, 46 North Ocean Avenue, Freeport, New To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

LEGAL NOTICE Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU ACTION TO FORECLOSE A MORTGAGE INDEX #: 608574/2025 MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC Plaintiff, vs MARVIN SIMMONS AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF DOLLIE SIMMONS AKA DOLLIE M. SIMMONS, TROY SIMMONS AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF DOLLIE SIMMONS AKA DOLLIE M. SIMMONS, JACQUETTA WASHINGTON, JR. AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF DOLLIE SIMMONS AKA DOLLIE M. SIMMONS, EUGENIA HAYES AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF DOLLIE SIMMONS AKA DOLLIE M. SIMMONS, UNKNOWN HEIRS OF DOLLIE SIMMONS AKA DOLLIE M. SIMMONS IF LIVING, AND IF HE/SHE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, CLAIMING, OR WHO MAY CLAIM TO HAVE AN INTEREST IN, OR GENERAL OR SPECIFIC LIEN UPON THE REAL PROPERTY DESCRIBED IN THIS ACTION; SUCH UNKNOWN PERSONS BEING HEREIN GENERALLY DESCRIBED AND INTENDED TO BE INCLUDED IN WIFE, WIDOW, HUSBAND, WIDOWER, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DESCENDANTS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, CREDITORS, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF SUCH DECEASED, ANY AND ALL PERSONS DERIVING INTEREST IN OR LIEN UPON, OR TITLE TO SAID REAL PROPERTY BY, THROUGH OR UNDER THEM, OR EITHER OF THEM, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE WIVES, WIDOWS, HUSBANDS, WIDOWERS, HEIRS AT

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck!

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The tumor was malignant — but then it was gone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yes, I’m a lucky guy!

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

Trying desperately to avoid the stress of TV news

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

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

I almost fell off my chair.

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

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

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

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

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

Rather than move on to a new book, I turned my attention to my streaming television services, Netflix, Amazon and Hulu, in the hope of finding some feelgood movies. When I opened them up, they offered me such calming films as “Supernatural,” “Scream,” “Send Help,” “Sinners” and “The Substance.” I know there are other offerings, but most of the feel-good movies are old and I’ve already seen them. All my life, I’ve loved good comedy. I cherish the great old names like Jackie Mason, Henny Youngman, Buddy Hackett, Jerry Lewis, Jackie Gleason, George Carlin, Don Rickles and Lenny Bruce. Occasionally I stumble on one of these legends on Facebook, and try to share their comedy with people around me. Regrettably, there are no comedians these days that give me the same belly laughs that I got from those giants. My grandson in Los Angeles heads up a unit of Netflix that promotes a number of comedians, but I

haven’t adapted to their new style.

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

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

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

Playground safety for kids requires vigilance

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

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

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

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

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

Your opinion Matters

The strength of our community comes from open dialogue.

The strength of our community comes from open dialogue.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be heard. Be part of the conversation.

Be heard. Be part of the conversation.

Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com Be heard. Be part of the conversation.

Long Island’s ‘hidden workforce’ has visible needs

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

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

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

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

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

w

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

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

Framework by Tim Baker

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

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

grams or financial assistance.

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

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

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

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

FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle

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