The Nassau County Police Emerald Society Pipe Band marched in Wantagh last Sunday as part of the county Police Department’s 100th anniversary celebration, which drew thousands of South Shore residents to a parade and block party. Story, more photos, Page 3.
By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
The Mainstage Players of Temple B’nai Torah in Wantagh are ready to hit the stage this month for four performances of the whimsical musical adventure, “Mary Poppins.”
The show, based on the iconic story of a magical nanny who brings adventure, music and life lessons to the Banks family, will be performed in the temple’s auditorium.
According to temple member Lisa Shubin, who is producing the play, more than 40 performers — a mix of adults and children ages 8 and up — have been rehearsing three to four days a
week since January.
“It’s a fun show, and people who come will have a great time,” said Shubin, whose husband, Tom Reilly, is directing the show.
Shubin said the decision to stage “Mary Poppins” was based on the cast that they anticipated, considering factors like age range, vocal abilities and acting experience.
Playing the lead role of Mary Poppins is Marni Tessler, 30, who said she’s passionate about singing and enjoys the rehearsal process. She added that her parents were members of Temple Emanu-El, and she began performing in temple productions at age 7. Altogether, she has
By CHARlES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
The Wantagh Chamber of Commerce celebrated the contributions of several members during its annual installation and awards dinner on April 24. The event, which attracted dozens of guests, took place at Gatsby on the Ocean at Jones Beach’s historic West Bathhouse.
Joining chamber members at the dinner were State Sen. Steve Rhoads; County Legislator Michael Giangregorio, who swore in the chamber’s trustees during the ceremony; and Hempstead Town Councilman Chris Schneider.
T his is something I do because I love Wantagh.
Sisters Ann Durkin and Ellen Dolan, owners of Olde Towne Garden Irish & Victorian Gift Shop, received the Nassau Council Chambers of Commerce Small Businessperson of the Year award. Originally from Galway, Ireland, the sisters established their shop in 1994, selling a selection of imported Irish goods, including Claddagh jewelry and Aran knitwear in an old Victorian house.
BARBARA RooNEY Citizen of the Year Award recipient
Chamber President Cathy McGrory Powell said it was an exciting evening to celebrate local businesses. “I always love this,” McGrory Powell said. “It’s like an intimate dinner while honoring the community who go above and beyond all the time.”
Following the swearing-in, chamber members announced the award recipients, who received plaques and flowers.
Dolan said that the Wantagh community had supported their business for years, with loyal customers stopping by regularly.
“We’re a little overwhelmed by the recognition,” Durkin said, “but it’s wonderful to receive it.”
The Wantagh Preservation Society, which was founded in 1965 to save an 1885 Victorian railroad station, won the Organization of the Year Award. Since its inception, the society has maintained the Wantagh Museum and promoted the community’s historical values. Its president, Matt Susco, Continued on page 10
The gym at Maria Regina School in Seaford transformed into a spooky stage for a two-night run of The Addams Family on April 4 and 5, as student performers brought the eerie charm of Wednesday Addams, Lucas Beineke and the rest of the cast to life.
The show featured plenty of humor, heart, and Halloween-style fun. Families turned out in support, cheering on the young cast and crew who had been rehearsing for weeks.
Organizers said on social media said that the performances were a huge success, calling it a night to remember for the school community.
Seaford Cinemas, a longstanding theater in the community for over 25 years, announced on its website that it will permanently close on Monday, April 28.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has come to enjoy movies at our theater over the last few years,” the website stated. “It has been an honor serving the community.”
Other entertainment organizations expressed sadness over the closure.
United Skates of America Inc., based in Seaford, shared a post on Facebook about the news.
“We are so sad to hear about the closing of Seaford Cinemas,” the post read, “a longstanding local business in our community that our family has been to many times.”
For years, the cinema not only showed movies but also hosted private parties. Some customers who placed
deposits for upcoming events say their parties have allegedly been canceled and deposits lost for May and beyond, according to posts on social media.
United Skates also offered assistance to families impacted by the closure. In its Facebook post, the organization encouraged those who lost their party deposits to reach out.
“If you are in this situation and have lost your deposit for your party, please
call us,” the post said. “We will find a time for you and credit your party $50 (which we believe is half of your deposit). If you were doing a Stitch movie party, we have a Stitch-themed party available.”
United Skates asked affected customers to call 516-795-5475 or send a message to arrange a time.
— Charles Shaw
By Maureen Fitzgerald
On April 15, nearly 50 Long Island business owners attended PSEG Long Island’s first “Business First” workshop at its Bethpage headquarters, hosted in collaboration with the Nassau Council of Chambers of Commerce. The morning session featured a networking breakfast and expert-led presentations on reducing energy costs, managing utility bills, and securing funding for energy-efficient upgrades.
“Small businesses power our communities and fuel economic growth,” said Veronica Isaac, Manager of Customer and Community Partnerships at PSEG Long Island, reflecting on the vital role small businesses play here — a theme that resonated throughout the day’s program. “By helping them thrive, we unlock local jobs, boost reinvestment and create a cycle of shared success. A strong small business is a win for all of us.”
Christine Bryson and Shamisha Sims kicked off the event with an overview of financial and technical resources available through PSEG Long Island and partner agencies. Bryson explained how federal, state, and local programs—including grants, loans, and tax credits—can support energy-saving improvements. She also provided tips on working with economic development agencies. Sims introduced PSEG’s Business First program, which offers free or low-cost energy assessments, and shared sample audit reports highlighting quickreturn upgrades like LED lighting and HVAC controls.
The technical portion of the workshop focused on implementation. Matt Connors shared case studies of local companies that cut energy use by up to 25% and explained how to apply for rebates tied to improvements like programmable thermostats and motor retrofits. Nicole Jones-Cumberbatch followed with a presentation on PSEG’s renovation support services, which help businesses navigate permits, hire contractors, and stay on schedule. Paul DiBenedetto wrapped up the segment with a discussion on EV charging stations and available
Long Island business
incentives, sparking interest from several attendees planning future installations.
Thenaris Godbolt walked through PSEG Long Island’s commercial billing system, helping attendees better understand rate schedules, online tools, and cost-saving features like budget billing and prompt-payment discounts. The session closed with Jimmy Alty offering procurement tips to help businesses evaluate vendor bids, negotiate terms, and leverage PSEG Long Island’s contractor network — their Prime Efficiency
Partners — for quality assurance and cost control. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet one-onone with Business First Advocates to discuss next steps, from rebate applications to project planning, receiving personalized advice and customized next steps and key contacts for follow-up support. Future workshops are planned throughout the year. Businesses can email PSEGLI-BusinessFirst@pseg. com to schedule a free energy assessment or learn more.
By CHARLES SHAW cshaw@liherald.com
Thousands of residents lined the streets of Wantagh on Sunday, April 27, to celebrate the Nassau County Police Department’s 100th anniversary with a street parade and block party.
The parade stepped off from the corner of Wantagh and Beltagh avenues and featured antique police cars, motorcycles, pipe bands and horses. A helicopter flyover and performances by live musicians added to the festivities as the parade made its way toward Beech Street and Park Avenue.
According to a news release from the office of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, around 70,000 residents attended the celebration. The police department, the release stated, is part of why U.S. News & World Report named the county as the safest in America in their 2024 report. Blakeman, the release added, plans to continue investing in local law enforcement to help keep residents safe.
“We appreciate the men and women who keep us safe each and every day and remember those who died in the line of duty protecting our beautiful and great County,” Blakeman said in a statement. “Residents of Nassau County love their Police Department. May God bless them all and God bless America.”
Following the parade, a block party took place on Railroad Avenue in front of Mulcahy’s Pub & Concert Hall, where attendees enjoyed food, music, and activities throughout the evening.
The police department was founded in April 1925 with 55 officers and has since grown into one of the largest police departments in the country, now serving more than 1.3 million residents with approximately 2,600 officers.
Blakeman and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder helped lead the centennial festivities, which aimed to honor the department’s legacy. Officials previously described the celebration as an opportunity to thank past and present members of the force and recognize the
department’s impact on Nassau County over the past century.
At the event, Ryder thanked police officers and officials who attended the event.
“We are here for one reason, and one reason only: to recognize and thank the men and women who serve,” Ryder said at the parade. “The County Executive said he wanted the biggest police parade in the country. No one has ever in the country’s history done just a police parade. Well, it happened here today.”
The parade included appearances from village police departments and featured past and present police vehicles as well as pipe bands from throughout the region.
Additional reporting by Luke Feeney
Visitors shopped a wide variety of flowers and plants, with proceeds benefiting the department’s initiatives.
The Seaford Fire Department hosted its annual Easter Plant Sale on April 19 and 20 at Department Headquarters, located at Waverly and Southard avenues. Visitors shopped a wide variety of flowers and plants, with proceeds benefiting the department’s initiatives. Held rain or shine, the event once again brought the community together to celebrate the spring season and support Seaford’s first responders.
— Charles Shaw
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spent about 15 years involved in the shows, returning in 2022 after a break.
For Tessler, rehearsing alongside younger performers has been a great way to watch them progress in their acting abilities.
“I have grown very close with them, so it’s a really fun experience to watch them grow and to see what roles they take on,” she said.
Temple member Jeff Minkowsky will take on the role of Bert, the cheerful chimney sweep who serves as Mary Poppins’ friend and guide through the children’s magical adventures. He has been performing in temple shows since 2019, initially joining as a way to connect his family to the community.
“I just thought it was a wonderful opportunity for my daughter and I to join a theater show and be a part of it together, and it was the best decision we ever made,” he said.
Minkowsky’s oldest daughter, Lila, 14, is playing Jane Banks, one of the two children under Mary Poppins’ care. His younger daughter, Arielle, 12, is performing in ensemble roles, and his wife, Rachel, is playing Mrs. Brill, the Banks family’s cook.
When it comes to theater, the biggest lesson learned is that it’s a marathon, not a sprint, Minkowsky said.
“It takes hard work,” he said. “It takes teamwork, and we put on great
Charles Shaw/Herald
temple B’nai torah’s mainstage players will stage “mary poppins” in Wantagh this month, featuring a talented cast of all ages and offering a heartwarming experience for the whole family.
shows every single year — and this should be no different.”
According to Shubin, the show is more than just a performance — it’s a way for people to feel more connected to the temple.
“The draw for most people is the family feel,” she noted, “the intergenerational relationships and the connectedness.”
Members of the adult group have been performing in stage shows for more than 30 years at Temple Emanu-El in East Meadow, before it merged with Temple B’nai Torah in 2018. Some cast
members in this production are in their 70s.
Shubin, who has been producing shows at the temple for 15 years, last staged “Mary Poppins” in 2018. Over the years, she has seen friendships form among the children, along with valuable life lessons passed down from older cast members.
“It really helps the children feel a connection to the synagogue,” she said, “because they have friends that are their age and friends of older generations.”
Arielle said she’s excited to see all
the little details come to life on stage — from the flying kites to the scene where Mary Poppins magically brings toys to life, a moment in which she plays one of the toys.
“It’s cast really well,” she said. “I think everyone here really fit into their roles.”
Ensemble member Emma Rubinstein, 8, said she’s looking forward to taking the stage and continuing to grow as a performer.
“I learned how to sing more and to project,” Emma said. “We practiced other times, so it’s not as scary as the first time. It’s pretty exciting.”
Tessler said she helps motivate the younger performers while encouraging them to enjoy the experience. When it comes to stage fright, she offers a useful tip: stare straight ahead at a fixed point.
“When I catch eyes of people in the audience, it messes me up,” Tessler said. “So I teach kids to stare at a focal point. If you’re nervous, just do that and you won’t even see the people.”
The four performances of “Mary Poppins” will take place at the temple, 2900 Jerusalem Ave., on May 3 and 10 at 8 p.m., and May 4 and 11 at 2 p.m.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for seniors 65 and over, and $10 for children 17 and under. For tickets, visit tbtwantagh.seatyourself.biz, email tbttix@temple-bnai-torah.org, or call (516) 221-2370.
Plainedge Senior Lacrosse
IT HAS BEEN A red-hot April for Wade and the Plainedge girls’ lacrosse team. The Red Devils have won eight of their last night games, with Wade serving as one of the integral parts of the success. The third-year varsity player is also a third-year captain and helping Plainedge’s offense fire. Entering this week’s action, Wade ranked near the top of Nassau County in goals with 42. She netted at least three goals in eight of the first 11 games.
Thursday, May 1
Boys Lacrosse: Baldwin at Freeport 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Calhoun at Carey 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: East Meadow at Clarke 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Sewanhaka at Freeport 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Mepham at Bethpage 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Elmont at Uniondale 5 p.m.
Friday, May 2
Flag Football: Lynbrook at East Rockaway 5 p.m.
Flag Football: Bethpage at Long Beach 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Farmingdale at Massapequa 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: South Side at Wantagh 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: South Side at North Shore 5 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Lynbrook at MacArthur 7 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Long Beach at Massapequa 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 3
Softball: Uniondale at Elmont 10 a.m.
Softball: North Shore at Baldwin 10 a.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Lynbrook at Mepham 10 a.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Calhoun at Oceanside
10 a.m.
Flag Football: Freeport at Oceanside 11 a.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Clarke at Division 12 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Island Trees at Hewlett 3 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a spring sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
After a tough start to the softball season, MacArthur is showing its capability of being a championship contender.
The Generals (6-6) fighting spirit to win under pressure was evident when it rallied for two runs in the bottom of the seventh inning in a 3-2 come-from-behind win against neighborhood foe Wantagh April 24 capped off by a Hailey Trapani RBI single. Facing one of the top pitchers in Nassau County, Lucy Olore, MacArthur (6-6) persevered after being limited to just one hit in the first six innings to record its fifth win in six games.
“It wasn’t looking good because we really weren’t really even getting on base,” said longtime MacArthur coach Bobby Fehrenbach. “They just battled.”
MacArthur set the tables for the comeback when Julia Hart hit a one-out triple and was driven home by a squeeze bunt from Madison Anderson to tie the score at 2-2. Trapani then delivered the winning hit with the bases loaded.
The winning hit continued a memorable final high school season for Trapani, who is batting over. 500. The senior center fielder earned All-County honors the last two seasons and All-State accolades as a sophomore when she hit .440 with five home runs.
“She is very aggressive and a great contact hitter,” said Fehrenbach of Trapani, who has committed to play college softball next season at Division II power Wilmington University in Delaware. “She is doing a great job at the plate whether she is starting off an inning or with runners on base.”
Sophomore Alexandra Livanos has kept MacArthur in games as the team’s lone pitcher with strong control in the circle. Livanos recorded four strikeouts and limited a strong Wantagh lineup to two runs while facing an acre in Olore, who tossed a three-hitter with 11 strikeouts.
“She’s not going to strike a lot of kids out, but he’s going to battle and pitch to contact and we just have to make the plays behind her,” Fehrenbach said. “We
Derrick Dingle/Herald
Madison Anderson had a key squeeze bunt to tie the Generals’ 3-2 come-from-behind win over Wantagh April 24.
are usually pretty steady defensively.”
Livanos is also one of MacArthur’s key hitters and leads the team in RBIs.
Junior left fielder Gianna Spaventa, senior catcher Angela Pellegrino and senior shortstop Gabby Silvestri are also in the midst of big offensive seasons.
MacArthur followed up the big Wantagh win with a narrow 7-6 loss at Glen Cove last Friday in which the Generals nearly rallied from a 7-4 deficit in the seventh inning. Pellegrino shined at the plate going 4-for-4.
The Generals will host Oceanside on
Wednesday before visiting Farmingdale Friday at 5 p.m. The team’s final two regular season games are scheduled for May 5 against Massapequa and at Seaford on May 7.
After falling just short of repeating as county champions last year with a setback to Bellmore JFK in the Class A championship series, MacArthur is fueled to try and go on another deep postseason run next month.
“We’re getting better every day,” Fehrenbach said. “Come playoff time we will be battle tested.”
By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com
Las Vegas Sands is no longer pursuing its $6 billion proposal to build a casino resort on the Nassau Coliseum site.
The company will not apply in June for one of three available downstate gaming licenses in New York. Executives cited a range of market forces, including the rise of online gambling, economic uncertainty in the U.S. and a strategic shift to preserve shareholder value.
The proposed project included a 400,000-square-foot casino, hotels, restaurants, retail space and a convention center. It was projected to create more than 8,500 construction jobs and over 5,000 permanent positions across the 72-acre site.
Last August, the County Legislature approved a 42-year operational lease agreement with Las Vegas Sands for the Coliseum and surrounding land in an 18-1 vote, meaning that Sands was responsible for the general upkeep and maintenance of the property but could not build or develop. The next steps for the project would have been for the company to apply for a lease that allowed it to develop the property, and to bid for one of the gaming licenses.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a forceful advocate for the project, issued a statement through Chris Boyle, his director of communications.
Kelsie Radziski/Herald
Las Vegas Sands has withdrawn its plan to build a $6 billion casino on the Nassau Coliseum site. The project sparked debate from the start, with groups like the Say No to the Casino Civic Association, above, protesting outside legislative meetings.
according to a statement issued by members Monica Kiely and Allison O’Brien Silva.
“While we are concerned the door remains open for the county to find a new casino partner, it was always a bad idea, and it will continue to be a bad idea, whether the county works with Las Vegas Sands or another predatory gambling company looking to extract wealth from our community,” the statement read.
On April 24, County Legislator Seth Koslow sent a cease-and-desist letter to Blakeman demanding that all expenditures surrounding the Sands casino be terminated. Koslow said at a news conference that morning that there was no clear path forward for the project, and he was concerned about “wasting time, energy and money” on something that is “not what people wanted.”
“County Executive Bruce Blakeman has been aware of certain pressures that have factored into Las Vegas Sands’ rethinking of land-based brick and mortar casinos in the United States,” the statement read.
the licensing application process.”
“The County Executive is grateful that Las Vegas Sands is committed to the development of the Coliseum site with or without a casino,” Boyle added. “However, there is strong interest from gaming organizations which have been in confidential discussions with Nassau County in taking the place of Las Vegas Sands in
“Nassau County will crystallize within the next 30 days whether or not to entertain a casino component or develop the site without,” Boyle stated. “In either event there will be an exciting new development that will create jobs and positive economic activity.”
The Say No to the Casino Civic Association, whose members have been vocal opponents of the project since the beginning, is “thrilled” after a long fight against the “wholly destructive casino,”
Koslow, who is the Democratic candidate for county executive, supports development on the site that both brings in the money that the casino promised and aligns with what he maintains community members want.
“We need to invest in a real project that’s going to get done, that people want, that has community buy-in,” he said at the conference. “We can certainly do a hotel, an entertainment facility, with a convention center, something that’s going to bring more people here, something that’s going to bring tourism here.”
Some thirty-five years ago your writer was taught that estate planning is about getting your assets to whom you want, when you want, and the way you want, with the least amount of taxes and legal fees possible.
In the intervening time, we have learned that estate planning is more — it is legacy planning. Legacy has two meanings (1) the assets you leave, and (2) the impression you leave. Your assets will dissipate, but your impression will endure.
Were you kind and generous? Were you forgiving and grateful? Were you compassionate and did you bring light into the world, despite your setbacks.
Our readers have surely noticed over the years that these sponsored columns are not only about law, but just as often about how to become a better human being. Much of it has been learned from our interactions with clients. A client once asked if I had a degree in psychology. I answered yes, I have a Masters. When she asked where I got it, I said sitting behind this desk eight hours a day for the last thirty-five years!
Observing people, you learn that perspective is everything. We consider it part of our calling to provide clients with different perspectives with which to view personal and family matters. It is not difficult to see how looking at a situation from a different perspective can completely change the way we see the world. A client came in relating how furious she was that her daughter’s abusive husband used her daughter to obtain his degree and then asked for a divorce and move out. Yes, I said, but if it was my daughter and she had an abusive husband I would be thrilled that he had move out. Oh, the client said, “I never thought of that!” Her view of the matter had shifted considerably. Thoreau put it, “It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.”
Working on oneself to become a better person is a classic win/win situation. Our lives become better as do those of everyone we come into contact with. The Dalai Lama says we are all selfish but we can engage in “enlightened selfishness”, doing better by others for our own sake.
History, and real or imagined inequity, collide on 25 miles of one of Long Island’s busiest roadways
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
First in a series on the Southern State Parkway.
One bright Saturday afternoon in June 2020, a group of protesters stood near the Robert Moses statue in Babylon, calling for its removal. Their rallying cry: The “Master Builder” was not worthy of such recognition. He was, instead, a racist who, among other things, designed the Southern State Parkway to keep buses carrying low-income families from traveling from New York City to Long Island — and its beaches.
The group had collected more than 13,000 signatures in support of its cause.
major roadway expansion undertaken by New York state that also included the Northern State and Sagtikos parkways. Today, it is a 25.3-mile long roadway that stretches from the Queens-Nassau border to Heckscher State Park in East Islip.
Wayne Horsley, a former regional director of Long Island’s state parks and a local historian, countered at the time that the often aired claims against Moses, “a son of the village,” have never been proven.
What has been proven, however, is the impact of the visionary work of Moses, who was the architect behind the construction of the Southern State when he served as the chairman of the Long Island State Park Commission and president of the New York State Parks Council.
The 100th anniversary of the construction of the parkway this year offers an opportunity to reflect on both its history and its future.
Often referred to simply as “the parkway,” the Southern State was part of a
Construction on the Southern State began in 1925, under Moses’s leadership. It was designed to improve access to Jones Beach. The land was originally a water conduit owned by the borough of Brooklyn. It comprises the western portion of unsigned New York State Route 908M, with the Heckscher State Parkway occupying the eastern section. Its first section opened to the public in 1927; there were additions in 1949, and its current roadway was completed in 1962, when it reached Heckscher Parkway.
Following the post-war housing boom on Long Island, the parkway was widened and straightened in a number of places to serve commuters traveling at speeds unanticipated when the road was first constructed.
Initially, the Southern State had a toll between exits 13 and 14, at the Cross Island Parkway, until 1978 when the state eliminated it and removed the toll plaza.
Prior to World War II, the State Department of Transportation estimated that fewer than 15,000 cars traveled on the parkway each day. During the postwar population boom on Long Island, the volume expanded to 190,000 cars per day, with most using it to commute between home and work.
Mary Cascone, historian of the Town of Babylon, notes that the Long Island parkway system was initially designed to bring automobiles to state parks.
“By limiting access to passenger cars, the parkways were supposedly intended for recreational driving,” Cascone wrote in her research on Moses and the Southern State. “Drivers and passengers could enjoy the beauty of the tree-lined roadway, free of billboards and trucks, as they made the journey to the countryside.”
That intention is visually confirmed in photos taken of the road when it opened, showing one or two cars on a lushly landscaped parkway, portraying what was then known as the “leisurely Sunday drive.” With its verdant country-
side free of commercial traffic, the parkway appealed to the more affluent city residents who owned cars, whether an intentional outcome of the design or not.
An aspect of the roadway’s design that is often cited as evidence to support the claim that it was designed to deny access to the masses is its bridges, which have unusually low clearances.
“It appears to be accurate that the state parks and beaches reached by the Nassau and Suffolk County parkways were deliberately designed to accommodate motorists rather than people who used public transportation,” Cascone said. “The inference that many people make, however, is that Black people used public transportation — which they
surely did — along with all the other people who could not afford to, or simply chose not to, own a car. This ignores the fact, however, that Black people did own automobiles, and drove them on the parkways and to the beaches.”
For some, however, the low parkway bridges are an unfortunate, lingering reminder of classism and inequity in the guise of public works, Cascone concluded.
Thomas J. Campanella, a professor at Cornell University, a historian and a writer on city planning and the urban environment, sees the potential evidence of discrimination in the lower height of the Southern State bridges compared with those on other parkways Moses designed.
“The low-bridge story is a microbiography of Moses, a tragic hero who built for the ages, but for a narrowly construed public,” Campanella wrote. “It also shows how something as inert as a stone-faced bridge can be alive with politics and meaning.”
He also noted that Moses’s attitude appeared contradictory, as he approved the construction of a swimming pool and play center in Harlem — now the Jackie Robinson Park — which is considered one of the best public works projects of the New Deal era anywhere in the United States, and established other recreational sites in communities of color across New York state.
In a press release dated July 23, 1934, Moses argued for the construction of more recreational facilities for all New Yorkers, noting, “It is no exaggeration to say that the health, happiness, efficiency and orderliness of many of the city’s residents, especially in the summer months, are tremendously affected by the presence or absence of adequate swimming and bathing facilities.”
Next installment: Accident statistics and causes.
■ Originally designed with quaint wooden lampposts, which became affectionately known as “woody” lights.
■ When the parkway was first built, then Gov. Franklin D. Roosevelt wanted to have a western extension that reached into Brooklyn. That stretch of highway is known today as the Belt Parkway.
■ Following the suburban expansion of Long Island after World War II, the parkway was widened and straightened in places to allow for higher speeds and more traffic.
■ A state police substation and barracks were built on either side of the parkway in North Valley Stream.
■ A median service station was built in the 1930s east of Exit 32 (Route 110). It closed in 1985, but its abandoned ramps can still be seen in the median.
accepted the award.
The Jones Beach Deli, formerly the Causeway Deli, on Merrick Road in Wantagh, received the Beautification of the Year Award, after owner Justin Heath renovated it following his 2020 purchase.
Ira Reiter received the President’s Choice Award for his donations and volunteer work supporting animal rescues, as well as his participation in the Merrick and Wantagh chambers. Reiter operates the Barking Biscuit, a familyowned business that makes homemade dog treats, and he and his wife, Hillary, donate a portion of their sales to local rescues.
“He’s the epitome of an entrepreneur,” McGrory Powell said. “And he’s just very kindhearted too.”
Barbara Rooney, of Wantagh, received the Citizen of the Year Award for her involvement with the chamber and the John Theissen Children’s Foundation, a nonprofit that helps sick and underprivileged children through donations and fundraisers. After retiring from teaching in the East Meadow School District for 30 years, Rooney, who’s now 65, became active in the foundation as a volunteer, gathering raffle items and working at fundraiser events.
“I’m honored,” Rooney. said “This is something I do because I love Wantagh.”
John Theissen, executive director of the foundation, who has known Rooney for almost two decades, credited her with helping to introduce his annual holiday toy drive to the East Meadow School District.
“Barbara is incredible,” Theissen said. “She does so much for others and is always willing to lend a hand to the Wantagh community.”
Christopher Brown, president of Mid-Island Medical Supply Co., received the Leadership Award for his decades of dedication to the chamber and the community. A former chamber president, Brown helped organize the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, raised funds for scholarships and charitable causes, and supported recovery efforts after Hurricane Sandy.
Delaney Behan, Reagan Muchow, Madison Nordquist and Emma Sellars, all fifth-graders at Wantagh Elementary School, received Junior Achievement Awards for their academic success, community service and involvement in local activities. The four students took part in a variety of sports, school clubs and volunteer efforts, including raising funds for the Last Hope Animal Shelter in Wantagh.
This year, the chamber renamed its Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of the late Town of Hempstead Councilman Christopher Carini, and awarded it to him posthumously. Carini, whose district included parts of Bellmore, Merrick, Wantagh, Seaford and Freeport, died unexpectedly last July, at age 49, while visiting family in Florida.
According to McGrory Powell, Carini had done so much for the Wantagh community that the chamber decided to permanently name the award after him. His widow, Danielle, accepted it, joined by their children, Ava, 18, and Joey, 13, and described it as a “heartfelt” moment.
“He loved the community so much,” she said of her late husband. “I wish he could be here to see how people really felt about him.”
By Danielle Schwab
Over 90 vendors soon set up shop at Hostra University’s David Mack Sports & Exhibition Center. The unique foodie experience returns, May 4, with sweet and savory tastes all in one place.
“We call ourselves the official home of chocolate, food, and fun,” Marvin Baum, the Chocolate Expo’s founder, says. “We’re using chocolate as a platform, not only to support small local businesses, but also to do good for the community.”
It all began in 2006, after Baum realized there was a strong desire to bring food vendors and communities together. Since 2012, the chocoholic’s delight has been sweetening Long Island and has grown to be the confectionery hot spot it is today.
“Long Island has always been a special spot for me. It helped us go to the next level in terms of what we could offer the public in terms of an experience,” Baum says.
From chocolate classics like bonbons, fudge and chocolate-dipped treats to interesting twists such as chocolate-covered bacon, there are no shortage of desserts to indulge in. For more savory pairings, baked goods, specialty foods, wine, and cheeses are also tempting; there’s surely something to satisfy everyone’s palate.
Visitors can check out the Long Island confectioners represented, including Bellmore’s Chocolate Works, a chocolaterie selling chocolate-covered pretzels, platters, and more.
“Last year was our first year at the Expo. We had a great experience,” Nimisha Patel, who owns the store with her husband, Raj, reports.“People always buy chocolate, and we get to be creative and decorate with different designs.”
Other local favorites include Chez Hedwidge, an artisan gluten-free bakery, based in Valley Stream; Massapequa’s Swizzled Desserts, a purveyor of small batch alchohol-infused ice creams and sorbets; and Sunflower Bakeshop, a Kosher bakery in West Hempstead that caters to customers with
• Sunday, May 4, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Tickets are $20, $10 ages 5-12 when purchased online, children under 5 free, $30, $15 child at door; available from thechocolateexpo.com
• Hofstra University, David S. Mack Sports & Exhibition Complex, Hempstead
food and dietary restrictions, offering a wide range of glutenfree and vegan options.
This year, the choice of treats is more enticing than ever.
“There are a limited number of chocolate shops on Long Island. We’re bringing vendors from other states and countries, so we can bring unique things that people from Long Island have not seen elsewhere before,” Baum says.
Be sure to sample the diverse offerings that include the trendy Dubai chocolate (Omniya), rich artisanal chocolates from Paris (Chocolaknin), and luxury Swiss assortments (Canonica).
The binge-worthy experiences don’t stop with chocolate. Guests can meet up with this years’ special guests — everyone’s favorite 1970s TV family, “The Brady Bunch.”
“There’s a strong nostalgic quality to connecting with the original show. This is a chance to get together, to connect without a television screen, in a much more informal kind of way,” says Barry Williams, who fans will know as the eldest Brady child, Greg Brady.
Williams is readu to answer all your eager-to-know questions about the show — along with his castmates Christopher Knight (Peter Brady), Mike Lookinland (Bobby Brady), and Susan Olsen (Cindy Brady) — during the morning panel discussion. He’s also bringing some “Tikis” that fans may recognize from the iconic Hawaii episode.
“I see happen quite often is a fan will approach us, they might be middle-aged, and in front of my eyes they will turn into the giggling teenager that they were when they were watching the show,” he notes.
Balloon artist Robbie Furman adds to the magic, creating a life-sized ‘Brady Bunch’ — made entirely out of balloons!
For more family-sized fun, young visitors can drop by the Kidz Zone for face painting, balloon twisting and chocolate smashing. You may even catch a glimpse of a Stormtrooper — don’t forget to respond “May the Fourth be with you!”
At the end of the day, kids can enjoy a balloon popping party.
“We let the kids pop them with safe little picks at the end of the event, which we’ve never done on Long Island before,” Baum says.
Whether you’re familiar with the Expo or a curious newcomer, it’s always a delectable outing.
“We have a relationship with people on Long Island, and they look forward to it every year. I recently saw a Facebook post [about the Expo] saying ‘My friend and I had a magical day that we will never forget,’” Baum says.
“This is why we do what we do with the Chocolate Expo, for our guests have a magical time.”
Three mammoth bands. Three musical phenomenons. One idea inspired by love of the music. That’s Pink Talking Fish. The hybrid tribute fusion act takes the music from three iconic bands creating a remarkable musical jam. PTF brings their unique sound to the Landmark on Main Street stage, on their latest tour celebrating the 50th anniversary of the incredible Pink Floyd album “Wish You Were Here.” This show consists of two sets. The first set will be a full rendition of this epic album from start to finish, with “Classic PTF” combinations for the second set. “Wish You Were Here” is extremely meaningful to the band members and so many music lovers around the world and PTF is thrilled to bring this album to life in 2025. Although the music from each act is different, PTF has discovered that fusing the material together creates an amazing story. The epic emotion of Pink Floyd; the funky, danceable layerings of The Talking Heads; the styles, unique compositional structures and pure fun of Phish — to merge these three into one gives music lovers a special experience.
Friday, May 2, 8 p.m. $49 and $46. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or call (516) 767-6444.
Old Westbury Gardens welcomes everyone to Regency Romance Weekend, a most splendid affair in honor of Jane Austen’s 250th birthday. Families can wander the gardens for storybook strolls and hands-on crafts, while those with a playful spirit can enjoy lawn games fit for the finest estates. Also find inspiration in creative activities, while music lovers are serenaded with classical takes on familiar tunes. Of course, what would a Regency gathering be without fashion and society gossip? Take in a discussion on Regency fashion —fact versus fiction. And for those with a keen mind and a love of Austen’s world, Austen trivia will put your knowledge to the ultimate test. Plus indulge in a proper afternoon tea, or treat yourself to confections at the café.
Saturday and Sunday, May 3-4. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury. For more information and program/events schedule, go to oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048.
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) that publicly launched the movement. The direct follow-up 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. On view through June 15.
• Where: 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor.
• Time: Ongoing
• Contact: (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org
‘Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a
The beloved musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved award-winning, best-selling children’s books, is back on stage at Long Island Children’s Museum. Willems’ classic characters Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City.
• Time: Also May 2-3, and May 7-8, times vary
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Game time
Play Mah Jongg and Canasta at Congregation Beth Tikvah. Snacks and drinks are provided. $5 contribution.
• Where: Congregation Beth Tikvah, 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh
• Time: Thursdays, noon–4 p.m.
• Contact: mahjonggCBT@ yahoo.com or (516) 785-2445
The Long Island Marathon and additional races return to Eisenhower Park with three days packed with races for runners of all ages and abilities, through May 4.
• Where: Eisenhower Park, East Meadow
• Time: Varying times on Friday, Saturday & Sunday
• Contact: RunSignUp.com/ Race/NY/EastMeadow/ LongIslandMarathon
Critics, fans and fellow comedians agree: Brian Regan is one of the most respected comedians in the country with Vanity Fair calling Brian, “The funniest stand-up alive,” and Entertainment Weekly citing him as “Your favorite comedian’s favorite comedian.” Having built his 30-plus year career on the strength of his material alone, Brian’s non-stop theater tour continuously fills prestigious venues across North America, visiting close to 100 cities each year. His comedic talent extends beyond the stage. He’s released two acclaimed Netflix specials, “Brian Regan: Nunchucks And Flamethrowers” and “Brian Regan: On The Rocks,” showcasing his knack for finding humor in everyday situations. He also starred in his own Netflix series,”Stand Up And Away! With Brian Regan,” and even made history with “Brian Regan: Live From Radio City Music Hall,” the first live broadcast of a stand-up special in Comedy Central’s history. Regan also co-stars in three seasons of Peter Farrelly’s series, “Loudermilk,” which moved to Netflix in January 2024, ranking in the Top 10 TV shows on Netflix for over a month. He’s also a familiar presence on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” He’s the standup guest who the show invites on for two segments: a performance segment and also on the couch to chat with Jimmy. $99.50, $79.50, $69.50, $49.50.
Mary Poppins
Temple B’nai Torah
Mainstage Players presents “Mary Poppins,” at Temple B’nai Torah. $20, $15 for seniors 65 and over, $10 for children 17 and under.
• Where: 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh
• Time: May 3 and 10, 8 p.m.; May 4 and 11, 2 p.m.
• Contact: tbtwantagh. seatyourself.biz, email tbttix@temple-bnai-torah.org or call (516) 221-2370
The Seaford Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Spring Fling with entertainment, food trucks, shopping, and a kids fun zone. Rain date is May 17.
• Where: Seaford LIRR, 1933 Jackson Ave., Seaford
• Time: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 644-5615 or visit lifairs.com
Learn to dance like Simon and Daphne! Enjoy an hour of grace and merriment at Old Westbury Gardens
and learn some of the dances from the “Bridgerton” and “Queen Charlotte” series. No experience is necessary and no partner is needed. Instructor Susan de Guardiola guides participants through easy choreographies inspired from the TV series and talks about how the Bridgerton dances differ from the dances of the actual Regency/Jane Austen era. Ages 16+ welcome.
• Where: The Barn at Orchard Hill, 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: Noon-1 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens.org
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a storybook adventure. Stroll the gardens and listen to “Jane Austen: Little People Big Dreams” by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. Later create a unique take home craft. For ages 3-5. Storybook Strolls start at the Beech Tree (next to Westbury House), and end at the Thatched Cottage. Registration required.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or (516) 333-0048
Temple B’nai Torah hosts weekly bingo with prizes, progressive games, and refreshments every Wednesday and Thursday.
• Where: Temple B’nai Torah, 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh
• Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.–1 p.m.; Thursdays, 7:15–10 p.m.
• Contact: 516-221-2370
Support the fundraiser honoring William Desroches. With entertainment, raffles and auctions Proceeds will support a new soccer and lacrosse field at Forest Lake Elementary. Admission is $75; includes food, drinks, and an open bar for adults 21+.
• Where: Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall, 3232 Railroad Ave., Wantagh
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
Hang out with some Long Island Children’s Museum’s “residents,” Join an animal educator in the Hive Studio in the Feasts for Beasts Gallery to learn what goes into the care of LICM’s animals. Observe animal bath time.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
Join Walk Like MADD Long Island to raise funds for 24/7 victim services and support efforts to end impaired driving. In addition to the walk, the event will feature a Community & Engagement Fair with live music, art activities, and a special Victim Tribute Area.
• Where: Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, 895 Bay Pkwy, Wantagh
• Time: 10 a.m.
• Contact: Register at walklikemadd.org/longisland
• Time: 6-10 p.m.
• Contact: ticketbud.com
Converse, collaborate and create at Nassau County Museum of Art. Kids and their adult partners can talk about and make art together. Enjoy reading and play in the Reading Room, and contribute to The Lobby Project, a collaborative art installation. Registration required. Where: 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor.
• Time: noon-3 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING, ELECTION AND PERSONAL REGISTRATION, LEVITTOWN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Annual Meeting of the School District, the vote on the School District budget and election of candidates for the School Board of Levittown Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, and the vote on the Public Library budget and election of a candidate for the Board of Trustees for the Levittown Public Library, will be held in the several election districts of the School District at the voting places designated below on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 between the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM, to vote by ballot on voting machines on the proposition or propositions set forth below, as well as any other propositions which may properly come before the electorate, and to elect members of the Board of Education and to elect a member of the Library Board of Trustees.
Shall the following resolutions be adopted:
PROPOSITION NO. 1
SCHOOL DISTRICT
BUDGET
BE IT RESOLVED, that the School District budget for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026, as presented to the Board of Education, in the amount of $274,120,957 approved and the necessary taxes be levied therefore on the taxable real property of the district.
PROPOSITION NO. 2
EXPENDITURE OF THE 2023 CAPITAL RESERVE FUND AND UNASSIGNED FUND BALANCE FOR SCHOOL BUILDING
IMPROVEMENT
PROJECTS
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Levittown Union Free School District is hereby authorized to expend the following remaining balances of the District Reserve Funds listed below: 2023 Capital Reserve in the amount of $18,000,000
In addition the Board
of Education is hereby authorized to expend up to the sum of $4,000,000 in unassigned fund balance, so that the total expenditure in an amount not to exceed $22,000,000 is hereby approved for purposes of performing school building improvement projects, including District-wide safety system upgrades, District-wide electrical system upgrades; District-wide roof reconditioning and replacement; Districtwide HVAC upgrades and replacements; District-wide interior and exterior masonry restoration; Districtwide asbestos abatement projects; District-wide athletic field renovations and tennis court lighting; District-wide roadway reconstruction and site improvements; Districtwide bathroom reconstruction; Districtwide instructional space renovations, and for any similar projects as contained in the District’s five year Capital Facilities Plan adopted by the Board of Education on March 19, 2025. Expenditures funded from the Capital Reserves and unassigned fund balance will not increase the tax levy.
PROPOSITION NO. 3
SALE OF SEAMANS NECK SCHOOL BUILDING
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Levittown Union Free School District (the “District”) is hereby authorized to sell the premises known as the Seaman’s Neck Road School, excluding the athletic fields which shall remain owned by the District, located at 1100 Crestline Place, Seaford, New York 11783, at a price of Seven Million Two Hundred Sixteen Thousand Dollars ($7,216,000) to Nassau BOCES, pursuant to the terms of a certain Contract of Sale dated as of February 25, 2025, which contract is available for review at the office of the District Clerk, 150 Abbey Lane, Levittown, New York 11756, and on the District’s website: www.levittownschools. com.
PROPOSITION NO. 4
AUTHORIZING TRANSPORTATION TO STUDENTS WITHIN THE CHILD SAFETY ZONE Shall the Board of Education of the Levittown Union Free
School District be authorized to provide transportation to those students attending District schools and residing in the Child Safety Zone established by the Board of Education, area bounded by the following: South of the Southern State Parkway, North of Jerusalem Avenue, West of Wantagh Avenue and East of Wantagh State Parkway; plus the area known as Lea Ann Terrace, and such transportation shall be provided by the District, starting in the 2025-2026 school year, for an estimated annual cost of $25,000.
PROPOSITION NO. 5
LIBRARY BUDGET
RESOLVED, that the Public Library Budget for the fiscal year 2025-2026 proposed by the Library Board of Trustees of the Levittown Public Library heretofore filed pursuant to law shall be approved and the necessary taxes be levied therefore on the taxable real property of the district.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education and for the office of member of the Library Board of Trustees must be filed with the District Clerk between the hours of 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM but between the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. on April 21, 2025. Forms of the petitions may be obtained from the District Clerk.
The following vacancies are to be filled on the Board of Education: Two (2) members for the term of three (3) years, commencing July 1, 2025 and expiring June 30, 2028.
A separate petition is required to nominate a candidate for member of the Board of Education. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected. Each petition must be directed to the District Clerk, must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District, or 2% of the voters who voted in the 2024 election, whichever is greater, and shall state the residence of each person who signed, must state the name and residence of the candidate and the length of the term of
office. This year all nominating petitions must include 44 signatures. The following vacancies are to be filled on the Library Board of Trustees: One (1) member for the term of five (5) years, commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2030; one member for a term commending July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2028; and one member for a term commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026.
A separate petition is required to nominate a candidate for member of the Library Board of Trustees. The candidate receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to the term which ends June 30, 2030. The candidate receiving the second highest number of votes will be elected to the term which ends June 30, 2028. The candidate receiving the third highest number of votes will be elected to the term which ends June 30, 2026. Each petition must be directed to the District Clerk, must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District, or 2% of the voters who voted in the 2024 election for members of the Library Board of Trustees, whichever is greater, and shall state the residence of each person who signed, must state the name and residence of the candidate and the length of the term of office. This year all nominating petitions must include 44 signatures.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that a statement of estimated expenses for the 2025-2026 school year will be presented at a Public Hearing on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 7:30 PM in the Board Meeting Room of the Levittown Memorial Education Center and copies of such statement, as well as the statement of the amount of money required for the 2025-2026 fiscal year of the Public Library, will be made available on the District’s website and at each schoolhouse and library in the District during the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM on each day other than a Saturday, Sunday or holiday during the fourteen (14) calendar days immediately
preceding the election together with the text of any resolution which will be presented to the voters.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law, personal registration of voters is required and only those persons whose names appear on the register of the said school district, or who are registered pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law, shall be entitled to vote at said meeting and election.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that all qualified voters who have previously registered for any annual or special meeting or election and have voted at any annual or special election held or conducted at any time within four (4) calendar years prior to this year are not required to register with the Board of Registration for this meeting.
All other persons who wish to vote must register. A voter may register at the office of the District Clerk of the Levittown UFSD between the hours of 8:00 AM. and 1:00 PM on school days provided that such registration is effected no later than May 15, 2025.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that said register will be filed in the office of the District Clerk and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District on each of the five (5) days prior to the day of the election, except Sunday, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM, on Monday through Friday by appointment on Saturday ( May 17, 2025), in the office of the District Clerk and at each voting place on the day of the election.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that absentee ballots for those eligible pursuant to the provision of Section 2018a of the Education Law are available, and that applications for absentee ballots may be applied for at the office of the District Clerk. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots have been issued will be available in the office of the Clerk on each of the five (5) calendar days prior to the day of election except Sunday, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 1:00 PM
on Monday through Friday and by appointment on Saturday (May 17, 2025), in the office of the District Clerk. Such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) calendar days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or by the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. No absentee voter’s ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received in the office of the District Clerk not later than 5:00 PM on the day of the election.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that pursuant to Section 2018-e of the Education Law, applications for early mail ballots may be obtained at the Office of the District Clerk of the School District, during all days in which the School District is in session. Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than April 21, 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 20, 2025. No early mail voter’s ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received in the Office of the District Clerk of the School District no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 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. A challenge to an early voting ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should have applied for an absentee ballot.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that during the voting hours on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM, in the various election districts, the Board of Registration will meet to receive registrations for subsequent elections. During the hours of 7:00 AM and 8:00 PM on voting days, the
District Clerk shall be in her office at the Levittown Memorial Education Center.
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law requires the District to attach to its proposed budget an Exemption Report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how the total assessed value of the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted by statutory authority, and show the cumulative impact of each type of exemption, the cumulative amount expected to be received as payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. In addition, said exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on the District’s website. FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Education Law §2018-d, Military Voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the District by submitting a Military Voter Registration Application to the District Clerk, no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 24, 2025. A copy of the Military Voter Registration Application is available both by contacting the District Clerk by email at vesposito@levittownsc hools.com and online at the District’s website located at <http://www.levittown schools.com/>.
Military voters who are qualified voters of the District may submit an application for a military ballot. A Military Voter is entitled to designate a preference to receive a Military Voter Registration Application, Military Ballot Application or Military Ballot by mail, facsimile or electronic mail. Such designation will remain in effect until revoked or changed by the voter. If no preference is designated, the District will transmit the Military Voter Registration Application, Military
Ballot Application or Military Ballot by mail. Military Voter Ballot Application forms must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 24, 2025. Military Ballots will not be canvassed unless they are received by the District Clerk on or before 5:00 p.m. on May 20, 2025.
SCHOOL ELECTION DISTRICTS:
The boundaries of the school election districts and the place of each election district for voting and registration shall be as follows:
ELECTION DISTRICT #1 - GARDINERS AVENUE SCHOOL
Beginning at Wantagh Parkway and Chase Lane; east on Chase Lane to Center Lane, thence south to Prairie Lane; thence east to Gardiners Avenue; thence south to Slate Lane; then east and north to Swan Lane; then east and north to Grey Lane; continuing east to Wantagh Avenue; thence south on Wantagh Avenue to Jerusalem Avenue; thence west to Oakfield Avenue; continuing north to Old Jerusalem Road; thence east on Old Jerusalem Road to Wantagh Parkway Line; north along Line to the point of beginning.
ELECTION DISTRICT #2 - EAST BROADWAY SCHOOL
Beginning at north side of Southern State Parkway and east side of Wantagh Avenue; north on Wantagh to Miller Place; thence east to Exit Lane; thence south to Elm Drive; thence west to Elbow Lane; thence southwest to End Lane; south to End Lane and Elm Drive East to Pope Street; thence east to District Line; thence south to Regent Lane; thence east to Red Maple Drive; thence northeast, and south to Regal Lane; east on Regal Lane and Cordwood Lane to Arlington Drive; thence southeast to Town Line; thence south to Southern State Parkway; west along Parkway to point of beginning. Beginning at south side of Southern State Parkway and west side of Town Line; south on Town Line to Jerusalem Avenue; thence west to Wantagh Avenue; thence north to Southern State Parkway; thence east to point of beginning.
ELECTION DISTRICT #3
May 1,
- LEVITTOWN
MEMORIAL
EDUCATION CENTER
Beginning at east side of Wantagh Parkway and south side of Hempstead Turnpike; east on Hempstead Turnpike to Silver Lane; thence south to Forge Lane; thence east to Cotton Lane; thence southeasterly to Wantagh Avenue; then south to Grey Lane; thence west to Swan Lane; then southwesterly to Slate Lane; then south to Gardiners Avenue, thence north to Prairie Lane; thence west to Center Lane; thence north to Chase Lane; thence west to Wantagh Parkway Line; north along Line to point of beginning.
ELECTION DISTRICT #4
- DIVISION AVENUE
HIGH SCHOOL
Beginning at north side of Hempstead Turnpike and west side of Jerusalem Avenue; west on Hempstead Turnpike to District Boundary Line at Wantagh State Parkway; thence northeast to northerly border of School District; east on Boundary Line (Flamingo Rd., Magpie Lane, Blacksmith Rd) to Jerusalem Avenue; thence south to point of beginning.
Dated: Levittown, New York March 2025 BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
LEVITTOWN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK 152588
COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on June 3, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 3884 FRANKLIN AVENUE, SEAFORD, NY 11783; and the following tax map identification: 52-291-932-934. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT SEAFORD (UNINCORPORATED AREA) IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 003770/2016. Ellen Durst, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 153243
of the school election districts heretofore established:
PROPOSITION NO. 1
SCHOOL BUDGET
2025/2026
RESOLVED, that the proposed 2025/2026 Budget providing for the appropriation of the necessary funds to meet the estimated expenditures of the School District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, as presented by the Board of Education of the Seaford Union Free School District at Seaford, Nassau County, New York, at the Public Hearing, be approved and the Board of Education be authorized to levy the necessary tax therefor.
PROPOSITION NO. 2
EXPENDITURE OF
MONEY FROM CAPITAL RESERVE FUND 2018
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Seaford Union Free School District be authorized to expend up to $1,000,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund established on May 15, 2018 for the purpose of performing the following projects: District-wide Safety and Security Upgrades and Seaford High School Elevator Upgrades, all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto.
PROPOSITION NO. 3
EXPENDITURE OF MONEY FROM CAPITAL RESERVE FUND 2024
Education Law shall be approved. VOTING will be by ballot on voting machines in the schoolhouses designated in each of the separate school election districts heretofore established and the polls will remain open from 7:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., and as much longer as may be necessary for all voters then present to cast their votes.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the electors have previously adopted a proposition providing that vacancies upon the Board of Education shall not be considered separate specific offices and that the nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the Board of Education for which the candidate is nominated.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the election of members of the Board of Education shall be as follows: Two (2) members of the Board of Education each for a full term of three (3) years, commencing July 1, 2025.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the election for one (1) member of the Board of Trustees of the Seaford Public Library shall be as follows: One member for a five (5) year term commencing July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2030 (incumbent Catherine DiPietro).
Each petition shall be filed in the District Clerk’s Office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., and by not later than 5:00 p.m. on April 21, 2025.
SCHOOL ELECTION DISTRICTS: The boundaries of the following School Election District shall be as heretofore determined and published by the Board of Education and the place in each election district for registration and voting shall be as follows:
a) FIRST SCHOOL ELECTION DISTRICTRegistration and voting at the Seaford Manor School, Washington Avenue, Seaford, New York. Community members who reside within the geographic boundaries of the Manor Elementary School shall be required to cast their ballots at the Manor Elementary School.
b) SECOND SCHOOL ELECTION DISTRICT - Voting at the Seaford Harbor School, Bayview Street, Seaford, New York. Community members who reside within the geographic boundaries of the Harbor Elementary School shall be required to cast their ballots at the Harbor Elementary School.
the State of New York shall be eligible to vote. Registration of voters not previously registered and eligible to vote shall continue to take place until May 13, 2025, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. in the District Clerk’s office. The District Clerk shall prepare the Register of the School District on the dates and times above specified, and any person shall be entitled to have his/ her name placed upon such Register provided that at that time, he/ she is then or thereafter entitled to vote at the school meeting or election for which such register is prepared.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the District Clerk shall also be present during the annual School District and Public Library election at each schoolhouse where voting shall take place for the purpose of preparing a register for School District and Public Library elections held subsequent thereto.
School District budget, as prepared by the Board of Education and the Public Library budget, will be available on request to the taxpayers and be obtained at any school house in the School District between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on each day other than a Saturday or Sunday or holiday and at the Seaford Public Library, Jackson Avenue, Seaford, New York, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Saturdays, on each day other than a Sunday or holiday, during the fourteen (14) day period preceding the annual meeting and election.
the day of the election. A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots shall have been issued will be available in the District Clerk’s office on Mondays through Fridays, excluding holidays between 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., until the day of election.
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, -againstJOHN DUNNE, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on April 19, 2018, wherein
BETHPAGE FEDERAL CREDIT UNION is the Plaintiff and JOHN DUNNE, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ANNUAL SCHOOL DISTRICT AND LIBRARY ELECTION SEAFORD UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND SEAFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that voting upon the estimated expenses for school and library purposes for the Seaford Union Free School District (the “School District”) and the Seaford Public Library (the “Public Library”), for the school year 2025/2026, the election of members of the Board of Education and Library Board of Trustees, Proposition No. 1 (School Budget 2025/2026), Proposition No. 2 (Expenditure of Money from Capital Reserve Fund 2018), Proposition No. 3 (Expenditure of Money from Capital Reserve Fund 2024), and Proposition No. 4 (Public Library Budget 2025/2026), as follows, will be held on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 in each
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Seaford Union Free School District be authorized to expend up to $6,500,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund established on May 21, 2024 for the purpose of performing the following projects:
(1) Roof Replacement at Seaford Manor School;
(2) Roof Replacement at Seaford Harbor School; and (3) Seaford High School Sitework, Foundation work and Courtyard Renovations, all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto.
PROPOSITION NO. 4
PUBLIC LIBRARY
BUDGET 2025/2026
RESOLVED, that the library budget in the amount of $2,627,022 for the year 20252026 proposed by the Board of Trustees of the Seaford Public Library and the levy of a tax therefor in the amount of $2,411,009 in accordance with the
NOMINATIONS OF CANDIDATES: Candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education shall be nominated by petition. Each petition for candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education shall be directed to the Clerk of the School District (“the District Clerk”), in the Seaford Manor School, Washington Avenue, Seaford, New York, shall be signed by at least thirty (30) qualified voters of the School District, shall state the residence of each signer, and shall state the residence of the candidate. To nominate a candidate for the Public Library Board, the petition must be signed by at least thirty (30) qualified voters of the School District. Vacancies on the Board of Trustees are not considered separate specific offices; candidates run at large. Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the Board for which the candidate is nominated.
The geographic boundaries for these attendance zones are set forth on the transportation map contained within the office of the Assistant Superintendent for Business and may be reviewed upon request.
PERSONAL REGISTRATION OF VOTERS
All qualified voters of the School District must be registered in the School Registration books in order to vote at such election on 2025/2026.
The following persons shall be eligible to vote: All persons who shall have presented themselves personally for registration in accordance herewith and all persons who shall have previously registered hereunder for any annual or special meeting or election and who shall have voted at any annual or special meeting or election held or conducted during the four calendar years prior to 2025 (i.e., 2020-2024). In addition, all persons who are registered to vote pursuant to the provisions of section three hundred fifty-two of the Election Law of
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Register of Voters so prepared as aforesaid shall be filed in the District Clerk’s Office upon its completion where it shall be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the School District, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. and on each of the five days prior to the date set for the election except for Sunday, and it shall also be open for inspection on Saturday, by appointment.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that there will be a Public Hearing on the proposed School District budget on Wednesday May 7, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in the Seaford High School Auditorium, 1575 Seamans Neck Road, Seaford, New York.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a public hearing will be held by the Board of Trustees of the Library, for the purpose of discussion of the expenditure of funds and the budgeting thereof for the Seaford Public Library for the fiscal year 2025-2026. Said hearing will be held on Monday, May 12, 2025, at 7:00 P.M. in the Seaford Public Library, Valentine Meehan Meeting Room, 2234 Jackson Avenue, Seaford, New York. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that copies of the proposed 2025/2026
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a Real Property Tax Exemption Report prepared in accordance with Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law will be annexed to any tentative/preliminary budget as well as the final adopted budget of which it will form a part; and shall be posted on District bulletin board(s) maintained for public notices; as well as on the District’s website.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE Application for absentee and early mail ballots for the school district and public library election may be made at the District Clerk’s office on Mondays through Fridays, excluding holidays, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Applications for absentee or early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election. Furthermore, such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee or early mail ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application by no later than six (6) days before the vote. No absentee or early mail voter’s ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received in the office of the District Clerk not later than 5:00 P.M. (prevailing time) on
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE 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 24, 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 the Board of Education shall convene a special meeting thereof within twenty-four hours after the filing with the District Clerk of a written report of the results of the ballot for the purpose of examining and tabulating said reports of the results of the ballot and declaring the result of the ballot. The Board of Education hereby designates itself to be a set of poll clerks to cast and canvass ballots pursuant to Education Law, Section 2019-a subdivision 2(b) at said special meeting of the Board.
Dated: April 3, 2025
Carmen T. Ouellette District Clerk 152440
LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE ELECCIÓN ANUAL DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR Y BIBLIOTECA DISTRITO ESCOLAR SEAFORD UNION FREE Y BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE SEAFORD, MUNICIPIO DE HEMPSTEAD POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que la votación sobre los gastos estimados para fines escolares y bibliotecarios para el Distrito Escolar Seaford Union Free (en adelante, el “Distrito Escolar”) y la Biblioteca Pública de Seaford (en adelante, la “Biblioteca Pública”), para el año escolar 2025/2026, la elección de los miembros de la Junta de Educación y la Junta de Fideicomisarios de la Biblioteca, la Propuesta No. 1 (Presupuesto escolar 2025/2026), la Propuesta nº 2 (Gasto de fondos de la reserva de capital 2018), la Propuesta nº 3 (Gasto de fondos de la reserva de capital 2024), y la Propuesta nº 4 (Presupuesto de la biblioteca pública 2025/2026), como se indica a continuación, se celebrarán el martes 20 de mayo de 2025 en cada uno de los distritos electorales escolares aquí establecidos:
PROPUESTA NO. 1
PRESUPUESTO ESCOLAR 2025/2026
SE RESUELVE, que la propuesta de Presupuesto 2025/2026 que prevé la asignación de los fondos necesarios para hacer frente a los gastos estimados del Distrito Escolar para el año fiscal que comienza el 1º de julio de 2025, tal como fue presentada por la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Seaford Union Free en Seaford, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York, en la Audiencia Pública, sea aprobada y la Junta de Educación sea autorizada a recaudar el impuesto necesario para ello.
PROPUESTA NO. 2
GASTOS DE FONDOS DE RESERVA DE CAPITAL 2018
SE RESUELVE, autorizar a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Seaford Union Free a gastar hasta $1.000.000 del Fondo de Reserva de Capital establecido el 15 de mayo de 2018
con el propósito de realizar los siguientes proyectos: mejoras en la seguridad y protección en todo el distrito y modernización del ascensor de la Escuela Secundaria de Seaford, incluyendo todos los costos asociados de mano de obra, materiales, equipos, aparatos e incidentales relacionados.
PROPUESTA NO. 3
GASTO DE DINERO DEL FONDO DE RESERVA DE CAPITAL 2024
SE RESUELVE, autorizar a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Seaford Union Free a gastar hasta $6.500.000 del Fondo de Reserva de Capital establecido el 21 de mayo de 2024 con el propósito de realizar los siguientes proyectos: (1) Reemplazo del techo en la Escuela Manor de Seaford; (2) Reemplazo del techo en la Escuela Harbor de Seaford; y (3) Trabajos en el sitio de la Escuela Secundaria de Seaford, trabajo de los cimientos y renovaciones del patio, incluyendo todos los costos relacionados con mano de obra, materiales, equipos, aparatos e incidentales.
PROPUESTA NO. 4
PRESUPUESTO DE LA BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA 2025/2026
SE RESUELVE que el presupuesto de la biblioteca para el año 2025-2026, por un monto de $2.627.022, propuesto por la Junta de Fideicomisarios de la Biblioteca Pública de Seaford, así como la recaudación de impuestos correspondiente por un monto de $2.411.009, conforme a lo dispuesto en la Ley de Educación, sean aprobados. La votación se llevará a cabo mediante boletas en máquinas de votación en los edificios escolares designados en cada uno de los distritos electorales previamente establecidos. Las urnas permanecerán abiertas desde las 7:00 a. m. hasta las 9:00 p. m., extendiéndose según sea necesario para permitir que todos los votantes presentes emitan su voto.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que los electores han aprobado previamente una propuesta que establece que las vacantes en la Junta de Educación no se considerarán cargos específicos y que las peticiones de nominación no deberán referirse a una vacante específica en la Junta de Educación para la cual
se postula un candidato. SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que la elección de los miembros de la Junta de Educación se desarrollará conforme a lo siguiente: dos (2) miembros de la Junta de Educación serán elegidos para un mandato completo de tres (3) años, con inicio el 1º de julio de 2025.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que la elección para un (1) miembro de la Junta de Fideicomisarios de la Biblioteca Pública de Seaford se llevará a cabo como sigue: un (1) miembro será elegido para un mandato de cinco (5) años, con inicio el 1º de julio de 2025 y finalización el 30 de junio de 2030 (titular: Catherine DiPietro).
NOMINACIÓN DE CANDIDATOS: Los candidatos al cargo de miembro del Consejo de Educación serán nominados por petición. Cada petición de candidatos para el cargo de miembro del Consejo de Educación deberá dirigirse al Secretario del Distrito Escolar (“el Secretario del Distrito”), en la escuela Manor de Seaford, Washington Avenue, Seaford, Nueva York, deberá estar firmada por al menos treinta (30) votantes registrados del Distrito Escolar, deberá indicar la residencia de cada firmante y deberá indicar la residencia del candidato. Para nominar a un candidato a la Junta de la Biblioteca Pública, la petición debe estar firmada por al menos treinta (30) votantes registrados del Distrito Escolar. Las vacantes en la Junta de Fideicomisarios no se consideran cargos específicos separados; los candidatos se presentan en general. Las peticiones de nominación no describirán ninguna vacante específica de la Junta para la que se nomine al candidato. Cada petición deberá presentarse en la Secretaría del Distrito entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m., y a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del 21 de abril de 2025.
DISTRITOS
ELECTORALES ESCOLARES: Los límites de los siguientes
Distritos Electorales Escolares serán los determinados y publicados por el Consejo de Educación y el lugar en cada distrito electoral para el registro y la votación será el siguiente:
a) PRIMER
DISTRITO ELECTORAL
ESCOLAR - Inscripción y votación en la escuela primaria Seaford Manor, Washington Avenue, Seaford, Nueva York. Los miembros de la comunidad que residan dentro de los límites geográficos de la Escuela Primaria Manor deberán emitir su voto en la Escuela Primaria Manor.
b) SEGUNDO
DISTRITO ELECTORAL ESCOLAR - Votación en la Escuela Primaria Harbor de Seaford, Bayview Street, Seaford, Nueva York. Los miembros de la comunidad que residan dentro de los límites geográficos de la Escuela Primaria Harbor deberán emitir su voto en la Escuela Primaria Harbor.
Los límites geográficos de estas zonas de asistencia se establecen en el mapa de transporte que se encuentra en la oficina del Superintendente Adjunto de Negocios y pueden revisarse previa solicitud.
REGISTRO PERSONAL DE VOTANTES
Todos los votantes registrados del Distrito Escolar deberán estar inscritos en los libros de Registro Escolar para poder votar en dichas elecciones de 2025/2026.
Las siguientes personas serán aptas para votar: Todas las personas que se hayan presentado personalmente para registrarse de conformidad con el presente documento y todas las personas que se hayan registrado previamente en virtud del presente documento para cualquier reunión o elección anual o extraordinaria y que hayan votado en cualquier reunión o elección anual o extraordinaria celebrada o llevada a cabo durante los cuatro años naturales anteriores a 2025 (es decir, 2020-2024). Además, podrán votar todas las personas que estén registradas para votar de conformidad con las disposiciones de la sección trescientos cincuenta y dos de la Ley Electoral del Estado de Nueva York. El registro de votantes no registrados previamente y con derecho a voto continuará realizándose hasta el 13 de mayo de 2025, entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 3:00 p.m. en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito. El Secretario del Distrito preparará el Registro del Distrito Escolar
en las fechas y horas arriba especificadas, y cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre sea incluido en dicho Registro siempre que en ese momento tenga derecho a votar en la reunión o elección escolar para la que se prepare dicho registro.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, que el Secretario del Distrito también estará presente durante la elección anual del Distrito Escolar y de la Biblioteca Pública en cada escuela donde se lleve a cabo la votación con el propósito de preparar un registro para las elecciones del Distrito Escolar y de la Biblioteca Pública que se lleven a cabo posteriormente.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que el Registro de Votantes así preparado como se menciona anteriormente se archivará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito una vez terminado, donde estará abierto para su inspección por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito Escolar, entre las horas de 9:00 a.m. y 3:30 p.m. y en cada uno de los cinco días anteriores a la fecha fijada para la elección, excepto el domingo, y también estará abierto para su inspección el sábado, previa cita.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que habrá una Audiencia Pública sobre el presupuesto propuesto del Distrito Escolar el miércoles 7 de mayo de 2025 a las 7:30 p.m. en el Auditorio de la Escuela Secundaria de Seaford, 1575 Seamans Neck Road, Seaford, Nueva York.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que la Junta de Fideicomisarios de la Biblioteca celebrará una audiencia pública con el propósito de debatir el gasto de fondos y la presupuestación de los mismos para la Biblioteca Pública de Seaford para el año fiscal 2025-2026. Dicha audiencia se celebrará
el lunes, 12 de mayo de 2025, a las 7:00 P.M. en la Biblioteca Pública de Seaford, Sala de Reuniones Valentine Meehan, 2234 Jackson Avenue, Seaford, Nueva York.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las copias del presupuesto propuesto para el Distrito Escolar 2025/2026, según lo preparado por la Junta de Educación y el presupuesto de la Biblioteca Pública, estarán disponibles a petición de los contribuyentes y se podrán obtener en cualquier escuela del Distrito Escolar entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m. todos los días que no sean sábado, domingo o festivo, y en la Biblioteca Pública de Seaford, Jackson Avenue, Seaford, Nueva York, entre las 10:00 a.m. y las 6:00 p.m. los lunes, martes, jueves y viernes, entre las 1:00 p.m. y las 6:00 p.m. los miércoles, y entre las 10:00 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m. los sábados, todos los días que no sean domingo o festivo, durante el período de catorce (14) días anterior a la reunión y elección anual.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que un Informe de Exención del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, elaborado de conformidad con la Sección 495 de la Ley de Impuestos sobre Bienes Inmuebles, será anexado a cualquier presupuesto tentativo o preliminar, así como al presupuesto final aprobado, del cual formará parte. Dicho informe también será publicado en los tablones de anuncios del Distrito destinados a avisos públicos y en el sitio web del Distrito. SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las solicitudes de boletas de votación anticipada y por correo para la elección del distrito escolar y la biblioteca pública podrán presentarse en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, de lunes
a viernes (excepto festivos), en horario de 9:00 a. m. a 4:00 p. m.
Las solicitudes deberán presentarse con al menos siete días de antelación si la boleta debe enviarse por correo al votante y hasta el día previo a la elección si la boleta será entregada personalmente al votante o a su representante designado. El Secretario del Distrito enviará la boleta a la dirección indicada en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la votación. Ninguna boleta de votación anticipada o por correo será contabilizada a menos que sea recibida en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito antes de las 5:00 p. m. del día de la elección. Una lista de todas las personas a quienes se les hayan expedido boletas estará disponible en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, de lunes a viernes (excepto festivos), en horario de 9:00 a. m. a 3:30 p. m., hasta el día de la elección. SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS QUE LOS VOTANTES MILITARES QUE NO ESTÉN REGISTRADOS ACTUALMENTE PUEDEN SOLICITAR REGISTRARSE COMO VOTANTES CALIFICADOS DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR. Los votantes militares que cumplan con los requisitos para votar en el distrito escolar pueden presentar una solicitud de papeleta militar. Los votantes militares pueden designar una preferencia para recibir un registro de votante militar, una solicitud de papeleta militar o una papeleta militar por correo, transmisión por fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de dicho registro, solicitud de papeleta o papeleta. Los formularios de registro de votantes militares y los formularios de solicitud de papeleta electoral militar deben recibirse en la Oficina
del Secretario del Distrito no más tarde de las 5:00 p.m. del 24 de abril de 2025. No se escrutará ninguna papeleta 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) se reciba en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p.m. del día de la elección y firmada y fechada por el votante militar y un testigo de la misma, con una fecha que se asocia que no es posterior al día anterior a la elección.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS de que la Junta de Educación convocará una reunión especial dentro de las veinticuatro horas posteriores a la entrega al Secretario del Distrito del informe escrito con los resultados de la votación. El propósito de dicha reunión será examinar, tabular y oficializar los resultados electorales. Por medio del presente aviso, la Junta de Educación se designa a sí misma como el cuerpo encargado de la emisión y escrutinio de los votos, en conformidad con lo establecido en la Sección 2019-a, subdivisión 2(b), de la Ley de Educación, en la mencionada reunión especial.
Fechada: 3 de abril de 2025
Por orden del Consejo de Educación Distrito escolar de Seaford Union Free Ciudad de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, Nueva York Carmen T. Ouellette Secretaria de distrito 152442
Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com
Q. Our basement is unfinished, and we plan to put in walls and a finished ceiling. We know we need an escape window, but what are your suggestions on other things, like the kind of ceiling? I’m thinking about just sheetrock, but what kind of access do you recommend for the pipes and wires I’ll need to get to?
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A. There are many items to include in your thought process for finishing your basement. Mistakes are made, first, by ever assuming that the people doing the work know the laws.
The biggest problem I see is that the ceiling is just a little too low, that someone dropped the entire ceiling level just because of one pipe. The minimum ceiling height in the current code is 6 feet 8 inches clearance, with 6 feet 4 inches under the center beams, air ducts or soffits anywhere in the basement. Always leave access for shutoff valves, wiring connections, cleanouts and other controls.
If you need to move pipes that were installed without any care for your future use of the basement, move them. Piping should go around the perimeter of the basement, no matter what excuse you hear. Because of poor planning and even worse execution, pipes are the No. 1 problem, because someone thoughtlessly put them in a place that was good for them and not for you.
The ceiling finish can be sheetrock in the larger areas with perimeter “hung” track ceilings outfitted with removable ceiling tiles. Again, even those lowered perimeter and under-beam soffits need to be no less than 6 feet 4 inches above the floor. Tall firefighters need to avoid hitting their heads when they’re running though your smoke-filled basement to rescue you or your loved ones.
Although you know you need an escape well window or exterior door entry, placement of the well in some side or front yards can cause a code violation if it’s closer than allowed to a property line. Verify your setback requirements for your zone, and even confirm that with an official at your local building department.
Many jurisdictions require a permit with plans and inspections, so don’t forget these important requirements. There are so many people who are frustrated that their contractor didn’t tell them that they needed a permit, and even worse, that they now have a violation that requires reconstruction to pass inspections. Don’t be one of those people. Other important issues include what to do with enclosing your heating equipment, putting laundry sinks and washing machines too close to the main electrical service panel, using the wrong kind of wall studs for perimeter walls, not insulating correctly and forgetting to put handrails on the access stairs, inside and out. Heating equipment, to the code, must follow the manufacturer’s specifications. Installers rarely leave a manual. Sometimes the internet helps. There must be 5/8-inch type X gypsum board on the ceiling extending at least 1 foot in each direction around the boiler. Best of luck!
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As a lifelong Long Islander, I’ve seen firsthand what happens when our energy system fails. I lived through Superstorm Sandy and helped lead recovery efforts in its aftermath — and I don’t need to remind those who went weeks without power and spent hours on gas lines that grid resilience isn’t just a buzzword. It’s a necessity — one we must urgently prioritize.
Unfortunately, more than a decade later, the challenge not only persists, but it’s more complex than ever. The surge in electric vehicles, the rise of data centers and the electrification of homes and businesses are pushing Long Island’s energy demand to unprecedented levels. This isn’t just about the next superstorm — it’s about how we power everyday life for families and small businesses right now. Our existing grid wasn’t designed for this kind of load, and without proactive investment, we risk higher costs, decreased reliability and a system stretched to its breaking point. And the pressure is mounting. The Long Island Power Authority anticipates a steep rise in electricity demand in the
As I fight tooth and nail for every dollar, every program, every piece of support that I can secure for my constituents, a clear pattern has emerged in the performance of Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman — one that it is marred by self-promotional pageantry, misplaced priorities and big promises that ultimately collapse.
The most recent example is the failure of the NYU Langone hospital project that was supposed to rise on the campus of Nassau Community College. When Blakeman introduced it, he billed it as a multibillion-dollar economic engine that would create thousands of jobs, deliver cutting-edge medical care and provide opportunities for our students.
When it was withdrawn in March, it became just another abandoned plan — another missed opportunity that could have changed lives and transformed our economy. Questions from the public and lawmakers have been met with a lack of
coming years. Storage will be key. Planned battery storage projects in Shoreham and Hauppauge are expected to deliver 129 megawatts of capacity, enough to power 25,000 homes once they’re operational in 2028. These aren’t theoretical solutions; they’re essential to keeping Long Islanders’ lights on. And they demonstrate that the public and private sectors can work together to address infrastructure challenges with innovative solutions.
important in ensuring that clean power doesn’t go to waste.
Without it, rising demand can trigger price volatility, hurting small businesses.
Battery energy storage systems are a smart response to this challenge. By storing excess energy during off-peak times and discharging it when demand peaks, these systems stabilize the grid without requiring massive infrastructure overhauls. They help prevent blackouts, curb price spikes, and improve efficiency. In short, they let us do more with what we already have, and that’s a win for everyone.
One of BESS’s most powerful features is its flexibility. It can store energy from any source — solar, wind, natural gas — and dispatch it where and when it’s needed most. This ability to smooth out fluctuations in supply and demand is crucial not just for stability, but also for affordability. And as more renewable sources come online, storage becomes even more
And we don’t have to look far to see BESS in action. On Long Island, Brookhaven recently approved two major battery storage projects that will add more than 300 megawatts of capacity to the grid. These facilities will store renewable energy when production is high and release it during peak usage — cutting costs, improving reliability and reducing emissions. As New York state accelerates its clean energy goals, battery storage projects like these will prove to be a critical tool for making our power system cleaner, smarter and more resilient. They also mean job creation and local investment, as the clean energy economy continues to grow.
Beyond environmental benefits, BESS has an economic upside. Without storage, rising demand can trigger price volatility, hurting working families and small business owners most. Battery storage helps keep costs predictable by reducing reliance on expensive “peaker” plants. And for high-tech industries like AI, data processing and advanced manufacturing, energy stability isn’t just a bonus — it’s a requirement for doing business. The long-term economic competitiveness of our region depends on
getting this right. Of course, safety must be top of mind. Modern battery storage systems are equipped with cutting-edge fire-prevention measures, modular designs and rigorous safety protocols. Proposed updates to fire codes will go even further, requiring comprehensive emergency planning and more frequent inspections. These systems aren’t just high-performing — they’re engineered to be safe and dependable, with oversight from both developers and local authorities.
If we want Long Island to stay competitive, battery storage must become a core part of our energy strategy. That means updating regulations to enable faster deployment, incentivizing private investment and supporting community engagement. Doing nothing is not an option. The longer we wait, the more vulnerable we become — not just to storms, but also to soaring costs and system failures. The future of energy here doesn’t hinge on simply generating more power — it depends on using the power we already have more wisely. Battery storage is the bridge between today’s strained grid and tomorrow’s resilient, affordable and sustainable energy future. Let’s not wait for the next storm or the next blackout to act. The time is now.
Sammy Chu is chairman of the U.S. Green Building Council-Long Island Chapter and chief executive officer of Edgewise Energy.
transparency, and no explanation.
Just up the road from NCC, you’ll find the Uniondale Hub, where Blakeman unsuccessfully chased a casino license. Whether you supported or opposed it, you couldn’t help but notice that the pursuit was fraught. The first time it went through the Legislature, the process was so flawed that a court made him start over. The project, with his promises of jobs and tax revenues, finally fell through, and billions of dollars in promised economic development and opportunities for union workers disappeared with yet another failed attempt to develop the Hub.
accounting for how the money was used.
The same can be said of the handling of the ICC Men’s T20 Cricket World Cup. After major portions of Eisenhower Park were closed for months, and there was the promise of an economic windfall, all Nassau got in return (from what we can tell so far) is major disruptions to the park’s operations, questions about whether taxpayers made a dime and, once again, no accountability.
H e favors political theater over policies that will address our serious issues.
Worse yet, the Blakeman administration blocked the use of project labor agreements to build the temporary stadium, squandering an opportunity to boost the livelihoods of local workers.
world-class burn center and lifesaving drug detox facilities, fails, it won’t just be a health care catastrophe — it will also be an economic earthquake. Working families will lose access to care, and thousands of jobs in the medical field could vanish overnight. Finger-pointing does not suffice as a strategy.
And let’s not forget the fundamentals: Blakeman passed a county budget that was so out of balance that it violated generally accepted accounting principles, and Nassau’s fiscal monitor forced him to fix it. The county’s most recent capital infrastructure plan was stalled for months because of Blakeman’s inexplicable refusal to fund more than $1 million in grants for first responders in Democratic districts, adding political rancor where there should be none.
These are not the only things that have vanished under this administration. Remember Blakeman’s plan to use $10 million in federal coronavirus recovery funds to promote himself under the guise of the county’s 125th-anniversary celebration? While families struggled to get back on their feet after the pandemic, his administration concluded that the best use for a significant portion of those funds was gala banquets, golf outings, fireworks and parades. Yet many of these events never happened, and there is little
The disrespect for labor is further exemplified in the treatment of CSEA employees and retirees, the backbone of our county workforce. They were promised affordable health care in exchange for their service. Instead, Blakeman gutted their benefits.
Then there’s the future of Nassau University Medical Center. Instead of delivering on promises to save the hospital, the administration has installed political cronies and further deepened the crisis. If NUMC, a Level 1 trauma center with a
As someone who is fighting to make things better for our communities, it is profoundly frustrating to pick up the pieces after an administration that prioritizes political theater over implementing policies that will address the most serious issues facing our communities. Nassau County deserves better than disappearing headlines. We deserve leadership that delivers.
Seth Koslow, who represents Nassau County’s 5th Legislative District, is the Democratic candidate for county executive.
in recent weeks I have been at a number of events sponsored by police organizations, including a gala honoring 100 years of the Nassau County Police Department. I also spoke at a meeting of the Long Island Shields, which comprises retired police and law enforcement officers from New York City’s five boroughs as well as Nassau and Suffolk counties. And I attended a news conference with County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Police Commissioner Pat Ryder, at which they announced the creation of a house of worship desk, and demonstrated how drones can be deployed within minutes of mass shootings at houses of worship to determine the precise location of the shooter.
I regularly attend NCPD briefings on possible terror threats on Long Island. This isn’t new for me, since for my final almost two decades in Congress after 9/11, both as chairman and as a member of the Homeland Security Committee, I worked very closely with the New York
Last week, millions of people of the Hebrew faith observed an event known as the Shoah. It is the Hebrew word for catastrophe or disaster, and it is frequently used to refer to the Holocaust, the deliberate killing of six million Jews by the Nazi regime. While not all of us pause to formally recognize this event, it is a painful reminder of man’s inhumanity to man, and deserves to be observed every year.
I am very much aware of the need to pause to remember the Holocaust, because many members of my immediate family were either innocent victims of the Nazi killing machine or managed to escape the horror. Despite the fact that many of my aunts and uncles were Holocaust survivors, there was rarely any discussion about their experiences, because they were too painful to recount.
City and Nassau and Suffolk police departments on counterterrorism strategies and resources. Unfortunately, I was also in Congress during the summer of 2020, when we saw massive demonstrations against the police, a number of which turned violent, and the coordinated effort to “defund the police.” Tragically, I have also attended too many funerals of cops who have been shot and killed in the line of duty.
Too many people take the police for granted, or in some cases are even anti-police.
I say all this because too many people too often take the police for granted, or in some cases even join or support the anti-police movement, focusing on inappropriate actions taken by the smallest minority of police while ignoring that no one does more than the men and women in blue to safeguard all of us while respecting the rights of everyone regardless of race, creed or national origin — all while putting themselves at great risk.
While I understand why everyday people, who are busy trying to make a living and provide for their families, can overlook the outstanding work cops are doing to protect us 24/7, I have little tolerance for elected officials who enact laws or implement policies to tie the
hands of the police or, even worse, turn against them when it suits their political purposes. Support for police shouldn’t be subject to the shifting political winds. It is hypocritical to see politicians who, just a few years ago, were riding the “defund the police” bandwagon, or saying nothing in defense of the police, now shamelessly demanding more funding for more police. Similarly hypocritical are those legislators who hailed themselves for passing “bail reform” now claiming they never intended it to put more criminals back on the streets.
Recent elections have shown that everyday Americans are rallying for the police and supporting policies best described as pro-law and order. For instance, most observers, Democrats and Republicans alike, would agree that Anne Donnelly was elected Nassau County district attorney over her much more well known opponent, State Sen. Todd Kaminsky, four years ago not just because of her decades-long career as a prosecutor, but because of Kaminsky’s previous outspoken support of cashless bail, which he unsuccessfully attempted to run away from during the campaign.
Similarly, the most obvious example of this growing pro-cop sentiment was Donald Trump’s election last fall. Trump ran on a clear pro-police, toughon-crime platform, moving many traditional Democrats to cross party lines to vote for him over the party they believed abandoned them.
I must admit that my support for the police is due in part to personal dealings I’ve had with members of law enforcement over the years, beginning with my father, who was in the NYPD for more than 30 years, and friends of mine who joined the NYPD and NCPD. There were also my close dealings with all levels of law enforcement — federal, state and local — in the years after 9/11, including the officers assigned to my security detail because of foreign and domestic threats against me.
But support for law enforcement must be based on more than personal or family friendships and relationships. Very basically, it is in all of our best interests to support the men and women who — often against the odds — put themselves at risk to protect our streets and communities. It’s also simply the right thing to do.
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Those members of my family who were survivors were blessed to live long lives even though they suffered greatly during the war. A few lived into their 90s, and my grandma Sarah lived to be 100. Some might say that for them, long life was a blessing, but I believe it was a testament to their willingness to be living examples of what they had seen so that we didn’t forget their ordeal, or the millions who didn’t survive.
M y Grandma
Sarah never spoke of her confinement until her late 90s.
At this point, I choose to write about my grandmother and my aunt Irene. On a few rare occasions, they put aside their reticence to tell us something about the horrible past. In the case of Irene, she spoke of how she had been sent to a concentration camp, along with her mother and sister. When they got there, a German soldier directed her mother and sister to go to one area, and Irene to another. After that moment, she said, she never saw them again, because their fate was sealed. Grandma Sarah had another story, but she never spoke of her confinement
until her late 90s. We had been forced to put her in the Komanoff Pavilion, in Long Beach, due to her many physical needs. On the few occasions that we visited her, she told us that “they beat me last night.” She told us many other things that we knew she would never willingly reveal if she had control of her faculties. I share these stories out of my fear for where the world is going.
Recently there was an election in Germany. Before it, Vice President J.D. Vance decided to meet with the leaders of all of the nation’s political parties. He gave special support to the far right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, party, which has strong pro-Nazi leanings. Its platform has frightened the country, and Europe in general. Vance made a plea for the party to be recognized as a partner in future governments. His visit was totally unnecessary, and sent a message to bigots around the world that their antisemitism has the approval of a White House occupant. We are currently hearing a great deal
of talk about antisemitism on college campuses as well as in the rest of America. Leaders of the Anti-Defamation League recently reported that there have been over 10,000 antisemitic incidents in the U.S. since the horrific tragedy of Hamas’s attack on Israel on Oct 7, 2023. It is believed to be the highest number of incidents ever recorded in a similar period since the ADL started tracking them in 1979.
History tells us that hate crimes don’t just single out one particular group. People of Italian, Irish, Chinese, Muslim and other backgrounds have suffered at the hands of wicked political leaders who strategically pick some group as their scapegoats. The observance of the Shoah is a stark reminder that, once again, these horror stories can be repeated, unless we are vigilant and willing to fight against hate in all forms. The forces of evil are always there waiting to strike, especially when we fail to ignore them.
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.
oWn Long Island and across New York state, incumbent trustees and new candidates for school district boards of education have submitted their petitions and are now on the ballot on May 20, when residents go to the polls to vote on their school budgets and capital improvement referendums, and elect their trustees.
For the next two and a half weeks, the candidates will hold forums with residents and plant lawn signs across their communities in an effort to keep their names in voters’ minds, as well as their stances on the districts’ spending plans.
While elected positions from village trustee to state legislator might appear more important and larger in scope, the decisions that shape our daily lives are frequently made on those school boards. And, from voters’ perspective, lifeimpacting decisions about where they choose to live are more often than not made based on where their children will go to school.
Quality public education not only prepares our children for bright futures, but also increases communities’ property values, attracts new residents, reduces crime and promotes social mobility.
For the 125 school districts in Nassau and Suffolk counties, boards of education, typically consisting of five to nine people, play a critical role in overseeing and shaping the educational system. Their responsibilities include creating a vision for the district, setting goals and
establishing policies, overseeing multimillion-dollar budgets, and collaborating with administrators to help ensure the schools’ smooth operations. They must be accountable to the community, and offer regular, constructive public engagement.
Though trustees are volunteers, they are entrusted to guide the district and have a duty to represent their constituencies during their three-year terms. That includes being aware of, and understanding, the influence they wield.
All of the above are great reasons why you should care about your local school board: because its members represent the beating heart of civic responsibility, and because our schools deserve leadership that is not only competent and informed, but also reflective of and responsive to the communities they serve. Board trustees may have none of the glamour of state or national office holders, but the impact they have is often more immediate, and more personal. Their decisions don’t just affect students — they affect entire neighborhoods, in so many ways.
Residents have a responsibility to know who represents them and what those representatives stand for. That means researching school board candidates, attending their town halls, asking tough questions — making sure community concerns are heard — and judging the results with your vote. You can learn
‘town hall’ wasn’t much of one
To the Editor:
U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen advertised a “Town Hall Meeting” on April 16. Sadly, it was nothing more than a performative press release with an audience. What a disappointment. and waste of her constituents’ time! A 30-minute presentation with no comments, feedback or questions from the audience.
While technically meeting the definition of a Q&A by reading pre-submitted — and perhaps prescreened — questions, Gillen answered them with superficial, pre-fabricated responses that, in some cases, matched exactly the column she wrote for the Heralds last month. We could have just stayed home and read our copy of the Herald!
Gillen told us why she chose which committees she wanted to serve on, her hope and plan to work in a bipartisan fashion, and her desire to reduce roadway deaths and dangers. She shared her reason for supporting the Laken Riley Act, which requires the Department of Homeland Security to detain illegal immigrants who commit certain crimes, but when there was criticism from the audience, the person was removed by security.
more about candidates before elections, and then their effectiveness as trustees, each week in the Herald.
And anyone can run for their local school board. You don’t need a background in teaching, or a master’s in education policy, or to be working in a profession that has anything to do with either one. What you do need is a commitment to fairness, a willingness to listen and a passion for serving your community by providing its children with the highest-quality education possible.
Public education needs leaders who understand the complexities of modern classrooms and the myriad challenges faced by working families who have kids in school, and public servants who put the needs of students above special interests. That leadership doesn’t have to come from somewhere else. It can come from you. We need more residents to step forward — not for the prestige of being a trustee, but for the purpose.
At a time when trust in institutions is fragile and divisions run deep, school boards offer a rare opportunity to focus on unity and progress, where politics can — and certainly should — take a backseat to the shared goal of improving children’s lives.
So let this be a call not only to vote, but also to get involved. Attend meetings. Volunteer to help with a school activity. Speak up — ask questions. And if you’re ready to lead, step up. Our children are depending on us.
What was never touched on was the elephant in the room, the reason so many people wanted to attend the meeting: We are in crisis in this country, our rights are being overridden, the Consti-
tution trampled. The current administration is committing illegal acts in our name, “disappearing” people and shipping them to foreign countries where our tax dollars are used to keep them
Hochul Housing ies, towns
Housing state funding. focused economic housing-related
with the State Legislature in budget season, there is a ripe opportunity to improve one state program that works to combat New York’s limited housing supply by helping fund local infrastructure: the Pro-Housing Communities Program. On Long Island, that limited supply of housing has caused prices to soar to record heights.
The average home price stands at nearly $780,000 in Nassau County and over $662,000 in Suffolk County.
Gov. Kathy Hochul created the $650 million ProHousing program in 2023, enabling cities, towns and villages to apply for ProHousing designation and pursue related state funding. That funding is broadly focused on downtown revitalization and economic development, but it includes housing-related infrastructure such as
water and sewage.
So far, 26 localities on Long Island have applied for the designation. Fifteen have been certified. The others are still pursuing it.
Those 15 localities include the cities of Glen Cove and Long Beach, as well as the Towns of Babylon, Brookhaven, East Hampton and Riverhead. They also include the villages of Farmingdale, Freeport, Hempstead, Mineola, Port Jefferson, Port Washington North, Sag Harbor, Valley Stream and Westbury.
it’s an important step in making affordable housing more available.
Those 15 localities have also now applied for related state funding. The funding decisions will be announced in June.
This is a start, but the $650 million covers the entire state. With high construction costs, these funds will not be enough to make the improvements necessary to satisfy Long Island’s housingrelated infrastructure needs. More is required.
In the governor’s proposed fiscal year
detained without due process. Our confidential personal data is being taken by rogue invaders without any security clearance. Our Social Security, health care system and Medicaid are in grave danger. This was not addressed in Gillen’s “town hall.” The fear, concern and dissent were not acknowledged in any way.
While I guess we should be happy that at least there was a performance of a town hall, since so many legislators are totally ignoring their constituents, and in fact hiding from them, this event was barely better. She can and should do better!
LINdA ROBERTSON West Hempstead
To the Editor:
United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island would like to introduce Robin Lane as the organization’s first-ever chief program officer.
A dedicated member of the UCP-LI family since 1993, Lane has over 35 years of experience providing services to people with disabilities.
“Robin’s career with UCP is a testament to her unwavering dedication, passion and leadership,” Colleen Crispino, president and CEO of UCP-LI, said. “Her promotion is not only well-deserved, but also a natural progression for someone who has made such a lasting impact on our organization and the people we serve.”
2026 budget, a $100 million infrastructure fund would be set aside for certified Pro-Housing Communities. Yet this fund represents a drop in the bucket of what is needed to cover the infrastructure needs across the state and Long Island. Just one project, the recently completed Central Islip sewer expansion, had a price tag of $13.7 million.
An additional $10 million in the governor’s proposed budget would fund a new housing ombudsman’s office, which would work to assist municipalities with their housing needs and provide technical support for the Pro-Housing Communities Program. These are vital steps, but they still don’t go far enough.
Recurring funding is needed, and it is crucial. This should not be just a piecemeal allocation.
The program should also provide data on the amount of housing created by it. Promoting housing is the overall goal, so its specific impact should be
Lane began her journey with UCP-LI as a residential manager, and has held various leadership roles in the program, including associate director. Her most recent position was director of quality management and corporate compliance. In that role she had the responsibility for incident management, quality assurance and compliance, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards.
As chief program officer, Lane will oversee the planning, development, and management of all program areas, including adult day services, the Children’s Center, residential services, and a wide range of family support programs.
She will also serve as a key member of the executive leadership team, where she plays an integral role in strategic planning, systems development and program innovation.
“I am honored and excited to step into the role of chief program officer,” Lane said. “UCP has been my professional home for over three decades, and I am deeply committed to advancing our mission, supporting our dedicated staff, and continuing to provide the highest quality services to the individuals and families we serve.”
Lane earned a bachelor’s degree in health policy and administration from Pennsylvania State University and a graduate degree from Stony Brook University.
For more information about UCP of Long Island and its programs, visit UCP-li. org.
JILLIAN CAVALIERI
Community relations specialist, UCP of Long Island
reported.
One improvement has been made. In response to feedback from communities on Long Island like Patchogue, applicants across the state can now be judged on a wider range of activities over a longer time frame.
The demand is clear. In July 2024, the Village of Mineola stood alone as the only Pro-Housing Community on the island. Now, 15 Long Island localities have been certified, and 11 more are pursuing it.
The momentum is growing. The need for more housing has never been greater.
The Long Island communities that are pursuing this program are taking important steps to improve the availability of more affordable housing. More localities should move in this direction, thereby creating more equitable opportunities.
The state should continue to reinforce and improve this program. Everyone will benefit.
April Francis Taylor is acting president of ERASE Racism, the regional civil rights organization based in Syosset.
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