Oceanside/island park
Hoppin’ into spring
Children raced for eggs in the Merle Avenue Gym during Oceanside’s annual springtime egg hunt celebration. Story, more photos, Page 3.
Annual Founders Breakfast honors library’s past and present
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
In a celebration of community, history and service, the Friends of Oceanside Library hosted its annual Founders Day Breakfast last Sunday morning, honoring two local leaders: Oceanside High School senior Micah Pryce and School Board Trustee Seth Blau.
The Friends of Oceanside Library is a nonprofit, separate from the library, dedicated to supporting the facility with fundraising events like the Founders Breakfast.
Tech librarian Carlo Mastrandrea introduced Pryce, the recipient of the 2025 Marion Sager Memorial Youth Award — a tribute to the library’s first director and a pioneer in Oceanside’s history.
“I call him a kindred spirit because we both love technology, graphic novels, traveling con-
certs and, yes, even Broadway shows,” Mastrandrea said of Pryce. “Micah is well on his way to continue his mission, using technology to make a difference.”
From leading code sessions at local elementary schools to heading the Coding with Micah program at the library, Pryce’s passion for technology and education has made him a leader in the community. His accomplishments extend into his roles as president of the computer science Honor Society and the science Olympiad at the high school.
His volunteer work — ranging from assisting seniors with technology to empowering middle school English language learners — has left a lasting impact. His creative talents are evident on stage, too, in performances in Oceanside High School Thespians productions like Disney’s “Descendants” and the musical “Mamma Mia.”
“I’m here, thinking, oh my God, this is an
Townships oppose state’s RAPID Act
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
Elected leaders from across Nassau County rallied on April 1 at Barnum Island Fire District headquarters in opposition to New York State’s RAPID Act — a law they argue grants Albany unchecked power to fast-track massive energy projects without adequate local input or safety guidelines.
The gathering included event brought together the Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay town supervisors, Don Clavin, Jen DeSena and Joseph Saladino. Alongside them, Frank Bettineschi, commissioner of the Barnum Island Fire District and a former Island Park Fire Department chief, lent his voice to the outcry against what the officials described as an unprecedented encroachment on local autonomy.
ties depend on,” Clavin said. “Albany has basically sidestepped local zoning when it comes to energy issues, and is putting in effect ways to circumvent the voices of the residents.”
sland Park is becoming a dumping ground. We can’t have that.
FRANK BEttINEscHI, Barnum Island Fire District Commissioner
The state legislation, the Renewable Action Through Project Interconnection and Deployment Act, which was enacted last April, is intended to streamline the environmental review and permitting process for major renewable energy and electric transmission facilities in New York to expedite the state’s transition to clean energy.
Officials argue that the act effectively removes local zoning oversight and forces communities to contend with largescale energy projects — including high-voltage power lines and battery energy storage facilities — without their consent.
“We’re here because the RAPID Act is a dangerous overreach that strips away local voices and bypasses the rigorous safety standards our communi-
The RAPID Act consolidates environmental reviews and permits for major energy projects under the Office of Renewable Energy Siting, but local leaders argue that this streamlining
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Melissa Baptiste/Herald
Staff and volunteers from the Oceanside Kiwanis and Department of Community
Oceanside community egg hunt delights local families
Oceanside’s annual spring Egg Hunt brought color, joy, and plenty of eggs to the Merle Avenue on Saturday, . Co-sponsored by the Oceanside Kiwanis Club and the Department of Community Activities, the event welcomed children ages three to nine for a morning of seasonal fun. Festivities were divided by age group, and the fun was moved indoors to the Merle Avenue Gym due to weather.
The community event drew dozens of families, offering children the excitement of discovering hidden treasures and giving parents a chance to enjoy a cheerful spring outing. With colorful eggs, smiling faces, and a festive atmosphere, the day lived up to its promise of “EggCellent Fun.”
— Kepherd Daniel
Melissa Baptiste/Herald
Activities gathered after a successful Egg Hunt.
Three-year-old Delilah and five-year-old Grayson dressed festively for Oceanside’s annual Egg Hunt.
Oceanside School board trustee Sandy Schoell, Town of Hempstead Clerk Kate Murray and Councilwoman Laura Ryder, far right gathered with Mr.Bunny.
Five-year-old Parker finished collecting a colorful haul inside the gym.
Three-year old Shaw Terriberry eagerly searched for hidden eggs inside the Merle Avenue Gym during Oceanside’s springtime celebration.
before implementing massive energy projects.
Island Park and towns fear results of state’s RAPID Act
comes at the expense of public safety and community engagement.
“Albany designed this to once again override our local control,” Saladino said. “They want the bureaucrats in Albany to have the final say, not the people. This is government threatening private property, public safety and the suburban way of life.”
Saladino emphasized that local fire departments, already stretched thin, have expressed serious concerns about the ability to respond to emergencies at these massive installations.
“Our concern is safety,” Bettineschi said. “We don’t know anything about it or have the training to handle the fires. Island Park is becoming a dumping ground. We can’t have that. There are a lot of questions, and before a shovel even goes in the ground, those questions need to be answered.”
Island Park residents and village officials had mobilized against a battery storage facility proposed for the area, which had raised significant concerns about toxicity, fire hazards, and the overall impact on local quality of life. At its Feb. 25 board meeting, the Hempstead Town Board approved a one-year moratorium on the facility, which would have been developed in Island Park, citing public safety concerns. After a hearing on the development, it was clear that the community
was vehemently opposed to the project.
“We have residents who expressed legitimate concerns, environmental concerns, management of fire, location concerns,” Clavin said. “We listened to our community, and we put a moratorium in place. This is democracy in action, ensuring that local voices remain front and center.”
Supervisors and civic leaders urged the public to submit comments and join the protest against what they see as a topdown imposition of policy that undermines local decision-making.
“We are facing a David-versus-Goliath battle,” DeSena warned. “Whenever New York City has a problem that they can’t solve, the solution seems to come on the back of Long Island.”
There is a public comment period until April 18, in which all three supervisors said that residents should take part. County officials remain steadfast in their determination to challenge the state’s authority, and have promised to continue fighting for local control over zoning and development decisions, emphasizing that safety and community input cannot be sidelined in the rush to modernize the energy sector.
“Albany fears one thing,” Clavin declared, “and that’s you, the residents. The more your voices are heard, the more they back off and let us keep it local.”
Kepherd Daniel/Herald
Town of Hempstead Supervisor Don Clavin, at lectern, was joined by fellow town supervisors and local officials at Barnum Island Fire District headquarters in Island Park to denounce the New York state RAPID Act, citing the need for community support and public safety
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JULIANA CERASI
Wantagh Senior Lacrosse
IT HAS BEEN A HISTORIC run for Cerasi since last spring when she and classmate Riley Forthofer and the Warriors defeated Manhasset for the Nassau Class C girls’ lacrosse title. The pair went on to win county championships in soccer and basketball, making for a rare backto-back-to back. Cerasi earned All-County and Second Team All-Long Island in lacrosse in 2024 when she totaled 34 goals with 11 assists. She’s headed to James Madison.
GAMES TO WATCH
Thursday, April 10
Baseball: Baldwin at Kennedy 5 p.m.
Baseball: Long Beach at Mepham
Baseball: Hewlett at Calhoun 5 p.m.
Softball: West Hempstead at Hewlett
Boys Lacrosse: V.S. District at Freeport
Boys Lacrosse: Clarke at Baldwin
Girls Lacrosse: North Shore at Garden City
Friday, April 11
Baseball: Oceanside at Massapequa 5 p.m.
Baseball: V.S. North at Wantagh 5 p.m.
Baseball: Clarke at V.S. South 5 p.m.
Baseball: West Hempstead at Uniondale 5 p.m.
Softball: Lawrence at V.S. Central 5 p.m.
Softball: Long Beach at Freeport 5 p.m.
Softball: East Rockaway at Elmont 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Plainedge at Oceanside 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Farmingdale at Carey 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Calhoun at South Side 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Farmingdale at Massapequa 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Carey at Kennedy 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Clarke at Sewanhaka 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Wantagh at South Side 7 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Manhasset at Long Beach 7 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a spring sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
Oceanside out to defend crown
By PATRICK MOQUIN sports@liherald.com
Oceanside softball may have entered the season as reigning Nassau County Class AAA champions, but the Sailors didn’t leave their ambitions behind in 2024.
With a new core of playmakers, coach Carlo Quagliata is preparing the Sailors to make yet another run.
“We’re hoping to build off last year, hoping to continue,” Quagliata said. “We’re getting the younger girls up to speed and they’re having some growing pains, but at the end of the season, we expect to be right back where we were.”
The Sailors won the championship last year with the help of seniors who have since graduated, but younger stars are already stepping into leadership roles. Second baseman Maya Levy and catcher Christina Vlahakis are both talented seniors carrying on the winning tradition.
“Those two are our clear leaders,” Quagliata said. “We don’t name captains. We have 15 girls who can step up at any time and they have the right to speak up and lead. But those two are our studs.”
In a 13-7 victory over Seaford on April 2, Vlahakis went 3-for-4 with a triple and six RBIs. Levy went 4-for-4 with a double, triple and four RBIs. The Sailors are now 4-1, and offensive production from Vlahakis and Levy will be a driving force for Oceanside all season.
Levy will lead an infield that will often include three juniors. Karley Handleman will be her middle infield partner at shortstop. Riley Brasch will handle the hot corner at third while Maggie Nesturrick will be an alternating starter at first.
Junior Caroline Ferchland and senior Kate Hyland will lead Oceanside’s pitching staff in 2025. As a sophomore, Ferchland pitched a shutout to give Oceanside an upset victory over Massapequa in the Nassau County Finals. She also pitched in the Long Island Championship five days later, allowing two runs to Sachem East in a 2-0 defeat.
Backing up Vlahakis at catcher, Quagliata said that he was blessed with two talented younger players. Junior Emma Ryan has shown immense promise at several positions and could fill in anywhere as needed. Quagliata predicted that sophomore Joanna Byrne will eventually gain countywide recognition based on the potential she has shown to this point.
For now, Byrne is starting in left field, one of three new starting outfielders for Oceanside. Freshman Alexa Conte, described as a surefire future star who skipped JV entirely, is in center while sophomore Sydney Scheurer is
playing right. None of them had varsity experience entering the season and it will take time for the trio to adjust to pitching at this level.
Tense rivalries with Massapequa and Syosset may stand out on the calendar for Quagliata, but the coach is ultimately focused on his own players. When asked what set the Sailors apart, he said that it came down to the town’s families. His goal is to honor the community’s dedication to the sport.
“I’m confident in what I do and I love these girls with all my heart,” Quagliata said.” I owe it to them to give them everything.”
Derrick Dingle/Herald Sophomore Joanna Byrne patrols left field for the Sailors, who last season captured the Nassau Class AA championship.
We don't do it for the attention. We don't do it for the recognition. We don't do it for the personal gain. And we certainly don't do it for the awards. We do it for you.
Catholic Health is the winner of Press Ganey’s 2025 HRO Foundation Award for exceptional reliability and patient safety.
At Catholic Health, we pursue the very best in health care for one reason only: you. Every single one of you that walks through our doors, every day. So, while we’re honored by this recognition, we also know there’s no finish line in health care. There’s always a new goal just over the horizon, and a new level of excellence for us to achieve for the health of Long Island.
Learn more at DedicatedtoBetter.org
Talent shines at JCC’s 5th red carpet event
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The Friedberg JCC became a vibrant stage for advocacy and inclusion on April 3 at the annual Red Carpet Talent Show hosted by the Special Advocacy Coalition. The event is the fifth annual Red Carpet celebration which has grown significantly this year, with nearly 100 attendees this year. The event honors volunteers with special needs, showcasing the talents and achievements of individuals with disabilities while raising funds for the Special Advocacy Coalition, which is dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion.
SPEAC’s founder and president, Ashley Gazes, took center stage with excitement and gratitude.
“Tonight, we celebrate the incredible achievements and milestones we’ve reached together,” Gazes said, addressing the audience.
Former state assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg, a longtime mentor of Gazes and ardent supporter of the special needs community, attended the event and delivered an impassioned speech.
“People are the most important thing on this earth,” he emphasized, urging the audience to embrace values of love, kindness, and respect. “The JCC is helping people to be able to get jobs, education, love and care.”
Weisenberg commended the JCC’s continuous efforts in fostering an environment where individuals are empowered to be independent, engaged, and joyful.
“That’s a value that is the JCC,” he said. “Whether it’s swimming, physical fitness, or the other opportunities to meet happy, good people. People leading people make a great community, and that’s why the JCC is so important in Oceanside.”
Weiseberg emphasized the importance of vocational training centers like Harvey’s Café, which is named in
Maureen Lennon/Herald Former NY State Assemblyman Harvey Weisenberg congratulated Ashley Gazes, Founder and President of SPEAC, for advocating for specials needs adults.
honor of the former Assemblyman and opened in October at the JCC as a vocational training café for adults with special needs. Here, interns receive hands-on training in meal preparation, customer service, and inventory management, ultimately paving the way for future employment opportunities.
“We’re learning about food handling, how to manage money, how to talk to customers,” said Cafe manager Peter Lora. Lora has been with the JCC for nearly three years running painting classes and has helped grow the vocational skills of special needs adults.
“It’s giving people a place to go, helping special
needs individuals understand how to be professional in a professional setting and how to handle service.”
Andrea Ahearne, Senior Program Officer of Early Childhood, took the stage to honor the graduates of a five-week child care certification program developed in partnership with the Child Care Council of Nassau County.
Graduates were celebrated with a standing ovation as their names were called. As the night unfolded, the stage came alive with a dazzling lineup of performances. This year’s roster featured a vibrant mix of music, spoken word, dance, and heartfelt expression.
Catherine Schexnayder opened with a rendition of a John Denver classic, drawing cheers for her clear vocals and genuine emotion. Alyssa Rosenblum followed with performed solo under her own creation of Japanese dance she called Ronkio. Jeff Metviner, a SPEAC board member, wrapped up the first segment with a witty monologue that had the audience laughing. Hope Lefstein kicked off the second half with an energizing tribute to the muppets. Ariana Nyanin showcased her vocal skills, singing Happier by Bastille and Marshmello and Ian Schoenberg closed out the talent portion with a musical performance of “If I Were a Rich Man.”
Gazes returned to the stage to remind everyone that the evening was also about celebration and fun. With raffle prizes adding an element of excitement. Through initiatives such as SPEAC’s talent shows, vocational training programs, and early childhood education courses, the Friedberg JCC continues to pave the way for inclusivity.
“I think we need to connect with more policy makers, to make sure that they’re doing the right thing and to get more involved in advocacy,” Gazes said.
Power Up Your Business: Energy Savings, Rebates & Expert Tips
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Live Q&A with Energy Experts – Ask questions and get real-time answers from PSEG Long Island specialists on how to optimize your energy efficiency efforts.
MAUREEN FITZGERALD Herald Community Newspapers
Michael Voltz, P.E. Director, Energy Efficiency and Renewables
Building Homes for Heroes, a national nonprofit based on Long Island that provides mortgage-free homes for injured veterans, first responders, and their families, is holding a 5K Run/Walk in April in Eisenhower Park. Daniel Hernandez an avid runner and a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, has spearheaded the efforts.
Honoring Our Heroes run, walk slated for Saturday
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Building Homes for Heroes, a nonprofit based in Island Park dedicated to providing mortgage-free homes for injured veterans, first responders, and their families, will host a 5K Walk/Run at Eisenhower Park this spring. The Long Island-based organization which has established itself as a group with a significant national reach is hoping to raise funds and spread awareness for its mission and cause.
The nonprofit’s origins trace back to the Sept. 11 attacks at the World Trade Center. Building Homes for Heroes’ founder Andy Pujol, a businessman and philanthropist, volunteered in search and rescue efforts at Ground Zero. As the U.S. responded overseas, Pujol wanted to find a way to support wounded veterans returning from service. Building Homes for Heroes was born with the hope of gifting a single home to a single veteran.
David Weingrad, director of communications for Building Homes for Heroes, said it wasn’t until 2012 when the organization started to get more national recognition, after partnering with larger corporations, allowing the nonprofit to build 25 to 30 homes a year. Over a decade later, the organization celebrated a significant milestone in 2024, when it completed and gifted its 400th home to a veteran.
“In the last few years, we’ve actually reached 40 homes a year, and we have a lofty goal to reach as many as 50 this year, in 2025,” Weingrad said. “We build homes, we modify homes, all free for the veteran. It’s our way of saying thank you to the servicemen and women.”
The organization’s work extends beyond the gift of a home, however.
“The struggles don’t end when they complete their deployment — they still have their whole life to figure out,” Weingrad added. “We support them with financial advisors to get their finances in order, we provide emergency funding if they have emergencies or illnesses in their family and we do team building events to bring all of our veterans together.”
When veterans are gifted homes, a huge ceremony follows, Weingrad explained. “When we gift the home, it’s not just like, ‘Here’s the keys, goodbye,’” he said. “We work with the local community, the local police
I
want the community to know that we exist, and I know that Long Island likes to support their veterans.
DANIEL HERNANDE z
Marine Corps veteran, Building Homes for Heroes
departments, fire departments, and actually like processions. We invited the community, hand out flags, and it’s really like a welcome home parade.”
It’s been about a decade since Building Homes for Heroes hosted a race on Long Island. The nonprofit was first based out of Valley Stream, but now it has offices in Island Park, where its founder, Pujol, is from. Daniel Hernandez, a veteran who’s worked at Building Homes for Heroes since 2019, said that during the coronavirus pandemic he got into running, and started participating in races around the country while raising money for the nonprofit.
“Two years ago, I ran my first half-marathon for in Virginia for Building Homes for Heroes,” Hernandez said, “and since then, I pretty much was hooked on running. One day, I was with David, and we were just talking like, ‘Why not set up a race for the company?’ I found that we did one like 10 years ago, and it never became an annal thing. So, I’m really trying my best to make it an annual thing — I want the community to know that we exist, and I know that Long Island likes to support their veterans. This is a great way to have the community come together.”
That hometown visibility is something Building Homes for Heroes is aiming to achieve.
“We are a national organization, but one thing we’ve noticed is that a lot of people on Long Island don’t realize that we’re a homegrown charity,” Weingrad said. “All of the people that work in our Long Island office are from Long Island. So that was part of the inspiration for Danny to do this. We think we’re doing pretty good work, and we just want people to know we’re here, we’re local, we’re part of the community. That’s a big part of helping raise awareness.”
Hernandez, a former U.S. Marine, elaborated as to how he got involved with Building Homes for Heroes — and how it really is making a difference in people’s
Veterans have been gifted homes across the country by Building Homes for Heroes. Above, U.S. Marine Corps Master Sergeant George Vera entering his home in Tampa, gifted by the nonprofit.
lives. After high school, he said he joined the Marine reserves, based out of Farmingdale, and ended up going to college through Adelphi University. After seven years, he left the Marine Corps and began working at a job in Oyster Bay but wasn’t satisfied. After seeing an advertisement for a role with Building Homes for Heroes, he connected with the organization and joined the team.
“I missed the camaraderie,” he said. “Even though I didn’t deploy in my time with the Marines, I thought helping veterans and just being there for them was great.”
Building Homes for Heroes: Honoring Our Heroes 5K Run/Walk is slated to take place on April 12, rain or shine, in Field 2 of Eisenhower Park. There’s a Kids Fun Run at 8 a.m., followed by the main race at 8:30 a.m. When runners sign up at Events.EliteFeats. com/25HonoringHeroes, there’s an option to donate to the nonprofit. All registrants will receive a free T-shirt, and the top 150 runners will receive a medal.
There’s also plenty of opportunities for businesses to get involved and sponsor the event, which will also draw in more funds for Building Homes for Heroes. Businesses interested can reach out to Hernandez at daniel.hernandez@buildinghomesforheroes.org.
Building Homes for Heroes is at 4584 Austin Blvd., Island Park. For more on the organization and its work, visit BuildingHomesForHeroes.org.
Courtesy Building Homes for Heroes
Propel NY aims to update L.I. connectivity
By KEPHERD DANIEL kdaniel@liherald.com
The Propel NY Energy project is a $3.26 billion initiative aimed at modernizing Long Island’s aging electric transmission system.
Why the project Is needed
New York’s electric transmission infrastructure is largely outdated — roughly 80 percent of it was built before 1980, at a time when energy needs were vastly different. With electric vehicles, heat pumps, data centers, and advanced digital technologies there will be a projected 50 to 90 percent increase in electricity demand over the next 20 years. Long Island’s grid, currently connected to the statewide network through only two points, is vulnerable to congestion and outages.
The existing grid faces significant congestion, akin to a crowded highway, which leads to inefficiencies and increased costs. Propel NY Energy is designed to add new transmission pathways that facilitate bidirectional power flow, enhancing both the reliability and resilience of the grid. This project prepares the region for a more robust and future-ready energy infrastructure.
Project scope and technical details
At the heart of the project is the construction of 90 miles of new underground transmission lines, including 66 miles in Nassau County. Additional segments will extend into Suffolk County, the Bronx and Westchester. Unlike surface lines, these cables will be installed underground using conventional trenching methods — typically 5 to 7 feet deep. In logistically challenging areas, advanced trenchless technologies such as horizontal directional drilling will be used. Propel NY Energy will add three new interconnec-
tion points. This enhancement will enable power to flow in multiple directions, relieving congestion and providing critical redundancy.
Propel NY Energy is exclusively focused on upgrading electric transmission infrastructure. It is not associated with battery storage systems or offshore wind projects, though the upgraded grid will support future renewable energy integration. Selected through a competitive solicitation process by the New York Independent System Operator from among 19 proposals by four developers, the project was chosen for its costeffectiveness and technical merits.
Environmental and community considerations
To reduce new environmental disruptions, most of
the project’s new lines will follow existing road corridors and disturbed areas. For segments crossing environmentally sensitive zones, such as the Long Island Sound, the team is applying sediment transport modeling and best management practices. When unavoidable impacts occur — particularly in wetlands — compensatory measures will be implemented by creating two to three acres of new wetlands for every acre affected.
The project is undergoing a review under New York’s Article Seven permitting process. This comprehensive environmental and socio-economic evaluation involves multiple state agencies. Anticipated approval is around July 2026.
Regular open houses and public meetings are planned to keep local communities informed and dispel misconceptions. The project prioritizes local union labor and contractors, ensuring that Nassau County and surrounding areas benefit from job opportunities. Any temporary disruptions will be addressed through detailed restoration plans.
Cost, funding and timeline
The total investment for Propel NY Energy is capped at $3.26 billion, and is funded by ratepayers across the state. For the average residential customer, the project is expected to add roughly 6 cents per day to utility bills. Projected costs are expected to be offset by long-term savings, with enhanced grid efficiency estimated to save nearly $3.3 billion in congestionrelated costs over time.
Construction is slated to begin in mid-2026 and will continue for up to four years, with project completion anticipated by mid-2030. During construction, crews are expected to progress between 50 and 150 feet per day per.
For more on Propel, go to PropelNyEnergy.com.
The Young Family Estate Plan (YFEP)
Parents of young children often overlook the need to plan for death or disability. Many believe they don’t have enough assets yet or that anything they have will automatically go to their spouse. However, every young parent needs basic documents – a Will, Power of Attorney and Health Care Proxy –what we term a “Young Family Estate Plan” (YFEP), that formalize your wishes in a variety of unexpected circumstances.
Without a YFEP, if one spouse dies, any assets that were in the husband’s or wife’s name alone will be subject to a court proceeding to name an “administrator” of the estate and New York law decides who gets which assets. The first $50,000 goes to the surviving spouse and the rest is divided 50% to the spouse and 50% to the children. The court will appoint a legal guardian to manage the money for them and then, ready or not, any remaining funds would be turned over at age 18.
If your spouse becomes disabled, and
you don’t have a Power of Attorney for them, you must petition the court to be appointed as your spouse’s legal guardian to handle their affairs (such as selling or refinancing the house or drawing funds from their accounts). The court may decide against you as legal guardian and appoint someone else.
A YFEP also includes life insurance reviews and recommendations, so in the event your spouse dies you will have the financial resources to raise your children.
A YFEP (1) ensures that all of your spouse’s assets go to you and not half to your children if your spouse dies unexpectedly, (2) allows you to choose the legal guardian for your children, and at what age they will receive the unused assets, (3) avoids guardianship proceedings should your spouse have a disabling accident or illness, and (4) provides the financial wherewithal so that your children may continue to prosper and thrive.
Oceanside trailblazers honored at breakfast
insanely big deal,” Pryce said enthusiastically. “This is a lot to take in.” He will be attending Connecticut College in the fall. Pryce’s family moved to Oceanside from Brooklyn 13 years ago, and quickly became a part of the community, with the library and community members helping them adjust to their new home.
“We did the best that we could, and apparently it worked out,” said Micah’s father, Michael.
The spotlight then shifted to the presentation of the Founders Award, given to someone who embodies the enduring mission of the library. The award was presented to Seth Blau, a longtime community leader.
“No one fits the library’s mission, or more fulfills the legacy of the founders of the library, than my good friend Seth Blau,” Assistant Library Director Tony Iovino said. “Seth embodies the term community leader. His impact on Oceanside has been measurable and varied.”
A stalwart advocate for education and civic engagement, Blau has served in numerous capacities — from multiple terms as president of the Oceanside Kiwanis club and roles with the Chamber of Commerce to his work on the school district Board of Education Sc, which he once led as president. His voluntary contributions as a library trustee and as Oceanside’s unofficial historian have been instrumental in preserving the hamlet’s history.
Between award presentations, the program featured elements that connected the library’s past with its present. Iovino highlighted its historical milestones — from its beginnings in the late 1930s through the challenges and triumphs of its early days, to the modern-day initiatives
funded by community donations and grants.
The historical roots of the library trace back to a 1937 meeting at which community leaders including Rufus Smith and Marion Sager set in motion an initiative that would shape the hamlet for generations. The narrative of humble beginnings — from a one-room building housed in a bank, and later donated to the community — to the flourishing facility today, served as a reminder of the community’s collaborative spirit.
Blau led the attendees in a playful quiz on the library’s history, evoking memories of past achievements and underscoring the timeless nature of community effort.
“What do we really know about the history of our community?”
Blau said. “Sometimes the things that we think we know and we think are the gospel aren’t quite true.”
Attendees also took part in a lively raffle organized by the Friends of the Library, with prizes ranging from community vouchers to $500. The breakfast not only celebrated individual achievements, but also reaffirmed a collective commitment to sustaining the library as a cornerstone of literacy, lifelong learning and local history.
“Communities can come together to do great things, large and small, but also, at the end of the day, it takes people willing to dedicate their time and talents to lead those projects to fruition,” Iovino said.
“On April 6, 1937, 88 years ago to the day, the Oceanside Free Library Association was formed. I wonder what the people who gathered together 88 years ago would think if they could see what succeeding generations have done with their dream.”
Kepherd Daniel/Herald
The Friends of Oceanside Library joined government officials in honoring Micah Pryce and Seth Blau, center, at the annual Founders Day Breakfast.
Michael Pryce, Micah Pryce, Janice Douglas-Pryce and Carlo Mastrandrea.
Assistant Library Director Tony Iovino, Seth Blau, Friends of Oceanside Library President Angela Iovino and Library Director Chris Marra.
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Steven Kent appointed LIA’s chief economist
By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com
Steven Kent, an economist and financial expert with over 25 years of experience with Goldman Sachs, was recently named chief economist of the Long Island Association Research Institute.
The LIA is a nonprofit business organization advocating for the region’s economic vitality and overall business community. In his role, Kent will provide real-time economic insights that will allow business across Long Island to forecast for operational success and growth.
“Our mission will be enhanced with the addition of Dr. Steven Kent to the LIA team as the new Chief Economist of the LIA Research Institute,” Matt Cohen, president and CEO of the Long Island Association, stated in a press release. “The LIA will be well-served by his extensive private-sector experience and the valuable data and analyses he will provide to our members at this pivotal inflection point for the future of Long Island, and indeed the entire country, as we navigate uncertain economic conditions and the existential crisis of affordability.”
Kent is a lifelong Long Island resident, having grown up in Islip before
attending Stony Brook University, where he became fascinated with economics and received a B.A. in the subject.
“I walked into SUNY Stony Brook and took a class with one of the best professors on campus, intro to economics, and it basically changed my life,” said Kent. “I like the analytic part, the mathematical part, and the social science part.”
Kent joined Goldman Sachs as a junior analyst after graduating, before leaving for another firm and pursuing an MBA at NYU’s Stern School of Business. Then he returned to Goldman Sachs, where he researched and oversaw investments in the global hospitality and leisure sector before he retired as managing director in 2016. Kent was named “best stock picker” eight times by the Wall Street Journal.
“I learned you had to know the companies, you had to understand the stocks, but I started to look at what was going on in the broader economy,” he said.
After retiring, Kent wanted to share what he learned in the industry. “I always wanted to help the next generation of business leaders,” he said. “My whole career, both academic and business, I have had lots and lots of mentors
Tranquility & Relaxation Awaits You At
who guided me, focused me, and helped me out along the way. I wanted to do the same.”
Kent, a Baldwin resident, guest lectured at several universities before becoming a professor of economics and finance at Molloy University. He also received a Ph.D. in hospitality management.
Being named LIA’s chief economist was “a little bit of a surprise,” he said.
Kent will continue teaching at Molloy while serving the LIA. As chief economist, he will share data-informed insights and explanations of the Island’s economy, helping business owners make informed decisions about their businesses.
Kent will be releasing a newsletter broadly reporting on the U.S., New York, and Long Island economies. He will focus on specific topics and develop special projects to uplift the local economy.
According to Kent, Long Island’s current economy is vibrant. “Our unemployment rate is lower than the rest of the country. Our economic activity continues to expand,” he said. “One of the advantages Long Island has is where we’re located, so we have access to transportation and access to great universities, and that facilitates a lot of
growth.”
He said he wants to “help to allow the Long Island economy to continue its robust trajectory.”
curtain dividers or half walls. • Free Hot Stones with all services.
• Fluent English, Spanish, Italian and Chinese spoken. Gift Certificates Available
Courtesy Steven Kent
Steven Kent grew up in Islip, earned an economics degree at Stony Brook, and then joined Goldman Sachs.
I.P. clam bar helps shellfish restoration
By REI WOLFSOHN
Correspondent
Peter’s Clam Bar in Island Park hosted a “Clamboree” March 31 to celebrate joining the Town of Hempstead’s shellfish restoration program.
To mark the special occasion, Town Supervisor Don Clavin competed against Peter’s chef Louie Palaguachi to see who could shuck the most clams in a minute. Palaguachi won the shucking competition by beating Clavin, 24 to 22. Clam shucking is the process of opening the shells of clams to access the edible meat inside
Butch Yamali, owner of Peter’s, is now donating its used clamshells to the hatchery, in a local program that has been a great benefit to the South Shore.
“Last year, water results show that the waters on the South Shore are cleaner than they’ve been in almost two decades,” Clavin said. “And that’s because of, one, the initiatives that everyday residents are doing to better our environment, but also through the good graces of businesses like these … That’s not only what we want for ourselves, but for the next generation.”
Even the process of becoming part of the program was hyper local for Yamali.
“One of the town people from the Department of Conservation and Waterways happens to be a customer here and said, ‘If you’d like to get involved, we’d
love to have you.’ We said, ‘That’d be great,’” Yamali said.
Vincent’s Clam Bar in Carle Place has been a part of the program for about four years.
“We always look for ways in our business to give back somewhere, somehow, especially when we do something sustainable,” Vincent’s owner Bobby Marisi said. “And we found that this was a very, very, very easy project to take on.”
In explaining the shellfish restoration process, Marisi said, “You just save all your clamshells, we’ll take them back to the hatchery, put seedling oysters on
them, we’ll create more clams, we’ll put them back in the water.”
Shellfish populations have diminished over the years due to a combination of factors, including overfishing, habitat degradation, poor water quality and climate change. With Peter’s joining the shellfish restoration program, many more clams and oysters will be added to the town’s hatchery.
“Peter’s has been here for 85 years,” Yamali said. “We were trying to calculate, with the original owner, we probably sell 500,000 to 600,000 clams a year. You multiply that by 85 years, it’s proba-
bly close to 50 million clams. So we definitely have a lot of shells. We definitely want to give them to the town. We want to make sure that the waterways are safe.”
Both Yamali and Marisi received citations for their participation in the restoration program. During the clam-shucking contest against Palaguachi, Clavin was given a handicap to start the event. The Peter’s staff opened 21 clams for the town supervisor before the one-minute timer even began. In that minute, Palaguachi opened 24 clams, while Clavin opened one.
“Sometimes you get to have some fun with good government and good initiatives, and this is one of them,” Clavin said.
Before the competition, Clavin listed some of the recent interest in the program, which the town intends to expand exponentially.
“In fact, just in the last two weeks, we’ve had the Long Beach Oyster Festival want to partake in this, the Lawrence Beach Club, Rockaway Hunting Club and other smaller restaurants that have said, ‘You know what, we want to find a way to give back,’” Clavin said. “I’ve learned that one oyster can filter, up to 50 gallons of water a day.”
Clavin shared his thoughts on environmental conservation “One thing we want to do is we want to win,” he said. “We want to win for the environment.
Rei Wolfsohn/Herald
Kate Murray, Laura Ryder, Don Clavin, Dorothy Goosby, Bobby Marisi, Tom Muscarella and Butch Yamali deliver empty clamshells to a boat headed for the hatchery as Peter’s Clam Bar celebrate joining the Town’s shellfish restoration program.
What is the meaning of Passover? Passover Message
For Jews Passover is a time to commemorate our past, give thanks for today and pray for a better tomorrow. In Torah Moses instructs all of Israel in the laws of Passover and the traditions to be observed for generations to come —Exodus 12:21-51.
Passover begins on the 14th day of the Jewish month of Nisan. Family and friends gather for a special meal called a Seder, which means order. As the meaning of Seder suggests there is a specific order to the meal and the re-telling of the Israelite’s exodus from Egypt.
ancestors for hope. Moses, Miriam and Aaron had no idea what it would mean to leave Egypt. Their fear of the unknown must have been great. And yet, they found the strength.
As Jews prepare for their Passover seders the events unfolding in Israel will be weighing heavy in our hearts. The senseless murders by Hamas on October 7th is kept fresh each day that goes by without the release of the hostages. Iran’s attack on Israel leaves many of us wondering what will happen next? It is definitely uncertain times. We have more questions than we do answers. I understand but it’s important not to get stuck in what we cannot control. Instead, we can look to our
Rabbi Shai belooSeSky
As their descendants who carry that strength in our DNA we too will get through. For me there is something very beautiful and meaningful in the power of the Passover seder. Whether a Jew by birth or by choice, a none Jew who is strong in their own faith, GLBTQ+ and, or a person of color, we can gather as a community to shed our fears —resulting from being strangers — and bond in friendship by recognizing our shared oppression. The gift of bringing people together in love, light and appreciation is one of the greatest lessons— from Passover— for us to learn.
Wishing each of you who celebrate at your Passover seders the sounds of ruach —joyous spirit— from family and friends and bellies full of matzah!
Jeshayahu “Shai” Beloosesky is the rabbi at Temple Avodah in Oceanside.
Lindenhurst’s Pat Benatar rocks and writes
By CHRISTIE LEIGH BABIRAD cbabirad@liherald.com
Singing and writing for over four decades, Pat Benatar has been inspiring her fans with hits including “We Belong “and “Love Is a Battlefield,” and new songs as well, performing alongside her husband and partner, Neil Giraldo. A multi-platinum artist who has had 15 U.S. Billboard Top 40 singles and a fourtime Grammy Award winner, Benatar is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame, and even received the Key to Babylon from then Town Supervisor Steve Bellone. Benatar spoke with the Herald about what Lindenhurst still means to her, what continues to inspire her, and some exciting news.
Herald: What are your thoughts on having been inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame?
Benatar: It’s great. I’m still very attached to Lindenhurst. I’m still close friends with all of the girls I went to elementary school, junior high and high school with. We still see each other all the time. Every time we go back, I always try to go to Patsy’s to get a cannoli cookie and Italian Ice. I’m still attached to where I grew up. It was such a wonderful childhood, so being inducted into the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame was important and sweet.
Herald: You are not only a singer but a songwriter as well. What has inspired your writing over the years?
Benatar: It’s pretty organic. We don’t begin songs together, my husband and I. He’ll come up with a line or a melody and I’ll come up with a poem. I write all day, that’s all I do. So I’ll come up with a poem, which will become a chorus. Once we do begin the songs, we come together and write the songs together. Inspiration comes from everywhere, which is so fascinating to me, and probably the most seductive thing about what we do. Everything is still interesting, a mystery and exciting, because the world is just an amazing place — crazy and beautiful.
Herald: What has given you strength over the years to truly give your all at your live shows?
Benatar: I just love it. It has never changed for Neil or me. Live performance is still my favorite thing to do. The joy of actually being in a shared experience of performing is still the thing I love the most, that keeps me going, and it’s never old.
Herald: I’m sure you’ve had many career highlights. Are there a couple of moments that have stood out?
Benatar: There are so many moments. Sometimes they’re very small
— a little child will come up to the front of the stage and they hand you a flower. You’re always in awe of being blessed with something like this. I feel like my only job is to be a good steward of what I have.
The thing that stopped me in my tracks, though, I would have to say, was 9/11. We had to perform that night. The promoter begged us to perform. We begged him to please cancel the concert. We were just as distraught as everyone
else. The promoter said that people wanted to come, they wanted to be together. So we went out there and I just said to the audience that before we do this, I need to talk to you all first, because I don’t know how I’m going to do this and I may have to stop songs. The audience was sobbing. It was amazing. It was awful. They had bed sheets with God Bless America on them. This was one of the moments where you understand how important it is what you’re giving to each other in a performance. What they gave to me and what I hope I gave back to them at that moment is healing, it’s an embrace. That’s what it felt like. I felt like they were embracing us and we were embracing them. And songs like “Invincible,” were so powerful that night, it became like a rallying cry. I sang that song a billion times, but that night it was different.
Herald: Do you have any advice regarding resilience, overcoming odds and pursuing a dream, that you would like to share with our women readers in particular?
Benatar: Much has changed, and then much hasn’t changed, and someone is always ready to take it all back away from us. Everyone will push that limit, and you have to stand there like a warrior. Don’t think that you’re safe and everything is going to be OK, because every single day there’s someone challenging the position, trying to take away any strides we have made. I have two daughters, two granddaughters, and my whole thing is, you are unique and at the same time you are part of a collective, you are part of every female that went before you and every female that will go after you. Make it count!
Herald: And what do you have coming up in regard to new music, touring and projects?
Benatar: We’re going out on a spring tour and hitting all the places we didn’t hit last year. We’re looking forward to it. We’ll be pulling out a lot of new songs that haven’t been recorded yet. Neil and I also have a children’s book coming out, “My Grandma and Grandpa Rock.” It’s such unbelievable fun.
The one thing about art is it has so many forms. We have these three darling grandbabies. They are very precocious, and have seen us perform a few times, and they ask us all kinds of questions, so we thought it would be really fun to write them a book about why we do what we do and that people do all different kinds of things for jobs — some people are teachers and doctors, and these are people’s grandpas and grandmas too. It was joyous and fun, and it’s a very inclusive book. I really believe diversity is a superpower.
To learn more about “My Grandma and Grandpa Rock” or to pre-order a copy, visit read.sourcebooks.com/my-grandmaand-grandpa-rock-by-pat-benatar-andneil-giraldo. To find out more about Benatar and her upcoming tour, visit benatargiraldo.com.
Travis Shinn
Pat Benatar with her husband and creative partner, Neil Giraldo.
STEPPING OUT
Where the audience always comes first
Long Island Children’s Museum Theater Director
Jim Packard says goodbye to his role of a lifetime
By Danielle Schwab
There are 140 seats at the theater at Long Island Children’s Museum and Jim Packard has sat in almost every single one.
“There’s not a bad seat in the theater. Wherever you sit, you can see the whole stage, and you’re no more than five, six rows away from the stage, which is pretty special,” he says.
Packard has been instrumental in the growth of the museum’s theatrical programming from inception, since the theater’s construction in 2001. It all begin with a committee he didn’t know he was on, when he was asked to consult on the museum’s theater then in development.
Prior to joining the museum, Packard was involved with theater and event management in Manhattan, and has taught stage technology and design.
“I was asked by a friend on the LICM theater committee to look at the plans the architect had drawn up. Then that spring, they had listed me as ‘not present’ at a theater committee meeting,” Packard recalls.
“I said: ‘I didn’t know I was on this committee, but I’m happy to serve on it and to help out the museum in whatever way I can.’ They said: ‘That’s all right. The committee has dissolved at this point.’
“I asked: ‘Who’s watching out for the theater?’ And that’s when I got hired.”
From his first position — as Theater Coordinator to his final role as Director of Theater Programs — Packard has made his mark over these past 24 years.
His philosophy, in keeping with the museum’s mission, is to put the audience first.
“It always boils down to making sure that the audience is the one that you’re paying attention to, because there’s no point in doing theater without an audience,” he explains. The productions are carefully chosen with a strong focus on audience interaction, with many tying into exhibits and related events.
“Our dressing room door has a big sheet of brown paper on it, and every time the actors hear something fun or interesting coming from the audience, they will write it on that board, just to remind them to pay attention to what the audience is saying,” he adds.
There is sure to be plenty of audience response to the upcoming production of “Elephant and Piggie’s We are in a Play!” The beloved show, opening April 14, which involves the audience as a character in the story, is always popular with visitors. Adapted from Mo Willems’ best-selling children’s series, the hilarious duo of Elephant and Piggie gets tangled in all sorts of antics, learning the meaning of friendship along the way.
“Elephant and Piggie realize there’s an audience watching them, and then they talk and interact with the audience, invite them to sing along and be a part of the show,” Packard says.
With Packard’s retirement this month, the production
• Performances April 14-19, 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800 for tickets
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
acts as a passing of the baton to new hands. Taking on the assignment are not one but two folks: Lisa Rudin as artistic director and Austin Costello as technical director.
It’s a full circle moment for both Rudin and Costello, who appeared as Elephant and Piggie in previous stagings of the production.
Costello, a distinguished puppeteer in his own right, has worked with the museum’s theater since 2015.
His love of puppetry started back as a kid in ‘90s, when he visited the museum and saw a puppet on display. His career led him to roles in children’s theater, including Sesame Street.
“The little lessons that we find along the way in our shows are the major takeaways that we get to share with families and especially with kids who might be having problems. It’s such an important thing to me to bring children up in a good way, and to help them understand the world around them,” Costello says.
“It’s wonderful to be able to carry on the legacy of Jim, who’s worked so hard for so many people, and who has taken a lot of time to take me under his wing and train me,” he adds.
Rudin also has a personal history with the museum.
“The first time I came to the theater here was when I brought my children in 2019. I was like, ‘what a beautiful theater this is.’ This is just perfect,” she says.
She has worn many theatrical hats throughout her career, including as an actor on Sesame Street Live and an education director for a children’s theater school.
Rudin and Costello will surely continue the theater’s aim to connect with children through imaginative and creative storytelling,
”Children learn empathy from watching characters on stage. They understand content and what happens in the story more from seeing it live,” Rudin says.
While Packard may be waving goodbye as director, his legacy remains rooted to the museum’s very foundation.
Joan Osborne sings Dylan
The seven-time Grammy nominee brings her extraordinary voice and artistic depth to the timeless music of Bob Dylan.The recent biopic “A Complete Unknown” brings Dylan to the forefront once again. Meanwhile Osborne has spent over 25 years captivating audiences with her fearless exploration of genres ranging from rock and blues to soul, gospel and country. Her journey with Dylan’s catalog began in 2016 with a series of “Dylanology” concerts. Her critically-acclaimed 2018 album, “Songs of Bob Dylan,” and her live performances showcase her ability to reimagine Dylan’s iconic works, highlighting the emotional resonance and poetic brilliance of his music. Osborne turns back the clock with her soulful reinterpretations that exude passion, emotion and energy. .
Friday, April 11, 8 p.m. $59, $55, $48, also special VIP package. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
Rick Wakeman
“When I was 19-years-old, walking
“When I was 19-years-old, walking across my college theater’s auditorium, I thought I could do this every day for the rest of my life — and I got that opportunity,” he shares.
“It’s been one of the more wonderful
“It’s been one of the more wonderful experiences in life, in terms of just getting to do so much that makes so many people happy.”
Photos courtesy LICM
Top photo: Outgoing Director Jim Packard, center, and cast and crew of “Interstellar Cinderella” gather at the final performance.
Bottom photo: Elephant (Finn MacDevitt) and Piggie (Anneka Shepherd ) return to the museum’s stage in a production helmed by new Artistic Director Lisa Rudin.
Experience the magic of progressive rock legend Rick Wakeman when he brings his “Final Solo Tour” to Long Island. Renowned for his keyboard wizardry and captivating stage presence, Wakeman invites you on a journey through iconic Yes classics, unforgettable solo compositions and personal favorites. With a career spanning over five decades and album sales exceeding 50 million, Rick’s extraordinary contributions to music have earned him accolades, including a CBE from Queen Elizabeth II. This tour is a heartfelt farewell to his legendary one-man shows in the U.S., but his music will continue to inspire fans worldwide. Rick’s career is a testament to his versatility and enduring artistry. His live performances seamlessly blend masterful musicianship with humor and storytelling, creating an intimate and unforgettable experience.
Wednesday, April 16, 8 p.m. $75, $65, $55, $45, $35, $29.50. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.
THE Your Neighborhood
‘Cold Beer on a Saturday Night’ Spring blooms with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band. Before you know back on the beach, but Jimmy Kenny and his band come to the rescue, on the Paramount stage, Saturday, April 19, 8 p.m. Join in their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily: it’s 5 o’clock somewhere so let’s ‘raise ‘em up and sing along.
The Long-Island based band — guided by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals/ acoustic guitar, with Linn DeMilta (aka Lovely Linn), lead and backing vocals, Luis Rios, lead guitar/ backing vocals, Frank Stainkamp, keyboard/backing vocals, Dan Prine, bass, and drummer Mike Vecchione, have been celebrating the beach country sounds of Buffett, Chesney and Zac Brown Band for over a decade, spreading their vibe up and down the Northeast coast. Everyone has a great time grooving to their lively mix of their popular sing-along hits and feel good, easy living flair. If you like your toes in the sand, wasting away with a margarita or a cold beer, then you’ll surely have a great time with the Jimmy Kenny Band. $35, $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Jazz it up
Jazz at Lincoln Center brings its Webop Family Jazz Party’s “Swingin’ Nursery Rhymes and Lullabies” to the Long Island Children’s Museum theater, Sunday, April 13, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Get ready to hear classic nursery rhymes and lullabies like “Old McDonald,” “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” and “Wheels on the Bus” with a jazzy twist! Led by talented musicians and educators, little ones will be introduced to the magic of jazz while singing, dancing, and joining in on the fun. This family-friendly performance is sure to inspire future jazz lovers, so be sure to bring the whole crew for a toe-tapping, finger-snapping good time! $5 with museum admission ($4 members), $10 theater only. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Go to licm.org or call (516) 2245800 for more information.
Dino Egg Hunt
Enjoy some spring fun at the Center for Science Teaching and Learning, Thursday through Saturday, April 17-19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Search for dinosaur eggs filled with fun prizes and make a dino craft! Activities included with admission. For more information, visit cstl.org or call (516) 764-0045. 1450 Tanglewood Rd, Rockville Centre,
Little Learners’ Earth Day
Planting Fields Little Learners series continues with an Earth Day celebration, Friday, April 18, 10-11 a.m. Families will enjoy a heartwarming fun-filled experience, with a reading of “Gifts from the Garbage Truck” by Andrew Larsen. Together, explore the importance of reusing, reducing, and recycling in a way that’s perfect for young minds. With an Earth-inspired craft project. For ages 2-5. $15 per child. 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay. Visit plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210 to register and for information.
Island Park Egg Hunt
The Village of Island Park hosts its annual Easter Egg Hunt, Sunday, April 13, at noon, at Masone Beach. This exciting event is first come, first served, so families are encouraged to arrive on time for a fun-filled afternoon. Hunt for colorful eggs while enjoying the beautiful beachside setting. The event is hosted by Mayor Michael McGinty, Deputy Mayor Matthew Graci, and Trustees Barbara Volpe-Ried, Robert Tice, and Michael Gagliardi. Don’t miss this festive celebration! Waterford Road.
Have questions about tech?
Need help with your device?
Get one hour of one-onone help from a librarian, at Oceanside Library, every Tuesday, 10-11 a.m. and 11 a.m.- noon. For your session, have a clear goal(s) in mind (i.e.: navigating smart phone, attaching documents to email, creating a spreadsheet for a specific purpose, etc.).
Come prepared with all login usernames and passwords you might need and bring a notebook in case you would like to take notes. Tech help is by appointment only. Sessions are limited to a maximum of once a month per patron. 30 Davison Ave. Register at Oceansidelibrary. com or call (516) 766-2360.
Art explorations
Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, April 19, noon-3 p.m. Kids and their adult partners talk about and make art together. While there, enjoy reading and play in the Reading Room, and contribute to the collaborative Lobby Project. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit nassaumuseum. org to register or call (516) 4849337.
Sunrise Theatre Company’s ‘The Little Mermaid’
Sunrise Theatre Company stages ‘The Little Mermaid Jr.,’ Sunday and Monday, April 13-14; also Friday and Saturday, April 18-19, at the Bellmore Movies. Times vary. 222 Pettit Ave. Tickets and fees for performances available at SunriseTheatreLI.com. Call (516) 218-2782 for more.
Voices wanted
The Oceanside Chorale is looking for new members to sing in its “Opera or Popera” concert Sunday, June 8. Voices are needed in all sections. Rehearsals are Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m., the Fulton Avenue School in Oceanside. For further information call Frank at (516) 764-2787, email fxdefontes@hotmail.com or oceansidechorale.com. 3252 Fulton Ave.
Friedberg JCC Gala
Spring Dog Festival
Get ready to wag those tails, at Old Westbury Gardens with your pooch (leashed of course), Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Bring your canine companions for a scenic stroll through grounds bursting spring’s first blooms. Browse a selection of local dog-friendly vendors offering unique products and services for your furry friends, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit oldwestburygardens.org.
Save the date for the Friedberg JCC Gala on Thursday, May 4, 4 p.m., at Temple Avodah. Honorees include Fred Richman, Allan Carlton, Stefanie Hanlon, Melissa Chizzik-Schnall, and Melissa Lobel. More information will follow closer to the date.
Having an event?
Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct followup to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.
Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum. org.
Hempstead House tour
April 13
Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, April 13, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.
April 10, 2025
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Notices
NOTICE OF FORMATION OF A LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY
Notice of Formation of OmniCo Consulting, Llc. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 02/12/2025. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of Limited Liability Company (LLC) upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY should mail process to David Phillips: 450 Links Dr. E., Oceanside, NY 11572. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. 151912
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as Trustee for Option One Mortgage Loan Trust 2005-1, AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2005-1, Plaintiff AGAINST Satwinder Singh; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 12, 2023 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 23, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 627 Pearl Street, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Rockville Centre, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of NY, Section 38 Block 531 Lot 22 and 26. Approximate amount of judgment $947,712.56 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 010269/2015. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
John G. Kennedy, Esq., Referee
LOGS Legal Group LLP
f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC
Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: February 5, 2025 152255
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU MIDFIRST BANK, Plaintiff AGAINST DONALD SCHREINER, JR., MICHELLE RANOLDE-SCHREINER, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 25, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 17, 2025 at 2:30PM, premises known as 235 Madison Ave, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, at Foxhurst Park, Oceanside, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54 Block 239 Lot 156. Approximate amount of judgment $490,828.12 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #612438/2022. Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003408 84311 152216
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF Nassau, PHH Mortgage Corporation, Plaintiff, vs. Theresa M. Mysak, as heir, devisee, distributee, of The Estate of Rita Marchi, deceased, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report, Amend the Caption, and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 1, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 2861 Willard Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38,
Block 518 and Lot 420. Approximate amount of judgment is $455,894.35 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600666/2020.
Brian Carmody, Esq., Referee
Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 152403
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST BENTZION R. KAMINETZKY, SHARONTH C. KAMINETZKY, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 11, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 5, 2025 at 2:30 pm, premises known as 3365 3rd Street, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York, Section 43, Block 354, Lot 46. Approximate amount of judgment $553,894.73 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #616025/2023. Louis B. Imbroto, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 23-001253 84926 152565
LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE VOTACIÓN Y AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA ANUAL DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR DE ISLAND PARK PUEBLO DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que, de conformidad con la Resolución de la Junta de Educación adoptada el 16 de diciembre de 2024, la Votación Anual de los votantes
calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre Island Park Union, Ciudad de Hempstead, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York se llevará a cabo el martes, 20 de mayo de 2025, de 7:00 a.m. a 9:00 p.m., con el propósito de votar sobre el Presupuesto Combinado de Escuela y Recreación y el Presupuesto de la Biblioteca de los gastos estimados del año fiscal escolar 2025-2026. La votación se llevará a cabo en Lincoln Orens Escuela Intermedia, Steven L. Foster Auditorium Foyer, 150 Trafalgar Boulevard, Island Park, Nueva York, entre las 7:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m., mediante una máquina de votación. Cualquier votante del Distrito puede obtener una copia de dicho presupuesto combinado para la escuela y la recreación, y el presupuesto de la biblioteca, durante los catorce (14) días inmediatamente anteriores a la mencionada Votación Anual, en la Oficina del Distrito ubicada en 99 Radcliffe Road, Island Park, Nueva York durante el horario de 9:00 a. m. y 4:00 p. m., la oficina principal de la escuela Francis X. Hegarty, ubicada en 100 Radcliffe Road, la oficina principal de la escuela secundaria Lincoln Orens, ubicada en 150 Trafalgar Boulevard, durante el horario de 8:00 a.m. y 4:00 p.m., excepto sábados, domingos y feriados y, en la Biblioteca Pública de Island Park ubicada en 176 Long Beach Road, durante el horario de 10 a.m. a 5 p.m. y publicado en el sitio web de Internet del Distrito.
ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que, de conformidad con la Resolución de la Junta de Educación adoptada el día 10 de febrero de 2025, también se presentará la siguiente Propuesta a los votantes del Distrito: SE RESUELVE que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Island Park Union está autorizada a comprar tres camionetas escolares para 30 pasajeros, a un costo principal colectivo estimado de $275,133, más intereses a través de un contrato de arrendamiento con opción a compra con un plazo de cinco años y el capital y los
intereses se pagarán a través de cinco asignaciones presupuestarias anuales a partir del año escolar 2025-2026.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, de conformidad con la Resolución de la Junta de Educación adoptada el 16 de diciembre de 2024, se llevará a cabo una AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA el 6 de mayo de 2025, a las 7:00 p. m., en Lincoln Orens Escuela Intermedia, 150 Trafalgar Boulevard, Island Park, Nueva York, con el propósito de discutir el gasto de fondos y su presupuestación (PRESUPUESTO ANUAL).
ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que, dicho 20 de mayo de 2025, se procederá a la elección de: (i) un (1) miembro de la Junta de Educación por un término de cinco (5) años para suceder a JACK VOBIS, cuyo término vence el 30 de junio de 2025; y (ii) un (1) miembro de la Junta de la Biblioteca por un período de cinco (5) años para suceder a JOSEPH PONTECORVO, cuyo período vence el 30 de junio de 2025. Peticiones para nominar candidatos para el cargo de Miembro de la Junta Escolar y la Junta de la Biblioteca debe presentarse en la oficina del secretario del distrito, a más tardar el 21 de abril de 2025, en el Centro de conferencias, 99 Radcliffe Road, Island Park, Nueva York, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 5:00 p.m. al menos treinta (30) días antes de la elección, siendo el horario del 21 de abril de 2025 de 9:00 a. m. a 5:00 p. m. Cada petición debe ser dirigida al Secretario del Distrito; debe estar firmado por al menos 25 votantes calificados del Distrito; debe indicar el nombre y domicilio de cada firmante, el nombre y domicilio del candidato; y debe describir la vacante específica para la cual se nomina al candidato, incluida la duración del mandato y el nombre del último titular.
ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Registro se reunirá en el Centro de conferencias ubicado en 99 Radcliffe Road, Island Park, Nueva York, el miércoles 23 de abril de 2025 de 9:30 a. m. a 1:30 p. m.
y el martes 13 de mayo de 2025 de 10:00 a.m. a 2:00 p.m. y de 6:00 p.m. a 9:00 p.m., con el propósito de preparar un registro de los electores calificados del Distrito Escolar para dicha Votación Anual. El Registro de votantes calificados de dicho Distrito Escolar, preparado en la Elección y Votación Anual celebrada el 21 de mayo de 2024, será utilizado por dicha Junta de Registro como base para la preparación del Registro para dicha Votación Anual el 20 de mayo de 2025. Cualquier persona cuyo nombre aparezca en dicho registro o que a partir del 1 de enero de 2021 se haya registrado en virtud del presente para cualquier elección y votación anual o especial realizada en cualquier momento a partir del 1 de enero de 2021, no estará obligada a registrarse personalmente para la Elección Anual y la Votación.
TENGA EN CUENTA ADEMÁS que los votantes militares que no están actualmente registrados pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes calificados del distrito escolar presentando una Solicitud de registro de Votantes Militares al Secretario del distrito, a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. el 22 de abril de 2025, el día antes de la reunión de la Junta de Registro del Distrito para preparar el registro del distrito escolar. Una copia de la Solicitud de registro de votantes militares está disponible tanto en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito como en línea en el sitio web del Distrito en http://www.ips.k12.ny. us/budget_info. Al solicitar una solicitud de votante militar, dicho votante militar puede indicar su preferencia de recibir la solicitud de registro por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico. Cualquier votante militar tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho registro, siempre que en dicha reunión de la junta de registro, se conozca o se demuestre a satisfacción de dicha junta de registro, que será entonces o posteriormente tener derecho a la condición de votante militar en la reunión y elección anual para las cuales se prepara dicho registro. TENGA EN CUENTA ADEMÁS que, de acuerdo con la Parte 122 de las Reglas y Reglamentos del Comisionado de Educación, los votantes militares que son votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar pueden solicitar una boleta militar. Las solicitudes para boletas militares están disponibles tanto en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito como en línea en el sitio web del Distrito en http://www.ips.k12.ny. us/budget_info. Al solicitar una solicitud de boleta de votante militar, dicho votante militar puede indicar su preferencia por recibir la solicitud por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico. Dicha designación permanecerá vigente hasta que el votante la revoque o cambie. Las solicitudes de boleta militar completas deben ser recibidas por el Secretario de Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. jueves 24 de abril de 2025. Las boletas militares no serán escrutadas a menos que sean recibidas por el Secretario de Distrito antes de las 5:00 p.m. el 20 de mayo de 2025. SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, sin perjuicio de cualquier disposición en contrario en el presente, que, de conformidad con las disposiciones de la Sección 5-612 de la Ley Electoral, cualquier persona registrada conforme a las disposiciones de dicha Ley Electoral, y así certificada como registrada por la Junta Electoral , Condado de Nassau, para fines de elección general, tendrá derecho a votar en dicha Elección Anual y Votación sin registro adicional. Únicamente aquellas personas que se registren tendrán derecho a votar en dicha Elección y Votación Anuales. Inmediatamente después de su finalización, dicho Registro se archivará en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito, donde estará abierto para su inspección por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito Escolar entre las 8:30 a.m. y las 4:30 p.m. en cada uno de los cinco (5) días anteriores y el día fijado para la Elección y Votación, excepto domingo y en el horario de 8:30 a 12:00 horas. (Mediodía) del sábado. ADEMÁS SE AVISA que las boletas de voto en ausencia y anticipadas por correo para aquellos elegibles están disponibles, y que las solicitudes de boletas de voto en ausencia y por correo anticipado se pueden solicitar en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito. Dicha solicitud debe recibirse no antes de 30 días antes de la elección y a más tardar siete (7) días calendario antes de la elección si la boleta se enviará por correo al votante o el día anterior a la elección si la boleta se entregará. persnalmente al elector. Una lista de todas las personas a quienes se les han emitido boletas en ausencia y por correo anticipado estará disponible en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito cada uno de los cinco (5) días calendario anteriores al día de la elección, excepto el domingo, entre las 8:30 a.m. y 4:30 p.m., y entre las 8:30 a.m. y 12:00 p.m. (Mediodía) del sábado. No se escrutará ninguna boleta en ausencia o por correo anticipado a menos que se reciba en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. el día de las elecciones. SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que la Sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre la Propiedad Inmueble requiere que el Distrito adjunte a su presupuesto propuesto un informe de exención. Dicho informe de exención, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, mostrará cómo el valor catastral total de la lista de tasación final utilizada en el proceso presupuestario está exento de impuestos, enumerará cada tipo de exención otorgada por la autoridad legal y mostrará el acumulado. impacto de cada tipo de exención, el monto acumulado que se espera recibir como pago en lugar de impuestos (PILOT) y el impacto acumulado de todas las exenciones otorgadas. Además, dicho informe de exención se publicará en cualquier tablón de anuncios mantenido por el Distrito para avisos públicos y en el sitio web del Distrito. POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN
Public Notices
del Distrito Escolar de Island Park, ciudad de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, Nueva York.
Jack Vobis, presidente de la Junta de Educación Cindy Pastore, secretaria de distrito Fecha: 18 de marzo de 2025 Island Park, Nueva York 152575
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF ANNUAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
VOTING AND PUBLIC HEARING
ISLAND PARK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that, pursuant to Board of Education Resolution adopted on December 16, 2024, the Annual Voting of the qualified voters of the Island Park Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., for the purpose of voting on the combined School and Recreation Budget, and Library Budget of the estimated expenditures of the school fiscal year 2025-2026. Voting shall take place in the Lincoln Orens Middle School, Steven L. Foster Auditorium Foyer, 150 Trafalgar Boulevard, Island Park, New York between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., by voting machine. A copy of said combined school and recreation budget, and library budget may be obtained by any voter in the District, during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding the aforesaid Annual Voting, at the District Office located at 99 Radcliffe Road, Island Park, New York during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the Francis X. Hegarty School Main Office, located at 100 Radcliffe Road, the Lincoln Orens Middle School Main Office, located at 150 Trafalgar Boulevard, during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays and, at the Island Park Public Library located at 176 Long Beach Road, during the hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and posted on the District’s Internet Website.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that, pursuant to Board of Education Resolution adopted on the 10th day of February 2025, the following Proposition will also be presented to the Voters of the District: RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Island Park Union Free School District is authorized to purchase three 30-passenger school vans, at the estimated collective principal cost of $275,133, plus interest through a leasepurchase agreement having a five-year term with the principal and interest to be paid through five annual budgetary appropriations starting with the 2025-2026 school year.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that, pursuant to Board of Education Resolution adopted on the 16th of December 2024, a PUBLIC HEARING shall be held on May 6, 2025 at 7:00 p.m., at the Lincoln Orens Middle School, 150 Trafalgar Boulevard, Island Park, New York, for the purpose of discussion of the expenditure of funds and budgeting thereof (ANNUAL BUDGET).
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that, on said May 20, 2025 an election will be held for: (i) one (1) member of the Board of Education for a term of five (5) years to succeed JACK VOBIS, whose term expires on June 30, 2025; and (ii) one (1) member of the Library Board for a term of five (5) years to succeed JOSEPH PONTECORVO, whose term expires on June 30, 2025.
Petitions nominating candidates for the office of School Board Member and Library Board Trustee must be filed in the office of the District Clerk, on or before April 21, 2025, at the Conference Center, 99 Radcliffe Road, Island Park, New York, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at least thirty (30) days prior to the election, with the hours on April 21, 2025 being 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Each petition must be directed to the Clerk of the District; must be signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District; must state the name and residence of each signer, the name and residence of the candidate; and must
describe the specific vacancy for which the candidate is nominated, including the length of the term of office and the name of the last incumbent.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that, the Board of Registration shall meet in the Conference Center located at 99 Radcliffe Road, Island Park, New York, on Wednesday, April 23, 2025 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., for the purpose of preparing a register of the qualified voters of the School District for said Annual Voting. The Register of qualified voters of said School District, prepared at the Annual Election and Voting held on May 21, 2024, shall be used by the said Board of Registration as the basis for the preparation of the Register for said Annual Voting on May 20, 2025. Any person whose name appears on such register or who on or after January 1, 2021 shall have been registered hereunder for any Annual or Special Election and Voting conducted at any time on or after January 1, 2021, will not be required to register personally for the Annual Election and Voting.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that Military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district by submitting a Military Voter Registration Application to the District Clerk, no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 22, 2025, the day before the District’s Board of Registration meeting to prepare the school district register. A copy of the Military Voter Registration Application is available both in the office of the District Clerk and online located at the District’s website at http://www.ips.k12.ny. us/budget_info. Upon such request for a military voter application, such military voter may indicate his/her preference for receiving the application for registration by mail, facsimile, or electronic mail. Any military voter shall be entitled to have his/her name placed upon such register, provided, that
at such meeting of the board of registration, he/she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such board of registration, to be then or thereafter entitled to military voter status at the annual meeting and election for which such register is prepared.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that in accordance with Part 122 of the Rules and Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, military voters who are qualified voters of the School District may apply for a military ballot. Applications for military ballots are available both in the office of the District Clerk and online located at the District’s website at http://www.ips.k12.ny. us/budget_info. Upon such request for a military voter ballot application, such military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application by mail, facsimile or electronic mail. Such designation will remain in effect until revoked or changed by the voter. Completed military ballot applications must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2025. Military ballots will not be canvassed unless they are received by the District Clerk on or before 5:00 p.m. on May 20, 2025.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, that, pursuant to the provisions of Section 5-612 of the Election Law, any person registered under the provisions of the said Election Law, and so certified as registered by the Board of Elections, County of Nassau, for general election purposes, will be entitled to vote at the said Annual Election and Voting without further registration. Only those persons who shall be registered shall be entitled to vote at said Annual Election and Voting. Immediately upon its completion, said Register shall be filed in the office of the District Clerk, where it shall be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the School District between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on each of the five (5) days
News brief
Juliana Di Leonardo, the Director of Humane Long Island, left, with John Di Leonardo, the Executive Director of Humane Long Island with their booth.
Barrier Brewing hosts ‘Animal Lovers’
Barrier Brewing Co. and Secret Vegan Kitchen teamed up for a lively and heartfelt Animal Lovers Night on March 21 at 3001 New Street in Oceanside. The event welcomed guests for an evening filled with raffles, giveaways, and plant-based eats—all in support of Humane Long Island.
A highlight of the night was a special guest appearance by Well Charged NYC, adding a musical spark to the festivities. Attendees enjoyed food, drinks, and the opportunity to give back to a worthy cause, helping support animal welfare efforts across Long Island.
–Kepherd Daniel
Public Notices
prior to and the day set for the Election and Voting, except Sunday and between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on Saturday.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that absentee and early mail ballots for those eligible are available, and that applications for absentee and early mail ballots may be applied for at the District Clerk’s Office. Such application must be received no earlier than 30 days before the election and no later than seven (7) calendar days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or by the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots have been issued will be available in the District Clerk’s Office on each of the five (5) calendar days prior to the day of the election, except Sunday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on Saturday. No absentee or early mail ballot will be canvassed unless it is received in the District Clerk’s Office no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the election.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that Section
495 of the Real Property Tax Law requires the District to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how the total assessed value of the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted by statutory authority, and show the cumulative impact of each type of exemption, the cumulated amount expected to be received as payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. In addition, said exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on the District’s website. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Island Park Union Free School District Island Park, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York. Jack Vobis, President Board of Education Cindy Pastore, District Clerk
Dated: March 18, 2025 Island Park, NY 152573
LEGAL NOTICE ASSESSOR’S NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF THE FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL THE ASSESSOR OF THE COUNTY OF NASSAU HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that he has completed the 2025/2026 final assessment roll, which will be used for the 2026 levy of Town and County Taxes in the Towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay, and the City of Glen Cove and the City of Long Beach, and for the 2025/2026 levy of school taxes in such Towns and in the City of Long Beach. A certified electronic copy of the roll was filed with the Department of Assessment on April 1, 2024. The electronic roll may be examined on public terminals located in the offices of:
DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENT
NASSAU COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING 240 OLD COUNTRY ROAD, FOURTH FLOOR MINEOLA, NY 11501 where the same will remain open for public inspection for fifteen days.
Dated this 1st day of April 2025.
JOSEHA A. ADAMO Assessor, Nassau County 152810
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. NEWREZ LLC D/B/A SHELLPOINT MORTGAGE SERVICING, Plaintiffagainst- MICHAEL MCKAY; JANET MCKAY, et al
Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated December 16, 2024 and entered on January 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on May 13, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York; known and designated as Section 38 Block 400 Lot 474. Said premises known as 2829 ELM STREET, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572
Approximate amount of lien $609,381.14 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 610218/2022.
RALPH J. MADALENA, ESQ., Referee Pincus Law Group, PLLC
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 {* ISLAND PAR*} 152775
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Is my neighbor’s menagerie legal?
Q. My neighbor loves animals, so much that they have constructed little houses for feral cats and stray dogs. Although I haven’t said anything because we have a tall fence, and I don’t have to look at the menagerie of wildlife — including many ducks, squirrels and raccoons that also eat the food scraps my neighbor puts out — I wonder if this is allowed, and now that they’re starting to build very large bird “hotels” that I can see, I’m thinking this is really getting to be too much. Do they need approval to attract all of these animals, a permit or something?
A. There are restrictions, such as section 152-8 of Town of Hempstead code, prohibiting dogs at large. You can check your municipality code regulations, online, by typing in the name of your municipality followed by “ecode360.” Many communities restrict the number of pets and the containment of pets, and have a restriction that pets can’t be constrained for more than two hours to a stationary object, like a post.
Stray dogs and cats are prohibited, even though many people take care of them. I wrote about this 25 years ago, and received hate mail for my insensitivity to these cats and dogs, even though I was quoting the ordinances, in addition to writing about how to keep strays from wandering into your yard. If the strays become a problem for you, there are regulations that your neighbor may be subject to.
Birdhouses seem fairly innocent, and unless they’re built to an abundant size, like the “hotel” you describe, there are no limits. When there are a number of birdhouses, or they become large enough to fall under the regulation of treehouses and sheds, the regulations become relevant, and the construction of these “accessory structures” falls under the zoning codes. I’ve seen birdhouses with 25 units in them, which is large enough to make it necessary to regulate. It brings new meaning to Airbnb. I’m not sure if the local governments that placed prohibitions on renting out homes to transients also included the bird population, since most birds have no place to carry cash or a credit card, but it may be worth looking into in your spare time.
A call to either your local building inspector or to animal and wildlife control centers can confirm the handling of the animals, and whether your neighbor is creating a nuisance. The biggest concern may be health considerations, since some species may carry diseases that can be harmful to other species or to you. For example, raccoons, cats and squirrels are known to carry rabies, and an even more dangerous disease called toxoplasmosis. They endanger dogs in particularly, since these diseases cause ailments that can cripple or destroy their immune systems. Cats are also in danger, and the droppings from each of these animals may also cause sickness in humans, but to a lesser degree. You are not wrong to be concerned. Good luck!
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nassau County has enjoyed a lot of success during my time as county executive. Our residents have benefited from a notax-increase budget for three years straight, and I plan to deliver them a fourth. My administration cut $150 million in taxes planned by the previous administration. I hired over 300 new police and correctional officers to protect our streets.
And the county was named the most desirable place to live in all of New York state by Niche magazine.
But our county now faces a crisis that threatens to halt our growth and impede our progress. I am deeply disappointed and frustrated that the 2025 Capital Plan was not passed by the County Legislature. The plan, which is vital for the continued development and safety of all of Nassau, has been blocked by Democratic legislators who have refused to give it their bipartisan support. It is disturbing to witness such a politically motivated decision when it directly jeopardizes the welfare of our residents.
The implications of not passing the Capital Plan extend far beyond politics. I am very concerned about delaying funding for important public-safety ini-
tiatives. I am proud to say that Nassau County holds the title as the safest county in America, but we risk throwing that away and undermining the systems designed to protect our families and neighborhoods without the funding and resources guaranteed by the plan.
Under the negotiated proposal blocked by Democratic legislators, the plan would provide tens of millions of dollars in funding to secure essential tools for police officers who put their lives on the line to protect us. Those investments include:
■ $1.14 million for bulletproof vests
■ $1.1 million for tasers
■ $105,000 for upgraded firearms
Fals vehicle.
ailing
to secure this funding will hurt communities across the county.
■ $1.5 million for body cameras.
Support for our firefighters and emergency responders is also jeopardized while the Capital Plan stalls in the Legislature. For 2025 alone, we have millions of dollars budgeted for key items that include:
■ $3 million for new ambulances
■ $550,000 for new firefighting equipment and high-axle vehicles to save residents during floods
■ $500,000 to upgrade fire department communications system
■ $600,000 for a new hazardous-materi-
We also negotiated a six-figure investment in the Fire Service Academy Master Plan so that our volunteer firefighters get the best training available. Setting back that training by not passing the Capital Plan would be an egregious mistake by our Democratic legislators. On top of spending on public safety, the Capital Plan also includes important initiatives aimed at improving the county’s infrastructure, including improvements that will improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety. The hamlet of Elmont, for example, was scheduled to receive $2.7 million in traffic and pedestrian safety improvements that are now being blocked.
Another $1.5 million in similar improvements was slated for the Village of Lynbrook, at the five-way intersection at Hempstead Avenue. Blocked.
We planned to spend $250,000 on traffic safety and pedestrian improvements for Merrick Road in Freeport. Blocked.
You can see just how quickly the money adds up. Failing to secure this funding will hurt communities across the county if we don’t act now. We cannot afford indecision or crass political posturing when our taxpayers are relying on us. I am calling on our Democrat-
iam 64 years old. I have lived a full life, raised a family, built a career and seen the world change in ways I never imagined. But when one of my favorite sports teams takes the field, I’m still a 12-year-old boy, heart pounding, stomach twisting, living and dying with every play or atbat.
A great touchdown catch or a clutch base hit still sends me into wild fist pumping. A botched play or a baffling coaching decision has me pacing the room, muttering in disbelief.
The baseball season just started, and I moaned about the Mets’ slow start in a sports text thread. One of my friends texted, “They’ve faced strong pitching.” I responded, “Aren’t they supposed to have a strong lineup and that Soto guy?” The same friend wrote: “It’s one week, calm down.”
When you’re a fan, calm isn’t your default state of mind. This isn’t a hobby — it’s a lifelong relationship. And like any deep, long-term commitment, it started early.
I still remember my first baseball game. I was 7, holding my father’s hand as we made our way through the crowded concourse of Yankee Stadium. Though I was a Mets fan, we went with family friends. The air smelled of hot dogs, beer and cigars. Two years later, I went to my first football game, also in Yankee Stadium. I’m a Giants fan, and on that October Sunday my dad and I watched Big Blue defeat the then St. Louis Cardinals. Sitting around us were football fans who held transistor radios to their ears so they’d know what penalty had been called and exactly where the ball was on the field. At the time, no planet-sized TV screen showed the previous play seconds after it ended.
s ports are a connection — to my childhood, to my dad, to my friends.
superstitions, the little things we do that make us feel like we’re part of something bigger. For me, it started with where I sat to watch at home. Every time my team was in the playoffs, I had to be in the same spot on the couch. Not just the same couch — the same spot on that couch.
ic legislators to put aside politics and prioritize the well-being of Nassau County residents by passing the Capital Plan. It is time to focus on what truly matters — the safety and quality of life of our citizens.
I also urge county residents to make their voices heard. Contact your legislators, express your concerns, and advocate for the passage of the Capital Plan. Here is the contact information for the Democratic legislators who blocked the plan and put you at risk.
Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton Phone: (516) 571-6211
Email: dderiggiwhitton@nassaucountyny.gov
Legislator Scott Davis
Phone: (516) 571-6201
Email: SDavis@nassaucountyny.gov
Legislator Olena Nicks
Phone: (516) 571-6202
Email: onicks@nassaucountyny.gov
Legislator Carrie Solages
Phone: (516) 571-6203
Email: csolages@nassaucountyny.gov
Legislator Seth Koslow
Phone: (516) 571-6205
Email: skoslow@nassaucountyny.gov
Legislator Debra Mulé
Phone: (516) 571-6206
Email: dmule@nassaucountyny.gov
Legislator Arnold Drucker Phone: (516) 571-6216
Email: adrucker@nassaucountyny.gov
Bruce Blakeman is Nassau County executive.
Why I still cheer like a kid for my teams opinions Democrats put Nassau at risk by not passing Capital Plan
pure joy. The kind of joy that makes you jump up and down like a kid on his birthday.
But the lows? Oh, the lows hurt. A blown lead, a boneheaded play that costs the game, a gut-wrenching loss — they stay with you. You replay them in your head and commiserate about them with friends.
Sports fandom isn’t just about watching games — it’s about the rituals, the
Before the most recent two Super Bowls that the Giants played in (and won), I had to watch the movie “Friday Night Lights” two hours before game time. Was there any logical reason to believe that watching a film about high school football would influence the outcome of a Super Bowl? Of course not. But did I dare test my illogical theory by not watching it? Absolutely not. If you ask any true sports fan why they put themselves through the emotional rollercoaster of fandom, they’ll tell you the highs are worth the lows. And it’s true — when my team wins, when they pull off an improbable comeback or dominate their opponent, it’s
People who don’t follow sports don’t get it. They ask why I let a game played by people I’ve never met affect me so deeply. Or they ask whether I have a big bet on the game.
But it’s not just a game. It’s a connection — to my childhood, to my father, who took me to those first games, to my friends who have shared in the victories and defeats. It’s a constant in a world that constantly changes.
At 64, I’m not the same person I was at 12. But when my team takes the field, that kid inside me comes roaring back across the decades, full of hope, excitement and the unshakable belief that this time, maybe this time, we’ll win it all.
Jeffrey Bessen is the managing editor of Herald Community Media.
TWe must address Long Island’s road safety crisis
he sudden rise in deadly accidents on Long Island’s streets and highways is deeply alarming, and demands actions. Every seven minutes, a crash causing death, injury or significant property damage occurs on our roads. And our region currently leads the state in traffic fatalities: One in five deaths resulting from car crashes in New York happens on Long Island. The failure to secure our roads has led to thousands of lives being cut short, families tragically ripped apart and a terrible void left in too many of our communities.
I wrote to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, calling for immediate action to keep Long Islanders safe. In addition to a federal investigation into the surge of fatal crashes, I urged Duffy and the Department of Transportation to issue specific recommendations to
Congress on additional funding or authority that the department needs to improve our roadways and increase safety for drivers and pedestrians.
I’m fighting for a comprehensive roadway safety strategy to encourage safer driving and create safer roads. This means giving our law enforcement agencies the tools and resources to police aggressive and unsafe driving, investing in infrastructure that puts safety first and keeping impaired drivers off our roads.
We’ve lost far too many community members to fatal traffic accidents.
Unsafe driving has devastating consequences that we can and must prevent. Every day, our nation’s law enforcement officers work to prevent serious accidents on our roads. But strained budgets and workforce reductions have harmed their ability to conduct traffic stops and other forms of high-visibility traffic enforcement. Studies show that increasing high-visibility enforcement deters drivers from making reckless decisions that endanger others and makes our streets safer for all. Additionally, I’m calling for infra-
structure investments that prioritize safety, not speed. Area residents have long voiced safety concerns about the Southern State Parkway, Sunrise Highway and other routes, which account for a disproportionate share of roadway injuries and fatalities on Long Island. We should use proven safety countermeasures to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe on our roads, prevent roadway departures, and make intersections less deadly.
I’ll continue to advocate for these common-sense improvements. In Congress, I’m drafting legislation that incentivizes states and localities to build roundabouts, which make intersections safer. By introducing these measures into our infrastructure planning, we can significantly reduce roadway fatalities and injuries.
We must also take action to keep impaired drivers off the roads. Many road safety groups have endorsed lowering our drunken-driving limit to a blood alcohol content of .05 percent. There’s strong evidence that lowering this limit
reduces the number of crashes and saves lives: After Utah lowered its drunken-driving limit to .05 percent in 2018, fatal car crashes dropped by nearly 20 percent over the next calendar year. I support the push at the state level to bring this limit to New York, and I’m exploring federal options to make this the law of the land across the U.S.
We’ve lost far too many community members to fatal traffic accidents. It’s time for local, state and federal authorities to come together to improve our roadways and increase safety for drivers and pedestrians.
I’m proud to represent Long Island on the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has authority over the nation’s highways and bridges. As Congress considers a new surface transit reauthorization bill this year, the committee will be a key player in negotiating this bill. I’ll continue to use my seat on T&I to advocate for our communities, make smart infrastructure investments and push for policies that keep drivers, passengers and pedestrians safe.
Laura A. Gillen represents the 4th Congressional District.
A holiday homily: the family that ate its pets
Thus it came to pass, in the Land of Brooklyn, that Morris Brownstein knew Anna Brownstein, his second cousin, and they begat Hilda, Murray, Pearl and Zelda. Pearl, third in the family order, was my mother, and the only one who seemed to have entirely escaped the questionable legacy of having parents who were also blood relatives.
In the warm bosom of my mother’s nuclear family, accent on nuclear, Passover was a sacred time. Sacred not in a religious way, but in a culinary way. Grandma Annie and Grandpa Morris spared no effort in bringing to their four children an authentic holiday experience.
Perhaps the most cherished Brownstein family tradition was dining on homemade gefilte fish for the holiday. Let me digress. Gefilte fish (from the Yiddish word for “stuffed”) is an acquired taste. A cement-colored composite of various scaled fish, such as carp and pike and whitefish, mixed with
ground vegetables and matzo meal, it tastes like a fishy matzo ball. People eat it cold, with mouth-scorching horseradish to kill the taste.
When I say it is an acquired taste, I mean you had to be there at the beginning. Let’s see, it’s 5785 on the Hebrew calendar, so if you started eating gefilte fish two or three thousand years ago, you probably look forward to having it on the Seder table this year. You can’t just munch gefilte with no prior experience.
himself too thin.
Anyway, keeping the carp in the tub wasn’t without consequences for the Family Brownstein. First, since the carp was in the tub for some time, and there was only one bathtub, well, draw your own conclusions.
M y mother always wanted a kitten or a puppy, but learned to bond with carp.
For her gefilte fish, Grandma Annie believed in going to the source, so she would buy a large, live carp and keep it in the bathtub for a week or two until it was time to ease it from its comfortable aquatic home into a grinder.
This was fish farming in its most primitive form. The business possibilities were not lost on young Murray, who was blessed with an entrepreneurial spirit. When he was 19, he considered buying up tens of thousands of bathtubs to raise carp. Unfortunately, at the time all his funds were tied up in a machine that made shoes out of sweet potatoes, and he didn’t want to spread
The second consequence of growing their own, so to speak, was that my mother, the most tenderhearted of the lot, immediately bonded with the carp. She had always longed for a kitten or a puppy, but her parents weren’t about to indulge her, so once a year she had what you might call a transitory experience in nurturing an animal. Granted, a carp isn’t much of a pet, but young Pearl had little else to call her own.
This was not what you would call a psychologically enlightened family. Since “Sesame Street” had not yet been created, Grandma would entertain her kids by taking them to the Canarsie slaughterhouse, where they would watch the chickens being killed. You can see why they didn’t worry much about young Pearl playing with the carp in the tub.
When the day came, a few days before Passover, Grandma was the designated
executioner. This was an interesting division of labor, since Grandpa Morris displayed distinct homicidal potential, having once chased a woman around a butcher shop with a knife after she insulted President Roosevelt. He was also enlisted in a civilian patrol, looking for submarines in Brooklyn, when he fell into a sidewalk hole and wasn’t found for days. But that’s another story. Anyway, Grandma Annie, ignoring all pleas for clemency for the fish, would drain the tub and dispatch the carp with her cleaver. A day later, they set a beautiful table, and after a few prayers, devoured the fish, which lived on in its new incarnation — homemade gefilte fish swimming in its own aspic. For dessert, Grandma made what came to be known as the Cake of Affliction, a 12-egg, foot-high sponge cake that, year after year, stuck to the pan, fell like a pancake instead of rising like a soufflé and broke our hearts.
Times pass, and so do people. Rituals change. This Passover, my husband is the only one at the table who will eat gefilte fish. The Cake of Affliction isn’t on the menu. At today’s egg prices, the family sponge cake has become a highrisk investment. Copyright
Laura a . GiLLen
ranDi Kreiss
Spring into the new season by volunteering
as the winter chill fades and the warmth of spring sets in, April presents us with the perfect opportunity to step out of our homes and into our communities. It is National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize the vital contributions of volunteers and encourage others to take part in acts of service. With the season’s longer days, there’s no better moment to embrace the spirit of giving, and making a difference.
Volunteering is more than just a noble act — it’s a powerful way to foster change, make personal connections and enhance our well-being. Whether you’re helping clean up a local park, mentoring a young student or lending a hand at a food bank, your contributions have a lasting impact. This month, let’s not only celebrate those who dedicate their time to service, but also join them in strengthening our communities.
National Volunteer Month highlights the invaluable role that volunteers play in shaping society. The best, most selfless volunteering isn’t confined to a single day or week; it’s an ongoing effort that promotes social responsibility, empathy and collective progress.
It also benefits the volunteer. Studies show that devoting time to helping others can reduce stress, combat loneliness and engender a sense of purpose. It helps people acquire new skills and build professional as well as social networks, and often opens doors to new career opportunities.
One of the best aspects of volunteering is its flexibility — there’s something for everyone. Whether you have a few hours to spare each month or can commit to a regular schedule, there are countless ways to contribute. Here are just a few examples:
■ Community cleanups: Help beautify
letters
Thanks for a young woman’s perspective
To the Editor:
Great places to lend a hand
American Red Cross, Long Island Chapter
195 Willis Ave. Mineola (516) 747-3500 RedCross.org/local/new-york
Holocaust Memorial & Tolerance Center 100 Crescent Beach Road, Glen Cove (516) 571-8040 hmtcli.org
Island Harvest 126 Spagnoli Road, Melville (516) 294-8528 (631) 873-4775
IslandHarvest.org
Last Hope Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation 3300 Beltagh Ave., Wantagh (631) 425-1884
LastHopeAnimalRescue.org
Long Island Cares 10 Davids Drive, Hauppauge (631) 582-3663 LiCares.org
United Way of Long Island 819 Grand Blvd., Deer Park (631) 940-3700 UnitedWayLi.org
your local parks, streets and other community spaces by picking up litter, powerwashing sidewalks or planting flowers.
■ Animal welfare: Volunteer at an animal shelter or foster a rescue pet. The need for volunteers at these facilities has
I very much appreciated Jordan Vallone’s recent op-ed, “Some thoughts on books, privilege and girlhood.” As a lifelong reader, I think life is so much more enjoyable having a good book to read. Books are, in many ways, our teachers. Vallone’s emphasis on the importance of books for young women dealing with this complex and stressful world is so relevant. As I look back on my teaching career, I think we should have had more literature from a woman’s point of view, focusing on the situations and problems they had to face.
And thanks to Jordan for her book suggestions. I feel I should read some literature from the perspective of young
never been greater.
■ Educational support: Tutor a student, chaperone a school field trip or help out in your local library.
■ Food assistance: Work at a food pantry or take part in a meal delivery program. Lots of community members lend a hand during the holiday season, but here, too, volunteers can find plenty to do all year round.
■ Health care and support services: Visit a nursing home, assist hospital staff, or support a mental health initiative.
■ Environmental advocacy: Take part in a tree-planting effort, a recycling program or a sustainability project.
April is also Global Volunteer Month, celebrating the many ways people and organizations support their neighbors and strengthen their communities around the world. Volunteer Recognition Day, April 20, will kick off National Volunteer Week, April 20-26, a weeklong celebration of the efforts of volunteers. There are numerous opportunities this month to take part in events, campaigns and initiatives that need and will welcome your help. It’s a time to take action, and inspire others to do the same. And by getting children and young adults involved, we can help instill a lifelong commitment to service and civic responsibility. Whether through school programs or community projects, we can encourage the next generation to embrace the values of kindness, empathy, and community involvement.
If you’ve been looking for a way to give back, let the month that symbolizes renewal and growth be the time you take that first step. Whether you join a oneday event or dedicate a few hours a week, your contribution matters. Step outside, lend a hand and experience the joy of making a difference.
opinions Standing up for our first responders
nassau County’s fiscal year 2025 capital infrastructure plan is being held up by County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman’s refusal to negotiate with the Democratic minority on grants for important community projects and funding for first responders in the communities we represent.
Since the beginning of 2024, Blakeman and his administration have inexplicably blocked more than $1 million in funding for first responders in Democratic districts — essential, life-saving resources for our firefighters, EMS and local police. These grant requests include essential items such as turnout gear to protect firefighters from flames; oxygen tanks to help first responders breathe in dangerous conditions; upgrades to communication equipment for small village police departments; and CPR devices that improve survival rates for heart attack victims. The list goes on — and within Legislative District 6, this includes nearly $170,000 for the Baldwin Fire Department to apply toward the
purchase of a new bucket truck.
Meanwhile, during the same time period, the county executive has signed off on 32 projects and over $2.5 million for Republican-backed projects, which include proposals similar to the ones Democrats have put forward for their first responders and communities. Thirty-two projects for Republicans, none for Democrats.
On March 24, the Democratic minority drew a line in the sand.
L ast month, the Legislature’s Democratic minority drew a line in
That day, the Blakeman administration came to the Legislature seeking authorization to borrow another $428 million to finance capital projects — even though the administration still has $2.1 billion in untapped bond authorization at its fingertips, as confirmed in the official statement the county filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
has still not processed a single community grant requested by a Democratic member for our first responders. This outcome, and the clear political bias that he and his administration are demonstrating through their handling of first responder grants, show us that we cannot trust him to uphold his commitments to Democratic districts and deliver resources to the communities of Nassau’s 19 legislative districts fairly — even if we authorize him to borrow funds.
the sand. DeBra mULÉ
Under the County Charter, bond authorizations require a 13-vote supermajority to pass, and the administration needs Democratic support to achieve that threshold. Last September, in good faith, the seven Democratic legislators agreed to bond $131 million for countywide capital projects and public safety initiatives. Since then, Blakeman
Letters
people growing up in 2025.
More power to her pride in being a woman, her seeing the importance of literature for young women and her having the talent to bring attention to women’s stories that deserve to be told and heard.
JIM HAwkINS Baldwin
Why so much opposition to the president?
To the Editor:
Spreading propaganda is an evil tool used to create anger, hysteria, rage and jealousy among unthinking people. This method was successfully used in Nazi Germany in the 1930s. It encouraged book burning and k ristallnacht. It appears very similar to Tesla burning and mob protesting against Jewish students at Columbia University. w hen children are young, they are taught to obey their parents, because they are the adults. In a mob mentality, people behave very similar to children, because they are also told what to do, and encouraged to engage in destructive, harmful, irrational behavior. w hen those who attack our American citizens are released and defended by judges, whose civil rights are violated? Can judges overrule the president of the United States?
we need strong leadership to prevent civil disobedience and violence, and more credit must be given to President Trump, who was given this arduous task by a clear majority. w hy is there so much opposition?
PAT kING
Merrick
The Senate should not confirm D’Esposito
To the Editor:
Just how much confidence can we have in a failed congressman, Anthony D’Esposito, whose brief tenure was marked by slavish obeisance to the grossly unqualified President Trump (before he returned to office), and who now, ironically, Trump has appointed inspector general for the Labor Department, which the administration is eviscerating, after Trump has dismissed independent inspectors-general in more than a dozen such agencies?
The answer is a resounding, Not a scintilla of trust!
More likely, like the multi-failed kari Lake in Arizona, who lost races for both governor and senator but became Trump’s nemesis of the hugely successful Voice of America, D’Esposito is keeping a political profile for a return run for
Before providing our support for another $428 million in borrowing, we asked Blakeman — at his suggestion — to take the unprecedented step of drafting an agreement that would facilitate the release of the $1 million-plus in withheld first responder funding within three months, and to provide regular, transparent updates tracking capital project progress in all 19 districts.
He refused, and rather than meeting with our caucus to finalize the capital plan, he has chosen to lash out, and attack us for standing up for our first responders — even dismissing our pursuit of potentially life-saving resources for our firefighters, EMS and local police as “pet projects.”
Sir, were these same proposals pet projects when you signed off on them in districts represented by our Republican colleagues?
Moreover, Blakeman is continuing to claim falsely that, by strategically using the leverage afforded us under the County Charter to demand fairness for our first responders, we are somehow jeopardizing access to resources for a wide swath of essential county services. At a time when the county executive has over $2.1 billion in untapped bond authorizations to utilize, it is clear that he would rather mislead the public to score political points than do his job.
Let me be clear: My colleagues in the Democratic minority and I are ready to vote for capital plan borrowing — but Blakeman must come to the table. He must quantify the need for more bonding; agree in writing to advance our projects in a timely manner; and expeditiously release the more than $1 million in first responder grants he has held up for more than a year.
Until there is an agreement that ensures fairness, transparency and results for every community, we have no choice but to use this form of leverage to force the county executive to act.
Debra Mulé represents Nassau County’s 6th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s alternate deputy minority leader.
Framework by Tim Baker
elective office.
They, along with the current administration, belong not to a (Pete) Hegseth “meritocracy,” but together form the gang that couldn’t shoot straight: incompetent, ignorant, intol-
erant and dangerous to our liberal democratic republic.
D’Esposito should be denied Senate confirmation.
ASHER MATATHIAS Woodmere
At Culinary Delights at the Mansion — Glen Cove
