Juan Alzamora/Herald JoniRose Jankie, Rodrigo Nakouzi and John Miller from Spartan’s Grill brought local flavor to the Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce’s second Taste of Valley Stream event on April 16.
Taste
Valley Stream returns
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
The Valley Stream Chamber of Commerce held its second Taste of Valley Stream event on April 16, bringing together local businesses, residents and community organizations for an evening centered on food and community recognition.
The event, at the VFW post on East Merrick Road, continued the chamber’s effort to highlight the diversity of the local dining scene while strengthening connections across the community.
This year’s gathering emphasized recognizing local food pantries and the individuals who lead them. Three Valley Stream-
based pantries were honored during the event: House of Hope at Bethlehem Assembly of God, the Church of the Blessed Sacrament food pantry and Holy Name of Mary Parish’s St. Vincent de Paul food pantry.
“From navigating SNAP benefits to coping with job loss, these individuals and organizations continue to serve with consistency, compassion and care,” chamber committee chair Lauri LoQuercio said. “Regardless of faith or background, their work is rooted in one simple belief: that everyone deserves access to support, dignity and opportunity.”
Norma Pascualini, pantry director of House of Hope, has led the organization for seven and a half years, oversees a volunteer
Village budget exceeds state tax levy cap
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
The Village of Valley Stream board of trustees adopted its proposed fiscal year 2026-27 budget of $52.36 million at its meeting on Monday.
The spending plan was approved by a vote of 4-0, with Mayor Ed Fare, Deputy Mayor Dermond Thomas and Trustees John Tufarelli and Kevin Waszak supporting it and Trustee Sharon Daly abstaining.
Village officials reduced the proposed tax rate to $58.23 per $100 of assessed value, from $58.55, after a public hearing on April 13 and additional discussions among the trustees.
Pgovernments can override the cap with a 60 percent majority vote of their governing board.
“There are many other jurisdictions that have been forced to override it, because, unfortunately, the cost of living for yourself and the village does not only stay at 2 percent,” Village Treasurer Michael Fox said. “However, over the last 15 years, we are at 2.4 percent.”
ED FARE Mayor
The tax levy, the total amount raised through property taxes, will increase from $35.4 million in the current fiscal year to $37 million in 2026-27. That 4.4 percent increase exceeds New York state’s tax cap on municipalities of roughly 2 percent. Local
The decision to exceed the cap was driven by rapidly rising costs. Officials cited increases in utilities, health insurance and expenses related to storm response and infrastructure maintenance. Fox also noted that keeping tax increases below the cap for several consecutive years can create financial pressure that must eventually be addressed. Residents raised concerns during the meeting about affordability and the impact of the increase on households
FASNY sounds alarm for new recruits
By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com
As part of a statewide effort to address declining volunteer firefighter enrollment, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York launched its 17th annual RecruitNY campaign with a news conference and a live firefighting demonstration at the Melville Fire Department April 15.
The initiative comes as the number of volunteer firefighters across the state has dropped by roughly 33 percent over the past two decades, from about 120,000 in the early 2000s to 80,000 today — even as emergency calls continue to rise. Recent data compiled by FASNY shows a 16 percent increase in house fires and a 37 percent jump in overall fire calls over that time, putting added strain on departments.
“It is very important for all of our communities to understand that fire and rescue service is staffed by volunteers who are will-
ing to go out 24/7 and respond to medical and fire emergencies as needed,” the association’s president, Gene Perry, said. “While some departments are doing very well, others face challenges and are trying to get more people and younger people involved.”
Nearly 90 percent of fire departments statewide — including about 70 in Nassau and 100 in Suffolk — rely on volunteers, making recruitment a growing public safety concern.
As part of RecruitNY, departments across Long Island opened their doors for demonstrations and outreach events aimed at attracting new members. Officials said the effort is critical to maintaining staffing levels and emergency response capabilities.
At the Long Island kickoff, FASNY representatives joined local officials and firefighters to highlight recruitment efforts and encourage residents to consider volunteering. They also conducted a demonstration on how firefighters extinguish
dangerous car fires.
In a survey conducted by the association two years ago, 49 percent of New York residents expressed an interest in becoming volunteer firefighters. As well, 66 percent of respondents said they would visit their local fire station to learn more, and 55 percent reported that they would begin with an online search for information.
“What we need are more incentives to encourage people to volunteer, like tax
breaks on homes and priority for affordable housing for volunteers,” Assemblyman Steve Stern said. “These are critically important, but we need to go much further, and I want you to know that we see it and we hear it, because not having enough volunteers is a direct hit on us all — our families and our communities — and it puts our safety at risk.”
For more information on volunteering, contact your local volunteer fire department or visit fasny.com.
Carolyn James/Herald photos
Melville firefighters demonstrate procedures used in putting out a car fire safely at press conference April 15.
FASNY President Gene Perry speaks at press conference about the importance of recruiting more volunteers to local volunteer fire departments across the state.
LIJ Valley Stream hosts student cook-off
By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com
Forty students from Uniondale’s Academy Charter School returned to Long Island Jewish Valley Stream hospital for another installment of the MedVoyage program, taking part in a hands-on cooking competition inside the hospital’s Food and Nutrition Services department.
The program, now in its third year and led by Northwell Health’s Center for Learning and Innovation, has expanded to partner with Academy Charter School, Mineola High School and Bethpage High School. Brian Aquart, Northwell’s vice president of workforce community education, said the goal is to grow MedVoyage to 10 schools by 2030.
“The big vision for me is, I think every hospital should have some type of connection with the high schools closest to them,” Aquart said at the April 16 cooking competition. “Students can see what is happening in their community and knowing what is happening in healthcare overall.”
The charter school first partnered with Northwell Health two years ago, providing students with hands-on exposure to the healthcare system and possible careers through the Center for Learning and Innovation.
This year marked the first time culinary students joined the program, expanding its focus beyond traditional medical tracks. Students were also encouraged to consider careers in healthcare.
“I always loved cooking,” Chase Bermedez-Suslie, a culinary student, said while on the clock, preparing for the competition. “It’s always been in my spirit to cook and give to others.”
“The program goes over different disciplines, and with food, I don’t think people know how it impacts patients,” Aquart said.
Patients experiencing different medical conditions require a different meal. A cancer patient cannot eat the same meal as a diabetic, and the menu and ingredients change depending on the person.
“One thing about the food and nutrition department here is that they provide highquality food,” Tatiana Rodriguez, LIJ Valley Stream’s project manager, said. “I think it’s amazing to look at patient experience in a different way.
“It’s really changed my aspect on hospital food or what it looks like,” she added. “It’s amazing to know that this hospital is one of the top when it comes to its kitchen.”
Joe Dobias, the hospital’s director of Food and Nutrition Services and a “Chopped” 2009 champion, organized and judged the April 16 competition, introducing students to the dishes the hospital offers, and preparing the same meals patients eat on Thursdays — southwestern tacos.
Dobias, a celebrity chef, culinary educator, restaurateur and author, is one of the few chefs who didn’t attend culinary school. Instead, he’s a graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration.
“I have been in the restaurant business a very long time, where I didn’t feel like I was making a really big impact,” Dobias said. “Everything I did was because someone was paying for it — it became very transactional
and lost a bit of love for it.”
He joined the healthcare industry seven years ago, beginning with Northwell. He expressed that it’s the most rewarding position he’s ever held.
“I wish they had this type of program when I was in high school,” Dobias said. “To introduce you to the world of hospital food — I thought I would work in a hospital and the way how we approach food here is scratch-base cooking.”
Students were divided into eight teams and given a surprise set of ingredients, including shrimp, chicken, beef, vegetables, as well as pantry items and various spices to add flavoring. They focused on balancing flavor, presentation and nutrition — key elements in hospital food service.
“I want them to know there’s a lot of other things that have to happen in order for you to be a nurse or a doctor,” Dobias told
the medical students. “I had a difficult time figuring that out myself because doctors and nurses are important — they save lives.
“But at some point, you start to recognize who’s moving the patient to the other room,” he added, “who is taking the person to the x-ray room, where does the food come from, the cafeteria, the kitchen. It’s an ecosystem.”
Initially, many students said they were too nervous to cook meals at the hospital, and that they’re surprised about the meals prepared there, but agreed that it’s equally important to patient health.
“I’m really excited to expand my horizon. That’s what we’re all doing,” Oliver Joseph, an academy senior, said about cooking new cuisine and doing it in a hospital setting.
Team “La Perle des Antilles” captured first place, impressing Dobias with its dish, presentation and teamwork throughout the
challenge.
The team — made up of medical students Joseph, Abigail Chery, Nandie Fanrose and Anne Brice — all have ties to Haiti, either by origin or family, inspiring them to name their group after a nickname of Haiti. However, they said they were unfamiliar with some of the ingredients they used.
“It wasn’t weird, but it was at the time because I was not expecting to see these ingredients,” Brice, who served as the winning team’s sous chef, said. “When we came here, we had to think really quick, and Oliver had great ideas.”
The competition challenged students to step outside their comfort zones while working together — offering a glimpse into the collaboration and adaptability required in both culinary and healthcare settings.
Andrew Kempski/Herald photos
Joe Dobias, a champion of the Food Network’s “Chopped” and Long Island Jewish Valley Stream’s food and nutrition director, judged dishes prepared by seniors from Academy Charter School in Uniondale during a hospital-based culinary competition.
Students in the Culinary Arts & Hospitality program at Academy Charter School joined the MedVoyage cooking competition for the first time, learning that food is important in hospitals, too.
As students race the clock, medical track student Anne Brice, at left, sous chef of the winning “La Perle des Antilles” team, prepares a southwestern-style taco — a dish in which she said the ingredients were new to her.
4 Butcher’s Cut Top Sirloins (5 oz.)
4 Air-Chilled Chicken Breasts (4 oz.)
Crime watChes
Valley Stream man arrested after alleged park incidents and assault on police officer
A 21-year-old man from Valley Stream has been arrested following a series of incidents at a local park that culminated in an alleged assault on a police officer, according to Fifth Squad detectives.
the suspect fled the scene on his bicycle to a residence on Camdike Street.
Officers responded to the area and located Matthew Nunez, 21, at the residence. He was taken into custody. During a search, police recovered a switchblade knife.
4 Boneless Pork Chops (6 oz.)
4 Kielbasa Sausages (3 oz.)
4 Individual Scalloped Potatoes (3.8 oz.)
4 Caramel Apple Tartlets (4 oz.)
1 Omaha Steaks Seasoning (3 oz.)
8 FREE Omaha Steaks Burgers (4 oz.) 81957ZSR separately $242.93 SPECIAL INTRODUCTORY PRICE $9999
Police say the investigation began after a 45-year-old woman reported an encounter at Hendrickson Park on April 12, at 10:00 a.m. The woman told detectives she was roller skating when an unknown man riding a manually propelled bicycle began swerving aggressively toward her. The situation escalated when the man swerved, causing both to fall to the ground. The victim, fearing for her safety, later contacted police.
The case developed on April 18, at 10:50 a.m., when the same woman returned to the park and observed the same individual allegedly swerving his bicycle toward two elderly women. She called 911, and
Health Benefits of Forgiveness
Each one of us experience countless injustices in the course of everyday living. Like other experiences, it is not the experience itself so much that counts, but how you process it. The Mayo Clinic addresses the health benefits of “forgiveness” which they define as “an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger”. Letting go of grudges and bitterness can lead to:
Everett Worthington, Profession Emeritus of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, provides a free workbook at for whom forgiveness may be difficult (most of
Recall: Recall the hurt. Look at the incident in an objective way and don’t try to push aside your feelings.
Empathize: Empathize with the offender without excusing the action or invalidating your own feelings. Maybe the person was having a bad day or was raised in dire circumstances.
forgiveness. Think about a time when you were rude or harsh, and recognize that everyone has shortcomings.
Commit: Make a decision to forgive. You can write a letter that you don’t send to help yourself make the commitment.
Hold:
how you react to those feelings will.
“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned”
Authorities said that while Nunez was being secured in a patrol car, he became combative and allegedly head-butted an officer. The officer sustained a head contusion and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Nunez faces multiple charges, including assault on a police officer, reckless endangerment, resisting arrest, criminal possession of a weapon and criminal trespass.
His most recent court appearance was April 21.
— Angelina Zingariello
Two Valley Stream BJ’s employees arrested in months-long $175,000 fraud scheme
Two men have been arrested in connection with a months-long grand larceny investigation in Valley Stream, according to the Electronics Squad Fraud and Forgery Unit.
Detectives reported that Ranaldo Davis, 19, of Rosedale, and Marquis Johnson, 31, of Westbury, were both employed at BJ’s Wholesale Club located at 125 Green Acres Rd. Authorities allege that between Jan. 13 and April 12, the two men acted together
to file multiple fraudulent returns totaling approximately $175,000.
Nassau County police said both men were taken into custody on April 14 without incident. Davis and Johnson have each been charged with grand larceny and falsifying business records. Their next court appearance is April 30.
— Angelina Zingariello
CHARLOTTE WEBSTER EAST ROCKAWAY Senior SOFTBALL
ALREADY A TWO-TIME All-Conference selection, Webster appears well on her way to at least a third if not an All-County season. Heading into this week’s action, the Rocks’ fourth-year starting shortstop leads Nassau County in home runs with 6 and RBIs with 28 while batting .700 through nine games. Webster blasted a pair of homers against Baldwin on March 21 and repeated the accomplishment April 11 versus Freeport.
games to watch
Thursday, April 23
Flag Football: Oceanside at East Rockaway 5 p.m.
Flag Football: Bell-Merrick at Massapequa 5:30 p.m.
Friday, April 24
Softball: Clarke at Farmingdale 5 p.m.
Softball: Malverne at Uniondale 5 p.m.
Softball: North Shore at South Side 5 p.m.
Baseball:Calhoun at Long Beach 5 p.m.
Baseball: Elmont at Kennedy 5 p.m.
Boys Tennis: South Side at Hewlett 5 p.m.
Flag Football: East Meadow at Freeport 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: Carey at Kennedy 5 p.m.
Girls Lacrosse: West Hempstead at Clarke 5 p.m.
Saturday, April 25
Softball: Wantagh at Oceanside 10 a.m.
Softball: Hicksville at Long Beach 10 a.m.
Softball: West Hempstead at Lawrence 10 a.m.
Softball: Lynbrook at Freeport 10 a.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Herricks at Baldwin 11 a.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Roslyn at Long Beach 1 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: East Meadow at Oceanside 1 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Freeport at V.S. District 1 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: North Shore at Seaford 3 p.m.
Boys Lacrosse: Lynbrook vs Hewlett 6:30 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a spring sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
HERALD SPORTS
Rebuilt VSD continues success
By NICK MONGIOVI sports@liherald.com
Valley Stream District’s flag football team came into the season with a ton of unknowns. It graduated 18 seniors off last year’s roster, but others have stepped up to fill voids. This team is led by sophomore captain quarterback/safety Joeyce Forero.
VSD is 6-2 overall and 2-2 in Conference 1, with four shutout victories coming against Roslyn on March 19, Glen Cove on March 21, Roosevelt on April 9, and Long Beach April 13.
“Having so many unknowns this year, I think our identity this year is that fight, that grit and going on the field and playing 100% until the final whistle,” VSD coach Brian Kelly said. “One of the big things about the Valley Stream District flag football program is we want to make sure these girls feel like family. They get along very well and the team chemistry is there.”
Forero has been the engine of the offense with 744 passing yards, 659 rushing yards and 18 total touchdowns while also adding playmaking abilities on the other side of the ball, racking up 7 interceptions, one of which she returned for a score. In a 25-0 win over Roosevelt, Forero picked off three passes.
“We have phenomenal leaders this year, one of which being [Forero], who is arguably the best player in the conference,” Kelly said. “Joeyce is very vocal. She’s the leader of the team. Everyone looks up to her.”
Senior wide receiver/safe-
ty Gabby Rivera and senior running back Kaylah Merilan both make huge impacts for this team. Rivera has
recorded 239 yards and 4 touchdowns, while Merilan has over 300 yards on the ground and 6 scores, but con-
tributes defensively with over 30 flag pulls, with more than 10 of those coming for a loss. Seniors Alyssa Haughton and Antoinette Lashley round out the receiving core.
“[Rivera] is the longest tenured member of our team,” Kelly said. “She’s kind of ushering in this new generation. She remembers everything we did with the old team, and she’s helping bring those values and help the girls see the way we do things with the new team. That bridge right there has been invaluable.”
In the team’s 25-0 win over Long Beach, junior Daphne Vives caught her first touchdown of the season and Forero tossed 3 touchdowns. It was another scoreless outing from Kelly’s defense.
“Defensively, we played well,” Kelly said. “We had a good plan coming into the game and the girls executed nicely. [Senior] Kiah Bernard and [sophomore] Akoi ClarkePhillips fly to the ball and pull flags really well. [Senior] Adia Blake and [junior] Arianna Gonzalez put tons of pressure on opposing quarterbacks.”
Even though VSD is coming off a 19-6 loss to Syosset April 16, Kelly knows what it has to work on once it looks at the drawing board.
“Syosset is always a tough matchup and we couldn’t find any open space.,” Kelly said. “We still have work to do and it’s an opportunity for us to fix some things that didn’t work and get better.”
VSD is back in action Thursday at 5 p.m. when it hits the road to face Plainview for a Conference 1 clash.
Erik Lee/Herald
Senior running back Kaylah Merilan, right, has 6 touchdowns for Valley Stream, which won six of its first eight games.
Jennings focuses on reliability, cost as he leads PSEG Long Island pseg l.i.
By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com
Scott Jennings was appointed president and chief operating officer of PSEG Long Island in January, overseeing electric service for about 1.2 million customers. He joined PSEG in 1998 after starting at Deloitte, and held leadership roles in finance and energy investments. He helped develop PSEG’s Long Island agreement, leading to its 2014 launch, and most recently served as senior vice president of finance, planning and strategy. He earned a degree in business administration and an MBA in accounting from Pace University.
Q: From a business degree in accounting, how did you get into the power industry?
A: I started with Deloitte, and PSEG was one of my clients. The engagement showed me how critical the energy industry is to the overall economy and every family. At PSEG I’ve been able to see every part of the business as I moved into several different roles in finance supporting the overall company, and directly managed a number of our business areas.
Q: Having been involved in creating PSEG Long Island’s operating structure in 2014, how does that influence your current priorities?
A: Yes, it was a great experience to lead our pitch to LIPA to serve as the operator more than a decade ago, and I’m really happy to move out here and join and lead the PSEG Long Island team. I think this publicprivate partnership brings great value to the customers of Long Island. With the utility system owned by LIPA, they have access to FEMA funding to recover the costs of storms and support grants for investments, they don’t pay federal or state taxes, and they have access to low-cost debt financing. That’s real value. And then engaging a private company, like PSEG, brings the expertise to operate the utility efficiently and effectively. So my first priorities are aligned with that: leading the utility to bring value to our customers by providing strong reliability and customer service at an affordable price.
Q: Being responsible for PSEG-New Jersey’s high standard in the industry, how do you lift PSEG Long Island to that level?
A: Over our first 12 years on Long Island, we’ve made great strides — this is a very, very different electric system and process compared to the past. Reliability has greatly
improved — PSEG Long Island is now in the top 10 percent of the country for reliability, just behind our sister in New Jersey. We see this in fewer sustained outages, fewer momentary outages, and lesser impacts and quicker responses during recent storms.
Similar on the customer satisfaction front. When we took over in 2014, the Long Island utility had the lowest customer satisfaction in the industry. Since then, PSEG Long Island has been recognized as having the most improvement in the entire country, and was even ranked No. 1 in the 2025 J.D. Power Business Customer Satisfaction Study among large utilities in the East.
And finally I’d point to affordability. When we took over, Long Island electric rates were about the highest in the country. Since then, through good cost control, New York state actions on property taxes and LIPA refinancing its debt, our rates are now lower than our neighboring utilities in NYC and Connecticut.
So we’ve made great progress, and my focus will be to continue to improve our service while managing costs.
Q: From your 30 years of experience, what lessons are
most relevant as you take on this position?
A: It’s about putting the right people in the right positions and keeping focus on what is most important for customers: reliability, service and cost.
Q: Under your leadership, what does success look like, and how can PSEG Long Island help strengthen the L.I. region?
A: I look for success in two timeframes. First is the nearterm of maintaining continued strong reliability and customer service while managing costs effectively. The second is positioning the Long Island electric utility for long-term success. We’re making additional system reliability investments so the strong reliability performance we’ve recently delivered can be maintained. Similarly, we’ll be assessing our longterm energy needs and the generation supply needed to meet them reliably and affordably, while also balancing environmental considerations. These actions and more will position Long Island for reliable and affordable service for years to come, which will help support the region’s continued economic development and great communities for our families.
Friday, April 24: Rides 6 PM - 10 PM Saturday, April 25: Rides 11 AM - 9 PM Sunday, April 26: Rides 11 AM - 7 PM Vendors Sat. & Sun. 10 AM - 6 PM
ScOtt JENNINGS
Highlighting small businesses, local heroes
base of 60 to 80 people. Under her leadership, the pantry expanded its operations during the Covid-19 pandemic by implementing contact-free meal distribution and continues to coordinate large-scale efforts such as the annual Thanksgiving outreach, which provides hundreds of turkey baskets to families.
Judith Miccio, who has served for more than 26 years as outreach coordinator for Blessed Sacrament Parish, was also recognized. Her work focuses on providing food assistance and guidance to individuals and families, while helping build a network of support rooted in consistent service and volunteer involvement.
Sister Margie Kelly, outreach director at Holy Name of Mary Parish for more than four decades, was honored for her longstanding role in developing and maintaining a broad range of services. Under her leadership, the parish outreach program has grown to include food distribution for more than 125 families monthly, as well as access to resources such as counseling, employment support and medical referrals.
“No matter your religion or beliefs, we are all Valley Streamers,” Mayor Ed Fare said. “We pull for each other, we are one community under a big, beautiful tent of friendship and camaraderie.”
During the event, each of the pantries received recognition, and mone -
tary donations were directed toward supporting their ongoing operations.
The event featured a range of food vendors representing both local establishments and organizations. Participating vendors included Ben’s Crab, BJ’s Restaurant, Genovese Pizzeria, China King, Inatome, Pelican’s Snoballs, Spartan’s Grill, Pretty Toni’s Café, Northwell Health, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Butt Karahi House, Paradise Jerk & Grill, Antonio’s, Rockstar Korean Barbeque, Tepache, The Bristal Assisted Living,
Valley Stream Central High School, San Antonio Bakery & Restaurant and Tandoori Twist.
“Our partnership with Central High School District has created opportunities for mentorship and volunteerism, giving students a chance to be part of something bigger while supporting the very community they come from,” LoQuercio said. “At the same time, we remain committed to uplifting the small businesses that help shape the identity and energy of Valley Stream.”
Proceeds from this year’s event will support the honored food pantries and the chamber’s broader initiatives, including community programs, beautification efforts and educational opportunities for local businesses.
With its combination of food, volunteerism and community recognition, the second Taste of Valley Stream further established itself as a platform for highlighting local resources and fostering connections among residents and organizations.
Board adopts $52.36 million spending plan
already facing a higher cost of living. Some questioned why the increase was significantly higher than the typical cap, and asked how the village plans to manage similar financial pressure in the future.
Officials responded that exceeding the cap is not automatic, and must be approved annually, and that the current budget reflects necessary spending to maintain existing services rather than new or expanded programs.
Discussion also focused on staffing costs, including salaries, overtime and the use of part-time employees. Parttime workers are used across departments to reduce the cost of benefits, which are significantly higher for fulltime employees, and staffing levels vary depending on operational needs.
Village officials also touched on revenue sources, including parking-related income. Valley Stream generates $500,000 to $550,000 annually from parking meters, along with additional revenue from permits and fines that can total hundreds of thousands of dollars depending on collections.
Some residents questioned spending priorities, including investment in the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library and other community facilities. Fox explained that major capital improve -
the budget was approved by a vote of 4-0, with mayor ed fare, Deputy mayor Dermond thomas and trustees John tufarelli and Kevin Waszak voting in favor and trustee Sharon Daly abstaining.
ments are typically funded through borrowing, and are not directly included in the general fund budget, though related debt service payments are.
“I am very appreciative that the village does maintain our building,” library Director Mamie Eng said. “We are not the greatest building. We don’t have the Oceanside beautiful, big expansion. We don’t have a big expansion that Elmont has, but we are doing the best we can with the money that we have.”
Residents also raised concerns about long-term sustainability as the costs of health care, utilities and weather-related expenses continue to rise. Officials acknowledged those challenges, and said future budgets would be evaluated year by year.
The board confirmed that pool fees will remain unchanged this season.
“That’s why people who use the pool pay a fee,” Fare said. “People suggested that the pool be free. That would mean
the tax rate would go up for everyone, even people who didn’t use the pool, which is why we said we had to keep those fees in place for the pool as a user fee. And just about everybody recognizes the fact that the pool probably looks better today than it did the day it opened. It’s terrific.”
The budget was adopted through Resolution 072/26 following the roll call vote, concluding weeks of discussion and public comment.
Lanlan Wu and Donna Huang served culinary delights from China King.
Angelina Zingariello/Herald
ContinueD from page 1
Juan Alzamora/Herald photos Joel moronta and Jaylin Dawson represented local restaurant tepache taste of mexico.
TPS bill backed by Gillen advances in House
Measure that would extend protections for Haitian immigrants through 2029 heads to the Senate
By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com
House Democrats secured enough bipartisan support last week to pass legislation to extend temporary protected status for roughly 350,000 Haitians living in the United States. Since Rep. Laura Gillen assumed office last year, she has backed a bill that would allow Haitian TPS holders legal status for three more years.
During a roundtable discussion in Elmont just days before the pivotal vote on April 16, Gillen acknowledged the limitations of temporary measures and pointed to broader legislative efforts, including bipartisan immigration proposals aimed at creating pathways to legal status.
The latest legislation would mark a transformational moment for TPS holders seeking clarity about their future. Haiti was first designated for TPS following a devastating 2010 earthquake, and ongoing instability has kept the designation in place.
Last week’s House effort, led by Rep. Ayanna Pressley and backed by Gillen and original co-sponsor Rep. Mike Lawler, secured the required 218 signatures earlier this month, triggering the House vote, in which it passed, 224-204.
“Our immigration system has been
broken for a long time,” Gillen said.
Mimi Pierre-Johnson, a community leader and activist in Elmont — home to one of Long Island’s largest Haitian populations — emphasized the importance of bipartisan support.
“This should be something that galvanized folks to understand it doesn’t matter about the people who’s trying to divide you, it’s what’s important to you, right?” Pierre-Johnson said. “So if your
neighbors that are going to work, paying taxes, you know, building a family, building a life, and the only thing stopping them from doing all of that is a piece of legislation.”
In January, Gillen signed a bipartisan letter urging the Trump administration to extend TPS for Haitian nationals ahead of the Feb. 3 expiration. She also met with White House officials to advocate for continued protections, efforts
that coincided with a federal court ruling issued one day before the deadline that preserved TPS.
Gillen reiterated the need for broader reform, noting the limits of temporary protections. She is also among the Democratic co-sponsors of the bipartisan Dignity Act, which aims to create a pathway to legal status for long-term U.S. residents.
Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, whose 22nd District encompasses Elmont, became the first person of Haitian descent elected to the New York State Legislature in 2012. Solages wrote in a statement that although the House vote should be applauded, progress “isn’t anywhere near the finish line” — referencing to the bill’s possible fate in the Senate and the likelihood of a presidential veto if it passes there.
“We may take this moment to rejoice at the progress made, but we cannot lose focus,” Solages said.
For advocates of the House bill, the push for TPS protections is about more than passing legislation; it reflects the realities of immigrant communities and the uncertainties they face.
The bill is now expected to move to the Senate for consideration, though a date for a vote has not yet been scheduled. Its aim is to protect Haitians who hold TPS through April 20, 2029.
Hailey Fulmer/Herald
Rep. Laura Gillen, left, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Nassau County Legislator Carrié Solages and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages at a roundtable hosted by Gillen at Le Spot Cafe in Elmont, where advocates gathered to discuss legislation that would extend Temporary Protected Status for Haitian immigrants.
Valley
their
Little leaguers gear up for Opening Day
Families and players gathered on April 18 at the Fireman’s Field Clubhouse for the annual uniform distribution hosted by the Valley Stream Little League, marking a key step in preparation for the upcoming season.
The event provided registered players across all divisions with their team uniforms ahead of Opening Day, scheduled for April 25. The league, now entering its 68th season, serves a wide range of age groups, from tee-ball for children as young as 4 to more advanced divisions for early teenagers.
Uniform handout day is one of several preseason activities that help organize teams and ensure players are ready for the start of games. The league typically runs through late June, with additional opportunities for continued participation into the fall.
Operated entirely by volunteers, the organization coordinates team assignments, scheduling and equipment distribution in the weeks leading up to Opening Day. Players will go on to participate in a season that typically includes 15 to 20 games, depending on scheduling and weather.
Younger divisions primarily play within the village, while older teams compete against neighboring communities as part of district play under the broader Little League structure.
The event reflected the league’s ongoing efforts to prepare for another season of youth baseball and softball, continuing a longstanding community tradition centered on local participation and organized play
— Angelina Zingariello
Maureen Lennon/Herald photos
Stream Little League Board Members Steve Baez, Matias Cordoba, Chuck Norton, Joanne Healey and Ron Healey distributed uniforms, ensuring players are ready for
upcoming season.
Zoey and Cody LaChioma, 8, have been playing for two years and hope to “one day be the first female professional baseball players.”
Christopher “CJ” Tricoche, 7, can’t wait to play baseball; he wants to play ‘shortstop’.
Emmanuel Hollingsworth, 7, wants to be a pitcher, and his favorite baseball team is the Yankees.
Rhyatt Mercado, 7, is very excited about playing baseball. This is his first year participating in Little League.
Compiled By Herald Staff
Charlotte Jacobs Massapequa Park
I like to do doodles and to color with my mom and my sister. Sometimes my sister gets markers on my pictures, but that’s okay.
Mackenzie Alessandro
Glen Cove, age 11
I like to go to Claymation and paint.
Tim Baker/Herald
Charlie McDonald Rockville Centre, age 8
I like to go to the library and play on my iPad and look for books.
Tim Baker/Herald
BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Aviana Mannino Lynbrook, age 12
Calling my friends and playing Roblox and watching Hannah Montana.
Tim Baker/Herald
Alonnah Joggy East Meadow I love being in my room listening to the rain while playing music and falling asleep. Abbey Salvemini/Herald
Come learn about local
The museum provides an inclusive, fully accessible experience for all visitors and is the perfect place to spend a fun and educational day with your family. School field trips and group tours welcome.
STEPPING OUT
Rooted in springtime Blossoming out at Planting Fields
By Abbey Salvemini
As spring moves forward towards its peak, Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay bursts into a vivid celebration of color, nature and community. This weekend, April 25–26, the inaugural Branches in Bloom Festival invites visitors to stroll beneath sweeping canopies of magnolias, cherry blossoms and other flowering trees.
Blending longstanding tradition with new experiences, the festival refreshes the site’s beloved Arbor Day celebration of years past. Guests can explore the historic estate in colorful bloom while enjoying guided tours, live entertainment and familyfriendly activities, making it an easy spring highlight for visitors of all ages.
The new festival is both a tribute and a transformation.
“Branches in Bloom is a reimagination of a 40-year-old tradition here at Planting Fields,” Communications and Marketing Manager Kayla Cheshire says. “It’s still in honor of Arbor Day, but now we’re really able to focus on our spring flowering collection, something thousands of visitors come to see each year.”
That shift is most visible in the festival’s new setting. Instead of hosting activities away from the colorful trees, organizers moved the entire event to the West Lawn, placing everyone directly among the site’s most stunning seasonal displays. That change will have an immediate impact, according to Stewardship Director Lilly McGurk.
“The focus on the spring blooms is really going to knock everybody’s socks off,” she says with enthusiasm.
The refreshed format also reflects a broader push to make the festival more engaging and accessible to all audiences. While hands-on tree education and environmental programming remain at its core, the expanded offerings are designed to be inviting for families, younger visitors and those discovering the grounds for the first time.
“We wanted to create something that feels contemporary and welcoming to all,” McGurk explains. “People are looking to get outside, enjoy nature and spend time together. This brings in that wellness aspect while still celebrating the environment.”
Over the course of the weekend, the festival
Harry Chapin’s Greatest Stories Live
blends learning with leisure, offering something for both the curious and the casual visitor. Guided tours led by expert horticulturalists, including Arboretum Director Vincent Simeone, provide behind-the-scenes insight into the site’s celebrated collections, while interactive demonstrations and displays offer practical inspiration for gardeners at every level.
Music, magic shows, jugglers and roaming performers keep the grounds buzzing with energy throughout the day. Anchoring the schedule are performances by Strummin’ and Drummin’ (spanning late morning into the afternoon), complemented by face painting, caricatures and a lineup of food trucks offering plenty of casual bites and treats.
For families, interactive experiences are a major draw. The Kids Tree Climb run by longtime sponsor Wonderland Tree Care + Landscapes returns as a centerpiece activity, giving children the chance to safely scale trees under professional supervision. Due to high demand, last entry is at 2:30 p.m. to ensure all finish by the 4 p.m. close.
• Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Admission is $30 per car, or if taking the LIRR to Oyster Bay, $5 per person (kids under 3 free); learn at plantingfields.org
• 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay
Craft stations include simple coloring and imaginative projects like wearable “bee crowns,” designed to spark creativity and connect visitors to nature.
“We design activities with everyone in mind,” McGurk says. “There are things for kids, adults and families to enjoy together.”
The festival also underscores the broader mission of the Planting Fields Foundation, which works in partnership with New York State Parks, to preserve and maintain stewardship of the site. Beyond its celebrated horticulture, the organization continues to highlight the estate’s layered history, art and culture — threads that run throughout the programming and shape the visitor experience.
“There’s so much more here than just the plants,” Cheshire adds. “There’s history, there’s art, there’s culture. Events like this allow us to showcase all of that while making the site accessible to people of all ages and abilities.”
Accessibility remains a priority. This year, organizers pilot a shuttle from the Oyster Bay LIRR station making it easier for visitors from throughout the region to attend without a car. Supported by a state tourism grant through I Love New York, this expands the festival’s reach.
“We want everyone to feel welcome here,” Cheshire says. “This is about creating access not just to the festival, but to green space and nature in general.”
Even with its expanded offerings, Branches in Bloom remains firmly rooted in its Arbor Day heritage. Tree giveaways, educational exhibits, a plant sale, and environmental partnerships continue to anchor the festival, preserving its mission-driven focus while allowing it to evolve and resonate with a new generation.
With blooms in full display, immersive activities and a renewed focus on community connection, organizers aim for the festival to take root as a lasting seasonal celebration.
“It’s a new take on a tradition that means a lot to us. At the end of the day, it’s about bringing people together, celebrating the season and sharing this incredible place with as many people as possible,” Cheshire says.
In the long tradition of American roots music family groups, the Chapin family holds a distinctive place. Tom Chapin, Steve Chapin, Jen Chapin, and The Chapin Sisters (Abigail and Lily Chapin) are all accomplished artists with a shared commitment to family and music that connects deeply with audiences. Their performances together bring that spirit into focus in a powerful and personal way at this special concert honoring Harry Chapin’s legacy. Two generations of his family come together to perform his songs, joined by The Harry Chapin Band, featuring Big John Wallace and Howard Fields.His iiconic works are performed lwith the energy and intimacy they were written with in mind. In keeping with Harry’s lifelong commitment to fighting hunger, everyone is encouraged to bring nonperishable items, to be donated to a local food bank.
Friday, April 24, 8 p.m. $91, $71, $51. JLandmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
Wild days in the Bronx
Chazz Palminteri returns with his electrifying solo performance of “A Bronx Tale,” the autobiographical one-man show that launched his career. Raw, riveting and deeply personal, the play draws on his bruising childhood in the Bronx, including the moment — at just nineyears-old — when he witnessed a gangland killing that forever shaped his world-view. Onstage, Palminteri inhabits 18 vividly drawn characters, seamlessly shifting between friends, foes and family members to conjure an entire neighborhood with nothing but his voice, physicality and storytelling prowess. First written and performed in 1989, A Bronx Tale quickly became a sensation, hailed as one of the most sought-after stage properties since Rocky. The original production paved the way for the acclaimed film adaptation — directed by Robert De Niro—and later a hit Broadway musical.
Sunday, April 26, 7:30 p.m. The Paramount. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
Photos courtesy Planting Fields
Photos: Visitors wander the West Lawn at Planting Fields as spring blooms frame a weekend of music, art and family activities.
Your Neighborhood CALENDAR
APR 23
Hofstra Spring Dance Concert
Hofstra University’s Department of Drama and Dance welcomes all to Spring 2026 Dance Concert. The performance features includes pieces by Hofstra faculty choreographers and guest artists. $15 general admission, $10 for seniors and Hofstra alumni.
• Where: Toni and Martin Sosnoff Theater, John Cranford Adams Playhouse, South Campus, Hempstead
• Time: 8 p.m., also April 24–April 25
APR
24
Tween/Teen Movie Night
Join Henry Waldinger Memorial Library staff and fellow tweens/ teens as they roll out the Smart Board and show a movie on its big screen in the Children’s Room. Registration is required.
• Where: 60 Verona Place
• Time: 5:30 p.m.
• Contact: valleystreamlibrary. org or (516) 825-6422
Scott Litroff Jazz Trio
Join Dr. Scott Litroff, internationally-renowned saxophonist and Adelphi University Senior Adjunct Faculty, as he performs a vibrant and lively concert on the Adelphi University stage. He plays contemporary/smooth jazz, fusion, funk, pop, and original works alongside some of the finest musicians in the jazz and pop scene today. Drawing upon his multiple influences from jazz, pop, and the classical arts, Scott is known for his impressive lyricism, improvisational prowess, and high virtuosity. It is sure to be a captivating evening as Scott and his band move and groove as they interpret the works of Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, Kenny G, and others.
• Where: Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or (516) 877-4000
APR 25
The Lovin’ Spoonful Fondly known as “America’s answer to the Beatles,” the band brings their chart-topping folk-rock hits to the Madison Theatre. Formed in New York’s Greenwich Village, The Lovin’ Spoonful, made up of original band members John Sebastian, Steve Boone,
MAY 2
George Thorogood and The Destroyers
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
For the past five-plus decades, over 8,000 live shows and more than 15 million albums sold, George Thorogood and The Destroyers have been “The All-American Rock & Roll Party Band” (Goldmine Magazine). In celebration of 53 years of “playing rock ‘n roll hot enough to melt the polar icecaps and flood the world’s major population centers” (Rolling Stone), the group continues The Baddest Show On Earth Tour — a stage-shaking, roofraising, guitar-snarling blast. For an artist whose music honors the blues, rock and country legends of the past, Thorogood’s forward momentum is now stronger than ever. And along with longtime Destroyers Jeff Simon (drums), Bill Blough (bass), Jim Suhler (guitar) and Buddy Leach (saxophone), they continue “to slap a custom flame paint job onto those classic sounds” (Blues Blast Magazine) like never before. The band has lways delivered on their promises. In 1976, they debuted as the most explosive indie breakthrough act of the decade. Throughout the ‘80s/’90s MTV era, Thorogood was the epitome of snakeskin and shades guitar-slinger cool. And with chart-topping hits like ‘One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer’, ‘Move It On Over’, ‘Who Do You Love?’, ‘I Drink Alone’, ‘Get A Haircut’ and the ultimate badass anthem ‘Bad To The Bone’, the band soon became undeniable cornerstones of classic Rock. Meanwhile, their album catalog continues to dominate streaming charts worldwide.
Joe Butler, and Zal Yanovsky, exploded onto the charts sending their first seven singles soaring onto Billboard’s Top10 virtually overnight. Their first single, “Do You Believe in Magic,” flew to the top of the charts, followed by an unprecedented string of hits. Today, The Lovin’ Spoonful tours with founding member Steve Boone, along with Jeff Alan Ross (Badfinger, Peter Asher), Bill Cinque (Neil Diamond), longtime drummer Mike Arturi, and Rob Bonfiglio (The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson Band, Wilson Phillips).
• Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444
APR 28
District 30 BOE meets District 30 Board of Education holds its regular session to address district goals and policies. Reports from committees and administrators will also be presented. This meeting will include the BOCES vote.
• Where: Shaw Avenue School
Library, 99 Shaw Ave.
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: valleystream30.com
District 13 BOE meets
District 13 School Board holds its regular policy and business committee meetings. Stay informed on district matters. This meeting will include the BOCES vote.
• Where: James A. Dever, 585 Corona Ave.
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: valleystream13.com
APR
29
Hofstra New Music Ensemble
All are welcome to the ensemble’s performance. The ensembles perform original student arrangements and traditional jazz repertoire. Program features the premiere of a new work by Rebecca Feynberg written for the Hofstra New Music Ensemble and student compositions by Luis Romero, Owen Andruchow and others.
• Where: Hofstra’s Helene Fortunoff Theater, Monroe Lecture Center, South Campus, Hempstead
• Time: 3 p.m.
• Contact: hofstra. universitytickets.com or call the Hofstra Box Office at (516) 463-6644
Family theater
Long Island Children’s Museum stages “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical!,” back at the museum by popular demand. With a script written by Mo Willems, the creator of the award-winning “Pigeon” picture books, and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma (Elephant & Piggie’s We Are in a Play!), this show is even more fun than staying up late and having a hot dog party! It’s not easy being the Pigeon since you never get to do anything. But when the Bus Driver has a crisis that threatens to make her passengers (gasp!) late, maybe that wily bird can finally do something. Featuring an innovative mix of songs, and feathers, Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical! is sure to get everyone’s wings flapping. $11 with museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon.; also April 30-May 1
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
The Patient and Family Experience Department at the hospital hosts pet adoption event with the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter. Meet your potential new furry friend!
• Where: Long Island Jewish Valley Stream hospital, 900 Franklin Ave.
• Time: 11 a.m.
• Contact: (516) 785-5220 APR
MAY
1
Celebrate Mother Goose Day
Bring the little ones ages 1-3 to join Ms. K at Henry Waldinger Memorial Library for stories, songs, rhymes and a simple craft in celebration of Mother Goose Day. Registration required.
• Where: Where: 60 Verona Place
• Time: 11 a.m.
• Contact: valleystreamlibrary. org or (516) 825-6422
Storybook
MAY
Stroll
2
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens for a Storybook Stroll. Little listeners are invited to participate in a guided stroll through the Gardens, with a reading of Isabel Sanchez Vergara’s “Little People Big Dreams.” Along the way, discover nature’s wonders, in the formal gardens. The tour ends at the Thatched Cottage with a story and hands-on craft for each child to take home.
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
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 NO. TWENTY-FOUR
TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD AND NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing of the qualified voters of the Valley Stream Union Free School District No.
Twenty-Four of the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, will be held at the William L. Buck School on Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York 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 Tuesday, 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 Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 7:00 a.m., prevailing time, in the school buildings located in such districts as enumerated below:
District No. 1: Valley Stream Fire Department
112 South Corona Ave, Valley Stream, New York
District No. 2: William L. Buck School 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York
District No. 3: Brooklyn Avenue School 24 Brooklyn Avenue, Valley Stream, New York
District No. 4: Robert W. Carbonaro School
50 Hungry Harbor Road, Valley Stream, New York at which time the polls will be open from 7:00 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. To elect three (3) members of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term commencing July 1, 2026 and expiring on June 30, 2029, as follows:
a. One (1) member of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term to succeed Armando Hernandez, whose term expires June 30, 2026;
b. One (1) member of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term to succeed Melissa Herrera, whose term expires June 30, 2026;
c. One (1) member of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term to succeed Cynthia Nunez (last incumbent-currently vacant), whose term expires June 30, 2026; the person elected shall also serve the remainder of the unexpired term commencing May 19, 2026.
3. To present the following propositions for consideration:
a. SHALL the proposed budget of expenditures of Valley Stream Union Free School District TwentyFour for the year 20262027 be approved in the amount of $43,131,639 and for the purposes shown in the statement thereof presented at the annual meeting, and that such sum be raised through a levy upon the taxable property in the district after first deducting the monies from state aid and other sources, as provided by law.
b. SHALL the Board of Education of Valley Stream Union Free School District TwentyFour be authorized to appropriate and expend from the Capital Reserve Fund, which was established on 2024 (“Reserve Fund”) pursuant to Section 3651 of the Education Law, for the following capital improvement projects: Renovating Three (3) Classrooms district-wide, and resurfacing the parking lot and playground at William L. Buck school in the approximate amount $1,200,000, and other work required in connection therewith; and to expend from the
Reserve Fund therefore, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto an amount not to exceed the estimated total cost of $1,200,000.
c. 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.
d. SHALL the Board of Education of the Valley Stream Central High School District 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.
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 No. Twenty-four shall be filed with the District Clerk of said School District at the District Clerk’s office, 75 Horton 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 at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 qualified voters 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. A nominating petition may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for the office or declares his or her unwillingness to serve. Forms for nominating petitions may be obtained at the office of the Superintendent of Schools at the William L. Buck School on Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York and the office of the District Clerk of said School District.
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. The Board of Registration will meet for the purposes of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to Education Law §2014 at the William L. Buck School, on May 11,
2026 at 5:30 p.m., prevailing time, to add any additional names to the Registers to be used at the aforesaid Budget Vote and Election, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Registers, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such Budget Vote and Election for which the Register are prepared. The Registers so prepared pursuant to Education Law §2014 will be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the School District in the Administration Building, located at 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on Thursday, May 14, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., prevailing time, on weekdays, and each day prior to the day set for the Budget Vote and Election, except Sunday or holidays, and on Saturday by prearranged appointment, and at the polling places on the day of the Budget Vote and Election.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to New York Education Law §2014, the Board of Registration shall meet on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the respective polling places between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., at the 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 2027and 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 516-434-2839 for information about accessibility.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that beginning seven (7) days immediately preceding the May 6, 2026, public budget hearing, any resident in the District may request to review a copy of the proposed budget by appearing at the Office of the District Clerk, 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York. 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. valleystreamschool district24.org, at the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library during its normal hours of operation, located at 60 Verona Place, Valley Stream, New York, at the School District Administrative Center, 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York, and at each of the following school buildings in which school is maintained between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., prevailing time, except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays:
1. Brooklyn Avenue School located at 24 Brooklyn Avenue, Valley Stream New York;
2. William L. Buck School located at 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream New York; and
3. Robert W. Carbonaro School located at 50 Hungry Harbor Road, Valley Stream New York.
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 Thursday, 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 Saturday, May 16, 2026, by advanced appointment by contacting the District Clerk at 516-434-2839 and on Tuesday, 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 No. TwentyFour by requesting and returning a registration application to the District Clerk in person, or by email to districtclerk@vs24.org or fax sent to 516-2560163. 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 No. Twenty-Four 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@vs24. org or fax sent to 516256-0163. 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 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York, 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
Public Notices
Clerk before the close of polls on Tuesday, 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 Tuesday, 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 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York, not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on February 18, 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 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York, no later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time on March 20, 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 one hundred (100) qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 100 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 516-434-2839.
Jennie L. Padilla District Clerk of the Board of Education Valley Stream Union Free School District No. Twenty-Four 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York 159363
LEGAL NOTICE CONVOCATORIA DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA, VOTACIÓN DEL PRESUPUESTO Y ELECCIONES DISTRITO ESCOLAR INDEPENDIENTE DE VALLEY STREAM N.º VEINTICUATRO MUNICIPIO DE HEMPSTEAD Y CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK
POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que se celebrará una audiencia pública de los votantes habilitados del DISTRITO ESCOLAR INDEPENDIENTE de Valley Stream n.º veinticuatro de la ciudad de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, Nueva York, en la escuela William L. Buck, situada en Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York, en dicho distrito, el 6 de mayo de 2026 a las 19h30, hora local, para tratar los asuntos autorizados por la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York, incluidos los siguientes puntos.
1. Presentación del documento presupuestario.
2. Diálogo sobre todos los puntos aquí expuestos, que se someterán a votación mediante máquina de votación, en las elecciones que se celebrarán el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, tal y como se establece a continuación.
3. Diálogo sobre cualquier otro asunto que pueda surgir debidamente en la reunión.
Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que dicha votación y elección se celebrarán el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, a las 7h00, hora local, en los edificios escolares situados en los distritos que se enumeran a continuación:
Distrito n.º 1: Departamento de Bomberos de Valley Stream 112 South Corona Ave, Valley Stream, Nueva York
Distrito n.º 2:
Escuela William L. Buck 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York
Distrito n.º 3:
Escuela Brooklyn Avenue 24 Brooklyn Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York
Distrito n.º 4:
Escuela Robert W. Carbonaro 50 Hungry Harbor Road, Valley Stream, Nueva York
en ese momento, las urnas estarán abiertas de 7h00 a 21h00, hora local, para votar mediante máquinas de votación sobre los siguientes puntos:
1. Aprobación del presupuesto anual del Distrito Escolar para el año fiscal 2026-2027 y autorización para que la parte necesaria del mismo se recaude mediante impuestos sobre los bienes sujetos a impuestos del Distrito.
2. Elección de tres (3) miembros de la Junta de Educación para un mandato de tres (3) años que comenzará el 1 de julio de 2026 y expirará el 30 de junio de 2029, de la siguiente manera:
a. Un (1) miembro de la Junta de Educación para un mandato de tres (3) años que sucederá a Armando Hernández, cuyo mandato expira el 30 de junio de 2026;
b. Un (1) miembro de la Junta de Educación para un mandato de tres (3) años que sucederá a Melissa Herrera, cuyo mandato expira el 30 de junio de 2026;
c. Un (1) miembro de la Junta de Educación para un mandato de tres (3) años que suceda a Cynthia Núñez (última titular, puesto actualmente vacante), cuyo mandato expira el 30 de junio de 2026; la persona elegida también ocupará el cargo durante el resto del mandato no vencido a partir del 19 de mayo de 2026.
3. Presentación de las siguientes propuestas para su consideración:
a. APROBACIÓN del presupuesto de gastos propuesto por el DISTRITO ESCOLAR
INDEPENDIENTE de Valley Stream Número Veinticuatro para el año 2026-2027 por un
importe de 43 131 639 dólares y para los fines indicados en el informe del mismo presentado en la reunión anual, y que dicha suma se recaude mediante un impuesto sobre los bienes sujetos a impuestos del distrito, tras deducir primero los fondos procedentes de la ayuda estatal y otras fuentes, según lo dispuesto por la ley.
b. AUTORIZACIÓN para que la Junta de Educación del DISTRITO ESCOLAR
INDEPENDIENTE
Número Veinticuatro de Valley Stream asigne y utilice fondos del Fondo de Reserva de Capital, creado en 2024 (“Fondo de Reserva”) de conformidad con el artículo 3651 de la Ley de Educación, para los siguientes proyectos de mejora de capital: Renovación de tres (3) aulas en todo el distrito y repavimentación del aparcamiento y el patio de recreo de la escuela William L. Buck por un importe aproximado de 1 200 000 dólares, así como la ejecución de otras obras necesarias relacionadas con ello; y para que utilice recursos del Fondo de Reserva para tal fin, incluidos los costes preliminares y los costes incidentales, una cantidad que no exceda el coste total estimado de 1 200 000 dólares. c. APROBACIÓN del presupuesto de gastos propuesto por el Distrito Escolar Central de Secundaria de Valley Stream, condado de Nassau, Nueva York, para el año 2026-2027, por un importe de 173 600 882 dólares, y que dicha suma se recaude mediante un impuesto sobre los bienes inmuebles sujetos a impuestos en el Distrito Central de Secundaria de Valley Stream, tras deducir primero los fondos procedentes de la ayuda estatal y otras fuentes, ¿según lo dispuesto por la ley. d. AUTORIZACIÓN para que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Central de Secundaria de Valley Stream establezca un Fondo de Reserva de Capital con el fin de financiar mejoras de capital en las instalaciones y terrenos del Distrito, incluyendo, entre otras cosas, ampliaciones, reconstrucción, renovación, rehabilitación, expansión y equipamiento de los edificios y terrenos del Distrito; obras y mejoras en los terrenos; zonas
de aparcamiento y pavimentación; aceras y bordillos; infraestructura de drenaje y servicios públicos; elementos de accesibilidad ADA (Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades); auditorios; techos; sistemas informáticos y tecnológicos; redes de datos y comunicaciones; puertas; sistemas mecánicos, eléctricos, de fontanería y sanitarios; sistemas de gestión y conservación de la energía; iluminación exterior e interior; vallas; suelos; sistemas de seguridad y extinción de incendios; sistemas de calefacción, ventilación y aire acondicionado; gimnasios; albañilería; tejados; sistemas de seguridad; baños; paredes; ventanas; mobiliario y equipamiento fijado de forma permanente a los edificios, y proyectos similares, junto con los costes arquitectónicos, de ingeniería y otros gastos incidentales relacionados con los mismos; con un importe final de dicho Fondo de Reserva de Capital de 15 000 000 $, más los intereses acumulados, y con un plazo de quince (15) años, que se financiará mediante transferencias del saldo de fondos no asignados del fondo general del Distrito y los intereses devengados por los mismos.
Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las solicitudes de nominación de candidatos para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación del DISTRITO ESCOLAR INDEPENDIENTE de Valley Stream n.º veinticuatro deberán presentarse ante el secretario del distrito de dicho distrito escolar en la oficina del secretario del distrito, 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York, a más tardar el 20 de abril de 2026, entre las 9h00 y las 17h00, hora local. Todas las peticiones de nominación deberán estar firmadas por al menos veinticinco (25) votantes habilitados del Distrito (lo que represente el mayor de los siguientes valores: 25 votantes habilitados o el 2 % del número de votantes que votaron en las elecciones anuales anteriores); deberán indicar el nombre y la residencia de cada firmante, así como el nombre y la residencia del candidato. Cada petición se dirigirá al secretario del Distrito y deberá describir la
vacante específica para la que se nomina al candidato. Cada vacante de la Junta de Educación que deba cubrirse se considerará una vacante específica independiente. La Junta de Educación podrá rechazar una petición de nominación si el candidato no reúne los requisitos para el cargo o declara su falta de voluntad para desempeñarlo. Los formularios para las peticiones de nominación pueden obtenerse en la oficina del Superintendente de Escuelas, situada en la Escuela William L. Buck, en Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York, y en la oficina del secretario del distrito de dicho distrito escolar.
SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, de conformidad con el artículo 2014 de la Ley de Educación de Nueva York, la Junta de Inscripción se reunirá el martes, 19 de mayo de 2026, en los respectivos colegios electorales entre las 7h00 y las 21h00 horas, según la hora vigente, para preparar el Registro del Distrito Escolar que se utilizará en la reunión anual y las elecciones que se celebrarán en 2027, así como en cualquier reunión extraordinaria que pueda celebrarse tras la preparación de dicho Registro, momento en el que cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que se incluya su nombre en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión de la Junta de Registro se conozca o se demuestre, a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro, que tiene derecho, en ese momento o posteriormente, a votar en la reunión escolar o en las elecciones para las que se prepara dicho Registro.
Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que los votantes con discapacidad que cumplan los requisitos y deseen obtener información sobre el acceso a los colegios electorales podrán, con antelación al día de la votación, ponerse en contacto con el secretario del distrito en el número 516-4342839 para obtener información sobre la accesibilidad.
Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que se requiere el registro personal de los votantes, ya sea de conformidad con el artículo 2014 de la Ley de Educación de Nueva York o de conformidad con el artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral del Estado de Nueva York. Si un votante se ha inscrito hasta la fecha de conformidad con el artículo 2014 de la Ley de Educación de Nueva York y ha votado en cualquier reunión anual o extraordinaria del distrito en los últimos cuatro (4) años naturales, dicho votante tiene derecho a votar en estas elecciones; si un votante está inscrito y tiene derecho a votar de conformidad con el artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral del Estado de Nueva York, dicho votante también tiene derecho a votar en estas elecciones. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deben inscribirse. La Junta de Inscripción se reunirá con el fin de inscribir a todos los votantes habilitados del Distrito de conformidad con el artículo 2014 de la Ley de Educación en la Escuela William L. Buck, el 11 de mayo de 2026 a las 17h30, hora local, para añadir cualquier nombre adicional a los registros que se utilizarán en la citada votación presupuestaria y elección, momento en el que cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre figure en dichos registros, siempre que en dicha reunión de la Junta de Registro se demuestre, a satisfacción de dicha Junta, que tiene derecho, en ese momento o posteriormente, a votar en dicha votación presupuestaria y elección para la que se preparan los registros. Los registros así preparados de conformidad con el artículo 2014 de la Ley de Educación se depositarán en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar, situada en el Edificio Administrativo, en el 75 de Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York, y estarán abiertos a la inspección de cualquier votante habilitado del Distrito a partir del jueves, 14 de mayo de 2026, entre las 9h00 y las 15h00, hora local, los días laborables, y todos los días previos a la fecha fijada para la votación sobre el presupuesto y las elecciones, excepto los domingos y festivos, y los sábados con cita previa, así como en los colegios electorales el día de la votación sobre el presupuesto y las elecciones.
Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, a partir de los siete (7) días inmediatamente anteriores a la audiencia pública sobre el presupuesto del 6 de mayo de 2026, cualquier residente del Distrito podrá solicitar consultar una copia del presupuesto propuesto acudiendo a la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, situada en 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York. Además, cualquier residente del Distrito podrá obtener un estado de los gastos estimados para el año siguiente durante los catorce (14) días inmediatamente anteriores a dicha elección en el sitio web del distrito escolar www. valleystreamschool district24.org, en la Biblioteca Henry Waldinger Memorial durante su horario habitual de apertura, situada en 60 Verona Place, Valley Stream, Nueva York, en el Centro Administrativo del Distrito Escolar, 75 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
Public Notices
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.
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
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.
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 of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, in District No. 30, 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, or any special district meeting held after Tuesday, May 19, 2026.
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) 872 – 5628 for information about accessibility.
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that beginning seven (7) days immediately preceding the May 6, 2026 public budget hearing for School District No. 24 and School District No. 30, and the May 11, 2026 public budget hearing for School District
Public Notices
No. 13, a copy of the proposed budget will be made available, upon request, to residents of School District No. 13, School District No. 24, and School District No. 30, by appearing at the Office of the District Clerk, One Kent Road, Valley Stream, New York. 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.vschsd.org, at the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library during its normal hours of operation, located at 60 Verona Plaza, Valley Stream, New York, and at each schoolhouse in the High School District between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., prevailing time, except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.
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 from the District Clerks in Union Free School Districts No. 13, No. 24, and No. 30, beginning Monday, April 20, 2026.
In accordance with Education Law §§ 2018a and 2018-e, 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 Thursday, 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 Tuesday, 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 Districts No. 13, No. 24, or No. 30, by requesting and returning a registration application to the District Clerk of the respective District in person, by email, or fax. 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 Districts No. 13, No. 24, and No. 30, may request an application for a military ballot in person, by email, or by fax, during school business hours, from the District Clerks in the Union Free School Districts No. 13, No. 24, and No. 30. 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.
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 Tuesday, 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 Tuesday, 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 amend the budget, or otherwise to be submitted for voting at said election, must be filed with the District Clerk, Board of Education at the District Office, One Kent Road, Valley Stream, New York, to permit notice of the proposition to be included with the Notice of the Public Hearing, Budget Vote and Election required by Section 2004 of the Education Law on or before Friday, March 20, 2026, no later than 4:00 p.m., prevailing time. 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 123 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) 872 –5628 SCHOOL ELECTION DISTRICTS
AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Election Districts have been established in the School District. The Boundaries of the Election Districts, as adopted by resolution of the Board of Education, and the place in each election district for voting shall be as follows:
13-1: The place of voting is the Wheeler Avenue School;
13-2: The place of voting is the James A. Dever School;
13-3: The place of voting is the Howell Road School;
13-4: The place of voting is the Willow Road School
24-1: The place of voting is the South Corona Avenue Firehouse, between Jamaica Avenue and Hawthorne Avenue;
24-2: The place of voting is the William L. Buck School;
24-3: The place of voting is the Brooklyn Avenue School;
24-4: The place of voting is the Robert W. Carbonaro School;
30-1: The place of voting is the Clear Stream Avenue School;
30-2: The place of voting is the Forest Road School;
30-3: The place of voting is the Shaw Avenue School.
Dated: March 26, 2026
By Order of the BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE
VALLEY STREAM CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT Valley Stream, New York Dina Innella, District Clerk 159379
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 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.
Public Notices
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.
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
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 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 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
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.,
Public Notices
Cedarhurst, NY, (516) 942-4216. 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
SUPREME COURT.
NASSAU COUNTY. FNA DZ, LLC, Pltf. vs. 1033 N. FLETCHER LLC, et al, Defts. Index
#608595/2024.
Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered March 24, 2026, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on May 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a Section 37, Block 624, Lot 52. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 days from the date of sale as provided by law. The foreclosure sale will be held, “rain or shine.” SCOTT SILLER, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY 11021. #102889 159539
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU INDEX NO: 613530/2025
D/O/F: 06/24/2025
SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Premises Address: 910 Downing Road, Valley Stream, NY 11580 Plaintiff designates Nassau County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the property is situate.
AVAIL 3 LLC, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS ADMINISTRATOR OF RESTORATION III TRUST, Plaintiff, -againstUnknown heirs at law of HAJARA RATEB, her next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators,
trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming, under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained; JILLA NUSRATTY AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTE FOR THE ESTATE OF HAJARA RATEB; NABILLA RATEB AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTE FOR THE ESTATE OF HAJARA RATEB; AHMAD SHAKAB RATEB AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTE FOR THE ESTATE OF HAJARA RATEB; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; “JOHN DOES” and “JANE DOES”, said names being fictitious, parties intended being possible tenants or occupants of premises, and corporations, other entities or persons who claim, or may claim, a lien against the premises, Defendant(s).
TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your Answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorneys within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, where service is made by delivery upon you personally within the State, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner, and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.
TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Jeffrey A. Goodstein, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Nassau County, entered Mar. 26, 2026 and filed with the
complaint and other papers in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office.
THE OBJECT OF THE ACTION is to foreclose a mortgage recorded in the Nassau County Clerk’s Office on March 5, 2026 in Instrument Number: 2025-14338, Book-M: VI-47882, Page 630, covering premises k/a 910 Downing Road, Valley Stream NY 11580 a/k/a Section 37, Block 627, Lot 64.
NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME
If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.
YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. The following notice is intended only for the defendants who are owners of the premises sought to be foreclosed or who are liable upon the debt for which the mortgage stands as security.
YOU ARE HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.
PLEASE BE AWARE:
(1) that debt collectors, in accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq., are prohibited from engaging in abusive, deceptive, an unfair debt collection efforts, including, but not limited to: i. the use or threat of violence; ii. the use of obscene or profane language; and iii. repeated phone calls made with
the intent to annoy, abuse, or harass.
(2) If a creditor or debt collector receives a money judgment against you in court, state and federal laws may prevent the following types of income from being taken to pay the debt:
1.Supplemental security income, (SSI); 2. Social security;
3. Public assistance (welfare);
4. Spousal support, maintenance (alimony) or child support;
5.Unemployment benefits;
6. Disability benefits;
7. Workers’ compensation benefits;
8. Public or private pensions;
9. Veterans’ benefits;
10. Federal student loans, federal student grants, and federal work study funds; and 11. Ninety percent of your wages or salary earned in the last sixty days.
TO THE DEFENDANTS:
The Plaintiff makes no personal claim against you in this action.
[SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]
TO THE DEFENDANTS:
If you have obtained an order of discharge from the Bankruptcy court, which includes this debt, and you have not reaffirmed your liability for this debt, this law firm is not alleging that you have any personal liability for this debt and does not seek a money judgment against you. Even if a discharge has been obtained, this lawsuit to foreclose the mortgage will continue and we will seek a judgment authorizing the sale of the mortgaged premises.
Dated:
Sandy J. Stolar, Esq. MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP
Attorneys for Plaintiff 575 Underhill Boulevard, Suite 224 Syosset, New York 11791 516-921-3838 #102887 159483
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. Bank National Association, as Indenture Trustee for American Home Mortgage Investment Trust 2005-4C, Plaintiff AGAINST Edwin Espana; Marvin Vargas; et al., Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 28, 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 May 11, 2026, at 2:00PM, premises known as 20 West Oxford Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements there erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 37 Block 87 Lots 9 & 10. Approximate amount of judgment $711,095.71 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 607989/2023. Foreclosure auction will be held “Rain or Shine”.
Lawrence Schaffer, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792 Dated: February 25, 2026 For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2831 159537
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU
U.S. Bank National Association, as Indenture Trustee for American Home Mortgage Investment Trust 2005-4C, Plaintiff AGAINST Edwin Espana; Marvin Vargas; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered August 28, 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 May 11, 2026, at 2:00PM, premises known as 20 West Oxford Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements there erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 37 Block 87 Lots 9 & 10. Approximate amount of judgment $711,095.71 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 607989/2023. Foreclosure auction will be held “Rain or Shine”.
Lawrence Schaffer, Esq., Referee LOGS Legal Group LLP Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624 (877) 430-4792
Dated: February 25, 2026
For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2831 159535
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff AGAINST MARK SOOKRAJ; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 20, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 36 Fourth Street, Valley Stream, NY 11580 a/k/a 36 Fourth Street, Valley Stream, NY 11581. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 39 Block: 013 Lot: 101. Approximate amount of judgment $575,572.18 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold
subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #608357/2024. Jared Kasschau, Esq, Referee FEIN, SUCH & CRANE, LLP 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800 Ro chester, NY 14614 NFUNY004 89634 159609
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU FREEDOM MORTGAGE CORPORATION, Plaintiff AGAINST MARVALYN MCKENZIE, DASHAWN DEROSIN, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered July 31, 2024, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 19, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 4 Sheridan 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 Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 37 Block 185 Lot 39. Approximate amount of judgment $619,486.41 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615650/2022. For sale information, please contact XOME at www.Xome.com or call (844) 400-9633. Bria n J. Davis, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-003754 89599 159607
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York, as Trustee for the Certificateholders of CWALT, Inc., Alternative Loan Trust 2007-8CB, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2007-8CB, Plaintiff AGAINST John Depergola; Fina Depergola; et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 24, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public
auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 66 Berry 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 Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 37 Block: 605 Lot: 17. Approximate amount of judgment $604,499.54 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #611030/2023. For sale information, please visit ServiceLink Auction at https://www.servicelink auction.com or call (866) 539-4173. Lawrence Farbman, Esq., Referee McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC 420 Lexington Avenue-Suite 840 New York, NY 10170 21-09312NY 89668 159717
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST JACLYN CANNIZZARO A/K/A JACLYN M. CANNIZZARO, LORETTA CANNIZZARO, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 13, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 63 Garden Street, Valley Stream, NY 11581. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Valley Stream, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 39 Block: 408 Lot: 4. Approximate amount of judgment $390,428.35 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #611311/2018. For sale
NCC trustees file legal claim against SUNY
By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
The Board of Trustees at Nassau Community College has filed a formal legal claim against the State University of New York, escalating an ongoing dispute over the leadership of the college.
The Notice of Claim, a required step before initiating a lawsuit, challenges SUNY’s rejection of Maria P. Conzatti as the college’s permanent president. Trustees allege the decision was “arbitrary and capricious,” legally flawed and made outside the system’s authority.
According to the filing, the board appointed Conzatti as president on May 3, 2023, following what it described as a lawful process. Under New York State Education Law, local community college boards are responsible for selecting presidents, while SUNY’s role is limited to supervisory review.
TSUNY officials, however, said the presidential search process began in 2022 and included a committee made up of trustees, faculty, staff, students and community representatives. According to the system, that process produced five finalists who were interviewed on campus, though Conzatti was not among them. SUNY has said the board ultimately selected Conzatti instead of the committee’s recommended finalists.
he outcome we are looking for is for SUNY and the chancellor to make Maria Conzatti the permanent president.
Trustees contend that SUNY failed to complete that review in a timely manner, alleging the system did not conduct required interviews or take formal action for nearly three years. During that time, SUNY approved Conzatti to serve in multiple leadership capacities, including interim president, acting president and chief administrative officer, the claim states.
The college’s administration has remained firmly behind Conzatti, who was offered a five-year contract by the board in 2023, though that agreement has not received SUNY’s approval.
“The outcome we are looking for is for SUNY and the chancellor to make Maria Conzatti the permanent president,” Jerry Kornbluth, the college’s vice president for community and governmental relations told the Herald.
JERRy KORNBLuTH vice president, Nassau Community College information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Brian Davis, Esq., Referee Tromberg, Miller, Morris & Partners, PLLC 39 Broadway, Suite 1840 New York, NY 10006 25-001130 89529 159715
Kornbluth disputed that account, saying Conzatti was part of the broader candidate pool and ultimately selected through the established process. He said Conzatti was ranked sixth among candidates and was not among the initial five finalists, but that no finalist received enough votes to advance. As a result, he said, the process moved forward to additional candidates, including Conzatti, who was ultimately chosen.
A SUNY spokesperson defended the system’s position, calling the legal action without merit.
“SUNY is committed to excellent leadership for all of our campuses and we will vigorously defend ourselves against this frivolous lawsuit that seeks to harm efforts to provide the worldclass education and job preparation that New York community college students deserve,” the spokesperson said.
Despite the dispute, Kornbluth said the college’s operations have continued without disruption. “We’re not taking our foot off the pedal,” he said. “We’re moving everything forward that we’re supposed to be doing. This is just a little bump in the road.”
The board is seeking judicial relief to overturn SUNY’s decision, arguing that the rejection undermines local governance and destabilizes leadership at the college.
Public Notices
SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO CITIBANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITES I TRUST 2006-HE3, ASSET BACKEDCERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-HE3, Plaintiff AGAINST JEAN-PIERRE LAGUERRE A/K/A JEAN PIERRE LAGUERRE ; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered March 19, 2019 and amended January 7, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public
auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 26, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 79 Oliver Avenue, Valley Stream, NY 11580. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 37. Block: 468 Lot: 103.
District 24 students recognized for leadership
Approximate amount of judgment $547,140.88 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject t o provisions of filed Judgment Index #009631/2013. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Steven M. Feinberg, Referee FEIN, SUCH & CRANE, LLP 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800 Rochester, NY 14614 SPSNY171 89554 159713
A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232
District 22 Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages visited the Valley Stream School District 24, stopping at each of its three elementary schools to encourage civic engagement and recognize student leadership.
During her visit, Solages met with students at Brooklyn Avenue School, Robert W. Carbonaro School and William L. Buck School. She presented certificates to students who demonstrated initiative by running for Student Council, commending them for stepping forward and making their voices heard.
“We are grateful to Assemblywoman Solages for taking the time to visit our schools and inspire our students,”
Superintendent of Schools Unal Karakas said. “Her visit reinforces the importance of student voice and leader-
ship and shows our children that they can play an active role in shaping their communities, both now and in the future.”
Solages also spoke with students about her role in government, drawing connections between her responsibilities and those of student council members. She emphasized the importance of civic involvement and encouraged students to take an active interest in leadership and community service.
District officials said the visit made a strong impression on both students and staff, highlighting the district’s ongoing focus on promoting leadership, civic responsibility and student empowerment across all grade levels.
–Angelina
Zingariello
Photos courtesy Valley Stream School District 24
Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages visited the Valley Stream School District 24, stopping at each of its three elementary schools to encourage civic engagement and recognize student leadership.
Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages presented certificates to students who ran for Student Council.
EMPLOYMENT
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CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com
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Full Time and Part Time
Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour
Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
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EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
FOOD DIVISION MARKETING SPECIALIST For ALPI USA, Inc (Valley Stream, NY). Requires 24 months experience in business development within logistics for overseas food industry and 24 months in international freight handling. High school diploma required. Salary: $61,797. Email resume to ana.felix@alpiusa.com”
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
OUTSIDE SALES
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours
Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
RECEPTIONIST F/T
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Rare Beachfront Gem
I don’t have a permit yet, but I do have an impatient contractor
Q. I have been through a year of permits. My architect warned me it could take this long, but I didn’t believe them. My neighbor did the same addition and told me it would only take a few weeks for a permit, but then I learned they didn’t even get permits, and I’m really wondering if I should have done the same thing. I follow your column and can now attest to what you’ve been saying. We had to get a zoning variance, and it took many, many months certainly not a few weeks. Now we’re right at the end, and I’ve been assured by the building department that we’re “almost there.” Funny thing is, I still don’t have a permit, and my contractor is ready to move on to another project if we don’t start now. Should I just get started, to keep my contractor, knowing I’ll have the permit soon, or will there be problems if I do?
A. Getting started ahead of having a permit in hand is problematic. A licensed professional should never advise someone to deviate from an ordinance, law or building code. This issue ties directly into my last two columns about the New York state campaign to “Let Them Build.” Delays are costly. Between fuel increases and tariffs, every day makes a difference when it comes to the cost of construction.
Building authorities won’t directly tell you that you could start without your permit, even if the permit is almost there. They do, however, have a method referred to as a “maintain” permit, where they recognize work that was already done and review it with an increased fee, in most cases. By doing so, they’re accommodating people to start construction without permits, even if they wouldn’t say so. It’s understandable that you feel you’re doing everything right, and shouldn’t be penalized for having done so, and therefore want to just start, already.
When you look over at your neighbor’s home, you may be compelled to follow their example, but remember, they, or some owner of that property in the future, will still have to file with building plans, even after the fact. When that happens, the building codes may have changed, or things that they did may not be compliant and will need reconstructing. This isn’t always the case, but when a professional is called to figure out what someone constructed and then to draw plans, after the fact, they find things that don’t always work out smoothly. It isn’t uncommon, when plans haven’t been reviewed and permitted, to find structure undersized, room sizes and ceiling heights smaller than allowed, not enough windows or the wrong-sized windows to meet light, ventilation and fire escape requirements, and more.
You’re doing this project the right way, and even though nobody will tell you that you can just start, there seem to be ways to condone your doing so. Good luck!
© 2026 Monte Leeper
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The tumor was malignant — but then it was gone
Three years ago this week, I had what I’ve called my “unexpected medical adventure.” As I described to readers then, it was a life-altering experience with a very good ending.
It all began innocuously enough, with a routine endoscopy for acid reflux in the summer of 2017 by my gastroenterologist, Dr. Michael Barth. As expected, the procedure turned up nothing, and Barth simply prescribed a medication, which I took regularly. Over the next few years, I had few symptoms, and put off my fiveyear follow-up endoscopy.
Finally, at Barth’s insistence, I scheduled another endoscopy in March 2023. I had no concern. Just closing the loop. Just another test guys my age go through. Imagine my surprise when I woke up from the procedure and Barth told me that he’d found a protrusion in my stomach wall. While he thought it was benign, he recommended that I see Dr. Arvino Trini-
dade, a specialist at Northwell, who scheduled a biopsy at Long Island Jewish hospital.
Melissa Zimmerman, a retired Nassau County Police Department detective who’d been on my security detail when I was in Congress, offered to drive me and Rosemary to the hospital. Before I was taken into the operating room, Trinidade told me he thought there was nothing there. But when I woke up, he told me there was a tumor, and it was probably malignant. Four days later, Barth and Trinidade called to confirm it. But they were confident of a good outcome, and told me the surgery would be done at LIJ by Dr. Matthew Weiss, a premier cancer surgeon.
iWABC-AM studios in Manhattan and attended a political dinner at King Umberto’s in Elmont. I told almost nobody about the upcoming surgery. With a day to go, I began a liquid diet, with Jell-O being the closest thing to solid food.
’ve become more aware of those who receive more severe diagnoses than mine.
That afternoon, Weiss called and told me I should be confident of complete success. He casually told me to “enjoy the weekend.” That evening, Rosemary and I had dinner at an Italian restaurant in Manhattan with Zimmerman and her husband, Lance.
The following week, I had appointments at Northwell, saw my cardiologist in Manhattan to get his sign-off on the operation, did several radio shows at the
Early Monday morning, Zimmerman again drove us to the hospital. By 6:30 I was ready for showtime. Lying on a gurney with an intravenous tube in my arm, I was wheeled into the operating room, a science fiction-style enclosure crowded with doctors, nurses, bright lights and a table filled with knives and scissors. An epidural was painlessly inserted in my spine, and an anesthesia mask placed over my face.
The next thing I knew, I was in the recovery room, and Rosemary was telling me that Weiss said that all had gone well. I had no significant pain — unless I moved or reached for something. Each day the pain receded, and I was able to walk a little more. When I was discharged the following Saturday, I walked from the hospital to the car.
At home I was able to eat regularly, felt nothing more than soreness at the
incision site and, after a week or so, was outside, walking a few more blocks each day. As the doctors had predicted, all follow-up tests showed complete success. I recounted much of this to readers at the time. Now, having had three years to reflect and put it all in perspective, I appreciate more than ever how fortunate I’ve been: Barth urging me to get the “routine” endoscopy; Trindade and Weiss being ultimate professionals; and having strong family support from Rosemary; my son, Sean; my daughter, Erin; and my sister, Barbara, who’s a nurse. There were also the friends who took the time to visit me in the hospital or call to wish me luck.
I’ve also become increasingly aware of the many people who receive much more severe diagnoses than I had, which do not end well. I was also fortunate to have access to outstanding medical care at a first-rate hospital. (To the naysayers and critics, I didn’t have any congressional or federal health insurance.) I’m also grateful that I broke loose from the traditional Irish suspicion and distrust of doctors and hospitals.
Yes, I’m a lucky guy!
Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.
Trying desperately to avoid the stress of TV news
These nearly two months of war in Iran have me, and countless others, more on edge than we have ever been. The idea that a conflict in the Middle East could become World War III is very unsettling. When a war is that far away and the parties themselves have a long history of bickering, our lives become unsettled, and we need diversions.
To blot out the talking heads on Fox, MS Now and CNN, I found myself looking for other distractions beyond my work as a government-affairs specialist. I watched some sports events, tuning to NCAA baskeball’s Final Four, hoping to relax. To my surprise, those games could ruin your sleep if you watched every upset. I was rooting for St. John’s, and when the junior point guard Dylan Darling sank a driving, buzzer-beating layup to beat Kansas and send the Red Storm to their first Sweet 16 in 27 years,
I almost fell off my chair.
A lot of the other games had surprise endings, and when the final ended with a Michigan victory, I realized that watching the tournament wasn’t the best way to avoid nail-biting. So I turned to other sports, and anything that would distract me from all the news about the Israelis killing Iranian leaders one by one. I got some initial relief watching a women’s pro hockey game between New York Sirens and the Seattle Torrent at Madison Square Garden. It was nice to watch a no-nonsense game that attracted a record crowd of 18,000 .
pages unnerved me, when he lavished praise on the recently ousted attorney general, Pam Bondi.
s t. John’s basketball. Women’s hockey. Testing Negative for Stupid — and more.
I also watched the women’s basketball national championship. There were quite a few nervous moments until the final game, when UCLA won its first national title.
Then I decided to do some casual reading, and started with Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy’s new book, titled “How to Test Negative for Stupid, And Why Washington Never Will.” Most of its 224 pages are a lot of fun, thanks to Kennedy’s folksy humor, but the last 30
Rather than move on to a new book, I turned my attention to my streaming television services, Netflix, Amazon and Hulu, in the hope of finding some feelgood movies. When I opened them up, they offered me such calming films as “Supernatural,” “Scream,” “Send Help,” “Sinners” and “The Substance.” I know there are other offerings, but most of the feel-good movies are old and I’ve already seen them. All my life, I’ve loved good comedy. I cherish the great old names like Jackie Mason, Henny Youngman, Buddy Hackett, Jerry Lewis, Jackie Gleason, George Carlin, Don Rickles and Lenny Bruce. Occasionally I stumble on one of these legends on Facebook, and try to share their comedy with people around me. Regrettably, there are no comedians these days that give me the same belly laughs that I got from those giants. My grandson in Los Angeles heads up a unit of Netflix that promotes a number of comedians, but I
haven’t adapted to their new style.
So where do I go for some badly needed diversion? I’m a devout Knicks and Yankees fan, but there’s no way I can get a Knicks playoff ticket without paying big dollars. I love going to Yankees games, too, but their tickets are getting pricier, so I limit my purchases to no more than three games. I enjoy watching major golf tournaments, but sometimes you feel as if the announcers will put you to sleep with their commentary. I am looking forward to the U.S. Open in June, though.
Some of us are lucky to have hobbies that help us escape the pressures of today’s headlines. I love writing and making speeches, but neither lulls you into a peaceful state of mind. Short of moving to Antarctica, where I imagine you can avoid the daily news horrors, I’ll keep trying to find some other relaxing activity. I still watch TV for the weather reports, but goodbye to the other channels.
Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.
Playground safety for kids requires vigilance
as spring returns and families stream back to neighborhood parks, playgrounds quickly reclaim their place as a focus of community life. They are where children test their limits, build confidence and simply enjoy being kids.
But beneath that joy lies a sobering reality: More than 200,000 children, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, are injured on playgrounds each year in the United States — many in ways that are preventable.
That’s why National Playground Safety Week, April 20-24, should be treated as more than a symbolic observance. It is a necessary prompt for parents, caregivers, schools and local officials to refocus on safety as playground use surges.
Playgrounds were never meant to be spaces for careless behavior. In fact, they were created with safety and development in mind. In the 19th century, educators such as Friedrich Fröbel promoted the idea of structured play as essential to childhood growth, helping to instill cooperation, coordination and social skills.
As cities grew more crowded and streets more dangerous with the rise of motor vehicles, playgrounds became protected environments where children could play away from traffic and other hazards. Early efforts by civic groups and park advocates helped establish designated play areas as a public safety measure — a mission that still resonates today.
opinion Matters
The strength of our community comes from open dialogue.
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.
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.
In the U.S., the Outdoor Recreation League funded the building of playgrounds on parkland after newspapers reported on the high number of children run down by cars in New York. One of the first recreational areas in America was built in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park in 1887.
Yet even within these safer spaces, risks remain — especially after months of winter wear and limited use. Equipment may have loosened, surfaces can degrade, and aging structures may no longer meet modern safety standards. The playgrounds’ young users, meanwhile, return with pent-up energy, eager to climb higher and move faster than conditions safely allow. Caregivers often distracted by cell phones only add to the challenge.
Preventing injuries doesn’t require diminishing the joy of play, but does require managing the environment around it. The National Program for Play Area Safety is a nonprofit organization that emphasizes practical, researchbased strategies that communities can adopt. Chief among them is active, attentive supervision. Its “ABC” model — Anticipating hazards, Behaving in ways that guide safe play and Considering the unique needs of each playground — makes clear that safety is not passive. It is intentional.
The program builds on a 30-year initiative started at the University of Northern Iowa to help communities and organizations ensure safe, high-quality
playgrounds. It promotes best practices grounded in research, guidelines and standards while collaborating with agencies at the local, state, national and international levels.
Equally important is age-appropriate design. When younger children use equipment meant for older users, the risk of falls and misuse increases. Clear guidance and thoughtful layout can help families make safer choices without limiting exploration.
Communities must also prioritize proper surfacing and regular inspections, particularly in early spring. What lies beneath a child’s feet can determine whether a fall results in a minor scrape or a serious injury.
Safety extends further still. Accessibility ensures that all children can benefit from outdoor play, while attention to thermal comfort — such as shaded areas and heat-safe materials — helps protect children from high temperatures.
National Playground Safety Week offers a timely reminder, but it should also serve as a starting point. The original purpose of playgrounds — to give children a safe place to grow, learn and play — demands ongoing attention.
A quick inspection, a watchful eye and a renewed awareness can go a long way. With thoughtful action at the start of the season, communities can ensure that playgrounds remain what they were always meant to be: spaces of safe discovery, not preventable harm.
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
Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com
Be heard. Be part of the conversation.
Be heard. Be part of the conversation.
Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com Be
of the conversation.
Long Island’s ‘hidden workforce’ has visible needs
Long Island’s “hidden workforce” of family caregivers faces very visible challenges. The term is frequently used to describe family caregivers who, while not employed by our health care system, play a critical role in it. They don’t wear uniforms or ID badges, but this massive workforce of more than 329,000 Long Islanders provides over 307 million hours of unpaid care, valued at $5.7 billion, per year, according to AARP New York data released in February.
Nationally, nearly one in four American adults provided ongoing care to an adult or child with a complex medical condition or disability in the past year, a 2025 report, by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, found. Almost 25 percent of those people reported giving more than 40 hours of care per week, the equivalent of a full-time job, for free. Taking on the unpaid labor of love of caring for a family member can be both extremely rewarding and enormously straining. Emotionally, caregivers may struggle with stress, anxiety, guilt and social isolation. Physically, they may
increase their own health risks with the stress and exhaustion of helping loved ones with daily activities they can no longer manage alone.
Financially, that can cause hardships such as reduced work hours, loss of employment or new debt to cover care-related expenses, especially for middleaged people balancing their caregiving responsibilities with the demands of jobs and raising children.
Like all workers, family caregivers need breaks, but they frequently forgo their own needs to prioritize someone else’s. Repeatedly making this sacrifice, while well-intended, is ultimately detrimental for both them and their loved ones. Self-care is a necessity, not a luxury.
w
hen it comes to caregiving, Rosalynn Carter couldn’t have said it better.
The workload is even greater for the 60,000-plus Long Island families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related illness. Roughly 80 percent of people living with dementia receive care at home, primarily from unpaid family members. Along with assisting with medication management, bathing, dressing, transportation, meal preparation and financial oversight, dementia family caregivers also face unique challenges caused by the disease’s impact on a person’s memory, behavior and independence. Sufferers may forget who their loved ones are, manifest personality changes like agitation, aggression and hallucinations, and wander from safety. Their caregivers face higher risks of anxiety, depression, burnout and declining quality of life.
Framework by Tim Baker
One of the most important things caregivers can do is take advantage of support resources. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers free caregiver support groups at its AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center in Amityville, where people caring for loved ones with dementia can connect and share with others who are going through similar experiences. Caregivers can learn more and register by calling the Center at (631) 223-4000. AFA also has a free Helpline — (866) 232-8484 — that provides caregiver support seven days a week.
Nassau and Suffolk counties’ Offices for the Aging are available to provide support and guidance to family caregivers about local, state and federal assistance programs. Local nonprofit organizations, libraries and religious institutions often have caregiver services available, which can include support groups, educational and training pro-
grams or financial assistance.
Finally, don’t be afraid, reluctant or embarrassed to ask for, or accept, help. Seeking help is a sign of neither weakness nor failure; it is an essential step toward sustaining the ability to care for a loved one. Other relatives or friends are often eager to help but don’t know exactly how; embrace these offers and explain specific things that would be helpful, such as spending time with the person so you can run errands, assisting with meals or providing transportation. Offering options allows the volunteer to decide what they are comfortable doing, while ensuring that it’s something that will be helpful.
If you know someone who’s a family caregiver, check in on them periodically and offer your help. Seemingly little things can make an enormous difference.
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, a lifelong caregiver advocate, once said, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” Her words reinforce the crucial need to support and prioritize Long Island’s “hidden workforce” that all of us will either be part of or depend on one day.
Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. is president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and a Merrick resident.
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