HERALD UNIONDALE
Sweet scenes at the Coliseum
The Chocolate Expo brought thousands of visitors to Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale on March 22, where more than 80 vendors offered everything from baked goods to specialty foods — and, yes, chocolate. Above, crumb cake doughnuts from Gooseberry Grove, a pop-up shop that also offered homemade ice cream. At right, an attendee dressed as the Mad Harlot, from the Mad Harlot Tea Society, which promotes unique women’s gatherings, stood out in the crowd. Story, more photos, Page 3.
Creating safe spaces for kids with disabilities
By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com
An inclusive Easter egg hunt at Uniondale’s John J. Byrne Community Center brought dozens of families together on Sunday for a sensory-friendly celebration designed for children of all abilities.
The event, organized by Siblings Helping Siblings, drew about 60 attendees, and was intended to create a welcoming space where children could participate without the pressures of a larger gathering.
IMany siblings, who are often young themselves, do not fully understand conditions like autism. As a result, activities they want to take part in may not be accessible to a brother or sister with a disability, which can lead to frustration and arguments.
’m trying to create more memories with all of them.
Siblings Helping Siblings Founder Maria Tejada, of Roosevelt, launched the initiative three years ago. The idea, she said, grew out of her experience with a daughter with special needs and a lack of inclusive spaces for her family. She has also organized events at the Roosevelt Public Library.
mARIA TejADA Founder, Siblings
Helping Siblings
“It started because of my daughter,” Tejada said. “In our experience at that time, we didn’t see many spaces that welcome the whole family, especially those with disabilities.”
Siblings Helping Siblings isn’t a nonprofit, Tejada explained, and relies on support from family and friends to fund its activities. Despite limited resources, the organization has expanded to include sensoryfriendly movie screenings and seasonal events. There aren’t many local sensory-friendly environments for holiday events, and finding a location for an egg hunt, Tejada said, wasn’t easy. “We’re going to think about it,” organizations told her — reluctant, she said, because of a lack of awareness of autism. “We believe in inclusion,” she said.
But the community center didn’t hesitate to work with her.
Continued on page 10
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Students learn importance of good sleeping habits
By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com
First grade students at California Avenue Elementary School took part in a sleep education program on March 23 designed to help them build healthy bedtime routines.
The event, held in partnership with Cohen Children’s Medical Center and the Beyond Bedtime initiative, included an assembly where students learned how consistent sleep habits support physical health and brain development.
“During the assembly, students learned how consistent bedtime routines support both physical health and brain development,” said Natasha Garrettt in a statement on March 31. “Our first-grade students also enjoyed a special read-aloud by Northwell Nurse Practitioner Andrea Orbon.”
Orbon said the partnership understands that sleep is fundamental to a child’s health, healing and development.
“We are committed to helping families build consistent, comforting bedtime routines that promote better health outcomes,” she said. “We provided sleep education to all students and donated pajamas and books to help create a sense of comfort and stability at bedtime.
These simple items can make a meaningful difference,” Orbon continued. “And allow an opportunity for connection between children and caregivers.”
First-grade students at California Avenue Elementary School participate in a sleep education program focused on healthy bedtime routines.
Each student received a new pair of pajamas and a copy of “Sweet Dreams Ahead: Time for Bed” by Tish Rabe.
“Students were excited to bring their pajamas home,” Garrett said. “The experience reinforced the importance of sleep-in supporting growth and wellbeing,”
Garrett added that this work aligns with their core values of “excellence and safety.” The elementary school focuses on five core values for it’s students to incorporate in their everyday lives in and out of the classroom: respect, excellence, inclusivity, collabo-
ration and safety.
The program focused on teaching students practical steps for establishing routines at home, including habits that promote better sleep and overall wellbeing.
Garrett thanked Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil for making the opportunity and partnership possible. By the end of the day, students were able to understand the R.E.A.D.Y. bedtime routine: relax, eat a healthy snack, aim for an 8 p.m. bedtime, don’t forget to wash up and change into pajamas, and yawn — lights out.
Allurah and Allison show off their new pajamas donated by Northwell Cohen’s Children Medical Center. Parents were requested to give teachers their children’s pajama size by a specific date for it to be delivered perfectly for them to take home.
Educators said the goal is for students to use the routine as a guide to reduce uncertainty and build consistent bedtime habits.
Photos courtesy California Avenue Elementary School
Chocolate Expo brings sweets to the Coliseum
The Chocolate Expo drew a large crowd to Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale on March 22, with attendees filling the venue throughout the day.
The one-day event featured more than 80 vendors offering chocolate, baked goods and specialty foods. While chocolate was the focus, many vendors also sold non-chocolate items such as cheeses, matcha tea, honey, and beverages.
The expo included live demonstrations, interactive presentations, and family-friendly activities. A children’s area featured face painting, balloon twisting and balloon art by Robbie Furman, who created hats and animal shapes for attendees.
A balloon sculpture of a horse and carriage was on display near the entrance highlighted television show “Little House on the Prairie.” The Western themed show ran nine seasons from 1974.
Television personalities, Dean Butler, Patrick Labyorteaux and Todd Bridges from “Little House on the Prairie” were the celebrity guests and took photos with visitors. During the event there was a special panel with moderator asking the cast questions. The panel drew a large audience.
The Chocolate Expo, which has been held since 2012, is part of a recurring series that brings food vendors and attendees together at venues across the region.
— Stacy Driks
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Dean Butler, left, Patrick Labyorteaux and Todd Bridges were celebrity guests at the event. During their time there, they spoke during a panel discussion about their time on “Little House on the Prairie,” which aired from 1974 to 1983. Bridges also starred in “Diff’rent Strokes.”
Ken Jeong, left, and executive chef Lawrence Rosenberg hold Reese’s and peanut butter Bacon Bites, a sweet-and-savory treat. Rosenberg’s product is made from real bacon and enrobed with chocolate.
Samantha Phillips, left, and Nimisha Patel of Chocolate Works in Bellmore, which offers handcrafted Belgian chocolates, chocolate-covered pretzels, gift baskets and other sweets show case their products. The store displayed gift baskets for Easter and other chocolate-covered products.
James Carucci of Nut Punch, a vendor offering nutbased snacks, joined the chocolate expo, not entirely selling chocolate but a variety of different vegan snacks inspired by nature with nuts and seeds for an active lifestyle.
News briefs
Uniondale’s Rhythm of the Knight Show Choir performed
Heroes of Long Island” event. Standing center, Director Lynette
joined Nassau County Legislator Viviana Russell
Show choir performs at ‘homegrown hero’
Uniondale students took center stage during Nassau County’s “Homegrown Heroes of Long Island” exhibition, where the district’s Rhythm of the Knight Show Choir delivered a featured performance celebrating Black excellence across the region.
exhibit she shared that she “felt that it was necessary for our young people to see African Americans who are successful, especially since the goal right now is to eradicate our history.”
Russell praised the student performers and the exhibit’s impact.
The event, led by Nassau County Legislator Viviana Russell, who represents part of Uniondale highlighted 38 Black alumni from Long Island high schools who are now professionals contributing to their communities and fields. The program also included a performance by the Westbury Middle School Choir.
The exhibit was curated by Shirley Darkeh and sponsored by the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce and the African American Small Business Foundation, Inc. It aimed to inspire young people by showcasing local success stories.
As for Darkeh’s motivation for the
“The amazing talents of our gifted young musicians truly set the tone for an inspiring and uplifting evening celebrating the hometown leaders who work so diligently to build a stronger future for communities across Nassau County and our region,” Russell said. “It was truly an honor to be part of the Homegrown Heroes event. I extend my sincere gratitude to Ms. Shirley Darkeh for her visionary leadership in creating a platform that allows Black individuals to see reflections of success that look like them.”
— Stacy Driks
Let us Know
News Brief items including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome. Photographs may be emailed as well. Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday, week prior to publication. Send to execeditor@liherald.com
Courtesy Chris Portuondodesmith
during the “Homegrown
Lynette Carr-Hicks
Sacred Heart freshmen claim science victory
By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com
A team of ninth-grade students from Sacred Heart Academy earned first place at Northwell Health’s Annual Medical Marvels Public Health Competition at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, marking the best finish the school has achieved in the event.
The five girls, Vivien Squadrito from Atlantic Beach; Hailey Coyle from Rockville Centre; Kylie Gorman from Long Beach; Madeleine Maier from Glen Cove and Nora Mac Conaonaigh from Manhasset were part of the academy’s science research program.
They impressed judges with a research paper addressing gun safety in schools, focusing on prevention strategies that include mental health support, communication and safety measures at home and in school.
“The papers had already been judged, so they had already won something before they even got there,” said Stephen Sullivan, Sacred Heart Academy’s research director. “The presentation didn’t affect their paper grade.”
Students were given just three minutes to present their research to judges, followed by questions. Although the team had prepared extensively, they were unsure how their presentation compared with others.
“They thought they didn’t do that well,” Sullivan said. “If they had thought
they were the absolute best, I probably would have been confused.”
The team’s research focused on identifying the most critical components of gun safety and prevention. After reviewing scientific studies and data, the students developed a framework that emphasized mental health awareness, communication, prevention at home and preparedness in schools.
“We talked about what the most important aspects of gun safety were,” Squadrito said. “We focused on mental health, communication, preventing it at home and what to do if something actually happens.”
Throughout the project, students learned how to analyze academic research and properly cite sources using professional standards.
“It was definitely challenging at first,” Squadrito added. “But we learned how to read scientific articles and use APA citations, and it helped us improve our writing.”
Gorman said the collaborative nature of the research made the experience especially rewarding.
“It’s really helpful to have a group that works well together,” she said. “A lot of science is about working with other people.”
Coyle said they worked on the four most important steps and what they thought was to be fit.
“We created an acronym based on them,” Coyle said. “It starts more with the root of the problem, which is mental health.”
Six awards were ultimately presented at the competition. Sullivan said he believed the Sacred Heart team had produced a strong paper and expected them to place among the top finishers.
When the winning team was announced, the students were stunned.
“They had kind of checked out at that point and weren’t even paying attention,” Sullivan said. “When they heard their name, the five girls were shocked. They were shouting with joy.”
Now in his eighth year at Sacred Heart Academy after a 31-year teaching career at Lawrence High School, Sullivan said working with the academy’s research students has been deeply rewarding.
“This is my retirement job, and I’m here because of the girls,” he said. “I get to teach the smartest girls in the school, and I love it. It’s awesome — nothing to complain about.”
Like coaching a team, Sullivan said the research program allows him to build strong relationships with students over time.
“You get to know the kids for a long period and build special relationships with them,” he said.
Courtesy Stephen Sullivan
Sacred Heart Academy ninth grade science research members Nora Mac Conaonaigh, left, Vivien Squadrito, Kylie Gorman, Madeleine Maier and Hailey Coyle at Northwell Health’s Annual Medical Marvels Public Health Competition at the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research.
ELIZABETH POIROT
WEST HEMPSTEAD Senior Lacrosse
ONE OF NASSAU COUNTY’S most prolific scorers, Poirot shares the Herald’s 2026 High School Lacrosse preview cover with Seaford’s Brian Falk. Poirot earned Honorable Mention All-County honors last spring after dominating the scoresheet for a second straight season and helping the Rams to 11 wins. As a junior, she racked up 77 goals to go along with 38 assists. This after in 2024 the dynamic attack scored 74 goals and had 25 assists.
games to watch
Friday, April 10
Softball: Plainedge at Mineola 10 a.m.
Softball: Plainview at Carey 10 a.m.
Softball: Roosevelt at Malverne 10 a.m.
Softball: Sewanhaka at Uniondale
Softball: East Meadow at Farmingdale
Baseball: Kennedy at Calhoun
Baseball: Long Beach at South Side
Baseball: Glen Cove at Hewlett
Baseball: Garden City at MacArthur 10 a.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Wantagh at North Shore 11 a.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Oceanside at Wantagh
Girls Lacrosse: Plainedge at Lynbrook
Girls Lacrosse: West Hempstead at Elmont 5
Saturday, April 11
Girls Lacrosse: East Meadow at Plainedge 9 a.m.
Softball: V.S. Central at V.S. South 10 a.m.
Softball: North Shore at Hewlett 10 a.m.
Softball: Freeport at East Rockaway 10 a.m.
Softball: Massapequa at Oceanside 10 a.m.
Softball: Elmont at West Hempstead 10 a.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Locust Valley at Seaford 2 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a spring sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last year. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
HERALD SPORTS
Uniondale off to promising start
By MICHELLE RABINOVICH sports@liherald.com
Game one meant a game won for the Uniondale softball program.
A change in conference, which now feels like fighting in the same weight class, means a weight has been lifted off Amanda Prescia’s shoulders.
“This year we’re in a lower conference and they’re still competitive, they just matched our energy,” she said. “I think it gave them a little more confidence knowing that [they’re] playing against kids that are competitive but aren’t much more seasoned.”
And it proved to be true: the Knights opened the season with a 22-18 win March 26 over Malverne thanks to Varsha Ramrookum, who went from being one of the only pitchers last season to one of several in a full staff.
Varsha pitched five innings, striking out 5 in the win.
“I asked her in the fifth inning how she’s feeling, we can throw someone else in if you need it, and she goes ‘coach I got it, it’s fine,’” Prescia said of her opening day winner. “The whole entire time she had a smile on her face.”
For the offense, it starts with junior Brianna Marquez, who reached base three times.
Returning from the injury list, Prescia was really excited to see Marquez back in action, especially since she acted and felt like she never missed time. There’s also senior Cindy Blanco, the starting catcher, went 3-for-3 with a single and two doubles, totaling 3 RBIs, along with shortstop Elizabeth Melgar, who reached base frequently in the opener.
A unique trait about Uniondale is there’s seniors who stepped away from the sport temporarily and returned, like Elizabeth Flores. Prescia explained Flores sustained an injury in the offseason from a different sport, so after taking a year to heal, she’s reinvigorated on the diamond.
“She is so determined and head strong, it’s awesome to see her back on the field,” Prescia praised Flores.
There’s also Jamie Ciciliano, a middle infielder, who Prescia penned as exceptionally strong and athletic. Truthfully, Prescia said that Ciciliano is not happy with her batting, so it was the infielder who came up to the coach and said that she wants more T-time. That, Prescia said, is the essence of her team.
“I think that to me is super promising, when a kid is able to take that and be like, ‘I need to work on this, work with me,’” she explained.
The dust of the first game settled, as did the nerves of opening day.
“The score started getting close, we ended 22-18, we were up but a lot at one point but then we had a rough inning, a couple of errors in the field. It didn’t even look like they were worried about it, they were like ‘no problem, we’re going to get some hits, it’s going to be fine,” Prescia said. “And seeing that was awesome, seeing that they did that themselves. For them to fire each other up it’s an awesome thing to see.”
The Knights host Westbury this Friday and Sewanhaka on Saturday. First pitch for both games is 10 a.m.
Erik Lee/Herald
Melanie Saravia, left, and the Knights had a wild 22-18 victory at Malverne in the opener March 26.
Child care expansion supports student parents
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Student parents attending Nassau Community College may soon have greater access to child care as part of a statewide expansion announced this week by Kathy Hochul aimed at supporting adult learners across the State University of New York system.
Hochul said the initiative will expand child care services at 11 SUNY community colleges, either by extending hours into evenings and weekends or by creating additional child care spots for infants and toddlers. Nassau Community College is among six campuses that will add more spaces for younger children, a move intended to help student parents balance their academic and family responsibilities.
At Nassau Community College, the funding will support the campus’s Children’s Greenhouse by creating additional spots for infants and toddlers, allowing more than a dozen student parents to access safe, reliable child care at no cost while attending classes.
“The support from the State has been integral in allowing Nassau Community College to expand our childcare offerings at the Children’s Greenhouse,” Maria Conzatti, the college’s chief administrative officer, said. “Our campus is grateful for this investment in our community.”
“We are both grateful and excited to have this increased capacity to support
student-parents with the addition of a second infant room,” Lorie Mulhern, director of the Children’s Greenhouse, said. “This funding will allow the Greenhouse to accommodate additional infants throughout the week.”
The effort is designed in part to support participants in SUNY Reconnect, which offers free tuition, fees, books and supplies to New Yorkers ages 25 to 55 who do not already hold a college degree.
“We are investing in the futures of our
adult learners and student parents to ensure they can pursue and achieve their dreams,” Hochul said in a statement. “Through the expansion of child care across SUNY’s community college campuses … we are reinforcing our commitment to meeting the needs of adult learners and offering them a path to upward mobility.”
State officials say access to reliable child care remains one of the most significant barriers facing adult students, par-
ticularly parents returning to school while working or raising young children. By expanding child care availability, SUNY hopes to make it easier for those students to enroll in classes and complete degree programs.
John B. King Jr., chancellor of the State University of New York, said the expansion is intended to give student parents the support they need to stay focused on their education.
“Student parents should be able to focus on their studies without having to worry about finding safe and affordable child care,” King said. “The expansion of the child care programs across SUNY’s community colleges will work to remove barriers, so all of our students can receive the support they need to pursue the education of their dreams.”
Additional infant and toddler child care spaces will also be created at Jamestown Community College, SUNY Niagara Community College, Rockland Community College, Tompkins Cortland Community College and SUNY Westchester Community College.
The expansion builds on several recent state investments aimed at increasing access to child care across SUNY campuses. In 2022, the state announced $10.8 million to address child care shortages and expand capacity at SUNY schools. More recently, SUNY also expanded child care programs at Dutchess and Monroe community colleges to include evening hours aligned with high-demand academic programs.
learn about local disability rights pioneer Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr. and explore over 125 artifacts highlighting the fight for equal opportunity for people with disabilities. The
provides an inclusive, fully accessible experience for all visitors and is the
BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN
COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Herald file photo
Nassau Community College will add additional infant and toddler child care spaces as part of a statewide initiative announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul to expand child care services at SUNY community colleges.
Premier Business Women of Long Island Awards honor top female leaders and innovators
By Abbey Salvemini
The room at The Heritage Club at Bethpage was filled with energy, ambition and a shared sense of purpose on March 25 as business leaders gathered for the 2026 Premier Business Women of Long Island Awards. This annual event honored outstanding women who are not only achieving success within their respective industries but also driving innovation and meaningful change across them.
At the heart of the evening was a clear and resonant message: women are no longer waiting for opportunities to be granted; they are creating their own paths and redefining leadership on their own terms.
Amy Amato, executive director of corporate relations and events at Richner Communications, set the tone early in the night, encouraging attendees to “take a look around this room” as a reflection of progress. She also emphasized the significance of the occasion. “Tonight is about celebrating the incredible women who are leading, building and shaping our community,” she said.
She added that the event is part of a broader mission to create spaces “where women don’t just sit at the table, they own the room,” reinforcing the evening’s theme of empowerment and visibility.
She praised the honorees not only for their professional achievements but also for their role in transforming their industries. “You are not just leaders in your field, you are redefining them,’ she said.
Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications, echoed that statement, reflecting on the company’s history and his mother, Edith Richner, a co-founder who once stood alone as the only woman at the table nearly six decades ago. “If she were here tonight, she would be incredibly proud to see a room filled with such accomplished, driven and inspiring women,” he said.
The evening also highlighted the importance of giving back, with proceeds supporting Baby Essentials of Long Island, an organization dedicated to helping families in need provide safe and healthy starts for their children. Richner emphasized the organization’s mission to assist parents facing financial hardship and other challenges, adding a deeper sense of purpose to the celebration.
The honorees themselves brought the evening to life, sharing personal
stories of resilience, leadership and determination that resonated throughout the room.
Among them, Carol Gomes was recognized in the Healthcare and Wellness category, highlighting her leadership as CEO and COO of Stony Brook University Hospital. Reflecting on what it means to be a woman in business today, she described it as a sense of empowerment and the confidence to lead with strong conviction.
“We are nowhere near where we need to be; we’re making progress, but there are still many opportunities to advance women into higher leadership positions,” she said.
Ana Ludemann, MBA, was honored in the Financial Services category, celebrating her success in a competitive, male-dominated industry. Now a vice president and wealth management financial advisor, she built her career after arriving in the United States in 2014 with just $100. Her journey underscored the importance of perseverance and mindset.
“If you work hard and do right by people, there is no way you will not succeed,” she said, adding that resilience is defined not by obstacles, but by how one responds to them.
Honorees in the Insurance and
Rising Stars Under 40, Evelyn Gellar and Jillian Kashuba of Forest Hills Financial Group, echoed the evening’s central themes. Together, they emphasized that while women are increasingly supporting one another and rising into leadership, challenges remain — particularly around work-life balance and equitable opportunities. Their message was clear: building networks and lifting each other up is essential to sustaining momentum in a competitive industry.
Another highlight of the evening was the recognition of the Power Team award, which honored a group of women from St. Joseph’s University. Among them, Jessica McAleer Decatur, Vice President of marketing and communications, reflected on the significance of the recognition and the responsibility that comes with it.
“To follow in the footsteps of these pioneering women is deeply meaningful. As part of the next generation of women leaders, I hope not only to carry forward their legacy, but also to inspire the next generation,” she said.
Throughout the evening, the room buzzed with energy and camaraderie as powerful women mingled,
exchanged stories and shared insights across industries. The atmosphere reinforced the idea that success is not achieved in isolation, but through collaboration, mentorship and a shared commitment to lifting others along the way. Conversations extended beyond individual accomplishments, focusing instead on creating lasting impact and opening doors for the next generation of women leaders.
The event also celebrated the sponsors and partners whose support made the evening possible, including Forest Hills Financial Group, Long Island Contractors Association, and our centerpiece sponsor, St. Joseph’s University. Their involvement underscored the Long Island business community’s ongoing commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion and opportunity.
As the evening ended, the message remained clear: progress is underway, and the future of women in business is being shaped through the shared determination and collaboration of everyone present.
To learn more, see additional photos and view the complete list of honorees and sponsors, visit richnerlive.com.
Tim Baker/Herald
Premier Business Women honorees enjoy the gala dinner with their guests.
President & CEO Carol Allen from People’s Alliance Federal Credit Union with her award in Banking Leadership.
Donna M. DiSclafani from Prager Metis CPAs with her award in Accounting.
Lisa Burch from EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies receives her award in Community Impact.
President of SCO Family of Services
Suzette Gordon walks to stage to accept her award.
Co-founders Jill Kofler and Janis Hoffman from Mindful Therapy accept their award in Healthcare & Wellness.
St. Joseph’s University honorees with their Power Team award.
Dr. Maria Conzatti from Nassau Community College with her award in Education.
Vanessa M. Gordon from Grassi receives her award in Accounting.
CEO Charlene Jackson from Thompson Economic Development Services, accepts her award in Entrepreneurship.
CEO-COO Carol Gomes from Stony Brook University Hospital, accepts her award in Healthcare & Wellness.
Evelyn Gellar from Forest Hills Financial Group with her award in Insurance.
Rising Star Jillian Kashuba of Forest Hills Financial Group wins the Hotel Collections raffle.
Honorees Ana Ludemann and Nicole Stefanakos read the Herald commemorative edition with their guests. Honorees received a Herald crystal award.
Sensory-friendly egg hunt ensures all are included
It is known for hosting events and inviting families from across Long Island, to give them a glimpse of Uniondale.
Sensory-friendly environments are designed to reduce overstimulation from noise, lights and crowds, which can be overwhelming for those with autism and other developmental disabilities.
“I’m trying to create more memories with all of them,” Tejada said. “I’m also giving my oldest daughter the opportunity to create memories with my middle one — that’s what I’m really proud of.
I want her to have the same childhood I had.”
At Sunday’s event, children took part not only in the egg hunt, but in photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny, arts and crafts and face painting, and a “sensory table” offered materials like sand, rocks and other textured objects to help keep children engaged.
Tejada created a calm and flexible environment to accommodate a range of needs. The music was kept low, and activities were spaced out to prevent overcrowding. Children were free to move around, make noise or take breaks without judgment — something Tejada said is often not possible at traditional events.
“If your kids want to jump, your kids want to scream, we understand that everybody goes through this,” Tejada said.
For parents like Michael Silva, who traveled from Huntington with his two children, Aidan, 13, and Kaileen, 11, both of whom are on the autism spectrum, the event offered something special.
“We’re always looking for things to do with the kids,” Silva said. “It’s not easy — we’ve got to be with them at all times, in controlled spaces.”
He explained that he avoids large events because some people might not understand autism.
“I feel safe in these kinds of spaces,” Silva said. “I know someone is going to understand if my son blocks a door or looks at them and doesn’t say anything.”
Aidan, he said, “looks like an adult, but he’s still a kid — his body grew up first.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 1 in 36 children in the United States is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, highlighting the growing need for inclusive and sensory-friendly spaces.
Kaileen especially enjoyed the activities, including the face painting and the egg hunt, while Aidan was able to participate at his own pace.
Of the candy Kaileen collected, her father said, “She wasn’t going to eat it all, but it felt like an accomplishment for her, like, oh my God, I got all this.”
The face painter, Kristen Silveira who specializes in working with children with disabilities, adjusted her approach to each child’s comfort level. While some children opted for full-face designs, Kaileen chose a smaller one — stars on her cheeks — so she could comfortably take part in other activities.
Tejada said she hoped to expand Siblings Helping Siblings in the future, with plans to host more events throughout the year, depending on available support and funding.
“Our goal is to build a support program,” she said, adding that she also wants to create resources specifically for siblings of children with disabilities, who she said are often overlooked.
Steve Sachs/Herald photos
Yami, 4, left, Haylee, 6, and Avril, 7, with their baskets full of colorful Easter eggs, gathered on the lawn of the John J. Byrne Community Center.
Maria Tejada, of Roosevelt, founder of Siblings Helping Siblings, with her daughter, Sophia, at the organization’s third annual sensory-friendly Easter egg hunt.
Families posed for photos with the Easter Bunny. Jackelyn, 12, and Lucas, 2, met the special guest.
Gabriela Tejada, 9, Maria Tejada’s oldest daughter, had her face painted by makeup artist Kristen Silveira, of Wantagh. Silveira adapted to meet each child’s needs. Haylee reached for a colored Easter egg to add to her basket.
Lucia Martinez and 1-year-old Lucas Fuentes enjoyed the inclusive Easter event, and brought souvenirs home.
Visitors had access to a “sensory table” with sand, rocks and textured materials.
ConTinuEd FRoM pAGE 1
Bessent, Blakeman tout Trump’s tax cuts
By JULIA CAPITELLI jcapitelli@liherald.com
To promote President Trump’s economic agenda, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent visited Long Island and took part in a panel discussion with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and business executives from across the county.
The March 30 discussion, at the county legislative building, focused on three aspects of the Working Families Tax Cut Act: the elimination of taxes on tips and overtime pay, the creation of so-called Trump Accounts and the higher cap on the income tax deduction for state and local taxes. Under the law, parents can open and contribute funds to accounts for their children under age 18. As part of the pilot program for the accounts, children born during Trump’s term will receive $1,000 from the Treasury Department.
“It’s something that’s going to help every family in America,” Blakeman, the Republican candidate for governor, said of the program.
The law includes an increase in the state and local tax deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000. It also allocates roughly $170 billion to carry out the administration’s immigration and border objectives, and raises the federal debt ceiling to $5 trillion.
“That’s the American way,” Bessent said of the tax cuts. “Work harder, keep more of your money.”
The SALT deduction avoids double taxation and allows certain taxpayers to reduce their federally taxable income. To offset the cost created by this and the elimination of taxes on tips and overtime, the law cuts nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and reduces food assistance and clean-energy incentives.
Panelists shared their perspectives on the law, mostly as it relates to their businesses. Michael Serao, exec-
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and several business executives discussed President Trump’s economic agenda on March 30.
utive vice president and chief administrative officer of First Central Savings Bank, claimed that Trump Accounts could help students build financial literacy.
But much of the discussion focused on the elimination of taxes on tips and overtime, and the SALT deduction. “I am surrounded by hardworking people, who come into the diner and tell me how happy they are about their tax returns and about how much more money they are getting back,” Gus Tsiorvas, owner of the Embassy Diner, in Bethpage, said.
According to the Internal Revenue Service, the average tax refund this year is roughly 10 percent higher than it was in March 2025. “This means more discretionary spending here in Nassau County,” County Comptroller Elaine Phillips said, “which allows
Bruce not to raise taxes.”
Blakeman reiterated his assertion that Nassau is “the safest county in America where we haven’t raised taxes one penny in four years.”
In a statement about Blakeman’s use of taxpayer resources to campaign as everyday costs escalate, Democratic County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton said the Bessent visit was “as shameless as it gets.”
“Nassau residents aren’t stupid — they feel the squeeze every time they fill up, check out at the grocery store, or pay a bill,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “The cost-of-living crisis is real, and it’s being driven directly by the disastrous tariffs and global instability coming from the same out-of-touch allies in Washington [Blakeman] continues to stand with.”
Courtesy Nassau County
L.I. Association hosts state transport chief
Presentation by DOT Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez ranges from speeding to potholes
By NOAH PERETZ nperetz@liherald.com
The Long Island Association hosted state Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez as a guest speaker last week. Dominguez spoke about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s fiscal year 2027 executive budget and policy proposals for the DOT.
Appearing at LIA headquarters in Melville on March 31, Dominguez explained that Hochul’s administration matched the federal funding for New York state’s transportation needs from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021 with a five-year, $35 billion plan. Hochul added $800 million to the plan last year to offset the cost of tariffs and inflation.
“Our federal dollars are expiring on Sept. 30, which presents a unique challenge,” Dominguez said. “We need to make sure that we are positioning New York for the next level of transportation funding.”
She detailed Hochul’s proposed spending plan, which totals $260 billion. Federal funding is down 11.4 percent, or $10.3 billion, and state operating funds have increased by $157 billion. The state is expecting $17 billion more in state revenue over the next two years than earlier estimates.
“The governor is committed to economic growth and making sure there is a social safety net, and funding that social safety net across the board without increasing taxes,” Dominguez said. “In sum, the 2027 Executive Budget successfully balances two simultaneous realities that we have real momentum here in New York, and addressing the volatility that we know is ahead.”
The budget plan includes automated work-zone speed enforcement with new
speed cameras. Dominguez noted that some drivers have been speeding at over 100 miles per hour through work zones, according to the cameras.
The budget proposes deployment of the cameras on non-controlled-access highways, like Sunrise Highway. It also proposes protections for highway maintenance workers against violent assault.
Dominguez also touched on Hochul’s plan to lower the cost of car insurance.
The plan proposes changes to the state’s auto insurance laws that will punish perpetrators of staged car crashes.
The spending plan also includes funding for filling potholes on main roadways. “We are on a blitz statewide addressing potholes,” Dominguez said. It proposes investments of $107 million for paving on Long Island, including 50 miles of the Northern State Parkway and 35 miles of Sunrise Highway.
Action Long Island representative Michael Rodin suggested more improvements he wanted to see. “We want to make sure public transit is a part of the DOT’s agenda in the future,” he said. “We want roads to be able to accommodate buses as well as more cars — a lot of people take public transit to work.”
When the presentation was open for questions, Dominguez addressed a concern about independent contractors’ coverage under the anti-assault provisions in the budget. “The worker assault provision covers state employees as well as independent contractors,” she said.
“We need to make sure elected officials understand that transit and the lives of transit workers are important, so they fund initiatives to help these efforts and these people,” Marc Herbst, executive director of the Long Island Contractors Association, said. “If we don’t ask, they don’t respond.”
Noah Peretz/Herald
DOT representatives, including Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez, center right, made a presentation to the Long Island Association.
STEPPING OUT
‘Rent’ star Adam Pascal returns to reimagine the jukebox musical
By Iris Wiener
When Adam Pascal pulls into Long Island these days, it’s not just a commute; it’s a homecoming layered with memory, coincidence, and creative possibility. This spring, the Tony-nominated performer-turned-director from Syosset is channeling all of that into “Feels Like the First Time: The Foreigner Musical.”
The new production premieres April 17 at the Little Theatre on Long Island University’s Brookville campus.
The project, created in collaboration with the legendary rock band Foreigner, marks the launch of LIU’s New Works Initiative and Pascal’s tenure as the university’s inaugural Artist-in-Residence. But for Pascal, the journey to this moment is anything but typical.
The path to directing the show began not in a rehearsal room, but at a backyard barbecue.
“Tom Dunn [Tilles Center’s creative producer, executive/artistic Director and Dean of LIU’s College of Arts and Design] lives across the street from my sister. I first met Tom and his wife at a barbecue,” Pascal relates. “Tom said, ‘We’re doing this thing. Do you want to direct it?’”
From there, the pieces quickly began to align. A previous version of the musical had been developed, but Pascal and the team — including book writer Stephen Garvey and arranger David Abbinanti — set out to reshape it into something fresh: a high-energy, heart-driven story set in the 1980s, centered on three families whose lives collide when a rock star arrives for a backyard concert after an MTV contest win.
“We wanted to create something that was fun and that had heart, that understood its purpose using Foreigner’s music,” Pascal says.
That purpose, however, comes with a unique creative challenge. The musical weaves iconic songs into an original narrative — a process Pascal describes as both complex and deeply collaborative.
“You’re creating a story, and in many ways building a scene backwards,” he explains. “You have these lyrics that were never written to be narrative in that way, so you have to do a lot of reverse engineering.”
Still, that creative freedom is part of the appeal.
“We get to reimagine these songs,” he adds. “They’ve now become narrative storytelling songs.”
The new musical features a company of 26 performers, primarily LIU students — a fact Pascal calls fortuitous.
“The combination of this process, this particular show, and this university … it couldn’t have been a better melding of all things.”
For Pascal, working with students isn’t just about mentorship — it’s personal, as he has two sons the same age as the young cast. His directing style reflects that perspective, blending instinct, experience and a focus on emotional authenticity.
“I approach it from a much more naturalistic and real place. I’m trying to orchestrate a picture and to get them to use their emotions in a physical way.”
That lived-in approach comes from decades in the industry, which includes roles in Broadway’s “Aida,” “Memphis” and “Something Rotten,” besides the iconic“Rent.” However, Pascal quickly points out that he was never formally trained.
New Works Initiative, an incubator for developing and refining new theatrical works by both emerging and established writers.
• Friday through Sunday, April 17-19 and Thursday through Sunday, April 23-26, varied times
• Tickets are $43.82, $17.82 students; available at tillescenter.org/events
• Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville
“My approach can only be [described as] a layman approach. I’m fortunate enough to now have 30 years of experience making musicals.”
And yet, for all his Broadway credentials, Pascal is candid about the challenges facing the industry today — particularly the financial barriers that make developing new work increasingly difficult in New York City.
“We all have to change the mindset about working in New York,” he says bluntly, pointing to rising production costs and systemic issues. Instead, he sees projects like “Feels Like the First Time” as part of a larger shift — one that prioritizes creativity, collaboration and accessibility over tradition and expense.
“I want to take the power out of Broadway’s hands and put it back into the hands of people who make theater,” he states.
That philosophy is evident in the show’s development process, which Pascal praises for its efficiency and clarity of vision.
For LIU students like Anna Frost, being part of that process is nothing short of transformative. A senior serving as dramaturg for the show, Frost is deeply embedded in the rehearsal rooms, helping to shape the evolving script.
“It is so exciting for me to work on a show which is in development,” she says. “I get to work with a living, breathing text.”
For her, the experience underscores the importance of new work in today’s theatrical landscape.
“There has to be new art that is relevant to what is happening now,” she adds. “Getting to be a part of something that will be history is really cool.”
Pascal agrees and hopes the students recognize the significance of their involvement.
“They’ll forever be connected to this show as the first people that played these characters,” he says. “If the show becomes a hit, they’ll always have that on their resume.”
That sense of legacy resonates deeply with Pascal himself, particularly given his return to Long Island. He remains deeply connected to his roots, and optimistic about its potential as a hub for theatrical innovation.
“There’s no better place for it,” he says of LIU. “They have the facilities, the desire and the proximity to the city.”
As for what’s next, Pascal continues to develop new musicals through his production company, including an adaptation of “Ruthless People.” He’s also set to direct “Our Little Secret: A True New Musical” in Toronto. For now, “Feels Like the First Time” offers something that feels incredibly meaningful — -a chance to build, collaborate, and rediscover the spark that started it all.
Or, as Pascal might put it, to make it feel like the first time all over again.
DelGuidice
Local favorite Mike DelGuidice returns to the Paramount stage with his popular residency, delivering the high-energy, feel-good performances that have made him a hometown standout. Backed by his powerhouse band, DelGuidice brings the music of his idol, Billy Joel, to life with passion and precision, celebrating decades of iconic hits in a rousing, crowd-pleasing show. A multi-instrumentalist who grew up immersed in music, DelGuidice’s deep knowledge of Joel’s catalog ultimately led to sharing the stage with the Piano Man himself, touring around the world. Alongside Joel’s beloved classics, he weaves in his own original songs, showcasing the songwriting that has earned him a devoted following. Whether performing on stage or connecting with fans through his “Live on the Porch” series, which brought audiences together during the pandemic, DelGuidice continues to share his love of music in ways that resonate far and wide.
April 9,
Friday and Saturday, April 10-11, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Fleetwood Macked
Eighteen years ago Fleetwood Macked set out to provide audiences with the truest live Fleetwood Mac experience as possible and haven’t stopped since. Much of the realism comes from the New York-based band’s history. Husband and wife musical team Hillary and Michael Epstein (Stevie and Lindsey) and friends Tracy Wells, Jay Novas, Phil Weiss and Andrew Nadien (Christine, John and Mick) have made great music together in various incarnations that finally all came together with their mutual love of Fleetwood Mac. They are and have always been professional touring rock musicians, which also adds to the authenticity of the sound of the band. Fleetwood Macked live brings audiences the passion, depth, heart, and the musicianship Fleetwood Mac’s music requires. Out of love and respect musical liberties are not taken, songs are recreated just as Fleetwood Mac intended them.
Friday, April 10, 8 p.m. $48. My Father’s Place 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. Tickets available at mfpproductions.com.
Mike
Photo courtesy Jack Roman
Adam Pascal, left, with Tilles Center’s Executive and Artistic Director Tom Dunn, is launching LIU Post’s
the Porch” series, which brought
“Feels is
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
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Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum stages
“Pete the Cat,” the charming musical based on the book series by Kimberly and James Dean. Life is certainly an adventure for Pete, no matter where he winds up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also April 14-15
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Seasonal Sprouts: Flowers and Trees
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens to discover the wonders of nature with a one-hour guided tour through the gardens and woodlands, featuring naturethemed games and hands-on activities. This week, children explore plants big and small, learning how they grow and change with the seasons. Each session includes a simple planting or craft project for children to take home and continue their learning. Registration required. $22 adult, $20 seniors 62+ (member discounts available).
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 11 a.m.-noon
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
‘Dog Sees God’
Hofstra University’s Department of Drama and Dance presents Bert V. Royal’s edgy comedy. The unauthorized continuation of the Peanuts comic strip, reimagines its characters as teenagers dealing with various contemporary issues including, identity, substance abuse, and relationships. When CB’s dog dies from rabies, CB begins to question the existence of an afterlife. His best friend is too burnt out to provide any coherent speculation; his sister has gone goth; his ex-girlfriend has recently been institutionalized; and his other friends are too inebriated to give him any sort of solace. Drug use, suicide, eating
Micky Dolenz
participants will build balance, improve flexibility, and support overall mental wellness. The class offers a calm, welcoming space for those looking to try something new or add a lowimpact routine to their week. Registration required.
• Where: 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale
• Time: 11 a.m. also on April 20 and April 27
• Contact: uniondalelibrary.org
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BOE Budget Adoption/ Action Meeting
The Board of Education holds its next session to go over the upcoming school budget. Residents who want to ask a question at the Uniondale Board of Education Action Meeting must submit the official form in full by the Thursday before the meeting. Only pre-submitted questions will be acknowledged by the Board president during the Public Comments portion.
• Time: 8 p.m.
Micky Dolenz celebrates the 60th anniversary of The Monkees with a special tour honoring the band’s enduring legacy and timeless sound. In this nostalgic and high-spirited performance, Dolenz takes audiences on a musical journey through The Monkees’ rise to fame, performing their biggest hits in chronological order while sharing personal stories from his decades in entertainment. As the last surviving member of the beloved group, Dolenz brings both heart and history to the stage, paying tribute to bandmates Davy Jones, Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith, while celebrating the fans who helped transform a fictional TV band into a global sensation. A true entertainment veteran, Dolenz’s career spans decades and disciplines — from his early days as a child star on “Circus Boy” to his work as a singer, actor, director and radio host. In recent years, he has continued to keep The Monkees’ music alive for new generations, including a solo tour performing the group’s 1967 album “Headquarters” in its entirety. This is sure to be a heartfelt, hit-filled evening that blends music, memories and a lasting connection to one of pop culture’s most iconic acts.
disorders, teen violence, rebellion and sexual identity collide and careen toward an ending that’s both haunting and hopeful. $15 general admission, $10 for seniors and Hofstra alumni.
• Where: Hofstra’s Joan and Donald Schaeffer Black Box Theater, Joseph G. Shapiro Family Hall, Hempstead
• Time: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; also April 12, 2 p.m.; April 16-April 19
• Contact: hofstra. universitytickets.com
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‘A Dream Is A Wish’
The enchanting “A Dream Is A Wish” princess concert returns to the Madison Theatre with new adventures and Disney Classics. Families are invited to sing along to all their favorite Disney songs including “Let It Go,” “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” “Part of That World,” “ A Whole New World,” and many more. Enjoy a magical journey and maybe even meet your favorite princess! Breakfast and tea ticket options also available.
• Where: Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville
Centre
• Time: Varied times, also April 12
• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444
Celebrate Holi
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Families are invited to Long Island Children’s Museum to elebrate Holi, the Festival of Colors. Originating in India, this Hindu festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of the colorful spring season. During this joyous holiday, families eat sweets, dance to traditional folk music and throw colorful powder made from flowers called gulal. Wear white clothes you don’t mind getting messy!
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
April Pools Day
Instead of jokes for April fools day, Uniondale swim school My Own Late Aquatics hosts “April Pool’s Day.” The name makes people smile, but the mission is serious. A free community swim clinic for all ages as young as five all the way to adults who
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
want to freshen up their skills. Group swims will be structured on age and ability level. Families are also available to join during a designated time window to rotate though instruction, demonstration and CPR education.
• Where: Adelphi University, 1 South Ave, Garden City
• Time: Noon-5 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 216-9601
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Library Board of Trustees meet
The Uniondale Public Library Board of Trustees meet on the third Wednesday of the month. Residents are invited to attend and may ask questions or share concerns during the meeting. Visit the website for the public packet.
• Where: 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: uniondalelibrary.org
Tai Chi session
Slow down and reset with a beginner-friendly Tai Chi class led by instructor Mr. Cheng at Uniondale Library. Through gentle, flowing movements,
• Where: Uniondale High School, 933 Goodrich St., Uniondale
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: districtclerk@ uniondaleschools.org or (516) 560-8945
Stitch & Study plant workshop
Explore the history of featured flowers at Old Westbury Gardens, then create an embroidered hoop inspired by the poinsettia in this hands-on workshop led by instructor John M. Bednarik.
• Where: 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale
• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Contact: uniondalelibrary.org or call (516) 489-2220 ext. 204.
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@ liherald.com.
Public Notices
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
Supreme Court County of Nassau Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Trustee, on behalf of the registered holders of First Franklin Mortgage Loan Trust, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2004-FF8, Plaintiff
AGAINST Ana Yanez
a/k/a Ana M. Yanez
a/k/a Ana Maritza Yanez, Juan Yanez
a/k/a Juan A. Yanez, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated entered on November 17, 2016, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 21, 2026 at 2:30 PM premises known as 950 Ditmas Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553.
All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 50., BLOCK: 452, LOT: 7. Approximate amount of judgment is $401,125.43 plus interests and costs.
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 010573/2014. This sale may be subject to the US Dept of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Real Estate Reporting Rule. In such event, all purchasers are required to provide the information needed for proper reporting in accordance with the terms of sale. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Roger H. Hausch, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-067521-F00 89231 158954
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF FORMATION of AuraMD, LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/08/2026 Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 626 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556.
Purpose: any lawful act. 159008
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION of WellnessMD, LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/10/2026 Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 626 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556. Purpose: any lawful act 159006
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU
WILMINGTON
SAVINGS FUND
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. MICHAEL CHARLESTON, AS ADMINISTRATOR, HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF DESILIA CHARLESTON, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 28, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 28, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 196 Valcour Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 18 and Lot 262-263 a/k/a 262. Approximate amount of judgment is $575,141.52 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 608120/2024.
Kenneth L. Gartner, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.:221827-1 159104
SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR CARLSBAD FUNDING MORTGAGE TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST SATURIN THOMAS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 13, 2018, and amended December, 12, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 727 Beck Street, Uniondale (T/O Hempstead), NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block 132, Lot 38-40. Approximate amount of judgment $309,661.82 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #008552/2016. Scott Siller, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 16-001926 89374 159041
LEGAL NOTICE
NASSAU - INDEX NO.: 006328/2014SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS. Plaintiff designates NASSAU COUNTY as the place of trial based upon the location of the premises herein described having tax map Section: 55, Block: 478, Lots: 340-342, ROOSEVELT, NY, County of NASSAUTHE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON TRUST, COMPANY, N.A., AS TRUSTEE ON BEHALF OF CWABS, INC., ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES TRUST 2005-9, PLAINTIFF,against- MARVA WILSON, AS HEIR-ATLAW OF THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA REID; CAROL REID A/K/A CORAL REID, AS HEIRAT-LAW OF THE ESTATE OF PATRICIA REID, any and all persons unknown to Plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have
an interest in, or generally or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs-at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of PATRICIA REID, deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs-at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to Plaintiff, HOUSEHOLD FINANCE REALTY CORPORATION OF NEW YORK; SHERYL RHOE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICAINTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE, DEFENDANTS. YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this summons, to serve a notice of appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorney within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
If you do not respond to this Summons and Complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding
against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered against you and you can lose your home.
Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.
YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.
Dated: Syosset, New York, March 2, 2026. Roach & Lin, P.C., attorney for Plaintiff, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 185, Syosset, NY 11791. Tel: 516-938-3100. To the above-named defendants: The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. CAROLYN MAZZU GENOVESI, a Justice of the Supreme Court, State of New York, filed and entered on March 2, 2026 with the NASSAU County Clerk together with the supporting papers thereon. This is an action to foreclose a mortgage held by Plaintiff on the premises known as Section: 55, Block: 478, Lots: 340-342, ROOSEVELT, NY, County of NASSAU as described in the complaint on file and commonly known as 120 EAST GREENWICH AVENUE, ROOSEVELT, NY 11575. 158747
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the Certificateholders of the CWABS, Inc., AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2006-18, Plaintiff AGAINST Nassau County Public Administrator, as Limited Administrator of the Estate of Mary Alice Turner a/k/a Mary A. Turner; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 15, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee,
will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 6, 2026, at 4:00PM, premises known as 865 Southern Parkway, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 50 Block 286 Lot 131. Approximate amount of judgment $818,838.47 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 009443/2012. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”
Cary David Kessler, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: March 19, 2026 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2831 159303
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC. ASSETBACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-AMC4, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, Plaintiff, vs. MAURA PRITCHARD, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 20, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 5, 2026 at 3:30 p.m., premises known as 156 Brookside Avenue, Roosevelt, NY 11575. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being
in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 36, Block K and Lot 142. Approximate amount of judgment is $579,539.76 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 602180/2018. Cash will not be accepted. Gerard DeGregoris, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 159309
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County of Nassau Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST Patrick J. Cruz, Gobin Joseph, Indira Cruz, Gumercinda Joseph, et al, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on April 16, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 4, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 1276 Menard Street, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 50, BLOCK: 37, LOT: 325. Approximate amount of judgment is $515,219.87 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 614665/2019. This sale may be subject to the US Dept of the Treasury’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Real Estate Reporting Rule. In such event, all purchasers are required to provide the information needed for proper reporting in accordance with the terms of sale. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Heather D. Crosley, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-092664-F00 89306 159192
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC, -againstWILLIAM F. JONES, JR, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on May 3, 2023, wherein OCWEN LOAN SERVICING, LLC is the Plaintiff and WILLIAM F. JONES, JR, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 5, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 529 LIBERTY STREET, UNIONDALE, NY 11553; and the following tax map identification: 50-137-317. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 008792/2014. George Esernio, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 159291
LEGAL NOTICE ASSESSOR’S NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF THE FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL THE ASSESSOR OF THE COUNTY OF NASSAU HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that he has completed the 2026/2027 final assessment roll, which will be used for the 2027 levy of Town and
9,
Public Notices
County Taxes in the Towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay, and the City of Glen Cove and the City of Long Beach, and for the 2026/2027 levy of school taxes in such Towns and in the City of Long Beach. A certified electronic copy of the roll was filed with the Department of Assessment on April 1, 2026. The electronic roll may be examined on public terminals located in the offices of: DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENT
NASSAU COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING
240 OLD COUNTRY ROAD, FOURTH FLOOR
MINEOLA, NY 11501 where the same will remain open for public inspection for fifteen days. Dated this 1st day of April 2026.
JOSEHA A. ADAMO Assessor, Nassau County 159474
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232
LEGAL NOTICE. STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU ____ CITIMORTGAGE, INC. Plaintiff, vs. Any unknown heirs to the Estate of EDDIE
KNIGHT A/K/A EDDIE D. KNIGHT next of kin, devisees, legatees, distributees, grantees, assignees, creditors, lienors, trustees, executors, administrators or successors in interest, as well as the respective heirs at law, next of kin, devisees, legatees, distributees, grantees, assignees, lienors, trustees, executors, administrators or successors in interest of the aforesaid classes of persons, if they or any of them be dead, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff; ROBERT E. KNIGHT; ALVIN K. KNIGHT; CHANDRA D. KNIGHT; CEDRIC LYDELL KNIGHT; DERRICK NEWBY; PAULA KNIGHT
JENKINS; TERRY NEWBY; EDDIE MARTIN; RECHEAL KNIGHT; LINDA JORDAN; JAMIKA HAYES; PATRICE JORDAN;
SHANNAIRIAN TYWAYNE JORDAN; PATRICK JORDAN; DEBORAH THOMAS; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA O/B/O INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; CITIBANK, N.A.; SERVHL UNDERLYING TRUST 2019-1 C/O WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION; SYNCHRONY BANK; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; and “JOHN DOE” and “MARY DOE,” (Said names being fictitious, it being the intention of plaintiff to designate any and all occupants, tenants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises being foreclosed herein.) Defendants. ____ Filed: 08/21/2024 Index No.: 614364/2024
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Mortgaged Premises: 604 Clinton Avenue Uniondale, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11553 TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on Plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a Defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof. In case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above captioned action is for the foreclosure of: Mortgage bearing the date of March 27, 2002, executed by Eddie Knight and Arletta Knight to CitiMortgage, Inc. to secure the sum of $152,000.00 , and interest, and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Nassau County on June 28, 2002 in Liber Book: M 22602 Page: 317. That CitiMortgage, Inc. duly
assigned said Note and Mortgage to Citibank, N.A. by Assignment dated June 14, 2013 and recorded on August 19, 2013 in the Office of the Clerk of Nassau County in Liber Book: M 39051 Page: 62. Mortgage bearing the date of July 9, 2013, executed by Eddie Knight and Arletta Knight, Husband and Wife to Citibank, N.A. to secure the sum of $1,932.48 , with interest, and recorded in the Office of the Clerk of Nassau County on August 19, 2013 inLiber Book: M 39051 Page: 64. Said Mortgages were consolidated and modified so as to constitute a single lien in the amount of $128,068.00 by agreement dated July 9, 2013 and recorded on August 19, 2013 in the Office of the Clerk of Nassau County in Liber Book: M 39051 Page: 83. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the Mortgaged Premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the County in which the Mortgaged Premises is situated. Section: 36 Block: 122 Lot: 222 and 223 DATED: August 20, 2024 Rochester, New York NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the Mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your Mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE
COURT. BY: Miranda L. Jakubec, Esq. DAVIDSON FINK LLP
Attorneys for Plaintiff 400 Meridian Centre Blvd., Ste. 200 Rochester, New York 14618 Tel: (585) 760-8218 WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. SCHEDULE A LEGAL DESCRIPTION ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land situate, lying and being at Uniondale (Unincorporated Area), Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as and by the Northerly 10 feet of Lot Number 24 and all of Lots 22 and 23 on a certain map entitled, “Map of Hempstead Park, Section Number 2, situated at Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, property of O.L. Schwencke Land and Investment Company, Fairfield and Dow Engineers, Mineola, New York” and filed in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on July 9, 1910 as Map Number 318, Case Number 2227, which said lots and part of lot, when taken together are more particularly bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the Westerly side of Clinton Avenue, distant 525 feet Southerly from Southerly the corner formed by the intersection of the Southerly side of Jerusalem Avenue; RUNNING THENCE Westerly at right angles to the Westerly side of Clinton Avenue, a distance of 100 feet; THENCE Southerly and parallel with the Westerly side of Clinton Avenue, a distance of 60 feet to a point; THENCE Easterly again at right angles to the Westerly side of Clinton Avenue, 100 feet to the Westerly side of Clinton Avenue; THENCE Northerly along the Westerly side of Clinton Avenue, 60 feet to the point or place of BEGINNING. 159452
PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…
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Mayor features progress and plans for Hempstead
By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com
Hempstead Village Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr. highlighted recent progress while outlining future investments during his State of the Village address Monday night at Kennedy Memorial Park, pointing to millions in secured funding, infrastructure upgrades and declining crime rates.
Hobbs said the village has secured more than $227 million in funding for parks, water infrastructure and downtown improvements, much of it through state and federal support.
“We’ve rolled up our sleeves and got to work for the village,” he said. “These are not just projects. They are promises fulfilled.”
Leadership is not about promises, it’s about progress,” Hobbs said. “We’ve rolled up our sleeves and got to work for the Village of Hempstead.”
What’s been done
Hobbs pointed to completed and ongoing improvements across the village, including road repairs and upgrades to public spaces. He also emphasized investments in public safety, including expanded use of license plate readers, surveillance cameras and a drone program known as Flock Aerodome DFR.
focused on funding secured for major infrastructure projects.
Hobbs cited $27 million for parks and recreation improvements, including redevelopment plans for Rochelle Park, with an indoor basketball court, track and field and community room.
And roughly $60 million for upgrades to the village’s water treatment system aimed at addressing contamination concerns. An additional $30 million has been allocated for water and sewer improvements, along with $10 million through the state’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative.
Combined, Hobbs said, those investments total more than $227 million.
He said crime has declined in several categories, including homicides, burglaries and vehicle thefts, though specific figures were not provided.
His comments come as state officials report broader declines in gun violence. Shootings in communities participating in the state’s Gun Involved Violence Elimination initiative dropped significantly in recent years, according to Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office
On Long Island, nine agencies — including the Hempstead Village Police Department — received nearly $2.7 million in funding, with Hempstead allocated $270,000 to support enforcement efforts.
With Hochul’s continued investment in the GIVE initiative, Hempstead police reported double-digit reductions in total index crime and violent crime, and an eight percent decline in property crime.
“Our streets are safer today,” Hobbs said, crediting the village’s police department.
Gloria Thomas, a Hempstead resident, said they have noticed some changes but want to see continued improvements.
“I don’t see violent crime on the news as much so you can see some changes with safety,” Thomas said. “But there’s still more to do especially gun control and gangs.”
As for Flock, there are 77 automatic license plate readers as of September, this was an initiative started in January. The drone is an AI powered surveillance designed for security.
Funding secured and infrastructure
A significant portion of the address
What’s next
Looking ahead, Hobbs outlined several upcoming projects, including the redevelopment of Mirschel Park on Terrace Avenue and a major upgrade to Kennedy Memorial Park, where a new pool facility, building and concession area are planned.
The mayor also detailed plans to expand police presence in the downtown area this summer, including increased foot and bicycle patrols near the Rosa Parks Bus Station this summer including a brand-new K-9 unit.
“The bus station is not property in the village, but it sits in the Village of Hempstead,” Hobbs said. “I don’t think that anyone that’s going from work and home should have to see some of the nonsense thar we witness at the railroad and bus station every day.”
He explained, his view for the future of Hempstead wants to be lively, entertaining and not to “step over people sleeping on the sidewalks — we mean business.”
Michael Rivera, who lives near the village’s downtown area, said the planned improvements could help and he is looking forward for whenever that may happen.
“I wouldn’t go there at night,” Rivera said. “It’s just not the best place to be, but I hope with the things the mayor said it will improve my feeling.
The village is also preparing to launch a task force targeting illegal rentals, short term rentals and absentee landlords, — issues Hobbs said have strained infrastructure and affected neighborhood safety.
He is pushing to enforce fines for those who violate those rules.
“Let me be clear — if you take advantage of our community instead of investing in it, I’m going to hold you accountable,” he said.
Hobbs also emphasized continued investment in youth programs, local businesses and community development.
“Progress is not about perfection, it is about direction,” he said. “And the direction that the Village of Hempstead is going is moving forward.”
MAYoR W AYlYn HoBBS JR.
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Waiting For The Right Family
This is a standout listing in Woodmere’s Five Towns. Fully renovated legal mother-daughter (2-family classification 220.01), this originally 6-bedroom, 3-bath home is ideal for rental income or extended family living. This oversized 3,500 sq. ft. Hi-Ranch is in the award-winning Hewlett-Woodmere District
How much extra money does a home cost these days?
Q. I saw a billboard and several TV commercials for something called “Let Them Build, NY,” and was wondering what you could tell me about it. The commercial said that there is an extra $82,000 spent on housing, per home, just due to government red tape. Is this true, and is anything being done about it?
A. There is plenty of finger-pointing in the construction industry, on top of the current cost increases due to tariffs, war and subsequent delivery costs due to higher fuel prices. But long before there were these current issues, government officials began, at every level, to either increase enforcement of existing regulations or to add regulations on top of what was already fairly complicated and burdensome.
Many years ago I was very active in the American Institute of Architects, to the point of being vice president of the Long Island chapter. I left them when I realized that they did not want to have the backbone to challenge, as a professional group, the regulations that cause construction and building design to become out of reach for a large segment of our population. In the years following, I daily encountered the thousands of building owners who never even attempted to comply with building regulations, basically skirting the entire permit process altogether because of the added expense.
The first and foremost expense is caused by the delays in getting through the approval process. There are so many reasons for the slowdown that it will take several columns, at 500 words apiece, to get through the long list of problems. If you ask a government official, they will point to the design professionals who “just can’t seem to get the regulations right” in their drawing submissions. I have often listened as officials complained to me about inadequate drawings being submitted. In all fairness, it is a two-way street, because the communications from officials back to the architects and engineers is often incoherent or incomplete.
When a plans examiner uses phrases like “demonstrate compliance” or “incomplete submission,” they are contributing to the problem, not solving it. Instead of pointing to specific sections of code and explaining the very specific problem, they communicate in generalities that are useless and cause a lot of extra work and discussion among the people trying to move a project forward. The phrase “If you aren’t part of the solution, you’re part of the problem” applies here.
I remember when a plans examiner would mark up and discuss specific drawings, and some even went the extra mile and pulled out their code books. In the era of computers, the internet and the “portal,” building officials often abbreviate and confuse both the professional and the customer by not pointing out that “the wording on Sheet 3 in the upper right-hand corner should state…” The lack of specifics creates lots of back-and-forth, delays and cost to the owner for the delays. Rent and taxes still need to be paid during the delays.
More to follow.
© 2026 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.
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Did I ever tell you about my grad school?
Rosemary and I and our son Sean recently visited the University of Notre Dame. In many ways it was a homecoming.
Rosemary, her mother and her sister graduated from St. Mary’s College, adjacent to Notre Dame, in the days before it accepted female students. Her father and two brothers are Notre Dame grads. Our daughter Erin and I graduated from Notre Dame Law School, and Sean earned his MBA from Notre Dame’s Mendoza School of Business. Sean is now an affiliated scholar at the university’s Liu Institute for Asian Affairs, and regularly lectures on Asian geopolitics and economic policy at the institute and the Mendoza School. When I was growing up as an IrishCatholic kid in blue-collar Queens, Notre Dame embodied Irish-Catholic immigrant success in becoming a part of the American fabric and achieving the American dream. That success was exemplified by Notre Dame’s fabled football teams, which dominated college
football during that era. Of course, there was and is more to the university than football. Notre Dame was founded at a time of severe anti-Catholic bias in the country, led by hate groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and the Know Nothing movement. There also was anti-Catholic bias in academia well into the 20th century, which Arthur Schlesinger Sr. described as “the anti-Semitism of intellectuals.”
My wife and I visited a university you may have heard of to watch our son in action.
Notre Dame, though, went beyond being a defensive religious fortress to making Catholic thought a part of American life, along with full acceptance of other religions, with open debate and finding common ground encouraged. Striking that balance can be difficult, but it is still working. Religious freedom was on display on the campus last year, when pro-Hamas demonstrations did not devolve into the antisemitic violence that occurred at other universities, such as Columbia. Students were given prescribed locations and time periods for demonstrations, and those who ignored them were arrested. The result was intelligent debate without violence.
Rosemary and I visited this year to meet with some of Sean’s academic colleagues and watch him in action. We
ialso walked around the campus, taking in iconic sights like the Golden Dome and rekindling old memories. On our first morning, we met with Frank Pomarico and his wife, Eileen. A Queens native and a graduate of St. Francis Prep, Frank was the captain of Notre Dame’s 1973 national champion football team, coached by the legendary Ara Parseghian. Frank and Eileen live in South Bend, and are amazingly friendly and interesting. It was a great way to start the day.
Then we walked over to the law school to meet with Diane Desierto, a professor of international law and human rights, a native of the Philippines, a friend of Sean’s and a true scholar. Desierto updated me on the state of the law school (all good), her strong belief that law students should be exposed to all sides of issues and that legal education must include a moral component.
We had lunch with Josh Gobel, a good friend and a longtime member of the South Bend Police Department who now works in the Notre Dame P.D. in various key capacities, including protecting visiting dignitaries, such as Supreme Court Justice Amy Cony Barrett — who
attended the law school at the same time as Erin. Great conversation with Josh, as always.
After a visit to the campus bookstore, Rosemary and I joined Sean at the Morris Inn on campus for dinner with Michel Hockx, a Chinese scholar and a professor at the Liu Institute, where Sean had just finished teaching a class. Hockx, who is originally from the Netherlands, has been teaching at Notre Dame for 10 years, and has worked with Sean on various projects. After dinner, we all walked to the Mendoza School to watch Sean give a lecture to a group of students preparing to visit Japan.
He discussed the intricacies of Japanese political, cultural and economic development since the end of World War II, the country’s relationship with the United States and the threats it faces from China. My biased opinion? A thoughtful, virtuoso performance. (He must have gotten it from Rosemary, who was a teacher.)
The next day we flew back to New York. Rosemary and I went home to Seaford, and Sean to his apartment in Manhattan — all three of us with new Notre Dame memories to share. And yes, Notre Dame football is still great. Go, Irish!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Will there be a blue wave this fall?
Is this the year of the blue wave? Will it be a modified one or a total rout? Is there any chance of a red wave? Not likely. But, once again, we are facing a year in which the U.S. House of Representatives, and perhaps the Senate, are up for grabs, and the early odds favor the party that’s out of power.
We often refer to political prognosticating it as “reading the tea leaves.” But tea leaves are no longer the best way to pick winners and losers. There are now so many more sophisticated ways to handicap the races, some of which we have been used for years and others that are brand new. The media is dominated by daily polling announcements, and if you give the polls any credence, they spell bad news for President Trump and the candidates of his party.
Poll after poll, whether from the left or the right, seem to indicate that this may be a very bad year for Republicans.
You know that things look bad for them when Fox News consistently announces polls showing that everyday Republicans and independents are slowly moving away from long-favored party candidates. In addition, wellknown commentators such as Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson are predicting only bad things for the party come November.
i’ve seen many waves, red and blue, which are part of the ups and downs of politics.
The newest form of political projections is occurring on such outlets as Kalshi and Polymarket. On Kalshi, people trade contracts on the outcome of real-world events. They are deep into gambling on sports events, but lately have also been involved in betting on political events. Polymarket is built on a crypto platform. People bet on “yes” and “no” shares that reflect the feelings of the bettors and their inkling to pick winners. Both platforms have become highly controversial. Demands are being made for them to be regulated by Congress, but that won’t happen soon.
If you want to find more reliable trends, pay attention to what’s going on in Washington and around the country. This year, more than 30 Republican
members of the House have announced that they won’t seek re-election. Some are campaigning for Senate seats and others are running for governor, but the vast majority of the retirees have announced that they’re eager to spend more time with their families, the age-old excuse to get out of Washington.
At last count, there were 35 House seats up for reelection that were tilting toward the Democrats. If the blue wave is really going to happen, most of those seats will go to the Democrats. In 2025 the party won major races in Virginia, New Jersey and New York. This year, a number of Democrats have had upset wins in races for state House seats in districts that Trump won in 2024 by wide margins. If these victories are any indication of the national trend, it’s all bad news for the Republicans.
Up to a few months ago, there was little or no talk about Democrats having any chance to take over the U.S. Senate, but the latest polls seem to show a tightening of the races in Maine, North Carolina, Texas and Ohio. If Democrats can
pull off any upsets in these key states, Jon Ossoff can hold on to his seat in Georgia and a newcomer can win in Michigan, the party’s chances of capturing the Senate will improve remarkably.
One of the more disturbing factors for Republicans is the fact that Trump hasn’t made any strong statements about his desire to see his party stay in power. He is promoting various ideas about how they can win at the ballot box, but any federal effort to take the power to oversee voting away from the states will likely be struck down as unconstitutional.
Having reached an advanced age, I’ve seen many waves, both red and blue. They sometimes last two years, and occasionally continue for four years. The swings back and forth between parties are part of the ups and downs of politics. So if it turns out that the Democrats have a great year, they’d better handle their newfound power very carefully, because two years can pass very quickly.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.
Local News Day now means more than ever
Somewhere on Long Island tonight, a village board will vote on a zoning variance, a school district will finalize a budget or a contractor will win a bid. None of it will lead the network news or trend on social media. But it will matter — to the family whose street gets rezoned, to the teachers whose contract is on the line, to the taxpayers footing the bill.
In most cases, a Herald reporter will be in that room. But in too many communities across the country — and increasingly in our own backyard — that reporter’s chair sits empty. And when no one is watching, things have a way of going sideways.
April 9 is Local News Day, a national moment to recognize what local news does, why it matters, and what we lose when it disappears.
Local news isn’t the shouting matches on cable or the partisan warfare that passes for national political coverage. Local news is the Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Day parade and the Hewlett High School science fair. It’s the Nassau County budget hearing that will affect your property taxes for the next decade, the obituary that captures a neighbor’s life, and the investigation that stops a bad idea before it becomes law. At Richner Communications — publisher of the Long Island Herald — we’ve been doing this work since 1964. Sixty-two years, three generations, over 100 local employees, nearly 30 weekly newspapers.
The Founding Fathers understood the stakes. The free press is the only indus-
Your opinion Matters
try they considered important enough to protect by name in the Constitution. But we are failing that promise. Since 2004, one-third of all American newsrooms have closed. There are 43,000 fewer local reporters and editors working today than there were then. New York alone has lost nearly half its newspapers, and a quarter of the state’s counties now have one or no local news sources. Digital-only outlets have not filled the void.
Today, more than 2½ newspapers shutter in America each week. The consequences are documented and dire: Communities without local news see lower voter turnout, higher taxes and measurable increases in corruption, political polarization, and even toxic environmental emissions.
Wealth is no inoculation from this trend. The Scarsdale Inquirer was founded in 1901 and served one of the wealthiest communities in America for 123 years. It closed without warning in January 2024. The Westchester village — mirroring the demographics of many Long Island communities — still doesn’t have a newspaper over two years later.
Compounding this problem is the rise of artificial intelligence, which can now manufacture articles, quotes, and entire “news sites” that look authoritative and cost almost nothing to create. That means the news environment has only grown harder to navigate. Trusted news brands, with reporters who actually live and work in the communities they cover, are more important than ever. It’s the reason that we at the Herald use A.I. as a tool to support, not replace, the report-
ers you know and respect.
And yet the climate for news in America has rarely been more hostile than today. The United States now ranks 57th in the world in press freedom — labeled “problematic” by Reporters Without Borders, placing us alongside countries we’re accustomed to lecturing about democratic norms. Arrests of reporters and editors in America nearly tripled between 2023 and 2024. A national shield law for reporters has failed to pass Congress twice. Right now, the Pentagon is aggressively curtailing press access, a policy that flies in the face of a functioning democracy. The temperature in Washington sets a tone, and that tone travels — all the way to the reporters covering Long Island’s myriad municipal entities.
The Herald has always believed that local news is worth fighting for. It’s why we helped found the Empire State Local News Coalition, which won a first-of-itskind state tax credit for local newspapers. That legislation is already helping newspapers survive that might otherwise have gone dark, meaning that thousands of New Yorkers who might otherwise have lost their only trusted local news source still have one.
Every community gets the local news it deserves — which is to say, the local news it supports. If you want a paper that shows up, you have to show up for it. On Local News Day, make that decision. Subscribe. Advertise. Tell your neighbors. The Herald has been here for over a century. Whether we’re here for the next one is, in no small part, up to you.
opinions Washington must start solving problems
The American people are fed up.
The chaos at our airports was awful, the Department of Homeland Security has not been fully funded during these very dangerous times, and the people are demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement live up to the standards of all other federal law enforcement agencies. They are sick and tired of the endless blame game. All across America, people are demanding that politicians put partisanship aside and work together to fix the very real problems we face.
The anger and annoyance are real. And frankly, I agree.
That’s why I’ve introduced bipartisan legislation to immediately reopen DHS while advancing common-sense reforms to ICE. Alongside my Problem Solvers Caucus co-chair, Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, who served as an FBI agent for more than 15 years, I am trying to cut through the dysfunction, isolate the problem areas where negotiations have stalled and work together to actually get something done.
Our solution is common sense: fund the parts of the DHS where there are no disagreements, like disaster response and cybersecurity, and institute real reforms to ICE that most Americans have been hungering for. It only makes sense to hold ICE, a federal law-enforcement agency, to the same safety and accountability standards of every other bureau in the nation.
C alling us ‘Country Destroying, Radical Left Democrats’ doesn’t help.
That means body-camera and officer-identification requirements, higher training standards, a crackdown on roving patrols and limitations on agents wearing masks. The legislation would also lay out stronger warrant requirements and rules governing activity in sensitive locations to ensure that enforcement resources are focused on the “worst of the worst.”
It seems simple, but Congress has been in a political standoff that perfectly exemplifies what’s wrong with Washington. Let me explain.
The budget for the DHS is $97 billion. $87 billion of that funds everything from the TSA agents at our airports to Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster responses, cybersecurity units and the Coast Guard. The remaining $10 billion funds ICE.
Framework by Tim Baker
Democrats have been saying for weeks that they will fund the $87 billion that doesn’t go to ICE right now. That would have ended the airport disaster, paid our TSA agents far earlier and kept the core functions of DHS operating. We would not vote to fund the other $10 billion for ICE, however, until there were real reforms.
While Republicans resisted at first, there was eventually enough consensus among both Democratic and Republican members of Congress to at least reopen the non-ICE agencies of DHS. But just as bipartisan negotiations in the Senate were making progress, President Trump intervened with a directive to his party: “No deals with the Democrats.”
To be precise, he outlawed deals with the “Crazy, Country Destroying, Radical Left Democrats.”
That’s outrageous. Once again, that’s politics getting in the way of progress. Finger-pointing has been all too prevalent.
I have built my career on finding common ground for the common good. It has always been my philosophy that I’ll work with anyone, regardless of political party, to get things done for my constituents. As co-chair of the biparti-
san Problem Solvers Caucus, I’ve worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to tackle the nation’s toughest issues. Just a few months ago we passed legislation out of the House that extended health care tax credits to prevent skyrocketing premiums for millions. Unfortunately, then as now, the president got in the way, changing the debate from bipartisan health care wins to Venezuela and Greenland before the Senate could close the deal.
I represent a district that voted for Trump and for me. My constituents aren’t interested in partisan talking points — they want results. They want safe airports, secure borders, a functioning government and a lower cost of living. And they want their elected officials to work together to deliver.
People are concerned that the Department of Homeland Security has not been in the game. They’re outraged about the illegal and immoral behavior of ICE. And they’re frustrated that politicians are too busy pointing fingers to solve our problems.
We don’t have to choose between security and accountability. We can do both. We don’t have to accept dysfunction in Washington. And we certainly don’t have to tolerate political games when real people are being affected.
Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.
Meeting up with a seasonal celebrity after the Easter parade — Bellmore
