Mentorship program for girls launches, building leaders
By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com
A new leadership program for girls is set to launch in Uniondale, bringing together Girl Scouts of Nassau County, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Theta Iota Omega Chapter and the Ivy Foundation to expand access to mentorship and youth development.
The initiative, known as START — Soaring Towards Achievement and Readiness Together — will be based in Union-
dale, though organizers say it will serve girls from across Nassau County.
“It’s (the program) really talking about, how you feel about yourself, how you contribute to the community, how you build friendships and relationships,” said Rande Bynum, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of Nassau County. “START goes through all those things and allows our girl scouts to kind of explore who they want to be.”
Unlike traditional troops, the program will operate as a specialized partnership, with trained adult volunteers from Alpha Kappa Alpha helping lead sessions alongside Girl Scouts staff.
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As the program is implemented in Uniondale, girls from around Long Island can join and participate. Locations for the sessions are to be discussed; however, the John J. Byrne Community Center and the Uniondale school district would be a cornerstone start.
The program is expected to begin with about 12 participants and will meet monthly, focusing on leadership development, mentorship and social-emotional learning.
“We will be meeting for approximately one hour to develop skill sets and to be that mentor, listen and assist with a lot of common goals that they may have, “said Juanita Joyner Hicks, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Theta Iota Omega Chapter. The topics the group will focus on is education, mental wellness which Hicks said is a strong topic within Long Island’s youth. Other topics will include managing social media, to challenge the platform.
The START program will follow a structured curriculum developed by the Girl Scouts , including its “Be U” sessions, which emphasize confidence-building, relationships and personal growth.
“It reminds us how we as women in a service organization need to continue to work on our self-worth, our self-esteem and our confidence,” said Leah Watson, chairman of the Ivy Foundation Suffolk/ Nassau Counties.
“That’s a lifelong process,” Watson added. “When we give and we service a community we service out selves.
The chief executive also said in the initiative success will be measured in the first year not only by participation, but by how girls grow in confidence and engagement within their community.
“We expect to see not only a positive change with regard to them just loving themselves and being themselves, but also having the confidence to advocate for themselves,” Hicks said. “We want them to know they have support systems and to become future leaders in their communities.”
At the end of the program, the girls will receive a “BE U” patch and take part in a bridging ceremony.
The START program in Uniondale is expected to be the first of a larger initiative, expected to roll out 10 more programs with community based organizations throughout Nassau County by the end of 2026.
Courtesy Girl Scouts of Nassau County
Partnership signature ceremony between Girl Scouts of Nassau County, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorotiy Thetaa Iota Omega Chapter and the Ivy Foundation.
Pi Day celebration brings messy math fun
Visitors at the Long Island Children’s Museum in marked Pi Day on March 14 with a mix of hands-on learning and messy fun, highlighted by a crowd-favorite pie toss.
Families throughout the museum took part in a range of math-themed activities designed to make the concept of the infinite number represented by 3.14 more engaging and accessible. Children created circle-inspired crafts, including bracelets and hats, while others joined scavenger hunts and problem-solving challenges focused on geometry and patterns.
The celebration also featured interactive performances and movement-based activities, with music, dancing and hula hoops reinforcing the day’s theme of circles. A performance by the Double Dutch Divas drew crowds, adding energy to an event that blended education with entertainment.
The pie toss, however, proved to be the highlight for many attendees. Wearing protective goggles, participants lined up to toss whipped-cream pies, turning the mathematical celebration into a lively, hands-on experience that encouraged both laughter and learning.
The pie toss was separated by two teams – blue and red. The colors come from the museums Pixar Disney exhibit, inside out to feature feelings.
“Pi Day is one of our favorite celebrations because it shows that big ideas — like infinity — can be explored through creativity, movement, laughter, and hands-on discovery,” said Aimee Terzulli, vice president of program and visitor experience.
The Pi Day celebration was sponsored by JPMorgan Chase.
— Stacy Driks
Stu Goldman/Herald photos
Long Island Children’s Museum President Erika Floreska took part in the Pi Day fun as a whipped-cream pie landed on her face.
Mert Demir and his son, Devin, 5, of Greenlawn, smiled with leftover pie after it was tossed on their face.
Nora Nussbaum, 5, of Deer Park, showed off her handmade Pi Day hat, topped with plate and a slice of pie sticker, in honor of Pi Day. The hands-on activities was a fun twist with the famous number 3.14. Nora colored around it.
Part Shah and Purvi Shah with their daughter, Saanvi, 7 months, visited the museum from Queens. Together, they worked on hands-on crafts, decorating Pi Day-themed projects.
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DThe risen Lord renews our path forward easter message
ear Brothers and Sisters: Happy Easter to you and your families!
This Easter Sunday, Easter Octave, Divine Mercy Sunday and Easter Season we continue to pray and contemplate our Lord’s Resurrection appearances, and we give thanks for Pope Leo XIV and his worldwide spirit of Catholic mission.
The Holy Father then reflects on the despair of the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus. Their hearts burn and their joy is restored as the Risen Lord explains the Scriptures to them and they recognize Him in the breaking of the bread. In this way, the Paschal Mystery gives us hope and strength in every trial and circumstance.
In his Cycle of Catechesis on the Resurrection of Christ, Pope Leo writes: “The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is an event that one never finishes contemplating and meditating on, and the more one explores it, the more one is filled with wonder, drawn in as if by an overwhelming yet fascinating light. It was an explosion of life and joy that changed the meaning of reality itself, from negative to positive; yet it did not happen in a striking way, much less a violent one, but gently, hidden, one might say humbly.”
Pope Leo recognizes that there is much sadness in the world - “a feeling of precariousness, at times profound desperation.” We think especially of the daily crosses and trials of those from war-torn and violence-ridden areas of the world.
Pope Leo concludes: “May the unexpected joy of the disciples of Emmaus be a gentle reminder to us when the going gets tough. It is the Risen One who radically changes our perspective, instilling the hope that fills the void of sadness. On the paths of the heart, the Risen One walks with us and for us. He bears witness to the defeat of death and affirms the victory of life, despite the darkness of Calvary... He alone makes the impossible possible!”
May the Light of the Risen Christ illumine with God in Heaven our path to holiness on earth and our path to eternal life and happiness
Sincerely yours in the Risen Lord, Most Reverend John O. Barres Bishop of Rockville Centre
The Most Reverend John O. Barres is the Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
Easter egg hunt, inclusive community event
The John J. Byrne Community Center in Uniondale will host two Easter-themed community events the weekend of April 4.
The center’s annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place April 4. The event, open to children ages 2 to 12, will feature a bounce house, face painting, prizes, vendors and food trucks. Admission and parking are free.
A second event, hosted by Siblings Helping Siblings in partnership with the community center, will be held April 5. The gathering is designed as a sensoryfriendly, inclusive Easter celebration for families of children of all abilities.
The event is free, though registration is required through the community center’s website.
—
Stacy Driks
After delays, students highlight theme of solidarity
By ABBY GIBSON Intern
After the snowstorm on Feb. 22, multiple events and celebrations were canceled throughout Long Island, Uniondale High School had a special event, celebrating “100 years of Black excellence” for Black History Month, the school instead celebrated on March 13 after rescheduling twice.
Music, art and a vibrant showcase of spirit and culture brought together the Uniondale community. This year, marks 100 years since the founding of a Black History Month celebration. The high school was filled with student performances, artwork and a theme of solidarity.
“It’s a time to unapologetically celebrate all of our growth as people,” said Uniondale High School Principal Shawn Brown. “To showcase the positive attributes of our culture: music, food, tradition, and academic excellence.”
The night’s theme was solidarity, which reflected a broader goal of nurturing a community and educating students about Black history and culture. This was a chance not just to celebrate the culture, but to reflect and educate students and the community about its history. Brown emphasized how important this celebration of solidarity is in today’s world.
“Based on where we are as a nation, I think it’s important that we show some solidarity,” Brown said. “We might have
Students took the stage with
different religious beliefs, political beliefs, but we have to.
At some point throughout the entire year, have some type of solidarity around our culture,” he added.
Students performed spoken word, step routines and cultural dances. Some students also volunteered to help set up before the event and clean up after the event.
“When you put everything together, it’s a message that sends volumes throughout your community,” said Hannah Eugene, junior at Uniondale High School.
Eugene served as a student representa-
tive on the Black History program committee and was nominated for the position by her teacher, Jillian Pallone. She explained that she was their “insider”, where faculty asked her what students would like to see, and their interests.
Along with helping plan the event, Eugene also hosted the program, introducing the performers and working to energize the audience throughout the night.
“It was a really good experience for me,” Eugene said. “I loved bringing people up and hyping up groups.”
Serving as a gathering space, Uniondale High School brought together stu -
dents from across the district along with their families and community.
Beyond the entertainment throughout the night, Brown said he hopes that events similar to this inspire students to take pride in their own identity and to understand the legacy they are a part of.
“My ultimate goal is I want the children to be proud of the culture and to understand the responsibility that comes with being a part of this culture and being Black,” Brown said “We have a legacy of people who have lost their lives to give us the opportunity to even be in school.”
He added that he hopes the celebration encourages students to strive for excellence in both academia and in their personal lives, while recognizing their ancestors and the history made before them.
In the final part of the night, attendees were encouraged to walk through the hallways to view artwork created by students throughout the district during the school year.
“The main focus is on our students’ artwork,” said Sandra Edwards, the district clerk. “We are showcasing student art from all levels.”
The display served as a reminder that the celebration of Black culture and history extended beyond the stage, allowing students another platform and medium to express their voices.
“It’s to show how even though you may be feeling small…you can do a whole bunch of things,” Eugene said.
Christine Rivera / Herald Photos
Hofstra baseball impacted by weather
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
The Hofstra baseball team is looking to take flight in the heart of spring after it was largely grounded to open the season in the dead of winter.
After opening the 2026 season with a three-game series at then fourth-ranked Mississippi State from Feb. 13-15, the Pride were only able to play three games over the next three weeks as mother nature unleashed historic snow totals across the Long Island region.
“You count on those early games to be able to evaluate the team and see where we’re going into conference play,” said fifth-year Hofstra head coach Frank Catalanotto. “It’s tough to replicate that when you’re inside in the gym or in the bubble.”
Playing just six games in the first three weeks of the season didn’t give Hofstra much preparation before starting the critical Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) portion of its schedule on March 6 at College of Charleston. The Pride took one of three games in series at Charleston and Monmouth to open conference play before taking two of three against Northeastern last weekend to move to 4-5 entering April.
Hofstra is looking to reach the sixteam CAA tournament with 21 returners from last year’s disappointing 18-36 team that went 8-19 in the league to miss out on the postseason. The Pride can assure a CAA playoff spot by placing among the top two in the league’s north division featuring Monmouth, Northeastern, Stony Brook and Towson or by having one of the two highest NCAA RPI ratings at the end of the regular season for the remaining teams.
Leading Hofstra’s charge for some late May baseball is red-shirt senior center fielder Tyler Cox, who hit .276 last season after transferring from West Virginia. The local lefty product from Clarke High School is second on the team in hitting as of March 30 with a .304 average and four home runs.
“He’s probably my best hitter in the
lineup and his approach has gotten better as lately he’s been more aggressive in hitting counts,” said Catalanotto of Cox. “He’s a leader on the team.”
Junior shortstop Michael Brown who leads the Pride in hitting with a .361 average and two home runs. Brown drove in the winning run in Hofstra’s 5-4 11 inning win against Northeastern on March 27.
Sophomore catcher CJ Griggs entered the final week of March hitting .304 and recording the winning RBI in a dramatic 11-10 win against Northeastern Sunday in which the Pride rallied for four runs in the bottom of the ninth.
JJ DeVito, a graduate student transfer from St. Johns, who was a former standout at Wantagh High School, has added some offensive punch to the lineup with a .268 average including four hits in a 5-4 loss at Charleston on March 8.
The pitching staff got a boost to start the season with the return of 2024 First-
Team All-CAA honoree Carlos Martinez, who missed last season due to Tommy John surgery. Martinez missed some early non-league action as he worked his way back from injury and Catalano is hoping he can peak during the crucial CAA portion of the schedule in April and May.
“He was struggling a little bit early with some pain in his arm, but now he’s feeling close to 100 percent,” said Catalanotto of Matinez.
The starting rotation for weekend CAA games also features sophomore Chris Bedford and senior Sean Hamilton. Key hurlers out of the bullpen include Nick Reese, Deuce Musial, Maddon McArthur, Tanner Sanderoff and Brayden Gregg.
Sophomore Michael Heyman, a Hewlett High School graduate, is another relief pitching option who could be called upon in non-league midweek games this season.
The Pride will look to get the April part of their CAA schedule off on the right foot with a series at Towson this weekend before hosting Long Island rival Stony Brook for three games from April 10-12. Hofstra will host series against Towson from May 1-3 and Monmouth from May 8 -10 before closing the regular season at Stony Brook.
Hofstra dug itself an early hole to gain a playoff spot by dropping four of six CAA games to start the season, but taking two of three from Northeastern gives the Pride a winning foundation to build off with plenty more conference games left to finish strong.
“There are a lot of games left and we’ve got to go take care of business,” said Catalanotto, a former 14-year Major League Baseball player who led Hofstra to a CAA title in his season as head coach in 2022. “We’ve got the talent to do it.”
Carlos Martinez is back on the mound after missing 2025.
Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications Clarke High School product Tyler Cox is a key piece for the Pride in the lineup and center field.
District will introduce new elementary curriculum
ning and reduction in a lot of these areas for next year,” Lignato said.
Among its expenses, the Uniondale district assigns its nurses full-time to Kellenberg Memorial High School, Hebrew Academy of Nassau County, St. Martin de Porres and Academy Charter School.
“Our obligation is that any private or parochial schools within our district, including charters, must get the same health services,” Lignato said.
“We have social workers as well assigned there,” she added. “We give them psychological services to all the students, whether they’re our children or not.”
However, the district is reimbursed by other school districts if it provides services to non-Uniondale residents.
Transportation is another significant expense within the program budget. Starting at $18 million. The district provides busing for more than 7,000 students, including those attending private, parochial and charter schools.
Lignato noted that while transportation costs are high, approximately $18.6 million compared to this year $17.8 million the district receives state aid that offsets a large portion of those expenses.
In addition, Monique Darrisaw-Akil, Uniondale’s superintendent, announced that the district will introduce a new elementary school ELA curriculum, which she described as a significant addition to the instructional budget, costing $312,000 each year for five years.
Professional development costs will add another $107,000 for the first year, district officials said.
“We don’t want to wait until these beautiful young people who are in high school to introduce that to them,” Rhonda Taylor, the district’s assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction, said. “We are beginning in our elementary schools.”
The district has selected HMH Into Reading, an ele -
Stacy Driks/Herald
The Uniondale Board of Education held a budget workshop at Grand Avenue Elementary School, in Baldwin, on March 22, when officials outlined a spending plan that includes a proposed 3.7 percent increase for the 2026-27 school year.
mentary literacy curriculum developed by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.
“This is a culmination of a year’s worth of research, shared decision-making among our scholars, teachers, school administrators and, of course, our central level leaders,” Taylor said.
Special education expenditures also have helped drive up the budget, administrators said. The district serves 952 students with disabilities, including more than 130 who attend programs outside the district, which adds to the costs. The district provides these students with services through special education teachers, speech and language providers and other support staff.
The budget proposes $38.7 million in programing for students classified under the Disabilities Education Act. An 8.1 increase from this year at $38.7 million, most of funds are used as tuition for Uniondale residents, whether they are in a school in or out of the district. Included with this portion is compensation for teachers in special education, speech, language, teacher aides and assistant who work in the class.
Also, it covers expenses for BOCES tuition equipment and supplies.
Some schools in the district are assigned more special education staff than others. Northern Parkway Elementary School has 23 special education teacher assistants, including aides, while Walnut Street and Grand Avenue elementary schools each have five.
“We do get state aid based on our expenditures, and this state aid is almost 65 percent to 70 percent aidable,” Lignato said.
To help offset rising costs, the district targeted certain areas for reduction, primarily by not filling vacant positions. In the health services budget, for example, two nursing positions will not be filled next year, contributing to a decrease in that area.
The district also provides health and support services to students attending private, parochial and charter schools within Uniondale. When those students live outside the district, these students’ home districts reimburse Uniondale for those services.
Officials said the proposed budget reflects an effort to maintain programs while managing financial pressures, including declining enrollment and rising mandated expenses.
The school board is expected to continue budget discussions at its next adoption meeting on April 14.
Water economics: balancing need with cost
The politics of profits, taxes and surcharges have roiled the debate over public and private service
By Allyson Ferr Ari & Chris ColuCCi of the Herald
Fifth installment in a series about water.
Water is a business.
Advocates argue that water is a basic human right. It’s also a product, provided for a cost and purchased by consumers. Whether filling a 40-ounce water bottle, taking a long, relaxing shower or running the tap for two minutes of teeth-brushing, water consumption is an often overlooked part of our everyday lives.
Like other expenses considered essential for life such as food, electricity and a Wi-Fi signal, the water bill is a recurring payment. And just like other utilities, residents sometimes have limited options for their service provider.
Long Island residents are served by either public water districts or private water suppliers and, depending on location, some pay significantly more for the same basic necessity — often with little or no ability to choose their provider. While a majority receive water from public providers, a smaller portion of the population is served by private companies, often at higher cost.
The dollars and cents
When their water bill comes in, many ratepayers feel a sharp pain in the wallet. Costs can fluctuate based not only on how much they use, but what they use it for.
Several water districts estimate that the average use for a family of four is nearly 400 gallons per day. In some cases, especially in private service areas, water bills can range from $500 to $800 per month during peak summer periods, according to longtime advocate Agatha Nadel, a resident of Glen Head.
Pricing differs sharply between public and private water systems. According to Pamela Bellings, a communications specialist at Liberty Water, “Residential water rates are set through a regulatory process overseen by the New York Public Service Commission.”
“Rates are designed to recover the cost of operating, maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure while ensuring service remains safe and reliable,” Bellings said of how Liberty determines its residential rates.
“Rates do not fluctuate month to month, but they may change over time following regulatory review and approval,” she added. These proposed changes require detailed justification and include opportunities for public input before a decision is made, which helps balance customer affordability with the need to maintain and modernize critical water infrastructure, according to Liberty.
Critics argue that despite regulatory oversight, the structure of private water systems can lead to significantly higher costs due to general service charges, meter charges, regulatory charges and other fees.
Public water suppliers typically pro-
vide a standard water usage rate, a conservation rate — a type of sliding scale applying higher fees to higher use, intended to encourage judicious water use — and an irrigation fee for dedicated sprinkler systems, which are presumed to be relatively lower priority than consumption.
“We feel water is a basic need. You need it for drinking, cooking and bathing,” said Robert McEvoy, chairman of the Oyster Bay Water District.
“Once you get past that, whether you’re putting 15,000 gallons on your lawn in the course of a quarter or you’re drinking every last drop, it has to meet the same standards, health-wise. We have to treat all our water the same way.”
“Water districts are determined or created as part of town law,” McEvoy explained. “A lot of the boundaries preexist the Nassau Subdivisions Act and the Nassau County charter — when they were established. Some of them run sort of coterminous with school district lines.”
of about 9.75 percent per project by the New York Public Service Commission, and that can rise to as much as 12 to 15 percent.
While treatment standards remain consistent for public safety, pricing can vary significantly depending on the provider. In some towns, prices may even vary between houses on the same block due to water zoning boundaries or the homeowners’ use of private or public water supplies.
Nadel’s residence, for example, is in the Liberty Water service area, while homes just 100 feet away are served by the public Jericho Water District.
“My neighbor pays a fifth of what I pay in an entire year,” Nadel said. “No taxes, no surcharges, nothing.”
Pricing differences, advocates say, are driven largely by the structure of private systems, which include profit margins and surcharges and have limited access to the government funding that public providers rely on to offset costs.
Residents in a private system can pay three to five times more than those served by public water providers, according to Nadel. Private water companies are guaranteed a baseline profit
According to Nadel, a four-year rate cycle in the mid-2010s brought an increase of about 120 percent, significantly driving up household water costs. A major issue voiced by private water customers is the amount they pay in fees added to their water bills, which typically include base usage rates and additional charges such as taxes and surcharges. In some cases, nearly half of the bill is not for water usage. Surcharges can include the cost of infrastructure projects such as filtration systems, water towers and other capital improvements.
“It’s an absolute sin,” Nadel said of the surcharges. “Forty-one percent of a typical water bill goes to charges and taxes that have nothing to do with the actual water usage. It really is an absolute sin.”
Public vs. private water suppliers
While most Long Island homeowners rely on public water services from their local municipality, private water suppliers may be an option for certain service areas. Liberty Water is one of the area’s
Herald file photo
Water towers are one highly visible part of every water district’s infrastructure — and there’s no hiding their physical condition.
LONG ISLAND’S WATER BLUEPRINT RISING TIDES
Public, private water rates differ drastically
Continued from PreViouS PAGe
largest private alternatives, currently supplying water to nearly 120,000 Nassau residents, primarily in the Town of Hempstead. A homeowner who wants an alternative to either public or private water suppliers would need to install and maintain a private well, subject to local and state requirements.
“For most customers, remaining connected to a regulated public water system provides reliability, water quality oversight and long-term infrastructure support,” Bellings said.
As a result, most Long Islanders continue to receive water service from the provider assigned to their area, even if they are dissatisfied with it. Because water is tied to geographic districts, homeowners typically cannot choose their provider.
As a matter of public safety, water suppliers — public and private — must adhere to state and federal guidelines to monitor and remove waterborne contaminants. “Private suppliers have the same health department and [Department of Environmental Conservation] requirements — federal, state and local requirements for pure water,” McEvoy said. “They have the same maximum contaminant levels for the same contaminants. Their testing requirements are the same as us, whether it’s a public or a private water supplier.”
McEvoy has decades of experience in the water industry, having previously served as chairman of the Long Island Water Conference and president of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association — both organizations dedicated to ensuring water quality, safety and affordability across the Island.
Nadel explained that the Water Authority of North Shore has two main options to deliver public water: build and operate its own system or contract with an existing public provider. In her own research with North Shore Concerned Citizens, she has concluded that contracting with nearby systems — such as Jericho, Glen Cove, or Roslyn — would be the fastest and most practical approach because those providers already have infrastructure in place.
Long Island’s water systems are interconnected, allowing supplies to be rerouted during emergencies such as contamination events or periods of high demand, demonstrating that a transition from private to public supply may be feasible. Nadel said the shift would not be overly complex, but rather a matter of political will.
Homeowners having scant options is an issue on both shores, but potential alternatives have been considered for several years. The South Nassau Water Authority was created in 2021 to potentially offer Town of Hempstead residents an alternative to Liberty Water. A plan to establish a new water authority and create a sustainable, efficient and effective alternative to Liberty has been in the works for years. Residents and legislators are eager to move forward, but negotiations to transition away from the current water supply are complex and have moved slowly.
“Right now, the options are very limited,” explained Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, who represents District 21, which encompasses Baldwin, East Rockaway, Lynbrook, Malverne, Rockville Centre, South Hempstead and parts of Freeport and Valley Stream. “Residents that live in the Village of Rockville Centre and the Village of Freeport have municipal water; however, those who live anywhere else in AD-21 are served by Liberty Water with no ability to opt out, unless the municipalization of South Nassau Water Authority becomes a reality. The primary goal being to transition these private customers to public control to lower costs.” Public funding for some, but not for others
“Strong communities start with a strong infrastructure,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a 2024 news release. “Clean water is a basic human right.”
Last month, Hochul announced a plan to direct $28 million in state and federal grants to Long Island to help facilitate water infrastructure upgrades. The
Customers who received water from Liberty utilities opposed a 2023 rate hike that potentially saw bills in nassau County increase by a cumulative 34.2 percent. the increase ultimately went into effect in August 2024.
Drip, drip, drip: Where are your dollars going?
If your water bill seems excessive, there are some relatively simple steps to pare it down.
20-minute shower with standard showerhead
Up to 50 gallons of water
15-minute shower with low-flow showerhead
Up to 30 gallons of water
5 loads of laundry, standard machine
Up to 200 gallons of water per week
4 loads of laundry, Energy Star-certified machine
Up to 115 gallons of water per week
Standard toilet with minor running leak
Up to 1.6 gallons per flush plus up to 180 gallons per week
EPA-verified WaterSense-label toilet
Up to 1.28 gallons per flush
funds are part of a $250 million statewide project to improve water infrastructure.
The plan follows similar financial support in January of this year, when Hochul sent $18 million to Long Island — one part of a $288 million project — with the similar aim of making water and sewer infrastructure improvements.
In a statement supporting the most recent funding, Village of Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr. wrote, “We know that access to clean water is not a luxury, but it is a necessity.” Hobbs continued, “Upgrading our aging water system, replacing outdated pipes and improving the overall system is critical to protecting public health.”
The influx of funds can play a significant role in maintaining and upgrading anything from deteriorating equipment at water treatment plants to damaged
underground supply lines. As government agencies, water districts can benefit from funding directly from the state, while private businesses cannot. The trickledown effect, so to speak, of extra governmental funding is that cost savings can be passed to residents. More important, water quality and safety can be more easily maintained. Private suppliers address potential safety issues at their own expense, without state or federal aid.
“Currently they’re not available for private water companies,” McEvoy said. “But the Long Island Water Conference has put it on their agenda to seek legislation that would give them access [to public funds] only for treatment of the contaminants. Not for any other purpose.”
Due to the unequal funding for environmental upgrades, public water providers are in a stronger financial position to improve infrastructure and remove contaminants using state and federal funds, while private systems are excluded from receiving them — meaning costs are passed on to residents.
The Environmental Protection Agency requires community water systems — public and private — to publish “community confidence reports,” most commonly in the form of yearly water-quality reports that reveal test results for contaminants, as well as facts and figures detailing overall water consumption.
The Jericho Water District Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for 2024, for example, highlighted nearly 4.9 billion gallons of water provided to 58,000 customers, averaging 13.4 million gallons per day. Jericho Water charges a minimum of $13 per calendar quarter, at a rate of $1.30 per 1,000 gallons up to 10,000 gallons. Fees increase on a sliding scale with usage — similar to the conservation rate used in other municipalities — reaching $3.90 per 1,000 gallons for usage above 200,000 gallons per quarter.
According to the 2025 Liberty Annual Water Quality Report for the Sea Cliff Operations District, the average customer used just under 95,800 gallons of water, at a cost of about $1,340, or $3.67 a day. Liberty also revealed that it served roughly 4,388 customers, at a total cost of $5.9 million.
The reports highlight how costs and scale can vary widely between systems, even as both draw from the same regional water supply.
For many residents, the issue is not just how much water they use, but who controls the system that delivers it.
Jordan Vallone/Herald file
Awards celebrate leadership, service
we’re dedicated, we are willing to learn new things. We can do anything we put our minds to. We can achieve anything we want.”
In January, the team made history by winning Nassau County’s first Section VIII Dual Meet Championship.
Rita Brown and Paulana Lamonier
Rita Brown, owner of For Juice Sake, in West Hempstead, and Paulana Lamonier, a multimedia journalist and founder of Black People Will Swim, a Hempstead-based organization, received the legislatures Business Award.
Brown, who founded what she described as the first Black-owned kosher cafe in West Hempstead, said she shifted from a media career to focus on promoting healthier lifestyles after her mother died of skin cancer.
Before launching the store, Brown consulted with a nutritionist from Health First to make sure everything on her menu was healthy.
“When I decided to pivot from a successful media career into doing something more purposeful, I had all the fun and the perks and the concerts and all of that,” Brown said. “But I wanted to do something more purposeful.”
Lamonier created Black People Will Swim to challenge stereotypes and promote water safety, drawing on her experience as a former collegiate swimmer. Research has long highlighted disparities in swimming ability among children. According to the USA Swimming Foundation, some 64 percent of Black children have little to no swimming ability, compared with 40 percent of white children.
LaShawn Lukes and Ebony Guerrier
LaShawn Lukes, president of the New Greater Hempstead Chamber of Commerce, and Ebony Guerrier, founder of Mrs. G’s Brown Bag Charity — the Herald’s 2025 Person of The Year — were honored with the legislatures Community Leader Award.
Guerrier founded Mrs. G’s in 2020, and hopes to become a federally recognized nonprofit this year. As things stand now, she funds events like trunkor-treats and egg hunts on her own.
“It’s so empowering seeing women that walk different paths and the accolades that they have and things that I aspire to do,” Guerrier said. “Seeing this in real time, and from ages from younger to older, was such an empowering thing.”
Lukes, the first president of the chamber elected to a three-year term, emphasized unity in her remarks. “Today I stand here and say we are one community,” she said. “We’re greater, and that’s why I use that word, greater — we’re greater than ourselves.”
Barbara Hafner, Tina Hodge Bowles and Barbara Powell
Barbara Hafner, a retired teacher and public-education advocate; Tina HodgeBowles, executive director of the nonprofit Operation Get Ahead; and Barbara
“Bobbie” Powell, president of the NAACP’s Hempstead chapter, received the legislatures Impact Award.
Before retiring from teaching in 2019, Hafner, of West Hempstead, taught fifth and sixth grade in the West Hempstead school district for 25 years. She wanted to start another chapter in her life, and ran for the Legislature in 2019, challenging the Republican incumbent, Vincent Muscarella. Although Muscarella ultimately held on to the seat, Hafter continued to advocate for teachers.
“It takes a village, and all of you are members,” she said. “I work with parents, educators, community and union leaders to make a difference in the lives of those who will lead today and in the future.”
In 2017, Hodge-Bowles was honored by then Hempstead Mayor Don Ryan as part of a weekly recognition program in Hempstead. Her nonprofit, founded in 1970s, focuses on offering diversified programs to youth in Nassau’s minority
communities.
Powell has secured $9 million in grant funding for the Uniondale school district since joining the NAACP’s Hempstead chapter. Her mother previously led the chapter for 27 years, and Powell stressed the organization’s continued importance.
“The NAACP is our heritage,” she said. “We need to fight for things that are going on that we shouldn’t have to fight for. We’re always in the struggle and always trying to make things better.”
Last year, at the Long Island Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s 37th annual Gala Awards and Toy Drive, Powell was named the Trailblazer of the Year. In 2025 she was honored for her lifelong advocacy.
Last week’s event highlighted the contributions of women across Uniondale and the surrounding communities in the Nassau County 5th Legislative District, showcasing the impact of local leaders, educators and advocates.
Powell with County Legislator Olena Nicks. Through her work with the NAACP’s Hempstead chapter, Powell has brought $9 million in grant funding to the Uniondale school district.
Photos Courtesy Chris Portuondodesmith
Barbara Hafner, far left, Ebony Guerrier, Rita Brown, LaShawn Lukes, Tina Hodge-Bowles and Barbara “Bobbie” Powell were honored at the Women’s History Month celebration. Paulana Lamonier, not pictured, was also recognized.
Members of the Uniondale High School girls’ wrestling team were recognized with Nassau County legislative citations. With them were their coaches, district Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil, third from right, other faculty and, second from left, Nicks — who was the boys’ wrestling team manager when she attended Uniondale High from 2006 to 2010.
Climate activists rally against Hochul plan
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
Dozens of advocates and concerned residents gathered at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola last month to protest Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposal to revise New York state’s 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
The CLCPA is an environmental policy that requires greenhouse gas emissions in the state to be reduced by 40 percent from 1990 levels by 2030 by replacing much of the state’s fossil fuel electricity with renewable energy. Hochul wrote about the policy in an opinion essay published by the Empire Report on March 20, titled “Climate Action and Affordability Must Go HandIn-Hand.”
Following the loss of federal support for solar, wind and other energy initiatives and the rapid increase of oil prices, Hochul suggested that the climate act could lead to severe utility cost increases if it is not revised.
“So much has radically changed since the climate act was enacted, necessitating common-sense adjustments that keep us on our path to a greener future in a way that is affordable for New Yorkers,” Hochul wrote. “We need more time, and so I am proposing we amend the law to require regulations to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions to
be issued at the end of 2030.”
Eric Weltman, senior organizer of the national nonprofit Food and Water Watch, led a group of protesters urging state legislators to defend the climate law later that day.
“We are here because Governor Hochul, unfortunately, is threatening to weaken New York’s landmark climate law,” Weltman said, “and we’re here to urge our legislators to stand up and
defend and protect the climate law. Hochul is embracing policies that would promote fracking and more costly fossil fuel pipelines and power plants.”
The CLCPA, Weltman said, reduces costs related to fossil fuels, decreases air pollution and supports a shift toward renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.
Joe Sackman, executive director of the Long Island Progressive Coalition,
said the 2019 legislation “fully expressed New York’s willingness to take on climate change and move us toward a just and working-class-centered economy.”
“Governor Hochul, by demanding rollbacks to the CLCPA, you are playing politics with our future,” Sackman added. “It’s time to do what is right. No rollbacks on New York’s climate law.”
T.J. Shivers, representing New York Communities for Change, focused on the climate crisis’s direct effects on Long Islanders’ budgets.
“Energy burdens are crushing families from many low- and moderateincome communities,” Shivers said. “People are paying 6 to 10 percent or more of their income just on energy bills, far above what is considered affordable … When my bill goes up, it’s not just the number on paper, that’s food off the table.”
A number of community organizations joined the protest and spoke against revisions to the CLCPA, including the New York Public Interest Research Group, Transition Town Port Washington, the South Shore Audubon Society, the Green Party of Nassau County, All Our Energy, Grassroots Environmental Education, Renewable Heat Now and Bend the Arc Jewish Action: Long Island, calling for Nassau County residents to contact their local elected officials to advocate for preserving the climate act.
Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald
Eric Weltman, a senior organizer for Food and Water Action, led the crowd in urging legislators to defend the state’s climate law on March 20.
STEPPING OUT
From sketchbooks to the spotlight
Young artists stand out in ‘Long Island’s Best’
By Abbey Salvemini
Fresh talent is in full bloom this spring at Heckscher Museum of Art. For three decades, the Heckscher Museum of Art has served as a prestigious launchpad for the next generation of visual storytellers. “Long Island’s Best” is back, marking its 30th anniversary as it spotlights emerging high school artists throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, now through May 3.
As the only juried exhibition of its kind on Long Island, this program offers high schoolers the rare distinction of seeing their work hanging in a professional museum and memorialized in a full-color commemorative catalog. The selection process is famously rigorous: For the 2026 season, 84 finalists were curated from over 400 submissions representing 63 schools across Nassau and Suffolk. Tasked with this challenge were jurors Meredith Brown, Ph.D., the museum’s consulting curator of contemporary art, and guest juror Aaron Feltman — an accomplished artist and a proud Long Island’s Best alumnus.
“It is never an easy process,” says Brown, who explained that the strongest pieces combine technical skill with originality and meaningful themes.
This year’s exhibition included an unusually high number of sculptures — more than in any previous “Long Island’s Best” exhibitions — that reflect both the students’ ambition and influenced by the recent exhibition “Emma Stebbins: Carving Out History.”
“I was surprised by the number of sculptural submissions,” Brown adds. “Sculpture is tricky, and many schools don’t have the resources, but these students took the challenge on and produced really compelling work.”
Among standout pieces is Luminous Harvest, a ceramic sculpture by Lyla Pinto, a senior at Long Beach High School, which earned fourth place and the Stan Brodsky Award. Inspired by painter Darragh Park’s “To Here/From Here,” Pinto created a tree-like form composed of branches holding symbolic fruit and candles.
“I was drawn to Park’s artwork because it seemed alive, as though the forms are changing and expanding rather than remaining still,” she explains. “The handcrafted fruits represent abundance, sustenance and the various attributes each branch offers. I made seven branches because the number seven represents completeness and balance, suggesting a full cycle of growth rather than a single moment. Like Park, I wanted to convey a sense of natural rhythm through organic shapes as demonstrated in the abundance and repetitious organic greenery.”
For Director of Education Joy Weiner — whose program leadership is being honored at a “30th Birthday Bash” on April 18 — the most rewarding aspect of her involvement is observing students experience the thrill of having their work displayed in a museum.
“Just watching their faces as they show their parents how special this opportunity is, that’s one of the happiest memories every year,” she relates.
“Long Island’s Best” has evolved considerably since its early years.
“Years ago, there were landscapes, still lifes and portraits. That was pretty much what you got,” Weiner
Lyla Pinto: Lyla Pinto’s ceramic sculpture “Luminous Harvest, was awarded Fourth Place and honored with the Stan Brodsky Scholarship Award.
• Now through May 3
• Open Thursday through Sunday, noon-5 p.m.
• Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington
• Visit Heckscher.org or call (631) 380-3230 for information on related programming
adds. “Over the years, the different kinds of materials became something that students were interested in exploring. And they’re also much more aware of the world around them, tackling social issues, personal experiences and big-picture ideas through their art.”
While the program certainly sharpens their technical craft, its true value lies in instilling the professional rigor required of a working artist. It also underscores the lasting influence of arts education, with many alumni pursuing careers in art, design, filmmaking, and teaching.
“The whole process from beginning to end involves meeting deadlines, working with teachers, creating the work and writing about it,” Weiner says. “That’s very important as they continue in their careers, to not only create a work of art but to be able to speak about it and share it with others.”
Looking ahead, both Brown and Weiner encourage students to embrace the process, even if their work isn’t selected.
“Sharing your work is a powerful experience. It helps students grow as artists and lets others engage with their vision.” Weiner adds.“Even if your piece isn’t chosen, you learn something about yourself and your art. And when people connect with your work, it’s a truly rewarding experience.”
Teachers, Long Island’s Best alumni and the community are all invited to the stylish “Birthday Bash” celebrating this momentous milestone. Alumni and local artists will contribute works for a fundraiser, underscoring the lasting influence of “Long Island’s Best” throughout the region. The gathering includes an opportunity to meet students and hear firsthand how the program shaped their creative journeys.
“I’ve been privileged to watch the growth of Long Island’s Best,” Weiner says. “I have seen elementary school students eventually become LI Best finalists, have watched students’ progress to becoming Long Island Biennial artists as professionals; and have been lucky to work with students who now teach art in our community, inspiring the next generation.”
This milestone exhibit not only celebrates the talent of today’s students but also emphasizes the enduring value of arts education in shaping Long Island’s creative future. It’s an opportunity to explore a wide variety of media and themes while experiencing the fresh perspectives and voices of the next generation of artists, gaining insight into how young people interpret the world around them through art.
Dan Soder
Come chill with stand-up comedian Dan Soder! Get ready for a night of sharp, laugh-out-loud comedy when he takes the stage on The Golden Retriever of Comedy tour. Known for his quick wit and effortlessly relatable storytelling, Soder has built a devoted following. His credits include ”Not Special” on Comedy Central, a standout turn on Netflix’s The Standups” and his acclaimed HBO special “Son of a Gary.”Fans have also embraced his hit YouTube special, “Dan Soder: On The Road,” a laugh-packed set filled with smart, surprising takes on relationships, growing up and everything in between. Offstage, Soder hosts the popular podcast Soder and was a longtime co-host of SiriusXM’s The Bonfire from 2015 to 2023. Many will also recognize him from his role as Dudley “Mafee” on Billions. With his easygoing charm and razor-sharp observations, Soder delivers comedy that feels both down-to-earth and unexpectedly insightful.
Saturday, April 4, 7 and 9 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
‘…how I wish you were here’
Wish You Were Here celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here,” acclaimed as one of the greatest albums of all time and cited by Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright and guitarist David Gilmour as their favorite album. The band continues its 30-year tradition of combining sight and sound to capture the mood, emotions, and intensity of the Floydian theatrical concert experience — in a spectacular tribute of music, performers, lighting, video, lasers and inflatables — all performed without backing or click tracks. The veteran 10-piece musical ensemble features seven vocalists and a Floydian stage production — sound effects and vintage videos, flying inflatables, theatrical vignettes with props, and a sensational light show with moving lasers, rolling fog and state-of-the-art intelligent lighting — all produced with a fan’s obsession for detail.
Thursday, April 9, 7:30 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Photos courtey Heckscher Museum
Tiffany Yam, of John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore, contributed “Encased,” using colored pencil on illustration board.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
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Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum stages “Pete the Cat,” the charming musical based on the book series by Kimberly and James Dean. Life is certainly an adventure for Pete, no matter where he winds up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also April 6-9
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Seasonal Sprouts: Artful Explorers
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens, now open for the 2026 season, to xplore creativity in nature during this one-hour guided program through the gardens and at the barn at Orchard Hill. Children will observe colors, textures, and patterns in the landscape, play art-inspired games, and create a simple hands-on art project using natural inspiration. Meet at the Beech Tree. Registration required. $22 adult, $20 seniors 62+ (member discounts available).
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 11 a.m.-noon
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
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Great Big Easter Egg Hunt
Old Westbury Gardens welcomes families for some Easter fun. Take part in a reading of the classic Peter Rabbit tale, “The Great Big Easter Egg Hunt.” Afterward join in an exciting egg hunt in the Cottage Garden! Perfect for children ages 3-6. Up to 12 eggs per child may be redeemed for prizes; eggs are empty. Registration required. $22 adult, $20 seniors 62+ (member discounts available).
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 10:30 a.m., noon
Mike DelGuidice
Local favorite Mike DelGuidice returns to the Paramount stage with his popular residency, delivering the high-energy, feel-good performances that have made him a hometown standout. Backed by his powerhouse band, DelGuidice brings the music of his idol, Billy Joel, to life with passion and precision, celebrating decades of iconic hits in a rousing, crowd-pleasing show. A multi-instrumentalist who grew up immersed in music, DelGuidice’s deep knowledge of Joel’s catalog ultimately led to sharing the stage with the Piano Man himself, touring around the world. Alongside beloved classics, he weaves in his own original songs, showcasing the songwriting that has earned him a devoted following. His releases include My Street, Miller Place and Mask Production, and his track “Ordinary Guy” was featured as the theme for Kevin Can Wait starring Kevin James. Whether performing on stage or connecting with fans through his “Live on the Porch” series, which brought audiences together during the pandemic, DelGuidice continues to share his love of music in ways that resonate far beyond the Long Island community.
and 1:30 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Easter Egg Hunt
Families are invited to festive Easter Egg Hunt featuring games, face painting and plenty of eggs to collect. Hosted by Uniondale Empowerment Resource Center, it’s for children ages 5 to 11, and baskets will be provided. Participants can enjoy a morning of seasonal fun while searching for eggs and taking part in familyfriendly activities.
• Where: 669 Smith St. Uniondale
• Time: 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Contact: info.uerc@gmail.com or call (516) 440-6004
Spring carnival
The Junior Friends host a fun-filled afternoon at their Spring Carnival, featuring a variety of carnival-style games and activities for all ages. Families, teens and community members are invited to stop by the library’s meeting room to enjoy the festive atmosphere and take part in the friendly competition and entertainment.
• Where: Uniondale Public Library, 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale
• Time: 2-4 p.m.
• Contact: iniondalelibrary.org
Community Easter Egg Hunt
Families are sure to enjoy the Easter Egg Hunt hosted by the John J Byrne Community Center. Activities include bounce attractions and face painting, along with searching for eggs. Community vendors and food trucks are also expected to be on site, creating a festive atmosphere for all ages.
• Where: 925 Jerusalem Ave. Uniondale
• Time: 11 a.m.
• Contact: byrncenter.org
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Sensoryfriendly Easter
All are invited to a sensory-friendly Easter celebration hosted by Siblings
Helping Siblings at the John J. Byrne Community Center. The third annual event is designed for children with sensory sensitivities and their siblings, offering Easterthemed activities in a calm and inclusive environment. While there children of all abilities can join a egg hunt with activities including face painting.
• Where: John J. Byrne Community Center, 925 Jerusalem Ave., Uniondale
• Time: 1-3 p.m.
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.
• Time: 8 p.m., also Apr 11
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
• Contact: (516) 508-3230 or email mariatejada@ siblingsiblings.com
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Nassau County Services workshop
Representatives from the Nassau County Office for the Aging host an information table at Uniondale Library. Find out about about services available to older adults and caregivers. Information will be available on programs such as NY Connects, home-delivered meals, health insurance counseling, caregiver support and other resources for seniors.
• Where: 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale
• Time: 1-3 p.m.
• Contact: uniondalelibrary.org
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Light-Art Collaboration
Families are invited to Long Island Children’s Museum to illuminate their imagination and inspire creativity In this educator-led, hands-on workshop, participants are introduced to the history and process of lantern making while creating their own unique drawing. In collaboration
with LuminoCity, participants’ 2-D artwork will be submitted for a chance to have it brought to life as a 3-D light sculpture featured on display at the 2026 LuminoCity Festival. Free limited ticket with museum admission, available at the Box Office on the day of the workshop.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11-noon and 3-4 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
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‘An Evening of Magic’ fundraiser
The Sarah Grace Foundation for Children With Cancer hosts its annual “An Evening of Magic” gala dinner. Awardwinning magician Will Fern brings high-energy entertainment, including strolling magic and mind reading, to benefit children with cancer. The dinner fundraiser takes place in the Philodendrum Room at The Milleridge Inn. Tickets are $125 and include dinner, drinks and the show; advance purchase is required. Raffles and a 50/50 drawing will also be held.
• Where: 585 N. Broadway, Jericho
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: thesarahgracefoundation.org
Celebrate Holi
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Families are invited to Long Island Children’s Museum to elebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors. Originating in India, this Hindu festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of the colorful spring season. During this joyous holiday, families eat sweets, dance to traditional folk music and throw colorful powder made from flowers called gulal. Wear white clothes you don’t mind getting messy!
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
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.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION UNIONDALE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK,
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing of the qualified voters of the Uniondale Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, New York, will be held at the little theater of Uniondale High School, located at 933 Goodrich St, Uniondale, NY 11553 in said District on May 5, 2026 at 6:30 PM, prevailing time, for the transaction of such business as is authorized by the New York State Education Law, including the following items.
1. Presentation of the budget document.
2. To discuss all of the items herein set forth, to be voted upon by voting machine, at the election to be held on May 19, 2026, as hereinafter set forth.
3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that said vote and election will be held on May 19, 2026, from 6 AM to 9 PM, prevailing time, in the school buildings located in such districts as enumerated below: District No. 1: California Avenue Elementary School 236 California Avenue Uniondale, NY 11553
District No. 2: Grand Avenue Elementary School 711 School Drive North Baldwin, NY 11510
District No. 3: Northern Parkway Elementary School 440 Northern Parkway Uniondale, NY 11553
District No. 4: Smith Street Elementary School 780 Smith Street Uniondale, NY 11553
District No. 5: Walnut Street Elementary School 1270 Walnut Street Uniondale, NY 11553 at which time the polls will be open from 6 AM to 9 PM, prevailing time, to vote by voting machines upon the
following items:
1. SCHOOL BUDGET
Copies of the text of this proposition for the appropriation of the estimated expenses of the School District for the year 2026-2027 and authorizing the levy of taxes therefore, will be available at each schoolhouse in the District as hereinafter specified.
2. Elect two (2) members of the Board of Education
The following seats are up for election:
a. The office of Dr. Mary Bediako, a member of the Board of Education, whose term expires on June 30, 2026, for a new term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring on June 30, 2029.
b. The office of Ms. Yvette Janniere a member of the Board of Education, whose term expires on May 19, 2026, for a new term commencing May 19, 2026, and expiring on June 30, 2027.
3. CAPITAL PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED THROUGH THE CAPITAL RESERVE PROPOSITION
Shall the Board of Education of the Uniondale Union Free School District be authorized, to expend from the Capital Reserve Fund, which was established on May 18, 2021 (“Reserve Fund”) pursuant to Section 3651 of the Education Law, for the following capital improvement projects: (1) Playground replacements and upgrades at Walnut Street Elementary School, California Avenue Elementary School, Cornelius Court School, Grand Avenue Elementary School, Smith Street Elementary School and Northern Parkway Elementary School ($1,000,000); and (2) Tennis court upgrades at Lawrence Road Middle School ($500,000) and other work required in connection therewith; and to expend from the Reserve Fund therefore, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto, an amount not to exceed the estimated total cost of One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000), provided that the Board of Education may allocate funds amongst various components within the overall total expenditure at its discretion?
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that petitions nominating candidates for the office of Member of the Board of Education of the Uniondale Union Free School District shall be filed with the District Clerk of said School District at the District Clerk’s office, 933 Goodrich St, Uniondale, NY 11553, not later than April 20, 2026,between 9 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., prevailing time. All nominating petitions must be signed by at least 25 qualified votes of the District or 2% of the number of voters who voted in the 2025 District election, whichever is greater); must state the name and residence of each signer and must state the name and residence of the candidate. Each petition be directed to the District Clerk and shall describe the specific vacancy for which the candidate is nominated. Each vacancy upon the Board of Education to be filled shall be considered a separate specific vacancy.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 or pursuant to Article 5 of the New York State Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 and has voted at any annual or special district meeting within the past four (4) (20222025) calendar years, such voter is eligible to vote at this election; if a voter is registered and eligible to vote pursuant to Article 5 of the New York State Election Law, such voter is also eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register. The Board of Registration will meet for the purposes of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to Education Law §2014 in the school buildings designated for each election district on Thursday, May 7, 2026 and Wednesday, May 13, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 Am to 7:00 PM, prevailing time, to add any additional names to the Registers to be used at the aforesaid Budget Vote and Election, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Registers, provided that at such
meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such Budget Vote and Election for which the Register are prepared. The Registers so prepared pursuant to Education Law §2014 will be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the School District in the Administration Building, located at 933 Goodrich St, Uniondale, NY 11553, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on May 14, 2026, between the hours of 9 AM to 4 PM, prevailing time, on weekdays, and each day prior to the day set for the Budget Vote and Election, except Sunday or holidays, and on Saturday by prearranged appointment, and at the polling places on the day of the Budget Vote and Election.
AND FURTHER NOTICE
IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Education Law §2014, the Board of Registration shall meet on May 19, 2026, in the school buildings designated for each election district between the hours of 6 AM to 9 PM, prevailing time, to prepare the Registers of the School District to be used at the annual meeting and election that is to be held in 2027, and any special meeting that may be held after the preparation of said Registers, at which time any person will be entitled to have her or his name placed on such Registers, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the school meeting or election for which Registers are prepared.
AND FURTHER NOTICE
IS HEREBY GIVEN that qualified voters with disabilities who seek information about access to polling places may, in advance of the day of the vote, contact the District Clerk at (516) 560-8945 for information about accessibility.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Education Law §2017 of the State of New York, the Board of Education has divided the Uniondale Union Free School District into
five election districts, said districts being bounded and described as follows:
California Avenue School Election District - The area within the District beginning at a point on the east side of Grove Street at Commercial Avenue (not including any houses on Grove Street), south on Grove Street to Hempstead Turnpike; thence south along the district line (see district line list) to Jerusalem Avenue; then east on the north side of Jerusalem Avenue to Uniondale Avenue to Front Street; thence east on Front Street to Pamlico Avenue to the center of the intersection of Pamlico and Warwick Street; thence west to Walton Avenue; thence north on the west side of Walton Street to Hempstead Turnpike; thence west on Hempstead Turnpike to Oak Street; thence north on Oak Street to Commercial Avenue; thence west on Commercial Avenue to the point of beginning. Grand Avenue School Election District - The area within the District beginning at #585 Willis Street to Helena Drive, all numbers to Central Avenue #1012 to Willis Street #681 to Grand Avenue #1219 to Village Avenue #1218 to South Drive, all numbers to Fenimore Place, all numbers to School Drive #942 to Coes Neck Road #1185 to Notre Dame Court all numbers; thence north on Milburn Avenue to Harold Avenue; thence east on Harold Avenue to Nassau Road; thence northwest on the southwest side of Nassau Road to the western boundary of the District.
Northern Parkway School Election District - The area within the district beginning at Martin Avenue and Nassau Road west on the south side of Nassau Road to Northern Parkway; thence south on a line to the Southern State Parkway so as to include all of the houses on Nassau Road and west of Nassau Road; thence east along Southern State Parkway to Nassau Road; thence northwest on the west side of Uniondale Avenue to Jerusalem Avenue; thence west on the south side of Jerusalem Avenue to Perry Street; thence north on the west side of Perry Street to Cedar Street; thence west on
the south side of Cedar Street to the District boundary line. Smith Street School Election District - The area within the District beginning at a point on the east side of Nassau Road where it crosses Southern State Parkway, northwest to the east side of Uniondale Avenue; thence north on the east side of Uniondale Avenue to Jerusalem Avenue; thence east on the south side of Jerusalem Avenue to Winthrop Drive, to include Mitchell Place, continuing east on a line from Winthrop Drive to the District boundary line. Walnut Street School Election District - The area within the District beginning at a point on the eastern boundary of the district, south of the end of Sterling Street on a line due south to the middle of Jerusalem Avenue; thence west on the north side of Jerusalem Avenue to Uniondale Avenue; thence north on the east side of Uniondale Avenue to Front Street; thence east on the south side of Front Street; thence north on the east side of Pamlico Avenue to the center of the intersection of Pamlico and Warwick; thence north on the east side of Walton to Hempstead Turnpike. Also including all of Mitch Field. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that beginning seven (7) days immediately preceding the May 5, 2026, public budget hearing, any resident in the District may request to review a copy of the proposed budget by appearing at the Office of the District Clerk, 933 Goodrich St, Uniondale, NY 11553. Additionally, a statement of the estimated expenses for the ensuing year may be obtained by any resident in the District during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding said election on the school district website https://district. uniondaleschools. org/, at the Uniondale Public Library during its normal hours of operation, located at 400 Uniondale Ave, Uniondale, NY 11553, at the School District Administrative Center, 933 Goodrich St, Uniondale, NY 11553 and at each of the following school buildings in which school is maintained between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., prevailing time, except
Saturdays, Sundays and holidays:
California Avenue
Elementary School, 236 California Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553
Grand Avenue
Elementary School, 711 School Drive, North Baldwin, NY 11510
Northern Parkway
Elementary School, 440 Northern Parkway, Uniondale, NY 11553
Smith Street Elementary School, 780 Smith Street, Uniondale, NY 11553
Walnut Street
Elementary School, 1270 Walnut Street, Uniondale, NY 11553
Lawrence Road Middle School, 50 Lawrence Road, Hempstead, NY 11550
Turtle Hook Middle School, 975 Jerusalem Avenue, Uniondale, NY 1153
Uniondale High School, 933 Goodrich Street, Uniondale, NY 11553
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Real Property Tax Law Section 495, the School District is required to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how much of the total assessed value on the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted, identified by statutory authority, and show: (a) the cumulative impact of each type of exemption expressed either as a dollar amount of assessed value or as a percentage of the total assessed value on the roll; (b) the cumulative amount expected to be received from recipients of each type of exemption as payments in lieu of taxes or other payments for municipal services; and (c) the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. The exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on any website maintained by the District.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for absentee and early mail ballots will be obtainable during school business hours at the office of the District Clerk beginning April 17, 2026. In accordance with Education Law §§ 2018-a and 2018e, completed absentee
and early mail ballot applications may not be received by the District Clerk earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the election, and must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or to the agent named in the absentee or early mail ballot application. Absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
A list of persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued, and a list of all persons to whom early mail voter’s ballots shall have been issued, will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the office of the District Clerk on and after May 14, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays prior to the day set for the annual election and on May 16, 2026, by advanced appointment by contacting the District Clerk at (516) 560-8945 and on May 19, 2026,the day set for the election. Any qualified voter may, upon examination of such lists, file a written challenge of the qualifications as a voter of any person whose name appears on such lists, stating the reasons for such challenge. A challenge to an absentee ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should have applied for an early mail ballot nor shall a challenge be made to an early mail ballot on the basis that the voter should have applied for an absentee ballot. Any such written challenge shall be transmitted by the District Clerk or a designee of the Board of Education to the inspectors of election on election day.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the Uniondale Union Free School District by requesting and returning a registration application to the District Clerk in person, or by email to sedwards@ uniondaleschools.org or fax sent to 516-9181060. The request for the
Public Notices
registration application may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the registration application by either mail, fax or email. Military voter registration application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 12, 2026.
AND FURTHER NOTICE
IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the Uniondale Union Free School District may request an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk and return such military ballot application to the District Clerk in person, or by email to sedwards@ uniondaleschools.org or fax sent to516-9181060.. In order for a military voter to be issued a military ballot, a valid military ballot application must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m., on April 23, 2026. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a non-military ballot application under Section 2018-a of the Education Law. The application for military ballot may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the military ballot by mail, fax, or email. A military voter’s original military ballot application and military ballot must be returned by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at 933 Goodrich Street, Uniondale, NY 11553along with the required signed affidavit by the voter.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District Clerk before the close of polls on May 19, 2026, 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 received not later than 5:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026, and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the election.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN
that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education in accordance with New York Education Law §2035, any referenda or propositions to change the number of Board of Education members, or a bond issue for capital improvements, or any other petition required by law to be stated in the Notice of Annual Meeting and Election must be filed with the District Clerk at 933 Goodrich Street, Uniondale, NY 11553, not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on March 20, 2026. Any other petition, except those petitions required by law to be stated in the Notice of Annual Meeting and Election, must be filed with the District Clerk at 933 Goodrich Street, Uniondale, NY 11553, no later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time on March 20, 2026. Any amendments to the propositions must be filed with the District Clerk no later than 30 days prior to the annual meeting or election. All such petitions must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the Clerk of the School District; must be signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 or 2% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); and must legibly state the name of each signer. However, the Board of Education will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition, the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, nor any proposition or amendment which is contrary to law.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that those voters seeking information regarding this Budget Vote and Election in Spanish should contact the Office of the Superintendent of Schools at (516) 5608824.
Sandra Edwards
District Clerk of the Board of Education Uniondale Union Free School District 933 Goodrich Street, Uniondale, NY 11553 159235
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS OWNER TRUSTEE OF THE RESIDENTIAL CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES TRUST VIII-A, Plaintiff, vs. FRANZ CASIMIR AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE TO THE ESTATE OF MAGNOLIA STEPHENSCASIMIR, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 29, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 15, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 679 Midwood Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block D02 and Lot 2. Approximate amount of judgment is $239,358.91 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 615759/2023.
William J. Birney, Esq., Referee
Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 230638-1 158854
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
Supreme Court County of Nassau Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee, on behalf of the registered holders of First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2004-FF8, Plaintiff AGAINST Ana Yanez
a/k/a Ana M. Yanez
a/k/a Ana Maritza Yanez, Juan Yanez
a/k/a Juan A. Yanez, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated entered on November 17, 2016, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the
steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 21, 2026 at 2:30 PM premises known as 950 Ditmas Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 50., BLOCK: 452, LOT: 7. Approximate amount of judgment is $401,125.43 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 010573/2014. This sale may be subject to the US Dept of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Real Estate Reporting Rule. In such event, all purchasers are required to provide the information needed for proper reporting in accordance with the terms of sale. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Roger H. Hausch, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-067521-F00 89231 158954
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF FORMATION of AuraMD, LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/08/2026 Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 626 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556. Purpose: any lawful act. 159008
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF FORMATION of WellnessMD, LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/10/2026 Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 626 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556. Purpose: any lawful act 159006
ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. MICHAEL CHARLESTON, AS ADMINISTRATOR, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DESILIA CHARLESTON, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 28, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 28, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 196 Valcour Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 18 and Lot 262-263 a/k/a 262. Approximate amount of judgment is $575,141.52 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 608120/2024.
Kenneth L. Gartner, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.:221827-1 159104
plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 132, Lot 38-40. Approximate amount of judgment $309,661.82 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008552/2016. Scott Siller, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 16-001926 89374 159041
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs-at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to Plaintiff, HOUSEHOLD FINANCE REALTY CORPORATION OF NEW YORK; SHERYL RHOE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICAINTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE,, DEFENDANTS. YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorney within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.
NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
Roach & Lin, P.C., attorney for Plaintiff, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, NY 11791. Tel: 516-938-3100. To the above-named defendants: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. CAROLYN MAZZU GENOVESI, a Justice of the Supreme Court, State of New York, filed and entered on March 2, 2026 with the NASSAU County Clerk together with the supporting papers thereon. This is an action to foreclose a mortgage held by Plaintiff on the premises known as Section: 55, Block: 478, Lots: 340-342, ROOSEVELT, NY, County of NASSAU as described in the complaint on file and commonly known as 120 EAST GREENWICH AVENUE, ROOSEVELT, NY 11575. 158747
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR CARLSBAD FUNDING MORTGAGE TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST SATURIN THOMAS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 13, 2018, and amended December, 12, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 727 Beck Street, Uniondale (T/O Hempstead), NY 11553. All that certain
LEGAL NOTICE NASSAU - INDEX NO.: 006328/2014SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS. Plaintiff designates NASSAU COUNTY as the place of trial based upon the location of the premises herein described having tax map Section: 55, Block: 478, Lots: 340-342, ROOSEVELT, NY, County of NASSAUTHE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST, COMPANY, N.A., AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF CWABS, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES TRUST 2005-9, PLAINTIFF,against- MARVA WILSON, AS HEIR-ATLAW OF THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA REID; CAROL REID A/K/A CORAL REID, AS HEIRAT-LAW OF THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA REID, any and all persons unknown to Plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs-at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of PATRICIA REID, deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them and their
If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered against you and you can lose your home.
Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
Dated: Syosset, New York, March 2, 2026.
at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 14th day of April, 2026, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Chapter 202 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS” at the following locations: ELMONT Section 202-19
CROMER ROAD WEST (TH 57/26) North SideNO PARKING 10 AM to 5 PM EXCEPT SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS and HOLIDAYSstarting at the east curbline of Ann Court, east for a distance of 196 feet.
UNIONDALE
Section 202-12
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN Place a notice by
LOWELL ROAD (TH 66/26) North SideNO PARKING 8 PM to 8 AM - starting at a point 20 feet west of the west curbline of 1st Place, west for a distance of 132 feet.
WEST HEMPSTEAD Section 202-20
Public Notices
CHESTNUT STREET (TH
430(B)/25) North Side -
NO PARKING 6 AM to 10 AM - starting at a point 141 feet west of the west curbline of Woodfield Road, west for a distance of 50 feet.
ALSO, to REPEAL from Chapter 202 “REGULATIONS AND RESTRICTIONS” from the following locations: UNIONDALE
Section 202-12
LOWELL ROAD (TH 286/21) North Side -
NO PARKING 8 PM to 8 AM - starting at a point 20 feet west of the west curbline of 1st Place, west for a distance of 82 feet.
(Adopted 9/9/21)
WEST HEMPSTEAD
Section 202-20
CHESTNUT STREET (TH
430/25) West Side -
NO PARKING 6 AM to 10 AM - starting at a point 146 feet west of the west curbline of Woodfield Road, west for a distance of 22 feet.
(Adopted 9/30/25)
GREENWAY SOUTH (TH 457/15) West SideNO PARKING EXCEPT SUNDAYS - starting at the south curbline of Greenway East, south for a distance of 77 feet.
(Adopted 11/24/15)
GREENWAY SOUTH (TH 457/15) West SideNO PARKING EXCEPT SUNDAYS - starting at point 95 feet south of the south curbline of Greenway East, south for a distance of 102 feet.
(Adopted 11/24/15) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: March 24, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD
JOHN FERRETTI
Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 159257
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead entitled, “Handicapped Parking on Public Streets,” a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion. Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 14th day of April 2026, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, to consider the adoption of a
resolution setting aside certain parking spaces for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons at the following locations:
ELMONT
LEHRER AVENUE - west side, starting at a point 110 feet north of the north curbline of Sweetman Avenue, north for a distance of 23 feet.
(TH-55/26)
UNIONDALE
MACON PLACE - south side, starting at a point 75 feet east of the east curbline of Uniondale Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-56/26) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons:
WEST HEMPSTEAD
OAK STREET - south side, starting at a point 207 feet east of the east curbline of Morton Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.
(TH-324/24 - 9/17/24)
(TH-54/26)
GREENWAY SOUTHwest side, starting at a point 77 feet south of the south curbline of Greenway East, south for a distance of 18 feet.
(TH-457/15 - 11/24/15)
(TH-75/26) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard in person on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated: March 24, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor
KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 159263
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 04/15/2026 at 9:30
A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30
A.M.
179/26. UNIONDALEHofstra University, Renewal of grant to maintain one 45 sq. ft. single-faced, detached animated digital ID sign for changeable messages; setback 6’ from Earle Ovington Blvd., N/W cor. Hempstead Tpke. (Fulton Ave.) & Earle Ovington Blvd., a/k/a 1000 Fulton Ave. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Uniondale within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals
The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo
Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 159246
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the Certificateholders of the CWABS, Inc., AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2006-18, Plaintiff AGAINST Nassau County Public Administrator, as Limited Administrator of the Estate of Mary Alice Turner a/k/a Mary A. Turner; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 15, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on
May 6, 2026, at 4:00PM, premises known as 865 Southern Parkway, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 50 Block 286 Lot 131.
Approximate amount of judgment $818,838.47 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 009443/2012.
Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Cary David Kessler, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: March 19, 2026
For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2831 159303
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC. ASSETBACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-AMC4, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, Plaintiff, vs. MAURA PRITCHARD, ET AL., Defendant(s).
Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 20, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 5, 2026 at 3:30 p.m., premises known as 156 Brookside Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 36, Block K and Lot 142. Approximate amount of judgment is $579,539.76 plus
News brief
Embracing the past, a Black history celebration
Nassau County Office of Minority Affairs hosted a Black History Month celebration March 6 at Nassau Community College, highlighting African American history, culture and contributions.
The event, titled “Embracing Our Past: Reimagining Our Future,” took place in Nassau Community College and was presented by the office under Bruce Blakeman’s administration. Uniondale legislators Olena Nicks and Viviana Russell partook in the celebration.
During the program, various paintings connected to Black history were displayed throughout the venue. The artwork reflected important moments, figures and themes related to the African American experience.
Attendees also heard a presentation outlining the history of African Americans in the United States, tracing key developments from early struggles for freedom and civil rights to modern-day achievements and cultural influence.
“Nassau County draws tremendous strength from the cross-section of our rich cultural diversity, and Black History Month is a time to celebrate the trailblazers who empowered this generation to continue the fight for liberty and justice for every American,” Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks said.
“Each February, Black History Month shines a light on our shared history – an exercise which helps to guide the next generation of leaders who will shape the
Nassau County Legislator Olena Nicks who represents Uniondale took part in the event for Black History Month at Nassau Community College celebration. She emphasized Nassau Countries rich cultural diversity.
world,” Nassau County Legislator Viviana L. Russell said.
“I appreciate everyone at the Office of Minority Affairs and Nassau Community College who worked so diligently to host an event that celebrates our accomplishments and bolsters our resolve to work toward a better and more inclusive future.”
— Stacy Driks
Public Notices
interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 602180/2018. Cash will not be accepted. Gerard DeGregoris, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 159309
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
Supreme Court County of Nassau Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST Patrick J. Cruz, Gobin Joseph, Indira Cruz, Gumercinda Joseph, et al, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 16, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 4, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 1276 Menard Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain
plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 50, BLOCK: 37, LOT: 325. Approximate amount of judgment is $515,219.87 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 614665/2019. This sale may be subject to the US Dept of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Real Estate Reporting Rule. In such event, all purchasers are required to provide the information needed for proper reporting in accordance with the terms of sale. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Heather D. Crosley, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-092664-F00 89306 159192
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC, -againstWILLIAM F. JONES, JR, 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 May 3, 2023, wherein OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC is the Plaintiff and WILLIAM F. JONES, JR, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 5, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 529 LIBERTY STREET, UNIONDALE, NY 11553; and the following tax map identification: 50-137-317. ALL THAT CERTAIN
PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 008792/2014. George Esernio, 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. 159291
Courtesy Chris Portuondodesmith
EMPLOYMENT
Help Wanted
Building Maintenance
Assistant and Porter needed for Management Co. in Long Beach Experience Preferred Email: humanresoures5771 @gmail.com or Call: (212) 873-7575
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour.
For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com
DENTAL ASSISTANT
CHAIR SIDE F/T Lynbrook Office, Immediate Opening. Looking for Experienced Individual Email Resume nylaserendo@gmail.com Call 516-599-7111
DRIVERS WANTED
Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
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EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
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Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED $20 - $25 Per Hour Must Be Available On Weekends April - June 516-902-6258 Randy@LISNYC.com
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDI-
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Nassau County’s success story continues
With my second term as county executive underway, I’m proud to say that Nassau County’s future is bright. Like my first term, these coming years will be defined by a strong commitment to public safety, excellent economic growth that increases affordability for our residents, and expanded opportunities for business owners that will benefit everyone.
Growing our economy remains a top focus for my administration. After canceling a $150 million tax hike in my first year in office, I have not raised taxes for four consecutive years — a promise that I will keep in this year’s budget. Through smart financial management, we have earned an unprecedented seven bond upgrades and have been cited by Democratic State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli as a county with no fiscal stress. Our local businesses are thriving, with minority- and women-owned business certifications increasing by 40 percent last year alone — a number I hope to
Araise even higher in 2026 and beyond.
Positive economic activity lets us invest in initiatives that matter to residents. We’ve restored local historical sites like the Roslyn Grist Mill, invested in cultural centers like the Joysetta and Julius Pearse African American Museum, in Hempstead, and upgraded local community hubs like Centennial Park, in Roosevelt. These are testaments to how a well-run government can provide for all of its residents.
since taking office, with more to come. We opened the state-of-the-art Harry Singh Bolla Police Training Village to give all of our officers, new and old, cutting-edge training to ensure that Nassau County remains a leader in public safety.
We’re focused on public safety, economic growth and business opportunities.
I’m proud to report that Nassau County remains the safest county in the United States, a distinction we owe to the courageous men and women of the Nassau County Police Department, the Corrections Department, the Probation Department, the Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office. These dedicated professionals — along with emergency services personnel like our firefighters, EMS workers and fire marshals — work tirelessly for our security, and we cannot thank them enough.
My administration recognizes the importance of investing in public safety efforts. I’ve authorized the hiring of 600 new police and corrections officers
During my time in office, our emergency services staff has also grown, with more than 1,000 residents signing up to become volunteer firefighters. This year’s budget will expand the number of fire marshals and dispatchers, ensuring that we are prepared for anything that comes our way.
The good news is that our initiatives are already paying off. Major crimes have fallen by more than 10 percent in the past year, with huge declines in serious crimes like murder, rape, assault and robbery. In 2025 our police executed the largest drug bust and gang takedown in county history. Major investments in our battle to alleviate the opioid crisis led to a drop of more than 16 percent in overdose deaths last year. These results speak for themselves, and show that our policies are working.
My administration has also taken steps to protect our religious freedoms.
I recently signed a new law that prevents protesters from targeting churches, synagogues and mosques. Nassau County will always stand for the safety and rights of everyone who practices their religion here.
Our stance on immigration enforcement remains firm: Nassau County is not a sanctuary county. Collaborating with our federal partners has helped us remove dangerous and illegal criminals from our streets — many of whom come from known gangs like MS-13, the 18th Street Gang and the Trinitarios. I want to reiterate that all of our enforcement actions are targeted at criminals, not honest and hardworking people who enrich our communities. My administration is continuing to work on a guest-worker program to support law-abiding immigrants, many of whom are pillars of our business community.
Even as we continue to build on our successes, I know that there’s a lot of work ahead to keep us moving in the right direction, but my commitment to making Nassau County the safest, most affordable and healthiest place to live, work and raise a family remains strong. Thank you for helping to make us the best place to live in all of New York.
Bruce Blakeman is the Nassau County executive.
The privilege, and responsibility, of a free press
s deputy managing editor of Herald Community Newspapers, I am privileged to work alongside a staff of honest and creative reporters and editors who deliver the local news that you’re used to receiving. They embody what it means to be a strong journalist, acting with integrity and passion, which is reflected in every story we write and share with the communities that we love to cover.
The ethos I’m describing embodies the pillars of American journalism — a press that thrives on freedom and a drive to seek the truth and report it.
Many of my former colleagues — my good friends — have moved on from their time with the Herald to apply that passion in other media circuits, delivering more, albeit different, news to readers close to home and nationally, too. In a media climate so polarized, where it may feel difficult to decipher right from wrong and the truth from exaggerations, it’s important to remember that we are privileged to live in a
country where we can ask questions. We can challenge what we’re told. We can yearn for more than what appears in black and white.
A few weeks ago, I attended the 2026 Marie Colvin Distinguished Lecture at Stony Brook University, hosted by the school’s Marie Colvin Center for International Reporting. The center was established in memory of Colvin, a fearless war correspondent who was raised on Long Island and died on the front lines of the Syrian civil war in 2012.
T his work matters, and we must never take our freedoms for granted.
The featured speaker was Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian politician and journalist who was arrested in Moscow in 2022 and sentenced to 25 years in prison for “high treason” for opposing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Kara-Murza spent over two years in prison, including 11 months in solitary confinement. His release in 2024 was orchestrated by the Biden administration, and part of the largest prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia since the Cold War.
For the writing he completed while in prison, Kara-Murza was awarded the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary.
He was the type of speaker who drew you in from the start, painting a bleak
picture of what it’s like to be a journalist in Russia, a place where independent media voices have been not only silenced but directly targeted for telling the truth. He named fellow writers — many of them friends — who were killed by the Russian government. Kara-Murza himself has survived two suspected poisonings in the past decade, marked for his relentless, fearless, truthful reporting. His opening thoughts captivated me. “There’s nothing dictatorships hate more than the truth,” he said, “and the first targets in that quest for absolute power are usually, almost always, independent media voices.”
In Russia, the press is never protected. In the U.S., by contrast, federal courts usually appear committed to upholding the First Amendment’s guarantee of free speech. Just two weeks ago, federal courts ruled that the Pentagon’s newly implemented press policy, which bars news outlets from reporting information not officially sanctioned for release, is a violation of the amendment. U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman wrote in his ruling that it was “more important than ever that the public have access to information from a variety of perspec-
tives about what the government is doing.” That, in essence, makes good journalism possible.
Kara-Murza made it clear that a democracy thrives only when its people put forth the effort to sustain it. He invoked Ben Franklin’s reminder that the United States was founded as “a republic, if you can keep it”— which resonates with renewed urgency.
I became a journalist because I love to write. I’m committed to upholding the values I believe in so strongly. Like my Herald colleagues, I love telling your stories, and I love diving into the important topics I believe you, our readers, deserve to know about.
I can’t say that I’m as courageous as Vladimir Kara-Murza, who embodies everything journalists should hope to be — fearless, principled, and unwavering in the pursuit of truth. But his story reminds me why this work matters, and why we must never take our freedoms for granted. Every day that we can report honestly, ask challenging questions, and share your stories is a privilege — one I never intend to lose sight of.
Jordan Vallone, the deputy managing editor of Herald Community Newspapers, is a graduate student in Stony Brook University’s School of Communications and Journalism. Comments? jvallone@liherald.com.
rHonDa Glickman
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oFFicE
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HERALD
Smart housing reform needs local trust
New York’s housing crisis is undeniable. Rents are high, supply is tight and too many families are struggling to find a place to call home.
In response, Albany is advancing proposals like the REVIVE Act alongside Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Let Them Build agenda — efforts designed to cut red tape and accelerate development.
The goal is right. The challenge is getting the approach right, too. At the heart of the debate is a familiar tension: how to build faster without sacrificing thoughtful planning and public trust.
It’s not just about process; it’s about trust. Residents are more likely to support new housing when they believe their voices are heard. Developers are more likely to invest when rules are consistent. And elected officials are more effective when they can balance urgency with accountability.
Supporters of reform make a compelling case. New York’s development process is notoriously slow and expensive. Reviews under the State Environmental Quality Review Act can stretch timelines by years, even for projects that ultimately pose little or no environmental risk.
According to state data, projects can take up to 56 percent longer to start compared with other states, and cost up to $45,000 per unit on Long Island. Those costs are usually passed on to renters and buyers. In a state where affordability is already a crisis, those inefficiencies matter.
The REVIVE Act seeks to address this by targeting underused commercial properties — shopping centers, office
letters
Keeping things in numerical perspective in the Middle East
To the Editor:
parks and large parking lots — and encouraging their conversion into housing. In concept, this is smart policy. Repurposing dormant or declining properties into vibrant residential communities can ease the housing shortage while revitalizing local economies.
But the concerns raised by local officials and residents are just as valid. Critics argue that the legislation could sideline local zoning authority, limit public hearings and reduce meaningful community input.
The inclusion of a “deemed approved” provision — allowing projects to move forward automatically if municipalities fail to act within an expedited timeline — is a flashpoint.
One side says projects would move forward without public hearings or meaningful community input. That might overstate the case, but it isn’t entirely off base. The proposal appears to compress timelines and shift leverage away from local governments. If those timelines are too tight, or if municipalities lack the resources to review complex proposals quickly, the result could be approvals by default rather than by design.
And what about the timeline itself? That remains a critical detail. Without clear and reasonable deadlines, “expedited” can quickly become “unworkable.” Municipal boards might need additional support to operate on stateimposed clocks. If they are rushed, oversight suffers. If they miss deadlines, community members may feel that decisions are being made for them, not with them.
Yet it would be a mistake to dismiss
With all the rhetoric being bandied about over the war in the Middle East, I would like to add something that rarely seems to enter into the discussion. That is the size of the various sides. My source is the 2025 World Almanac.
Israel has an area of approximately 8,470 square miles, which is about the size of the state of New Jersey. The West Bank and Gaza have a combined area of about 2,402 square miles, which is about the size of the city of Detroit and the state of Delaware.
The area of Israel’s near neighbors — Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon — is just over 1.3 million square miles, or about one-third the size of the United States.
The population of Israel is just over 9.4 million. The population of the West Bank and Gaza is just
the need for reform altogether. Doing nothing is not an option. The current system is too slow, too costly and too unpredictable. Developers face uncertainty and communities can miss opportunities.
The answer lies not in choosing sides, but in combining the best ideas from both. New York should streamline environmental review for projects that consistently demonstrate minimal impact, particularly those on previously developed sites. It should set clear, enforceable timelines for decisions.
Those timelines, however, must be realistic, and paired with resources, training and technical assistance for local governments. The state’s proposal to modernize permitting and create a “permitting academy” is a step in the right direction.
At the same time, local decision-making must be preserved. Communities deserve a voice in shaping their neighborhoods, especially when it comes to density, infrastructure and quality of life. Public hearings should not be eliminated, but they can be made more efficient and focused.
If “deemed approved” provisions are included, they must come with safeguards: flexibility for municipalities acting in good faith, transparency in the review process and mechanisms to ensure that projects meet clear standards before moving forward.
New York doesn’t need a rushed solution. It needs a smart one. Albany has an opportunity to get this right. By blending efficiency with oversight, and speed with community input, lawmakers can craft a housing policy that works for all.
Why I sued the state over youth mental health
For years, my son cody and I were known in court papers only by our initials. Today I am using my full name — as a Long Island mother, a family peer advocate and one of the formerly anonymous plaintiffs in c.K. v. McDonald. I joined this class action lawsuit to challenge new york state’s widespread failure to provide mental health services to children on Medicaid.
In January, a federal judge approved a settlement, and the state agreed to dramatically improve access to these services. It’s a measure of justice, but it is incomplete without investments in the struggling nonprofit providers who deliver this vital care to kids like cody.
cody needed help almost from the moment he entered this world. I worked as an early childhood educator, and I recognized the signs. By age 3, he was diagnosed with ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder and severe social anxiety; at 4 he was psychiatrically hospitalized. He struggled to function in school. From ages 10 to 12 he was in a residential treatment center, where he finally
Letters
under 5.4 million. The population of Israel’s near neighbors is 188.2 million. As a reference, the population of the United States is nearly 342 million.
There are rights and wrongs on both sides, but the constant drive to destroy Israel is not the correct solution to these issues.
LAwrence Levy Rockville Centre
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Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com
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began to thrive. In 2019 cody was discharged and came home. He was supposed to receive home- and community-based mental health services to give him the tools to re-integrate. He was entitled to at-home therapy to manage his emotions, as well as crisis respite services — an alternative to hospitalization to provide stability during crises.
He received care through Medicaid, its access guaranteed by federal law. But the reality was different: Providers changed constantly, programs had waitlists and services disappeared without explanation.
wcate, I saw the chronic understaffing, the underfunding, and the burnout.
e can’t afford to continue neglecting the services our children need.
without consistent, medically necessary services, cody couldn’t handle the transition to home, and while lingering on waitlists, he had his first suicide attempt.
All the while, I was working inside the system. I took a job with wellLife network, a nonprofit mental health provider, as a supervisor of communitybased services and a family peer advocate. These advocates are an indispensable component of our behavioral health system. we provide care as parents of children with mental health issues. As such, we are trusted messengers when offering services like skill development. But working as an advo-
I knew that the system was failing, even as my family lived it personally. And we aren’t alone. Across the state, three in four Medicaid-eligible children who need outpatient behavioral health services are not receiving them. The disparities are similar on Long Island, and grow worse the closer you look. eighty-five percent of Medicaid-eligible children in our area are not receiving the outpatient clinical services they need, and nearly 500 more practitioners are needed to fill the gap.
without an investment for providers to expand services, children will lose out on programs that stabilize them before a crisis lands them in the hospital, or in handcuffs. we cannot afford to continue neglecting these services. Medicaid reimbursement rates for them have stagnated, even as costs have risen. nonprofit providers can’t pay competitive wages. Staff leave, caseloads grow, and some programs stop offering Medicaid services altogether.
I joined that lawsuit because I was fed up with a broken system. Alongside three other families, we charged that new york was violating Medicaid law by failing to provide required communi-
Framework by Tim Baker
ty-based services. As part of the settlement, new york must review long-inadequate Medicaid reimbursement rates to improve services. But the settlement gives the state a yearslong runway, and families can’t wait for reform.
If new york is serious about meeting both its legal and moral responsibilities, lawmakers must act this budget season. Providers across the state are calling for a $200 million investment to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for children’s behavioral health services.
Unfortunately, the governor’s and the State Senate’s proposed budgets do not include new resources. The Assembly did include $20 million to improve reimbursement rates, but that is far short of the support that is needed.
without investment, the promises in the settlement risk becoming hollow. It may be too late to give my son back the years he lost, but it doesn’t have to be too late for others.
every child on Long Island and across the state deserves timely mental health care in their home and community. The settlement made clear that new york falls short. now our lawmakers must make the investment necessary to turn that legal victory into real change for families like mine.
Christina Hauptman is a family peer advocate and a New York state peer specialist on the Intensive and Sustained Engagement Team at Hands Across Long Island.
Cutting loose at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in front of St. Agnes Cathedral — Rockville Centre
FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle
Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers
Take advantage of on-site health screenings
Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences
Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways
Snack station for all
*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees
All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.
MAE CAIME FOUNDER, AMAEZING MIDLIFE & BEYOND
Register for this FREE event: Seaford.eventbrite.com or email rbamgbose@liherald.com or call 516.569.4000 x273 AGENDA:
EXPERT PANEL + Q&A
RAFFLE DRAWINGS MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN
