Valley Stream Herald 04-02-2026

STREAM

Courtesy Carol Battaglia

Volunteers helped run Northwell’s “Off the Rack on the Go” mobile pop-up thrift store at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream hospital on March 24, assisting staff and their families as they selected gently used clothing.

V.S. District 13 details 2026-27 spending plan

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

The Valley Stream Union Free School District 13 Board of Education offered a detailed presentation of its proposed 2026-27 budget at a meeting last week, outlining a spending plan that maintains current programs while expanding student services.

Radice, the district’s assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, said, “we put students at the center of all of those decisions.”

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

A mobile thrift store designed to support health care workers and their families made a stop at Long Island Jewish Valley Stream hospital last week, bringing a mix of sustainability, employee support and community-building directly to staff on site.

The one-day event, part of Northwell’s “Off the Rack,” transformed a section of the hospital’s parking lot into a pop-up shopping experience. Staff were invited to browse and take home gently used clothing at no cost during scheduled hours.

The program is part of Northwell Kids and Family Services, a division within human resources that supports team members and their households.

Originally launched as a small “closet”

concept, the program expanded into a standalone store in Lake Success that opens multiple times a year. High participation and growing demand led to the introduction of a mobile component, “Off the Rack on the Go,” allowing the program to reach employees who may not be able to travel to a central location.

“We didn’t want the dignity to get lost here,” Carol Battaglia, assistant vice president, Northwell Kids and Family Services, said. “It was all around coming in, having a wonderful experience, which they did. And what was happening was people were going back and telling their team members, ‘Hey, did you hear about this?’ It became contagious, and now it’s expanding and exploding in a very good way.”

The mobile unit, an RV outfitted as a

The district, which serves students in pre-kindergarten through sixth grade at James A. Dever, Howell Road, Wheeler Avenue and Willow Road elementary schools, has an enrollment of just over 2,000 students.

The proposed budget totals $71.96 million, an increase of $2.28 million, or 3.28 percent, over the current year’s spending plan. It includes a 2 percent tax levy increase, from $39.98 million to $40.78 million, which remains below the district’s 2.2 percent tax levy cap.

LORRAINE R AdICE Assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, Valley Stream UFSD 13

“Whether we are planning engaging experiences in our classrooms for academic, social and emotional support, our systems of support, our ways that we engage students and their families in building community and connectedness, and our learning environment, class environments and facilities,” Lorraine

State aid is projected at $27.16 million, an increase of 5.78 percent over the current year. Officials indicated that state aid growth has slowed compared with prior years, requiring closer financial management. Additional revenue sources include roughly $350,000 in interest earnings and $90,000 in other revenue, while reserves and fund balance contributions remain at $2.7 million.

The spending plan is driven CONtINued ON paGe 11

By MELISSA BERMAN

3 Things To Know: ongoing PsEg scams

Scammers have no off season

mberman@liherald.com

Scammers impersonate PSEG Long Island utility workers via phone, in person, fake websites, and fraudulent QR codes on EV chargers, threatening immediate power shutoff unless payment is made using spoofed caller IDs to appear legitimate. If confronted with a surprise visit or call threatening shutoff, customers should stop and verify by calling PSEG Long Island directly at 1-800-490-0025 before acting and should call 911 if someone tries to force entry into their home.

n Stop and verify before acting on payment demands

Whether it’s a crisp fall, a frigid winter, a mild spring or a sweltering summer, scammers are always turning up the heat, impersonating utility workers via phone and sometimes in person to demand payments from their victims. PSEG Long Island urges customers to take the right steps if confronted with a surprise visit or call threatening imminent shutoff: Stop and verify before acting by reaching out to PSEG Long Island for confirmation. Nearly all scammers present an urgent problem in the hopes that their victims panic and miss all the clues that they’re not who they appear to be. If a customer has doubts about the legitimacy of a call or email, they should call the company directly at 1(800) 490-0025.

n PSEG Long Island never accepts these payment methods

PSEG Long Island will never request that customers use one specific method of payment. Scammers typically want their victims to transfer money via a web-based electronic payment service (outside of payments through My Account), a prepaid debit card, or even Bitcoin, sometimes asking people to buy a prepaid card at the nearest convenience store and then read them the PIN over the phone. PSEG Long Island does not accept web-based electronic payment services, prepaid debit cards or Bitcoin as payment. Sometimes phone scammers will demand a deposit for a priority meter installation, but PSEG Long Island does not require a deposit for meter installations. PSEG Long Island is a member of Utilities United Against Scams, which has successfully helped take more than 14,830 toll-free numbers used by scammers out of operation.

n Multiple scam methods: in-person, fake websites and EV charger QR codes

Occasionally, scammers may go door to door impersonating PSEG Long Island employees, flashing a fake ID, wearing “uniforms” or affixing false company signs to their vehicles. Real PSEG Long Island employees must carry a company ID and present it when requested, and if customers have doubts or if the person escalates their efforts to enter the home, they should call 911. Some scammers purchase web domains that closely resemble the actual URL and create fraudulent replica websites, but PSEG Long Island always uses the “.com” domain at psegliny.com. Recently, scammers have been placing fraudulent QR code stickers on publicly available electric vehicle charging stations that direct customers to websites asking for personal identifiable information and credit card information .

Meet North’s 2026 valedictorian and salutatorian

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

Valley Stream North High School’s top two students this year, valedictorian Ravjot Singh and salutatorian Julianna Dekel, have distinguished themselves through academic excellence, leadership and a deep commitment to their school community.

“Their work ethic shows their drive and the commitment that they put into their work,” Assistant Principal Charles Loiseau said. “That’s something that really sets them out, just the drive that they have in the commitment they have to their academics.”

TLoiseau said both students reflect the school’s values through their leadership roles, their willingness to support younger classmates and their active involvement across a range of activities. Their accomplishments, he added, are also a reflection of a broader school environment where teachers, counselors and staff work collectively to support student success.

here are going to be times where you’re either not doing great, or it’s really challenging, but you definitely have to keep on pushing forward

R AvJOT SINGh

2026 Valedictorian, Valley Stream North High School

Ravjot Singh: Driven by purpose, grounded in service Ravjot Singh, 18, earned the top rank in the Class of 2026 with a grade point average of 112.59 while maintaining a wide range of commitments both in and out of school. At North, he is involved in multiple honor societies, including science, math and Rho Kappa, as well as clubs such as Mathletes, computer club, cultural society and student council.

Outside the classroom, Singh dedicates significant time to community service at Gurdwara Sant Sagar temple in Bellerose, where he helps prepare and serve food to large groups each week. He also participates in a religious drumming group that performs at parades and events. Among his many activities, he identified his service work as the most meaningful, centered on giving back to the community.

His academic motivation is closely tied to his family, as a first-generation American.

“I want them to see that I can actually do something with it,” Singh said. “I want to show them that the sacrifice they made, coming here, leaving their home, is actually going to pay off. That’s something I always keep in mind. That’s what always drives me to keep pushing.”

He encountered challenges in demanding courses such as Advanced Placement Physics and AP Calculus BC, both of which required extensive preparation. Working with classmates and maintaining persistence helped him navigate those obstacles and succeed.

Balancing academics with extracurricular commitments required careful planning. Singh prioritized scheduled activities, such as clubs and service, and used the remaining time to study and complete assignments. His weekends were often dedicated to volunteer work, making time management essential.

“Think things through beforehand, and make sure that you always keep pushing for your goals no matter what happens,” Singh said. “There are going to be times where you’re either not doing great, or it’s really challenging, but you definitely have to keep on pushing forward.”

Looking ahead, he plans to pursue a field related to artificial intelligence, computer science or cybersecurity. Though he has not yet finalized his college decision, he hopes to remain in New York.

Singh said he will miss seeing his friends every

day and the relationships he built throughout high school. He also North teachers and staff for their support, noting the strong connections he formed with educators.

Julianna Dekel: Leadership, balance and academic excellence

Julianna Dekel, 17, earned the role of salutatorian with a GPA of 110.70, combining strong academics with leadership in athletics and student organizations.

Dekel is a varsity athlete in soccer and lacrosse and serves as captain of the soccer team. She is also vice president of her class council and a member of numerous honor societies, including National Honor Society, English, math, science, Rho Kappa and world language. In addition, she participates in Athletes Helping Athletes and a student peer organization.

“I’ve always just been a motivated student, even in elementary school, I’d want the best grades I could get,” Dekel said. “And as the years went on, I realized, maybe I have the possibility of becoming the valedictorian or salutatorian. I kind of had that in the back of my head for everything. So, I put in more work when I was taking my tests and studying for stuff because I knew I could possibly get what I wanted.”

She faced challenges in advanced coursework, particularly AP Calculus BC, where early struggles led her to believe she might not reach her goal. By reducing pressure on herself while continuing to work steadily, she found her performance improved. Being named salutatorian ultimately came as a surprise.

Leadership has been a central part of Dekel’s experience. Through soccer, she developed leadership skills by learning from older teammates and later applying those lessons as a captain. Her role in student government further strengthened her sense of

responsibility through organizing events and managing commitments.

“I’ve gotten plenty of terrible grades before, and I’ve still ended up where I am now,” Dekel said. “I feel like it’s good to know one grade is not defining you and changing, your entire outcome.”

To balance academics and extracurriculars, Dekel relied on organization, often creating lists to prioritize tasks and manage her time effectively.

She will attend the University of Florida to study health sciences, with plans to become an occupational therapist. Reflecting on high school, she said she will miss the daily interactions with friends and teammates that have shaped her experience.

Looking ahead

As graduation approaches, both students are preparing to deliver speeches reflecting on their experiences and offering guidance to their classmates. While their messages are still developing, their perspectives highlight common themes.

Singh emphasized the importance of planning ahead and continuing to work toward long-term goals despite challenges. Dekel focused on maintaining perspective, noting that setbacks do not define a person’s future.

Loiseau said he hopes all graduates leave with a sense of resilience, understanding that mistakes are part of growth and serve as building blocks for future success.

Together, Singh and Dekel represent years of dedication and the support of a school community committed to helping students succeed. Their achievements reflect not only individual effort but also the collaborative environment at North that encourages students to strive for excellence while remaining engaged and connected.

Photos courtesy Valley Stream North High School

Julianna Dekel was named salutatorian with a grade point average of 110.70 and Ravjot Singh was named valedictorian with a GPA of 112.59.

The risen Lord renews our path forward easter message

Dear Brothers and Sisters: Happy Easter to you and your families!

This Easter Sunday, Easter Octave, Divine Mercy Sunday and Easter Season we continue to pray and contemplate our Lord’s Resurrection appearances, and we give thanks for Pope Leo XIV and his worldwide spirit of Catholic mission.

The Holy Father then reflects on the despair of the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus. Their hearts burn and their joy is restored as the Risen Lord explains the Scriptures to them and they recognize Him in the breaking of the bread. In this way, the Paschal Mystery gives us hope and strength in every trial and circumstance.

In his Cycle of Catechesis on the Resurrection of Christ, Pope Leo writes: “The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is an event that one never finishes contemplating and meditating on, and the more one explores it, the more one is filled with wonder, drawn in as if by an overwhelming yet fascinating light. It was an explosion of life and joy that changed the meaning of reality itself, from negative to positive; yet it did not happen in a striking way, much less a violent one, but gently, hidden, one might say humbly.”

Pope Leo concludes: “May the unexpected joy of the disciples of Emmaus be a gentle reminder to us when the going gets tough. It is the Risen One who radically changes our perspective, instilling the hope that fills the void of sadness. On the paths of the heart, the Risen One walks with us and for us. He bears witness to the defeat of death and affirms the victory of life, despite the darkness of Calvary... He alone makes the impossible possible!”

Pope Leo recognizes that there is much sadness in the world - “a feeling of precariousness, at times profound desperation.” We think especially of the daily crosses and trials of those from war-torn and violence-ridden areas of the world.

May the Light of the Risen Christ illumine with God in Heaven our path to holiness on earth and our path to eternal life and happiness

Sincerely yours in the Risen Lord, Most Reverend John O. Barres Bishop of Rockville Centre

The Most Reverend John O. Barres is the Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.

Passover GreetinG

At Passover, a prayer for peace and protection

By Rabbi Steven Graber Temple Hillel

When we prepare our Passover Seder tables, we always put out a cup of wine for Elijah the Prophet, who lived in the 9th century BCE. It is a beautiful symbol with deep meaning. We invoke the presence of Elijah at numerous times in Jewish life. It seems he appears at times of tension that are inherent in Jewish life. He appears at those times of tension to help us through the crisis and establishing harmony. We look for Eliahu at the Brit Milah, that tense time when the boy makes the transition from being outside the covenant to becoming a member of both the covenant and the community. We also include Eliahu haNavi at the Havdalah service at the end of Shabbat, when we move from the holiness of the sabbath to the secular days of the week. A third instance when we look for Elijah is of course, the Passover Seder when we reenact our passage from slavery to freedom, from subjugation under and earthly ruler to devotion to the one

and only King, the creator of heaven and earth.

At all of these junctures in life, we conjure the image of Eliahu, because it is Eliahu who will harmonize those things which we cannot harmonize, who will bring parents and children together and will bring warring nations to peace. This is what our tradition means when it says that Eliahu will herald the coming of the Messiah. Encapsulated in terms like “Mashiach” and “Tzion”, our people have been praying for harmony and peace for as many years as there have been Jews on this earth. Whenever there has been oppression, our people in their religious lives have resorted to expressing their needs and their hopes by asking God to send his Messiah and to restore Jerusalem -- two central Jewish ideas that symbolize our hope for peace, harmony, unity, security and freedom. These ideas have remained

alive, both because of the pious heart of the Jew as well as because of our neighbors, who throughout the centuries made us long for a leader who will avenge our pain and lead us back in unity to our holy land.

Our Haggadah is a compilation of the sentiments of Jews throughout history. The Haggadah’s reaction to times like these is for us to call upon Eliahu. We open our doors to invite him into our Seder. We don’t say “Welcome Eliahu, come and bless our home.” Rather, we say: Shfoch chamatcha al hagoyim asher lo y’daucha -- that God should pour his wrath on the nations which do not know the Lord. This is the Hagaddah’s answer: that the cause of antiJewish sentiment is lack of knowledge and godlessness. Evil must be eradicated either through the destruction of the evildoers or through their enlightenment, so that those who err will change their ways and so that those who have not yet

learned to hate will learn instead to love.

We are at another one of those times in history when our children wonder whether they should wear a kippah proudly or hide it under a baseball cap for safety’s sake. Our tradition’s answer to them is as it always has been. We must teach them to recognize evil and to confront it. We must teach them that evil begins with ignorance and that, though we cannot be assured that we will eradicate evil, we can keep it in check if we are vigilant. We must never be silent, but rather speak out against evil, teaching our neighbors at as early an age as we can, that the Jew’s mission on earth includes their redemption too.

The tensions of our era are of no less messianic proportions than those of any other era in Jewish history. It is precisely at such times of tension and transition that we look for Eliahu to visit our homes and to assure us that God is still with us, and that all will be well. May this Passover herald peace and security for our children, in Israel, in America and the world over.

RaBBi Steven GR aBeR

Hofstra baseball impacted by weather

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

The Hofstra baseball team is looking to take flight in the heart of spring after it was largely grounded to open the season in the dead of winter.

After opening the 2026 season with a three-game series at then fourth-ranked Mississippi State from Feb. 13-15, the Pride were only able to play three games over the next three weeks as mother nature unleashed historic snow totals across the Long Island region.

“You count on those early games to be able to evaluate the team and see where we’re going into conference play,” said fifth-year Hofstra head coach Frank Catalanotto. “It’s tough to replicate that when you’re inside in the gym or in the bubble.”

Playing just six games in the first three weeks of the season didn’t give Hofstra much preparation before starting the critical Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) portion of its schedule on March 6 at College of Charleston. The Pride took one of three games in series at Charleston and Monmouth to open conference play before taking two of three against Northeastern last weekend to move to 4-5 entering April.

Hofstra is looking to reach the sixteam CAA tournament with 21 returners from last year’s disappointing 18-36 team that went 8-19 in the league to miss out on the postseason. The Pride can assure a CAA playoff spot by placing among the top two in the league’s north division featuring Monmouth, Northeastern, Stony Brook and Towson or by having one of the two highest NCAA RPI ratings at the end of the regular season for the remaining teams.

Leading Hofstra’s charge for some late May baseball is red-shirt senior center fielder Tyler Cox, who hit .276 last season after transferring from West Virginia. The local lefty product from Clarke High School is second on the team in hitting as of March 30 with a .304 average and four home runs.

“He’s probably my best hitter in the

lineup and his approach has gotten better as lately he’s been more aggressive in hitting counts,” said Catalanotto of Cox. “He’s a leader on the team.”

Junior shortstop Michael Brown who leads the Pride in hitting with a .361 average and two home runs. Brown drove in the winning run in Hofstra’s 5-4 11 inning win against Northeastern on March 27.

Sophomore catcher CJ Griggs entered the final week of March hitting .304 and recording the winning RBI in a dramatic 11-10 win against Northeastern Sunday in which the Pride rallied for four runs in the bottom of the ninth.

JJ DeVito, a graduate student transfer from St. Johns, who was a former standout at Wantagh High School, has added some offensive punch to the lineup with a .268 average including four hits in a 5-4 loss at Charleston on March 8.

The pitching staff got a boost to start the season with the return of 2024 First-

Team All-CAA honoree Carlos Martinez, who missed last season due to Tommy John surgery. Martinez missed some early non-league action as he worked his way back from injury and Catalano is hoping he can peak during the crucial CAA portion of the schedule in April and May.

“He was struggling a little bit early with some pain in his arm, but now he’s feeling close to 100 percent,” said Catalanotto of Matinez.

The starting rotation for weekend CAA games also features sophomore Chris Bedford and senior Sean Hamilton. Key hurlers out of the bullpen include Nick Reese, Deuce Musial, Maddon McArthur, Tanner Sanderoff and Brayden Gregg.

Sophomore Michael Heyman, a Hewlett High School graduate, is another relief pitching option who could be called upon in non-league midweek games this season.

The Pride will look to get the April part of their CAA schedule off on the right foot with a series at Towson this weekend before hosting Long Island rival Stony Brook for three games from April 10-12. Hofstra will host series against Towson from May 1-3 and Monmouth from May 8 -10 before closing the regular season at Stony Brook.

Hofstra dug itself an early hole to gain a playoff spot by dropping four of six CAA games to start the season, but taking two of three from Northeastern gives the Pride a winning foundation to build off with plenty more conference games left to finish strong.

“There are a lot of games left and we’ve got to go take care of business,” said Catalanotto, a former 14-year Major League Baseball player who led Hofstra to a CAA title in his season as head coach in 2022. “We’ve got the talent to do it.”

Carlos Martinez is back on the mound after missing 2025.

Photos courtesy Hofstra Athletics Communications Clarke High School product Tyler Cox is a key piece for the Pride in the lineup and center field.

District 24 hosts ‘Masked

Students and staff at Valley Stream 24 school district marked the end of Read Across America Week with a celebration at Robert W. Carbonaro School, hosting their second annual “Masked Reader” event inspired by the popular television show “The Masked Singer.”

In the days leading up to the main event, staff members visited classrooms to read aloud to students, dressed in elaborate costumes. As they listened to the stories, students were also given clues about each mystery reader’s identity. The daily visits built excitement throughout the week, encouraging close listening and turning the school into a hub of literary enthusiasm and curiosity.

“Events like ‘The Masked Reader’ bring learning to life in ways that truly resonate with our students,” Superintendent Unal Karakas said. “I want to thank our reading teachers and our library media specialist for creating such a joyful and engaging experience. Their creativity and dedication help

spark curiosity and foster a genuine love of reading. I am also grateful to all our teachers, who support the development of literacy every day in their classrooms and help cultivate a lifelong love of learning for our students.”

The celebration culminated in a highenergy assembly featuring the longawaited reveal. Staff members appeared on stage in costumes including a bumblebee, frog, shark and unicorn, while final clues were shared with the audience. Students responded with cheers and laughter as they eagerly guessed and then learned the identities behind the masks.

Blending performance with literacy, the event captured students’ imaginations while reinforcing the importance of reading. School officials noted that the dedication of the district’s staff helped make Read Across America Week a memorable and engaging experience for students.

— Angelina Zingariello

Photos courtesy Valley Stream 24 school district

Teachers at Robert W. Carbonaro School wore elaborate costumes to mask their identities and read stories to students during an event inspired by the popular game show “The Masked Singer.”

Staff members appeared on stage in costumes while final clues were shared with the audience.

Water economics: balancing need with cost

The politics of profits, taxes and surcharges have roiled the debate over public and private service

By Allyson Ferr Ari & Chris ColuCCi of the Herald

Fifth installment in a series about water.

Water is a business.

Advocates argue that water is a basic human right. It’s also a product, provided for a cost and purchased by consumers. Whether filling a 40-ounce water bottle, taking a long, relaxing shower or running the tap for two minutes of teeth-brushing, water consumption is an often overlooked part of our everyday lives.

Like other expenses considered essential for life such as food, electricity and a Wi-Fi signal, the water bill is a recurring payment. And just like other utilities, residents sometimes have limited options for their service provider.

Long Island residents are served by either public water districts or private water suppliers and, depending on location, some pay significantly more for the same basic necessity — often with little or no ability to choose their provider. While a majority receive water from public providers, a smaller portion of the population is served by private companies, often at higher cost.

The dollars and cents

When their water bill comes in, many ratepayers feel a sharp pain in the wallet. Costs can fluctuate based not only on how much they use, but what they use it for.

Several water districts estimate that the average use for a family of four is nearly 400 gallons per day. In some cases, especially in private service areas, water bills can range from $500 to $800 per month during peak summer periods, according to longtime advocate Agatha Nadel, a resident of Glen Head.

Pricing differs sharply between public and private water systems. According to Pamela Bellings, a communications specialist at Liberty Water, “Residential water rates are set through a regulatory process overseen by the New York Public Service Commission.”

“Rates are designed to recover the cost of operating, maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure while ensuring service remains safe and reliable,” Bellings said of how Liberty determines its residential rates.

“Rates do not fluctuate month to month, but they may change over time following regulatory review and approval,” she added. These proposed changes require detailed justification and include opportunities for public input before a decision is made, which helps balance customer affordability with the need to maintain and modernize critical water infrastructure, according to Liberty.

Critics argue that despite regulatory oversight, the structure of private water systems can lead to significantly higher costs due to general service charges, meter charges, regulatory charges and other fees.

Public water suppliers typically pro-

vide a standard water usage rate, a conservation rate — a type of sliding scale applying higher fees to higher use, intended to encourage judicious water use — and an irrigation fee for dedicated sprinkler systems, which are presumed to be relatively lower priority than consumption.

“We feel water is a basic need. You need it for drinking, cooking and bathing,” said Robert McEvoy, chairman of the Oyster Bay Water District.

“Once you get past that, whether you’re putting 15,000 gallons on your lawn in the course of a quarter or you’re drinking every last drop, it has to meet the same standards, health-wise. We have to treat all our water the same way.”

“Water districts are determined or created as part of town law,” McEvoy explained. “A lot of the boundaries preexist the Nassau Subdivisions Act and the Nassau County charter — when they were established. Some of them run sort of coterminous with school district lines.”

of about 9.75 percent per project by the New York Public Service Commission, and that can rise to as much as 12 to 15 percent.

While treatment standards remain consistent for public safety, pricing can vary significantly depending on the provider. In some towns, prices may even vary between houses on the same block due to water zoning boundaries or the homeowners’ use of private or public water supplies.

Nadel’s residence, for example, is in the Liberty Water service area, while homes just 100 feet away are served by the public Jericho Water District.

“My neighbor pays a fifth of what I pay in an entire year,” Nadel said. “No taxes, no surcharges, nothing.”

Pricing differences, advocates say, are driven largely by the structure of private systems, which include profit margins and surcharges and have limited access to the government funding that public providers rely on to offset costs.

Residents in a private system can pay three to five times more than those served by public water providers, according to Nadel. Private water companies are guaranteed a baseline profit

According to Nadel, a four-year rate cycle in the mid-2010s brought an increase of about 120 percent, significantly driving up household water costs. A major issue voiced by private water customers is the amount they pay in fees added to their water bills, which typically include base usage rates and additional charges such as taxes and surcharges. In some cases, nearly half of the bill is not for water usage. Surcharges can include the cost of infrastructure projects such as filtration systems, water towers and other capital improvements.

“It’s an absolute sin,” Nadel said of the surcharges. “Forty-one percent of a typical water bill goes to charges and taxes that have nothing to do with the actual water usage. It really is an absolute sin.”

Public vs. private water suppliers

While most Long Island homeowners rely on public water services from their local municipality, private water suppliers may be an option for certain service areas. Liberty Water is one of the area’s

Herald file photo

Water towers are one highly visible part of every water district’s infrastructure — and there’s no hiding their physical condition.

Public, private water rates differ drastically

Continued from PreViouS PAGe

largest private alternatives, currently supplying water to nearly 120,000 Nassau residents, primarily in the Town of Hempstead. A homeowner who wants an alternative to either public or private water suppliers would need to install and maintain a private well, subject to local and state requirements.

“For most customers, remaining connected to a regulated public water system provides reliability, water quality oversight and long-term infrastructure support,” Bellings said.

As a result, most Long Islanders continue to receive water service from the provider assigned to their area, even if they are dissatisfied with it. Because water is tied to geographic districts, homeowners typically cannot choose their provider.

As a matter of public safety, water suppliers — public and private — must adhere to state and federal guidelines to monitor and remove waterborne contaminants. “Private suppliers have the same health department and [Department of Environmental Conservation] requirements — federal, state and local requirements for pure water,” McEvoy said. “They have the same maximum contaminant levels for the same contaminants. Their testing requirements are the same as us, whether it’s a public or a private water supplier.”

McEvoy has decades of experience in the water industry, having previously served as chairman of the Long Island Water Conference and president of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association — both organizations dedicated to ensuring water quality, safety and affordability across the Island.

Nadel explained that the Water Authority of North Shore has two main options to deliver public water: build and operate its own system or contract with an existing public provider. In her own research with North Shore Concerned Citizens, she has concluded that contracting with nearby systems — such as Jericho, Glen Cove, or Roslyn — would be the fastest and most practical approach because those providers already have infrastructure in place.

Long Island’s water systems are interconnected, allowing supplies to be rerouted during emergencies such as contamination events or periods of high demand, demonstrating that a transition from private to public supply may be feasible. Nadel said the shift would not be overly complex, but rather a matter of political will.

Homeowners having scant options is an issue on both shores, but potential alternatives have been considered for several years. The South Nassau Water Authority was created in 2021 to potentially offer Town of Hempstead residents an alternative to Liberty Water. A plan to establish a new water authority and create a sustainable, efficient and effective alternative to Liberty has been in the works for years. Residents and legislators are eager to move forward, but negotiations to transition away from the current water supply are complex and have moved slowly.

“Right now, the options are very limited,” explained Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, who represents District 21, which encompasses Baldwin, East Rockaway, Lynbrook, Malverne, Rockville Centre, South Hempstead and parts of Freeport and Valley Stream. “Residents that live in the Village of Rockville Centre and the Village of Freeport have municipal water; however, those who live anywhere else in AD-21 are served by Liberty Water with no ability to opt out, unless the municipalization of South Nassau Water Authority becomes a reality. The primary goal being to transition these private customers to public control to lower costs.” Public funding for some, but not for others

“Strong communities start with a strong infrastructure,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a 2024 news release. “Clean water is a basic human right.”

Last month, Hochul announced a plan to direct $28 million in state and federal grants to Long Island to help facilitate water infrastructure upgrades. The

Customers who received water from Liberty utilities opposed a 2023 rate hike that potentially saw bills in nassau County increase by a cumulative 34.2 percent. the increase ultimately went into effect in August 2024.

Drip, drip, drip: Where are your dollars going?

If your water bill seems excessive, there are some relatively simple steps to pare it down.

20-minute shower with standard showerhead

Up to 50 gallons of water

15-minute shower with low-flow showerhead

Up to 30 gallons of water

5 loads of laundry, standard machine

Up to 200 gallons of water per week

4 loads of laundry, Energy Star-certified machine

Up to 115 gallons of water per week

Standard toilet with minor running leak

Up to 1.6 gallons per flush plus up to 180 gallons per week

EPA-verified WaterSense-label toilet

Up to 1.28 gallons per flush

funds are part of a $250 million statewide project to improve water infrastructure.

The plan follows similar financial support in January of this year, when Hochul sent $18 million to Long Island — one part of a $288 million project — with the similar aim of making water and sewer infrastructure improvements.

In a statement supporting the most recent funding, Village of Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr. wrote, “We know that access to clean water is not a luxury, but it is a necessity.” Hobbs continued, “Upgrading our aging water system, replacing outdated pipes and improving the overall system is critical to protecting public health.”

The influx of funds can play a significant role in maintaining and upgrading anything from deteriorating equipment at water treatment plants to damaged

underground supply lines. As government agencies, water districts can benefit from funding directly from the state, while private businesses cannot. The trickledown effect, so to speak, of extra governmental funding is that cost savings can be passed to residents. More important, water quality and safety can be more easily maintained. Private suppliers address potential safety issues at their own expense, without state or federal aid.

“Currently they’re not available for private water companies,” McEvoy said. “But the Long Island Water Conference has put it on their agenda to seek legislation that would give them access [to public funds] only for treatment of the contaminants. Not for any other purpose.”

Due to the unequal funding for environmental upgrades, public water providers are in a stronger financial position to improve infrastructure and remove contaminants using state and federal funds, while private systems are excluded from receiving them — meaning costs are passed on to residents.

The Environmental Protection Agency requires community water systems — public and private — to publish “community confidence reports,” most commonly in the form of yearly water-quality reports that reveal test results for contaminants, as well as facts and figures detailing overall water consumption.

The Jericho Water District Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for 2024, for example, highlighted nearly 4.9 billion gallons of water provided to 58,000 customers, averaging 13.4 million gallons per day. Jericho Water charges a minimum of $13 per calendar quarter, at a rate of $1.30 per 1,000 gallons up to 10,000 gallons. Fees increase on a sliding scale with usage — similar to the conservation rate used in other municipalities — reaching $3.90 per 1,000 gallons for usage above 200,000 gallons per quarter.

According to the 2025 Liberty Annual Water Quality Report for the Sea Cliff Operations District, the average customer used just under 95,800 gallons of water, at a cost of about $1,340, or $3.67 a day. Liberty also revealed that it served roughly 4,388 customers, at a total cost of $5.9 million.

The reports highlight how costs and scale can vary widely between systems, even as both draw from the same regional water supply.

For many residents, the issue is not just how much water they use, but who controls the system that delivers it.

Jordan Vallone/Herald file

Elks Lodge donates dictionaries to district 24

Third-grade students across the Valley Stream 24 school district received a boost to their academic resources, thanks to a donation from the Valley Stream Elks Lodge.

As part of the initiative, each student was given a personal dictionary to support reading comprehension, vocabulary development and writing skills. The effort highlights the district’s ongoing commitment to building partnerships with community organizations that support education and youth development.

The Valley Stream Elks Lodge, established in 1960, is a local chapter of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. The organization has long been active in the Valley Stream community, contributing through charitable initiatives and outreach programs.

Through the dictionary donation, the lodge continues its tradition of supporting education and providing students with tools to promote academic success.

—

Angelina Zingariello

Photos courtesy Valley Stream 24 school district

The Valley Stream Elks Lodge donated dictionaries to third-grade students throughout the Valley Stream 24 school district.

The organization has long been active in the Valley Stream community, contributing through charitable initiatives and outreach programs.

As part of the initiative, each student was given a personal dictionary to support reading comprehension, vocabulary development and writing skills.

Through the dictionary donation, the lodge continues its tradition of supporting education and providing students with tools to promote academic success.

Budget would maintain programs, add services

largely by routine costs, which account for about $1.78 million of the increase. These include contractual salary obligations of roughly $745,000, benefits and insurance increases approaching $600,000, and rising costs for special education, transportation and materials.

The budget maintains all existing academic programs in all grades. Enhancements include the addition of one pre-kindergarten teacher and one teacher’s aide, expanding the program from eight to nine classes. The district also plans to implement a new science curriculum, pending board approval, and to expand its mental health team by adding a second district psychologist, while maintaining existing counseling, social work and intervention services.

“It is paying dividends in terms of students feeling a sense of belonging, being able to regulate their emotions during the day, and all of this adds to more successful student outcomes,” district Superintendent Judith LaRocca said of the district’s mental health program. “We’re going to continue to invest in things that are not reactive, but are proactive.”

A new special-education teacher and a full-time teaching assistant are also budgeted, to meet increasing student needs and support small-group instruction.

Administrative additions include funding for an assistant principal at Howell Road, continuing efforts to increase leadership presence in larger buildings. The spending plan also allocates additional funding for student clubs, assemblies and field trips.

Facilities and infrastructure improvements are included in both the general budget and a separate capital reserve proposition. The district is seeking voter authorization to spend $700,000 from its capital

reserve, at no additional cost to taxpayers, for projects including playground replacements at Dever and Howell, baseball field restoration at Dever and exterior door upgrades across the district.

The budget also continues District 13’s focus on maintaining lower class sizes. The projected average class size for the upcoming school year is just over 19 students, compared with 21.75 in 2018-19.

Expenditures are divided into three categories, as required by the state: program costs make up 75.7 percent of the budget, totaling $54.5 million; capital expenses account for 13.75 percent, at $9.9 million; and administrative costs total $7.5 million, or 10.5 percent.

Officials also noted ongoing financial pressures, including unfunded state mandates, rising costs for goods and services, and increased demand for specialeducation services. These factors, along with fluctuations in state aid, continue to influence long-term budget planning.

The district maintains reserve funds totaling about $11.8 million, as of last June, to help manage unexpected costs, employee-related expenses and future capital needs.

“We try to always maintain a deeper and decent reserve for longevity planning, as anyone here [would],” Gary Gentles, the district’s assistant superintendent for business and operations, said. “If you have this savings account, and you spend all your money and the bathroom sink blows up or something, and then you have no money, then you’re stuck.”

If the proposed budget is not approved by voters, the district could adopt a contingency budget with no tax levy increase. In that case, officials said, the district would lose $800,300 from the proposed budget, which could result in reductions to equipment purchases, extracurricular programs, capital transfers and, potentially, staffing.

The spending plan will be voted on for adoption at a budget hearing on May 5, and the final version will be put before voters on May 19, along with additional propositions related to capital spending and the high school district budget.

Angelina Zingariello/Herald

District Superintendent Judith LaRocca discussed the budget for the upcoming school year at the March 23 school board meeting.

Climate activists rally against Hochul plan

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

Dozens of advocates and concerned residents gathered at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola last month to protest Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposal to revise New York state’s 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

The CLCPA is an environmental policy that requires greenhouse gas emissions in the state to be reduced by 40 percent from 1990 levels by 2030 by replacing much of the state’s fossil fuel electricity with renewable energy. Hochul wrote about the policy in an opinion essay published by the Empire Report on March 20, titled “Climate Action and Affordability Must Go HandIn-Hand.”

Following the loss of federal support for solar, wind and other energy initiatives and the rapid increase of oil prices, Hochul suggested that the climate act could lead to severe utility cost increases if it is not revised.

“So much has radically changed since the climate act was enacted, necessitating common-sense adjustments that keep us on our path to a greener future in a way that is affordable for New Yorkers,” Hochul wrote. “We need more time, and so I am proposing we amend the law to require regulations to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions to

be issued at the end of 2030.”

Eric Weltman, senior organizer of the national nonprofit Food and Water Watch, led a group of protesters urging state legislators to defend the climate law later that day.

“We are here because Governor Hochul, unfortunately, is threatening to weaken New York’s landmark climate law,” Weltman said, “and we’re here to urge our legislators to stand up and

defend and protect the climate law. Hochul is embracing policies that would promote fracking and more costly fossil fuel pipelines and power plants.”

The CLCPA, Weltman said, reduces costs related to fossil fuels, decreases air pollution and supports a shift toward renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.

Joe Sackman, executive director of the Long Island Progressive Coalition,

said the 2019 legislation “fully expressed New York’s willingness to take on climate change and move us toward a just and working-class-centered economy.”

“Governor Hochul, by demanding rollbacks to the CLCPA, you are playing politics with our future,” Sackman added. “It’s time to do what is right. No rollbacks on New York’s climate law.”

T.J. Shivers, representing New York Communities for Change, focused on the climate crisis’s direct effects on Long Islanders’ budgets.

“Energy burdens are crushing families from many low- and moderateincome communities,” Shivers said. “People are paying 6 to 10 percent or more of their income just on energy bills, far above what is considered affordable … When my bill goes up, it’s not just the number on paper, that’s food off the table.”

A number of community organizations joined the protest and spoke against revisions to the CLCPA, including the New York Public Interest Research Group, Transition Town Port Washington, the South Shore Audubon Society, the Green Party of Nassau County, All Our Energy, Grassroots Environmental Education, Renewable Heat Now and Bend the Arc Jewish Action: Long Island, calling for Nassau County residents to contact their local elected officials to advocate for preserving the climate act.

Joseph D’Alessandro/Herald

Eric Weltman, a senior organizer for Food and Water Action, led the crowd in urging legislators to defend the state’s climate law on March 20.

APRIL 16 • 10AM-12:30PM

FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle

Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers

Take advantage of on-site health screenings

Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences

Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A

Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways

Snack station for all

*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees

All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.

MAE CAIME FOUNDER, AMAEZING MIDLIFE & BEYOND

AGENDA:

EXPERT PANEL + Q&A

RAFFLE DRAWINGS MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN

Register for this FREE event: Deerpark.eventbrite.com or email lcreem@LIHerald.com or call 516.569.4000 x243

STEPPING OUT

From sketchbooks to the spotlight

Young artists stand out in ‘Long Island’s Best’

By Abbey Salvemini

Fresh talent is in full bloom this spring at Heckscher Museum of Art. For three decades, the Heckscher Museum of Art has served as a prestigious launchpad for the next generation of visual storytellers. “Long Island’s Best” is back, marking its 30th anniversary as it spotlights emerging high school artists throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, now through May 3.

As the only juried exhibition of its kind on Long Island, this program offers high schoolers the rare distinction of seeing their work hanging in a professional museum and memorialized in a full-color commemorative catalog. The selection process is famously rigorous: For the 2026 season, 84 finalists were curated from over 400 submissions representing 63 schools across Nassau and Suffolk. Tasked with this challenge were jurors Meredith Brown, Ph.D., the museum’s consulting curator of contemporary art, and guest juror Aaron Feltman — an accomplished artist and a proud Long Island’s Best alumnus.

“It is never an easy process,” says Brown, who explained that the strongest pieces combine technical skill with originality and meaningful themes.

This year’s exhibition included an unusually high number of sculptures — more than in any previous “Long Island’s Best” exhibitions — that reflect both the students’ ambition and influenced by the recent exhibition “Emma Stebbins: Carving Out History.”

“I was surprised by the number of sculptural submissions,” Brown adds. “Sculpture is tricky, and many schools don’t have the resources, but these students took the challenge on and produced really compelling work.”

Among standout pieces is Luminous Harvest, a ceramic sculpture by Lyla Pinto, a senior at Long Beach High School, which earned fourth place and the Stan Brodsky Award. Inspired by painter Darragh Park’s “To Here/From Here,” Pinto created a tree-like form composed of branches holding symbolic fruit and candles.

“I was drawn to Park’s artwork because it seemed alive, as though the forms are changing and expanding rather than remaining still,” she explains. “The handcrafted fruits represent abundance, sustenance and the various attributes each branch offers. I made seven branches because the number seven represents completeness and balance, suggesting a full cycle of growth rather than a single moment. Like Park, I wanted to convey a sense of natural rhythm through organic shapes as demonstrated in the abundance and repetitious organic greenery.”

For Director of Education Joy Weiner — whose program leadership is being honored at a “30th Birthday Bash” on April 18 — the most rewarding aspect of her involvement is observing students experience the thrill of having their work displayed in a museum.

“Just watching their faces as they show their parents how special this opportunity is, that’s one of the happiest memories every year,” she relates.

“Long Island’s Best” has evolved considerably since its early years.

“Years ago, there were landscapes, still lifes and portraits. That was pretty much what you got,” Weiner

Lyla Pinto: Lyla Pinto’s ceramic sculpture “Luminous Harvest, was awarded Fourth Place and honored with the Stan Brodsky Scholarship Award.

• Now through May 3

• Open Thursday through Sunday, noon-5 p.m.

• Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington

• Visit Heckscher.org or call (631) 380-3230 for information on related programming

adds. “Over the years, the different kinds of materials became something that students were interested in exploring. And they’re also much more aware of the world around them, tackling social issues, personal experiences and big-picture ideas through their art.”

While the program certainly sharpens their technical craft, its true value lies in instilling the professional rigor required of a working artist. It also underscores the lasting influence of arts education, with many alumni pursuing careers in art, design, filmmaking, and teaching.

“The whole process from beginning to end involves meeting deadlines, working with teachers, creating the work and writing about it,” Weiner says. “That’s very important as they continue in their careers, to not only create a work of art but to be able to speak about it and share it with others.”

Looking ahead, both Brown and Weiner encourage students to embrace the process, even if their work isn’t selected.

“Sharing your work is a powerful experience. It helps students grow as artists and lets others engage with their vision.” Weiner adds.“Even if your piece isn’t chosen, you learn something about yourself and your art. And when people connect with your work, it’s a truly rewarding experience.”

Teachers, Long Island’s Best alumni and the community are all invited to the stylish “Birthday Bash” celebrating this momentous milestone. Alumni and local artists will contribute works for a fundraiser, underscoring the lasting influence of “Long Island’s Best” throughout the region. The gathering includes an opportunity to meet students and hear firsthand how the program shaped their creative journeys.

“I’ve been privileged to watch the growth of Long Island’s Best,” Weiner says. “I have seen elementary school students eventually become LI Best finalists, have watched students’ progress to becoming Long Island Biennial artists as professionals; and have been lucky to work with students who now teach art in our community, inspiring the next generation.”

This milestone exhibit not only celebrates the talent of today’s students but also emphasizes the enduring value of arts education in shaping Long Island’s creative future. It’s an opportunity to explore a wide variety of media and themes while experiencing the fresh perspectives and voices of the next generation of artists, gaining insight into how young people interpret the world around them through art.

Dan Soder

Come chill with stand-up comedian Dan Soder! Get ready for a night of sharp, laugh-out-loud comedy when he takes the stage on The Golden Retriever of Comedy tour. Known for his quick wit and effortlessly relatable storytelling, Soder has built a devoted following. His credits include ”Not Special” on Comedy Central, a standout turn on Netflix’s The Standups” and his acclaimed HBO special “Son of a Gary.”Fans have also embraced his hit YouTube special, “Dan Soder: On The Road,” a laugh-packed set filled with smart, surprising takes on relationships, growing up and everything in between. Offstage, Soder hosts the popular podcast Soder and was a longtime co-host of SiriusXM’s The Bonfire from 2015 to 2023. Many will also recognize him from his role as Dudley “Mafee” on Billions. With his easygoing charm and razor-sharp observations, Soder delivers comedy that feels both down-to-earth and unexpectedly insightful.

Saturday, April 4, 7 and 9 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

‘…how I wish you were here’

Wish You Were Here celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here,” acclaimed as one of the greatest albums of all time and cited by Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright and guitarist David Gilmour as their favorite album. The band continues its 30-year tradition of combining sight and sound to capture the mood, emotions, and intensity of the Floydian theatrical concert experience — in a spectacular tribute of music, performers, lighting, video, lasers and inflatables — all performed without backing or click tracks. The veteran 10-piece musical ensemble features seven vocalists and a Floydian stage production — sound effects and vintage videos, flying inflatables, theatrical vignettes with props, and a sensational light show with moving lasers, rolling fog and state-of-the-art intelligent lighting — all produced with a fan’s obsession for detail.

Thursday, April 9, 7:30 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Photos courtey Heckscher Museum

Tiffany Yam, of John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore, contributed “Encased,” using colored pencil on illustration board.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

APR

Photos with the Easter Bunny

The Easter Bunny returns to Green Acres. Visit the Bunny located between Journey’s and Aeropostale. Photo package prices vary.

• Where: Green Acres Mall, Sunrise Hwy.

• Time: Through April 4

• Contact: shopgreenacres.com/ BunnyPhotos or (516) 561-1157

Family theater

Long Island Children’s Museum stages “Pete the Cat,” the charming musical based on the book series by Kimberly and James Dean. Life is certainly an adventure for Pete, no matter where he winds up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is, except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. But when Jimmy draws a blank in art class during the last week of school, it turns out Pete is the perfect pal to help him out. Together, they set out on a mission to help Jimmy conquer second grade art, and along the way, they both learn a little something new about inspiration. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.; also April 6-9

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

Seasonal Sprouts: Artful Explorers

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens, now open for the 2026 season, to xplore creativity in nature during this one-hour guided program through the gardens and at the barn at Orchard Hill. Children will observe colors, textures, and patterns in the landscape, play art-inspired games, and create a simple hands-on art project using natural inspiration. Meet at the Beech Tree. Registration required. $22 adult, $20 seniors 62+ (member discounts available).

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury

• Time: 11 a.m.-noon

• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

Great Big Easter Egg Hunt Old Westbury Gardens welcomes families for some Easter fun. Take part in a reading APR 4

Mike DelGuidice

Local favorite Mike DelGuidice returns to the Paramount stage with his popular residency, delivering the high-energy, feel-good performances that have made him a hometown standout. Backed by his powerhouse band, DelGuidice brings the music of his idol, Billy Joel, to life with passion and precision, celebrating decades of iconic hits in a rousing, crowd-pleasing show. A multi-instrumentalist who grew up immersed in music, DelGuidice’s deep knowledge of Joel’s catalog ultimately led to sharing the stage with the Piano Man himself, touring around the world. Alongside beloved classics, he weaves in his own original songs, showcasing the songwriting that has earned him a devoted following. His releases include My Street, Miller Place and Mask Production, and his track “Ordinary Guy” was featured as the theme for Kevin Can Wait starring Kevin James. Whether performing on stage or connecting with fans through his “Live on the Porch” series, which brought audiences together during the pandemic, DelGuidice continues to share his love of music in ways that resonate far beyond the Long Island community.

of the classic Peter Rabbit tale, “The Great Big Easter Egg Hunt.” Afterward join in an exciting egg hunt in the Cottage Garden! Perfect for children ages 3-6. Up to 12 eggs per child may be redeemed for prizes; eggs are empty. Registration required. $22 adult, $20 seniors 62+ (member discounts available).

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m.

• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

VSCC Breakfast

APR 7

The Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce hosts its monthly networking breakfast. Tickets are $20.

• Where: Mitchell’s Restaurant, 191 Rockaway Ave.

• Time: 9 a.m.

• Contact: valleystreamchamber. org.

Light-Art Collaboration

Families are invited to Long Island Children’s Museum to illuminate their imagination and inspire

creativity In this educatorled, hands-on workshop, participants are introduced to the history and process of lantern making while creating their own unique drawing. In collaboration with LuminoCity, participants’ 2-D artwork will be submitted for a chance to have it brought to life as a 3-D light sculpture featured on display at the 2026 LuminoCity Festival. Free limited ticket with museum admission, available at the Box Office on the day of the workshop.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11-noon and 3-4 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

APR

‘An Evening of Magic’ fundraiser

The Sarah Grace Foundation for Children With Cancer hosts its annual “An Evening of Magic” gala dinner. Award-winning magician Will Fern brings high-energy entertainment, including strolling magic and mind reading, to benefit children with cancer. The dinner fundraiser takes place in the Philodendrum Room at The Milleridge Inn.

and hopeful. $15 general admission, $10 for seniors and Hofstra alumni.

• Where: Hofstra’s Joan and Donald Schaeffer Black Box Theater, Joseph G. Shapiro Family Hall, Hempstead

• Time: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; also April 12, 2 p.m.; April 16-April 19

• Contact: hofstra. universitytickets.com

APR

11

‘A Dream Is A Wish’

The enchanting “A Dream Is A Wish” princess concert returns to the Madison Theatre with new adventures and Disney Classics. Families are invited to sing along to all their favorite Disney songs including “Let It Go,” “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” “Part of That World,” “ A Whole New World,” and many more. Enjoy a magical journey and maybe even meet your favorite princess! Breakfast and tea ticket options also available.

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

• Time: 8 p.m., also Apr 11

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Tickets are $125 and include dinner, drinks and the show; advance purchase is required. Raffles and a 50/50 drawing will also be held.

• Where: 585 N. Broadway, Jericho

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: thesarahgracefoundation.org

‘Dog

Sees

God’ Hofstra University’s Department of Drama and Dance presents Bert V. Royal’s edgy comedy. The unauthorized continuation of the Peanuts comic strip, reimagines its characters as teenagers dealing with various contemporary issues including, identity, substance abuse, and relationships. When CB’s dog dies from rabies, CB begins to question the existence of an afterlife. His best friend is too burnt out to provide any coherent speculation; his sister has gone goth; his ex-girlfriend has recently been institutionalized; and his other friends are too inebriated to give him any sort of solace. Drug use, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion and sexual identity collide and careen toward an ending that’s both haunting

• Where: Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

• Time: Varied times, also April 12

• Contact: madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444

APR

16

Taste of Valley Stream

Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce hosts the communitywide food festival at VFW Post 1790.Check out the local vendors. Three Valley Stream food pantries are honored for their work addressing food insecurity. $75 or $65 with early-bird pricing through March 16.

• Where: 65 E. Merrick Road

• Time: 6-9 p.m.

• Contact: valleystreamchamber.org

Having an event?

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

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET

VOTE AND ELECTION

VALLEY STREAM UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT THIRTEEN, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that a public hearing of the qualified voters of the Valley Stream Union Free School District Thirteen, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, will be held at the James A. Dever School in said District on May 6, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. prevailing time, for the transaction of such business as is authorized by the New York State Education Law, including the following items.

1. Presentation of the budget document.

2. To discuss all of the items herein set forth, to be voted upon by voting machine, at the election to be held on May 19, 2026. as hereinafter set forth.

3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting AND FURTHER NOTICE

IS HEREBY GIVEN that said vote and election will be held on May 19, 2026, at 6:00 a.m., prevailing time, in the school buildings located in such districts as enumerated below:

District No. 1: Wheeler Avenue School 1 Wheeler Ave W Valley Stream, NY 11580

District No. 2: James A. Dever School 585 Corona Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580

District No. 3: Howell Road School 1475 Howell Rd Valley Stream, NY 11580

District No. 4: Willow Road School 880 Catalpa Dr Franklin Square, NY 11010

at which time the polls will be open from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, to vote by voting machines upon the following items:

1. To adopt the annual budget of the School District for the fiscal year 2026-2027 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property

of the District.

2. SHALL the Board of Education of the Valley Stream Union Free School District Thirteen be authorized to expend from the Capital Reserve Fund which was established on May 15, 2018, for the following capital improvement project of improving the playground and baseball field at James A. Dever Elementary School, the Upper Grade playground at Howell Road School, exterior doors District wide, other improvements, additions, renovations and other work required in connection therewith; and to expend from the Capital Reserve Fund therefor, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto an amount not to exceed the estimated total cost of $700,000.

3. SHALL the proposed budget of expenditures of Valley Stream Central High School District, Nassau County, New York for the year 2026-2027 be approved in the amount of $173,600,882 and that the sum be raised through a levy upon the taxable property in the Valley Stream Central High School District, after first deducting the monies from state aid and other sources, as provided by law.

4. SHALL the Board of Education be authorized to establish a Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of financing capital improvements to District facilities and sites, including but not limited to additions, reconstruction, renovation, rehabilitation, expansion and equipping of District buildings and grounds; site work and improvements; parking areas and paving; sidewalks and curbing; drainage and utility infrastructure; ADA features; auditoriums; ceilings; computer and technology systems; data and communication networks; doors; mechanical, electrical, plumbing and sanitary systems; energy management and conservation systems; exterior and interior lighting; fencing; flooring; fire safety and suppression systems; heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; gymnasiums; masonry; roofs; security systems; toilet rooms; walls; windows;

furnishings and equipment permanently affixed to buildings, and similar projects together with architectural, engineering and other incidental costs related thereto; with the ultimate amount of such Capital Reserve Fund to be $15,000,000, plus accumulated interest, and with a term of fifteen (15) years, to be funded by transfers of unappropriated fund balance from the District’s general fund and interest earned thereon.

5. To elect members of the Board of Education as follows:

“ To elect one (1) member of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring on June 30, 2029, to succeed Gerardo Cavaliere, whose term expires on June 30, 2026.

“ To elect one (1) member of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring on June 30, 2029, to succeed Patricia Farrell, whose term expires on June 30, 2026.

“ To elect one (1) member of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring on June 30, 2029, to succeed Anthony Grosso, whose term expires on June 30, 2026.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that petitions nominating candidates for the office of Member of the Board of Education of the Valley Stream Union Free School District shall be filed with the District Clerk of said School District at the District Clerk’s office, 585 N. Corona Avenue, Valley Stream, New York not later than April 20, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., prevailing time. All nominating petitions must be signed by 31 qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 or 2% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); must state the name and residence of each signer, and must state the name and residence of the candidate. Each petition shall be directed to the District Clerk and shall describe the specific vacancy for which the candidate is nominated.

Each vacancy upon the Board of Education to be filled shall be considered a separate specific vacancy.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 or pursuant to Article 5 of the New York State Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 and has voted at any annual or special district meeting within the past four (4) calendar years, such voter is eligible to vote at this election; if a voter is registered and eligible to vote pursuant to Article 5 of the New York State Election Law, such voter is also eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register. Voters may register on any school day prior to May 12, 2026, at the James A. Dever School, Howell Road School, Wheeler Avenue School and Willow Road School, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., prevailing time, to add any additional names to the registers to be used at the aforesaid election, and the Board of Registration will meet for the purposes of registering all qualified voters of the District at the James A. Dever School, Howell Road School, Wheeler Avenue School and Willow Road School, on May 12, 2026, between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, to add any additional names to the Register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have her or his name placed on such registers provided that at the meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known, or proven to the satisfaction of the Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such public hearing or election for which such registers are prepared, and that the registers so prepared pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 and the registration list prepared by the Board of Elections of Nassau County will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk of the School District, 585 N. Corona Avenue, Valley Stream, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District on weekdays

between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m., prevailing time, on and after May 12, 2026, and Saturday between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., except Sunday;

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to New York Education Law §2014, the Board of Registration shall meet on May 19, 2026, at the James A. Dever School, Howell Road School, Wheeler Avenue School and Willow Road School between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, to prepare the Register of the School District to be used at the annual meeting and election that is to be held in 2027, and any special meeting that may be held after the preparation of said Register, at which time any person will be entitled to have her or his name placed on such Register, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the school meeting or election for which such Register is prepared.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that qualified voters with disabilities who seek information about access to polling places may, in advance of the day of the vote, contact the District Clerk at (516) 568-6110 for information about accessibility.

Wheeler Avenue School 1 Wheeler Ave W Valley Stream, NY 11580

James A. Dever School 585 Corona Ave, Valley Stream, NY 11580

Howell Road School 1475 Howell Rd Valley Stream, NY 11580

Willow Road School 880 Catalpa Dr Franklin Square, NY 11010

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Real Property Tax Law Section 495, the School District is required to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how much of the total assessed value on the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted, identified by statutory authority, and show: (a) the cumulative impact of each type of exemption expressed either as a dollar amount of assessed value or as a percentage of the total assessed value on the roll; (b) the cumulative amount expected to be received from recipients of each type of exemption as payments in lieu of taxes or other payments for municipal services; and (c) the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. The exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on any website maintained by the District.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for absentee and early mail ballots will be obtainable during school business hours at the office of the District Clerk beginning March 20, 2026. In accordance with Education Law §§ 2018-a and 2018e, completed absentee and early mail ballot applications may not be received by the District Clerk earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the election, and must be received by the District Clerk at least seven

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that beginning May 5, 2026, any resident in the District may request to review a copy of the proposed budget by appearing at the Office of the District Clerk, 585 N. Corona Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580. Additionally, a statement of the estimated expenses for the ensuing year may be obtained by any resident in the District during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding said election on the school district website https://valleystream13. com/district/budgetinformation, at the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library during its normal hours of operation, located at 60 Verona Place, Valley Stream, NY 11580, at the School District Administrative Center, 585 N. Corona Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580, and at each of the following school buildings in which school is maintained between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., prevailing time, except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays:

(7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or to the agent named in the absentee or early mail ballot application. Absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

A list of persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued, and a list of all persons to whom early mail voter’s ballots shall have been issued, will be available for public inspection beginning May 12, 2026, in the office of the District Clerk during regular office hours, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., each weekday through May 19, 2026, the day set for the election. Any qualified voter may, upon examination of such lists, file a written challenge of the qualifications as a voter of any person whose name appears on such lists, stating the reasons for such challenge. Any such written challenge shall be transmitted by the District Clerk or a designee of the Board of Education to the inspectors of election on election day.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the Valley Stream Union Free School District Thirteen by requesting and returning a registration application to the District Clerk in person, or by email to districtclerk@ valleystream13.com. The request for the registration application may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the registration application by either mail, fax or email. Military voter registration application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the Valley Stream Union Free School District Thirteen may request an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk and return such military ballot application to the District Clerk in

person, or by email to districtclerk@ valleystream13.com. In order for a military voter to be issued a military ballot, a valid military ballot application must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m., on April 12, 2026. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a non-military ballot application under Section 2018-a of the Education Law. The application for military ballot may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the military ballot by mail, fax, or email. A military voter’s original military ballot application and military ballot must be returned by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at 585 N. Corona Avenue, Valley Stream, New York 11580 along with the required signed affidavit by the voter.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District Clerk before the close of polls on May 19, 2026, showing a cancellation mark of the United States Postal Service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or received not later than 5:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026, and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the election.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education in accordance with New York Education Law §2035, any referenda or propositions to change the number of Board of Education members, or a bond issue for capital improvements, or any other petition required by law to be stated in the Notice of Annual Meeting and Election must be filed with the District Clerk at 585 N. Corona Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580, not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on March 20, 2026. Any other petition, except those petitions required by law to be stated in the Notice of Annual Meeting and Election, must be filed with the

Public Notices

Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York, y en cada uno de los siguientes edificios escolares en los que se imparten clases entre las 9h00 y las 16h00 horas, hora local, excepto los sábados, domingos y festivos:

1. Escuela Brooklyn Avenue, situada en el 24 de Brooklyn Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York;

2. la Escuela

William L. Buck, situada en el 75 de Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York; y

3. la Escuela Robert W. Carbonaro, situada en el 50 de Hungry Harbor Road, Valley Stream, Nueva York.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, de conformidad con el artículo 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, el Distrito Escolar está obligado a adjuntar a su presupuesto propuesto un informe de exenciones. Dicho informe de exenciones, que también formará parte del presupuesto definitivo, indicará qué parte del valor catastral total que figura en el registro catastral definitivo utilizado en el proceso presupuestario está exenta de impuestos, enumerará todos los tipos de exención concedidos, identificados por la autoridad legal, y mostrará: (a) el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención expresado bien como importe en dólares del valor catastral, bien como porcentaje del valor catastral total que figura en el registro; (b) el importe acumulado que se espera recibir de los beneficiarios de cada tipo de exención en concepto de pagos en lugar de impuestos u otros pagos por servicios municipales; y (c) el impacto acumulado de todas las exenciones concedidas. El informe de exenciones se publicará en cualquier tablón de anuncios mantenido por el Distrito para avisos públicos y en cualquier sitio web mantenido por el Distrito.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las solicitudes de voto por correo y voto anticipado podrán obtenerse durante el horario de atención al público de la escuela en la oficina del secretario

del Distrito a partir del 20 de abril de 2026. De conformidad con los artículos 2018a y 2018-e de la Ley de Educación, las solicitudes de voto por correo y voto anticipado cumplimentadas no podrán ser recibidas por el secretario del Distrito antes de treinta (30) días antes de la elección, y deberán ser recibidas por el secretario del Distrito al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la papeleta se va a enviar por correo al votante, o el día antes de la elección, si la papeleta se va a entregar personalmente al votante o al agente designado en la solicitud de voto por correo o voto anticipado. Las papeletas de voto por correo y anticipado deben ser recibidas por el secretario del distrito a más tardar a las 17h00 horas, hora local, del martes 19 de mayo de 2026.

La lista de personas a las que se hayan expedido papeletas de voto por correo, así como la lista de todas las personas a las que se hayan expedido papeletas de voto anticipado por correo, estarán a disposición de los votantes habilitados del Distrito para su consulta en la oficina del secretario del Distrito a partir del jueves 14 de mayo de 2026, entre las 9h00 y las 16h00 los días laborables previos al día fijado para las elecciones anuales y el sábado 16 de mayo de 2026, previa cita concertada llamando al secretario del distrito al 516-434-2839, así como el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, día fijado para las elecciones. Cualquier votante habilitado podrá, tras examinar dichas listas, presentar una impugnación por escrito de la condición de votante de cualquier persona cuyo nombre figure en dichas listas, indicando los motivos de dicha impugnación. Dicha impugnación por escrito será transmitida por el secretario del distrito o una persona designada por la Junta de Educación a los inspectores electorales el día de las elecciones.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que los votantes militares que no estén actualmente inscritos pueden solicitar su inscripción como votantes habilitados del DISTRITO ESCOLAR INDEPENDIENTE de Valley Stream

n.º 24 solicitando y devolviendo una solicitud de inscripción al secretario del distrito en persona, o por correo electrónico a districtclerk@vs24. org o por fax al 516256-0163. La solicitud de inscripción puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar de recibir el formulario de inscripción por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Los formularios de solicitud de inscripción de votantes militares deben recibirse en la oficina del secretario del distrito a más tardar a las 17h00 horas del 23 de abril de 2026.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que los votantes militares que sean votantes habilitados del DISTRITO ESCOLAR INDEPENDIENTE de Valley Stream n.º 24 pueden solicitar un formulario de solicitud de papeleta militar al secretario del distrito y devolver dicho formulario al secretario del distrito en persona, por correo electrónico a districtclerk@vs24.org o por fax al 516-2560163. Para que se expida una papeleta electoral militar a un votante militar, debe recibirse una solicitud válida de papeleta electoral militar en la oficina del secretario del distrito a más tardar a las 17h00 horas del 23 de abril de 2026. Las solicitudes de papeleta electoral militar recibidas de conformidad con lo anterior se tramitarán de la misma manera que una solicitud de papeleta electoral no militar en virtud de la sección 2018-a de la Ley de Educación. La solicitud de papeleta militar puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar para recibir la papeleta por correo, fax o correo electrónico. La solicitud original de papeleta militar y la papeleta militar del votante militar deben devolverse por correo o en persona a la oficina del secretario del distrito, situada en 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York, junto con la declaración jurada firmada por el votante que se requiere.

Y POR LA PRESENTE

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las papeletas militares se contarán si son recibidas por el secretario del distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, y muestran un sello del Servicio Postal de

los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o muestran un endoso con fecha de recepción por parte de otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o recibidas a más tardar a las 17h00 del martes 19 de mayo de 2026, y firmadas y fechadas por el votante militar y un testigo del mismo, con una fecha que se compruebe que no sea posterior al día anterior a la elección.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, de conformidad con una norma aprobada por la Junta de Educación en virtud del artículo 2035 de la Ley de Educación de Nueva York, cualquier referéndum o propuesta para modificar el número de miembros de la Junta de Educación, o una emisión de bonos para mejoras de capital, o cualquier otra petición que la ley exija que figure en la convocatoria de la reunión anual y las elecciones, deberá presentarse ante el secretario del distrito en 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York, a más tardar a las 17h00, hora local, del 18 de febrero de 2026. Cualquier otra petición, salvo aquellas que la ley exija que figuren en la Convocatoria de la Asamblea Anual y las Elecciones, deberá presentarse ante el secretario del distrito en 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York, a más tardar a las 17h00, hora local, del 20 de marzo de 2026. Todas estas peticiones deben estar escritas a máquina o impresas en inglés; deben dirigirse al secretario del distrito escolar; deben estar firmadas por al menos cien (100) votantes habilitados del distrito (lo que represente el mayor de 100 o el 5 % del número de votantes que votaron en las elecciones anuales anteriores); y deben indicar de forma legible el nombre de cada firmante. No obstante, la Junta de Educación no admitirá ninguna petición para someter a los votantes ninguna propuesta cuyo objeto no esté dentro de las competencias de los votantes para decidir, ni ninguna propuesta o enmienda que sea contraria a la ley.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que aquellos votantes que deseen obtener información sobre esta votación presupuestaria y estas elecciones en

español deben ponerse en contacto con la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito al 516-4342839.

Jennie L. Padilla Secretaria del Distrito de la Junta de Educación DISTRITO ESCOLAR INDEPENDIENTE de Valley Stream N.º 24 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York 159365

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION VALLEY STREAM CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing of the qualified voters of the Valley Stream Central High School District, Nassau County, New York, will be held in the James A. Dever School for District No. 13 on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 7:30 PM prevailing time, in the William L. Buck School for District No. 24 on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 7:30 PM, prevailing time, and for District No. 30 in the Shaw Avenue School on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 at 7:30 PM, prevailing time, for the transaction of such business as is authorized by the New York State Education Law, including the following items.

1. To present to the voters a detailed statement (proposed budget) of the amount of money which will be required for the 2026 –27 fiscal year.

2. To discuss all of the items herein set forth, to be voted upon by voting machine, at the Budget Vote and Election to be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting pursuant to Education Law of the State of New York and acts amendatory thereto.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that said Budget Vote and Election will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in such districts and at such time as enumerated below:

District No. 13: Between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. (prevailing time)

District No. 24: Between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. (prevailing time)

District No. 30: Between

the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. (prevailing time) at which time the polls will be open to vote by voting machines upon the following items:

1. To adopt the annual budget of the School District for the fiscal year 2026 – 27 and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District.

2. To authorize the Board of Education to establish a Capital Reserve Fund for the purpose of financing capital improvements to District facilities and sites, including but not limited to additions, reconstruction, renovation, rehabilitation, expansion and equipping of District buildings and grounds; site work and improvements; parking areas and paving; sidewalks and curbing; drainage and utility infrastructure; ADA features; auditoriums; ceilings; computer and technology systems; data and communication networks; doors; mechanical, electrical, plumbing and sanitary systems; energy management and conservation systems; exterior and interior lighting; fencing; flooring; fire safety and suppression systems; heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems; gymnasiums; masonry; roofs; security systems; toilet rooms; walls; windows; furnishings and equipment permanently affixed to buildings, and similar projects together with architectural, engineering and other incidental costs related thereto; with the ultimate amount of such Capital Reserve Fund to be $15,000,000, plus accumulated interest, and with a term of fifteen (15) years, to be funded by transfers of unappropriated fund balance from the District’s general fund and interest earned thereon.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 or pursuant to Article 5 of the New York State Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 and has voted at any annual or

special district meeting within the past four (4) calendar years, such voter is eligible to vote at this election; if a voter is registered and eligible to vote pursuant to Article 5 of the New York State Election Law, such voter is also eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register.

In District No. 13, all qualified voters of the District pursuant to § 2014 of the Education Law may register at the Wheeler Avenue School, the James A. Dever School, the Howell Road School and the Willow Road School, on any school day prior to Tuesday, May 12, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., prevailing time. The Board of Registration shall meet on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, between the hours of 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, to add any additional names to the register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have her or his name placed on such Register provided that at the meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known, or proven to the satisfaction of the Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such public hearing or election for which such registers are prepared.

In District No. 30, the Board of Registration will meet for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to § 2014 of the Education Law at the Clear Stream Avenue School, the Shaw Avenue School, and the Forest Road School, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, to add any additional names to the register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have her or his name placed on such Register provided that at the meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known, or proven to the satisfaction of the Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such public hearing or election for which such registers are prepared. In addition, open registration will be conducted through Tuesday, May 12, 2026, during the hours for enrollment of children

for a school term at each of the District schools and between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, at each of the school buildings.

In District No. 24, for the purpose of registering all qualified voters, the Board of Registration will conduct a continuous registration of the qualified voters during the hours of enrollment of children for a school term at the principal’s office of each schoolhouse and at the office of the District Clerk of District No. 24 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., prevailing time. The Board of Registration shall meet on Monday, May 11, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., prevailing time, at the William L. Buck School, to add any additional names to the register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have her or his name placed on such Register provided that at the meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known, or proven to the satisfaction of the Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such public hearing or election for which such registers are prepared.

The registers so prepared pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 will be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the School District in the district offices of Union Free School Districts No. 13, No. 24 and No. 30, Valley Stream, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District on weekdays prior to the vote, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., prevailing time, beginning Thursday, May 14, 2026, and Saturday, May 16, 2026 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., prevailing time, at the District Office, and at the polling place(s) on the day of the vote.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to New York Education Law § 2014, the Board of Registration will meet on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, in District No. 13, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, in District No. 24, and between the hours

Public Notices

candidate is nominated. Each vacancy upon the Board of Education to be filled shall be considered a separate specific vacancy.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to New York Education Law § 2014 or pursuant to Article 5 of the New York State Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to New York Education Law § 2014 and has voted at any annual or special district meeting within the past four (4) calendar years, such voter is eligible to vote at this election; if a voter is registered and eligible to vote pursuant to Article 5 of the New York State Election Law, such voter is also eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register. Voters may register on any school day up to and including May 12, 2026, at the following locations: Clearstream Avenue School Main Office, Forest Road School Main Office, Shaw Avenue School Main Office, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, and on May 12, 2026, at the same locations, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m., to add any additional names to the registers to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have her or his name placed on such registers provided that at the meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known, or proven to the satisfaction of the Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such public hearing or election for which such registers are prepared, and that the registers so prepared pursuant to New York Education Law § 2014 and the registration list prepared by the Board of Elections of Nassau County will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk of the School District, 175 N. Central Avenue, Suite 220, Valley Stream, NY 11580 and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District on weekdays between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, on and after May 14, 2026, except Saturday and Sunday.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

that pursuant to New York Education Law § 2014, the Board of Registration shall meet on May 19, 2026, at all voting locations between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, to prepare the Register of the School District to be used at the annual meeting and election that is to be held in 2027, and any special meeting that may be held after the preparation of said Register, at which time any person will be entitled to have her or his name placed on such Register, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the school meeting or election for which such Register is prepared.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that qualified voters with disabilities who seek information about access to polling places may, in advance of the day of the vote, contact the District Clerk at 516-434-3616 for information about accessibility.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Education Law § 2017, the Board of Education has divided the Valley Stream UFSD 30 into three election districts, said districts being bounded and described as follows:

District No. 1: The area serviced by the Clearstream Avenue School: The place of registration, voting on the budget and voting for trustees will be the Clear Stream Avenue School.

District No. 2: The areas serviced by the Forest Road School: The place of registration, voting on the budget and voting for trustees will be the Forest Road School.

District No. 3: The areas serviced by the Shaw Avenue School: The place of registration, voting on the budget and voting for trustees will be the Shaw Avenue School.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that beginning May 5, 2026, any resident in the District may request to review a copy of the proposed budget by appearing at the Office of the District Clerk, 175

N. Central Avenue, Suite 220, Valley Stream, NY 11580. Additionally, a statement of the estimated expenses for the ensuing year may be obtained by any resident in the District during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding said election on the school district website www.valleystream30. com, at the School District Administrative Center, 175 N. Central Avenue, Suite 220, Valley Stream, NY 11580, and at each of the following school buildings in which school is maintained between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays:

Clearstream Avenue School 60 Clearstream Avenue Valley Stream, NY 11580

Forest Road School 16 Forest Road Valley Stream, NY 11581

Shaw Avenue School 99 Shaw Avenue Valley Stream, NY 11580

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Real Property Tax Law Section 495, the School District is required to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how much of the total assessed value on the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted, identified by statutory authority, and show: (a) the cumulative impact of each type of exemption expressed either as a dollar amount of assessed value or as a percentage of the total assessed value on the roll; (b) the cumulative amount expected to be received from recipients of each type of exemption as payments in lieu of taxes or other payments for municipal services; and (c) the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. The exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on any website maintained by the District.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for absentee and early mail ballots will be obtainable during school business hours at the office of the District

Clerk beginning April 20, 2026. In accordance with Education Law §§ 2018-a and 2018e, completed absentee and early mail ballot applications may not be received by the District Clerk earlier than thirty (30) days prior to the election, and must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or to the agent named in the absentee or early mail ballot application. Absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

A list of persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued, and a list of all persons to whom early mail voter’s ballots shall have been issued, will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the office of the District Clerk on and after May 14, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays prior to the day set for the annual election and on May 19, 2026, the day set for the election. Any qualified voter may, upon examination of such lists, file a written challenge of the qualifications as a voter of any person whose name appears on such lists, stating the reasons for such challenge. Any such written challenge shall be transmitted by the District Clerk or a designee of the Board of Education to the inspectors of election on election day.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the Valley Stream UFSD 30 by requesting and returning a registration application to the District Clerk in person, or by email to districtclerk@vs30.org or fax sent to 516-9928602. The request for the registration application may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the registration application by either mail, fax or email. Military voter registration application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the Valley Stream UFSD 30 may request an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk and return such military ballot application to the District Clerk in person, or by email to districtclerk@vs30. org or fax sent to 516992-8602. In order for a military voter to be issued a military ballot, a valid military ballot application must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m., on April 23, 2026. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a non-military ballot application under Section 2018-a of the Education Law. The application for military ballot may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the military ballot by mail, fax, or email. A military voter’s original military ballot application and military ballot must be returned by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at 175 N. Central Avenue, Suite 220, Valley Stream, NY 11580 along with the required signed affidavit by the voter.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District Clerk before the close of polls on May 19, 2026 showing a cancellation mark of the United States Postal Service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or received not later than 5:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026 and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the election.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education in accordance with New York Education Law § 2035, any referenda or propositions to change the number of Board of Education members, or a bond issue for capital improvements, or any other petition required by law to be stated in

the Notice of Annual Meeting and Election must be filed with the District Clerk at 175 N. Central Avenue, Suite 220, Valley Stream, NY 11580, not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on March 20, 2026. Any other petition, except those petitions required by law to be stated in the Notice of Annual Meeting and Election, must be filed with the District Clerk at the 175 N. Central Avenue, Suite 220, Valley Stream, NY 11580, no later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time on April 21, 2026. All such petitions must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the Clerk of the School District; must be signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 or 5% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); and must legibly state the name of each signer. However, the Board of Education will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, nor any proposition or amendment which is contrary to law.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that those voters seeking information regarding this Budget Vote and Election in Spanish should contact the Office of the District Clerk at 516-434-3616 or districtclerk@vs30. org

Dated: March 26, 2026

By Order of the BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE VALLEY STREAM UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT THIRTY Town of Hempstead, Nassau County Valley Stream, New York Ashley Starna, District Clerk 159381

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA, VOTACIÓN PRESUPUESTARIA Y ELECCIÓN DISTRITO ESCOLAR CENTRAL VALLEY STREAM CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

SE NOTIFICA de que se celebrará una audiencia pública de los votantes cualificados del Distrito Escolar De Secundaria Central de Valley Stream, condado de Nassau, Nueva York, en la escuela James A.

Dever del Distrito Nº 13 el miércoles 6 de Mayo del 2026 a las 7:30pm, en la escuela William escuela William L. Buck del Distrito Nº 24, el miércoles, 6 de Mayo del 2026 a las 7:30pm, hora vigente, y para el Distrito Nº 30 en la Shaw Avenue School el Martes 12 de Mayo del 2026 a las 7:30pm, hora local vigente, para la transacción de los negocios autorizados por la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York, incluyendo los siguientes puntos.

1. Presentar a los votantes una declaración detallada (presupuesto propuesto) sobre la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año fiscal 202627 .

2. Debatir todos los puntos aquí establecidos, que serán votados por máquina de votación, en la Votación y Elección Presupuestaria que se celebrará el Martes 19 de Mayo del 2026.

3. Realizar otros asuntos que debidamente se presenten ante la reunión conforme a la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York y actos enmiendos a la misma.

ASIMISMO SE INFORMA de que dicha votación presupuestaria y elección se celebrarán el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, en los distritos y en el momento que se enumera a continuación:

Distrito Nº 13: Entre las 6:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m. (hora local vigente)

Distrito Nº 24: Entre las 7:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m. (hora local vigente)

Distrito Nº 30

Entre las 6:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m. (hora local vigente)

En ese momento, las urnas estarán abiertas a votación mediante máquinas de votación según los siguientes puntos:

1. Adoptar el presupuesto anual del Distrito Escolar para el año fiscal 2026-27 y autorizar que la parte requerida se recaude, mediante impuestos, sobre los bienes sujetos a impuestos del Distrito.

2. Autorizar a la Junta de Educación a establecer un Fondo de Reserva de Capital

con el fin de financiar mejoras de capital en las instalaciones y sitios del Distrito, incluyendo, pero no limitado a, ampliaciones, reconstrucción, renovación, rehabilitación, ampliación y equipamiento de los edificios y terrenos del Distrito; obras y mejoras del sitio; áreas de aparcamiento y pavimentación; aceras y bordillos; infraestructura de drenaje y servicios; Características de la ADA; auditorios; techos; sistemas informáticos y tecnológicos; redes de datos y comunicación; puertas; sistemas mecánicos, eléctricos, de fontanería y sanitarios; sistemas de gestión y conservación de energía; iluminación exterior e interior; esgrima; suelo; sistemas de seguridad y supresión contra incendios; sistemas de calefacción, ventilación y aire acondicionado; gimnasios; mampostería; tejados; sistemas de seguridad; aseos; muros; ventanas; mobiliario y equipamiento permanentemente fijados a los edificios, y proyectos similares junto con costes arquitectónicos, de ingeniería y otros relacionados con ellos; con la cantidad final de dicho Fondo de Reserva de Capital de 15,000,000 de dólares, más intereses acumulados, y con un plazo de quince (15) años, que se financiará mediante transferencias del saldo del fondo no asignado del fondo general del Distrito y los intereses generados en él.

ASIMISMO SE INFORMA de que el registro personal de votantes es obligatorio ya sea conforme a la Ley de Educación de Nueva York §2014 o conforme al Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral del Estado de Nueva York. Si un votante se ha registrado hasta ahora conforme a la Ley de Educación de Nueva York §2014 y ha votado en alguna reunión anual o especial de distrito en los últimos cuatro (4) años naturales, dicho votante es elegible para votar en esta elección; si un votante está registrado y es elegible para votar conforme al Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral del Estado de Nueva York, dicho votante también es elegible para votar en esta elección. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deben

Public Notices

registrarse.

En el Distrito Nº 13, todos los votantes cualificados del Distrito conforme al § 2014 de la Ley de Educación pueden registrarse en Wheeler Avenue School, James A. Dever School, Howell Road School y la Willow Road School, en cualquier día escolar anterior al Martes 12 de Mayo de1 2026, entre las 8:00 y las 3:30pm, Prevaleciendo. La Junta de Registro se reunirá el Martes 12 del Mayo de 2026, entre las 5:00pm y las 9:00pm , hora local vigente, para añadir cualquier nombre adicional al registro que se utilice en dicha elección, momento en el que cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho registro, siempre que en la reunión de la Junta de Registro se le conozca, o se ha probado, a satisfacción de la Junta de Registro, que tiene derecho a votar en esa audiencia pública o elección para la que se preparen dichos registros.

En el Distrito Nº 30, la Junta de Registro se reunirá con el propósito de registrar a todos los votantes cualificados del Distrito conforme al § 2014 de la Ley de Educación en Clear Stream Avenue School, Shaw Avenue School y la Forest Road School, el Martes 12 de Mayo del 2026, entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m. el momento vigente, para añadir cualquier nombre adicional al Registro que se utilice en dicha elección, momento en el que cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho Registro, siempre que en la reunión de la Junta de Registro se sepa, o se demuestre a satisfacción de la Junta de Registro que tiene derecho a votar en dicha audiencia pública o elección para que dichos registros se preparen. Además, la inscripción abierta se realizará hasta el Martes 12 de Mayo del 2026, durante el horario de inscripción de los niños para un trimestre escolar en cada una de las escuelas del Distrito y entre las 8:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m., hora predominante, en cada uno de los edificios escolares.

En el Distrito nº 24, con el fin de registrar a todos los votantes cualificados, la Junta de Registro realizará un registro continuo de los

votantes cualificados durante el horario de inscripción de los niños durante un trimestre escolar en la oficina del director de cada escuela y en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Nº 24 entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 3:00 p.m., Prevaleciendo. La Junta de Registro se reunirá el Lunes 11 de Mayo del 2026, a las 5:30pm, hora local vigente, en la Escuela William L. Buck, para añadir cualquier nombre adicional al registro que se utilice en dicha elección, momento en el que cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre sea incluido en dicho Registro, siempre que en la reunión de la Junta de Registro se le conozca, o se ha probado, a satisfacción de la Junta de Registro, que tiene derecho a votar en esa audiencia pública o elección para la que se preparen dichos registros.

Los registros así preparados conforme a la Ley de Educación de Nueva York §2014 se archivarán en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar en las oficinas distritales de los Distritos Escolares Union Free Nº 13, Nº 24 y Nº 30, Valley Stream, Nueva York, y estarán abiertos para su inspección por cualquier votante cualificado del Distrito los días laborables previos a la votación, entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 15:00, hora vigente, comenzando el Jueves 14 de Mayo del 2026 , y el Sábado 16 de Mayo de 2026 , entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 12:00 p.m., hora local vigente, en la Oficina del Distrito y en el/los centros de votacion en el día de la votación.

SE HACE SABER ADICIONALMENTE de que, conforme a la Ley de Educación de Nueva York § 2014, la Junta de Registro se reunirá el Martes 19 de Mayo del 2026, entre las 6:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m., hora local vigente, en el Distrito Nº 13, entre las 7:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m., hora local vigente, en el Distrito No. 24, y entre las 6:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m., hora local vigente, en el Distrito Nº 30, para preparar el Registro del Distrito Escolar que se utilizará en la reunión anual y elección que se celebrará en 2027, y en cualquier reunión extraordinaria que se celebre después de la preparación de dicho Registro, momento en el que cualquier persona

tendrá derecho a que su nombre sea incluido en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión de la Junta de Registro se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro que tiene derecho a voto en la reunión o elección escolar para la que se prepare dicho Registro, o en cualquier reunión especial del distrito celebrada después del Martes 19 de Mayo del 2026.

SE HACE SABER ADICIONALMENTE de que los votantes cualificados con discapacidad que soliciten información sobre el acceso a los colegios electorales pueden, antes del día de la votación, contactar con el Secretaria del Distrito en el (516) 872 – 5628 para obtener información sobre accesibilidad.

SE HACE SABER ADICIONALMENTE de que, a partir de siete (7) días inmediatamente anteriores a la audiencia presupuestaria pública del 6 de Mayo de 2026 para el Distrito Escolar Nº 24 y el Distrito Escolar Nº 30, y la audiencia presupuestaria pública del 11 de Mayo de 2026 para el Distrito Escolar Nº 13, una copia del presupuesto propuesto estará disponible, previa solicitud, para los residentes del Distrito Escolar Nº 13, Distrito Escolar Nº 24 y Distrito Escolar Nº 30, compareciendo en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, One Kent Road, Valley Stream, Nueva York. Además, cualquier residente del distrito puede obtener un estado de los gastos estimados para el año siguiente durante los catorce (14) días inmediatamente previos a dicha elección en la página web del distrito escolar www.vschsd.org, en la Biblioteca Conmemorativa Henry Waldinger durante su horario habitual de funcionamiento, situada en 60 Verona Plaza, Valley Stream, Nueva York, y en cada escuela del Distrito de Escuelas Secundarias entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m., hora predominante, excepto Sábados, Domingos y Festivos.

SE HACE SABER ADICIONALMENTE de que, conforme a la Sección 495 de la Ley de Impuestos sobre Bienes Inmuebles, el

Distrito Escolar está obligado a adjuntar a su presupuesto propuesto un informe de exención. Dicho informe de exención, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, mostrará cuánto del valor total tasado en el registro final de evaluación utilizado en el proceso presupuestario está exento de impuestos, listará todos los tipos de exenciones concedidas identificadas por la autoridad legal y mostrará: (a) el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención expresado ya sea como un importe en dólares de valor impositivado o como un porcentaje del valor total impuesto sobre el registro de evaluacion; (b) la cantidad acumulada que se espera recibir de los beneficiarios de cada tipo de exención como pagos en lugar de impuestos u otros pagos por servicios municipales; y (c) el impacto acumulativo de todas las exenciones concedidas. El informe de exención se publicará en cualquier tablón de anuncios mantenido por el Distrito para los avisos públicos y en cualquier sitio web gestionado por el Distrito. SE HACE SABER ADICIONALMENTE de que las solicitudes para votos por correo anticipado y por correo estarán disponibles durante el horario laboral escolar de los Secretarios de Distrito de los Distritos Escolares Union Free Nº 13, Nº 24 y Nº 30, a partir del Lunes 20 de Abril del 2026.

De acuerdo con la Ley de Educación §§ 2018-a y 2018-e, las solicitudes completadas de voto por correo y por correo anticipado no pueden ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito antes de treinta (30) días antes de la elección, y deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la papeleta se va a enviar al votante, o el día antes de la elección, si la papeleta debe entregarse personalmente al votante o al agente nombrado en la solicitud de voto por correo o por correo anticipado. Las papeletas por correo y por correo anticipado deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00pm, hora local vigente, del Martes 19 de Mayo del 2026.

Una lista de personas a quienes se hayan emitido papeletas de voto por correo, y una lista de todas las personas a quienes se hayan entregado las papeletas anticipadas de votantes por correo, estará disponible para su inspección para votantes cualificados del Distrito en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a partir del Jueves 14 de Mayo de 2026, entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 4:00 p.m. los días laborables previos al día fijado para las elecciones anuales y el Martes 19 de Mayo de 2026, día fijado para la elección. Cualquier votante cualificado podrá, tras examinar dichas listas, presentar una impugnación por escrito de las cualificaciones como votante de cualquier persona cuyo nombre aparezca en dichas listas, exponiendo los motivos de dicha impugnación. Cualquier impugnación por escrito será transmitida por el Secretario del Distrito o por un representante de la Junta de Educación, a los inspectores electorales, el día de las elecciones.

ASIMISMO SE INFORMA de que los votantes militares que no estén actualmente registrados pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes cualificados en los Distritos Escolares Libres Union Valley Stream Nº 13, Nº 24 o Nº 30, solicitando y enviando una solicitud de registro al Secretario del Distrito correspondiente en persona, por correo electrónico, O fax. La solicitud de registro puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar para recibir la solicitud de registro por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Los formularios de solicitud de registro de votantes militares deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00pm el 23 de Abril del 2026.

ASIMISMO SE INFORMA de que los votantes militares que sean votantes cualificados de los Distritos Escolares Libres Union de Valley Stream Nº 13, Nº 24 y Nº 30, podrán solicitar una solicitud de voto militar en persona, por correo electrónico o fax, durante el horario escolar, a los secretarios del distrito de los distritos escolares libres de Union 13, Nº 24 y Nº

30. Para que un votante militar reciba una papeleta militar, debe recibirse una solicitud válida de papeleta militar en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 horas del 23 de Abril del 2026.

ASIMISMO SE INFORMA de que las papeletas militares deberán ser consultadas si el Secretario del Distrito las recibe antes del cierre de las urnas el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, mostrando una marca de cancelación del Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o mostrando una avalación fechada de recepción por otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o recibidas no más tarde de las 5:00pm del Martes, 19 de Mayo del 2026, firmado y fechado por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha que se determina no más tarde que el día anterior a las elecciones.

ASIMISMO SE INFORMA de que, conforme a una norma adoptada por la Junta de Educación de acuerdo con la Ley de Educación de Nueva York §2035, cualquier referéndum o propuesta para enmendar el presupuesto, o que se someta a votación en dicha elección, debe presentarse ante el Secretario del Distrito de la Junta de Educación de la Oficina del Distrito, One Kent Road, Valley Stream, Nueva York, para permitir que el aviso de la propuesta se incluya con el Aviso de Audiencia Pública, Votación Presupuestaria y Elección requerido por la Sección 2004 de la Ley de Educación a fecha de Viernes 20 de Marzo del 2026, a más tardar a las 4:00, hora local vigente. Todas estas peticiones deben estar mecanografiadas o impresas en inglés; debe dirigirse al Secretario del Distrito Escolar; debe estar firmado por al menos 123 votantes cualificados del Distrito (representando el mayor de los 25 o el 5% del número de votantes que votaron en la elección anual anterior); y debe indicar legiblemente el nombre de cada firmante. Sin embargo, la Junta de Educación no admitirá ninguna petición para presentar ante los votantes ninguna propuesta cuyo propósito no esté dentro de las competencias de los votantes, ni ninguna propuesta o enmienda que sea contraria a la ley.

LEGAL NOTICE

ASIMISMO SE INFORMA de que aquellos votantes que busquen información sobre esta votación presupuestaria y elección en español deben contactar con la Oficina del Secretaria del Distrito en el (516) 872 – 5628 DISTRITOS ELECTORALES ESCOLARES

ASIMISMO, SE INFORMA de que los Distritos Electorales han sido establecidos en el Distrito Escolar. Los límites de los distritos electorales, adoptados por resolución de la Junta de Educación, y el lugar en cada distrito electoral para votar serán los siguientes:

13-1: El lugar de votación es la Wheeler Avenue School;

13-2: El lugar de votación es la Escuela James A. Dever;

13-3: El lugar de votación es la Howell Road School;

13-4: El lugar de votación es la Willow Road School

24-1: El lugar de votación es el Parque de Bomberos de South Corona Avenue, entre Jamaica Avenue y Hawthorne Avenue;

24-2: El lugar de votación es la Escuela William L. Buck;

24-3: El lugar de votación es la Brooklyn Avenue School;

24-4: El lugar de votación es la Escuela Robert W. Carbonaro;

30-1: El lugar de votación es la Clear Stream Avenue School;

30-2: El lugar de votación es la Escuela Forest Road;

30-3: El lugar de votación es la Shaw Avenue School. Fecha: 26 de Marzo del 2026

Por orden de la JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR CENTRAL VALLEY STREAM CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

Valley Stream, Nueva York Dina Innella, Secretaria del Distrito 159393

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

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. GODFREY HERCULES, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on January 22, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 14, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 29 Bank Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 490 and Lot 164. Approximate amount of judgment is $613,408.19 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 608645/2023.

Linda S. Agnew, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.:221109-1 158848

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU THE BANK OF NEW YORK MELLON F/K/A THE BANK OF NEW YORK, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE HOLDERS OF THE GE-WMC ASSETBACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-2, Plaintiff, AGAINST EDITH COOK, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on August 13, 2024. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 13, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 932 Dana Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580.

Public Notices

Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, at Valley Stream, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 0037, Block 00633-00 and Lot 00014. Approximate amount of judgment $560,291.44 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #601430/2018.

Ellen Durst, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 158846

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK

INDEX NO. 612203/2025 COUNTY OF NASSAU

LAKEVIEW LOAN

SERVICING, LLC

Plaintiff, vs. AYENA JAN, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees,

committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; “JOHN DOE” (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #1, “JOHN DOE” (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #2, “JOHN DOE” (REFUSED NAME) AS JOHN DOE #3, Plaintiff designates NASSAU as the place of trial situs of the real property

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises: 14 MOLYNEAUX ROAD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580 Section: 37, Block: 551, Lot: 4 Defendants.

To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $646,000.00 and interest, recorded on April 08, 2022, in Liber M Vol. 46519 at Page 166 , of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New York., covering premises known as 14 MOLYNEAUX ROAD, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580.

The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. NASSAU County is designated as the place

of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.

NOTICE

YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.

Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated: February 27th, 2026

ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC

Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 158806

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-BNC1, Plaintiff, vs. MICHAEL R. HIGGINS; IF LIVING, AND IF HE BE DEAD, ANY AND ALL PERSONS UNKNOWN TO PLAINTIFF, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on June 7, 2022, and Decision + Order On Motion duly entered on February 2, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 22, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known

as 9 Jasper Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37, Block 458 and Lot 156. Approximate amount of judgment is $577,472.04 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 608825/2018.

Geri Friedman, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 158996

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

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

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. BANK OF AMERICA, N.A., Pltf. vs. SOLANGE ALEXANDRE, Deft. Index #611420/2024. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Dec. 22, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on April 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 1933 Franklin Road, Valley Stream, NY 11580 a/k/a Section 37, Block 611, Lot 14. Said property beginning at a point on the Southwesterly side of Franklin Road, distant 723.99 ft. Southeasterly as measured along said side of Franklin Road from the easterly end of the curve having a radius of 20 ft. connecting the Southwesterly side of Franklin Road with the with the easterly side of Everitt Street, being a plot 52 ft. x 95 ft. Approximate amount of judgment is $629,884.49 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. BRIAN J. DAVIS, Referee. HILL WALLACK LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 261 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor, Ste. 940-941, New York, NY 10016. File No. 17511-5590 - #102785 159113

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2007-WM1, ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, -againstOMONUWA OMOGUN, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on September 30, 2024, wherein HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR THE REGISTERED HOLDERS OF ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2007-WM1, ASSET BACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES is the Plaintiff and OMONUWA OMOGUN, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on April 23, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 2 WALLACE COURT, VALLEY STREAM, NY 11580; and the following tax map identification: 37-33602-38.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 001570/2016. Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN

ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 159127

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as Trustee for WaMu Mortgage PassThrough Certificates, Series 2005-PR4 Trust, Plaintiff AGAINST Michael C. Browne a/k/a Michael Browne; Simone Johnson a/k/a Simone Sancha Johnson a/k/a Simone Browne; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 20, 2020, amended May 18, 2022 and May 15, 2025, 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 April 30, 2026, at 2:30 PM, premises known as 20 Charles Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Rosedale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, District 16 Section 37 Block 470 Lot 5. Approximate amount of judgment $402,541.67 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 612120/2018. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Joseph Trotti, Esq., Referee

LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: March 6, 2026 159088

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court County of Nassau Deutsche Bank National Trust Company as Trustee for the Certificateholders of the Soundview Home Loan Trust 2005-DO1, AssetBacked Certificates, Series 2005-DO1, Plaintiff AGAINST Vester Rivera, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of

Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 8, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 33 Ridgewood Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION 37, BLOCK: 310, LOT: 58. Approximate amount of judgment is $541,611.59 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 616858/2018. This sale may be subject to the US Dept of the Treasur y’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network Real Estate Reporting Rule. In such event, all purchasers are required to provide the information needed for proper reporting in accordance with the terms of sale. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Scott Siller, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-087679-F00 89414 159047

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU NewRez LLC d/b/a Shellpoint Mortgage Servicing, Plaintiff AGAINST Vishal Dan; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 3, 2025, 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 April 28,2026, at 2:00 PM, premises known as 122 Rockaway Parkway, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situated, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New

York, Section 37 Block 90 Lots 110 & 248. Approximate amount of judgment $458,688.49 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 600396/2020. Foreclosure auction will be held “Rain or Shine”

Anthony C. Curcio, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792

Dated: March 3, 2026 159086

LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM OFFICE OF THE VILLAGE CLERK/ADMINISTRATO R 123 South Central Avenue Valley Stream New York 11580 (516) 592-5105 PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that there will be a PUBLIC HEARING of the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream to review the Tentative Budget for the Fiscal Year June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027 on Monday, the 13th day of April, 2026, at 7:00 o’clock p.m., in person and on ZOOM in the Village Hall Auditorium, 123 So. Central Avenue, Valley Stream, New York.

The public may attend the Budget Hearing or join on ZOOM using the link provided. https://us02web.zoom. us/j/7148140969 There will be a link on the Village website www.vsvny.org to download the tentative budget.

Dated: Valley Stream, New York April 2, 2026

JAMES J. HUNTER Village Clerk/Administrator 159330

LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF VALLEY STREAM 123 So. Central Avenue Valley Stream, New York 11580 516-592-5105 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The public may attend the Public Hearing or

Public Notices

join on ZOOM using the link provided. https://us02web.zoom. us/j/7148140969.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE

that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution and the provisions of the Village Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, as amended, there will be a Public Hearing on Monday the 13th day of April, 2026 at 7:00 o’clock p.m. in the Village Hall, 123 So. Central Avenue, Valley Stream, New York, to consider the enactment of the following local law:

PROPOSED LOCAL LAW

2 - 2026 - A Local Law authorizing a property tax levy in excess of the limit established in General Municipal Law §3-c.

The proposed local law is on the Village website www.vsvny.org and on file in the Office of the Village Clerk, in the Village Hall of said Village of Valley Stream, where it may be inspected on regular business days between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

ALL PERSONS

INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on the proposed local law at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: Valley Stream, New York April 2, 2026 By Order of the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream

JAMES J. HUNTER

Village Clerk/Administrator 159390

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 04/15/2026 at 9:30

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

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED

STARTING AT 9:30

A.M.

180/26. NR VALLEY

STREAM - Rajbir Kaur,

Install pool not permitted in front yard on Edwards Blvd. & pool equipment not permitted in side yard & 6’ high pool enclosure in the front yard on Edwards Blvd. & larger than pool installation area., E/s N. Fletcher Ave., 92.65’ N/o Bowe Rd., running through to Edwards Blvd., a/k/a 961 N. Fletcher Ave. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.

This notice is only for new cases in Valley Stream 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.

159240

LEGAL NOTICE SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS AND NOTICE OF OBJECT OF ACTION STATE OF NEW YORK SUPREME COURT: COUNTY OF NASSAU ACTION TO FORECLOSE A TAX LIEN INDEX NO.: 611088/2024, CHRISTIANA TRUST AS CUSTODIAN FOR GSRAN-Z LLC, Plaintiff, vs. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, LEGATEES, DEVISEES AND/OR REPRESENTATIVES OF ALICE KOLLER AND ALL PERSONS THAT MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY REFERRED TO IN

THE COMPLAINT BY, THROUGH OR UNDER ANY OF THE FOREGOING (THE AFORESAID UNKNOWN HEIRS, LEGATEES, DEVISEES AND/OR REPRESENTATIVES BEING ALL SUCH HEIRS, LEGATEES,

DEVISEES AND/OR REPRESENTATIVES OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFICALLY NAMED AS A DEFENDANT HEREIN-THE IDENTITY AND ADDRESSES OF ALL THE FOREGOING NOT BEING KNOWN TO PLAINTIFF) and THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, LEGATEES, DEVISEES AND/OR REPRESENTATIVES OF JOHN KOLLER (AKA JOHN E. KOLLER) AND ALL PERSONS THAT MAY CLAIM AN INTEREST IN THE PROPERTY REFERRED TO IN THE COMPLAINT BY, THROUGH OR UNDER ANY OF THE FOREGOING (THE AFORESAID UNKNOWN HEIRS, LEGATEES, DEVISEES AND/OR REPRESENTATIVES BEING ALL SUCH HEIRS, LEGATEES, DEVISEES AND/OR REPRESENTATIVES OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFICALLY NAMED AS A DEFENDANT HEREIN-THE IDENTITY AND ADDRESSES OF ALL THE FOREGOING NOT BEING KNOWN TO PLAINTIFF), Defendants.

PREMISES SUBJECT TO TAX LIEN: 45 Bismark Ave., South Valley Stream, NY 11581, Section 39, Block 020, Lot 296 (Group Lot: 296-297). TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the complaint in this action, to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with the summons, to serve notice of appearance, on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days after the service of this summons, exc1usive of the date of service (or within thirty (30) days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York), and in case of failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. The basis of venue is the location of the subject property.

NOTICE-YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME. If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the tax lien holder who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you

and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to the tax lien holder will not stop this foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (TAX LIEN HOLDER) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

Dated: March 27, 2026. Michael Ehrenreich, Attorney for Plaintiff, 555 Willow Ave., Cedarhurst, NY, (516) 942-a. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of HON.

JEFFREY A. GOODSTEIN of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, dated March 13, 2026. Such order and the Complaint in this action are filed in the office of the Nassau County Clerk, in Mineola, NY. The object of this action is to foreclose a tax lien on the premises identified above.

159236

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

NASSAU COUNTY STATE OF NEW YORK

MORTGAGE AGENCY, Plaintiff against TONY SHIWPRASHAD, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered February 19, 2026, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 58 N Montgomery St, Valley Stream, NY 11580-3805. Sec 37 Block 238 Lot 131. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Approximate Amount

The RV serves as a mobile pop-up thrift store, offering

convenient way to select gently used clothing.

RV brings mobile pop-up thrift store to LIJVS staffers

thrift store, is part of an effort to extend access across Northwell’s network. The Valley Stream visit was one of several planned stops this year, selected in part because of interest from local leadership following volunteering at the Lake Success location.

At LIJVS, planning for the event began months in advance. Hospital leadership worked across departments to coordinate logistics, including identifying a suitable location for the RV amid ongoing parking constraints and ensuring staff accessibility throughout the day.

The final placement near the hospital’s main entrance was chosen to maximize convenience for employees, allowing them to visit the mobile store during breaks or before and after shifts. Organizers also coordinated volunteer support to assist throughout the event and managed donation efforts in the weeks leading up to the visit.

Donation bins were placed in the hospital cafeteria ahead of the event to encourage staff to contribute gently used clothing. Items collected were transported, sorted and prepared for redistribution as part of the pop-up experience.

The initiative operates on a model of “team members giving back to team members,” combining practical support with a broader focus on sustainability. Clothing is collected, cleaned and redistributed, helping reduce waste while pro-

of Judgment is $271,844.88 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 615072/2024. During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the 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. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in

viding a resource for employees.

Across the system, the program has collected tens of thousands of pounds of clothing, reflecting both participation and its environmental impact.

The event is also aimed at addressing challenges faced by healthcare workers, including financial pressures and workplace stress. By offering free clothing and a unique on-site experience, organizers sought to provide both practical assistance and a morale boost.

“It’s really a very nice initiative from the system,” Kafa Meshrqi, assistant vice president, Human Resources, LIJVS, said. “To have people recognize and make them feel they are special and important by literally just using the clothes. I mean, women love this. We love to go shopping. And you know, it’s a wonderful experience to shop for free.”

Hospital leadership anticipated that the event would create visible energy throughout the building, as staff engaged with the program and shared the experience with colleagues. The program was also seen as part of broader efforts to recognize employees and support workplace culture in a high-demand healthcare environment.

The event was open exclusively to LIJVS and Orzac Center for Rehabilitation employees and their families, with participation requiring a staff ID.

Hospital leadership indicated interest in bringing the program, depending on feedback and overall impact.

default. 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. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety

concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Howard E Colton, Esq., Referee File # NY202400000148-1 159299

Courtesy Carol Battaglia

Northwell team members a

CoNTiNued fRom page 1

Old Woodmere Beauty

Ronnie.Gerber@elliman.com Douglas Elliman 2300 Merrick Road Merrick,

Can we use a local architect for work on a home in Boston?

Q. We own a home in Boston that needs a lot of work, and were wondering what to do about hiring an architect. We want to hire one who is familiar with the area, the codes and the building department, because we understand they are very strict there. We have a local friend who’s an architect, and he has gotten his “reciprocal” license in Massachusetts. How do you think we should handle this? Should we work with our friend, Zoom with a local architect or have them try to work together?

A. This is not an uncommon problem, but it’s all based on communication, as is most of what we deal with in our daily lives. It’s best to weigh the issues of how the communication will work, including the making of the plans, which are also the basis for your project and the most important communication tool.

Over the years I’ve seen where clients didn’t take the planning process seriously, thinking, and even saying, that they just want to get the permit to start the work. That approach generally leads to failure, with either the owner not getting what they want or causing problems along the way. For example, many people assume that the plans are a suggestion, a kind of open guide to the approximate outcome, and that they will just handle changes for what they really wanted during construction.

One recent client, who didn’t last very long, was in another city and, being in the medical field, said we could do Zoom meetings like they do in tele-health. Conversations fell apart immediately, because the building has major structural deterioration, and on my first walk-through, I had to order column supports to be installed immediately where collapse was imminent. The owner was told this, and that, at the very least, building plans would be absolutely necessary, detailing the exact remedy. But in order to prepare the structural plans, measuring of the building areas contributing loads and further investigation were necessary. The owner got very upset, because his contractor was ready to go and just needed to know what to do.

Having made medical appointments over the years to get one test in a particular hospital, and then shuttling to another site for another test, I realized this client just didn’t get it. His profession required all kinds of very specific testing, and his perception was that mine did not. Buildings are custom. They’re not kits. There are many ways that buildings, even homes, can fail, and we always want to prevent leaking, movement and subsequent damage, in addition to wanting to make the spaces function and be attractive. I would recommend working with your friend, and having him develop an agreement and relationship with the local professional who knows the area best, if possible. Otherwise I would work with the local professional, but arrange for in-person meetings. With issues and questions that happen during construction, you want a good team of people you can trust. Good luck!

EMPLOYMENT

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PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED $20 - $25 Per Hour Must Be Available On Weekends April - June 516-902-6258 Randy@LISNYC.com

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Nassau County’s success story continues

With my second term as county executive underway, I’m proud to say that Nassau County’s future is bright. Like my first term, these coming years will be defined by a strong commitment to public safety, excellent economic growth that increases affordability for our residents, and expanded opportunities for business owners that will benefit everyone.

Growing our economy remains a top focus for my administration. After canceling a $150 million tax hike in my first year in office, I have not raised taxes for four consecutive years — a promise that I will keep in this year’s budget. Through smart financial management, we have earned an unprecedented seven bond upgrades and have been cited by Democratic State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli as a county with no fiscal stress. Our local businesses are thriving, with minority- and women-owned business certifications increasing by 40 percent last year alone — a number I hope to

Araise even higher in 2026 and beyond.

Positive economic activity lets us invest in initiatives that matter to residents. We’ve restored local historical sites like the Roslyn Grist Mill, invested in cultural centers like the Joysetta and Julius Pearse African American Museum, in Hempstead, and upgraded local community hubs like Centennial Park, in Roosevelt. These are testaments to how a well-run government can provide for all of its residents.

since taking office, with more to come. We opened the state-of-the-art Harry Singh Bolla Police Training Village to give all of our officers, new and old, cutting-edge training to ensure that Nassau County remains a leader in public safety.

We’re focused on public safety, economic growth and business opportunities.

I’m proud to report that Nassau County remains the safest county in the United States, a distinction we owe to the courageous men and women of the Nassau County Police Department, the Corrections Department, the Probation Department, the Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office. These dedicated professionals — along with emergency services personnel like our firefighters, EMS workers and fire marshals — work tirelessly for our security, and we cannot thank them enough.

My administration recognizes the importance of investing in public safety efforts. I’ve authorized the hiring of 600 new police and corrections officers

During my time in office, our emergency services staff has also grown, with more than 1,000 residents signing up to become volunteer firefighters. This year’s budget will expand the number of fire marshals and dispatchers, ensuring that we are prepared for anything that comes our way.

The good news is that our initiatives are already paying off. Major crimes have fallen by more than 10 percent in the past year, with huge declines in serious crimes like murder, rape, assault and robbery. In 2025 our police executed the largest drug bust and gang takedown in county history. Major investments in our battle to alleviate the opioid crisis led to a drop of more than 16 percent in overdose deaths last year. These results speak for themselves, and show that our policies are working.

My administration has also taken steps to protect our religious freedoms.

I recently signed a new law that prevents protesters from targeting churches, synagogues and mosques. Nassau County will always stand for the safety and rights of everyone who practices their religion here.

Our stance on immigration enforcement remains firm: Nassau County is not a sanctuary county. Collaborating with our federal partners has helped us remove dangerous and illegal criminals from our streets — many of whom come from known gangs like MS-13, the 18th Street Gang and the Trinitarios. I want to reiterate that all of our enforcement actions are targeted at criminals, not honest and hardworking people who enrich our communities. My administration is continuing to work on a guest-worker program to support law-abiding immigrants, many of whom are pillars of our business community.

Even as we continue to build on our successes, I know that there’s a lot of work ahead to keep us moving in the right direction, but my commitment to making Nassau County the safest, most affordable and healthiest place to live, work and raise a family remains strong. Thank you for helping to make us the best place to live in all of New York.

Bruce Blakeman is the Nassau County executive.

The privilege, and responsibility, of a free press

s deputy managing editor of Herald Community Newspapers, I am privileged to work alongside a staff of honest and creative reporters and editors who deliver the local news that you’re used to receiving. They embody what it means to be a strong journalist, acting with integrity and passion, which is reflected in every story we write and share with the communities that we love to cover.

The ethos I’m describing embodies the pillars of American journalism — a press that thrives on freedom and a drive to seek the truth and report it.

Many of my former colleagues — my good friends — have moved on from their time with the Herald to apply that passion in other media circuits, delivering more, albeit different, news to readers close to home and nationally, too. In a media climate so polarized, where it may feel difficult to decipher right from wrong and the truth from exaggerations, it’s important to remember that we are privileged to live in a

country where we can ask questions. We can challenge what we’re told. We can yearn for more than what appears in black and white.

A few weeks ago, I attended the 2026

Marie Colvin Distinguished Lecture at Stony Brook University, hosted by the school’s Marie Colvin Center for International Reporting. The center was established in memory of Colvin, a fearless war correspondent who was raised on Long Island and died on the front lines of the Syrian civil war in 2012.

T his work matters, and we must never take our freedoms for granted.

The featured speaker was Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian politician and journalist who was arrested in Moscow in 2022 and sentenced to 25 years in prison for “high treason” for opposing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Kara-Murza spent over two years in prison, including 11 months in solitary confinement. His release in 2024 was orchestrated by the Biden administration, and part of the largest prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia since the Cold War.

For the writing he completed while in prison, Kara-Murza was awarded the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary.

He was the type of speaker who drew you in from the start, painting a bleak

picture of what it’s like to be a journalist in Russia, a place where independent media voices have been not only silenced but directly targeted for telling the truth. He named fellow writers — many of them friends — who were killed by the Russian government. Kara-Murza himself has survived two suspected poisonings in the past decade, marked for his relentless, fearless, truthful reporting. His opening thoughts captivated me. “There’s nothing dictatorships hate more than the truth,” he said, “and the first targets in that quest for absolute power are usually, almost always, independent media voices.”

In Russia, the press is never protected. In the U.S., by contrast, federal courts usually appear committed to upholding the First Amendment’s guarantee of free speech. Just two weeks ago, federal courts ruled that the Pentagon’s newly implemented press policy, which bars news outlets from reporting information not officially sanctioned for release, is a violation of the amendment. U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman wrote in his ruling that it was “more important than ever that the public have access to information from a variety of perspec-

tives about what the government is doing.” That, in essence, makes good journalism possible.

Kara-Murza made it clear that a democracy thrives only when its people put forth the effort to sustain it. He invoked Ben Franklin’s reminder that the United States was founded as “a republic, if you can keep it”— which resonates with renewed urgency.

I became a journalist because I love to write. I’m committed to upholding the values I believe in so strongly. Like my Herald colleagues, I love telling your stories, and I love diving into the important topics I believe you, our readers, deserve to know about.

I can’t say that I’m as courageous as Vladimir Kara-Murza, who embodies everything journalists should hope to be — fearless, principled, and unwavering in the pursuit of truth. But his story reminds me why this work matters, and why we must never take our freedoms for granted. Every day that we can report honestly, ask challenging questions, and share your stories is a privilege — one I never intend to lose sight of.

Jordan Vallone, the deputy managing editor of Herald Community Newspapers, is a graduate student in Stony Brook University’s School of Communications and Journalism. Comments? jvallone@liherald.com.

mArthA jAcoviDes

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Smart housing reform needs local trust

New York’s housing crisis is undeniable. Rents are high, supply is tight and too many families are struggling to find a place to call home.

In response, Albany is advancing proposals like the REVIVE Act alongside Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Let Them Build agenda — efforts designed to cut red tape and accelerate development.

The goal is right. The challenge is getting the approach right, too. At the heart of the debate is a familiar tension: how to build faster without sacrificing thoughtful planning and public trust.

It’s not just about process; it’s about trust. Residents are more likely to support new housing when they believe their voices are heard. Developers are more likely to invest when rules are consistent. And elected officials are more effective when they can balance urgency with accountability.

Supporters of reform make a compelling case. New York’s development process is notoriously slow and expensive. Reviews under the State Environmental Quality Review Act can stretch timelines by years, even for projects that ultimately pose little or no environmental risk.

According to state data, projects can take up to 56 percent longer to start compared with other states, and cost up to $45,000 per unit on Long Island. Those costs are usually passed on to renters and buyers. In a state where affordability is already a crisis, those inefficiencies matter.

The REVIVE Act seeks to address this by targeting underused commercial properties — shopping centers, office

letters

Keeping things in numerical perspective in the Middle East

To the Editor:

parks and large parking lots — and encouraging their conversion into housing. In concept, this is smart policy. Repurposing dormant or declining properties into vibrant residential communities can ease the housing shortage while revitalizing local economies.

But the concerns raised by local officials and residents are just as valid. Critics argue that the legislation could sideline local zoning authority, limit public hearings and reduce meaningful community input.

The inclusion of a “deemed approved” provision — allowing projects to move forward automatically if municipalities fail to act within an expedited timeline — is a flashpoint.

One side says projects would move forward without public hearings or meaningful community input. That might overstate the case, but it isn’t entirely off base. The proposal appears to compress timelines and shift leverage away from local governments. If those timelines are too tight, or if municipalities lack the resources to review complex proposals quickly, the result could be approvals by default rather than by design.

And what about the timeline itself? That remains a critical detail. Without clear and reasonable deadlines, “expedited” can quickly become “unworkable.” Municipal boards might need additional support to operate on stateimposed clocks. If they are rushed, oversight suffers. If they miss deadlines, community members may feel that decisions are being made for them, not with them.

Yet it would be a mistake to dismiss

With all the rhetoric being bandied about over the war in the Middle East, I would like to add something that rarely seems to enter into the discussion. That is the size of the various sides. My source is the 2025 World Almanac.

Israel has an area of approximately 8,470 square miles, which is about the size of the state of New Jersey. The West Bank and Gaza have a combined area of about 2,402 square miles, which is about the size of the city of Detroit and the state of Delaware.

The area of Israel’s near neighbors — Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon — is just over 1.3 million square miles, or about one-third the size of the United States.

The population of Israel is just over 9.4 million. The population of the West Bank and Gaza is just

the need for reform altogether. Doing nothing is not an option. The current system is too slow, too costly and too unpredictable. Developers face uncertainty and communities can miss opportunities.

The answer lies not in choosing sides, but in combining the best ideas from both. New York should streamline environmental review for projects that consistently demonstrate minimal impact, particularly those on previously developed sites. It should set clear, enforceable timelines for decisions.

Those timelines, however, must be realistic, and paired with resources, training and technical assistance for local governments. The state’s proposal to modernize permitting and create a “permitting academy” is a step in the right direction.

At the same time, local decision-making must be preserved. Communities deserve a voice in shaping their neighborhoods, especially when it comes to density, infrastructure and quality of life. Public hearings should not be eliminated, but they can be made more efficient and focused.

If “deemed approved” provisions are included, they must come with safeguards: flexibility for municipalities acting in good faith, transparency in the review process and mechanisms to ensure that projects meet clear standards before moving forward.

New York doesn’t need a rushed solution. It needs a smart one. Albany has an opportunity to get this right. By blending efficiency with oversight, and speed with community input, lawmakers can craft a housing policy that works for all.

Why I sued the state over youth mental health

For years, my son cody and I were known in court papers only by our initials. Today I am using my full name — as a Long Island mother, a family peer advocate and one of the formerly anonymous plaintiffs in c.K. v. McDonald. I joined this class action lawsuit to challenge new york state’s widespread failure to provide mental health services to children on Medicaid.

In January, a federal judge approved a settlement, and the state agreed to dramatically improve access to these services. It’s a measure of justice, but it is incomplete without investments in the struggling nonprofit providers who deliver this vital care to kids like cody.

cody needed help almost from the moment he entered this world. I worked as an early childhood educator, and I recognized the signs. By age 3, he was diagnosed with ADHD, oppositional defiant disorder and severe social anxiety; at 4 he was psychiatrically hospitalized. He struggled to function in school. From ages 10 to 12 he was in a residential treatment center, where he finally

Letters

under 5.4 million. The population of Israel’s near neighbors is 188.2 million. As a reference, the population of the United States is nearly 342 million.

There are rights and wrongs on both sides, but the constant drive to destroy Israel is not the correct solution to these issues.

LAwrence Levy Rockville Centre

Your opinion Matters

The strength of our community comes from open dialogue. We invite residents to submit letters to the editor on issues affecting our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government.

Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com Be heard. Be part of the conversation.

began to thrive. In 2019 cody was discharged and came home. He was supposed to receive home- and community-based mental health services to give him the tools to re-integrate. He was entitled to at-home therapy to manage his emotions, as well as crisis respite services — an alternative to hospitalization to provide stability during crises.

He received care through Medicaid, its access guaranteed by federal law. But the reality was different: Providers changed constantly, programs had waitlists and services disappeared without explanation.

wcate, I saw the chronic understaffing, the underfunding, and the burnout.

e can’t afford to continue neglecting the services our children need.

without consistent, medically necessary services, cody couldn’t handle the transition to home, and while lingering on waitlists, he had his first suicide attempt.

All the while, I was working inside the system. I took a job with wellLife network, a nonprofit mental health provider, as a supervisor of communitybased services and a family peer advocate. These advocates are an indispensable component of our behavioral health system. we provide care as parents of children with mental health issues. As such, we are trusted messengers when offering services like skill development. But working as an advo-

I knew that the system was failing, even as my family lived it personally. And we aren’t alone. Across the state, three in four Medicaid-eligible children who need outpatient behavioral health services are not receiving them. The disparities are similar on Long Island, and grow worse the closer you look. eighty-five percent of Medicaid-eligible children in our area are not receiving the outpatient clinical services they need, and nearly 500 more practitioners are needed to fill the gap.

without an investment for providers to expand services, children will lose out on programs that stabilize them before a crisis lands them in the hospital, or in handcuffs. we cannot afford to continue neglecting these services. Medicaid reimbursement rates for them have stagnated, even as costs have risen. nonprofit providers can’t pay competitive wages. Staff leave, caseloads grow, and some programs stop offering Medicaid services altogether.

I joined that lawsuit because I was fed up with a broken system. Alongside three other families, we charged that new york was violating Medicaid law by failing to provide required communi-

Framework by Tim Baker

ty-based services. As part of the settlement, new york must review long-inadequate Medicaid reimbursement rates to improve services. But the settlement gives the state a yearslong runway, and families can’t wait for reform.

If new york is serious about meeting both its legal and moral responsibilities, lawmakers must act this budget season. Providers across the state are calling for a $200 million investment to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for children’s behavioral health services.

Unfortunately, the governor’s and the State Senate’s proposed budgets do not include new resources. The Assembly did include $20 million to improve reimbursement rates, but that is far short of the support that is needed.

without investment, the promises in the settlement risk becoming hollow. It may be too late to give my son back the years he lost, but it doesn’t have to be too late for others.

every child on Long Island and across the state deserves timely mental health care in their home and community. The settlement made clear that new york falls short. now our lawmakers must make the investment necessary to turn that legal victory into real change for families like mine.

Christina Hauptman is a family peer advocate and a New York state peer specialist on the Intensive and Sustained Engagement Team at Hands Across Long Island.

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