Baldwin Herald 03-05-2026

Snowman painting class at the Baldwin library

The Baldwin Public Library hosted a snowman painting class for students in grades K–2 on Feb. 19, where they created mixed-media snowmen using old book pages, paint and pencil on canvas. Above, Krystal and Xelena Rivara, Chasity and Ania Paris, Elizabeth and Noelle Marcelin, Christine and Kaylee McCue, along with instructor Kristen Duer, owner of Traveling Art Programs, and library aid Ashley Greenberg, display their finished artwork. Story, more photos, Page 3.

Brookside School’s ‘Lemon Squad’ squeezes success for Camp Anchor

By AllYSoN FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com

The Brookside Elementary School secondgrade lemonade stand returned for its third year last Friday.

Lauren Maywald and Kristin Maldonado’s second-grade classes have spent recent weeks learning about business development, financial literacy, marketing and advertising. Using their new skills, the students developed persuasive presentations and marketing materials, and even created a commercial, to bring their lemonade business to life.

“I got to be in the commercial,” second-grader

Gia Louis said. “My favorite part was recording my voice and doing the lemonade handshake.”

Teachers said the project extended beyond the second-grade classrooms, with students around the school getting involved. Some created jingles and posters at home to support the effort, and then shared with their peers. The business, dubbed the Lemon Squad, gave second-graders the chance to take on specific roles, including graphic designers, members of the advertising team and marketing representatives.

According to the Baldwin school district, over the past two years, Brookside second-grade classes have raised more than $1,600 for charitable

Residents sound off on Town’s snow removal

By AllYSoN FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com

Many Baldwin residents voiced frustration with snow removal efforts in their neighborhoods following the two large snowstorms that blanketed Long Island.

Residents took to local Facebook groups and community forums to share their concerns. In one widely circulated post, Joe Scianablo, who is running for town supervisor, asked residents to describe conditions on their streets following the Feb. 22 storm, prompting dozens of responses from Baldwin residents detailing both frustrations and praise.

In response to a Facebook post by the Herald asking Baldwin residents about snow removal, business owners said plowing operations left entrances blocked, making it difficult for customers and visitors to access their properties. Gary Farkash, president of the Baldwin Historical Society, said the walkway to the organization’s offices and museum on

Grand Avenue was repeatedly obstructed by snow pushed aside by plows.

“The Town of Hempstead department that takes care of it did a decent job of plowing the lot on Grand Avenue, just south of Seaman Avenue,” Farkash wrote, “but like always, they plowed in the Baldwin Historical Society and Museum walkway.”

“It’s appalling,” he added. “The last time it snowed, I put in a call to our Councilwoman Dorothy Goosby’s office and the next day a crew showed up to clear the walkway they blocked.”

Farkash said he followed the same steps after the most recent storm, again contacting Goosby’s office and waiting for a crew to clear the area.

“I don’t understand why it is so difficult to understand that you shouldn’t be blocking in businesses,” he wrote, adding that blocked walkways can create safety concerns for pedestrians navigating around snow piles near busy roadways.

Continued on page 13

Local officials respond to strikes in Iran

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Local, state and federal elected officials representing Baldwin reacted to the bombing of key military targets and the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and other government leaders on Saturday in what President Donald Trump said was a massive operation to destroy the country’s military capabilities and eliminate any threat that Iran will create nuclear weapons.

“We stand in firm support of the United States Armed Forces and the Israeli military as they take necessary, decisive action to defend our nations and restore stability to the Middle East,” Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti, a Republican, wrote in a Facebook post, adding that “a nuclear-armed Iran is an unacceptable, existential threat. Allowing this regime to obtain nuclear weapons would make the entire world far less safe.”

sor of terrorism. Iran has repeatedly said its nuclear enrichment activities are entirely peaceful.

Long Island is home to more than 10,000 people of Iranian descent, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, with roughly 9,600 in Nassau County.

U.S. Representatives Laura Gillen and Andrew Garbarino both argued that Iran should not be allowed to have nuclear weapons — but they differed in their characterizations of the United States’ attacks. Garbarino, a Republican, described the operation as “targeted military action” after what he said was “continued threats against our forces and our allies.”

LaUra GiLLEN U.S. Rep.

Ferretti and other South Shore elected officials described the Iranian government as the world’s top state spon -

“America stands with our military,” Garbarino wrote in a Facebook post, “America stands with Israel. And America will always defend what is right.”

Following the attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel that began on Saturday, U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen called for the Trump administration to follow the law and consult Congress on any major military action.

Gillen, a Democrat, called for the administration to follow the law and consult Congress on any major military action, which is required under the War Powers Act of 1973. “This is a serious moment and I am praying for the safety of our brave American forces,” she wrote on Facebook.

The strikes came two days after the latest U.S.-Iran nuclear talks, on Feb. 26. Iran launched counterattacks, firing drones and missiles at Israel and strikes aimed at American military installations in Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar. Iranian state media, citing the Red Crescent, said Saturday night that at least 200 people had been killed and more than 700 injured.

Three American service members were killed and five others were seriously wounded during the attacks, the U.S. military announced Sunday.

Town of Hempstead

described the Iranian government as the world’s top state sponsor of terrorism.

Khamenei’s death was announced on social media by Trump on Saturday, and state TV in later confirmed it on Sunday. The death of the supreme leader, according to former Rep. Peter King, a Republican who represented South Shore communities from 1993 to 2021 in Congress, was “outstanding news.”

Critics described Khamenei, 86, as a religious despot, but his supporters viewed him as someone who stood up to the U.S. and Israel. He repeatedly called for the destruction of Israel to be wiped off the map.

“A war is never over until it’s over but you couldn’t ask for a better first day,” King, a Seaford resident, wrote of the announcement that Khamenei had been killed.

Gillen and Garbarino both extended their condolences to the service members who were killed. “Their courage and dedication to our nation will never be forgotten,” Gillen wrote. Garbarino described their sacrifice as “something we can never repay and should never forget.”

Trump called those who were killed “true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives.” He added that the U.S. would avenge their deaths.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations, the U.S.’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, described the actions of the Trump administration in Iran as “unnecessary, unjustified, and unconstitutional.” Representatives of the Islamic Center of Wantagh did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in a video on Facebook that there would be an increased police presence across the county to ensure that there are “no violent acts against Jewish institutions — or any religious institution.”

Young artists bring winter scenes to life at BPL

Young artists embraced creativity during a recent “Old Book Snowman Painting” workshop at the Baldwin Public Library, where children transformed simple materials into colorful winter scenes.

Presented by Traveling Art Programs, the session invited participants in grades K–2 to create mixedmedia artwork using recycled book pages, paint and pencil on a canvas. The program, held on Feb. 19 in the library’s community room, guided children step by step as they layered torn book pages to form snowmen before adding painted details to complete their scenes.

Tables were filled with brushes, paint cups and scraps of printed pages as children carefully pieced together their designs. Bright blue skies, textured snow and expressive details brought each canvas to life, with no two projects looking the same.

Instructor Kristen Duer demonstrated techniques and offered guidance throughout the session, helping young artists experiment with color, composition and layering. Participants worked at their own pace, focusing intently as they painted, glued and added finishing touches to their creations.

The workshop combined hands-on learning with creative expression, introducing children to mixedmedia techniques while encouraging imagination. By the end of the session, each participant left with a unique winter-themed painting — and a new appreciation for turning everyday materials into art.

— Allyson Ferrari

Hempstead cracks down on backyard breeders

By ABBEY SALVEMINI asalvemini@liherald.com

Sweeping new legislation aimed at cracking down on unlicensed backyard breeders was introduced at the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter in Wantagh as Supervisor John Ferretti said the goal is simple: “protect animals and prevent suffering before it starts.”

Ferretti outlined a proposed local law that would require all dog and cat litters born in the town to be registered within 30 days. Pet owners would need to report the breed or species, the name of the veterinarian who treated the animals and where they are being housed.

The measure is largely complaintdriven; allowing residents to report suspected illegal breeding to the town, which would then dispatch animal control.

“We need the community to help us out and report people who are breeding or selling out of their backyards,” he said. “We will send an animal control officer or a building department inspector out to investigate.”

Town officials say unregulated breeding operations often lead to overpopulation, inbreeding and unsafe living conditions. Puppies and kittens are frequently separated from their mothers too early, resulting in long-term health and behavioral issues. Many end up sick, abandoned or surrendered to shelters when they are no longer considered profitable.

Abbey Salvemini/Herald Town of Hempstead Councilman Dennis Dunne, Sr., left, Animal Shelter Director Ashley Behren, Supervisor John Ferretti and Town Clerk Kate Murray outlined new legislation to stop backyard breeding on Feb. 20.

ized or surrendered to a licensed shelter within 16 weeks. Ferretti stressed that the legislation is about accountability — not revenue.

“This legislation is about action, it’s not about money,” he said. “We’re not here to collect a penny. We want what’s best for the animals.”

Ferretti pointed to a recent case involving a golden retriever that arrived at the shelter still lactating after having given birth. He said the dog appeared to have been abandoned once she was no longer useful for breeding. The retriever was quickly adopted, but the case underscored the broader issue.

“When their owners are done with them, they throw them in the streets,” Behrens said. “We see this day in and day out.”

“If we didn’t have backyard breeding, we probably wouldn’t have as many animals in any shelter around the country as we do daily,” said Animal Shelter Director Ashley Behrens, voicing her support for the proposed legislation and its focus on preventing overpopulation before it reaches local shelters.

“Cracking down on what’s best for the community and the animals is something we are fully in support of,” Behrens added.

Under the proposal, violations would start at $250 and increase to $500 for repeat offenders. However, fines could be dismissed if the animals are steril-

Ferretti emphasized that while he is proud that the town’s animal shelter operates a no-kill facility with long-term care management, prevention is key. Town officials did not say when the new regulations would be discussed at a town board meeting.

Have an opinion on the town’s new animal-oriented laws? Send letter to jbessen@liherald.com.

Nassau County increases security amid Iran conflict

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Nassau County officials said Monday they have heightened security measures and increased police deployments in response to the escalating military conflict with Iran, citing concerns about potential retaliatory attacks, self-radicalized individuals and cyber threats.

Speaking March 2 at the Ceremonial Chamber in the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said the county began reviewing and expanding its security posture immediately after the conflict began.

“As we all know, we are engaged now in a military conflict with Iran,” Blakeman said. He added that he believed the federal government’s response was “an appropriate action to take” and that “Iran has been nothing but an irritant and a danger to America for a long, long time.”

Blakeman said Nassau County is home to residents of Iranian descent, some of whom, he said, have expressed support for changes in their country of origin.

“They are now celebrating the liberation of a once great country that was taken over by a very brutal and dictatorial regime, and that is now come to an end, and I can say, on my own behalf, we are very grateful that that action was taken by President Trump,” Blakeman said.

In Nassau, he said, public safety remains the top priority.

“That is our number one mission, and we take that mission very seriously,” he said. “When there are extraordinary events that occur — whether it’s a mass gathering, a celebration or a situation where someone may have an ax to grind — we always take special precautions.”

Blakeman said he and Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder have been in constant contact since the outbreak of hostilities, reviewing intelligence and determining how best to deploy additional resources.

Officials referenced a recent shooting at a Texas bar that authorities believe may have been motivated by the overseas conflict. While that investigation remains ongoing, Blakeman said preliminary information suggests the attack may have been influenced by events in Iran.

“That brought especially to light the fact that there may be a lone wolf that could be motivated, or even a terrorist cell that could be activated,” he said. “Therefore, we will take extraordinary precautions to make sure that our community is safe.”

Ryder said the police department implemented an “all-hands-on-deck” response as soon as intelligence briefings were received.

Specialized units, including the Bureau of Special Operations, criminal

intelligence teams and the Strategic Response Team, have been deployed. K-9 units, mounted patrols, drones and aviation assets are also in use. Ryder said officers conducted more than 1,500 visits to critical infrastructure sites over the weekend.

Police are coordinating daily with the New York City Police Department, Suffolk County Police Department, the FBI and the Joint Terrorism Task Force, Ryder said, sharing intelligence across agencies.

Blakeman urged residents to assist law enforcement by reporting suspicious activity.

“It’s not just a cliché,” he said of the phrase “If you see something, say something.” “If you see someone that looks suspicious, if you see a package left somewhere, a suitcase or a backpack — anything that might be suspicious — please call 911 immediately.”

He also warned residents about potential cyberattacks linked to the conflict.

“Do not open suspicious emails,” Blakeman said. “If something doesn’t look right, don’t open it. We don’t want you to be the victim of a cyberattack or someone hacking your internet or social media accounts.”

With the Jewish holiday of Purim beginning Monday evening — a celebration that often includes large gatherings and costumes — police had already planned intensified patrols, Ryder said. In light of current events, the county is asking residents not to wear masks while traveling to and from houses of worship so officers can more easily identify individuals in public spaces.

Blakeman said additional patrols have been assigned to Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Sikh houses of worship and schools, noting that religious institutions have historically been targets of violence.

“Whether it’s business, pleasure or family activities, we want you to go about your daily lives,” he said. “Our police department is out there. They’re experienced, they do a great job, and we’re very confident in their ability to make sure that we get through this situation in a way that is safe and secure for all.”

Officials said the heightened security posture will remain in place until law enforcement determines that extraordinary measures are no longer necessary.

CAMP & SCHOOL – A guide to programs and activities

Think you know camp? Think again

Camp has become a staple of the summer season. Each year, millions of children, youth and adults head to the hills, lakes, valleys, and parks to participate in the time-honored tradition of camp. And, while most people easily conjure up images of campfires and canoes, there is a lot more to the camp experience. Here are some things you may not have known about the camp experience, courtesy of American Camp Association.

Camp is older than dirt, almost literally Started in 1861, the camp experience turned an impressive 150 years young in 2011. The secret behind the longevity? “Camps are adapting to meet the needs of today’s campers,” says Tom Rosenberg, formr president/CEO of the American Camp Association.“At the same time, the impact camp has on campers, the lifechanging experience, has remained after all these years.”

Camp is worth its weight in gold, and then some!

The camp experience is life-changing –developing friendships and memories that last well beyond the final campfire. And, there is a camp for literally every budget. Often camps offer special pricing or financial assistance, and some camp experiences qualify for tax credits or for payment with preGreen is “zen.”

Research shows that first-hand experience with nature, like those at camp, reduce stress in children and help them better handle stress in

the future. In addition to teaching children how to be good stewards of the environment, camps are teaching children how to enjoy the world around them and take a minute to breathe deep and feel the nature, which ultimately teaches them how to de-stress the natural way.

Mommies and Daddies do it too.

Camp is not just for children and youth. There are family camp experiences, and camps for single adults, senior adults, and any adult that wants to relax and enjoy all camp has to offer. Adults benefit from the same sense of community, authentic relationships, and selfdiscovery that children do. Camp is an excellent vacation option, allowing adults to try a variety of new activities in a safe and fun environment.

Try this on for size!

Camp is a great place to try new activities and hobbies. Afraid of rock walls? According to ACA research, 74 percent of campers reported that they tried new activities at camp that they were afraid to do at first. And, those activities often leave lasting impressions. In the same survey, 63 percent of parents reported that their child continued new activities from camp after returning home.

Manners matter, and often linger.

The camp experience teaches more than just archery or lanyard making. The entire experience is made of teachable moments, perhaps one of the biggest is how to live with a group of people. Campers learn to pick up after themselves, respect each other’s property, and to say

“Please” and “Thank You.”

Camp gets those neurons pumping Education reform debate and concern over summer learning loss have pushed academic achievement into the spotlight. Research shows that participation in intentional programs, like camp, during summer months helps stem summer learning loss. In addition, camp provides ample opportunity for developmental growth, which is a precursor to academic achievement. And, because of the “hands-on” nature of camp, often children who struggle in traditional edu-

SPORTS STEAM & SPECIALTY CAMPS

cation settings do well at camp.

Camp builds leaders for the 21st century and beyond Independence, resiliency, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and the ability to relate to other people these are the skills that tomorrow’s leaders will need, and the skills camp has been adept at building for 150 years.

Photo: Long after the final campfire fades, the skills and friendships built at camp continue to shine.

Monday-Friday • 9am-4pm • extended day & lunch

The sound of success Unique ways music education supports academic achievement CAMP & SCHOOL – A guide to programs and activities

In today’s schools, science, technology, engineering and mathematics often dominate the academic spotlight. Yet educators and researchers continue to point to another powerful driver of student success: music education.

According to the Arts Education Data Project, an estimated 2.1 million American students lacked access to arts education including music as of 2022. That gap is concerning, as mounting research shows that music instruction strengthens performance across multiple academic areas.

Mathematical Thinking

Music and mathematics share more than a passing resemblance. Reading rhythms involves fractions and division. Recognizing musical patterns mirrors algebraic reasoning.

A 2019 study published by the American Psychological Association found that students who learned to play an instrument and continued in band or orchestra performed nearly one academic year ahead of their peers in several subjects, including math. The structured logic of music timing, sequencing and symbolic interpretation reinforces the same analytical skills students rely on in advanced mathematics.

Boost Literacy And Language Skills

Music education also enhances reading and writing development. Learning to interpret

notes on a page parallels decoding words in a book. Both require attention to symbols, comprehension of meaning and the ability to selfcorrect.

Singing lyrics and studying musical storytelling introduce students to new vocabulary and poetic structure, strengthening comprehension. Research in neuroscience suggests that musical training activates brain regions associated with language processing, giving young learners an added advantage in literacy.

Build Discipline And Study Habits

Mastering an instrument takes time, patience and consistent practice. Students quickly learn that improvement comes from repetition and focus lessons that translate directly to homework, long-term projects and exam preparation.

The resilience developed while tackling challenging passages or preparing for performances can foster greater academic persistence overall.

Enhance Cognitive And Emotional Well-Being

Music engages multiple areas of the brain simultaneously, supporting memory, concentration and problem-solving. At the same time, it offers a creative outlet that can reduce stress and build confidence. Students who feel emotionally supported and

creatively fulfilled are often better equipped to handle rigorous coursework and classroom demands.

Foster Collaboration And Communication

Participation in band, choir or orchestra teaches students to listen closely, follow direction and contribute to a shared goal. Ensemble performance requires cooperation and accountability skills that mirror group projects in science labs, history presentations and other academic settings.

Balanced Learning

As schools continue to prioritize STEM ini-

tiatives, many educators advocate for a broader STEAM approach that includes the arts. Music education does more than enrich school culture; it strengthens cognitive development, academic performance and social skills. By investing in music programs alongside core academic subjects, schools create wellrounded learning environments that prepare students not only for higher test scores, but for lifelong success.

powers into championship game

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Baldwin had its hands full with Syosset and Nassau County’s scoring leader Samantha Schneider during the regular season, but Sunday’s rematch in the Class AAA semifinals was a different story.

The top-seeded Bruins exploded for 28 first-quarter points and cruised to a convincing 72-40 victory at Farmingdale State College. Juniors Ajeya Nicholas (14) and Chinaya Okogeri (13), and sophomore Malia Robinson (13) all scored in double figures as Baldwin advanced to face No. 3 Massapequa in the championship game Saturday at 2:30 p.m. on the same court.

“We’re peaking at the right time,” said head coach Tom Catapano, who last season guided Baldwin to the Class AA state title. “People tend to forget we graduated four starters from last year’s team. But these girls work incredibly hard and I really like how we’ve progressed,” he added. Schneider, who scored 28 in Syos -

set’s 65-57 loss to Baldwin Jan. 10, was held to 12. She finished the campaign averaging a Nassau-best 26.6 ppg.

“She’s an excellent player and was the focus of our defensive game plan,” Catapano said of Schneider, who had a 45-point performance against Freeport and a 40-point effort against East Meadow. “We put Chinaya and Elizabeth [Hill] on her, and our help defense was phenomenal,” he explained.

Keeping with tradition that’s resulted in 10 county titles in the past 11 seasons, Baldwin’s swarming defense sparked its offense in a dominant display from the opening tip.

Nicholas (8), Robinson (7) and senior Alyssa Polonia (7), its lone returning starter, combined for 23 points in the first quarter and the rout was on. Senior center Leah Williams starred in the second quarter, scoring 7 of her 9 points as the Bruins (19-3) build a comfortable 47-21 halftime lead.

“We have three All-County guards [Polonia, Okogeri and Robinson] who played great today, but I also feel our

forwards were exceptional,” Catapano said. “This is how we need to play against Massapequa. They’ll have a huge height advantage over us.”

Junior Jaylah McKay led fourthseeded Syosset with 13 points.

“Our halftime speech was about keeping our foot on the gas because they made a comeback and made it real close against us last time,” said Polonia, who averages a team-high 14.2 ppg.

Okogeri and senior Aku Bonsu had five points apiece in the third quarter as the lead swelled to 63-33 entering the fourth. Catapano rested the starters for the final 5:34 as the focus turned to ‘Pequa, which rallied with a strong second half to top Uniondale, 50-41, in Sunday’s other semifinal.

Baldwin downed the Chief 58-31 in the regular-season meeting Jan. 29 behind 20 points from Polonia.

“They have four 6-footers in the starting lineup and another few bigs off the bench,” Catapano said. “They’ll be a problem on the glass. We have to use our defense and our speed to offset that.”

New ICE office in Woodbury sparks concerns

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is renting office space in Woodbury for what could be dozens of agency attorneys, a move that is drawing concern from immigration advocates and prompting calls for transparency from local officials.

Last month, ICE began leasing offices in a four-story building at 88 Froehlich Farm Blvd., according to Craig J. Padover, president of the Hauppaugebased Aresco Management, which owns the property. The space, Padover said, is being used for legal offices, but he did not confirm the size or extent of the lease, nor could he verify how many ICE attorneys would ultimately work there.

He added that the space would not be used to house detained immigrants.

The expansion comes as controversy intensifies over President Trump’s deportation campaign. ICE received nearly $80 billion in funding through Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” passed last July, increasing the number of agents from roughly 10,000 to 22,000 this year, making it the largest-funded federal law enforcement agency.

ICE already maintains a presence at the federal courthouse in Central Islip and at the Nassau County Correctional Center in East Meadow, where detained migrants are housed. Agents covering

Luke Feeney/Herald

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is leasing office space at 88 Froehlich Farm Blvd. in Woodbury.

Long Island are based primarily in New York City offices.

“One of the most important things to remember is that the Department of Homeland Security and [Secretary] Kristi Noem has not been transparent about what’s going on,” Sylvia LivitsAyass, a partner at Livits Ayass Baskin PLLC and the immigration chair of the Nassau County Bar Association, said.

In Central Islip, marked and unmarked vans have been seen near district courts. Attorneys from ICE’s Office of the Principal Legal Advisor represent the Department of Homeland Secu-

rity in immigration-removal proceedings, and can facilitate warrants and enforcement actions.

“My guess is that there will be a ramp-up in ICE presence in Nassau and Suffolk, and they’re probably going to try and facilitate these enforcement actions through warrants and by supporting these operations,” Livits-Ayass said, emphasizing that that remains speculation.

She explained that there are different types of warrants. An administrative warrant is not reviewed by a federal judge, and is often signed by an ICE offi-

cer or agency official. A judicial warrant, by contrast, must be signed by a U.S. District Court judge and typically identifies the court, the name and birth date of the subject of the warrant, and the address to be searched.

“Just because they have a warrant doesn’t mean they can go wherever they want,” Livits-Ayass said.

Because immigration court for downstate New York is at Federal Plaza in Manhattan, she added, the Woodbury lease is surprising. She suggested that it could signal expanded enforcement operations, but also noted that it could simply be cost-effective for ICE to house its attorneys on Long Island. “The bottom line is we don’t know,” she said, “because they’re not telling anybody.”

In a letter to Noem, Rep. Tom Suozzi wrote that he was “seeking transparency,” and asked if the lease was accurate and how ICE has engaged with local governments.

In a statement to the Herald, Suozzi wrote, “Expanding deportation operations in safe communities creates fear and undermines trust in local enforcement, and would be a bad policy. Our focus should be on removing dangerous criminals while protecting families who contribute to our local economy and way of life.”

ICE offices in New York City did not respond to the Herald’s request for comment.

Young entrepreneurs turn lessons into lemonade

causes, including Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, an American pediatric cancer charity, and Ronald McDonald House, a nonprofit that supports families with sick children.

Organizers said the annual project continues to grow each year, both in participation and in its impact on the community.

This year, the second-graders decided to raise money for Camp Anchor, a beloved organization operated by the Town of Hempstead in Lido Beach, which provides year-round recreational and social programs for children and adults with special needs — summer camps, trips, dances and other activities designed to promote inclusion, independence and community connection.

“We’re raising money for Camp Anchor so they can get new things and help kids who can’t walk, speak or hear,” second-grader Julissa Allen said. “It makes me happy because we’re helping other kids.”

The district emphasizes hands-on learning opportunities to enhance classroom learning. The lemonade stand was the final part of the second-grade financial literacy unit, in which students learned about budgeting, pricing, profit and civic responsibility. They discussed how businesses operate, how to advertise effectively and how charitable giving can support community organizations.

“We learned about financial literacy and fundraising, and then we voted to choose Camp Anchor,” Gia Louis said. “We wanted to help them have money for activities and things they need.”

“The lemonade stand supports our future-ready competencies of our 6 C’s,” Brookside Principal Jeanette Rottkamp explained. The district’s 6 C’s of education are character, creativity, critical thinking, communication, citizenship and collaboration.

“This supports collaboration,” Rottkamp added, “because not only are our second-grade classes collaborating, but also collaboration among the whole school. We showcased the video to the school, and now everyone is donating. The creativity is through all of the posters the students created. And character because they are donating. They picked the organization and they learned about the organization. They really identified who they were giving back to — it

Brookside elementary School second-graders showed off their Lemon Squad spirit as they sold

ade to raise money for Camp anchor during the school’s annual financial literacy project last friday. Student-made posters and handmade lemon hats helped promote the fundraiser, which supports the town of Hempstead’s yearround program for children and adults with special needs.

wasn’t arbitrary, they really thought about this.”

“My favorite part was making the lemonade cheer with my friends,” Julissa Allen added. “It was really fun, and we kept remembering it over and over again.”

The students sold lemonade for $2 a cup during the school’s three lunch periods last Friday. Students in all grades were given the opportunity to donate to Camp Anchor and receive a cup of lemonade in return.

Tables decorated with colorful, student-made posters lined the hallway outside the cafeteria as secondgraders eagerly collected donations, poured lemonade and greeted their peers. Classmates from across grade levels handed over dollar bills and loose change, and walked away with a cup of lemonade and a smile.

For the young entrepreneurs, the afternoon was more than a fundraiser — it was a lesson in leadership, teamwork and giving back.

Students prepared and poured lemonade beneath colorful, student-made posters promoting the fundraiser, part of a financial literacy project supporting Camp anchor.

Secondgraders greeted customers and distributed lemonade as part of their school-wide fundraiser, combining lessons in business, teamwork and giving back.

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO

things to know about Ramadan

Celebrating the holiday Ramadan

azingariello@liherald.com

Ramadan is a central observance in Islam, marked by a month-long period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It follows the Islamic lunar calendar, so its start date shifts each year. During this time, Muslims deepen their spiritual practice and self-discipline, culminating in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.

Religious significance

Ramadan holds central religious importance in Islam because Muslims believe it was during this month that the first verses of the Qur’an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

This event marks the beginning of divine revelation in Islamic belief. Within Ramadan, Laylat al-Qadr or the Night of Power, commemorates the initial revelation and is described in the Qur’an as better than a thousand months. For this reason, Muslims devote increased time to prayer, Qur’an recitation and supplication during the month.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Its beginning and end are determined by the sighting of the new crescent moon, which causes the dates to shift approximately ten to twelve days earlier each solar year.

Fasting as one of the Five Pillars of Islam

Fasting during Ramadan, known in Arabic as ṣ awm, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, which are the fundamental acts of worship required of Muslims.

Each day from dawn, marked by the fajr prayer, until sunset, marked by the maghrib prayer, adult Muslims who are physically able abstain from food and drink. The fast begins before dawn with a meal called su ḥū r and ends at sunset with if ṭ ãr.

Islamic law provides exemptions for specific groups, including children, the elderly, the sick, pregnant or breastfeeding women and travelers. Those who miss fasts for valid reasons are generally required to make them up later when able. Fasting emphasizes self-control, moral conduct and heightened spiritual awareness.

Ramadan is observed through both personal devotion and communal religious practice.

In addition to the five daily prayers, many Muslims observe special nightly prayers called tarawih, performed after the evening prayer throughout the month. The final ten days are considered especially significant, as they include Laylat al-Qadr. Acts of charity are also emphasized, including zakat, an obligatory form of almsgiving, as well as voluntary charity.

Ramadan concludes with Eid al-Fitr, which begins with the sighting of the new moon marking the start of Shawwal, the next lunar month. Eid al-Fitr includes a congregational prayer held shortly after sunrise, festive meals, social visits and the giving of Zakat al-Fitr before the prayer.

The physical therapist with a mission to serve

By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com

Emilian Emeagwali has built a life rooted in service, driven by a deep, generational commitment to uplifting and supporting the community around her.

Born and raised in Onitsha, Nigeria, Emeagwali, 60, emigrated to the United States in 1992, where she faced a dramatic change of lifestyle. In Nigeria, she had been surrounded by support, with help raising a baby girl and managing her daily responsibilities. “Everybody was helping with the baby,” she said. “I was like a queen.”

In America there was no such support system, leaving her to adjust to life with just her husband and their daughter, and to take on a variety of responsibilities herself, from child care to cooking and cleaning.

Determined to adapt, Emeagwali immersed herself in American culture. She spent time watching movies, listening to the news and reading books to better understand her new environment. Even everyday things like food and weather required adjustment.

After moving from Nigeria, Emeagwali received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Brooklyn College. In 2003 she enrolled at Stony Brook University, where she earned a doctorate degree in physical therapy. Balancing school and family life proved difficult, because she was commuting 50 miles from Elmont and now caring for two children.

Despite these challenges, Emeagwali remained focused on her goal of helping others. After finishing her degree, she was motivated to continue her education by a desire to make an impact.

Her psychology classes helped her understand how to approach and connect with people, but she ultimately felt she could make a greater difference through physical therapy. While working as a therapist’s assistant in hospital settings, she became dissatisfied with the fastpaced environment, in which she often treated multiple patients in a short period of time.

Wanting to provide more personalized care, Emeagwali decided to open her own practice. In 2007 she founded State of the Art PT OT, a clinic in Valley Stream that has now been serving patients for nearly two decades. Her approach centers on treating people with the same care and attention she would give her own family.

That philosophy, she said, stems from her upbringing. As a child, she watched her parents give money to people in need, ensuring that they had food to eat. That instilled in her a lasting commitment to helping others and giving back.

“That is how I was raised,” she said. “I think that was embedded in me when growing up.”

In 2009, Emeagwali expanded that mission by founding the nonprofit Giving Back to Community Corp., headquartered in Valley Stream. The organization, which is funded by fundraisers and donations, focuses

on providing food, educational resources and other support to underserved people in surrounding communities as well as in Nigeria.

Whether through her clinic or her nonprofit work, Emeagwali’s impact extends far beyond individual patients, strengthening entire communities and carrying forward the values that first inspired her to give back.

At South Nassau, a steady hand in cardiac care

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

As director of noninvasive cardiology at Mount Sinai South Nassau, Dr. Pilar Stevens-Haynes has built a career centered on precision, compassion and the belief that medicine can be both life-saving and lifechanging.

That sense of connection is what ultimately steered her toward cardiology. Born and raised in the Elmont/ Valley Stream area, Stevens-Haynes discovered her love of science in high school, drawn to biology and fascinated by a senior-year anatomy and physiology elective.

Though she once envisioned herself as a surgeon, clinical rotations changed her mind. “I thought I would just love surgery,” she said. “But I actually found I loved speaking to patients. In surgery, your patients are unconscious.”

Instead she chose a field that allows her to combine long-term patient relationships with moments of dramatic intervention. While many areas of internal medicine focus on managing chronic illness, StevensHaynes noted that cardiology allows physicians to intervene in acute, life-threatening situations — heart attacks, heart failure or dangerous arrhythmias — and dramatically improve outcomes.

“In cardiology, you can treat someone and sometimes give them back the life they had before,” she said. “I find true joy in taking care of people over time and watching them heal.”

A graduate of SUNY Geneseo, Stevens-Haynes completed her medical training in the Mount Sinai system before joining South Nassau over a decade ago. Her current role centers on cardiac imaging, from

electrocardiograms and echocardiograms to multiple forms of stress testing. Four days a week she oversees the lab, ensuring that the facility meets national accreditation standards.

“The lab has to do what it says it’s going to do,” Stevens-Haynes said. “We have to perform the studies accurately and meet the standards that are set.”

Patient care remains central to her. “I’ve got the best

of both worlds,” she said. “I get to practice medicine, but I also get to do a little bit of curative medicine.”

Throughout her career, she has also navigated the realities of being one of few women — and often the only woman of color — in the room. “You have to get very comfortable by being the one and only,” StevensHaynes said. Early on, she admitted, she was “very, very quiet and shy,” hesitant to draw attention to herself. Over time, however, she came to recognize the importance of representation.

“Patients will say how wonderful it is to see women physicians and to see people that look like them take care of them,” she said. “They trust me because I look like me.”

Mentorship has become one of the most meaningful aspects of Steven-Haynes’s work. She recalled sitting down with a tearful young physician who worried that starting a family would jeopardize her medical career. Stevens-Haynes encouraged her to do both. That physician is now a cardiology fellow.

“It’s important that women know they can have grand professional goals and personal goals — and achieve them,” she said.

Stevens-Haynes credits academic medicine with offering flexibility that has allowed her to balance professional growth with family life. She and her husband, Hector Luna, are raising four children in Baldwin. She remains driven by the passion that first led her into medicine, and by her belief that physicians can build meaningful careers without sacrificing the aspects of life that matter most.

“Even if it feels overwhelming or like an all-boys club, you can find your niche anywhere,” she said. “Chase your dreams. You don’t have to sacrifice.”

Baldwin voices snow removal frustration

In residential neighborhoods, many of the most common complaints focused on incomplete plowing, particularly on side streets.

“Glover Place, as usual, is neglected until the next day,” Baldwin resident Donald Rivas wrote. “Even after the plow passes, it still leaves a trail of ice and snow and plows in the driveways.”

Rivas’s neighbor, Nancy Capozzi, echoed those concerns, saying the street had not been adequately cleared during the last three snowstorms.

Residents from across Baldwin described inconsistent plowing and ongoing challenges following the storm in response to both Scianablo’s post and the Herald’s.

Joy McMillian said neighbors on her block moved their cars to allow for full plowing, but crews did not clear from curb to curb.

“I do not understand why the plow trucks will not go to the curb,” she wrote. “We all moved our cars, but they didn’t go through the snow-filled curb.”

An anonymous resident said she and her husband contacted the Town of Hempstead multiple times about Everett Court.

“My husband and I called the Town of Hempstead or filled out the online form four times, and Everett Court was never plowed,” the resident wrote. “I saw two trucks drive by with their plow up.”

On its website, Town of Hempstead officials said snow removal operations are conducted in phases, beginning with salting roads before plowing begins. The town is responsible for approximately 1,200 miles of roadways and municipal parking fields in unincorporated areas, while state, county, village and city agencies maintain their own roads.

Officials said crews prioritize main roads and heav-

ily traveled routes to ensure access for emergency vehicles and maintain traffic flow before turning to residential streets. Crews work continuously during storms until all streets are cleared; often making multiple passes that can result in snow being pushed into driveways and sidewalks.

The town also urged residents to assist in snow removal efforts by moving vehicles off roadways ahead of storms, avoiding shoveling snow into the street, and waiting until plows have passed before clearing driveways.

Residents are advised to shovel snow to the right side of their driveway apron to reduce the likelihood of it being pushed back by plows.

Officials also reminded residents to clear snow

around fire hydrants and create pedestrian paths at corners to improve safety.

In a Facebook post ahead of the storm, Town Supervisor John Ferretti encouraged residents to report issues using the town’s online Storm Response Form.

“As we prepare for the winter storm expected Sunday into Monday, I’m asking residents to use the Town’s online Storm Response Form to report issues directly to us,” Ferretti wrote.

“Whether it’s a road that hasn’t been plowed, icy conditions, or a tree or limb down, this form ensures our crews get the information quickly and accurately.”

Still, not all feedback was negative. Some residents said conditions varied depending on location, with certain streets seeing improved service compared with previous storms.

“I think they did a good job,” Donna Desantis wrote. “We were fortunate. My daughter went to work, no problem on Tuesday.”

Miguel Melendez said his street, Wallace Avenue, was handled better than during prior storms.

Others pointed to resident behavior as a contributing factor. Kevin George Millerick said cars left on streets, and snow shoveled into roadways, made it harder for plows to properly clear roads.

Some residents also acknowledged the difficulty of snow removal operations.

“These guys have a rough time working in this weather,” Jo-Ann Autorino wrote, describing a fire truck that became stuck on Soper Avenue before being assisted by plows.

If winter weather continues, Baldwin residents said they hope to see improvements in consistency, particularly on residential streets, and clearer communication from the town about plowing operations before storms hit.

An invisible threat in Long Island’s waters

Researchers study acidification and its potential effects on the future of oysters and clams

By ABIGAIL GRIECO, WILL SHEELINE & JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO of the Herald Community Newspapers

Third installment in a series about water.

For generations, the waters surrounding Long Island have defined its identity — from the wide-open waterfronts of the South Shore to the shellfish beds of the North Shore. But beneath the surface, a quieter transformation is underway.

Ocean acidification is often called climate change’s “evil twin,” and refers to the lowering of the water’s pH, the scale used to measure the concentration of hydrogen ions in the water. While global warming refers to rising temperatures, acidification describes a shift in seawater chemistry.

The science begins with carbon dioxide. As levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere increase — predominantly from the burning of fossil fuels — the ocean absorbs roughly 25 to 30 percent of it. When carbon dioxide dissolves in seawater, it forms carbonic acid, making the water more acidic, and lowering its pH.

farmers — industries that have experienced both revival and setbacks in recent decades — these chemical changes aren’t just theoretical. They are measurable, seasonal and, increasingly, part of daily operations.

The ‘evil twin’ of climate change

Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, a nonprofit advocacy organization in New York and Connecticut, describes ocean acidification as a hidden but mounting crisis for Long Island’s waters — one intensified by warming temperatures, nitrogen pollution and poor circulation in local bays.

“It’s commonly understood that roughly a third of all carbon dioxide emissions released into the atmosphere are absorbed by the marine environment,” Esposito said. That absorption increases acidity levels in bays, estuaries and the open ocean.

The pH scale is logarithmic, meaning that even a small numerical drop represents a significant shift in chemistry. The ocean is naturally slightly alkaline, but since the Industrial Revolution, average ocean surface pH has dropped by about 0.1 units — roughly a 30 percent increase in acidity. That shift reduces the availability of carbonate ions, the building blocks shellfish such as oysters and clams need to form their calcium carbonate shells.

Ryan Wallace, assistant professor of environmental science at Adelphi University, explained that these acidity levels are not evenly distributed.

On Long Island, acidification is not driven by global carbon emissions alone. Local factors intensify the problem. Nitrogen discharged from wastewater, septic systems and fertilizer runoff flows into bays and harbors, fueling harmful algal blooms. When those blooms die and decompose, the process consumes oxygen and releases additional carbon dioxide in the water, further lowering pH.

The result is a compounding effect: global atmospheric carbon dioxide combined with local nitrogen pollution accelerates acidification in shallow, enclosed estuaries.

Warming waters add another layer of stress. As temperatures rise, marine organisms’ metabolic demands increase, but warmer water holds less dissolved oxygen. Together, warming and acidification can weaken shellfish during their most vulnerable larval stages, making it harder for them to survive and build shells.

For Long Island’s oyster and clam

Some bays and harbors on the North Shore are measured at 450 parts per million, close to the ideal level of roughly 300 ppm, while others, particularly in the western portion of Long Island Sound, measured as high as 2,000 ppm.

Wallace emphasized that while these may not sound like huge differences, even minor changes in CO2 levels can have a drastic impact.

“To put it into perspective, over the last 800,000 years or so, the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere was only about 300” parts per million, Wallace explained. “Two thousand is a lot more than that, so when you get to concentrations that are that high, this can have implications for, you know, organisms that are living in these ecosystems.”

While the data reflect a global pattern, the consequences are being felt at the regional level as well. As Esposito noted, Long Island’s problems do not exist in isolation.

“It’s being exacerbated by an increase in temperature of the waterways and more nutrient runoff, such as nitrogen, going into waterways,” she said. “All of that causes unfortunate degradation to our water bodies.”

While algae is an important part of a healthy ecosystem, excess nitrogen can fuel algal blooms that, when they die off, consume oxygen and further stress marine life — compounding the chemical impacts of acidification with biological ones.

In the South Shore’s Western Bays, limited water circulation compounds the problem. Research by Stony Brook

University has shown that it can take up to 180 days for water to fully flush out through an inlet into the Atlantic Ocean. Instead, Esposito said, the water “sloshes back and forth” before eventually reaching the ocean, trapping heat and pollutants in the process.

Coastal areas such as the western portion of the Sound are especially vulnerable because of limited circulation. Wallace stressed that scientists differentiate between open-ocean acidification and coastal-ocean acidification because of the unique challenges those areas face.

In Hempstead Harbor, the issue of acidification has been a focus for local environmental organizations for decades. The Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor was formed in 1986 to address a range of environmental issues facing the area, including acidification.

Michelle Lapinel McAllister, the coalition’s programs director, explained that pH monitoring is one of the core services that the nonprofit provides for the harbor. Measuring occurs yearround, with particular emphasis from May to October, when the harbor, in

common with other waterways, sees annual spikes in nitrogen levels.

“Each season we will see periods of low dissolved oxygen, and whenever dissolved oxygen gets low, then we’ll see pH drop as well,” Lapinel McAllister said. “That will typically happen around the hottest part of the year.”

Another complication is the fact that enclosed waters respond more quickly to environmental stressors than the open ocean, meaning local ecosystems can feel the impacts sooner and more intensely.

“The more stagnant the water body is, the more these acidity levels build up,” Esposito said. “The more the temperature builds up, the more damage the increase in acidity levels can do.”

She described three primary consequences of ocean acidification: “reduced water quality, the impact on shellfish and finfish and the degradation of the overall habitat due to low oxygen.”

Shellfish such as oysters and clams struggle to build and maintain their shells in more acidic conditions, while

Rising acidity, rising stakes for coastal shellfish

Continued from PreViouS PAGe

finfish larvae have lower survival rates — threatening both the ecosystem and the region’s maritime economy.

“Acidification actually reduces the availability of carbonate ions that are needed for these organisms to build their shells, so that’s a major issue,” Wallace said. “Like shellfish aquaculture, it can impact fisheries, and then there’s this cascading effect that can influence things like recreational activities and tourism.”

This is especially relevant because shellfish play an important role in regulating nitrogen levels. An adult oyster can filter up to 50 gallons of water per day, depending on size and environmental conditions, while a clam can filter roughly half that.

Across Long Island, and across the country, local environmental organizations and governments are throwing their support behind shellfish hatcheries and protection programs, including the towns of Hempstead, Oyster Bay and Babylon. Lapinel McAllister explained that while these efforts serve an important role in safeguarding healthy ecosystems, they can’t singlehandedly save marine ecosystems.

“On their own, shellfish can’t improve the water quality to healthy levels,” she said, “but having a good, healthy, strong population is going to be part of that overall puzzle of maintaining the stability of pH over long term.”

While local efforts to restore wetlands, upgrade sewage-treatment plants and rebuild shellfish populations are making progress, Esposito said the root cause remains global. “The main culprit of ocean acidification is the burning of fossil fuels,” she said. “The only thing we can do is support more renewable energy so that we’re not pouring more carbon dioxide into the waterways.”

The wet work of marine scientists

Across Long Island, scientists are working together to find ways to improve the quality of local waters. A leading solution is all-organic: Restoring local populations of filter-feeders could, with careful management, bear the brunt of decontamination efforts.

The Flax Pond Marine Laboratory, in Old Field, is nestled in the marshes of the North Shore, overlooking the Long Island Sound. This laboratory is a research hatchery, working toward “improving local coastal water quality and replenishing natural shellfish populations,” according to its shellfish restoration manager, Peter Martin.

The facility’s current focus is the Ribbed Mussel Bioextraction Project, in which staff test what growth strategies lead to the healthiest shellfish that could be reintroduced to coastal waters to rejuvenate them.

“There’s a lot of coastal communities and little inlets and even out-of-use small pockets of water that are just polluted and are in need of cleaner water,” Martin said. “Fundamentally … shellfish are natural filters. All they do is filter feed, so they’re cleaning the water as they grow.”’

“One of the big pollutants that we’re focused on is nitrogen removal,” hatchery Research Specialist Ashley Lopez said. “Shellfish take in the bad form of nitrogen, process it in their body, and they still expel some nitrogen, but it’s a safe and more bioavailable kind of nitrogen.”

The ribbed mussel program is exploring new methods of shellfish cultivation; according to Lopez, there is no consensus in the field about growing large amounts of these shellfish. In their nascence, ribbed mussels have delicate health — a larva is as small as a grain of sand. The Citizens Campaign for the Environment staff regularly sterilize equipment and filter externally sourced seawater to minimize diseases and infections from plankton and bacteria.

The researchers grow eight different varieties of algae to feed adult ribbed mussels, which are kept in temperature-stabilized basins. This conditioning pro-

nonprofits like the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor play a vital role in the fight against acidification. Staff members such as michelle Lapinel mcAllister, right, programs director, and Carol diPaolo, water-monitoring coordinator, track pH levels and coordinate a shellfish restoration program to keep the harbor healthy.

Acidification, by the numbers

■ 30 percent of carbon dioxide that is released into the atmosphere is absorbed by the ocean.

■ From 2008 to 2017, fossil fuel burning and land use changes were responsible for 40 billion tons of emissions per year.

■ Surface waters are 30 percent more acidic than their pre-industrial levels.

■ While the ocean on average has seen a 0.06 decrease in pH units, meaning increasing acidity, since 1985, the Long Island Sound has seen a decrease of 0.04 per decade, according to UConn Marine Sciences.

■ In the past 25 years, the $6 billion clamming industry has seen a 93 percent reduction in harvests, according to the New York state Department of Environmental Conservation.

■ More than 12,000 acres of Long Island waterways have been closed to shellfishing due to algal blooms, according to the Suffolk County Health Department.

■ 76 percent of the nitrogen in the waters off Long Island — home to 40 percent of the state’s population — comes from faulty septic systems.

cess is meant to “ripen the gonads” of the mussels and help them reproduce as effectively as possible, according to Martin.

“What we’re doing is trying to find out the best way

to grow a lot of them from birth on and have them actually survive,” Lopez said. “And the starting point, we think, is the feeding regimens that we’re giving them. So that’s why we’re doing different diets — to see what kind of spawn they produce and see how the larvae survive after that.”

“This two-year project is Phase Two of a larger project,” Martin added. “Phase One was from ’23 to ’25. Each phase is getting further and further, doing more to figure out the best way to grow these things.”

In addition to ribbed mussel cultivation, CCE staff are involved with other restoration efforts, including a Community Aquaculture Restoration and Education program, in which scientists partner with community volunteers to sow “spat-on-shell” oysters into local estuaries, from which larvae will grow and mature into underwater custodians.

The Flax Pond hatchery works with groups ranging from the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County and Stony Brook University to the state Department of Environmental Conservation and the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission. It is one ecological collective of many working toward improving the quality of local waters from the east end of Long Island to the shores of Nassau County.

Setting course for a healthier future

Even as Long Island’s waterways face the threat of rising acidification, the experts emphasize that all is not lost. Thanks to the efforts of the Coalition to Save Hempstead Harbor and other environmental groups, the region’s waters have bounced back from near-toxic levels of acidity, not to mention numerous pollutionrelated threats of the 1980s.

According to Wallace, the efforts of scientists and local volunteers, from the South Shore to coastal Connecticut, to monitor and address these issues have already made an impact.

“There’s been a lot of positives,” he said, “but we can’t stop there. There’s more work to be done.”

MARCH 13 • 10AM-12:30PM

EAST MEADOW BETH-EL JEWISH CENTER

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Snack station for all

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AGENDA: VISIT EXHIBITORS

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EXPERT PANEL + Q&A 11:30AM - 12:30PM

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Register for this FREE event: RichnerLIVE.com/march.expo

STEP RIGHT UP

Ringling reinvents the Big Top

By Abbey Salvemini

Get ready to cheer, dance and gasp — the legendary Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is back, and it’s dazzling audiences in ways few could have imagined. The self-proclaimed “Greatest Show on Earth” has been boldly reimagined for a new generation, bringing a high-voltage spectacle to UBS Arena from March 6 through March 8.

This is not the circus of decades past. Gone are the traditional three rings and animal acts; in their place is a fast-paced, immersive experience that blends worldclass acrobatics, cutting-edge choreography, live music and vibrant storytelling. The arena transforms into a colorful celebration that feels as much like a concert and dance party as a circus performance.

The energy begins the moment everyone walks through the doors. An interactive pre-show sets the tone, introducing audiences to the dynamic Ringling Hype Crew — a lively cast of dancers and performers who invite everyone to move, clap and join in the fun. Before the first aerialist soars or the first stunt takes flight, the crowd is already part of the action.

At its heart are the performers.

• Friday March 6, 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, March 7-8, 11 a.m., 3 p.m., 7 p.m.

• Tickets start at $39.35, $20 kids tickets for all performances; available at ticketmaster.com

• UBS Arena, 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

The 65-person cast, representing 17 countries, is a truly international ensemble that fuses time-honored circus traditions with bold, contemporary feats. Among the most buzzed-about moments is the crisscross trapeze act, in which elite aerialists launch themselves along intersecting flight paths, slicing through the air in breathtaking near-misses that leave audiences holding their collective breath.

The stars of this new incarnation of circus include 33-year-old trapeze artist Miles Postlethwait. He grew up in Florida, attending Ringling shows (and Disney on Ice). Caught up in the spectacle, he in love with trapeze at age 10. A trapeze performer for 10 years (six professionally), he landed at Ringling in November.

Recalling his early circus memories: “I remember going to see Ringling Bros when I was very young. Honestly, what I remember most was the toys (specifically the dragon sword) and the cotton candy. But my mom tells me I was enamored with the acrobats.”

That fascination stuck, leading him to his tour “home” and what’s now billed as “The Greatest Party On Earth,” according to the Ringling mantra.

“Who wouldn’t want to be a part of The Greatest Show On Earth? I saw the previous tour multiple times and loved the show. It’s nonstop fun because you’re part of the show the whole time, interacting with other performers and the audience,” Postlethwait says.

The vibe is fueled by today’s cultural influences — reimagined through the lens of pop culture, concerts and festivals.

Back to the aforementioned trapeze stunt, he points out that the crisscross rig is unique and requires intense precision, but years of training make the nearmisses almost instinctive.

“It keeps me on my toes, and the crowd’s reaction

STEPPING OUT

courtesy Feld Entertainment

A 150-year tradition leaps into the future as the reimagined spectacle delivers fresh thrills, bold artistry and gravity-defying feats that redefine the modern circus.

is incredible.”

The thrills keep on coming. Other highlights include the Double Wheel of Destiny, in which four daredevils leap and jump rope on spinning wheels.

A Chinese acrobatic bicycle act, created exclusively for Ringling, features gravity-defying human pyramids and fearless athleticism, with one acrobat running across the backs of nine moving bike riders. Salsa Colombia, a fiery dance and acrobatics troupe, brings the energy of Latin rhythms to the arena floor. And audiences are fascinated by Cam, a content creator and unicycle rider, who stacks up to 25 wheels towering nearly 35 feet high. Also watch out for Bailey the Robo Pup, a high-tech canine character and PT (Party Time), Ringling’s first-ever hype character, who keeps the crowd engaged and amplifies the celebratory atmosphere.

Giant LED screens and cameras capture acrobats from impossible angles, giving every seat the feel of front-row access.

Music powers the show. A DJ spins everything from hip-hop to Latin beats, driving the action from start to finish, with beat drops, live drumming and dance battles.

Those in the audience are not just spectators — they’re all in. Kids are drawn into onstage interactions, while the LED screens highlight stunts from content creator Cam, adding an extra layer of excitement. From split-second trapeze timing to jaw-dropping acrobatics, the spectacle keeps everyone on the edge of their seats while leaving lasting memories for all involved. The result is a full-on celebration with a festival-style energy that transforms classic circus elements.

Postlethwait sums it up simply: “It’s a super fun, energetic party. Families come and say everybody had a blast. It’s a show where kids aren’t just watching — they’re a part of the action.”

Perhaps most importantly, according to Postlethwait, the spectacle inspires young audiences to dream big.

“I hope they see that anything is possible. Circus acts show that humans’ limits go so much further than we think.”

Whether you’re in it for the stunts, the music or the interactive fun, this version of “The Greatest Show On Earth” promises something for everyone. Experience firsthand why Ringling Bros. has thrilled audiences for generations — now with a fresh, modern twist that makes the circus feel entirely new.

Jessie’s Girl

Drag out that neon once again and give your hair its best ‘80s ‘do. Those crazy days are back — as only Jessie’s Girl can pull off, on the Paramount stage. The band of NYC’s top rock/pop musicians and singers gets everyone into that “Back To The Eighties” vibe with the latest edition of their popular concert experience. With a lineup including four pop-rock vocalists dressing and performing as 80s icons, backed by a dynamic band, this is the definitive ‘80s experience. Jessie’s Girl’s primary line-up includes a team of NYC’s top rock and pop vocalists: Jenna O’Gara, Jerome Bell-Bastien, and Mark Rinzel. They are backed by one of the tightest bands in the city comprised of 20+ year veterans of the NYC music scene, each with dozens of credits performing with authentic ‘80s icons who made the music famous to begin with! Their motto: There’s no decade like the Eighties and no party like Back To The Eighties with Jessie’s Girl.

Friday, March 6, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

South Shore Symphony welcomes Jane Monheit

With a voice radiating warmth, refinement and emotional depth, jazz vocalist Jane Monheit brings her celebrated interpretations of Great American Songbook classics to the Madison Theatre in a special collaboration with the South Shore Symphony Orchestra. Renowned for breathing fresh life into beloved standards, she headlines an unforgettable afternoon, blending the intimacy of jazz with the grandeur of full orchestral sound. Under the baton of Music Director Adam Glaser, the South Shore Symphony accompanies her in a series of orchestral arrangements that highlight both her vocal artistry and the timeless beauty of these enduring songs. The program also offers audiences a more intimate jazz club feel, with Monheit backed by a trio, including Glaser on piano, for several selections.

Sunday, March 8, 3 p.m. Molloy University campus, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

Dining with Diabetes workshop series

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Long Island hosts Dining with Diabetes, a free, hands-on workshop series for individuals with diabetes, prediabetes and caregivers. Sessions at Baldwin Public Library focus on nutrition education, healthy cooking demonstrations, meal planning and strategies for managing blood sugar. Participants will also learn practical skills such as reading food labels and making healthier food choices, with take-home resources provided to support long-term healthy living. Registration is required for all sessions. Following the first meeting the series continues each Thursday during March.

• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.

• Time: 4-5 p.m.

• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228

mar

6

‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’

Molloy University’s CAP21 Musical Theatre students tackle Shakespeare. The bard’s beloved comedy is a magical tale that explores the irrationality of love, desire, friendship, jealousy and magic. When the mortal worlds of four young lovers and a bungling group of amateur actors collide with a feuding fairy kingdom in a mystical forest on a midsummer eve, romantic misadventures ensue, causing chaos that only a bit of fairy magic can sort out.

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

• Time: 8 p.m.; also March 7, 2 and 8 p.m.; March 8, 3 p.m.

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

Family

theater

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

Celtic Woman

mar

15

The Grammy-nominated global sensation returns to the stage with their highly anticipated new tour, Celtic Woman — A New Era. Featuring the mesmerizing talents of Mairéad Carlin, Muirgen O’Mahony, Ciara Ní Mhurchú, and the dynamic new addition Caitríona Sherlock, this production fuses the ensemble’s signature ethereal harmonies with innovative orchestrations, captivating stagecraft, and a contemporary energy that honors Ireland’s rich musical and cultural legacy while embracing Celtic Woman’s ongoing evolution. Audiences will be transported on a spellbinding journey through Irish music, from timeless classics to stirring original compositions. The evening promises breathtaking vocal performances, intricate instrumental mastery, and the rhythmic grace of traditional Irish dance. Accompanied by a full ensemble, the performers bring to life Celtic staples — including the bagpipe, bodhrán, tin whistles, and Uilleann pipes — creating a lush and immersive soundscape that resonates with both tradition and modernity. From evocative Irish ballads and contemporary favorites to classical masterpieces and fresh original songs, their tour celebrates the vibrancy of modern Ireland while paying tribute to centuries of musical heritage. It is a concert experience that blends elegance, passion, and cultural storytelling, offering audiences an unforgettable evening of artistry, energy and enchantment.

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

holds its regular meeting at Baldwin Middle School. All are welcome to attend.

• Where: 3211 Schreiber Place

• When: 8-9 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 434-6011

An intimate chat with Valerie Bertinelli

Long Island LitFest hosts an appearance by the actress-turnedauthor on her book tour, at the Madison Theatre. Moderated by Paulina Porizkova, Bertinelli’s most vulnerable book yet, “Getting Naked,” offers wisdom hard-won through divorce, menopause and generational pain, with a powerful message of self-acceptance and embracing the past with compassion. Each ticket includes a signed copy.

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

• Time: 7 p.m.

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

Dueling Pianos Program

museum admission ($9 members), $15 theater only.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon.; also March 7, March 11-12

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

mar

7

Professional Championship Bull Riders

Buckle up — ’cause you ain’t seen nothin’ like this before. The PCB has been a full-throttle tour de force: a mano-a-toro showdown where the toughest cowboys on the planet face off against the rankest bulls in the game. May the boldest rider win. And it’s not just the cowboys. Watch the cowgirls blaze through barrel racing, showcasing speed, agility and sheer determination in a race for the fastest times.

• Where: Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com

Climate Change: How To Help Our Planet

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes families with kids

ages 6-10 to explore how climate change impacts our environment and learn ways both scientists and families can help protect it. These workshops are part of a scientific study surrounding climate education.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-2:30 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

mar 8

Jane Monheit in concert

Internationally acclaimed jazz vocalist Jane Monheit joins the South Shore Symphony for their next concert. Monheit’s signature warm, expressive sound enhances the lush orchestral arrangements. Known for her elegant interpretations of jazz standards and contemporary classics, she brings her rich vocals to the symphonic stage for a performance that blends jazz sophistication with the power of a full orchestra.

• Where: 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

• Time: 3 p.m.

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

mar 10

Heartsaver

Adult CPR & AED Course

LifeSaver CPR Programs hosts an American Heart Association Heartsaver Adult CPR and AED certification course at Baldwin High School. Participants receive a certification card valid for two years. The course is open to the public.

• Where: 841 Ethel T. Kloberg Drive

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 434-6124 to register

Baldwin Chamber of Commerce meets

Baldwin Chamber of Commerce hosts its general meeting over lunch at Applebee’s. Cost is $15, and all are welcome to attend. Organizers ask attendees to leave a tip for their server in lieu of increasing the lunch price.

• Where: 684 Sunrise Hwy.

• When: 12:30 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 246-5625 mar 11

Baldwin Fire Department’s Hose Company One hosts an evening of dueling pianos, featuring interactive performances. Guests can request songs and sing along to hits from every decade. Admission includes unlimited beer, wine and soda, light snacks and door prizes, with a 50/50 drawing. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. $50 per person; purchase online through ticketleap.com or through a Hose Company One member.

• Where: 2386 Grand Ave.

• Time: Doors open at 6 p.m., event starts at 7 p.m.

• Contact: hoseonebfd.org mar

Having an event?

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

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court, County Of Nassau, JR Lares Group Inc., Plaintiff against Milburn 882 Corp., et al., Defendants. Index No: 602970/2022.

Pursuant to the Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered May 28, 2024 as NYSCEF Doc. No. 53 in the office of the clerk of the within named court, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, on March 13, 2026 at 2:00PM, the mortgaged premises known as 882 Milburn Street, Baldwin, NY, being all that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nasau, State of New York, Section 54, Block B, Lot(s) 712 and 811.

Approximate amount of judgment is $444,596.45 computed as of January 1, 2024 plus interest and costs. The mortgaged premises will be sold subject to the provisions of said Judgment and Terms of Sale. COVID-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the CourtAppointed Referee will cancel the sale. Successful third-party bidder to pay 10% of the sum bid by certified or bank check(s) made payable to the Referee only. Referee will not accept cash or doubleendorsed checks.

Gerard Allrich Geisweller, Esq., Referee Bronster LLP, 156 W. 56th Street, Suite 703, New York, , NY 10019, Attorneys for Plaintiff 158327

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court County of Nassau U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL

ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST Kennia Lucien, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale

duly entered on April 20, 2017, and Order Amending Caption and Substituting Bank entered on March 04, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM premises known as 740 Washington Street, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 54, BLOCK: 573, LOT: 49. Approximate amount of judgment is $574,379.54 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 012875/2012. Sherli Shadi-Saed, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-044827-F00 88942 158425

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU ROCKET MORTGAGE, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS, LLC F/K/A QUICKEN LOANS INC., Plaintiff AGAINST LUKE SHEPPARD, LUBONA SHEPPARD, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered October 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 March 31, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 2739 Park Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 54 Block: 286 Lot: 105 and 106. Approximate amount of judgment $263,100.40 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #614918/2022. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (80 0) 280-2832. Scott H. Siller, Esq.,

Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 22-002513 88935 158549

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to N.Y. Constitution Article 9, N.Y. Town Law, and N.Y. Municipal Home Rule Law, as amended, the Hempstead Town Board will hold a public hearing at Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on March 10, 2026 at 10:30 A.M., to consider enacting Chapter 10F of the Hempstead Town Code to be entitled “Taxation: Partial Exemption for Surviving Spouses of Fallen Police Officers” regarding a real property tax exemption for surviving spouses of police officers killed in the line of duty pursuant to N.Y. Real Property Tax Law §471. The proposed local law is available at hempsteadny.gov, on the bulletin board at Town Hall as of the publication of this notice, and on file in the Office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Hempstead, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, where the same may be inspected during office hours.

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

Dated: Hempstead, New York

February 24, 2026 BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NEW YORK.

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk

JOHN R. FERRETTI, JR. Supervisor 158674

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF THE LBCABANA SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. JAMES A. COLES A/K/A JAMES COLES, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 13, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the

front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 921 Ocean Street a/k/a 921 Ocean Avenue, Baldwin, NY 11510. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 394 and Lot 2450-2452. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,060,169.97 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 616171/2023. Richard T. Kerins, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 224135-1 158682

LEGAL NOTICE

8th DISTRICT COURT, Combined Court, Larimer County, Colorado Larimer County Justice Center 201 La Porte Avenue, Suite 100 Fort Collins, CO 80521-2761 Phone: 970-494-3500

In RE the Marriage of: Petitioner: AVINAASH CHINAMILLI and Respondent: ADITYA KEERTHI

RAYAPUREDDY Case No.: 2026DR60 Courtroom: 1B PUBLICATION NOTICE TO THE RESPONDENT TO: ADITYA KEERTHI

RAYAPUREDDY

You are notified, pursuant to C.R.S. 14-10-107(4) and 14-13-106(1)(d), that an action has been filed Re: Dissolution of Marriage, Petitioner: AVINAASH CHINAMILLI, Respondent: ADITYA KEERTHI

RAYAPUREDDY. You are further notified that a copy of the Petition and Summons may be obtained from the Clerk of the Court during regular business hours and that a Default Judgment may be entered against you if you fail to appear or file a response within 35 days after the date of publication.

Dated February 24, 2026. Kathleen Madden Clerk of the District Court BY: Jenny Billiard (SEAL) Deputy Clerk 158631

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 21-2026

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 24th day of February 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 21-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 21-2026, to amend Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations. Dated: February 24, 2026

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 158648

LEGAL NOTICE CASE NO.7179 RESOLUTION NO. 2502026

Adopted: February 24, 2026

Councilmember Goosby offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION DETERMINING PARCELS BENEFITED BY CONSTRUCTION OR RECONSTRUCTION OF SIDEWALK AREA IN; BALDWIN, BELLMORE, BETHPAGE, EAST MEADOW, ELMONT, FRANKLIN SQUARE, INWOOD, ISLAND PARK, LEVITTOWN, MERRICK, NORTH BALDWIN, NORTH BELLMORE, OCEANSIDE, ROCKVILLE CENTRE, ROOSEVELT, SEAFORD, SOUTH HEMPSTEAD, UNIONDALE, WANTAGH, WEST HEMPSTEAD, WOODMERE

IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NY, ADOPTING PROPOSED ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE COST THEREOF AND CALLING A PUBLIC HEARING THEREON. WHEREAS, pursuant to the following Resolutions adopted by the Town Board:

TOWN BOARD RESOLUTIONS DATE 7179 2/21/2017

267-2021 2/23/2021

693-2022 5/24/2022

508 4/25/2023

6365 4/9/2024

992-2024 9/17/2024

151-2025 2/25/2025

814-2025 8/5/2025

NOTICE WAS GIVEN TO ABUTTING PROPERTY OWNERS DIRECTING THEM TO CONSTRUCT OR RECONSTRUCT

SIDEWALK AREA ON : AMBROSE CT, BABYLON TPKE, BALDWIN AVE, BARBARA ST, BAY FRONT DR, BONNIE DR, BROADWAY, CARNATION AVE, CHALADAY LN, CHESTNUT LN, CLEARMEADOW DR, COLONY ST, COLUMBUS AVE, CONDOR RD, COOLIDGE AVE, COURT ST, COURTNEY LN, DALE PL, DAY ST, E ROOSEVELT AVE, EASTERN PKWY, EVELYN AVE, EVERS LN, FARM LN, FENWORTH BLVD, GRAND AVE, GUN LN, HAMILTON AVE, HAMPTON RD, HANCOCK ST, HENRY ST, HOPATCONG AVE, HOWARD PL, HUDSON AVE, IVANHOE DR, IVY CT W, JEFFERSON ST, KINGSTON AVE, LAKEVIEW RD, LAUREL AVE, LINCOLN BLVD, LINCOLN ST, LINKS DR W, LYDIA PL, MANOR PKWY, MARILYN DR, MARJORIE LN, MATTITUCK AVE, MCDONALD AVE, MEADOW LN, MEADOW RD, MERRICK AVE, MERRICK RD, MILBURN AVE, MONACO AVE, MONROE ST, N JERUSALEM RD, NORTHERN PKWY, ORIOLE AVE, OWL PL, PAMLICO AVE, PARK AVE, PARKER AVE, QUARRY LN, REMSEN ST, ROCKWOOD AVE, ROOSEVELT ST, ROYAL AVE, SCHREIBER PL, SKILLMAN AVE, SPRAGUE AVE, SPRUCEWOOD DR, STEPHEN ST, SUNSHINE AVE, SURREY LN, WADLEIGH AVE, WAUKENA AVE, WAVERLY AVE, WESTMINSTER RD, WILLIAM PL, WOLCOTT RD, WOLFSON DR, WOOD PARK DR WHEREAS, the owner(s) who were so notified had failed to construct or reconstruct sidewalk area as required by such Notice and the Town Board has caused said sidewalks to be constructed or reconstructed; and WHEREAS, such construction or reconstruction was completed by the Town at the Total cost of $148,883.11 and which sum includes appropriate

administrative fees, which amount has been paid by the Town of Hempstead, pursuant to resolution adopted by the Town Board, subject to assessment against the property benefited thereby pursuant to Chapter 181 (Part 1) Code of the Town of Hempstead, NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the actual and completed cost of the construction and reconstruction of sidewalk area on the property hereinabove be assessed against the parcels benefited thereby pursuant to Chapter 181 (Part 1) Code of the Town of Hempstead, is hereby determined to be $148,883.11 and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the parcel(s) listed in the assessment roll be attached hereto and made a part hereof under the heading “PARCELS BENEFITED” are the lots and parcels especially benefited by the said improvements as they appear on the Nassau County Land and Tax Map; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the assessment roll attached hereto is hereby made a part hereof and shall constitute the completed assessment roll for such improvements under Chapter 181 (Part 1), Code of the Town of Hempstead and that the figures under the heading of “ASSESSMENT” on the same line with the said lot designations, is the amount assessed against said lots or parcels and that under the headline “PAID”, and the Receiver of Taxes shall indicate the parcels of land for which assessments shall not have been paid before the return thereof to the Supervisor and that such assessment roll be forthwith filed with the Town Clerk; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the assessment hereunder may be paid in one installment without penalty or interest, or at the option of the payer, in five (5) annual installments with interest thereon, if the benefit is in excess of $100.00; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Board meet at the Town Board Room (Pavilion) of the Town Hall on March 10, 2026, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to hear and consider any objections which may be made to said

assessment roll; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk publish at least once not less than ten (10) or more than twenty (20) days before the time above specified, for said meeting in a newspaper published within the Town of Hempstead, a notice that said Assessment roll has been completed and that at the time and place above specified the Town Board will meet and hear to consider any objections which may be made thereto.

The foregoing resolution was seconded by Councilmember Dunne, Sr. And adopted upon roll call as follows:

AYES: SIX (6)

NOES: NONE (0)

NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF ASSESSMENT ROLL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OR RECONSTRUCTION OF SIDEWALK AREA ON: AMBROSE CT, BABYLON TPKE, BALDWIN AVE, BARBARA ST, BAY FRONT DR, BONNIE DR, BROADWAY, CARNATION AVE, CHALADAY LN, CHESTNUT LN, CLEARMEADOW DR, COLONY ST, COLUMBUS AVE, CONDOR RD, COOLIDGE AVE, COURT ST, COURTNEY LN, DALE PL, DAY ST, E ROOSEVELT AVE, EASTERN PKWY, EVELYN AVE, EVERS LN, FARM LN, FENWORTH BLVD, GRAND AVE, GUN LN, HAMILTON AVE, HAMPTON RD, HANCOCK ST, HENRY ST, HOPATCONG AVE, HOWARD PL, HUDSON AVE, IVANHOE DR, IVY CT W, JEFFERSON ST, KINGSTON AVE, LAKEVIEW RD, LAUREL AVE, LINCOLN BLVD, LINCOLN ST, LINKS DR W, LYDIA PL, MANOR PKWY, MARILYN DR, MARJORIE LN, MATTITUCK AVE, MCDONALD AVE, MEADOW LN, MEADOW RD, MERRICK AVE, MERRICK RD, MILBURN AVE, MONACO AVE, MONROE ST, N JERUSALEM RD, NORTHERN PKWY, ORIOLE AVE, OWL PL, PAMLICO AVE, PARK AVE, PARKER AVE, QUARRY LN, REMSEN ST, ROCKWOOD AVE, ROOSEVELT ST, ROYAL AVE, SCHREIBER PL, SKILLMAN AVE, SPRAGUE AVE, SPRUCEWOOD DR, STEPHEN ST, SUNSHINE AVE, SURREY LN, WADLEIGH AVE, WAUKENA AVE, WAVERLY AVE, WESTMINSTER RD, WILLIAM PL, WOLCOTT

New month, new book releases at the BPL

By ALLYSON FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com

As spring approaches, Baldwin readers are lining up their next must-reads, with a new slate of highly anticipated titles arriving at the Baldwin Public Library this month. Through its Best Seller Club, patrons can reserve upcoming releases by their favorite authors, ensuring they’re first in line when new books hit the shelves.

■ “Judge Stone” by James Patterson and Viola Davis

“Judge Stone,” by James Patterson and Viola Davis, will be published Mar. 9, marking a high-profile collaboration between the bestselling author and Academy Award-winning actress. The novel follows Judge Mary Stone, a respected figure in Union Springs, Alabama, who is faced with a case that is legally straightforward but ethically complex, forcing her to confront a deeply divisive decision. Patterson’s thrillers remain among the most frequently borrowed titles at Baldwin Public Library. With its mix of courtroom drama and moral tension, Judge Stone is likely to be a popular pick among readers seeking fast-paced, thought-provoking fiction.

■ “Kids, Wait Till You Hear This” by Liza Minnelli

“Kids, Wait Till You Hear This,” by Liza Minnelli, is scheduled for release Mar. 10, offering readers an intimate look at the life of the EGOT-winning performer. In her memoir, Minnelli reflects on growing up as the daughter of Hollywood legends Judy Garland and Vincente Minnelli, while navigating her own path in the spotlight. The book explores her rise to stardom alongside personal struggles, including addiction, health challenges and the pressures of fame. Memoirs by high-profile entertainers often draw strong interest at Baldwin Public Library, so Minnelli’s

long-awaited autobiography is expected to resonate with patrons. With its mix of personal reflection and cultural history, the book is likely to appeal to readers interested in celebrity memoirs and stories of resilience.

■ “Once and Again” by Rebecca Serle “Once and Again,” by Rebecca Serle, is set to hit the shelves on Mar. 10, marking the return of the bestselling author known for emotionally driven contemporary fiction. The novel follows the Novak family, whose women possess the unique ability to revisit one moment in their lives, shaping the course of their futures. At the center is Lauren, who returns to her Malibu childhood home and is forced to confront past relationships, family tensions and the weight of life-altering choices. Serle’s previous works have resonated with readers for their blend of romance and introspection, and it is expected for there to be strong interest in her latest release.

Public Notices

RD, WOLFSON DR, WOOD PARK DR In the TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK, and of meeting to hear and consider objections thereto.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT PURSUANT TO CHAPTER 181 (Part 1) CODE OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead has prepared and filed with the Town Clerk of said Town, the completed assessment roll for the construction or reconstruction of sidewalk area on:

AMBROSE CT, BABYLON TPKE, BALDWIN AVE, BARBARA ST, BAY FRONT DR, BONNIE

DR, BROADWAY, CARNATION AVE, CHALADAY LN, CHESTNUT LN, CLEARMEADOW DR, COLONY ST, COLUMBUS AVE, CONDOR RD, COOLIDGE AVE, COURT ST, COURTNEY LN, DALE PL, DAY ST, E ROOSEVELT AVE, EASTERN PKWY, EVELYN AVE, EVERS LN, FARM LN, FENWORTH BLVD, GRAND AVE, GUN LN, HAMILTON AVE, HAMPTON RD, HANCOCK ST, HENRY ST, HOPATCONG AVE, HOWARD PL, HUDSON AVE, IVANHOE DR, IVY CT W, JEFFERSON ST, KINGSTON AVE, LAKEVIEW RD, LAUREL AVE, LINCOLN BLVD, LINCOLN ST, LINKS DR W, LYDIA PL, MANOR

PKWY, MARILYN DR, MARJORIE LN, MATTITUCK AVE, MCDONALD AVE, MEADOW LN, MEADOW RD, MERRICK AVE, MERRICK RD, MILBURN AVE, MONACO AVE, MONROE ST, N JERUSALEM RD, NORTHERN PKWY, ORIOLE AVE, OWL PL, PAMLICO AVE, PARK AVE, PARKER AVE, QUARRY LN, REMSEN ST, ROCKWOOD AVE, ROOSEVELT ST, ROYAL AVE, SCHREIBER PL, SKILLMAN AVE, SPRAGUE AVE, SPRUCEWOOD DR, STEPHEN ST, SUNSHINE AVE, SURREY LN, WADLEIGH AVE, WAUKENA AVE, WAVERLY AVE,

WESTMINSTER RD, WILLIAM PL, WOLCOTT RD, WOLFSON DR, WOOD PARK DR OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK, and PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that on March 10, 2026, the Town Board will meet at the Board Room of the Town Hall Pavilion, Hempstead, New York at 10:30 o’clock to hear and consider any objections which may be made to said assessment roll.

DATE : February 24, 2026 Hempstead, New York John Ferretti Supervisor Town of Hempstead 158651

With its mix of magical realism and emotional depth, the novel is likely to appeal to fans of reflective, characterdriven storytelling.

■ “Daughter of Egypt” by Marie Benedict “Daughter of Egypt,” by Marie Benedict, is scheduled for publication on Mar. 24, continuing the author’s tradition of spotlighting overlooked women in history. The novel follows Lady Evelyn Herbert, whose role in the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb has often been overshadowed, as she becomes determined to uncover the story of Hatshepsut, a powerful female pharaoh whose legacy was largely erased. Set between the 1920s and ancient Egypt, the book blends historical detail with elements of intrigue and adventure. Benedict’s previous works have been popular among Baldwin Public Library patrons, and staff anticipates strong interest in her latest release. With its focus on rediscovered history and strong

female figures, the novel is expected to appeal to fans of historical fiction.

■ “The Keeper” by Tana French “The Keeper,” by Tana French, will be available at the Baldwin Public Library on Mar. 31, concluding the bestselling Cal Hooper trilogy from the acclaimed crime novelist. Set in a small Irish village, the story centers on the death of a young woman whose case uncovers long-standing tensions and secrets within the tight-knit community. As retired detective Cal Hooper becomes drawn deeper into the investigation, personal loyalties and local conflicts collide. French’s atmospheric crime novels have earned widespread acclaim, and her books remain popular among Baldwin Public Library patrons. With its mix of suspense, character-driven storytelling and a highly anticipated conclusion, “The Keeper” is expected to draw strong interest from fans of literary crime fiction.

News brief

Shubert students help out at Bethany House

Students from Baldwin High School@ Shubert participated in an invaluable Leaving to Learn at the Bethany House of Nassau County—a local communitybased nonprofit organization committed to fostering healing, stability, and growth for women and children facing homelessness.

The hands-on educational experience made possible through the guidance and support of Tamara Richards, Baldwin High School@Shubert’s work based learning coordinator, who helps connect students with real world experiences with the curriculum.

While at the Bethany House, students, including Grace Arenas Escalante, Nickera Blake, Emily Bree Dorimain, and Chester Zarnoch IV, voluntarily sorted donations and spoke with staff members to learn more about the day-to-day work and career pathways within nonprofit

and social service organizations.

Through this learning experience, students developed essential workplace skills including communication, collaboration, fundraising, and event planning, while gaining a deeper appreciation for civic engagement and the importance of giving back to the community.

Gabriella Franza, assistant director of instructional programs for the Baldwin school district, shared how proud she was of the students and the overall visit, in an email sent to the Herald.

“I am incredibly proud of the meaningful, hands-on experiences our students gain through partnerships like Bethany House,” she said. “Our multiyear collaboration has consistently provided students with authentic learning opportunities.”

–Allyson Ferrari

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

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

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available!

Busy Print Shop in Garden City

is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!

$22 - $27/ Hour

Bell Auto School

516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

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Although we have many questions and hired an attorney, we’re wondering whether we should hire an architect to go over all the problems and identify them, with remedies, or hire one of the contractors who said they could fix the problems, or wait until the lawsuit is finished to make it possible for a jury to see the damage. The job architect, whom we never met, has now had their license revoked for the next two years, but we wouldn’t go to them, anyway.

A. Ugh! This is more common than you would think. It starts with not having the architect working for you and instead working for the contractor. I can guess that the contractor was contacted first, and you hired them to get their architect and provide plans. That was your first mistake.

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Next, people are lazy, expecting that anyone they hire knows all the best techniques to build and knows all the rules, codes and laws. That was mistake number two. Even though you hire people, you should have gone over critical details, especially about waterproofing and structural techniques on the plans, to make sure that the building owner looks for those steps to be carried out. You, the building owner, I always say, are the “eyes and ears” on the job, since the architect often isn’t there at critical times, when waterproofing membranes and materials are joined.

Mistake number three was not doing a water test with a garden hose when the finish siding, windows roofing, etc., had been applied. Simulating rain by pointing a hose skyward so that the water cascades down — not a direct fire-hose hit — tells you right away if something is failing.

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The Town of Hempstead needs a checkup

Like members of many families in the Town of Hempstead, I sit at my kitchen table and look at the same numbers you do. Mortgage. Property taxes. Utilities. Groceries. Gas. Insurance.

Everything costs more than it did a year ago. When you’re stretching every dollar just to keep up, the least you should expect from your local government is straight answers about where your tax money is going.

That’s why I formally requested that the New York state comptroller conduct an independent audit of the Town of Hempstead’s finances.

The comptroller’s office exists to provide independent, professional oversight of municipal finances. That kind of objective review strengthens public confidence and protects taxpayers. When questions arise, independent verification reassures everyone. The last publicly available audit on the town’s website is from 2019. Since then, leadership has changed. Budgets have shifted. Taxes have gone up. Financial decisions have been made that directly affect residents across the town.

Yet updated, audited financial statements are not readily accessible to the public.

Earlier this year, the town acknowledged in a public filing that its audited financial statements for fiscal year 2024 weren’t submitted on time. Officials said that a third-party firm had missed the deadline. But accountability ultimately rests with the town.

IAn audit isn’t just a stack of paperwork; it’s the public’s window into how their government manages their money. It tells taxpayers whether finances are stable, whether spending is sustainable, and whether today’s decisions will become tomorrow’s tax increases. Without clear, timely audits, residents are left guessing, and guesswork is no substitute for accountability.

account. Reserve funds are meant to provide stability during true emergencies or unexpected downturns. Just like a family’s savings, that money is there for when something goes wrong.

When that savings account is tapped, residents deserve to understand why, how much was spent, and what the long-term plan is to replenish it. If savings aren’t rebuilt, the pressure often shows up later as higher taxes, layoffs, or reduced services.

’ve requested that the state conduct an independent audit of the town’s finances.

Last year the town approved a 12 percent tax increase. By the end of the year, officials boasted that they would deliver an 18 percent reduction. But many residents say they didn’t feel meaningful relief. Some homeowners, particularly those outside incorporated villages, are reporting higher 2026 town tax bills. When the government says one thing but families experience another, confidence erodes.

The town has also drawn from its reserve funds — essentially its savings

That’s why transparency matters now, not years from now.

I’ve spoken with neighbors who attended budget hearings, hoping for straightforward answers, only to leave more confused than when they arrived. I’ve heard from residents who submitted Freedom of Information requests and received extension after extension, delaying answers they’re still waiting for. I’ve watched financial questions at Town Board meetings get redirected instead of answered directly.

Taken together, these concerns point to a simple conclusion: the need for clarity. An audit isn’t an attack. It’s a checkup. If everything is being managed properly, an independent audit will confirm that. If adjustments are needed, better to identify them now, before small con-

cerns become larger financial burdens for families already feeling squeezed.

I’m a Marine combat veteran. I later served as an NYPD officer and as a prosecutor. In each of those roles, accountability wasn’t optional; it was the foundation of trust. You follow the rules, meet deadlines, answer for your decisions. Government should operate by those same principles.

The same applies to the town animal shelter, a taxpayer-funded service that recently closed. Residents deserve clear explanations about decisions that affect services and tax dollars alike.

Families are working hard to stay in the Town of Hempstead. Seniors are trying to remain in the homes they’ve owned for decades. Young couples are wondering if they can afford to own a home and raise a family.

I know what matters to my family. Stability. Honesty. Affordability. Like you, we sit at the kitchen table and plan for the future. We count every dollar. We shouldn’t have to worry about surprises from Town Hall, because when every dollar matters at home, it should matter in government.

At the end of the day, this is about whether the people who built this community can afford to stay in it. That’s what I care about, and that’s what I’m fighting for.

Joseph Scianablo is the Democratic candidate for Town of Hempstead supervisor.

Shielding savings New Yorkers work a lifetime to build

If you’re a first-time homebuyer making a down payment, a seller waiting on the proceeds from a home sale or a family expecting settlement funds, you trust your attorney to safeguard your money in an escrow account. For many New Yorkers, that money represents years of savings — funds meant for a home, a fresh start or long-term security — not for misuse.

Yet far too often, clients become victims of theft when attorneys misappropriate funds from escrow accounts — special trust accounts in which lawyers are required to safeguard their clients’ money, most commonly during real estate transactions. Just last year, a former real estate attorney was sentenced to up to 10½ years in prison for stealing nearly $1.8 million from 32 clients over a three-year period. He did so by withholding sale proceeds and down payments that rightfully belonged to them.

The case was far from isolated. Since

New York established the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection in 1982 — which reimburses clients who lose money or property due to a lawyer’s dishonest conduct — more than $112 million in stolen real estate escrow funds has been returned to victims. Clients deserve to make life-changing financial decisions without worrying about whether their money is safe.

ing every firm — regardless of size — an equal chance of review. Entities would be randomly selected for audits, but this wouldn’t preclude an audit for suspicious activity.

We’re in need of a statewide Random Audit Compliance Program.

That’s why I introduced legislation with Assemblyman Charles Lavine to establish a statewide Random Audit Compliance Program that would conduct periodic audits of law firms managing real estate escrow trust accounts. The bill, S9129, is designed to strengthen protections for New Yorkers’ hardearned funds, ensuring that client money is properly safeguarded and kept separate from attorneys’ personal or business finances.

The legislation would direct the chief administrator of the courts to establish the program within the Office of the Lawyers’ Fund for Client Protection. The chief administrator would also oversee the development of a software system to randomly select law firms for audit, giv-

The bill also specifies which records would have to be produced, who would conduct the reviews, who could represent a firm, and the standards auditors would have to follow to ensure fairness and consistency. It would authorize the Lawyers’ Fund’s board of trustees to hire qualified auditors with appropriate credentials, while retaining flexibility to update those requirements as needed.

We cannot ignore the growing number of trust violations in New York. A 2025 report by the New York City Bar found that the Lawyers’ Fund paid 94 awards totaling $11.6 million in 2024 — a 31 percent increase in awards and a 90 percent increase in payouts from the previous year. The report further noted that real property escrow losses accounted for $9.9 million in awards, while theft of settlement proceeds accounted for an additional $415,000plus. This growing pattern demands action to protect client funds before

more damage is done.

This wouldn’t be the first randomaudit program of its kind in the country. New Jersey has conducted random audits of attorney trust and business accounts since 1981 to ensure compliance with its recordkeeping rules. Despite having about one-fifth as many attorneys as New York, New Jersey paid just $1.1 million in client protection awards in 2024–25. Since the program began, the state has completed more than 18,000 audits, and only 4.5 percent have resulted in disciplinary action.

Several other states have adopted similar programs. In Connecticut, compliance improved dramatically, with the percentage of audits requiring no corrective action rising from 14 percent in 2017 to 30 percent in 2024. These programs show that random audits work, and it’s time for New York to do the same. If implemented, this program would strengthen the fiduciary duty attorneys owe their clients, protecting the savings families work a lifetime to build. I am committed to fighting for its passage and working with my colleagues to get it done, so New Yorkers can have peace of mind that their hard-earned savings are protected.

Siela Bynoe represents the 6th State Senate District.

Incorporating the

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Sunshine week keeps democracy in the light

eHERALD

very March we observe Sunshine Week, a national initiative dedicated to one of democracy’s most powerful disinfectants: light. This year, Sunshine Week will be celebrated March 15 to 21, anchored by Freedom of Information Day on March 16, the birthday of James Madison. The timing is symbolic and significant. Sunshine Week reminds us that open government is not a luxury. It is a necessity.

Launched in 2005 and rooted in the pioneering 1972 Colorado Sunshine Act, Sunshine Week was created to raise awareness of the public’s right to know. At its core is a simple but profound idea: Democracy works best when the people can see what their government is doing. Transparency is not about satisfying curiosity, it’s about accountability, trust and ensuring that power remains where it belongs: with the citizens.

Sunshine Week’s foundation is the principle that government records and proceedings belong to the public. Taxpayer dollars fund government operations; therefore, the public has both a legal and moral right to understand how decisions are made and how money is spent.

Freedom of Information laws at the federal and state levels give citizens access to public documents, from village board minutes to federal agency communications. But these laws are only as strong as the public’s willingness to use them. Like muscles, transparency laws weaken without exercise. When citizens

stop requesting records, attending meetings and asking questions, secrecy grows stronger.

Open meetings and public records are not bureaucratic technicalities; they are the mechanisms that keep democracy breathing. Transparency reveals how taxpayers’ money is spent, how contracts are awarded and how policies are shaped. It enables watchdog groups, journalists and everyday citizens to trace decisions from proposal to outcome.

Without openness, the risk of waste, fraud and abuse increases. History repeatedly shows that secrecy breeds complacency and, at times, corruption. Open government, by contrast, ensures that decisions must withstand scrutiny. It does not weaken institutions — it strengthens them. Sunshine Week underscores a critical truth: When the public can see the process, officials are more likely to act responsibly.

In times of crisis — economic downturns, national security challenges or public health emergencies — secrecy often expands. Officials may argue that swift action requires less oversight. While emergencies can justify temporary discretion, they must never become permanent excuses for opacity.

Democracy demands vigilance. Sunshine Week serves as an annual reminder that transparency must be defended, especially when it feels inconvenient. Freedom of information cannot be indefinitely sidelined without eroding public trust.

Supporting Sunshine Week means protecting democracy itself. Openness prevents the concentration of unchecked power and ensures that elected officials remain responsive to citizens rather than to special interests.

Transparency helps parents question school board policies, residents examine zoning proposals and taxpayers track infrastructure spending. It provides communities with the tools to advocate for fair and effective governance.

It also allows us, as journalists, to do our jobs. We rely on open-records laws to uncover stories about misuse of funds, conflicts of interest and public safety failures. It’s why studies show that the presence of a local newspaper in a community mitigates waste, fraud and abuse.

Public trust in government is fragile. One of the most effective ways to build and sustain that trust is through transparency. When agencies proactively release information and conduct business in public view, suspicion diminishes.

Transparency does not guarantee agreement. Citizens, and government officials, may still debate policies and priorities. But openness fosters understanding, and understanding is the bedrock of trust.

So this Sunshine Week, take a moment to reflect on the importance of open meetings and public records. And vow to step up whenever someone tries to turn off the light of transparency.

It’s ‘the power of the state against the people of the nation’

To the Editor:

Re Peter King’s column, “There are better ways to resolve the immigration crisis,” in the Feb. 12-18 issue: Immigration is a problem, but Immigration and Customs Enforcement exemplifies the real, much larger crisis. Immigration is a longstanding issue, and many “better ways” have been proposed over the past 30 years, as Mr. King knows. In fact, one such proposal was on track for bipartisan approval last year until President Trump and his allies killed it. ICE has operated for decades with little notice. Violence was seldom used, citizens were not arrested, and habeas corpus was observed — until Trump. The Border Patrol previously confined its racist brutality close to the Mexican border, until Republicans expanded the “border” to a 100-mile-wide

opinions Protecting those that can’t protect themselves

in the Town of Hempstead, we believe in putting compassion before convenience and responsibility before profit. That belief guides our approach to public safety, quality of life and, increasingly, animal welfare. Today it compels us to confront a growing problem in communities across the nation: unlicensed backyard breeding of cats and dogs. Let me be clear — this is not about responsible, licensed breeders who follow the law and treat animals humanely. This is about unregulated, profit-driven operations that put money over the well-being of animals. It’s about puppies and kittens born into overcrowded, unsanitary conditions. It’s about animals separated from their mothers too early. It’s about preventable suffering.

Protecting animals is not a fringe issue. It is a reflection of who we are as a community.

When breeding is left unchecked, the consequences ripple far beyond a single household. Overpopulation strains local shelters. Inbreeding leads to serious, lifelong health problems. Animals raised without proper veterinary care

Letters

or humane conditions often become sick or behaviorally distressed. Too many are ultimately abandoned or surrendered when medical bills mount or behavioral challenges become overwhelming.

At the Town of Hempstead Animal Shelter, we see the results firsthand. Our dedicated staff works tirelessly to rehabilitate, treat and rehome animals that deserved better from the start. I’m proud to say that our shelter is a no-kill facility, committed to longterm case management, specialized rehabilitation, behavior training and strong partnerships with rescue groups and sanctuaries. But even the best shelter can’t solve a problem that begins with irresponsible breeding practices.

waccountability where, too often, there has been none.

e’re cracking down on the unlicensed breeding of cats and dogs.

Additionally, the legislation limits female cats and dogs to no more than one litter in a 12-month period. This will help prevent overbreeding, which can be physically taxing and dangerous for animals. The law will also prohibit the transfer or adoption of puppies or kittens before they are 8 weeks old, unless a veterinarian determines it is medically necessary. Those first weeks are critical to an animal’s development. Separating them too early can lead to long-term health and behavioral issues.

on proper medical care. They rely entirely on us. When breeding becomes a backyard business driven by quick cash, animals pay the price — with their health, their safety and sometimes their lives.

This legislation is about prevention. It targets a root cause of shelter overcrowding and animal suffering. By requiring registration, limiting excessive litters and ensuring that basic standards are met, we can reduce the number of animals that end up abandoned, neglected or surrendered in the first place.

That’s why we are passing legislation to crack down on unlicensed backyard breeders and establish meaningful oversight.

Under our proposal, any litter of puppies or kittens born in the Town of Hempstead must be registered with the town within 30 days. The registry — operated through the animal shelter — will document the approximate birth date, species and breed, the address where the animals are housed and the veterinarian providing care. This simple step will introduce transparency and

zone. Even then, cities were not invaded — not even El Paso or Brownsville, much less Portland or Milwaukee — until Trump.

The Department of Homeland Security pursued its intended mission: defending against 9/11 or Beirutand Benghazi-style attacks by foreign terrorists, seldom making the news. Then Trump decided that the homeland itself — Chicago, Los Angeles, Springfield, Ill. — was the “enemy within,” rife with “domestic terrorists” like Alex Pretti, who must be prevented from voting. Meanwhile, Trump allied himself with Saudi Arabian interests, the major sources of the 9/11 and other “homeland” assaults. Remember Jamal Khashoggi.

The FBI, formerly our premier law enforcement agency, is now Trumpified, refusing to investigate homicides by federal agents, interfering with state ballots, arresting journalists and charging members of Congress with sedition. In earlier times, Peter King himself might have been among those in such felonious jeopardy. The depth, breadth and pervasiveness of corruption in all of this is obvious, with beneficiaries openly paying well for more of this new form of republican government — modeled on ancient Rome’s republic of patricians and plebes, paterfamilias all. Our government is using the power of the state against the people of the nation. That is the crisis. Currently, the best — and perhaps only — way to resolve both the crisis and the problem is to end MAGA’s abuse of government, from Blakeman and Garbarino to Vance and Trump.

BRIAn KELLy Rockville Centre

Violations would carry fines starting at $250 and increasing to $500 for repeat offenses. But our goal is compliance, not punishment. Enforcement will largely be complaint-driven, empowering residents to report suspected illegal breeding in their neighborhoods. Our Building Department and the animal shelter will work together to investigate and enforce the law.

Some may ask: Why focus on this? Why make it a priority?

Because the way we treat animals speaks volumes about our values.

Animals cannot advocate for themselves. They cannot report abuse, demand clean living conditions or insist

Framework by Tim Baker

Communities across the country are grappling with the consequences of backyard breeding. Here in the Town of Hempstead, we intend to lead. We have long been at the forefront of animal welfare initiatives, and we will continue to make animal safety a priority of this administration.

Protecting animals is not only the right thing to do — it strengthens our entire community. Fewer animals in crisis means fewer strained resources, safer neighborhoods and more successful adoptions. Most important, it means fewer animals suffering in silence.

In the Town of Hempstead, we are proud to say: paws before profits. And we will continue working every day to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

John Ferretti is the Town of Hempstead supervisor.