Massapequa Herald 03_25_2026

Massapequa

pOsT

DEADLINE MARCH 31ST

Also serving Farmingdale, Massapequa, Massapequa Park and Plainedge

Jesse Findling returns to MHS Page 3

Massapequa Park voters turn out at polls despite uncontested races

By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent

Massapequa Park residents turned out in notable numbers for the village election, even though all candidates ran unopposed.

Almost 300 residents came to Village Hall to vote, according to unofficial results.

The results, announced by Village Clerk Linda Tuminello, showed that Todd Svec had 286 votes and Dana Durso, 268. Village Justice Krista C. Palleschi, who took over the role following the death of longtime Village Justice Gerard Giannattasio last summer, received 277 votes.

“I want to thank the residents of the Village of Massapequa Park for supporting me and trusting in me, and I will do the best that I can to keep our Village improving and going strong,” said Svec.

Those who did come out to vote said they felt strongly about the importance of participating

in the process.

Danielle Ocuto, a member of the Massapequa School Board, expressed surprise to even be asked about it. “I will always vote in every election big or small,” she said. “It’s my duty as a community member to support the process.”

Similarly, longtime village resident Vinny Kreutz said that he voted “to show my support for the Village. If we sit back and do nothing, it shows that we don’t give a damn, but if people do show up then it proves that we do give a damn.”

Tom Farley had a more practical answer to the question. “Todd Svec is a friend of mine, a good man who stands for the community,” he said. “You’ve got to vote just in case some scammers might come in with write-ins.”

For Alyssa Jacobs, voting was a chance to show her daughters Charlotte and Olivia the importance of voting. As she cast her ballot at Village Hall, with the girls at her side, she said:

Celebrating Irish pride in Massapequa

By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent

The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce continued a growing local tradition on Saturday, March 14, hosting the second annual Massapequa St. Patrick’s Day Parade, which drew thousands of spectators to Broadway.

A total of 68 organizations participated in the parade, which began at Jerusalem Avenue and proceeded down Broadway to Veterans Boulevard.

Chamber President Robin Hepworth, past President Keith Wilson and board member Tom Antonelli served as co-chairs of the event. Wilson announced the parade’s progress from the Town of Oyster Bay Showmobile stationed on Broadway at Pennsylvania Avenue.

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder estimated that between 8,000 and 11,000 people lined the parade route.

The parade’s grand marshal was Massapequa resident Brian Kilmeade, longtime co-host of Fox & Friends on Fox News.

As is often the case with parades in Massapequa, the event concluded with local firefighters, as about a hundred Massapequa volunteer firefighters and members of the ladies’ auxiliary marched down Broadway, fol-

lowed by more than two dozen fire trucks sounding their sirens. Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand set the tone for the morning, joining others in saying that “it’s a great day to be Irish, it’s a great day to be in Massapequa, and we are honored that Brian Kilmeade has joined us to be our Grand Marshal today.”

Town Councilman Lou Imbroto said that “everyone is Irish today,” and added that “the parade was wonderful last year and is even better this year.”

Samantha Suter, of Massapequa Park, took the train one stop with her family to attend the parade. “We love the train experience, our son loves bagpipes, and we all love the parade,” she said, noting that her 2-year-old daughter Serena was especially enthusiastic.

Hepworth said she was encouraged by the event’s continued success. “As the founder of this event a year ago, it was thrilling for me to see it come to fruition again this year,” she said. “It was an incredible day, a day for everyone to be Irish, and it was great to see Massapequa businesses, organizations and families all come together.”

Hepworth added that she appreciated the opportunity to walk alongside Kilmeade. “He stopped to talk to everyone and made ev-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Mike Polansky/Herald

The winning team: Dana Durso, Todd Svec and Krista Palleschi.

Hablamos Español

Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group, LLC

Gluten Free Treat shop now open

The Massapequa Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed The Gluten Free Treat Shop to the community with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony. Chamber members, residents and supporters gathered to celebrate the opening of the new business, which offers a variety of gluten-free baked goods and treats.

Owner Jenna Vanacore, who has celiac disease, said her products are safe for people who can’t eat gluten.

For now, The Gluten Free Treat Shop

is open Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and weekends from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The store is at 518 Broadway in Massapequa, and the phone number is (516) 804-0250. More information can be found on the shop’s website: theglutenfreetreatshop.com.

Shown at the ribbon-cutting were owner Jenna Vanacore; Massapequa Chamber President Robin Hepworth; First Vice President Sal Polito; Treasurer Karen Gawyrch; and board members Randi Jankowski, Isabelle Rapacciuolo and Tom Antonetti.

Massapequa Park students earn industry certification through Nassau BOCES

Frank Stainkamp and Jake Seletsky of Massapequa Park celebrated the completion of their coursework in the Nassau BOCES Adult Education Entry-Level Career Training Program at an official certification ceremony earlier this year. Stainkamp and Seletsky both earned certification in Building Maintenance.

The program is part of Nassau BOCES Adult Education, which is housed at the Joseph M. Barry Career and Technical Education Center in Westbury. The goal is to prepare students for employment in their chosen fields. Courses incorporate intensive training in a variety of essential trades and each course includes a component in employability skills training. Career specialists work closely with students throughout the semester to arrange appropriate job placement and provide support services.

Jake Seletsky holds up his certificate after completing his certification in Building Maintenance through Nassau BOCES.

Massapequa grad shines on ‘American Idol’ Jesse Findling returns to high school to perform

Hours before performing for a national television audience, Massapequa High School Class of 2023 graduate and “American Idol” Top 20 contestant Jesse Findling returned to his alma mater on March 16.

Findling spoke to band, chorus and orchestra students at the end of the school day and hosted a question-and-answer session, discussing his “American Idol” journey, his time in Massapequa’s performing arts program and his musical inspirations. After the final bell, students and staff were invited to the auditorium for a live performance, where he performed a five-song set for an audience of about 200.

He was accompanied by guitarist Sal Nastasi and his former East Lake Elementary School music teacher, Dr. Gina Aspetti, on piano.

Beginning in ninth grade, Findling performed in four Massapequa High School musical productions, progressing from an ensemble role in “The Wedding Singer” to a lead role in “Footloose.” He said those experiences helped him become more comfortable performing in front of audiences, a skill that has supported his success on “American Idol.”

Now a biology major at Binghamton University, Findling said he was discovered by “American Idol” producers through his TikTok videos. After several Zoom auditions, he had his first in-person tryout in November.

He advanced to Hollywood Week in Nashville as one of 100 contestants and was later selected for the Top 30. After performing Ed Sheeran’s “Photograph” in the Ohana round, he advanced to the Top 20.

Findling’s family has supported him throughout the competition. He was joined at the high school performance by his older sister, Samantha, a Class of 2021 graduate, and his brother, Jack, a sophomore.

“The students were so attentive and were all interested in hearing about Jesse’s success, how he achieved it and what he’s doing while he’s on the national stage,” said Vincent Green, director of fine and performing arts, who led the Q&A. “For most of them it’s the closest they may come to someone at this level of fame and they are enjoying their part of it.”

Courtesy Massapequa school district Director of Fine and Performing Arts Vincent Green, left, welcomed Jesse Findling back to the high school. His elementary music teacher Gina Aspetti accompanied him on the piano and Sal Nastasi played the guitar.

Massapequa High School Class of 2023 graduate and American Idol Top 20 contestant Jesse Findling did a question-and-answer session with music students at his alma mater on March 16.

Signs around the school made sure Jesse was warmly welcomed.

Jesse Findling talked to senior music students James Benjamin and Roman Price.

Stuart Richner Publisher Rhonda Glickman V.P. Sales

Jeffrey Bessen Jordan Vallone Managing Editor Deputy Editor

CRIME WATCH

The following incidents have been reported by the Nassau County Police Department’s 7th and 8th precincts and other law enforcement and emergency service units:

PETIT LARCENY

Massapequa Park: Nassau County police arrested Nicole Brunder, 45, of Massapequa Park, and charged her with shoplifting at Target, 3850 Hempstead Turnpike, on March 14. The arrest was made shortly before 6 p.m.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

Farmingdale: Police reported that a side-view mirror was damaged on a vehicle parked in front of 6 Landon Road

on March 16. The incident was reported at 11:15 a.m.

ASSAULT

Massapequa: Police arrested Marta Merinobenchimol, 28, of 110 Lincoln Place, and charged her with assault. Additional details were not immediately available.

PRECINCT INFORMATION

The Nassau County Police Department’s 8th Precinct is located at 299 Hicksville Road, Bethpage, and can be reached at (516) 573-6800. The 7th Precinct is located at 3636 Merrick Road, Seaford, and can be reached at (516) 573-6700.

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

Self Help/Crisis Hotlines

Residential Program: Beacon House

Short-term, long-term and transitional housing is provided throughout Long Island in 58 group homes, emergency shelters, and select single-family residences. Those eligible include homeless veterans, veterans with families, veterans and nonveterans with substance abuse and mental health issues, women in need of supportive housing, and those living with HIV/AIDS. Every veteran resident has access to intensive case management, transportation and daily living essentials. For assistance, call 631 665-1571.

Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation

•Maryhaven Center of Hope-New Hope 24hr. substance abuse crisis center: 516-5467070; maryhaven.chsli.org/new-hope

•N.C. Drug & Alcohol Hotline: 516-227-8255

•LI Crisis Center: 516-679-1111

•24/7 Behavioral health helpline: 516-227-

8255, namiqn.org/crisis-info

•AA Meetings Nassau County: For More Information on meetings and times call 866-504-6974 or go to findrecovery.com/aa_ meetings/ny/nassau-county/ Domestic Violence

N.C. Coalition Against Domestic Violence Crisis services for victims of domestic violence, rape and sexual assault; group/individual counseling for adults and children; bilingual court advocacy; legal consultation and representation; safe emergency housing; elder abuse services; referrals and systems advocacy; community education. Eligibility criteria: Nassau County residents or non-residents seeking safe housing in Nassau. Will serve undocumented immigrants. Payments accepted free or on sliding scale. Address is 250 Fulton Avenue, Mezzanine West, Hempstead. Call 516-572-0700; 24-hour hotline is 516 542-0404.

Massapequa school budget vote set for May 20

Two board of education seats on ballot

By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Corresponden

Massapequa School District residents will vote on May 20 to approve or reject the proposed 2026-2027 school budget and elect two members of the Board of Education.

The terms for those elected will run from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. Also on the ballot will be the Massapequa Public Library budget and one seat on the library’s Board of Trustees for a five-year term.

Candidate petition packets are available at the district’s administration building, 4925 Merrick Road, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Petitions must be signed by at least 44 qualified district voters and filed with the district clerk no later than 5 p.m. on April 20.

Incumbent Board of Education members Cher Lepre and Danielle Ocuto have announced that they are seeking re-elec-

tion.

To be eligible to serve on the board, candidates mus bet:

• a United States citizen

• at least 18 years old

• able to read and write, and have been a resident of the Massapequa School District for at least one continuous yearnot hold another incompatible public office not reside with another member of the same school board as a member of the same family.

The School Board will adopt. Its budget on April 16. The budget will be presented to voters May 19. The polls will be open 6 a.m. to. 9 p.m., at Massapequa High School, Fairfield, Lockhart and McKenna elementary schools. For early or absentee ballots, voters should go to: msd.k12.ny.us or call District Clerk, Pamela Alvarado, at 516-308-5001.

Save the Great South Bay Creek Defender Clean Up

Save the Great South Bay will be hosting a clean-up at the Massapequa Preserve on March 28, 510 Parkside Blvd., Massapequa from 9 a.m. to noon. Please note that the date may change due to rain or other circumstances.

Please sign-up on Sign UP Genius to be alerted of changes.

To sign-up, visit savethegreatsouthbay. org/volunteer.

For more information, contact info@ savethegreatsouthbay.org

Walkabout for Profound Autism, April 19

A Walkabout for profound autism will be held on April 19 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Sunken Meadow State Park. The fundraising walk is to raise awareness and essential funds to strengthen resources and honor neurodiversity and inclusion for the profound autism community. The walk is 10 miles, and there is also a 5-mile option.

This event is hosted by Marsha Marino, inspired by her son Matthew who has Profound Autism. Marino is also a licensed psychotherapist who provides services to the Massapequa community.

Register by April 1. To sign-up, please visit profoundautism.org.

Town yard waste collections resume April 6

Oyster Bay Town officials announced that yard waste collection will resume the week of Monday, April 6 for homeowners who receive Town collection services. Yard waste is picked up on the same day as recycled materials, including plastics, metals, glass and cardboard. Residents should place yard waste curbside on their same day as their recycling items. Yard waste is collected by town sanitation crews and taken to compost facilities. Waste includes grass clippings, weeds, leaves, tree trimmings, hedge and shrub clippings and other garden/yard waste. Materials should be placed in bags at the curb, and should weigh no more than 50 pounds. No household garbage, refuse or animal

waste should be disposed with yard waste.

“Collecting Yard Waste is an important component to our recycling program,” said Councilman Andrew Monteleone. “One of the prime benefits of recycling yard waste is that the cost to take these materials to a compost facility is less than the cost to dispose of them at an out-of-state landfill. This successful program is another example of the Town’s commitment to providing high quality environmental services while protecting our taxpayers’ wallets.”

For more information on the Town’s sanitation services, including recycling and yard waste, visit www.oysterbaytown. com

New coach guides experienced Hofstra softball

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

A Hofstra softball program with a storied history reaching 18 NCAA Tournaments added a coaching legend last year looking to raise more banners.

The Pride appointed Susan CassidyLyke as Hofstra’s new head softball coach in July after 21 years leading the diamond at Molloy University softball where she guided the Lions to three Division II National Championship Tournament appearances.

“I was born and raised on Long Island so I am very familiar with the championship tradition here at Hofstra,” Cassidy-Lyke said. “This is a good experience for me and a good challenge.”

Cassidy-Lyke inherited a Hofstra team that returned 13 players from a 2025 team that went 22-28 and fell in the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) semifinals. Hofstra was picked to finish in a tie for first in the CAA North Division with Stony Brook.

Hofstra boasts two preseason All CAA players in senior pitcher Emma Falen and senior shortstop Alanna Morse, a local product out of Mepham High School.

Morse is coming off a 2025 season in which she led the team in hitting with a .343 batting average with 49 hits in 143 at bats. She is off to another strong start during her final season in a Hofstra uniform as a leadoff hitter batting .365 through 25 games with three home runs to lead the team in both categories.

“She is very talented offensively and defensively and just a great kid that seems to do the right thing all the time,” said Cassidy-Lyke of Morse. “She leads by example.”

Falen recorded a 12-10 record with a 3.14 ERA last season after transferring from UC-Riverside. The Folson, Calif. native recorded seven strikeouts in a 2-1 win against Stony Brook on March 7.

Freshman Madison Steppe has emerged as the ace of the Pride pitching staff this season following a standout career at Monticello High School in

Charlottesville, Va. Steppe recorded a season-high 10 strikeouts in an 8-5 victory against Buffalo on Feb. 28 in Harrisonburg, Va.

The Hofstra lineup has plenty of balance early in the season with five hitters batting over .290 in Morse, junior third baseman Gabby Sultan, sophomore catcher Gemma D’Orazio and junior second baseman Nicole Cansel. Junior right fielder Lily Yepez, a former Mepham teammate of Morse, has caught fire offensively with a .455 average in 44 at bats after missing the start of the season due to injury.

“She is another homegrown talent and it’s definitely a staple for us,” said Cassidy-Lyke of Yepez. “She really does a lot of different things out of the bottom of the lineup hitting for power, as a slap hitter and can bunt with some good speed.”

Hofstra entered the week at 12-13 overall and 8-1 in CAA play after a sweep at Hampton. The Pride have played the early portion of its home schedule at Farmingdale State due the harsh winter

weather, but are slated to return to Bill Edwards Stadium for a three-game series against Campnell on April 10-12. The regular season concludes with three games against Monmouth at Bill Edwards Stadium from April 30 to May 2.

The six-team CAA Tournament commences from May 6 to May 9 with the winner earning an automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. The Pride can

qualify for the double elimination CAA playoffs by placing in the top four in the North Division or one of two wildcard teams.

“They’ve come a long way since the beginning of the year and we have faith they can do it,” Casidy-Lyke said. “It’s really just going to be about consistency and not letting the game get bigger than it is.”

Former Mepham star Alanna Morse had a team-high .343 average a year ago.

Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications/Keith Lucas and Nick DeCastro Emma Falen had 12 wins in the circle for the Pride in 2025.

more about how we’re helping communities thrive. psegliny.com/revitalization These two moms opened a spa. It had one big, on the community.

Mery and Sindy always knew they wanted to open a spa to bring beauty to customers. Little did they know it would have the same effect on the community. And Business First was there. We provided $23,000 in grants to help with much-needed renovations so Mery and Sindy could bring their vision to life.* Now, not only does their spa impact clients in a beautiful way, it gives the community an economic lift as well. *Incentives, grants, and savings will vary with every project.

Brian Kilmeade leads thousands along Broadway

CONTINUED

eryone feel that they were part of the day.”

Embassy Diner served as the main event sponsor. Additional sponsors included TLC Companions Home Care, LifeVac, Masone Masonry, Genstar Masonry Design, Coastal Collision & Towing, Paddy’s Loft Irish Pub and Restaurant, Smuggler Jack’s, Schneps Media, Total Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and Apple Air.

For more information on the Massapequa Chamber of Commerce, membership and events, go online to massapequachamber.org or call (516) 541-1443.

Nearly 300 cast ballots for Svec, Durso and Palleschi

CONTINUED FROM

“This is an opportunity to show them how democracy works,” said Alyssa. “It is important.”

Lisa Kelly shared a similar concern. “Will my vote matter?” she asked. “I guess not at the end of the day, but who’s to say that there might not be some person who has their own little under the table thing going on, asking their neighbors to please sign my name in and vote for me.”

Lauren Sondey brought her answer back to basics. “One of them is a solid person that lives on my block, and I love the work that is being done by that person.”

Svec and Durso will serve another twoyear term as village trustees, and Palleschi will serve a three-year term as village justice.

Photo Carolyn James/Herald Alyssa Jacobs with ther daughters Olivia and Charlotte at polls.

Mike Polansky/Herald

Grand Marshal Brian Kilmeade is shown center withelected officials,chamber board members and event sponsors.

Historical Society of the Massapequas.

The Connor Kasin Memorial Foundation marches down Broadway.

Maine Coon Mamas and Main Men - adopt the hoarder/breeders’ cats at Last Hope

Last week’s “Pets” column described fiddling for felines at Last Hope. Kevin, an autistic client at Blue Raven Ministry, entertained the rescued Maine Coons. Previously, he played “Amazing Grace” on his violin at a nursing home when the ministry presented each of 60 residents with “You are Loved” Valentine’s Day T-shirts personalized with their names on the sleeve.

Pets, Pets, Pets...

I asked if Kevin would play violin for the Maine Coon cats. I hoped this easygoing breed would enjoy live music and the movement of the bow. They did. The cat string serenade was a prelude to the T-shirts Blue Raven Ministry clients would design and print for the adopters of the Maine Coon cats. The shirts read “Maine Coon Mama” or “Maine Coon Maine Man,” whichever the adopter chose.

JOANNE ANDERSON

Larry Hung left a financial job in New York City during the pandemic to found Blue Raven Ministry, a nonprofit based in an Albertson warehouse and print shop. His goal was to provide job and life skills, along with a sense of giving back to the community, for young adults on the autism spectrum from age 21 — when they age out of publicschool services — through their 30s.

If the clients were going to design and manufacture these gift T-shirts for Maine Coon adopters, representative clients and staff needed to meet this social feline breed while they were still together at Last Hope Adoption Center. Hung and two clients — Kevin, 21, and Sammy, 31 — visited first. They sat with the free-roaming cats to sketch

logo designs after the concert.

Barbara Davis, chief instructor, suggested other ways her clients could collaborate with Last Hope in the future. She is a Last Hope dog adopter and an ailurophile. She met the Maine Coon cats as well. Patriarch, Mufasa — a large, long-haired tabby with a head tilt — perched on her shoulder with his polydactyl paws and nudged her earlobes.

TEE SHIRT SYNCHRONICITY

- EASIER SAID THAN DONE

“Maine Coon” is a magic phrase because the breed is extremely popular. From Jan. 20, when the we took in 32 of 120 neglected cats from a hoarder-breeder’s West Islip home, we refused to accept or screen adoption requests until the cats were medically ready.

Veterinary care took two months. Three cats are still awaiting test results, surgery, dental work or recovery from respiratory infections.

Persistence alone did not ensure a responsible home. Unrelenting callers were eager to adopt, but some advance applications contained red flags, according to Last Hope. We prioritized volunteers who cared for the cats, their family members and people highly recommended by veterinarians.

On March 20, the adoption committee began processing applications from people who had met the cats. Long-distance adopters were not considered. By the evening of May 21, every available Maine Coon had an adopter, an application or multiple applications.

Blue Raven hoped to customize adopter T-

Sample of Maine Coon Mama and Maine Coon Main Man tee shirts given to Last Hope Maine Coon adopters by Blue Raven Ministry.

shirts by style, size and color, but simplified the process by printing only large and extralarge sizes, with more “Maine Coon Mama” shirts than “Maine Man.” A tag asks adopters to take a photo wearing the shirt with their cat for @blueravenministry.

30 shirts were delivered on the weekend. The pace of adoptions exceeded expectations and those who left without shirts will still get them.

Meanwhile, Blue Raven clients created illustrated cage cards, including messages like “You will love me … not ‘lion,’” to hang on cat cages and dog runs. They are planning bracelets, bandannas and more T-shirts for adopters and volunteers, and possibly for sale at Last Hope’s Huntington thrift shop.

As Humphrey Bogart almost says to Claude Rains at the end of “Casablanca,” “Blue raven, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

Barbara Davis, instruction director at Blue Raven Ministry, models a Maine Coon Mama tee shirt while holding Mufasa.

HERALD NEIGHBORS

Daler spirit shines for Green and White Night

The roar of the Farmingdale High School gymnasium was deafening on March 3 as hundreds of fifth graders linked arms for the annual Green and White Night. While the scoreboard eventually declared a winner, the night was defined by the incredible sportsmanship of a unified graduating class.

After tallying points from every challenge, the Green Team was ultimately crowned the 2025-2026 champion. The margin of victory was one of the slimmest in the event’s history, with only 25 points separating the two sides.

The Farmingdale School District hosts this beloved tradition to bridge the gap between our four elementary schools: Albany Avenue Elementary School, Northside Elementary School, Saltzman East Memorial Elementary School, and Woodward Parkway Elementary School. By competing together now, these students ensure that when they enter Weldon E. Howitt Middle School this fall, they do so as teammates and friends.

The competition was fierce, kicking off with a high-intensity five-minute Tabata workout featuring jumping jacks, sit-ups, planks, burpees and lunges. Energized and ready, students then put their skills and speed to the test in a series of exciting events, including backward scooter races, a sprint relay, a hula-hoop relay, an over-under relay and a fast-paced basketball shootout.

“What an incredible night! The energy in the gym was electric, and seeing our fifth graders from across the district come together for such a high-spirited event was truly the highlight of the week,” said Don Herr, Farmingdale School District Director of Athletics. “Both sides showed incredible sportsmanship, grit, and Daler Pride.”

He also emphasized that the evening’s success was a collective effort. “An event of this scale doesn’t happen by accident,” Herr said. “I want to extend a massive thank you to our Physical Education Department. These teachers are the architects behind the fun—their hard work, late hours, and dedication to our students made this night a resounding success. I feel incredibly lucky to work alongside such a talented and ‘all-in’ team.”

Special recognition was also given to MC Rich Zeidler, DJ Dave Stein and the Varsity Leaders Club for helping the event run smoothly.

The energy from Green and White Night serves as a foundation for the rest of the 2025-2026 school year. These students will join forces once more in June for the district-wide fifth-grade field day at the Weldon E. Howitt Middle School Athletic Complex. The bonds formed during this night ensure our Dalers are ready to face the challenges of middle school with the support of their peers.

Green Team supporters clap and cheer for their teammates from the gymnasium bleachers. The electric atmosphere in the stands was a highlight of the week for the fifth-grade community.

Green Team relay runners stand at the ready with their batons to start the sprint competition. The Varsity Leaders Club volunteers assisted with the timing and logistics to ensure the races ran smoothly.

the importance of teamwork and mutual encouragement.

Courtesy of the Farmingdale school district

Enthusiastic

A Green Team student maneuvers a purple scooter across the gymnasium floor during the backwards race. This event required coordination and speed as the margin between the two teams remained razor-thin.

The White Team cheers alongside the district mascot “Dale” as they wait for the next event to start. These moments of camaraderie helped bridge the gap between students from all four elementary schools.

Green Team members hold hands to navigate a blue hula hoop down their line without breaking the chain. This collaborative challenge emphasized

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, MARCH 26

•Plainedge School District Board of Education Special Meeting: 6:30 p.m., High School Cafeteria, Plainedge High School, 241 Wyngate Dr., Massapequa. For more information, call (516) 9927450.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631)-789-2569.

SUNDAY, MARCH 29

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631) 789-2569.

MONDAY, MARCH 30

•Massapequa Fire District Monthly Work Session: 7:30 p.m., District Administration Building, 1 Brooklyn Ave., Massapequa. For more informa -

tion, call (516) 798-9849.

TUESDAY, MARCH 31

•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1

• Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free weekly, virtual meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.

Calendar items are printed for non-profit organizations, as space permits, or when an event, service or information is being sponsored by a profit-making organization without charge to readers. Submit items to us at Richner Communications, attn: Post Editor, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530; or email: dconsola@ liherald.com at least two - three weeks prior to the publication date in which the item must appear. Sorry, but open-ended requests without the specific dates of the events are not acceptable. While we make every attempt to accommodate each request, we cannot guarantee publication of any items. For more information, call 516-569-4000.

Registration opening for town’s spring co-ed fitness classes

Oyster Bay Town Councilman Tom Hand announces that registration is opening for the Town’s Co-Ed Fitness Classes for the spring season at the Hicksville Athletic Center. Starting in March, these 10-week programs offer a fun way to stay fit and meet new people. Open to everyone ages 18 and older, the classes cover everything from cardio kickboxing to yoga and ballroom dancing.

“Our great spring programs provide a fun, energizing way for residents to stay active while joining with friends or meeting new people,” said Councilman Hand. “After a long and cold winter, residents can participate in a variety of activities, including Cardio Kick-boxing, Yoga, Zumba, Pilates and Ballroom Dancing.”

This spring, participants can once again choose from a variety of fun fitness options:

• Ballroom Dancing: Saturdays, 7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m., starting April 4 th

• Cardio Kickboxing: Thursdays, 8:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., starting April 2 nd

• Pilates: Mondays, 8:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., starting March 30 th

• Yoga: Sundays, 8:45 a.m.–9:45 a.m., starting March 29 th Tuesdays, 8:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m., starting March 31 st Thursdays, 7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m., starting April 2 nd

Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.–10:00 a.m., starting April 4 th

• Zumba: Mondays, 6:45 p.m.–7:45 p.m., starting March 30 th Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m.–8:30 p.m., starting April 1 st

Saturdays, 7:45 a.m.–8:45 a.m., starting April 4 th

• Gentle Movement & Meditation: Tuesdays, 7:00 a.m.–8:00 a.m., starting April 7 th

Saturdays, 8:15 p.m.–9:15 p.m., starting April 4 th

Registration began Wednesday, March 4 th for residents and Wednesday, March 11 th for non-residents. Town of Oyster Bay residents who have not used the signup portal will need to upload proof of residency (tax or utility bill) and a valid ID (like a driver’s license). The registration fee is $75 for Town residents and $100 for non-residents. Visit oysterbaytown. com/sports to sign up.

Participants must bring their own mats for Yoga, Pilates, Cardio Kickboxing, and Gentle Movement and Meditation. Class schedules are subject to change, and if a session is cancelled, make-up days will be attempted. For more information, call (516) 797-7945 or email tobparks@oysterbay-ny.gov

& Hammerstein’s JULY 9–AUG 23

L.I. representatives gather for a lively debate

By ROSKANA AMID, JEFFREY BESSEN & CAROLYN JAMES of the Herald

Against a backdrop of a military action in the Middle East and a domestic economy that swings up and down as the price of oil steadily rises, Long Island’s congressional delegation took part in a spirited but congenial debate of ideas and issues last week at the Long Island Association’s annual What’s New In Washington panel.

Representatives Andrew Garbarino, Laura Gillen, Nick LaLota and Tom Suozzi spoke on issues ranging from the economy to immigration to energy, with LIA Acting President and CEO Stacey Sikes moderating the March 16 discussion.

“The thing that’s so brilliant about the system, I think, is today we’re going to have [four] Congressional representatives —two Democrats, two Republicans,” Lawrence Waldman, the LIA’s board chairman, said. “They’re going to sit in the interview with Acting President Stacey Sikes, and I’m sure they’ll agree on some of these issues and disagree on some.”

Andrew Garbarino

All of the legislators noted progress on the effort to raise or eliminate the limit on the income tax deduction for state and local taxes, a measure critical to Long Island homeowners facing some of the nation’s highest property taxes, as well as a $1.5 billion infrastructure package for transportation, water quality and storm resilience.

“We have worked together on a bipar-

tisan infrastructure bill, one of the best things we did,” Garbarino, a former assemblyman, said, noting frustrations with Albany over implementation.

His 2nd Congressional District stretches from Massapequa, in Nassau County, east to Shirley, in Suffolk County.

The four lawmakers had differing perspectives on Operation Epic Fury, the military effort against Iran. Suozzi and Gillen praised its objectives, but criticized Congress’s lack of oversight and what they described as the Trump administration’s failure to define a long-term strategy.

“There does not seem to be a plan, and shouldn’t that have been thought of ahead of time?” Suozzi asked.

Ithe finish line, by working together.”

Gillen, who represents the 4th Congressional District, which spans nearly the entire South Shore of Nassau County, noted that the administration’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill” has added to the national debt. “It caused the average American to have $1,600 in extra cost,” she said. “We’re not going in the right direction. We can fix that, but there has to be political will.”

’m sure they’ll agree on some of these issues and disagree on some.

L

AwRENCE

Garbarino countered, noting that congressional committees are briefed regularly, and that prior administrations have taken similar actions. All agreed that any escalation involving ground troops would require Congressional approval.

Laura Gillen

wALDMAN

Board chairman, Long Island Association

Nick LaLota

Gillen noted the impact of the federal crackdown on illegal immigration on local businesses.

“People are afraid to patronize businesses,” she said, adding that new business in Hempstead is “going to go out of business already, because people — there’s an ICE car parked in an apartment lot across from Main Street, and even if no one’s in there, people see it, and they’re afraid to go out.”

that same part of the world,” he noted, jobs will be created and prices will be lower.

LaLota’s 1st Congressional District stretches from Melville, in western Suffolk County, to Montauk.

Tom Suozzi

Suozzi highlighted his work with the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus. The group includes 46 members of Congress, evenly split between Democrats and Republicans.

“We have committees that work together on issues, on everything from affordability,” Suozzi said, noting that the caucus also addresses immigration and national security.

Despite those efforts, Suozzi described Washington as increasingly difficult to navigate. “The problem is, the environment is so toxic in Washington, D.C.,” he said. “And the leadership on both sides really is only focused on winning the majority.” He added that the political climate is likely to worsen as the midterm elections approach.

Speaking on her proposed Dignity Act, which would give illegal immigrants what she called “a pathway to legal status,” Gillen said, “If you’re going to do transformative legislation, it’s better to tap in with both sides,” noting that the effort began with 10 Democrats and 10 Republicans. “And that’s the way we can get a law like this across

LaLota said that one party doesn’t have a monopoly on “this nation’s most major issues, and we do work together on certain big things.”

With the cost of energy on the minds of consumers, he noted that “the economy is growing, we have more demand, more power here on the Island and across the nation.” LaLota added that there’s “a ton of natural gas” in New York’s Southern Tier. “If we do things the way that Pennsylvania does them in

Suozzi also pointed to several economic concerns facing many Americans, including tariffs, artificial intelligence data centers, and rising health care costs tied in part to the elimination of the premium tax credit.

“The economy is in trouble,” he said. “Everybody knows the economy is in trouble.” He argued that strong stock market performance does not reflect the experience of most households.

His 3rd Congressional District predominantly includes Glen Cove, Oyster Bay and a portion of Queens, and stretches east to Huntington.

Tim Baker/Herald

The Long Island Association held its annual What’s New In Washington panel on March 16. U.S. Representatives Andrew Garbarino, far left, and Nick LaLota, LIA Acting President and CEO Stacey Sikes, and Representatives Laura Gillen and Tom Suozzi discussed several issues.

Legal win for residents grieving property taxes

By Chris ColuCCi ccolucci@liherald.com

The Appellate Division of the New York State Supreme Court, Second Judicial Division reached an important decision in favor of homeowners last month. The court strengthened residents’ abilities to provide supportive evidence and documentation when challenging their yearly property tax assessments.

The appeal reversed a Nassau County Supreme Court case that had previously complicated the process for homeowners submitting documents, including assessments of comparable properties and completed sales of similar homes, when filing an “unequal assessment claim” during Small Claims Assessment Review proceedings. The appellate verdict went into effect immediately, and applies to the current assessment year, 2027-28.

“This is a very significant case,” said Shalom Maidenbaum, founder of Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group and Maidenbaum and Sternberg, the law firm that brought the case to court. “It could’ve impacted all of Nassau County and curtailed the rights of taxpayers.” The decision affects any Nassau homeowner filing an assessment grievance, and is especially beneficial to residents of certain villages who may have been assessed at an inaccurate or outdated assessment ratio.

In the final order of the matter of Yeung v. Assessor of the Village of Great Neck Estates — the initial case presented to the appellate court — the court wrote in its conclusion, “The hearing officer’s determinations denying the petitioners’ Small Claims Assessment Review applications were arbitrary and

Tim Baker/Herald

“This is a very significant case,” Shalom Maidenbaum said. “It could’ve impacted all of Nassau County and curtailed the rights of taxpayers.”

capricious and lacked a rational basis in the law.”

Mark Miller, one of the most experienced lawyers on the Maidenbaum team, explained that multiple lowercourt decisions throughout Nassau County can now

be clarified, since some hearing officers had been inconsistently applying existing laws to homeowners’ ability to present evidence. “Hundreds of cases can now go back to court,” Miller said. “This decision gives them standing.”

The appellate court’s decision is expected to remain in effect without further challenge. Legal experts say that it would require costly, involved legislation to overturn it.

While the legal victory provides homeowners with invaluable support, experts say they should not misinterpret the ruling as a guarantee that their assessments will be reduced. “They just have the right to present that evidence,” explained Amy Madmon, a partner at both Maidenbaum and Sternberg and Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group, explained. “Essentially, it’s confirming the tools that homeowners have. Whether it’s successful or not depends on the case, but a hearing officer does have to hear the argument and take it into account when they’re making a decision.”

The deadline to file a property tax assessment grievance in Nassau County is March 31. There’s no risk for homeowners — an unsuccessful appeal results in no penalties and no increased assessment. There’s also no inherent expense: Homeowners can either submit a grievance at no cost on their own, or hire a property tax grievance firm, such as Maidenbaum, which typically charges no fees if the appeal is unsuccessful, and charges a percentage of the amount of the reduction, often up to 50 percent, for a successful appeal.

More information about filing a grievance, including applications and steps to file, can be found at nassaucountyny.gov/arc/arow.

celebrating women’s history month

Inspiring girls and LGBTQ youth through music

By JULIA CAPITELLI jcapitelli@liherald.com

Nini Camps was a solo singer-songwriter in New York City when Kristen Henderson, the bassist for the all-female rock band Antigone Rising, asked her to get together to write music in 2009. The band soon got an offer to open for Joan Jett, and invited Camps to be a vocalist. The opportunity launched more than a decade of performances, and nonprofit work, with Camps as Antigone Rising’s lead singer.

The band was formed in 1993 by sisters Cathy and Kristen Henderson, now Kristen Ellis-Henderson. Several members have joined and left over the years. After Camps joined the Hendersons, Antigone Rising quickly made a record and resumed playing shows after a hiatus.

“It just felt like a good fit,” Camps said. “We had so much fun.” Camps, 54, has lived in Sea Cliff for roughly 15 years with her wife, Brooke. She said that she enjoys Sea Cliff’s thriving music scene.

Before the coronavirus pandemic began in 2020, Antigone Rising band was busy making music, touring and creating a nonprofit, Girl Rising. After the pandemic lockdowns eased, the group continued to play together on a smaller scale.

Girls Rising launched in 2014, after the band was invited by the U.S. State Department to travel to Israel and the Palestinian territory. There Antigone Rising worked in schools and community centers, playing music and talking to students and educators about their creative and musical process.

The trip, Camps explained, helped inspire them to

create the nonprofit. “We were an all-female band, and our crew that we took with us was female, and it was an anomaly,” she said. “… They were like, ‘We’ve never seen this. This is unusual.’ And we realized that as we went along, this was something that we faced a lot, even in the States.”

After returning to the United States, Antigone Rising began visiting LGBTQ centers, community centers and schools as they toured. Camps said the band got so many requests for these visits that they essentially became part of their tours and even events around which they based their schedule.

Girls Rising’s mission is to inspire young girls and LGBTQ youth to pursue nontraditional career paths and encourage all children to think, act and be themselves. Through performances, presentations and workshops, the band carried out the mission for nearly a decade, though it is now in what Camps described as a “pause.” “Things need a chance to sometimes rest and breathe” after operating for so long, she said.

Antigone Rising hosted the Girls Rising Music Festival annually for roughly eight years, first at Sea Cliff Beach and then at Glen Cove’s Morgan Park. It featured female artists, both seasoned musicians and younger ones just starting out.

“We were in a place where we were kind of in the middle,” Camps said, “where we were able to reach out to women who were real game-changers and real trailblazers ahead of us, who are very successful, and we were able to sort of hand that down to young women who were just making their way.”

As part of each year’s festival, the band recognized

women making a difference — who “showed up” — with a Game Changer Award. The band received donations and grants from artists like Joan Jett and Melissa Ethelridge. With that money, Antigone Rising was able to provide instruments and music education in Glen Cove, and help support young women pursuing music education.

Camps said that the band isn’t currently seeking gigs, but will take one if the opportunity presents itself. In the meantime, she is working on a solo album, her first since she joined the group.

A lifelong love of science sparked by dinosaurs

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Not all scientists begin their careers in labs — some start in the shadow of dinosaurs. For Ray Ann Havasy, 63, of Port Washington, that early fascination led to a career defined by academic achievement, creative outreach and global science engagement.

With degrees in zoology, education and biology, and a doctorate in science education from Columbia University in 1998, Havasy built a foundation that combines rigorous scholarship with a passion for making science accessible.

She began her career in education, teaching science at East Meadow High School and Schreiber High School, in Port Washington, and later at the New York Institute of Technology’s School of Education.

Her interest in dinosaurs led to work with the Dinosaur Society and, in the early 1990s, as a technical adviser on “Jurassic Park,” helping guide how dinosaurs were portrayed while balancing scientific accuracy with cinematic storytelling. She partnered in the development of the touring “Dinosaurs of Jurassic Park” exhibit. Blending film props with real fossils and scientific content, the exhibit toured internationally for nearly eight years beginning around 1993, drawing crowds across the United States and in cities in Europe and the Netherlands. What stood out most, Havasy said, was the universal reaction: Children everywhere were captivated.

“The exhibit was amazing — I went all around the world with it,” she said. “That was a great experience,

Courtesy Ray Ann Havasy Ray Ann Havasy, founder and director of the Center for Science Teaching & Learning, in Rockville Centre, has built a multifaceted career focused on education.

also seeing that dinosaurs and science are universal.”

The exhibit also supported paleontological research worldwide, turning public interest into funding for scientific discovery — reinforcing her belief that handson experiences can spark lifelong curiosity.

That philosophy led her to Rockville Centre, where she founded the Center for Science Teaching & Learning in the Tanglewood Preserve in 2000. What began as a teacher-training initiative has grown into a hub for interactive, family-focused learning.

“A lot of museums are ‘look but don’t touch,’” Havasy said. “We’re the exact opposite. Our whole mission is to encourage people to learn about science and like science, because a lot of us went through school thinking science was hard and yucky.”

Today she continues to promote hands-on learning while encouraging more young women to pursue science with animals, nature and interactive experiences for fun learning.

“I wasn’t doing it for accolades,” she said. “I was doing it because these opportunities are exciting.”

Michele Anselmo, a teacher and an educator at the center, has worked with Havasy for over 15 years, on several innovative projects. “Ray Ann’s knowledge of science and education provides a wonderful support system for me and the other educators here,” Anselmo said.

Through her work, Havasy hopes to create a future in which more girls see science as a natural and attainable path. “I think it’s important that we find a way to encourage women to get involved in science,” she said. “I speak a lot to young women about encouraging them to be more attuned to being involved in science, and that would be a dream of mine, to have kids — young women — understand that science, engineering and math is for them, and is something that the world wants them to do.”

Courtesy Nini Camps Nini Camps is currently working on her first solo album since she joined Antigone Rising.

influential women on long island

Joan whitney Payson co-founder and owner new York Mets grace hartigan abstract expressionist painter

celebrating women’s history month

Delivering change as a leader in maternal care

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

For Dr. Jacqueline Marecheau, chair of obstetrics and gynecology at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital, Women’s History Month is more than a celebration: It is a call to confront one of the nation’s most urgent and persistent health crises.

Marecheau has spent her career delivering babies and caring for mothers, working on the front lines of maternal health in underserved communities. She has been at Episcopal Health Services for six years, and her work is rooted in community health, equity and supporting the teams who care for women and families every day.

Marecheau earned an undergraduate degree in biomedical education from the Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education (now the CUNY Medical School) and a medical degree from the SUNY Health Science Center at Brooklyn.

U.S. continues to have the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income nations, with Black women facing the greatest risks.

Between 2018 and 2021, Black women were three to four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, according to federal health data. Marecheau emphasized that these disparities are rooted not in biology, but in systemic inequities including gaps in care, delayed diagnoses, implicit bias and lack of access to resources.

“I went through my third year of medical school rotations and I fell in love with OB/GYN,” she said. “I realized that I was drawn to women’s health because it interested me in medicine and advocacy. OB/GYN is a field where you can see direct results of action and education, and that’s always been meaningful to me.”

Marecheau’s experience underscores a troubling reality: Maternal health risks in the United States remain alarmingly high. About 22 women per 100,000 die from childbirth-related causes each year, and roughly 50,000 experience severe complications. The

If you’ve

At EHS, which serves the diverse and historically underserved Rockaway peninsula, Marecheau sees these challenges play out daily. The community has long faced barriers to high-quality care, but, she said, the hospital is working to change that narrative.

“I love improving access to pre-natal care, helping women navigate complex health decisions,” she said, “and knowing I can create a safer and healthier outcome for women who haven’t always historically been prioritized brings me immense joy.”

In August 2025, St. John’s opened a new state-of-the-art labor and delivery suite, restoring comprehensive maternity services to the area. The facility features private suites and emphasizes patientcentered care.

Marecheau has championed programs including doula support services, postpartum care initiatives and the Centering Pregnancy model, which combines prenatal visits with group education to improve outcomes for mothers and babies.

Tim Baker/Herald

Dr. Jacqueline Marecheau is the chair of obstetrics and gynecology at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, which serves the diverse Rockaway peninsula.

“My focus these days is making sure services are equitable and culturally responsive,” she said.

Hospital staff have received additional training to better recognize early signs of complications, and systems have been implemented to ensure that patients receive follow-up care after they’re discharged, a critical period when many maternal deaths occur.

“No woman should feel that her pain is ignored or her concerns are dismissed,” Marecheau said.

wondered where balloons end up . . .

By ABBEY SALVEMINI asalvemini@liherald.com

For Cynthia Seibold, recognizing the achievements and resilience of women is deeply personal. Raised by a single working mother, she saw firsthand the strength, determination and perseverance it takes to overcome challenges. Today she carries that legacy forward, and takes pride in inspiring strong, capable and resilient women herself.

Seibold’s path to founding Balloon Mission was unconventional. After earning a master’s degree in secondary education, she spent 20 years in the insurance industry, analyzing risk and researching hazards for organizations including the NBA and the NHL. “My mission at that job was to protect people from harm and save money,” she said. The role sharpened her research and problem-solving skills — which would later inspire her environmental advocacy.

The pandemic was a turning point. The health scare forced reflection. “It showed me how precious and fragile life is,” Seibold, 57, said. “Whatever days are left, I want to give back in some way.”

A lifelong Long Islander, she found peace by the ocean, but noticed balloon debris piling up on local beaches. While volunteering at cleanups, she researched the environmental impact of balloon releases. She was stunned by the volume of data on their harm to wildlife, waterways and ecosystems worldwide, with little accountability.

In March 2022, a New York Times article on the surging popularity of balloon decor was published on her late mother’s birthday, and Seibold took that as a sign. “The idea of a solution would not leave me

alone,” she said of the problem of balloon waste. “If not me, who was going to do it?”

So she launched Balloon Mission, the first balloon collection-recycling infrastructure in the United States. “Here I am, an ordinary citizen stepping up,” she said. “Not certified in anything, but I did know how to research.” The early days were challenging,

filled with “soul-crushing” moments and fears of being laughed at for “chasing balloons.”

What began with collection bins in three schools and one library has grown into a regional and national effort. In three years, Balloon Mission has collected more than 65,000 post-event balloons.

Seibold says that collaborative partnerships with strong, inspiring women helped make the initiative possible. “I would not be me without these partners,” she said, citing Allison DePerte, of the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, and Maureen Early, of the waste-management company Reworld.

She also praises Tara Moran-Schneider, senior conservation biologist with the Town of Hempstead’s Department of Conservation and Waterways, for installing 20 “No Balloon Release” signs in local parks and on beaches.

“We’ve become the experts in the room through research and data collection,” Seibold said — not because of advanced degrees, but thanks to research, partnerships and persistence.

Women have guided her journey. “It’s vital for young girls to see female leaders in all roles,” she said. “Leading by example shows that positive change is possible. There is no age limit.” Since Balloon Mission started, she has worked with Girl Scout troops, educating communities about responsible balloon practices by expanding “No Release” signs across Long Island.

Seibold’s message to women with a passion for change is simple: “If you have an idea or solution that has latched onto you and won’t shake free, that wakes you up in the middle of the night,” she said, “you have to pursue it.”

influential women on long island

Joan whitney Payson co-founder and owner new York Mets

Courtesy Cynthia Seibold

Cynthia Seibold, the founder of Balloon Mission, at a World Ocean Day beach cleanup in June 2020.

Compiled by Herald Staff

Eleanor Furbush Farmingdale

Christie Leigh Babirad/ Herald photos Gerard Norton Massapequa

dogs! Courtesy Kaitlin Norton

Kaitlin Norton Massapequa

Courtesy Kaitlin Norton

Brittany Miller Massapequa Longer days.

Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald photos

Christie Leigh Babirad/Herald photos

STEPPING OUT

A gentle first step into the concert hall

‘Peppa

Pig’ brings music to life

By Abbey Salvemini

Oink if you love Mozart! The world’s most famous piggy is trading muddy puddles for the conductor’s baton. “Peppa Pig –

My First Concert” is headed to Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, on Saturday, March 28, offering families a vibrant, interactive introduction to the world of classical music.

Joined by Mummy Pig, Daddy Pig and George, Peppa leads young audiences through playful romp designed to give toddlers and preschoolers their very first taste of an orchestra — in this case, the Aurora Orchestra. By blending catchy hits from the popular TV series with masterpieces by Mozart and Beethoven, the production creates a bridge between playground favorites and the concert hall. At just 60 minutes long, it’s a perfectly sized musical adventure for “little piggies” as young as 18 months.

Families explore how different instruments create sound in this playful production giving the little ones their first taste of classical music in an engaging setting. From the first notes of the Peppa Pig theme to the soaring strings of the masters, the production invites families to see how an orchestra actually works. Peppa and her brother George learn alongside their audience, discovering the distinct sounds and shapes of the instruments as the music comes to life. It’s an engaging, front-row seat to the wonders of the woodwind, brass and string families.

“This is really an interactive introduction to a live orchestra for very young audiences,” says Stephanie Turner, Tilles Center’s director of education and outreach.

This is a ‘first concert’ in the truest sense — approachable, loud and full of life. Stripping away the formality of a standard concert hall, the production encourages little ones to respond to the music however they feel moved. Children are welcome to participate throughout — whether that means clapping along, dancing in the aisles or simply reacting to the music.

“Anything they want to do,” Turner says. “When kids hear familiar music, they love to get up and dance. Whatever movement or sound kids want to make is totally open.”

The production also introduces a fresh face to the Peppa-verse: Lucy. Played by Evie James, this specially created character serves as the show’s lively narrator, helping children navigate their very first symphonic experience, while interacting with Peppa and her friends.

The show blends puppetry, live music and audience participation, featuring four puppeteers and 12 musicians performing alongside Lucy and the Peppa Pig family. James eplains that the production offers young audiences a whimsical introduction to live theater and classical music through the adventures of Peppa and her family.

“The kids respond to it so well,” she says. “It’s a really sweet and fun show with an educational element.”

Continuing the Tilles Center’s commitment to inclusive programming, this program — part of its “Family Fun!” series — it’s done as a relaxed performance. The atmosphere is intentionally crafted to be welcoming and accommodating, providing a supportive space for neurodivergent audiences to enjoy the arts together.

“These performances feature modified sound and lighting levels,” Turner explains. “There’s also a quiet space with sensory toys if a child gets overwhelmed.”

Families can check out a ‘social story’ before the big day. This visual guide uses photos and simple descriptions to walk children through the entire theater experience, turning the ‘unknown’ into a familiar and exciting adventure. Everyone is also welcome to a free family workshop prior to showtime (for ticket holders), with crafts, games and storytime.

• Saturday, March 28, 2 p.m.

• Tickets start at $39, VIP tickets are $79.50; available at ticketmaster.com

• Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville

“Our goal is to provide the arts to the greater Long Island population,” Turner adds. “Through the Family Fun series, we bring shows like Peppa Pig, along with productions featuring characters like Curious George and ‘Sesame Street, so families can experience live performances together.”

Of course, for many children in the audience, Peppa Pig will be their first live performance.

“It’s age-appropriate, gentle and welcoming,” Turner continues. “You can come at any age or level and enjoy it. Even adults who’ve never been exposed to classical music can learn something.”

For James, the true magic happens after the curtain falls. Her goal is simple: to send the kids home feeling delighted with what’s transpired on stage.

“I hope they just have a fun time,” she says. “Maybe it will inspire them to listen to music, play an instrument themselves or develop an interest in theater.”

George discover the magic of live music together at Tilles Center.

Isaac Mizrahi

Actor-host-writer-fashion designerproducer, performer extraordinaire Isaac Mizrahi is a truly unique talent. He regales his fans — and those just experiencing him for a first time — with song and his signature wit when he appears at Tilles Center. His one-of-a-kind show brings together comedy, commentar and an array of classic and soon-to-be classic songs from Stephen Sondheim to Blondie, Comden & Green to Madonna. He’s worked extensively in the entertainment industry for over 30 years. Most recently seen as Amos Hart in the Broadway production of “Chicago,” he heads here after his annual (triumphant) residency at Café Carlyle in Manhattan. Isaac also performs at such venues as Joe’s Pub and nationwide. Among his many credits, he’s the subject and co-creator of “Unzipped,” a documentary following the making of his Fall 1994 collection which received an award at the Sundance Film Festival.

Saturday, March 28, 8 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

The Man In Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash

With his strikingly similar looks, baritone voic and spot-on mannerisms, Shawn Barker’s uncanny resemblance to the original “Man In Black” revitalizes the true character and spirit of Cash himself, for a one-of-a-kind show. In character throughout the entire evening, he takes the audience through each era of Cash’s life and music, including hits like “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk The Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” and “Ring of Fire,” backed by a full band. Born and raised in a working-class suburb of St. Louis, Barker took a schoolboy love for singing in church with his family and turned it into a career. The path to his current success wasn’t a straight line from gospel choir to Johnny Cash tribute act. After serving his country in the Army, Barker returned home to Missouri, took a job as a carpenter, and spent all of his free time learning how to play the guitar. His act then quickly turned from hobby to profession.

Sunday, March 29, 7 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at

25,

Photos courtesy Logan Westom

Little theatergoers follow along as Peppa and

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

‘Everybody

Loves Raymond: Celebrating 30 Years’

Visit the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame for an immersive exhibit (designed by LIMEHOF Creative Director, renowned designer Kevin O’Callaghan). It features the 70-foot-wide set from the show’s recent 30th anniversary TV special on CBS, never before on display. Visitors can walk into the world of the Barone family and explore their home through original studio sets, which include the living room, the kitchen and other areas of the house. Also see a variety of iconic items, including original clothing, the famous fork and spoon, and the Christmas toaster, among other classic items from the series. Multimedia clips, including behind the scenes and rare out-takes and a range of related videos play in LIMEHOF’s surround sound theater.

• Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook

• Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Contact: limusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888

Plainedge BOE meets

The Plainedge Board of Education holds a special meeting, All are welcome to attend.

• Where: High School Cafeteria, Plainedge High School, 241 Wyngate Dr., Massapequa

• Time: 6:30 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 992-7450

Movie time

Stop by Massapequa Public Library for a showing of the 2026 Oscar Best Picture winner “One Battle After Another” starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro. When their evil enemy resurfaces after 16 years, a group of ex-revolutionaries reunites to rescue one of their own’s daughter.

• Where: 40 Harbor Lane, Massapequa Park

• Time: 1-3:45 p.m. and 6-8:45 p.m.

• Contact: massapequalibrary.org or (516) 799-0770

‘You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown’ Adelphi University Department of Theatre students give a concert performance of the beloved classic. With charm, wit and heart, “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” explores life through the eyes of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy and their friends in the Peanuts gang. This revue of songs and vignettes, based on the beloved Charles Schulz comic strip, showcases Adelphi’s talented students. Musical numbers include “My New Philosophy,” “The Book Report,” “The Baseball Game,” “Little Known Facts,”

‘…how I wish you were here’

• Where: Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

making you clap and stomp with a folk n’ roll tune, or pushing full speed ahead with a vintage psychedelic fury, their music is produced under their creed that “music is human and so are we!” Their most recent EP, titled “Flooded With Sunlight”, was released on digital streaming services in March 2025.

• Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Contact: limusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888

‘The

Identity Reset’

Wish You Were Here celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Pink Floyd’s album “Wish You Were Here,” acclaimed as “one of the greatest albums of all time,” and cited by Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright and guitarist David Gilmour as their favorite album. The band delivers a critically-acclaimed, stunningly authentic and heartfelt tribute experience, faithfully and expertly reproducing Pink Floyd’s timeless musical soundscapes with entirely live music and vocals. Immerse yourself in this captivating journey through Pink Floyd’s musical catalog with this top-level act! Wish You Where Here continues its 30-year tradition of combining sight and sound to capture the mood, emotions, and intensity of the Floydian theatrical concert experience — in a spectacular tribute of music, performers, lighting, video, lasers and inflatables — performed live with no backing or click tracks. The band is arguably the longest continually-performing Pink Floyd tribute act with an unparalleled history of sold-out concerts, record-breaking festival events and celebrated theater productions. The show utilizes a veteran 10-piece musical ensemble featuring seven vocalists and a Floydian stage production — sound effects and vintage videos on a large circle screen, flying inflatables, theatrical vignettes with props, and a sensational light show with moving lasers, rolling fog and state-of-the-art intelligent lighting — all produced with a fan’s obsession for detail. The band authentically recreates the music from Pink Floyd’s entire career, performing the crowd favorites that all rock fans recognize, interspersed with the show-stoppers that appease even the most ardent Floyd fanatics.

“Suppertime” and “Happiness.”

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

• Time: 7 p.m.

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

MAR

Thrift Shop Stop by Simpson United Methodist Church’s Thrift Shop for some unique finds

• Where: 30 Locust Ave., Amityville

• Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 789-2569

St. Mary’s Thrift Shop

Stop by St. Mary’s Thrift Shop to check out some found treasures. Choose from collectibles and more.

• Where: St. Mary’s, 175 Broadway, Amityville (enter from rear parking lot)

• Time: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 789-2569

Polar Plunge

The Town of Oyster Bay holds their annual Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics New York at TOBAY Beach. Registration begins

at 9 a.m. The plunge will begin at 11 a.m. Requested donation is $25 per participant. Plungers who raise $150 receive a commemorative Polar Plunge sweatshirt.

• Where: Ocean Parkway, Massapequa

• Time: 9 a.m.

• Contact: polarplungeny.org/ tobay.

Farmingdale Easter Egg Hunt

Have your photo taken with the Easter Bunny. Bring family, friends and Easter baskets to the Farmingdale Village Green. This free community event includes an egg hunt ages 11 years old and younger. If inclement weather, the Meet the Easter Bunny event moves inside Village Hall and eggs will be given to the children.

• Where: Village Green, 361 Main St.

• Time: 10:45 a.m.

• Contact: (516) 249-0093

28

South Shore Symphony The beloved orchestra springs forward with its next concert “The Rite of Spring.” The program includes Marquez’s Conga del Fuego Nuevo, Vaughan MAR

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100

Williams’ The Lark Ascending (Romance for Violin and Orchestra) and Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring.

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

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

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

Hop Into Spring

Families are invited to hop on over to Long Island Children’s Museum to welcome spring! Meet Peter Rabbit and Baby Chick costume characters, explore the museum to collect goodies, interact with live animals, and create themed craft activities. Celebrate the arrival of spring with a day of family fun!

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

MAR

29

In concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame welcomes welcomes Medicine Fish. Originally started on Long Island in 2011, the New York/Pennsylvania band cooks their music only using raw sound ingredients. Whether they’re tearing into a wild funk jam,

Join author Ashley Olivia Nelson for an intimate afternoon conversation celebrating the release of “The Identity Reset: A Guide to Discovering Yourself After Loss, Change, and Survival.” It features a moderated conversation with a special guest (to be announced), a short reading by the author, and an audience Q&A exploring how people can move forward when life changes, and how to reconnect with themselves along the way. Attendees will leave with language for what they’ve been experiencing, insight into navigating change with more clarity, and a renewed sense of direction for the season ahead. The afternoon includes light hors d’oeuvres, time for connection, and a book signing with photo opportunities. Each attendee receives a signed copy of the book.

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

• Time: 3 p.m.

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

MAR

Massapequa Historical Society meets The Historical Society of the Massapequas holds a general meeting. All are welcome to attend.

• Where: Massapequa Public Library, 523 Central Ave., Massapequa

• Time: 6:45-8:45 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 510-3024

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.

NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING OF THE FARMINGDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY

BUDGET VOTE AND TRUSTEE

ELECTION

APRIL 14, 2026

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN, that a Special Meeting of the qualified voters of the Farmingdale Union Free School District of the Towns of Oyster Bay and Babylon, Nassau and Suffolk Counties, New York, will be held at the Farmingdale Public Library, 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale, New York (the “Library”) on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, for the purpose of voting upon the following items:

• To adopt the annual budget of the Farmingdale Public Library for the fiscal year 2026-2027 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District; and

• To elect one (1) member to the Library Board of Trustees for a five (5) year term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring on June 30, 2031, as a result of the expiration of the term presently held by Laura Ulric.

FURTHER NOTICE

IS GIVEN, that the Library Board of Trustees will hold a public information meeting for the purposes of discussion of the proposed 20262027 Library Budget on March 31, 2026 at 6:00pm, in the Library (address above). All residents of the Library District are invited to attend. A copy of the proposed Library Budget, together with the text of any resolution to be presented to the voters, may be obtained in the Library (address above) between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. beginning

March 31, 2026, except Sunday or holidays.

FURTHER NOTICE

IS GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of Library Trustee shall be filed in the Library Business Office, located within the Library (address above) between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., not later than 5:00pm on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Each candidate must be a qualified voter of the Library District, and must reside in the area served by the Library. Each petition shall be directed to the Clerk of the Library Vote; must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District, must state the name and residence of each signer, and must state the name and residence of the candidate.

FURTHER NOTICE IS GIVEN, that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law or pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law and has voted at an annual or special district meeting within the last four (4) calendar years, he or she is eligible to vote at this election. If a voter is registered and eligible to vote under Article 5 of the Election Law, he or she is also eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register.

FURTHER NOTICE

IS GIVEN, that the Board of Registration will meet for the purpose of conducting a registration of all qualified voters of the District pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law at the Library (address above) on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 between the

hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Anyone who is known or proven to the satisfaction of said Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the register is prepared shall have their name added to the register. The register of voters will be filed in the Library Business Office (address above), where it will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District on each of the five days prior to April 14, 2026, excluding Sundays and holidays, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

FURTHER NOTICE IS GIVEN, that applications for early mail and absentee ballots will be obtainable during school business hours in the Library Business Office beginning March 16, 2026. Completed applications must be received in the Library Business Office at least seven (7) days before the election, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Early mail and absentee ballots must be received by the Clerk of the Library Vote (located in the Library) not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. A list of persons to whom early mail and absentee ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the Library Business Office on each of the five days prior to the vote, except Sundays and holidays, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

FURTHER NOTICE IS GIVEN, that a qualified voter whose ability to appear personally at the polling place is substantially impaired by reasons

Public Notices

of permanent illness or physical disability and whose registration record has been marked “permanently disabled” by the Board of Elections pursuant to the provisions of the Education Law shall be entitled to receive an absentee ballot without making separate applications therefore.

FURTHER NOTICE

IS GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the Library District. Military voters who are qualified voters of the Library District may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot applications must be received in the Library Business Office no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 3, 2026. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is received by the Library Business Office no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the election.

Copies of this notice and other election information are available in Spanish and English at www.farmingdalelibrary.org.

Dated: Farmingdale, New York

February 3, 2026

By Order of the BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FARMINGDALE PUBLIC LIBRARY Farmingdale, New York

CHRISTA LUCARELLI, Director 26-36. 2/25, 3/11, 25, 4/8

NOTICE OF FORMATION of Bedrock Security Group LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/04/2026. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 300 Nassau St, Bellmore, NY, 11710. Purpose: any lawful act.

26-37. 2/25, 3/ 4, 11, 18, 25, 4/1

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. Knowledge JAM79 LLC. Articles of Organization were filed wit h the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on _01_/_20_/_2026_. NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as an agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 80 Demille Ave, Elmont NY 11003

Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity.

26-41. 3/4 ,11, 18, 25, 4/1, 8

Notice of Qualification of BHOGADI MEDICAL, PLLC, a domestic professional service limited liability company (PLLC). DOS ID: 7838103 Filed with Sec’y of State (SSNY) on 02/12/2026

Principal business address: 16 Middle Neck Road #630, Great Neck, NY 11021

SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it

may be served & shall mail copy of process to: InCorp Services, Inc., One Commerce Plaza99 Washington Ave., Suite 805-A, Albany, NY 12210-2822.

General Professional Purpose: medical services. 26-39. . 3/4/11, 18, 25, 4/1, 8

Notice of formation of Little Talkers Speech Therapy, PLLC

Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SS Y) on 01/06/2026 Office location, Nassau County SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.  SSNY shall mail a process served to: The PLLC, 61 Briarwood Ln, Plainview, NY 11803 Purpose: any lawful act.

26-46. 3/11, 18, 25, 4/1, 8, 15

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-26104884 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 516 Hempstead Turnpike, West Hempstead, NY 11552, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Shelter Rock Caterers Inc. 26-51. 3/18, 25

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0370-25139454 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Venue for Golf, Tennis, Swimming, Skiing, Ice Skating or Boating under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 740B Franklin Ave, Franklin Square, NY 11010, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at The Athens Group LLC 26-52. 3/18, 25

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing will be held on Monday April 13, 2026, at 7 PM in Village Hall, 151 Front Street, Massapequa Park, New York to consider the 2026 - 2027 Tentative Budget. Anyone wishing to be heard will be given the opportunity at the above time and place mentioned.

LINDA

TUMINELLO, RMC VILLAGE

ADMINISTRATOR/ CLERK

By Order of the Board of Trustees Inc. Village of Massapequa Park Dated this 10th day of March 2026 26-56 3/25

Notice of formation of THE CHARCUTERIE WIVES, LLC  Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SS Y) on 02/11/2026 Office location, County of Nassau

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a process served to:

THE CHARCUTERIE WIVES, LLC , 2081 Willoughby Ave, Wantagh NY 11793  Purpose: any lawful act.

26-57 3/25, 4/1, 8, 15, 22, 29

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0370-26106204 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Bar/ Tavern under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 60 N Park Ave, Rockville Centre, NY 11570, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at THE NEW VIBE LOUNGE INC. 26-58. 3/25, 4/1

March 25, 2026

VISO DE REUNIÓN ESPECIAL DE DISTRITO

DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE FARMINGDALE

VOTACIÓN DEL PRESUPUESTO Y ELECCIÓN DEL FIDEICOMISARIO

14 DE ABRIL DE 2026

POR EL PRESENTE

SE NOTIFICA que una reunión especial de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de Farmingdale Union de las ciudades de Oyster Bay y los condados de Babylon, Nassau y Suffolk, New York, se llevará a cabo en la Biblioteca Pública de Farmingdale, 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale, New York (la “Biblioteca”) el martes 14 de abril de 2026, entre las 7:30 a. m. y las 9:00 p. m., hora vigente, con el fin de votar sobre los siguientes puntos:

• Adoptar el presupuesto anual de la Biblioteca Pública de Farmingdale para el año fiscal 20262027 y autorizar que la porción requerida del mismo se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad sujeta a impuestos del Distrito; y

• Elegir un (1) miembro de la Junta Directiva de la Biblioteca por un período de cinco (5) años que comenzará el 1 de julio de 2026 y finalizará el 30 de junio de 2031, como resultado del vencimiento del período que ocupa actualmente Laura Ulric.

SE NOTIFICA

ADEMÁS que la Junta Directiva de la Biblioteca celebrará una reunión de información pública con el propósito de discutir el presupuesto de la biblioteca propuesto para 2026-2027 el 31 de marzo de 2026 a las 6:00 p. m., en la Biblioteca (dirección arriba). Todos los residentes

del Distrito de Bibliotecas están invitados a asistir. Una copia del presupuesto de la biblioteca propuesto, junto con el texto de cualquier resolución que se presentará a los votantes, se puede obtener en la Biblioteca (dirección arriba) entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 5:00 p. m. a partir del 31 de marzo de 2026, excepto domingos o días festivos.

SE NOTIFICA

ADEMÁS que las peticiones que nominen candidatos para el cargo de administrador de la biblioteca se presentarán en la Oficina Comercial de la Biblioteca, ubicada dentro de la Biblioteca (dirección arriba) entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 5:00 p. m., a más tardar las 5:00 p. m. 5:00 pm Sabado, 14 de marzo de 2026. Cada candidato debe ser un votante calificado del Distrito de Bibliotecas y debe residir en el área atendida por la Biblioteca. Cada petición se dirigirá al Secretario de Votación de la Biblioteca; debe estar firmado por al menos veinticinco (25) votantes calificados del Distrito, debe indicar el nombre y residencia de cada firmante y debe indicar el nombre y residencia del candidato.

SE NOTIFICA

ADEMÁS que se requiere el registro personal de los votantes de conformidad con el artículo §2014 de la Ley de Educación o de conformidad con el artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral. Si un votante se ha registrado hasta ahora de conformidad con la Sección §2014 de la Ley de Educación y ha votado en una reunión anual o especial del distrito dentro de los últimos cuatro (4) años calendario, él o ella es elegible para votar en esta elección. Si un elector está reg-

Public Notices

istrado y tiene derecho a votar en virtud del artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral, también tiene derecho a votar en esta elección. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deben registrarse.

SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL de que la Junta de Registro se reunirá con el propósito de realizar un registro de todos los votantes calificados del Distrito de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación en la Biblioteca (dirección arriba) el martes 31 de marzo de 2026 entre el horario de 4:00 p.m. y 8:00 p.m. Cualquier persona de quien se sepa o se demuestre, a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro, que tiene derecho a votar en ese momento o en adelante en la elección para la cual se prepara el registro, se le agregará su nombre al registro. El registro de votantes se archivará en la Oficina Comercial de la Biblioteca (dirección arriba), donde estará abierto para la inspección de cualquier votante calificado del Distrito en cada uno de los cinco días anteriores al 14 de abril de 2026, excluyendo domingos y feriados, entre el horario de 9:00 a.m. y 5:00 p.m.

SE NOTIFICA

ADEMÁS que las solicitudes para boletas por correo anticipado y en ausencia se podrán obtener durante el horario comercial escolar en la Oficina Comercial de la Biblioteca a partir del 16 de marzo de 2026. Las solicitudes completas deben recibirse en la Oficina Comercial de la Biblioteca al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección, si la boleta se enviará por correo al votante, o el día antes de la elección, si la boleta se entregará

personalmente al votante. Las boletas por correo anticipado y en ausencia deben ser recibidas por el Secretario de Votación de la Biblioteca (ubicado en la Biblioteca) a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m., hora predominante, del martes 14 de abril de 2026. Una lista de las personas a quienes se les debe enviar por correo anticipado y en ausencia Las boletas que se emitan estarán disponibles para su inspección para los votantes calificados del Distrito en la Oficina Comercial de la Biblioteca cada uno de los cinco días previos a la votación, excepto los domingos y feriados, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 5:00 p. m.

SE DA AVISO ADI-

CIONAL, que un votante calificado cuya capacidad para presentarse personalmente en el lugar de votación se ve sustancialmente impedida por razones de enfermedad permanente o discapacidad física y cuyo registro de registro ha sido marcado como "permanentemente discapacitado" por la Junta Electoral de conformidad con las disposiciones de la Ley de Educación tendrá derecho a recibir un voto en ausencia sin necesidad de realizar solicitudes separadas para ello.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que los votantes militares que no están actualmente registrados pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del Distrito de Bibliotecas. Los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del Distrito de Bibliotecas pueden presentar una solicitud para una boleta militar. Los votantes militares pueden designar una preferencia para recibir un registro de votante militar, una solicitud de bo-

leta militar o una boleta militar por correo, transmisión por fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de dicho registro, solicitud de boleta o boleta. Los formularios de registro de votantes militares y las solicitudes de boleta militar deben recibirse en la Oficina Comercial de la Biblioteca a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. el Viernes 3 de abril de 2026. No se escrutará ninguna boleta militar a menos que la reciba la Oficina Comercial de la Biblioteca a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. el día de las elecciones.

Copias de este aviso y otra información electoral están disponibles en español e inglés en www.farmingdalelibrary.org.

Con fecha de: Farmingdale, New York

3 de febrero de 2026

Por Orden del BOARD OF TRUSTEES

FARMINGDALE

PUBLIC LIBRARY

Farmingdale, New York

CHRISTA LU -

CARELLI, Directora 26-55 3/25, 4/8

Massapequa art teacher Olivia Lawrence to be honored by Nassau BOCES

Nassau BOCES will honor 16 individuals and two organizations this spring for their contributions to public education in Nassau County, including Olivia Lawrence of GC Tech in the Massapequa School District.

The honorees were selected through the Nassau BOCES Education Partner Awards program, which recognizes outstanding educational leaders, organizations, administrators, staff members, teachers, students, volunteers and other champions of education across the county.

Recipients will be recognized at the 19th annual Nassau BOCES

Education Partner Awards Gala on April 22. The event is hosted by the Nassau BOCES Educational Foundation, an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to enriching the lives and learning opportunities of Nassau BOCES students.

The foundation works to secure and allocate funding that supports programs and staff, encourages innovative ideas and enhances educational experiences throughout Nassau County schools. Since the awards program’s inception, more than 240 individuals and organizations have been honored for their commitment to education. A strategic education partner with local school districts since 1967, Nassau BOCES created the awards to recognize those who share its mission of helping students of all ages and abilities reach their full potential.

Meet some of our local scholars...

The following students were recently recognized for academic achievements and graduation at their respective colleges:

• Caitlin Hannan and Emma Lindsley were among the 153 University of Scranton students who studied abroad through travel courses and service trips during the Intersession 2026 semester.

Hannan of Massapequa is majoring in public policies and service and participated in the Council on International Educational Exchange in Barcelona, Spain.

Lindsley, also of Massapequa, is majoring in occupational therapy, and participated in the university travel course, Physical Rehabilitation in Various Cities, Dominican Republic.

The University of Scranton is a Jesuit university located in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

•The following students were recently named to the Dean’s List at the University at Albany: Melissa Hofer of East Farmingdale; Ava McCarthy of Massapequa; Jacob Moyer of Farmingdale; Julia Harmon of Farmingdale; Valentina Lip of Farmingdale; Joseph Nicolo of Farmingdale; Arianna Grant of Farmingdale; Julian Hernandez of Farmingdale; Courtney McKenna of Farmingdale; Emily Goodwin of Farmingdale; Harrison Miller of Farmingdale; Trevor Butler of Massapequa; Antoinette Francis of Massapequa; Jordan Russo of Massapequa; Jake Muchnick of Massapequa; James Hart of Massapequa; Caroline Salvadori of Massapequa Park; Louis Basabe of Massapequa Park; Robert Dooling of Massapequa Park; Rachel Knight of Massapequa Park; Thomas Finnegan of Massapequa Park; and Leah McKenna of Farmingdale.

•The following students were recently honored at SUNY Oneonta’s Commencement Ceremony: Jessica Ozner of Massapequa Park earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology Cum Laude and received honors in Biology and Patrick Gillespie of Massapequa Park earned a Bachelor of Science in Adolescence Education: Social Studies.

•Emily Corso of Massapequa recently earned a Master of Science in Education degree from SUNY Oneonta.

Olivia Lawrence

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Building Maintenance

Assistant and Porter needed for Management Co. in Long Beach Experience Preferred Email: humanresoures5771 @gmail.com or Call: (212) 873-7575

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour.

For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour

Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!

$22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED $20 - $25 Per Hour Must Be Available On Weekends April - June 516-902-6258 Randy@LISNYC.com

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS

HomesHERALD

A permit just for my parents?

Village Charmer

TQ. We just moved from the city, and found a notice on our door saying we have to get a permit for my parents to continue living with us. Neighbors were probably the ones who called the building department. My parents have always shared a house with us, in their own separate basement area with a kitchen, where they can come and go as they wish and spend time with their grandchildren, especially while we’re at work. We can’t just send my parents somewhere. What is the easiest way to get what we need?

A. You will need 1) the whole home measured, 2) floor plans drawn, 3) paperwork filed with a building department, 4) rejected for zoning reasons, 5) the application package forwarded to a separate zoning board, 6) wait your turn to get your documents reviewed before you get a zoning hearing, 7) given an appearance date, 8) attend a public hearing to see your case presented, 9) await a building plan review for the necessary safety and code requirements, 10) pay for the approved permit(s) to be issued, 11) get a contractor, plumber and electrician, and 12) arrange for plumbing, electric and final inspections to complete the process.

In some communities, the procedures can take well over a year. You will need patience and trust that you will eventually get to the end.

It’s admirable that you have a family that is appreciative enough to support one another’s needs, like watching the children and spending valuable time together. You might think this kind of extended family unit would be encouraged, but there are reasons it is scrutinized, including safety concerns, home values, parking and monitoring the number of people on a property. Although neighbors do not have authority to reject your living situation, if you are not respectful of everyone around you, including parking considerately, keeping the property neat and quiet, neighbors will complain.

Cooking fires are a leading cause of home casualties. Primary or second kitchens located in a basement are prohibited in nearly every community I have ever dealt with. I just saw that a father and son perished in a basement fire, coincidentally, in a home I wrote a safety report about within the past year. I commented on how the basement was a nonhabitable space, and yet someone cleaned it up, moved in, and now a father and child have died.

The fire chief said it is very difficult, almost impossible, to fight a basement fire, because flames are blasting up at you while you’re trying to get down and into the space. Basement walls can’t be cut to relieve the heat and smoke buildup.

You may think of a home as a place to live, and fortunately, or unfortunately, disasters have shaped strict rules made to prevent more disasters. Not having a basement kitchen can save lives. Your parents won’t be sent away, but you will need to start the process as outlined above. Good luck!

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opinions

Islamist terrorism remains a clear and present danger

The recent series of terrorist attacks in Austin, Texas; on the East Side of Manhattan, outside Gracie Mansion; at a synagogue in Bloomfield, Mich.; and at Old Dominion University, in Norfolk, Va.; send the clear signal that federal, state and local law enforcement must be on full alert, especially for the duration of the conflict with Iran.

Threats and potential terror attacks could range from ISIS, Al Qaeda and the Iranian proxy Hezbollah to radically inspired lone wolves.

Prior to the horrific Sept. 11 attacks, our nation’s counterterrorism efforts were basically uncoordinated, both here at home and overseas. The FBI and CIA, for instance, were effectively precluded by policy and design from sharing information and intelligence with each other. Similarly, the FBI often withheld information from local police departments, including the NYPD. There were also few adequately constructed lines of communication between the United States and overseas intelligence agencies regarding terror threats (Great Britain, Canada and Isra-

el being among the few exceptions).

President George W. Bush and the majority of both parties in Congress agreed on the absolute necessity to tear down existing walls and barriers, and to establish new structures to enhance cooperation and communication.

intrusion. NYPD officers were assigned to key overseas embassies to report back actionable intelligence on possible terrorist plans for action in New York.

The past few weeks have been very distressing for the few of us who have had any experience living in America when a real war took place. There is no doubt that we are not in the middle of a world war in Iran, but that conflict has all the earmarks of a happening that will trigger years of violence that could hit extremely close to our country.

I’m not an expert on military issues. I have no doubt that Iran is a major threat to the world, and every possible step should be taken to curb its efforts to acquire nuclear weapons. I believe that Israel should be protected from a country that has pledged to wipe it off the map. But we must understand that there are consequences to these wars, and we should be aware of them. The problem is no one is telling us whether we should be concerned and why.

At the federal level, this was achieved by establishing the Department of Homeland Security, which incorporated 22 previously separate agencies into one coordinated entity. These bodies included the Customs Service, Immigration and Naturalization, the Coast Guard and the Secret Service. While the FBI and CIA remained independent, protocols were established to enable greater sharing of intelligence and information between them. As well, the Office of National Intelligence was created, and the CIA, the Defense Intelligence Agency and the National Security Agency were required to report to the director of national intelligence.

o

ur emphasis has shifted from terrorism to illegal immigration.

This caused some resentment among elements of the FBI and CIA, but proved successful. For example when Al Qaeda carried out a deadly attack in the Madrid train system, an NYPD officer was quickly on the scene, reporting procedures to be implemented in the New York City transit system that proved to be very effective. Overall, under Commissioner Ray Kelly, the NYPD had over a thousand officers assigned to counterterrorism and intelligence, resulting in more than 20 attempted attacks being prevented. Unfortunately progressive-minded elected officials assailed the NYPD’s efforts as “Islamophobic,” resulting in Mayor Bill de Blasio’s cutting back on the NYPD’s counterterrorism and intelligence operations. (Fortunately, much of its basic structure remains.)

2005 and 2006 — and again for another two-year term in 2011 and 2012. During both terms I focused on defending against Islamist terrorism — the main achievements being port and chemical plant security in my first term, and the investigation of radicalization of the Muslim community in my second term. Though key witnesses were Muslim, the radicalization hearings drew extensive media opposition but were successful.

Action was also initiated at the state and local levels. The NYPD was particularly innovative, creating intelligence and counterterrorism units that in many ways are comparable to the CIA and FBI. Sources were developed in neighborhoods reasonably believed to be subject to terrorist influence and

Following the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, Congress established a comparable committee to oversee it, similar to the Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees monitoring the Defense and State departments. I was elected chairman of the committee in its first two years —

In recent years, funding for counterterrorism programs has been reduced. The emphasis of the DHS has shifted drastically from terrorism to illegal immigration. And elected officials like Mayor Mamdani are threatening to restrict police counterterror efforts. Most significantly, because of an unrelated dispute over ICE, congressional Democrats shut down the DHS at this time of maximum threat, when Islamists are using encrypted apps to circumvent our cybersecurity defenses. This is suicidal. The threat of Islamist terrorism cannot be relegated to the rearview mirror. It is a clear and present danger. Federal, state and local governments must face up to their responsibilities. (I am proud that Nassau and Suffolk are doing what has to be done.) We cannot risk another 9/11.

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

The faraway war in Iran is closer than you think

Iran isn’t just some crazy faraway country like Afghanistan, where a war took place that didn’t represent any kind of serious threat to America. During the American military involvement in that country, no one ever stopped me on the street to express fears about the “Afghanistan war.” Even though we deployed thousands of our troops in that country, there was no concern on the part of our government that it could spill over into our country. In the case of Iran, we are dealing with a bunch of idealogues who are not capable of being fully contained. History shows us that Iran enters into peace agreements and breaks its word almost immediately. Even If this current war ends on some type of settlement, there are other consequences that our nation should be aware of. What are they?

Ehad gone through training programs that prepared it for such an event. The war has stirred up further incidents of antisemitism.

ven if it ends with some kind of settlement, there will be other consequences.

In the past month, there have been two incidents involving people who were true believers. In one, a man drove a truck into a Michigan synagogue in an effort to kill Jews. Luckily, that temple

The proof that the Iran incursion isn’t a faraway event is what we have been experiencing at the gas pump. When you pick a fight in the Middle East, lots of things happen. The war is having worldwide consequences. As energy costs go up, prices on all types of goods go up. No one is telling us what the long-range plan is to blunt price increases.

There are not too many people around now who can talk about what it’s like to live in our country when there was a real war. As an 8-yearold boy, I experienced what happens when a country is at war. We had blackout shades in our house to protect us in the event of an air raid. Food was rationed and our neighbors became wardens in the event that faraway battle reached us in some way. Luckily, we had President Franklin Roosevelt to assure us that all would be well.

The war in Iran is far away from our country, and there won’t be any air raid sirens. But we have a lot to be concerned about because of the events now taking place thousands of miles from this nation. We are dealing with a different type of enemy and must be aware of that. The zealots who embrace Iran can be found anywhere.

There is no reason for us to start hiding in our homes, nor to curtail our daily activities. But we have to be aware of what is going on on this planet and get the comfort that we deserve. We should question our representatives in Washington on what steps are being taken to keep us away from harm. It would help heal the divide over this new war. There is no politics to this story. Our leaders, whether Clinton, Bush, Obama or Trump, must tell us what they want our wars to accomplish and what steps they are going to take to limit our pain. That’s not asking too much.

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.

Ira

Massapequa

pOsT

maryann Heins

offiCe

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City, NY 11530

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HERALD

aSpring reset should send us outside

fter months of bundling up, shoveling out and watching gray skies linger over Long Island, the arrival of spring offers something more than a change in temperature — it signals a long-awaited reset.

The return of the Major League Baseball season is as reliable a marker as any: fresh grass, open stadiums and the simple joy of being outside again.

But spring’s promise goes well beyond symbolism. It offers a tangible opportunity to improve both physical and mental well-being in ways that winter simply does not allow.

The act of stepping outside — whether for a short walk, a bike ride or an afternoon at the park — can have an immediate and lasting impact. Sunlight helps regulate sleep cycles and boosts vitamin D levels, which are often depleted during the darker months. Fresh air, even in small doses, can sharpen focus, reduce stress and improve mood.

There is also something quietly restorative about reconnecting with the rhythms of the natural world. The budding of trees, the return of birds and the gradual greening of lawns and fields serve as reminders that change, even after the harshest stretches, is inevitable. After a winter defined by confinement, that sense of renewal

letters

Sunshine Week highlighted freedom of information

To the Editor:

The editorial “Sunshine week keeps democracy in the light” (March 5-11) was just what our struggling democracy needs — a timely reminder of the importance of open government.

We should all remember that in some parts of the world, governments routinely operate behind closed doors and keep their citizens in the dark about what takes place there. But not here in America, despite the efforts of some in power to block transparency.

A few months from now, when we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we will also mark the 60th anniversary of another landmark moment: the signing of the Freedom of Information Act. On July 4, 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed the act into law at his ranch in Texas. As a result of this legislation, Americans can now access many government records — at federal, state and local levels — that were once unavailable to

feels especially meaningful. Long Island is uniquely suited to take advantage of this seasonal shift. From local neighborhood parks to expansive destinations such as Grant Park in Hewlett, Hempstead Lake State Park in West Hempstead, Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa and Tanner Park in Copiague, there is no shortage of places to stretch your legs and spend time outdoors. Walking paths, ball fields, playgrounds and open green spaces are not just amenities; they are essential parts of community life that come alive again in the spring.

For families, the change in season is an opportunity to reset routines that may have grown stagnant during the colder months. Screen time can give way to outdoor play. Weekends can shift from indoor errands to shared experiences such as picnic, a pickup game or simply time spent exploring a new trail. These moments, often simple and unplanned, are the ones that tend to linger.

For individuals, the benefits are just as significant. Even a brief daily walk can serve as a mental reset, a chance to step away from the demands of work and the constant pull of screens. Outdoor activity has been linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression, improved cardiovascular health and

increased overall energy. And unlike many wellness trends, it requires no special equipment or expense — just the willingness to step outside.

There is also a social dimension to spring that should not be overlooked. As temperatures rise, communities begin to reawaken. Youth sports leagues resume, neighbors linger a little longer in conversation, and public spaces once again become gathering places. After months of isolation, these interactions help rebuild a sense of connection that winter often erodes.

Not just a season, spring is an invitation. It encourages people to be more present, more active and more engaged with their surroundings. It asks us to take advantage of longer days and milder weather, to trade routine for spontaneity and to rediscover the simple pleasure of being outside.

The message, then, is straightforward: step outside. Make plans, but leave room for the unplanned. Visit a park you haven’t been to in years. Take a walk after dinner. Sit on a bench and watch a game, or better yet, join one. These small choices add up, shaping not just how we experience the season, but how we feel within it.

After a long winter, the urge to stay inside may still remain. But the better instinct — the healthier one — is to go outside.

Hochul’s insurance proposal: a disaster for crash victims

nassau and Suffolk counties continue to rank highest in New York state in traffic-related injuries and fatalities. As drivers, cyclists or pedestrians, even when we do everything right, we’re still one bad driver’s actions away from the E.R.

Now Albany wants to make it worse.

Gov. Kathy Hochul’s latest budget proposal would quietly strip away basic legal protections for people injured by cars and dump the costs of traffic violence onto victims, their families and taxpayers. Bad drivers and their insurance companies would get a pass.

Redefining “serious injury” is wrong.

New York’s no-fault insurance system is designed so that anyone involved in an accident gets medical care and compensation for lost wages, up to a maximum of $50,000. That goes fast with hospital stays, physical therapy and months off work.

To seek damages beyond the $50,000 in no-fault coverage, a victim must meet the legal definition of a “serious inju-

Letters

them.

Ironically, President Johnson wasn’t a huge fan of FOIA. In a 2005 speech recalling the circumstances leading to the legislation’s becoming law, Bill Moyers, who was Johnson’s press secretary in the 1960s, noted that Johnson had at first resisted signing it.

“He hated the thought of journalists rummaging in government closets and opening government files,” Moyers said in 2005. “He hated them challenging the official view of reality.”

Nevertheless, Johnson signed the bill, largely due to pressure from the press, which supported FOIA, and Congress, which had overwhelmingly supported the legislation. It was an especially sweet victory for John Moss, a Democratic member of the House of Representatives who’d spent 12 years lobbying for greater access to government agency records, and Donald Rumsfeld, a Republican member of the House at the time who supported Moss in the effort.

But the real winners were the American people. It was a victory for democracy, a genuine “We the People” moment. Remember FOIA on July Fourth.

RICHARD J. CONWAY Massapequa

ry.” For decades, one category of a “serious injury” has been an injury that keeps you from living your normal life for the first 90 days after a crash.

The governor’s proposal would wipe that away.

Anyone who has ever been in a serious crash knows how absurd that is. These injuries might not be permanent, but are still serious and, indeed, take a lasting toll. They can keep you from caring for your family and out of work. Three months out of work isn’t just inconvenient — it can be devastating to you and your family.

it won’t protect victims, and it won’t guarantee lower insurance premiums.

Hochul’s proposal would eliminate the right to sue the negligent driver who caused this category of injury and harm to you and your family.

Letting big companies off the hook.

Most serious crashes aren’t simple. They often involve multiple negligent actors: a speeding vehicle, a poorly designed roadway, a multi-vehicle crash caused by more than one driver. Multiple bad decisions lead to an injured victim. The term describing this is “joint and several liability.”

The longstanding legal concept of joint and several liability exists so that innocent victims aren’t left uncompen-

sated when more than one party is responsible. It ensures that the risk falls on all the people who caused the harm when a jury decides that more than one party contributed to the crash. The budget proposal would gut that protection. Crash victims would be left without full compensation. Insurance companies would avoid fiscal responsibility, and the financial burden would shift back to the injured victims.

“Modified contributory negligence” is open season on victims.

New York, like most states, has long used a comparative negligence standard. This system evaluates each party’s actual level of responsibility in causing a crash. A jury, at trial, decides fault and addresses any comparative negligence of the claimant by apportioning any share of their own responsibility and then awards a dollar amount that corresponds to fault.

Hochul’s proposal would throw that out. Under the new rule, if you were found just 51 percent at fault, you would get nothing. A driver could be 49 percent responsible for a crash and the insurance company would pay nothing. It would reward dangerous driving and leave victims without recourse.

Framework by Tim Baker

It won’t make streets safer or insurance cheaper.

None of this will prevent crashes. None of it will protect victims, and it won’t guarantee lower insurance premiums, the guise of these changes. The states that have implemented similar measures did not see rates drop. Don’t be fooled — the ones behind this change are the insurance companies, and Big Tech, such as Uber, which have dumped millions into the governor’s campaign as she goes about the state, reciting their talking points.

A recent report by the Center for Policy and Justice showed that insurance company profits have ballooned. S&P Market Intelligence reported in November 2025 that “the U.S. property/casualty insurance industry had its best quarter in at least a quarter of a century — and maybe longer.” Insurance companies continue to profit at the expense of you, the ratepayer.

What this proposal will do is make New York’s streets more dangerous by removing accountability, discouraging safety, and forcing injured victims to rely on public assistance instead of the insurance system that is supposed to cover their claims.

Daniel Flanzig is president of the board of directors of the New York Bicycling Coalition and a partner in the law firm Flanzig and Flanzig LLP.

Working on that fourth smile at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade — Wantagh

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