Rockville Centre Herald 05-02-2024

HERALD ROCKVILLE CENTRE

Molloy graduate makes her debut on Broadway

By DANIEl oFFNER

doffner@liherald.com

Actress Nichelle Lewis, a graduate of Molloy University in Rockville Centre, eased on down the yellow brick road as Dorothy Gale in the new Broadway production of “The Wiz.” Lewis, 24, said she was busy working on another production in Ohio last summer when she got a call asking if she would fly to New York City to audition. She said that she felt uncharacteristically at ease during the tryouts, as she went up to perform “Soon As I Get Home,” “Be a Lion,” and “Home” in front of a team of producers.

“I’m always usually shaking and am so stressed that I can throw up,” Lewis said. “But I actually felt so comfortable singing those songs.”

Following the audition, she began gathering her things and was headed to the door to leave when the casting director stopped her and started asking her questions about where she was from and what she was currently working on.

“She asked me to stay for a little while longer,” Lewis said.

New York Islanders hockey podcast gains notoriety

By DANIEl oFFNER doffner@liherald.com

Sean Cuthbert, of Rockville Centre, has turned his lifelong passion for the New York Islanders into something much more meaningful. He started a podcast, which, much like the team itself, has been improving season after season.

Cuthbert, 41, said he started recording “Hockey Night in New York” from the basement of his brother’s house in East Rockaway in 2014, along with his brother, a cousin and a buddy named Tony.

“This was going to be kind of a passion thing,” Cuthbert

said. “Just to see where it went. Then, wouldn’t you know it, all of a sudden, people started listening to it. The audience started growing, and we made something out of it, and we just kept going, and ever since then it’s grown.”

Cuthbert and his co-host, Stefen Rosner, 26, a Bellmore native and a journalist with The Hockey News, offer insights from both the professional’s and the sports fan’s perspectives.

“I’ve always been writing, but I knew that it was definitely something I wanted to do and try,” Rosner said of podcasting. “It has been awesome. I mean,

A ll of a sudden, people started listening to it.

SEAN CutHBER t Founder and co-host, ‘Hockey Night in New York’

getting to talk about hockey. That’s my job. I get to do it full time during the day, so why not be able to do it by talking to the audience?”

Filmed weekly at Floored Media, in Rockville Centre, the show is unlike others in its category. What sets it apart is not

only its longevity, but the fact that it is the only sports podcast in the region that gives fans an interactive platform to discuss their favorite players, ask special guests questions and hear them answer live on the air.

Cuthbert grew up in East Rockaway, and played hockey for Chaminade High School.

Despite having mastered the fundamentals of the sport, however, he doesn’t consider himself an expert. Rosner offers the show another element, taking fans inside the locker room and going behind the scenes for unique content that no other show provides.

Courtesy Jenny Anderson

Dorothy Gale, played by Nichelle Lewis, explores the magic and wonder of Oz in the new production of ‘The Wiz’ on Broadway.

Just because a business is small doesn’t mean it isn’t important. The small businesses on our island are 50% of our economy. These businesses are part of the fabric of our communities. They’re vital. We’ve been proudly supporting our small businesses since 2014 with cost-saving programs and services. Show your support, too, by shopping locally during Small Business Week (and all year long). It’s no small thing to let them know they matter.

Hospital recognizes two local volunteers

Mount Sinai South Nassau honors Susan Keller and Alberta Biscotti for their service

By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com

Mount Sinai South Nassau hospital recently honored Susan Keller of Rockville Centre, for her more than 25 years of volunteer service, during which she devoted more than 30,000 hours to spend time with patients.

When I visit patients, it’s amazing

Keller, 68, was one of several local residents from the area recognized for their extraordinary contributions as volunteers of the hospital, during its 68th anniversary luncheon at the Coral House in Baldwin on April 25.

SuSAN KELLER volunteer, Mount Sinai South Nassau

The celebration was a tribute to the unwavering dedication and compassion the hospital’s volunteers, past and present, have exhibited.

“We think it’s important to recognize all of the time and energy our volunteers provide for our patients in our community,” Dr. Adhi Sharma, the hospital’s president, said. “I think we can never take it for granted that these people are giving their time freely and fully. Many of them have been here for years and years. They are part of the South Nassau fabric and part of the South Nassau family. You recognize family, and that’s what families do.”

Keller’s unwavering commitment to the hospital’s compassionate listener program and her presence in various departments, including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, exemplify the essence of volunteerism.

From reading to newborns to providing companionship to patients, Keller’s compassion knows no bounds.

Keller started volunteering at Mount Sinai in 1998 when she wanted to contribute to her community while her daughter attended school nearby.

Despite having received a Masters degree in deafness rehabilitation, Keller said she started a family and never got around to pursuing a career in counseling for the deaf. She instead, however, found fulfillment in her volunteer work, where she connected with patients and staff on a profound level.

“I think both involve helping, right, but also connecting with people,” Keller said. “That’s a really big part of what I do. Whether it’s reading to babies in the NICU, you have to form some sort of connection with the baby. Taking the dogs around and seeing the connection the patient develops with that dog, and how it brings them out and makes them happy, being a part of that is indescribable. When I visit patients, it’s amazing.”

Keller said she finds joy in various aspects of her volunteer work, particularly interacting with patients and staff.

“I’m not being paid in dollar bills or a

check, but when I’m wearing my volunteer jacket, the wealth is in the patients and my memories with them,” she said. “There are certain people I will never forget who have touched me so. I’m a very wealthy person. I really mean that.”

She is currently the captain of the volunteer office on Tuesday and Thursday mornings and was part of the hospital’s compassionate listener program for several years.

Keller has previously received the Town of Hempstead Annual Volunteer

Recognition Award, South Nassau’s Five Star Adelaide Cromwell Memorial Award, and the Long Island Business News Healthcare Hero Volunteer Award

The luncheon served as a testament to the enduring spirit of volunteerism that has permeated the hospital for nearly seven decades.

Alberta Biscotti, 76, of Oceanside was also honored during the event for embodying the spirit of lifelong learning and nurturing. She was presented with the Shining Star Award, which recognizes volunteers who have contribut-

ed to enhancing the patient experience at Mount Sinai South Nassau. She was also presented with a citation from Nassau County Legislator Debra Mule for her years of volunteer service.

Biscotti worked in human resources for her husband’s accounting firm for 30 years and then as a teacher at California Avenue School in Uniondale for 11 years. After retiring at 65, she said she wanted to give back to the community as a hospital volunteer, finding a home in the director’s office.

“I was also honestly afraid of being home after working the way I did raising children,” Biscotti, who also lived in Rockville Centre for 45 years, said. “I went up to the hospital, and the director at the time said to me, ‘I want you to work directly for me.’”

Biscotti has logged 907 hours volunteering at the Hospital and has volunteered for. 11 years Biscotti’s journey from teaching to volunteering in the medical field reflects her nurturing nature and desire to help others. Biscotti even worked remotely as a volunteer during the Covid pandemic, assisting with tasks such as pre-surgical testing and helping patients find information about vaccinations.

“When I speak to patients, a lot of them don’t have families,” Biscotti said. “They didn’t know where to go to get their vaccines during Covid-19. They have a pre-surgical test for very serious surgery and just helping them to give them information about where to park or where to do it really gives you a lot of pleasure. They thank you. Some of them call me ‘Doc.’ I’m not a doctor, just volunteering and I like helping.”

Keith Rossein/Herald photos

From left are Dr. Adhi Sharma, president of Mount Sinai South Nassau; Susan Keller of Rockville Centre, who won an award for her 30,000 hours of volunteer service; Sharon McMackin, volunteer coordinator; and Anne Fernandez, senior major gift officer.

Nassau County Legislator Debra Mule presents a citation to Alberta Biscotti, a volunteer at Mount Sinai South Nassau.

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Capital Gains Tax Tips

Your “basis” for calculating capital gains taxes is what you paid for the stock or the real estate. For real estate, the basis gets raised by the amount of any capital improvements you make to the property. When you sell your primary residence you may exclude the first $500,000 of gain if you’re a couple or $250,000 if you’re single. The $500,000 exclusion for a couple gets extended for a sale occurring up to two years after a spouse dies. For gifts you receive of appreciated stock or real estate during the donor’s lifetime, no capital gains tax is payable, however the donee receives the donor’s basis. It is generally considered better to wait, if possible, and pass the gift to the donee at death, due to the “stepped-up basis”. The basis of any inherited property is “steppedup” to date of death value. If the property is sold within six months of the date of death, then the sale price is deemed to be the date of death value. If the property is going to be held for

some time it is helpful to get date of death values to establish the new basis. For real estate, this means getting an appraisal from a licensed real estate appraiser (not a real estate broker!). For stocks, you simply ask the company holding the stocks to provide this information.

When a spouse dies with jointly held property, there is a half of a step-up — the deceased spouse’s half gets stepped-up to date of death value, while the surviving spouse has the original basis. However, for a primary residence the capital gains tax exclusions discussed above continue to apply. With combined Federal and New York capital gains taxes reaching about 30%, it is essential to look at holding onto appreciated property until death (especially if you have taken depreciation on the property which can lower your basis to zero) and to look carefully at the estate plan to see if property should be transferred to a surviving spouse to get another step-up on the second death.

ETTINGER LAW FIRM

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Crime watCh

LarCeny

Two bicyclists reported on April 22, someone stole their bicycles while unattended at South Side High School. After an investigation, both bicycles were recovered and returned to their owners.

A bicyclist reported on April 24, someone stole his electric bike while it was unattended at the Village Green.

Leaving the SCene of an aCCident

A motorist reported on April 25 that her vehicle was struck by another vehicle while it was parked at Public Storage on Sunrise Highway. The other vehicle then fled the scene in an unknown direction.

A motorist reported on April 26 that his vehicle was struck by another vehicle while it was parked at Catholic Health Mercy Hospital. The other vehicle then fled the scene in an unknown direction.

UnUSUaL inCident

A resident of Merrick Road reported on April 22, someone used her personal information for employment purposes.

A resident of Vincent Street reported on April 24, she was the victim of a telephone scam.

A resident of Linden Street reported on April 25, he was the victim of an internet scam.

An employee of Hassin Law Group reported on April 26, someone stole and cashed a check from his business bank account.

inveS tigation

A resident of Lakeview Avenue reported on April 24, someone opened the front door of her residence while she was home. The subject ran from the residence when observed by the homeowner.

dwi

Robert Pottinger, 40 of Hempstead was arrested for driving while intoxicated at 2074 Grand Ave. in Baldwin on April 19 at 3:47 a.m., according to police.

LarCeny-from aUto

An unknown individual stole a catalytic converter from a vehicle parked at 18 Frederick Ave. in Roosevelt on April 19 at 1 a.m., police said.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

newS briefS

Lynbrook firefighters douse dumpster fire

Lynbrook firefighters doused a fire in a commercial dumpster at a house on Scranton Avenue on Monday, just before noon.

Vulcan Company firefighters were the first to arrive at 374 Scranton Ave. and stretched a hose line to the burning dumpster.

First Assistant Chief Clayton Murphy was the first on the scene.

Other fire companies arrived and stood by. The burning dumpster was filled with building material and wood.

Firefighters were forced to climb into the dumpster to get at the fire underneath the material. They were at the scene for about 40 minutes.

— Contributed by Steve Groganr

Three men charged in weekend shooting

Three men from Rockville Centre are facing weapons and assault charges in connection to an alleged assault and shooting that took place outside 30 Old Mill Court on Saturday afternoon, which Nassau County police said sent two people to the hospital.

According to authorities, the incident occurred at 4:40 p.m. on April 27, following a physical altercation on the side of the building involving multiple individuals who knew each other.

During the fight, cops said, Kevin Cooper, 56, accidentally discharged a loaded 9-millimeter Taurus handgun, which he was carrying inside his sweatshirt pocket, resulting in injuries to his abdomen and surrounding areas.

The gunfire caused the crowd to disperse, leaving Cooper wounded.

His son, Kevin S. Cooper Jr., 34, allegedly pointed a loaded American Tactical .22-caliber handgun at a woman, 50, who later told police she feared for her life.

He allegedly then struck the woman in the head with the weapon, causing injuries that required her to be hospitalized, according to police.

He and his brother, Devin Cooper, 27, then proceeded to make chase after another man who fled the scene on foot, police said. Cooper Jr. allegedly pointed the defaced handgun at the victim, before handing the weapon to his brother, who supposedly fired two rounds in the direction of the victim.

Police indicated that both guns were recovered at the scene.

Kevin Cooper Sr. lives with his two sons on Old Mill Road. All three men are being charged with multiple counts of criminal possession of a weapon, criminal possession of a firearm and reckless endangerment.

Cooper Jr. is also charged with assault. Both he and his brother, Devin, were subsequently arraigned at the first district court in Hempstead on Sunday, April 28. They are both due back in court on May 1, 2024. Their father, will be arraigned when medically practical, police said.

–Staff Report

Courtesy Nassau County Police

Three Rockville Centre men were arrested in connection to an alleged assault and shooting in the village on April 27. Above, Nassau County cops recovered a defaced 9-millimeter Taurus handgun.

Devin Cooper Kevin Cooper Jr

BRADY MAHLER

Baldwin Senior Lacrosse

A FOUR-YEAR STARTING attackman and twoyear captain who has never missed a high school lacrosse game, Mahler has picked up where he left off last spring after earning AllCounty recognition. He led the Bruins with 65 goals and 17 assists, putting him among the county’s offensive stars. So far this season he has a team-high 39 goals through 10 games. He is also a Top 10 student at Baldwin and earned academic All-American honors.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, May 2

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

Softball: East Rockaway at Lawrence 5

Softball: West Hempstead at Elmont 5 p.m.

Girls Flag Football: Bell-Merrick at Long Beach 5 p.m.

Baseball: MacArthur at Mepham 5 p.m.

Baseball: Carey at Calhoun 5 p.m.

Baseball: Kennedy at South Side 5 p.m.

Baseball: Seaford at North Shore 5 p.m.

Baseball: East Meadow at Baldwin 5 p.m.

Baseball: Uniondale at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Mepham at Lynbrook 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Clarke at Elmont 5 p.m.

Friday, May 3

Softball: MacArthur at Oceanside 5 p.m.

Softball: Massapequa at Calhoun 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: West Hempstead at Hewlett 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Kennedy at Clarke

5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Wantagh at Long Beach 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Massapequa at South Side 5 p.m.

Saturday, May 4

Softball: MacArthur at Wantagh 9 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: East Meadow at MacArthur 11:30 a.m.

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

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

Milestones highlight South Side win

By GARRETT D. URIBE sports@liherald.com

South Side senior Caitlin Haggerty earned kudos from girls’ lacrosse coach Rob Devlin for “bringing a lot more balance this year” to her offensive game. The All-County attacker, whose 72 goals last season led South Side, has branched out this spring to lead the team in assists while sitting second in tallies – with 24 and 27, respectively – her 51 points ranked No. 2 in Nassau Conference 1.

If Haggerty’s performance last Saturday marked a regression, it prompted no complaints from Devlin, whose team – led by Haggerty’s season-high five goals to reach her career 100th – thumped non-league visitor Calhoun 16-5, moving to 6-5 on the season (3-4 in Conference 1).

“I think Caitlin wanted that hundredth goal,” Devlin said. “I wasn’t going to stop her.”

Haggerty’s century-mark milestone helped trigger another one last weekend, as teammate Annie Madden –ranked sixth in Nassau with 21 assists – had a season-high five assists against the Colts, boosting her career points total to 100.

“[Haggerty and Madden] work pretty well together,” Devlin said. “It’s fun just watching them go.”

Added Devlin: “This year everyone’s having more fun. Everyone’s matured. Winning has given them more confidence. This team believes we can go further than last year, get to the final.”

After going winless in league last season yet finding its stride in the playoffs – all Conference 1 teams receive a

berth – to reach the Nassau Class C semifinals, South Side wasted little time setting a different course this spring, winning three of its first four league matchups.

Following South Side’s drought-ending 7-6 comeback win at Port Washington –which saw Madden feed attackman Anna Chimienti for the game-winner late in the fourth quarter – the Cyclones’ April 13 league visit to reigning county Class C champion Manhasset served to sway Devlin that his team had turned the corner.

Hat tricks from Haggerty and team goals leader Charlotte Rathjen (32) had helped vault the Cyclones to an 11-7

lead before sophomore goalie Tara Cody’s season-high 16 saves helped South Side outlast the Indians 11-10.

“I could see it in their eyes that game,” Devlin said of his team’s stern win at Manhasset. “The girls just said, ‘We need to close this out. Everyone needs to stay focused.’ That’s something I didn’t really see last year. And that’s against a perennial county contender.”

Cody’s 100 saves rank second in Nassau, while senior mainstay Morgan Harloff has been key for South Side defensively alongside defender/ midfielder Sienna Connolly, the All-County junior now a two-way force with 12 goals

and one assist while winning 60 percent of her faceoffs.

“Sienna’s been phenomenal,” Devlin said. “For primarily a defensive-minded person, her ability to transition up to the offense has helped us a lot.”

Unlike recent seasons, the regular-season stretch, now upon us, holds playoff seeding possibilities for South Side. The Cyclones’ finale May 10 at Syosset (8-3, 4-2 Conference 1) could see South Side leapfrogging into the postseason.

“A higher seed’s nice, but you still have to beat the best team in the final,” Devlin said, adding: “That’s still our goal, as always.“

Michelle Ebel/Herald South Side’s Caitlin Haggerty, left, scored five goals last Saturday including the 100th of her high school career, in a non-league win over Calhoun.

State legislature allocates $56 million more for TAP

By NICOLE WAGNER nwagner@liherald.com

College tuition is something that can loom over a student’s head long after she graduates. But she and others are getting a little help from Gov. Kathy Hochul and state legislators, who earmarked an additional $56 million into the state’s Tuition Assistance Program.

More students applying for financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form will have the opportunity to receive assistance through TAP. The program has been active since 1974, providing nearly $30 billion in financial aid to 6 million students in New York.

TAP is one of the largest need-based financial grants in the country. The program provided 234,000 students $662 million in TAP grants as recently as the 202223 academic year.

The minimum annual TAP award was increased from $500 to $1,000, capping out at just below $5,700. Income limit threshold qualifications were also increased for both dependent and independent students.

Those who may qualify include:

■ independent students with tax dependents,

■ students who qualified as an orphan, foster child or ward of the court any time since they were 13, and

■ dependent undergraduate students

York’s Tuition Assistance Program after the state allocated an additional $56 million to the program for the 2024-25 academic year.

with a household earning less than $125,000.

Independent students who are married without tax dependents who make less than $60,000 now qualify — up from $40,000 previously.

Independent students who are single without tax dependents who make less than $30,000 now qualify — up from $10,000 previously.

The TAP expansion was celebrated by Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, Assemblywoman Taylor Darling, former Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages and members of the Elmont community out-

side of Elmont Memorial High School last week.

“It is indispensable for families who are struggling with the affordability crisis in which we exist today,” Assemblywoman Solages said, emphasizing the importance for students to receive “a quality education at a good price.”

The TAP expansion is meant to help students and families, especially when facing the hardships brought by inflation.

“Turning the TAP on is exactly what we needed to do,” Darling said, adding that students have come to her to say they needed to drop out of school because they couldn’t afford things like a MetroCard or Long Island Rail Road ticket, day care, or

even to put food on the table.

Quincy Velez, a senior at the Elmont school, said he “definitely needed” the help that TAP provides. He receives $2,000 in aid from the program, which helps a lot coming from a single-parent household where going to college isn’t always a viable option.

“Now I can look for a school that is my first choice instead of it not being my first choice because of money issues,” said Velez, who has dreams of someday becoming a pilot.

Such a dream could be expensive, said Lynette Battle — Velez’s mother, and president of the school’s parent teacher association. Aviation school can cost as much as $75,000 per year, if not more. Expanding TAP can really make a difference.

“The struggle is real, and this is a breath of fresh air,” Battle said. “And now, the opportunities are much greater.”

To receive TAP, students must be in good standing on a student loan under any state or federal education loan program, or on the repayment of any state award, among other conditions.

Applications are now open through June 2025.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity,” Battle said. “I hope that every young person makes sure they fill out their FAFSA form, and makes sure they get everything done in a timely fashion, because now is the time.

“The TAP is turned on. Don’t wait until the TAP is off.”

Nicole Wagner/Herald

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages speaks with Elmont residents about the importance of

St. Agnes hosts Music Masterwork series

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

The music department at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre invites the community to attend a special performance on Sunday, May 5, at 7:30 p.m. featuring two sacred musical masterworks by classical composers Johann Sebastian Bach and Antonio Vivaldi.

Led by music director Michael Bower, the concert will feature performances by the Cathedral choirs, orchestra and soloists of “Magnificat in D Major,” composed by Johann Sebastian Bach, and “Gloria,” composed by Antonio Vivaldi.

Vivaldi’s “Gloria” takes on the form of an extended cantata, where the various parts of the text are given a separate movement. He composed the text while working at the famous orphanage turned prestigious music school — The Ospedale della Pieta in Venice, Italy.

Bach’s “Magnificat” takes a similar format, dividing up the texts for the purposes of creating individual movements. Bach was newly appointed to the St. Thomas Church in Leipzig, Germany, when the first performance took place more than 300 years ago in 1723.

The orchestration is a delight to hear, as are the choral and vocal solo parts. The challenging Baroque music is further decorated by the use of five-part singing of the choir.

Bower said that members of the Cathe-

dral choirs and orchestra will be joined by five extremely talented soloists, who have performed in different theaters and venues all around the world.

Veronica Pollicino, is an AmericanCanadian mezzo-soprano soloist whose work has received high praise in Montreal. She made her triumphant return to the stage this past season, after taking a brief, joy-filled hiatus to give birth to her second son. Most recently, she was featured as a guest soloist during the Connecticut Choral Society’s performance of Claudio Monteverdi’s “Vespers 1610,” on April 14.

Soprano Erin Brittain has performed in more than 30 roles in opera, operetta and musical theater regionally and abroad, ranging from character roles like the wicked stepsister Clorinda in Cenerentola and Miss Pinkerton in “The Old Maid and the Thief” to protagonists like Susanna in “The Marriage of Figaro” and Beatrice in Jake Heggie’s “Three Decembers.” Her work as a concert soloist and recitalist includes performances in the United States, England, Germany, Poland, Estonia, and Sweden.

Midwestern opera singer and bass soloist Ian Joyal has been praised for his

“fine Italianate sound” and is distinctive for his comic role interpretations, both in musical theatre and opera. He is a former student of the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College where he studied with notable musicians like Sidney Outlaw and Elizabeth Hastings.

Tenor Eric Finbarr Carey has held residencies in the Renée Fleming Song Studio at Carnegie Hall, the Britten-Pears Festival, and Tanglewood Music Center as a two-time fellow.

Carey is currently based in Philadelphia and is a proud alum of the St. Agnes Choir of Men and Boys.

American-born Spanish counter-tenor, Gustavo A. Leppe, began his musical training as a chorister in his local church, Our Holy Redeemer Parish, Leppe would later go on to study Music Performance and Education at the Crane School of Music under the tutelage of Dr. Carl Johengen. Through the years, he has received vocal instruction from Dr. Oren Brown, René Jacobs, David Sabella-Mills, Patrick Craig and St. Agnes Cathedral’s Music Director Michael L. Bower.

Tickets for the concert are available for a suggested donation of $20 and $25. There are also patron level donations and seating available.

For more information, please contact the St. Agnes Music Office at (516)-7649578 or email dbaldwin@stagnescathedral.org or bkasper@stagnescathedral. org.

Courtesy Michael Bower

The Cathedral choirs and orchestra will be joined by five distinguished soloists for a special performance on Sunday, May 5 at St. Agnes Cathedral in Rockville Centre.

Project Inspire organizes a trip to Poland

Forty-nine Jewish women from Long Island travel to reconnect with their heritage

By ABIGAIL GRIECO

Herald Intern

Forty-nine Jewish women from Long Island recently traveled to Poland to learn more about their heritage, connect with their roots and honor the lives of those lost during the Holocaust.

The trip was organized by Project Inspire Long Island in collaboration with JRoots — an organization dedicated to exploring Jewish heritage across generations through inspiring, meaningful and educational journeys. It was a significant experience for all of the participants, some of whom are also the children or grandchildren of survivors.

Lauren Moss of Rockville Centre described the journey their travels from Warsaw to Krakow as one of selfexploration, with the goal “to discover, uncover and recover” their Jewish roots. Moss described it as “deeply emotional,” as she emphasized the difficulty of discussing the experience, particularly in light of current global events.

“To say this experience was meaningful is just not enough,” Moss said. “In today’s world where we see so much antisemitism and hate we have a glimpse back to our past. We can change the present by sharing our experiences and by representing the Jewish people in a positive and beautiful light. We represent our past and we are the future. Our lives will never be the same.”

She said the trip began at Nozyk Synagogue, which is the only functioning pre-war synagogue in Warsaw. Its resilience serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring spirit of the Jewish community. The group then traveled to the Warsaw Jewish Cemetery, a vast expanse of graves that provided insight into the vibrant Jewish life before the war.

But it was their visit to the Warsaw Ghetto that made the biggest impact, as participants walked in the footsteps of those who endured unimaginable suffering. They stood in silent reverence as they viewed the Umschlagplatz monument, Ghetto Uprising monument and No. 18 Mila Street, headquarters of the Jewish Combat Organization.

Moving through Lublin, the women delved deeper into history at Yeshivat Chachmel Lublin, a beacon of Jewish learning before its destruction during the war, and Majdanek Concentration Camp, the latter of which was located three kilometers from the center of Lublin and was in operation from October 1941 until 1944.

Here, the women confronted the horrors of the past, bearing witness to the remnants of one of the darkest chapters in human history. Moss said it was here that they shared personal stories, sharing the names and identities of survivors and people lost.

The visit to Lezajsk, with its rich Hassidic heritage, provided a moment for spiritual reflection and connection. “We all prayed for each other, opening up to expose our hearts for healing,” Moss said. She said that they also had the opportunity to pray at the grave of Rabbi Elmelech, for his blessings.

Tarnow, once home to a vibrant Jewish community decimated during the war, bore witness to the group’s solemn remembrance at Zbylitowska Go’ra, a site of unspeakable tragedy where hundreds of Jewish children were mercilessly killed.

“We pay a shiva call to these children,” Moss said. “Generations lost. An entire world gone.”

While visiting the Bima in the square, which is the only piece of the old synagogue left standing, the group lit another’s candle and, as Moss expressed, “eliminated our spirit and shared our gratitude and experiences together.”

One of the most important Jewish communities in Europe, the Jewish Quarter in Krakow, known as Kazimierz, holds the most intact and significant collection of Jewish buildings today, including seven synagogues. Here, participants were reminded of the impor-

tance of remembrance and the advocacy against hatred.

During the trip, they paid a visit to Oscar Schindler’s factory, where they paid respect to the memory of a man who would risk everything in order to help save the lives of more than a thousand Jewish people.

Their journey culminated with perhaps the most notorious and emotional experiences of them all — a trip to the largest of all Nazi concentration camps, Auschwitz-Birkenau. The enormity of the Holocaust’s horrors resonated deeply as they were confronted with the unimaginable scale of human suffering. Amid the remnants of the gas chambers and crematoria, they bore witness to the depths of humanity’s capacity for evil.

Yet, even in the face of darkness, they found hope. Through their shared experiences and collective remembrance, the women of Project Inspire Long Island became the torchbearers for a brighter future.

Moss said the trip has forever changed her perspectives, instilling a profound sense of responsibility to honor the past, confront contemporary challenges, and shape a brighter future for the Jewish community.

“We represent our past, and we are the future,” Moss said. “You cannot know who you are until you know who you were.”

Three women with Project Inspire Long Island hoist the Israeli flag outside the front gates of the largest of all Nazi concentration camps, AuschwitzBirkenau.

Today, these trunks and briefcases taken from Jewish prisoners serve as a glaring reminder of the atrocities that occurred during the Holocaust.

Project Inspire Long Island is a national nonprofit organization that works to connect and inspire Jews of all levels of faith through the power of shared experiences. To learn more about the trip and other ways to get involved in the organization, visit ProjectInspire.com.

Photos courtesy Lauren Moss

Forty-nine Jewish women with Project Inspire Long Island gathered outside the Yeshiva in Lublin, Poland, during their travels to reconnect with their heritage.

Long Island’s top lawyers honored at gala

By Joseph D’Alessandro

It was a pleasant evening of celebration for more than 40 of Long Island’s best attorneys last month, with nearly 300 in attendance.

They gathered at The Heritage Club at Bethpage for the Herald Top Lawyers of Long Island awards gala, hosted by Kristen Thorne, the multi-Emmy-winning investigative reporter for WABC7, and host of Hulu’s crime docuseries “Missing.”

Even better, a portion of ticket proceeds were earmarked for Nassau Suffolk Law Services, which provides legal aid to those who can’t afford it in civil cases.

“Tonight, we come together to acknowledge the vital role of legal professional in protecting the rights of Long Islanders,” said Amy Amato, RichnerLive’s executive director. “We commend their dedication to serving our community, and recognize their significant contributions — both professionally, and through charitable endeavors — enriching the lives of those on Long Island.”

Winners were chosen from attorneys who prioritize those in need — whether by their choice of clientele, partnering with charities, or doing work pro bono, without charging the client. They represent many disciplines of law, including worker’s compensation, immigration, family and elder law, medical malpractice and cannabis practice.

“I’m very honored to get this award,” said Kristi DiPaolo, a senior associate at Cona Elder Law. “I love what I do, so it’s really an honor to be recognized.”

The most valuable part of the work by Marc Saracino — a senior associate at Campolo, Middleton & McCormick — is providing guidance. He donates to CMM Cares, which supports family programs on Long Island.

“You’re helping a lot of people out in the legal community who don’t really know what they’re doing,” Saracino said. “To the extent that I can provide services to them and expedite their legal issues, I think that’s rewarding.”

Jennifer Mone, a general counsel for Hofstra University, also serves on the board of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul Long Island.

Hofstra’s mission is to “educate and contribute to the academic education and knowledge of the world,” Mone said. “So, we’re educating students. My role is providing excellent legal services in support of that mission.”

Eduardo Villacorta, founder of Villacorta Law Group, says the most rewarding part of his work is keeping families together.

“We believe in the American dream, and our mission is to make the American dream a reality for immigrants,” he said. “The most rewarding thing I can give is granting their papers, and legalizing them.”

Jeffrey Kimmel, managing partner of Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro — who also is an active member of Nassau Suffolk Law Services — says medical malpractice victims often face an uphill battle when facing large medical institutions.

“Unfortunately, most people who are victims of medical malpractice are from lower income communities that don’t have the best medical care,” he said. “And so they ended up being my clients, and more often than not, without my help, they wouldn’t really know what to do.”

Kelly Koster, a partner at Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano says a reliable attorney is essential. Her firm — which specializes in worker compensation and Social Security disability — also represents women of domestic violence pro bono.

“To young women that are striving to be attorneys, never give up your passion,” Koster said. “Keep your eyes on the goal, and don’t set a time limit, because there’s a time and a place for everything. You can always achieve what you’ve put your mind towards.”

Hon. Gail Prudenti a partner at Burner Prudenti

Law returned to work as an attorney after her career as chief administrative judge. Her firm is involved with the Katz Institute for Women’s Health at Northwell Hospital.

“I really think being an attorney is a vocation,” Prudenti said. “It’s not a job. And while it is a wonderful profession, you really have to be dedicated to being a problem solver. I think that sometimes, in this crazy world, we really need people who are thoughtful, who are kind, who are compassionate, and who are empathetic.”

Platinum sponsor for Herald Top Lawyers of Long Island was Villacorta Law Group. Centerpiece sponsor was Salenger Sack Kimmel & Bavaro.

Gold sponsors were Hofstra University and Mejias Milgrim Alavardo & Lindo.

Silver sponsors were Cona Elder Law, Meister Seelig & Fein, Davidoff Hutcher & Citron, The Rizzuto Law Firm, Stefans Law Group, Nixon Peabody, Davidov Law Group, Nassau County Women’s Bar Association, Touro University’s Jacob D. Fuchesberg Law Center, Schroder & Strom, Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano, Goldstein & Bashner, Greenberg Traurig, Meyer Suozzi English & Klein, Nassau Community College Foundation, and Vishnick McGovern Milizio.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

The Schroder & Strom team were among those honored at the recent Herald Top Lawyers of Long Island gala.

Honorees Michael and Ilana Davidov of Davidov Law Group.

Holden Leeds/Herald

Kelly Koster, left, of Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano.

Bryan Lewis of Nixon Peabody.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Julie J. Wyetzner, from left, Amy Amato, honoree Kristi DiPaolo, Jennifer Cona, Melissa Negrin-Wiener and Julie Allegretti.

Nicholas Terzulli of Davidoff Hutcher & Citron.

Jeffrey Kimmel of Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro.

Joseph Trotti of Vishnick McGovern and Milizio.

Michael Antongiovanni of Meyer Suozzi English & Klein.

Honoree David Mejias.

Jennifer Mone of Hostra University.

Paul Millus of Meyer Suozzi English & Klein with Herald Community Newspapers publisher Stuart Richner.

Tim Baker/Herald photos Honoree and platinum sponsor Eduardo Villacorta.

Tiffany Graham of Touro University, Jacob D. Fuchesberg Law Center.

Donna Stefans of Stefans Law Group.

Bettina Hollis of The Rizzuto Law Firm.

Herald group wins 18 state NYPA awards

STAFF REPORT

It was a big night of wins for your local paper and all of Herald Community Newspapers as the New York Press Association honored the best of the best this past weekend.

The Herald papers earned 18 statewide awards overall at the event in Saratoga Springs, including four first places.

Creative director Jeffrey Negrin earned two of them — one for a Salute to Israel special section honoring the country on its 75th anniversary that he did with deputy editor Jeffrey Bessen, and the other for best special section cover he did for a Your Health & Wellness special section focused on mental health.

“Good editorial design in a mix of visual metaphor, eye-catching imagery and strategic typography,” judges from the Tennessee Press Association said. “This cover expertly made all three elements with ease. The use of a stark gray background was such a great decision for keeping the colorful main image large and incharge.”

Daniel Offner, a senior editor who leads the Rockville Centre Herald, earned a first place in religion coverage for his stories centered not just on the issues plaguing the Diocese of Rockville Centre, but also how many churches adapted to life after the Covid-19 pandemic.

First place also was awarded to The Riverdale Press in the Bronx for best editorial page, honoring former editor Gary Larkin and executive editor Michael Hinman.

“The editorial section is diverse, eye-catching and well-balanced in design,” judges said. “Topics are relevant to readers, well-written, and provide a wide variety of topics of interest.”

The Riverdale Press also earned a second place for coverage of crime, police and courts given to Larkin, reporter Eric Harvey, and former reporter Stacy Driks. Harvey won a second place of his own for best feature story on civil rights attorney Clarence Jones, who hosted Martin Luther King Jr., in his Riverdale home back in the 1960s, just in time for him to write his famous “I Have a Dream” speech.

The Riverdale Press also won second place for the Past President’s Award for Editorial Excellence — an award the paper has regularly placed in over the

years, including first-place wins in 2020 and 2021.

This year, the judges called The Press a “strong newspaper with rich and newsy content from front to back” with an “engaging editorial page and eye-catching front pages.”

The Nassau Herald in the Five Towns won second place for advertising excellence, with special kudos to its special sections, its dance workshop ad designs, and for its annual Christmas wrapping paper project.

The Nassau Herald also won second places for special sections/niche publications-newsprint for RichnerLive’s Top Lawyers section, as well as best multiadvertiser pages for its Halloween section.

The Nassau Herald won third place in editorials

written by Bessen, Hinman and former Malverne/ West Hempstead Herald editor Mark Nolan. The editorials focused on project-based learning, a call to replace special political elections with gubernatorial appointments, and calling out the Nassau County Bridge Authority.

“Variety of editorials concern topics in which most readers are interested (like) education, elections and transportation,” judges said. “All three presented clearly, and were well-written.”

Nolan also won third place for column writing for the Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald.

Nolan’s column selection “covered a range of topics,” judges said, “and they were all smooth to read.” One that really grabbed the judges’ attention was on graduation rates, saying Nolan “explained the high number of graduates was misleading in a clear, simple way.”

Negrin won a third place of his own for best media kit and sales collateral, something the judges said should be a “model for media kits everywhere.”

“It’s truly humbling to receive acknowledgment from our peers in the newspaper community,” said Herald Community Newspapers publisher Stuart Richner. “My heartfelt congratulations to all of our winners. Nevertheless, our ultimate gratification stems from ensuring our readers receive the best and most comprehensive community news every single week.”

“Such a great honor for the sales staff to win two awards for advertising excellence,” said Rhonda Glickman, the sales vice president at Herald Community Newspapers. “It takes a great team, including finance, art, production, circulation, the press room, and the marketing staff to bring home these awards. Congrats to our editorial team and creative director for all their awards.”

Honorable mentions went to sports editor Tony Bellissimo for sportswriter of the year, the Rockville Centre Herald for advertising excellence, former East Meadow Herald editor Mallory Wilson for her coverage of education, Larkin for feature story, and photo editor Tim Baker for feature photo in the Malverne/ West Hempstead Herald.

Overall, more than 140 newspapers submitted 2,530 entries in 65 categories, and nearly 380 awards were handed out.

Susanna Ciurleo/Herald

More than 20 members of the Herald Community Newspapers team attended the annual New York Press Association Spring Conference in Saratoga Springs over the weekend, where the newspaper group earned 18 state awards.

Herald Community Newspapers creative director Jeffrey Negrin won first place for best special section cover design for his cover last May focusing on mental health for a Your Health and Wellness special section.

NYU Langone makes transplant history

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Lisa Pisano suffered from heart failure and end-stage kidney diseases — conditions that required routine dialysis. Because of that, the 54-year-old New Jersey resident wasn’t a candidate for either a heart or kidney transplant, because doctors feared it just wouldn’t help her long-term.

But those same doctors refused to give up. And last week, NYU Langone Health completed its first transplant surgery to combine a mechanical heart pump and a gene-edited pig kidney.

NYU Langone Health — which operates a hospital in Mineola — completed the first transplant surgery to combine a mechanical heart pump and a geneedited pig kidney,

More than 100,000 people are currently awaiting a transplant across the country, with most specifically looking for a kidney. More than 800,000 people suffer from end-stage kidney disease in the United States alone, yet just 1-in-30 were fortunate enough to undergo a transplant last year, according to the United Network for Organ Sharing.

With little to no options, Pisano considered xenotransplant — which depends on animal organs to replace human ones in people.

“When the opportunity first came to me, I was like, ‘I got to try it,’” Pisano

told reporters through a video conference from her intensive care unit room.

“So, when this opportunity came, I was going to take advantage of it.”

The effort involved approval from NYU Langone’s review board and Food and Drug Administration clearance through its expanded access program.

Also known as “compassionate use, “ the expanded access program is designed for patients with serious or life-threatening conditions.

“There are opportunities for us to

learn a lot,” Robert Montgomery, NYU Langone’s surgery department chair told reporters last week. “But obviously, the intent here is to try to preserve and save that person’s life.”

It otherwise would have taken years for Pisano to find the right match for a human kidney transplant. Montgomery, with the help of the United Therapeutics Corp., matched an investigational gene-edited pig kidney with a thymus, which was available.

Two surgical teams conducted the

series of procedures over nine days. On April 4, Pisano received a mechanical heart pump — a device known as a left ventricular assist device. On April 12, she received a gene-edited pig kidney, and the pig’s thymus gland.

Montgomery performed the transplant itself, while Nader Moazami — a cardiothoracic surgery chief at NYU Grossman School of Medicine — along with Deane Smith, director of mechanical circulatory support, performed the mechanical heart pump surgery at the Kimmel Pavilion in Manhattan.

NYU Langone officials described the overall procedure as the first reported organ transplant in a person with a mechanical heart pump, and second known transplant of a gene-edited pig kidney into a human.

Pisano expressed feeling “fantastic” after the procedures.

“I’ve felt the best I’ve felt in a long time,” she said. “I can’t thank anyone enough for that. My family, the doctors, nurses, staff — everyone here.”

Although uncertain about how she will react over time, Pisano acknowledged the treatment may prove beneficial for someone else — if not for her.

“Worst-case scenario, if it doesn’t work, it might work for the next person,” Pisano said.

“At least somebody is going to benefit from it. If not me, then who? Somebody.”

Courtesy Joe Carrotta, NYU Langone Health

Robert Montgomery prepares the surgical site for a medical history-making pig-tohuman transplant surgery by using sterile forceps and scissors for Lisa Pisano at NYU Langone Health’s Kimmel Pavilion in Manhattan.

News briefs

American Legion Post 303 hosts poppy sale

Members of American Legion Post No. 303 in Rockville Centre are selling red poppies, the nationally recognized symbol of sacrifice worn to honor those who served and died for our country in all wars, from now until May 27.

Poppies will be available for a small donation Thursday and Friday afternoons from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday mornings starting at 8 a.m. outside Associated Supermarkets of Rock-

THANK YOU!

ville Centre, King Kullen, Front Street Bakery and the Golden Reef Dinner.

The poppy serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by our veterans while protecting our freedoms. All of the donations raised will go to the American Legion Family for programs that support veterans, the military community and their families.

–Daniel Offner

Mercy launches Asthma training program

Catholic Health Mercy Hospital is increasing health care access in its community with the launch of its Asthma Self-Management Training program.

The pilot program, supported by a grant from the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, offers education to teach children and adults how to manage their asthma and prevent asthma attacks.

Led by specially trained registered respiratory therapists that are also credentialed as certified asthma educators, the program provides instructions on how to use medication devices, monitor symptoms, avoid triggers and signs of

when to seek medical help.

Each session is 30 minutes and offered in English or Spanish. Insurance is not required. All patients will receive complimentary Peak Flow Meters and Spacers a portable, handheld device that patients’ ability to push air out via their lungs. Additionally, for patients that qualify, the program offers free medications via Catholic Health’s Meds to Beds Program — a program in which pharmacists deliver medications to patients while in the hospital setting.

To connect with one of Mercy Hospital’s respiratory therapists, call (516) 705-1530.

New bill seeks to better define Antisemitism

U.S. Rep. Anthony D’Esposito recently introduced the Define to Defeat Act, which if passed, would apply the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition of antisemitism to the enforcement of civil rights laws.

In doing so, the legislation would provide federal officials with an objective, contemporary definition of antisemitism, better helping them to assess and prosecute criminal and discriminatory incidents motivated by antisemitism.

“Following the October 7 attacks on Israel, Jews around the world, including in America and New York, endured and continue to endure record-breaking levels of antisemitic attacks and hate,”

D’Esposito said in a statement. “My legislation would provide federal officials the tools they need to fully assess, investigate and prosecute this criminal behavior.”

The Define to Defeat Act does not create a new law or a new protected class, but clarifies existing law to ensure federal officials are better able to comply with their already existing civil rights obligations as it pertains to crimes motivated by bias and hate. This clarity will also prevent criminal antisemitic actors from exercising loopholes in the law, such as falsely claiming their attacks on Jewish institutions, individuals, or points of Jewish collective identity were motivated by “anti-Israel” sentiment.

Governor Kathy Hochul

Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal (Senate Sponsor)

State Senator Kevin Thomas Assemblyman Brian Curran

Artists of all abilities share the spotlight

By DANIEL OFFNER doffner@liherald.com

More than a hundred people filled the Madison Theatre at Molloy University for the fifth annual Unity Through Diversity event last Friday night.

Created by The Rebecca Center for Music Therapy, the event celebrates artists of all abilities and background by providing a platform for the neurodivergent community to come and express themselves via music, dance, poetry, self-advocacy, storytelling and visual arts.

The Rebecca Center, located on Molloy’s main campus in Rockville Centre, serves as a clinic that uses interactive music therapy to facilitate communication and social interaction for those with developmental challenges. The center operates as a nonprofit, providing clinical services, training, education and research opportunities to people of all ages.

The evening began with an art exhibition featuring submissions from the Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, The Nicholas Center, the Backyard Players and Friends, Lots O’ Stuff, the Rebecca Center and more.

Following the reception, guests made there way into the Madison Theatre for the concert portion of the event. Performances this year included renditions of hit songs by The Beatles, Oasis, Queen, Sly and the Family Stone, Stevie Wonder, Frank Sinatra and more.

One of the major highlights of the evening was Christopher Troiano’s performance of “Come Together,” by The Beatles. Music has been a constant outlet for Troiano, who has been making the trip to the Rebecca Center since he was 5. Although he has severe autism and is mostly non-verbal, he was referred to the center at such a young age after his former music

teacher noticed that he had absolute pitch.

During the performance of “Sir Duke,” Molloy University President James Lentini surprised participants by joining them on stage with his guitar. Apart from his position as a recognized leader in higher education, Lentini is also an award-winning composer, classical guitarist and a voting member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.

The event also featured several raffles, the winners of which were presented with a variety of different

prizes and goodies that were provided by several Rockville Centre businesses.

All of the proceeds raised during the Unity Through Diversity event, including the raffles and ticket sales, will go to help benefit the Rebecca Center Client Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to clients in need to support access to music therapy services at The Rebecca Center. To learn more about the scholarship fund and the different programs offered at the center, visit TheRebeccaCenter.org.

Keith Rossein/Herald

Performers deliver a rousing rendition of “Sir Duke” by Stevie Wonder accompanied by Lwigi Auguste on saxophone, DJ Mitchell on trumpet, Charles Powell Jr. on drums, Eliza Stoehrer on guitar, Ian Kang on bass and Molloy University President James Lentini on guitar.

Lewis performs in ‘The Wiz’ on Broadway

“I was just so in awe because I was like ‘What does this mean for me?’”

She later returned to Ohio, completely unaware that she was about to book the role of a lifetime.

“I remember when I got the call I was about to go to sleep because I thought that I completely tore up that audition. I thought it was so bad and I was so embarrassed,” Lewis said. “Then my agent called me and was like, ‘Girl, get up because you booked it!’ And I was screaming. I thought that they meant I had booked the understudy. I didn’t think they meant the lead role. It didn’t hit me for some reason. But it was the most amazing thing ever.”

The role has garnered great clout through the years. It is most often associated with Judy Garland, for her portrayal in the 1939 motion picture, “The Wizard of Oz,” considered one of the most watched films in cinematic history. It was also celebrated for its pioneering use of Technicolor and special effects.

The story, originally written as a children’s book by L. Frank Baum in 1900, was adapted by William F. Brown in 1974, as a contemporary retelling featuring an all-Black cast of characters. The 1975 Broadway production of “The Wiz” was a tremendous hit, netting seven Tony Awards, and launched the career of acclaimed actress and Grammy

Award-winning singer-songwriter Stephanie Mills.

Music icon Diana Ross stepped in to play the role in the 1978 big-budget film adaptation, directed by Sidney Lumet. Dorothy has also been portrayed both on stage and in film by many accomplished actresses and musicians including Liza Minnelli, Jewel, Ashanti, Zooey Deschanel, Kari Wahlgren, Maya Rudolph and countless others.

“I think in all of the renditions of this show, there has always been so much love between each of the characters and there has always been so much learning and growing together,” Lewis said. “But I think in this production … we have an extra special bond because we’re all young and we’re all trying to navigate a world that might not feel so accepting to us in the moment. You know when you’re young trying to navigate the world, it is a whole different perspective than when you’re a little bit older and you’ve had some time to figure it out.

and actresses hone their craft.

“I think CAP21 played a huge part in my acting career because I don’t know if I would have been in New York City without having that program to bring me here,” Lewis said. “I had never really been in musical theater and never really saw myself pursuing that. One day, I thought to myself, maybe I could do this as a stepping stone for my career, but I never thought I would be in musical theater, leading a show.”

But that is exactly what happened.

The CAP21 program at Molloy started in 2014. Before that, it was associated with NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts. Having graduated from the program in 2021, Lewis is now the first Molloy University alum in the program’s 10-year history to get her big break on Broadway.

things I’ve ever done, it’s probably a good thing.”

If there is one bit of advice Lewis hopes to impart to students in the CAP21 program it is to keep going. “Keep your head up and remember that it gets better,” she said. “Everything you’re doing right now is going to prepare you for something so much bigger and so much more exciting and you’re going to do great things.”

“The Wiz” premiered April 17 at the Marquis Theatre. Directed by Schele Williams, the performance features Canadian singer-songwriter Deborah Cox as Glinda, Kyle Ramar Freeman as the Lion, Phillip Johnson Richardson as the Tinman, Avery Wilson as the Scarecrow and Wayne Brady as The Wiz.

Lewis, a Virginia native, attributes much of her success to Molloy’s Collaborative Arts Program 21, or CAP21, a professional musical theater training conservatory that helps aspiring actors

“I chose (to join the program) not realizing all that it would entail,” she said. “But I feel like it taught me so much about myself and how strong a person can be. The musical theater industry is not easy, but if you can do this, you really truly can do anything. There’s just so many things that I got from that school that I use to this day and although it was one of the hardest

“Opening night was so much fun. I’ve always dreamed of having a big night like that,” Lewis said. “I feel like me and my co-stars are so close. I really love every single one of my cast members. I tell them all the time. I’m sure they’re tired of me saying it, but I love them so much and I feel like none of us get intimidated by the other person because we’re all so talented in our own ways and you can’t really compare the two.”

Be sure to catch “The Wiz” now on Broadway. Tickets start at $79.95 for Mezzanine and $110.75 for Orchestra seats. For box office details and more information visit WizMusical.com.

Nichelle lewis

Officials recognize Congressional Art Show winners

Teacher Danielle Livoti, top left, Hempstead Town Councilwoman Laura Ryder, Hofstra Art Museum director Sasha Giordano, Congressman Anthony D’Esposito, Hempstead Town Supervisor Don Clavin, Hempstead Town Councilman Tom Muscarella and art teacher Paul Sementelli recognized Congressional Art Show contestants for their artwork. First prize was presented to Grace Garney of New Hyde Park, bottom left, second prize was presented to Julietta Beauchesne of Oceanside, and third prize was a tie between Mickayla Sharkey of East Rockaway, Michelle Lizanna Fernandez of East Rockaway, Caitlin Reid of South Hempstead, and Naomi Belgrave of Freeport.

News brief

Donate food on May 11 to help Stamp Out Hunger

It’s that time of year again, when you can play a major role in helping those who are hungry by doing nothing more than putting some food out for collection.

It’s all part of the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive — a collaboration involving Island Harvest Food Bank, the National Association of Letter Carriers, and the U.S. Postal Service. It takes place on Saturday, May 11, when everyone is encouraged to leave food donations by their mailbox for their letter carrier to collect before their regular mail delivery.

As part of the nation’s largest singleday food collection campaign, all donations collected in Nassau and Suffolk counties will help Island Harvest provide much-needed food support to more than 300,000 people on Long Island who face hunger — including more than 90,000 children.

“Contributing to Stamp Out Hunger is simple,” said Randi Shubin Dresner, president and chief executive of Island Harvest, in a release. “Just leave non-perishable food items in a bag next to your mailbox before the regularly scheduled mail deliver. Your USPS letter carrier will do the rest to make sure it gets onto the tables of our Long Islander neighbors in need.”

SPRING

Non-perishable food items needed include canned goods, cereal, pasta, rice, boxed juices, and shelf-stable milk. It does not include food items in glass containers, as these are easy to break.

In addition, mail carriers will look for personal care items like toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, and disposable diapers. All donations will help replenish Island Harvest’s network of food pantries, soup kitchens and other emergency feeding programs in communities throughout Long Island.

Since its inception in 1993, Stamp Out Hunger has collected nearly 1.8 billion pounds of food in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Just here on Long Island, the demand for food has increased significantly since 2019 — with Island Harvest distributing 15 million pounds of food in 2022, up 42 percent from before the coronavirus pandemic.

All donations are tax-deductible since food collected benefits Island Harvest, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

To learn more about how you can help with this and other causes with Island Harvest, visit IslandHarvest.org.

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Courtesy Town of Hempstead

‘Hockey Night in NY’ scores big with fans

Cuthbert and Rosner both say that it’s the outpouring of support from Islanders fans, and their responses to the weekly webisodes, that have kept the show going for the past decade.

“I don’t know how long the show would’ve gone on,” Cuthbert said. “But what ended up happening was that people started listening and remained listening, and then more people jumped on.”

As a result, Cuthbert was able to turn the podcast into a highly successful side hustle, gaining both local notoriety and access to Islanders players.

“I mean, it’s certainly not paying all the bills or anything like that,” he said, “but to be able to put a few dollars in your pocket just for sitting down and talking about your favorite hockey team? That’s not bad, right?”

Rosner also attributes the success of the podcast, and his ongoing work as a journalist with THN, to the support of fans.

“The reason I got the job I got was the social media following,” he said. “So I would be nowhere without the fans that are tuning in.”

Thanks to the show, Rosner said, he has been approached by fans who have recognized his voice or seen him walking around UBS Arena.

“These people are really tuned in,

Daniel Offner/Herald

islanders fans Sean Cuthbert, of rockville Centre, and Stefen rosner, of Bellmore, on the set of ‘Hockey night in new York.’ tune in on Sunday nights at 8 p.m. for news and conversation about the islanders live from floored media in rockville Centre.

and they love it to the point where they’re asking for more — or they don’t love it, and they’ll tell you that, too, which is fine,” he said.

With the Stanley Cup playoffs underway, Islanders fans were hoping the

team would hold off the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday night, as the Herald went to press, and force a Game 6 in their first-round series.

“We’re obviously going to cover the team as long as they go,” Cuthbert said.

“We’re hanging by a thread right now. This very well could be the last show of the season, if things don’t go well this week.”

If the team is eliminated, he said, he and Rosner would likely do a season recap highlighting some of the best moments of the past year before heading into the summer, when they’ll discuss the team’s offseason trades, free agents and draft picks.

“We basically fire things up in September, because that’s when training camp starts,” Cuthbert said. “The thing about our show is that it’s based on current events. It’s a weekly show that covers what came in the week before and what’s coming in the week ahead.”

In addition to their regular coverage, the show has featured a number of special guests, including prominent hockey writers, rival podcasters with the “Rangers Ed.” podcast, Hockey Hall of Famers such as play-by-play broadcaster Mike “Doc” Emrick, and Islanders legends including Bobby Nystrom and Thomas Hickey.

Fans can tune in to the show every Sunday night at 8 p.m. at Twitch.tv/ HockeyNightNY, and join in the laughs, cheers and tears as Cuthbert and Rosner go through the Islanders season one shift at a time. The show is also available live on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

STEPPING OUT

Familiar face leading

Co-founder Harrelson

honored with uniform patch

By Tony Bellissimo

The Long Island Ducks took the field for the 2024 Atlantic League baseball season opener April 25 with heavy hearts.

Bud Harrelson, the former Mets great who co-founded and coowned the Ducks, died Jan. 11 at 79 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He co-founded the Ducks franchise with Frank Boulton in 1998, and served as the league’s first president.

“Bud’s impact on Long Island will be felt through Ducks baseball for as long as we play,” Boulton says. “He was my partner in bringing professional baseball to Long Island following his outstanding playing career in MLB, and he made his mark on so many through his charitable giving, appearances and kindness. He was a one-of-a-kind human being, and he is missed greatly.”

The Ducks, who won their first game under new manager Lew Ford, are honoring Harrelson this season with a “3” patch on the front of their uniforms. Harrelson’s family was on hand for the opener, and threw out the ceremonial first pitch.

Ford became the seventh manager in Ducks history, succeeding Wally Backman. A member of the 1986 Mets World Series team, Backman joined the Ducks prior to the 2019 season, and finished his Ducks career with a record of 284-232 (.550). The team made the playoffs three times, and advanced to two Atlantic League Championship Series (2019, 2021), winning it all in 2019.

Ford has spent the past 13 seasons on Long Island, the past nine as a player/coach.

“I am honored and excited,” Ford says. “I look forward to working with our exceptional staff and players to bring home a championship to Long Island.”

Ford’s 13 years with the Ducks are more than any other player in franchise history, and his run as a player/coach is the longest tenure in franchise annals as well. He has the most hits in team history with 1,036, ranking him third all-time in the Atlantic League. Additionally, he sits second all-time among Ducks players in batting average (.318, mininum of 1,000 at-bats), games played (877), runs batted in (511), runs scored (549), doubles (227) and total bases (1,541).

setting league singleseason records for hits (189) and games played (140) that season. In addition to his time with the Ducks, Ford spent parts of seven seasons at the Major League level, and in 519 big league games batted .268 with 35 home runs and 176 RBIs.

“Lew has been an outstanding representative of the Ducks organization over the past 15 years,” Boulton says. “He has earned this opportunity, and we are very excited to have him guiding our team on

Asbury Short Film Concert

The latest edition of the short film showcase is back at the Madison Theatre. With a lineup of classics from Asbury’s past combined with current international festival winners — and in many cases, featuring up-and-coming filmmakers — audiences can get a look at these ‘smaller’ films that don’t often get a big screen showing. The fast-paced evening includes local spotlight selection ‘Across’ from Long Islandbased filmmaker Laura Sweeney It tells the dramatic story of three World War II widows on a road trip together to try and find healing, but instead wind up learning tough secrets. Another stand-out is the 2011 Academy Award nominee, ‘The Crush,’ a quirky drama about an 8-year-old boy and his infatuation with his teacher, from Irish director Michael Creagh. Author, comedy writer and former Friar’s Club archivist Barry Dougherty serves as guest host.

Friday, May 3, 7:30 p.m. $25. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at MadisonTheatreNY.org, or call (516) 323-4444.

Atlantic League. Additionally, he sits second all-time among Ducks the field.”

The most accomplished player Ford will pencil into the lineup is Major League veteran outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr., who signed April 4. He appeared in 1,182 MLB games, and won a World Series with the Boston Red Sox in 2018. He totaled 109 homers, 449 RBIs and 69 stolen bases over an 11-year career.

The 47-year-old Central Islip resident played on the Ducks championship clubs in 2012, 2013 and 2019. He also helped lead the Flock to eight division titles and 11 postseason appearances as a player/coach. The outfielder was named the 2014 Atlantic League Player of the Year,

“Jackie is an exceptional talent with a wealth of experience in the game,” Ford says. “His resume speaks for itself. He’s excited to be here and we’re thrilled to have him.”

‘Cold Beer on a Saturday Night’

Bradley will patrol center field with speedy Nick Heath (42 steals) in left and Tyler Dearden in right. The infield features another former Major Leaguer, first baseman Frank Schwindel, who hit 22 in the bigs. Shortstop Ivan Castillo and third baseman Hector Gomez also have some MLB experience. Scott Kelly returns at second base, and Ford expects newcomer Rixon Wingrove to hit some dingers.

Behind the plate, Chance Sisco returns after belting 11 homers, including three in one game, with 33 RBIs in just 31

Bradley will patrol center field with speedy Nick Frank base, games.

“He’s a veteran catcher who calls a great game, and is a very productive hitter,” Ford says.

Stephen Woods Jr., who went 7-2 for the Ducks last season. There

Sisco will work with a starting pitching staff anchored by Stephen Woods Jr., who went 7-2 for the Ducks last season. There is also former MLB southpaw Wei-Yin Chen. A onetime teammate of Ford’s in Baltimore, Daniel Corcino, who spent the past two years with Lexington. And Chris Ellis, who got a taste of the Majors with 25 relief appearances.

“We have talented players and a great clubhouse,” Ford says.

Photos courtesy Long Island Ducksi

Photos (top): Catcher Chance Sisco had 33 RBIs in only 31 games last season.

(middle): Third baseman Hector Gomez is one of many Ducks with MLB experience.

(bottom): Long Island Ducks mascot ‘Quakerjack’ is a hit with fans of all ages.

Get a head start on beach season with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band. We’re all eager for summertime to arrive, meanwhile Jimmy Kenny and his band come to the rescue on the Paramount stage again. Join in their ‘Ultimate Beach Party Tribute’ to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily: It’s 5 o’clock somewhere so let’s ‘raise ‘em up and sing along. The Long Island-based band — guided by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals/ acoustic guitar, with Linn DeMilta (aka Lovely Linn), lead and backing vocals, Luis Rio, lead guitar/backing vocals, Frank Stainkamp, keyboard/ backing vocals, Dan Prine, bass, and drummer Mike Vecchione — have celebrated the beach country sounds of Buffett, Chesney and Zac Brown Band for more than a decade, spreading their vibe up and down the Northeast.

Saturday, May 4, 8 p.m. $35. $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com, or ParamountNY.com.

Crawling caterpillar

Bring the kids to Long Island Children’s Museum and say goodbye to the traveling exhibit, “Very Eric Carle,” before it leaves the building, Sunday, May 12 Celebrate one of Eric Carle’s most beloved characters by making a crawling caterpillar to take home at the drop-in program. Suitable for ages 3+ Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Visit LICM.org or call (516) 224-5800 for information.

Rose garden design workshop

Don’t let rumors about roses being ‘too much work’ discourage you from enjoying the ‘queen of flowers.’ Learn how to get your roses off to a winning start with careful selection, proper planting, pruning and maintenance with this lesson on rose garden design basics, presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Nassau County, at Rockville Centre Public Library on Thursday, May 9, from 1:30-3:30 p.m. 221 N. Village Ave. Visit RVCLIbrary.org for more information.

Befriending Bugs

Families are invited Join Entomologist Jeffry Petracca on an adventure with insects at Old Westbury Gardens, Saturday, May 11, 1-3 p.m. Meet some of the biggest and most beautiful insects and spiders from around the world, including giant stick bugs, beetles, tarantulas and scorpions.

Learn about each of their amazing adaptations and how they help them to carry out their unique ecosystem roles, even hold many of these animals. Suitable for ages 6-9. Registration required. $17 per child. 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information and to register, visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.

Catching up with the Village

The next meeting of the Village of Rockville Centre Board of Trustees takes place at Village Hall, on Monday, May 6, at 7 p.m. 1 College Place.

Having an event?

On stage

Plaza Theatrical’s season continues with “Lady Supreme: A Diana Ross Experience,” Saturday, May 4, 7:30 p.m. Deanna Carroll, accompanied by top notch singers and musicians, covers the hits of the Supremes to Diana’s solo sensations in this spectacular tribute to the Supreme Diva.

She performs all of Diana’s biggest hits, with spot-on vocals, including “Endless Love,” “Someday We’ll Be Together,” “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Touch Me in The Morning,” and so many more. Get in the groove at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre. 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. $40, $35 seniors. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.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.

Storybook Stroll

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure, Saturday, May 4, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Stroll the gardens and listen to Antoine Ó Flatharta’s modern tale, “Hurry and the Monarch.” Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5. Storybook Strolls start at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), and end at the Thatched Cottage. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information, visit OldWestburyGardens.org or contact (516) 333-0048.

Museum Gallery Tour

Join curator, art collector and gallerist Christopher Pusey for a tour of “Urban Art Evolution,” Nassau County Museum of Art’s current exhibition, Sunday, May 5, 3 p.m. Pusey, the exhibit’s guest curator, began art-making as a child and went on to pursue a career working in art galleries, and as an art dealer, in New York City. His particular interest in the art from this time and genre began with his first job at a Soho gallery in SoHo during the 80s, which had a division specializing in some of the East Village artists featured in this show. Free with museum admission. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit NassauMuseum.org or call (516) 484-9337 for information.

Baby shower for moms-to-be

May 11

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

Keeping up with the Schools

The next meeting of the Rockville Centre School District Board of Education takes place at South Side High School, Tuesday, May 7, 7 p.m. 140 Shepherd St.

Antiques Appraisal Day

Wonder how much your antiques, collectibles and cherished family possessions are worth? Phillip Weiss from the Antiques Road Show will be at the Phillips House Museumon Sunday, May 19, noon-4 p.m. 28 Hempstead Ave. Call (516) 764-7459 for information.

College campus faced with dining dilemma

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

Getting something to eat might not be so easy for students at Nassau Community College after the school’s primary food service provider abruptly terminated its contract last month, with two years remaining.

The seven-year agreement with Compass Group was cut-off because of what the vendor described as less demand of its services due to the college’s declining enrollment. One of the biggest places NCC students felt the change was at the Eatery, the campus’ central dining hub, where hungry scholars have turned to vending machines to get what they need.

It has raised a number of concerns, not only about accessibility and variety of food offered, but also the financial implications and uncertain future of dining services at the college.

“Right now, NCC students are in the middle of our semester with four to five weeks left,” said one student, Sebastian Bros. “There are students who feel strongly about this topic, and the fact is that money issues are now an ongoing and recurring conversation we overhear around NCC.”

NCC’s faculty union has appealed to Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman for his help to address the NCC food shortage, urging the allocation of county funds to reinstate on-campus dining. Additionally, the union has called for a complete restructuring of the college’s board of trustees, as well as the public resignation of key college administrators, citing their failure to adequately respond to the crisis.

tract to a new seven-year agreement costing approximately $320,000 annually.

It was a proposal not well received by NCC administrators. Especially since students didn’t seem to be happy with what they were getting from Compass.

More than 1,100 students and staffers participated in a survey conducted last year that revealed widespread dissatisfaction with both the cost and quality of the food services provided, according to Jerry Kornbluth, vice president of community and governmental relations at NCC.

Although he acknowledges times have been tough for food services companies in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, Kornbluth says different departments at NCC have collaborated to address the challenge.

“We’re not like (kindergarten) through 12, so kids come here, they take a couple of classes, maybe grab a sandwich somewhere, and they go off and then they go to work,” Kornbluth said. “So, they’re in and out in a weekend. It’s pretty tough for a company to make a profit. They’ve been losing money, and they wanted us to make up the loss.”

In the meantime, NCC is exploring several food options to at least get students through the final weeks of the spring semester. Currently, food trucks are available on certain days. On top of that, Kornbluth says the school already is looking to find a new food services vendor.

“The bottom line is it is very disrespectful to our students, shows a real lack of concern, and failure to meet their needs,” union president Faren Siminoff said. “But for us, it’s part of a whole — this whole mismanagement, lack of planning, failure to understand the mission of the college, and failure to understand our students and the community that we serve.”

But it’s not that Compass wants to go away. Instead, the company says it wants to rework the current con-

That can’t come soon enough for Kaldwin Lerandy Ladislas, another NCC student. “In truth, it is not done, and one can assume that it’s because they think they can get away with it,” Lerandy Ladislas said. “We must not allow them to get away with it. It is too much wrong, for too long, and we must reshape, or tear down institutions that do not care about our well-being as a community. For this is a community college.”

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

AVISO DE ELECCIÓN

ANUAL DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR Y DE LA BIBLIOTECA DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE ROCKVILLE CENTER UNION CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que la Reunión Anual de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Rockville Center, Condado de Nassau, New York se llevará a cabo el 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 COUNTY, NEW YORK

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 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. AND NOTICE IS ALSO

Public Notices

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 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 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.

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 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 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. 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.

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 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 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.

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 UFSD COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK

MARYLOU CELIBERTI, DISTRICT CLERK 145935

LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NEW YORK NOTICE OF SALE OF REAL ESTATE FOR UNPAID VILLAGE TAXES AND/OR WATER RENT ARREARS AND/OR GARBAGE DISPOSAL FEES AND/OR ASSESSMENTS REMAINING UNPAID FOR THE YEAR 2023. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to the provisions of the New York Real Property Tax Law as applicable to the Village of Rockville Centre (“Village”), and pursuant to direction of the Village Board of Trustees, the undersigned Village ClerkTreasurer/Village Administrator will sell at Public Auction in the

manner provided by law on May 23, 2024 at 10:00 am local prevailing time in the courtroom of the Eugene J. Murray Village Hall, One College Place, Rockville Centre, Nassau County, New York, so much of each of the following parcels upon which Village Taxes and/or Water Rent Arrears and/or Garbage Disposal Fees and/or Assessments remain unpaid for the year 2023 as will be sufficient to discharge the taxes and/or water rent arrears and/or garbage disposal fees and/or assessments, fees, interest and discharges which may be due thereon respectively at the time of such sale, and shall continue the same from day to day until the said sale shall be completed. The Village reserves the right to withdraw any property prior to the sale of its lien. The parcels have not been researched to determine what the public records reflect regarding these properties, and the Village makes no representation with respect to such records or property status. Before bidding, all tax lien purchasers should investigate what the public records disclose about the property in question.

All persons bidding at the sale will be required to produce identification with full legal name and address. Persons acting as agent for another will be required to produce documentation of authority. Such real estate will be sold subject to any unpaid tax liens purchased and held by the Village. The purchaser or purchasers of such tax sale will be required to pay the amount of their respective bids to the undersigned within TEN days after the sale pursuant to the provisions of Section 1454 of the New York Real Property Tax Law and Village Local Law #12-1994. Payment may be made only by cash, money order, bank check or certified check. No personal checks will be accepted. Where no bid is made and/or the bidder does not timely pay the balance of the bid, it shall be deemed that the tax lien for that premises has been purchased by and sold to the Village of Rockville Centre. THE VILLAGE DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE TO ANY LIEN PURCHASER REGARDING ANY ASPECT OF THE PURCHASE OF OR FORECLOSURE UPON ANY LIEN. The following is a list or statement of the Real Estate upon which such Tax and/or Garbage Disposal Fees and/or Assessments are unpaid for the year 2023 with a statement of the amount

of tax, and/or water rent arrears, and/or garbage disposal fees, and/or assessments, fees, interest and charges thereon to May 1, 2024. NAME OF OWNER OR OCCUPANT AS IT APPEARS ON ASSESSMENT ROLL; DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY; TOTAL AMOUNT OF TAX, WATER RENT ARREARS, GARBAGE DISPOSAL FEES, ASSESSMENTS, FEES, INTEREST CHARGES AT MAY 1, 2024. Nancy Howard Clerk-Treasurer/Village Administrator

Sec 35, Blk 088, Lot 22 Estate of Estella Mitchell 65 Lakeside Dr $ 5,507.54

Sec 36, Blk 335, Lot 541 Elizabeth Boldi 127 Berkshire Rd $ 8,267.26

Sec 36, Blk 357, Lot 281

Asset Tree Group Ltd 15 Shepherd St $ 5,758.85

Sec 36, Blk 358, Lot 456 William F Kurrus 12 Shepherd St $ 5,468.90

Sec 36, Blk 363, Lot 49 Brian Croutier 51 Voorhis Ave $ 8,453.38

Sec 36, Blk 381, Lot 46 Paul/Sherry Durnan 190 Voorhis Ave $ 2,745.57

Sec 36, Blk 428, Lot 114 Robert/Allison Creagh 12 Banbury Rd $ 5,139.87

Sec 36, Blk 458.-45, Lot 2 Jeff/Tara Hackett 92 Arrandale Rd $ 4,507.91

Sec 36, Blk 499, Lot 41 Ingibjorg Gallagher LE 21 Knollwood Rd $ 101.44

Sec 38, Blk 182, Lot 29 Brian Henry/Caitlin Nolan 26 Loel Ct $ 4,915.26

Sec 38, Blk 183, Lot 40 Vasilia Jamoulis LE 232 Hempstead Ave $ 4,360.52

Sec 38, Blk 189, Lot 17 Estate of Kathleen Powell 83 Clinton Ave $ 932.87

Sec 38, Blk 191, Lot 7

55 Front LLC

55 Front St $ 16,288.92

Sec 38, Blk 193, Lot 102 23 Maple Ave LLC 23 Maple Ave $ 640.87

Sec 38, Blk 193, Lot 146 23 Maple Avenue LLC 23 Maple Ave $ 6,499.94

Sec 38, Blk 204, Lot 564 William M Entler Jr 30 Raymond St $ 1,869.49

Sec 38, Blk 213, Lot 43 Joanne Harms 83 Marvin Ave $ 6,070.44

Sec 38, Blk 215 Lot 115 John Jamoulis 416 Morris Ave $ 3,756.16

Sec 38, Blk 219 Lot 319 Nancy A Beaulieu 32 Amherst Ct $ 4,939.06

Sec 38, Blk 220, Lot 21 Elizabeth Porterfield 462 Morris Ave $ 1,822.24

Sec 38, Blk 225, Lot 1 Estate of Glenda Kaplan 85 Devon

Public Notices

$ 1,839.78

Sec 38, Blk 513, Lot 102 Frank Romano 15 Milton Ct $ 2,933.51

Sec 54, Blk D.03, Lot 2

Michael/Patricia Bonagura

8 Gateway $ 5,279.34

Sec 54, Blk D.03, Lot 45 Doris Varca Vacant Land - Fenway $ 168.86

Sec 54, Blk 60.02, Lot 44 Tiffany & ROA LLC

212 Seaman Ave

$ 5,247.05

Sec 54, Blk 116, Lot 128

Michael/Nancy Banta

72 New York Ave

$ 6,340.39 146352

LEGAL NOTICE

Village of Rockville Centre Nassau County, New York Notice of Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Date: May 8, 2024

Sec

2,935.88

Sec 38, Blk 338, Lot 49 Merrick Rd RVC RE LLC

8,125.66

Sec 38, Blk 345, Lot 274 South Long Beach Rd LLC 62 So Long Beach Rd $ 8373.12

Sec 38, Blk 345, Lot 342 S&J Ocean Properties Inc

58 So Long Beach Rd $ 2,427.29

Sec 38, Blk 347, Lot 380 Arthur/Elizabeth Edwards 259 Lincoln Ave $ 5,568.94

Sec 38, Blk 416, Lot 332 California Place North Realty Co

Sec

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 340 Rockville Centre Village Code NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Appeals of the Village of Rockville Centre will hold a Zoning Appeals Hearing at the Eugene J. Murray Village Hall

1 College Place, Rockville Centre at 7:00 p.m.

LEGAL NOTICE

May 8th, 2024 at 7:00

PM Case # 12-2024Reiffman Holdings LLCAdjourned from April 10, 2024

To construct a professional medical building, within a “Business A District” which requires three hundred sixty-eight (368) parking spaces where 81 conforming parking spaces and seventy-six (76) non-conforming spaces are provided is subject to a Substantial Occupancy Permit from the Board of Appeals.

Premises known as 486, 490, & 500 Sunrise Highway

Case # 14-2024 - Chris Glaser

To construct a two-story rear addition with a proposed lot coverage of 34.1% where 30% is the maximum allowable, and an F.A.R of 50.5% where 50.0% is the maximum allowable within a Residence A district.

Premises known as 30

Sherman Avenue

Case # 17-2024 - William Souto

To construct a second story addition over existing garage with a proposed side yard setback of 5.0 feet where 8.0 feet is the minimum required, within a Residence A district.

Premises known as 9

Bradford Court

Case # 19-2024 - Michael & Laura DeSantis

To construct a 14’ x 32’ in-ground pool with a setback of 8.0 feet to the rear property line where 10.0 feet is the minimum required within a Residence A district.

Premises known as 39 Capitolian Boulevard Dated: April 24, 2024

BOARD OF APPEALS OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE, Rockville Centre, New York

J. Robert Schenone, Chairman

Patrick D. O’Brien,

Secretary Information and records for appeals cases are available at the Office of the Secretary of the Board of Appeals, 110 Maple Avenue, RVC, NY 146447

LEGAL NOTICE

LEGAL NOTICE

Notice of Public Hearing Village of Rockville Centre Nassau County, New York Meeting Date: May 6, 2024

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 330 Rockville Centre Village Code NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Exterior Design Review Board of the Village of Rockville Centre will have a Public Hearing at the Eugene J. Murray Village Hall, 1 College Place, Rockville Centre

LEGAL NOTICE May 6, 2024 at 7:00 PM

Case No. 03-2024

Pasquale Rao 2 Buckminster Road Rockville Centre, NY 11570

Description: Construct a single-family dwelling with attached garage.

Premises known as: 2 Buckminster Road Case No. 04-2024

Daniel Woods 77 Wright Road Rockville Centre, NY 11570

Description: Construct a single-family dwelling with attached garage.

Premises known as: 77 Wright Road Case No. 05-2024

Thomas Valenti & Sara Marziliano 46 Banbury Road Rockville Centre, NY 11570

Description: Construct additions and renovations to an existing singlefamily dwelling with attached garage.

Premises known as: 46 Banbury Road The Exterior Design Review Board OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE

Eugene Murray Village Hall, Rockville Centre, New York

George Bella, Chairperson of the consultants to The Exterior Design Review Board

Thomas Domanico, Secretary to The Consultants Information and records for Exterior Design Review cases are

available the Office of the Secretary, 110 Maple Avenue, RVC 146446

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notice to Bidders Sealed Bids will be received by the Purchasing Department of the Village of Rockville Centre, One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York for the matter stated below until 11:00 am prevailing time on MAY 16, 2024 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for:

2024 RACK TRUCK FOR HIGHWAY Bid No. 2405DPW1(1111) The contract documents, specifications and plans can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Lisa Strazzeri via email only at Lstrazzeri@rvcny.us. Questions must be submitted no later than May 9, 2024. Award of Contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to reject all bids or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law.

Purchasing Department Lisa Strazzeri Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 146457

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. CHERYL L. JENKINS INDIVIDUALLY AND AS SURVIVING JOINT TENANT WITH RIGHTS OF SURVIVORSHIP OF FLORENCE M. MATHIES, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 26, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on June 4, 2024 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 408 Clinton Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 107 and

Lots 323 & 324. Approximate amount of judgment is $415,033.15 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #610620/2020. This foreclosure sale will be held on the north side steps of the Courthouse, rain or shine. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the Court Appointed Referee will cancel the sale.

Peter J. Famighetti, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No. 212994-1 146491

LEGAL NOTICE

Supplemental Summons and Notice of Object of Action Supreme Court Of The State Of New York County Of Nassau Action to Foreclose a Mortgage Index #: 612633/2022

U.S. Bank Trust National Association, Not In Its Individual Capacity But Solely As Owner Trustee For RCF 2 Acquisition Trust Plaintiff, vs Anne Marie Izzo, Wayne Izzo, JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. FKA JPMorgan Chase Bank, United States Of America On Behalf Of The IRS, New York State Department Of Taxation And Finance, Villiage Of Lynbrook, Inc., Slomin’s Inc., Capital One Bank USA N.A., Merrick Bank Corp., People Of The State Of New York, Nassau County Clerk, James London Aiello As Trustee Of The Revocable Inver Vivos Trust Dated March 30, 1994 If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And

All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff, Unknown Successor Trustee Of The Revocable Inver Vivos Trust Dated March 30, 1994 If Living, And If He/She Be Dead, Any And All Persons Unknown To Plaintiff, Claiming, Or Who May Claim To Have An Interest In, Or General Or Specific Lien Upon The Real Property Described In This Action; Such Unknown Persons Being Herein Generally Described And Intended To Be Included In Wife, Widow, Husband, Widower, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assignees Of Such Deceased, Any And All Persons Deriving Interest In Or Lien Upon, Or Title To Said Real Property By, Through Or Under Them, Or Either Of Them, And Their Respective Wives, Widows, Husbands, Widowers, Heirs At Law, Next Of Kin, Descendants, Executors, Administrators, Devisees, Legatees, Creditors, Trustees, Committees, Lienors, And Assigns, All Of Whom And Whose Names, Except As Stated, Are Unknown To Plaintiff John Doe (Those Unknown Tenants, Occupants, Persons Or Corporations Or Their Heirs, Distributees, Executors, Administrators, Trustees, Guardians, Assignees, Creditors Or Successors Claiming An Interest In The Mortgaged Premises.) Defendant(s). Mortgaged Premises: 133 Southard Avenue Rockville Centre, NY 11570 To the Above named Defendant: You are hereby summoned to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Supplemental Summons,

to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff(s) attorney(s) within twenty days after the service of this Supplemental Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Supplemental Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York). In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. The Attorney for Plaintiff has an office for business in the County of Erie. Trial to be held in the County of Nassau. The basis of the venue designated above is the location of the Mortgaged Premises. TO James London Aiello As Trustee Of The Revocable Inver Vivos Trust Dated March 30, 1994, and Unknown Successor Trustee Of The Revocable Inver Vivos Trust Dated March 30, 1994, If Living Defendants In this Action. The foregoing Supplemental Summons is served upon you by publication, pursuant to an order of HON. Jeffrey A. Goodstein of the Supreme Court Of The State Of New York, dated the Eleventh day of April, 2024 and filed with the Complaint in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau, in the City of Mineola. The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage upon the premises described below, dated December 10, 2003, executed by Anne Marie Izzo and Wayne Izzo to secure the sum of $290,500.00. The Mortgage was recorded at Book M25708, Page 110 in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk on January 5, 2004. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed July 14, 2010 and recorded on July 28, 2010, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Book M35014, Page 117. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed February 12, 2014 and recorded on March 18, 2014, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Book M39576, Page 114. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed April 12, 2018 and

recorded on April 19, 2018, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Book M42792, Page 268. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed September 27, 2018 and recorded on January 3, 2019, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Book M43225, Page 645. The mortgage was subsequently modified on January 28, 2019. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed April 13, 2020 and recorded on June 17, 2020, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Book M44259, Page 620. The mortgage was subsequently assigned by an assignment executed May 14, 2021 and recorded on June 24, 2021, in the Office of the Nassau County Clerk at Book M45556, Page 212; The property in question is described as follows: 133 Southard Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: April 16, 2024 Gross Polowy LLC Attorney(s) For Plaintiff(s) 1775 Wehrle Drive, Suite 100 Williamsville, NY 14221 The law firm of Gross Polowy LLC and the attorneys whom it employs are debt collectors who are attempting to collect a debt. Any information obtained by them will be used for that purpose. 80435 146429

Cablevision Lightpath, LLC seeks a Sr. System QA & Test Analyst to be responsible for testing tasks for complex or business-critical applications. Write test cases, create test plans, execute cases, and analyze results in accordance with established standards. Participate in design, planning, retrospective, and estimating exercises, and provide guidance to peers. Develop test scripts and test frameworks using the tools and technologies. Analyze multiple techniques and use-case scenarios and select appropriate approach. Identify defects, document critical application issues, and track them until resolution. #LI-DNI. The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Management Information Systems, Information Technology or related discipline, and 5 years of experience with business requirement analysis or testing for software development. Experience must include a minimum of: 5 years of experience with generating/executing test scenarios that confirm business needs fulfilled in full stack applications and integrations; 5 years of experience with API technologies to test and verify services, such as Rest, SOAP, or RMI; 5 years of experience with functional and non-functional software product testing standards methodologies; 5 years of experience with full software development lifecycle, including all stages of design and implementation of custom applications and COTS solutions; 5 years of experience leading and facilitating business scenario discussions; 5 years of experience responding to internal client inquiries, categorizing and communicating risks, and resolving defects with peers and management; 5 years of experience with Agile methodologies for software development, particularly Scrum; 5 years of experience with Selenium, LoadRunner, TestNg, Cucumber, JAVA, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, J2EE, Eclipse, AccelQ, Jenkins, JSP, Unix, Oracle, GITLab, C, objectoriented analysis and design, SQL, SOAP, and Web Services. Full-time remote work permitted. Job location: Bethpage, NY. Rate of Pay: $143,021.00 – $150,000.00 per year. To apply, please visit https://careers.lightpathfiber.com/jobs/, and enter Job Requisition ID 5242. Alternatively, please send your résumé, cover letter, and a copy of the ad to: Cablevision Lightpath, LLC, Attn: Karen U. Miles, 1111 Stewart Avenue, Bethpage, NY, USA 11714.

Construction Project Manager: Full-time, Ronkonkoma, NY. Manage all phases of construction projects incl. schedules, potential road blocks & mitigate/avoid roadblock impact on construction project schedule; Manage site activties w/ Engrs & Supervisors, resolve on-site issues & ontime project schedule; Work w/ & update Project Planner on progress of each project; Manage all procured materials and ensure on-time delivery; Work with Commercial Team on bidding potential new construction projects. Reqts:Bachelor’s degree in Engineering & 6 mnths exp.Salary: $82,014 per year 40 hrs work per week.Mail resume to Sharooz Rostami, President, R Brothers Inc., 702 Celis Street, San Fernando, CA 91340.

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

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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 Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS

FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

PROJECT ENGNEER (BELLPORT, NY): Anlyze & coordnte blueprnts & drawngs of steel manufactrer & heavy constrction contractr & prvide engneerng advce for desgn, constrction & structre. Reqs: Bach in Civil Engneerng or rel & 3 yrs exp as Project Engneer, Civl Engneer or rel pstion. Salary: $120,000/yr. Mail resume to: HR, Integrated Structures Corp, 4 Pinehurst Dr, Bellport, NY 11713.

EDITOR/REPORTER

Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to mhinman@liherald.com

HANDYPERSON WANTED

Immediate Opening at our Garden City Location DESIRED SKILLS: Electrical * Welding * Carpentry Mechanical * Plumbing Part Time/Fulltime (benefits available with full time) $18-$30 per hour based on experience Richner Communications, Inc 2 Endo Blvd Garden City, NY 11530 Send resume to careers@lixtherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 ext 211

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

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

QUALITY CONTROL MANAGER: Fulltime, Ronkonkoma, NY. Understand client needs/requirements & communicate quality standards with production teams in accordance w/ AISC standards; devise, improve & review new product specs & procedures and train staff in accordance w/ AISC standards; set raw materials reqts & monitor compliance per AISC standards; supervise inspectors, technicians & operate per AISC standards; oversee product dev’t procedures for any quality deviation per AISC standards; inspect & approve final output; keep accurate documentation & do statistical analysis; document client feedback, prep reports & assist ext’l auditors/ inspectors. Reqts: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering & one year exp. Salary: $95,160 per year 40 hrs work per week. Mail resume to Lucky Damiao, President, SCE Detailing Group Inc.., 2165 5th Avenue, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779.

RECEPTIONIST/ P/T: SEASONAL, Warm, Friendly, Excellent People Skills, Office Work/ Customer Service, Beach Club. 516-239-2150

Structural Engineer: Full-time, Valley Stream, NY. Investigate/study sites for current/upcoming procurements; Design calculations for pipe flows, bridges, & other structures; Review/comment on construction docs, incl. shop drwngs, for constructability & other issues; Prepare quantity takeoffs & construction cost estimates; Verify compliance w/ project specs/contract docs; Develop engineering solutions for constrctn plans/dsgns. Reqts: Bachelor’s degree in Civ/Strctrl Engineering. Salary: $65,853 per year 40 hrs work per week. Mail resume to Muhammad Amray, President, ZOFS Engineering PC, 2 Columbine Lane, Valley Stream, NY 11581.

HomesHERALD

We’re not sure about my cousin’s advice

Elegant Old Canterbury

BQ. We are planning an addition and some interior changes, and read your column about taking out walls around our kitchen and dining room. My cousin is a contractor, and he has been making suggestions, some that are really good and some that I’m a little concerned about. At first he told me we could save a lot of money, and he knew many ways to do that. We are getting plans from his architect, who we’ve never met, and the cost is doubling. We’re wondering how to tell my cousin that we really need to back off or get other competitive prices. Have you any suggestions about what we should do? We don’t want to alienate or insult him, but we’ve tried to be honest about it, and are getting an uneasy feeling about where this is leading.

A. Over the 50-plus years I have been in the construction business, I have seen the result of this kind of relationship. Many were very successful, but mostly because clients were the controlling deciders, willing to take advice but able to recognize that it was their money that was making the project happen.

l

This is the same advice once given to me that in construction, the customer should play by the golden rule. You may know the biblical golden rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you,” but there is also the other golden rule — that he, or she, with the gold rules. In other words, as long as you haven’t paid, until satisfied, you still have some control over the project. Once you pay for something or let something continue that should have been addressed, you accept the conditions.

I have also seen, many times, where a relative or friend took advantage of the relationship and either took money without doing the work, did inferior work to keep an unrealistic budget, or never did the work at all. One young man called me at the suggestion of his cousin to do a restaurant. I initially sat with the cousin contractor and future restaurateur to discuss details. Subsequently, the contractor stopped showing up for meetings, but we worked through the project, trusting the cousin to follow plans and decisions despite his absence.

You should always be meeting with the architect to discuss the design. After obtaining permits and getting started, there was no communication for several months. I called to confirm that building inspections were made, and the restaurant was open, only to learn the unreachable cousin started but then ran off with the first $30,000. The restaurant did finally open a year later, with another contractor.

So be communicative, get other pricing and feel satisfied. Remember, you are in control and should play by the golden rule. You need to be directly involved with planning, permits and decisions, and be honest with your cousin, even if just to keep things under your control. Lose control, lose money, and your cousin. Good luck!

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Iam an avid reader. For as long as I can remember, I’ve chased the feeling of escape I find in a book I enjoy. Good books make you smile. But great books? They make you think. And I like to think.

As a junior in high school, I read “The Great Gatsby” for the first time, and was instantly enthralled. I decided at 16 it was the best thing I’d ever read, and I’ve yet to be persuaded otherwise. Why it took me as long as it did to pick up another one of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s works is beyond me. And it’s honestly a shame. I find, in the midst of my young adult years, that I finally understand why his words left an impression on me — but thanks to an entirely different book.

Let’s talk about “This Side of Paradise.”

It was Fitzgerald’s first novel, released in 1920, examining the life and morality of Amory Blaine, an attractive middleclass student. The story mostly details

Finding our side of paradise

Amory’s experiences in college at Princeton University and thereafter, exploring his relationships with friends, a Catholic priest, and several young women, who could only be thought of today as flappers — you know, fashionable ladies who flouted convention. Amory is arrogant, and certainly hard to like. Yet for some reason, I found myself enjoying his whimsical naivete when it comes to life.

The novel was an instant hit, becoming particularly popular among college students. Fitzgerald was just 23 at the time of its publication, the new face of “youth in revolt.”

Aromantic relationships that ended as quickly and poetically as they had begun.

It makes sense why some may not like “This Side of Paradise.” But I feel as though I completely understand Amory’s experiences. He loved to write. He loved to think. He wanted the best for himself, and he imagined a life that he felt was obtainable.

s a member of Gen Z, I know as well as anyone how the world views people my age.

It attracted criticism from so-called “social conservatives” because of the attention he brought to young people. Seen as immoral, undisciplined and self-indulgent, Fitzgerald’s generation sparked a wave of change — not only for young men, but certainly for young women.

While reveling in the wonders of his youth, Amory Blaine faced setbacks that changed the trajectory of his life. His parents died. His closest confidant, a monsignor, also died. And he had a handful of

T“Everything was hallowed by the haze of his own youth,” Fitzgerald writes of Amory, a simple yet powerful statement that affectively summarizes young adulthood.

Amory’s plight — and his enduring yearn to become someone that matters — is really what being young is all about, isn’t it?

As a 22-year-old — and a member of the infamous Gen Z — I know as well as anyone how the rest of the world views people my age.

We’re seen questionably — frowned upon, even. We think differently. Act differently. And want the best not only for ourselves, but also for the world around us. And when we watch things that we care about get stripped away, it’s hard not to feel angry.

We may swim against tides, but we

don’t act wiser than we are, because we can’t possibly know of things we’ve yet to experience.

In many ways, we’re just like Amory Blaine. You may not like what we have to say. You may question our morals and our actions, but I believe we live our lives with great intention.

“This Side of Paradise” isn’t Fitzgerald’s best work. It’s a great read, but as he got older and wiser, he produced better. He is regarded today as a great American novelist, but his debut was just a taste of what was to come.

“I know myself,” Amory cries at the end of the novel. “But that is all.”

Could there be any truer words?

People like me, people in my generation, are at the same point in our lives as Amory, or even perhaps Fitzgerald. We, too, are hallowed by the haze of our youth.

We aren’t asking you to agree with us, but rather to view us as you once viewed yourself.

We will become who we are meant to be, in time. And one day, we will find our side of paradise.

Jordan Vallone is a senior editor who writes for the Bellmore, East Meadow and Merrick Heralds. Comments? jvallone@ liherald.com.

Blakeman enthusiastically follows Trump’s lead

he political similarities between former President Donald Trump and Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman are now impossible to miss. Which is probably just what Blakeman intends.

In his efforts to become Long Island’s leading MAGA man, Blakeman has adopted Trump’s combative and divisive style of leadership. Neither politician tries to find common ground on which to build effective policies. Both have acted as though they have strong mandates for right-wing programs, even though Trump got 3 million fewer votes in 2016 than did Hillary Clinton, and despite Blakeman having bested Laura Curran in 2021 by about 2,000 votes out of more than a quartermillion ballots cast.

Instead of governing consensually, Blakeman and Trump strive to intensify a culture war that threatens to erupt into physical violence.

Like the head of the national Republican Party, the Nassau County executive manipulates and exaggerates voters’ legitimate concerns in order to create an us-vs.-them dynamic. They both use inflammatory language to depict adver-

saries as not merely misguided, but mentally ill.

Who, for example, refers to the migrant crisis as “insanity”? And who denounces “crazy” progressive policies? Both the former president and the current county leader.

There have been other echoes of extreme rhetoric.

Trump in 2019 urged progressive female members of Congress to “go back” to countries “they originally came from.” Blakeman in January warned Kathy Hochul, New York’s first female governor, to “stay out of Long Island.”

Both strive to intensify a culture war that threatens to erupt into violence.

It’s easier, of course, to turn disagreements into confrontations than it is to work collegially toward compromises.

Blakeman has blamed “Albany Democrats” for an upsurge in crime in New York City and its suburbs. While horrifying assaults in the five boroughs have rightly stoked objections to bail reforms adopted by the State Legislature, it is misleading and irresponsible to suggest, as Blakeman has, that Nassau County had been experiencing a “crime epidemic” unleashed by Democratic-sponsored legislation. While rates of some crimes have indeed increased in the past three years, others have shown a decrease despite the easing of bail requirements. Rather than allaying unwarranted fears, Blakeman is heightening an

unfounded sense of public menace by forming a militia to be mobilized in cases of “emergency.” His move in March to recruit “provisional special deputy sheriffs” has drawn criticism from gun-control groups that say Nassau County should not be encouraging more of its residents to take up arms. This unrequested action also implies that Blakeman does not trust the county Police Department to protect the citizenry — despite his boast in a mass mailing earlier this year of having put 200 more cops on the streets.

Scapegoating is another tactic employed by demagogues such as Trump and Blakeman. It’s entirely reasonable to demand that the U.S. border be much more strictly enforced, but it’s not acceptable to refer to migrants as “animals,” a la Trump, or to denounce Hochul’s proposed spending of $2.4 billion for “illegal immigrants,” as Blakeman recently did in another of his countywide mailings. That money is intended to help house and feed the tens of thousands of migrants who have made their way mainly to New York City — not Nassau County — through no initiative on Hochul’s part.

Transgender Americans comprise another group susceptible to being stigmatized by pandering politicians. Blake-

man issued an executive order in February forbidding transgender females from taking part in competitive women’s or girls’ sports in county-owned athletic facilities. Again, there’s a reasonable basis for complaining that some former males have unfair physical advantages over many females. But when asked by a reporter how many transgender athletes have competed in his county, Blakeman said he didn’t know. The absence of any compelling reason to target a sexual minority has led opponents of this grandstanding stunt to call it “a solution in search of a problem.”

Blakeman, once more like Trump, aggravates grievances held by many voters as a way of diverting attention from his failure to fulfill promises on more substantive matters. In his 2021 campaign, Blakeman pledged to cut taxes “immediately” by $120 million. He did no such thing. Nor has he made good on a pledge to fix a “broken” assessment system.

Rather than plastering his name and face on taxpayer-financed mass mailings, Blakeman should help break the political fever that’s preventing Nassau County from becoming great again.

Kevin J. Kelley was a congressional staff member in the 1980s, and is a retired journalist and journalism professor who worked for newspapers in New York, Vermont and Kenya and taught at St. Michael’s College in Vermont. He lives in Atlantic Beach.

KEVIn J. KELLEY

JoRDAn VALLonE

HERALD

HeraLd editoriaL

Celebrating N.Y.’s

Last month marked a pivotal moment for New York state — a moment that extended far beyond the numbers and legislative details of a state budget.

Gov. Kathy Hochul and the state legislature delivered a beacon of hope for our communities by including in the state budget a groundbreaking initiative to support local news organizations in the form of a tax credit, modeled on the Local Journalism Sustainability Act.

At the heart of this legislation lies a profound acknowledgment: Local journalism is not just about reporting news; it’s about safeguarding the health of both our democracy and our communities.

State Sen. Brad Hoylman-Sigal, the bill’s sponsor in the upper chamber, aptly captured the essence of this endeavor, emphasizing that “a thriving local news industry is vital to the health of our democracy.” With bipartisan cooperation and a shared commitment to our communities, the initiative underscores the fundamental role that local journalists play in keeping our

Letters

D’Esposito gets his marching orders from you know who

To the Editor:

investment in local journalism

democracy vibrant and informed.

What does this legislation mean for our neighborhoods and towns? It means that we, as a society, are recognizing the value of — and investing in — the storytellers who bring our communities together: the journalists who uncover local stories, amplify diverse voices, and hold leaders accountable.

The Empire State Local News Coalition, founded earlier this year, spearheaded this legislative achievement by organizing more than 200 local newspapers across the state. The coalition’s tireless efforts moved the Local Journalism Sustainability Act to the forefront of legislative priorities.

“It is really an astounding legislative accomplishment,” Hoylman-Sigal told members of the New York Press Association last weekend in a Zoom appearance. “After stalling for years, our Local Journalism Sustainability Act really didn’t catapult into a top legislative priority” until “the founding of the Empire State Local News Coalition. That coalition … mobilized hundreds of newspapers and a broad range of stakeholders from around the country.”

Congressman Anthony D’Esposito disingenuously claims in his latest column, “Migrants get more government support than veterans” (April 18-24), that the Senate Democrats’ proposed border bill merely codified the existing “open border” policies, despite the Associated Press reporting on Feb. 15 that “The Senate’s border proposal was one of the toughest bipartisan bills to emerge on the issue in decades.”

Significantly, the lead negotiator for the Senate Republicans was James Langford, of Oklahoma, who is known to be one of the most conservative members of the Senate.

The bill collapsed, however, when former President Donald Trump called for the Republicans in Congress to kill it, because he feared it would enhance President Biden’s chances of being re-elected.

It’s long past time for Congressman D’Esposito, and the rest of the Republicans, to stop following the marching orders of Donald Trump and do what’s best for their constituents instead of what’s best for Donald Trump.

ROBERT TOLLE Cedarhurst

Trump selectively honors police

To the Editor:

Re Peter King’s column “The heartbreaking death of an NYPD hero” (April 11-17): How mature of Don-

Zach Richner, founder of the Empire State Local News Coalition — and a director of Richner Communications, the parent company of Herald Community Newspapers — expressed profound gratitude to the legislators who championed this cause. In addition to Hoylman-Sigal’s unwavering leadership, Hochul, Senate Majority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Assembly sponsor Carrie Woerner all played pivotal roles in turning this vision into reality.

New York’s leadership on this issue sets a powerful example for the nation. Other states — blue, red or purple — now have a template to follow, as does the federal government, where the Community News and Small Business Support Act has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. While there is still work to be done in crafting the final regulations governing this tax credit, let’s celebrate this milestone. And let’s continue to champion the indispensable role of local journalism in shaping the future of our communities — and our nation.

ald Trump to demonstrate great “dignity and respect” to Detective Jonathan Diller’s family, who my heart goes out to. But the question begs to be asked why Trump never showed an ounce of compassion to the families of the Capitol and Washington, D.C., police officers who died after Jan. 6? Not to mention the sur-

Trump for who he is: a self-serving narcissist.

viving Capitol police, who still suffer due to the trauma they experienced that day. Please wake up, people, and see

JOSIE MARINO Lynbrook

We must secure our borders, reform immigration now

the United States must secure our borders and reform our broken immigration system. This demands immediate action, not delay tactics for political convenience. American citizens are owed this much. Our immigration system’s shortcomings have been a longstanding issue, with decades of inaction due to a lack of political will on both sides.

The U.S. Constitution explicitly assigns Congress the responsibility and power to fix this problem, yet the 118th Congress has been notably ineffective, the least productive Congress since the Great Depression. This stagnation is largely attributed to the prevailing hyper-partisanship and an inclination toward political theatrics over substantive legislative work.

The behavior exhibited within the halls of Congress — ranging from per-

How about a street naming?

To the Editor:

sonal attacks and physical altercations among members, to successive attempts to oust the speaker of the House, to catcalls at the State of the Union Address — underscores a departure from the principles of civility in government. Sadly, many of our representatives have embraced chaos and dysfunction as a substitute for governance. And in the wake of this chaos, the effort to solve the migrant crisis and its unprecedented impact on New York has been sidelined.

the Senate’s promising bipartisan border deal was dismissed as ‘disastrous.’

Fixing our complex immigration system requires a balanced approach that secures our borders while extending compassion to law-abiding immigrants. Although challenging, a solution is within reach through diligent effort and bipartisan collaboration.

The Senate’s bipartisan border security deal was a promising development, which laid the groundwork for meaningful reform. The bill proposed new measures to secure the border, streamline the asylum process, and end the broad

Letters

The financial outpouring for Detective Diller was outstanding. But I hope Peter King, with his relationship with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, will support renaming Detective Diller’s street in Massapequa in his honor. This would be a lasting tribute to him and his family.

RICH

MORICCO East Meadow

Antisemitism, not Netanyahu, is the problem

To the Editor:

Re Jerry Kremer’s column “Netanyahu is a supporter of one party: himself”: Kremer supports Sen. Chuck Schumer’s view that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is more concerned about himself than about Israel. What Schumer has said has nothing to do with “Bibi’s” alleged corruption. What Schumer was really doing was attempting to placate the virulent antisemitism that has take root in the Democratic Party among radical Islamists. What is Netanyahu to do about Gaza?

Before the Oct. 7 massacre of 1,200 Israelis, Israel took a hands-off

release of migrants into communities. This initiative was crafted by Democrats and Republicans, and garnered support across the political spectrum. It was supported by the National Border Patrol Council — the union representing the men and women who protect our border. Despite some imperfections, the deal represented a significant step forward, embodying the essence of compromise and cooperation that is foundational to American democracy. However, opposition from figures like Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, who immediately criticized the bill as “disastrous” and who has held fast to a hyper-partisan position on immigration, exemplifies the obstacles to progress.

D’Esposito’s refusal to engage in any real attempt to move border solutions forward, coupled with his shocking recent praise of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott for sending nearly 40,000 migrants to our state, highlight a disturbing trend of prioritizing partisan loyalty over constructive problem-solving.

The empty rhetoric and finger-pointing of elected officials like D’Esposito, characterized by a lack of commitment to real solutions, fail to serve the interests of Americans. In contrast, my approach in Congress will be to collaborate with all parties to achieve comprehensive, bipartisan immigration reform. This includes enhancing border security by hiring more border patrolagents, deploying additional advanced “smart” technology and building strategic physical barriers. It also includes reforming the system to expedite the asylum and deportation processes and to provide clear paths to citizenship for hard-working, eligible people in search of better lives.

Performative politics and a refusal to engage with bipartisan solutions not only impede progress, but also betray the trust of the American people. The time for action is now, and it requires leaders willing to prioritize effective governance over partisan fealty and gamesmanship. Long Island, New York state and the entire nation deserve better.

Laura Gillen, a former Hempstead town supervisor, is a Democratic candidate in the 4th Congressional District.

Framework by Michael Ostrow

approach to Gaza. What did the people of Gaza do? They elected the terrorist group Hamas, which then used the aid that should have been used for the people of Gaza to build a huge underground system of tunnels — which some say is larger than the New York City transit system, in some places under hospitals (with human shields) — to acquire and store munitions and to use that system to launch attacks on Israel.

The massacre on Oct. 7 was the equivalent of 35,000 Americans being killed on Sept. 11, 2001. Do you think we would tolerate a foreign entity telling us what our response should be? Netanyahu is not the villain here. Hamas is. It has killed a number of hostages, and is holding others, including Americans. Israel’s rightful negotiating stance should be: the unconditional release of all hostages and the return of all bodies of the dead, or face total destruction. Israel has already demonstrated surgical restraint in dealing with the civilian population. Hamas was gutless because it targeted civilians and not the Israeli military.

Growing up in the late 1950s and early ’60s, we knew from our fathers of Hitler’s Holocaust. We knew what “Never again” meant. Yet here we are, 80 years later, and antisemitism has raised its ugly head, this time on American soil. For the radical Islamists there is no two-state solution. It has been offered time and again and refused. The first time was when Israel was created in 1947.

Former President Donald Trump is a strong supporter of Israel. He brokered the Abraham Accords. But for the radical Islamists, there is only one solution, the same as Hitler’s. They hate the Abraham Accords, because they don’t want peace. They can’t even tolerate a small Jewish state the size of New Jersey. As former Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir said many years ago, there

will be peace only when the radicals love their children more than they hate the children of Jews.

Netanyahu does not threaten the existence of Israel; it is the mealymouthed apologists for Hamas in this country who are the threat to Israel.

At the Great Pyramid of Giza — Egypt

LaUra GiLLen

JOSEPH V. SCIFO Valley Stream

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