Uniondale Herald 04-17-2025

HERALD UNIONDALE

Gaming expo attracts crowd of enthusiasts

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

The Cradle of Aviation, in Uniondale, hosted thousands of gaming enthusiasts from across Long Island at the 2025 LI Tabletop Gaming Expo April 5 and 6. Board Game Coordinator David VanderWerf wore many hats, directing staff, planning events and teaching attendees the games. “Anybody can come here and learn a game,” he said. “We’ve got a record number of role-playing games on the schedule, we have great miniatures events, and we’ve got a trading card game section, which is fantastic.”

The expo had attractions of all genres for gamers of all ages, from escape rooms to board game tournaments to live panels and open game tables. For those interested in the classics, Uno, Battleship and Settlers of Catan were popular choices. Collectible card games Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon and Lorcana attracted crowds for educational workshops and competitive play. Meanwhile, fantasy fans delight-

ed in sessions of Dungeons and Dragons and similar role-playing games.

“This is a fantastic event not only for us that are running it and for the guests that attend, but it’s also great for the community,” VanderWerf said.

Reece Pena and James Velazquez, friends from Suffolk County, came to the Cradle of Aviation after seeing advertisements for the expo online.

“Me and Reese, we play a lot of TTRPGs: Call of Cthulhu, and Fifth Edition D&D and Mothership,” Velazquez said, using the shorthand for tabletop role-playing games.

“Reese told me about this expo and everything. I had never really been to one. So I decided to go, and we’re going to do some panels — a bunch of stuff that we were looking forward to.”

The pair played a two-hour game of The Elder Scrolls: Betrayal of the Second Era, a complex resource-management game that filled a five-foot-wide table, with one of the event’s proContinueD on pAge 4

Kelsie Radziski/Herald photos

Sam Fallacaro, left, and Aleks Ambroziak, of Attic Arcana Dice Creations, sold dozens of sets of dice for use in tabletop role-playing games.

Daniel and Kristen Vacey, of DKV Creations, offered miniature figurines used in fantasy games — unpainted, so that customers could personalize their own wizards and warriors.

Libraries could get social workers, state money

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

National Library Week finished on April 12, and to celebrate, State Sen. Siela Bynoe put forth several bills to help local libraries.

Bynoe is the chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Libraries, which met for the first time this year on April 8.

“I am proud to advance this set of bills that strengthens (libraries’) ability to serve, protect intellectual freedom, and bring critical services directly to the people who need them most,” she said in a news release. “I encourage everyone to explore their local library!”

ers at some public libraries, dedicate $1 million in grant funding to public libraries offering employment preparation programs, and offer parents a library card for students who are being enrolled in schools.

The committee also put forward two important bills: the Freedom to Read Act and the Open Shelves Act. The first enables school libraries to offer the widest array of appropriate books possible, and the second would permit public libraries to curate themed book collections and programs to explore different perspectives.

I encourage everyone to explore their local library.

SEILA ByNOE state senator

The new bills are meant to support local libraries’ expanding roles in Uniondale, Bynoe said.

“The local library is often our most accessible and trusted resource in our communities,” she said in the release. “Whether it’s connecting people to job training, helping our kids build their literacy skills early, or simply offering a safe space to learn and grow, libraries meet real needs every day.”

The seven bills put forward by the committee cover a variety of topics.

Three bills introduced by Bynoe would create pilot programs to hire social work-

“Libraries are essential institutions that foster equity in education, bridge gaps in access to critical resources, and serve as community anchors for the neighborhoods they serve,” said AnnaLee Dragon, executive director of the New York Library Association, in a release. “NYLA applauds the work of the New York State Senate Standing Committee on Libraries and its Chair, Senator Siela Bynoe, for advancing legislation intended to support libraries, library users, and the field of librarianship in this crucial moment.”

Uniondale Public Library Director Mara Marin expressed her support for Bynoe’s proposals.

“We support Senator Bynoe in her efforts, we would absolutely love to see

social workers in our libraries, because that’s something that’s very much needed,” she said.

The library is closed for repairs during April.

“The reason why we are closed is to actually have a construction of a new roof, because the old roof was beyond repair, and we had a lot of leaks in various places of the library every time it rains,” Marin said.

During the closure, no events for National Library Week were held.

Assistant Director Syntychia Kend-

rick-Samuel hopes to see Bynoe’s bills be signed into law.

“I’m always excited about the potential for support coming from the state level,” she said. “I know that Senator Bynoe has shown a commitment to the library, especially Uniondale, even from when she was a Nassau County Legislator.

“It just goes on to showcase how important libraries are, and on a community level, educationally and just even for the individual who needs access to information and other resources at no charge,” Kendrick-Samuel added.

UNIONDALE SCHOOLS

Championship athletics

Grant-funded after school programs

Specialized support for all learners

Courtesy Seila Bynoe

State Sen. Seila Bynoe, chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Libraries, put forward new bills to support local libraries.

Long Island officials urge action on road safety

#By KELSIE RADZISKI kradziski@liherald.com

Amid growing concerns from Long Island residents about dangerous road conditions, a coalition of lawmakers, law enforcement officials and safety advocates gathered to demand urgent action following a sharp increase in fatal crashes on local roadways.

Rep. Laura Gillen stood alongside Assemblywomen Michaelle Solages and Judy Griffin to unveil a sweeping road safety strategy for some of the most dangerous roadways, including Sunrise Highway and the Southern State Parkway.

“The sudden rise in the deadly accident on Long Island streets and roadways is deeply alarming and demands action,” Gillen said at an April 11 news conference.

Gillen called for specific infrastructure upgrades, including the construction of more roundabouts on highways and parkways to reduce intersection fatalities, and targeted improvements to high-risk roads like Sunrise Highway and the Southern State Parkway to make it safer for drivers and passengers. The goal, as Griffin said, is to “improve roadways and save lives.”

“I’m tired of seeing another roadside memorial,” Solages said on the matter. “We’re looking at the memorial of a life that we lost due to traffic safety issues that exist on Long Island.”

Gillen also voiced support for biparti-

san legislation to boost staffing and funding for small and mid-sized police departments, and urged New York State to increase the number of state troopers patrolling Long Island as a “deterrent” for risky behaviors like drag racing that are seen on highways and parkways. The goal, as Griffin said, is to “improve roadways and save lives.”

In addition to federal action, Gillen, along with support from Griffin and Solages, is pushing for the state to

lower the legal blood alcohol limit for drivers from 0.08 to 0.05. She pointed to Utah’s success with a similar law, which led to a nearly 20 percent drop in fatal crashes after its enactment in 2018.

To move forward, Gillen said she submitted a letter to the U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy last month urging an investigation into the spike in traffic fatalities. She also will be reaching out to House Transportation

and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves to work on getting a hearing on roadway safety as Congress begins negotiating the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill.

“As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, which has authority over our nation’s roadways and bridges, I’m proud to advocate on behalf of Long Island drivers, passengers and pedestrians to make all those safer for all,” she said.

Joining the lawmakers was Chief Brian Paladino of the Lynbrook Police Department, who spoke to the efforts of law enforcement in curbing reckless driving amid staffing shortages and shrinking budgets. He cited the three E’s of traffic safety: education, engineering and enforcement. The Lynbrook department, along with others, he said, are constantly working with the government to implement these principles and have found success.

“We’ve found this success with being out there, being visible and enforcement,” he said.

Cindy Brown, executive director of the New York Coalition for Transportation Safety, and Marge Lee, president of Dedicated to Long Island and a decadeslong advocate against impaired driving, also spoke at the news conference to highlight the need for infrastructure that protects pedestrians and cyclists as well to ensure that these “preventable” and “avoidable” accidents, as Lee said, don’t happen as often.

Kennedy Park hosts village swearing in

By REINE BETHANY

Special to the Herald

It was standing room only in the cavernous gym at Kennedy Memorial Park, where Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr., 62, was sworn into office for his second term.

Also sworn in for her second term was 32-yearold Village Justice Brianna A. Vaughan-Cadet.

Tanya Carter, a longtime social worker and public administrator, and 30-year clergyman William R. Whitaker, II, were both sworn in for their first terms as village trustees.

Committee Chairman Jay Jacobs, and Nassau County District Judge Maxine S. Broderick, who administered the oaths of office.

W e must work to help every resident of the Village of Hempstead.

MAYoR WAYLYN HoBBS, JR.

About 225 people filled the white folding chairs set up facing the decorous temporary stage on Monday, with about 50 more attendees standing attentively along the walls on three sides of the gym.

“It’s a great day in the Village of Hempstead!” shouted program emcee Sedgwick Easley into the microphone, repeating the phrase that has opened village events since the administration of former mayor Don Ryan.

Onstage with the officials and Easley were Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Hempstead Deputy Mayor Jeffery Daniels, New York State Democratic

Present in the audience were Hempstead Police Chief Richard A. Holland, Assistant Police Chief Derek Warner, Deputy Police Chief Kevin Deutsch, Nassau County Legislators Scott Davis, Olena Nicks and Seth Koslow, Trustee incumbents Kevin Boone and Clariona Griffith, and Ryan and another former mayor, Wayne J. Hall, Sr. Stevens Martinez and other representatives from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office, Hempstead New Democratic Club President Andrena Wyatt, and Hempstead NAACP President Barbara Powell also attended.

In attendance as well were the families of the elected officials, along with an impressive contingent of clergy, village department heads, business leaders, and village residents. Due to legislative business in Albany, Assemblyman Noah Burroughs, who remains a village trustee, did not attend.

Clergy figured largely in the ceremony. Young Nolan Easley of Union Baptist Church led the Pledge of Allegiance; Rev. Wendy Brown-Rashad of Faith Baptist

Daniels congratulated the officials being sworn in for committing to “four more years of Tiger pride, four more years of crime reduction, four more years of infrastructure improvements, four more years of park renovations, road improvements, and most importantly, four more years of loving where we live.”

Hobbs said that his administration had brought in over $140 million in grants and funding for the upgrades to which Daniels referred, “without costing the taxpayers a dime.”

He also expressed his commitment to supporting the Hempstead school district, while acknowledging that the village administration and the school board are two separate governmental jurisdictions.

“We have to be willing to vote people onto the school board that will do the right things for our children and not for selfish gain,” Hobbs said.

Church sang the National Anthem; Pastor Monica DaCosta of Christ’s First Presbyterian Church read prophetic words from the Old Testament; Pastor Rolando Rosales of Iglesia Long Island Para Cristo delivered the invocation; the choir of Hempstead’s Calvary Tabernacle contributed a praise song; Rev. Phillip B. McDowell of South Hempstead Baptist Church spoke the closing benediction.

Hobbs also promised to form a Mayor’s Task Force on Homeless Outreach Services, which would advocate in Albany and in Washington D.C. on behalf of the nonprofit agencies that serve homeless and undocumented people in the village.

“If we’re going to build a better Hempstead, as we promote economic development, as we promote business rolls, we still cannot forget those who are less fortunate than us,” he said. “We must work to help every resident of the Village of Hempstead.”

Xiomara Trinidad Perez/Herald

Rep. Laura Gillen gathered with other lawmakers and officials to announce a push for more road safety initiatives on April 11.

Courtesy Reine Bethany

Sworn into office at the Kennedy Memorial Park on Monday were, left, Hempstead Village Trustee William R. Whitaker II; second from left, Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr.; third from left, Trustee Tanya L. Carter; and Village Justice Brianna A. VaughanCadet.

Newcomers, veterans flock to Tabletop fest

fessional game instructors.

“I’m really interested in all types of board games and role-playing games,” Pena said. “This board game really caught my eye because I saw some good reviews of it online, so I decided to participate, and I definitely don’t regret it — definitely a really good time, and it was a very effective way of learning and playing.”

Christopher Ganshaw is an ambassador for Chip Theory Games, a board game publisher in Minnesota. He walked Pena and Velazquez through each step of The Elder Scrolls, explaining how to handle tokens, strategize, and understand the map of the game’s fantasy world.

“I’ve been coming to one Island tabletop for multiple years now, and I just do promotional work for Chip Theory, showing their games, teaching people how to play, giving them an understanding of the game plan,” Ganshaw said. “I’ve been doing this kind of promotional work for companies for 10 years or so.

“All the years that I’ve been coming here, I’ve had nothing but a good time,” he added. “My main thing is this: Did you have a good time? Did you enjoy yourself?”

One of the retailers at the event was Walter Julius, owner of The Midnight Tavern, a Selden-based game company.

“I’m lucky enough to partner up with the Brothers Grimm, which is like the biggest gaming store on Long Island,” Julius said. “I have a growing selection of tabletop role-playing games, board games and card games. It’s a bit of a burden, because I have so many titles and I don’t have enough time to try and play all of them!”

To learn more about future events, visit LITableTop.com.

isaac Stevens, left, Kelly morton, ryan reyfeldt and Keith morton playing a game called Crokinole.

ALEXANDRA AIEVOLI

Calhoun Senior Lacrosse

IT WAS A HISTORIC afternoon for Aievoli April 7 when the Colts defeated Carle Place, 14-6. The senior midfielder found the back of the net seven times, including the 100th goal of her high school career, to lead Calhoun’s offense. On the season, the multitalented threat ranks among Nassau County’s top 5 scorers with 26 goals and 11 assists through seven games, leading the Colts to a 6-1 start in the process. In 2024, she tallied 30 goals and 13 assists.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, April 17

Baseball: Farmingdale at Massapequa...................10 a.m.

Baseball: Malverne at Plainedge.............................10 a.m.

Baseball: MacArthur at East Meadow .....................10 a.m.

Baseball: Long Beach at Baldwin ...........................10 a.m.

Baseball: Mepham at Hewlett .................................10 a.m.

Baseball: Calhoun at Kennedy ................................10 a.m.

Softball: Uniondale at East Rockaway.....................10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Plainedge at Mepham .....................10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Baldwin at Calhoun .........................10 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: South Side at Carey........................11 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Long Beach at Oceanside ................1 p.m.

Saturday, April 19

Softball: Freeport at East Rockaway ..........................9 a.m.

Baseball: West Hempstead at V.S. Central ..............10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Lynbrook at North Shore .................10 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: North Shore at Plainedge ...............11 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Mepham at Baldwin ..........................1 p.m.

Monday, April 21

Girls Lacrosse: Lynbrook at Mineola .......................10 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Freeport at Malv/East Rock. .............1 p.m.

Baseball: Mepham at Calhoun .................................5 p.m.

Baseball: Long Beach at Kennedy ............................5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Plainedge at Oceanside ....................5 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a spring sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

Hot start for Uniondale baseball

By MICHELLE RABONOVICH sports@liherald.com

If you’re playing the Uniondale baseball team, expect to be met with tough pitching and learn to deal with frustration. Currently on a 5-0 start to the season, the Knights are presenting themselves as one of the most formidable in the division.

The pitching is one of the strongest points for the Black Knights team this year, according to head coach Ciro Gentile. The starters and relievers all deserve attention: sophomore Jaxson Baptichon and junior Steven Frias open America’s pastime on the mound. Carlos Vasquez had a delayed start to the season due to injury but is on his way back to the mound nonetheless.

Gentile said that Baptichon is anchoring the pitching staff with his dominance, with Frias and Perez flanking him as pitching well this season. Baptichon is currently 3-0 with 26 strikeouts.

Beyond the stats, Gentile said his starters are gaining more confidence in general. They all have a myriad of experience: Vasquez is the only returning pitcher for the varsity squad as Baptichon was just prompted from the varsity level this season and Frias is fresh from the Dominican Republic.

“They’re working the strike zone a lot better, they’re hitting their spots a lot better,” Gentile said. “A little bit of a language barrier with [Steven], I speak a little bit of Spanish os I can understand some of the things that he’s saying and doing. He has a very high baseball IQ which makes it a lot easier.”

Then there’s the relievers, senior Aitor Nunez, junior Vaner Guerrero and senior Anthony Perez. The latter was noted to not have been a crucial member of the rotation last year, but has seriously refined his mechanics according to Gentile, making him a completely different ballplayer.

Then there’s the hitters, with Frias, Vasquez and Perez being some of the team’s best.

“They’ve been really anchoring the lineup for me and executing when we

the

straight victories out of the gate.

need to execute,” Gentile said. “Their experience, their knowledge of the game, their baseball IQ [sets them apart]. They’ll very rarely make mental mistakes, and that’s a big thing I always stress with the kids.”

Then there’s the question of how they all tie in together.

“It’s a good mix, we’re a fairly young team with only a couple of seniors, and they kind of push the younger kids to make them better,” Gentile said. “They really work together as a unit, especially in our last game against Elmont. Everybody played, everybody pitched in and I was really proud of them and how

they played.”

That Elmont game that Gentile referred to saw Uniondale win 9-1 on the road, with Baptichon tossing a one-hitter with 16 strikeouts.

What’s interesting about this Knights team is that the positions are fluid, so to speak.

“Defensively I move a lot of kids around because I kind of have the ability to plug kids in different positions if I need to,” Gentile said. “Depending on who I have pitching, I can move kids around on the field.”

With all that, it’s about continuing the smooth sailing.

Eric Dunetz/Herald

Vaner Guerrero and

Knights are off and running this spring to the tune of five

Soccer academy builds unity, confidence

In a welcoming space, preparing kids of all ages to compete in Long Island Junior League

By MELINDA ROLLS & CHRISTINA ARLOTTOA Special to the Herald

Second in a series of stories on immigration through a partnership between Herald Community Newspapers and Hofstra University.

As the sun dipped behind the trees in Uniondale on a recent Thursday, the rhythmic pulse of soccer balls colliding with cleats mixed with the sharp calls of coaches in Spanish. On the well-worn grass, athletes lined up one by one in familiar ritual, launching powerful kicks into the net as the goalkeeper battled each incoming shot.

The young athletes scattered across the field behind NuHealth’s A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility in Uniondale were members of the New York Soccer Latin Academy. The club, based in Uniondale-Hempstead, was founded in 2002 by NYSLA coach Francisco Guerrero to train players ages 5 to 19 for competition in the Long Island Junior Soccer League.

Community roots

Volunteer coaches, including Salvador Alvarenga, of Long Beach, who emigrated from El Salvador and started coaching when the team was founded, run the team. He began playing soccer at age 6, and after his playing career ended, transitioned to coaching to stay connected to the game.

Alvarenga highlighted the team’s family-centered culture, noting that many players have virtually grown up on soccer fields, especially those with older siblings already on the team. “For most of them, their mom was pregnant and they were already on the field … They practically were born here,” Alvarenga said.

He added that it was rewarding to know that the local Hispanic community recognizes NYSLA as a welcoming space for their children. “It’s really good to know that the Spanish community knows that we are here, and that they can bring the kids here,” Alvarenga said.

In line with family values, one of the academy’s core commitments since its creation has been maintaining affordable costs for families, which Alvarenga said is often not the case for American soccer academies. “We just charge basic fees to cover our expenses,” he said. “And now we’ve been surviving for 23 years, so we’re doing something good.”

With over two decades of coaching experience with NYSLA, Alvarenga explained that his coaching philosophy centers on more than developing skilled players. Instead, it is about instilling a deep love for the sport and discipline to prepare players for success beyond the game.

“They have to try their best,” Alvarenga said. “That’s what we try to tell them all the time, so they try to excel in whatever they do.”

Alvarenga shared that his greatest source of motivation to continue coach-

ing comes from watching young players grow and evolve through the academy.

“That’s our payment,” he said.

Friendship on the field

Two players share a bond that extends beyond passing the soccer ball. Kelli Crespin, 15, of Hempstead, and Angelina Escobar, 14, of Franklin Square, have spent the past seven years as the only two girls on their team’s roster.

Escobar, with family from Mexico and El Salvador, was first introduced to soccer by her grandfather. Crespin, with roots in El Salvador and Honduras, discovered the game through her older brother while he was playing for the academy

“I just came along with him, and the coach asked if I wanted to play,” Crespin said. “I ended up liking it, and I just kept coming back.”

But it wasn’t just the game that kept her coming back — it was also her friendship with Escobar, who became her closest friend on the team.

Both girls said that while playing exclusively with boys presents its own set of challenges, they are grateful for the resilience it has instilled in them. “Playing with the boys made me really strong,” Escobar said. “I’m not as sensitive anymore.”

Both girls shared that their coaches at the academy have also taught them valuable lessons that extend beyond the field. “I’ve learned a lot, and not just about soccer,” Crespin said. “It’s about becoming a better person while being more active.”

Escobar said her time under Guerrero’s coaching has profoundly shaped her as a player and beyond. “I’ve learned a lot from him because he’s taught me everything I know,” Escobar said. “How to play on the field, how to not be dirty,

how to act.”

After years of dedication to the team, Crespin emphasized her desire to now serve as a role model for younger team members.

face off during practice.

“I would like to show them that no matter what, you can always do what you want to do,” Crespin said. “If you’re passionate about something, continue it. Keep on going.”

Two soccer academy players

The New York Soccer Latin Academy is dedicated not only to teaching soccer’s fundamentals, but also to providing a welcoming space for the local Hispanic community.

Christina Artlotta/Herald photos

New York Soccer Latin Academy player Angelina Escobar received a jersey during a practice.

It’s Ferretti vs. Scianablo for town supervisor

By MELISSA BERMAN & JEFFREY BESSEN of the Herald

Nassau County Legislator John Ferretti, a Republican, will face off against Democrat Joseph K. Scianablo for Hempstead town supervisor.

Both are replacement candidates, because incumbent Supervisor Don Clavin, a Republican, and his expected Democratic opponent, Justin Brown, both declined their parties’ nominations. There are reports that Clavin will run for a county court judgeship on this year’s ballot.

Ferretti, a Levittown resident, has served as a county legislator for over seven years, and he highlighted his efforts to control the tax burden for Nassau County residents.

“The committee looked for someone who is a proven tax slayer, helped make Nassau County the safest in the United States, fought antisemitism and hate in general, is involved in the community and with his family, and has been a lifelong resident of the Town of Hempstead,” Joe Cairo, the Nassau County Republican Committee chairman, said at the April 10 announcement.

Scianablo, a Garden City resident, brings a career of leadership, integrity and compassion, according to the coun-

an assistant district attorney in Queens.

Raised in what was described as a working-class family, Scianablo enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1996. After his military service, he joined the NYPD, in which his focus was domestic violence. After retiring he earned his law degree, and dedicated his legal career to justice and public safety.

Hempstead,” Scianablo said in a news release. “I’m running to lower the tax burden, clean up our broken infrastructure, and bring transparency back to Town Hall.”

Ferretti highlighted his work to stop antisemitism and hate crimes, enhance resources for police and protect women.

that qualifies me for this position. In government, I have both administrative and legislative experience.”

The Democrats highlighted the town’s 12.1 percent property tax increase, pay raises for top officials and long-neglected infrastructure problems as the issues they are aiming to resolve.

“Joe Scianablo is exactly the kind of leader Hempstead needs right now,” County Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs said in the release. “His courage, character, and deep commitment to public service make him the right candidate to take on the status quo. Joe has spent his life protecting others — he’ll bring that same fierce dedication to fighting for every family in Hempstead.”

The Republicans focused on Ferretti’s two local landmark laws, Fairness for Women and Girls in Sports and the Mask Transparency Act.

“Nassau Legislator John Ferretti has distinguished himself as a county legislator, holding the line on taxes every year and even reducing the tax burden for Nassau homeowners,” Cairo said.

“Public service isn’t only what you do, it’s who you are. I’ve served my country, my city, and my community — and I’m ready to serve the people of

“When you decide to run for elected office, you do it because you want to

Scianablo’s campaign aims to focus on lifting up working families. “I’ve never backed down from a fight — and I won’t back down from the fight for the people of Hempstead,” he said in the release. “This town deserves a leader

Herald file photos

John Ferretti, left, a Republican Nassau County legislator, and Democrat Joseph K. Scianablo are the candidates for Hempstead town supervisor.

Sands Supports FCA’s Women in Philanthropy Breakfast

Sands served as a sponsor of Family & Children’s Association Women in Philanthropy Breakfast, a March 26 event held in Long Island to celebrate the transformative power of women in charitable giving. The annual gathering highlights the essential role of philanthropy in strengthening communities and supporting families in need.

A key moment of the morning was a keynote address by and Former New York State Gov. David Paterson, now a Sands senior vice president, was the keynote speaker.

He spoke about the lasting impact of philanthropy and the importance of investing in organizations such as FCA. His remarks underscored Sands’ commitment to supporting Long Island families through strategic partnerships and community engagement.

“Sands is dedicated to uplifting the communities where we operate, and FCA’s work is a shining example of the kind of impact we strive to support,” he said at the breakfast. “It’s an honor to

stand alongside leaders in philanthropy who are making a real difference in the lives of Long Island families.”

Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, president and CEO of FCA, also recognized Sands’ contributions, highlighting the company’s role in strengthening the region.

“Sands’ support of FCA underscores their deep commitment to Long Island families,” Reynolds said. “Their investment in our mission has already helped us expand critical programs and resources, ensuring that those in need receive the support they deserve.”

Influential leaders, advocates and changemakers attended the event. Officials said they share the goal of making a meaningful difference in their communities. FCA continues to expand its reach, empowering families and individuals across Long Island with help from Sands.

The Sands is proposing to build a casino and entertainment complex at the Nassau Coliseum site in Uniondale.

— Jeffrey Bessen

Family & Children’s Association held its Women in Philanthropy Breakfast last money.

Former New York State Gov. David Paterson, fourth from right was the

speaker. To his right is FCA President and CEO Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds.

Hofstra students planted flowers in Hempstead, Uniondale

On the morning of April 5, a wave of community spirit swept through Hofstra University as roughly 250 students from over 70 clubs and organizations gathered for the annual Pride and Plant.

By 9 a.m. that Saturday, students, including Mathew Carpio, Donielle Furline, Catherine Roth, all of Hempstead, and Javier Berrios and Amanda Stojanowski, from Uniondale, assembled at HofUSA on Hofstra’s North Campus to check in, grab gardening supplies and snapped a group photo before heading out.

The initiative, which began in 2017, has become a cherished tradition that

connects the university with the neighboring communities of Hempstead and Uniondale.

Student volunteers fanned an out across the area—some walking to nearby homes in Hempstead, others taking the Hofstra shuttle to Uniondale’s Community Center — armed with flowers and a shared mission to give back.

Throughout the morning, the student teams planted flowers at dozens of homes, bringing color, care and connection to seniors in the community.

The event embodies Hofstra’s ongoing commitment to service and neighborhood engagement.

The students who took part included:

Sarah Ahmed, Valley Stream

Ava Albanese, Seaford

Caroline Arent, Massapequa Park

Javier Berrios, Uniondale

Madison Burke, Massapequa

Matthew Carpio, Hempstead

Jean Chazz, Baldwin

Juliana Cole, Massapequa Park

Melissa Contreras, Massapequa

Alexa Dalton, Massapequa Park

Francesca Failla, Merrick

Donielle Furline, Hempstead

Eduardo Grant, Baldwin

Evangeline Guerra, Levittown

Ariana Herrera, Lindenhurst

Chloe Hoehman, Massapequa Park

Jenna Konsky, Massapequa

Gianna LaMotta, North Baldwin

Kathleen Mars, Rockville Centre

Vincenza Morgillo, East Meadow

Abigail Parilla, Long Beach

Jalynn Rhodes, West Hempstead

Kaylee Roche, Massapequa

Catherine Roth, Hempstead

Mia Santabarbara, Massapequa Park

Arti Singh, Valley Stream

Amanda Stojanowski, Uniondale

Caitlin Sullivan, Merrick

James Toohey, Merrick

— Jeffrey Bessen

Courtesy FCA

keynote

Courtesy of Hofstra University.

A portion of the Hofstra students who took part in the schools annual Pride and Plant event on April 5.

Full speed ahead

Proven practices to win the race against aging

Naps, knitting and nuzzling with the grandchildren — the traditional image of retirement is being challenged by the more than 76 million baby boomers in the United States.

This vibrant generation wants to make the most out of their golden years, and while hobbies and time with grandkids are a priority, they want more. To do so, we know that a proactive approach to health and wellness is a must.

Matt Johnson, a health and performance expert, admires the tenacity boomers — and all seniors — exhibit when it comes to maintaining their health and well-being. He suggests these incredibly simple, yet powerful ways to age healthfully, and keep those engines revving at peak performance, no matter how vintage the model.

Take advantage of pit stops

“Lack of sleep is the fastest way to age the human body,” says Johnson.

“Additionally, adequate sleep is extremely important for a healthy brain. Deep REM sleep allows the mind to rejuvenate. Memory, creativity and cognitive function get refreshed in this stage of sleep.”

He recommends three steps to achieve quality sleep. First, go to bed at the correct time to achieve eight hours of sleep. Second, unplug and avoid digital devices that put out stimulating blue light. Third, add the relaxing mineral magnesium to your routine by taking an Epsom salt bath or foot bath once a week.

Fuel your machine

“I like to tell people to think of nutrition as fuel for the body; without the correct fuel, the engine and components can’t work correctly,” says Johnson. “The most critical nutrients that boomers don’t get enough of are supergreens and omega-3s.

We know we all need to eat more green veggies, but did you know that up to 91 percent of the American population is deficient in omega-3s?”

Get an oil change

Some oils are considered healthy and others

cause health problems. Johnson recommends you reevaluate the types of oils you use.

Add:

√ Use extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) for salad dressings, baking and low-temperature sautéing.

√ Consider avocado oil. With its high smoke point, it’s ideal for high-heat cooking techniques like frying and sautéing. Avocado oil is rich in oleic acid, polyunsaturated fats, carotenoids, and other antioxidant-rich nutrients that are linked to improved heart, skin, and eye health.

Remove:

√ Vegetable oils like canola and soybean, which are heavily processed and often made with GMOs.

Rev your engines daily

“The benefits of exercise are endless, but the underdog benefit is how it makes us feel and think,” says Johnson. “You should move your body if you want to stay sharp and happy.”

Find an exercise program you enjoy, he suggests. “Exercise is the fountain of youth, but you shouldn’t do something you don’t like. Make sure you move your body daily. If you are looking for suggestions, think about hiring a trainer to learn a set program. I think focusing on form and technique over intensity is the first step.”

Schedule regular maintenance checks

“Play offense instead of defense with your health,” says Johnson. “Modern medicine is better than ever at early detection and treatment.”

The key is to focus on prevention. “Use annual doctor visits to screen, ask questions and monitor your risk factors. Remember, you can only get good answers if you ask good questions,” he says.

Finally, Johnson reminds people that antiaging doesn’t exist. “We are all aging — the key is to age well. This means to aspire to quality of life. We all have motivators in our life: kids, grandkids, spouses, careers, passions, etc. Without your health, none of these can be enjoyed to the fullest.”

Long live the brain

Activities you can do at home that help boost brain health

By Kristen Castillo

We all know that it’s important to keep your brain sharp as you age.

“In order to engage our brains for an ideal level of challenge, we should aim for something that is new, novel and challenging to maximize our effort — grow our brains, new neurons and strengthen our neuronal networks,” says certified brain health coach Dr. Krystal L. Culler, DBH, M.A., founder of Your Brain Health Matters, LLC and an Atlantic fellow for Equity in Brain Health.

Dr. Culler says brain health is 70 percent lifestyle and 30 percent genetics. She encourages people to think about brain fitness the same way they think about physical exercise. That means giving your brain a 15- to 20-minute daily workout, adding up to at least two hours a week.

Read on for easy ways to stimulate your brain.

Game On!

Playing games — whether it’s chess, puzzles, Mah Jongg or computer games, such as Words With Friends or Wordle — may help your brain to stay engaged.

For example, smartphone apps can be an entertaining and challenging activity for the brain. One app, Elevate, uses artificial intelligence to create custom exercises for each user, tailored to their personal goals.

In a four-week study of 125 Elevate users, conducted for the game company by a researcher at California State University, Stanislaus, and Nichols Research, Inc., participants who had access to Elevate games and training exercises improved their test scores “69 percent more than the control group, which did not have access to the games and exercises.”

While research on the overall benefits of cognitive games is mixed, one study shows participants may get good at a mind-stimulating activity, such as crosswords, even if those gaming skills don’t transfer to other brain health, like attention to problem-solving.

Still, that doesn’t mean the activity isn’t valuable. You can have a healthier, happier life by participating in games and activities you enjoy.

Read, Read, Read

Challenge your brain with reading but mix up your habits.

Dr. Culler suggests reading a different section of the newspaper than you usually would or reading a new book or magazine. Next, read some passages out loud, which she says can activate different areas of your brain.

Read with the intent to share the message with friends. You will be more mindful and process the information differently.

Set New Goals

Try new things. Set an intention to do something new, such as visiting museums, attending talks, etc., for the next week or month. Map it out and invite a friend. Dr. Culler says both the planning process and socialization have brain benefits, too.

Meditate

Clearing your mind can be good for your brain as well.

“Set aside time daily to cool your brain, practice mindfulness or meditate,” says Dr. Culler. “Meditation is an excellent brain workout, and studies have found numerous benefits for the brain. If meditation is not a daily part of your routine, aim to add it in.”

She recommends starting with a few minutes of meditation a day and working up to 20 minutes or longer.

Photo: Meditation can help calm the brain

Photo: Regular exercise is pivotal to looking and feeling great at every age — and especially in our older years.

Hear

better, live better

Can I reduce my increased risk of developing dementia by treating my hearing loss? Thankfully, the data appears to be trending towards a resounding “Yes!” Recent reports have found a significant positive impact of treating hearing loss on cognitive health.

Impact on cognitive function

In a recent study investigating the relationship of treating hearing loss and cognitive function, it was found that current hearing loss treatments can improve brain function in people with hearing loss. It is understood that hearing loss, if left untreated, can lead to emotional and social consequences, reduced job performance, and diminished quality of life. Recently, studies have even shown that untreated hearing loss can interfere with cognitive abilities because so much mental effort is diverted toward understanding speech (i.e. cognitive overload).

The research was aimed at measuring core cognitive functions in subjects in their 50s and 60s beginning hearing loss treatment for the first time.

After only two weeks of treatment, cognitive testing began to reveal a significant increase in scores for recalling words in working memory and selective attention tests, and that the processing speed for which participants selected the correct response was significantly faster.

Impact on risk of developing dementia

Since 2011, multiple long-term studies have provided strong evidence that treating hearing loss may eliminate the increased risk of developing dementia. Dr. Lalwani at Columbia University noted that treating hearing loss may offer a simple, yet important, way to prevent or slow the development of dementia by keeping adults with hearing loss engaged in conversation and communication.

(516) 788-7830 ilovehearing.com

Health memos are supplied by advertisers and are not written by the Herald editorial staff.

Reliable Hearing Care at I Love Hearing

I

Personalized Solutions: No one-size-fits-all here – only customized solutions that work for you.

Trusted Expertise: We are your go-to partners for hearing health, using the latest in technology and care.

Ongoing Support: Hearing needs can change, and we are with you every step of the way.

Dr. Amy Sapodin, Au.D., F-AAA, CCC-A

Dr. Alison Hoffmann, Au.D., F-AAA, CCC-A

East Meadow, New York 11554

Mount Sinai South Nassau’s

While you are hopefully getting wiser as you get older, your immune system is weakening, increasing your risk for severe cases of vaccine-preventable illnesses such as influenza, COVID-19, pneumonia, or shingles. These diseases can lead to extended hospitalization or even death. While vaccination does not guarantee you will not get sick, getting vaccinated almost certainly will make your illness less severe, especially for individuals 65 and above. The fix is an easy one: get vaccinated!

Approximately 25,000 to 50,000 U.S. adults aged 65 and older die every year from complications caused by vaccine-preventable viral illnesses. This is more than the deaths attributed to breast cancer, traffic accidents and HIV/AIDS combined. Many of those who died were unvaccinated. During your annual checkup, be sure to speak with your doctor and make sure you are up to date on all your vaccinations.

During the 2023-2024 flu season, adults 65 and older accounted for more than 50 percent of flu-related hospitalizations and 72 percent of flu-related deaths. Meanwhile, adults 65 and older accounted for approximately twothirds of all COVID-19-associated hospitalizations from October 2023 to April 2024, while those 75 and older accounted for approximately 50 percent of COVID-19 deaths. These data are especially compelling in older adults with underlying conditions such as heart or lung disease or diabetes.

As for measles, which is increasing in prevalence across the country, there have been four cases in New York State so far this year—one in Suffolk County and three in New York City. As of Thursday, March 13, of the 373 confirmed measles cases reported in the United States, 86 (21 percent) involved individuals above age 20, and 11 of those cases required hospitalization. Approximately 2 of every 1,000 adults who contract measles die.

Aaron E. Glatt, MD, Chair of the Department of Medicine and Chief of Infectious Diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau, says people born before 1957 are presumed to be immune and don’t require a MMR (mumps, measles, rubella) vaccination or testing to see if they are immune. However, if they know they are not immune because of work related testing or other reasons, vaccination might be appropriate. “People born during or after 1957 who are traveling to

a high-risk area who do not have evidence of immunity to measles (which can be determined by a blood test ordered by your physician to assess your antibody levels or vaccination status or by your immunization records) should get the vaccination,” Dr. Glatt added.

Infectious disease experts also recommend that people born after 1957 and vaccinated before 1968 consider getting a single additional vaccine dose, as the vaccine used from 1963 to 1967 has proven not to be as effective or long-lasting as the current MMR vaccine. When in doubt, ask your doctor! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that most people over age 65 get the following immunizations:

• Shingles vaccine: Shingles can be a very painful rash that can last for months. The CDC recommends the vaccine Shingrix for healthy adults aged 50 and older to prevent shingles.

• RSV vaccine: Respiratory syncytial virus infections are often mild but can be serious for older people, especially those above 75 and for those 60 and older with underlying

conditions such as heart or lung disease.

• Pneumococcal vaccine: Pneumococcal disease can include pneumonia, meningitis, and blood infections. There are several vaccines available, and you should discuss with your doctor which one is most appropriate for you, based on any prior pneumococcal vaccinations and your age. The current recommendation is for all people over 50 to receive a pneumococcal vaccine, as well as those 18 years and older with significant underlying medical conditions.

• Annual flu vaccine: It remains the very best way to protect yourself and others from the flu.

• Tdap vaccine (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis, or whooping cough): Everyone needs to get the Tdap vaccine at least once. After getting a Tdap vaccine, get a Td vaccine every 10 years to protect against tetanus and diphtheria.

• COVID-19 vaccine: How often you should receive this vaccine to reduce your risk and others from getting severe COVID-19 will also vary greatly based upon your underlying health, age, and when your most

recent COVID-19 illness was. Discuss this with your doctor.

• Hepatitis B vaccine: The CDC recommends this for all adults ages 19 to 59 who do not have natural immunity to hepatitis B, and for adults 60 and older who have risk factors for hepatitis B. If you are 60 and older and don’t have known risk factors, it’s okay to get the hepatitis B vaccine if you want it.

If you’re not up to date on your vaccinations, Dr. Glatt says to see your physician to set up a schedule to get them. If you haven’t received the annual flu or COVID-19 vaccination, you can get one at the Vaxmobile, Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Community Education Health Screenings and Wellness outreach effort, which will be at the following senior centers:

April

• 4/24 – Nassau County Senior Services at St Anthonys Church, Oceanside, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 4/29 – Freeport Library, Freeport, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

May

• 5/1 – Long Beach Library, Long Beach, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 5/6 – Hispanic Brotherhood, Hempstead, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 5/13 – Nassau County Senior Birthday Party at the Old Barn Bethpage, Restoration Village, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 5/15 – Baldwin Library, Baldwin, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 5/20 – Freeport Library, Freeport, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

• 5/22 – Nassau County Senior Services at St Anthonys Church, Oceanside, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

For more information, call Mount Sinai South Nassau Community Education at (516) 377-5333 or send an email to vaxmobile@snch.org.

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

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

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

To learn more visit www.mountsinai.org/feilpavilion

Senior Health & Beyond Expo series kicks off

By Anna Graci

Herald Community Media and RichnerLIVE successfully launched the first event in the 2025 Senior Health & Beyond Expo series, presented by Nassau University Medical Center, on Friday, April 4, at the East Meadow Beth-El Jewish Center in East Meadow. This free community event drew hundreds of attendees, including seniors, families, and caregivers, eager to learn about the latest in wellness, lifestyle enhancements, and essential health resources.

The expo featured a vibrant lineup of educational vendors and interactive activities, ensuring that attendees were both entertained and informed. “It was an incredible turnout,” said Amy Amato, executive director of corporate relations and events at RichnerLIVE.

A key highlight of the day was the “Stop the Bleed” training session led by Nassau University Medical Center’s Sloan Yoselowitz, DPT, CSCS, the hospital’s director of community outreach. This national campaign teaches people how to control severe bleeding in emergency situations before medical help arrives. The presentation emphasized the importance of immediate action in improving survival rates.

The crowd also enjoyed a dose of humor during a comedy show featuring comedian Larry Izzo.

Attendees were given complimentary swag bags sponsored by Silver Lining Homecare. A 10-minute guided exercise session by Excel Homecare Inc. helped get audience members’ blood pumping, while SightGrowth Partners offered eye test screenings.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Nassau University Medical Center, and our program sponsors — PSEG Long Island, Parker Jewish Institute Health Care and Rehabilitation, Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, the NYS Department of Public Service Long Island, and the Sid Jacobson JCC — for their vital support.

Please visit our website to view our photo gallery from April 4: www.richnerlive.com/seniorexpo/2025senior-health-beyond-expo-of-long-island-photo-gallery.

Join us for the next Herald Senior Health & Beyond Expo for 2025, which will be held on May 22 at the Massapequa Elks Lodge #2162 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For a full list of Expos, go to liherald.com.

Tim Baker/Herald photos Keynote speaker Sloan Yoselowitz, DPT, CSCS; from Nassau University Medical Center.

Hundreds attended the first of seven 2025 Herald Senior Health & Beyond Expos.

Victoria Schickley and Nicole Hall of PSEG L.I.

Janette Lebron, Pablo Rendon, Michelle Chan and Jess Dunbar of the Parker Jewish Institute For Health Care and Rehabilitation.

Laura LaFauci of Amber Court Assisted Living.

Ryan Lynch and Diana Arevalo, NY Cancer & Blood specialists.

Sands New York Shines as Emerald Sponsor at 2025 Wantagh St. Patrick’s Day Parade

The 2025 Wantagh St. Patrick's Day Parade, held on March 16, 2025, was a vibrant celebration of Irish heritage, drawing participants and spectators from across Long Island. Despite the chilly, overcast weather, the event was filled with warmth, laughter, and a strong sense of togetherness.

Sands New York proudly served as the Emerald Sponsor for this year's parade, reaffirming its commitment to local traditions and community engagement. Beyond sponsorship, Sands New York also participated

in the Grand Marshal Reception, honoring the 2025 Grand Marshal, Tommy Shevlin of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association. The reception gathered community leaders and organizations for an evening of recognition and celebration ahead of the parade.

Tracey Edwards, Corporate Social Responsibility Officer at Sands New York, reflected on the day's impact, "Even with the bad weather, it was heartwarming to see the community come together in such a spirited celebration." Her words echoed the enthusiasm

Day Parade held on March 16.

of attendees who braved the elements to take part in the festivities.

Now a beloved local tradition, the Wantagh St. Patrick's Day Parade continues to grow in scope and significance, shining a light on the vibrant Irish-American culture that thrives on Long Island. The active involvement of partners, including Sands New York, highlights the effort and collaboration it takes to build community celebrations that are both meaningful and memorable

Sands Hires Its First Corporate Team Member through Hiring Our Heroes Program

In early 2025, Sands proudly hired Chase Jackson, its first fellow through the Hiring Our Heroes program. Jackson, a former U.S. Air Force Technical Sergeant and Tactical Air Control Party journeyman, completed a 12-week fellowship with Sands in cybersecurity before transitioning into a full-time role as a cybersecurity analyst.

This marks a significant step in Sands’ commitment to workforce development and support for veterans. The HOH program connects military service members, veterans, and their families with meaningful employment opportunities through partnerships with private-sector companies.

Sands’ participation was driven by Doug Medley, Sands' Director of Cybersecurity, an HOH alum himself, who recognized the program’s value in connecting veterans with careers in sectors beyond the government.

“As an HOH alum, I felt it was important to add a pathway for separating service members to work in positions not associated with the government. Since I saw first-hand the win-win situation the program offers, it only made sense to bring it to Sands,” said Medley.

Tracey Edwards, Sands Corporate Social Responsibility Officer, emphasized the broader impact of Sands’ initiatives: “Bringing a project like Sands New York to Long Island means new hiring opportunities for veterans in our community, helping them build successful careers in industries like cybersecurity. This project will be a game-changer for our local veteran population.”

Sands continues to prioritize workforce programs, contributing to its $200 million global commitment through 2025.

Photos provided by Sands New York Sands New York served as the Emerald Sponsor for this year’s Wantagh St. Patrick's

The team from Sands New York also participated in the Irish Americans in Government event.

EPIC Family’s Midnight Garden Gala Brings Community Together, Sands New York Among Sponsors

Sands New York joined EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies for their highly anticipated Midnight Garden Gala on March 20, 2025, at the Garden City Hotel. This annual fundraiser, known for its elegance and deep commitment to supporting individuals with special needs, once again brought together philanthropists, advocates, and community leaders for a night of celebration and fundraising.

As a proud sponsor, Sands New York plays a key role in supporting EPIC’s mission, further reinforcing its commitment to community service. The gala, themed around a magical midnight garden, provided a stunning backdrop for an evening filled with heartfelt speeches, entertainment, and charitable giving.

In addition to its sponsorship, Sands representatives attended the gala to show their support, engaging with EPIC leadership and other distinguished guests. The night featured a silent auction, live performances, and a moving tribute to those who have made a significant impact in the world of human services.

“EPIC does incredible work in our community, and we’re honored to support their mission,” said Tracey Edwards, Corporate Social Responsibility Officer for Sands New York. “The Midnight Garden Gala was a beautiful evening, not just in its theme but in the way it brought people together to uplift and empower individuals with special needs. At Sands, we believe in investing in organizations that make a real difference, and EPIC is one of them.”

The proceeds from the event will help EPIC continue its critical work in providing services and resources for individuals with developmental disabilities, ensuring they receive the care and opportunities they deserve.

With the success of this year’s gala and the generous contributions from sponsors like Sands New York, EPIC remains steadfast in its mission to make a difference in the lives of those it serves.

supporting EPIC’s

Westbury Youth Soccer Club Hosts Annual Gala Kickoff Dinner, Celebrating Community and Youth Development

The Westbury Youth Soccer Club held its annual gala kickoff dinner at Casa di Fratelli in Westbury, bringing together community members, supporters, and local leaders to present their mission and recommit to youth development through soccer.

The event featured dinner and a program highlighting the club's milestones over the past year, including successes in various tournaments and the personal growth of its

young athletes. The dinner served to prepare the community for the upcoming gala on July 2, and kickstart fundraising for new equipment purchases, facility improvements, and scholarship programs for underprivileged youth.

Mateo Flores, President of the Board of Directors for the Westbury Youth Soccer Club spoke about the broader benefits that upcoming developments, such as the Sands

project, could bring to the area. “Our young people in Westbury have already seen the benefits that a Sands New York project would bring to the community. A company of this caliber stands to attract a new level of entertainment and, with it, top-tier athletes and role models,” said Flores.

Adding to the conversation, Tracey Edwards, Corporate Social Responsibility continued on next page

Photo provided by Sands New York

As a sponsor of the Midnight Garden Gala, Sands New York plays a key role in

mission to support individuals with special needs.

Sands Senior Vice President and former New York State Governor David Paterson gave the keynote address at March’s Family & Children’s Association’s Women in Philanthropy Breakfast.

Sands Supports FCA’s Women in Philanthropy Breakfast, Championing Community Impact

On March 26, Sands proudly served as a sponsor of Family & Children’s Association’s Women in Philanthropy Breakfast, an inspiring event held in Long Island to celebrate the transformative power of women in charitable giving. The annual gathering highlights the essential role of philanthropy in strengthening communities and supporting families in need.

A key moment of the morning was a keynote address by Sands Senior Vice President and former New York State Governor David Paterson, who spoke about the lasting impact of philanthropy and the importance of investing in organizations like FCA. His remarks reinforced Sands' deep commitment to supporting Long Island families through strategic partnerships and community engagement.

“Sands is dedicated to uplifting the communities where we operate, and FCA’s work is a shining

example of the kind of impact we strive to support,” said Paterson. “It’s an honor to stand alongside leaders in philanthropy who are making a real difference in the lives of Long Island families.”

Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, President & CEO of FCA, also recognized Sands’ contributions, highlighting the company’s role in strengthening the region.

“Sands’ support of FCA underscores their deep commitment to Long Island families,” said Reynolds.

“Their investment in our mission has already helped us expand critical programs and resources, ensuring that those in need receive the support they deserve.”

The event brought together influential leaders, advocates, and changemakers, all united by a shared goal of making a meaningful difference in their communities. With Sands’ support, FCA continues to expand its reach, empowering families and individuals across Long Island.

continued from previous page

Officer for Sands emphasized the lasting community impact of initiatives like this. “Sands New York is not just about entertainment—it’s about opportunity. The Sands project will help create new jobs, drive economic growth, and provide much-needed resources for organizations like the Westbury Youth Soccer Club that shape the future of our young people,” said Edwards.

Flores further highlighted that such projects could lead to enhanced community facilities and increased opportunities for local youth, aligning with WYSC's mission to promote personal growth and development through soccer.

Photo provided by Sands New York

Sands New York was recognized by Dr. Jeffrey Reynolds, President & CEO of FCA, for its commitment to strengthening Long Island families.

Sands New York Sponsors Glen Cove Chamber’s Annual Culinary Delights Event, Showcasing Local Flavors

Food lovers and community members gathered for an unforgettable evening at the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Culinary Delights event on March 31, 2025 at the elegant Mansion at Glen Cove. This much-anticipated celebration brought together the best of Glen Cove’s culinary scene, featuring a diverse selection of food, wine, and spirits from top local restaurants, caterers, and beverage vendors.

As a proud sponsor, Sands supported this vibrant community event, helping to highlight and promote Glen Cove’s thriving hospitality industry. Guests enjoyed a night of delicious tastings while mingling with business leaders, chefs, and fellow food enthusiasts, all while supporting the Chamber’s mission to foster local economic growth.

“Culinary Delights is a true showcase of the incredible talent and flavors that make Glen Cove such a special place,” said Matt Nartowicz, Member of the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce. “With the support of sponsors like Sands, we’re able to create opportunities that strengthen our business community and celebrate the culinary excellence of the region.”

Photos provided by Sands New York

As sponsor of the Glen Cove Chamber’s Culinary Delights, Sands New York helped bring together food lovers, chefs, and business leaders for a night of celebration, flavor, and connection.

Culinary Delights offered a delicious platform for Glen Cove eateries to shine, with support from Sands New York helping highlight the city’s dynamic food and beverage talent.

Guests sample dishes from local restaurants at the Glen Cove Chamber’s Annual Culinary Delights, held March 31 at the Mansion at Glen Cove—an evening made possible in part by proud sponsor Sands New York.

Culinary Delights attendees celebrated Glen Cove’s thriving hospitality scene, with support from Sands New York fueling the community spirit behind the Chamber’s signature event.

Tim Baker/Herald photos Lekeisha Hall, Lisa Boris and Joy Gardener of Excel Homecare Inc.

Speaker Michelle Gibson of the Sid Jacobson JCC. Stephanie Penza, Dr. Brian Berliner and Aisha Vazquez; SightMD.

Livia Stachura, Bestern Tiryaki and Ambar Bello of Prine Health.

Micah Schlendorf and Laura Racioppi of Suffolk Federal Credit Union.

Manuel Sepulveda of WellCare. Victoria Caputo of Family and Children’s Association.

Jamie Rossi and Christine Rossi of I Love Hearing, in East Meadow.

Manuel Mathew and Jill Wasser of the NYS Public Service Commission of Long Island.

Regina Khaimov and Anne Marie Fragkoulis of the Margaret Tietz Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center.

Patricia Barna of ClearCaptions.

Danielle Aglio and Trudy Losee; Blue Island Homes. Tiffany Balanoff of Douglas Elliman RVC.

NCC faculty union claims contract violations

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Faculty tensions at Nassau Community College escalated last week after Chief Administrative Officer Maria Conzatti announced that she would not submit faculty names for tenure, promotion or sabbatical to the college’s board of trustees until a new contract agreement is reached — despite the fact that the current contract is in effect until Aug. 31.

The announcement, made at the April 3 general faculty meeting, drew sharp criticism from the Nassau Community College Federation of Teachers. Union leaders claim the decision circumvents provisions of the existing collective bargaining agreement, particularly those related to faculty advancement during the final year of a signed contract.

“Our faculty was absolutely stunned to learn that NCC has unilaterally chosen to deny these standard promotions, sabbaticals and tenure positions to our hardworking professors,” David Stern, the acting NCCFT president, said. “This is truly unprecedented, and demonstrates why NCC and the board of trustees are losing confidence and enrollment while slashing programs and mismanaging our finances.”

Jessica Harris, attorney for the union, said that the administration is legally obligated to follow the recommendations of committees, composed of faculty members and an administrator, that approve faculty mem-

“NCC administrators have no legal basis to refuse to consider the committees’ recommendations for promotions and sabbaticals,” Harris said. “If the administration persists in its refusal to inform the board of trust-

ees of the committees’ recommendations, in flagrant disregard of the CBA, we will explore all legal options.”

Speaking on behalf of the administration, Jerry Kornbluth, vice president of the Office of Community and Governmental Relations, pushed back against the union’s claims. He said the accusation that the administration is violating the collective bargaining agreement is a “false narrative,” emphasizing that the college is operating under the current 2021–25 contract.

According to Kornbluth, union representatives have not responded to invitations to begin discussions of the 2025–26 contract. He also noted that faculty members must meet “certain standards,” depending on the promotion they are seeking, with evaluations

conducted by the committees. Once approved, nominations are forwarded to the president.

“Until there is a conversation about the contract for 2025–26, those promotions, sabbaticals and tenure don’t take effect until the fall of 2025 — under the new contract,” Kornbluth said. “The contract acts on Aug. 31; a new one, whether there is a negotiated one or not, kicks in on Sept. 1.”

Many faculty members have already completed the formal review process and received committee approval. The union accuses the administration of stalling contractual obligations and blocking professional advancement at a time when many professors face increased financial strain due to the rising cost of living.

Kornbluth said that when no formal contract is in place, the college operates under a memorandum of agreement signed by both the administration and the union. That agreement allows the president to move faculty nominations forward for board approval.

Stern said that 15 faculty members had been recommended by their respective committees. “There has been virtually no dialogue or willingness by Ms. Conzatti or her administration,” he said.

The faculty organized a gathering on April 8 in the

file photo

STEPPING OUT

Local filmmaker debuts ‘Godless’

Michael Ricigliano is in the spotlight

By Iris Wiener

Filmmaker Michael Ricigliano writes what he knows, and there is nothing he knows better than Long Island. His roots are certainly evident through his creative vision in his latest feature, “Godless,” which is now streaming on multiple platforms.

Starring Harry Lennix (“The Blacklist”) and Ana Ortiz (“Ugly Betty”), “Godless” explores the turbulent intersection of faith and politics. Ricigliano makes his directing debut with the film after having turned heads as a playwright (“A Queen for a Day”) and screenwriter (“The Brooklyn Banker”). He shot it in Huntington and Great Neck, only a stone’s throw away from where he grew up in Garden City.

“I think that for any writer, your own personal experiences craft how you see the world,” he says. “Growing up on Long Island, meeting the many people and remembering conversations with them, plus the stories my family would tell me about how they grew up. It all affects my work.”

Ricigliano is easily able to draw from Long Island’s “flavor,” as he is firmly entrenched in numerous communities.

Ricigliano’s father moved to Uniondale from Brooklyn in the early 1940s, and stayed until 1985; at age 15, his family moved to Garden City. Ricigliano went to private schools in Uniondale and Old Westbury, then going to law school at Hofstra where he played lacrosse. For the past 20 years, Ricigliano and his family have resided in Locust Valley. He has never left Long Island!

It wasn’t until Ricigliano was 40 that he began to write; a real estate lawyer who counsels with Spano Abstract Service Corp. (“an incredibly supportive company”) he began writing on a whim when he realized that he had an idea for a short film based on stories he heard from his family when he was very young in Brooklyn. Despite never having taken a film class, his screenplay for “The Brooklyn Banker” was picked up by Federico Castaluccio (of “The Sopranos” fame), and made into a feature length film starring Paul Sorvino.

“Everything I write is based off of things that have happened in my life and that I have experienced in my Catholic upbringing,” he says of how he began working on “Godless,” which centers on a devout Catholic governor (Ortiz) who is excommunicated after signing a progressive bill into law. “Godless” is about the crisis of faith that she endures when her religious beliefs contrast with her ambitions.

“Canon law is something I have always been fascinated with,” says Ricigliano. “From there it merged into the process of an excommunication. I wanted to explore the political fallout of her getting excommunicated when she wants to become president, as well as what’s happening with the bishop (Lennix) who has gone to the next step because the church is very politically driven as well.”

Ricigliano’s mother first suggested that her son shoot his directorial debut at Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington.

“We had the ability to use the chapel and the church, the hallways, the high ceilings, the offices which were from a different era, the beautiful grounds. It was all there,” he says. “It was beautiful and magnificent.”

The number of ways in which Ricigliano is creative are endless. He is also an accomplished pop artist who has shown his work at galleries (one of his pieces adorns a set in “Godless”) and a musician. Some of his original songs can be heard in the film.

“I have a mantra: Create every day,” he says thoughtfully. “I try and do something every day and I look forward to it, whether it’s art, writing or playing guitar. Doing this has become ingrained in me. It’s a passion.”

Ricigliano’s next film is based on the play “The Court of Oyer and Terminer,” and is also set to star Lennix. The story is about a retired judge from Nassau County who lives in the city and has dementia. He hopes to shoot scenes in Manhasset and other nearby areas.

“Long Island is one of the greatest places to live on the planet,” he says excitedly as he looks to the future. “The nature, the history, the architecture, some of the court houses. The resources that we have and the people are magnificent. We worked with the Nassau County and the Suffolk County Film Commissions for ‘Godless’ and they were so helpful.”

Ricigliano hopes that “Godless,” which can be streamed on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, Google Play, and Fandango, makes people want to talk.

“Any of the issues within can’t be one way or the other. People have certain beliefs that are instilled in them. In today’s society, a lot of times, people don’t want to listen. They just yell at each other. Hopefully this film will open up more of a dialogue. We’re all fallible. At the end of the day, the movie is about forgiveness and understanding. All I want is for people to walk out and say, ‘Okay. But I understand what the other person is saying.’”

‘Cold Beer on a Saturday Night’

Spring blooms with Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band. Before you know it, we’ll be back on the beach; meanwhile Jimmy Kenny and his band keep the vibe going with their “Ultimate Beach Party Tribute” to Kenny Chesney, Jimmy Buffett and Zac Brown Band. Parrotheads, No Shoes Nation and the Zamily: it’s 5 o’clock somewhere so let’s ‘raise ‘em up and sing along. The Long Island based band — guided by Paul C. Cuthbert (aka Jimmy Kenny) on lead vocals/acoustic guitar, with Linn DeMilta (aka Lovely Linn), lead and backing vocals, Luis Rios, lead guitar/backing vocals, Frank Stainkamp, keyboard/ backing vocals, Dan Prine, bass, and drummer Mike Vecchione, have been celebrating the beach country sounds for over a decade, Everyone has a great time grooving to their lively mix of their popular sing-along hits and feel good, easy living flair. Saturday, April 19, 8 p.m. $35, $25, $20, $15. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Jazzin’ with Wynton Marsalis

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra with Wynton Marsalis, takes listeners on a thrilling ride with Contemporary Jazz Masterpieces. Hear fascinating new works composed and orchestrated by composers and Big Band leaders of today, including Miho Hazama, Darcy James Argue, Helen Sung, Jihye Lee. The concert also feature newly commissioned works by George DeLancey, Leo Steinriede, and Steven Feifke — that reflect the depth and breadth of the Big Band tradition. With music direction by Marsalis and Steven Feifke, expect an evening of fresh takes and exploratory sounds from the acclaimed orchestra. Feel the vibe of thrilling works that ignite the senses with spontaneity, virtuosity and an unwavering passion.

Thursday, April 24, 7:30 p.m. LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Photos courtesy Michael Ricigliano

Ana Ortiz and Harry Lennix appear in “Godless,” which captures the collision of politics and faith.

Harry Lennix as Bishop Reginald Roland.

Director-writer Michael Ricigliano with Without a Net producers Elyssa Rabinowitz and Vincent Petrosini at the film’s premiere.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

APR 18

‘Elephant & Piggie’s “We Are in a Play!’

The beloved musical adventure, ripped from the pages of Mo Willems’ beloved award-winning, best-selling children’s books, is back on stage at Long Island Children’s Museum. Willems’ classic characters Elephant and Piggie storm the stage in a rollicking musical romp filled with plenty of pachydermal peril and swiney suspense perfect for young audiences.

•Where: Museum Row, Garden City.

•Time: Also April 19, April 23-24, times vary

•Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art’s latest exhibition, the original “Deco at 100” coincides with the 100th anniversary of the 1925 Paris International Exhibition of Modern Decorative and Industrial Arts (Exposition internationale des arts décoratifs et industriels modernes) that publicly launched the movement. The direct follow-up to the well-received 2023 exhibit, “Our Gilded Age,” it comparably links the period’s signature innovation in the decorative arts, Art Deco, to the fine arts. On view through June 15.

•Where: 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor.

•Time: Ongoing

•Contact: (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org

Little Learners’ Earth Day

Planting Fields Little Learners series continues with an Earth Day celebration. Families will enjoy a heartwarming fun-filled experience, with a reading of “Gifts from the Garbage Truck” by Andrew Larsen. Explore the importance of reusing, reducing, and recycling. With an Earthinspired craft project. For ages 2-5. Registration required.

•Where: 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay.

•Time: 10-11 a.m.

•Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210

APR 19

Art Explorations

Converse, collaborate and create at Nassau County Museum of Art. Kids and their adult partners can talk about and make art together. Enjoy reading and play in the Reading Room, and contribute to The Lobby Project, a collaborative art installation. Registration required.

Jessie’s Girl

Drag out that neon once again and give your hair its best ‘80s ‘do. Those crazy days are back — as only Jessie’s Girl can pull off, on the Paramount stage. The band of NYC’s top rock/pop musicians and singers gets everyone into that “Back To The Eighties” vibe with the latest edition of their popular concert experience. With a lineup including four pop-rock vocalists dressing and performing as 80s icons, backed by a dynamic band, this is the definitive ‘80s experience. Throw on top of that: a load of super-fun choreography, audience participation, props, costumes bubbles, and confetti — and you have a party that audiences don’t want to leave. Tickets are $49.50, $37.50, $35, $25.

•Where: 1 Museum Dr., Roslyn Harbor.

• Time: noon-3 p.m.

•Contact: (516) 484-9337 or nassaumuseum.org

Egg Hunt

Free community egg hunt with arts and crafts, face painting, meet the Easter Bunny, photo and vendor booths, local businesses and food trucks.

•Where: John J. Byrne Community Center, 925 Jerusalem Ave., Uniondale

•Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain date, Sunday, April 20 at 2 p.m.

APR

22

Shred Unwanted Documents

Russo Law Group hosts an Earth Day Shred event to safely and securely dispose of sensitive documents. All shredding handled by Arrow Transfer & Storage. Attend Fraud Awareness workshops at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

•Where: 100 Quentin Roosevelt Blvd #102, Garden City; 250 Lido Blvd, Lido Beach.

• Time: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

•Contact: vjrussolaw.com

•Where: Little Theater of Uniondale High School, 933 Goodrich St., Uniondale.

•Time: 7 p.m.

APR

23

Scam Prevention

Protect yourself and become informed at this senior scam prevention workshop presented by experts from the Nassau County Department of Consumer Affairs. Learn tow to identify a scam; report incidents to authorities; and gather resources to stay safe.

•Where: Kennedy Memorial Park, 335 Greenwich St., Hempstead

• Time: 6 p.m.

•Contact: emeraldcitycivic@ gmail.com

APR 24

The Wave Benefit Concert-Dinner

LIU Post’s studentrun radio station, The Wave, invites all to its concert-dinner to raise money for the Save The Music Foundation. With performances by 5 local artists and full buffet (appetizers, entrees, dessert, coffee bar; vegan/ vegetarian options available). $24 pre-sale (purchase tickets @ thesoundofliu on Instagram);

MAY

6

Estate Planning Attorney Annabel Bazante discusses the importance of planning for the future at Uniondale Public Library. Topics include wills, healthcare proxy, power of attorney, and how to avoid probate.

•Where: 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale.

• Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

•Contact: uniondalelibrary.org or (516) 489-2220

Your Birth Chart

MAY

8

Instructor Jackie will explain how to read your birth chart and how your signs can impact your personality and your life journey. Please provide your birthday, birth time, and location when you register at Uniondale Library. Sign up now.

•Where: 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale

• Time: 7-8:30 p.m.

•Contact: uniondalelibrary.org or (516) 489-2220

MAY

•Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington

• Time: 8 p.m.

•Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

$30 at door. All proceeds go to the Save The Music Foundation.

•Where: LIU Post, Winnick Dining Hall (Lower level), Northern Blvd., Greenvale

• Time: 5:30-10:45 p.m.

Breastfeeding Support Group

Mercy Hospital offers a peerto-peer breastfeeding support group facilitated by a certified counselor. Open to new moms with babies from newborn to 1 year, regardless of delivering hospital. Registration required.

•Where: St. Anne’s Building, 1000 North Village Ave., Rockville Centre.

•Time: 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

•Contact: Call Gabriella Gennaro at (516) 705-2434

Tech Help

MAY

1

Do you find technology confusing? Are you interested in eBooks or other digital services, but don’t know where to start? If so, then be sure to visit Uniondale Public Library for free 1-on-1 tech help. Reservations required.

•Where: 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale

• Time: Ongoing

•Contact: uniondalelibrary.org or (516) 489-2220

12

Perennial Gardening

Sign up now for this program that will discuss herbaceous perennials, focusing on their needs such as light, soil, fertilization, and pruning at Uniondale Library. Presented by the Master Gardener from Cornell Cooperative Extension.

•Where: 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale

• Time: 7 p.m.

•Contact: uniondalelibrary.org or (516) 489-2220

Spring Concert

MAY

18

Uniondale Library hosts an acoustic performance by composer and instrumentalist Italo ‘Tal’ Naccarato that combines traditional tolk and Americana toots music with rock and blues.

•Where: 400 Uniondale Ave., Uniondale.

• Time: 2 p.m.

•Contact: uniondalelibrary.org or (516) 489-2220

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

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

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated January 23, 2025 and entered on February 10, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on April 29, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as SBL# 50-03901-221 Said premises known as 1300 PEMBROKE STREET, UNIONDALE, NY 11553

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

SCOTT SILLER, ESQ., Referee Pincus Law Group, PLLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 {* UNIONDALE*} 152371

LEGAL NOTICE

REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Plaintiff - against - ALICE B. MARR, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on February 18, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 6th day of May, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Premises known as 868 Smith Street, Uniondale, (Town of Hempstead) NY 11553. (SBL#: 50-427-19)

Approximate amount of lien $322,890.02 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

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

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

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

Dated: March 11, 2025

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 152561

LEGAL NOTICE REFEREE’S NOTICE OF SALE IN FORECLOSURE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff - againstJAMES H. WATSON, JR. A/K/A JAMES WATSON, JR., et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on February 21, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on the 6th day of May, 2025 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Unincorporated Area of Roosevelt, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Premises known as 2 Second Place, Roosevelt, NY 11575. (Section: 55, Block: 450, Lot: 55, 56)

Approximate amount of lien $250,721.01 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale.

Index No. 617500/2023. Peter L. Kramer, Esq., Referee. 516-510-4020.

McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC

Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 420 Lexington Avenue, Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 Tel. 347/286-7409

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

Dated: March 6, 2025

During the COVID-19 health emergency, bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of sale including but not limited to, wearing face coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. 152559

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ANNUAL DISTRICT ELECTION OF UNIONDALE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK, TO BE HELD ON May 20, 2025

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that, in lieu of an annual meeting of all election districts in one place, the vote by the qualified voters of the Uniondale Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, at an annual election, will be held on May 20, 2025 beginning 6 AM in the school designated in each election district bounded and described hereinafter, for the purpose of voting upon the appropriation of necessary funds to meet the necessary expenditures of the School District for the year 2025-2026, upon all propositions duly

filed with the Board of Education, and to elect two (2) members to the Board of Education to fill the following vacancies:

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

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

PROPOSITION NO. 1 –SCHOOL BUDGET

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

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

Shall the Board of Education of the Uniondale Union Free School District be authorized to expend from the Capital Reserve Fund, which was established on May 18, 2021 (“Reserve Fund”) pursuant to Section 3651 of the Education Law, for the following capital improvement projects: (1) Install new heavy duty safety perimeter fencing on Grand Avenue due to high-traffic area at Grand Avenue School ($200,000); (2) Repair and replace damaged sidewalks and parking lots at Northern Parkway School, Turtle Hook Middle School, Walnut Street School, and Uniondale High School ($350,000); (3) Install new exterior LED light poles and add exterior LED lighting at Northern Parkway School, Turtle Hook Middle School, Walnut Street School, and Uniondale High School ($450,000); (4) Install new well pumps and irrigation at all athletic fields at Turtle Hook Middle School, Walnut Street School, California Avenue School, Cornelius Court Elementary School, Grand Avenue School, Smith Street School, and Northern Parkway School ($500,000); other work required in

connection therewith; and to expend from the Reserve Fund therefore, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto, an amount not to exceed the estimated total cost of One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($1,500,000), provided that the Board of Education may allocate funds amongst various components within the overall total expenditure at its discretion?

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

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

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that nominations for the office of member of the Board of Education, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be made by petition subscribed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 qualified voters or 2% of the number of voters who voted in the 2024 annual election), and filed in the Office of the Clerk of the District between the hours of 9 AM and 5 PM not later

than the 30th day preceding the election at which the trustees shall be voted upon. Such petition shall state the residence of each signer and shall state the name and residence of the candidate and the specific vacancy on the Board for which the candidate is nominated, which description shall include at least the length of the term of office and the name of the last incumbent, if any. Each vacancy shall be considered a separate office, and a separate petition shall be required to nominate a candidate to each separate office. No person shall be nominated for more than one separate office on the Board of Education. A nomination may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for the office or declares his/her unwillingness to serve.

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

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

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that the Board of Registration of this School District shall meet Thursday, May 8, 2025 and Wednesday, May 14, 2025 from 9:00AM to 7:00PM in the California Avenue

Elementary School, Grand Avenue

Elementary School, Northern Parkway

Elementary School, Smith Street Elementary School and Walnut Street Elementary School for the purpose of preparing a register of the qualified voters of this District for said annual district election, at which time any person shall be entitled to have his/her name placed upon such registry provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration, he/she is known, or proven to the satisfaction of the Board of Registration, to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the annual District election for which such register is prepared: California Avenue

School Election District: Place of Registration

California Avenue

Elementary School

236 California Avenue

Uniondale, NY 11553

Grand Avenue

Elementary School District: Place of Registration

Grand Avenue

Elementary School 711 School Drive

North Baldwin, New York

Northern Parkway

Elementary School: Place of Registration

Northern Parkway

Elementary School 440 Northern Parkway Uniondale, NY 11553

Smith Street

Elementary School: Place of Registration

Smith Street

Elementary School

780 Smith Street

Uniondale, NY 11553

Walnut Street

Elementary School: Place of Registration

Walnut Street

Elementary School

1270 Walnut Street

Uniondale, NY 11553

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that applications for absentee and early mail ballots for the school district election will be obtainable at the Office of the Clerk of the District and must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than 30 days before the election for which an absentee or early mail ballot is sought. To obtain a ballot by mail, completed applications must be received by the

Office of the District Clerk at least seven days before the election. The absentee or early mail ballot will be mailed to the address set forth in the application, no later than six days before the election. To obtain a ballot in person (applicant or his or her agent), the completed application must be delivered to the Office of the District Clerk no later than the day before the election, Monday, May 19, 2025. Absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the Office of the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Tuesday, May 20, 2025. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued, and a list of all persons to whom early mail voter’s ballots shall have been issued will be available for inspection beginning May 15, 2025 in the office of the clerk between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM and will also be available on May 20, 2025. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration application forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the Office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 24, 2025. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is returned by mail or in person and (1) received in the Office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the Office

of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the election.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that the register shall include (1) all qualified voters of the District who shall personally present themselves for registration; and (2) all previously qualified voters of the District who shall have been previously registered for any annual or special District meeting or election and who shall have voted at any annual or special District meeting or election held or conducted any time within the last four calendar years (2021-2024) prior to preparation of the said register; and (3) voters permanently registered with the Board of Elections of the County of Nassau. The Register shall be filed in the office of the District Clerk of the School District at Uniondale High School, 933 Goodrich Street, Uniondale, New York, where it shall be open for inspection by any qualified voter between the hours of 9 AM and 4 PM on each of the five (5) days prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, and between the hours of 9 AM and 12 noon on Saturday, May 15, 2025; and at each polling place on election day.

Uniondale High School, 933 Goodrich Street, Uniondale, New York, during regular business hours and that said election districts and the respective schools in each where the voting shall take place are generally described as follows:

Dig this: call PSEG’s 811 to be safe

Ground Alliance.

California Avenue School Election District – The area within the District beginning at a point on the east side of Grove Street at Commercial Avenue (not including any houses on Grove Street), south on Grove Street to Hempstead Turnpike; thence south along the district line (see district line list) to Jerusalem Avenue; then east on the north side of Jerusalem Avenue to Uniondale Avenue to Front Street; thence east on Front Street to Pamlico Avenue to the center of the intersection of Pamlico and Warwick Street; thence west to Walton Avenue; thence north on the west side of Walton Street to Hempstead Turnpike; thence west on Hempstead Turnpike to Oak Street; thence north on Oak Street to Commercial Avenue; thence west on Commercial Avenue to the point of beginning.

Road; thence northwest on the west side of Uniondale Avenue to Jerusalem Avenue; thence west on the south side of Jerusalem Avenue to Perry Street; thence north on the west side of Perry Street to Cedar Street; thence west on the south side of Cedar Street to the District boundary line.

Smith Street School Election District – The area within the District beginning at a point on the east side of Nassau Road where it crosses Southern State Parkway, northwest to the east side of Uniondale Avenue; thence north on the east side of Uniondale Avenue to Jerusalem Avenue; thence east on the south side of Jerusalem Avenue to Winthrop Drive, to include Mitchell Place, continuing east on a line from Winthrop Drive to the District boundary line.

the Board hereby designates itself to be a set of poll clerks to cast and canvass ballots pursuant to Education Law, § 2019-a, subdivision 2b at said special meeting of the Board.

Dated: March 25, 2025 Uniondale, New York BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, UNIONDALE, UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK

Sandra Edwards District Clerk Uniondale Union Free School District 152530

To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE

April is National Safe Digging Month, and PSEG Long Island aims to remind customers, contractors and excavators that state law requires calling 811 before digging. The goal is to ensure underground pipelines, conduits, wires and cables are properly marked to prevent accidents.

Striking an underground electrical line can cause severe injury, service outages and costly repairs. Even small projects like planting a tree or installing a fence require a call to 811. The service is free and must be used by both professionals and do-it-yourselfers.

“April’s warmer temperatures bring an increase in outdoor home and business projects,” Michael Sullivan, PSEG Long Island’s vice president of Electric Operations, said in a news release. “Calling 811 before digging is critical for protecting underground utility lines and, most importantly, ensuring safety.”

In 2023, nearly 195,000 mark-out requests were made in PSEG Long Islands service area. So far this year, more than 40,000 requests have been placed. But 40 percent of active diggers in North America fail to call 811, often believing their project is too shallow to require it, according to the Common

A call to 811 connects callers to New York’s one-call center, which gathers information about planned digging projects. Utility companies then send representatives to mark underground lines with flags, paint, or both. Once all utilities confirm their markings, work may proceed with caution.

Underground gas and electric lines exist even on private property and can be damaged easily, leading to injuries, service disruptions, and costly repairs. Call 811 at least two business days before starting any project to determine safe digging areas.

Wait for all utility companies to mark lines or confirm no underground facilities exist before beginning work.

Always hand dig within two feet of marked lines before using mechanical equipment.

If a gas line is damaged or a gas odor is detected, leave the area immediately and call 911.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

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

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that description of the boundaries of the election districts as designated by the Board of Education is filed with the records of the School District and available for inspection by any qualified voter together with a map of the District, in the Office of the District Clerk at

Grand Avenue School Election District – The area within the District beginning at #585 Willis Street to Helena Drive, all numbers to Central Avenue #1012 to Willis Street #681 to Grand Avenue #1219 to Village Avenue #1218 to South Drive, all numbers to Fenimore Place, all numbers to School Drive #942 to Coes Neck Road #1185 to Notre Dame Court all numbers; thence north on Milburn Avenue to Harold Avenue; thence east on Harold Avenue to Nassau Road; thence northwest on the southwest side of Nassau Road to the western boundary of the District.

Northern Parkway

School Election District

– The area within the district beginning at Martin Avenue and Nassau Road west on the south side of Nassau Road to Northern Parkway; thence south on a line to the Southern State Parkway so as to include all of the houses on Nassau Road and west of Nassau Road; thence east along Southern State Parkway to Nassau

Walnut Street School Election District - The area within the District beginning at a point on the eastern boundary of the district, south of the end of Sterling Street on a line due south to the middle of Jerusalem Avenue; thence west on the north side of Jerusalem Avenue to Uniondale Avenue; thence north on the east side of Uniondale Avenue to Front Street; thence east on the south side of Front Street; thence north on the east side of Pamlico Avenue to the center of the intersection of Pamlico and Warwick; thence north on the east side of Walton to Hempstead Turnpike. Also including all of Mitch Field.

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

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that this Board shall convene a special meeting hereof within twenty-four hours after the filing with the District Clerk of a written report of the results of the ballot for the purpose of examining and tabulating said reports of the result of the ballot and declaring the result of the ballot; that

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Bank of America, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST David A. Nobrega; Joylyn A. Nobrega; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered September 8, 2015 and amended November 3, 2022, 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 12, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1298 Birch Street, Uniondale, NY 11553-2008. 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 572 Lot 0015. Approximate amount of judgment $248,768.87 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 004891/2014. Foreclosure auction will be held “Rain or Shine”.

Janine T Lynam, 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: April 1, 2025 152860

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Old Town Hall, 350 Front Street, Room 230, Second Floor, Hempstead, New York on 04/23/2025 at 9:30

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

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 186/25. - 187/25. UNIONDALE - Andres I. Benavides & Bellgin Benavides a/k/a Bellgin Orellana Mother/Daughter Res. (2nd Kitchen); Maintain shed higher than permitted., N/s Smith St., 53.95’ W/o Smith St., a/k/a 1039 Smith St. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY

11550. This notice is only for new cases in Uniondale within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo

Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 152961

Calling 811 before digging is not just a precaution — it’s the law. Additional safety information and resources are available at PsegLiNy.com.

— Jeffrey Bessen

Public Notices Public Notices

entered Nov. 23, 2022, I will sell at public auction on North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on May 15, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 371 First Place, Uniondale, NY a/k/a School District 2, Section 50, Block 109, Lot 6. Approximate amount of judgment is $21,571.20 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. ADRIENNE FLIPSE HAUSCH, Referee. BRONSTER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 156 West 56th Street, Ste. 703, New York, NY 10019. File No. 700999.132#102222 152980

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. MTAG, AS CUSTODIAN FOR ALTERNA FUNDING I, LLC, Pltf. vs. DANIEL C. BROWN, et al, Defts. Index #002241/2017. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST SHABAZZ ABDUL-ALIM AKA SHABAZZ ABDUL ALIM, KISHA OLIVER, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 27, 2020, 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

May 20, 2025 at 2:00PM, premises known as 317 Fenimore 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 Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 34, Block 500, Lot 240-241. Approximate amount of judgment $359,691.55 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #613539/2018. Rita Solomon, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 18-006311 84821 152923 PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com TO PLACE AN AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232 PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… Printed in this publication can be found online. To search by publication name, go to: www.newyorkpublicnotices.com TO PLACE AN AD CALL 516-569-4000 x 232

Place a notice by phone at 516-569-4000 x232 or email: legalnotices@liherald.com

To place an ad call 516-569-4000

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Are triple-pane win- dows worth it?

Q. We’re planning to replace our old windows, and are doing research online to make sure we make the right decision. I saw that there’s an option for “triple pane” windows instead of double panes. It appears to be much more money, but the writer of one article says it’s well worth it. Are you familiar with triple panes, do we need permits to change our windows and is it worth the expense? We’ve lived in our current home for five years and plan to be here for the rest of our lives, hopefully a long time, while we raise our family. What do you think?

A. I could simply say that you get what you pay for, but I’m certain you need more of an explanation, since you’ve taken the time to investigate and educate yourself. In your investigation, I’m sure you saw engineering data, lots of comparative numbers and U-values, the rating acronym for glass unit values. The lower the U-value, the better the insulating value of the glass.

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Because the majority of heat or cool transmission or loss of energy is through the windows, while the walls, floor and roof are more insulated, it’s most important to do something to prevent losing all that energy you’re paying to create. Whether it’s your air conditioning or your heat, the outside of your house, referred to simply as the “envelope,” is of critical importance to insulate, especially with ever-rising energy prices. While most building departments don’t require a permit for changing out the windows “in kind,” meaning in the same size and location, some will require a permit for any little thing, like sanding your floors or adding closets, and I’m not kidding, so it’s best to check their rules online, or call your local building department directly.

Another thing to be aware of is that changing windows can trigger fire safety escape rules, referred to as egress windows, and most up-anddown, or double-hung colonial windows don’t meet the requirement if you don’t have at least one window in every habitable room with a size of 5.7 square feet. The window must have a clear escape opening of 20 inches in width and a minimum height of clear opening of 24 inches. Remember that a large fire rescuer must be able to save you.

Triple pane is a great value, because you’re always losing costly energy, so the return on investment, especially if this is your long-term home, makes it well worth it. Windows lose the most energy at the edges, so the type of gasket joining the windows to the frame is critical. The most effective frames have insulation blocking, not just a thermal break in the frame. A thermal break is usually a thin gasket between the outside and inside frames. Adding insulation, instead of leaving open air spaces in the frame, saves more energy, so it’s important to look for.

© 2025 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.

Monte Leeper

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Town needs a proven tax cutter who will keep us safe

Long Island families are getting crushed by high taxes, and homeowners need a proven tax cutter in the Hempstead town supervisor’s office, as well as someone who knows how to keep families safe. I’m running for town supervisor because I’ve had enough of high taxes, and I know you have, too.

As a Nassau County legislator, I’ve proven that I can deliver real tax relief. I’ve never voted for a tax increase. In fact, I helped cut county taxes by $70 million. I even helped stopped $150 million in tax hikes, which were included in the previous county executive’s multiyear budget plan. At the same time, I’ve worked hard to make Nassau County the safest county in the United States. I’m running to bring the same taxpayerfriendly approach to the town that I championed in the County Legislature. And I will continue to work with the law enforcement community to keep families safe. We need leaders who understand that the people aren’t an endless source of

revenue. I believe government must live within its means — just like every hardworking family must. As supervisor, I’ll bring the same fiscal discipline and taxcutting mindset to Town Hall that I embraced in the Legislature, because every dollar wasted is a dollar taken from your family’s wallet.

LBut lower taxes mean nothing if we don’t feel safe in our own neighborhoods. That’s why I’ve made public safety a top priority. I’ve worked to make Nassau the safest county in the country by increasing our police force, providing officers with the latest technology and other resources they need to stop crime, and I fought to reopen a shuttered police precinct.

ower taxes mean nothing if we don’t feel safe in our own neighborhoods.

I also stood up to ensure that federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents remain stationed at the Nassau County Correctional Facility, so we can keep dangerous criminals off our streets. I even worked with town officials to provide enhanced police patrols at vulnerable houses of worship on religious holidays. Public safety isn’t political — it’s personal. As supervisor, I’ll continue to fight for strong, well-supported law enforcement in every community.

We also have to take a strong stand against hate and antisemitism, which are sadly on the rise across the region. I’ve worked hand in hand with community leaders and law enforcement to confront these threats head-on. I helped passed the Mask Transparency Act, which stops people from hiding their identity while threatening or intimidating others — because no one should be able to spread hate from behind a mask. Everyone deserves to feel safe and respected, no matter their faith, race or background.

Just as important is protecting the character of our communities. I’ve been one of the strongest voices pushing back against Gov. Kathy Hochul’s housing plan, a proposal that would force high-density, city-style apartment housing into our suburban neighborhoods without local input. I believe those decisions belong to our towns and villages — not Albany bureaucrats. As supervisor, I’ll fight to keep that control where it belongs: with the people who actually live here.

I’ve also worked hard to make government more transparent and accessible, launching a weekly e-newsletter to keep residents updated on proposed laws, community events and local ser-

vices. People should know what their government is doing, and have a voice in the process.

Before serving in elective office, I was the chief deputy county clerk, managing over 100 employees and helping to collect $240 million annually for state and local governments. I helped write legislation to waive fees for Superstorm Sandy victims, because I believe government should step up in times of crisis, not make things more difficult.

But what drives me most is my family. My wife, Maryellen, and I are raising our kids just two doors down from the house where I grew up. We’re active in our church, our schools and our community. I’m a lector at St. Bernard’s Roman Catholic Church, and a proud member of the Levittown Kiwanis, the local Chamber of Commerce, the Knights of Columbus and the Sons of Italy, and I’ve coached Little League, too. This isn’t just where I live — it’s home. And I want it to be a place where our kids can build their futures.

We need leadership that listens, that fights for taxpayers, that puts safety first and protects the neighborhoods we love. That’s the kind of supervisor I’ll be.

John Ferretti, who represents Nassau County’s 15th Legislative District, is the Republican candidate for Town of Hempstead supervisor.

We need leadership that puts people before politics

over two decades ago, I stood in the sands of Iraq, uncertain if I would give my life, or be forced to take one. That kind of experience leaves a permanent imprint. I’m a Marine combat veteran — one of the fewer than 1 percent who have borne the weight of war. Leadership, pain, purpose and sacrifice have shaped every fiber of who I am — and that’s why I’m running for Town of Hempstead supervisor.

I was raised by small-business owners who taught me the value of hard work, loyalty and grit. Military service runs in our family. My great-grandfather served in World War II. When times got tough, my twin brother and I enlisted. Thanks to the GI Bill, I became one of the first Scianablos to earn a college degree, and I never anticipated how deeply the military would shape my view of public service.

I deployed around the world — East Timor, Eritrea and Iraq — where I witnessed hardship and resilience. I saw children with rifles, families begging for help and communities torn apart. It reaffirmed a belief I’ve always held: People everywhere want safety, dignity and a chance at a better life. I knew then, and I know now, that I want to be a force for good.

As a Marine sergeant, I led young men into war. I carried their fears, their families’ hopes and their safety on my shoulders. I also witnessed the cost of failed leadership — Marines pushed to the edge, civilians caught in crossfire, promises broken. Those memories still drive me to lead with purpose and compassion.

thy and with a multidisciplinary approach. After a routine call led to multiple injuries and three surgeries, I was medically retired.

R eal leadership under real pressure — my experience — is what’s needed.

After the Marines, I joined the New York City Police Department. As a police officer, I had the privilege of learning firsthand about the issues affecting our communities. When I saw the impact of domestic violence, I became a Domestic Violence Officer, working to support victims with empa-

That unexpected turn became a blessing. I became a single father to the most beautiful little girl and dived into community life, serving as a Girl Scout troop leader and coaching soccer and softball. I worked with veterans through Battle Buddies, and helped open the first veterans museum, donating personal artifacts that are still on display today.

When my daughter entered middle school, I followed my passion and went to law school. Later I served as a prosecutor in the Queens district attorney’s office, focusing on protecting victims of domestic violence. Representing the people was among my most humbling and meaningful roles.

Now I see a new battlefield, in our own backyard. Seniors are struggling, veterans are overlooked, small businesses are drowning in red tape and taxpayers are fed up with inefficiency. Peo-

ple in this town are hurting. When asked how I could help, I realized that my experience — real leadership under real pressure — was exactly what was needed. I’ve never walked away from serving, and won’t start now.

On Day One, I’ll launch a full audit of the town’s finances and departments, because transparency is the only option. I’ll begin assembling a task force to address our crumbling infrastructure, focusing on underserved neighborhoods that have been ignored for far too long. I’ll kick off a public safety and community trust initiative, uniting law enforcement and local leaders to rebuild confidence and cooperation.

I’m running for supervisor because I believe we deserve better. We need leadership that puts people before politics. I’ve led Marines through war, protected the vulnerable, and brought calm amid chaos. The Town of Hempstead is worth fighting for. Let’s fix what’s broken, and build something better together.

Joseph K. Scianablo, the Democratic candidate for Hempstead town supervisor, is a Marine combat veteran, a former New York City police officer and a former prosecutor.

JoHn FERRETTi

JosEpH K. sCiAnABLo

opinions Ed Kranepool was the real Mr. Met

The Major League Baseball season is well underway. It’s been three weeks since the first pitch was thrown amid all the festivities of Opening Day. As a Brooklyn Dodgers fan since my youth, until they were hijacked from us to Los Angeles, and as a Mets fan since their creation in 1962, baseball has always been a major part of my life.

Love of the game was imparted to me by my father, and it’s something I share with my son and grandson. Whether it’s watching a Mets, Yankees or Long Island Ducks game or going to a local Little League game in Wantagh or Seaford, baseball definitely transcends generations.

What made this year’s Mets opening day more meaningful to me was the tribute to Mets legend Ed Kranepool, who died last year. To honor him, Mets players will wear a patch on their uniform sleeve emblazoned with his number 7 all season.

Kranepool was more than a guy who happened to play for the Mets. In so

many ways, he personified what New York baseball was all about. He was the real Mr. Met. Born and raised in the Bronx, he was signed by the Mets when he graduated from high school in 1962, and at age 17 actually played for them in their first season.

i

Kranepool went on to play 18 seasons, appearing in more games than anyone in Mets history. His career included the peaks and valleys of Mets history. In the team’s first seven years, they didn’t have one winning season. Their horrific 1962 campaign, when they set the major league record for most losses, prompted Jimmy Breslin’s famous book “Can’t Anybody Here Play This Game?”

n so many ways, he personified what New York baseball was all about.

But then, in 1969, the “Miracle Mets” shocked the baseball world by winning the World Series. Kranepool, who had suffered and persevered through the dark days, was not only playing on a championship team, but smashed a key home run off the Baltimore Orioles in Game 3 of the Series. And in 1973 he was the team captain when the Mets won the National league championship and, in the World Series, took the mighty Oakland A’s to seven games. Throughout his career, Kranepool

remained a New Yorker, living in Nassau and Suffolk counties and opening a celebrated restaurant, the Dugout, in Amityville. He was also a fixture at countless Little League, charity and community events all over Long Island, and hosted batting and fielding clinics for kids.

Through the rest of his life after he retired from baseball, Kranepool suffered from diabetes and kidney disease, which progressively worsened, necessitating a toe amputation. Never once, though, did I hear him complain or bemoan his fate. After several false starts, he underwent a successful kidney transplant in 2019, the 50th anniversary of the Mets’ miracle season.

Though I was a fan of his from day one, I got to know Kranepool about 10 years ago. He was always a great guy to be with, whether at sports events or at lunch with friends. I particularly looked forward to and always enjoyed lunches with Ed, his Mets teammate Art Shamsky and former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Fred Cambria.

It was a terrific experience just to sit and listen to their stories. What struck me the most was that none of them talk-

ed about their own heroics. It was always the other guy. So very different from so many of today’s ego-driven athletes. And I’ll always remember that Kranepool was one of the very first to call me after I had successfully stomach cancer surgery two years ago.

He died last September, from cardiac arrest apparently brought on by the years of diabetes and kidney disease that preceded the kidney transplant. His death was mourned by generations of New York baseball fans.

I focus on Kranepool here because he personified, for me, what baseball in particular and sports in general should be all about, and how they can be lessons for life. Give it your best shot in good times and bad. Don’t panic or complain when life takes a bad turn, or be arrogant when things break your way and you’re on top of the heap.

I think those lessons are especially relevant today, when too many parents put too much pressure on kids to win, forgetting the admonition that it’s not whether you win or lose, but how you play the game. If you play hard and give it your best shot, you’ll be a winner in life, no matter what the scoreboard says.

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

America could really use a few honest words

Words, words and more words. Everything we do every day is connected to the use of words and their meaning. Shakespeare’s Hamlet spends a lot of time complaining about words. In “My Fair Lady,” Eliza Doolittle expresses her frustration with excess talking and her desire for action.

I relate the use of words to the political arena, where I spent a great deal of my life. In our history books, public officials gain notoriety by using memorable words.

President Franklin D. Roosevelt soothed a fearful nation with promises that America would go to war and win it. Great Britain’s prime minister, Winston Churchill, lacking enough troops and ammunition, uplifted his nation with his brilliant use of words. If I asked you to remember some of the greatest words from President Ronald Reagan, you might say, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” President

Bill Clinton was believable when he told the voters that he felt their pain. President Barack Obama was elected on the promise of change.

President Trump has used the word “tariff” with enormous frequency, but after major drops in the markets, even he may temporarily realize that the word is toxic.

TThis month’s economic crisis is a good example of how politicians fail to talk to the average consumer in simple terms. When the stock market takes a dramatic plunge, stockholders and pensioners get nervous about their long-term economic fate. Over the past few weeks, there wasn’t one person who consistently crafted a message that could soothe the millions of people who were on edge.

but he may not be the right person to talk to the American public, because he is known to change his mind often, and has already said so.

Most people don’t understand how pure partisan politics emerges when there are complex fiscal headaches and multiple talking heads.

he Wall Street crisis may be on hold, but does the White House have a plan?

An example of the confusion is the back-and-forth between Elon Musk and Peter Navarro, the president’s voice on tariffs. Recently Musk referred to Navarro as being “dumber than a sack of bricks.” Navarro referred to Musk as a “car assembler.” If these two people are supposed to be the economic face of the administration, which one should the public trust?

To add to the boiling pot, there’s Vice President J.D. Vance, who has found ways to throw dynamite into a Washington crowd. While his boss is trying to find a working strategy against Chinese tariffs, Vance, who comes from so-called hillbilly country, said, “We borrow money from Chinese peasants to buy the things those Chinese peasants manufacture.” China is our Number 2 lender. With all these crazy intra-party fights going on, one would think the Democrats would be delighting in the bloodbath. Instead, they seem to be suffering from some kind of vocal paralysis, and are unable to find a few key players to articulate the case that the MAGA party is floundering. The United States is currently in a state of total confusion, thanks to the confusing words coming from the Republicans and the silence of the Democratic lambs.

The Wall Street crisis may be on hold, but there are no assurances that the White House has a real long-term plan. One of the underlying problems right now is that there are no assurances that anyone will emerge who will be a credible voice, able to keep the nation calm. The president has promised to negotiate with multiple nations on trade issues,

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is widely respected on Wall Street, but at the height of last week’s turmoil in the markets he was telling us that “things are going to be just fine.”

This should be alarming to all Americans, because it appears there’s no one person who is capable of uttering the words that investors need to keep their collective blood pressure under control.

For now, we’ll have to hope that the country doesn’t free-fall into a recession. We could use a few words from somebody out there who’s never heard of Pinocchio.

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

JERRY KREMER pETER KinG

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Earth Day isn’t just a date. It’s a turning point.

april 22 might not jump out on your calendar like a holiday or a long weekend, but maybe it should. On Earth Day, which has been around for over 50 years, we are urged us to pay attention to the natural world — the land we walk around on, the air we breathe, the oceans that surround us and the future we’re shaping.

And let’s be honest: The future of our environment is looking a little shaky right now.

Extreme weather, rising sea levels, shrinking green spaces — even here in our own communities, we’re feeling the effects. Unseasonal heat waves, water restrictions, and poor air quality brought on by summer wildfires aren’t some abstract global issue. They’re right here at home.

Long Island has at times been a case study of why Earth Day is important.

After Hurricane Sandy, many residents whose homes were flooded had to rebuild, and they aimed to mitigate future damage by raising their homes and, where possible, strengthening bulkheading. Some built seawalls, and in some cases municipalities rebuilt roadways to reduce the impact of flooding.

letters

Heck, yes, judges can overrule presidents

To the Editor:

Despite the evidence that the earth’s climates are changing, however, Earth Day too often comes and goes without much more than a passing mention. That needs to change, because the day isn’t just about planting trees or switching off the lights for an hour. It’s about recognizing the power of collective local action — and that starts with us.

That’s why this Earth Day, we encourage everyone in our communities to show up and get involved. There are countless ways to make a difference, and many of them are happening right in your backyard.

There is an event focused on recycling in Long Beach on April 26, and a celebration of tree planting in Amityville that same day. And there will be a number of beach cleanups, including one in Atlantic Beach on April 27. Last weekend in Lakeview, more than 50 people planted flowers at the train station and collected litter in the business district.

Join a community cleanup at a park or along a river trail. Volunteer with a local conservation group. Support farmers markets and businesses that use sustainable practices. Start a compost bin. Cut back on single-use plastics. Attend a

town council meeting and ask about green initiatives. Plant something — even if it’s just one flower or herb on your windowsill.

The point isn’t to do it all. It’s to do something.

And when a bunch of people do something together, momentum builds. The ripple effect is real. Small acts pile up into cultural shifts. And when those shifts start to take root in towns like ours, they grow into the kind of broad environmental awareness that leads to lasting policy, cleaner spaces and stronger communities.

Let’s move past the idea that one person can’t make a difference. You can. You do. And when you team up with a few friends, a group, or a neighborhood? That’s how change begins.

So don’t let Earth Day pass by like just another date on the calendar. Take a moment to step outside and look around. And then, do one thing for the Earth. Just one.

Because the more we treat this planet like it matters, the more likely we can preserve everything about it that we know and love. Next Tuesday, let’s do more than acknowledge Earth Day. Let’s take it personally.

In her letter in last week’s issue, “Why so much opposition to the president?” Pat King asked a question that demands a response. “Can judges overrule the president of the United States?”

The answer, of course, is not only yes, but it’s their responsibility to do so when the president goes beyond the scope of the law. The day judges can no longer do that, or choose not to, is the day democracy ends. Hundreds of our judges are now being threatened with harm to themselves and their families for upholding their oaths to defend the constitutional requirement to check presidential and legislative power.

What follows the rule of law is the rule of predation and fear, and that’s why there is so much opposition to this would-be tyrant.

BrIAN KELLY Rockville Centre

D’Esposito will fit right in in

wasteful Washington

To the Editor:

Former U.S. rep. Anthony D’Esposito seems hellbent on bringing the Town of Hempstead’s hiring practices to Washington, whether it’s in Congress or as inspector general in the Department of Labor. Hemp-

stead is notorious for wasting tax dollars on high-salaried political appointments. So of course, former Councilman D’Esposito thought nothing of hiring his mistress and his fiancée’s daughter to work for him in Congress, which, unlike the town, has actual labor laws against such practices.

Given the qualifications of all of President Trump’s appointees, however,

appointing someone who openly violated labor laws to the position of inspector general overseeing the Labor Department shouldn’t surprise anyone. And there is no expectation that D’Esposito will investigate waste and abuse in the department. Not surprisingly, it didn’t take long for D’Esposito to confirm his reputation for labor law abuse. He approved

opinions School budgets offer something for everyone

spring is here, which also means it’s school budget time. School spending plans will be decided on May 20. Now is the time for everyone to take part in what is one of the most local ways to exercise civic responsibility. Not only is a school budget vote as local as it gets, but its impact is also important for everyone in the community.

Did you know that district administrators begin the following year’s budget process at the start of the school year? In October we begin to build our budgets, anticipating what the future may hold. What will enrollment look like? What will the economy look like? What will state aid revenue be? What do families want for their students? How is our infrastructure holding up? These are just a handful of the many questions we ask as we work to ensure our students’ future success while remaining fiscally responsible to the community.

The largest portion of any school budget is directly related to student

instruction. Seventy to 80 percent of the budget represents the program component, or the salaries and benefits for teachers and staff that serve students each day. School districts should provide a competitive wage to all employees so they can afford to live in the local communities near where they work. This is essential for recruiting and retaining the best employees for our children so that students can succeed now and into the future.

Roughly 10 percent of the budget is the administrative component, for the general operation and management of the school district. The remaining 10 to 15 percent is the capital component, for transportation and facilities costs.

ings, floors, lighting, ADA compliance and masonry maintenance, to maintain a safe and healthy learning environment.

Lastly, the spending plan will inform us about what is new and innovative. New playgrounds, outdoor learning spaces, classroom redesign, and the latest technological improvements may all be part of the budget.

F ind out what’s in your district’s spending plan and be an informed voter.

Did you know that public school district budgets include funding for private and charter schools? Students whose families choose to send them to private schools have a personal stake in the publicschool budget process. The costs of transportation, textbooks and nursing services are all covered by publicschool budgets.

ership affordable in New York. School districts must aim to craft their budgets as closely as possible to what they anticipate their expenditures will be. While employee raises, instructional enhancements and capital projects are important, so is balancing affordability for taxpayers. The tax levy is an important indicator of a balanced and fiscally responsible spending plan that keeps a district moving forward without unnecessarily burdening taxpayers.

Families with school-age children have the most direct stake in the school budget process. The spending plan will outline what class sizes are projected to be. It will indicate what services, and how many, will be available in schools — special education, reading and math, multilingual learner, and mental health support. Sports, music, art, library, clubs, assemblies, and field trips are all funded in the budget, as are necessary capital improvements — new roofs, ceil-

Letters

giving the deputy secretary of labor, the man tasked with cutting federal funds to local libraries and museums, 24-hour security detail.

Despite the White House’s claims to the contrary, government spending since Trump’s inauguration is $154 billion more than during the same period last year. Between Trump’s golf days, which have cost taxpayers roughly $30 million since January, and D’Esposito approving unwarranted $2 million security details, the waste and abuse committed by the Trump administration, while taking a chainsaw to agencies that provide critical services, is unconscionable.

This cavalier attitude that our tax dollars are theirs for the taking must stop in Washington, and in Nassau County.

CLAuDIA BORECkY President, Bellmore Merrick Democratic Club

The devil is in the details

To the Editor:

The big things in the Trump administration are so appalling that it’s hard to wrap your mind around them. The little things sometimes fall through the cracks. For example, a friend noted the

frequency of the alliterative “trust in Trump” phrase the White House press secretary keeps slipping into press conferences.

Or the fact that the president of the united States called his own people “yippy” for gasping in horror as their savings plummeted — not to mention watching him manipulate the stock market like a toy.

But I heard something on the news that I found so chilling that I can’t stop thinking about it: In response to a request for evidence for deporting a u.S. resident, Secretary of State Marco Rubio responded in a memo that he can deport anyone he wants. A terrifying message, yes, but I can’t stop thinking about responding with a memo to a judicial request, dismissing not only the request, but the entire judicial system and branch of government. Just waving them away like someone soliciting you to buy something cheap and tawdry. The disdain is breathtaking.

A confluence of events — Trump’s inexplicable popularity and infallibility in the eyes of a great deal of the country; the Republican majority in both the Senate and the House — have allowed Project 2025 not just to come to fruition, but to flourish. We must do something other than watch in horror from the sidelines as our entire system of government is dismantled before our eyes.

In our area, property values are closely tied to the performance of neighborhood schools. People choose to buy homes in specific areas because of the reputation of the school district. Whether you’re invested in your home or plan to buy or sell, taking part in, and understanding, the school budget process should be at the top of your list.

Residents should know how much a district is asking to raise its tax levy. The state tax cap helps keep home own-

Over the next month, school districts across the state will be presenting their 2025-26 budgets to their communities. Whether you’re a family with a child in school or a homeowner, now is the time to find out what’s is in the budget, so you make an informed decision in May. Review the budget information page on your district website. Attend a budget hearing in May, and read the budget newsletter that is sent home to district residents. If you have a question, reach out to the district business official. Most important, ensure that your voice is heard by participating in the budget vote and trustee elections on May 20. Your active engagement in this important process will help shape your community next year and for years to come.

Judith A. LaRocca, Ed.D., is superintendent of Valley Stream Union Free School District 13.

Our Founding Fathers may have been imperfect, but they created a brilliant system of government with three equal branches, which both support and check each other, and consequently give the people the power.

If power is consolidated in the execu-

tive branch, we will witness the death of democracy. We can’t let the devil — speaking literally and figuratively — win here.

Framework by Tim Baker

At the Lions Club egg hunt at Halls Pond Park — West Hempstead

NELLA DAWN CASALINO Woodmere

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