Bellmore Herald 04-18-2024

Blanket drive aids kids with cancer

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

In an effort to give back to children undergoing chemotherapy treatments, State Sen. Steve Rhoads’ office has enlisted the help of community members in his district to give back to others through a Yarn & Blanket drive, where all donations will be given to We Care Blankets.

We Care Blankets is a nonprofit organization founded in 1999 on Long Island. Initially funded by a medical physician, the goal of the organization was to provide children with cancer something warm and comforting. During intense

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MECA pool, recreational facilities are community staples

By JoRDAN VAlloNE jvallone@liherald.com

The Merrick Estates Civic Association’s community center on Shore Drive has remained an integral part of the community for nearly 65 years. Boasting a private pool, play areas, beach volleyball courts, additional sporting facilities and views of the East Bay, MECA takes pride in the class and relaxation it offers South Shore residents.

Over the years, the beloved spot for many has evolved into what it has become today: a summer haven.

“When it was originally founded, in the clubhouse pen-

insula, if you were in a certain proximity, you were a bond holder for the pool,” Geoffrey Sherman, the association’s president, explained. “That’s sort of changed over the years, and now it’s a membership-type club. People can join, and then go to the pool.”

I t’s really grown over the years in popularity.

GEoffREy ShERMAN President, MECA

While many MECA members live in the immediate area, Sherman said it’s expanded greatly. There’s no rule that says you need to live in Merrick to join, and plenty of members come

from Bellmore and surrounding areas.

A board that is elected on a yearly basis runs MECA. The summer season kicks off unofficially during Memorial Day weekend, which will be the first time the pool is open in 2024. After that, through the end of the school year, the association follows the school calendar — meaning the pool will be open during weekends in June, and for holidays like Juneteenth, Sherman said.

Over the last five years,

some significant changes have allowed MECA to expand beyond its immediate peninsula around Shore Drive. Renovations to the facility’s bathrooms, a revamp of the pools and the installation of a beverage center, among other things, have boosted the appeal of the recreational center.

The time period leading up to Memorial Day is what MECA

considers its enrollment period, Sherman said.

“We’re sort of in that enrollment phase when people are deciding what they’re doing for their summers,” he said. “But MECA is thriving. It’s really grown over the years in popularity. A lot of young families have recently moved into the area, which is definitely help -

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Jordan Vallone/Herald photos

Dozens of community members from the 5th State Senate District, along with representatives from State Sen. Steve Rhoads’ office, took part in a kick off ‘wrap night’ on April 10 for a Yarn & Blanket Drive for We Care Blankets.

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MECA gearing up for another fun summer ing.”

MECA is completely volunteer-run, although it does work with a pool management company that handles the hiring of roles such as maintenance workers and lifeguards, among other positions.

Throughout the summer, pool users not only enjoy plenty of time to swim during the day, but also a variety of social events and activities that are planned by the board. For major holiday weekends, like Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day, MECA holds barbecues.

And a major bonus of being a member happens right at the beginning of the season, Sherman said.

“We actually have one of the best views of the Jones Beach air show,” he explained. “Especially when they practice, they come right over us. It’s pretty cool.”

And all summer long, social gatherings are held for not only adults, but children as well.

“We do a lot of kids’ activities,” Sherman said, “so things like painting and bracelet making, all that kind of stuff, where we bring in people, neighborhood businesses that are local, who come in and provide that.”

Last year, MECA participated in the Kindness Rocks Project, a grassroots movement that aims to spread joy and compassion. Children painted rocks and put kind sayings on them, which were later spread around the grounds and garden at MECA.

In addition, many musicians stop by MECA on a regular basis, and a handful of movie nights are held under the stars.

Some discussion has focused on possibly expanding the community center to accommodate yearlong events, but as of now, MECA’s board is solely focused on the summer months. Sherman said that outside of pool season, a lot goes on behind the scenes as the

board prepares for the following year.

MECA is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through out July and August. Any scheduled events in the eve ning begin normally at 8 p.m. Members are allowed to bring guests into the pool for a small fee, but there are certain days that are blocked out on the calendar, Sher man said.

This season, returning members can look forward to new fencing, a revamped kiddie pool and new diving

meCa is gearing up for its 65th summer of fun. the community center boasts an olympicsized swimming pool, along with other recreational facilities — some of which were revamped during the off-season.

Courtesy Geoffrey Sherman

Many laughs had at ‘An Afternoon of Comedy’

In Bellmore-Merrick last weekend, laughter was abundant thanks to “An Afternoon of Comedy” at the Bellmore Memorial Library. Gary Smith’s NY Entertainment Club joined forces with the library, presenting a hilarious afternoon of comedy with three national touring artists, Chris Montey, Ellen Karis and Les Degen.

All three talents are well known around Long Island and beyond. Monty has been featured in “Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2,” “Kevin Can Wait” and “Orange is the New Black,” while Karis has been in “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Sopranos” and “The Punisher.” Degen is a Long Island favorite for comedy, music and entertainment.

“An Afternoon of Comedy” was well-received by the community. By hosting things like comedy shows, libraries engage the community in different ways.

The show on April 13 drew a large crowd, as many packed into the library’s community room for a good laugh and a good time.

— Jordan Vallone

You

Mike Monahan/Herald photos

The comedy show was well received by the community. A large crowd packed into Bellmore Memorial’s community room to have a laugh and a good time.

Les Degan is well known around the Long Island entertainment scene.

Chris Montey, on stage, has been featured in movies, like ‘Paul Blart: Mall Cop 2.’

may have seen Ellen Karis in ‘The Sopranos’ — or at the Bellmore Memorial last weekend!

Les Degen, Ellen Karis and Chris Montey, all comedians, performed during ‘An Afternoon of Comedy’ at the Bellmore Memorial Library on April 13.

Spousal Refusal - Just Say No

Spousal refusal is a legally valid Medicaid planning option in New York. By way of background, certain income and assets are exempt from Medicaid if there is a spouse. Generally, the spouse at home, known as the “community spouse” may keep about $3,850 per month of the couple’s combined income and up to about $150,000 of the assets or “resources”. Not included in those figures are any other exempt assets, such as a home (up to about $1,000,000 of the equity only) and one automobile. The spouse who is being cared for in a facility is known as the “institutionalized spouse”.

Many a spouse has advised us that they simply cannot afford to live on the allowances that Medicaid provides. This is where spousal refusal comes in. We start by shifting excess assets into the name of the “community spouse”. He or she then signs a document which the elder law attorney prepares and files with the county indicating that they refuse to contribute their income and assets to the care of the ill spouse since they need those income and assets for their own care and well-being. Note that you may not refuse your spouse’s own income over the $3,850 per month exemption as it is not coming to you.

Once the “community spouse” invokes their right to refuse, and all of the other myriad requirements of the Medicaid application are met, the state Medicaid program must pay for the care of the institutionalized spouse.

After Medicaid has been granted, the county may institute a lawsuit seeking to recover the cost of care from the refusing spouse. Nevertheless, there are a few reasons why spousal refusal makes sense, even in light of this risk. First, in many instances, the county never invokes this right. Secondly, these lawsuits are often settled for significantly less than the cost of care provided. Thirdly, the payment to the county can sometimes be deferred until the community spouse dies. As one county attorney told us when agreeing to such an arrangement, “the county is going to be around for a long time”. Finally, even though the county may seek recovery, it is only for the Medicaid reimbursement rate and not the private pay rate. For example, if the private pay rate is $18,000 per month, which is what you would have to pay, the amount Medicaid has to pay is generally a quarter to a third less. The county may only pursue you for the amount they actually paid.

Becoming a great teacher or administrator is not achieved alone, North Bellmore School District Superintendent Marie Testa noted at the annual tenure celebration on April 11. It requires a great support system of family and colleagues.

Seven great educators earned the professional milestone after completing their probationary periods, and were recognized before a large audience of administrators, teachers, students, family members and friends. The tenure recipients included five teachers –Melissa Halaris, Maritza Lopez, Daniela McGee, Kim Rackley and Alexander Roff – and central office administrators Denise Fisher and Leyna Malone.

Fisher first joined the district as assistant principal at Saw Mill Road Elementary School, then became Newbridge Road Elementary School’s principal before moving into her current position as executive director of personnel. She oversees a human resources department that serves 660 employees. Testa described her as brave and kind, someone who strongly believes in the district’s mission and core values, and a person who quietly lifts up everyone around her.

When Fisher went to Newbridge,

Malone was hired as assistant principal of Saw Mill Road. She then became principal of Martin Avenue, and then the executive director for pupil personnel services and special education. It’s one of the most challenging jobs in the district, Testa explained, and requires a strong knowledge of legal requirements. The superintendent said that Malone’s kindness and strong advocacy for both students and teachers is what has led to her success.

North Bellmore Teachers Association President Joann Signorelli congratulated the five teachers who received tenure. There were also remarks from their building principals and colleagues.

Roff teaches general music at Martin Avenue and Newbridge Road, with Lopez spreading her love for music at Saw Mill Road. John G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School boasts Rackley in fourth grade and Halaris in fifth grade, while Ms. McGee is a speech therapist at Newbridge Road.

North Bellmore Board of Education President Christine Malloy added that the tenure celebration is her favorite meeting of the year because they get to recognize the district’s amazing teachers and administrators.

HERALD SchoolS

JFK music department to perform at Carnegie Hall

Three sections of the music department from John F. Kennedy High School in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District will perform at Carnegie Hall on April 18 after being invited to participate in the Best Bands & Choirs International.

The concert will include performances by Kennedy’s wind ensemble, concert choir, and string players, under the direction of Walter Avellaneda, Rachel Shapiro and Emily Kenyon, respectively.

The 85-piece musical ensemble has been rehearsing since mid-January.

“It has been a whirlwind of preparation over the last three months,” explained Avellaneda. “The program really showcases a wide range of our students’ abilities as a full ensemble or playing in a subdued and interweaving way with our choir. Our goal is to leave the audience talking about this group of musicians from Kennedy as a whole, rather than the three components of band, choir, and orchestra.”

The wind symphony and concert choir will conclude the concert rendering music by John Williams, Stephen Melillo, Eric Whitacre and Jake Runstead. A stirring finale, “As All the Heavens Were a Bell,” by Jay Bocook, honors the lives of those lost and living during the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

“It is an emotional and powerful end to what is going to be an incredible night of music,” added Avellaneda.

Musical groups from the Oyster Bay-East Norwich School District, New Jersey and Five Towns College will also be featured in the concert.

Cheryl Fontana, the district’s director of fine & performing arts expressed how proud the CHSD is of “our Kennedy musicians.”

“It is their hard work and commitment to music over the years that has allowed them to take part in this performance” Fontana said. “But none of it would be possible without the dedication of our JFK music teachers, Mr. Avellaneda, Ms. Kenyon and Ms. Shapiro. On behalf of the district, we are truly grateful to them for providing our students with this once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Kenyon echoed that “this is an event that students will never forget.”

“We hope one day they will come across the playbill and remember the incredible atmosphere that only Carnegie Hall can create and also remember the journey it took to get us there that evening,” added Shapiro.

For more information and/or tickets visit the box office at Carnegie Hall or online at CarnegieHall.org.

Courtesy Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Three sections of the music department from John F. Kennedy High School in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District will perform at Carnegie Hall on April 18 after being invited to participate in the Best Bands & Choirs International.

SPOTLIGHT ATHLETE

GARRET GATES

North Shore Senior Baseball

GATES AND THE VIKINGS couldn’t have scripted a better start to 2024. In the March 25 opener, the hard-throwing southpaw who quarterbacked North Shore’s football team to the playoffs, pitched a perfect game against Herricks. Even more impressive was he needed minimal help from the defense, as he struck out 20 of 21 batters. An All-Conference selection last spring, Gates fanned 12 in his next start and blanked Manhasset over five innings.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, April 18

Baseball: V.S. South at Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Calhoun at MacArthur 4:45 p.m.

Softball: North Shore at West Hempstead 5 p.m.

Softball: Elmont at Lynbrook 5 p.m.

Baseball: Seaford at Clarke 5 p.m.

Baseball: Baldwin at V.S. Central 5 p.m.

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

Boys Lacrosse: Oceanside at Long Beach 5 p.m.

Friday, April 19

Baseball: Malverne at Lynbrook 4:45 p.m.

Girls Flag Football: Lynbrook at West Hempstead 5 p.m.

Softball: Carey at Wantagh 5 p.m.

Softball: East Meadow at Calhoun 5 p.m.

Softball: V.S. Central at Uniondale 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Baldwin at Hewlett 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Calhoun at Carey 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Oceanside at Freeport 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Somers at South Side 6 p.m.

Saturday, April 20

Softball: Freeport at West Hempstead 10 a.m.

Softball: Sewanhaka at V.S. North 10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Seaford at Long Beach 10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: MacArthur at Oceanside 10 a.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

Mepham a work in progress

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Coming off an unimaginable ending to the 2023 Nassau County baseball season, Mepham will be chasing the standings in Conference AA-1 after failing to take a game from upstart Long Beach last week.

The Pirates managed a darknessforced 7-7 tie in the series opener with the Marines but were held to five runs total in the next two games while allowing 18.

“We played poorly against Long Beach and to their credit, they really hit the ball especially the top four guys in the lineup,” Mepham coach Eric Passman said. “We graduated most of our starters from last year so we’re a work in progress. We’ll get better as we go.”

Last spring, Mepham ranked among Nassau’s winningest clubs with 19 victories but was bounced in the Class A semifinals by neighboring Calhoun via a walk-off grand slam by the Colts’ Joey Goodman in the bottom of the seventh inning of the decisive third game.

The Pirates returned only a handful starters, led by last year’s breakout star senior first baseman Kieran Kehoe, and Passman is optimistic despite the slow start. In addition to Long Beach, the conference consists of Great Neck South, Herricks, Jericho and MacArthur.

“We expect to be playoff contenders,” Passman said. “Our control has been off on the mound so far and we haven’t hit consistently. It’s early and its cold, but before we know it it’ll be late. We just have to keep working.”

The 6-foot-6 Kehoe is coming off one of the best seasons in Nassau baseball history. He batted .710 with 3 homers, 43 RBIs and went down on strikes only three times. Saint Joseph’s University (Philadelphia) commit is also a tremendous defensive player, Passman said.

“I’ve been coaching 50 years and never had a kid make that kind of hard contact and be almost impossible to strike out,” Passman said. “Kieran had a good sophomore season hitting over

.300 and then just exploded last year. I can’t wait to see what he does this season and is his college career.”

Senior center fielder Steven Mulqueen is an All-County talent and protecting Kehoe in the order. “He’s a masher and a great athlete,” Passman said of Mulqueen. “He hits the ball hard and has a gun for an arm.”

Moving forward, the starting pitching staff consists of senior Kiran Paingankar and sophomores Jaiden Zollar

and Brayden Seligman. The latter is the Pirates’ primary third basemen set to make his first start on the mound this week against Great Neck South. Zollar, who bats in the leadoff spot, plays left field on non-pitching days. Senior Conor Myllet is the vocal leader of the infield from behind the plate.

The middle infield defense has looked solid so far, Passman said, with senior Sal Visone at shortstop and sophomore James Quilty at second base.

Justine Stefanelli/Herald Mepham senior Kieran Kehoe won the Nassau County Diamond Award last spring after hitting over .700 with 43 RBIs and only three whiffs.

36 years later, fundraising for AIDS nears $1M

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Francine Goldstein clearly remembers the day she received a phone call from her best friend from the hospital.

“It was AIDS,” Goldstein said. “She called me and she said, ‘I understand if you never want to see me again.’ I said, ‘I’m your best friend, we’re gonna do everything we can to help you.’”

36 years later, Goldstein and her partners have raised a sum total of nearly $1,000,000 for AIDS relief, a milestone she expects to reach within the coming weeks. She is only about $2,000 away from reaching the seven-figure goal.

In 1988, Goldstein’s friend was showing symptoms of illness at the end of her pregnancy, thought to be pneumonia — but after the birth of her daughter, the illness was identified as acquired autoimmune deficiency disorder, also known as AIDS.

Goldstein participated in her first AIDS walk that year. She raised $150, in one donation from her husband and her two dogs. In the following years, she expanded her outreach by contacting friends, family and clients to support the cause, many of whom still donate today.

One of those individuals is Kelsey Louie, former CEO of Gay Men’s Health Crisis, who Goldstein referred to as a mentor who played a significant role in her journey.

“He’s wonderful,” Goldstein said.

“She is very kind to call me a mentor,” Louie said, “but she has taught me as much as I have taught her. She is an inspiration to so many, including myself. Every cause needs a champion like Francine, and everyone needs a friend like Francine.”

The goal of the Gay Men’s Health Crisis is to provide AIDS patients treatment and public support. Goldstein and her husband have been members of GMHC since 1981.

“We provide our clients with housing, food and nutrition, legal services, immigration, mental health, substance abuse,” Susan Devaney, the vice president of development for GMHC said.

“Our mission is to end AIDS,” Devaney added, “but infections happen every day. We want to get more education, more prevention, more testing — that’s our biggest focus.”

Goldstein explained that many people fear being diagnosed or sharing that they have HIV. The goal of the event is to combat the negative stigma towards AIDS patients and the idea that the disease is a problem of the past.

“When I first took my job just two years ago, some people said to me, is that still a thing?” Devaney recounted. “Yes, it’s still a thing. We’re still here fighting.”

AIDS walks are an important time for surviving relatives of lost loved ones to honor their memories and support research towards a cure for the disease.

“Francine believes in our mission and she understands what it is that we’re trying to do when we’re providing all of these services and programs,” Devaney said, “and she fights every day for every dollar that she brings in — she knows that it’s going somewhere.”

Even after reaching a monumental figure, Goldstein has shown no sign of stopping her activism. “I will walk until there is a cure,” she said.

Goldstein has been a Bellmore resident for the past 17 years, and she was the Long Island Herald’s Person of the Year in 2018. At the time, she had raised over $640,000.

The next AIDS walk will take place May 19 in Central Park, New York City. Annually, the walk typically has anywhere from 10,000 to 12,000 registered walkers, many appearing in fundraising teams. “Francine’s Team – A Promise to a Friend” has already raised $68,345 in 2024. If you want to donate as a part of Francine’s team, visit AIDSWalkNY.org.

Courtesy Francine Goldstein Francine Goldstein has been walking for a cure for AIDS for the last 36 years. Above, she was celebrated by AIDS Walk NY attendees at a prior event.

Fire departments rally to recruit new volunteers

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

“Firefighting is all about passion,” said Oyster Bay town supervisor Joe Saladino. “Do you have a fire in you?”

That’s the question being asked across Nassau County by the 69 volunteer fire departments that protect them. It’s all part of a renewed push from the Firefighters Association of the State of New York in its annual RecruitNY campaign to find more volunteer firefighters and EMTs.

To help support those efforts, County Executive Bruce Blakeman declared last week as a volunteer firefighter and ambulance worker recruitment week. That includes the launch of a new website, NassausBravest.com, providing information on volunteering in the county.

“Exactly 30 years ago in 1994, there were 10,000 firefighters here on Long Island. There are now 6.000, so we’ve got a lot of work to do,” Blakeman said. “It’s not just community service. That’s important, and it’s very rewarding to give back to your community, but it’s about the camaraderie between firefighters and EMT’s.”

Steve Klein knows exactly how rewarding it is. He joined the Oceanside Fire Department when he was 18, just a couple years after his father died from a heart attack. Now 77, Klein has decades of volunteer service under his belt, and is even the former president of state firefighters association.

Still, Klein will never forget how it was volunteer firefighters who responded to his father’s medical emergency. And it proves how important these types of services are. That’s why his statewide agency worked so hard to adopt more universal firefighting training methods.

“Anything we want to do, it’s going to cost money,” Klein said. “But the offshoot of that is that the volunteer fire service in the state of New York saves the taxpayers approximately $3.5 billion in taxes every year. We need to have trained people available to respond to emergencies.”

Much of that money is saved in sala-

ries, which volunteers obviously do not collect. Departments also look to fundraise as ways to avoid tax levies needed for purchasing, maintaining and operating firefighting equipment.

But there are benefits to volunteering beyond just doing the right thing. Volunteers get free training and equipment, as well as tax breaks and insurance coverage. All of that is provided by the Volunteer Firefighter Benefits Law, first passed in 1957.

Those tax breaks could include income tax credits of $500 to $1,000 per year, as well as property tax reductions of up to 10 percent — assuming local gov-

ernments have opted in.

There also are possibilities to earn a pension, as well as tuition reimbursement and scholarships.

Eugene Perry first joined the Patchogue Fire Department in 1979, thanks to his father — even those he was never a firefighter himself.

“My uncles were both in the fire service, but my father … took me to one of the tournament drills they had in Patchogue, and it was something that piqued my interest and got me to come in the door,” Perry said. “I learned quickly after that, that that’s not the whole aspect of the volunteer fire service.”

Perry has been an administrative officer for many years and is involved in fundraising efforts for the fire department and companies and is hoping to help even more through efforts at the state level, encouraging, even more, to receive benefits from the fire service in more ways than one.

“I’m still an active interior firefighter,” Perry said. “It’s still the rush of being in a firehouse and getting on a fire truck and going to a fire trying to help somebody.”

And that’s a big reason why there is so much longevity in this line of work, Blakeman said.

“You have a built-in family when you join a firefighting service,” the county executive said. “You have friends that share a love of protecting the community.”

Kepherd Daniel/Herald

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman was joined by firefighters in Plainview to share how important these volunteer departments are — and why solid recruitment this month is vital, for residents of all ages.

Caring for kids, undergoing chemotherapy

treatment for many cancers, a side affect is often chills. The founders of We Care Blankets sprang into action, and made colorful blankets, that serve as a gift to kids in hospitals.

Tammy Baker, the founder of We Care Blankets, who resides in Massapequa, said that while the organization has always donated blankets to local hospitals, it never had a permanent “home” to concentrate its efforts. About six years ago, the Merrick Library offered We Care Blankets a room, which has helped the nonprofit.

“We had no room, and we never wrapped the blankets,” she explained. “We used to deliver them in big black trash bags.”

At We Care Blankets, our first love is children.

TAmmy BAker Founder We Care Blankets

Now, We Care Blankets hosts “wrap nights,” usually about every other month at the library. It invites community members from all over to participate, as well as other volunteer organizations. In the library’s community room, volunteers will curate donation bags, each containing ten blankets. When all of the blankets are wrapped, they are brought out to volunteer’s cars, who will deliver them to hospitals.

In January, Rhoads stopped by a wrap night, and was impressed by the efforts of the organization. Looking for a way to help, his office organized a month-long drive. Through May 10, residents in his district can drop off yarn and blankets to 12 locations including the North Bellmore Public Library; the Merrick Library; the North Merrick Public Library; the East Meadow Public Library; the Farmingdale Public Library; the Bethpage Public Library; the PlainviewOld Bethpage Library; the Island Trees Public Library; the Levittown Public Library; Needlepaint Nook in Merrick; JOANN Fabric & Crafts in Westbury; and Rhoads’ District Office on Merrick Road in Massapequa.

The drive officially kicked off April 10, during one of We Care Blanket’s wrap nights. Over 60 volunteers packed into the Merrick Library’s community room, and wrapped 620 blankets for children will illnesses.

“Each wrap is special,” Baker said at the wrap night last week, “but tonight it’s (extra) special. Senator Rhoads came to visit us at our last wrap, and he made the decision that he would like to help us and he had the idea of launching a yarn drive.”

Baker thanked every volunteer for participating and Rhoads’ office for helping make the kick off event

possible. In the hopes that the 12 drop off bins will fill up over the next month, she added that there’ll be more wrap nights ahead to assemble all that’s donated.

“We’ll have more work,” she said, “but it’s all good work.”

Rhoads, who was unable to attend the event as he was in Albany working on the state’s budget, shared his thoughts on the evening through a virtual message.

“During intense (cancer) treatment, many children’s get chills, and the yarn and blankets collected will serve as a wonderful gift for each child,” he said. “All blankets serve as a gift of love and support, not only for the child, but for the family as well.”

Though the drive ends May 10, there are ways the community can support We Care Blankets. By donating acrylic yarn, funds, or their time — either at wrap nights, or by making blankets. Blankets must be at least 32-by-32-inches, but can be larger.

“It is a heartbreaking reality that many children have to endure such a difficult and painful journey fighting cancer at a young age,” Rhoads said. “While medical treatments are crucial in their fight against cancer, it is also important to provide them with love,

comfort, and warmth during this chaotic time.”

To donate yarn, call (516) 769-5381. To donate funds, write a check payable to “We Care Blankets,” and mail it to Susan Berk, 11 Mechanic Court, Huntington, NY 11743 or Tammy Baker, 1407 Bucknell Drive, Massapequa, NY 11758.

For information on the drive, and specific addresses for donation locations, visit NYSenate.gov/senators/ steven-d-rhoads. His office can also be reached at (516) 882-0630.

“Without caring volunteers, benefactors, and talented crafters we couldn’t fulfill this mission,” Baker said. “At We Care Blankets, our first love is children.”

Jordan Vallone/Herald photos

We Care Blankets, founded in 1999, donate blankets to children in hospitals undergoing chemotherapy. above, volunteers worked to assemble blanket bundles.

the drive was created by the office of State Sen. Steve rhoads, who participated in a wrap night in January. even though he was in albany during the kick off event, he joined the group of volunteers virtually, thanking them for their participation.

tammy Baker, the founder of We Care Blankets, spoke about the work of the organization.

Volunteers wrapped 620 blankets last week, which will all be delivered to local hospitals.

the drive will run through may 10 with several drop off locations where people can donate acrylic yarn or blankets.

Passover, the night our creator was on the watch

The upcoming holiday of Passover is a time to reflect on our lives, our strengths, our freedom and more. Jewish people all over the world will celebrate their heroic escape from being slaves to the wicked king, Pharoh. The night before Passover, The Almighty was on the watch, protecting the Israelites and made sure that every single one of them escaped Egypt safely. Our Creator had performed many miracles for the Israelites, including the splitting of the sea and the ten plagues, but was the lesson learned?

Many of us who read Alex Haley’s book “Roots”, or even watched the mini-series, saw a glimpse of what slavery was like. “Roots” portrays the story of Kunta Kinte who was kidnapped from Gambia, Africa. Kunta was stripped of his freedom and brought into North America where he was sold as a slave. Haley lucidly describes slavery. His writing touched people of all colors, religion or economic status. Slavery was wrong in Egypt and was equally wrong in North America or anywhere else in the world for this mat-

ter. Did anyone ever learn to work together and fight to abolish inequality between people? Yes! Look no further than Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel, may their souls rest in peace.

It was January 14, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois. Rabbi Heschel delivered a powerful speech with a clear message. The speech dealt with religion and race. It was a moving and motivating speech, both condemning and comparing the slavery of the Israelites in ancient Egypt and the slavery and racism toward the African Americans. Dr. King was impressed by the speech and the two became friends. Dr. King made his famous, “I have a dream speech”, on August 28, 1963. With a tremendous crowd, believers and supporters, his dream came true but not without struggles. To this day, we are still struggling to perfect his dream. It took plagues

R

W

for Pharoah to let the Israelites go and it took a civil war to free the African Americans from slavery. Yet, we are strong as we unite to combat this evil, and we will succeed.

On March 21, 1965, Selma, Alabama and the rest of the world watched and saw an unprecedented march. People of all colors and religions marched together. Rabbi Heschel was there, in the now famous march. G-D was there in the smallest details as well, a Torah, The Five Books of Moses was dearly and carefully held in support of the marchers. This was a powerful message. If we want a better world, we must unite. Equality is not just another word in the dictionary, we must strive to implement it every day, hour or minute of our lives.

One of the commandments’ of Passover is that every Jewish person should see himself as he him -

self was just freed from Egypt. This year, I invite us all to see ourselves as we survived slavery, just as Alex Haley did in a brilliant way. The Divine Providence will continue watching over us, His children. Our appearance does not make The Omnipresent love us more or less, in His eyes we are all equal.

Alex Haley, Dr. Martin Luther King and Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel might have departed from us physically, yet they are with us through their legacy. This Passover let’s keep their memory and legacy alive. While asking the four traditional Passover questions, look into yourself and ask some more questions. Did I do my utmost to build bridges between people? Can I do better? Am I active enough in my community? Feel FREE to add questions, after all this holiday we celebrate FREEDOM!

Happy Passover,

RABBI MOSHE P. WEISBLuM, PHD

Rabbi Moshe Weisblum is the spiritual leader for Congregation Beth Tikvah in Wantagh.

abbi M oshe

eisblu M

Lopez takes over county’s social services

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Jose Lopez has stepped in as the new acting commissioner for Nassau County’s social services department, filling the absence left by Nancy Nunziata.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to serve, to work with the county executive,” Lopez said. “To work with all the employees at the DSS. And to build a team that has a sense of morale, and more importantly, a sense of trust that the administration understands that what they do is vital to everyone that we serve.”

Lopez has spent the last three years as the county’s labor relations director, settling more than 8,000 bargaining agreements with Nassau County employees. He also guided more than 40 county departments in their negotiations with unions, and even served a member of the county’s health care committee.

At DSS, Lopez is now responsible for a department focused on supporting local families with day care, housing and homelessness prevention. He also will oversee the county’s management of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, that assists low-income, disabled or senior citizen residents with needed financial support to purchase food.

“The role is to make sure that we serve the constituency of Nassau County, and to provide services that are very much needed,” Lopez said. “At the same time, you provide an opportunity for those working with the county to do their best.”

Lopez also will lead Child Protective Services, child support enforcement, and accommodating the Abandoned Infant Protection Act, which provides a safe way for those with unwanted infants to part with them. It’s with CPS Lopez would like to add more peo-

ple, including more than a dozen former cops to help manage the department’s ever-growing workload.

These new hires will assist caseworkers after undergoing a six-week training period — largely calling upon prior experience as first responders, according to reports.

CPS is responsible for investigating neglect and all kinds of child abuse. The service employs casework-

ers and court liaisons. Child victims are brought to Nassau’s Child Advocacy Center, where they share information and receive various support services from the Coalition Against Child Abuse and Neglect.

“Jose Lopez has demonstrated through his many assignments in government that he has the intellect experience and work ethic to take on important challenges,” County Executive Bruce Blakeman said, in a statement. “Protecting our neighbors in their time of vulnerability is of paramount importance to me as county executive.”

Nunziata, appointed in 2019 by then-county executive Laura Curran, abruptly resigned last month, according to reports, after she says she was asked to fire someone in her office from an official in the county executive’s office. Nunsiata left over a disagreement over policy with the county executive.

Blakeman had no knowledge of the request, according to Boyle, who told a news outlet the employee in question was later transferred to a different department. The county executive also said he received no communication from Nunziata about why she stepped down.

Lopez’s experience includes a decade as the human resources director for the Western Beef supermarket chain, where he oversaw more than 2,000 employees across 22 stores and three warehouses.

He’s also a former deputy commissioner of Nassau County Parks, Recreation and Museums, and also oversaw key functions of Eisenhower Park Aquatic Center, including staffing and event planning.

Lopez intends to reduce the amount of staff training occurring upstate, preferring to train them within Nassau instead. He also intends to broaden the services the department provides, although he has yet to share details.

Courtesy Nassau County Jose Lopez is the new acting commissioner for the Nassau County’s social services department.

STEPPING OUT

Cultivating the future at Crossroads Farm

By Danielle Schwab

Vegetables, fruits, and honey, oh my!

Melissa Errico

With the growing season now upon us, Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s is ready to welcome visitors again. The historic 5.5-acre site hosts its annual season-opening event, next Saturday, April 27. It’s a day to enjoy being outdoors, and partake of family-friendly activities, delicious eats, farm-fresh items to purchase, and, naturally, a wealth of information on planting.

Crossroads Farms at Grossmann’s has a long tradition that’s been shared by generations of folks from throughout Nassau County and beyond. Since 1895, it’s been a go-to for produce, plants and related agricultural products. Owned and cultivated for more than 100 years by the Grossmann family, it was purchased by Nassau County through the Nassau Land Trust to preserve the acreage as an open farm space. It’s one of the closest farms to New York City.

“One of the big things for the Grossmann family was that Long Island Rail Road runs directly through the back of the farm,” Crossroads operations manager Michael D’Angelo says. “Back in the early 1900s, that was huge. Instead of having to use a horse and cart to go to Manhattan to sell their produce, they were able to load up onto the train that would then go right into the city.”

With more than 75 products offered, the farm produces diverse and beloved selection of organic produce for its loyal patrons. This includes best sellers like tomatoes and greens, along with turmeric, and even loofas — among the many items

Crossroads also showcases its crops at the Long Island Fair. Its tradition of excellence is evident with strong finishes in the agricultural competition.

“We put in like 50 entries last year, and 90 percent of our crops placed first, second or third,” adds Peter Notarnicola, Crossroads’ field

This year, Crossroads is doubling its production by planting on twice as much of its land. Anything that can’t be grown or produced in-house is obtained through a barter system with other farms and sold at the farm store.

Melissa Errico appears on the Landmark stage with pianistarranger Billy Stritch for her new show ‘The Life and Loves of a Broadway Baby.’ Errico sets her own life to the Broadway songs that she has sung and owned in this theatrical tour de force. She presents both a sensational set of beloved standards and a series of witty and sometimes wicked stories about an ingenue’s life passed on the Great White Way. Its sexy, sublime study of American songs — ranging from Cole Porter to Harold Arlen, Lerner & Loewe to Taylor Swift, with a substantial peek at Melissa’s new Sondheim album, ‘Sondheim in the City’ — with songs like ‘Everybody Says Don’t,’ ‘Take Me to the World,’ and ‘Being Alive.’ A woman of stage, screen and song, Errico has been acclaimed as ‘the Maria Callas of American musical theatre’ by Opera News, referencing both her silken voice and dramatic, expressive intensity.

Friday, April 19, 8 p.m. $63, $53, $43. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 7676444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

• Saturday, April 27, noon-4 p.m.

• $10 per person or $25 per family, kids younger than 3 free

• Farmstand hours: Tuesday and Friday, 1-6 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 480 Hempstead Ave., Malverne

• XRoadsFarmLINY.com

either are first or second generation, or are foreign-born themselves. They ask for specific products that may be hard for them to find,” D’Angelo says. “And that is always exciting for us. We love hearing and catering to the way people cook different things.”

Crossroads also has a presence at local establishments. You’ll find Crossroads products incorporated into the menu at Malverne eateries such as Uva Rossa Wine Bar and Kookaburra Coffee Co.

While the season is just beginning, there will be no shortage of activities to occupy everyone on opening day. A ribbon-cutting ceremony kicks off the festivities, followed by entertainment, farm tours, hayrides and food vendors on hand with some tasty bites. Check out Rockin Roots, South Shore Brewery and Beach Barbecue, among the participating vendors.

Kids can keep busy visiting farm animals and taking in an ATV ride, along with puppetry and face painting. The youngsters can also gather around a maypole and chase down colorful ribbons.

Mike DelGuidice

Another popular product is the result of a collaboration with millions of special farm workers — worker bees that is. Their buzzy effort supplies the farm with rich tasty honey.

“It’s a family fun day to come down and just enjoy the farm,” D’Angelo says.

Crossroads is so much more than simply a place to visit. Its valued community partner can be relied up to support many endeavors.

“Fresh produce, fresh flowers, educational opportunities and entertainment space truly make Crossroads Farm unique” Maria Casini, Malverne Chamber of Commerce co-president, adds.

Among the projects she’s involved in with Crossroads, the farm has partnered with LIJ-Valley Stream Northwell Hospital to introduce a”Food is Health” program tackling nutrition and hunger.

“We got about a million ladies that work on the farm, and they’re the bees,” D’Angelo jokes.

is of buzzy jokes.

D’Angelo and Notarnicola are always on the go, planning and moving forward with new ideas — and crops. They maintain a close dialogue with visitors.

The farm also offers an interactive Sunshine program to introduce kids up to 11 to agriculture.

“A lot of people don’t know the process that it takes for food to get to their table,” Notarnicola says. “To see that hands-on, I think for someone who didn’t grow up with planting, is eye-opening.”

From a tiny seedling to your dinner plate, it’s a team effort to get it all there.

Mike DelGuidice, one of Long Island’s most celebrated singer/ songwriters continues his ‘residency’ at the Paramount. Mike DelGuidice and his band always give it their all, especially when playing the iconic Billy Joel songs. DelGuidice leads his band in a rousing concert that highlights the ‘Piano Man’s’ decades of hits. Like his idol, DelGuidice has become one of the area’s most celebrated performers, balancing his schedule between doing his own thing and touring with Joel all over the world. DelGuidice, as with Joel, grew up mastering several instruments, including bass guitar, guitar, piano and drums. He’s renowned for his encyclopedic knowledge of the Joel catalog, which caught the attention of Joel himself, who ultimately brought him on stage with him. DelGuidice and his band pack hit after charttopping hit, along with his own tunes in a high-energy show that’s always a crowd pleaser.

“We have customers from all different backgrounds, some who

Interested in become a part of the farm family? Crossroads Farms welcomes volunteers to help out. Various volunteering options include working in the fields planting and harvesting, or participating in education and fundraising programming.

Friday and Saturday, April 19-20, 8 p.m. $60, $40, $25, $20. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. (800) 745-3000. Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY. com.

beloved selection of organic produce for its loyal patrons. This you’ll find here. manager.

Michael D’Angelo, operations manager, is ready to reopen the popular farm for another busy season.

Photos courtesy Crossroads Farm Crossroads field manager Peter Notarnicola tends to his plantings.

THE Your Neighborhood

April 26

Chris Ruggiero

Experience the magic of Chris Ruggiero’s new show, “Teenage Dreams and Magic Moments.” The dynamic vocalist visits the Landmark stage, Friday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. Ruggiero is an old soul. Still in his 20s, the music that speaks to him is the music of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s, breathing new life into the timeless classics that form the soundtrack of our lives. His approach to performing is more in line with that of a bygone era, bringing to the stage the panache of Frank Sinatra or Paul Anka, coupled with the energy of Jackie Wilson. Ruggiero first came to national attention when he performed in concert on a PBS coast-to-coast special and was featured on Good Morning America. Since then, he has traveled the country, delivering his unique brand of vintage rock and roll and sharing his passion for the classics.

On stage

Families will enjoy another musical adventure, “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!” ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved children’s books, on the Long Island Children’s Museum stage, Friday, April 19, 10:15 a.m. and noon; Monday through Friday, April 20-26, 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Back by popular demand after a sold-out 2023 run, see Pigeon, Bus Driver, and some zany passengers sing and dance their way to helping The Pigeon find his “thing” in this upbeat, energetic comedy based on four of Mo Willems’ popular Pigeon books.

On exhibit

He has shared the stage with artists such as Bobby Rydell, The Duprees and The Drifters. It seems almost preordained that the young man who loves the special sounds of an era is now performing on the same stages as those he admires most. The young singer was a 2020 East Coast Music Hall of Fame nominee and at the 2019 induction ceremony, he performed alongside Tito Puente Jr. singing the iconic song Tito’s father wrote, “Oye Como Va.” In his new show, “Teenage Dreams and Magic Moments,” Ruggiero tells his story by breathing ew life into the timeless music of the eras he loves, enhanced with a six-piece band and live brass. Songs like “Unchained Melody,” “My Cherie Amour,” “You Can’t Hurry Love” and “This Magic Moment” come to life with unique interpretations of these classics and more, with new orchestrations by Charlie Calello, arranger for the Four Seasons and known in the industry as “The Hit Man.” Chances are you’ll know every word of every song. $59, $49, $39. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. (516) 767-6444 or LandmarkOnMainStreet.org.

“I Never Finish Anythi…”

“I Never Finish Anythi…”

Featuring a live band to bring Deborah Wicks La Puma’s jazzy score to life, audiences will thoroughly enjoy singing and flapping along with The Pigeon and friends. The audience is part of the action, in this innovative mix of songs, silliness and feathers. It’s an ideal way to introduce kids to theater and the humorous stories from Willems’ books. $10 with museum admission ($8 members), $14 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.LICM.org.

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, “Urban Art Evolution,” is a comprehensive exhibit featuring a diverse range of compositions from the 1980s through the present by creators who were based in the rough and tumble downtown area of New York City known as Loisaida/LES (Lower East Side/East Village) and close surrounding neighborhoods. Artists pushed the boundaries of what was considered “art” with a primary focus on street/graffiti art. The exhibit’s scope, guest curated by art collector/gallerist Christopher Pusey, offers an even broader view from other creative residents, who worked inside their studios but still contributed to the rich fabric of the downtown art scene from different vantage points and aesthetics.

Works include sculpture, paintings, photography, music, and ephemera from many noted and influential artists. On view through July 7. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

“I Never Finish Anythi…”

Does this pretty much sum it up for you?

“I Never Finish Anythi…”

Does this pretty much sum it up for you?

Or someone you care for?

Or someone you care for?

Does this describe you?

Does this pretty much sum it up for you? Or someone you care for?

Does this pretty much sum it up for you? Or someone you care for?

Or someone close to you?

If the answer is Yes.

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Baby shower for moms-to-be

Mercy Hospital hosts this free event for expecting momsto-be, Saturday, May 11, noon to 2 p.m., in the lower level cafeteria. With raffles, giveaways for mom and baby, and meet and greets with physicians, lactation specialists, mother/baby nurses, games and more. For moms only. 1000 N. Village Ave. Email Elizabeth. Schwind@chsli.org to register. For more information, visit CHSLI.org/mercy-hospital or call (516) 626-3729.

Father’s Day Car Show

The annual Father’s Day Car show returns to Merrick, Saturday, June 15, opens at 9 a.m. Money raised benefits the Nassau County Sheriff’s COBA Widow’s and Children’s Fund. Admission for pre-registered cars is $15, on the day of the show $20. The first 350 cars will get a free t-shirt and plaque. Free admission for all spectators. At the Merrick LIRR station.

Relay for Life

The Relay for Life at Calhoun High School takes place April 24-25. Parents are needed to help with food donations. Parents are also wanted to form teams, participate in the event, and be a part of the event. Register, form a team, or make a donation at Main.ACSEvents.org.

VFW Tea Party

VFW Auxiliary Post 2770 hosts a tea party, Sunday April 25, 1-4 p.m. Scones, tea, sandwiches, and desserts will be served. With raffles and a fancy hat contest. $30 per person, $20 ages 12 and under. 2400 Bedford Ave., Bellmore. RSVP by April 13 by calling or texting Kathy at (516) 305-3139. Payment by check, payable to VFW Aux to Vigilant Post 2770, along with attendees’ names, should be sent to Kathy Burns at 665 Eileen Street, Franklin Square, NY 11010

Merrick Chamber Spring Festival

Join the Merrick Chamber of Commerce for its annual spring festival, Friday through Sunday, April 26 to 28. A weekend of fun opens on Friday at 6 p.m., and there will rides on Saturday and Sunday, open at 11 a.m. A merchant fair on the weekend is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It all takes place at the Merrick LIRR station. For more information, visit MerrickChamber.org.

Having an event?

Eglevsky Ballet Gala

Eglvesky Ballet presents “Live from Studio 4,” an intimate evening of classical and contemporary ballets, Saturday, April 20, 7 p.m. The program features new and existing repertory works chosen to showcase the dancers unique ability to transfer from classical to neo-classical to contemporary with ease and mastery of their techniques. Eglevsky Ballet Studio, 700 Hicksville Road, Suite 102, Bethpage. For information and tickets, visit Eventbrite.com/e/ live-from-studio-4-tickets859994295087?aff=oddtdtc.

Baldwin Homemakers

Annual Auction

All are welcome to join Baldwin Homemakers for their annual auction, Wednesday May 1, 7 p.m., at Baldwin Middle School. $5 admission includes 1 front table raffle ticket. With coffee, cake and door prize. Additional raffle tickets will be available for sale. 3211 Schreiber Place, Baldwin.

Items on The Scene 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 thescene@liherald.com.

Spring Dog Festival

Enjoy the glorious grounds of Old Westbury Gardens with your pooch (leashed of course), Saturday and Sunday, April 20-21, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. With varied vendors and activities. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit OldWestburyGardens. org.

Friday Night Car Show

Friday car shows return, sponsored by The Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores and the Town of Hempstead, Friday, weekly through Oct. 4 (weather permitting), at the Bellmore LIRR parking lot on Broadway.

See a variety of classic and custom cars. Spectators can enjoy the displays free of charge, while car owners are invited to showcase their vehicles for a nominal $5 admission fee. For more information, contact (516) 679-1875.

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mercy Hospital offers a peer to peer meeting for breastfeeding support and resources, facilitated by a certified breastfeeding counselor, every Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–11:30 a.m. Bring your baby (from newborn to 1 year) to the informal group setting. All new moms are welcome, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required. Call breastfeeding counselor, Gabriella Gennaro, at (516) 7052434 to secure you and your baby’s spot. Mercy Hospital, St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre. For information visit CHSLI.org.

Art explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art, Saturday, April 20, noon-3 p.m. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork.

Kids and adults connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. For ages 2-14. Registration required. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org for to register or call (516) 484-9337.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU, ALLIED MORTGAGE GROUP, INC., Plaintiff, vs. KATHLYN CASATELLI

A/K/A KATHRYN

CASATELLI, Defendant.

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 31, 2024, 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 April 30, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 1100 Bellmore Road, North Bellmore, NY 11710. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 51, Block 291 and Lot 12. Approximate amount of judgment is $443,446.39 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008251/2015. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Scott Siller, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 145664

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE AUDIENCIA

PÚBLICA

BELLMORE-MERRICK

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

CIUDAD DE HEMPSTEAD CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

EL AVISO SE HA DADO

AQUÍ que la Junta de Educación del BellmoreMerrick Central High School District celebrará una audiencia pública el 8 de mayo de 2024, a las 7:30 p.m. en la Sala de la Junta del Edificio de Administración Central ubicado en la Centro Educative Brookside, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, Merrick, Nueva York, con el propósito de tramitar todos los negocios según lo autorizado por la Ley de Educación, que incluye, entre otros, la discusión de los gastos de fondos y presupuestos, por lo tanto, en relación con la apropriación de fondos necesarios para cubrir los gastos necesarios del Distrito Central de Escuelas Secundarias para el año escolar 2023-2024 y sobre las propuestas

que involucran el gasto de fondos o la recaudación de impuestos, en qué momento y en qué lugar todas las personas interesadas en el tema del mismo en relación con el mismo tendrán la oportunidad de ser escuchadas.

Y TAMBIÉN SE DE AVISO que una copia del estado de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año siguiente con fines escolares (presupuesto escolar) y copias de las propuestas relacionadas con el gasto de dinero y el funcionamiento del sistema escolar para el año siguiente , estará disponible para cualquier contribuyente en el Distrito siete días inmediatamente antes de la audiencia pública, excepto los sábados, domingos o días festivos, en cada escuela en la que se mantenga la escuela durante las horas de 8:00 a.m. y 4:00 p.m.

Y TAMBIÉN SE DE AVISO que un Informe de Exención del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, preparado de acuerdo con la Sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, se adjuntará a cualquier presupuesto provisional / preliminar, así como al presupuesto adoptado final del cual formará parte; y se publicarán en el (los) tablón (s) de boletines del Distrito que se mantendrá para avisos públicos, así como en el sitio web del Distrito POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

PATTIANNE GUCCIONE SECRETARIO DE DISTRITO

El aviso anterior se publicará en los periódicos Herald de Bellmore y Herald de Merrick el Jueves, el 4 de abril de 2024, el 18 de abril de 2024 y el 2 de mayo de 2024. 145958

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OF THE BELLMOREMERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Education of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District will hold a Public Hearing on May 8, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. in the Board Room of the Central Administration Building located at the Brookside Educational Center, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, Merrick, New York, for the purpose of transacting all business as is authorized by the Education Law, including, but not limited to, discussion of the expenditure of funds and budgeting therefore relative to the

appropriation of necessary funds to meet the necessary expenditures of the Central High School District for the school year 2024-2025 and on propositions involving the expenditure of funds or the levy of tax, at which time and which place all persons interested in the subject matter thereof concerning the same will have an opportunity to be heard.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for school purposes (school budget) and copies of propositions involving expenditure of moneys and the operation of the school system for the ensuing year, will be available to any taxpayer in the District seven days immediately preceding the public hearing except Saturday, Sunday or holidays, at each schoolhouse in which school is maintained during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN 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.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

BELLMORE-MERRICK

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

DISTRICT

PATTIANNE GUCCIONE

DISTRICT CLERK

The above notice will be published in the Bellmore and Merrick Herald Life newspapers on Thursday, April 4, 2024, April 18, 2024, and May 2, 2024. 145956

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING, PUBLIC HEARING, ELECTION, AND REGISTRATION OF VOTERS

NORTH BELLMORE

UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT NORTH BELLMORE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

Pursuant to Section 1716 of Education Law a Public Hearing for discussion of the proposed 2024/25 School District Budget, and such other business as may come before the meeting, will be held on May 09, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. at the Administration Building on Martin Avenue, Bellmore, New York. A copy of the state of the amount of monies which will be required for the 2024/25 school year for school purposes may be obtained, upon request, by any school district

resident commencing May 2, 2024 during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. except for Saturdays, Sundays or holidays.

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Vote of the qualified voters of the North Bellmore Union Free School District will be held at the Newbridge Road School, North Bellmore, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 for the following purpose:

A. To vote upon the Annual School Budget for the school year 2024-2025 and to authorize levying of a tax upon the taxable property of the North Bellmore School District for such purposes.

B. The election of two (2) members of the Board of Education.

C. To vote upon such other propositions as may properly come before the meeting. Voting will be by ballot on voting machines and the polls will remain open for voting from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., and as much longer as may be necessary for all voters then present to cast their votes. Voting will be in the gymnasium of the Newbridge Road School. Copies of the proposed 2024/25 budget will be available at each of the offices of the school houses in the district, J. G. Dinkelmeyer School, Newbridge Road School, Park Avenue School, Saw Mill Road School and Martin Avenue School between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on each day other than a Saturday, Sunday or holiday during the fourteen (14) days preceding the Annual Vote, and on the school’s website.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE pursuant to Real Property Tax Law Section 495, an exemption report detailing exemptions from real property taxation shall be available and appended to any tentative, preliminary or final budget.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the election of members of the Board of Education will be as follows:

One (1) member of the Board of Education; for full terms of three (3) years, commencing July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2027.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that nominating petitions for candidates for the Board of Education must be filed with the District Clerk between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. not later than April 22, 2024 at 5:00 p.m. Each petition shall state the name and residence of each signor, shall state the name and residence of the candidate, and must be signed by not less than thirty-two (32) qualified voters of the

school district for election of members of the Board of Education. Vacancies on the Board of Education are not considered separate, specific offices; candidates run at large. Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the Board for which the candidate is nominated.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that at the Annual Vote, qualified voters of the BellmoreMerrick Central High School District shall vote for the following purposes:

A. To vote upon the annual budget of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District for the year 2024-2025 and to authorize the levying of a tax upon the taxable property of the BellmoreMerrick Central High School District for such purposes. B. To vote upon such other propositions as may properly come before the voters.

NOTICE IS FURTHER

GIVEN that pursuant to Education Law §2014 personal registration of voters is required, and no person shall be entitled to vote at the District Meeting whose name does not appear on the register of the District. Voter registration for the District will be ongoing through and including Thursday, May 16, 2024, from 9:00 o’clock A.M. until 3:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time), on all school days of the school year, at the District Office, J. G. Dinkelmeyer Elementary School, Newbridge Road Elementary School, Park Avenue Elementary School and Saw Mill Road Elementary School, for the purpose of preparing a register of the qualified voters of the District for said District Meeting, at which time any person shall be entitled to have his/her name placed upon such register, provided that he/she is known or proven to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at said District Meeting for which such register is prepared. Immediately upon its completion, the register will be filed in the office of the District Clerk, 2616 Martin Avenue, Bellmore, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. and 3:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) on each of the five (5) days prior to the District Meeting for which it was prepared, except Sunday, and on Saturday, May 18, 2024 by appointment only.

NOTICE IS FURTHER

GIVEN that pursuant to Education Law §2018-a and Education Law §2018-e applications for absentee and early mail ballots may be applied for at the office of the District Clerk. The District Clerk

must receive applications for absentee and early mail ballots ballots no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election. Furthermore, the District Clerk must receive such application at least seven days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee or early mail ballot , the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application by no later than six (6) days before the vote. No absentee or early mail voter’s ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received in the office of the District Clerk not later than 5:00 P.M. (prevailing time) on the day of the election. A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots shall have been issued will be available in the office of the District Clerk, 2616 Martin Avenue, North Bellmore, New York, commencing with the issuance of the first absentee or early mail ballot and during regular business hours on each of the five (5) days prior to the day of the election between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. (Prevailing Time), except Sunday and on Saturday, May 18, 2024 by appointment only. Such list will also be available at the polling place on the date of the vote. No absentee or early mail voter’s ballot shall be canvassed unless it shall have been received in the office of the District Clerk of the North Bellmore Union Free School District not later than 5:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) on the day of Annual District Meeting.

NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a person shall be entitled to vote at the annual meeting and election who is a citizen of the United States, eighteen years of age, a resident of the District for a period of thirty days next preceding the election he offers to vote and registered to vote for said election. A person shall be registered to vote if he or she shall have permanently registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections or with the Board of Registration of the school district. Only persons who shall be registered shall be entitled to vote.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that 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 25, 2024. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the election.

BY THE ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Laurice Gunnels District Clerk This information is provided in Spanish in compliance with the Voting Rights Act of 1965. 145795

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE REUNIÓN ANUAL, AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA, ELECCIÓN, Y EL REGISTRO DE VOTANTES

DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE LA UNIÓN DE NORTH BELLMORE

NORTH BELLMORE, LOCALIDAD DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

De conformidad con la Sección 1716 de la Ley de Educación, el 09 de mayo de 2024, a las 7:30 p.m., se llevará a cabo una Audiencia Pública para la discusión del Presupuesto del Distrito Escolar 2024/25 propuesto, y otros asuntos que puedan presentarse antes de la reunión, en el Edificio de Administración en Martin Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York. Cualquier residente del distrito escolar a

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Board of Registration will meet during the hours of voting on May 21, 2024 at the polling place of the school district for the purpose of preparing a register for District meetings or elections to be held subsequent to May 21, 2024. Said register shall include (1) all qualified voters of the school district who shall present themselves personally for registration; and (2) all qualified voters permanently registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections.

partir del 2 de mayo de 2024 puede obtener, previa solicitud, una copia del estado de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año escolar para fines escolares, durante las horas de 9:00 a.m. y 3:00 p.m., excepto sábados, domingos o días festivos.

POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL de que la Votación Anual de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de North Bellmore Union se llevará a cabo en la Escuela Newbridge Road, North Bellmore, el martes 21 de mayo de 2024 con el siguiente propósito: Un. Votar sobre el Presupuesto Escolar Anual para el año escolar 2024-2025 y autorizar la imposición de un impuesto sobre la propiedad imponible del Norte Distrito Escolar de Bellmore para tales fines. B. La elección de dos (2) miembros de la Junta de Educación.

C. Votar sobre las demás proposiciones que correspondan a la reunión. La votación será por papeleta en las máquinas de votación y las urnas permanecerán abiertas para votar desde las 6:00 a.m. hasta las 9:00 p.m., y tanto tiempo como sea necesario para que todos los votantes presentes en ese momento emitan su voto. La votación será en el gimnasio de la Escuela Newbridge Road. Copias del presupuesto propuesto para 2024/25 estarán disponibles en cada una de las oficinas de las escuelas del distrito, la Escuela J. G. Dinkelmeyer, la Escuela Newbridge Road, la Escuela Park Avenue, la Escuela Saw Mill Road y la Escuela Martin Avenue entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 3:00 p.m. en cada día que no sea sábado, domingo o feriado durante los catorce (14) días anteriores a la Votación Anual. y en el sitio web de la escuela.

TENGA EN CUENTA de conformidad con la Sección 495 de la Ley de Impuestos sobre Bienes Inmuebles, un informe de exención que detalla las exenciones de impuestos sobre bienes inmuebles estará disponible y se adjuntará a cualquier presupuesto tentativo, preliminar o final.

TENGA EN CUENTA que la elección de los miembros de la Junta de Educación será la siguiente:

Un (1) miembro de la Junta de Educación; por períodos completos de tres (3) años, a partir del 1 de julio de 2024 y hasta el 30 de junio de 2027.

ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que las peticiones de nominación de candidatos para la Junta de Educación deben presentarse ante el Secretario del Distrito entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 3:00 p.m. a más tardar el 22 de abril de 2024 a las

Public Notices

5:00 p.m. Cada petición deberá indicar el nombre y la residencia de cada señor, deberá indicar el nombre y la residencia del candidato, y debe estar firmada por no menos de treinta y dos (32) votantes calificados del distrito escolar para la elección de los miembros de la Junta de Educación. Las vacantes en la Junta de Educación no se consideran cargos separados y específicos; Los candidatos se postulan en general. Las peticiones de nominación no describirán ninguna vacante específica en la Junta para la cual el candidato es nominado.

TENGA EN CUENTA que en la Votación Anual, los votantes calificados del Distrito Central de Escuelas Secundarias de Bellmore-Merrick votarán por los siguientes propósitos: Un. Votar sobre el presupuesto anual de la Escuela Secundaria

Central Bellmore-Merrick

Distrito Escolar para el año 2024-2025 y autorizar la imposición de un impuesto sobre la propiedad imponible de la Escuela Secundaria

Central Bellmore-Merrick

Distrito para tales fines. B. Votar sobre las demás proposiciones que se presenten a la Votantes.

ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que de conformidad con la Ley de Educación §2014, se requiere el registro personal de los votantes, y ninguna persona tendrá derecho a votar en la Reunión del Distrito cuyo nombre no aparezca en el registro del Distrito. El registro de votantes para el Distrito se llevará a cabo hasta el jueves 16 de mayo de 2024, inclusive, desde las 9:00 a.m. hasta las 3:00 p.m. (hora prevaleciente), todos los días escolares del año escolar, en la Oficina del Distrito, la Escuela Primaria J. G. Dinkelmeyer, la Escuela Primaria Newbridge Road, la Escuela Primaria Park Avenue y la Escuela Primaria Saw Mill Road, con el propósito de preparar un registro de los votantes calificados del Distrito para dicha Reunión de Distrito, momento en el cual cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se coloque en dicho registro, siempre que se sepa o se demuestre que tiene derecho a votar en dicha Reunión de Distrito para la cual se preparó dicho registro. Inmediatamente después de su finalización, el registro se archivará en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito, 2616 Martin Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York, y estará abierto para su inspección por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 3:00 p.m. (hora prevaleciente) en cada uno de los cinco (5) días anteriores a la reunión del distrito para la cual

fue preparado. excepto el domingo, y el sábado 18 de mayo de 2024 solo con cita previa.

ADEMÁS, SE NOTIFICA que, de conformidad con la Ley de Educación §2018-a y la Ley de Educación §2018-e, las solicitudes de boletas de voto en ausencia y por correo anticipado se pueden solicitar en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito. El Secretario del Distrito debe recibir las solicitudes de boletas de voto ausente y por correo anticipado no antes de treinta (30) días antes de la elección. Además, el Secretario del Distrito debe recibir dicha solicitud al menos siete días antes de la elección si la boleta debe enviarse por correo al votante, o el día antes de la elección si la boleta debe entregarse personalmente al votante o a su agente designado. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna de una boleta de voto ausente o por correo anticipado enviada por correo, el Secretario del Distrito enviará la boleta por correo a la dirección establecida en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la votación. No se realizará el escrutinio de ninguna boleta de votante ausente o por correo anticipado a menos que se haya recibido en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. (hora prevaleciente) del día de la elección.

Una lista de todas las personas a las que se les habrán emitido boletas de voto ausente y por correo anticipado estará disponible en la oficina del Secretario de Distrito, 2616 Martin Avenue, North Bellmore, Nueva York, a partir de la emisión de la primera boleta de voto ausente o por correo anticipado y durante el horario comercial regular en cada uno de los cinco (5) días anteriores al día de la elección entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 3:00 p.m. (hora prevaleciente), excepto el domingo y el sábado 18 de mayo de 2024 solo con cita previa. Dicha lista también estará disponible en el lugar de votación en la fecha de la votación. No se realizará el escrutinio de ninguna boleta de voto ausente o por correo anticipado a menos que se haya recibido en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar Libre de North Bellmore Union a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. (hora prevaleciente) del día de la Reunión Anual del Distrito. TAMBIÉN SE DA AVISO de que una persona tendrá derecho a votar en la reunión y elección anual que sea ciudadano de los Estados Unidos, dieciocho años de edad, residente del Distrito por un período de treinta días inmediatamente anterior a la elección en la que se ofrezca a votar y se

registre para votar para dicha elección. Una persona estará registrada para votar si se ha registrado permanentemente en la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau o en la Junta de Registro del distrito escolar. Sólo tendrán derecho a votar las personas que estén inscritas.

ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Registro se reunirá durante las horas de votación del 21 de mayo de 2024 en el lugar de votación del distrito escolar con el fin de preparar un registro para las reuniones o elecciones del Distrito que se llevarán a cabo después del 21 de mayo de 2024. Dicho registro incluirá (1) a todos los votantes calificados del distrito escolar que se presentarán personalmente para el registro; y (2) todos los votantes calificados registrados permanentemente en la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau.

ADEMÁS, SE DA AVISO de que los votantes militares que no están registrados actualmente pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del distrito escolar. Los votantes militares que son votantes calificados del distrito escolar pueden presentar una solicitud para una boleta militar. Los votantes militares pueden designar una preferencia para recibir un registro de votante militar, una solicitud de boleta militar o una boleta militar por correo, transmisión de fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de dicho registro, solicitud de boleta o boleta. Los formularios de registro de votantes militares y los formularios de solicitud de boletas militares deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario de Distrito del distrito escolar a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 2al 5 de abril de 2024. No se realizará escrutinio ninguna boleta militar a menos que (1) se reciba en la oficina del Secretario de Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el día de las elecciones y muestre una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o muestre un endoso fechado de recepción por otra agencia del gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o (2) recibido por la oficina del Secretario de Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del día de las elecciones y firmado y fechado por el votante militar y un testigo del mismo, con una fecha asociada a no más tarde del día anterior a la elección.

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN Laurice Gunnels

Secretario de Distrito Esta información se proporciona en español de conformidad con la Ley de Derechos Electorales de 1965. 145797

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR MASTR ASSET BACKED

SECURITIES TRUST

2006-AM2, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES

2006-AM2 , Plaintiff, AGAINST

ROSARIO TZIMAS A/K/A

ROSARIO T. TZIMAS, BILL TZIMAS, et al.

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on July 11, 2023.

I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 9, 2024 at 2:00 PM premises known as 2405 Wallen Lane North Bellmore, NY 11710 2405 Wallen Lane Bellmore, NY 11710.

Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in North Bellmore, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 56, Block 491 and Lot 28.

Approximate amount of judgment $897,632.21 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #602164/2019.

Scott Siller, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff - 40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 146060

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-2, Plaintiff, Against BIBI LAZEENA KHAN

A/K/A BIBI KHAN, ET AL

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 09/29/2023, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court

located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 5/14/2024 at 2:00PM, premises known as 217 Leonard Street, North Bellmore, New York 11710, And Described As Follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the At Bellmore, In The Town Of Hempstead, County Of Nassau And State Of New York.

Section 56 Block K-02 Lot 17 And 28.

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $692,201.32 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 601517/2018

If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.

Mark S. Ricciardi, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 3/6/2024 File Number: 17-303028 CA 146098

LEGAL NOTICE

BELLMORE-MERRICK

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

VENDOR_____________

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Education, BellmoreMerrick Central High School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, Merrick, New York, at the Business Office, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York ll566-1500, for the following categories up to the times on the dates indicated:

May 17, 2024

10:00 A.M. Musical Instrument Rental and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud. All information for bidders, specifications and bid forms may be obtained at the abovementioned address. The Board of Education, Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, reserves the right to waive any informalities in, or to reject any or all bids, or to accept that bid, or any part of that bid, which in its judgment is for the best interests of the School District. All bid awards are pending budget approval. The School District may receive bids for the above listed items periodically during the 2024-2025 school year, if necessary. These bids will not be re-

advertised for this purpose. The frequency of bid solicitations will be determined by operating requirements. By order: Board of Education

Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District

By:

Melisa Stiles

School Business Administrator & Purchasing Agent 146175

LEGAL NOTICE

BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT NOTICE TO BIDDERS VENDOR_____________

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Education, BellmoreMerrick Central High School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, Merrick, New York at the Business Office, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York 11566-1500, for the following categories up to the times on the dates indicated:

Bread, Rolls, Bagels

School Lunch Printing May 7, 2024 10:00 a.m. and then at said office publicly opened and read aloud. All information for the bidders, specifications and bid forms may be obtained at the abovementioned address. The Board of Education, Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, reserves the right to waive any informalities in, or reject any and all bids, or to accept that bid, or any part of that bid, which in its judgement is for the best interests of the School District. All bid awards are pending budget approval.

The School District may receive bids for the above listed items periodically during the 2024-2025 school year if necessary. These bids will not be readvertised for this purpose. The frequency of bid solicitations will be determined by operating requirements. By order: Board of Education Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District By: Joanne Finelli 146173

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ANNUAL SCHOOL DISTRICT VOTE OF THE BELLMOREMERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the annual vote of the qualified voters of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, Nassau County, New York, will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at the several polling places designated by the Bellmore, Merrick, North Bellmore, and North Merrick Union Free School Districts, as follows:

BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, at the Charles A. Reinhard Early Childhood Center 2750 South St. Marks Avenue, Bellmore, New York between 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, at the Merrick District OfficeKatherine E. Reif Administration Center, 21 Babylon Road, Merrick, New York, between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

NORTH BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, at the Newbridge Road School, 1601 Newbridge Road, North Bellmore, New York, between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

NORTH MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, at the North Merrick Public Library, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York, between 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

For the following purposes:

PROPOSTION NO. 1Central High School District Budget

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, is authorized to expend the sums in the General Fund Appropriate of one hundred ninety-seven million, four hundred fifty thousand, six hundred three dollars ($197,450,603) to be raised through taxation in the several districts included with the Central High School District after first deducting the monies available from state aid and other sources.

PROPOSITION NO. 2Capital Improvement Projects

PROPOSITION NO. 3Capital Reserve Fund

RESOLVED that pursuant to Education Law Section 3651, the Board of Education of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District is hereby authorized to establish a Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of funding the following capital improvement projects: instructional and noninstructional space improvements/renovation s/upgrades, (including but not limited to classroom improvements/renovation s/upgrades and/or additions to existing facilities), auditorium renovations, gymnasium renovations, cafeteria renovations, library/multi media center renovations, exterior renovations/reconstructio n, computer/technology upgrades, security system upgrades, plumbing improvements/renovation s/upgrades, electrical improvements/renovation s/upgrades, HVAC improvements/renovation s/upgrades, energy efficiency improvements/renovation /upgrades, including the installation of solar power, improvements/ renovations/upgrades, fuel tank replacement, renovations required for compliance with ADA requirements, vocational and career preparation renovations, portable classroom replacement and/or purchase, roof/gutter/leader replacement, window replacement, structural renovations including masonry, brick and steel replacement, paving and concrete replacement, interior and exterior door/entry ways replacement (including hardware), toilet room renovations, lighting upgrades, ceiling replacement, floor replacement, wall replacement, boiler replacements, elevators, carpentry renovations, purchase of buildings/land, site renovations/reconstructio n including track resurfacing and turf field replacement, press box/dugout/ field house improvements/renovation s/ upgrades, bleacher improvements/renovation s/upgrades, upgrades of signs, athletic field renovations/reconstructio n, tennis court renovations, playground renovations, lockers/locker room renovations, public address/clock system replacement, sound system upgrades, telephone system upgrades, hazardous material remediation, storage space renovations, furnishings

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Bellmore Merrick Central High School District is hereby authorized to expend $2,100,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund established in May, 2016 for the purpose of performing the following projects; John F. Kennedy HS auditorium sound, lighting and stage rigging upgrades; John F. Kennedy HS HVAC upgrades; John F. Kennedy HS track resurfacing/replacement; Merrick Avenue MS parking lot and sidewalk reconstruction; Districtwide interior alterations; District-wide exterior building envelope reconstruction; Districtwide floor/ceiling replacement; Districtwide HVAC reconstruction; Districtwide electrical reconstruction; Districtwide plumbing reconstruction; Districtwide abatements all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto. Since the funds to be expended hereunder come from the Capital Reserve Fund approval of this proposition will not require a tax levy upon the real property of the district. This Proposition shall be independent of Proposition No. 1.

Public Notices

and equipment, including the purchase of vehicles. The maximum amount of the aforesaid Capital Reserve Fund shall be $10,000,000, plus investment income. The probable term is to be twelve (12) years. The funds are to be transferred from surplus monies remaining in the general fund, capital fund, and/or in other reserves not to exceed $4,500,000 from the 2023-2024 budget and thereafter in an annual amount of not more the $4,500,000 for each remaining year of the term. The Superintendent of Schools or his designee is hereby directed to deposit monies of this reserve fund in a separate bank account to be known as the “Facilities Improvement Program 2024.”

AND NOTICE IS ALSO

GIVEN that registration shall be conducted at the several polling places stated above by the Boards of Registration of the several component districts as follows: the Bellmore Union Free School District at the District Office, Winthrop Avenue School, 580 Winthrop Avenue, Bellmore, New York, on all school days of the school year until five (5) days preceding the vote between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.; the Merrick Union Free School District at the Administrative Office, 21 Babylon Road, Merrick, New York on all school days of the school year until five (5) days preceding the vote between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.; the North Bellmore Union Free School District at the Administrative Office, 2616 Martin Avenue, Bellmore, New York, and all district schools on all school days of the school year until five (5) days preceding the vote between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.; and the North Merrick Union Free School District at the Harold D. Fayette School, 1057 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, New York, on all school days of the school year until five (5) days preceding the vote between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., and additionally on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the Harold D. Fayette School between the hours of 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for the purpose of preparing a register of the qualified voters entitled to vote at the school meeting and election for which such register is prepared, in the manner provided by law. The register, as so prepared, will be filed in the office of the clerk at each of the respective Union Free School Districts as set forth in this notice of meeting and such register is to be open for inspection at

reasonable times for at least five (5) days prior to the date set for voting on the budget and election, except Sunday, and by appointment on the Saturday prior to the election at each elementary district.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a person shall be entitled to vote at the annual meeting and election who is a citizen of the United States, eighteen years of age, a resident of the Union Free School District in which he intends to vote for a period of thirty days next preceding the election he offers to vote and registered to vote for said election. A person shall be registered to vote if he or she shall have permanently registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections or with the Board of Registration of the component Union Free School District in which he resides. Only persons who shall be registered shall be entitled to vote

AND NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Boards of Registration of the several component Union Free School Districts will meet during the hours of voting on May 21, 2024 at the polling places in each of the Union Free School Districts for the purpose of preparing a register for district meetings or elections to be held subsequent to May 21, 2024; said register shall include (1) all qualified voters of the Union Free School Districts, who shall present themselves personally for registration; and (2) all qualified voters permanently registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for school purposes (school budget) and copies of propositions involving expenditure of moneys and the operation of the school system for the ensuing year, may be obtained by any resident in the District during the fourteen days immediately preceding the annual vote except Saturday, Sunday or holidays, at school district offices and any schoolhouse within the district and on the district’s website.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO

GIVEN that applications for early mail voting and absentee ballots for the school district election may be applied for at the Office of the Clerk of the District. Applications for early mail voting and absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election. Furthermore, such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days before the election if the

ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application by no later than six (6) days before the vote. No early mail voting or absentee voter’s ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received in the office of the District Clerk not later than 5:00 P.M. (prevailing time) on the day of the election. A list of all persons to whom early mail voting and absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available for inspection at the Office of the Clerk until the day of the vote.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO

GIVEN that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot.

Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk of the school district no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 25, 2024. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the election.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

BELLMORE-MERRICK

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

PATTIANNE GUCCIONE

DISTRICT CLERK

The above notice will be published in the Bellmore Herald and Merrick Herald newspapers on Thursday, April 18, 2024, May 2, 2024 and May 16, 2024. 145961

LEGAL NOTICE

AVISO DE VOTO ANUAL

DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR

BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

CIUDAD DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

EL AVISO SE HA DADO

AQUI que el voto anual de los votantes calificados del BellmoreMerrick Central High School District, el Condado de Nassau, Nueva York, se llevará a cabo el Martes, el 21 de mayo de 2024, en los varios lugares de votación designados por el Bellmore, Merrick, North Bellmore y North Merrick Union Free School Districts, de la siguiente manera:

BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, en el Charles A. Reinhard Early Childhood Center, 2750 South St. Marks Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York, , entre las 6:30 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m.

MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, en la Merrick District OfficeKatherine E. Reif Administration Center, 21 Babylon Road, Merrick, Nueva York, entre las 7:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m.

NORTH BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT en la escuela Newbridge Road, 1601 Newbridge Road, North Bellmore, Nueva York, entre las 6:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m.

NORTH MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, en la Biblioteca Pública de North Merrick, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, Nueva York, entre las 6:30 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m.

Para los siguientes propósitos: PROPUESTA NUMERO 1PRESUPUESTO DEL DISTRITO CENTRAL DE LA ESCUELA SECUNDARIA

SE RESUELVE, que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Central de Escuelas Secundarias de Bellmore-Merrick, Ciudad de Hempstead, Condado de Nassau, está autorizada a gastar las sumas apropiadas del Fondo General de ciento noventa y siete millones cuatrocientos cincuenta mil seis ciento tres dólares ($197,450,603) que se recaudarán a través de impuestos en los diversos distritos incluidos en el Distrito Central de Escuelas Secundarias después de deducir primero el dinero disponible de la ayuda estatal y otras fuentes.

PROPUESTA NUMERO. 2PROYECTOS DE MEJORA

DE CAPITAL

SE RESUELVE, que por la presente se autoriza a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Central de Escuelas Secundarias de Bellmore-Merrick a gastar $2,100,000 del Fondo de Reserva de Capital establecido en mayo de 2016 con el propósito de realizar los siguientes proyectos; mejoras en el sonido, la iluminación y el

montaje del escenario del auditorio John F. Kennedy HS; Actualizaciones de HVAC de John F. Kennedy HS; Repavimentación/reempla zo de vías de la escuela secundaria John F. Kennedy; Reconstrucción del estacionamiento y de las aceras de Merrick Avenue MS; Reformas interiores en todo el distrito; Reconstrucción de la envolvente exterior del edificio en todo el distrito; Reemplazo de pisos/techos en todo el distrito; Reconstrucción de HVAC en todo el distrito; Reconstrucción eléctrica en todo el distrito; Reconstrucción de plomería en todo el distrito; Reducciones en todo el distrito de todo lo anterior para incluir toda la mano de obra, materiales, equipos, aparatos y costos incidentales relacionados con los mismos. Dado que los fondos que se gastarán en virtud del presente provienen del Fondo de Reserva de Capital, la aprobación de esta propuesta no requerirá un impuesto sobre los bienes inmuebles del distrito. Esta Propuesta será independiente de la Proposición Numero 1. PROPUESTA NUMERO 3FONDO DE RESERVA DE CAPITAL

SE RESUELVE que de conformidad con la Sección 3651 de la Ley de Educación, la Junta de Educación del Distrito Central de Escuelas Secundarias de BellmoreMerrick está autorizada por la presente a establecer un Fondo de Reserva de Capital con el fin de financiar los siguientes proyectos de mejoras de capital: mejoras de espacios educativos y no educativos/ renovaciones/actualizacio nes (incluidas, entre otras, mejoras/renovaciones/act ualizaciones de aulas y/o adiciones a instalaciones existentes), renovaciones de auditorios, renovaciones de gimnasios, renovaciones de cafeterías, renovaciones de bibliotecas/centros multimedia, renovaciones/reconstrucci ones exteriores, actualizaciones de computadoras/tecnología , mejoras/renovaciones/act ualizaciones del sistema de seguridad, mejoras/renovaciones/act ualizaciones de plomería, mejoras/renovaciones/act ualizaciones eléctricas, mejoras/renovaciones/act ualizaciones de HVAC, mejoras/renovaciones/act ualizaciones de eficiencia energética, incluida la instalación de energía solar, mejoras/renovaciones/act ualizaciones, reemplazo del tanque de combustible , renovaciones requeridas para cumplir con los

requisitos de la ADA, renovaciones de preparación vocacional y profesional, reemplazo y/o compra de aulas portátiles, reemplazo de techos/canalones/líderes, reemplazo de ventanas, renovaciones estructurales que incluyen reemplazo de mampostería, ladrillos y acero, reemplazo de pavimentos y concreto, interiores y Reemplazo de puertas/entradas exteriores (incluido el hardware), renovaciones de baños, mejoras de iluminación, reemplazo de techos, reemplazo de pisos, reemplazo de paredes, reemplazos de calderas, ascensores, renovaciones de carpintería, compra de edificios/terrenos, renovaciones/reconstrucci ón de sitios, incluida la repavimentación de vías y césped. reemplazo de campo, palco de prensa/piragua/mejoras/r enovaciones/actualizacion es de la casa de campo, mejoras/renovaciones/act ualizaciones de las gradas, mejoras de letreros, renovaciones/reconstrucci ón de campos deportivos, renovaciones de canchas de tenis, renovaciones de parques infantiles, renovaciones de casilleros/vestuarios, megafonía/reloj público reemplazo de sistemas, mejoras del sistema de sonido, actualizaciones del sistema telefónico, remediación de materiales peligrosos, renovaciones de espacios de almacenamiento, mobiliario y equipo, incluida la compra de vehículos. El monto máximo del citado Fondo de Reserva de Capital será de $10.000.000, más los ingresos por inversiones. El plazo probable será de doce (12) años. Los fondos deben transferirse de los excedentes de dinero que quedan en el fondo general, el fondo de capital y/o en otras reservas que no excedan los $4,500,000 del presupuesto 2023-2024 y, posteriormente, en una cantidad anual que no supere los $4,500,000 para cada año restante del término. Por la presente se ordena al Superintendente de Escuelas o su designado que deposite el dinero de este fondo de reserva en una cuenta bancaria separada que se conocerá como el “Programa de mejora de instalaciones 2024”. Y TAMBIÉN SE DA AVISO que el registro se llevará a cabo en los lugares de votación indicados anteriormente por Las Juntas de Registro de los varios distritos componentes de la siguiente manera: la Bellmore Union Free School District en la Oficina del Distrito, Winthrop Avenue School, 580 Winthrop Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York, en

todos los días de clases del año escolar hasta cinco (5) días anteriores a la votación entre el horario de 9:00 a.m. y las 3:00 p.m.; la Merrick Union Free School District en la Oficina Administrativa, 21 Babylon Road, Merrick, Nueva York, en todos los días de clases del año escolar hasta cinco (5) días anteriores a la votación entre las horas de 9:30 a.m. y 3:30 p.m.; la North Bellmore Union Free School District en la Oficina Administrativa, 2616 Martin Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York, y todas las escuelas del distrito en todos los días de clases del año escolar hasta cinco (5) días anteriores a la votación entre las horas de 9:00 a.m. y 3:00 p.m.; y la North Merrick Union Free School District en la escuela Harold D. Fayette, 1057 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, Nueva York, en todos los días escolares del año escolar hasta cinco (5) días antes de la votación entre las 9:00 a.m. y 4:00 p.m., y además, el miércoles el 15 de mayo de 2024, en la Escuela de Fayette D. Harold entre las horas de 4:00 p.m y 8:00 p.m. con el fin de preparar un registro de los votantes calificados con derecho a votar en la reunión de la escuela y la elección para la que dicho registro es preparado, en la forma prevista por la ley. El registro, como así preparado, será archivado en la Oficina del Secretario (District Clerk) en cada uno de los respectivos Distritos Unión Libre como se establece en este aviso y dicho registro sera abierto por inspección en horas razonables hasta cinco (5) días antes de la fecha establecida para votar sobre el presupuesto y la elección del distrito, excepto el domingo, y por cita el sábado anterior de la elección en cada distrito elemental.

Y TAMBIÉN SE DA AVISO que una persona quien es cuidadano de Los Estados Unidos, tenga diez y ocho años de edad y es residente del Distrito Escolar de la Unión en el que se tiene la intención de votar a favor un período de treinta días antes de la elección y esta registrado para votar para la elección dicha tendrá derecho a votar. Una persona debera ser registrada para votar si el o ella han registrado permanente con La Junta de Elecciones del Condado de Nassau (Nassau County Board of Elections) o con La Junta de Registro (Board of Registration) del distrito donde el o ella reside. Solamente las personas que estan registradas tienen el derecho para votar.

Y TAMBIÉN SE DA AVISO que una copia de la declaración de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año siguiente para fines escolares (presupuesto escolar) y copias de las propuestas que involucran gastos de dinero y el funcionamiento del sistema escolar para el año siguiente , puede ser obtenido por cualquier residente del Distrito durante los catorce días inmediatamente anteriores a la votación anual, excepto sábados, domingos o días festivos, en las oficinas del distrito escolar y en cualquier escuela dentro del distrito y en el sitio web del distrito.

Y TAMBIÉN SE DA AVISO que las solicitudes de votación anticipada por correo y boletas en ausencia para las elecciones del distrito escolar se pueden solicitar en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito. Las solicitudes de votación anticipada por correo y de voto en ausencia deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito no antes de treinta (30) días antes de la elección. Además, dicha solicitud debe ser recibida por el Secretario de Distrito al menos siete días antes de la elección si la boleta se enviará por correo al votante, o el día antes de la elección si la boleta se entregará personalmente al votante o a su agente designado. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna de una boleta por correo, el Secretario del Distrito enviará la boleta por correo a la dirección indicada en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la votación. No se escrutará ninguna boleta de votación anticipada por correo ni de votante ausente a menos que se haya recibido en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. (horario predominante) del día de la elección. Una lista de todas las personas a quienes se les habrá emitido la votación anticipada por correo y el voto en ausencia estará disponible para su inspección en la Oficina del Secretario hasta el día

Y ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que Las Juntas de Registro (Boards of Registration) de las varias escuelas componentes tendran una reunion el 21 de mayo 2024 durante las horas de votación en los lugares de votación en cada escuela para el propósito de preparer el registro para que las elecciones tendran lugar despues del 21 de mayo 2024; El Registro incluirá (1) todos los votantes calificados de las escuelas, quines se presentáran personalemente para registro; y (2) todos votantes calificados permanente registrados con la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau (Nassau County Board of Elections).

Arrest made in connection to antisemitic graffiti

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Antisemitic graffiti was found spraypainted on a long stretch of fencing on Merrick Avenue earlier this week, a few blocks south of Front Street, including statements like “Zionism is Nazism,” “Stop the Genocide” and “Free Palestine.”

The heavily trafficked road connects Bellmore and Merrick to East Meadow, and the graffiti was found just a mile from the East Meadow Beth-El Jewish Center. Neighborhoods nearby have a large number of Jewish residents.

I have never seen such a brazen attack on our friends of the Jewish faith.

DON CLAVIN

As Israel’s war on Hamas continues in the Middle East, antisemitism remains on the rise in the United States, and Monday’s incident sparked outrage from the local community and elected officials.

Debbie Habshoosh, whose yard backs up to Merrick Avenue, began displaying flyers on her fence last fall, showing photos of hostages taken by Hamas when it attacked Israel on Oct. 7. Habshoosh’s husband is Israeli, she told the Herald, and in the six months since she put up the flyers, they haven’t been touched.

But on Monday, she discovered that they had been defaced by the graffiti, which wasn’t confined to her fence. Many of her neighbors’ fences had been vandalized as well.

While it was unclear exactly when the graffiti was spray-painted, Habshoosh said she checked her fence at around 10 p.m. on Sunday, and it had not been tampered with.

Town of Hempstead supervisor de la votación. Y TAMBIÉN SE DA AVISO de que los votantes militares que no están registrados actualmente pueden registrarse como votantes calificados del distrito escolar. Los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del distrito escolar pueden presentar una solicitud para una boleta militar. Los votantes militares pueden designar una preferencia para recibir un registro de votante militar, una solicitud de boleta militar o una boleta militar por correo, transmisión por fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de dicho registro, solicitud de boleta o boleta. Las formas de registro de votantes militares y las formas de solicitud de boletas militares deben ser recibidas en la oficina del secretario de distrito del distrito escolar no más tarde que a las 5:00 p.m. el 25 de abril de 2024. No se escrutará ninguna boleta militar a menos que (1) se reciba en la oficina del Secretario de Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el día de las elecciones y que muestre una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o de un servicio postal de un país extranjero, o mostrando un endoso fechado de recibo de otra agencia del gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o (2) recibido por la oficina del secretario de distrito no más tarde que las 5:00 p.m. el día de la elección y firmada y fechada por el votante militar y un testigo del mismo, con una fecha que se asocia a no ser mas tarde del día anterior de la elección.

“I have never seen such a brazen attack on our friends of the Jewish faith,” Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin said at a news conference on Monday, arranged in response to the incident. “We should all be outraged, and we should all make a commitment that we are not going to stand for antisemitism in our communities.”

Clavin was joined by Town Councilmen Chris Carini and Dennis Dunne, Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll, County Legislator Tom McKevitt and District Attorney Anne Donnelly, as well as dozens of East Meadow residents.

“This is a thriving community with many individuals of many faiths, but a

hard-practicing congregation is just blocks away that I’ve been to many times,” he added. “I’ve never been so disgusted in my entire life as a public official.”

Donnelly said the incident could be categorized as a hate crime, which means it was motivated by bias. She added that her office has seen an increase in hate crimes in the past six months, and is aggressively prosecuting those who are responsible.

“Hate crimes are not acceptable in our town,” Donnelly said. “To our Jewish brothers and sisters, my heart hurts for you today. This is not something you should have to see. This is not something that you should have to put up with. I stand by you and stand with you, and will prosecute the individual and work with the police department to find out who did this.”

The Town of Hempstead’s Quality of Life task force, which was created by Carini, promptly began to remove the graffiti from the fences.

spray-painted words “Free Palestine.”

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA

“We must stand firm with our ally,” Carini said, referring to Israel. “We must stand firm against antisemitism. We must stand firm against international terrorism. And we must demand that Albany fixes our broken criminal justice system and holds these criminals accountable.”

Rabbi Aaron Marsh, the spiritual leader of East Meadow Beth-El, said, “We read about these things in the news — you see them on the news all the time, but to see it happening two minutes from our synagogue here, it’s something else.”

Marsh added everyone has the right to their beliefs, but to deface property is outrageous. “It’s an act of intimidation,” he said.

The sidewalk in front of East Meadow Beth-El was also defaced by the

The Nassau County Police Department and the district attorney’s office began investigating the graffiti at around 6:20 a.m. on Monday morning, and asked residents to check their homes’ cameras and report anything suspicious to the police or the D.A.’s office.

At around 1:40 a.m. on Tuesday, police announced that Sebastian Patino Caceres, 23, of East Meadow, had been arrested in connection to the incident. Caceres was charged with seven counts of criminal mischief, possession of graffiti instruments and seven counts of making graffiti. He was arraigned on Tuesday at First District Court in Hempstead.

“The location of this hateful act was not chosen by accident,” McKevitt, who also lives in East Meadow, said. “This is a portion of East Meadow which has a very large Jewish community. It was designed to incite violence and hate, which we will not tolerate here.”

Jordan Vallone/Herald photos

Antisemitic graffiti was discovered along Merrick Avenue on Monday, sparking outrage from elected officials and the community. Above, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin called an emergency news conference to address the findings.

The graffiti was discovered along a fence line that faces Merrick Avenue. ‘Nazism is Zionism’ was one of many statements written there.

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How can I earthquakeproof my house?

Q. Since the recent earthquake, I have looked all over my house and see some small cracks in corners and a few in ceilings. Some of the cracks were there before, but it made me concerned about whether my house is protected from earthquakes, and what can I do to make it safer. Of course, nobody can predict earthquakes or how strong they’ll be, but if there is anything you can suggest, please tell me.

Nestled on a peaceful cul-de-sac

A. I was surprised by the number of questions I got about this. Obviously, the unknown is scary, because people feel helpless against the power of nature. Your home, unless it’s made of extremely rigid masonry (concrete or brick) without any reinforcement, is already fairly flexible. Unfortunately, seismic design of residential structures isn’t very well understood, either by designers or builders, because there are very few threatening earthquakes in our region.

Ask The Architect

Monte Leeper

Our safety factor on Long Island is the ground we are built on, which is very sandy along the shorelines, and becomes a little more rigid moving inland, but not enough to put us in a more restricted category. There are charts and graphs in the New York State Residential Building Code that show what categories to follow when designing a building, and what restrictions and exceptions there are to various conditions.

If your home, for example, has interior walls that are perpendicular to exterior walls, bracing the exterior walls, and if the exterior walls are generally in the same plane, from foundation to roof, you have met some of the first requirements for strength in an earthquake. The exterior walls are sheer walls, and the interior perpendicular walls are brace walls that help resist inward and outward movement in a high-wind or an earth-shaking event.

Many people have opened up the interiors of their homes, making the kitchen, dining room and living room, for example, one big open space. In doing so, especially without the benefit of having included a trained professional architect or engineer in the design, they may have subjected themselves to problems with a lack of bracing or sheer design. Just having a beam connecting an outside wall where a wall used to connect to an interior wall across the room usually isn’t enough to resist extreme seismic or high-wind conditions. But because we rarely have either of these two events, most people ignore the possibility. That makes everything much more difficult when a licensed professional has to mop up the mess from when a homeowner only hired someone who didn’t know the whole scope of different regulations.

Cracks in walls and ceilings are often caused by movement, but there are multiple types of movement, from heating and cooling resulting in expansion and contraction, humidity and settling. There is little you can do to strengthen your home’s conditions without the knowledge of a trained professional, engineer or architect, because you may just be adding weight in the wrong places.

© 2024 Monte Leeper

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

Migrants get more government support than veterans

Many corners of New York continue to deteriorate thanks to the left-wing policies instituted by radical ideologues in the White House, the governor’s mansion and City Hall — but prioritizing the financial well-being of migrants over American military veterans who served our nation should be a step too far, and a rallying cry for Empire State residents fed up with the status quo instituted by the Democratic “leaders” of New York.

Indeed, recent reporting has uncovered that in many cases, illegal migrants who have made their way to New York City are receiving more public assistance than disabled veterans. What’s even more jarring is that there seems to be no appetite for correcting this glaring misplacement of priorities among Democratic lawmakers.

Reporting by Newsweek revealed that “a family of four migrants in New York City receives more monthly funding than a family of four that includes a military veteran who receives disability compensation.” Many migrants who have arrived in New York City are receiving prepaid debit cards that can be used to cover a wide range of expenses. Indeed, many migrant families of four are receiving debit cards preloaded with $1,400 a month — courtesy of taxpayers. This dwarfs the amount received by a family of four utilizing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which averages $713 monthly.

Too many elected officials believe in open-border, pro-migrant policies.

The assistance for migrants is also higher than military veterans’ disability compensation in many cases: A veteran who has a 50 percent disability rating, a spouse and one child receives only $1,255 every four weeks, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

These infuriating statistics are just the latest iteration of New York’s proillegal migrant record. In fiscal year 2023 alone, the Big Apple welcomed over 175,000 migrants and shelled out

over $1.45 billion to shelter, feed and provide services to these lawbreakers. Thanks to New York City’s progressive “right to shelter” legislation, there is reportedly no end in sight to the droves of migrants consuming taxpayer resources at an unsustainable rate. Indeed, if the current rate of migration holds, the city alone could spend around $12 billion to support migrants by fiscal year 2025.

While President Biden, Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York City progressives continue to facilitate the migrant cost crisis with their open-border and pro-migrant policies, over 35,000 veterans had no permanent housing in the United States in 2023, and the number continues to rise. It’s time we place the priorities of veterans, and all Americans, ahead of migrants whose first action in this country was breaking our immigration laws.

Correcting Democrats’ horrific migrant policies in New York will require a multifaceted approach, starting at the municipal level and ending at the White House. New Yorkers and all

Americans must elect leaders committed to ending the migrant crisis, and not merely “managing” it.

In Congress, I was proud to join my fellow House Republicans in passing a comprehensive border-security bill last year. This sweeping legislative package is the strongest bill in a generation, and would provide a large infusion of resources to support our Border Patrol agents and enhance security infrastructure along our southern border — tools that would end the migrant crisis. The Democratic majority in the Senate has refused to vote on the legislation, and instead attempted to sell the American people a bag of fake goods in the form of their “compromise” border security plan, which would have merely codified the current migrant crisis, not ended it.

We can stop the prioritization of migrants’ well-being over that of veterans and all Americans by rejecting the radical immigration policies of a Democratic Party that has been captured by its progressive base from the top down, and demanding that Democratic leaders join Republicans in placing the interests of Americans first once again.

Spring cleaning: Forget the brooms and mops

My clothes closet is a throwback, a collection from a past life. Who bought all these clothes, I wonder. Whose life was dressed in these costumes? What woman, aside from the extravagantly shod Imelda Marco, could possibly think she needed so many pairs of shoes?

I stand in awe at the bizarre items hanging inside. I cannot connect to the life these clothes adorned. There is a floorlength, multi-colored, layer-cake skirt that I bought and last wore on a trip to Africa, when it was only marginally appropriate, even in Mozambique. Truth? There are two of these skirts. I also have a bright, bright red, heavily embroidered Chinese jacket I bought in Shanghai in 2003. It’s lovely, and it fits, but it is so, so pre-Covid life.

I see shirts I bought 25 years ago, when big, padded shoulders were de rigueur. They still have paper stuffed into the sleeves from the last time I had

them cleaned, several decades ago.

It’s like wandering through Pompeii. Who was this person? I wonder. The big belts, the silk shawls, the long velvet pants for formal attire add to the sense of disconnection. A hot pink cocktail dress?

Today I could keep my wardrobe in a paper sack. Since the pandemic and the collapse of the social life we once enjoyed, I dress down. Way down. Still, there are four pairs of spiked heels on the shelf. A walk in those babies would be a suicide mission.

On another shelf in the closet is the crocheted blanket that I started with my mother-in-law, who has been dead 40 years. Any day now I guess I’ll take up crocheting again. The bejeweled handbag I bought in the gift shop at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore doesn’t go with my mom jeans.

perfect symbol of all that is tucked away, out of sight.

With that in mind, I want to springclean my mind of the addictive behaviors brought on by the deprivations and anxieties of the coronavirus. The superkiller is done, and we’re still standing. The virus, no doubt, is here to stay, but with the appropriate vaccines, we will go on. What remains is our pathological obsession with devices that intensified during the pandemic, and that needs to be treated.

S ince the pandemic and the collapse of the social life we once enjoyed, I dress down.

You get my point. I hereby publicly vow to use this spring to fling out the old and give away the wardrobe of the woman who once lived a very different life from mine. My new life requires five hangars and a drawer.

There’s more. Closets are a metaphor, are they not? Clichéd, but still the

For example, I thought I had a clear mind when I sat down to write this. Then I glanced at an incoming text. My sister wanted a recipe, so I stopped writing and looked up the ingredients of sheet pan lasagna. But wait — as I searched, there was “incoming”: A new sale by Eileen Fisher, so I checked it out, and was about to buy a new T-shirt to stash in the aforementioned closet when, blip, there were notices from a dozen charities offering to match my donation today if I made them right now. I started to give my $25 to Planned Parenthood when, whoosh, there was a text from my granddaughter, who was turning in a paper in three

minutes that she wanted me to edit.

So, what was I doing? Writing my column — right, that’s it. But sister texted back, thanking me for the lasagna recipe, and then my husband texted to ask which lettuce to buy at the supermarket. I had to tell him romaine, right? Or he might come back with iceberg.

What did I sit down here to do? Oh yes, I want to focus on spring cleaning, but the news and the texts and the endless notifications are a disorienting sound-and-light show signifying nothing but distraction.

But, really, hold on a minute, can I afford to ignore a text from a company that will help me control upper-arm fat? Can I write about spring cleaning this week, when Donald Trump is possibly eating a puppy online in another magic MAGA moment? (Relax, I made that one up.)

What practical steps will I take to clean up the psychological and technological distractions? I will stop “notifications” and turn off my phone when I write. Next time. I really will do that, I promise, but first I have to check out two tiny must-read urgent news flashes: the best undiscovered beaches in Newfoundland and photos of an ancient worm that grew to 37 feet long. Copyright

Anthony D’Esposito represents the 4th Congressional District.

Weaving a future of peace, harmony and justice

as the vibrant hues of spring emerge, so, too, do the sacred observances of Easter, Passover and ramadan — each offering a tapestry of traditions woven with threads of renewal, redemption and hope.

Christians and Muslims have completed their observances of Easter and ramadan, and now Jews are set to celebrate what they call Pesach — a holiday that commemorates the liberation of the Israelites in ancient Egypt, and their eventual exodus to the Promised land.

When it comes to the tapestry of humanity, however, all of these celebrations serve as poignant reminders of our shared quest for spiritual uplift and communal solidarity, transcending cultural boundaries and religious affiliations.

At the heart of Easter lies the profound narrative of resurrection, symbolizing the triumph of life over death, and the promise of renewal. Christians around the world gathered to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, finding solace in the belief that, through faith and redemption, new beginnings are possible.

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There’s ‘my-partisanship’ far from D.C., Jerry

To the Editor:

Similarly, Passover holds a special place in the hearts of Jewish communities. Through rituals steeped in tradition, families gather around the Seder table to retell the story of Exodus, passing the torch of remembrance down from one generation to the next. Passover embodies the timeless themes of liberation and redemption, inspiring people to break free from the shackles of oppression and embrace the promise of a brighter future.

Amid the tapestry of religious diversity, ramadan shines as a beacon of spiritual devotion and self-discipline for Muslims worldwide. During this holiest month of the Islamic calendar, believers fast from dawn to dusk, engaging in prayer, reflection and charity. Through the rigor of fasting, Muslims seek purifications of the soul and a deepened connection with the divine — finding strength and solace in the collective journey of faith.

Despite their distinct cultural expressions and theological nuances, Easter, Passover and ramadan converge on the shared terrain of universal values and aspirations. Across these sacred seasons, the themes of renewal, redemption and hope serve as bridges that

Jerry Kremer’s good heart, I fear, is overly generous for our current moment (“Washington: where bipartisanship goes to die,” April 11-17). His desire for bipartisanship is currently unfashionable, not only in Washington but right here in Massapequa. Our former honorable representative and gentleman, Peter King, is now willing to pronounce on the political qualifications of mourners attending services for an NYPD officer lost in action.

The lawbreaking, felon-praising Donald Trump is noted for his “dignity” at Jonathan Diller’s memorial, while a rumor of Gov. Kathy Hochul’s being snubbed is pandered. Other notable Democrats are named and shamed with King’s party’s “anti-police” canard. Thus was Diller’s memorial stained with gratuitous my-partisanship. Bipartisanship is often a corpse, Mr. Kremer, before it departs for Washington.

BrIAN KEllY Rockville Centre

unite humanity in its quest for transcendence and meaning.

In the tapestry of diversity, we find unity in our shared humanity, transcending the boundaries of creed and nationality. As we reflect on the timeless messages of these three observances, let us embrace the richness of our religious heritage, and celebrate the mosaic of traditions that adorn the fabric of our collective existence.

In the face of adversity and uncertainty, these sacred days remind us of the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of faith to sustain us through life’s trials.

Together, let us embrace unity in diversity, forging bonds of understanding and compassion that transcend the barriers of ignorance and prejudice. And may we find strength in our shared humanity, and hope in the process of a brighter tomorrow.

As the spring sun rises, let us embark on a journey of spiritual renewal and communal solidarity, guided by the timeless wisdom of Easter, Passover and ramadan. In this tapestry of diversity, may we weave a future of peace, justice and harmony for generations to come.

ed to “allow” state school funding to remain status quo, I sent the following sentiments to my Board of Education as well as lobbyist/membership organizations that advocate for school boards, including the Nassau-Suffolk and New York State school boards associations. The crime of this state aid funding game is that districts ran around in a

frenzy and a state of panic for the past six weeks, each looking to make changes and cuts, all for nothing! This disturbing yearly exercise of dangling money like a carrot is getting old and tiresome. A new method must be put in place, immediately.

Perhaps it’s as simple as educating district boards with the understanding

opinions

How will we discuss the presidential campaign in class?

amajor goal of teachers, especially secondary school social studies teachers, is to help students learn to evaluate multiple perspectives on issues by weighing evidence, separating fact from fiction, examining underlying assumptions and then formulating their own informed opinions. As a teacher, I generally withhold my opinion on a topic — but I have no problem asserting that slavery, genocide, racism, dictatorship and antisemitism are bad. There are no upsides.

J.

On any given topic, I give students documents to evaluate that include things I agree with and things I don’t. In class, my primary role is to ask questions that promote respectful discussion of the issues. I use this approach whether we’re talking about the past — say, the causes of the American Revolution — or current issues, such as the role of human action in climate change, whether a military campaign constitutes war crimes, or whether a group’s behavior should be identified as terrorism.

This fall, one important topic of discussion will be the Biden administration’s record on foreign policy, the economy, the climate, and the migrant/refu-

gee “crisis.” Another will be whether Biden’s age should be an issue in the election, whatever your evaluation of his first term.

The big problem in September will be what to do about former President Donald Trump. How do you manage a balanced, unbiased analysis of a candidate who makes outrageous, hateful and blatantly false statements?

the big problem in September will be what to do about you know who.

Trump is facing scores of criminal indictments, has been found guilty of defamation and fraud, tried to overturn the 2020 presidential election, continues to claim that the election was stolen, dismisses any accusations against him as politically motivated, and demands immunity from prosecution as a former president.

November’s election will be a major focus in middle school and high school social studies classes. I’m not neutral about slavery, genocide, racism, dictatorship or antisemitism, and I’m not neutral about the threat Trump poses to the future of democracy in the United States and the country’s constitutional foundation. I won’t use unsubstantiated conspiracy theories, propaganda websites, and Trump-sycophantic reports in document packages and pretend that students are evaluating legitimate sources.

Even an exercise in fact-checking Trump statements can leave a teacher

Letters

that they can run their budgets like a business. Not only can they, they should! We are the fiduciary stewards of the taxpayers’ money. Let’s teach boards to be fiscally responsible.

The issue with most administrations, which is no fault of their own, is that they don’t earn the money they’re in charge of. Our schools are multi-million-dollar businesses, and there’s a very different understanding of how to spend money when you’re responsible for generating the business and chasing down the receivables. When you’re responsible for making payroll, and paying worker’s comp, insurance and all other fixed costs each week, you spend differently. When fixed costs rise, they eat into your profits, but in the educational world we just raise everyone’s taxes and ask for more. The mindset is vastly different.

The long and short of it is that the entire state just spent six weeks of budget season — the busiest time of year, when we’re planning for next year — wasting time, energy, manpower and productivity, only to be told, don’t worry, you really do have the money. It is counterproductive, cruel,

open to accusations of injecting opinions into class dialogue and trying to influence students’ ideas. But a teacher’s job is to influence students’ ideas. Our responsibility to promote civic discourse supported by evidence in an election year means we must encourage students to think critically about the campaign and the candidates, and if that means presenting an accurate picture of the threat Trump poses, we’ll have to live with the consequences.

There will be students in every class who support Trump, which is their right. They should be welcomed into the discussion and encouraged to offer evidence to support their positions, but they can’t be permitted to shout down or intimidate other students, which I witnessed in 2016 and 2020.

Trump has recently said some scary things, some of which he has backtracked on and some of which he has not. Any one of them should disqualify him from being president. He told American Jews, who already face a rising tide of antisemitism, that “Any Jewish person that votes for Democrats hates their religion. They hate everything about Israel, and they should be ashamed of themselves.” He has accused immigrants of “poisoning the blood of our country,” echoing the ideas of Adolf Hitler, and promises mass deportations, in violation of constitu-

tional guarantees of due process.

Trump lowers the character of political speech as he raises the level of hostility. He has warned of a “bloodbath” if he isn’t elected, threatens to withdraw the United States from, or sharply reduce U.S. financial support for, NATO, which has helped prevent broader European wars since tens of millions of people died in World Wars I and II, and to withdraw the U.S. from global efforts to minimize climate change. He has repeatedly expressed admiration for authoritarian leaders like Russia’s Putin, China’s Xi and North Korea’s Kim.

In his speeches, Trump continuously lies about his record as president. He didn’t build the greatest economy or pass the biggest tax cut in U.S. history. He didn’t do more for African Americans than any president since Lincoln. He didn’t defeat ISIS or increase government revenue — and he wasn’t reelected in 2020.

Teachers shouldn’t tell students who to vote for or how they themselves will vote, but they will be remiss if they don’t help them understand who Trump is and what he represents. Those who are unsure how to do this can have students read and debate the points raised here. Students can evaluate whether they raise legitimate concerns, or are just anti-Trump propaganda.

Dr. Alan Singer is a professor of teaching, learning and technology and the director of social studies education programs at Hofstra University.

Framework by Nicole Formisano

bad business and a cycle that has become accepted by all! We succumb to this every year, praising the governor for giving us our money back.

Our leadership at the state level — the education commissioner, Board of Regents members and elected officials on both sides of the aisle — needs to start having hard conversations with the governor’s office about their modus operandi. This disaster needs to stop.

Any successful businessperson understands that when an organization is kept in constant crisis mode, it affects every operation. The permacrisis in which this administration keeps our education system is slowly killing public education. So I’m not thankful that the governor let us “keep” our taxpayers’ money. Personally I’m disgusted, and I’m waiting for those who can to advocate for real change.

MARgARET MARCHAND President, Locust Valley Board of Education Founder, Coalition of New York State School Boards

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Attend our upcoming UNDERGRADUATE

OPEN HOUSE

Sunday, May 5, 2024

Campus Tour times: 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m., Noon, 1:30 p.m.

Hofstra University is a community designed with your future in mind.

During this year’s Spring Open House, speak with Hofstra’s world-class faculty and learn about its 175 undergraduate programs, various student services, clubs, organizations, and NCAA Division I athletics, all while touring a stunning 244-arce campus filled with cutting-edge facilities and research labs, and residence halls that will make you feel at home.

In-person and virtual tours are available. For event details and to RSVP, please visit hofstra.edu/visit