Malverne/West Hempstead Herald 04-23-2026

Malverne/West HeMpstead

HERALD

Also serving Lakeview

Scouts honored at Blue and Gold Banquet

By NoAH PERETZ

nperetz@liherald.com

April 17 was a day of celebration and accomplishment for West Hempstead’s Cub Scout Pack 240 at its Blue and Gold Banquet. The ceremony, hosted by West Hempstead’s American Legion, celebrated three scouts’ advancements. Cubmaster George Damanis honored the recipients of the highest honor in Cub Scouts, the Arrow of Light, which celebrates a Cub’s accomplishments in outdoor activities, teamwork and fostering friendship and marks their advancement into Scouts BSA Troop 240.

Scouts Steve Fabre, Mahira Michel and Damanis’s son, Chris, lit seven ceremonial candles that symbolized their journeys as Cub Scouts. They were then presented with arrows, and crossed a ceremonial bridge to commemorate their accomplishment. Their families also received arrows.

“The Arrow of Light badge is the only Cub Scout award that can be worn on the scout’s BSA uniform,” CONTiNueD ON pAge 3

Malverne, West Hempstead districts adopt budgets

By NoAH PERETZ nperetz@liherald.com

The Malverne and West Hempstead boards of education both adopted budgets for the 2026-27 school year at their meetings on April 14. Districts officials revisited their revenues, expenditures and debt management.

Both districts’ boards discussed their tax levies, and the increases they expected. Malverne’s proposed levy is just over $50.9 million, an increase of 2.29 percent, and West Hempstead’s is $52.9 million, a 2.22 percent increase. Both increases are at or below the

state tax cap.

Malverne

The Malverne school district committed over $1.6 million as additional revenue from its reserves, in order to close the budget gap. “We are able to support a budget with fiscally responsible use of reserves,” Superintendent Maria Rianna said.

The board presented its spending breakdown for 202627. Instruction costs and employee benefit costs will combine to account for about 78 of all spending. General support will comprise 10 percent, while transportation will be

just over 8 percent. Debt services and interfund transfer expenditures will make up the last 4 percent.

Part of the general fund budget, according to Daniel Balzan, assistant superintendent for management services, is a $230,000 reorganization project at the Maurice W. Downing school library. The plan aims to change the floor plan to “increase access and opportunities for students and staff, and be able to use the spaces simultaneously,” Balzan said. “We can use this space for purposes like professional development, as well as special projects for students and staff and

building meetings.

Rianna addressed the decrease in enrollment that is responsible for some of the reductions in the budget. “This is a trend in enrollment. It decreases over time and then increases years later,” she said.

“We hope to see more trend data leaning towards bringing more of our community back into our schools.”

The board also spoke about its options if the budget is not approved in the vote o May 19. The district would either have to resubmit the same defeated budget to voters in June, offer a revised budget, or submit a contingency budget, which would require a reduction in

CONTiNueD ON pAge 5

Courtesy Chris Portuondodesmith/Office of County Legislator Olena Nicks

Clockwise from top left: Hempstead Town Councilman Thomas Muscarella, Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll, County Legislator Olena Nicks, former Assemblyman Vincent Muscarella, Steve Fabre, Mahira Michel and Chris Damanis.

Lakeview Civic beautifies LIRR Station

Sixth annual event brings large turnout

By NOAH PERETZ nperetz@liherald.com

Last Saturday, April 18, the Lakeview Civic Association held its sixth annual Spring Clean Up Day. The association partnered with local community organizations for the event and drew a large turnout of participants.

Volunteers helped clean the area around the Lakeview LIRR station, planted flowers, and trimmed trees and bushes. Volunteers also cleaned up the blocks surrounding the station, Lakeview Peace Garden, and Harold Walker Memorial Park.

This was the sixth year of the spring cleanup, but it was the first that new Lakeview Civic Association President Dr. William Anders helped organize. Anders has been a member of the association since 2021 and was elected president earlier this year.

He has embraced his role as a community leader and is proud of the efforts he helps to organize. “It [being LCA President] means continuing to lead from within the community, not above it,” Anders said.

“This has truly been a collective effort. Lakeview residents show up with pride and a willingness to invest in where we live, turning this shared commitment into a visible progress.”

The organizations participating in the spring cleanup included Girl Scout Troop 2420, V.I.P Small Dog Sitting, The Neighborhood Coffee Shop, and the Lakeview NAACP chapter. County Legislator Carrie Solages, State Senator Siela Bynoe, and Councilwoman Laura Ryder also attended the event.

Anders is encouraged by and appreciative of the large community turnout and support from local businesses. “Our spring community beautification builds

community connection and accountability at the same time,” he said. They create a sense of community ownership and give more people an opportunity to get involved.”

“Collectively we have so much power and events like the cleanup show how much can get done when we unite,” Moms Who Care, Inc. founder and Civic Association member Aisha Demosthenes said.

To the Civic Association, cleaning

the area around the train station is important for the perception of the community. “The Lakeview station is one of the most visible and frequently used spaces in Lakeview. It’s the heart of where we begin and end our day, and often one of the first impressions of our community,” Anders said.

“When the space you live in looks good, it makes you feel good. Lakeview residents have a right to that like any other community,” Demosthenes said.

Volunteers organizing soil bags and plants to be planted.

Photos courtesy Lakeview Civic Association Volunteers planted flowers around the “Welcome to Lakeview” sign at the LIRR station.

Exceptional Cub Scouts awarded Arrows

Damanis told the honorees. “It serves as a bridge between the two programs, pointing the way toward your new adventures. It is the first step on the path to Eagle Scout, the highest rank in scouting.”

After receiving their arrows, the three scouts were directed to retire their Cub Scout hats and neckerchiefs and exchange them for Troop 240 neckerchiefs.

The theme of the ceremony, Damanis said, was fire and water. He explained that scouts have to light fires and walk through rain, but the true fire is the passion they show for scouting, and they learn to be steady and adaptable like water.

“Tonight, the flame of these candles and the waters of new adventures remind you: Your Cub Scout journey does not end here,” he said. “From the height of this moment, you can see that beyond this mountain lie greater peaks and deeper valleys.”

Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks, Town of Hempstead Councilman Thomas Muscarella, Receiver of Taxes Jeanine Driscoll and former Assemblyman Vincent Muscarella attended the ceremony, and each spoke about the hard work of the honorees and their fellow scouts.

ing for activities for my kids to do, and wanted them to learn and make friends,” Smart-Rivas said. “I learned the program was run with the help of volunteers, so I got involved along with my kids, and ended up enjoying participating a lot.”

She also received a five-year service star. Smart-Rivas and Damanis have both been a part of Pack 240 for five years, during which it has grown from nine scouts to 30.

Damanis also announced that Pack 240 would continue activities after the school year ends, and become a “summer pack.” It would potentially organize a picnic and hike at Hempstead Lake State Park, and a visit to the Jones Beach Energy and Nature Center.

“Scouts, just know: Pack 240 is on the move all year long,” Damanis said.

Damanis has a history in the Scouts. When he was a kid, he was a Cub Scout and earned his Arrow of Light. When his son said he wanted to join the scouts, Damanis joined with him in his leadership position. “Scouting has been a large part of my life,” he said.

“I’m grateful to have accomplished so

Damanis also honored some of the troop leaders. Former Committee Chair Jesica Hernandez received the Scouter’s Training Award for Leaders, and Den Leaders Luwisa Smart-Rivas and Yvonne Petevka received Den Leader Training Awards.

much,” Smart-Rivas said. “Watching this troop grow has been such a proud moment for me.”

She added that she was happy she chose to participate in the scouting program when she moved to West Hempstead during the pandemic. “I was look-

Chris Damanis said he hoped to accomplish more than his father or grandfather did. “I’m one step closer to becoming an Eagle Scout, and becoming the highest rank in my family,” Chris said. “My dad got to the second-highest rank, and my pop got to the third highest.”

Malverne students celebrate STREAM Night

Malverne K-12 students and their families were invited to the high school for an evening of hands-on activities designed to inspire an interest in STREAM (science, technology, reading/writing, engineering, arts and math) on March 31. STREAM is a teaching approach that combines science, technology, research, engineering, art and math and serves as the foundation for the district’s daily curriculum, focusing on the critical thinking and problem-solving skills students practice in every lesson. It was an opportunity for students of all ages to

engage in chemistry, biology and physical science experiments, as well as art, math games and sciencethemed crafts. Students were also able to explore robotics and learn about the district’s award-winning Virtual Enterprise program.

In the library, high school and middle school student presented their science research projects. Guests were invited to view projects and learn more about the research procedures and conclusions directly from the students. Many of these projects have recently been selected for prestigious awards at regional competi

tions and this was the first opportunity the community had to view them all in one place.

Malverne school district extended its gratitude to the educators who organized the event and the student volunteers who facilitated the activities. By showcasing these academic achievements, the evening successfully demonstrated the direct connection between daily classroom instruction and the exceptional work of Malverne students.

Courtesy Chris Portuondodesmith/Office of County Legislator Olena Nicks Cubmaster George Damanis awarded the Arrow of Light to scouts Mahira Michel, Steve Fabre and Chris Damanis.

Courtesy Malvene UFSD

Malverne High School and Herber Middle School science research students, teachers and administrators were presented official citations by County Legislator Cynthia nuñez.

4

News briefs

Two arrested in West Hempstead robbery

Nassau County Police arrested of two individuals for a Robbery that occurred on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 8:30 PM in West Hempstead.

dant Thompson shoved them out of the way and brandished a knife placing them in fear for their lives. The victims immediately called 911. Upon officer’s arrival both defendants were placed under arrest without incident.

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According to Detectives, officers responded to a disturbance at La Candela Restaurant located at 205 Hempstead Turnpike. After dining in the restaurant, Defendant Jason Thompson, 45, of 226-69 Union Turnpike, Bayside and Defendant Dana Ardezzone, 47, of 8821 Ransom Street, Queens Village removed various tableware items and concealed them in their to-go bags.

Health Benefits of Forgiveness

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

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

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

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

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

Hold:

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

how you react to those feelings will.

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

After exiting the restaurant, two employees approached the defendants in an attempt to retrieve the items. Defen-

Defendant Jason Thompson is charged with Robbery 1st Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th Degree and Menacing 2nd Degree. Defendant Dana Ardezzone is charged with Robbery 2nd Degree. Both Defendants will be arraigned on Sunday, April 19, 2026 at First District Court 99 Main Street, Hempstead.

Nuñez demands vote on gas tax holiday

With gas prices climbing and household budgets already stretched thin, Nassau County Legislator Cynthia Nuñez has introduced legislation to deliver immediate relief at the pump and is urging her colleagues to bring it up for an emergency vote at next week’s scheduled legislative session. The bill would temporarily cap the taxable price of gasoline and diesel for Nassau County’s local 4.25% sales-tax calculation at $3.00 per gallon from June 1, 2026 through December 1, 2026.

At current prices, the measure could save Nassau motorists millions of dollars collectively over the life of the bill by preventing the county from collecting extra tax revenue on soaring pump prices. The proposal is aimed at giving drivers real, targeted relief as rising fuel costs tied to the conflict involving Iran ripple through family budgets.

“Families in Nassau County should not be forced to pay more and more every time an international crisis sends

gas prices through the roof,” said Legislator Cynthia Nuñez. “This bill is a simple, targeted way to give residents relief where they need it most — at the pump. Other counties have already acted. Nassau should not be standing on the sidelines while working people get squeezed.”

Nuñez said the Legislature should move immediately rather than wait while residents continue paying inflated costs to commute to work, get their kids to school, and manage day-to-day life.

The Nassau proposal echoes the county’s bipartisan action in 2022, when all nineteen legislators unanimously approved temporary gas-tax relief in response to soaring fuel prices after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This bill follows that same playbook: provide temporary relief when costs spike and residents need help.

–Noah Peretz

–Noah Peretz

Jason Thompson Dana arDezzone

School budgets focus on transportation

spending of over $1.1 million.

West Hempstead

The West Hempstead district’s spending allocations are similar to Malverne’s. Instruction and employee benefits costs comprise about 70 percent of spending. Transportation accounts for 14 percent; general support, about 10 percent; debt service, about 4 percent; and interfund transfers and community services, 2 percent.

“West Hempstead is a relatively small, geographically compact school district, which creates a paradox,” Brian Phillips, assistant superintendent for business and operations, said. “Dense areas often have high transportation costs, because they serve large numbers of students attending private, parochial and charter schools, all of whom the district is legally obligated to transport under New York state law. This mandate is the single biggest driver of disproportionate costs for districts like West Hempstead.”

The board discussed its two main budget challenges, transportation and health insurance costs. Due to these non-instructional costs increasing, less of the budget is allocated to instructional areas. Over the past 10 years, the district’s transportation costs have increased by about $8 million, and its health insurance costs by about $5.5 million.

Transportation costs have increased by an average of about 11 percent yearly, and health insurance, by an average of about 5 percent yearly. Starting in 202425, West Hempstead’s transportation costs have been about 7 percent higher than the average Nassau County school district.

West Hempstead is expected to receive about $20.4

million in state aid in 2026-27, about $2.1 million more than this school year. The district also has $1.9 million in reserves, and plans to use a total of $4.9 million from its reserves and fund balance.

The budget votes will are scheduled for May 19, from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. The Malverne vote will be held in the middle school gym, and the West Hempstead vote in the secondary school’s north gym.

School budget

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Courtesy West Hempstead UFSD

graph illustrating the increasing transportation and employee health insurance costs for W.H. schools.

CHARLOTTE WEBSTER EAST ROCKAWAY Senior SOFTBALL

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

games to watch

Thursday, April 23

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

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

Friday, April 24

Softball: Clarke at Farmingdale 5 p.m.

Softball: Malverne at Uniondale 5 p.m.

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

Baseball:Calhoun at Long Beach 5 p.m.

Baseball: Elmont at Kennedy 5 p.m.

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

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

Girls Lacrosse: Carey at Kennedy 5 p.m.

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

Saturday, April 25

Softball: Wantagh at Oceanside 10 a.m.

Softball: Hicksville at Long Beach 10 a.m.

Softball: West Hempstead at Lawrence 10 a.m.

Softball: Lynbrook at Freeport 10 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Herricks at Baldwin 11 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

HERALD SPORTS

Big start for Malverne/East Rockaway

By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com

Malverne/East Rockaway’s boys lacrosse team is 6-2 overall and a sizzling 5-0 in its conference.

Most any team at this part of the year would sign up for that kind of record. But sitting on top of the League 4 doesn’t guarantee a playoff spot.

In fact, booking a berth in the Nassau Class C playoffs might be an uphill climb at this point, following a 9-6 loss to Wheatley/Carle Place on April 7.

But that doesn’t mean Malverne/ East Rockaway is going to stop battling. A postseason berth would be a nice reward for the effort put in, both this year and in the culmination of some long careers with coach Andrew Biscardi.

However, considering the slim margins, the playoffs have essentially started for Malverne/East Rockaway, especially with must-win games on the horizon against fellow playoff hopefuls Mineola and Floral Park at the beginning of May.

“We need a little bit of help from this point on, but if we don’t take care of business, then it means nothing,” Biscardi said. “I’m excited to get to those games and see how the boys execute.”

Biscardi hopes his team fares better in those games than against Wheatley/ Carle Place, a game in which Malverne/ East Rockaway dug an early hole and trailed 6-3 at halftime. The teams played even in the second half, but the slow start and some missed opportunities loomed large.

The response to that adversity came quickly and emphatically, with Malverne/East Rockaway defeating West Hempstead, 14-7, on April 13, followed by an 11-1 victory over Elmont three days later.

If it’s true that defense wins championships, it might be what gets the Rockin’ Mules into the playoffs. It starts in the goal with eighth-grade goalie Rory Murray, who has already made 103 saves and has a save percentage of 68.7.

“He is aggressive in the cage, he’s

able to make very good saves some goalies can’t,” Biscardi said. “He really has been playing on his head his entire season.”

Senior defenseman Jethro Jacquet has been rock-solid defensively, scooping up 52 ground balls, a “human clear,” according to Biscardi, who also has three goals and three assists.

Joining Jacquet on defense is sophomore Tristen Rose, a second-year player, as well as Davis Tobia Jr., who is in his first year on varsity. Freshman long-stick midfielder Ryan Esposito has also raised his level this season, and senior shortstick defensive midfielder Stefan Drakopoulos is a four-year varsity player.

Offensively, senior Matt Delligatti

leads the way with 19 goals and 18 assists. Junior Brennan Murray, Rory’s older brother, has a team-high 21 goals to go along with 14 assists. And senior Edwin Espinoza has chipped in 14 goals and six assists.

Junior Liam Whitehouse and senior Timothy Yagnisis have put in work in the midfield, and although he’s not put up gaudy numbers, senior midfielder Jayden Jungra has provided valuable leadership.

“This is a year that a lot of guys have come together,” Biscardi said. “I’m hoping they could finish the year doing something great.”

A trip to Sewanhaka is on deck April 28.

Sue Grieco/Herald Midfielder Liam Whitehouse and Malverne/East Rockaway have served notice in the League 4 standings.

TPS bill backed by Gillen advances in House

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

By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

“Our immigration system has been

broken for a long time,” Gillen said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hailey Fulmer/Herald

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

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

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

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

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

ScOtt JENNINGS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

most relevant as you take on this position?

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

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

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

Shaaray Shalom Shoah Remembrance

By NOAH PERETZ nperetz@liherald.com

Last Sunday, Congregation Shaaray Shalom held its Holocaust Remembrance Day, or Yom HaShoah, service. The service included speeches by Rabbi Yechiel, guest speaker Rabbi Menachem Creditor, and Mindy Perlmutter, Executive Director of the Jewish Community Relations Council of Long Island. There was also a video which featured an interview with Egon Salmon, a Holocaust survivor who passed away in 2022.

The service featured the lighting of the six memorial candles, each by a family member of a victim or survivor of the Holocaust. A seventh candle was also lit, in memory of the 5 million non-Jews also killed in the Holocaust. An eighth candle was lit to honor the victims of the October 7, 2023 attack in Israel.

WTony wrote.

Yechiel’s speech focused on the hatred that led to the atrocity of the Holocaust, but also paid attention to the role and culpability of the bystander that did not stand up for the victims before it was too late. “We must look, maybe for the first time, at the complicity of the silent bystander, perhaps the most dangerous party,” he said. “Will we remember? Will we seek action to stop the hate and violence? Will we recommit ourselves to speak out? Let’s try to do all three of these things for the hope of a better tomorrow.”

ill we remember? Will we seek action to stop the hate and violence? ... Let’s try to do all three of these things for the hope of a better tomorrow.”

R

ABBi YEcHiEl Congregation Shaaray Shalom

Before the service began, Scouts BSA Troop 240 sang the national anthem. “The participation of the scouts is specifically the connection that this program strives to achieve,” Rabbi Yechiel said.

Yechiel also read a message from Father Tony of St. Thomas The Apostle Parish. “May the memories of all those that perished be a blessing for all of us as we pray for lasting peace and an end to antisemitism and all hatred,” Fr.

Egon Salman’s testimony detailed his initial failed attempts to escape the Holocaust, his witnessing of Kristallnacht, or The Night of Broken Glass, and his postwar experience.

During his interview, Salman was asked how future generations can prevent an atrocity like the Holocaust from happening again. “Can’t. It depends how people react, how people vote,” he said. “You have to hope it’s a lesson; you have to learn diligently and be a good citizen.”

Mindy Perlmutter gave her thanks to Larry Rosenberg, Program Chair of the Long Island Holocaust Remembrance Group, and elected officials that attended the ceremony, including County Legislator Olena Nicks. Perlmutter then

introduced Rabbi Menachem Creditor, the guest speaker for the evening.

“[Creditor is] a leader who embodies the values of justice, moral courage and remembrance. He is a bridge builder between communities, faiths and generations,” she said.

Creditor spoke about the necessity of bridging divides between religion and culture to stop hate, stigma and division. He included an anecdote about a Holocaust survivor and friend of his who recently passed, Baruch Benedict Ben Stern. Stern, against the threat of Neo Nazis marching in Skokie, Illinois,

in 1977, stood up during a synagogue service and yelled, ‘not today, not here,’ in response to the rabbi telling the congregation to ignore the hateful march.

“How dare we not say in our community, ‘not today, not here,’ not for Jews, not for anyone, not for Muslims, not across racial lines, not against immigrants, not against not against LGBTQ people,” Creditor said. “For all of the political complexity of this moment, human dignity should be a given, especially in light of the indignities and dehumanization that led to this and could lead again.”

Family Math Night drives success

Malverne’s Davison Avenue Intermediate School was recently transformed into a bustling highway of logic and discovery last week as students and families participated in Family Math Night. This high-energy, road-trip-themed event was designed to turn numerical concepts into an engaging, hands-on adventure, proving that mathematical exploration can be as exciting as a cross-country trek.

Instead of traditional classroom exercises, each student was issued a personalized Learning Road Map upon arrival. This guide directed “drivers” through a series of mathematical pit stops, which served as interactive stations strategically designed to challenge problem-solving skills and critical thinking. The immersive theme encouraged students to navigate the various challenges at their own pace, discovering the practical and playful applications of math in a dynamic environment. The event focused on the thrill of progress, as students earned colorful stickers for their maps at every successful stop along their journey. Each

milestone reached represented a new concept mastered or a challenge overcome, allowing participants to visualize their growth throughout the evening. The event culminated at a final celebration point where students proudly displayed their completed road maps as a testament to their mathematical mileage and hard work.

Organizers noted that the primary goal of the night was to foster a positive and inclusive culture surrounding STEM education by encouraging families to engage with math in a supportive, community-focused setting. The high level of participation and the enthusiasm shown at every turn highlighted the success of moving education into a more interactive and innovative space.

–Noah Peretz

The gym at Malverne’s Davison Avenue Intermediate School was transformed into a bustling highway of logic and discovery as students and families participated in Family Math Night.

Courtesy Congregation Shaaray Shalom Memorial candles were lit in remembrance of Holocaust victims.

Courtesy Malverne UFSD

FASNY sounds alarm for new recruits

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NEW YORK’S WRONGEST RUNNING COMEDY!

dangerous car fires.

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

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

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

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

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

Come learn about local disability rights pioneer Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr. and explore over 125 artifacts highlighting the fight for equal opportunity for people with disabilities. The museum provides an inclusive, fully accessible experience for all visitors and is the perfect place to spend a fun and educational day with your family. School field trips and group tours welcome.

Carolyn James/Herald photos

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

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

STEPPING OUT

Rooted in springtime Blossoming out at Planting Fields

By Abbey Salvemini

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

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

The new festival is both a tribute and a transformation.

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

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

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

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

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

Over the course of the weekend, the festival

Harry Chapin’s Greatest Stories Live

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

Music, magic shows, jugglers and roaming performers keep the grounds buzzing with energy throughout the day.

Anchoring the schedule are performances by Strummin’ and Drummin’ (spanning late morning into the afternoon), complemented by face painting, caricatures and a lineup of food trucks offering plenty of casual bites and treats.

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

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

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

• 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wild days in the Bronx

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

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

Photos courtesy Planting Fields

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

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

APR

Westbury House Tour

For many years visitors to Westbury House at Old Westbury Gardens asked what was beyond the first floor corridor. Now go beyond the door and discover “secrets of the service wing,” during a 60-minute guided tour. Be introduced to the intensive labor required to create the lifestyle experienced by the Phipps family and their guests; tour the many rooms that were “behind the scenes” to create the formal dining experiences of early 20th century. Go along the corridors to the butler’s pantry and silver cleaning room then descend the 17 steps to the kitchen, scullery, and wine storage rooms located on the ground floor. Reservations required.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: Noon-1 p.m., also April 24, April 26-27 and April 29-30

• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

Hofstra Spring Dance Concert

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

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

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

• Contact: hofstra.universitytickets.com

APR

24

Scott Litroff Jazz Trio

Join Dr. Scott Litroff, internationallyrenowned saxophonist and Adelphi University

Senior Adjunct Faculty, as he performs a vibrant and lively concert on the Adelphi University stage. He plays contemporary/ smooth jazz, fusion, funk, pop, and original works alongside some of the finest musicians in the jazz and pop scene today. Drawing upon his multiple influences from jazz, pop, and the classical arts, Scott is known for his impressive lyricism, improvisational prowess, and high virtuosity. It is sure to be a captivating evening as Scott and his band move and groove as they interpret the works of Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, Kenny G, and others.

• Where: Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City

MAY 2

George Thorogood and The Destroyers

Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

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

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

MAY

1

Long Island Marathon Weekend

Get ready for a weekend of running, celebrations and more as the Jovia Financial Credit Union Long Island Marathon returns to Eisenhower Park.

• Where: Eisenhower Park

• Time: Races on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at various times, through May 3

• Contact: RunLongIlsnadMarathon.com

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

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

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or (516) 877-4000

Plantable Seed Bombs

Tweens/tweens in grades 6-12 are invited to West Hempstead Public Library to make a seed bomb and then plant it to help bees and butterflies this spring. Email a photo of your project to teens@whplibrary.org by May 31 for an hour of community service.

• Where: 500 Hempstead Ave., West Hempstead

• Time: Pick up kits between 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Contact: whplibrary.org

APR

25

The Lovin’ Spoonful Fondly known as “America’s answer to the Beatles,” the band brings their chart-topping folk-rock hits to the Madison Theatre. Formed in New York’s Greenwich Village, The Lovin’ Spoonful, made up of original band members John Sebastian, Steve Boone, Joe Butler, and Zal Yanovsky, exploded onto the charts sending their first seven singles soaring onto Billboard’s Top-10 virtually overnight.

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

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

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

Library Board meets The West Hempstead Public Library Board of Trustees holds its monthly meeting.

• Where: Malverne High School, 80 Ocean Ave.,

• Time: 5 p.m.

Malverne High School Spoken Word Club Poetry Slam

MAY 2

Whiskey & Cigar Night

The Malverne Historical Society is hosting its second annual Whisky and Cigar Night. Tickets are available for pre-sale until March 31 for $40, before increasing to $45 until April 25 and $50 at the door. A ticket includes five whiskey samplings and two cigars. Tickets can be purchased online.

• Where: Malverne Historical House, 369 Ocean Ave., Malverne

• Time: 6-9:30 p.m.

• Contact: malvernehistory.org

Watch Malverne’s most verbose display their poetry skills at the Poetry Slam.

• Where: Malverne High School Library, 80 Ocean Ave.

• Time: 6 p.m. APR

Family theater

• Where: 500 Hempstead Ave., West Hempstead

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: whplibrary.org or (516) 481-6591 APR

Sit in on the board’s budget vote and participate via questions/

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

Having an event?

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

Compiled By Herald Staff

Charlotte Jacobs Massapequa Park

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

What is the best rainy-day activity when April showers hit?

Mackenzie Alessandro Glen Cove, age 11

I like to go to Claymation and paint.

Tim Baker/Herald

Charlie McDonald Rockville Centre, age 8

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

Tim Baker/Herald

Aviana Mannino Lynbrook, age 12

Calling my friends and playing Roblox and watching Hannah Montana.

Tim Baker/Herald

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

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU ONEWEST BANK, FSB, Plaintiff, Against LISA BELL MATTHEWS, et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 07/14/2017, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 5/11/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 841 Woodfield Road, West Hempstead, New York 11552, and described as follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Lakeview, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York.

Section 35 Block 604 Lot 67

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $669,160.70 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 004789/2011 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.

Lawrence M. Schaffer, Esq., Referee.

MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 3/18/2026

File Number: 272-3363 CA 159490

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

COUNTY OF NASSAU

INDEX NO: 613759/2025

D/O/F: 06/26/2025

SUPPLEMENTAL

SUMMONS

Property Address: 345 Walton Street, West Hempstead, NY 11552

Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the property is situate.

AVAIL 3 LLC, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS ADMINISTRATOR OF RESTORATION III TRUST, Plaintiff, -againstUnknown heirs at law of FERDINAND MANZO, his next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming, under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained, 345 WALTON HOLDING LLC, 345 WALTON ST LLC, PAUL MANZO AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF FERDINAND MANZO, FERDINAND MANZO

A/K/A FRED MANZO AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF FERDINAND MANZO, MARNE MARIE MANZO A/K/A MARNE MARIE DIETRICK AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF FERDINAND MANZO, LISA MANZO AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF FERDINAND MANZO, DOLORES DICKSON AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF FERDINAND MANZO, GINA MANZO AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF FERDINAND MANZO, ANNETTE LOUTREL AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF FERDINAND MANZO, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE;

“JOHN DOES” and “JANE DOES”, said names being fictitious, parties intended being possible tenants or occupants of premises, and corporations, other entities or persons who claim, or may claim, a lien against the premises, Defendant(s).

TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your Answer,

or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorneys within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, where service is made by delivery upon you personally within the State, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner, and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Jeffrey A. Goodstein, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Nassau County, entered March 26, 2026 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office. THE OBJECT OF THE ACTION is to foreclose a mortgage recorded in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on March 3, 2025 in Book: M, Volume: 47879, Page: 97, covering premises k/a 345 Walton Street, West Hempstead, NY 11552 a/k/a Section 35, Block 490, Lot 45.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

The following notice is intended only for the

defendants who are owners of the premises sought to be foreclosed or who are liable upon the debt for which the mortgage stands as security.

YOU ARE HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

PLEASE BE AWARE:

(1) that debt collectors, in accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq., are prohibited from engaging in abusive, deceptive, an unfair debt collection efforts, including, but not limited to: i. the use or threat of violence; ii. the use of obscene or profane language; and iii. repeated phone calls made with the intent to annoy, abuse, or harass.

(2) If a creditor or debt collector receives a money judgment against you in court, state and federal laws may prevent the following types of income from being taken to pay the debt:

1.Supplemental security income, (SSI);

2.Social security; 3.Public assistance (welfare); 4.Spousal support, maintenance (alimony) or child support; 5.Unemployment benefits; 6.Disability benefits; 7.Workers’ compensation benefits; 8. Public or private pensions; 9.Veterans’ benefits; 10.Federal student loans, federal student grants, and federal work study funds; and 11.Ninety percent of your wages or salary earned in the last sixty days.

TO THE DEFENDANTS: The Plaintiff makes no personal claim against you in this action.

TO THE DEFENDANTS: If you have obtained an order of discharge from the Bankruptcy court, which includes this debt, and you have not reaffirmed your liability for this debt, this law firm is not alleging that you have any personal liability for this debt and does not seek a money judgment against you. Even if a discharge has been

obtained, this lawsuit to foreclose the mortgage will continue and we will seek a judgment authorizing the sale of the mortgaged premises.

Dated: Sandy J. Stolar, Esq. MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP

Attorneys for Plaintiff 575 Underhill Boulevard, Suite 224 Syosset, New York 11791

516-921-3838 #102888 159481

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 35-2026

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 14th day of April 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 35-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 35-2026, to amend Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations.

Dated: April 14, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY

Town Clerk 159767

LEGAL NOTICE CASE NO. 21527 RESOLUTION NO. 348-2026

Adopted: April 14, 2026

Senior Councilmember Goosby offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AND SETTING ASIDE CERTAIN PARKING SPACES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES FOR THE SOLE USE OF HOLDERS OF SPECIAL PARKING PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COUNTY OF NASSAU TO PHYSICALLY

HANDICAPPED PERSONS.

WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 340-2026, adopted March 24, 2026, a public hearing was duly held on the 14th day of April 2026, at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the proposed establishment and setting aside of a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons, in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, all as set forth in said resolution; and WHEREAS, after due consideration, this Town Board finds it to be in the public interest to establish and set aside a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, the following parking spaces be and the same hereby is set aside for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons:

ELMONT

LEHRER AVENUE - west side, starting at a point 110 feet north of the north curbline of Sweetman Avenue, north for a distance of 23 feet.

(TH-55/26)

UNIONDALE

MACON PLACE - south side, starting at a point 75 feet east of the east curbline of Uniondale Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-56/26) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons

WEST HEMPSTEAD

OAK STREET - south side, starting at a point 207 feet east of the east curbline of Morton Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-324/24 - 9/17/24)

(TH-54/26) GREENWAY SOUTHwest side, starting at a

point 77 feet south of the south curbline of Greenway East, south for a distance of 18 feet.

(TH-457/15 - 11/24/15) (TH-75/26) ; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall enter this resolution in the minutes of the Town Board and shall publish a copy of this resolution once a newspaper having a general circulation in the Town of Hempstead, and shall post a copy hereof on the signboard maintained by her, and file in her office affidavits of such publication and posting. The foregoing resolution was seconded by Councilmember Miller and adopted upon roll call as follows:

AYES: SEVEN (7) NOES: NONE (0) 159772

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 05/06/2026 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.

237/26. WEST HEMPSTEAD - 7-Eleven # 45038, Renewal of grant to maintain one double-faced, illuminated, ground sign with price sign thereon; overall size 132 sq. ft.; overall height 18’; setback 4 1/2’ from Peach Grove Dr. & 3’ from Hempstead Tpke., S/s Hempstead Tpke. between Oakland Ave. & Peach Grove Dr., a/k/a 435 Hempstead Tpke. 241/26. WEST HEMPSTEAD - Rebecca Feldman, Variances, front yard average setback, lot area occupied, construct 2-story dwelling (demolish existing dwelling with garage).,

N/s Jefferson St., 100’ W/o Howard Ave., a/k/a 666 Jefferson St. 250/26. WEST HEMPSTEAD - 627 SSW LLC, Variance, front width from & on street line to front setback line, construct dwelling with garage & cellar entrance., N/s Wadleigh Ave., 419.18’ E/o Jennings Ave., a/k/a 627 Wadleigh Ave. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.

This notice is only for new cases in West Hempstead within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.

159758

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 34-2026

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 14th day of April 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 34-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 34-2026, to amend Chapter 202 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “REGULATIONS &

Cornwell Student Council leads successful shoe drive

The Cornwell Avenue School Student Council in West Hempstead is running a shoe drive from March 2 through May 1. The initiative encourages students and families to donate gently worn or new shoes.

To build excitement and engagement, students in grades 1-3 are participating in a friendly competition, with the winning grade earning an extra recess period.

The drive has quickly gained momentum, with students collecting 100 pairs of shoes in the early weeks alone. In an inspiring show of community collaboration, a school in North Babylon recently contributed an additional 10 bags of shoes. As a result, the total collection has reached an outstanding 350 pairs.

Funds raised from the drive are

Bernie Havern Way unveiled at Whelan Field

determined by the total weight of the donated shoes. All funds will directly support future Cornwell events. Beyond benefiting the school community, the initiative also has a global impact.

Through a partnership with Funds2Orgs, the collected shoes will be redistributed to support entrepreneurs in developing nations, helping them sustain small businesses. Additionally, the program promotes environmental responsibility by keeping usable footwear out of landfills.

Students and families are encouraged to continue contributing by donating new or gently worn shoes. To assist volunteers, donors are asked to tie shoelaces together before dropping off items.

–Noah Peretz

Public Notices

RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking at various locations.

Dated: April 14, 2026

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 159766

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

DEUTSCHE BANK

NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR NEW CENTURY HOME

EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2005-C, ASSET BACKED PASS-

THROUGH CERTIFICATES, Plaintiff, AGAINST

KIM EVANS A/K/A KIMBERLY Y. EVANS A/K/A KIM Y. EVANS, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on March 2, 2026. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 1024 Mahopac Road, West Hempstead, NY 11552.

Please take notice that this foreclosure auction

shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Lakeview, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 0035, Block 00460-00 and Lot 00849. Approximate amount of judgment $490,256.98 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold

subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #620249/2023.

Monica Corrine Moran, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 159773

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

By NOAH PERETZ nperetz@liherald.com

On Saturday, April 18, Malverne Little League Opening Day, the Malverne Village Board and the Havern family unveiled the new Bernie Havern Way street sign at Whelan Park’s baseball fields. The street sign’s unveiling was announced at the board’s recent meeting on April 8.

In addition to the board and the Havern family, State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick, County Legislator Carrie Solages, and former Malverne Mayor Catherine Hunt attended the ceremony. Little League players also watched the ceremony before their games.

Mayor Tim Sullivan emceed the ceremony and first gave the floor to Sen. Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. “Bernie’s efforts towards little league are remembered and felt to this day, it is fitting that we’re honoring him with a street so close to the place where his legacy was built,” she said.

Sullivan himself then spoke, reminiscing on the childhood experiences he had with Bernie Havern, including canvassing for Mayor Catherine Hunt at the LIRR stop. “I used to talk politics with Bernie because I was no good at baseball,” he joked. “When Mayor Hunt was running for office, she and Bernie told me, ‘Timmy Boy, go hand out these pamphlets for us on the train platform.’”

Sullivan honored Havern’s legacy and spoke of his impact on the community. “Bernie Havern was truly a ‘Mr. Baseball’ for a generation of Malverne, he didn’t need to be asked to tend to these fields,” he said. “If you needed something done, he was there to do it.”

The mayor then gave an anecdote about Havern’s personality and infectious love of the game of baseball. “When he wasn’t coaching, Bernie was

still at games. He would stand behind the backstop,” he said. “And if he disagreed with the umpire’s call, he’d have a look on his face like he was prepared to run through the backstop and charge the ump.”

Jim Wildeman, one of Bernie Havern’s former players also spoke at the unveiling ceremony. He played under Havern in Little League, for the Malverne Dodgers, and even for Molloy College’s baseball team that Havern established and coached. “The best coaches coach you in baseball and in life,” Wildeman said. “Bernie was truly a life coach. He was like a father to me and so many others.”

Former Mayor Catherine Hunt spoke after Wildeman. Like Mayor Sullivan, she reminisced on her time with Havern and the deep friendship they shared. “My mother used to say, ‘on five fingers, you can count all your real friends,’ and Bernie was one of them for me,” she said. “It was my privilege and honor to be his friend.”

Mayor Hunt also spoke about his dedication to baseball and impact on the community, as the speakers before her did. “I told him he had to be the village’s commissioner of baseball because he knew everything about baseball,” she said. “They should name the high school field after him; he was the only one who cared about that field when we had no money to fix it.”

Bernie Havern’s sons, Chris and Jim, and daughters, Jennifer and Cathleen, addressed the crowd and thanked them for joining in their remembrance of their father. Mayor Sullivan helped them unveil the Bernie Havern Way sign, and Jennifer climbed a ladder to place the sign on the pole.

After concluding remarks from Mayor Sullivan, he directed the crowd to sing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” in honor of Bernie Havern’s love of and dedication to baseball.

Noah Peretz/Herald

Jennifer Havern Major, Bernie Havern’s daughter, putting his memorial sign up.

Courtesy West Hempstead UFSD

Cornwell Avenue School’s Student Council in West Hempstead are running a shoe drive from March 2 through May 1.

EMPLOYMENT

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good luck!

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The tumor was malignant — but then it was gone

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yes, I’m a lucky guy!

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

Trying desperately to avoid the stress of TV news

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

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

I almost fell off my chair.

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

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

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

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

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

Rather than move on to a new book, I turned my attention to my streaming television services, Netflix, Amazon and Hulu, in the hope of finding some feelgood movies. When I opened them up, they offered me such calming films as “Supernatural,” “Scream,” “Send Help,” “Sinners” and “The Substance.” I know there are other offerings, but most of the feel-good movies are old and I’ve already seen them.

All my life, I’ve loved good comedy. I cherish the great old names like Jackie Mason, Henny Youngman, Buddy Hackett, Jerry Lewis, Jackie Gleason, George Carlin, Don Rickles and Lenny Bruce. Occasionally I stumble on one of these legends on Facebook, and try to share their comedy with people around me. Regrettably, there are no comedians these days that give me the same belly laughs that I got from those giants. My grandson in Los Angeles heads up a unit of Netflix that promotes a number of comedians, but I haven’t adapted to their new style.

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

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

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

Playground safety for kids requires vigilance

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

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

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

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

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

opinion Matters

The strength of our community comes from open dialogue.

The strength of our community comes from open dialogue.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Be heard. Be part of the conversation.

Be heard. Be part of the conversation.

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

LLong Island’s ‘hidden workforce’ has visible needs

ong Island’s “hidden workforce” of family caregivers faces very visible challenges. The term is frequently used to describe family caregivers who, while not employed by our health care system, play a critical role in it. They don’t wear uniforms or ID badges, but this massive workforce of more than 329,000 Long Islanders provides over 307 million hours of unpaid care, valued at $5.7 billion, per year, according to AARP New York data released in February. Nationally, nearly one in four American adults provided ongoing care to an adult or child with a complex medical condition or disability in the past year, a 2025 report, by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, found. Almost 25 percent of those people reported giving more than 40 hours of care per week, the equivalent of a full-time job, for free. Taking on the unpaid labor of love of caring for a family member can be both extremely rewarding and enormously straining. Emotionally, caregivers may struggle with stress, anxiety, guilt and social isolation. Physically, they may

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

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

The workload is even greater for the 60,000-plus Long Island families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related illness.

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

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

Roughly 80 percent of people living with dementia receive care at home, primarily from unpaid family members. Along with assisting with medication management, bathing, dressing, transportation, meal preparation and financial oversight, dementia family caregivers also face unique challenges caused by the disease’s impact on a person’s memory, behavior and independence. Sufferers may forget who their loved ones are, manifest personality changes like agitation, aggression and hallucinations, and wander from safety. Their caregivers face higher risks of anxiety, depression, burnout and declining quality of life.

Framework by Tim Baker

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

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

grams or financial assistance.

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

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

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

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

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