Wantagh Herald 04-04-2024

A beautiful day for an egg hunt

Sisters Alexandra and Camryn Daly displaying the prizes they found during the Seaford Chamber of Commerce’s Easter egg hunt at Washington Avenue Park last Saturday. Story, more photos,Ppage 3.

When wise guys ruled Long Island Scholars give presentation on local mobs and their families

By RACHEl BAMGBoSE cshaw@liherald.com

Long Island has a rich history of mob activity — filled with ruthless gangsters who would stop at nothing to get what they wanted. But how did they treat their own family members?

That’s what friends Harvey Sackowitz and Howard Ehrlich took a deep dive into for a Seaford Public Library audience on March 28. The library hosted H&H scholars, short for Sackowitz and Ehrlich’s first names, for a presentation on the relationship between mobsters and their mother in a program entitled, “But He Was Good To His Mother.”

Sackowitz and Ehrlich, who organized the

event, spoke to members of the community for the first of what they hope will be many in-person events after the pandemic.

Both are retired school teachers who, together, have dedicated more than 50 years to education and teaching in New York City and its suburbs. Twice a week they hold presentations with varying interests in several libraries and universities on Long Island. Their main motivation, they said, is giving back to the community.

“Having something that can bring the community together while learning something new is our way of giving back, which is really important to us,” Ehrlich said.

Long Island has a pretty extensive history

A horror classic comes to life

Wantagh Drama Club set to perform ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ musical next week

By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com

A gloomy London fog will roll through Wantagh next week, when the high school Drama Club presents a frighteningly entertaining musical performance of “Jekyll and Hyde.”

The show will take place in the school’s theater April 12-14, when audience members will be treated to the gothic tale of Dr. Jekyll, a respected scientist who develops a potion that transforms him into the malevolent Mr. Hyde.

We just have such a superbly talented group of students. We have the perfect cast for our show, and we really want to challenge them.

Kimberly Davis, the musical’s director, said that students have been rehearsing for the show since December, and have brought dedication and passion to their roles.

KIMBERly DAVIS Director, Wantagh Drama

Club

“We just have such a superbly talented group of students,” Davis said. “We have the perfect cast for our show, and we really want to challenge them.”

While the show is difficult to perform, Davis said she has been impressed with the students’ progress throughout the rehearsals. “We just really wanted to give them a big challenge, and they have risen to that challenge,” she said. “I’m really, really proud of the work they have done.”

Davis has directed plays at the middle school since 2005, and for the past four years she has directed the high school Drama Club, so she has known most of the seniors in “Jekyll and Hyde” since they were in sixth grade. She said she loves seeing how far they

The musical, based on the iconic gothic horror novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, is rarely performed in schools, Davis said. The songs, she explained, are vocally demanding, requiring the performers to hit unusually high pitches. To help with rehearsals, understudies were cast for all the lead roles.

Continued on page 4

Danielle Sinacori/Herald

The great social media debate at Forest Lake

The pros and cons of social media were the topic for the final debate in Nicole Silvar’s fifth grade class at Forest Lake Elementary School in the Wantagh School District. Students split into two groups for the culminating activity in an argument and debate unit in reader’s workshop.

Silvar said that over the past several weeks, students have been having practice debates in class on school-related topics, such as if lunchtime should be longer and should there be homework. The final debate required a few days of preparation, so students could research the topic and prepare their arguments.

On the Second Night of Passover

Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 6:30 PM

LED BY RABBI MOSHE P. WEISBLUM

Inspirational Hebrew/English Haggadah

Fun Multi-Generational Seder

Delicious Food

Lots of Singing and Storytelling

The question posed to them was, “Is social media good for society?” One group argued in favor of social media and the other against. In addition to their own experiences and opinions, they had to cite data and facts from other sources. Students used digital resources such as TIME For Kids and Google Safe Search for their research.

Each side got to back an opening claim and a closing statement. In between, students presented their evidence and could argue points made by the opposing group. Silvar suggested that students also research the opposing side, to be prepared for any counterarguments.

Our Kosher for Passover Seder menu consists of:

Gefilte Fish

Chopped Liver

Charoset

Sweet & Sour Meatballs

Beef Brisket

arguments for a debate on the pros and cons

Rotisserie Chicken

Garlic Roasted Potatoes

Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Glazed Carrots

Dessert

The price is $57 per member, $62 per non-member; $25 Per Child 7-12 Years Old; 6 and Under Free

Reservations and Prepayment a must to the Synagogue Office

3710 Woodbine Ave. Wantagh, NY 11793 (516) 785-2445

Mention any dietary concern when making reservations

Capacity is limited so make your reservations early

Congregation Beth Tikvah is a Warm Welcoming Conservative

Congregation

1251211

Silvar said that the point of the unit was to teach students how to strengthen their arguments with facts, how to engage in respectful conversation and how to work as a team. They also used research skills they have been developing throughout elementary school.

Students enjoyed working on the project, developing their arguments and presenting their cases.

“We’re learning different points of view,” said Avianna Carey, who was on the team that argued the benefits of social media. “It helps you see other perspectives.”

Photos courtesy Wantagh School District

The team arguing the benefits of social media met to share their research and develop their statements and claims.

Forest Lake Elementary School fifth graders prepared their

of social media.

HERALD SCHOOLS

Mandalay Elementary School kindergartners put their digital snowmen into different seasons after reading ‘Snowmen All Year.’

Kindergartners get a little more tech-savvy

There was a little mix-up about the seasons at Mandalay Elementary School in the Wantagh School District, but kindergartners came out a little more tech-savvy.

After reading “Snowmen All Year” by Caralyn Buehner, students then discussed the types of activities they do and the type of clothing they wear in the different seasons. STEAM teacher Alexa Del Piano then tasked students with taking this knowledge and creating digital projects that to put their snowmen into different seasons.

Each student decided which season his or her snowman would live in, and chose the appropriate background.

There was a snow scene for winter, flowers for spring, the beach for summer and a leaf-covered path for fall. Children then drew clothing on their snowmen as well as equipment for appropriate seasonal activities.

The projects were completed using drawing tools in Seesaw, an elementary learning platform. Del Piano said that the goal was to help students become more familiar with digital resources on their laptops, while also connecting with their science unit on the four seasons. The project, completed just before the calendar officially rolled over to spring, also promoted creativity and critical thinking.

Photos courtesy Wantagh school district

Noelle Cavallo, left, and Elianna Aranella had fun envisioning their snowmen in the summer.

Nate Garcia talked to STEAM teacher Alexa Del Piano about his out-of-season snowman.

Drew Cohen, left, and Luca Cinquemani used Seesaw drawing tools.

Students stage challenging ‘Jekyll and Hyde’

have come.

“It’s emotional for me to watch and see how much they’ve grown,” she said, “and watching them come to life on stage and seeing them get to do what they love to do.”

Sameerah Cassidy, vocal director of the Drama Club for the past five years, said that the student cast members have been working hard on the show’s challenging musical numbers, and added that she was amazed to see how much their theater skills have developed in the years she’s known them.

“It’s incredible,” Cassidy said of the rehearsals. “We’re very fortunate here in Wantagh to have incredible talent in our students, but to see their growth, and to see how they’ve developed into musicians and performers, has just really been an amazing experience.”

Everything from the lighting, sound and stage crews to the pit orchestra is made up of students, and the stage crew, Davis said, has been passionate about the set designs, which were inspired by the Victorian architecture that students in the school’s performing arts program saw when they took a trip to London in February.

Senior Anthony Lerro, who has performed in theater since he was in fifth grade, plays the lead role of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Playing a dual role is a new experience, Lerro said, but he added that Davis has given the student performers freedom to play the characters in a way that feels authentic to them.

“We get the opportunity to evolve in terms of where we take the character’s line delivery and the relationships between other characters,” Lerro explained.

Senior Madelyn Hartmann plays Emma Carew, Dr. Jekyll’s fiancée, whom she describes as an upper-class

woman with an open mind — which, Hartmann said, goes against the social norms of her Victorian London peers. Hartmann has had Davis as a theater director since middle school, and said she has enjoyed the freedom to express characters through their own perspective, which makes performances more authentic.

For Hartmann, the musical will be a bittersweet experience, because it will be her last before she graduates.

“It’s been an honor to work with such a good cast,” she said. “Everyone here is so dedicated, and put so much into all their parts.”

In his first theater performance since fifth grade, senior Shawn Bailey plays Sir Danvers Carew, Emma’s father. Bailey said he read Stevenson’s book and watched other actors’ performances of his character online to prepare for the role.

Medical Aid in Dying (MAID)

According to the New York State Bar Association, “medical aid in dying is a medical practice that has been adopted in ten US jurisdictions (WA, MT, VT, CA, CO, D.C., HI, ME, NJ, NM) that allows a terminally ill, mentally capable adult with a prognosis of six months or less to live to request from their doctor a prescription for medication they can decide to self-ingest to die peacefully in their sleep.” New York’s MAID law will be considered by the legislature this year.

Protections in the proposed law include (1) a requirement that two physicians confirm the person is terminally ill with a prognosis of six months or less months to live, (2) the individual is informed of palliative care and hospice options, (3) there is a mandatory mental health evaluation if either physician has any concerns about the person’s mental capacity, (4) the request be in writing witnessed by two people, neither of whom stand to benefit from the person’s estate, and (5) anyone attempting to coerce a person will face criminal prosecution.

MAID is inextricably tied to hospice and palliative care, of which a core value is patient dignity and autonomy. New York ranks last in the country for hospice utilization due to health providers failing to provide information and counseling on these end of life options. Options will now be required to be discussed under a provision requiring “informed consent”.

Public and organizational support for MAID is widespread.

Gallup reports that 74% of US adults believe that doctors should be allowed to end the life of a patient with an incurable disease “by some painless means”. By a margin of 50% to 26% New York physicians support MAID.

Taking into account the sensibilities of those health professionals who oppose MAID (formerly known as “physician assisted suicide”) on moral or religious grounds, by allowing them to opt out without penalty, the proposed law will offer an end to needless end of life pain and suffering for countless New Yorkers.

“The cast is amazing, especially for my first year,” he said. “They’ve been open-arms this whole time.”

Bailey said he believed “Jekyll and Hyde” would be one of the Theater Club’s finest performances.

“Come to the show,” he said. “It’s going to be phenomenal. I think it’s going to be one of Wantagh’s best shows.”

The musical has adult themes — blood and violence — and Davis cautioned theatergoers not to bring elementary school-age children. Performances are scheduled for April 12 and 13, at 7 p.m., and April 13 and 14, at 1 p.m., at Wantagh high school auditorium. Tickets are $15, and $12 for students and seniors. For more information, contact business manager Courtney Prestianni at prestianniC@wantaghschools.org. Tickets can be purchased at seatyourself.biz/wantaghms.

Courtesy Wantagh School District

Students in the Wantagh drama Club have been rehearsing since december for next week’s performances of ‘Jekyll and Hyde.’

MacArthur junior Melody Hong wins Brain Bee

A junior at General Douglas MacArthur High School made school history by placing first in the prestigious Long Island Brain Bee, held on March 2 at the Hofstra University Zucker School of Medicine.

Melody Hong is the first-place winner among more than 60 students from over 25 schools across Long Island and in New York City – a first for MacArthur High School. She will continue to the National Brain Bee, to be held in April at the University of Central Florida. At the Long Island competition, Melody interacted with doctors and medical students who

showed participants realistic examples of the body’s neurological structures, such as tissue, a spinal cord or a model of the brain. She then took a two-part exam based on her observations and excelled. Melody thanked the teachers who have supported her along the way, including science teachers Friedman and Zausin.

“With these academic endeavors, when we achieve success, underclassmen will also see that and say, ‘I can accomplish this too,’” Melody said. “I hope this isn’t the last time we see MacArthur as a first-place winner.”

Rhoads attends Lego Fest in Levittown

On March 2, New York State Senator Steve Rhoads, center, along with Assemblyman John Mikulin, right, and Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr., left, attended the Levittown Public Library BrickCon, A LEGO Fan Festival. Children, teens, and families were able to celebrate and enjoy the craft, creativity, and engineering of LEGO building. Senator Rhoads thanked the Levittown Public Library for hosting this fun and engaging experience for families to enjoy.

Courtesy Levittown public schools

General Douglas MacArthur High School junior Melody Hong won first place in the prestigious Long Island Brain Bee. She was joined by her science teachers Mr. Zausin, left, and Friedman, right.

Hofstra seeks repeat conference title

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

Hofstra’s softball team is seeking an encore from the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 2018 last season with many new faces.

Led largely by five veteran fifth-year players, the Pride punched its NCAA Tournament ticket with a dramatic 5-4 walk-off conference title win in the bottom of the seventh inning against Towson after trailing by one entering the final frame. Hofstra was picked to finish third in the Coastal Athletic Association this season and coach Adrienne Clark is hoping her team is once again positioned for some postseason magic.

“Anytime you yield success it is motivating for the incoming class,” said Clark, who as a Hofstra player led the Pride to four straight CAA titles from 2002-05.

Hofstra got a big confidence boost it can go toe-to-toe with the nation’s best when it battled then 12th-ranked Missouri on March 26 at home and took the SEC power to extra innings before falling 2-1. The late afternoon game against Missouri, which is coached by former Hofstra coach Larissa Anderson, came immediately after the Tigers crushed Fordham 20-0 on the same field that afternoon.

“Having a top 25 team come here and have that game at home was really incredible,” said Clark, who played for Anderson when she was an assistant coach at Hofstra in the early 2000s. “It shows we are capable of beating anyone on any given day.”

Senior pitcher Julie Apsel showed why she’s the ace of the Pride staff in the Missouri gamer tossing a four-hitter over nine innings to an explosive lineup. She continued the momentum of the Missouri game with three wins during a CAA sweep North Carolina-Wilmington last weekend, where she surrendered just two runs.

Apsel is among a number of pitchers Clark can turn to in the bullpen including local high school products Marisa Ogden (Sewanhaka) and Anna Butler (Seaford.)

Junior Haley Venturini, a Rhode Island

native, has been working her way back from an injury suffered last season and Clark also expects her to play a key role in a deep rotation.

“They are different types of pitchers which is positive for us because we can put them in different situations to allow for success,” Clark said.

While Clark lost some key offensive talent from last year’s conference championship squad, the Pride returned reigning All-CAA First Team center fielder Chelsea Manto, who hit .301 with 27 stolen bases. The graduate student from Robbinsville, New Jersey is on pace for another big season with a .280 average and 12 stolen bases through the first 27 games.

Senior catcher Becca Vaillancourt has emerged as the Pride’s leading hitter so far with a..373 average with five home runs while also leading the pitching staff behind the plate. Olivia Malinowski and

Aliya Catanzarita have also been big producers at the plate early on this season displaying home run power at times.

Sophomore shortstop Allana Morse, a Mepham High School graduate, is another big focal point of the Hofstra offense after earning CAA All-Rookie Team honors as a freshman with 46 hits including a double in the NCAA Tournament against top-ranked Oklahoma. The North Bellmore native has also blossomed into a solid defensive player anchoring the middle infield.

“She has been so incredible at shortstop this year with some of the plays she has made,” said Clark of Morse. “The ball rarely gets by her in the infield.”

Freshman right fielder Lily Yepez, a former Mepham teammate of Morse, has

also emerged as a key bat in the lineup and was fifth on the team in batting to close the month of March. The North Bellmore native helped lead the Pirates to three county championships and two Long Island titles.

After hosting North Carolina A&T this weekend, the Pride return home to face Long Island rival Stony Brook in another crucial three-game CAA series from April 12-14. The final home conference games are slated for April 26-28 against Hampton.

The CAA Tournament is May 8-11 at UMC-Wilmington where the Pride will look to defend its crown. Hofstra entered the week tied for second in the CAA standings at 8-4 with 15 conference games remaining.

Courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications Senior pitcher Julia Apsel limited powerhouse Missouri to four hits over nine innings March 26 and is the ace of Hofstra’s staff.

The Pride looks to repeat as conference champs this spring and return to the NCAA Tournament.

Honoring Long Island’s best businesswomen

By Danielle Schwab

It was a month of honoring women, but an evening of actually celebrating women as hundreds gathered once again for the Premier Business Women of Long Island Awards.

Hosted by RichnerLive and Herald Community Newspapers, the gala took place at the Heritage Club at Bethpage, 48 businesswomen were honored in more than a dozen different categories. Two special awards also were handed out for the Next Generation-Under 30, while the late Karen Tenenbaum was commemorated for her work founding Tenenbaum Law.

“This feels so much like a homecoming,” said Tifphani White-King, principal U.S. national tax practice leader of Mazars Group — and the event’s keynote speaker.

“I grew up here in Long Island, and there’s nothing like being celebrated and recognized and humbled by your hometown.”

The workplace, she added, “is really about women helping other women. Lifting each other up as we continue to climb the proverbial crystal staircase that Langston Hughes has talked about in his poetry.”

“I think that it’s great to have these awards to honor women who are working so hard and building these businesses,” said Liz Bentley, president of Liz Bentley Associates in Cold Spring Harbor. “As women leaders, we have to go first on things that may be difficult or scary, but we can do it and we’re good at it. It makes a difference.”

Aimee Kestenberg Elan, founder and designer for Affordable Luxury Group, was honored in the entrepreneur category. Now celebrating the company’s 10th anniversary, she reflected on the long path that got her here in the first place.

“I was the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors,” she said. “This is definitely an accomplishment for my family since we didn’t know if we were going to make it in general. Being here tonight is something special for me to show my children that women can do anything — which is a big reason I do what I do.”

The awards highlighted women from many different industries, like health care. That’s where Tameka Wallace, associate executive director of perioperative services at Glen Cove Hospital, shares her pride in being among the women leaders acknowledged.

“To be honored amongst all these amazing women — and for my hospital — it feels amazing,” she said.

Managing more than $18 million in revenue while overseeing more than 100 employees, Wallace admits she can’t do it alone.

“You do such hard work, it’s important to acknowledge both the people in and out of work,” she said. “My family is just as part of my success as I am a part of theirs.”

Jennifer Mock Donohue has been vice president of Disney Local Advertising for five years, overseeing local,

regional and political sales for the Disney ad sales team.

“I think it gets better and better for female executives, because now we have each other to lean on,” she said. “It’s so important to see — especially for future generations that you can do anything in this world.”

That’s something Seema Bhansali, vice president of employee experience

and inclusion for the Henry Schein health care company, also focuses on.

“I brought my 16-year-old daughter because I want her to see that women have their own space and can own themselves in a very specific way,” she said. “It can be hard for women to say, ‘Yeah, I’m good.’ I want her to see that (imposter syndrome) doesn’t have to be her reality.”

“You see more CEOs, COOs, CFOs … women in all areas of business now,” she said. “The ceiling is smashed. There’s nothing we can’t do.”

The dinner and award ceremony are reminders to the communities of Long Island about the women who are leading the way.

“It was a privilege to be in the same room with such a talented, driven and giving group of strong and fearless women,” said Amy Amato, executive director of RichnerLive.

The Premier Business Women of Long Island Awards gala gold sponsor was Glen Cove Hospital-Northwell Health. Silver sponsors were Mazars, Henry Schein, Certilman Balin, Greenberg Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology, Valley Women in Business, and Capell Barnett Matalon & Schoenfeld.

Other sponsors included Liz Bentley Associates, National Grid Ventures, NHG Law Group, Jewish Community Relations Council of Long Island, and Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran LLP, Nassau

Angela Hayes, director of the customer experience group at Paraco Gas, shared an optimistic look at the future of women in the workforce.

Community College and Disney.

There were many cheers for the honorees of the Premier Business Women of Long Island Awards at the Heritage Club at Bethpage.

Victoria Spagnolo of NHG Law Group.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Yvonne Cort of Capell Barnett Matalon & Schoenfeld, accepts her award from Herald Community Newspapers publisher Stuart Richner.

Lauren Monaghan of Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman. Melissa Negrin-Wiener of Cona Elder Law.

Mindy Perlmutter of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Long Island.

Krista Bennett DeMaio of LI Beauty Scene.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Retha Fernandez of National Grid Ventures and, far right, Dr. Subrina Oliver of O-High Technologies.

Christina Jonathan of Jaspan Schlesinger and Narendran LLP.

Liz Bentley of Liz Bentley Associates.

Adrienne Greene of Valley Bank.

Ms. Long Island, Katherine Wang, left, and Ms. Long Island Teen, Alexis Ebanks.

Stuart Richner giving Larry Tenenbaum and his daughters an award in loving memory of their late wife and mother, Karen.

Maria Conzatti of Nassau Community College.

Stuart Richner, left, with keynote and honoree Tifphani White-King and her son.

Tim Baker/Herald photos Seema Bhansali of Henry Schein.

Jennifer Mock Donahue of Disney.

Gloria Webb of Valley Bank.

Filling baskets at an Easter egg hunt

The Seaford Chamber of Commerce hosted their annual Easter egg hunt at Washington Avenue Park on Saturday, March 30 For the families of the Seaford and Wantagh area.

The event featured music, bursts of color, pictures with the Easter Bunny and over 4000 eggs for kids and their families to hunt. It was a great community turnout and, according to chamber president Margaret Grub, who has been part of the chamber for many years, all 500 tickets were sold out in under thirty minutes.

“It went really well. The kids were smiling and playing and it was a great turnout. We even had people on the waiting list that, if we had the space, we tried to accommodate for,” Grub said.

The Chamber of Commerce will continue this tradition through next year and bring fun and family to Easter.

— Rachel Bamgbose

Danielle Sinacori/Herald photos

Vincent Knarr dressed for the occasion at an Easter egg hunt sponsored by the Seaford Chamber of Commerce.

Ella Marciano, left, Andrew Grombliniac and Gia Marciano with their egg baskets at Washington Avenue Park in Seaford.

Adelyn and Dylan Sitzman with the Easter Bunny at Washington Avenue Park in Seaford.

Friends and families gathered at Washington Avenue Park in Seaford on March 30 to participate in an Easter egg hunt hosted by the Seaford Chamber of Commerce.

Library hopes to add more in-person events

Hwith the mob, and the topic became a popular one that Sackowitz and Ehrlich both enjoy discussing with an audience. More than 30 people attended the March 28 discussion to learn more about the history of the mob operating locally.

aving something that can bring the community together while learning something new is our way of giving back, which is really important to us.

Howard EHrlicH H&H Scholars

“We’re really here to give background to a crime family lineage that most people have heard of,” Sackowitz said.

The duo delved into stories of Abe Reles, John Gotti and Bugsy Seigel, some of the most notorious mobsters in New York around World War 2. These three men had hundreds of crimes stacked against them and were feared by anyone who crossed paths with them, but they also would be home for the holidays and take care of their mothers.

“These men were loyal to their fami-

lies and loyal to the church so they tried to keep their families out of it as much as possible,” said Ehrlich.

The H&H scholars said they believe that learning about the history of where you live is interesting and important, motivating them to speak about such topics to audiences. They discuss a vast range of topics and interests during

their presentations, from what goes on behind closed doors of powerful politicians to courageous women through American history.

Kristen Jording, Seaford library’s adult services and public relations coordinator, said she was encouraged by the turnout for the event. During the Covid19 pandemic, the library was required to

move most, if not all, of its events to virtual programming due to the statewide restrictions. Ever since the regulations were lifted, library officials expressed hope of incorporating more in-person events in their calendar.

Many members of the audience were excited for the opportunity to build and reconnect with the community.

“The library is eager to connect better with the community again and present to engaging patrons after the Covid pandemic,” Jording said.

Before the restrictions were enforced, audiences of about 50 people or more would attend these free public events at the library.

“Even today, it was a great turnout, but there were a couple major community events happening,” Jording said. “But we want to maintain a balance between virtual and in-person for people who have restrictions for attending in-person.”

The H&H scholars said they are establishing a current events club at LIU Post, hoping it will grow and become popular among students. With information sessions being a community favorite in Seaford, people should look forward to more in-person events post-pandemic.

For more information on the library’s events, in-person or virtual, visit www.seafordlibrary.org or contact Jording at kjording@seafordlibrary.org.

Courtesy Seaford Public Library

Howard ehrlich speaking to attendees at Seaford public Library on march 28 during a presentation on the history of the italian and Jewish mafias on Long island.

Fire Department plant sale brings spring colors

Seaford Fire Department’s Hook, Ladder, and Engine Co. 1 delighted the community with their annual Easter Plant Sale at the Department Headquarters on Southard Ave and Waverly Ave over the weekend.

A vibrant array of flowers offered a mix of colors and fragrances at the annual event, which not only showcased the department’s commitment to serving the

Husband and Wife Phil and Sue Nicola showing off some of the colorful flowers for sale at the annual Easter Plant Sale.

community but also provided an opportunity to usher in the spring season with colorful plants for attendees to purchase.

With enthusiastic support from residents, the event was a blooming success, fostering community spirit and contributing to the fire department’s initiatives.

— Charles Shaw

It was a beautiful spring day over the weekend as the Seaford Fire Department set up a colorful display of flowers for attendees to purchase.

Danielle Sinacori/Herald photost

ANDREW

NICHOLAS T. TERZULLI, ESQ. Senior Counsel Davidoff Hutcher & Citron LLP

BRYAN F. LEWIS Counsel

MARC SARACINO ESQ. Associate Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP

NICHOLAS RAMCHARITAR, ESQ.

Owner and Attorney

The Ramcharitar Law Firm

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Founding Partner

Raiser & Kenniff, PC

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Financial Attorney, Founder & Managing Director

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TIFFANY C. GRAHAM

Associate Professor of Law, Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion

Touro University,

Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center

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Managing Partner

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Senior Vice President for Legal Affairs

& General Counsel

Hofstra University

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KRISTI DIPAOLO, ESQ.

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Cona Elder Law

ILANA DAVIDOV, ESQ.

Founder & Estate Planning Attorney

Davidov Law Group

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DONNA STEFANS, ESQ., AIF®

Founder & Lead Attorney

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Schwartz, Fang & Keating, PC

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Partner

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HON. GAIL PRUDENTI

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Burner Prudenti Law, PC

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JACOB RUBINSTEIN, ESQ.

Founder and Managing Partner

Rubinstein Law Firm, PLLC

HEALTHCARE

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Attorney

The Rizzuto Law Firm

LINDSAY MALESON

Partner & Healthcare Practice Group Leader

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IMMIGRATION

MICHAEL CATALIOTTI, ESQ.

Principal Cataliotti Law PC

EDUARDO M. VILLACORTA, ESQ.

Founder Villacorta Law Group

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NATALIE L. BELL

Managing Partner

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EDWARD G. MCCABE

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Meister Seelig & Fein PLLC

LATOYA R.A. JAMES, ESQ.

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Nassau County Women's Bar Association

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MEREDITH CHELSER Associate Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP

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DAVIDOV LAW GROUP, P.C.

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VISHNICK MCGOVERN MILIZIO LLP

Rhoads attends memorial bridge ceremony

State Sen. Steve Rhoads joined Troop L of the New York State Police for a memorial bridge ceremony on March 1 to honor three Troopers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

Troopers Theodore Dobbs, John Lane, and James Gohery all now have bridges dedicated in their memory.

Senator Rhoads was honored to have introduced the legislation authorizing

the Jerusalem Avenue overpass on the Wantagh Parkway to be named in Trooper Gohery’s honor.

Rhoads was joined by 47 members of the Gohery family ranging from his daughter who was six days shy of her 1st birthday when her dad was killed in the line of duty in 1943 to his great, great, great granddaughter. Rhoads said he promises that no one will forget these heroes’ service and sacrifice.

Courtesy Office of State Sen. Steve Rhoads State Sen. Steve Rhoads joined family members of Trooper James Gohery, who died in the line of duty in 1943, for a memorial bridge ceremony where the Jerusalem Avenue overpass on the Wantagh Parkway was named in Trooper Gohery’s honor.

STEPPING OUT

Go all out

By Karen Bloom

s we eagerly welcome spring — and Earth Month — the moment has arrived to think about how you want your yard to serve your family, pets and wildlife.

Maybe you’re aiming to have the best yard on the block, want to install an outdoor “family room,” or expand your space for entertaining. Perhaps your kids or pets could use a better play space.

Spring and backyarding — the act of doing indoor activities such as dining, working, entertaining, even exercising, in our own backyards — surely go hand in hand.

“Knowing your backyarding personality type can help you be better prepared to craft a yard that is not only beautiful, but is also purposeful and specifically suited to how you backyard,” says Kris Kiser, president of the TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care and use of green space.

The TurfMutt Foundation celebrates 15 years in 2024 teaching families how to save the planet one yard at a time.

“There really are no rules. Create an outdoor area that reflects your unique personality and style while supporting the things you like to do in your green space,” Kiser says. “Your yard isn’t just for aesthetics. It’s purposeful and contributes to our and the planet’s well-being. We encourage you to design your space that shows off your sense of style and supports what is important to your family.”

For most of us, that means filling our home environment with flowers. Plant summer bulbs and you’ll enjoy extra flowers in your garden next summer for months on end. Pick a nice spring day and turn planting into a fun outdoor activity — and get everyone involved.

Starting in early spring and all through summer, flower bulbs give you that lovely spring feeling. Even if March and April are often still cold and bleak, the first brave bulbs already start flowering. Imagine how fun it will be to cut some flowers from your own garden to put in a vase. In this way, you can enjoy spring inside as well.

Once the danger of night frost has passed, it is time to plant summer bulbs. If you don’t have enough garden space, no worries. Summer bulbs thrive planted in pots as well. With so many varieties available, you can you create the most colorful displays. You can enjoy these eye-catchers on your deck, patio or terrace for months.

Exuberant effect

All summer bulbs are suitable for planting in pots, by the way, They come in all kinds of shapes and colors. Five of the best-known include dahlia, Begonia, gladiolus, Calla and lily. They all have their own charm,

so it all depends on what you like. Low-growing summer bulbs are particularly suitable for pots, such as dahlias up to about 20 inches tall and tuberous begonias.

For an extra exuberant effect, mix several varieties of summer bulbs together. It is a smart choice if you want to extend the flowering period. Some flowers, such as dahlias and begonias, will actually continue to flower until the first frost.

Well-known or lesser known

Once the threat of night frost has passed, it is time to get started with summer bulbs.

The planting period runs until late May. You can choose popular dahlias, gladioli (Gladiolus), lilies (Lilium) or tuberous begonias. You could also go for lesser-known varieties, such as Crocosmia (previously known as Montbretia), variegated pineapple lily (Eucomis), Tigridia or Liatris.

Have you picked the perfect spot yet? Most summer bulbs need at least six hours of daily sun for rich flowering. So, check the packaging to see if your chosen bulbs prefer sun or (semi-)shade. Their demands on the soil are modest — it just needs to be sufficiently permeable to water.

Perfect match

Lower-growing varieties are best planted at the front of the border. Taller-growing ones thrive in a sheltered spot, against a wall or near a shrub, for example.

Group similar color hues together, or indeed, choose contrasting colors. Crocosmia, Dahlia and Liatris make a good team, as do lilies with gladioli and Canna lilies.

Summer bulbs are also a perfect match with perennials and shrubs.

Easy planting

Plant bulbs twice as deep as they are tall. Exceptions to this rule are dahlias and begonias, which should be planted less deep (with a few inches of soil above them).

Place bulbs in the soil with the growing point (“nose”) facing up. For begonias, the concave side is the top. Don’t worry if you’re not sure — once they sprout, they will grow upward on their own.

Fill the hole with soil and tamp it down lightly — water your bulbs.

In a pot, you can plant them a little closer together. Make sure there are holes in the bottom of the pot to allow excess water to drain away.

Put some shards or clay pellets at the bottom of the pot with potting soil on top. Next, follow the steps above. The bulbs will grow out on their own. They need watering only during long periods of drought.

Just a little more patience before you can enjoy the colorful results.

South Shore Symphony

The South Shore Symphony Orchestra welcomes spring as it continues director Adam Glaser’s inaugural season. The orchestra is joined by the Adea Horn Quartet, composed of Alyssa Cherson, David Stevens, Erik Beuttenmuller and Anthony Hayes. The evening’s fascinating repertoire includes Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Symphonic Dances, Op. 45, the most substantial work in the program. One of his most beloved works, it’s known for lush melodies and rich harmonies combined with dance rhythms, a sprinkle of jazz, and modern harmonic twists. Also of note, he wrote it on Long Island, in Huntington. The program also includes Lili Boulanger’s D’un Matin de Printemps, a brilliant work with hints of Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy, and Robert Schumann’s Concertpiece for 4 Horns, Op. 86.

Saturday, April 6, 7:30 p.m. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at MadisonTheatreNY.org or (516) 323-4444.

Rain: A tribute to The Beatles

The dynamic band takes everyone back to a time when all you needed was love, and a little help from your friends in its lively celebration of the iconic ‘Abbey Road’ album. Rain is renowned for delivering a note-for-note theatrical event that critics and audiences proclaim as the next best thing to seeing the Beatles live. Together longer than the Fab Four, Rain has mastered every song, gesture and nuance of the legendary foursome, resulting in a show that thoroughly captures the essential essence of Beatlemania. Their performance transports you back to the iconic era of Sgt. Pepper and the Magical Mystery Tour, along with all your favorite hits. From energetic classics to reflective favorites, the band delivers an unforgettable performance that appeals to fans, old and new. With vibrant costumes and psychedelic visuals, Rain creates a stunning concert full of nostalgia and good vibes. Join the band on an extraordinary journey that captivates hearts and inspires all generations.

Friday, March 29, 8 p.m. Tickets start Wednesday, April 10, 8 p.m. Tickets start at $45. Flagstar at Wesbury Music Fair, 960 Brush Hollow Road, Westbury. Tickets available at LiveNation.com.

Flower bulbs provide happiness for weeks on end, even before the height of the season. Photos courtesy iBulb

THE Your Neighborhood

The Wallflowers

Grab your leather jackets, and get ready to rock! The Wallflowers have hit the road and bringing their epic sound to the Paramount stage, Thursday, April 17, at 8 p.m. The line-up consists of Steve Mackey on bass, Stanton Adcock on lead guitar, Lynn Williams on drums, and founder Jakob Dylan on lead vocals and guitar. Expect to hear fan favorites, including the Billboard 100 charter “Sleepwalker.” Formed in 1989 by Dylan and guitarist Tobi Miller, over the last two decades the band has seen many changes. 1992 saw the release of their debut album, followed in 1994 by their best-known and highest-selling album, Bringing Down The Horse, which featured Grammy award-winning track ‘One Headlight’. The Wallflowers went on to release three more albums before going on a hiatus. 2012 was the year the band reunited and released their sixth album “Glad All Over.” Nearly a decade later, The Wallflowers released their seventh album, “Exit Wounds,” which hit number three on the Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart — making it the highest charting album for the band yet! For the past 30 years, this Dylan-led act has stood as one of rock’s most dynamic and purposeful bands — a unit dedicated to and continually honing a sound that meshes timeless songwriting and storytelling with a hard-hitting and decidedly modern musical attack. That signature style has been present through the decades, baked into the grooves of smash hits like 1996’s “Bringing Down the Horse” as well as more recent and exploratory fare like “Glad All Over.” While it’s been nine long years since we’ve heard from the group with whom he first made his mark, The Wallflowers are silent no more. And Jakob Dylan always knew they’d return, claiming The Wallflowers is much of his life’s work. $75, $45, $35, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com or ParamountNY.com.

‘Listen to the Music’

Join L.I. Cabaret Theatre for their latest performance, Saturday, April 6, 2 p.m., at the Elmont Library Theatre. In this spirited show music is on the menu as the cast travels back to different years in the past to find clues and knowledge to save the Melody Diner from demolition. A cast of 35 keeps the action moving along, with a live band. Singers and dancers perform current hits, oldies and also tunes from the Broadway stage. Free admission. Elmont Memorial Library Theater, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. (516) 354-5280 or LICabaret@ aol.com.

Weekly bingo

Bingo everyone! Temple B’nai Torah host fun-filled bingo sessions, every Wednesday, 10:30 a.m.- 1 p.m.; every Thursday, 7:15 p.m.-10 p.m. Prizes, progressive games and refreshments are available. 2900 Jerusalem Ave., in Wantagh. For more information, visit TBTWantagh.org or call (516) 221-2370.

On exhibit

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

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

Country Jukebox

The North Shore Symphony Orchestra is joined by Broadway and New York cabaret stars for “Country Jukebox: Kenny, Dolly & Friends,” Saturday, April 6, 8 p.m., on Adelphi’s Performing Arts Center stage. Your toes will be tapping and your hands clapping during this evening of country classics from the 1950s to today’s hottest contemporary hits.

The dynamic performers, with North Shore Symphony, salute such greats as Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Tammy Wynette, George Jones, The Judds, Carrie Underwood and more. Tickets start at $45, with discounts available to seniors, students, Adelphi alumni and employees. Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City. (516) 8774000 or Adelphi.edu/pac.

Bingo at Temple

B’Nai Torah

Every Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and every Thursday from 7:15 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., Temple B’nai Torah will be hosting a fun-filled day of bingo. Prizes, progressive games and refreshments will be available. Temple B’Nai Torah is located at 2900 Jerusalem Ave in Wantagh. For more information, call 516221-2370.

April 14

On stage

Plaza

Theatrical continues its season with “Til Death Do Us Part…You First,” directed by Chazz Palminteri, Sunday, April 14, 2:30 p.m. Peter Fogel wrote and perfroms his hilarious autobiographical tale. An eternal bachelor, Fogel has major commitment issues as the love of his life has just broken up with him on Valentine’s Day. He senses his own mortality and after much soul searching, he decides to revisit the scene of all his romantic disasters.

Fogel’s signature wit, along with riotous relatable characters, takes us on a whirlwind comedic journey of searching for his soul mate and the meaning of a real commitment. Fogel laments: “The longest relationship I’ve had in my entire life…is with T-Mobile!” $40, $35 seniors. See it at Plaza’s stage at the Elmont Library Theatre. 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit PlazaTheatrical.com.

Having an event?

Party through the decades

Dance to your favorite music from the ’50s to the present, at Temple B’Nai Torah for the Decade DressUp Dance Party fundraiser, Saturday, April 13, at 6:30 p.m. Dinner, dessert, and beverages will be served. $65 per person. Open to all adults, young and not so young, and attendees can dress in period clothing if they choose. 2700 Jerusalem Ave., in Wantagh. For more information, visit TBTWantagh.org.

Game time

Join the JULIETS for Mahjongg and card games at Congregation Beth Tikvah, every Thursday, noon-4 p.m. Masks are optional, but proof of Covid-19 vaccination is required for newcomers, as well as a contribution of $5 per person. 3710 Woodbine Ave., in Wantagh, For more information email mahjonggCBT@yahoo.com or call (516) 785-2445.

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.

Schumann Rachmaninoff Boulanger

Concerto for 4 horns Symphonic Dances D’un matin du printemps

Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 PM Madison Theatre at Molloy University 1000 Hempstead Avenue, Rockville Centre, NY 516 323-4444 - www.madisontheatreny.org

Join us for a concert that will include the French Horn artistry of the Adea Quartet performing Schumann’s Concerto

Rachmaninoff wrote “Symphonic Dances” a stunning orchestral work in 1940 while living in Huntington, Long Island.

Lili Boulanger completed this last orchestral work in 1920 in the mode of the French Impressionist composers.

Celebrate Holi

Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to celebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors, Sunday, April 14, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Originating in India, this Hindu festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of the colorful spring season. During this joyous celebration, families eat sweets, dance to traditional folk music and throw colorful powder made from flowers called gulal. Crafts, color throwing and dancing will be part of this vibrant event. Welcome spring’s arrival with Holi. Participants are encouraged to wear clothes that they won’t mind getting messy. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. (516) 224-5800 or LICM.org.

April 23

Community Passover Seder

Join Congregation Beth Tikvah for the second night of Passover, Tuesday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m. Led by Rabbi Moshe P. Weisblum, the event will feature an inspirational Hebrew/English Haggadah, a fun multi-generational Seder, food, singing and storytelling. 3710 Woodbine Ave., in Wantagh. For menu, pricing, dietary concerns, reservations or repayment, call the synagogue office at (516) 7852445.

History of the Fire Island lighthouse

Seaford Historical Society hosts Angela Reich, with the Fire Island Lighthouse Preservation Society, Thursday, April 11, 7 p.m. She’ll discuss the history of the lighthouse and its historic rescues. Her book, “Shipwreck of Hopes”, will be for sale that evening, cash only. Free to members; $5 for non-members. With refreshments and raffle. 3890 Waverly Ave., Seaford. Visit SeafordHistoricalSociety.org or call (516) 221-2851 for more.

B’Nai Torah Community Seder

Temple B’Nai Torah hosts a Community Seder, Tuesday, April 23, at 6:30 p.m. Led by Cantor Rica Timman, participate in a complete Seder with a full dinner. Adult admission is $65; $25 ages five to 13; under five are free. 2900 Jerusalem Ave. in Wantagh. For more information, contact Brian Levy via email at Bellobl@gmail.com or phone at (516) 459-4450.

Public Notices

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING, ELECTION AND PERSONAL REGISTRATION, LEVITTOWN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Annual Meeting of the School District, the vote on the School District budget and election of candidates for the School Board of Levittown Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, and the vote on the Public Library budget and election of a candidate for the Board of Trustees for the Levittown Public Library, will be held in the several election districts of the School District at the voting places designated below on Tuesday, May 21, 2024 between the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM, to vote by ballot on voting machines on the proposition or propositions set forth below, as well as any other propositions which may properly come before the electorate, and to elect members of the Board of Education and to elect a member of the Library Board of Trustees. Shall the following resolutions be adopted:

PROPOSITION NO. 1

SCHOOL DISTRICT

BUDGET

BE IT RESOLVED, that the School District budget for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2025, as presented to the Board of Education, in the amount of $261,572,899 be approved and the necessary taxes be levied therefore on the taxable real property of the district.

PROPOSITION NO. 2

LIBRARY BUDGET

RESOLVED, that the Public Library Budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025 proposed by the Library Board of Trustees of the Levittown Public Library heretofore filed pursuant to law shall be approved and the necessary taxes be levied therefore on the taxable real property of the district.

NOTICE IS FURTHER

GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education and for the office of member of the Library Board of Trustees must be filed with the District Clerk between the hours of 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM but between the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on April 22, 2024. Forms of the petitions may be obtained from the District Clerk.

The following vacancies are to be filled on the Board of Education: Two (2) members for the term of three (3) years, commencing July 1, 2024 and expiring June 30, 2027.

A separate petition is required to nominate a candidate for member of the Board of Education. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected. Each petition must be directed to the District Clerk, must be signed by at least twentyfive (25) qualified voters of the District, or 2% of the voters who voted in the 2023 election, whichever is greater, and shall state the residence of each person who signed, must state the name and residence of the candidate and the length of the term of office. This year all nominating petitions must include 37 signatures.

The following vacancies are to be filled on the Library Board of Trustees: One (1) member for the term of five (5) years, commencing July 1, 2024 and ending June 30, 2029.

A separate petition is required to nominate a candidate for member of the Library Board of Trustees. Each petition must be directed to the District Clerk, must be signed by at least twentyfive (25) qualified voters of the District, or 2% of the voters who voted in the 2023 election for members of the Library Board of Trustees, whichever is greater, and shall state the residence of each person who signed, must state the name and residence of the candidate and the length of the term of office. This year all nominating petitions must include 37 signatures.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that a statement of estimated expenses for the 2024-2025 school year will be presented at a Public Hearing on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at 7:30 PM in the Board Meeting Room of the Levittown Memorial Education Center and copies of such statement, as well as the statement of the amount of money required for the 2024-2025 fiscal year of the Public Library, will be made available on the District’s website and at each schoolhouse and library in the District during the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM on each day other than a Saturday, Sunday or holiday during the fourteen (14) calendar days immediately preceding the election together with the text of any resolution which will be presented to the voters.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law, personal registration of voters is required and only those persons whose names appear on the register of the said school district, or who are registered pursuant to Article 5 of

the Election Law, shall be entitled to vote at said meeting and election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that all qualified voters who have previously registered for any annual or special meeting or election and have voted at any annual or special election held or conducted at any time within four (4) calendar years prior to this year are not required to register with the Board of Registration for this meeting.

All other persons who wish to vote must register. A voter may register at the office of the District Clerk of the Levittown UFSD between the hours of 8:00 AM. and 1:00 PM on school days provided that such registration is effected no later than May 16, 2024.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that said register will be filed in the office of the District Clerk and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District on each of the five (5) days prior to the day of the election, except Sunday, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, on Monday through Friday by appointment on Saturday ( May 18, 2024), in the office of the District Clerk and at each voting place on the day of the election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that absentee ballots for those eligible pursuant to the provision of Section 2018a of the Education Law are available, and that applications for absentee ballots may be applied for at the office of the District Clerk. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots have been issued will be available in the office of the Clerk on each of the five (5) calendar days prior to the day of election except Sunday, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM on Monday through Friday and by appointment on Saturday ( May 18, 2024), in the office of the District Clerk. Such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) calendar days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or by the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. No absentee voter’s ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received in the office of the District Clerk not later than 5:00 PM on the day of the election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that pursuant to Section 2018-e of the Education Law, applications for early mail ballots may be obtained at the Office of the District Clerk of the School District, during all days in which the School District is in session.

Completed applications must be received by the

District Clerk no earlier than April 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 School 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. A challenge to an early voting ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should have applied for an absentee ballot.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that during the voting hours on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM, in the various election districts, the Board of Registration will meet to receive registrations for subsequent elections. During the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM on voting days, the District Clerk shall be in her office at the Levittown Memorial Education Center.

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

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Education Law §2018-d, Military Voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the District by submitting a Military Voter Registration Application to the District Clerk, no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 25, 2024. A copy of the Military Voter Registration Application

is available both by contacting the District Clerk by email at vesposito@levittownscho ols.com and online at the District’s website located a t <http://www.levittownsc hools.com/>. Military voters who are qualified voters of the District may submit an application for a military ballot. A Military Voter is entitled to designate a preference to receive a Military Voter Registration Application, Military Ballot Application or Military Ballot by mail, facsimile or electronic mail. Such designation will remain in effect until revoked or changed by the voter. If no preference is designated, the District will transmit the Military Voter Registration Application, Military Ballot Application or Military Ballot by mail. Military Voter Ballot Application forms must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 25, 2024.

Military Ballots will not be canvassed unless they are received by the District Clerk on or before 5:00 p.m. on May 21, 2024.

SCHOOL ELECTION DISTRICTS:

The boundaries of the school election districts and the place of each election district for voting and registration shall be as follows:

ELECTION DISTRICT #1GARDINERS AVENUE SCHOOL

Beginning at Wantagh

Parkway and Chase Lane; east on Chase Lane to Center Lane, thence south to Prairie Lane; thence east to Gardiners Avenue; thence south to Slate Lane; then east and north to Swan Lane; then east and north to Grey Lane; continuing east to Wantagh Avenue; thence south on Wantagh Avenue to Jerusalem Avenue; thence west to Oakfield Avenue; continuing north to Old Jerusalem Road; thence east on Old Jerusalem Road to Wantagh Parkway Line; north along Line to the point of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT #2EAST BROADWAY SCHOOL

Beginning at north side of Southern State Parkway and east side of Wantagh Avenue; north on Wantagh to Miller Place; thence east to Exit Lane; thence south to Elm Drive; thence west to Elbow Lane; thence southwest to End Lane; south to End Lane and Elm Drive East to Pope Street; thence east to District Line; thence south to Regent Lane; thence east to Red Maple Drive; thence northeast, and south to Regal Lane; east on Regal Lane and Cordwood Lane to Arlington Drive; thence southeast to Town Line; thence south to Southern State Parkway; west along Parkway to point of

beginning. Beginning at south side of Southern State Parkway and west side of Town Line; south on Town Line to Jerusalem Avenue; thence west to Wantagh Avenue; thence north to Southern State Parkway; thence east to point of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT #3LEVITTOWN MEMORIAL EDUCATION CENTER

Beginning at east side of Wantagh Parkway and south side of Hempstead Turnpike; east on Hempstead Turnpike to Silver Lane; thence south to Forge Lane; thence east to Cotton Lane; thence southeasterly to Wantagh Avenue; then south to Grey Lane; thence west to Swan Lane; then southwesterly to Slate Lane; then south to Gardiners Avenue, thence north to Prairie Lane; thence west to Center Lane; thence north to Chase Lane; thence west to Wantagh Parkway Line; north along Line to point of beginning.

ELECTION DISTRICT #4DIVISION AVENUE HIGH SCHOOL

Beginning at north side of Hempstead Turnpike and west side of Jerusalem Avenue; west on Hempstead Turnpike to District Boundary Line at Wantagh State Parkway; thence northeast to northerly border of School District; east on Boundary Line (Flamingo Rd., Magpie Lane, Blacksmith Rd) to Jerusalem Avenue; thence south to point of beginning. Dated: Levittown, New York March 2024 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION LEVITTOWN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK 145920 LEGAL NOTICE

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA, VOTACIÓN PRESUPUESTARIA Y ELECCIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR

LIBRE DE WANTAGH UNION

WANTAGH, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK POR LA PRESENTE SE

NOTIFICA que se llevará a cabo una Audiencia Pública de los votantes calificados del DISTRITO

ESCOLAR LIBRE DE WANTAGH UNION, Condado de Nassau, Wantagh, Nueva York, en la Escuela Secundaria

Superior, Wantagh, Nueva York, en dicho distrito escolar el 8 de mayo de 2024, a las 8:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, para la transacción de negocios según lo autorizado por la Ley de Educación, incluyendo los siguientes elementos:

1. Presentar a los votantes una declaración detallada (propuesta de presupuesto) de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año fiscal 2024-25.

2. Discutir todos los puntos que a continuación se establecen para ser votados por las máquinas de votación en la Votación y Elección del Presupuesto que se llevará a cabo el martes 21 de mayo de 2024.

3. Tratar cualquier otro asunto que pueda presentarse ante la reunión de conformidad con la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York y las leyes que la modifiquen.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE

DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que una copia de una declaración detallada por escrito de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año escolar 2024/25 para fines escolares (el presupuesto propuesto) se pondrá a disposición, previa solicitud, de cualquier residente del Distrito entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, a partir del 1 de mayo de 2024, excepto sábados, domingos o días festivos, en la oficina del Superintendente Adjunto de Negocios, Edificio de Administración, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, en cada escuela del Distrito, en las oficinas del distrito escolar, en el sitio web del Distrito en www.wantaghschools.or g y en la Biblioteca Pública de Wantagh.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que dicha Votación y Elección del Presupuesto se llevará a cabo el martes 21 de mayo de 2024, entre las 7:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, en los Tres (3) Distritos Electorales, descritos a continuación, momento en el cual las urnas se abrirán para votar por máquina de votación sobre los siguientes elementos:

1. Adoptar el presupuesto anual del Distrito Escolar para el año fiscal 2024-25 y autorizar que la parte requerida del mismo se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad imponible del Distrito.

3. Votar sobre la siguiente proposición: “¿Se autorizará a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Wantagh Union a establecer un fondo de reserva de capital de conformidad con la Sección 3651 de la Ley de Educación de Nueva York que se conocerá como el Fondo de Reserva de Capital 2024 por un plazo probable de quince (15) años, con el monto principal final del mismo por un total de hasta diez millones ($ 10,000,000) dólares, más los intereses devengados por los mismos; cuyo propósito será financiar en su totalidad o en parte, mejoras de seguridad y protección, reparaciones, renovaciones, adiciones y mejoras en todo el distrito (es decir, mejoras de capital a las instalaciones del Distrito, incluidas, entre otras, la reconstrucción y renovación de instalaciones, techos, reducción de asbesto, calefacción/ventilación, trabajos de albañilería, ventanas, trabajos en el sitio y trabajos relacionados), así como la compra de vehículos de pasajeros (que no sean autobuses escolares) que tengan una capacidad de asientos de menos de diez personas cuando se compran para reemplazar un vehículo similar previamente en servicio durante tres años o más, con dichos fondos que se obtendrán de las asignaciones presupuestarias y los intereses devengados sobre los mismos, y los saldos de fondos no asignados puestos a disposición por la Junta de Educación”.

4. Elegir a un (1) miembro de la Junta de Educación por un período de tres años que comienza el 1 de julio de 2024 y expira el 30 de junio de 2027.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que de conformidad con la Sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre la Propiedad Inmobiliaria, se requiere que el Distrito Escolar adjunte a su presupuesto propuesto un informe de exención. Dicho informe de exención, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, indicará qué parte del valor total de tasación en la lista de liquidación final utilizada en el proceso presupuestario está exenta de impuestos,

2. Votar sobre la siguiente proposición: “¿Se autorizará a la Junta de Educación de conformidad con la Sección 3651 de la Ley de Educación a asignar y gastar una cantidad que no exceda el costo total estimado (incluidos los intereses acumulados) de un millón doscientos mil ($1,200,000) dólares del fondo de reserva de capital establecido por los votantes del Distrito Escolar en la reunión anual celebrada el 15 de mayo? 2018, para los siguientes proyectos: Actualización y reemplazo de los sistemas de megafonía e intercomunicación y comunicación en el aula en la Escuela Primaria Forest Lake, la Escuela Primaria Mandalay, la Escuela Primaria Wantagh, la Escuela Secundaria Wantagh y la Escuela Secundaria Wantagh”.

Public Notices

enumerará cada tipo de exención concedida, identificada por la autoridad legal, y mostrará: (a) el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención expresado como un monto en dólares del valor catastral o como un porcentaje del valor catastral total en el rollo; b) el importe acumulado que se espera recibir de los beneficiarios de cada tipo de exención en concepto de pagos en lugar de impuestos u otros pagos por servicios municipales; y c) el efecto acumulativo de todas las exenciones concedidas. El informe de exención se publicará en cualquier tablón de anuncios mantenido por el Distrito para avisos públicos y en cualquier sitio web mantenido por el Distrito. Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que las peticiones de nominación de candidatos para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación se presentarán ante la Secretaria de dicho Distrito Escolar en su oficina en el Edificio de Administración, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, a más tardar el 22 de abril de 2024, entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m., tiempo prevaleciente. Las vacantes en la Junta de Educación no se consideran cargos separados y específicos; Los candidatos se postulan en general. Las peticiones de nominación no describirán ninguna vacante específica en la Junta para la cual se nomina al candidato; debe dirigirse al Secretario del Distrito; debe estar firmada por al menos cuarenta y cinco (45) votantes calificados del Distrito (que representen el mayor de veinticinco (25) votantes calificados o el 2% del número de votantes que votaron en la elección anual anterior); debe indicar el nombre y la residencia de cada firmante, y debe indicar el nombre y la residencia del candidato.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que se requiere el registro personal de los votantes de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación o de conformidad con el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral. Si un votante se ha registrado hasta ahora de conformidad con §2014 de la Ley de Educación y ha votado en una reunión anual o especial del distrito dentro de los últimos cuatro (4) años calendario, él o ella es elegible para votar en esta elección. Si un votante está registrado y es elegible para votar bajo el Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral, él o ella también es elegible para votar en esta elección. Todas las demás personas

que deseen votar deben registrarse.

El registro se llevará a cabo con el propósito de registrar a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito de conformidad con §2014 de la Ley de Educación hasta el jueves 16 de mayo de 2024, entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, en todos los días regulares durante los cuales la oficina del Secretario del Distrito esté en funcionamiento, ubicada en el Edificio de Administración, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, en cuyo momento cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se coloque en dicho registro, siempre que en ese momento se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de dicho Secretario de Distrito que tiene derecho a votar en esa elección para la cual se prepara el registro. La Junta de Registro también se reunirá con el propósito de registrar a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito de conformidad con §2014 de la Ley de Educación el 7 de mayo de 2024, entre las 9:00 a.m. y la 1:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, en el vestíbulo de la escuela secundaria superior, y el sábado 11 de mayo de 2024, entre las 9:00 a.m. y la 1:00 p.m., en el Edificio de Administración, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, para agregar cualquier nombre adicional al Registro que se utilizará en la elección antes mencionada, momento en el cual cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se coloque en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión de la Junta de Registro se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro que tiene derecho en ese momento o en lo sucesivo votar en la elección para la cual se prepara el registro. El último día para inscribirse será el jueves 16 de mayo de 2024. El registro así preparado de conformidad con §2014 de la Ley de Educación se archivará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, y estará abierto para su inspección por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito a partir del jueves 16 de mayo de 2024, entre las 9:00 a.m. y la 1:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, en días laborables y todos los días anteriores al día fijado para la elección, excepto el domingo, y el sábado 18 de mayo de 2024 entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 12:00 p.m., y en el lugar de votación el día de la votación.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que los votantes militares que no están registrados actualmente pueden

solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de Wantagh Union solicitando y devolviendo una solicitud de registro al Secretario del Distrito en persona, por correo postal a 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, por correo electrónico a mcguigane@wantaghsch ools.org o por fax enviado al (516) 765-4154. La solicitud de la solicitud de registro puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar para recibir la solicitud de registro por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Los formularios de solicitud de registro de votantes militares deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario de Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 25 de abril de 2024.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que los votantes militares que son votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de Wantagh Union, pueden solicitar una solicitud para una boleta militar del Secretario del Distrito en persona, por correo a 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, por correo electrónico a mcguigane@wantaghsch ools.org, o por fax enviado al (516) 765-4154. En dicha solicitud, el votante militar puede indicar su preferencia por recibir la solicitud por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Un votante militar debe devolver la solicitud original de boleta militar por correo o en persona a la oficina del Secretario de Distrito en 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793. Para que un votante militar reciba una boleta militar, se debe recibir una solicitud de boleta militar válida en la oficina del Secretario de Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m., el 25 de abril de 2024. Las solicitudes de boletas militares recibidas de acuerdo con lo anterior se procesarán de la misma manera que una solicitud de boleta no militar según la Sección 2018-a de la Ley de Educación. La solicitud de boleta militar puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar para recibir la boleta militar por correo, fax o correo electrónico.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que la boleta militar original de un votante militar debe devolverse por correo o en persona a la oficina del Secretario de Distrito en 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793. Las boletas militares serán escrutadas si son recibidas por el Secretario de Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el 21 de mayo de 2024 mostrando una marca de cancelación del

Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o mostrando un endoso fechado de recepción por otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o recibida a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 21 de mayo de 2024 y firmada y fechada por el votante militar y un testigo de la misma, con una fecha que se determina que no es posterior al día anterior a la elección.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que de conformidad con §2014 de la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York, la Junta de Registro se reunirá el martes 21 de mayo de 2024, entre las 7:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, en cada uno de los tres (3) distritos electorales separados para preparar el Registro del Distrito Escolar que se utilizará en la Votación y Elección del Presupuesto que se llevará a cabo en 2025, y cualquier reunión especial de distrito que pueda celebrarse después de la preparación de dicho Registro, momento en el cual cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se coloque en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión de dicha Junta de Registro se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro que tiene derecho a votar en la elección escolar para la cual se encuentra dicho Registro o cualquier reunión especial de distrito que se celebre después del 21 de mayo de 2024.

TENGA EN CUENTA que se permitirá la votación en ausencia y por correo anticipado de acuerdo con las Secciones 2018 a y 2018-e de la Ley de Educación. Todas las solicitudes de boletas de voto ausente y por correo anticipado se pueden solicitar en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar a partir del lunes 22 de abril de 2024. A partir del jueves 16 de mayo de 2024, una lista de todas las personas a las que se les habrán emitido boletas de voto en ausencia y por correo anticipado estará disponible durante el horario de oficina regular en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar (entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente) en cada uno de los cinco días anteriores al día de la elección, excepto domingos o días festivos. y disponible los sábados solo con cita previa. Una solicitud para una boleta de voto en ausencia, en un formulario que será proporcionado por el Secretario del Distrito Escolar, se hará al Secretario del Distrito Escolar. Dicha solicitud debe recibirse al menos siete (7) días antes de la

elección si el Secretario del Distrito Escolar debe devolver la boleta de voto en ausencia al solicitante por correo. Si el solicitante o su agente va a recoger personalmente la boleta de voto en ausencia, la solicitud debe ser recibida por el Secretario del Distrito Escolar al menos un (1) día antes de la elección. Una solicitud para una boleta electoral anticipada por correo, en un formulario que será proporcionado por el Secretario del Distrito Escolar, se hará al Secretario del Distrito Escolar. Para cualquier solicitud de boleta anticipada por correo recibida al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección, el Secretario del Distrito enviará por correo una boleta anticipada por correo a cada votante calificado que solicitó que dicha boleta anticipada por correo se envíe por correo a la dirección establecida en la solicitud presentada a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la elección. Si un solicitante o su agente entrega una solicitud para una boleta electoral anticipada por correo después del 14 de mayo de 2024 y a más tardar el día antes de la elección, el Secretario del Distrito entregará la boleta electoral anticipada por correo cuando el solicitante y/o su agente se presenten en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito. No se realizará el escrutinio de ninguna boleta de votante ausente o por correo anticipado, a menos que se haya recibido en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m., hora prevaleciente, el martes 21 de mayo de 2024, el día de la elección. Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que cualquier referéndum o propuesta para enmendar el presupuesto, o de otra manera para ser presentada para votar en dicha elección, debe presentarse ante el Secretario de Distrito de la Junta de Educación en el Edificio de Administración, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, en o antes del 22 de abril de 2024, a las 4:00 p.m., tiempo prevaleciente, excepto que los referendos o proposiciones que la ley exija que se incluyan en el aviso de la reunión anual deben presentarse ante el Secretario del Distrito en o antes 22 de marzo de 2024, a las 4:00 p.m.; debe estar mecanografiado o impreso en inglés; debe dirigirse al Secretario del Distrito Escolar; debe estar firmada por al menos ciento once (111) votantes calificados del Distrito (que representen el mayor de los 25 o el 5% del número de votantes que votaron en

la elección anual anterior); y debe indicar de forma legible el nombre de cada firmante. Sin embargo, la Junta Escolar no considerará ninguna petición para presentar ante los votantes cualquier proposición cuyo propósito no esté dentro de los poderes de los votantes para determinar, que sea ilegal o cualquier proposición que no incluya una asignación específica cuando el gasto de dinero sea requerido por la proposición, o cuando exista otra razón válida para excluir la proposición de la boleta.

DISTRITOS ELECTORALES ESCOLARES Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL, que se han establecido

Distritos Electorales en el Distrito Escolar. Los límites de los Distritos Electorales, según lo adoptado por resolución de la Junta de Educación, y el lugar en cada distrito electoral para votar serán los siguientes:

DISTRITO ELECTORAL NO.

1 - Todos los votantes que residen al sur de Sunrise Highway votan en la Escuela Primaria Mandalay, 2667 Bayview Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793.

DISTRITO ELECTORAL NO.

2 - Todos los votantes que residen al norte de Sunrise Highway y al este de Wantagh Parkway votan en la Escuela Primaria Wantagh, 1765 Beech Street Wantagh, Nueva York 11793.

DISTRITO ELECTORAL NO.

3 - Todos los votantes que residen al norte de Sunrise Highway y al oeste de Wantagh Parkway, votan en la Escuela Primaria Forest Lake, 3100 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793.

Fecha: Wantagh, Nueva York

21 de marzo de 2024

Por orden de la CONSEJO DE EDUCACIÓN DE LA

DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE WANTAGH UNION

Wantagh, Nueva York

Elaine McGuigan, Secretaria de Distrito 145916

PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES

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

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION OF THE WANTAGH UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT WANTAGH, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing of the qualified voters of the WANTAGH UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, Nassau County, Wantagh, New York will be held in the Senior High School, Wantagh, New York, in said school district on May 8, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. prevailing

time, for the transaction of business as authorized by the Education Law, including the following items:

1. To present to the voters a detailed statement (proposed budget) of the amount of money which will be required for the 2024-25 fiscal year.

2. To discuss all the items hereinafter set forth to be voted upon by voting machines at the Budget Vote and Election to be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting pursuant to Education Law of the State of New York and acts amendatory thereto.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a copy of a detailed statement in writing of the amount of money which will be required for the 2024/25 school year for school purposes (the proposed budget) will be made available, upon request, to any resident of the District between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, beginning May 1, 2024, except Saturday, Sunday or holidays, at the office of the Assistant Superintendent for Business, Administration Building, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, at each school house in the District, at school district offices, on the District’s website at www.wantaghschools.or g, and at the Wantagh Public Library.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that said Budget Vote and Election will be held on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, in the Three (3) Election Districts, described below, at which time the polls will be opened to vote by voting machine upon the following items:

1. To adopt the annual budget of the School District for the fiscal year 2024-25 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District.

2. To vote on the following proposition:

“Shall the Board of Education be authorized pursuant to Section 3651 of the Education Law to appropriate and expend an amount not to exceed the total estimated cost (including accrued interest) of One Million Two Hundred Thousand ($1,200,000) Dollars from the capital reserve fund established by voters of the School District at the annual meeting held on May 15, 2018, for the following projects: Upgrade and replacement of the public address and classroom intercom and communication systems at Forest Lake Elementary

School, Mandalay Elementary School, Wantagh Elementary School, Wantagh Middle School and Wantagh High School.”

3. To vote on the following proposition:

“Shall the Board of Education of the Wantagh Union Free School District be authorized to establish a capital reserve fund pursuant to Section 3651 of the New York Education Law to be known as the 2024 Capital Reserve Fund for a probable term of fifteen (15) years, with the ultimate principal amount therein to total up to Ten Million ($10,000,000) Dollars, plus interest earnings thereon; whose purpose shall be to fund in whole or in part, safety and security enhancements, districtwide repairs, renovations, additions, and improvements (i.e., capital improvements to the facilities of the District, including, but not limited to, reconstruction and renovation of facilities, roofing, asbestos abatement, heating/ventilation, masonry work, windows, site work and related work), as well as the purchase of passenger vehicles (other than a school bus) having a seating capacity of less than ten persons when purchased to replace a similar vehicle previously in service for three years or more, with such funds to be obtained from budget appropriations and the interest accrued thereon, and unappropriated fund balances made available by the Board of Education.”

4. To elect one (1) member of the Board of Education for a threeyear term commencing July 1, 2024 and expiring on June 30, 2027.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law, the School District is required to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how much of the total assessed value on the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted, identified by statutory authority, and show: (a) the cumulative impact of each type of exemption expressed either as a dollar amount of assessed value or as a percentage of the total assessed value on the roll; (b) the cumulative amount expected to be received from recipients of each type of exemption as payments in lieu of taxes or other payments for municipal services; and (c) the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. The exemption

report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on any website maintained by the District.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education shall be filed with the Clerk of said School District at her office in the Administration Building, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, not later than April 22, 2024, between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., prevailing time. Vacancies on the Board of Education are not considered separate, specific offices; candidates run at large. Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the Board for which the candidate is nominated; must be directed to the Clerk of the District; must be signed by at least forty-five (45) qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of twenty-five (25) qualified voters or 2% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); must state the name and residence of each signer, and, must state the name and residence of the candidate.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law or pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law and has voted at an annual or special district meeting within the last four (4) calendar years, he or she is eligible to vote at this election. If a voter is registered and eligible to vote under Article 5 of the Election Law, he or she is also eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register. Registration shall be conducted for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law through Thursday, May 16, 2024, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, on all regular days during which the office of the District Clerk is in operation, located in the Administration Building, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such register, provided that at such time he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said District Clerk to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the register is prepared. The Board of Registration will also

meet for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law on May 7, 2024, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., prevailing time, in the Senior High School Lobby, and on Saturday, May 11, 2024, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 pm., at the Administration Building, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, to add any additional names to the Register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the register is prepared. The last day to register shall be Thursday, May 16, 2024. The register so prepared pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on Thursday, May 16, 2024, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., prevailing time, on weekdays, and each day prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, and on Saturday, May 18, 2024 between the hours of 9:00 a.m., and 12:00 p.m., and at the polling place(s) on the day of the vote.

ools.org, or fax sent to (516) 765-4154. In such request, the military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application by mail, fax or email. A military voter must return the original military ballot application by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793. In order for a military voter to be issued a military ballot, a valid military ballot application must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m., on April 25, 2024. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a non-military ballot application under Section 2018-a of the Education Law. The application for military ballot may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the military ballot by mail, fax, or email.

or any special district meeting held after May 21, 2024.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that absentee and early mail voting will be permitted in accordance with Sections 2018 a and 2018-e of the Education Law. All applications for absentee and early mail ballots may be applied for at the Office of the School District Clerk beginning Monday, April 22, 2024.

Beginning Thursday, May 16, 2024 a list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots shall have been issued will be available during regular Office hours in the Office of the School District Clerk (between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., prevailing time) on each of the five days prior to the day of the election except Sunday or holidays, and available on Saturday by appointment only.

Crime watCh

Lauto LarCeny

On March 19, a victim reported that a catalytic converter was stolen from her car parked on Hamilton Avenue in Massapequa.

Petit LarCeny

On March 20, a victim reported that two bird statues were stolen from a residence on Ocean Avenue in Massapequa Park.

An EZ Pass was stolen on Nancy Place in North Massapequa on Feb. 6.

Two bottles of liquor were stolen from Merrick Wine & Liquors on Merrick Mall in Merrick on March 22.

A bottle of liquor was stolen from Massapequa Wine Cellar on Hicksville Road in North Massapequa on March 22.

On March 1, items were stolen from Ulta on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown.

arrests

Jamie Carruba, 34, of Massapequa, was arrested for shoplifting at Target on

Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown on March 16.

Stephanie Chiderah, Mba-Leke, 28, of Levittown was arrested for shoplifting at Wal-Mart on Old Country Road in Westbury on March 16.

Frank Dejohn Jr., 53, of East Quogue, was arrested for shoplifting at Target on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown on March 18.

Pantro Reyes, 32, of Levittown, was arrested for shoplifting at Dicks Sporting Goods on Old Country Road in East Garden City on March 19.

Luyu Li, 31, of Farmingdale, was arrested for shoplifting at Target on Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown on March 23.

Daniel Trager, 42, of Wantagh, was arrested for shoplifting at CVS on Wantagh Avenue in Wantagh on March 27.

CriminaL misChief

Fence panels were reported as damaged at a residenence on Highland Street West in Massapequa on March 15.

Public Notices Public Notices

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the Wantagh Union Free School District by requesting and returning a registration application to the District Clerk in person, by mail to 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, by email to mcguigane@wantaghsch ools.org or fax sent to (516) 765-4154. The request for the registration application may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the registration application by either mail, fax or email. Military voter registration application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 25, 2024.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the Wantagh Union Free School District, may request an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk in person, by mail to 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, by email to mcguigane@wantaghsch

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a military voter’s original military ballot must be returned by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793. Military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District Clerk before the close of polls on May 21, 2024 showing a cancellation mark of the United States Postal Service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or received not later than 5:00 p.m. on May 21, 2024 and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the election.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law of the State of New York, the Board of Registration will meet on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, at each of the three (3) separate election districts to prepare the Register of the School District to be used at the Budget Vote and Election to be held in 2025, and any special district meetings that may be held after the preparation of said Register, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register provided that at such meeting of said Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the school election for which said Register is prepared,

An application for an absentee ballot, on a form to be provided by the School District Clerk, shall be made to the School District Clerk. Such application must be received at least seven (7) days before the election if the School District Clerk is to return the absentee ballot to the applicant by mail. If the applicant or their agent is to personally pick up the absentee ballot, the application must be received by the School District Clerk at least one (1) day before the election.

An application for an early mail ballot, on a form to be provided by the School District Clerk, shall be made to the School District Clerk. For any early mail ballot applications received at least seven (7) days prior to the election, the District Clerk shall mail an early mail ballot to each qualified voter who requested that such an early mail ballot be mailed to the address set forth on the submitted application no later than six (6) days before the election. If an applicant or their agent delivers an application for an early mail ballot after May 14, 2024 and not later than the day before the election, the District Clerk shall deliver the early mail ballot when the applicant and/or their agent appears in the District Clerk’s office.

No absentee or early mail voter’s ballot shall be canvassed, unless it shall have been received in the Office of the School District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m., Prevailing Time, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, the day of the election.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that any referenda or propositions to amend the budget, or otherwise to be submitted for voting at said election, must be

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.

L et us K now

News Brief items including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome. Photographs may be emailed as well. Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday, week prior to publication. Send to execeditor@liherald.com

filed with the District Clerk of the Board of Education at the Administration Building, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, on or before April 22, 2024, at 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, except that referenda or propositions required by law to be included in the notice of the annual meeting must be filed with the District Clerk on or before March 22, 2024, at 4:00 p.m.; must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the Clerk of the School District; must be signed by at least one hundred eleven (111) qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 or 5% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); and must legibly state the name of each signer.

However, the School Board will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to

determine, which is unlawful or any proposition which fails to include a specific appropriation where the expenditure of monies is required by the proposition, or where other valid reason exists for excluding the proposition from the ballot.

SCHOOL ELECTION DISTRICTS AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Election Districts have been established in the School District. The boundaries of the Election Districts, as adopted by resolution of the Board of Education, and the place in each election district for voting shall be as follows:

ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 1

- All voters who reside south of Sunrise Highway vote at the Mandalay Elementary School, 2667 Bayview Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793.

ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 2

- All voters who reside north of Sunrise Highway and East of Wantagh Parkway vote at the

Wantagh Elementary School, 1765 Beech Street Wantagh, New York 11793.

ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 3

- All voters who reside north of Sunrise Highway and West of Wantagh Parkway, vote at the Forest Lake Elementary School, 3100 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793.

Dated: Wantagh, New York March 21, 2024

By Order of the BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE WANTAGH UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT Wantagh, New York Elaine McGuigan, District Clerk 145914

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

Join the Village of South Floral Park team as our new Deputy Clerk!

Are you self motivated and good with being the go-to person for an organization? Do you thrive in managing a variety of tasks from social media updates to crucial village operations? If so, we want you! Bring your experience, Microsoft and QuickBooks skills, and top-notch communication abilities to a role where no two days are alike. Dive into a part-time position where you'll make a real impact, from handling important documents to leading in the Administrator's absence.

Ready to make a difference?

Email your resume and salary expectations to villageclerk383@optimum.net or fax to 516-352-0651.

Only selected candidates will be contacted for interviews.

Thank you for considering a career with us!

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

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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

What’s the best way to remove columns?

Q. We are changing a commercial building space for new tenants, and they want us to remove columns. We have an architect, but he suggested hiring a structural engineer for the structural changes. We interviewed three engineers at the building. Their proposals for what they would do to remove columns varied greatly. The cost did, too, and we are concerned that the cheapest way to go is using single cables to support some of the beams from side to side, so that the beams with no columns would only be supported by a single cable running side to side underneath. Since we’ve never seen this before, we’re wondering if you have, and whether we can trust this solution. The savings would be great, costing only one-third of the most expensive refitting with new, much bigger beams. What do you think?

A. It sounds like a creative solution.

Suspending cables sideways across the space to remove columns means having a complete understanding of the weakest points of the installation. Cables are actually very strong and lightweight. The Brooklyn Bridge is a cable structure, and the design was the focus of a lot of scrutiny and concern before it was even chosen to get people across from Brooklyn to Manhattan over a century ago.

With any structure, there needs to be a safety factor in the equations. Bridges are designed, generally, with a safety factor approaching 100 times the minimum requirement, which should make even the most skeptical person feel a little more confident making the crossing. But it isn’t the cables or beams that are of greatest concern when designing a structure. It’s the connections.

The next time you’re sitting in traffic, note the number and the size of the bolts connecting all the components of the bridge. Those bolts are analogous to a centipede’s legs. If the centipede lost a few of its many legs, it could still move from place to place. Structure should perform like the redundancy of a centipede. Each part spreads the load a given distance to the next component, just like the rafters in your home’s roof, as another example. If bridges had fewer bolts, they would need to be much larger, and there would be less safety.

So I’m asking you to question whether the single cable has enough safety factor calculated into the connectors. Remember, your building is only as good as the last hands that touched the installation. Missing bolts just caused a furor in the aircraft construction industry, so it isn’t wrong to double back and ask for confirmation about the single-cable design.

The Hyatt Regency Hotel overhead walkway collapse in Kansas City in July 1981 is an example of how a change in cable design can cause tragedy. Transferring the load from one cable to another with a faulty connection design killed 114 people and injured 216 more. Confirm the safety factor, and ask questions. Good luck!

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opinions

Trends come and go, and then come right back again

All I had to do was pick up a package that had been left at the wrong door.

I knocked. My neighbor let me in. Nothing felt out of the ordinary. But then it happened. It was like raindrops hitting a tin roof, but it wasn’t raining, and we weren’t under a tin roof.

I followed the sound, and set my sights on something that hasn’t been in front of my eyes for at least a couple decades. It was a typewriter. An electric one, to be exact. An Olympia Compact S — one of the last typewriter models offered by a storied German manufacturer that lost the battle with computers and word processors.

Finding a typewriter nowadays requires a trip to a museum. But there are still many out in circulation — you just have to know where to look.

So it wasn’t necessarily the typewriter that surprised me, but who was using it:

Fmy neighbor’s teenaged daughter.

“Oh, don’t mind her,” my neighbor said. “She’s always on that typewriter.”

“But … but, why?” I asked.

“The sounds it makes are relaxing. And it reminds her of her grandfather.”

The young woman was composing a poem using paper from the printer. The ink of each letter was quite uneven, showing not only the antiquity of the machine in front of her, but also how spoiled we’ve become with laser printers and high-resolution screens.

Fwhat you’re creating. It also creates a sense of permanence a computer or smartphone can’t. And it can’t be hacked.

Typewriters, of course, aren’t the only things making a comeback. Vinyl records and Polaroid cameras have already made returns. So have flip phones. And, believe it or not, even pocket pagers.

ixated on our devices, we’ll find ourselves longing for time away from all that.

I thought my neighbor’s daughter was unique in this love for typewriters, but apparently that’s not the case. Young people — especially in the so-called Gen Z — are rediscovering a number of relics from the past like typewriters, enjoying their simplicity, with maybe even a hint of nostalgia for a previous life, perhaps.

Exploring this new fondness for typewriters online has helped me discover some interesting feedback. There are no ads or messages popping up on the paper while you type, meaning you can focus on

All of these treasures should have been lost to time, but they weren’t. Yes, they had been replaced by something better and faster — but all of these artifacts were more than just tools. They helped define us in some way.

And that gives me real hope for other aspects of society that some might try to write off, like something near and dear to my own heart: newspapers. A few weeks back, a popular social media content creator named Kelsey Russell visited our newsroom. She has made a name for herself on TikTok by championing newspapers to her generation.

Can you pull up news on your phone or computer? Sure. But once you swipe it away, it’s gone. Newspapers, however,

can’t be swiped away. And they won’t be.

As we become more and more fixated on our electronic devices, we’re going to find ourselves longing for time away from all that. Without the distractions. Without the noise created by the intrusion of others. Without the glowing screen.

Books. Cameras using actual photographic paper. Phones that don’t do much more than call someone. Typewriters. And, yes, newspapers.

All of these will maintain places in our society, and that’s good. But please don’t call them antique. Many of us have indeed made many trips around the sun, but we don’t need the reminder.

And finally, you might think finding my young neighbor clickety-clacking away on a typewriter might inspire me to write these words on something similar. It certainly would be poetic in its own right.

But my MacBook Air is doing perfectly fine. I already lived through the times when typewriters were a necessary tool, not a novelty. Give me another decade or two before I’m ready to relive that, thank you very much.

Michael Hinman is executive editor of Herald Community Newspapers. Comments? execeditor@liherald.com.

Before Long Island, we were ‘t Lange Eylandt

or an area with as much history as Long Island, many of us tend to focus on the big events and names.

The Roosevelts. Washington’s spy ring. Billy Joel.

But an important — if overlooked — part of our history is the early Dutch settlement of the area.

Beneath Long Island’s modern landscape — with its bustling cities, quaint towns and scenic shores — lies a rich tapestry of history woven by the earliest European settlers. To comprehend the essence of Long Island — and, in many ways, all of New York today — we must understand its past, tracing back to the pivotal era of Dutch colonial settlement.

The roots of much Long Island’s identity — its culture, its governance, and even its place names — find their origins in the footsteps of Dutch explorers and settlers who arrived on its shores in the early 17th century.

The Dutch East India Company commissioned Henry Hudson to explore the uncharted waters of the New World in 1609. Hudson’s voyage led him to the shores of Long Island, where he navigated the waters of what is now known as

the Hudson River.

This encounter marked the dawn of Dutch interest in the region, culminating in the establishment of New Amsterdam on Manhattan Island.

However, it was not until the 1630s that the Dutch began to establish footholds on Long Island itself, with individual families acquiring land and laying the groundwork for settlements such as Southold and Southampton.

The significance of these early Dutch settlements cannot be overstated. They served as the foundation upon which Long Island’s communities were built, shaping its social, economic, and political landscape for centuries to come.

Tpopulation, which now numbers more than 2 million.

The Dutch presence on Long Island was not without its challenges. The region became a contested territory, with rival claims from both Dutch and English authorities, as well as conflicts with Indigenous tribes.

he story of the Dutch settlers is one of courage, perseverance, collaboration.

The Dutch settlers brought with them not only their language and customs, but also their expertise in agriculture, commerce and governance. Through their toil and perseverance, they transformed the untamed wilderness into thriving villages and towns, leaving an indelible mark on the island’s character.

It was also thanks to the Dutch that the first Jewish people arrived in what would become New York. Solomon Pietersen and Jacob Barsimson were the first Dutch Jews to come to America in 1654, followed later that year by 23 Jewish refugees fleeing Portuguese persecution in Brazil. These early settlers were the nucleus of what became New York state’s Jewish

The struggle for dominance played out in conflicts and negotiations, shaping the boundaries and allegiances of the burgeoning colonies, which still determine the borders between Nassau and Suffolk counties to this day.

Yet, despite these tensions, the Dutch settlers persevered, carving out a distinct identity for themselves within the diverse tapestry of early American society which lasted into the 1800s.

The legacy of the Dutch settlement on Long Island is evident in its place names, its architecture, and its cultural heritage. From the quaint villages of Astoria and Ravenswood, to the bustling streets of Queens Bridge Plaza, traces of Dutch influence are woven into the fabric of everyday life.

Long Island itself was named by the Dutch, who were the first to refer to the landmass as ‘t Lange Eylandt.

Nassau County was named after the royal house of Nassau — also known as the House of Orange — which continues to rule the Netherlands to this day.

Many of Long Island and New York’s prominent early families trace their genealogy to the early Dutch settlers of New Amsterdam and ‘t Lange Eylandt. The Roosevelts — originally spelled Rosenvelt — came to New Amsterdam between 1638 and 1649, and would build their fortune through their properties across Long Island and in upstate New York, while the Vanderbilts came to the area in 1650.

To truly understand Long Island’s past and present, it is essential to explore the rich history of its Dutch settlers. Their story is not just a chapter in the annals of American history, but a living testament to the enduring legacy of exploration, settlement and adaptation.

As we reflect on the journey of those early pioneers, we gain insight into the forces that have shaped Long Island into the vibrant and dynamic region it is today.

In commemorating the legacy of the Dutch settlement, we honor the resilience and ingenuity of those who laid the foundation for our communities. While not perfect people by any means, theirs is a story of courage, perseverance and collaboration, reminding us of the enduring power of diversity and cooperation in shaping the course of history.

As we look to the future, we need to draw inspiration from the past, embracing the spirit of discovery and exploration that defines the legacy of the Dutch settlement on Long Island.

Will Sheeline is a senior reporter covering Glen Cove, Glen Head, Oyster Bay and Sea Cliff.

HeraLd editoriaL

Don’t wait for Earth Day to care about Earth e

arth Day is April 22, just two and a half weeks away.

It’s a day that’s been around since 1970, yet it seems the condition of our planet since then has gotten worse rather than better.

Climate change has caused global temperatures to rise, resulting in more severe storms, wildfires and megadroughts. Places that are typically cold are becoming warmer, and places that are usually warm are becoming hotter.

What can regular people like us do to turn back the rising tide of global climate change? Becoming better caretakers of whatever small patch of the world we inhabit is a start.

Earth Day is just one day, but its significance should carry over into every day. And it’s all about sustainability and stewardship — which requires daily commitment, vigilance and action.

We can start by remembering the three R’s — reduce, reuse and recycle. That means buying products with minimal packaging, reusing items like bags to carry our groceries, and recycling everything from paper and plastic to glass and metal.

We can reduce energy consumption by turning off lights and appliances when we’re not using them, and when we are, ensuring that they’re energyefficient. We can conserve water by fixing leaks, taking shorter showers, and

Let’s test these old presidential candidates

To the Editor:

watering our lawns only in the early morning or the evening to reduce evaporation.

And, of course, we can find more efficient ways to get around. Do we continue using the same old practice of fueling vehicles with fossil fuels, or do we dive into diverse technologies? And do we really need to take a car when we can hop on a bus or train, or even ride a bike or walk?

It’s hard to believe we can make a difference on our own, but we can. Especially if we aren’t alone in making conservation a way of life. And we can make an even bigger difference by backing more environmentally friendly ways to produce energy, like wind turbines — whether on land or out in the ocean.

One example is the South Fork Wind project, some 35 miles off Montauk, which is expected to generate about 130 megawatts of renewable energy — enough to power an estimated 70,000 Long Island homes. Officials believe that it could eliminate up to 6 million tons of carbon emissions over the 25-year life of the project — the equivalent of taking 60,000 cars off the road.

It’s a start. But we have a ways to go to get all of the homes on Long Island — more than 1 million of them — powered this way.

To continue the march to a cleaner, greener planet, we need individual and

I think most of us wish the two leading candidates for president weren’t so old. You have to be at least 35 to serve as president, but there’s no restriction on the other end. You could be 117 and still be eligible to hear “Hail to the Chief” every time you walk into a public gathering.

I’m 86, and damn well know someone my age is too old to be in the Oval Office unless they’re just visiting. How about a constitutional amendment that sets down a series of challenges that must be met by anyone over 70 seeking to be commander in chief?

First there would be a dime test. A dime would be dropped on the floor at a busy deli, and the candidate would have to pick it up on the first try. The retrieval would have to be accomplished by bending over. Anyone getting down on their knees to get the dime would be automatically disqualified.

Then there would be a memory test. An examiner chosen by an independent panel would meet with each hopeful candidate, and early in the conversation three famous political quotes would be used: “I am not a crook,” “Read my lips: no new taxes,” and “It depends on what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is.”

collective efforts on the local, national and global levels to continue expanding. If they don’t, we could see significant ocean rise in our lifetimes — literally bringing the sea into our backyards as early as the 2040s. The planet is getting warmer, polar ice is melting, and all that water has to go somewhere.

Since the first Earth Day 54 years ago, millions of people in nearly 200 countries have taken part in activities whose aim is to enhance the planet’s environment. The annual event has helped push legislation in many countries — including the United States — intended to reduce the human race’s collective carbon footprint, and help us find ways to live more sustainable lives.

But the work is far from finished. Our schools need to teach environmental literacy. The media — from newspapers and television to the hottest social media platforms — must circulate necessary, accurate information.

In April, as trees bud, flowers sprout and temperatures warm, it’s time to get outside and enjoy the greenery and sunshine. But as we take a hike or pedal along our local bike paths, or walk along our waterways or the shore, our thoughts should turn to advocacy and activism on behalf of the planet we inhabit. Because we shouldn’t fight to protect the Earth just on Earth Day, but every day.

opinions

An inconvenient truth about New York’s energy policy

we’ve all heard the saying “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” It’s basically a warning against banking everything on a single choice, rather than diversifying and leaving yourself options.

Unfortunately, the radical politicians controlling both chambers of the State Legislature are ignoring that lesson when it comes to energy policy. They’re putting us in peril by working to make electricity the only energy people can use to drive their cars, heat their homes and cook their food.

The Senate majority recently passed the New York Heat Act, a nicesounding measure that in reality would make it impossible for Long Islanders to access safe, clean and affordable natural gas, propane and other fossil fuels. It would eliminate residential customers’ legal entitlement to gas service, and ban new expansions of gas infrastructure after Dec. 31. It would also eliminate the “100-foot rule,” which connects residen-

tial customers to gas mains free of charge, and create a 6 percent cap on income-based energy costs, forcing residents and businesses to submit proof of income to the bureaucrats at the Public Service Commission in order to qualify.

The bill would turn over all public powers “material and necessary” to implement the state’s scoping plan under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, which would force state residents and businesses to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

To borrow a phrase from former Vice President Al Gore, the Senate’s plan ignores several inconvenient truths. Transitioning all residential and commercial buildings and vehicles solely to electricity would cost hundreds of billions of dollars. Residents, businesses and all taxpayers would bear the brunt of the cost — the same people who are already fleeing the state due to high taxes, the high cost of living, more restrictions on our freedom and, according to Forbes, the second-worst business climate in the country.

e lectricity can’t be the only energy we use to drive, cook and heat our homes.

emergency measures. Imagine what would happen if we added this massive new demand. Power outages would be more than an inconvenience — they’d be public safety emergencies, because there would be no other way to heat your home in the winter, cool it in the summer, cook your dinner or charge your electric vehicle (which you will be forced to purchase).

And while New York state is cutting off supplies of natural gas, it is relying on dirty technology from other states, like Pennsylvania coal, to generate the “clean” electricity the Senate plan requires. All of this to eliminate New York’s carbon footprint, which is only 0.4 percent of the world’s output.

a burden that will ultimately be borne by taxpayers.

And cost isn’t the only concern. The lithium-ion batteries that power electric buses are in the news regularly for causing fires, and data shows they lack the range necessary to operate in all weather conditions, because cold weather limits battery life. Barreling forward, full speed ahead, without addressing these very real concerns and taking appropriate time to plan is a recipe for disaster.

On top of that, our existing electricity grid is already overstressed, and can barely handle high-load days without

Letters

At the end of this session, which would last a minimum of one hour, the candidate would be asked to recall the quotes. He or she would have to remember at least two of them to be eligible to run.

And third, the new constitutional amendment would require a cursive test. The candidate, in a room alone, would be required to write, in cursive, an essay of at least 700 words, explaining why he or she thought he or she would be a swell leader of America. The content of the essays would not be judged or graded. A judge appointed by the two major political parties would simply check to make sure the essays were indeed written in cursive. If you don’t know cursive, you belong in Hell, and not in the White House.

Think about all this, please. It’s time for a change.

LARRY McCOY Rockville Centre

Why are criminals out on the streets?

To the Editor:

This is directed to elected Democrats in New York: So how are your bail reform and your progressive agenda going? Open your eyes: It isn’t work-

ing. Criminals are walking our streets because Democrats don’t want to lock up people who commit crimes.

Why do Democrats think it’s OK for someone to walk into any store and steal everything off the shelves, or assault someone on the street? People walk our streets and continue to commit crimes, and thanks to the Democrats, are free to commit more crimes. Most if not all of those who are arrested are back on the street before a police officer can complete the paperwork.

Arresting and incarcerating criminals is not being racist. People today are generally afraid. A police officer is killed by a convicted felon with a gun who had 21 arrests but wasn’t in jail. Another subject, also carrying a gun, was arrested last year on gun charges, but thanks to Democrats’ bail reform was out on the street. Between them they had a total of more than 40 arrests, including violent felonies.

It surely seems that Democrats favor criminals over private citizens. We need new leadership in Albany to stop this. Albany Democrats have failed us, made us less safe, and people have died.

STEVE GROGAN Lynbrook

Steven Grogan is a retired federal agent and former Lynbrook village trustee.

As if this isn’t enough, Albany’s leaders last year approved a new mandate requiring all new school buses sold in New York state to be zero-emission by 2027 — just three years away — and all buses on the road to be zero-emission by 2035. Electric school buses cost three times as much as regular buses. The cost of converting all 50,000 school buses in the state will exceed $20 billion, plus several billion more to build the infrastructure to charge and service them —

Addressing climate change and reducing emissions are laudable and important goals, and we need to take steps to make progress toward accomplishing them. The key to effective reform, however, should be to diversify our energy sources, not to eliminate all but one source. We should take the time to invest in clean and renewable energy technology to make it safer, more sustainable and more affordable for New Yorkers, and first build the infrastructure to handle it, rather than ramming unrealistic, costly and dangerous change down our throats by the force of government.

Safety, affordability and reliability — not politics — need to be the basis of New York’s energy policy. That’s the truth that Albany needs to listen to.

Steve Rhoads represents the 5th Senate District.

Framework by Angelina Zingariello

On

steve rhoads