Uniondale Herald 04-03-2025

HERALD UNIONDALE

Honoring Our Heroes 5K set for April 12

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Building Homes for Heroes, a nonprofit dedicated to providing mortgage-free homes for injured veterans, first responders, and their families, will host a 5K Walk/Run at Eisenhower Park this spring. The Long Island-based organization, which has established itself as a group with a significant national reach, is hoping to raise funds and spread awareness for its mission and cause.

a single veteran.

David Weingrad, director of communications for Building Homes for Heroes, said it wasn’t until 2012 when the organization started to get more national recognition, after partnering with larger corporations, allowing the nonprofit to build 25 to 30 homes a year. Over a decade later, the organization celebrated a significant milestone in 2024, when it completed and gifted its 400th home to a veteran.

I want the community to know that we exist, and I know that Long Island likes to support their veterans.

The nonprofit’s origins trace back to the Sept. 11 attacks at the World Trade Center. Building Homes for Heroes’ founder Andy Pujol, a businessman and philanthropist, volunteered in search and rescue efforts at Ground Zero. As the U.S. responded overseas, Pujol wanted to find a way to support wounded veterans returning from service. Building Homes for Heroes was born with the hope of gifting a single home to

DANIEL HERNANDE z Marine Corps veteran

“In the last few years, we’ve actually reached 40 homes a year, and we have a lofty goal to reach as many as 50 this year, in 2025,” Weingrad said. “We build homes, we modify homes, all free for the veteran. It’s our way of saying thank you to the servicemen and women.”

The organization’s work extends beyond the gift of a home, however.

“The struggles don’t end when they complete their

ConTinUed on pAGe 3

Photos courtesy Building Homes for Heroes Veterans have been given homes across the country by Building Homes for Heroes. Above, U.S. Marine Corps Master Sgt. George Vera entering his home in Tampa, given to him by the nonprofit.

Building Homes for Heroes hopes to increase its visibility on Long island with its upcoming 5K run/walk. The nonprofit has touched the Merrick community, where U.S. Marine Cpl. Kevin Vaughan, center, embraced Andy pujol, the founder and chief executive of Building Homes for Heroes, at Vaughan’s home ceremony.

A win-win for Main streets and local newsrooms

By CASEY FERBER

Small businesses are the heartbeat of our communities. They are the corner stores, family-owned restaurants, and local service providers that fuel our neighborhoods, create jobs, and drive economic growth. Yet, these vital businesses often face significant challenges in reaching new customers and growing their operations in an increasingly competitive economy.

With the official introduction in the state legislature of the Lift Our Communities, Advertise Locally Act, small businesses across New York might gain a powerful new tool next year to help sustain their success and maximize the reach of their marketing dollars.

Sponsored by State Sen. Monica Martinez and Assemblywoman Jen Lunsford, this state legislation would establish a tax credit for small businesses that advertise in local media outlets — from print and digital to television and radio. By making advertising more affordable, the LOCAL Act will empower small businesses to reach their target audiences while also supporting the essential work of the very same local media outlets that provide our communities with local journalism.

The LOCAL Act focuses on supporting minority-, woman- and veteran-owned businesses, as well as any business with 10 or fewer employees. For many of these entrepreneurs, the ability to advertise affordably in trusted, community-driven platforms like local newspapers will be a

game-changer. Local media outlets are well positioned to connect businesses with their neighbors — customers who are eager to shop locally and uplift their communities.

This legislation couldn’t come at a better time. Small businesses are still navigating the economic aftershocks of the pandemic, inflationary pressures, and competition from large corporations with

massive marketing budgets. The LOCAL Act helps level the playing field, giving your favorite mom-and-pop store a way to increase visibility without sacrificing their scarce financial resources.

When our small businesses thrive, so do our communities. Small businesses employ your neighbors, sponsor your kid’s little league team, and provide a convenient destination for a night out with your spouse. Small businesses are not only economic drivers, but also cornerstones of community identity.

t’s a win-win solution that strengthens the

The benefits of the LOCAL Act extend beyond businesses. Local media outlets, too, are vital to communities, because they produce the journalism that keeps people informed about school board meetings and neighborhood crime to church bake sales and the most recent newlyweds – and everything in between.

Unfortunately, declining advertising revenues have jeopardized the financial sustainability of many of these local media outlets, and small newsrooms have been shuttering across the state. By

encouraging small businesses to advertise in local media outlets, the LOCAL Act helps these outlets continue their essential work of championing their communities. This dual benefit — supporting both small businesses and local journalism — has already garnered strong support from business groups, community leaders, and the 200+ local newspapers comprising the Empire State Local News Coalition —including the Uniondale Herald Beacon. It’s a win-win solution that strengthens the backbone of our local economy while fostering a unified, informed citizenry.

The LOCAL Act marks a bold step forward in tackling the interconnected challenges our communities are facing today. By working together to implement and embrace this program, we can build stronger businesses, sustain vital journalism, and ensure the prosperity of communities across New York for years to come.

We support this smart legislation. Tell your elected leaders in Albany to include the LOCAL Act in the final FY26 state budget.

Empire State Local News Coalition

The proposed LOCAL Act focuses on supporting minority-, woman- and veteran-owned businesses, as well as any business with 10 or fewer employees.

Building Homes for Heroes to host event at Eisenhower Park

deployment — they still have their whole life to figure out,” Weingrad added. “We support them with financial advisors to get their finances in order, we provide emergency funding if they have emergencies or illnesses in their family and we do team building events to bring all of our veterans together.”

When veterans are gifted homes, a huge ceremony follows, Weingrad explained. “When we gift the home, it’s not just like, ‘Here’s the keys, goodbye,’” he said. “We work with the local community, the local police departments, fire departments, and actually like processions. We invited the community, hand out flags, and it’s really like a welcome home parade.”

It’s been about a decade since Building Homes for Heroes hosted a race on Long Island. The nonprofit was first based out of Valley Stream, but now it has offices in Island Park, where its founder, Pujol, is from. Daniel Hernandez, a veteran who’s worked at Building Homes for Heroes since 2019, said that during the coronavirus pandemic he got into running, and started participating in races around the country while raising money for the nonprofit.

“Two years ago, I ran my first halfmarathon for in Virginia for Building Homes for Heroes,” Hernandez said, “and since then, I pretty much was hooked on running. One day, I was with David, and we were just talking like, ‘Why not set up a race for the company?’ I found that we did one like 10 years ago, and it never became an annual thing. So, I’m really trying my best to make it an annual thing — I want the community to know that we exist, and I know that Long Island likes to support their veterans. This is a great way to have the community come together.”

That hometown visibility is something Building Homes for Heroes is aiming to achieve.

“We are a national organization, but one thing we’ve noticed is that a lot of people on Long Island don’t realize that we’re a homegrown charity,” Weingrad said. “All of the people that work in our Long Island office are from Long Island. So that was part of the inspiration for Danny to do this. We think we’re doing pretty good work, and we just want people to know we’re here, we’re local, we’re part of the community. That’s a big part of helping raise awareness.”

Hernandez, a former U.S. Marine, elaborated as to how he got involved with Building Homes for Heroes — and how it really is making a difference in people’s lives. After high school, he said he joined the Marine reserves, based out of Farmingdale, and ended up going to college through Adelphi University. After seven years, he left the Marine Corps and began working at a job in Oyster Bay but wasn’t satisfied. After seeing an advertisement for a role with Building Homes for Heroes, he connected with the organization and joined the team.

“I missed the camaraderie,” he said. “Even though I didn’t deploy in my time with the Marines, I thought helping veterans and just being there for them was

When veterans are given homes,

Santa rosa Beach, florida. andy pujol, left, embraced

great.”

Building Homes for Heroes: Honoring Our Heroes 5K Run/Walk is slated to take place on April 12, rain or shine, in Field 2 of Eisenhower Park. There’s a Kids Fun Run at 8 a.m., followed by the main race at 8:30 a.m. When runners sign up at Events. EliteFeats.com/25HonoringHeroes, there’s an option to donate to the nonprofit. All registrants will receive a free T-shirt, and the top 150 runners will receive a medal.

There are also plenty of opportunities for businesses to get involved and sponsor the event, which will also draw in more funds for Building Homes for Heroes. Businesses interested can reach out to Hernandez at daniel.hernandez@buildinghomesforheroes.org.

Building Homes for Heroes is at 4584 Austin Blvd., Island Park. For more on the organization and its work, visit BuildingHomesForHeroes.org.

Building Homes for Heroes, a national nonprofit based on Long island that provides mortgage-free homes for injured veterans, first responders, and their families, is holding a 5K run/ Walk in april in eisenhower park. daniel Hernandez, an avid runner and a u.S. marine Corps veteran, has spearheaded the efforts.

Photos courtesy Building Homes for Heroes

entire communities get involved. air force Capt. nathan nelson received a mortgage-free home in

nelson’s wife, Jennifer.

WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

She’s all about improving people’s lives

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

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

Herald: Tell me about yourself.

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

Herald: As CEO, what you do?

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

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

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

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

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

Burch: On a personal level, watching

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

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

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

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

“Don’t be afraid to take chances” is

advice to young women.

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

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

Defending the environment, for all of us

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

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

Herald: Tell me about yourself.

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

Herald: Why do you do what you do?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy Lisa Burch

Lisa Burch’s

Courtesy Adrienne Esposito

Adrienne Esposito says.

Thursday, April 10,

Hofstra seeks to exceed expectations

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bauer and 6-1 junior Sean Hamilton.

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

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

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

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

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

Five honored at Women’s History Month program

County fire departments honored for mutual aid

The Nassau County Legislature, including County Legislator Olena Nicks, recognized members of the 31 county fire departments that provided mutual aid to the battle the Jennings Creek Wildfire in upstate Orange County last fall.

Their service stretched from Nov. 13 to 19, and upstate fire officials said Long Island departments were notable for the significant amount of mutual aid that they mustered for the emergency response.

This led Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Debra Mulé, of Freeport, to begin working closely with fire officials and leaders of the Legislature to coordinate the March 24 celebration.

“As a volunteer firefighter with the Uniondale Fire Department for the last 14 years, I know there is a special code of honor that brings us together — and when our neighbors are in distress, we respond by extending our hand with a spirit of service and solidarity,” Nicks said in a news release. “It was a privilege to welcome the men and women of Nassau County’s volunteer fire departments to the Legislature and commend them for their courageous commitment to keeping all of us safe.”

The Nassau County

All meetings will be held at the Uniondale Middle School: 100 Charles Lindbergh Boulevard Uniondale, New York 11553

Courtesy Peter M. Budratis

and

Nicks represents Carle Place, New Cassel, Westbury, as well as sections of Hempstead, Uniondale,

— Jeffrey Bessen

10/31/2024 5:30 p.m. Uniondale 11/21/2024 5:30 p.m. Uniondale 12/19/2024 5:30 p.m. Uniondale 01/30/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale 02/27/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale 03/27/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale 04/24/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale 05/29/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale 06/26/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale 07/24/2025 5:30 p.m. Uniondale

591-3030

Hicksville

Jericho.

Legislature acknowledged the 31 county fire departments that helped to extinguish the upstate mutual aid to the battle the Jennings Creek Wildfire in November. Uniondale Fire Chief George Martinez with County Legislator Olena Nicks.

Courtesy Town of Hempstead

Hempstead Town Deputy Supervisor Dorothy Goosby greeted honorees Athelene Collins, Renee Wright, Toni Ebron, Wanda Arroyo, and Terry Little during the NAACP Hempstead Branch Women’s History Month Celebration at Kennedy Memorial Park in Hempstead on March 24.

HERALD SPORTS

Nassau County hosts Israeli Elite hockey

By MICHELLE RABINOVICH sports@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

higher from here.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Yonatan Resinger tended the goal for Jerusalem.

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

Eric Dunetz/Herald photos

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

BANKRUPTCY & COMMERCIAL LITIGATION

MICHAEL S. AMATO

Partner

Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P C

BUSINESS LITIGATION

JOSHUA M. LIEBMAN, ESQ.

Partner

Rosenberg, Calica, Birney, Liebman & Ross, LLP

CIVIL LITIGATION

AMY E. BEDELL

Partner

Lewis Johs Avallone Aviles, LLP

CONSTRUCTION & REAL ESTATE LITIGATION

NEIL DISKIN

Counsel Nixon Peabody LLP

CORPORATE

JOSEPH G. MILIZIO ESQ.

Managing Partner Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP

ASHLEY MISTRETTA

Counsel Nixon Peabody LLP

CHARLES SKOP

Shareholder Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P C

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

DANIEL W RUSSO, ESQ

Founding Member

Law Office of Daniel W Russo Nassau County Bar Association

DIVORCE & FAMILY LAW

JASON A. ISAACSON

Partner Sunshine Isaacson Hecht, LLP

DEBORAH A. KELLY ESQ.

Lawyer

Mejias, Milgrim, Alvarado & Lindo, EDUCATION

CYNTHIA A. AUGELLO

Managing Partner

Augello Law Group

ELDER LAW & ESTATE PLANNING

STEPHANIE D’ANGELO

Owner and Principal Attorney D'Angelo Law Associates, P.C.

STEPHANIE M. KEATING

Partner

Schwartz, Fang & Keating, P.C.

EMPLOYMENT

DISCRIMINATION LAW

MARJORIE MESIDOR Founding Partner Mesidor PLLC

ESTATES & TRUSTS

JAMES F. BURDI, ESQ. Partner Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP

GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS

SHAYNA E SACKS

Partner Napoli Shkolnik PLLC

GUARDIANSHIP

MATTHEW G. KIERNAN, ESQ. Counsel Burner Prudenti Law P.C.

HEALTHCARE

SVETLANA MINEVICH, ESQ

Attorney Minevich Law Group, P C

IMMIGRATION

EDUARDO M. VILLACORTA, ESQ.

Founder Villacorta Law Group, P C

MICHAEL CATALIOTTI, ESQ.

Principal Cataliotti Law PC

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY (IP) LAW

TRAVIS J. STOCKMAN ESQ. Co-Founder Stockman & Poropat, PLLC

LABOR & EMPLOYMENT

HON RUTH BOGATYROW KRAFT Partner Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP

CHRISTOPHER MARLBOROUGH Principal Attorney The Marlborough Law Firm, P C

CHRISTOPHER J. MORO Counsel Nixon Peabody LLP

LITIGATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTION

KATHRYN C. COLE Shareholder Greenberg Traurig, LLP

DANIEL B. RINALDI Of Counsel Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C.

MATRIMONIAL

JACQUELINE HAROUNIAN, ESQ. Managing Partner Wisselman Harounian Family Law

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

STEVEN E MILLON, ESQ Partner Shapiro-Millon

MEDIATION

HON JOSEPH SPINOLA Mediator

Resolute Systems, LLC

MUNICIPAL LAW

MATTHEW T MCDONOUGH, ESQ CRE

Founding Member McDonough PLLC

NOT-FOR-PROFIT

LAURETTE D MULRY, ESQ Attorney & Counselor Legal Aid of Suffolk County, Inc PERSONAL INJURY

JASON A GREENBERG, ESQ Founder JAG Law Group

REAL ESTATE

DAVID ALTMAN

Owner Brown Altman & Dileo, LLP

KEITH P BROWN Partner Brown Altman & Dileo, LLP

ANTHONY A. NOZZOLILLO, ESQ. Chief Legal Counsel

Anthony A. Nozzolillo Esq.

ELLEN N. SAVINO Partner

Sahn Ward Braff Coschignano PLLC

REAL ESTATE TAX

CHRISTOPHER P. BYRNES

Partner

Schroder & Strom, LLP

JOSEPH C PACKARD Partner Schroder & Strom, LLP

SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY

CRYSTI D. FARRA

Attorney

Crysti D Farra Attorney at Law

WORKER’S COMPENSATION

CATHERINE M. STANTON Sr Partner Pasternack Tilker Ziegler Walsh Stanton & Romano LLP

SPECIAL AWARDS

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

THOMAS A KENNIFF

Founding Partner Raiser & Kenniff P C

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

NICHOLAS PAPAIN

Member & Director

Sullivan Papain Block McManus Coffinas & Cannavo P.C.

RISING STARS

SAMUEL L. BIFULCO

Associate Sahn Ward Braff Coschignano PLLC

HARRY BRAR

Paralegal

Raiser & Kenniff P.C.

KRISTINE GARCIA-ELLIOT

Associate Vishnick McGovern Milizio LLP

PHILIP RIZZUTO IV

Associate The Rizzuto Law Firm

TOP BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM

ZACHARY I. RIYAZ

Principal The Law Offices of Zachary I. Riyaz,

NIXON PEABODY LLP

TOP LAW FIRM (11-50 EMPLOYEES)

VISHNICK MCGOVERN MILIZIO LLP TOP LAW FIRM (75+ EMPLOYEES)

TOP TAX CERTIORARI LAW FIRM

SCHRODER & STROM, LLP

Anti-bullying conference celebrates proactive parents

By REI WOLFSOHN Correspondent

Local nonprofit Your Time for Creative Empowerment held an anti-bullying conference on March 29 at the Merrick Golf Course Clubhouse, a Town of Hempstead facility, to examine the correlations of — and proactive solutions to — bullying.

The conference covered mental and emotional correlations of bullies and those bullied. Local parents reflected on the problem.

“There are some words associated with bullying,” Ira Gerald, a longtime educator and an award-winning school administrator in New York state, said. “Let’s see if you recognize them in your adult life: intimidate, dominate, terrorize, frighten, coerce…If bullying were limited to children, they wouldn’t have harassment laws.”

One key takeaway was that adults should exemplify coping skills for difficulties in life.

“You don’t have to say, ‘How was your day,’ and then tell them, ‘Don’t do this, do that,’” Gerald said. “Tell them stories about your life, about your coping. In your mind you’re really borrowing a little piece from their life and adding to it, using it as a teaching moment.

Bment, have issues at home, think badly of others, have difficulty following rules, view violence in a positive way, have friends who bully others,” Gerald said. “Wanting to dominate others, improve their social status, having low self-esteem and wanting to feel better about themselves, having a lack of remorse or failing to recognize their behavior as a problem, feeling angry, frustrated, jealous or struggling socially, being the victim of bullying themselves.”

This age-old problem plagues certain targets.

“Perceived as different from their peers, such as being overweight, underweight, wearing glasses, different clothing, brand new to a school, light skinned, dark skinned — unable to defend themselves, depressed, anxious, have low self-esteem — they normalize someone mistreating them,” Gerald added.

ullying can really distort the way a child thinks about themselves, and operates and functions.

JEaNINE

COOkGaR aRd Conference attendee, nurse practitioner

Organizer Madona Cole-Lacy emphasized another view.

“When the child goes to school to interact with other children, what happens is that child wants to walk out of that group alive,” Cole-Lacy said. “So they tend to gravitate towards negativity. It’s almost like, ‘If I don’t join them, then I’m going to be a victim.’”

Panelists agreed on correlations between mental-emotional states and being a bully.

“Children that are aggressive, easily frustrated, have less parental involve -

Clinical social worker and grief recovery specialist Marie Swiderski added perspective.

“It’s a loss of who they were, when things were in a better time for them,” Swiderski said. “A child loses himself, loses his selfesteem. The world can become a very scary place for him. With the right support though, with people caring, it can get a lot better.”

“Bullying can really distort the way a child thinks about themselves, and operates and functions,” Jeanine Cook-Garard, a nurse practitioner who spent 30 years teaching at Nassau Community College, said. “So I think that children that come to their parents and give them stories about bullying, it is essential that they respond immediately and make sure that there are interventions that are put in place for not just their own child but for all children.”

“Volunteer in your child’s school,”

Gerald said. “If I see you every day coming to the school, once a week coming to the school, I’m going to make sure your child is not injured at all.”

Cole-Lacy doesn’t just leave it up to parents. She emphasized involving mental health practitioners, and the organization promotes children standing up for themselves.

“If someone is trying to bully you and you draw your line,” Cole-Lacy said. “And you say, ‘This is who I am. This is who I’m gonna be. Not what this person tells me that I’m going to be.’”

Madona Cole-Lacey was among the presenting panelists at the event.

Parents and professionals listened to information about bullying at the YTCE conference in Merrick.

The Garard family, attendees to the conference, were honored for their involvement in their children’s lives.

Photo credit

Ira Gerald, a longtime educator and an award-winning school administrator in New York state, opened Your Time for Creative Empowerment’s anti-bullying conference on March 29.

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

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

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

Cut Your Energy Costs – Get expert tips on simple, low-cost ways to start reducing your energy bills immediately.

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

Live Q&A with Energy Experts – Ask questions and get real-time answers from PSEG Long Island specialists on how to optimize your energy efficiency efforts.

MAUREEN FITZGERALD Herald Community Newspapers

Michael Voltz, P.E. Director, Energy Efficiency and Renewables

Honoring Premier Business Women of L.I.

By Christie Leigh Babirad

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Nearly 400 people attended the awards dinner.

Veronica Isaac, of PSEGLI, with Stuart Richner.

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

Holden Leeds/Herald photos

Mary Fu, People’s Arc of Suffolk

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

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

Jennifer Baxmeyer, Cradle of Aviation Museum

Susan Johnson, Hempstead Union Free School District

Paige O’Brien, Family and Children’s Association

Susan Nielsen, Eclectic Psychotherapy Group of Nassau County

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

Maureen Early, Reworld

Monica LaCroix-Rubin, Dime Community Bank

Dawn Harmon, Reworld

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

Desiree Krajnyak-Baker, Whisper Woods of Smithtown

Anne Petraro, Mending Hearts Counseling and Eclectic Psychotherapy

Susan Gatti, Disruptive Spark Business Academy

Laura Joseph, EdD, Farmingdale State College

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

L.I.’s representatives discuss the issues

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

Congressional District 1, which is represented by LaLota, stretches east from western Suffolk County to encompass both the North and South forks of Long Island. Garbarino represents the 2nd District, along the South Shore, which includes parts of Suffolk and a small portion of southeastern Nassau County. Suozzi’s 3rd Congressional District includes a portion of Queens, expands along the North Shore of Nassau and extends to several communities in the middle of the eastern portion of the county. District 4, represented by Gillen, extends along the South Shore of Nassau, from the Queens border through several central communities to Seaford.

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

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

Garbarino on bipartisanship:

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

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

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

On offshore wind:

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

On DOGE:

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

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

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

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

Gillen on working across the aisle:

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

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

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

On DOGE:

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

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

LaLota on SALT:

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

On DOGE:

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

On tariffs:

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

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

Suozzi on SALT:

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

On offshore wind:

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

On DOGE:

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

On tariffs:

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

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

Tim Baker/Herald photos

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

STEPPING OUT

Rockin’ with Jason Scheff and Tommy DeCarlo

personal outdoors Thinking ‘green’

Get out there and prep to enjoy your

By Karen Bloom

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

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

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

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

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

Limit flowerbed size and plant variety

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

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

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

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

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

Invest in good soil and mulch

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

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

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

Invest in hard landscaping

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make use of raised beds

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

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

Embrace the wild

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

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

To enhance this effect, try

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

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

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

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

The Wallflowers

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

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

THE Your Neighborhood

Joan

Osborne sings Dylan

The seven-time Grammy nominee brings her extraordinary voice and artistic depth to the timeless music of Bob Dylan, on the Landmark stage, Friday, April 11, 8 p.m. Best known for her multi-platinum hit “One of Us,” Osborne has spent over 25 years captivating audiences with her fearless exploration of genres ranging from rock and blues to soul, gospel and country. Her critically acclaimed 2018 album, “Songs of Bob Dylan,” and her live performances showcase her ability to reimagine Dylan’s iconic works, offering fresh interpretations that highlight the emotional resonance and poetic brilliance of his music. Osborne first began her journey with Dylan’s catalog in 2016 with a series of “Dylanology” concerts. These performances deepened her appreciation for his vast and varied repertoire and inspired her to put her own stamp on his songs. Her renditions are both reverent and inventive, blending her soulful delivery with the rich textures of her band to bring new life to classics like “Tangled Up in Blue” and “Highway 61 Revisited.”

With a voice hailed as one of the most powerful and versatile of her generation, Osborne invites audiences to rediscover Dylan’s masterpieces through her singular lens. Her take on the “Dynalogy” reflects her reverence for iconic musician who remains forever young in the hearts and minds of his fans and the music world. The recent biopic, “A Complete Unknown,” brings Dylan to the forefront once again. Osborne turns back the clock with her artistic and soulful reinterpretations exuding passion, emotion and energy. $59, $55, $48, also special VIP package. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Bookmark Café

Do you find technology confusing? Are you interested in eBooks or other digital services, but don’t know where to start? If so, then be sure to ask about Uniondale Public Library’s free 1-on-1 tech help. Get the support you need. 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale. Call (516) 489-2220 or ask an Adult Services Librarian to make a reservation.

Job Fair

The Town of Hempstead holds a job fair, Thursday, April 10, 10:30-3:30 p.m., at Freeport Recreation Center. Job seekers are encouraged to attend and meet with varied recruitment representatives from business, school district, local and state agencies and services, and more. Bring copies of your resume and prepare to make an impression. All veterans and individuals with disabilities are permitted to enter the job fair starting at 9:30 a.m. Registration required. The time slot you select will determine your entry time. Upon entry, stay as long as necessary.130 E. Merrick Road, Freeport. Visit hempsteadworks. com for information and to register or call (516) 485-5000 ext. 1146.

Tunes with Dancing Dream

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

Celebrate Holi

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

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

Art Explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. The drop-in program continues, Saturday, April 5, noon-3 p.m. Kids and their adult partners talk about and make art together. While there, enjoy reading and play in the Reading Room, and contribute to the collaborative Lobby Project. 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. Visit nassaumuseum.org to register or call (516) 484-9337.

Nostrand Gardens Civic Association meets The Nostrand Gardens Civic Associations holds its monthly meeting, Monday, April 7, 7 p.m., at the Van Ness firehouse. Discuss community news with topical guest speakers. 154 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale.

‘The Third Realm’ Terri Mangum leads a discussion Karl Ove Knausgaard’s novel “The Third Realm” with the Community Book Club gettogether, Thursday, April 17, 7 p.m., at Uniondale Public Library. The book is considered a kaleidoscopic novel that delves into the lives of Norwegians affected by the emergence of a new heavenly body. Signup now. 400 Uniondale Ave. For more information, visit uniondalelibrary.org or call (516) 489-2220.

‘Listen to the Music’

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

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

Friends Meeting

Spring Dog Festival

Get ready to wag those tails, at Old Westbury Gardens with your pooch (leashed of course), Saturday and Sunday, April 12-13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Bring your canine companions for a scenic stroll through grounds bursting spring’s first blooms. Browse a selection of local dog-friendly vendors offering unique products and services for your furry friends, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Old Westbury Gardens, 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury. For information contact (516) 333-0048 or visit oldwestburygardens.org.

Join the Friends of the Uniondale Public Library for their semimonthly meeting, either in-person or on Zoom, Wednesday, April 16, 7 p.m. 400 Uniondale Ave. For more information, visit uniondalelibrary.org or call (516) 489-2220. Call the Adult Services Desk at Ext. 205 for Zoom access information.

Having an event?

Items on The Scene page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to thescene@liherald.com.

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) which publicly launched the movement. The direct follow-up to the well-received 2023 exhibit,

“Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts.

The exhibit encompasses significant cultural advancements during Long Island’s Roaring Twenties/Jazz Age movement, including votes, jobs, and the automobile for women, the beginnings of suburbia with commutation for work, and planned residential communities, which all defined the era, while the following decade brought economic reversals and the WPA program. Works by Louis Comfort Tiffany, Fernand Léger, Guy Pène du Bois, Gaston Lachaise, Elie Nadelman, and Reginald Marsh, among others, along with art deco stylists of poster art and graphics, and photography will convey the Art Deco spirit along with its furniture, decorative arts, and fashion.

Like “Our Gilded Age,” the social scene of Long Island’s Gold Coast, and its personalities — both upstairs and downstairs — will be portrayed, along with the ongoing relationship with the immediate urban context of New York with its skyscrapers and deco-styled architecture. On view through June 15. Nassau County Museum of Art, 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor. (516) 484-9337 or NassauMuseum.org.

Hempstead House tour

April 13

Sands Point Preserve is the backdrop to explore the elegant Gold Coast home that’s the centerpiece of the estate, Sunday, April 13, noon-1 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. Visit the grand rooms inside the massive 50,000-square-foot Tudor-style mansion, the former summer residence of Gilded Age financier Howard Gould and later Daniel and Florence Guggenheim. Tours are limited in size and tend to sell out. Arrive early to purchase tickets. $10. Sands Point Preserve, 127 Middle Neck Road. For information, visit SandsPointPreserveConservancy.org or call (516) 571-7901.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

EASTERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK (BROOKLYN)

Windward Bora, LLC.; Plaintiff v. Junia Montour, et al; Defendants

April 3,

Attorneys for Plaintiff: Hasbani & Light, P.C., 450 7th Ave, Suite 1901, NY, NY 10123; (212) 643-6677

Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on 11/13/24, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder in EDNY-Brooklyn, 225 Cadman Plaza East, Brooklyn, NY 11201. On April 10, 2025 at 1:00 PM Premises known as 498 Duryea Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553 and identified on the Nassau County Tax Map as Section: 0034 Block: 00343-00 Lots 11,12

All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, City and State of New York. As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale.

Sold subject to all the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale.

Approximate amount of judgment: $222,858.02 plus interest and costs.

Docket Number: 2:23cv-3654 Dominic Famulari, Esq., Referee 152162 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, LIMOSA, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. ANGELA LATTA, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Order Amending Caption duly entered on April 16, 2024 and an Order Appointing Substitute Referee duly entered on January 24, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 22, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 711 Park Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553. 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 50, Block 418 and Lot 16. Approximate amount of judgment is $586,278.38 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #009001/2015.

Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee

Vallely Law PLLC, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 165, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 152303

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. MCLP ASSET COMPANY, INC., Plaintiff -againstKEVIN HEARN AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF SHIRLEY M. HEARN, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated January 23, 2025 and entered on February 10, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on April 29, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as SBL# 50-03901-221

Said premises known as 1300 PEMBROKE STREET, UNIONDALE, NY 11553

Approximate amount of lien $454,709.54 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 605631/2021.

SCOTT SILLER, ESQ., Referee Pincus Law Group, PLLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 {* UNIONDALE*} 152371

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 8th day of April, 2025, 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:

(NR)ISLAND PARK

BROADWAY - east side, starting at a point 261 feet north of the north curbline of Saratoga Boulevard, north for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-64/25)

NORTH BELLMORE

DAVENPORT PLACEnorth side, starting at a point 249 feet east of the east curbline of Newbridge Road, east for a distance of 31 feet.

(TH-115/25)

ROOSEVELT

PENNSYLVANIA

AVENUE - east side, starting at a point 120 feet north of the north curbline of Hudson Avenue, north for a distance of 19 feet.

(TH-544/24)

VALLEY STREAM

CHARLES STREETwest side, starting at a point 94 feet south of the south curbline of Oliver Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-119/25)

LAW STREET - west side, starting at a point 420 feet south of the south curbline of Stuart Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-116/25) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons:

FRANKLIN SQUARE

CRAFT AVENUE - north side, starting at a point 195 feet west of the west curbline of Hall Street, west for a distance of 22 feet.

(TH-426/23 - 10/3/23)

(TH-121/25)

OCEANSIDE

LAWRENCE AVENUEeast side, starting at a point 30 feet north of the north curbline of Montgomery Avenue, north for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-33/22 - 3/22/22)

(TH-120/25)

;and, BE IT FURTHER ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: Hempstead, New York March 25, 2025

BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

DONALD X. CLAVIN, JR. Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 152591

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff - against - ALICE B. MARR, et al

Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on February 18, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 6th day of May, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Premises known as 868 Smith Street, Uniondale, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11553. (SBL#: 50-427-19) Approximate amount of lien $322,890.02 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 612309/2023. Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee. Davidson Fink LLP

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd, Ste 200 Rochester, NY 14618 Tel. 585/760-8218

For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: March 11, 2025

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued

by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 152561

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff - againstJAMES H. WATSON, JR. A/K/A JAMES WATSON, JR., et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on February 21, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 6th day of May, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Unincorporated Area of Roosevelt, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Premises known as 2 Second Place, Roosevelt, NY 11575. (Section: 55, Block: 450, Lot: 55, 56) Approximate amount of lien $250,721.01 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 617500/2023. Peter L. Kramer, Esq., Referee. 516-510-4020. McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409 For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832

Dated: March 6, 2025

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent

closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 152559

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ANNUAL DISTRICT ELECTION OF UNIONDALE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK, TO BE HELD ON May 20, 2025 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, in lieu of an annual meeting of all election districts in one place, the vote by the qualified voters of the Uniondale Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, at an annual election, will be held on May 20, 2025 beginning 6 AM in the school designated in each election district bounded and described hereinafter, for the purpose of voting upon the appropriation of necessary funds to meet the necessary expenditures of the School District for the year 2025-2026, upon all propositions duly filed with the Board of Education, and to elect two (2) members to the Board of Education to fill the following vacancies:

a. The office of Addie Blanco-Harvey, a member of the Board of Education, whose term expires on June 30, 2025 for a new term commencing July 1, 2025 and expiring on June 30, 2028.

b. The office of Alvin McDaniel, Jr., Ed.D., a member of the Board of Education, whose term expires on May 20, 2025 for a new term commencing May 21, 2025 and expiring on June 30, 2028.

PROPOSITION NO. 1 –SCHOOL BUDGET

Copies of the text of this proposition for the appropriation of the estimated expenses of the School District for the year 2025-2026 and authorizing the levy of taxes therefore, will be available at each school house in the District as hereinafter specified.

PROPOSITION NO. 2 –CAPITAL PROJECTS TO BE FUNDED THROUGH THE CAPITAL RESERVE

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) Install new heavy duty safety perimeter fencing on Grand Avenue due to high-traffic area at Grand Avenue School ($200,000); (2) Repair and replace damaged sidewalks and parking lots at Northern Parkway School, Turtle Hook Middle School, Walnut Street School, and Uniondale High School ($350,000); (3) Install new exterior LED light poles and add exterior LED lighting at Northern Parkway School, Turtle Hook Middle School, Walnut Street School, and Uniondale High School ($450,000); (4) Install new well pumps and irrigation at all athletic fields at Turtle Hook Middle School, Walnut Street School, California Avenue School, Cornelius Court Elementary School, Grand Avenue School, Smith Street School, and Northern Parkway School ($500,000); 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?

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that the voting shall be on voting machines and the polls will remain open from 6 AM until 9 PM and as much longer as may be necessary to enable the voters then present to cast their ballots, and that the Board of Registration shall meet during the annual election for the purpose of preparing a register for the budget vote and election in 2026 and any special district meeting that may be held after the preparation of said register.

The condensed form of

the budget proposition and the text of all other propositions to appear on the voting machine and a detailed statement in writing of the amount of money which will be required for the school year 2025-2026 for school purposes, specifying the purposes and the amount for each, will be prepared and copies thereof will be made available, upon request, to any resident in the District at each schoolhouse in the district in which school is maintained between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM during the period of fourteen (14) days immediately preceding said election of May 20, 2025, excluding Saturday, Sunday and holidays, and at such annual election.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that nominations for the office of member of the Board of Education, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be made by petition subscribed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 qualified voters or 2% of the number of voters who voted in the 2024 annual election), and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the District between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM not later than the 30th day preceding the election at which the trustees shall be voted upon. Such petition shall state the residence of each signer and shall state the name and residence of the candidate and the specific vacancy on the Board for which the candidate is nominated, which description shall include at least the length of the term of office and the name of the last incumbent, if any. Each vacancy shall be considered a separate office, and a separate petition shall be required to nominate a candidate to each separate office. No person shall be nominated for more than one separate office on the Board of Education. A nomination may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for the office or declares his/her unwillingness to serve. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that any proposition or question to be placed upon the

Public Notices

voting machines shall be submitted in writing by petition subscribed by at least 25 qualified voters of the district (representing the greater of 25 qualified voters or 2% of the number of voters who voted in athe 2024 annual election), and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the District between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM, not later than the 30th day preceding the election at which such question or proposition shall be voted upon, except that this rule shall not apply to those questions or propositions which are required to be stated in the published or posted notice of the meeting or to those propositions or questions which the Board of Education has authority by law to present at any annual or special meeting of the District.

Propositions with respect to a proposition or question which is required to be stated in the Notice of Meeting must be filed in the office of the Clerk of the District, between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM on or before the 60th day immediately preceding the meeting or election at which such questions or proposition shall be voted upon.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Board of Registration of this School District shall meet Thursday, May 8, 2025 and Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 9:00AM to 7:00PM in the California Avenue Elementary School, Grand Avenue Elementary School, Northern Parkway Elementary School, Smith Street Elementary School and Walnut Street Elementary School for the purpose of preparing a register of the qualified voters of this District for said annual district election, at which time any person shall be entitled to have his/her name placed upon such registry provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration, he/she is known, or proven to the satisfaction of the Board of Registration, to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the annual District election for which such register is prepared: California Avenue School Election District: Place of Registration California Avenue Elementary School

236 California Avenue

Uniondale, NY 11553

Grand Avenue

Elementary School District: Place of Registration

Grand Avenue

Elementary School

711 School Drive

North Baldwin, New York

Northern Parkway

Elementary School:

Place of Registration

Northern Parkway

Elementary School

440 Northern Parkway Uniondale, NY 11553

Smith Street Elementary School: Place of Registration

Smith Street

Elementary School

780 Smith Street Uniondale, NY 11553

Walnut Street

Elementary School: Place of Registration

Walnut Street

Elementary School

1270 Walnut Street Uniondale, NY 11553

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that applications for absentee and early mail ballots for the school district election will be obtainable at the Office of the Clerk of the District and must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than 30 days before the election for which an absentee or early mail ballot is sought. To obtain a ballot by mail, completed applications must be received by the Office of the District Clerk at least seven days before the election. The absentee or early mail ballot will be mailed to the address set forth in the application, no later than six days before the election. To obtain a ballot in person (applicant or his or her agent), the completed application must be delivered to the Office of the District Clerk no later than the day before the election, Monday, May 19, 2025. Absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the Office of the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. A list of all 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 beginning May 15, 2025 in the office of the clerk between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM and will also be available on May 20, 2025.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that military

voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district.

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

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

Military voter registration application forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the Office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 24, 2025. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is returned by mail or in person and (1) received in the Office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the Office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the election.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the register shall include (1) all qualified voters of the District who shall personally present themselves for registration; and (2) all previously qualified voters of the District who shall have been previously registered for any annual or special District meeting or election and who shall have voted at any annual or special District meeting or election held or conducted any time within the last four calendar years (2021-2024) prior to preparation of the said register; and (3) voters permanently registered with the Board of Elections of the County of Nassau.

The Register shall be filed in the office of the District Clerk of the School District at Uniondale High School, 933 Goodrich Street,

Uniondale, New York, where it shall be open for inspection by any qualified voter between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM on each of the five (5) days prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, and between the hours of 9 AM and 12 noon on Saturday, May 15, 2025; and at each polling place on election day.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a Real Property Tax Exemption Report prepared in accordance with Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law will be annexed to any tentative/preliminary budget as well as the final adopted budget of which it will form a part; and shall be posted on the District bulletin board(s) maintained for public notices, as well as on the District’s website.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that description of the boundaries of the election districts as designated by the Board of Education is filed with the records of the School District and available for inspection by any qualified voter together with a map of the District, in the Office of the District Clerk at Uniondale High School, 933 Goodrich Street, Uniondale, New York, during regular business hours and that said election districts and the respective schools in each where the voting shall take place are generally 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

Trump taps ex-Rep. D’Esposito to be labor inspector general

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito, a former NYPD detective and one-term congressman from New York, has been nominated by President Donald Trump to serve as inspector general for the Labor Department.

If confirmed by the Senate, D’Esposito would oversee investigations into wasteful or fraudulent spending within the department. He would replace Larry Turner, who was fired after Trump took office.

D’Esposito represented New York’s 4th Congressional District, which includes Nassau County’s South Shore, before losing his seat to Rep. Laura Gillen. Before his time in Congress, the Island Park resident served as a Hempstead Town councilman.

His nomination comes amid controversy. A New York Times report during his re-election campaign alleged that he had an affair and placed both his mistress and his fiancée’s daughter on his taxpayer-funded payroll.

A vocal Trump supporter, D’Esposito appeared at the president’s rallies last year at Nassau Coliseum and Madison Square Garden. In Congress, he served on the Homeland Security, Administration, and Transportation and Infrastructure committees. He also gained attention as the first Republican to call for then-Rep. George Santos to resign or be expelled for falsifying his résumé and background.

— Hernesto Galdamez

Public Notices

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.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Board of Education shall hold a public hearing for the purpose of discussion of the expenditure of funds and the budgeting thereof for the year 2025-2026 on May 6, 2025 at 6:30 PM in the little theater of Uniondale High School.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that this Board shall convene a special meeting hereof within

twenty-four hours after the filing with the District Clerk of a written report of the results of the ballot for the purpose of examining and tabulating said reports of the result of the ballot and declaring the result of the ballot; that the Board hereby designates itself to be a set of poll clerks to cast and canvass ballots pursuant to Education Law, § 2019-a, subdivision 2b at said special meeting of the Board.

Dated: March 25, 2025 Uniondale, New York BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, UNIONDALE, UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK Sandra Edwards District Clerk Uniondale Union Free School District 152530

Tim Baker/Herald

Former Rep. Anthony D’Esposito has been selected by President Donald Trump to serve as the inspector general for the Department Labor

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Help Wanted

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.

Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must.

Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges fromo $16.50 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

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 $34,320 + 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 $34,320 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

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from

Homes

Trying to keep the terminology straight

Just Move In!

WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670

Offices For Rent

CATHEDRAL GARDENS AREA

Offices available at Professional Building in Hempstead near Garden City. Ideal for lawyers, accountants, architects, etc. Parking & signage. Potential for referrals. $650-$1200. Discounts for longer leases. 917-763-7313

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

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

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

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

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

So, for many reasons, the description matters. Insurance companies charge more when they finally realize what they’re insuring, as well. In modern times, you may be trapped into doing something all over again that was already approved. Decks aren’t porches (and cellars aren’t basements, either). Good luck!

with “Herald

Stuff HERALD

Handyman

PAINTING & HANDYMAN SERVICE

We Do Pavers, Cultured Stone, Concrete, Bluestone, Blacktop, Fireplace, Patio, Waterproofing, Walkways, Pool Work. Lic#H2204320000 Family Operation Over 40Years. 516-238-6287 Cable/TV/Wiring

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069

Electricians

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC. All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Exterminating

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-866-448-8311 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Tired of calling a contractor & they don't call back? I will call you back the same day! 917-822-0225 Ricky Specializing in carpentry, bathrooms, kitchens, sheetrock, flooring, electric, plumbing. Over 25 yrs exp.Lic/Ins H3805150000

Home Improvement

AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER?

STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-888-920-9937

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-855-399-2076

DO YOU KNOW what's in your water?

Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728

HErald Crossword Puzzle

Home Improvement

PAVERS- CONCRETE- BLACKTOP Book Now & Save On All Masonry Work. Driveways- Patios- Stoops- SidewalksWalkways- Stonework- Pool SurroundsOutdoor Kitchens- Family Owned/ Operated For Over 40Yrs. FREE Estimates. Lic# H1741540000. DANSON CONSTRUCTION INC 516-409-4553; 516-798-4565 www.dansoninc.com

PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496

Privacy Hedge! Arborvitae 6-foot Reduced to $125/each. Free Installation, Free Delivery. Fast growing, High-quality Beautiful & Bushy! Order now to reserve for early Spring delivery. LowCostTrees.com 518-536-1367

WIREMAN / CABLEMAN: TVs Mounted. Phone, TV, Computer Wires, HD Antennas, Starlink Dishes, Stereos Installed And Serviced. FREE Estimates. Lic#54264-RE And Ins. Call Dave 631-667-9473(WIRE), 516-353-1118(TEXT)

Miscellaneous

GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391

Painting

HANKS PAINTING & DRYWALL REPAIR LLC. 5 *Star* *Artist* *Finish. Residential Interior Painting Our Specialty. Drywall Installations/ Repairs, Wallpaper Removal, Skim Coat, Cracks, Gaps Filled, License #201789/Insured. References. Hank 516-330-8396 www.hankspainting.com

*PROFESSIONAL PAINTER* Repairs, Wallpaper, Moldings & More! Free Estimates Ins/Lic#H0106110000 Please Call Sal Today! 516.343.2152

Power Washing

POWERWASHING ALL SURFACES: Houses, Fences, Concrete/ Brick, Decks/Sealing. ANTHONY & J HOME IMPROVEMENT, INC. 516-678-6641

Telephone Services

CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682

Sprinkler Syst./Irrig.Wells

Legal Services

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-888-454-4717. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider Telecommunications AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET.

Tree Services

T&M GREENCARE TREE SERVICE *TREE REMOVAL *STUMP GRINDING *PRUNING. FREE ESTIMATES. 516-223-4525, 631-586-3800 www.tmgreencare.com

Satellite/TV Equipment

DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Direct and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

PROFESSIONAL

SERVICES

Health & Fitness

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-855-399-2719

Attention: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-855-399-2582

HEARING AIDS!! HIGH-QUALITY rechargeable, powerful Audien hearing aids priced 90% less than competitors. Tiny and NEARLY INVISIBLE! 45-day money back guarantee! 855-819-7060

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

Acore part of my mission in Congress is bipartisanship. That may sound quaint these days, but I believe it’s what the people I represent — and, more broadly, the American people — want and deserve. It’s also getting harder to achieve. The current climate in Washington is more toxic and polarized than I’ve ever seen. As the Democratic co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus — which is evenly split between Democrats and Republicans — I work every day to find common ground. But I can’t pretend it’s easy in an environment where performative politics too often replaces problem-solving. Nonetheless, I’ll continue to work across party lines, and when I must, buck my own party, if it means getting things done for my constituents.

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

TI’ll never sacrifice my core values.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.

No more excuses on county opioid funding

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Their testimony and lack of results

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ToM sUoZZi

opInIons

Just when you thought we were hopelessly divided . . .

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“We need more Democrats like you.”

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

“I always respected you as governor.”

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

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

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

The Voice of America has been silenced

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BEACON

Established 2023

Incorporating

The Uniondale Beacon

The East Meadow Beacon

JEFFREY BESSEN

Deputy Editor

NicolE WElch

Multi Media Marketing Consultant

oFFicE

2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530

Phone: (516) 569-4000

Fax: (516) 569-4942

Web: www.liherald.com

E-mail: beaconnews@liherald.com

Copyright © 2025 Richner Communications, Inc.

HERALD

COMMUNITY NEWSPAPERS

Cliff Richner

Celebrating the vitality of our libraries

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

ing and discovery.

Wednesday, April 9: National Library Outreach Day

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

Thursday, April 10: Take Action for Libraries Day

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

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

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

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

To the Editor:

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

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

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

opinions I made my budget priorities clear

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

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

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

Letters

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

BRIAN KELLy Rockville Centre

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

To the Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Siela Bynoe represents the 6th State Senate District.

Framework by Tim Baker

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

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

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

KAILI DeSANTIS Oyster Bay

‘We must make our voices heard’ on Social Security

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

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

We must stand together and make

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

PAOLINO Bellmore

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

sieLa BYnoe

DONNA

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

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

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

To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion