Rockville Centre Herald 04-18-2024

A roll of the dice

RVC schools float $137.6M plan

Taxes could rise $344 per household next year

By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com

The Rockville Centre school district is proposing a $137.6 million spending plan for the 20242025 school year, which could increase school taxes next year by an estimated $344 for the average homeowner.

Robert Bartels, assistant superintendent of finance for the school district, said that based on preliminary information provided by the Nassau County assessor’s office, the average home in Rockville Centre in 2023-2024 was in the ballpark of $733,000.

Several factors contribute to how much a homeowner will pay in taxes each year, includ-

ing the tax levy rate, adjusted base proportions and STAR exemptions.

“We won’t know exactly what the actual assessments and adjusted base proportions are until September or October,” Bartels said.

The tax levy is projected to increase 2.49 percent, below the district’s state-mandated cap of 2.64 percent.

If approved by voters next month, the proposed budget would increase overall spending by .87 percent, just shy of $1.2 million. It includes $80.5 million for instruction, $32.7 million for teacher and employee benefits, $13.3 million in administrative costs, $5.5 million for transportation, $5.4 million for debt services, and $190,950

Creditors reject diocese’s final $200M offer

By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com

The survivors of more than 600 child sexual abuse allegations filed by a Committee of Unsecured Creditors voted “overwhelmingly” to reject the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rockville Centre’s $200 million settlement offer after more than three years of bankruptcy court proceedings, committee officials said.

The diocese made a motion to dismiss the bankruptcy case against it on April 12, after attempts to approve what church officials described as its “best and final” proposal were rejected by a supermajority of its creditors.

Sment, followed by an additional $12.5 million on the second and third anniversaries.

urvivors have sent a strong message to all debtors around the country ... to avoid accountability before state court juries.

RIchARD TollNER Chairman, Committee of Unsecured Creditors

The plan put forward by the diocese would have paid out $150 million in a claims trust. An additional $25 million would have been added to the trust on the first anniversary of the date of the agree -

The funding would have comprised $32.9 million from the diocese, $81.6 million from its 136 parishes and 39 schools, $45 million from cemetery maintenance funds, $7 million from Catholic Charities of Long Island, $16 million from the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, $15 million from the Ecclesia Assurance Company, and a $2.5 million rebate in legal fees. In exchange, the diocese parishes, schools and contributors would have been relieved of liability. The diocese also would have set aside an additional $9.9 million to pay any abuse claims in the next five years, after which the money would revert back to the institution.

Attorneys with the law firms Pachulski, Stang, Ziegler and Continued on page 13

Maureen Lennon/Herald

Rockville Centre Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley tries her luck at the Viva La FOSSI casino night fundraiser at the Sandel Senior Center. Story, more photos, Page 3.

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Vegas comes to the Sandel Senior Center

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

Crowds of people gathered at the Sandel Senior Center on Friday night to enjoy all the glitz and glamor of Las Vegas without ever leaving their hometown.

The Friends of Senior Services fundraising organization transformed the center into a casino for the Viva La FOSSI fundraiser — a special one-nightonly event to raise money dedicated to expanding senior services and developing new programs for its eldest population.

FOSSI is a not-for-profit organization made up of local volunteers dedicated to improving the quality of life for senior citizens in the community.

Thanks to its unwavering dedication, the organization has been able to provide the senior center with an annual volunteer luncheon, automated doors, and an accessible bus with donated funds.

Amid all the fun and excitement on April 12, members of the FOSSI board of directors along with Rockville Centre village officials, recognized honorees Gwynne Feiner, the director of the Rockville Centre Department of Public Works, and Pat O’Brien, superintendent of the Rockville Centre Building Department, for their many years of dedicated service to the village and is senior citizens. Both Feiner and O’Brien received proclamations from the village honoring them for all their contributions.

In order to recreate all of the sights and sounds of a real Las Vegas casino, the fundraiser featured real gaming tables including craps, blackjack, roulette and live musical entertainment featuring Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Elvis Presley impersonators.

Guests enjoyed all the thrill of an authentic Vegas experience. Luck was on their side as high rollers placed their bets, hoping to walk away a winner.

Of course the real winners of the night were all the seniors at the Sandel Center, who will ultimately reap the benefit of the community’s philanthropic efforts.

Generosity flowed as the night progressed, with sponsors contributing more than $8,000 to the cause. Among them were notable benefactors including The Redmond Brothers and Schenone Landscaping, which each pledged $500 to support the organization and its endeavors.

The outpouring of support also included contributions of $750 from David and Jackie Wong, Silvagni and Como, The Grand Pavilion and Cybercare Enterprises, as well as $1,000 contributions from esteemed donors including Berton Miller and the Graziano family. Rockville Centre Mayor Francis Mur-

ray along with his wife, Barbara, and family notably gave $1,000 to the organization, as did the Farrell Family, in honor of Ellen Farrell’s mother, Margaret Redmond.

As the final chips were cashed in and the curtains closed on the night’s festivities, patrons left knowing that the welfare of the senior community is in good hands.

Thanks to the Friends of Senior Services’ tireless efforts and the community’s generous support the future of the Sandel Senior Center looks brighter than ever.

The

Maureen Lennon/Herald photos

Stephanie Muir, left, Dana Sanneman, Maginder Singh and Ingrid Schwenk enjoy the sights and sounds of Las Vegas at the Viva La FOSSI casino night fundraiser at the Sandel Senior Center on April 12.

Dave Sawicki spins the wheel with Nancy and Sabrina Biaggi during the Viva La FOSSI fundraiser last week.

village recognized honorees Pat O’Brien, left, superintendent of the Building Department, and Gwynne Feiner, director of Public Works, for their years of dedication to the community during the Viva La FOSSI casino night fundraiser at the Sandel Senior Center.

LaMar Peters hits the stage as the ‘King’ Elvis Presley.

Friends of Senior Services President Bruce Mirkin, owner of Accent on Eyes, shared a few words during the Sandel Senior Center fundraiser.

HERALD SCHOOLS

Schools host second annual Wellness Fair

More than a hundred people gathered at the South Side Middle School track and field on Saturday morning for the Rockville Centre school district’s spring Wellness Fair.

The annual event was created to help students learn about and cultivate their Sources of Strength through a variety of fun activities focusing on physical, mental and emotional wellness. From the fun and excitement of painting inspirational messages on rocks to the soothing stretching of yoga, there was something for everyone to take part in.

Sources of Strength is a national suicide-prevention program, funded locally by the Ryan Patrick O’Shea foundation, which promotes healing and support by tapping into social strengths such as family support, positive friends, mentors, healthy activities, spirituality and generosity.

The atmosphere was full of excitement as kids explored the different interactive booths spread out around the track. Many parents took the opportunity to bond with their chil -

dren by spending time and engaging in different crafts and physical activities.

Of course, what wellness fair would be complete without several giveaways and prizes. Students would receive an array of free goodies including their own colorful artwork, free children’s books provided by the RVC Library, and a variety of sensory toys.

Unfortunately, the warm spring weather grew colder and cloudier as the morning carried on. Several participants were unprepared for the coming showers, and decided to pack things up after about an hour of outdoor fun.

Despite the intermittent rain, the event was a major success. Not only did it help promote outdoor physical activities among students, it also encouraged mental and emotional wellness by providing a sense of community, belonging and support among the many students in attendance.

For more information about the Sources of Strength program and the ways in which it works with school districts across the country, visit SourcesOfStrength.org.

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.

Daniel Offner/Herald photos South Side High School students with the wood design club gave away portable tumblers and original creations made by students in the district.

Covert Elementary student Cody Lam paints a rock during the annual spring Wellness Walk and Fair.

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.

South Side finding its groove

By JUSTIN JOSEPH sports@liherald.com

Senior Matt Arnott pitched a perfect game Monday afternoon to lead South Side to a 13-0 victory over Hewlett, keeping the Cyclones undefeated (3-0-1) in Nassau Conference AA-III.

Arnott struck out eight in the team’s fourth straight strong performance. His effort came on the heels of a near sweep of Glen Cove, capped by a 9-5 victory behind stellar hitting from freshman AJ Magaraci April 11.

Magaraci had two big home runs and added four RBIs in the game. Junior Gavin Donoghue pitched 3 1/3 innings in relief with five strikeouts and at the plate amassed two hits and three RBI. Senior Griffin King added two hits and an RBI.

That was the Cyclones’ second league win after mercy ruling Glen Cove 12-2 April 9, and playing until darkness postponed their first contest, ending the game in a 7-7 tie the previous day.

Heading into the season, South Side coach Thomas Smith preached one goal to his team,

“Our goal is to be better than we were [before], even though we had such a great victory,” Smith said. “We were going come in and fix a couple little things that we could have done [better].”

The Cyclones went 15-3 in league play in 2023, good enough to earn them the top seed in the playoffs. They were upset in the quarterfinals by No. 5 Garden City and look to bounce back and regain the top spot again this year.

In their first win against Glen Cove, freshman Stellan Zangari, in his first game starting on the mound, threw four no-hit innings walking three batters and striking out six.

“ It’s always fun when you get a player to get their first win on the mound as a pitcher or come up with their first big play, its really nice to see,” Smith said.

Senior Will Lora went 2-for-3 with three RBIs, scoring a two-run double in the first inning to get the game off to a good start. From there the flood gates

opened as the Cyclones began to find their offense. Senior Brady Callahan had two hits and scored two runs and senior Aidan Medeiros added two runs of his own.

Senior Jack Bodkin went 1-for-1 in the game and hit a massive two run homer to give the team a 10-1 lead and essentially put the game away.

A lot of the star players for Southside last year as juniors are expected to step up this year for the team with them now taking over the reins from the seniors that graduated.

Callahan batted .409 last season and added 18 runs on the season, serving as the catalyst for the Cyclones.

Medeiros batted .322 and collected 19

hits on the season with seven doubles and two triples driving in 19 RBIs with 18 runs scored.

Arnott struck out 42 batters in 37 innings with an ERA of under 2.00. He’s the No. 1 starting pitcher with a big frame, standing at 6-foot-6 and 195 pounds.

“I actually got a pretty big team overall, I’m six feet tall and I feel short,” Smith joked. “I always tell these kids to write their legacy,” Smith said. “How do you want to be remembered, leave your mark on the program.”

The Cyclones will look to continue their hot streak with two more matchups this week against struggling Hewlett.

Michelle Ebel/Herald Senior Matt Arnott tossed a perfect game Monday afternoon as South Side improved to 3-0-1 in conference games with a blowout of Hewlett.

Full circle moment for RVC’s Jeff Greenfield

By BEN FIEBERT bfiebert@liherald.com

From being born in Mount Sinai South Nassau 71 years ago, to helping develop the facility’s capabilities, Jeff Greenfield will be honored at the hospital’s annual golf outing.

The 40th annual Golf Outing on May 13 will be at three prestigious and challenging golf venues including the Seawane Club in Hewlett Harbor, Rockaway Hunting Club in Lawrence, and Rockville Links Club in Rockville Centre. All net proceeds will benefit Mount Sinai South Nassau with a portion of the funds dedicated to helping patients of the hospital’s cancer program.

Greenfield, a Rockville Centre resident and managing partner of the NGL Group, serves on Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Advisory Board. As previous co-chair of the golf outing committee, Greenfield’s work helped increase the number of golfers participating in the annual event, while garnering the support of dozens of local businesses through golf outing sponsorships. Last year’s outing established a new record for the event, raising a gross amount of $723, 335.

“Golf Committee Chair Tony Cancellieri told me that for all my work

over a long period of time as chairperson of the golf outing, I deserved to be the honoree,” Greenfield said.

Greenfield previously served as volunteer co-chair of the hospital’s 45-member golf outing committee. He said he was very humbled to be selected as this year’s honoree, however it also means he has to step down as chairperson of the committee. Although he said this wasn’t his “exit strategy,” he is happy to do whatever he can to help the hospital.

“I’ve always had a strong affiliation and affection for South Nassau hospital,” Greenfield said. “They’re a valuable asset in the community.”

Cancellieri said that the hospital is a tough business that requires as much support and help that it can get. He continued to say that Greenfield has been in the “middle of this,” which is why he believed that he would be a good fit for honoree this year.

“He brought that talent and ability to host golf outings to our golf outing,” Cancellieri said. “So we went from one golf course with 140 golfers to two, then to three and we now have close to 400 golfers.”

This year’s outing will raise money for cancer treatment. Greenfield noted that there are too many cases of cancer on Long Island and through the outing, he will try to do everything he can to raise awareness about the deadly disease.

The money raised will also help fund the travel expenses of cancer patients to and from chemotherapy appointments. The rides will be free and help low-income patients receive cancer-related medical appointments at the hospital’s Gertrude and Louis Feil Cancer Center. The funds will also be going towards the Cold Cap program, which helps patients prevent hair loss during chemotherapy. Also, this outing will help fund capital projects, including a 100,000 square foot building that will have nine new operating rooms, 40 new critical care beds, and this will double the size of the emergency department.

Greenfield said he saw the hospital transform from a regional facility to a world-class institution and that he plans to continue his strong support for the hospital for years to come.

Joe Calderone, senior vice president of corporate communications and development at Mount Sinai South Nassau, said that Greenfield is a “force of nature.” He said that when Greenfield gets behind something, he goes all in.

Courtesy Mount Sinai South Nassau Rockville Centre resident Jeff Greenfield will be honored at the 40th annual Mount Sinai South Nassau Golf Outing in May.

José and the Staff of pioneer hair de S ign

Wish Their Friends & Customers A Special Passover

This coming year is for praying and forgiveness. Sometimes we think somebody does something wrong to us, but we can also be wrong. Go to temple. Go to church. When you are there you will find peace. The best prayers are in the morning, when the sun is rising and the moon and stars are in the sky. They are excellent times for prayers. Please Pray. Love, José

As families around the world gather to observe Passover, they are reminded of its deep historical and spiritual significance. This festival commemorates the Exodus, where Jews were liberated from Egyptian slavery, highlighted by the night the Angel of Death “passed over” Israelite homes, sparing them and leading to their freedom.

Today, a similar ‘Angel of Death’ appears in the form of daily threats from rockets, missiles, and drones in Israel. This stark reality tests the resolve and faith of its citizens, echoing the trials faced by their ancestors. Despite these challenges, the spirit of Passover endures through an unwavering faith and mutual trust among the Jewish people.

Families and communities around the world will soon gather to observe Passover seders, where we sit down to recall the story of the exodus of the ancient Israelites from slavery in Egypt. This year, the themes of the holiday resonate profoundly with current events, particularly those unfolding in Israel. The Hebrew word for Egypt, “Mitzrayim,” literally translates to “narrow straits,” signifying places of constriction and feelings of isolation — a sentiment that can be mirrored in today’s geopolitical landscape surrounding Israel, and in Jewish communities across the world.

Our temple has the honor of hosting a community seder on Tuesday, where dozens of attendees will share in the rich symbolism of this experiential meal. The vast amounts of symbolic actions and items represent both oppression and deliverance — from the bitter herbs representing the bitterness of slavery to the matzah, the bread of affliction that also symbolizes the haste of the Israelite march to freedom.

During Passover, Jews are encouraged to personally connect with the Exodus narrative. This year, that connection feels more direct as modern threats intertwine with the festival’s rituals. These rituals not only commemorate an ancient event but also ignite faith and unity, inspiring hope amidst adversity. Concluding the Seder with “Next year in Jerusalem,” resonates deeply as a prayer for peace and safety. Passover’s enduring message is clear: liberation and faith are essential to overcoming great challenges, proving its relevance in guiding us through contemporary trials.

Kol Tuv,

Rabbi Michael Cohen

Central Synagogue-Beth Emeth

This is a holiday of polarities, as many in the Jewish community today feel the constriction of Egypt while trying, at the same time, to reinforce our hope for the breath of true freedom. We see the dark forces against us, even in our own society, but we also recognize and appreciate many of you — our allies and friends standing firmly in our corner. B’yachad ninatzeach — together we will prevail.

The Passover message is truly universal. It speaks to the human aspiration for freedom and peace in the face of even the most dark and extreme threats and challenges. This Passover, let us pray for a society that “passes over” the deep sea of hatred and malice to a bright oasis, a Promised Land, where darkness is confronted unequivocally, and light and truth guide our path forward… I know I’m praying. Happy Passover, and a bright spring of renewal for us all.

Chag Sameach, Rabbi David Lerner

Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David

By ABIGAIL GRIECO Herald Intern

Christopher D. Connors, a Rockville Centre native and self-help author, is preparing for the release of his third book, “The Champion Leader,” which is set to hit the shelves on May 7.

His latest work, “The Champion Leader,” stems from his belief that everyone has the potential to be a champion for those around them, whether its family, colleagues or even themselves.

The book is dedicated in memory of his late father, who died in October 2022, and whose leadership qualities have inspired Connors throughout his life.

management consulting and program management, which he attributes for his advanced understanding of emotional intelligence.

By channeling these different facets of his life, he is able to provide a unique blend of leadership insights from both the sports arena and the corporate world.

“He motivated us, he encouraged us, he coached us,” Connors said of his father. “He corrected and challenged us throughout our childhoods, education, and sports teams.”

The journey to becoming a published author was shaped by many diverse experiences. Connors is the father of three boys and a former college athlete turned high school basketball coach. He also has an extensive background in

“I learned along the way that it was the people that I was interested in and it’s truly about putting people first in business,” Connors said. “When people genuinely enjoy connecting with one another and believe in each other, it makes it that much easier to come together to achieve a mission, goals and incredible results. I knew I wanted to speak to audiences about the incredible power of emotional intelligence and how it can transform our lives, and how we can lead others to elevate them and transform their lives.”

Connors graduated from South Side High School in 1999 and always had an “itch and desire to have an entrepreneurial path.” He expressed that though enjoying the business world, his main love was for the people-oriented side.

By having one foot in the corporate world and another in the entrepreneurial world, Connors was able to experience the importance of human and personal connection. He explained that emotional intelligence is not just about overcoming adversity, but that it is crucial in finding yourself in life.

“My newest book is definitely more geared to a leadership audience, but there are still a lot of great items in there from a personal development standpoint that I think would be applicable to anybody,” Connors said.

Connors’ previous works, including his two earlier books “The Value of You,” and “Emotional Intelligence for the Modern Leader,” accompanied by his LinkedIn Learning course titled “Leading with Emotional Intelligence,” have garnered praise for their practical insights and actionable strategies.

While he now resides in Charleston, South Carolina, Connors maintains deep ties to the Rockville Centre community, where he was born and raised.

“I learned so much growing up with wonderful neighbors, friends and teachers about how to live with integrity and love,” Connors said.

With the coming release of his latest book, Connors said he remains committed to helping leaders elevate themselves and those around them through

the principles of emotional intelligence and championing others’ success. For more information or to pre-order his upcoming book, visit ChrisDConnors.com.

Courtesy Christopher D. Connors ‘The Champion Leader’ by Christopher D. Connors will be available in stores and via online book retailers

RVC Blue Speaks raises $125,000 at gala

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

More than 250 people attended the sixth annual “Light It Up Blue” Gala, hosted by RVC Blue Speaks, on Saturday night at the Coral House in Baldwin. This year’s fundraiser event recognized honorees Wayne and Karen Lipton of Rockville Centre for their decades of volunteer service, philanthropy and advocacy.

RVC Blue Speaks, the largest grassroots nonprofit charity on Long Island dedicated to raising awareness and support for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder, raised more than $125,000 this year, between in kind and direct contributions.

Anthony Cancellieri, co-founder of RVC Blue Speaks, said that event was the bestattended gala to date. Since its inception in 2017, the annual gala has raised more than $700,000 for families and individuals impacted by autism.

“There is no stopping us now from reaching $1 million dollars in the next few years,” Cancellieri said. “It was a truly magical evening.”

Cancellieri created the organization with his wife, Marylou, in 2016, after their two-year-old grandson, Louis, was diagnosed on the autism spectrum. The goal of the organization is to promote awareness and acceptance of those affected by autism spectrum disorder so that their quality of life is enhanced and their potential is fulfilled and to help raise funding for genetic research, support programs and change the conversation about autism into action and progress.

“RVC Blue Speaks has consistently proven their dedication to children and young adults on Long Island with ASD. As parents of a child on the Autism Spectrum, our late son Adam, we understand and appreciate the need for strong community advocacy and support,” Wayne and Karen Lipton said in a joint statement. “We are committed to the mission of RVC Blue Speaks and deeply touched by this honor.”

To date, the organization has given thousands of dollars to support those with autism through grants and scholarship programs. RVC Blue Speaks has generously given to Adelphi University’s Bridges Program, the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Hagedorn Little Village School in Seaford.

RVC Blue Speaks has also partnered with Mount Sinai South Nassau to fund two “Louie,” Vecta machines that provide a calming atmosphere for people with autism spectrum disorder in the stressful and often unknown environment of an emergency room or hospital, and will be funding a sensory space in the hospital’s Feil Family Pavilion Emergency Department.

It has also awarded thousands in scholarships for high schools seniors in local school districts on Long Island, and has started to implement plans to partner with the Village of Rockville Centre on a community-wide “light it up blue” awareness campaign for the month of April.

To learn more about the organization and its goals, visit RVCBlueSpeaks.org.

Keith Rossein/Herald photos

Marylou Cancellieri, left, with Terry Curiale, Ric Curiale, and Tony Cancellieri at the sixth annual ‘Light It Up Blue’ Gala.

Dana Sanneman of Mount Sinai South Nassau shares a few words with the audience.

Debra Siegel and Nassau County Legislator Scott Davis attend the ‘Light It Up Blue’ Gala.

RVC Blue Speaks recognized honorees Karen and Wayne Lipton at its sixth annual ‘Light It Up Blue’ Gala at the Coral House on Saturday.

Paiel Chakrabarty and Jesse Punn buy raffle tickets from Keith Olexa at the annual ‘Light It Up Blue’ Gala.

Schools to offer new courses with no cuts

for community services. It will also include additional funding to enhance building security systems across the district.

There are no layoffs or reductions of service for existing programs in the proposed spending plan. Instead, the district will be expanding its curriculum to provide new opportunities for students to learn about artificial intelligence, finance, coding and new electives in the arts.

“Our budget proposal includes proposals for new courses in the Arts by adding art in the sixth grade, Unified Art, Digital Photography, and a new portfolio class,” Matt Gaven, superintendent of Rockville Centre public schools, said in statement. “We are adding new technology courses such as Python, AP Computer Science, and Prompt engineering so our students understand how to use generative AI. We are also adding more opportunities for students in the area of business with a new Personal Finance course, revamped exploratory classes at the Middle School with a focus on entrepreneurship, money management, and career exploration. We are able to add these new courses and programs using existing staff.”

School board president Kelly Barry said that the additional course offerings are possible thanks to the skillful planning of the district’s strong financial state.

“Our proposed budget not only maintains our educational programs but also expands opportunities for our students district-wide,” Kelly Barry, president of the Rockville Centre school board, said. “These new options reflect the goals of the Board of Education, as well as feedback from parents, teachers, and, most importantly, our students. We are in this position because of careful planning despite challenging budget conditions, declining state aid, and rising costs for insurance. Given these realities, we remain mindful of the taxpayer as we strive to enhance our programs.”

O

South Side High School guidance area.

Other items up for consideration include office and bathroom renovations district-wide, HVAC repairs, masonry repairs, asphalt, landscaping and playground replacements.

proposed budget not only maintains our educational programs but also expands opportunities for our students district-wide.

To fund the capital projects, including maintenance enhancements and improvements, the district plans to transfer $1.8 million of its fund balance to be spent on repairing the Hewitt Elementary School parking lot, replacing a remaining section of the South Side Middle School roof, extending the fence surrounding the South Side Middle School track from the softball field to the tennis courts, ceiling and light replacement at the elementary schools, and renovations to the

Kelly Barry president, RVC Board of Education

Based on the $233 billion state budget proposed by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, state aid is estimated to increase 2.6 percent to $19.8 million, however, foundation aid would decrease by $164,229 for the coming school year due to the removal of the “save harmless” policy, which guarantees that a school district receives at least as much in state aid as the previous budget year.

Foundation aid is formula-based designed to provide more money to schools with higher-needs students. Removing the “save harmless” policy would reduce foundation aid for 337 school districts across the state, including Island Park, Long Beach, Lawrence, Oceanside, Oyster Bay and five others in Nassau County.

While state lawmakers continue to negotiate the terms of the state budget, Assemblyman Brian Curran previously

announced plans to secure $20,000 in bullet aid, which Gaven said will be used to help upgrade the district’s website and parent communication systems.

According to Bartels, any additional state funding will be put towards the school district’s reserves.

The Rockville Centre schools held a preliminary budget hearing after press time on Tuesday, April 16, at South Side High School. The annual budget vote and school board elections will take place on Tuesday, May 21 at the high school.

If the budget fails to pass, the board can submit the same spending plan, or an adjusted one, for a vote in June. If it were to fail a second time, the district would be forced to adopt a contingency budget with no tax levy increase, reducing spending by more than $2.5 million. A contingency budget would provide no funding for new public use of school grounds, nonessential maintenance or non-emergency capital expenditures.

Voters will also elect two members of the Rockville Centre Board of Education for at-large seats held by incumbents Kelly Barry and Erica Messier. Each elected trustee serves a three-year term in office. Also on the ballot is the proposed 2024-2025 budget for the Rockville Centre Public Library and two library board members for at-large seats held by incumbents Melissa Sorvillo and Nadine Kelly.

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.

Courts to decide if it will dismiss the case

Jones and Burns Bair, which represent the committee, said the creditors voted against the plan because they felt it did not provide adequate compensation for their suffering and lacked any child-protection measures.

James Stang, one of the attorneys, said the diocese repeatedly threatened to seek the dismissal of the bankruptcy proceedings if survivors did not accept the plan.

“In rejecting the plan, survivors demonstrated strength and unity and demonstrated that they would not be intimidated by the diocese,” Stang said in a statement. “The diocese chose the bankruptcy forum ostensibly to provide fair and equitable compensation to those who were abused as children. Now, because the diocese could not have its way, it wants to turn the clock back to where it started four years ago, having paid its bankruptcy professionals nearly $60 million dollars.”

The diocese, the eighth-largest in the nation, filed for bankruptcy in late 2020, after hundreds of lawsuits were filed against it following Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s approval of the Child Victims Act in 2019, which extended the statute of limitations for sexual abuse claims.

Representatives of the committee presented a proposed reorganization plan in January 2023, offering to settle the claims for $450 million. The diocese responded with its $200 million counter-offer.

Lawyers representing the committee said the landslide rejection of the proposed settlement was “unprecedented” in the history of Chapter 11 abuse cases, with survivors left to decide whether to approve the plan or drop the case altogether.

Sean Dolan, the diocese’s director of communications, confirmed that it has filed a motion to dismiss the case.

“The diocese did this after it became clear that an

insufficient number of creditors have voted to approve the diocese’s plan for reorganization,” Dolan stated. “The diocese disclosed to all creditors, in connection with the proposed plan, that the diocese would move to dismiss its bankruptcy case if the plan was not approved through the creditor voting process.”

Dolan added that the Committee of Unsecured Creditors had moved to dismiss the case last April, because

there was no likelihood of achieving a workable plan.

“The diocese, along with the parishes and related parties, cut budgets to the bone to provide the best possible offer they could in good faith,” Dolan said. “While the diocese worked hard to try to achieve a resolution in the bankruptcy case that would provide compensation for all survivors equitably while allowing the Church to continue its mission, the Creditors have chosen the path of litigation, one case at a time in New York State court. Regrettably, this may result in little or no compensation for many survivors, the opposite of why the Diocese entered this process over three years ago.”

Lawyers for the committee said its vote demonstrated “a selfless commitment to child protection measures” as an essential part of any acceptable settlement, a point that was made by Judge Martin Glenn, of United States Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York, at one hearing.

“The survivors have sent a strong message to all debtors around the country who are using bankruptcy to avoid accountability before state court juries,” Richard Tollner, the committee’s chairman, said in a statement. “The message is: ‘If your plan does not have the support of the survivors’ creditors’ committee, your reorganization plan will fail.’ In this case the committee repeatedly warned the diocese that unilateral solicitation of its plan without committee support was a fool’s errand; it nonetheless stubbornly proceeded at great expense of time, as well as tens of millions of dollars, an unnecessary waste of resources that could have gone to compensate survivors.”

In the wake of the committee’s decision, Glenn will consider the diocese’s motion to dismiss the case at a hearing on May 9. He may send the cases back to state civil courts, or rule that the negotiations between the diocese and the committee continue.

Herald file photo the survivors of more than 600 child sexual abuse allegations ‘overwhelmingly’ voted down the diocese of rockville Centre’s final $200 million settlement offer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

“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.

Mike DelGuidice

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

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.

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

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

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.

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Unity Through Diversity

Molloy University hosts The Rebecca Center for Music Therapy’s 5th annual Unity Through Diversity: Celebrating All Abilities in the Arts event, on Friday, April 26, 6-8 p.m., at the Madison Theatre. Performances include “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder, “Come Together” by The Beatles and “We Will Rock You” by Queen. Open to the public. Tickets are $25 at the door. For tickets and more information, visit MadisonTheatreNY.org or call (516) 323-4444.

St. Agnes Cathedral School presents ‘The Little Mermaid’

Take a trip “Under the Sea” with the St. Agnes Drama Club’s production of Disney’s ‘The Little Mermaid.’ Performances will be held in the school auditorium. Thursday through Saturday, April 25-27. Showtime starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit StAgnes-School.org. 70

Clinton Ave.

A Witch’s Brew rocks RVC

Long Island rock band A Witch’s Brew takes the stage at The Ainsworth, Friday, April 19, 9 p.m. 210 Merrick Road, visit TheAinsworth. com or call (516)-442-2600 for reservations.

Senior Health & Beyond Expo

Families, caregivers and people of all ages are invited to the Senior Health & Beyond Expo, hosted by Richner Live, Thursday, April 25, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., at Rockville Centre Recreation Center.Speak with over 40 exhibitors in health care, insurance, finance, estate planning, caregiver services, travel, fitness and more. Hear from the experts during a panel discussion, followed by a Q&A session. Learn from senior service providers about programs and recreational opportunities available for seniors. To register, call (516) 569-4000 Ext. 253 or email AAnderwkavich@LIHerald. com. 111 N. Oceanside Road.

Science Fair and Symposium

South Side High School science students have the opportunity to showcase their research, Thursday, April 18, at the science fair and symposium. Symposium startt at 6:30 p.m., followed by the science fair, at 7 p.m. 140 Shepherd St.

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.

Spring Recess

Rockville Centre public schools will be closed for spring recess beginning Monday, through Tuesday, April 22-30. During the school break, the Rockville Centre Recreation Department will be offering fun activities for kids including dodgeball day, ninja challenge, craft day, bowling and more. For registration and more information visit RockvilleCentre.RecDesk.com.

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.

May 11

Baby shower for moms-to-be

Mercy Hospital hosts this free event for expecting moms-to-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) 6263729.

New York Mac and Cheese Fest

The cheesiest competition in the state is making its way to Long Island, Saturday, April 20, at The Tap Room in Rockville Centre. Enjoy tasting amazing Mac and Cheese from the competitors and vote for the best Mac and Cheese on Long Island. Two sessions are offered, noon to 3 p.m. from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $30$40; available online via Eventbrite.com. Must be 21 and over to participate. For more information visit NYBestWingsFestival.com.

Dinosaur Renaissance Faire

Visit the Center for Science, Teaching and Learning at the Tanglewood Preserve and travel back to a much different era in history, back to a period where kings and queens ruled the land. The Dinosaur Renaissance Faire promises to be a unique experience featuring shows, games, crafts and much more, Saturday through Tuesday, April 20-30, f0 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets available at the door; free with purchase of museum tickets. For more information visit CSTL.org. 1450 Tanglewood Road.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: 88WIN , LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 03/12/2024. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 88WIN LLC ATTN: DONALD 265 SUNRISE HWY #341, ROCKVILLE CENTRE NY 11570

Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 145576

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST C/O U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, Plaintiffagainst- ROBERT G. KNOWLES, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated November 14, 2023 and entered on November 15, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on May 8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Rockville Centre, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as Section 36 Block 496 Lot 13. Said premises known as 419 WOODBRIDGE ROAD, ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY 11570

Approximate amount of lien $302,613.49 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale.

Index Number

611814/2022.

21 de Mayo de 2024 en South Side High School, 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York para los siguientes fines:

a) Votar sobre el presupuesto Escolar anual y el presupuesto de la Biblioteca para el año escolar 2024/2025 y autorizar la imposición de un impuesto sobre la propiedad sujeta a impuestos del Distrito para los fines anteriores;

b) Elegir a dos miembros de la Junta de Educación en general por un período de tres años a partir del 1 de Julio de 2024, para suceder a Kelly Barry, el titular, cuyo mandato vence el 30 de Junio de 2024 y Erica Messier, el titular, cuyo mandato vence el 30 de Junio de 2024.

c) Elegir a dos miembros de la Junta de la Biblioteca en general en general por un período de tres años a partir del 1 de Julio de 2024, para suceder a Melissa Sorvillo, el titular, cuyo mandato vence el 30 de Junio de 2024 y Nadine Kelly, el titular, cuyo mandato vence el 30 de Junio de 2024.

d) Votar sobre otras propuestas que puedan presentarse ante la asamblea y llevar a cabo otros negocios autorizados por la ley.

SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Rockville Center, Condado de Nassau, New York, llevará a cabo una reunión pública con el propósito de discutir el gasto de fondos para el año escolar 2024/2025 a partir del 1 de Julio de 2024. Esta reunión puede resultar en cambios o modificaciones a los gastos de este presupuesto y se llevará a cabo en South Side High School, 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, el 16 de Abril de 2024 a las 7:00 p. m. Copias detalladas del presupuesto escolar propuesto estarán disponibles en cada edificio escolar, el edificio Administrativo William H. Johnson y la biblioteca pública.

SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Educación realizará una audiencia pública el 7 de Mayo de 2024 a las 7:00 p. m. en South Side High School ubicada en 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, con el fin de presentar el gasto de fondos y la presupuestando por tanto lo relativo a la asignación de los fondos necesarios para sufragar los gastos necesarios de este Distrito Escolar para el año escolar 2024/2025, en cuyo momento y lugar todas las personas interesadas en el tema del mismo tendrán oportunidad de ser oídas. No se pueden hacer cambios a los gastos en esta audiencia pública.

SE NOTIFICA que la Junta

de la Biblioteca llevará a cabo una reunión pública con el propósito de discutir el gasto de fondos y el presupuesto correspondiente para el año fiscal 2024/2025 a partir del 1 de Julio de 2024. Esta reunión puede resultar en cambios o modificaciones a los gastos de este presupuesto y se llevará a cabo en la Biblioteca Pública de Rockville Center, 221 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre, New York el 16 de Abril de 2024 a las 7:00 p. m. Copias detalladas del presupuesto propuesto para la Biblioteca estarán disponibles en la Biblioteca.

Y TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de la Biblioteca llevará a cabo una audiencia pública el 7 de Mayo de 2024 a las 7:00 p. m. en la Biblioteca Pública de Rockville Center ubicada en 221 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre, New York, con el fin de presentar los gastos fondos y la presupuestación por lo tanto relativa a la asignación de fondos necesarios para hacer frente a los gastos necesarios de esta Biblioteca para el año escolar 2024/2025, en cuyo momento y lugar todas las personas interesadas en el tema de la misma tendrán la oportunidad de ser escuchados . No se pueden hacer cambios en los gastos en este momento.

Y TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que la Reunión Anual y la Elección se llevarán a cabo votando propuestas y candidatos en máquinas de votación el 21.de Mayo de 2024, comenzando a las 7:00 a. m. y terminando a las 9:00 p. m. en South Side High School ubicado en 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York.

Y TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que una copia de la declaración de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año siguiente para fines escolares (presupuesto Escolar), excluyendo dinero público, y propuestas que involucren gastos de dinero y la operación del sistema escolar para el año siguiente, puede ser inspeccionado a partir del 7 de Mayo de 2024 hasta la fecha de la Reunión Anual en el sitio web del Distrito, en el edificio Administrativo William H. Johnson y en cada escuela en la que se mantiene la escuela, durante el horario de 9:00 a.m. a 4:00 a.m. excepto Sábado, Domingo o festivos.

Y TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que una copia de la declaración de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año siguiente para los fines de la Biblioteca (presupuesto de la Biblioteca),

excluyendo los fondos públicos, y propuestas que involucren gastos de dinero y el funcionamiento de la Biblioteca para el año siguiente, pueden ser inspeccionados en la Biblioteca a partir del 23 de Abril de 2024 hasta la fecha de la Reunión Anual, excepto en días festivos.

POR FAVOR TENGA EN CUENTA ADEMÁS que las nominaciones para el cargo de Miembro de la Junta de Educación y la Junta de la Biblioteca, a menos que la ley disponga lo contrario, se realizarán mediante petición suscrita por al menos setenta y cinco (75) votantes calificados del Distrito. Las peticiones se presentarán en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar entre las 8:15 a. m. y las 5:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente el 22 de Abril de 2024. Esta petición deberá indicar la residencia de cada firmante y deberá indicar el nombre y residencia de los candidatos. Se considerarán elegidos para cubrir las vacantes los candidatos que obtengan el mayor número de votos. Cuando los mandatos sean de diferente duración, el candidato que reciba la mayor cantidad de votos será elegido para el mandato más largo. Sin embargo, la Junta de Educación puede rechazar una nominación si el candidato no es elegible para el cargo o declara que no está dispuesto a servir.

Y TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que se permitirá el registro de votantes en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito en el edificio Administrativo William H. Johnson, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, durante el horario de 8:15 a.m. y 4:30 p.m. en días hábiles escolares hasta el 16 de Mayo de 2024.

Y SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que el registro de votantes incluirá (1) todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se presentarán personalmente para el registro; y (2) todos los votantes previamente calificados del Distrito que se hayan registrado previamente para cualquier Reunión o Elección Anual o Especial del Distrito y que hayan votado en cualquier Reunión o Elección Anual o Especial del Distrito celebrada o realizada en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro años calendario años anteriores a la elaboración de este registro; y (3) votantes registrados permanentemente en la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau.

Y SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que los registros que contienen los nombres de todas las personas con derecho a votar en la

Elección Anual que se llevará a cabo el 21 de Mayo de 2024 se archivarán en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito en el edificio Administrativo William H. Johnson, 128 Shepherd Street , Rockville Centre, New York, y estará abierto para inspección por parte de cualquier votante calificado del Distrito cinco días antes de esta Elección Anual, excepto el Domingo, entre las 8:15 a.m. y las 4:30 p.m. de Lunes a Viernes y con cita previa el Sábado. El registro también estará abierto para inspección en las urnas el día de esta Elección Anual, 21 de Mayo de 2024, entre las 7:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m. Y ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Registro se reunirá durante las horas de votación en la Asamblea y Elección Anual del Distrito el 21 de Mayo de 2024 en el lugar de votación con el fin de preparar un registro para las asambleas o elecciones del Distrito que se llevarán a cabo más de treinta días después del 21 de Mayo de 2024. Este registro deberá incluyen (1) todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se presentarán personalmente para el registro, y (2) todos los votantes previamente calificados del Distrito que se hayan registrado previamente para cualquier Reunión o Elección Anual o Especial del Distrito y que hayan votado en cualquier Reunión o Elección Anual o Especial del Distrito celebrada o conducida en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro años calendario anteriores a la preparación de este registro.

POR FAVOR TENGA EN CUENTA ADEMÁS que las solicitudes de papeletas de voto en ausencia para la elección del Distrito Escolar y la Biblioteca se pueden solicitar en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito,128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Las solicitudes de papeletas de voto en ausencia deben recibirse no antes de los treinta (30) días antes de la elección. Si se va a enviar una boleta por correo a un votante elegible, el Secretario del Distrito debe recibir la solicitud al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección o se puede recoger una solicitud en persona en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar el día anterior la elección por el votante o su agente designado. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna de una boleta de voto en ausencia enviada 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 elección. Las boletas de voto en ausencia deben recibirse en la oficina del

Secretario del Distrito antes de las 5:00 p. m. del 21 de Mayo de 2024, el día de la elección. Una lista de todas las personas a las que se les habrán emitido boletas de voto en ausencia estará disponible para su inspección hasta el día anterior a la Elección Anual. en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito, excepto los Domingos, en el horario de 8:15 a.m. a 4:30 p.m. entre semana y con cita previa los Sábados.

POR FAVOR TENGA EN CUENTA ADEMÁS que, de conformidad con la Sección 2018-e de la Ley de Educación, las solicitudes para boletas de votación anticipadas por correo se pueden obtener en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar Libre de Rockville Center Union, Edificio de Administración William H. Johnson, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, Nueva York durante todos los días en que el Distrito esté en sesión. El Secretario del Distrito debe recibir las solicitudes completas no antes del 22 de Abril de 2024 y antes del 14 de Mayo de 2024, si la boleta de votación anticipada por correo se enviará por correo al votante. Si la boleta anticipada por correo se entrega personalmente al votante en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, el Secretario del Distrito debe recibir la solicitud completa a más tardar el 20 de mayo de 2024. No se escrutará ninguna boleta anticipada por correo a menos que haya sido recibido en la Secretaría Distrital del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. el 21 de mayo de 2024. Una lista de todas las personas a quienes se les han emitido boletas anticipadas estará disponible en la Oficina de la Secretaria de Distrito durante el horario de oficina a partir del 15 de mayo de 2024 hasta el 20 de mayo de 2024, excepto el sábado 18 de mayo. de 2024, mediante cita previa comunicándose con el Secretario del Distrito al (516) 255-8921 o por correo electrónico a mceliberti@rvcschools.or g. Un desafío a una votación anticipada La votación no puede realizarse sobre la base de que el elector debería haber solicitado una papeleta de voto ausente. POR FAVOR TENGA EN CUENTA ADEMÁS que los votantes militares que no están registrados actualmente pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar. Los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar pueden presentar una solicitud para una boleta electoral 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 registro, solicitud de boleta o boletas. Los formularios de registro de votantes militares y los formularios de solicitud de boletas militares deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 26 de Abril de 2024. Ninguna boleta militar será convocada a menos que sea (1) recibida en la oficina del Secretario de Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el día de las elecciones y mostrando una marca de cancelación de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o que muestre un endoso de recibo fechado por otra agencia del gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o (2) recibida por la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 pm. del día de la elección y firmada y fechada por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha asociada que no sea después del día anterior la elección.

POR FAVOR TENGA EN CUENTA ADEMÁS que cualquier proposición o pregunta que se coloque en las máquinas de votación deberá presentarse por escrito mediante una petición suscrita por al menos ciento ochenta y siete (187) votantes calificados del Distrito y radicada en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito entre las horas de 8:15 a.m. y 4:30 p. m., a más tardar el día 30 anterior a la reunión o elección, momento en el cual se votará sobre esta pregunta o proposición, excepto que esta regla no se aplicará a aquellas preguntas o proposiciones que sean se requiere que se indique en el aviso publicado o publicado de la reunión o para aquellas proposiciones o preguntas que la Junta de Educación tiene autoridad por ley para presentar en cualquier Reunión Anual o Especial del Distrito.

POR FAVOR TENGA EN CUENTA ADEMÁS que la Sección 495 de la Ley Real Estate Tax Act requiere que el Distrito adjunte a su presupuesto propuesto y el informe de exención. Este informe de exención, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, mostrará cómo el valor catastral total de la lista de tasación final utilizada en el proceso presupuestario está exento de impuestos, enumerará cada tipo de exención otorgada por la autoridad legal y mostrará el acumulado. impacto de cada tipo de exención, el monto acumulado que se espera recibir como pago en

lugar de impuestos (PILOT) y el impacto acumulado de todas las exenciones otorgadas. Además, este informe de exención se publicará en cualquier tablón de anuncios del Distrito mantenido por el Distrito para Avisos Públicos, así como en el sitio web del Distrito.

POR FAVOR TENGA EN CUENTA ADEMÁS que la Junta convocará una Reunión Especial dentro de las veinticuatro horas posteriores a la presentación ante el Secretario del Distrito de un informe escrito de los resultados de la boleta con el fin de examinar y tabular este informe de los resultados de la boleta y declarar la resultados de la votación; y la Junta se designa a sí misma como un conjunto de funcionarios electorales para procesar y escrutar las boletas de conformidad con la Ley de Educación S2019a, subdivisión 2b en esta Reunión Especial de la Junta.

Fecha: 1 de Febrero de 2024

Rockville Centre, NY

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DE ROCKVILLE CENTRE UFSD

CONDADO DE NASSAU, NEW YORK

MARYLOU CELIBERTI, SECRETARIA DE DISTRITO 145937

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ANNUAL SCHOOL DISTRICT AND LIBRARY ELECTION

ROCKVILLE CENTRE

UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

NASSAU

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of the qualified voters of the Rockville Centre Union Free School District, Nassau County, New York will be held on May 21, 2024 at South Side High School, 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York for the following purposes:

a) To vote upon the annual School budget and the Library budget for the school year 2024/2025and to authorize the levying of a tax upon the taxable property of the District for the foregoing purposes;

b) To elect two members of the Board of Education at large for three-year terms commencing July 1, 2024: (i) to succeed Kelly Barry, the incumbent, whose term of office expires June 30, 2024; and (ii) to succeed Erica Messier, the incumbent, whose term of office expires on June 30, 2024.

c) To elect two members of the Library Board at large for three-year terms commencing July 1, 2024: (i) to succeed Melissa Sorvillo, the incumbent, whose term of office

18,

Public Notices

expires on June 30, 2024; (ii) to succeed Nadine Kelly, the incumbent, whose term of office expires on June 30, 2024. d) To vote upon such other propositions as may properly come before the meeting and conduct other business as authorized by law.

NOTICE IS GIVEN, that the Board of Education of the Rockville Centre Union Free School District, Nassau County, New York will hold a public meeting for the purpose of discussion of the expenditure of funds for the school year 2024/2025 beginning July 1, 2024. Said meeting may result in changes or modifications to expenditures for this budget and will be held at South Side High School, 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, on April 16, 2024 at 7:00 P.M.

Detailed copies of the proposed school budget will be available in each school building, the William H. Johnson Administration Building and the Public Library.

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Board of Education will hold a public hearing on May 7, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. at South Side High School located at 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, for the purpose of presenting expenditure of funds and the budgeting therefore relative to the appropriation of necessary funds to meet the necessary expenditures of said School District for school year 2024/2025, at which time and which place all persons interested in the subject matter thereof concerning the same will have an opportunity to be heard. No changes to expenditures can be made at this public hearing.

NOTICE IS GIVEN, that the Library Board will hold a public meeting for the purpose of discussion of the expenditure of funds and the budgeting therefore for the fiscal year 2024/2025 beginning July 1, 2024. Said meeting may result in changes or modifications to expenditures for this budget and will be held at the Rockville Centre Public Library, 221 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre, New York on April 16, 2024, at 7:00 P.M. Detailed copies of the proposed Library budget will be available in the Library.

Suzanne Anderson remembered lovingly

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that the Annual Meeting and Election shall be conducted by voting on propositions and candidates on voting machines on said 21st day of May, 2024 commencing at 7:00 A.M. and ending at 9:00 P.M. at South Side High School located at 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York.

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) exclusive of public moneys, and propositions involving expenditure of moneys and the operation of the school system for the ensuing year, may be inspected commencing on May 7, 2024 through the date of the Annual Meeting on the District’s website, in the William H. Johnson Administration Building and at each schoolhouse in which school is maintained, during the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. except Saturday, Sunday or holidays.

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 Library purposes (Library budget) exclusive of public moneys, and propositions involving expenditure of moneys and the operation of the Library for the ensuing year, may be inspected at the Library commencing on April 23, 2024 through the date of the Annual Meeting, except for holidays.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that the Library Board will hold a public hearing on May 7, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. in the Rockville Centre Public Library located at 221 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre New York, for the purpose of presenting expenditure of funds and the budgeting therefore relative to the appropriation of necessary funds to meet the necessary expenditures of said Library for school year 2024/2025, at which time and place all persons interested in the subject matter thereof concerning the same will have an opportunity to be heard. No changes to expenditures can be made at this time.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO

GIVEN that voter registration shall be permitted in the office of the District Clerk at the William H. Johnson Administration Building, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, during the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. on school business days through May 16, 2024.

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

AND NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the registers containing the names of all persons entitled to vote at the Annual Election to be held on May 21, 2024 will be filed in the office of the District Clerk in the William H. Johnson Building, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District five days prior to said Annual Election, except Sunday, between the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. on weekdays and by appointment on Saturday. The register will also be open for inspection at the polls on the day of the said Annual Election, May 21, 2024 between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M.

AND NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Board of Registration will meet during the hours of voting at the Annual District Meeting and Election on May 21, 2024 at the polling place for the purpose of preparing a register for District meetings or elections to be held more than thirty days subsequent to May 21, 2024. Said register shall include (1) all qualified voters of the District who shall present themselves personally for registration, and (2) all previously qualified voters of the District who shall have been previously registered for any Annual or Special District Meeting or Election and who shall have voted at any Annual or Special District Meeting or Election held or

NOTICE that nominations for the office of Member of the Board of Education and the Library Board, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be made by petition subscribed by at least seventy-five (75) qualified voters of the District. Petitions shall be filed in the office of the Clerk of the School District between the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. on April 22, 2024. Such petition shall state the residence of each signer and shall state the name and residence of the candidates. Candidates receiving the greatest number of votes shall be considered elected to fill the vacancies. Where terms are of different length, the candidate receiving the highest vote shall be elected to the longest term. However, a nomination may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for the office or declares his/her unwillingness to serve.

conducted at any time within the four calendar years prior to preparation of said register.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that applications for absentee ballots for the School District and Library election may be applied for at the office of the District Clerk, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Applications for absentee ballots must be received no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election. If a ballot is to be mailed to an eligible voter, the application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election or an application may be picked up in person in the office of the District Clerk no later than the day before the election by the voter or his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth on the application no later than six (6) days before the election. Absentee ballots must be received in the office of the District Clerk by 5:00 P.M. on May 21, 2024, the day of the election. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available for inspection up to the day before the Annual Election in the office of the District Clerk, except Sundays, between the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. on weekdays and by appointment on Saturdays.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that pursuant to Section 2018-e of the Education Law, applications for early mail ballots may be obtained at the Office of the District Clerk of the Rockville Centre Union Free School District, William H. Johnson Administration Building, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York during all days in which the District is in session. Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than April 22, 2024 and by May 14, 2024, if the early mail ballot is to be mailed to the voter. If the early mail ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter at the Office of the District Clerk the completed application must be received by the District Clerk no later than May 20, 2024. No early mail voter’s ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received in the Office of the District Clerk of the District no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 21, 2024. A list of all persons to whom early ballots have been issued will be available in the Office of the District Clerk’s office during office hours on and after May 15, 2024 until May 20, 2024, except on Saturday

Suzanne Lynne Anderson, 70, died on April 5, 2024 after a brief, yet incredibly courageous battle with Stage IV Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Her family, friends and paitents were her world. She was a psychoanalyst by trade, with her private practice in Rockville Centre for more than 30 years.

Anderson was an avid skiier with the Grumman Ski Club, a summer with Unqua Corinthian Yacht Club, and a rower with the Sagamore Rowing Association. She was tough. Her boundless energy along with her infectious smile and laugh always seemed to leave an impact on the people she met. She built others up with a compliment and made a point to ask about your family and what you had going on in your life because she cared and she remembered. She was the glue that kept her family together. She was so loved and will be sorely missed.

She is survived by her two sons, Erik Peter Anderson, his wife, Erin, and Alexander Justin Anderson, his wife, Kathryn; three grandchildren, Peter James Anderson, John Ryan Anderson, James Kelly Anderson; her brother, Edmund C. Neuhaus (Elizabeth), and their three children, Jack, Lily and Ruby.

A funeral Mass was held at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre on April

12, followed by interment at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale.

Thank you to everyone who supported her and us during her fight. If anyone has pictures of Suzanne, which they would like to share, please send them to SuzanneAndersonMemorial@ gmail.com.

Public Notices

May 18, 2024, by prearranged appointment by contacting the District Clerk at (516) 255-8921 or via email at mceliberti@rvcschools.or g. A challenge to an early voting ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should have applied for an absentee ballot.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

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

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that any proposition or question to be placed upon the voting machines shall be submitted in writing by petition subscribed by at least one-hundred-eightyseven (187) qualified voters of the District and filed in the office of the District Clerk between the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., not later than the 30th day preceding the meeting or election at which time such question or proposition shall be voted upon, except that this rule shall not apply to

Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 26, 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.

those questions or propositions which are required to be stated in the published or posted notice of the meeting or to those propositions or questions which the Board of Education has authority by law to present at any Annual or Special Meeting of the District.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that the Board will convene a Special Meeting thereof within twenty-four hours after filing with the District Clerk a written report of the results of the ballot for the purpose of examining and tabulating said report of the results of the ballot and declaring the results of the ballot; and the Board hereby designates itself to be a set of poll clerks to case and canvass ballots pursuant to Education Law S2019-a, subdivision 2b at said Special Meeting of the Board.

Dated: February 1, 2024 Rockville Centre, NY BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE

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

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Inside Sales

FULL-TIME DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP)

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $33,280 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

Abilities, Inc. is looking for Direct Support Professionals to provide support services to successfully integrate individuals with developmental disabilities into their communities.

growth and management of the subscription base. Be able to learn quickly, multi-task, and work effectively to meet deadlines. This is a part-time position with a flexible schedule; $25-$30/hr. + commission.

viscardicenter 2x4 b.crtr - Page 1 - Composite

viscardicenter 2x4 b.crtr - Page 1 - Composite

FULL-TIME DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP)

FULL-TIME DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL (DSP)

Abilities, Inc. is looking for Direct Support Professionals to provide support services to successfully integrate individuals with developmental disabilities into their communities.

Transport and accompany Program Participants to recreational activities — bowling, movies, volunteering — and other socialization activities. Additional duties, such as assisting with personal care needs, may be required. $20.00/hr.

HS Diploma/equivalent, prior work experience with adults having disabilities required. Valid NYS Driver’s License required.

For more information, call (516) 465-1432 or email humanresources@viscardicenter.org

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $33,280 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses.

Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and

Abilities, Inc. is looking for Direct Support Professionals to provide support services to successfully integrate individuals with developmental disabilities into their communities. Transport and accompany Program Participants to recreational activities — bowling, movies, volunteering — and other socialization activities. Additional duties, such as assisting with personal care needs, may be required. $20.00/hr.

Transport and accompany Program Participants to recreational activities — bowling, movies, volunteering — and other socialization activities. Additional duties, such as assisting with personal care needs, may be required. $20.00/hr.

HS Diploma/equivalent, prior work experience with adults having disabilities required.

HS Diploma/equivalent, prior work experience with adults having disabilities required.

Valid NYS Driver’s License required.

Valid NYS Driver’s License required.

For more information, call (516) 465-1432 or email humanresources@viscardicenter.org

For more information, call (516) 465-1432 or email humanresources@viscardicenter.org

EOE

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To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

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To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5

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.

Anthony D’Esposito represents the 4th Congressional District.

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.

S

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Letters

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.

aLan J. sinGer

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