Rockville Centre Herald 04-03-2025

ROCKVILLE CENTRE

HERALD

Capturing big wins at DECA Page 10

Communiversity program grows in the village

By KElSIE RADZISKI

kradziski@liherald.com

Molloy University’s “communiversity” program is finding new ways to grow and evolve this year, aiming to strengthen the university’s connection with the Rockville Centre community.

The initiative, which began with a few offerings, now includes a variety of activities designed to benefit local residents, businesses, and students.

“It’s a real integration between events and things that happen between the university and the town together,” James Lentini, president of Molloy University, said, “and it builds a momentum with both entities in such a way that they can really benefit from each other.”

A central aspect of the communiversity initiative’s mission, which launched in 2023, is its partnership with the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce, which provides a 30 percent tuition discount to employees of Chamber member businesses. This partnership

ContinUED on PAgE 27

Student exhibitions bridge theory and experience

By KElSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com

In a showcase of intellectual exploration, South Side High School students in the International Baccalaureate Theory of Knowledge course presented their final exhibitions on March 26, grappling with the complex relationship between knowledge, certainty, and personal experience.

The exhibition is one of two major assessments for the senior-year TOK course, which is an essential element of the IB diploma program, challenging students to reflect on how they acquire knowledge and to

examine its validity.

TOK instructor Vincent Falivene said the exhibition is an opportunity for students to engage deeply with questions about knowledge, often blending theoretical and personal perspectives.

The exhibition, as the final project of the half-year class, requires students to choose from one of 35 questions that are central to the meaning of the course, Falivene said. Students look at what they know, how they know it, what counts as evidence and why anybody should believe it. They choose a question and develop an analytical response using three

objects as evidence to answer that bigger question.

“We ask them to consider the idea of writing things and pulling physical objects [and] these ideas into real world settings,” Falivene said, “but also create discussions that go beyond the classroom, which can occur between classrooms and between different people in the school.”

Haidyn Goldspiel, for example, focused on the ways personal experiences influence knowledge, particularly within her family. As one of her objects, she chose a recipe passed down from her greatgrandmother, who had once

run a bakery in Poland before fleeing the Holocaust.

“I’m able to continue on my family’s legacy and feel as connected to them as possible because of these recipes that my family still has,” she said.

For Marina Ioannou, the exhibition served as a chance to reflect on a central philosophical question: “To what

extent is certainty attainable?” Her personal analysis concluded that while humans can approach certainty, perfect truth remains elusive. She illustrated this idea using three objects: an alarm clock, representing “something we think is certain, but it’s not as certain as we think,” a sundial, “some-

Courtesy Molloy University

Molloy University president James Lentini, Rockville Centre Deputy Mayor Kathy Baxley, Dana Lentini, Molloy Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Michelle Piskulich and president of the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce Ed Asip met to discuss the past successes and new plans for the communiversity initiative.

Neighbors

One man’s marathon journey from Rockville Centre to Tokyo

By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com

Randell Hansen grew up in Rockville Centre. He participated in track and field in seventh grade at South Side Middle School, but didn’t pick run-

ning back up until years later. He now lives in Sacramento, California and has found a strong running community. He ran the Tokyo marathon on March 2, completing the Abbott World Marathon Major series.

Q: What made you want to run the Tokyo marathon?

A: After I did a marathon in Eugene, Oregon on May 1, 2011, I was encouraged by how much time I changed off from my previous races by almost a half hour. And I decided, why don’t I try to do a map of all 50 states. Plus I love to travel, so it’s given me a chance and opportunity to visit more places that I have not been to.

When I finished doing my 50 states back in October of 2022, in Albuquerque, New Mexico, I learned about the Abbott World Marathon Major series, where it included six cities: Boston, Chicago, New York, Berlin, London and Tokyo. So as I was already halfway through that circuit from the US cities when I was doing the 50 states, I said why not?

I did Berlin in September 2023, I did London in April last year, and I finished it up here in Tokyo.

Q: What was it like racing in Tokyo?

A: It’s not just a fun event, but what’s always consistent is just all the crowd support, all the people cheering on. Whether they know you personally or not, just the fact that they’re your big cheerleaders. When they catch their eye, and they

Experience the Difference

5 Paddock Lane, Rockville Centre, NY

give you that emotional boost, it also helps with the physical boost as well.

Q: How does it feel to have this accomplishment under your belt?

A: It feels just great. It still feels so surreal. I did all this with marathon finish times in under three and a half hours.

And the fact that I’ve done this in all 50 states, and then done the Majors. I just can’t believe I’ve done it, that I’m part of this really small group of people that has accomplished it. I feel very good about it.

Q: Do you have any future goals for your marathons and for running in general?

A: There are some places in the U.S. whose courses I would not mind doing. In fact, I got to be acquainted with a second cousin of mine in Atlanta, and I would like to rerun the Atlanta marathon and have her cheering me on.

My wife and I, we still like to travel internationally. I would love to experience other cities’ races. As a matter of fact, they added Sydney, Australia to be a seventh city [in the Major series]. So definitely a trip to Australia is in the works.

But I definitely want to stay

active because physical health is also so important for mental health. I want to continue to exercise, mentally and physically, and to be fit and strong and cognitive all the time. I look at this as like an investment in my health in the long run.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who’s considering running a major marathon?

A: Take it one step at a time. Start with a 5k race first, and work your way up incrementally to like a 10k marathon and a full marathon. If you want to do a full marathon, I think it’s safe to give yourself at least a year of training just for the body to get acclimated to doing that type of distance.

I also definitely advise proper training, nutrition and conditioning, cross training at a gym. If a gym has trainers that will work with clients, like what I did here with California Family Fitness.

Another thing is join airline and hotel programs so you get the points to help cover any costs or events if you want to travel to other places.

Always have fun, have a good time. Take it all in, savor the moment.

Open House: Saturday, April 5th | 11:30am - 1:30pm Bright & Sunny Old Canterbury Home. This expansive 5-bedroom, 3-full-bath, 2-powder-room home offers exceptional potential and a spacious layout for comfortable living. Located on a generous 100x125 lot. The main floor features a large, bright living room with a wood-burning fireplace—perfect for cozy evenings—and a formal dining room ideal for entertaining. The updated kitchen includes a breakfast area, providing a great space for meals, while the den and convenient 1st-floor laundry add to the home’s practicality. Additionally, this unique property boasts a former doctor’s office with multiple office spaces and bonus rooms—ideal for those seeking a home-based business, flexible living areas, or extra space. Relax or entertain in the inviting 3-season room, or make the most of the large basement and recreation area. With a 2-car garage and ample closet and storage space throughout, this home offers both comfort and functionality. Don't miss the chance to make this property your own—create your dream home with endless possibilities. MLS#840205. $1,398,000.

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Courtesy Randell Hansen

Final project sparks deep conversations

thing we feel more uncertain about,” and a piece of art about “seeking relative truth and perspective.”

TJ Brull’s exhibition took a similar approach, examining the relationship between personal experience and knowledge. He used three objects: a cape from his childhood, a business case study, and a soccer ball. For Brull, the objects symbolize how his personal experiences shape the way the knowledge of the objects is perceived, based on his memories.

For her exhibition, Andrea Rodriguez shared a painting from her IB art class, where she combined personal experiences with artistic expression. She explored themes of global experience through artwork and literature, also referencing Chimamanda Ngozi

I’m able to continue on my legacy... because of these recipes that my family still has

HaIdyn GoldspIel student, IB Theory of Knowledge

Adichie’s “The Thing Around Your Neck” to highlight the complexities of cross-cultural understanding.

“It delves even deeper into that culture in Nigeria with these two women,” she said, “and it talks about the economic and financial struggles within this particular area that might not have been known due to such an Americanized society.”

Jayden Agnant’s project tackled the connection between culture and knowledge, using food as a lens. He examined three items — Jamaican oxtail seasoning from his culture, pizza from Gino’s Pizzeria from local culture, and the French dish beef bourguignon from a culture new to him — each representing different cultural insights and personal connections to knowledge across his experiences.

Amelie McLaughlin’s project focused on the implications of having or lacking knowledge. She presented a family heirloom rock from Ireland and a fashion piece from Robert Wun, exploring how understanding the background of these objects deepens their significance. She also discussed a project from last year’s math class, which highlighted how misconceptions about sizing in clothing brands can lead to false knowledge.

Ella Burbige explored how interactions with others shape knowledge, drawing from her experience in organizing an EKG screening event, statistical analysis of New York City subway ridership and a collection of international trading pins, demonstrating how knowledge grows through engagement with people and data.

The exhibition provided students with an opportunity to showcase their knowledge while engaging with their peers and reflecting on what they had learned from each other’s perspectives.

At South Side, full IB Diploma candidates are required to complete six courses across at least five subject areas, including English, a world language, history, science, math and a sixth class of their choice, such as art, business, or psychology. In addition to coursework, students take the Theory of Knowledge class as a requirement that connects all the other classes and extends their learning.

The TOK exhibition not only provides IB students with an opportunity to reflect on their learning but also sparks discussions that extend beyond the classroom. The presentations are part of an ongoing effort to foster critical thinking and intellectual curiosity among students and the wider school community.

“I liked the class a lot because it gave me a chance to take my own past experiences and think about things in a specific way due to things that I or my family have experienced,” Goldspiel said, “and so I reflected on that a lot with my exhibition, because it gave me a chance to talk about my family.” Continued from page 1

Photos courtesy Rockville Centre school district

Haidyn goldspiel, an iB theory of Knowledge student, used a family recipe from her great grandmother as a part of her exhibition for the class, which she and the other students displayed on march 26.

andrea rodriguez took a page from Chimamanda ngozi adichie, looking at how imagination impacts knowledge.

in his exhibition project, Jayden a gnant explored the meaning of food when it comes to connecting cultures.

thomas faherty explored why humans are curious beings that seek knowledge in his project.

meghan mullen included her ceramics project in her exhibition on how context influences knowledge.

Crime watCh harassment

On March 25, an Old Mill Ct. resident reports that a person known to him continued to argue with him over a prior incident at 128 N. Village Ave. This argument ensued into a physical altercation. No injuries were sustained from either party.

LarCeny of motor VehiCLe

On March 25, a Locust Valley resident reported that he left his vehicle parked in lot #2 of 1000 N. Village Ave, Mercy Hospital. When he came out of the hospital, he noticed his vehicle had been stolen from that location.

LeaVing the sCene of an aCCident

Thomas

Thomas

Glynn

Thomas A. Glynn & Son Inc. Funeral Home

On March 24, an Oceanside resident reported that she was involved in a motor vehicle accident at the corner of Merrick Rd and Lincoln Avenue when she was struck by a black pickup truck. The driver of the black

pick-up truck fled the scene without exchanging information.

On March 27, a New Hyde Park resident reported that she was involved in a motor vehicle accident at N. Village Ave and Lakeview Ave when she was struck from behind. The driver of the other motor vehicle fled the scene without exchanging information.

arrest s

On March 25, Richard Ottomano, 63, of Rockville Centre, was arrested and charged with two counts of Criminal Mischief and Reckless Endangerment for an accidental discharge from a firearm while attempting to clean his firearm.

On March 28, Romaine Austin Webb, 47, of Baldwin, was arrested and charged with Identity Theft, Criminal Impersonation, two counts of Possession of a Forged Instrument, Resisting Arrest and Fugitive with a Warrant from Virginia after attempting to open an fraudulent account at Jovia Financial Credit Union on Merrick Road in Rockville Centre.

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

PETITIONS FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT AND LIBRARY BOARD TRUSTEES

The Annual Election and Budget Vote for the Rockville Centre Public Schools and the Rockville Centre Public Library is scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Residents will elect one person to fill one, three-year term on the Board of Education, commencing July 1, 2025, to succeed the incumbent Donna Downing whose term expires June 30, 2025.

Residents will elect two persons to fill two, three-year terms on the Library Board, commencing July 1, 2025, to succeed the incumbents Michael Lucchesi and Meryl Sussman whose terms expire June 30, 2025.

The last day for filing a petition to be a candidate for the School Board and the Library Board is Monday, April 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM.

Petitions are available through the District Clerk’s Office at: The William H. Johnson Administration Office Rockville Centre UFSD 128 Shepherd Street Rockville Centre, NY (516) 255-8921

HERALD SPORTS

Hofstra seeks to exceed expectations

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

Hofstra baseball kicked off the 2025 season on the biggest of stages on Valentine’s Day at defending national champion Tennessee. Fourth-year head coach Frank Catalanotto hopes the opening series weekend where the Pride had an opportunity to play before a crowd of more than 6,000 serves as an omen for another chance to compete in a big-game environment in the NCAA Tournament if the team can capture the Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) title.

“It was a great experience going there and playing against the best of the best,” said Catalanotto, who guided Hofstra to the NCAA Tournament in his first season leading the program in 2022 after winning the CAA’s automatic bid. “It was nice playing in front of all those fans.”

Hofstra will have to prove the doubters wrong in order to reach just the school’s second Division NCAA tourney appearance with the Pride picked to fin-

ish ninth in the 12 team CAA) preseason rankings. The Pride began its quest to reach the six-team CAA Tournament to give itself a chance to earn an NCAA bid by taking two of three in a series at Monmouth from March 21-23.

The Pride returned 14 players to its 37-man roster from last year’s 24-33 team that received the sixth seed in the CAA tourney including last season’s leading hitter, junior second baseman Dylan Palmer. The reigning Second Team All-CAA selection hit. .383 as a sophomore and entered the final week of March as the team;s offensive leader again with a .388 average through the first 23 games.

“He’s the same guy day in and day out and very rarely goes into slumps,” said Catalanotto of Palmer. “He’s putting the ball in play and using his legs to get on base and stealing bases so it’s nice to have him there at the top of the lineup to get things going.”

Sophomore shortstop Michael Brown is also shining offensively and was second on the team in hitting with a .300

average in late March. Catalano is also getting offensive production early this season from freshman second baseman Tyler Castrataro, who is also hitting above. 300.

Redshirt junior Tyler Cox, who plays center field, has also emerged as a new lefthanded offensive threat in the lineup after transferring from West Virginia. The Clarke High School product was hitting in .279 as of March 28 and recorded two hits in Hofstra’s 5-2 loss to Fordham on March 19.

“He brings calmness to the team,” said Catalano of Cox, whose Mark Cox was a two-sport standout in football and lacrosse at Hofstra. ‘“He hasn’t even tapped into his potential yet.:”

The pitching staff suffered a blow when 2024 First-Team All-CAA honoree Carlos Martinez was lost for the season. The team regained Tristan Nemjo, a graduate student from Troy, N.Y. who missed last season and has assumed one of the starting pitching spots. The starting rotation for weekend conference games also includes 6-5 junior Jackson

Bauer and 6-1 junior Sean Hamilton.

The bullpen features 6-4 graduate student Danny Kelleher, a Rockville Centre native who has recorded 16 strikeouts in 19 innings of relief work so far. The former South Side High School standout earned the win in Hofstra’s 13-12 win at Monmouth on March 22 after allowing one hit in 2 ⅓ innings.

“He’s been showing a lot of toughness because he’s been hurt and is battling through it,” said Catalano of Kelleher. “I think he is going to help us down the stretch.”

Freshman Michael Heyman is another local bullpen arm who arrived at Hofstra after a stellar high career at Hewlett. He recorded three strikeouts in the late stages of Hofstra’s 16-3 loss at Kent State on March 14.

Hofstra will host its first CAA games of 2025 this weekend for a series against UNC-Wilmington starting Friday. The home conference slate also includes a series against Long Island rival Stony Brook from April 18-20, Elon from May 2-4 and Towson from May 9-11.

Tyler Cox, a Clarke High School grad, transferred to Hofstra from West Virginia and patrols center field.

Mount Sinai South Nassau is Improving Health Care on the South Shore

The new Fennessy Family Emergency Department at Mount Sinai South Nassau doubles the size of our previous emergency department, o ering 54 private exam rooms with clear lines of sight for physicians, nurses, and support sta . Our new emergency department also o ers a separate triage area, dedicated areas for children and behavioral health patients, and has been designed to reduce wait times and improve patient outcomes.

The Fennessy Family Emergency Department is located within the new Feil Family Pavilion, opening later this year, which will have 40 new critical care suites and nine new operating rooms, designed to support the most complex surgeries on the South Shore.

To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion

Nassau County hosts Israeli Elite hockey

By MICHELLE RABINOVICH sports@liherald.com

No fan bases are more divided than the Rangers, Islanders and Devils.

But on March 23, those bitter rivals, who have spent decades split by hatred and animosity, were bound together by blood, heritage and creed. United under the flag of Israel, draped around many like Superman’s cape, hundreds of spectators came together to watch the Jerusalem Capitals and HC Tel Aviv, the top teams in the Israeli Elite Hockey League (IEHL), as they participate in the USA Challenge Cup at UBS Arena.

“It’s a historic moment for Israeli hockey,” said Jerusalem assistant coach David Warsofsky. “The night in general was a huge success and I hope the fans enjoyed it as much as we did coaching it.”

The event started with IEHL cofounder and co-commissioner Marc Brunengraber greeted spectators with a welcome speech, with the league on the precipice of entering its fifth season later this year. Brunengraber said that the evening’s events were about more than just hockey, but about sharing love for the sport by growing it exponentially over the last five years, a sentence one of the star players harmonized with.

“Four years ago, we played four-onfour and look where we played now, in an NHL arena,” said Jerusalem forward Nikita Zitserman. “It’s just going to go

higher from here.”

“We’re showing everyone how great [Israeli hockey] is,” said Tel Aviv head coach Stuart Gourdji.

Gourdji pointed to the fact that this was an atmosphere unlike anything he’d ever experienced because of the unique mix of the Israeli background of the staff and players, and the same energy from the fans.

“This is a dream, coaching in front of eight thousand people,” he said. “The music and the Israeli flags, you see that a lot in soccer but it’s the first time I’ve ever seen something like that It wasn’t an NHL game as we’re used to it: the Israeli anthem was sung before the Star-Spangled Banner. The Islanders goal horn rang every time the puck found the back of the net, but it wasn’t

fans chanting “Islanders, Islanders, yes, yes, yes” when the home team scored. When Tel Aviv scored, the loud speakers played Tel Aviv by Omer Adam; when Jerusalem scored, the audience was serenaded with Naomi Shemer’s Yerushalayim shel Zahav.

Other than that, it was a typical NHL hockey game: three 20-minute periods and a pair of 20-minute intermissions in between them, junior hockey teams facing off during intermissions, trashtalking before a fight on the ice and penalty minutes in the Sin Bin. Ironically, after both players sat their penalty, they fist bumped each other on their way to the bench.

Nearly 120 combined shots on goal made for a nail-biting game, one that went to overtime until Jerusalem’s Denis Zaychik netted his one-timer in one of the biggest stages he’s ever played on. The Capitals won, 7-6, in overtime.

“Feeling amazing,” Zaychik said, adding the fact that he’s never played in an arena this large before. “Fans of Israel and fans of hockey and together it’s a very good mix.”

“It was my dream since I was a kid,” Zitserman admitted. “I can only remember that I just wished to play in an NHL rink.”

Sports proved to be a unifier once again. Match 23 might have been the most Hebrew that the halls of UBS Arena heard. Sports proved to be a unifier in an increasingly divisive world.

Yonatan Resinger tended the goal for Jerusalem.

HC Tel Aviv’s Kirill Polozov’s blasted a slap shot.

Eric Dunetz/Herald photos

The Jerusalem Capitals beat HC Tel Aviv in overtime March 23 at UBS Arena in Elmont as the top teams in the Israeli Elite Hockey League were on display.

Power Up Your Business: Energy Savings, Rebates & Expert Tips

Join us on April 23rd at 6pm for a dynamic webinar to learn how:

What is an Energy Assessment? – Learn about PSEG Long Island’s free energy assessment, what it includes, and how it can help identify energysaving opportunities tailored to your business.

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Maximizing Rebates & Incentives – Explore available rebates and incentives to make energy-efficient upgrades more affordable.

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

Students move on to DECA International

By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com

Seventeen students from Rockville Centre have earned spots at the DECA International Career Development Conference at the end of the month in Orlando, Florida after outstanding performances at the recent state competition.

DECA, which stands for Distributive Education Clubs of America, is a global organization with over 200,000 members dedicated to preparing emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality and management. Their goal is to “prepare the next generation to be academically prepared, community-driven, and professionally experienced in order to lead the world well,” according to the website.

Peter English, a business department instructor at South Side High School, has played a pivotal role in the school’s DECA program since he started teaching there nine years ago. After several years of involvement with DECA at his previous school in New Jersey, English revitalized the DECA Club at South Side, turning it into the school’s largest club with over 130 members. These students compete in various business challenges that test their understanding of business concepts and creativity.

This year, 58 students from South Side High School’s International Baccalaureate Business Management program qualified for the New York State Career Development Conference in Rochester, held from March 5 to 7.

The three-day competition saw nearly 2,400 students from 90 schools statewide competing in business-related role-playing scenarios and case study events. Events included presentations and project management tasks, many of which involved working in and around the local community.

South Side students work on their projects for months in preparation. They develop and execute their plans based on what they learned in class.

The competition began with a 100-question multiple-choice career cluster exam, followed by scenariobased challenges where students had 10 minutes to respond and 10 minutes to present their solutions to a judge. Judging criteria included creativity, use of business terminology, content knowledge and public speaking skills.

The 17 students who have qualified for the ICDC,

taking place from April 26 to 29, are: Ella Burbige, Nicole Carlin, Liam Conlon, Abigail Cox, Patrick Curran, Alexandra Fried, Amaia Kurko, Danielle Lu, Makayla McNeill, Angelica Meyer, Declan O’Toole, Lukas Papadopoulos, Liam Pfaff, Genevieve Reilly, Kayla Rosales, Molly Schieck and Brooke Seidman. Over 23,000 DECA members from across the country will compete at the ICDC in the hopes of being crowned international champions, according to the website. For more information about DECA Inc. and its offerings, visit DECA.org.

RVC community store closes after 64 years

By XIOMARA TRINIDAD PEREZ Herald Intern

Rhea Nichols is closing its doors after 64 years as its owner prepares for retirement.

Located on 30 North Park Ave., Rhea Nichols is a family-owned full-service shoe store that specializes in women’s footwear. The store offers a wide variety of women’s shoes, focusing on both style and comfort. It is especially known for its large selection of evening, special occasions and bridal shoes.

The store’s owner, Van Pape, 74, is currently in the process of preparing for retirement. However, before officially stepping away, he must first sell off the store’s remaining inventory. As he continues to work, Pape admits that the concept of retirement still feels distant and unfamiliar.

opened the business on Merrick Road in 1949 and later moved to North Park Avenue in 1961. According to Pape, the site where Rhea Nichols now stands was once home to a luncheonette called Paul’s, which was sadly destroyed by a fire. After the building was rebuilt, Pape’s father saw the opportunity to move the store to its current location.

Pape started working at the store alongside his father and eventually took over ownership. He also shared that the store was named in honor of his father’s stepmother, Rhea Nichols, who played an important role in the family’s business history.

“My dad’s stepmother was Rhea Nichols,” Pape said. “and she was an executive with a big leather company during the time when there weren’t many women in the shoe business.”

up-and-down cycle of big success.”

“I don’t really know what it feels like to be retired,” Pape said. “I have a big job in front of me, to clear out a lot of the inventory here. It’s hard to, you know, I’m not up to being retired yet, and I’m still trying to work out a plan to sell out my inventory.”

Pape’s father and grandfather first

This store was one of many established by Pape’s father and grandfather, who opened additional locations along the East Coast.

“They had stores in Atlantic City,” Pape said. “They had stores up and down the East Coast. Those were very successful, and then they weren’t. So the

Pape expressed how he appreciates the customers who have supported the store over the years and how he has formed relationships within the Rockville Centre community.

“The best part of the business is making friends with the customers who have shopped at the store for over the

years,” Pape said. “and I’ll miss that part. I’ll miss the customers.” At the moment, there is no official closing date for the store. According to Pape, the store will close once it sells its entire inventory. In its effort to sell out the inventory, the store is currently having a 30 to 70 percent off sale on all of its shoes.

Courtesy Peter English

The 17 South Side High School students who earned spots will compete at the international conference in Orlando, Florida at the end of April.

Xiomara Trinidad Perez/Herald

The store first opened on Merrick Road in 1949 and later moved to the corner between North Park Avenue and Sunrise Highway in 1961.

VAN PAPE

Thursday, April 10, 2025

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

She’s all about improving people’s lives

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Continuing a series of interviews with influential area women. Lisa Burch is president and chief executive of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies.

Herald: Tell me about yourself.

Burch: I have a master’s degree in public health education and have worked in the nonprofit space my entire career. I always knew I wanted to do something in the helping profession, so I started working to help women who were victims of domestic violence in college. Throughout my career, I’ve moved into different positions related to other types of helping fields — substance use, counseling, health education, criminal justice, mental health. I’ve always wanted to be in a position where I knew that the work I was doing was impacting and improving people’s lives.

Herald: As CEO, what you do?

Burch: My role is to make sure that the organization is stable and following guidelines and regulations. When I first started this position, not a lot of people had heard of EPIC Long Island despite it being around since 1953, so part of my job as the CEO was to get our name out there and the work that we do. There are always going to be individuals with

intellectual and developmental disabilities, individuals struggling with mental health and substance use, and individuals who have epilepsy. We provide group homes and day programs where people with developmental disabilities can come and socialize. We also provide important counseling, therapy, and treatment to help people deal with lifealtering substance and mental health issues.

Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?

Burch: In my current role, some challenges are with donor fatigue, people not knowing how to support organizations or how to spread their resources among various organizations. Donors are what help our organization grow. It doesn’t deter the work, because all I have to do is leave my office and go downstairs to our day program, where we have around 150 people with intellectual and developmental disabilities come every day who are just happy to be here and happy to see each other. It reminds me why I’m here and why I put up with some of the struggles that keep coming our way.

Herald: What have been the proudest moments in your life?

Burch: On a personal level, watching

my children grow up and develop as humans has been the greatest joy. Professionally, I’ve spent a lot of time mentoring young women, in particular, and trying to encourage them and help them grow personally and professionally in their careers. At EPIC Long Island, my goal is to bring vitality to our organization. People are happy to be here and are really enthusiastic about what we’re doing. I like to think that my presence has had some impact on that.

Herald: What advice do you have to offer? What work is left to be done?

Burch: I think that despite all of the progress we’ve made as women, and especially as women who work outside of the home, there’s still a level of criticism that you’re not doing enough if you aren’t home with your kids, or you’re not doing enough work if you do stay home. That “you can’t have it all” kind of mentality has caused a lot of stress and anxiety, and young women now are still trying to navigate that. I think you can, and it’s just learning how to balance it, and learning who your supporters are, how to rely on people, and giving people the flexibility to be able to do both.

My advice for young women is don’t wait for somebody to give you something. If there’s something you want, go

“Don’t be afraid to take chances” is

advice to young women.

out and get it. Don’t be afraid to take chances. Your career is not going to be a stepladder up in one direction. It’s going to be a twisty, windy road, and you should take every single turn that comes at you and embrace it, learn from it, and then just move on to the next.

For more information on EPIC Long Island, go to epicli.org.

Defending the environment, for all of us

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

Adrienne Esposito is executive director and a cofounder of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, a nonprofit organization fighting for stronger environmental policies.

Herald: Tell me about yourself.

Esposito: I grew up in Copiague, and I literally grew up with one foot in the water and one foot on the land. As a kid, we went crabbing and fishing and to the beach, and my mom would bring us blueberry-picking in the Pine Barrens. And my dad was a really tremendous fisherman and outdoorsmen, so we grew up on the water. So I think that that really connects you to the natural world and impresses upon you the beauty of it and the need to protect it.

Herald: Why do you do what you do?

Esposito:Citizens Campaign is now a 40-year old environmental and publichealth-protection organization, and we do this because it’s necessary to do. Everybody drinks water, everybody breathes the air, and everybody has to be nurtured from the earth. So we feel that we fill a niche that puts a lot of pressure on government to clean up toxics and prevent contamination from

occurring in the future. Industry and polluters are all lobbying for their own corporate interests, and we counter that by lobbying for the public interest.

Herald: What has challenged you in your career so far, and what keeps you going/inspires you?

Esposito: One challenge was making sure the organization was financially viable. We started 40 years ago, so environmental groups were not as popular as they are today. We survived on $10 donations from the public. It was quite challenging, and we had to be very wise, frugal and efficient.

Also, many times — most times — I was the only woman in the room at meetings and advocating. I would walk into a room not only as a woman, but as a 5-foot-2 woman who was an environmentalist. In some cases there would be snickers and laughing, because they didn’t take me seriously. Luckily, being a little woman was God’s disguise, because I’m very smart, and those around me quickly learned there was nothing to laugh about. I look back at it now, and it makes me chuckle, because there was a lot of arrogance by older men, a lot of ignorance on their part that the world was changing.

Herald: What have been the proudest moments in your life?

Esposito: It’s been that we never give up. To me, there is a big amount of satisfaction knowing you’re representing the public, people who maybe don’t have a voice or are too timid to speak up. So such campaigns as stopping Broadwater, which was a Shell Oil and Trans Canada project — everyone told me I would never win. Everyone told me there was no way an environmental group would win against global fossil-fuel industries. And yet we organized in Connecticut and New York, and we empowered the public to speak up. I remember when we won, I opened my email and hundreds of people emailed me saying how excited they were, and how they cheered in their living room when they heard the news. This is how attached people got to that campaign.

Herald: What advice do you have to offer? What work is left to be done?

Esposito: When I started, the environmental movement was looked down upon as if it was just a bunch of hippies. Now surveys say 88 percent of the public considers themselves environmentalists. We’ve changed the perspective. So what I would say to the young is get off your phone and get out there. Gain skills that allow you to be able to talk to diverse groups of people and fight, fight, fight. Don’t worry about fail-

“Protecting the earth should always be a human health issue,”

ing or people who don’t agree with you. Protecting the earth should always be a human health issue. And do not fall into the trap where it becomes a Democratic or Republican issue. Remember, it’s everyone’s concern.

For more information about Citizens Campaign for the Environment, visit CitizensCampaign.org.

Courtesy Lisa Burch

Lisa Burch’s

Courtesy Adrienne Esposito

Adrienne Esposito says.

Local business tax credit gains momentum

By CASEY FERBER

Special to the Herald

A first-of-its-kind tax credit to give small businesses in Rockville Centre some much-needed financial support is gaining momentum in Albany.

Earlier this month, a large bipartisan group of New York State legislators joined business leaders and local news organizations in person at the State Capitol in support of the Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally Act, or just simply the LOCAL Act, which would establish a new $10 million tax credit for small businesses advertising in local media outlets. Sponsored by State Senator Monica R. Martinez and Assemblywoman Jennifer Lunsford, the LOCAL Act aims to maximize the reach of small businesses’ advertising dollars, while supporting the work of the media outlets New Yorkers rely on every day for critical information.

“Communities are built on connections with neighbors, and the same is true for small businesses,” Martinez said at the March 11 event. “The LOCAL Act supports this relationship by encouraging these community-based businesses to advertise with the media outlets already trusted by the neighbors they are committed to serving.”

The LOCAL Act now has four cosponsors in the State Senate and seven in the Assembly, several of whom attended the rally. Ahead of the rally, nearly 20 major business groups across New York — including the National Federation of Independent Business, Upstate United and the Queens Chamber of Commerce — sent a letter to Gov. Kathy Hochul and state leadership urging them to support the LOCAL Act.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, driving job creation and growth in communities across New York. However, they continue to face significant financial challenges,” the letter states. “This is pragmatic legislation that will help —and be tremendously appreciated by — the thousands of

small businesses that make New York the world’s preeminent place to start and operate a business.”

Championed by the Empire State Local News Coalition, the LOCAL Act also has the staunch support of the coalition’s more than 200 local newspapers across the state. More than two-anda-half U.S. newspapers disappear per week, and here in New York, several counties have only one local news outlet.

“The LOCAL Act is a win-win-win for local businesses, local news, and local communities,” Zachary Richner, founding member of the Empire State Local News Coalition, said. “These institutions are intricately connected and work together to create the vibrant communities that New Yorkers love.”

Under the LOCAL Act, a minority-, woman- or veteran-owned business, as well as any business with 10 employees or fewer, would be eligible to receive a refundable tax credit of 80% of its first $5,000 of local advertising for a maximum credit of $4,000 per year. The program would be capped at $10 million annually.

“The LOCAL Act is about more than just advertising — it’s about investing in the economic health of our local community and investing in the kind of local journalism that we need now more than ever,” Lunsford said.

The bill is expected to be voted on later this year.

Honoring Premier Business Women of L.I.

By Christie Leigh Babirad

An empowering evening of camaraderie, gratitude and celebration, the sixth annual Premier Business Women of Long Island Awards on March 19, at the Heritage Club at Bethpage, presented by RichnerLive, drew close to 400 attendees, and more than 50 women were honored for their accomplishments across a wide range of industries on Long Island.

The event was organized by Amy Amato, RichnerLive’s executive director of corporate relations and events, who said that it was a privilege to be there with such a talented and driven group of dynamic and fearless women.

“Your presence here displays the countless accomplishments that women have made and will continue to make,” Amato said, “and it’s a pleasure to welcome you all to the Richner family.”

Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications Inc. and publisher of Herald Community Media, said that the night was intended to celebrate remarkable women by honoring what they have achieved in their careers as well as their communities.

“Looking around the room, I am truly humbled by the caliber of our award winners,” Richner said. “These extraordinary women represent diverse fields, from health care to finance to education and entrepreneurship, yet share common traits of vision, resilience and unwavering commitment to excellence.”

He added that his mother, Edith Richner, who founded Richner Communications with Stuart’s father nearly 60 years ago, would undoubtedly be proud of all the women leaders being honored at the event, because in her time, she was almost always the only woman at the table.

The keynote speaker, and the winner of the Trailblazer Award, was Linda Armyn, president and CEO of FourLeaf Federal Credit Union and the creator of the initiative Money Like a Woman, which she said was conceived to celebrate all of the values that women bring to the table. “We want to put them up on a pedestal and say, you know what, women have all these great talents that they use every day,” Armyn said, “to multitask, to be a mom, be a businesswoman, be an innovator, entrepreneur, and we don’t celebrate that enough. Money Like a Woman is all about celebrating those great traits and sharing them with the rest of the world.”

She added that the night was a wonderful way to celebrate women and all of their accomplishments, and that man of them are making a difference not only on Long Island, but well beyond.

Guests enjoyed drinks, appetizers and dinner at the event, as they mingled with award winners, family members and friends.

Honoree Laura D’Amato, Apple Bank’s first vice president and assistant marketing director said that it felt amazing to be honored as a Premier Business Woman of Long Island. “I’m totally humbled to be in the same room with so many amazing women,” D’Amato said.

PSEG Long Island’s manager of customer and community partnerships, Honoree Veronica Isaac, echoed those sentiments, and said that an event like this inspires her to keep doing what she’s doing.

Another honoree, Jennifer Baxmeyer, executive director of the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City, said that an award means a lot, but that you’re only as good as your team.

Celine M. Gazes, CFO at Suffolk Regional Off Track Betting Corp. Jake’s 58 Hotel and Casino, said that the award felt “validating.”

Susan Johnson, acting superintendent of Hempstead schools, said that she was truly humbled to be honored. “People believing you can do it and reaching out to you that you are making a difference, it means so much,” said Johnson.

“It’s so incredibly special, and such a unique oppor-

tunity, to see all the different industries helping to move women forward,” Mary Fu, chief advancement officer at People’s Arc of Suffolk, said.

And Susan Gatti, of Disruptive Spark Business Academy, wanted to thank RichnerLive for bringing together women of all different ages and industries. “It’s humbling, and such an opportunity to reflect, since you’re always so busy,” Gatti said. “It’s nice to know that you’re going in the right direction, and to celebrate with so many other amazing women.”

In keeping with RichnerLive’s commitment to giving back, a portion of the proceeds from the event were donated to Hair We Share, a nonprofit that offers wigs at no cost to those experiencing medical hair loss. Its mission to restore dignity and confidence aligns

with the spirit of the honorees. More information about its work can be found at hairweshare.org.

Event sponsors included FourLeaf Federal Credit Union, People’s ARC of Suffolk, Apple Bank, CSD Net, Reworld, Maidenbaum, Whisper Woods of Smithtown, Eclectic Psychotherapy, Mending Hearts Counseling, Premier HR Consulting, Farmingdale State College, Jake’s 58, Optimum Business, Disruptive Spark Academy, PSEG Long Island, Dime Community Bank, C Squared, Family Children’s Association, Certilman Balin, St. Joseph’s University, the Cradle of Aviation, Vandegrift Plastic Surgery, Suffolk Regional Off Track Betting Corp. and ConnectOne Bank.

For a complete list of honorees and photos, visit RichnerLive.com.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Nearly 400 people attended the awards dinner.

Veronica Isaac, of PSEGLI, with Stuart Richner.

Keynote speaker and Trailblazer Award winner Linda Armyn, of FourLeaf Federal Credit Union.

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Mary Fu, People’s Arc of Suffolk

Megan C. Ryan, Esq., Nassau University Medical Center

Stavroula Savelidis, Ph.D., Nassau County Medical Society Kristy Uvena, Optimum Business

Jennifer Baxmeyer, Cradle of Aviation Museum

Susan Johnson, Hempstead Union Free School District

Paige O’Brien, Family and Children’s Association

Susan Nielsen, Eclectic Psychotherapy Group of Nassau County

Carrie Adduci, Esq., Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman LLP

Maureen Early, Reworld

Monica LaCroix-Rubin, Dime Community Bank

Dawn Harmon, Reworld

Amy Madmon, Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group, LLC Laura D’Amato, Apple Bank Terry Going, ConnectOne Bank

Desiree Krajnyak-Baker, Whisper Woods of Smithtown

Anne Petraro, Mending Hearts Counseling and Eclectic Psychotherapy

Susan Gatti, Disruptive Spark Business Academy

Laura Joseph, EdD, Farmingdale State College

Dr. Maria Fletcher, PhD, RN, CNE, St. Joseph’s University

Students honored for antisemitism efforts

Lauren Ferazani and Kate Gupta, juniors at South Side High School, were honored by Congregation B’nai SholomBeth David on March 23 for their efforts to combat antisemitism. The two students have partnered with the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism to raise awareness about the issue, particularly its prevalence on social media.

The students shared their work in a discussion where they highlighted the troubling presence of antisemitic microaggressions in online conversations. However, they also noted a positive shift in attitudes following a Holocaust survivor’s visit to their school. After the survivor shared personal experiences with

students, they found that the number of online microaggressions decreased, demonstrating the power of education in countering hate and intolerance.

During the event, Congresswoman Laura Gillen presented the students with congressional citations and invited them to visit Washington, D.C. Assemblywoman Judy Griffin also extended an invitation to the students to visit Albany.

“The strong turnout from our Jewish community and the presence of so many elected officials demonstrate just how important and timely this conversation is,” Sheldon Grossman, a congregant, said.

–Kelsie Radziski

Courtesy Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David Rockville Centre village trustee Emilio Grillo, left, trustee Katie Conlon, Representative Laura Gillen, Kate Gupta, Lauren Ferazani, Rabbi David Lerner, Assemblywoman Judy Griffin and Legislator Scott Davis at the congregation’s breakfast and ceremony.

STEPPING OUT

Rockin’ with Jason Scheff and Tommy DeCarlo

outdoors Thinking ‘green’

Get

out there and prep to enjoy your personal

By Karen Bloom

Now that we’ve stepped forth into spring — and Earth Month — the moment has arrived to think about how you embrace the season — and months ahead of being fully present in our natural world. Specifically in your personal environment.

Give some thought to the way in which you want your yard to serve your family, pets and wildlife. Maybe you’re aiming to have the best yard on the block or expand your entertaining options. Perhaps your kids or pets could use a better play space.

Spring and backyarding — the act of bringing indoor activities such as dining, entertaining, even exercising, out into our backyards — surely go hand in hand.

A little planning and preparation now can mean colorful flowers, fresh crops and beautiful garden scenery later down the line. Good gardening starts long before you sow the first seed, so let’s get started!

“With the season’s first signs appearing, this is surely the time to get your garden ready for a great season,” garden design expert Fiona Jenkins says. She offers some common-sense advice on creating a low-maintenance garden full of beautiful, healthy plants all year round without taking your time away from the other things life throws at us.

Limit flowerbed size and plant variety

When considering the size of your flowerbeds, the smaller ones are better if you are looking for a low-maintenance solution, as larger ones will require a lot more initial planting and upkeep.

“Sticking to flower beds that are only one to two feet wide will make them much more manageable,” Jenkins says.

Once you have set the size, think about what plants you want to put in them. Jenkins suggests limiting the variety of your plants to around five different ones. This way, you will easily learn and memorize the requirements of each, and caring for them will be a lot simpler.

Simple, low-maintenance plants are ideal to start with, especially for those who have little spare time or don’t feel very confident in gardening. Hardy perennials such as geraniums and peonies, as well as evergreen shrubs, are great options as they can survive the winter frost and won’t need replanting every year.

“Once settled in, these plants can bring years of color and beauty to your garden,” Jenkins notes. “There are other factors to consider, such as how often a plant will need feeding, watering, and pruning — only purchase a plant when you are certain you can keep on top of its needs.”

Invest in good soil and mulch

Good quality, rich, organic soil allows plants to thrive with minimum need for frequent watering and fertilizing. Add organic matter such as compost to your soil yearly, which you can even make yourself.

“Mulching is a great way of protecting your soil and making it last longer by helping to maintain moisture levels and prevent weeds from growing,” she advises.

A layer of organic materials such as bark chips, dead leaves or compost will improve soil as it breaks down.

Invest in hard landscaping

Hard landscaping, such as decking or paving, elevates your outdoor space

and helps to define different areas of your garden. It forms the backbone of a well-designed yard, providing structure and aesthetic appeal.

One of the most popular choices for hard landscaping these days is omposite decking, which offers a sleek, modern look while being durable and low-maintenance. Unlike traditional wooden decking, composite boards resist fading, warping and moisture damage, meaning you won’t need to worry about sanding, staining, or sealing them over time. This makes them an excellent longterm investment to create an elegant yet practical outdoor area.

If you prefer paving, consider materials such as natural stone, concrete or even porcelain tiling, all of which provide a clean and sophisticated finish.

Beyond aesthetics, hard landscaping also contributes to functionality. Paved walkways make navigating your garden easier, while decking extends your living space outdoors. For an added touch of luxury, consider incorporating built-in lighting into your design, illuminating paths and seating areas for a cozy ambiance during the evenings.

Also consider adding a lower-maintenance rock garden. “This feature will look very visually appealing if done correctly and will pretty much take care of itself, “ according to Jenkins.

Achieving the look of a stunning rock garden is simple: plant some alpine plants and succulents and surround with a mix of larger rocks and smaller pebbles to cover the soil completely.

“This will bring interesting textures to your garden space,” Jenkins adds.

Make use of raised beds

Utilizing raised beds, whether on top of your existing soil or over hard landscaping, can give you more control over your plants.

“A raised flowerbed will stop them from spreading out of control and add a focal point of interest to your garden,” Jenkins says.

Embrace the wild

Another interesting option, which certainly cuts down on lawn maintenance, is to embrace what Jenkins describes as the “wild look.”

“This isn’t to say you should let it grow completely out of control, but your garden can look beautiful with the aesthetic of a grassy meadow rather than an urban space,” she says.

To enhance this effect, try

To enhance this effect, try sprinkling some wildflower seed mixes onto your grass. These flowers won’t need any maintenance, come in a range of beautiful colors, and are a real treat for our beloved garden friends, such as bees and butterflies.

Get set for backyard bliss. Refresh your backyard with vibrant blooms, cozy outdoor spaces and even a touch of nature’s wild charm.

Chicago frontman Jason Scheff is joined by Tommy DeCarlo, Boston’s former lead vocalist for their The Lead Singers of Classic Rock tour. They team up for a night of unforgettable classic rock spanning the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s. Their musical tribute features two great sets of classic hits with Chicago’s timeless ballads the guitar-driven rock of Boston. Over 15 million fans have attended a live concert of both bands over a 32-year span featuring either Jason or Tommy’s signature high-tenor lead vocals. Scheff joined Chicago in 1985 and went on to perform thousands of live concerts spanning four decades during a non-stop touring and recording career with the band. DeCarlo joined Boston in 2008 after the passing of Brad Delp was lead singer on every tour thereafter, These pair is backed by a top band of touring professionals.

Saturday, April 5, 8 p.m. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Boulevard, Brookville.

The Wallflowers

Grab those leather jackets, and rock on! The Wallflowers bring their sound to the Paramount stage, with special guest Jackson Melnick. For the past 30 years, the Jakob Dylanled act has stood as one of rock’s most dynamic and purposeful bands — continually honing a sound that meshes timeless songwriting and storytelling with a hard-hitting and decidedly modern musical attack. That signature style has been present through the decades. In recent years, Dylan — the Wallflowers’ founding singer, songwriter and guitarist — has repeatedly stepped outside of his band. Now the band has made its triumphant return, with “Exit Wounds,” their new studio offering. The much-anticipated record finds that signature sound — lean, potent and eminently entrancing — intact, even as Dylan surrounds himself with a fresh cast of musicians.

Sunday, April 6, 8 p.m., $75, $45, $35, $25. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.

THE Your Neighborhood

Joan Osborne sings Dylan

The seven-time Grammy nominee brings her extraordinary voice and artistic depth to the timeless music of Bob Dylan, on the Landmark stage, Friday, April 11, 8 p.m. Best known for her multi-platinum hit “One of Us,” 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 critically acclaimed 2018 album, “Songs of Bob Dylan,” and her live performances showcase her ability to reimagine Dylan’s iconic works, offering fresh interpretations that highlight the emotional resonance and poetic brilliance of his music. Osborne first began her journey with Dylan’s catalog in 2016 with a series of “Dylanology” concerts. These performances deepened her appreciation for his vast and varied repertoire and inspired her to put her own stamp on his songs. Her renditions are both reverent and inventive, blending her soulful delivery with the rich textures of her band to bring new life to classics like “Tangled Up in Blue” and “Highway 61 Revisited.”

With a voice hailed as one of the most powerful and versatile of her generation, Osborne invites audiences to rediscover Dylan’s masterpieces through her singular lens. Her take on the “Dynalogy” reflects her reverence for iconic musician who remains forever young in the hearts and minds of his fans and the music world. The recent biopic, “A Complete Unknown,” brings Dylan to the forefront once again. Osborne turns back the clock with her artistic and soulful reinterpretations exuding passion, emotion and energy. $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.

Celebrate Holi

Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to prticipatej in Holi, the Festival of Colors, Sunday, April 6 , 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Originating in India, this Hindu festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of the colorful spring season. During this joyous celebration, families eat sweets, dance to traditional folk music and throw colorful powder made from flowers called gulal.

Crafts, color throwing and dancing are part of this vibrant event. Welcome spring’s arrival with Holi. Participants are encouraged to wear clothes that they won’t mind getting messy. Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City. Go to licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 for more information.

Tunes with Vic Vincent Group

The Vic Vincent Group visits Rockville Centre Library for a tribute to award-winning artists, sponsored by the RVC Library Friends, Sunday, April 6, 2-3:30 p.m. The ensemble takes you on a journey featuring a wide variety of music, including classics like Buddy Holly, The Four Seasons, Billy Joel, Neil Diamond and Johnny Cash. Come enjoy the unique sounds and styles of these stars of rock ‘n roll. 221 N. Village Ave. For more information, visit rvclibrary.org.

Tunes with Dancing Dream

Plaza Theatricals welcomes the ABBA tribute band, Sunday, April 6, 2:30 p.m. This act takes you back to the days when Swedish disco group ruled the airwaves with their great pop hits and memorable performances. Come experience the glitter of the ‘70s. $40, $35 seniors. Groove along at Plaza’s stage at Elmont Memorial Library, 700 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont. Elmont. For tickets, call (516) 599-6870 or visit plazatheatrical.com.

Village Meeting

The next Village of Rockville Centre board meeting will be held on Monday, April 7, 7 p.m., at Village Hall. 1 College Place.

Drink Pink: A Cocktail for a Cause

Join the Rockville Centre Breast Cancer Coalition to drink for a cause, Friday, April 4 , 7-10 p.m. Support the fight against breast cancer while enjoying drinks from Tap Room and music from The Witches Brew. Tickets are $85 per person. For more information or to buy tickets, visit RVCBCC.org.

The Five Steps to an Elder Law

Elder law estate planning provides for (1) your care in the event you become disabled as you age, and who will be in charge of that care, and (2) the passing of your assets on death to whom you want, when you want, the way you want, with the least amount of taxes and legal fees possible.

These are the five steps to creating an elder law estate plan.

Step One: Understanding the Family Dynamics. Clients often overlook the inestimable value of getting to know the family dynamic. We are firm believers that the social goes first and the legal should serve the social. Too often it is the other way around. Once we understand who’s who and everyone’s interpersonal relations with each other, we are far better able to craft a plan that will work socially as well as legally. The failure to address the social aspects has led to many a plan tearing the family apart.

Step Two: Reviewing the Client’s Assets. IRA’s and other “qualified” assets (i.e. tax deferred) are treated quite differently, on death or disability, from “non-qualified” assets. The determination of the amount and value of all assets, who owns them, and whether they have named beneficiaries are of the utmost importance in planning correctly,

Estate Plan

including saving legal fees and taxes.

Step Three: Reviewing Existing Estate Planning Documents: Not having been prepared by an elder law estate planning attorney, clients’ documents rarely have adequate provisions to take advantage of the many benefits the law provides for our aging population. Wills instead of trusts have often been prepared either because the client was considerably younger and a trust was not needed or a trust was needed but the general practice lawyer was unfamiliar with the specifics of preparing a trust.

Step Four: Developing the Elder Law Estate Plan. We are now in a position to determine which persons are best suited to handle your legal, financial and medical affairs on disability or death, what type of plan should be used and how the estate should be distributed -- keeping in mind the preservation of harmony in the family.

Step Five: Executing and Maintaining the Plan. Legal documents are explained and executed, assets are retitled and beneficiaries on assets changed in keeping with planning objectives. The client is called in to the law firm every three years to ensure the plan meets the client’s current wishes and conforms with any law changes.

‘Palette of Petals’ at Planting

Fields

Visit Planting Fields

Arboretum for a delightful stroll among the early bloomers, as part of its First Fridays series, Friday, April 4, 1-2 p.m. Experience the enchanting spring colors at the Margaret Sullivan Heather Garden. Director of Horticulture Donna Moramarco guides visitors through the remarkable collection of azaleas, cherry blossom trees, magnolias, camellias, and more as you stroll the grounds to the recently restored garden. Discover the rich horticultural history of this stunning space, learn about the Coe family’s dedication to these vibrant flowers, and delve into the vision that the Olmsted Brothers had for this beloved site. $20. Registration required. 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay. Visit plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210 to register and for information.

‘Listen to the Music’

Join L.I. Cabaret Theatre for their latest performance, Saturday, April 5, 2 p.m., at the Elmont Library Theatre stage. In this spirited show, the plotline follows the startup of a TV network and streaming service. A cast of 30 keeps the action moving along, with original choreography, and band accompaniment.

Singers and dancers perform current hits, oldies and tunes from the Broadway stage. Free admission. Elmont Memorial Library Theater, 700 Hempstead Turnpike, Elmont. Visit elmontlibrary. org or call (516) 354-5280 for information.

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.

Fossi presents Disco Unlimited

Enjoy the sounds of disco at the Sandel Center, Friday, April 4, 6-10 p.m. Enjoy great music, food, wine and beer, raffle prizes and more. $75 per person. 50 South Park Ave., Rockville Centre. For more information or to buy tickets, call (516) 678-9350 or visit FOSSIRVC.com.

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.

L.I.’s representatives discuss the issues

There was laughter, there were opposing views and there were reflective answers to questions about major issues as Matt Cohen, president and CEO of the Long Island Association, moderated the organization’s fourth annual What’s New in Washington panel with Republican Reps. Andrew Garbarino and Nick LaLota and Democrats Laura Gillen and Tom Suozzi at the Crest Hollow Country Club in Woodbury last Friday.

Congressional District 1, which is represented by LaLota, stretches east from western Suffolk County to encompass both the North and South forks of Long Island. Garbarino represents the 2nd District, along the South Shore, which includes parts of Suffolk and a small portion of southeastern Nassau County.

Suozzi’s 3rd Congressional District includes a portion of Queens, expands along the North Shore of Nassau and extends to several communities in the middle of the eastern portion of the county. District 4, represented by Gillen, extends along the South Shore of Nassau, from the Queens border through several central communities to Seaford.

“Because of the times we live in, it’s almost impossible that the delegations are 50-50 Republicans and Democrats — that’s not the case here on Long Island,” Cohen said. “Our delegation didn’t hesitate to say yes when we invited them to this event.”

Cohen asked the panel several questions, ranging from bipartisanship efforts to House Speaker Mike Johnson, the state and local income tax deduction, commonly known as SALT, and President Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE.

Garbarino on bipartisanship:

“We try to work with everyone, and have broad conversations, with many different ideas,” Garbarino said. “There are a lot of egos, but we try to get everyone on the same page before we leave the room.”

Garbarino and LaLota bucked their party by supporting the SALT extension. “Our party is asking how we can support this when we’re growing the state budget by $13 billion,” Garbarino said. “It goes against our argument. We could use some help from Albany on this.”

Both have met with Trump at Mar-aLago, and said that Trump told them, “We are going to fix this.”

On offshore wind:

“We have to bring jobs back home, but one, we need power, and two, we need to generate as much power as possible,” Garbarino said. “That is good for keeping local energy costs down for Long Island and our constituents.”

On DOGE:

Garbarino, like LaLota, acknowledged that mistakes have been made, but expressed confidence that the Trump administration is committed to addressing them.

“I have called the White House and told them, ‘There’s a mistake here,’ and

“I think the American people are sick of hyperpartisanship in Washington,” Gillen said. “They just want us to do our jobs and get things done.”

every time I’ve called, they’ve responded by saying, ‘OK, we’ll have someone look into it,’” Garbarino said. “This is a better response than I’ve ever gotten under the Biden administration.

Gillen on working across the aisle:

“The best way to get things done is by reaching out to the other side,” she said.

“I’m the rookie here — the freshman — and during orientation, we had a lot of events where Democrats and Republicans did events together. I had plenty of time to get to know people on my side of the aisle and make the effort to meet my freshman colleagues who were Republicans and build relationships with them.

“I think the American people are sick of hyperpartisanship in Washington. They just want us to do our jobs and get things done,” she said, drawing applause from the audience.

On DOGE:

“I agree, we need to tighten governments’ belts,” she said. “There’s a ton of waste in government. But it’s a wrecking-ball approach. We should do it in an

organized, deliberative, thoughtful fashion. That’s how they should go forward.”

LaLota on SALT:

“As you can imagine,” LaLota said, “the president did 80, 90 percent of the talking, but heard us in our seriousness about how we need a higher SALT deduction.”

On DOGE:

“For 25 years, neither Republicans nor Democrats in Washington have balanced the budget,” LaLota said. “You have a president who’s a disruptor — a self-admitted disruptor. “He is doing what he promised to do, maybe in a manner that is disruptive to us. But let’s acknowledge the moment we’re in — 25 years, we haven’t balanced the budget.”

On tariffs:

“The president’s objective in much of it, especially in the reciprocal tariffs, is to create better competitive fairness for American manufacturers,” LaLota said. “The long-term objective is to reduce the trade deficits we have with a lot of our trading partners, especially in

China, where we have $200 billion trade deals. We’re sending way more to China than they’re sending back.”

Suozzi on SALT:

“Let me first say I want to give credit to Andrew and Nick, because they’re going against their party on this,” he said. “They stood up … and they’re saying that they’re not going to support this reconciliation package unless it’s resolved.”

On offshore wind:

“We have to figure out how can we protect our zeal to protect the environment, to address climate change, and do the stuff that we believe are important to do,” Suozzi said. “We’ve got to get stuff done, because we can’t get things done (in our country) because we’ve passed all these rules and regulations over the years. And people are fed up with the bureaucracy.”

On DOGE:

“I think it’s been reckless,” he said. “When they laid off people who were responsible for overseeing the nuclear stockpile and said, oh, that was a mistake. And then they had a hard time getting the people back because they had cut them off their emails. They fired the people responsible for overseeing avian flu.”

On tariffs:

“I think that tariffs against China I support, especially when they’re targeted,” Suozzi said. “I’m very concerned about the tariffs that have been proposed for Canada and Mexico and the effects it’s going to have right here on Long Island as well as the rest of the country. I think it’s sending a bad message that our two biggest trading partners are being stifled in this way.”

Roksana Amid, Jeffrey Bessen, Hernesto Galdamez, Carolyn James and Jordan Vallone reported this story.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Long Island’s congressional delegation at the Long Island Association’s March 28 What’s New in Washington panel discussion. From left were Republican Reps. Nick LaLota and Andrew Garbarino, and Democrats Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

NASSAU COUNTY

JPMORGAN CHASE

BANK, NA, Plaintiff against DOMENICK H. MASOTTI A/K/A

DOMINICK MASOTTI

A/K/A DOMINICK M. MASOTTI, et al Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800,Rochester, NY 14614.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered January 14, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 11, 2025 at 2:00 PM.

Premises known as 259 Morris Ave, Rockville Center, NY 11570. Sec 38 Block 265 Lot 16. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Rockville Centre, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $686,254.39 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 606554/2022.

The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee File # SPSJN430 152174

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU, FINANCE OF AMERICA

REVERSE, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. TIMOTHY MARTIN FANNON, AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE, OF THE ESTATE OF MARGARET FANNON, DECEASED, ET AL.,

Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 15, 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 April 22, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 82 Tarence Street, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Rockville Centre, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 38, Block 249 and Lot 128. Approximate amount of judgment is $837,163.81 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600649/2022.

Michael Langer, Esq., Referee

Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 152299

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notice to Bidders

Sealed Bids will be received by the Purchasing Department of the Village of Rockville Centre, One College Place, Room 204, Rockville Centre, New York 11570 for the matter stated below until 11:00 am prevailing time on APRIL 17, 2025 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for: CHEMICAL HYDRATED LIME

Bid # 2504W1(1145)

The bid documents and specifications can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Lisa Strazzeri via email only at lstrazzeri@rvcny.us. Questions must be submitted no later than April 10, 2025.

Award of Contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to reject all bids or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law.

Purchasing Department Lisa Strazzeri

Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 152640

LEGAL NOTICE

Village of Rockville Centre Nassau County, New York Notice of Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Date: April 9, 2025

Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 340 Rockville Centre Village Code NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Appeals of the Village of Rockville Centre will hold a Zoning Appeals Hearing at the Eugene J. Murray Village Hall 1 College Place, Rockville Centre at 7:00 p.m.

LEGAL NOTICE April 9, 2025 at 7:00 PM Case # 31-2024Joseph DiFigueroaApplication has been withdrawn

To construct a mixeduse building within a “Business A District” which requires a ten foot (10’) front yard setback where zero feet (0’) front yard is proposed, fifty six (56) parking spaces required for the medical office use where zero(0) parking spaces are provided, where roof top dining is proposed which requires approval of the Board of Appeals and is subject to a substantial Occupancy Permit from the Board of Appeals.

Premises known as 24 South Park Avenue Case # 07-2025 - David Chin

To construct a mixeduse building. Within a “Business A District” which requires a tenfoot (10’) front yard setback where zero feet (0’) front yard is proposed, Thirty-Eight (38) parking spaces required where one (1) parking spaces is provided, is denied and is subject to a substantial Occupancy Permit from the Board of Appeals.

Premises known as 209

Sunrise Highway Case # 08-2025Edward & Kathleen Boyle

To construct a secondstory rear addition over existing one-story with a proposed rear yard setback of 17.7 feet where 25.0 feet is the minimum required, within a Residence A district.

Premises known as 97 Fonda Road Case # 09-2025 - John Gonzalez & Julie Gonzalez (Touretsky)

To construct a 18’ x 36’ in-ground pool with a proposed impervious surface coverage of 50.87% where 45.0% is the maximum allowable, and the pool not wholly located within the rear third or quadrant of the lot within a Residence A district.

Premises known as 45 Wright Road

Dated: March 26, 2025

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

J. Robert Schenone, Chairman Patrick D. O’Brien, Secretary Information and records for appeals cases are available at the Office of the Secretary of the Board of Appeals, 110 Maple Avenue, RVC, NY 152641

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 04/09/2025 at 9:30

A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30

A.M. 166/25. - 167/25. NR ROCKVILLE CENTREPatrick Grehan, Variance, lot area occupied, maintain 1-story addition attached to dwelling; Variance, side yard, maintain a/c unit attached to dwelling., E/s Surrey La., 128.62’ S/o Woodbridge Rd., a/k/a 1417 Surrey La.

ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.

This notice is only for new cases in Rockville Centre within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo

Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.

152619

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ANNUAL SCHOOL DISTRICT AND LIBRARY ELECTION ROCKVILLE CENTRE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of the qualified voters of the Rockville Centre Union Free School District, Nassau County, New York will be held on May 20, 2025 at South Side High School, 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York for the following purposes:

a) To vote upon the annual School budget and the Library budget for the school year 2025/2026 and to authorize the levying of a tax upon the taxable property of the District for the foregoing purposes;

b) To elect one member of the Board of Education at large for a three-year term commencing July 1, 2025 to succeed Donna Downing, the incumbent, whose term of office expires June 30, 2025.

c) To elect two members of the Library Board at large for three-year terms commencing July 1, 2025: (i) to succeed Michael Lucchesi, the incumbent, whose term

of office expires on June 30, 2025; (ii) to succeed Meryl Sussman, the incumbent, whose term of office expires on June 30, 2025.

d) To vote upon such other propositions as may properly come before the meeting and conduct other business as authorized by law.

NOTICE IS GIVEN, that the Board of Education of the Rockville Centre Union Free School District, Nassau County, New York will hold a public meeting for the purpose of discussing the expenditure of funds for school year 2025/2026 beginning, July 1, 2025. Said meeting may result in changes or modifications to the final budget presented to the District’s voters and will be held at South Side High School, 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, on April 10, 2025 at 8:00 P.M. Detailed copies of the proposed school budget will be available in each school building, the William H. Johnson Administration Building and the Public Library.

NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Board of Education will hold a public hearing on May 8, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. at South Side High School located at 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, for the purpose of presenting expenditure of funds and the budgeting therefore relative to the appropriation of necessary funds to meet the necessary expenditures of said School District for school year 2025/2026, at which time and which place all persons interested in the subject matter thereof concerning the same will have an opportunity to be heard.

NOTICE IS GIVEN, that the Library Board will hold a public meeting for the purpose of discussion of the expenditure of funds and the budgeting therefore for the fiscal year 2025/2026 beginning July 1, 2025. Said meeting may result in changes or modifications to expenditures for this budget and will be held at the Rockville Centre Public Library, 221 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre, New York on April 9, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. Detailed

copies of the proposed Library budget will be available in the Library.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that the Library Board will hold a public hearing on May 6, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. in the Rockville Centre Public Library located at 221 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre New York, for the purpose of presenting expenditure of funds and the budgeting therefore relative to the appropriation of necessary funds to meet the necessary expenditures of said Library for school year 2025/2026, at which time and place all persons interested in the subject matter thereof concerning the same will have an opportunity to be heard.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that the Annual Meeting and Election shall be conducted by voting on propositions and candidates on voting machines on said 20th day of May, 2025 commencing at 7:00 A.M. and ending at 9:00 P.M. at South Side High School located at 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for school purposes (School budget) exclusive of public moneys, and propositions involving expenditure of moneys and the operation of the school system for the ensuing year, may be inspected commencing on May 8, 2025 through the date of the Annual Meeting on the District’s website, in the William H. Johnson Administration Building and at each schoolhouse in which school is maintained, during the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. except Saturday, Sunday or holidays.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for Library purposes (Library budget) exclusive of public moneys, and propositions involving expenditure of moneys and the operation of the Library for the ensuing year, may be inspected at the Library

commencing on April 16, 2025 through the date of the Annual Meeting, except for holidays.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that nominations for the office of Member of the Board of Education and the Library Board, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be made by petition subscribed by at least thirty-seven (37) qualified voters of the District. Petitions shall be filed in the office of the Clerk of the School District between the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. on April 21, 2025. Such petition shall state the residence of each signer and shall state the name and residence of the candidates. Candidates receiving the greatest number of votes shall be considered elected to fill the vacancies. Where terms are of different length, the candidate receiving the highest vote shall be entitled to select the longest term. However, a nomination may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for the office or declares his/her unwillingness to serve. AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that voter registration shall be permitted in the office of the District Clerk at the William H. Johnson Administration Building, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, during the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. on school business days through May 15, 2025. AND NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the register of voters shall include (1) all qualified voters of the District who shall personally present themselves for registration; and (2) all previously qualified voters of the District who shall have been previously registered for any Annual or Special District Meeting or Election and who shall have voted at any Annual or Special District Meeting or Election held or conducted at any time within the four calendar years prior to preparation of the said register; and (3) voters permanently registered with the Board of Elections of the County of Nassau. AND NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that

April 3, 2025 — ROCKVILLE

Public Notices

the registers containing the names of all persons entitled to vote at the Annual Election to be held on May 20, 2025 will be filed in the office of the District Clerk in the William H. Johnson Building, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District five days prior to said Annual Election, except Sunday, between the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. on weekdays and by appointment on Saturday. The register will also be open for inspection at the polls on the day of the said Annual Election, May 20, 2025 between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. AND NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Board of Registration will meet during the hours of voting at the Annual District Meeting and Election on May 20, 2025 at the polling place for the purpose of preparing a register for District meetings or elections to be held more than thirty days subsequent to May 20, 2025. Said register shall include (1) all qualified voters of the District who shall present themselves personally for registration, and (2) all previously qualified voters of the District who shall have been previously registered for any Annual or Special District Meeting or Election and who shall have voted at any Annual or Special District Meeting or Election held or conducted at any time within the four calendar years prior to preparation of said register.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that applications for absentee ballots for the School District and Library election may be applied for at the office of the District Clerk, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Applications for absentee ballots must be received no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election. If a ballot is to be mailed to an eligible voter, the application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election or an application may be picked up in person in the office of the District

Clerk no later than the day before the election by the voter or his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth on the application no later than six (6) days before the election. Absentee ballots must be received in the office of the District Clerk by 5:00 P.M. on May 20, 2025, the day of the election. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available for inspection up to the day before the Annual Election in the office of the District Clerk, except Sundays, between the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. on weekdays and by appointment on Saturdays.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that pursuant to Section 2018-e of the Education Law, applications for early mail ballots may be obtained at the Office of the District Clerk of the Rockville Centre Union Free School District, William H. Johnson Administration Building, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York during all days in which the District is in session. Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than April 20, 2025 and by May 13, 2025, if the early mail ballot is to be mailed to the voter. If the early mail ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter at the Office of the District Clerk the completed application must be received by the District Clerk no later than May 19, 2025. No early mail voter’s ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received in the Office of the District Clerk of the District no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 20, 2025. A list of all persons to whom early ballots have been issued will be available in the Office of the District Clerk’s office during office hours on and after May 14, 2025 until May 19, 2025, except on Saturday May 17, 2025, by prearranged appointment by contacting the District Clerk at (516) 255-8921 or via email at mceliberti@rvcschools. org. A challenge to an

early voting ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should have applied for an absentee ballot.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the School District.

Military voters who are qualified voters of the School District may submit an application for a military ballot.

Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot.

Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 25, 2025. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the election.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that any proposition or question to be placed upon the voting machines shall be submitted in writing by petition subscribed by at least ninety-one (91) qualified voters of the District and filed in the office of the District Clerk between the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., not later than the 30th day preceding the meeting or election at which time such question or proposition shall be voted upon, except that this rule shall not apply to those questions or propositions which are required to be stated in the published or posted notice of the meeting or to those propositions or questions which the

Board of Education has authority by law to present at any Annual or Special Meeting of the District.

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

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Board will convene a Special Meeting thereof within twenty-four- hours after filing with the District Clerk a written report of the results of the ballot for the purpose of examining and tabulating said report of the results of the ballot and declaring the results of the ballot; and the Board hereby designates itself to be a set of poll clerks to case and canvass ballots pursuant to Education Law S2019-a, subdivision 2b at said Special Meeting of the Board.

Dated: February 1, 2025

Rockville Centre, NY BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE UFSD COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK

MARYLOU CELIBERTI, DISTRICT CLERK 152636

LEGAL NOTICE

AVISO DE ELECCIÓN ANUAL DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR Y LA BIBLIOTECA

DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE LA UNIÓN DEL CENTRO DE ROCKVILLE CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que la Reunión Anual de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Rockville Centre, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York, se llevará a cabo el 20 de mayo de 2025 en South Side High School, 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, Nueva York con los siguientes propósitos:

a) Votar sobre el presupuesto anual de la Escuela y el presupuesto de la Biblioteca para el año escolar 2025/2026 y autorizar la imposición de un impuesto sobre la propiedad imponible del Distrito para los fines anteriores;

b) Elegir a un miembro de la Junta de Educación en general por un período de tres años a partir del 1 de julio de 2025 para suceder a Donna Downing, la titular, cuyo mandato expira el 30 de junio de 2025.

c) Elegir a dos miembros de la Junta de la Biblioteca en general por un período de tres años a partir del 1 de julio de 2025: (i) para suceder a Michael Lucchesi, el titular, cuyo mandato expira el 30 de junio de 2025; (ii) para suceder a Meryl Sussman, la titular, cuyo mandato expira el 30 de junio de 2025.

d) Votar sobre las demás proposiciones que se presenten debidamente a la reunión y llevar a cabo otros asuntos según lo autorice la ley.

SE DA AVISO de que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Rockville Centre Union, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York, llevará a cabo una reunión pública con el propósito de discutir el gasto de fondos para el año escolar 2025/2026 que comienza el 1 de julio de 2025. Dicha reunión puede resultar en cambios o modificaciones al presupuesto final presentado a los votantes del Distrito y se llevará a cabo en South Side High School, 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, Nueva York, el 10 de abril de 2025 a las 8:00 p.m. Copias detalladas del presupuesto escolar propuesto estarán disponibles en cada edificio escolar, el Edificio de Administración William H. Johnson y la Biblioteca Pública.

SE DA AVISO que la

Junta de Educación llevará a cabo una audiencia pública el 8 de mayo de 2025 a las 7:00 p.m. en South Side High School ubicada en 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, Nueva York, con el propósito de presentar el gasto de fondos y el presupuesto por lo tanto en relación con la asignación de fondos necesarios para cumplir con los gastos necesarios de dicho Distrito Escolar para el año escolar 2025/2026, en cuyo momento y lugar todas las personas interesadas en la materia objeto del mismo tendrán la oportunidad de ser oídas. SE DA AVISO de que la Junta de la Biblioteca llevará a cabo una reunión pública con el propósito de discutir el gasto de los fondos y el presupuesto para el año fiscal 2025/2026 a partir del 1 de julio de 2025. Dicha reunión podrá resultar en cambios o modificaciones a los gastos de este presupuesto y se llevará a cabo en la Biblioteca Pública de Rockville Centre, 221 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre, Nueva York el 9 de abril de 2025, a las 7:00 p.m. Copias detalladas del presupuesto propuesto por la Biblioteca estarán disponibles en la Biblioteca.

Y TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de la Biblioteca celebrará una audiencia pública el 6 de mayo de 2025 a las 7:00 p.m. en la Biblioteca Pública del Centro de Rockville ubicada en 221 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre Nueva York, con el propósito de presentar el gasto de los fondos y el presupuesto por lo tanto en relación con la asignación de fondos necesarios para cumplir con los gastos necesarios de dicha Biblioteca para el año escolar 2025/2026, en cuyo momento y lugar todas las personas interesadas en el objeto de la misma tendrán la oportunidad de ser oídas. .

Y TAMBIÉN SE DA AVISO que la Reunión Anual y la Elección se llevarán a cabo votando sobre las proposiciones y los candidatos en las máquinas de votación el día 20 de mayo de 2025 comenzando a las

7:00 a.m. y terminando a las 9:00 p.m. en South Side High School ubicada en 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, Nueva York.

Y TAMBIÉN SE DA AVISO que una copia de la declaración de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año siguiente para fines escolares (presupuesto escolar) excluyendo los fondos públicos, y las proposiciones que involucran el gasto de dinero y el funcionamiento del sistema escolar para el año siguiente, puede ser inspeccionada a partir del 8 de mayo de 2025 hasta la fecha de la Reunión Anual en el sitio web del Distrito, en el Edificio Administrativo William H. Johnson y en cada escuela en la que se mantenga la escuela, durante el horario de 9:00 a.m. a 4:00 p.m. excepto sábados, domingos o feriados.

Y TAMBIÉN SE DA AVISO que una copia de la declaración de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año siguiente para los fines de la Biblioteca (presupuesto de la Biblioteca) excluyendo los fondos públicos, y las proposiciones que involucran el gasto de dinero y el funcionamiento de la Biblioteca para el año siguiente, puede ser inspeccionada en la Biblioteca desde el 16 de abril de 2025 hasta la fecha de la Reunión Anual, excepto los días festivos. POR FAVOR, TOME NOTA MÁS que las nominaciones para el cargo de Miembro de la Junta de Educación y la Junta de la Biblioteca, a menos que la ley disponga lo contrario, se harán mediante petición suscrita por al menos treinta y siete (37) votantes calificados del Distrito. Las peticiones se presentarán en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar entre las 8:15 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m. del 21 de abril de 2025. Dicha petición indicará la residencia de cada firmante y el nombre y residencia de los candidatos. Los candidatos que obtengan el mayor número de votos se considerarán elegidos para llenar las vacantes. Cuando los mandatos sean de diferente duración, el candidato que obtenga la votación más alta

tendrá derecho a elegir el mandato más largo. Sin embargo, una nominación puede ser rechazada por la Junta de Educación si el candidato no es elegible para el cargo o declara su falta de voluntad para servir. Y TAMBIÉN SE DA AVISO que se permitirá el registro de votantes en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito en el Edificio de Administración William H. Johnson, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, Nueva York, durante las horas de 8:15 a.m. y 4:30 p.m. en los días hábiles escolares hasta el 15 de mayo de 2025. Y SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que el registro de votantes incluirá (1) a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se presentarán personalmente para el registro; y (2) todos los votantes previamente calificados del Distrito que hayan sido previamente registrados para cualquier Reunión o Elección Anual o Especial del Distrito y que hayan votado en cualquier Reunión o Elección Anual o Especial del Distrito celebrada o realizada en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro años calendario anteriores a la preparación de dicho registro; y (3) votantes registrados permanentemente en la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau. Y SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que los registros que contienen los nombres de todas las personas con derecho a votar en la Elección Anual que se llevará a cabo el 20 de mayo de 2025 se archivarán en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito en el Edificio William H. Johnson, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, Nueva York, y estarán abiertos para la inspección de cualquier votante calificado del Distrito cinco días antes de dicha Elección Anual, excepto los domingos, entre las 8:15 a.m. y las 4:30 p.m. de lunes a viernes y con cita previa los sábados. El registro también estará abierto para inspección en las urnas el día de dicha Elección Anual, el 20 de mayo de 2025 entre las 7:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m. Y SE DA AVISO ADICIONAL que la Junta de Registro se

Public Notices

reunirá durante las horas de votación en la Reunión y Elección Anual del Distrito el 20 de mayo de 2025 en el lugar de votación con el propósito de preparar un registro para las reuniones o elecciones del Distrito que se llevarán a cabo más de treinta días después del 20 de mayo de 2025. Dicho registro incluirá (1) a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se presentarán personalmente para el registro, y (2) a todos los votantes previamente calificados del Distrito que hayan sido previamente registrados para cualquier Reunión o Elección Anual o Especial del Distrito y que hayan votado en cualquier Reunión o Elección Anual o Especial del Distrito celebrada o realizada en cualquier momento dentro de los cuatro años calendario anteriores a la preparación de dicho registro. POR FAVOR, TOME NOTA MÁS que las solicitudes de boletas de voto en ausencia para la elección del Distrito Escolar y la Biblioteca se pueden solicitar en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Las solicitudes de boletas de voto en ausencia deben recibirse no antes de treinta (30) días antes de la elección. Si una boleta va a ser enviada por correo a un votante elegible, la solicitud debe ser recibida por el Secretario del Distrito al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección o una solicitud puede ser recogida en persona en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar el día antes de la elección por el votante o su agente designado. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna de una boleta de voto ausente enviada por correo, el Secretario del Distrito enviará la boleta a la dirección establecida en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la elección. Las boletas de voto en ausencia deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito antes de las 5:00 p.m. del 20 de mayo de 2025, el día de la elección. Una lista de todas las personas a las que se les habrán emitido papeletas de voto en ausencia estará

disponible para inspección hasta el día anterior a la Reunión Anual Elección en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito, excepto los domingos, entre las 8:15 a.m. y las 4:30 p.m. de lunes a viernes y con cita previa los sábados. POR FAVOR, TOME NOTA MÁS que de conformidad con la Sección 2018-e de la Ley de Educación, las solicitudes de boletas anticipadas por correo se pueden obtener en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar Libre de Rockville Centre Union, William H. Johnson Administration Building, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, Nueva York durante todos los días en que el Distrito esté en sesión. Las solicitudes completas deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito no antes del 20 de abril de 2025 y antes del 13 de mayo de 2025, si la boleta anticipada por correo se va a enviar al votante. Si la boleta electoral anticipada por correo debe entregarse personalmente al votante en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, el Secretario del Distrito debe recibir la solicitud completa a más tardar el 19 de mayo de 2025. No se realizará el escrutinio de ninguna boleta de voto anticipado por correo a menos que se haya recibido en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 20 de mayo de 2025. Una lista de todas las personas a las que se han emitido boletas tempranas estará disponible en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito durante el horario de oficina a partir del 14 de mayo de 2025 hasta el 19 de mayo de 2025, excepto el sábado 17 de mayo de 2025, con cita previa comunicándose con el Secretario del Distrito al (516) 255-8921 o por correo electrónico al mceliberti@rvcschools. org. Un desafío a la votación anticipada La boleta no se puede hacer sobre la base de que el votante debería haber solicitado una boleta de voto en ausencia.

POR FAVOR, TOME NOTA MÁS que los votantes militares que no están registrados actualmente pueden solicitar registrarse

como votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar. Los votantes militares que son votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar pueden presentar una solicitud para una boleta militar. Los votantes militares pueden designar una preferencia para recibir un registro de votante militar, una solicitud de boleta militar o una boleta militar por correo, transmisión de fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de dicho registro, solicitud de boleta o boleta. Los formularios de registro de votantes militares y los formularios de solicitud de boletas militares deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 25 de abril de 2025. No se realizará el escrutinio de ninguna boleta militar a menos que (1) se reciba en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el día de las elecciones y muestre una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o muestre un endoso fechado de recepción por otra agencia del gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o (2) recibido por la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. el día de las elecciones y firmado y fechado por el votante militar y un testigo del mismo, con una fecha asociada a no más tarde del día antes de la elección. POR FAVOR, TOME NOTA MÁS que cualquier proposición o pregunta que se coloque en las máquinas de votación se presentará por escrito mediante una petición suscrita por al menos noventa y un (91) votantes calificados del Distrito y se presentará en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito entre las horas de 8:15 a.m. y 4:30 p.m., a más tardar el día 30 anterior a la reunión o elección, momento en el cual se votará dicha pregunta o proposición, excepto que esta regla no se aplicará a aquellas preguntas o proposiciones que se requieran declarar en el aviso publicado o publicado de la reunión o a aquellas proposiciones o preguntas que el Consejo de Educación

tiene autoridad por ley para presentar en cualquier Reunión Anual o Especial del Distrito. TENGA EN CUENTA que la Sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre la Propiedad Inmobiliaria requiere que el Distrito adjunte a su presupuesto propuesto y al informe de exención. Dicho informe de exención, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, mostrará cómo el valor total de la tasación final utilizada en el proceso presupuestario está exento de impuestos, enumerará cada tipo de exención otorgada por la autoridad legal y mostrará el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención, el monto acumulado que se espera recibir como pago en lugar de impuestos (PILOT) y el impacto acumulativo de todas las exenciones otorgadas. Además, dicho informe de exención se publicará en cualquier tablón de anuncios del Distrito mantenido por el Distrito para Avisos Públicos, así como en el sitio web del Distrito. POR FAVOR, TOME NOTA MÁS que la Junta convocará una Reunión Especial de la misma dentro de las veinticuatro horas posteriores a la presentación ante el Secretario del Distrito de un informe escrito de los resultados de la votación con el propósito de examinar y tabular dicho informe de los resultados de la votación y declarar los resultados de la votación; y la Junta por la presente se designa a sí misma como un conjunto de secretarios electorales para presentar y escrutar las boletas de conformidad con la Ley de Educación S2019a, subdivisión 2b en dicha Reunión Especial de la Junta.

Fechado: 1 de febrero de 2025 Centro de Rockville, NY

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DE ROCKVILLE CENTRE UFSD

CONDADO DE NASSAU (NUEVA YORK)

MARYLOU CELIBERTI, SECRETARIA DE DISTRITO 152638

ed asip, seated, and James Lentini talked about ways to further strengthen the ties between the school and the community.

Village welcomes university partnership

strengthens the relationship between the university and the local business community, providing new opportunities for students and businesses to collaborate.

“We’ve accomplished a tremendous amount and now is the time to [recommit] to the community program,” Ed Asip, president of the Rockville Centre Chamber of Commerce said, “to explore other options, other ways of leveraging the community program.”

Molloy student-athletes also get involved locally by volunteering at sports clinics for children with special needs through local organizations such as Challenger Baseball and Hoops for All. One of the program’s highlights is the annual “Night Out on the Lion” event, which offers Rockville Centre families a chance to enjoy an evening out while their children participate in activities like games and arts and crafts led by Molloy students and athletes. More than 60 children attended the event last December, with plans to run it again this year. Molloy has also hosted the “Hoops for Hope” event in February, benefiting the local nonprofit SiBSPlace.

“Many of our student-athletes call the village home for the majority of the year, and it is incredibly rewarding to make a difference for the residents and businesses of the area,” Susan Cassidy-Lyke, Molloy’s director of athletics, said. “Community service has always been at the heart of the Molloy mission, and communiversity only strengthens that priority.”

Village Mayor Francis Murray welcomes the partnership to the village, emphasizing how it will bring more people and more business to the area.

“If parents are visiting the village or dropping off their children, they’re going to come down and use our restaurants, use our facilities, use our parks,” Murray said. “It’s a great mutual agreement, and the Chamber has welcomed the university to get involved in all of our functions.”

Molloy’s engagement with the community extends beyond events and part-

nerships. The university has created a communications platform, the Molloy Parent Portal, which keeps families informed about campus activities. The portal’s 95% open rate on posts promoting communiversity initiatives has been notably high, as Molloy has reported, with many posts highlighting local businesses in the Chamber of Commerce.

Additionally, Molloy offers a clinical mental health counseling clinic located just a block from campus at 30 Hempstead Avenue. The clinic provides counseling services, some of which are free to the public, further demonstrating Molloy’s prevalence in the community through offered services.

The initiative was brought here by Lentini and his wife, Dana, after they saw it successfully implemented at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio, where Lentini was the dean of the School of Fine Arts. Dana highlighted the benefits of having college students involved in her children’s lives, from babysitting to participating in university-run camps and swim teams. She emphasized how being part of a college town exposed her own children to college life early on, fostering educational opportunities.

“It’s such a wonderful gift to a community to have a university, because we don’t serve just kids,” she said. “We serve adults and seniors, and there’s just so many benefits for all ages and stages of life to have a university in their town, and that’s something that I’ve experienced.”

Looking ahead, Lentini discussed plans to continue building the relationship between the university and Rockville Centre. Newer initiatives include adding Molloy University banners in the downtown area and expanding opportunities for local businesses to engage with Molloy families during campus events like open houses and orientation days. The university is also exploring collaborations with local events, such as “Eat Shop Rock,” to further support Rockville Centre’s businesses.

Continued from page 1

Courtesy Molloy University

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Q. I’m confused about what to call my addition. I want to put in a double dormer, and it seems clear to people I talk to, but two building department inspectors and two architects have corrected me as to what I want to do. Can you explain to me if there is a difference? I also have something on my plan that says “patio,” but I’m being told it’s not just a patio, but actually a screened room on my back patio. Again, does this matter?

A. Officially, it matters. Correct descriptions are important for legal reasons, and there should be no confusion when it comes to legal descriptions, because it affects whether you will have a problem with having to file for something over again in the future, or even your taxes and insurance. For example, let’s say that your old survey describes the screen room as a patio. Some surveyors, many years ago, would refer to a screened room as a patio because that was a common sales term. Unfortunately, it implies a hard ground surface material and not an actual building, causing some homeowners to spend money reapplying for a permit for an already approved screened room because the records didn’t reflect what was actually there.

Building Department records are sometimes very sketchy, literally, since it used to be a much less formal process, and simple sketches were accepted. They probably thought they were doing homeowners a favor, but in recent years the whole informal attitude changed, and now, with the strictness of officials, there is little or no proof of the structure, and the descriptive word doesn’t match what’s there, even though that screened room may always have been there.

The same is possible for a “double dormer,” or just “dormer.” People often call to request to “dormer” their house. Architects, in the interest of understanding what the caller really wants, have to then ask whether the person wants an outcropping room, extending sideways through their roof, or a new second-floor addition with a higher, newly constructed structure. Even on something like a half second floor, often referred to as a Cape Cod, where only the center of the second floor is tall enough to stand in, the roof and walls are going to be removed and the “dormer” is really a second floor.

I interpret that the misnaming is really intended to make the whole scope of work sound simpler and, hence, cheaper to build. Of course, it isn’t cheaper to build, and the misleading oversimplification can set the homeowner up for disappointment or stress when the construction cost comes in for the seemingly simpler-sounding dormer.

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In a toxic D.C., bipartisanship is the only way forward

Acore part of my mission in Congress is bipartisanship. That may sound quaint these days, but I believe it’s what the people I represent — and, more broadly, the American people — want and deserve. It’s also getting harder to achieve.

The current climate in Washington is more toxic and polarized than I’ve ever seen. As the Democratic co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus — which is evenly split between Democrats and Republicans — I work every day to find common ground. But I can’t pretend it’s easy in an environment where performative politics too often replaces problem-solving. Nonetheless, I’ll continue to work across party lines, and when I must, buck my own party, if it means getting things done for my constituents.

Why? Because those constituents tell me to. They’re sick and tired of the partisan bickering and political point-scoring. They want results, and that’s what I’m here to do. My philosophy is as it has always been: I’ll work with anyone, regardless of party, who’s serious about delivering for the American people, but

TI’ll never sacrifice my core values.

And let me be clear: there are some things this administration is doing that I cannot support, and that require relentless pushback.

The reckless budget cuts proposed by the Department of Government Efficiency are putting everything from national security to public health at risk. They not only haphazardly fired officials in charge of overseeing our nuclear stockpiles, but they’ve proposed slashing funding for pandemic preparedness, and fired those in charge of monitoring measles and avian flu, just as we face outbreaks of both. Once they realized this was a major mistake, they had a difficult time rehiring these people because they didn’t have their emails. This episode put on full display the cavalier approach DOGE is taking.

Even members of the far-right Freedom Caucus are saying enough is enough.

Problem Solvers colleague, Rep. Don Bacon, has called for targeted spending reforms, not reckless, across-the-board cuts. Another Republican, Mario DiazBalart, stresses congressional oversight, asserting that “Congress still has the power of the purse, and I zealously protect it.” And Republican Rep. Troy Balderson said President Trump’s executive orders are “getting out of control.”

Even members of the far-right Freedom Caucus are saying enough is enough. Rep. Gary Palmer argued that dismantling the Department of Education “can’t be done by executive order.” Sen. Lisa Murkowski put it simply: “That’s outside the bounds of the executive.”

back, standing up to DOGE on behalf of our 9/11 first responders.

When it comes to the state and local tax deduction, all four members of the Long Island delegation sit on the Congressional SALT Caucus, with Garbarino and I serving as co-chairs. And I commend my Republican colleagues for holding their party’s feet to the fire on this crucial Long Island issue; they have made clear to Speaker Mike Johnson that they won’t vote for legislation that doesn’t include raising the SALT deduction.

Internationally, Republican leaders like Sen. Roger Wicker and Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick have shown courage by continuing to support Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. They understand that peace doesn’t come from appeasement — it comes from strength and unity.

Opposing these efforts isn’t about partisanship; it’s about protecting our country. And many Republicans agree.

Two weeks ago, Republican Sen. Susan Collins joined Democratic Sen. Patty Murray in calling out the administration’s attempt to block emergency spending authorized by Congress. They reminded us all: “We must follow the law as it is written, not as we would like it to be.”

Across the Capitol, Republicans are standing up for our institutions. My

The national security implications are just as alarming. Reports that top officials were discussing war plans over Signal, a commercial messaging app, triggered bipartisan outrage. Republican Senators John Thune and Lindsey Graham both sounded the alarm about the serious risks posed by these lapses in judgment.

On Long Island, there have been positive examples of bipartisan cooperation to stand up for what’s right. When DOGE tried to make drastic cuts to the World Trade Center Health Program, Rep. Andrew Garbarino publicly pushed

These Republicans aren’t breaking with their party for political gain. They’re doing it because they know what’s at stake.

We need to encourage other Republicans to speak out — to find the courage to stand up not only for their constituents, but also for the country. We need more courage, more cooperation, more commitment to doing what’s right. I will keep fighting for results alongside my colleagues, no matter their party.

We have to work together. The stakes are too high for either party to go it alone.

Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.

No more excuses on county opioid funding

hree years into Nassau County Executive Bruce A. Blakeman’s administration, nearly $100 million in opioid settlement funds sits mostly untouched. Meanwhile, lives are being lost. The money is stuck in limbo — apparently with no urgency, no transparency and no plan emerging from his administration.

This is unacceptable. While families mourn and communities struggle, Blakeman’s inaction has left these critical funds collecting dust. It’s time for outside experts to step in and fix this mess.

The county’s opioid settlement funds came from lawsuits initiated by former County Executive Laura Curran against the distributors, manufacturers and retailers of addictive drugs. The funds were intended to support agencies providing treatment, prevention and recovery services on the front lines of this crisis. The most recent funds accepted by the County Legislature — $1.185 million in total — came

from settlements with ShopRite supermarkets, Target and Henry Schein Inc.

Yet out of nearly $100 million, only $4.8 million has been spent. That is a shocking failure.

While Blakeman and his administration claim that $36 million is “encumbered” to various agencies, that’s just a fancy way of saying they’ve promised the money but haven’t delivered it. Worse yet, they blame the service providers for failing to submit reimbursement claims quickly enough.

W e need pros to get these resources to where they belong.

That’s an insult to families fighting to save loved ones in the grip of addiction. “Help is on the way” means nothing when that help never arrives.

Under intense questioning by Legislator Scott Davis and me during the Feb. 24 meeting of the Legislature, Department of Human Services officials finally admitted that only $4.8 million has been spent to date — even though we had selected many of the intended recipients because of the county’s familiarity with their programs and trust in their leadership.

Their testimony and lack of results

to date made it clear that DHS doesn’t have the ability to handle the distribution of these funds under its current leadership — and that agencies entrusted with distributing these funds should at least be consulting with experts in the field as they formulate a strategy.

After years of delays, the Legislature in February created a method for providers to submit applications, and authorized a maximum allocation of $1 million to bring in an outside firm to fix this disaster.

I joined my fellow legislators in supporting the measure because we need professionals to cut through the confusion and get these lifesaving resources to where they belong. Had we known of the level of disorganization three years ago, we could have acted much sooner — but the administration would not admit that it was unable to adequately manage this critical task. Its failure to come clean — a recurring problem with the administration — will have real-life consequences.

I have attended far too many funerals for young overdose victims, and know the heartbreak this crisis inflicts. Addic-

tion doesn’t discriminate — it devastates families of all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, religion, sex or economic status. The catastrophic danger posed by the increasing presence of deadly fentanyl makes the stakes higher than ever before.

I regularly hear from families pleading for help, desperate for action. While we cannot undo the pain already inflicted, we can demand accountability. Nassau’s opioid settlement funds must reach those in need without further delay, and it is my hope that hiring a qualified firm will help us fulfill this mandate.

Every life we lose to opioid addiction is one too many. I will continue to meet my responsibility as a fiduciary of the county by continuing to closely monitor the distribution of these funds, which are intended to be used in an efficient, impactful and serious manner. In memory of everyone we have lost and with the hope of reaching our neighbors who are struggling right now, I am committed to doing everything in my power to ensure that we maximize the positive impact of these resources as expeditiously as possible.

Delia DeRiggi-Whitton represents Nassau County’s 11th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s Democratic minority leader.

ToM sUoZZi

Just

when you thought we were hopelessly divided . . .

At a time when extreme political partisanship threatens to divide our nation, it is reassuring to realize that there are those who can engage people across the political aisle without sacrificing or surrendering their principles. The classic example of working to find solutions to serious issues while disagreeing amicably was the storied relationship between President Ronald Reagan and House Speaker Tip O’Neill in the 1980s.

Reagan was the most staunchly conservative president of the past 80 years, and O’Neill as liberal as any speaker ever. I use the term “relationship” rather than “friendship” because people who worked for O’Neill didn’t share the genuinely warm feelings Reagan had for him. But that didn’t prevent these two larger-than-life, strong-minded leaders of their respective political parties from respecting the office the other held and accepting their joint responsibility to find ways to get things done. Probably the best-known example of this cooperation was their agreement on Social Security, the “third rail” of poli-

Itics, which saved the system and strengthened it for another 40 years.

Though not as cordial, President Bill Clinton and House Speaker Newt Gingrich found ways to work together in the mid-1990s, achieving successes for the country on such critical issues as welfare reform and the only balanced budget in a half-century. But that didn’t come easily. For the first two years of Gingrich’s speakership, after leading Republicans in 1994 to their first control of Congress in 40 years, he and Clinton were bitter, partisan rivals.

calmly about politics and serious issues, including the direction of the country.

A t King Umberto’s in Elmont, diners show a highprofile Democrat some love.

Then, when Clinton stalemated Gingrich by being re-elected in 1996, both realized that it made more governmental, and political, sense to find common ground. And they did.

It wasn’t anywhere near the same magnitude, but a similar bipartisan spirit prevailed last week, when my wife, Rosemary, and I had dinner with former Gov. David Paterson and his wife, Mary, at King Umberto’s in Elmont. Paterson is a lifelong Democrat whose father was a well-known state senator and Democratic candidate for lieutenant governor. Despite our party differences, David and I have been friends over the years, and can talk

At King Umberto’s the conversation and the food were great, and, adding to the bipartisanship, Nassau County Republican Chairman Joe Cairo came by to say hello and exchange words of friendship and respect with Paterson. So here you had Cairo, the most successful political chairman in the country, having led the Republicans to more victories throughout Nassau than at any time since 1971, and Paterson, a former Democratic governor, displaying friendship and respect to each other in full view of a restaurant full of diners.

As we got up to leave, I was stopped by a number of customers who said hello and wished me well. I appreciated their kind words but wasn’t that surprised — not because I’m universally acclaimed, but because they were Republicans, and I’d been in elective office for 45 years. In fact, all told me they had voted for President Trump. What did surprise me were the universal expressions of friendship and support for Paterson:

“We need more Democrats like you.”

“Is there any way you could run for mayor this year?”

“I always respected you as governor.”

That’s how it went, from table to table, as we made our way to the door. I realize that was only a snapshot in time, and not a scientific survey. But as a political practitioner for all these years, I was pleasantly surprised that in these extraordinarily partisan times, a lifelong Democrat would receive such a warm response from a strong Republican crowd.

It could well have been that Paterson reminded them of a time that was more civil, that he was never known to be an extreme partisan or maybe just that he seemed so comfortable spending an evening with Republicans. Whatever the reasons, it was a signal to me that there’s still a place for bipartisanship. Nassau is in many ways the ultimate politically competitive county. There are 100,000 more registered Democrats here, but Trump carried Nassau by 30,000 votes, and Republicans hold every county office and control all three towns and two cities. At the same time, Democrats hold the majority of the state legislative districts. But with all the political infighting and the close balance of power, Joe Cairo and I are proud to show our friendship with and respect for a prominent Democrat like Paterson. Could be a good model for the country.

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

The Voice of America has been silenced

love old war movies. The battle scenes that have been colorized help bring old films back to life. I enjoy spy movies that feature brave private citizens using makeshift radio transmitters to relay the enemy’s battle plans. Many of the heroes are eventually captured and put to death, but their valor is praised and monuments are created in their memory. These old memories came alive when I learned that the U.S. Agency for Global Media was defunding Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty. These two agencies reach an average of 47.4 million people a week in locations around the world. Their staff of 1,700 has programs that communicate in 27 languages to 23 countries. Their voice is heard in Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Caucasus and the Middle East. They were founded in 1950, with the blessing of President Dwight Eisenhower. If you live in Levittown or Long Beach, your initial reaction might be, why should anyone care about broadcast-

ing to countries that are controlled by dictators? No one in our region wants us to be engaged in another war, but if we can spread truthful information around the globe, words can be more important than bullets. China, Russia and Iran spend billions of dollars telling people what a bad country America is.

We get our daily news from traditional media, podcasts and outlets like Facebook, X and Instagram. People who live in the Ukraine or Iran have found ways to make contact with Radio Free Europe, their only source of real news. Without it and Radio Liberty, they are inundated with propaganda telling them about the “Evil Americans” who will desert them if there is any conflict. Up to a month ago, the two networks were working 24 hours a day to tell the world about America’s technological successes and our many new business achievements. They were also working to help free independent journalists from countries controlled by our political enemies. In fact, it was the Trump administration that helped free the journalist Andrey Kuznechyk from captivity in Belarus, a victory for the West.

F or dictators, there’s great news about Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty.

Dictators around the world want to see Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty go out of business because they get in the way of their propaganda machines. In 1981, a terrorist bomb exploded at the Munich headquarters of the two groups, injuring six and causing over $1 million in damage to the building.

After that episode, many Europeans thought maybe it was time to shut down their operations. When it looked like the groups would cave in and shut down for good, the Russians ramped up their efforts to downgrade America, and support for the networks strengthened again.

During the failed Soviet overthrow of some of its neighbors, then President Boris Yeltsin decided that the two companies provided helpful information for his country, and they received official accreditation. For a short time the networks operated offices in Moscow. When it was suggested that the Moscow offices be closed, they relocated to Prague, Czechoslovakia, with the blessings of then President Vaclav Havel. History will show that changing events kept the two groups alive.

Following the violent breakup of Yugoslavia, RFE/RL began broadcasting in Serbian, Croatian and Bosnian so they could be of service to the people in that region. A bureau was established in North Macedonia, for Albanians and Macedonian, in 2001. Once again there was pressure for a shutdown, but a series of armed aggressions by Russia brought about an increase in the networks’ operations.

With this history, it’s hard to understand why our new Department of Government Efficiency, run by billionaire Elon Musk, decided that the funding for these nonprofits should be eliminated. Clearly Musk knows nothing about theses two operations, their successes and the role they have played in fighting for democracy around the globe.

The good news is that the Czech government has stepped forward to provide funding for them. This short-term solution will help send the message of the West to the East and Far East. But the failure of America to step up is a sign of an administration that is truly out of touch with reality.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. Comments about this column? jkremer@ liherald.com.

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tCelebrating the vitality of our libraries

he 54 public libraries in Nassau County and the 53 in Suffolk have long been pillars of knowledge and civic engagement.

More than just buildings filled with books, they are hubs of learning and connection. As we celebrate the 67th annual National Library Week — April 6 to 10 — it is important to recognize the invaluable role libraries play in our society, providing resources, fostering literacy, and hosting a range of community events.

Each day of National Library Week highlights a different aspect of their significance, underscoring their multifaceted contributions to their towns. While reading remains at the core of their mission, 21st-century libraries offer a vast array of services that cater to diverse community needs. From digital literacy programs to job-search assistance, they help people of all ages navigate an increasingly digital world. Free access to computers, and with them internet and research databases, empowers those who might otherwise lack these essential tools.

Libraries also serve as community centers, offering classes in everything from new languages to financial literacy. Programs for children, such as story time and summer reading challenges, foster a love of books and learning from an early age.

Most libraries also offer services for senior citizens, including technology training and social gatherings that keep them from becoming isolated. The inclu-

sivity of those services ensures that everyone, regardless of age, education or socioeconomic status, has the opportunity to learn and grow.

In a time when access to information is more important than ever, libraries remain steadfast in their commitment to education and community. They provide safe spaces for learning as well as opportunities for career advancement. Every day next week emphasizes a different facet of their importance:

Monday, April 7: Right to Read Day. The freedom to read is fundamental to democracy, yet book bans and attempts at censorship continue to threaten access to diverse perspectives. Right to Read Day serves as a rallying call for readers and library lovers and advocates to defend intellectual freedom.

The American Library Association marks the occasion by releasing its annual State of America’s Libraries report. By promoting open access to information, libraries empower their patrons to explore new ideas and think critically about the world around them.

Tuesday, April 8: National Library Workers Day. Every library has a team of dedicated professionals who make its services possible. This day is an opportunity to recognize and appreciate the efforts of librarians, archivists and support staff, who not only manage collections but also offer patrons guidance, research assistance and technological support. Their work ensures that libraries remain welcoming spaces for learn-

ing and discovery.

Wednesday, April 9: National Library Outreach Day

Libraries are not confined to physical buildings; they extend their services to underserved populations through outreach programs. Whether it’s bookmobiles bringing literature to rural areas, mobile internet access for remote communities or library partnerships with schools and shelters, outreach initiatives ensure that no one is excluded from the benefits of library resources. National Library Outreach Day celebrates these efforts and the professionals dedicated to meeting patrons where they are.

Thursday, April 10: Take Action for Libraries Day

Libraries depend on advocacy and support to continue their mission. On this day, their patrons are encouraged to speak up for policies and funding that sustain library programs.

From securing government funding to rallying local support, Take Action day reminds us of the power of collective action in protecting and expanding library services. Whether creating petitions, attending town hall meetings or simply spreading awareness, everyone can play a role in strengthening libraries for future generations.

This year’s Library Week theme is “Drawn to the Library,” with the goal of bringing more people from the community into libraries. If you haven’t been to your library recently, stop by. You can check out a book — and so much more.

It’s up to us to minimize the damage to history

To the Editor:

Re last week’s editorial, “History should not be a political casualty”: History, as history teaches, is inseparable from politics, and thus constantly in opinions’ crossfire, sometimes becoming a specific issue. As history also reveals, efforts to suppress or over-write reality mostly fail.

The musketeers in the Trump administration who are assigned to sniff out any aromas of diversity, equity and inclusion are one line of attack in MAGA’s self-described “culture war.” The current social, economic, political and religious hierarchies are to be reconstructed, which requires construction sites to be created and cleared. That demolition is underway, and will damage the fabric of American history.

In war, as Winston Churchill noted, truth is often the first casualty, and that is what uprooting DEI is all about. But because

opinions I made my budget priorities clear

as a long-distance cyclist, I often rely on rest stops to acknowledge the progress I’ve made on my journeys, while keeping in mind the distance still to cover before reaching my destination. Now, as a freshman state senator, I found myself in a comparable situation with the Senate One-House Budget. While I was encouraged by the additions and restorations in that spending plan, I recognized the necessity of continuing our efforts to ensure that these provisions were included in the final state budget. Throughout the budgeting process, I leveraged my extensive experience on the Westbury Board of Education, the Huntington Housing Authority and the Nassau County Legislature. My deep understanding of the challenges facing the county, combined with the skills I developed in these roles, has been invaluable in advocating for the specific line items included in the Senate budget.

Additionally, in my capacity as chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Libraries and a member of several other committees — including Consumer Protection, Education, Environmental Conservation, Investigations and Government Operations, Mental Health, and Transportation — I actively participated in public hearings to better understand the priorities that should be reflected in the state budget.

iOne pressing issue in the 6th District is the impact of charter school saturation on the Hempstead School District, which is grappling with a $24 million budget deficit due to rising charter school-related expenses. Hempstead district officials indicated that closing the David Paterson Elementary School and laying off staff would be necessary to address the budget shortfall. In addition to expressing my concerns during hearings and work-group meetings, I engaged with the school district and Senate leadership to ensure the inclusion of a new budget line to support districts affected by charter school saturation. As a result, the Senate budget allocated $24

Letters

“casualty” does not always mean “fatality,” it is up to us to minimize the damage, end the assault and repair the fabric. That task is also underway. Join in.

BRIAN KELLy Rockville Centre

Trump’s EPA can’t ignore reality of greenhouse gases

To the Editor:

I am a concerned citizen calling for urgent action regarding President Trump’s stance on global warming and the environment. The administration’s proposal to reconsider the Environmental Protection Agency’s endangerment finding is reckless, anti-science, and a huge step backward for climate action. This decision isn’t just about politics — it puts our health, environment and future on the line.

The endangerment finding, established in 2009, is based on clear scientific evidence that greenhouse gases harm public health and the planet. It’s been the legal backbone for policies that reduce emissions from cars, power plants and industry. Without it, we lose a key tool for fighting climate change — and that’s exactly what polluters want.

The reality is, climate change isn’t some distant threat. It’s here. We’re

million in new aid for Hempstead schools, while also providing assistance to districts in Buffalo and Rochester.

Further, as a former school board member, I fought to include a new $1,000 tax deduction to help cover the cost of classroom supplies and expenses for educators, which teachers often pay out of pocket. This proposal would help offset the cost that many teachers bear in order to deliver quality classroom experiences, and better support kids in their learning.

came to understand what the state’s spending priorities should be.

In my ongoing efforts to guarantee safe drinking water for all Long Islanders and to support water providers in mitigating contaminants, I advocated for an increase in the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act. The Senate OneHouse Budget included an additional $200 million for this purpose. I also successfully pursued the restoration of $1 million in funding for the Stony Brook Center for Clean Water.

As a member of the Transportation Committee, I have fought hard for dedicated roads and highway funding for Long Island. Inclement weather, heavy traffic, and years of under-resourcing

have left our major arteries in a state of disrepair. I’m proud that after raising the alarm, this year’s Senate budget proposal included $31.3 million for our region’s roadways, and I planned to push hard for its inclusion in the final budget.

In my role as chair of Libraries, I worked to ensure that the Senate spending plan responded to the urgent need for enhanced library funding by adding $5 million in operating funds and $20 million in construction aid. Additionally, library materials aid for schools has remained unchanged since 2007, so I ensured the inclusion of $14.2 million in the Senate budget to support districts statewide.

Acknowledging that public libraries serve as vital resources for all community members, particularly the most vulnerable, I introduced legislation to create a social-work-services program for libraries in economically disadvantaged communities, allowing them to employ social workers and supervisors. The Senate budget allocated $1 million for this initiative.

As we neared the budget deadline, I continued to work diligently to secure these priorities, as well as the numerous others I have championed.

Siela Bynoe represents the 6th State Senate District.

Framework by Tim Baker

seeing record-breaking heat, wildfires, floods and hurricanes that devastate communities. Our state is not immune to these catastrophes, and the administration’s actions would reverse progress. Gutting this policy ignores science and common sense at a time when we need stronger action, not more rollbacks.

This also sends a terrible message to the rest of the world. While other countries are working toward clean energy solutions, the U.S. risks becoming a climate laggard instead of a leader.

We can’t let this happen. We need to push back against this dangerous move and demand real climate solutions. The health of our planet — and future generations — depends on it. The EPA should scrap its plan to undo this regulation and maintain the rules that are protecting all of us, and the air and water we rely on.

KAILI DeSANTIS Oyster Bay

‘We must make our voices heard’ on Social Security

To the Editor: Social Security isn’t a handout — it’s a promise that millions of us older Americans have paid into with every paycheck. This administration is dis-

mantling an essential program, closing offices, cutting hotlines, and spreading misinformation to justify these attacks. We elders deserve dignity, not broken promises.

We must stand together and make

our voices heard. We cannot allow our American way of life to be decimated, and all the promises we believed in to be broken.

Two members of the Norman J. Levy Park and Preserve welcoming committee — Merrick

sieLa BYnoe

DONNA PAOLINO Bellmore