East Meadow Herald 02-12-2026

HERALD east meadow

Mystery author holds library book signing

By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo

jdalessandro@liherald.com

Julie Doar, author of the mystery-thriller “The Gallagher Place” recently visited East Meadow fans at the East Meadow Public Library

Doar’s debut novel was recently the subject of the library’s Mystery/Thriller Book Club, receiving such a positive reception that Doar appeared for a Meet and Greet Book Signing at the library on Jan. 27, revealing behind-the-scenes details about her life and creative process. A middle school English teacher in Brooklyn, Doar described the novel’s success as a dream come true.

“At the time that I was writing the first draft of this novel, I was working as a barista at Starbucks,” she said. Throughout her days, she consistently found a spare hour or two to focus on her creative projects.

“I would totally return to East Meadow, it was a really nice event,” Doar said. “I think the beauty of library

ConTinuED on PaGE 12

State Sen. Rhoads pushes back on Hochul’s plans

By lUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Gov. Kathy Hochul promised a broad slate of new policies aimed at affordability, child care, housing and public safety in her State of the State address last month. But State Sen. Steve Rhoads is pushing back, saying that many of those plans either don’t go far enough or fail to reflect the needs of Long Island communities.

“The state of the state of New York is strong, and we’re just getting started,” Hochul declared in her Jan. 13 address, highlighting priorities like universal pre-K by 2028, crack -

downs on gun violence and insurance fraud, and more than $350 million in new investments in affordable and manufactured housing.

But Rhoads, a Republican who represents East Meadow and other nearby communities, argued that the governor’s proposals often miss the mark — especially when it comes to public safety, affordability and housing.

“She is now conditioning funding on municipalities being pro-housing communities,” Rhoads told the Herald, adding that this creates unfair burdens for local governments.

“Unless the entire township

agrees to loosen its zoning restrictions, it won’t qualify for state assistance in helping to promote that.”

He pointed to the Town of Hempstead — which includes East Meadow — as an example. If East Meadow were to identify land for affordable housing, Rhoads said, the town as a whole would have to ease zoning restrictions to qualify for state support. That, he argued, is a “disincentive” that could stop good projects from moving forward.

On the subject of affordability, Hochul supported eliminating taxes on tips and cracking down on staged car accidents

that inflate insurance premiums. She also proposed expanded child care access — including pilot programs for 2- and 3-year-olds and a push for universal pre-K statewide.

“There’s one thing that every family in New York can agree on, the cost of childcare is simply too high,” Hochul wrote in a release announcing the propos-

al, arguing that it has been a cornerstone of her agenda. She also wrote of her pride in working with leaders statewide “to make this a reality, turning that foundation into a concrete roadmap that will transform the lives of working parents and kids across our state.” Rhoads agreed that there is a

Round two for Ferretti, Scianblo this

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Joseph Scianablo, a Marine combat veteran, retired New York City Police officer, and former Queens prosecutor, announced his candidacy for Hempstead Town Supervisor last week, launching a rematch against incumbent Republican Supervisor John Ferretti.

Scianablo, a Democrat who ran for the same office last year, said his previous campaign helped bring attention to what he described as backroom deals, inflated fees and political favoritism in Town Hall. Now, he says he’s returning “to finish the job.”

Ferretti defeated Scianablo last November. Terms for town supervisors are two years, however following a change in state law next year that shifted county, town and village municipal elections to even years, meaning that Ferretti will return to the ballot this year.

“I am running because the people of the Town of Hempstead deserve a government that works for them, not for a handful of insiders,” Scianablo wrote in his announcement on Feb. 4. “What we uncovered was only the beginning, and it makes it clear there is still more that needs to be brought into the open.”

Following the appointment of Ferretti last August as town supervisor, Scianablo filed a lawsuit alleging that Ferretti and the board violated the state’s Open Meetings Law, which requires 24 hours’ public notice for resolutions scheduled at meetings. State Supreme Court Justice Gary Carlton ruled last October that the appointment had violated the law, but the decision did not nullify Ferretti’s appointment.

His campaign is centered on the slogan “No Community Left Behind,” a promise, he said, to provide equal service to every neighborhood, regardless of political influence or affluence.

“Whether you live in one of the Town’s most affluent neighborhoods or one that’s been ignored for years,” Scianablo said, “you deserve the same level of service, the same respect, and the same value for your tax dollars.”

If elected, prioritizing exposing mismanagement, initiating an independent audit of town finances, and reducing fees and water costs, are among Scianablo’s top priorities. “We are going to put your money back to work for you,” he added.

His campaign has received the endorsement of New York State and Nassau County Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs, who praised Scianablo’s background in military service, law enforcement and the legal system.

“Joe Scianablo represents the very best of public service,” Jacobs wrote in a statement. “He has the courage to tell the truth, the experience to lead, and the determination to deliver real results for the people of Hempstead.”

Scianablo acknowledged that he expects a difficult campaign, but he is prepared. “I’ve taken on tough fights my entire life,” he said. “This is no different. We know there is a lot more to fix and that needs to be brought into the open, and we are ready.”

In response to Scianablo’s announcement, Brian Devine, director of communications for the Town of Hempstead, wrote in a statement to the Herald “Supervisor John Ferretti has made life more affordable for residents by cutting Town taxes by millions of dollars and he will continue to work tirelessly to keep our community the safest in the nation.”

Joseph Cairo, the Nassau County GOP chairman, expressed his confidence in Ferretti’s reelection chances. “John Ferretti has delivered meaningful tax relief, making life more affordable for all residents,” Cairo wrote in an emailed statement to the Herald.

EPIC Family to honor key partners at gala

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

The EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies will honor several individuals and organizations at its 2026 EPIC Family Gala, themed “Love in Action: A Night to Give. A Legacy to Grow,” recognizing contributions that support epilepsy services, mental health counseling and programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities across Long Island.

This year’s honorees include Community Care Rx as Corporate Honoree, Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick J. Ryder as Community Partner Honoree, and Joseph and Nina Meyer as Family of the Year, celebrating leadership and advocacy that strengthen EPIC’s services throughout the region.

“These honorees reflect the heart of our mission — compassion in action, collaboration across systems and an unwavering commitment to people during their most vulnerable moments,” said Lisa Burch, president and CEO of the EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies.

The gala will take place Feb. 12 at the Heritage Club at Farmingdale. Proceeds support EPIC programming and help diversify funding sources to sustain essential services as demand for mental health care, epilepsy advocacy and com-

munity-based support continues to grow. Officials said event funding provides financial stability, allowing the organization to respond to emerging needs while ensuring consistent care for individuals and families who rely on EPIC services.

“Community support plays a critical role in ensuring our services remain strong and accessible,” said Jeff Nagel, board chair of EPIC Long Island.

Steven Greenfield, board chair of South Shore Guidance Center, said community partnerships help sustain mental health services during a time of rising need.“The dedication of this year’s honorees helps strengthen the connections and community support we rely on every day as we continue providing effective care and crisis support,” he said.

Community Care Rx, a long-term

care pharmacy founded by Hossam Maksoud, is being honored for its commitment to patient-centered care. The company serves assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, as well as residences operating through New York’s Office for People With Developmental Disabilities across the tri-state area. Ryder, Nassau County police commissioner since 2018, brings more than four decades of law enforcement experience. County officials credit his leadership with historic crime reductions and note Nassau County has been named the Safest Community in America by U.S. News & World Report for three consecutive years. Ryder has also worked with South Shore Guidance Center and the county’s Mobile Crisis Team to improve responses to mental health emergencies through stronger coordination and connections to care.

Joseph and Nina Meyer are being recognized as Family of the Year after turning a personal health challenge into advocacy for the epilepsy community.

The EPIC Family of Human Service Agencies includes three organizations serving communities across Long Island. EPIC Long Island operates a day habilitation program in East Meadow, manages 18 group homes in Nassau and Suffolk counties and provides clinical services for children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Herald, Reworld honor sustainability leaders

This spring, Long Island’s environmental champions will take center stage as community leaders, educators, students and advocates gather for the 2026 Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island Presented by Reworld.™

The event at the Heritage Club in Bethpage on May 14 will mark the second year of a growing regional tradition dedicated to recognizing those driving meaningful sustainability efforts across Nassau and Suffolk counties.

Presented by Reworld™ and hosted by the Herald Community Media and RichnerLIVE, the awards program is designed to spotlight local individuals and organizations whose work is shaping a more sustainable future for Long Island.

Adding to the excitement, former NFL quarterback and sports broadcaster Boomer Esiason — a Long Islander — is scheduled to make a special guest appearance, joining organizers in celebrating this year’s honorees. His participation is expected to bring added energy and visibility to an evening focused on teamwork, leadership and long-term impact.

Reworld™ views its continued investment in the Sustainability Awards as a natural extension of its mission to empower communities and advance sustainable practices.

From grassroots nonprofits and forward-thinking businesses to classroom

innovators and public officials, the evening will celebrate leadership rooted in action, collaboration and community impact.

Attendees can expect an evening that brings together voices from across the environmental spectrum. Conversations will center on waste reduction, renew-

able practices, conservation, and education — issues that affect Long Island’s neighborhoods, shorelines and future generations. Rather than focusing solely on large-scale solutions, the event emphasizes community-driven initiatives that begin locally and create lasting change.

A highlight of the night will be the presentation of multiple sustainability awards recognizing nonprofit organizations, companies, educational leaders and elected officials who have made significant contributions to environmental progress. The program will also feature the Student Sustainability Champion Award, honoring one outstanding student each from Nassau and Suffolk Counties. These young leaders represent the next generation of environmental stewardship, demonstrating that innovation and advocacy can begin at any age.

Organizers from RichnerLIVE and the LI Herald see the 2026 program as an opportunity to build on the momentum of last year’s inaugural event. By shining a spotlight on sustainability leadership across Long Island, the awards aim to elevate local efforts, encourage broader participation and foster continued dialogue around the environmental challenges and opportunities facing the region.

The event promises to be an inspiring evening — one that celebrates progress, honors commitment, and reinforces the power of community to shape a more sustainable tomorrow.

For more information about the 2026 Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island Presented by Reworld™ and to request an invitation, visit RichnerLive. com.

–Jeffrey Bessen

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

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The East Meadow Fire Department’s volunteer firefighters and emergency medics responded to 1,718 calls for assistance in 2025, a 3.6 percent increase over 2024, according to the Board of Fire Commissioners.

“The upward trend in call volume, coupled with fewer volunteers joining the ranks of volunteer fire and emergency medical services in East Meadow and across Long Island, is a growing concern,” Commissioner Carey Welt said in a press release shared with the Herald. “Our dedicated volunteers are essential to keeping our community safe, and their commitment inspires others to get involved.”

In 2025, the department responded to 851 fire calls, including structure fires, car fires, rubbish and brush fires, and automatic fire alarms — triggered by smoke or heat detectors — representing 3.15 percent more dispatches than in 2024. Calls for emergency medical services were up nearly 6 percent during the same period: 747 calls in 2025 versus 704 in 2024. Motor vehicle accidents were slightly down, with 120 calls in 2025 compared to 128 in 2024.

The East Meadow Fire Department has created several initiatives to boost its volunteer ranks, including publicizing the need for volunteers on electronic signs outside of each of the department’s firehouses and a distributing district-wide newsletter three times a year that contains information about joining the fire department. Several open-house recruitment drives throughout the year help interested individuals learn more about what the job entails and the benefits of volunteering.

“Volunteering as a firefighter or medic offers not only the chance to give back to the community, but can also be a springboard for a career in emergency services,” Commissioner Keith Hoffman said, who pointed at that many of East Meadow’s volunteers serve as police officers, paid firefighters, and emergency medical technicians, and transfer those skills in the performance of their service to the

East Meadow volunteers not only respond to calls for help but are also actively engaged in numerous community-based demonstrations in local schools.

community and to their colleagues in the fire department. “Volunteers in East Meadow and across Nassau County are entitled to certain property tax exemptions, scholarships to the community college, a free annual health exam, a service award pension program and many other advantages in addition to the satisfaction gained knowing that you are doing something good.”

The East Meadow Fire District covers over 7.5 square miles and includes East Meadow as well as parts of Levittown and Westbury. The East Meadow Fire Department is always looking for new members to join their ranks as firefighters or emergency medical personnel; no experience is necessary.

For more information on volunteering with the East Meadow Fire Department, visit EastMeadowFD.com or call (516) 5424565.

Nassau girls wrestling takes center stage

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Reese Adams experienced a wave of emotions for the second time in as many years at the Nassau County girls wrestling championships.

While recovering from knee surgery last February, the thenCalhoun High School junior was devastated to be a spectator for the inaugural tournament. This year, however, she was elated to not only participate but to capture a title in what would be her lone opportunity.

Adams rallied from behind to pin MacArthur’s Olivia Rausenberger in 1:52 of the first period of the finals to win the 126-pound crown Feb. 1 at her home away from home — Long Beach High School. Her father, Ray, has coached the Marines’ wrestlers for 30 years.

“It was thrilling and a relief at the same time because I put so much pressure on myself,” Reese said. “To finally accomplish what I’ve worked so hard for is exciting.”

She underwent surgery the day before Thanksgiving in 2024 and missed all of last season. That didn’t stop her from attending the county championships at Bethpage High School, but it wasn’t easy to watch.

“I cried a lot, but I wanted to support some of my best friends who were competing,” said Reese, who is Calhoun’s lone female wrestler and practiced with the boys team every day. “I’m glad it was at Long Beach this time,” she added. “I practically grew up watching wrestling in that gym so it was a comfortable environment.”

Adams fell behind Rausenberger 5-0 before scoring a take-

down to get on the board, followed by the pin.

“It was a rough year for her rehabbing and I’m so proud to see her win a county title,” Ray Adams said of his Lehigh University bound daughter. “She worked so hard to get back on the mat.”

Long Beach girls coach Miguel Rodriguez said the vibe for the finals was “incredible.”

The Marines had five finalists and saw seventh-grader Brooke Varian finish a surprise runner-up at 94 pounds, and freshman Harley Eidens repeat as a county champ, taking the 107pound title.

“We had a lot of great performances and those two really had a day,” Rodriguez said.

“Brooke is a great athlete who loves lacrosse and is so coachable. Harley was familiar with her opponent in the finals and was very strong defensively at the end to hold on.”

Harley’s sister, Presley, was second at 114 to MacArthur’s Grace Palumbo and earned a wild-card berth to join her twin at the state tournament Feb. 26 in Albany. Junior Goddiss Hodge and Arianna Balsamo and also reached the county finals stage.

Uniondale, which captured the Nassau dual meet team title with a 34-30 victory over Long Beach Jan. 21, continued its spectacular season with three county champions and two runners-up. Coach Tim Godoy said the Knights began the campaign with 45 girls as interest in the sport has exploded.

“The girls are excited to be a part of something new and they really put the work in,” he said. “We had great support from parents and family members as well as about half of

Uniondale’s Angeline Bonilla, won the first finals bout of the tournament at 94 pounds.

our boys team showed up. It was a special day.”

Uniondale junior Angeline Bonilla, who took third place last season, captured the 94-pound title over Varian with a 12-5 decision.

“The impossible doesn’t seem that far away if you keep pushing,” Bonilla said. “It was the first match of the finals and not going to lie, I was a little nervous. Brooke is a tough wrestler and I felt it was a 50-50 match. I couldn’t have done it without my coaches.”

Also for the Knights, junior Brianna Marquez captured the 100-pound championship and junior Keishara Tulloch was a repeat county champ, winning at 152 over junior teammate Gabrielle Christian. Senior and first-year wrestler Emely Ramos reached the finals at 165, pulling several upsets along the way.

“The support these girls have for each other is awesome,” Godoy said. “They were all screaming at the top of their lungs.”

Top real estate professionals honored at Heritage Club

By HAILEY FULMER

The Herald’s Real Estate Achievement +Leadership Awards at the Heritage Club on Jan. 28 celebrated professionals whose leadership and innovation have shaped the region’s real estate landscape.

Kelly Killoren Bensimon, founder, owner and broker specialist of Kelly Killoren Bensimon Inc. and Douglas Elliman was honored for her impact on real estate leadership. A former model and reality television personality, Bensimon has successfully transitioned into a successful real estate career. Her keynote speech reflected on her path into the industry.

After her mother became ill, Bensimon said she sold her family home by herself — a moment that inspired her to shift from television to real estate. Today, she focuses on client relationships and enhancing the value of the properties she represents.

I became licensed because I needed to protect my family — and today, that instinct drives everything I do,” she said.

Steven Krieger, chief executive officer of B2K Development, was named Real Estate Visionary of the Year, while Jan Burman, chairman of B2K Development, received the Legacy in Real Estate award.

The Rising Stars category recognized emerging professionals. Honorees included James La Dolce, vice president and branch manager at Flushing Bank, and Ashley Infantino, a licensed real estate salesperson with DeSimone Real Estate Agency.

Awards for construction, development and engineering recognized Rob Mannino, chief operating officer of The Kulka Group, who received the Commercial and Residential Construction Management award.

“It is such a pleasure to go to work every day and be surrounded by those people,” Mannino said, crediting his team’s growth over the past two years. He also expressed gratitude to partner Devin Kulka, chief executive officer of The Kulka Group, and his father, citing their guidance and leadership.

Joseph Picataggi Jr., principal of Terra Construction Group, received the Development and Construction award, while Matthew K. Aylward, a partner at R&M Engi-

neering, was recognized for excellence in engineering.

Michael S. Ackerman, managing partner of Ackerman Law, took home the Excellence in Real Estate Law, PLLC. Keith P. Brown, a partner at Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman LLP, received recognition in the Legal category, and Robert M. Connelly of Romer Debbas, LLP, earned the Excellence in Real Estate Law award.

“We are proud to honor Long Island’s most accomplished real estate professionals — individuals whose vision, dedication and innovation continue to shape the towns where we live, work and raise our families,” said Stuart Richner, president of Richner Communications for 26 years.

The Father/Son Duo award was presented to John and Dylan Vitale, president and vice president of Vitale Properties, recognizing multigenerational leadership.

The Next Gen Brokerage category recognized Luca Di Ciero, founder and CEO of NYSpace Finders, and Giuseppe Gregorio, an associate broker with the firm. Gregorio, who began his real estate career 12 years ago, said he was drawn to the industry’s evolving challenges. he Power Team honor was awarded to Darab Lawyer and Vanessa Ambrosecchia, licensed real estate salespersons with Douglas Elliman. Ambrosecchia highlighted the impact of her work on clients.

“I just like helping people,” she said, “to change more lives.”

Additional awards recognized

leadership across the industry.

Shaan Khan, president of the Long Island Board of REALTORS® and broker-owner of RK Realty Group, received the Real Estate Excellence award. Denise Savino-Erichsen, president and CEO of Automatic Industries, was honored in the Technology category.

In the commercial sector, Jonathan M. Stern, chief growth officer of Ackman-Ziff Real Estate Group, was recognized in celebration of the firm’s centennial anniversary. Michael Tucker, associate broker at DGNY Commercial, received the Commercial Brokerage award. Joel Lipsky, chief executive officer of Lipsky Construction, received the Construction Management award.

Tom Attivissimo, CEO and principal of Greiner-Maltz Co. of Long Island LLC, was named Top In-

dustrial and Investment Sales and Leasing Counselor of the Year. Shalom Maidenbaum, founder and owner of Maidenbaum Property Tax Reduction Group LLC, received the Property Tax Reduction award.

Additional residential awards were presented to Nicholas Sforza of Manhasset Realty Group and Marisa Filardo of Douglas Elliman, both recognized for Real Estate Excellence. Filardo, a mother of two, serves clients across Long Island and Queens.

The Team Leadership award went to Rachel King, a licensed associate real estate broker and team leader of The King Team at SERHANT.

For photos, go to RichnerLive. com/realawards/2026-photos/ For more on RichnerLive events visit RichnerLive.com.

Fun with dinosaurs at McVey Elementary

George McVey Elementary School’s gymnasium in East Meadow traveled back millions of years as students stepped into a prehistoric adventure during the school’s Dinosaurs Rock assembly.

Presenter Bradley Chernoff brought ancient history to life with an interactive showcase featuring real fossils, bones and dinosaur eggs, instantly capturing students’ attention. For more than two decades, Dinosaurs Rock has delivered museum-quality exhibits to schools throughout the tri-state area, giving children a rare, hands-on connection to the world of dinosaurs.

Students examined dinosaur skulls, held fossilized eggs and even measured themselves against a towering dinosaur leg bone, gaining a new perspective on the scale of these ancient creatures. The excitement continued with a hands-on Dino Dig, where young paleontologists unearthed their own artifacts — and proudly took their discoveries home as souvenirs of a day millions of years in the making.

–Jordan Vallone

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on Jan. 27, signing copies of her book for fans.

Thriller writer Julie Doar visits local library readers

events is you’re among readers and people who are really just in love with literature, so it’s a really fulfilling type of atmosphere.”

The novel, published by Zibby Media in California, is a mystery following a New York City illustrator returning to her Hudson Valley home after years of absence and rediscovering and untangling the case of a childhood friend’s disappearance.

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Doar grew up in the area, and, she said, “I always thought it would be a great setting for a murder mystery. I think the old, abandoned barns and the forests and the fields just create a sort of mysterious vibe.

“It’s been really exciting to go through this publication process,” she added, “and finally get something out in the world that was in my head for so long.”

Janine Walsh, who heads the library’s reader services department, is always looking for ways to draw readers to the facility.

“People very much loved that kind of presentation, so we are hopefully going to do it again in the future with other authors,” Walsh said.

People very much loved that kind of presentation, so we are hopefully going to do it again in the future with other authors.

Janine Walsh Library Reader Services

The library offers programs for regular readers and the East Meadow community, including multiple book clubs: a general-interest group, another that focuses on bestsellers, and the mysteries-and-thrillers club.

Librarian II Christina Crocker worked with Zibby Media to arrange Doar’s visit

At the party, Walsh and Crocker explained the structure of the library’s book clubs to members of Zibby Media, which quickly led to them being handed an advance copy of “The Gallagher Place.”

The publishers described the novel as a fresh and distinct experience that makes it stand out against its peers in the genre.

“I read it, and I absolutely agree, and they were 100 percent correct,” Crocker said. “I emailed the (Zibby) representative back and I said, yes, I really enjoyed it, it was very different. I loved the whole environmental aspect of it, and the ending really got you thinking. I said we would definitely consider using it for the Mystery/Thriller Book Club.

“Anyone who is interested in not just mysteries or thrillers, but books in general, I think they will really find attending this event worthwhile,” Crocker added of Doar’s visit next week, “because I think the author really has some interesting things to say.”

The library is gearing up for more novel readings throughout February and March. For information about future Book Club meetings events, visit EastMeadow.info.

Doar’s book is available at ZibbyMedia.com.

Love your heart… And it will love you back

Change is an important part of living with heart disease or trying to prevent it. A jump in blood pressure or cholesterol earns you a lecture on healthy lifestyle changes. Heart attack and stroke survivors are often told to alter a lifetime of habits.

Some people manage to overhaul their exercise pattern, diet, and unhealthy habits with ease. The rest of us try to make changes, but don’t always succeed. Instead of undertaking a huge makeover, you might be able to improve your heart’s health with a series of small changes. Once you get going, you may find that change isn’t so hard. This approach may take longer, but it could also motivate you to make some big changes.

Here are important small steps to get you on the road to better health.

Take a 10-minute walk. If you don’t exercise at all, a brief walk is a great way to start. If you do, it’s a good way to add more exercise to your day.

Give yourself a lift. Lifting a hardcover book or a two-pound weight a few times a day can help tone your arm muscles. When that becomes a breeze, move on to heavier items or join a gym.

Eat one extra fruit or vegetable a day. Limit the sweet treats and go for the fruit instead. Fruits — and vegetables — taste good and are good for everything from your brain to your bowels.

Make breakfast count. A good breakfast is one that supplies plenty of protein, complex carbohydrates and healthy fats. Protein should be the main focus to start the day, with additions of whole grains, fruits and vegetables and good fats.

Stop drinking your calories. Cutting out just one sugar-sweetened soda or calorie-laden latte can easily save you 100 or more calories a day. Over a year, that can translate into a 10-pound weight loss.

Have a handful of nuts. Walnuts, almonds, peanuts, and other nuts are good for your heart. Try grabbing some instead of chips or cookies when you need a snack, adding them to salads for a healthful and tasty crunch, or using them in place of meat in pasta and other dishes.

Sample the fruits of the sea. Eat fish or other types of seafood instead of red meat once a week. It’s good for the heart, the brain, and the waistline.

Breathe deeply. Try breathing slowly and deeply for a few minutes a day. It can help you relax. Slow, deep breathing may also help lower blood pressure.

Wash your hands often. Always important, this matters so much more since the pandemic. Scrubbing up with soap and water often during the day is a great way to protect your heart and health. Flu, pneumo-

Count your blessings. Taking a moment each day to acknowledge the blessings in your life is one way to start tapping into other positive emotions. These have been linked with better health, longer life and greater well-being, just as their opposites

— chronic anger, worry, and hostility — contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease.

Exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight, lifts your mood and promotes mental well-being. And if you have diabetes, regular physical activity can actually lower your blood sugar and raise your life expectancy.

Stress is one of the most common — and underestimated — contributors to heart problems and mental fog. It often builds quietly, weaving its way into daily life before we even notice. The good news? You’re not powerless. Simple, accessible strategies can help calm your mind, protect your heart, and restore a sense of balance.

Deep breathing: Intentional breathing is one of the quickest ways to ease stress. Close your eyes, inhale deeply through your nose, pause briefly, then slowly exhale through your mouth. Repeat a few times and feel your body begin to relax.

Movement: Exercise is a proven stress reliever, but it doesn’t have to mean intense workouts. Yoga, walking or jogging outdoors, stretching, or even dancing around your living room can elevate your mood, relax your nervous system, and reconnect you with your body.

Practice self-care: Self-care isn’t indulgent — it’s essential. Whether it’s a warm bath, a good book, or meaningful time with loved ones, carving out moments of comfort and joy helps keep stress in check.

Power of perspective: Stress is often less about circumstances and more about how we view them. Reframing negative thoughts, practicing gratitude, or simply reminding yourself that you’re doing your best can create powerful emotional relief.

Importance of boundaries: Saying no, managing expectations, and protecting time for rest are necessities, not luxuries. You can’t show up for others if you’re running on empty.

There you have it: These are key tools from neuroscientist Dr. Keith Darrow’s stress-reduction toolkit — practical steps to support heart health and mental clarity. Choose what resonates, build a routine that fits your life, and remember: stress doesn’t get the final say.

DEC head discusses state’s goals, policies

By MADISON GUSLER mgusler@liherald.com

More than 200 people attended the Long Island Association’s Energy and Environment Committee meeting on Feb. 5 at LIA headquarters in Melville. The highlight of the program was a discussion with the commissioner of the state Department of Environmental Conservation, Amanda Lefton.

“Long Island’s environment is our economy,” Matt Cohen, LIA president and CEO, said. LIA is a nonprofit association that works to ensure Long Island’s economic vitality.

Lefton previously served as the director of the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management in the Department of the Interior. She has over 15 years of experience working on energy and environment in both the public and private sector.

“As Long Islanders, we know that things like water quality and our natural resources are critical to our livelihood,” she said. “We know these things aren’t in competition, but actually complement each other if done correctly. That is the perspective that I bring to the department.

“We continue to move forward,” Lefton added, “to make sure that we’re not just delivering on our mission of protecting the state’s environment, protecting water quality, delivering on clean air, protecting our natural resources,

but also doing so in a way that there’s transparency.”

Billy Haugland, vice chair of the Energy and Environment Committee, who led the discussion, praised Lefton’s ability to bring government and industry leaders together, leading to productive outcomes, increased collaboration, and reliable environmental stewardship.

Lefton discussed aspects of the state’s policy proposals and 2026 executive budget, and highlighted its steps to reduce pollution, its transition to clean energy and investments in infrastructure and transportation. She contrasted state actions with federal efforts to dismantle environmental protections. “The jobs and benefits that could be lost on Long Island through the stalling of offshore wind projects are one of the many causalities of this chaos,” she said.

Lefton pledged to continue communicating with stakeholders around New York. The DEC is prioritizing accessibility, streamlining its processes and improving data navigation, supported by investments from Gov. Kathy Hochul to modernize its website and technology.

Hochul’s 2026 budget proposal also supports a robust environmental agenda, and Lefton complimented the tangible results for New Yorkers. The governor’s “Let Them Build” agenda includes a series of reforms to speed up housing and infrastructure projects and reduce costs. The initiative includes adopting

common-sense reforms of the State Environmental Quality Review Act to speed up construction of zoned and permitted housing while preserving environmental safeguards. It also aims to reduce delays in building critical infrastructure, including clean-water projects.

“The governor’s common-sense approach to securing more certainty in environmental review timelines,” Lefton said, “will help advance more critically important projects.”

She discussed Hochul’s investments in water infrastructure, a commitment of $3.75 billion to clean-water projects over the next five years, including improving sewer infrastructure. “We can ensure that we’re continuing to tackle urban contaminants, protecting clean water, and delivering on the funding for our municipalities,” Lefton said.

The Hochul administration has authorized a critical resiliency project on Long Island, with a $1.7 billion investment in protecting the expanse from Fire Island to Montauk against storms and erosion. Additional investments have been made for various other Army Corps of Engineers resiliency projects in the Rockaways and Long Beach.

Lefton also mentioned a state grant award to Freeport, supporting the expansion of its advanced stormwater system, which is designed to reduce chronic flooding of the village’s lowlying streets.

“We have strong programs in place to protect our air and water while encouraging investment in our communities,” Lefton said. “We’re ensuring that we have these programs available specifically to deliver for Long Islanders.”

STEPPING OUT

Our nation 250 years later

An artistic perspective

By Abbey Salvemini

The American Revolution might have happened 250 years ago, but the conversation about who really benefited from it is far from over. That’s the idea behind Hofstra University Museum of Art’s newlly opened exhibition, “Our Unfinished Revolution(s).” On view, through July 24, it invites visitors to reflect on the promises of liberty, exploring how the ideals of the Declaration of Independence have shaped the nation.

July 4, 1776, has long been ascribed as the date that the United States was formed, Presley Rodriguez — the museum’s assistant director of exhibitions and collections — writes in her essay in the exhibit catalog. There are other events that could have represented the birth of the nation — perhaps first battles of the Revolutionary War, or the signing of the treaty that formally ended the conflict. But it is the day that the Declaration of Independence was ratified that is credited with changing the world as we know it.

‘RENT’ in concert

Today, many consider the Declaration of Independence as the document that proclaimed “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” as guiding priorities of the United States. As significant as the signing of the Declaration of Independence was, however, it was also a rebellious act that those loyal to the English king viewed unfavorably in 1776.

“The Declaration of Independence is the North Star of liberty, democracy and freedom,” says Hofstra Museum Director Sasha Giordano. “The exhibition explores who most benefitted from the Declaration of Independence. Although women, Black and enslaved people, Indigenous peoples, and immigrants played instrumental roles during the Revolution and were closely connected to the events surrounding the Declaration, they were not granted the same liberties at the nation’s founding.”

The 250 years of history are organized into four dated sections: 1776, 1876, 1976 and 2026. The artworks and archival materials on view illuminate the ways in which the Declaration of Independence has been interpreted, challenged and defended over time. Works drawn from the museum’s permanent collection, alongside loans featuring artists such as Faith Ringgold, demonstrate the diversity of artistic responses to the Revolution’s legacy across 250 years. Included are a mix of 18th-century prints, mid-century works and contemporary pieces by artists such as Alexander Calder, Larry Rivers and Jeremy Dennis, the show’s featured artist.

Groups whose liberties were initially denied come into focus: women, Black, Indigenous and immigrant communities. Rodriguez — who curated this exhibit — searched Hofstra’s database for art that best captures their stories.

“This is really an homage to 250 years of freedom,” she explains. “There are walls in the gallery dedicated to each of these anniversary years, and the artwork was created around these moments.”

Beginning with 1776 section, works reflect the founding ideals and the exclusion of certain communities, while later sections show how those

Map of New England, 1676, ink on paper. Gift of unknown donor, HU62.7.

Washington Crossing the Delaware, Evening Previous to the Battle of Trenton, December 5 (sic), 1776, 18001900, hand-colored lithograph. Gift of Mary Estabrook, HU64.98.

Bill of Sale for Enslaved Person, 1779. Courtesy of Special Collections/ Long Island Studies Institute, Hofstra University Library.

struggles continued and evolved.

For Giordano, framing the Revolution as “unfinished” allows us to revisit and reclaim its milestones. It’s presented as an ongoing conversation, rather than a closed chapter in history.

“Anniversaries are a way to remind us of what we celebrate and how we honor our country’s life,” she says. “This exhibition meets viewers where they are. You bring your own ideas and thoughts, and it encourages reflection. It could challenge you, or it could reaffirm what you already feel.”

Jeremy Dennis, an enrolled member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation and founder of Ma’s House & BIPOC Art Studio Inc., brings an Indigenous perspective into the narrative of America’s evolving freedom through his photography.

“As a leader making art representing Indigenous people, his work speaks to current times and shares a relevant story,” Giordano adds. “Through his art and photography, he takes us into that world.”

Another standout is Faith

Ringgold’s 2009 series, “Declaration of Freedom and Independence.” Her work perfectly embodies the exhibition’s theme and reflects the ongoing struggle to make liberty a reality for all, according to Rodriguez.

“The exhibition invites you to consider your own role in shaping the nation’s future. The response wall allows visitors to contribute their perspectives, and those ideas will literally be on display for others to see,” she adds.

Her aim is that visitors reflect not only on the past but think hard about what our future holds. Everyone is encouraged to contribute to the Wish Wall Project, the collaborative response wall developed by a nationwide network of museums and libraries, where all can leave their thoughts, reflections and reactions to the exhibition.

“Our Unfinished Revolution(s),” connects to the broader Untold Stories of Revolution: A Hofstra University Initiative for the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution, a campus-wide exploration of the Revolution’s lesser-known narratives. Related programming tied to the exhibit invites students, faculty and the public to engage with themes of democracy, equity and civic responsibility.

Events include a conversation with Dennis on March 5 and a curator-led gallery tour on April 9; programs that allow participants to engage more deeply with the exhibit.

“During the gallery tour, visitors will have a chance to notice details they might miss on a casual visit, and they can hear the stories behind why specific works were included,” Rodriguez says.

The unforgettable music of Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking musical fills Tilles Center in a powerful symphonic concert setting. RENT is currently celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, marking three decades since its Off-Broadway debut in January 1996 and subsequent move to Broadway. Experience the music of Larson’s landmark work through its original Broadway legacy as Adam Pascal, who originated the role of Roger, hosts the evening and returns to the stage for a special encore performance. Presented in a symphonic concert format with full orchestra, the event celebrates the iconic songs that changed musical theater forever. “To be able to host RENT in concert and then step back on stage for an encore is incredibly special, Pascal says. This concert is about honoring Jonathan Larson’s voice, the community that formed around this show, and the power of these songs to still speak, loudly and honestly, to audiences today.”

Friday, Feb. 13, 8 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

‘So don’t stop me now’ Queen-mania rolls on. Almost Queen returns to the Paramount stage with their homage to the beloved band. They don’t just pay tribute to the legendary band, Almost Queen transports you back in time to experience the magic and essence of Queen themselves. The band — featuring Joseph Russo as Freddie Mercury, Steve Leonard as Brian May, Randy Gregg as John Deacon, and John Cappadona as Roger Taylor — is “guaranteed to blow your mind” with iconic four-part harmonies and expertly executed musical interludes. The band’s authenticity shines through in their impeccable attention to detail and genuine costumes, while their live energy and precision captivates fans of all ages with an unforgettable concert experience. The carefully curated setlist featuring Queen’s best-loved songs, including, of course, classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions!” It’s no wonder fans keep coming back for more.

Saturday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

Name That Tune

Join the East Meadow Kiwanis for another round of Name That Tune.

• Where: 197 East Meadow Ave.

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: EastMeadow Kiwanis.org FEB

Lunar New Year program

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes Chinese Theatre Works to the museum stage. Join in a celebration of the Lunar New Year with an original “budaixi” glove puppet production that features the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac. This year’s show stars the Horse, who presides over a jolly selection of wild puppet skits, dances, popular songs, and well known Chinese sayings that celebrate the wit and wisdom of the zodiac animals. Hao Bang Ah! Horse! A hands-on post show demonstration will make the Chinese bilingual cultural experience accessible to even the youngest audience members. Also celebrate the Year of the Horse by creating Lunar New Year lanterns, noon-3 p.m., at the drop-in program. $5, $4 members, $10 theater only.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m..

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

FEB

15

Tunes with Eclect-tet Eclec-tet visits East Meadow Public Library for a concert.

• Where: 1886 Front St., East Meadow

• Time: 2 p.m.

• Contact: EastMeadow.info

Pete’s Blue Carpet Catwalk Walk the blue carpet as a VIP to celebrate Long Island Children’s Museum’s premiere performance of Pete the Cat! Dress your best, smile for the paparazzi, and take a picture with Pete! Our special youth emcee will be interviewing VIPs on camera. Gain exclusive access to Pete’s Groovy Lounge for refreshments, enjoy the opening day performance of the show and take home a fun swag bag! You’ll even get to meet the cast after the show! For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. That is,

FEB

Wild days in the Bronx

• Where: 1886 Front St., East Meadow

• Time: 2 p.m.

• Contact: EastMeadow.info

FEB

Bond information session

The East Meadow School District holds an information session about the bond resolution.

• Where: 718 The Plain Road, Westbury

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: EMUFSD.us

‘Brown Bag’ Art Chat

Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture” at the museum. Explore “The Real, Surreal, and Photoreal,” through a lively and informative presentation. No reservations. First come,first seated.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 1 p.m.

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

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

Chazz Palminteri is back on the Paramount stage with his electrifying solo performance of “A Bronx Tale,” the autobiographical one-man show that launched his remarkable career. Raw, riveting and deeply personal, the play draws on Palminteri’s own bruising childhood in the Bronx, including the moment — at just nine-years-old — when he witnessed a gangland killing that would forever shape his view of the world. Onstage, Palminteri inhabits 18 vividly drawn characters, seamlessly shifting between friends, foes and family members to conjure an entire neighborhood with nothing but his voice, physicality and storytelling prowess. First written and performed in 1989, A Bronx Tale quickly became a sensation, hailed as one of the most sought-after stage properties since Rocky. The original production paved the way for the acclaimed film adaptation — directed by Robert De Niro — and later a hit Broadway musical. Born and raised in the Bronx, Palminteri stands firmly in the lineage of iconic Italian-American artists who redefined New York storytelling in the 1970s, including Martin Scorsese, De Niro, Al Pacino and Joe Pesci. Like them, he brings grit, muscle and an unflinching realism to his work, capturing both the violence and the humanity of life on those sidewalks. This return engagement offers audiences a chance to experience the original, powerhouse performance that started it all — up close, uncompromising and unforgettable.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

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

FEB

Sõ Percussion in concert

except for young Jimmy Biddle, the most organized second grader on planet Earth. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW bus! $16 ($14 members), $20 theater and catwalk experience only.

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: Starting at 11:30 a.m.

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

BioBus Mobile Lab

FEB

20

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes all to climb aboard the newest BioBus Mobile Lab sponsored by National Grid. Community scientists show visitors how to use one of the high-powered microscopes to explore samples such as bugs, dirt, water, flowers, and other organic matter from your neighborhood! You can even look at your own skin, hair and clothing up close with a microscope.

• Where: 11 Davis. Ave.,, Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800 FEB 17

‘The Wedding Singer’ Molloy University’s CAP21 Musical Theatre students stage the musical comedy based on the iconic film. The show will have you partying like it’s 1985! Travel back to the outrageous 1980s, when hair was huge, neon ruled fashion and everything MTV was “like, totally tubular.” Based on the mega-hit Adam Sandler movie, this Broadway romance about a heartbroken rock star wannabe finding love again is jam-packed with big laughs, dazzling dance numbers, and a score as bold and electric as the decade itself. From popped collars to power ballads, “The Wedding Singer” is a nostalgic, feel-good celebration of love, friendship, and all things ‘80s.

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

• Time: 8 p.m.; also Feb. 21, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Feb 22, 3 p.m.

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

FEB

team’s 100 Year Tour — the most legendary tour in Globetrotters history — to Nassau Coliseum. This centennial season is a oncein-a-century celebration of 100 years of jaw-dropping “No Way!” moves, Wow!” moments and basketball thrills. From gravitydefying dunks to game-changing tricks, fans feel the history, the joy, and the fun that only the Globetrotters can deliver. For the first time, the team will also debut their new 100 Year jerseys, honoring a century of global impact, as they face off against their longtime rivals, the Washington Generals. Fans can also expect all-new surprises like the Golden Basketball by Spalding®, epic pre-game Magic Pass experiences, and an unforgettable 5th Quarter autograph session.

• Where: Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale

• Time: 2 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com

FEB

22 Harlem Globetrotters Don’t miss out on the action when the Globetrotters bring the

Lion Dance Celebrate Lunar New Year with an authentic Lion Dance presented by Shaolin at East Meadow Public Library. Registration required.

27

The Grammy-winning percussionists return to the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center. For 25 years and counting, the quartet has redefined chamber music for the 21st century through an “exhilarating blend of precision and anarchy, rigor and bedlam” (The New Yorker). Their commitment to the creation and amplification of new work have made them a trusted partner for composers, allowing the writing of music that expands the style and capacity of brilliant voices of our time.

• Where: Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or (516) 877-4000

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.

Debate grows over child care, housing, safety

real need for more affordable child care, but criticized Hochul’s rollout of the program. Last month, alongside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, she announced plans to help the city fill the holes in the existing 3-K program and launch a program to provide free child care for 2-year-olds, known as 2Care.

The state would provide $73 million in the first year to support 2,000 2Care seats in what Hochul called “high-need” neighborhoods. The second year would bring a $425 million investment to add 10,000 more seats, with the program expanding over two more years to reach an estimated 55,000 children.

Rhoads acknowledged that he woud be open to exploring a similar program on Long Island, but added that any child care plan would need to clearly outline who is providing the care and how quality and safety would be maintained. He argued that under the current proposal, his constituents get the short end of the stick.

“My Nassau County residents, who are struggling to provide child care for their own kids,” Rhoads said, “are now providing free child care for New York City residents.”

On public safety, Rhoads offered one of his strongest critiques of the governor, contrasting her focus on policing and gun regulation with his party’s Save New York agenda, which prioritizes reversing criminal justice reforms enacted in recent years.

“It comes back to prioritizing public safety over the rights of criminal defendants,” Rhoads said. He called for restoring judicial discretion in setting bail, rolling back elements of the state’s Raise the Age legislation and amending discovery rules that he claims are overwhelming district attorneys and leading to more cases being dismissed on technicalities.

While Rhoads credited Hochul for certain aspects of her plan —including more funding for school aid and mental health services, and reversing pandemic-era unemployment insurance policies that hurt small businesses — he argued that, overall, her economic vision puts

Tim Baker/Herald Gov.

delivered her State of the State address early last month, discussing policies that will have impacts on Long Island.

too much burden on taxpayers.

“The state budget has increased by $89 billion since 2019,” he said. “That is a 53 percent increase in the last eight years.” He blamed that spending — along with rising mandates and taxes — for what he called an affordability crisis driving people and businesses out of the state.

Rhoads said that the Save New York proposal would phase in what he described as “the largest personal income tax cut in the history of New York state,” exempting the first $50,000 in income for individuals and the first

$100,000 for families. The plan, he added, could be funded without cuts, just by limiting annual state budget growth to 2 percent.

“We’re not talking about a $200 or $300 rebate check,” Rhoads said. “We’re talking about putting $6,000 in the pockets of the average New York state homeowner, every year.”

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican and Hochul’s presumptive opponent in this year’s gubernatorial race, also sharply criticized her address. Blakeman accused Hochul of failing to act during her time

in office, particularly on child care.

“Kathy Hochul, you’ve been governor for four years,” he said at a news conference after her speech. “You haven’t done anything about child care. Now you’re talking about child care.”

Blakeman also blamed Hochul for population and business losses, saying, “There’s a reason why hundreds of thousands of people have left the state under your tenure.” He argued that New York needs “leadership in solving people’s problems.”

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

AVISO DE REUNIÓN EXTRAORDINARIA DEL DISTRITO DISTRITO ESCOLAR

EAST MEADOW UNION FREE, EN EL CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

12, 2026

POR EL PRESENTE, SE NOTIFICA que, la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar East Meadow Union Free, en el condado de Nassau, Nueva York, ha adoptado una resolución el 7 de enero de 2026, que autoriza una reunión extraordinaria del distrito para los votantes calificados de dicho Distrito Escolar, que se celebrará el día Jueves 5 de marzo de 2026 de 7:00 a. m. a 9:00 p. m. (hora vigente), en cada uno de los Distritos Electorales Escolares hasta ahora establecidos, con el propósito de votar sobre la siguiente propuesta de bono: PROPUESTA DE BONO SE RESUELVE: (a) Que, por el presente, se autoriza a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar East Meadow Union Free, en el condado de Nassau, Nueva York (el “Distrito”), a implementar modificaciones y mejoras en todos los edificios o terrenos del Distrito (el “Proyecto”), sustancialmente de acuerdo con lo descrito en un plan preparado para el Distrito por JAG Architect P.C. (el “Plan”), que obra en el archivo y está disponible para inspección pública en la oficina de la Secretaría del Distrito. Dicho Proyecto incluirá (según y donde se requiera): renovaciones de centros de artes escénicas y vestuarios; mejoras en los sistemas de alarma contra incendios, calefacción, ventilación y aire acondicionado (HVAC), y audiovisuales; construcción de vestíbulos de seguridad y mejoras en los herrajes de las puertas; renovaciones interiores y mejoras en las instalaciones deportivas, incluida la construcción o sustitución de campos de césped sintético, canchas de tenis, edificios deportivos y casetas; reconfiguración de canchas; sustitución de vallas de protección, cercas, pasarelas y marcadores; mejoras en las gradas; instalación de nuevas

zonas de juegos e iluminación de canchas; renovaciones de aparcamientos; mejoras en el drenaje y otras mejoras. Todo lo anterior incluirá el mobiliario original, los equipos, la maquinaria, los aparatos y los espacios auxiliares o relacionados, la demolición y otros trabajos necesarios en relación con ello; y se destinará para ello, incluidos los costos preliminares y los costos imprevistos a ello y su financiamiento, un monto que no exceda los $71,525,000, siempre y cuando los costos de los componentes del Proyecto detallados en el plan puedan reasignarse entre dichos componentes si la Junta de Educación determina que tal reasignación obrará en favor de los intereses del Distrito; (b) Que, por el presente, se vota para ello un gravamen por un monto que no excederá los $71,525,000 para financiar ese costo, y ese gravamen se exigirá y cobrará en cuotas en la cantidad de años y en las sumas que determine dicha Junta de Educación, y (c) Que, en previsión de dicho gravamen y por el presente, se autoriza la emisión de bonos del Distrito por un monto total de capital que no debe exceder los $71,525,000 y, por el presente, se vota un gravamen para pagar los intereses de dichos bonos en el momento de su vencimiento y exigibilidad.

Dicha propuesta de bono aparecerá en las boletas electorales usadas para votar en la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito antes mencionada sustancialmente de la forma resumida a continuación: PROPUESTA DE BONO SÍ NO

SE RESUELVE:

(a) Que, por el presente, se autoriza a la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar East Meadow Union Free, en el condado de Nassau, Nueva York (el “Distrito”), a construir reformas y mejoras en edificios o terrenos del Distrito, sustancialmente como se describe en un plan preparado para el Distrito por JAG Architect P.C., y se destinará para ello un monto que no debe

exceder los $71,525,000; (b) que, por el presente, se vota un gravamen por un monto que no debe exceder los $71,525,000 para financiar tal costo; dicho gravamen se exigirá y recaudará en cuotas en los años y los montos que determine la Junta de Educación; y (c) que, en previsión de dicho gravamen, por el presente se autoriza la emisión de bonos del Distrito por el monto total de capital que no debe exceder los $71,525,000 y, por el presente, se vota un gravamen para pagar el interés de dichos bonos en el momento de su vencimiento y exigibilidad.

POR MEDIO DEL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que la votación será mediante boleta electoral impresa o en máquinas de votación en las sedes escolares designadas en cada uno de los distritos electorales escolares independientes hasta ahora establecidos, y las urnas estarán habilitadas para votar de 7:00 a. m. a 9:00 p. m. (hora vigente), durante el tiempo que sea necesario para que los votantes presentes en ese momento emitan sus votos.

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA también que la votación en la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito se llevará a cabo de acuerdo con las Normas para la Organización de Reuniones y Elecciones adoptadas por la Junta de Educación y la ley vigente.

POR EL PRESENTE TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que los límites del siguiente Distrito Electoral Escolar serán determinados y publicados, como hasta ahora, por la Junta de Educación y el lugar de cada distrito electoral para el registro y la votación será el siguiente:

DISTRITO ELECTORAL

ESCOLAR N.º 1. Los votantes calificados del Distrito Electoral Escolar n.º 1 votarán en Parkway Elementary School ubicada en 465 Bellmore Road, en este Distrito. Los límites del Distrito Electoral Escolar n.º 1 son los siguientes: Limita al norte con Hempstead-Bethpage Turnpike, al este con Wantagh State Parkway, al sur con North Jerusalem Road, al oeste con East Meadow Avenue desde la intersección de North

Jerusalem Road hasta Lenox Avenue, al noreste hasta Eighth Avenue, al este hasta Newbridge Road, al norte hasta Hempstead Turnpike.

DISTRITO ELECTORAL

ESCOLAR N.º 2. Los votantes calificados del Distrito Electoral Escolar n.º 2 votarán en McVey Elementary School ubicada en 2201 Devon Street, en este Distrito. Los límites del Distrito Electoral Escolar n.º 2 son los siguientes: Limita al norte con el lado sur de Hempstead Turnpike desde la intersección de Merrick Avenue hacia el este hasta la intersección de Newbridge Road. Limita al este con el lado oeste de Newbridge Road desde la intersección de Hempstead Turnpike, y continúa hacia el sur hasta la intersección de Eighth Avenue. Limita al sur con el lado norte de Eighth Avenue; continúa hacia el sudoeste hasta la intersección de Lenox Avenue e East Meadow Avenue; sigue hacia el noroeste en East Meadow Avenue hasta la numeración 604; prosigue hacia el oeste hasta Maitland Street; continúa hacia el sur hasta el lado norte de Lenox Avenue y hacia el sudoeste hasta el final sur de Benito, Patterson, Adelphi, Coakley y Albert Streets, y hasta el final oeste de Sidney Place, Powers Avenue y Kevin Place. Sigue al oeste hasta el lado este de Prospect Avenue, numeración 1530, y continúa hacia el noreste hasta la intersección de Chestnut Avenue; prosigue hacia el noroeste en el lado noroeste de Chestnut Avenue hasta la intersección de Front Street. Luego, sigue hacia el suroeste en el lado norte de Front Street hasta la intersección de Merrick Avenue. Limita al oeste con el lado este de Merrick Avenue desde la intersección de Front Street, y continúa hacia el norte hasta la intersección de Hempstead Turnpike. DISTRITO ELECTORAL

ESCOLAR N.º 3. Los votantes calificados del Distrito Electoral Escolar n.º 3 votarán en Barnum Woods Elementary School ubicada en 500 May Lane, en este Distrito. Los límites del Distrito Electoral Escolar n.º 3 son los siguientes:

Limita al norte con Hempstead Turnpike desde Meadowbrook Parkway hasta Merrick Avenue, al sur hasta el punto de intersección del lado sur de Front Street y hacia el este hasta Chestnut Avenue. Limita al este con el lado oeste de Merrick Avenue. Sigue hacia el sur desde Hempstead Turnpike hasta Front Street y hasta el lado sur de Front Street. Continúa hacia el noreste desde Merrick Avenue hasta el lado oeste de Chestnut Avenue, desde Front Street hasta Prospect Avenue, numeración 1489. Luego, en el sur incluye Marian Court, Dieman Lane, Flower Lane, Sherwood Drive, Andrea Road, el final norte de Cynthia, Wenwood y Bruce Drives, el final oeste de Cynron y Meadow Lanes y Midland Drive, y el lado sur de Lenox Avenue. Sigue por el este hasta East Meadow Avenue; continúa por el este en el lado oeste de East Meadow Avenue desde Lenox Avenue hasta Irving Place, al sur desde East Meadow Avenue, numeración 604, y sigue hacia el sur hasta North Jerusalem Road. Limita al sur con North Jerusalem Road hasta el punto de intersección de Ennabrock Road, incluida Ennabrock Road hasta North Jerusalem Road; al oeste hasta Meadowbrook Parkway. Limita al oeste con Meadowbrook Parkway desde North Jerusalem Road hacia el norte hasta Hempstead Turnpike.

DISTRITO ELECTORAL ESCOLAR N.º 4. Los votantes calificados del Distrito Electoral Escolar n.º 4 votarán en Bowling Green Elementary School ubicada en 2340 Stewart Avenue, Westbury, NY, en este Distrito. Los límites del Distrito Electoral Escolar n.º 4 son los siguientes: Limita al norte con Old Country Road hasta el punto de intersección de Wantagh State Parkway. Limita al este con Wantagh State Parkway y continúa hacia el sur hasta Oyster Bay Town Line, y luego al este hasta Newbridge Road. Continúa hacia el sur por Newbridge Road hasta Twig Lane. Limita al sur con Twig

Lane; continúa al oeste hasta Wantagh State Parkway; luego, sigue hacia el sur hasta el lado norte de Hearth Lane en Friends Lane. Continúa hacia el oeste hasta la intersección del lado oeste de Carman Avenue; sigue hacia el sur hasta el lado norte de Salisbury Park Drive, y prosigue por el lado norte de Salisbury Park Drive en dirección norte desde Stewart Avenue hasta Old Country Road. DISTRITO ELECTORAL ESCOLAR N.º 5. Los votantes calificados del Distrito Electoral Escolar n.º 5 votarán en Meadowbrook Elementary School ubicada en 241 Old Westbury Road, en este Distrito. Los límites del Distrito Electoral Escolar n.º 5 son los siguientes: Limita al norte desde el lado sur de Hearth Lane hasta Carman Avenue, al este hasta Wantagh Parkway, al norte hasta Oyster Bay Town Line, al este hasta el lado sur de Levittown Parkway hasta la intersección de Newbridge Road. Limita al este con el lado oeste de Newbridge Road, y sigue hacia el sur hasta Wantagh Parkway; continúa hacia el sur por Wantagh Parkway hasta la intersección de Hempstead Turnpike. Limita al sur con Hempstead Turnpike desde la intersección de Wantagh Parkway hacia el oeste hasta la intersección de Bly Road. Limita al oeste con Bly Road, y continúa hacia el norte y el este hasta Ava Drive; sigue hacia el norte y el este hasta Erma Drive, hacia el sur hasta Nottingham Road, hacia el este (incluso los tribunales en Florence y Jane) hasta el lado este de Carman Avenue; continúa hacia el norte hasta la intersección de Hearth Lane.

REGISTRO PERSONAL DE VOTANTES ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que, para votar en la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito del 5 de marzo de 2026, todos los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar deben estar registrados en los libros de registro del Distrito Escolar o en la lista oficial de votantes registrados e inscritos para la ciudad de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, emitidos por la Junta Electoral del condado de Nassau.

Las siguientes personas serán elegibles para votar: todas las personas que se hayan presentado personalmente para registrarse según la sección dos mil catorce (2014) de la Ley de Educación, y todas las personas que se hayan registrado previamente en virtud del presente para cualquier reunión o elección anual o extraordinaria y que hayan votado en cualquier reunión o elección anual o extraordinaria organizada o realizada durante los cuatro años calendario previos al 2026 (es decir, entre el 2022 y el 2025). También serán elegibles para votar todas las personas que estén registradas para votar de conformidad con las disposiciones de la sección trescientos cincuenta y dos (352) de la Ley de Elecciones del estado de Nueva York. El registro de votantes que no se hayan registrado previamente y que sean elegibles para votar se hará desde el 6 de febrero de 2026 hasta el 27 de febrero de 2026 inclusive, los días en los que la escuela esté abierta, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. (hora vigente), en la oficina de la Secretaría del Distrito en Salisbury School, ubicada en 718 The Plain Road, Westbury, New York. El registro vespertino se realizará el martes 24 de febrero de 2026, en el vestíbulo principal de Salisbury School entre las 7:00 p. m. y las 8:00 p. m. (hora vigente). El registro de votantes que no se hayan registrado previamente y que sean elegibles para votar también se hará el miércoles 25 de febrero de 2026, entre las 8:30 a. m. y las 12:30 p. m. (hora vigente), en cada uno de los cinco (5) distritos electorales, en los lugares indicados anteriormente. La Junta de Registro se reunirá para preparar el registro del Distrito Escolar durante los horarios y las fechas que se especifican arriba, y cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en el registro, siempre y cuando tengan derecho, en esa reunión de la Junta de Registro, a votar en la reunión o en elección escolar para la cual se prepara dicho registro. ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que el registro de votantes preparado según lo mencionado anteriormente se presentará en la oficina de la Secretaría del Distrito una vez finalizado. Allí, estará disponible para la inspección de cualquier votante calificado del Distrito, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. (hora vigente), en cada uno de los cinco (5) días anteriores a la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito e incluso ese día, excepto el domingo, y el sábado de 9:00 a. m. y las 11:00 a. m. (hora vigente), solo con cita previa. Comuníquese con Judy Kandel al 516-478-5735 si desea programar una cita.

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que la solicitud para una boleta electoral por ausencia o boleta electoral anticipada por correo se puede realizar en la oficina de la Secretaría del Distrito, Salisbury School, 718 The Plain Road, Westbury, NY 11590, a partir de los treinta (30) días previos a la fecha de la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito. La Secretaría del Distrito debe recibir las solicitudes completas por lo menos siete (7) días antes de la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito si la boleta electoral debe enviarse al votante por correo y un (1) día antes de la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito si la boleta electoral debe entregarse en persona al votante o a la persona designada por este. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna de una boleta electoral por ausencia o boleta electoral anticipada por correo, la Secretaría del Distrito enviará la boleta electoral a la dirección indicada en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la fecha de la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito. La Secretaría del Distrito debe recibir las boletas electorales por ausencia y boletas electorales anticipadas por correo antes de las 5:00 p. m. (hora vigente) del 5 de marzo de 2026. Una lista de todas las personas a las que se han emitido boletas electorales por ausencia y boletas electorales anticipadas estará disponible en dicha oficina de la secretaría, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. (hora vigente), en cada uno de los cinco (5) días anteriores a la

Public Notices

fecha de la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito y en el día fijado para la reunión extraordinaria del Distrito, excepto el domingo, y el sábado de 9:00 a. m. a 11:00 a. m. (hora vigente), solo con cita previa. Comuníquese con Judy Kandel al 516-478-5735 si desea programar una cita.

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que los votantes militares que no estén inscritos actualmente pueden solicitar inscribirse como votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar. Los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar podrán enviar una solicitud de boleta electoral militar. Estos votantes pueden indicar su preferencia de recibir una inscripción de votante militar, una solicitud de boleta electoral militar o una boleta electoral militar por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de inscripción, solicitud de boleta electoral o boleta electoral. Los formularios de registro de votantes militares y de solicitud de boleta electoral militar deben recibirse en la oficina de la Secretaría del Distrito antes de las 5:00 p. m. (hora vigente) del 6 de febrero de 2026. No se escrutarán las boletas electorales militares a menos que se entreguen por correo postal o en persona, y que la oficina de la Secretaría del Distrito las reciba antes de las 5:00 p. m. (hora vigente) del 5 de marzo de 2026.

REQUISITOS PARA VOTAR:

1. Ser ciudadano de los Estados Unidos.

2. Tener dieciocho años o más.

3. Ser residente del Distrito durante un período de treinta días o más inmediatamente antes de la elección en la que desea votar.

4. Estar registrado para votar.

ASIMISMO, SE

NOTIFICA que la información detallada sobre la propuesta de bono estará disponible, previa solicitud, para los residentes del Distrito Escolar a partir del 23 de febrero de 2026, en la oficina de la Decretaría del Distrito en Salisbury School, ubicada en 718 The Plain Road, Westbury, N.Y.

ASIMISMO, SE

NOTIFICA que cualquier residente del Distrito Escolar podrá obtener, previa solicitud, información detallada sobre la propuesta de bono en las oficinas de cada una de las sedes escolares del Distrito que se enumeran a continuación, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m. (hora vigente), en cada día que no sea sábado, domingo ni feriado, a partir del 23 de febrero de 2026. La información detallada sobre la propuesta de bono también estará disponible en el sitio web del Distrito Escolar.

Barnum Woods Elementary School

500 May Lane East Meadow, N.Y. 11554

Bowling Green Elementary School 2340 Stewart Avenue Westbury, N.Y. 11590 McVey Elementary School

2201 Devon Street East Meadow, N.Y. 11554

Meadowbrook Elementary School

241 Old Westbury Road East Meadow, N.Y. 11554

Parkway Elementary School

465 Bellmore Road East Meadow, N.Y. 11554

Woodland Middle School

690 Wenwood Drive East Meadow, N.Y. 11554

W. Tresper Clarke Middle School

740 Edgewood Drive Westbury, N.Y. 11590

W. Tresper Clarke High School

740 Edgewood Drive Westbury, N.Y. 11590 East Meadow High School

101 Carman Avenue East Meadow, N.Y. 11554

Salisbury School

718 The Plain Road Westbury, N.Y. 11590

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Educación convocará a una reunión extraordinaria en un plazo de veinticuatro horas después de la presentación ante la Secretaría del Distrito de un informe por escrito de los resultados de los votos con el fin de analizar y clasificar dichos informes de los resultados y declarar el resultado de la votación. Por el presente, y de acuerdo con la sección 2019-a, subdivisión 2b de la Ley de Educación, la Junta de Educación se designa a sí misma

como un grupo de presidentes de mesa para emitir y escrutar los votos durante dicha reunión extraordinaria de la Junta de Educación.

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN

Fecha: 7 de enero de 2026

Judy Kandel

Secretaría del Distrito 157804

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING EAST MEADOW UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, IN THE COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Education of the East Meadow Union Free School District, in the County of Nassau, New York, has adopted a resolution on January 7, 2026, authorizing a Special District Meeting of the qualified voters of said School District to be held on Thursday, March 5, 2026 from 7:00 o’clock A.M. to 9:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time), in each of the School Election Districts heretofore established, for the purpose of voting upon the following Bond Proposition: BOND PROPOSITION RESOLVED: (a) that the Board of Education of the East Meadow Union Free School District, in the County of Nassau, New York (the “District”), is hereby authorized to construct alterations and improvements to all District buildings and/or sites (the “Project”), substantially as described in a plan prepared for the District by JAG Architect P.C. (the “Plan”), which plan is on file and available for public inspection at the office of the District Clerk, such Project to include (as and where required): renovations to performing art centers and locker rooms; fire alarm, HVAC and audio visual system upgrades; construction of security vestibules and door hardware upgrades; interior renovations and athletic facility improvements, including the construction and/or replacement of synthetic turf fields, tennis courts, field house buildings and dugouts; field reconfiguration; replacement of

backstops, fencing, walkways and scoreboards; bleacher upgrades; installation of new playgrounds and field lighting; parking lot renovations; drainage upgrades and other improvements; the foregoing to include the original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus and ancillary or related site, demolition and other work required in connection therewith; and to expend therefor, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and to the financing thereof, an amount not to exceed $71,525,000; provided that the costs of the components of the Project as detailed in the plan may be reallocated among such components if the Board of Education shall determine that such reallocation is in the best interests of the District;

(b) that a tax is hereby voted therefor in the amount of not to exceed $71,525,000 to finance such cost, such tax to be levied and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as shall be determined by said Board of Education; and

(c) that in anticipation of said tax, bonds of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $71,525,000 and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable. Such Bond Proposition shall appear on the ballots used for voting at said Special District Meeting in substantially the following condensed form:

BOND PROPOSITION YES NO RESOLVED:

(a) That the Board of Education of the East Meadow Union Free School District, in the County of Nassau, New York (the “District”), is hereby authorized to construct alterations and improvements to District buildings and/or sites, substantially as described in a plan prepared for the District by JAG Architect P.C. and to expend therefor an amount not to exceed $71,525,000; (b) that a

tax is hereby voted therefor in the amount of not to exceed $71,525,000 to finance such cost, such tax to be levied and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as shall be determined by said Board of Education; and (c) that in anticipation of said tax, bonds of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $71,525,000 and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable.

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN the voting will be by paper ballot or by voting machines in the schoolhouses designated in each of the separate school election districts heretofore established and the polls will remain open for voting from 7:00 o’clock A.M. to 9:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time), and as much longer as may be necessary for all voters, then present, to cast their votes.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the voting at the Special District Meeting shall be held in accordance with the Rules for the Conduct of Meetings and Elections adopted by the Board of Education and applicable law.

NOTICE IS HEREBY FURTHER GIVEN that the boundaries of the following School Election Districts shall be as heretofore determined and published by the Board of Education and in place in each election district for registration and voting shall be as follows:

SCHOOL ELECTION

DISTRICT NO. 1. The qualified voters of School Election District No. 1 will vote at the Parkway Elementary School located at 465 Bellmore Road in said District. The boundaries of School Election District No. 1 are as follows:

Bounded on the North by HempsteadBethpage Turnpike; on the East by Wantagh State Parkway; on the South by North Jerusalem Road; on the West by East Meadow Avenue from the intersection of North Jerusalem Road to Lenox Avenue then northeast to Eighth Avenue east to Newbridge Road, then north to Hempstead Turnpike.

SCHOOL ELECTION

DISTRICT NO. 2. The qualified voters of School Election District No. 2 will vote at the McVey Elementary School located at 2201 Devon Street in said District. The boundaries of School Election District No. 2 are as follows: Bounded on the North by the south side of Hempstead Turnpike from the intersection of Merrick Avenue running easterly to the intersection of Newbridge Road. Bounded on the East by the west side of Newbridge Road from the intersection of Hempstead Turnpike running south to the intersection of Eighth Avenue. Bounded on the South by the north side of Eighth Avenue; running southwest to the intersection of Lenox Avenue and East Meadow Avenue; running northwest on East Meadow Avenue to number 604; running westerly to Maitland Street; running south to the north side of Lenox Avenue continuing southwest to the southerly ends of Benito, Patterson, Adelphi, Coakley and Albert Streets and the westerly ends of Sidney Place, Powers Avenue and Kevin Place going west to the eastside of Prospect Avenue at number 1530 and running northeast to the intersection of Chestnut Avenue, proceeding northwest on the northwest side of Chestnut Avenue to the intersection of Front Street, then running southwest on the north side of Front Street to the intersection of Merrick Avenue. Bounded on the West by the eastside of Merrick Avenue from the intersection of Front Street, running north to the intersection of Hempstead Turnpike.

SCHOOL ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 3. The qualified voters of School Election District No. 3 will vote at Barnum Woods Elementary School located at 500 May Lane in said District. The boundaries of School Election District No. 3 are as follows: Bounded on the North by Hempstead Turnpike from Meadowbrook Parkway to Merrick Avenue, southerly to the point of intersection of the south side of Front Street easterly to

Chestnut Avenue. Bounded on the East by the west side of Merrick Avenue running south from Hempstead Turnpike to Front Street to the south side of Front Street running northeast from Merrick Avenue to the west side of Chestnut Avenue from Front Street to Prospect Avenue to number 1489; then south including Marian Court, Dieman Lane, Flower Lane, Sherwood Drive, Andrea Road, the north ends of Cynthia, Wenwood and Bruce Drives, the west end of Cynron and Meadow Lanes and Midland Drive and the south side of Lenox Avenue proceeding east to East Meadow Avenue; continuing east on the west side of East Meadow Avenue from Lenox Avenue to Irving Place, south from number 604 East Meadow Avenue running south to North Jerusalem Road. Bounded on the South by North Jerusalem Road to the point of intersection of Ennabrock Road, including Ennabrock Road to North Jerusalem Road; west to Meadowbrook Parkway. Bounded on the West by Meadowbrook Parkway from North Jerusalem Road running north to Hempstead Turnpike.

SCHOOL ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 4. The qualified voters of School Election District No. 4 will vote at the Bowling Green Elementary School located at 2340 Stewart Avenue, Westbury, NY, in said District. The boundaries of School Election District No. 4 are as follows: Bounded on the North by Old Country Road to the point of intersection of the Wantagh State Parkway. Bounded on the East by the Wantagh State Parkway running south to the Oyster Bay Town Line and then east to Newbridge Road, running south on Newbridge Road to Twig Lane. Bounded on the South by Twig Lane, running west to the Wantagh State Parkway, then running south to the north side of Hearth Lane at Friends Lane proceeding west to the intersection of the west side of Carman Avenue, proceeding south to the north side

of Salisbury Park Drive and continuing on the north side of Salisbury Park Drive in a northerly direction from Stewart Avenue to Old Country Road.

SCHOOL ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 5. The qualified voters of School Election District No. 5 will vote at the Meadowbrook Elementary School located at 241 Old Westbury Road in said District. The boundaries of School Election District No. 5 are as follows:

Bounded on the North from the south side of Hearth Lane at Carman Avenue easterly to Wantagh Parkway; north to the Oyster Bay Town Line; easterly to the south side of Levittown Parkway to the intersection of Newbridge Road. Bounded on the East by the west side of Newbridge Road running south to Wantagh Parkway; continuing south on Wantagh Parkway to the intersection of Hempstead Turnpike. Bounded on the South by Hempstead Turnpike from the intersection of Wantagh Parkway running west to the intersection of Bly Road. Bounded on the West by Bly Road running north and east to Ava Drive; running north and east to Erma Drive; running south to Nottingham Road; running east (including Florence and Jane Courts) to the eastside of Carman Avenue running north to the intersection of Hearth Lane.

PERSONAL REGISTRATION OF VOTERS PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that all qualified voters of the School District must be registered in the School District Registration Books and/or in the Official List of Registered and Enrolled Voters for the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, issued by the Nassau County Board of Elections, in order to vote at the Special District Meeting on March 5, 2026. The following persons shall be eligible to vote: All persons who shall have presented themselves personally for registration in accordance with section two thousand fourteen (2014) of the Education Law and all persons who shall have been previously registered hereunder for any annual or

February 12, 2026 — EAST

Public Notices

special meeting or election and who shall have voted at any annual or special meeting or election held or conducted during the four calendar years prior to 2026 (i.e., 2022-2025).

In addition, all persons who are registered to vote pursuant to the provisions of section three hundred fifty-two (352) of the Election Law of the State of New York shall be eligible to vote. Registration of voters not previously registered and eligible to vote shall take place from February 6, 2026 through February 27, 2026, inclusive, on the days when school is in session, between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. and 4:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time), in the office of the District Clerk at the Salisbury School, 718 The Plain Road, Westbury, New York. Evening registration will be held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, in the main corridor of the Salisbury School between the hours of 7:00 o’clock P.M. and 8:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time). Registration of voters not previously registered and eligible to vote shall also take place on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, between the hours of 8:30 A.M. and 12:30 (Prevailing Time), at each of the five (5) election districts, locations as listed previously. The Board of Registration shall meet to prepare the Register of the School District on the dates and times above specified and any person shall be entitled to have their name placed upon such Register provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration, they are then or thereafter entitled to vote at the school meeting or election for which such register is prepared.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Register of Voters so prepared as aforesaid shall be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the District upon its completion where it shall be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. and 4:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time), on each of the five (5) days prior and including the day set

for the Special District Meeting, except Sunday, and on Saturday from 9:00 o’clock A.M. to 11:00 o’clock A.M. (Prevailing Time), by advance appointment only. Please contact Judy Kandel at 516-478-5735 if you wish to make an appointment.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that an application for an absentee or early mail ballot may be made at the Office of the District Clerk, Salisbury School, 718 The Plain Road, Westbury, NY 11590 no earlier than thirty (30) days before the date of the Special District Meeting. Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the Special District Meeting if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter and one (1) day before the Special District Meeting if the ballot is to be personally delivered to the voter or his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for an absentee or early mail ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application by no later than six (6) days before the date of the Special District Meeting.

Absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00

o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) on March 5, 2026. A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots shall have been issued will be available in said Office of the Clerk between the hours of 9:00

o’clock A.M. and 4:00

o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time), on each of the five (5) days prior to the date of the Special District Meeting and on the day set for the Special District Meeting, except Sunday, and on Saturday from 9:00 o’clock A.M. to 11:00 o’clock A.M. (Prevailing Time), by advance appointment only.

Please contact Judy Kandel at 516-478-5735 if you wish to make an appointment.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the School District.

Military voters who are qualified voters of the School District may

submit an application for a military ballot.

Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot.

Military voter registration and military ballot application forms must be received in the Office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) on February 6, 2026. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is returned by mail or in person and received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) on March 5, 2026.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR VOTING:

1. A person shall be a citizen of the United States.

2. Eighteen or more years of age.

3. A resident of the District for a period of thirty days or more next preceding the election at which he or she offers to vote.

4. Must be registered to vote.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that detailed information about the Bond Proposition will be available upon request to School District residents commencing February 23, 2026 at the office of the District Clerk at the Salisbury School, 718 The Plain Road, Westbury, N.Y.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that detailed information about the Bond Proposition may be obtained by any resident of the School District, upon request, in the offices of each of the schoolhouses in the District listed below, between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. and 4:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time), on each day other than a Saturday, Sunday or holidays commencing February 23, 2026. The detailed information about the Bond Proposition will also be available on the School District website.

Barnum Woods Elementary School 500 May Lane East Meadow, N.Y. 11554 Bowling Green Elementary School 2340 Stewart Avenue Westbury, N.Y. 11590 McVey Elementary

School

2201 Devon Street East Meadow, N.Y. 11554

Meadowbrook Elementary School

241 Old Westbury Road East Meadow, N.Y. 11554

Parkway Elementary School

465 Bellmore Road East Meadow, N.Y. 11554

Woodland Middle School

690 Wenwood Drive East Meadow, N.Y. 11554

W. Tresper Clarke Middle School 740 Edgewood Drive Westbury, N.Y. 11590

W. Tresper Clarke High School

740 Edgewood Drive Westbury, N.Y. 11590 East Meadow High School

101 Carman Avenue East Meadow, N.Y. 11554

Salisbury School

718 The Plain Road Westbury, N.Y. 11590

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Board of Education shall convene a special meeting thereof within twenty-four hours after the filing with the District Clerk of a written report of the results of the ballot for the purpose of examining and tabulating said reports of the results of the ballot and declaring the result of the ballot. The Board of Education hereby designates itself to be a set of poll clerks to cast and canvass ballots pursuant to Education Law Section 2019-a, subdivision 2b at said special meeting of the Board of Education.

BY THE ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION Dated: January 7, 2026

Judy Kandel District Clerk 157802

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

WILMINGTON TRUST, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR MFRA TRUST 2016-1, -againstVLADIMIR C. PUNTO

A/K/A VLADIMIR PUNTO, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on April 28, 2025, wherein WILMINGTON TRUST,

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR MFRA TRUST 2016-1 is the Plaintiff and VLADIMIR C. PUNTO A/K/A VLADIMIR PUNTO, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on February 23, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 839 WINTHROP DRIVE, EAST MEADOW, NY 11554; and the following tax map identification: 50-437-24.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDING AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT EAST MEADOW, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 611656/2021. Leslie Feifer, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 157942

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR OPTEUM MORTGAGE ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION, ASSETBACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-4, Plaintiff, AGAINST JESUS A. AVELARLEMUS, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on December 2, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the

North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 19, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 629 Oxford Street, Westbury, NY 11590. Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing.

All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Westbury, Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 0011, Block 00219-00 and Lot 00090-00094. Approximate amount of judgment $630,018.13 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #607755/2023. Steven M. Feinberg, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 157934

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 02/25/2026 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 107/26. EAST MEADOW - Delmara & Danielle Reece, Renewal of grant to maintain 2-family dwelling., S/s Lancaster St., 100’ W/o Stuyvesant Ave., a/k/a 2490 Lancaster St. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR

INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.

This notice is only for new cases in East Meadow within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo

Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 158334

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR MASTR ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES TRUST 2007-1 MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1, Plaintiff, Against KAREN JONES A/K/A KAREN B. JONES A/K/A KAREN B. LICHTENSTIEN, et al, Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 03/24/2023, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on 3/18/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 769 Van Buren Avenue, East Meadow, New York 11554, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at East Meadow, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 50 Block 436 Lot 4 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $765,254.16 plus

interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 601311/2019 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.

Peter Kramer, Esq., Referee.

(516) 510-4020

MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 1/14/2026 File Number: 16-301208 CA 158354

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

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

To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE

L&L Associates Holding Corp., Plaintiff -against Jean Claude Masson a/k/a Jean Claud Masson a/k/a JeanClaude Masson, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) The Frank Law Firm P.C. 71 New Street, Huntington New York 11743 (516) 246-5577

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered April 18, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 18, 2026 at 4:00 PM all that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being, and identified on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York. Premises known as Sec 11 Block 97, Lot 36-37. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 608029/2021 and the right of the United States of America to redeem within 120 from the date of sale. The foreclosure sale will be held, “rain or shine”. Beth Chamow, Esq., Referee 158283

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What do we do about cold spots in a new house?

Q. We are in our house for the first winter, and are noticing lots of cold spots. Our concern is pipes freezing. Is there anything we can do, temporarily, before spring comes, when we can open outside walls to see where insulation is missing? Also, we have a lot of creaking in the stairs and doors, and even just when the wind is howling. Is there anything we can do?

A. With freezing temperatures comes the reveal of lots of cold spots. As you stated, the biggest concern, immediately, is whether cold areas are near pipes, such as heat pipes or bathroom plumbing. Cold air outside will radiate cold to anything not protected, and if you see that the heat has dropped and the pipes feel cool or cold to touch, that should be the first place to start.

Sometimes people just add a jacket of pipe insulation, but this may worsen the problem in some instances, because the warmer interior air must reach the pipes to keep them from being jammed with ice from the cold-air exposure. In situations like this, it’s best to open the walls where the pipes have frozen and get the pipes warmed up. Don’t use anything with extreme heat or an open flame. A hair dryer may work, but be careful not to make the heat intense enough to start any kind of melting or scorching of the surrounding materials.

I once felt around heat pipes, found the specific spot by touch, and before heat could be applied, the pipe actually split right there in front of me. My plumber used an electric heat clamp to thaw the pipe before cutting the section and replacing it.

As for other parts of the house where it just feels chilled, check for visible gaps around windows, walk barefoot to feel the cool spots and make a list. Some may be almost unreachable without tearing out large sections of interior gypsum or plaster, while others may be able to be filled with insulation. I recommend blown-in cellulose instead of foam, because the foam may encase wires or pipes that later will take much more effort to remove.

Apply foam to areas you can see. Be careful not to use expanding foam in areas that will cause the materials around to move too much, such as around window frames, unless the windows and doors are tightly closed in the frame. Expanding foam will bow the door and window frames so that you can’t close doors and windows later.

This is a good time to use a silicone lubricant, adding a few drops to hinges of doors. The stairs need to be addressed with care, especially hardwood finished treads, so as to not damage them. If you can get under the stairs, try using construction glue at joints before moving on to screws. Only treated, finished nails, adhesive-coated, will work from above. Be prepared to match the wood finish over the tiny nail heads. Good luck!

© 2026 Monte Leeper

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

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There are better ways to resolve the immigration crisis

The raging debate over Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s policies and practices has potential long-term consequences for the nation that transcend the political partisanship of the moment. Let me say up front that I support ICE, and believe it serves an important national purpose. I also believe that constructive changes can be made in those policies and practices that will not undermine the agency’s underlying mission to enforce America’s immigration laws.

As a grandson of immigrants who grew up in an immigrant environment, I strongly support legal immigration, which I believe is the lifeblood of our nation and has made us unique in the world. I emphasize “legal” because, especially in today’s world of drug cartels and violent gangs, it is vital that we know who it is we are inviting to live among us. There is also the reality that a country without borders isn’t really a country. It is generally accepted that the Biden administration allowed at least 10 million immigrants to enter the country illegally. If only 1 percent of that number were bad actors, it would mean that at least 100,000 potential drug dealers,

sex traffickers and gang members are loose on our streets and in our neighborhoods.

Some historical perspective: President Obama determined that 5 million undocumented immigrants in the country constituted a crisis, and during his administration more than 3 million were deported. Not only was there little or no media hysteria about Obama’s reliance on ICE, but it was actually hailed.

ICNN, which now runs antiICE stories almost 24/7, not only supported ICE, but had star reporter Pamela Brown accompany ICE agents on raids as they broke into homes in a sanctuary city in the dark of night to apprehend undocumented immigrants.

tions in Minneapolis is a major step in that direction. Administration officials like Stephen Miller setting arbitrary quotas of apprehensions makes no sense and is inevitably counterproductive.

CE remains an essential component, but raids no longer need to be as extensive.

In dealing with Minneapolis, however, it must be noted that almost no other city or state where ICE is operating has seen these kinds of disturbances, primarily because other elected leaders, and local and state law enforcement, cooperate with ICE. At a minimum, that means keeping demonstrators from getting in the faces of ICE agents or interfering with their operations.

will be accepted and implemented. But I would strongly oppose any requirement that ICE agents remove their masks. Despite the hysterics of Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and others who shamelessly label ICE agents “Nazis” and “Gestapo,” wearing masks has become absolutely essential for them. There are well-organized, systematic efforts to identify and “dox” ICE agents and their families. In cases of their alleged improper actions, they can be identified for investigation by numbers on their uniforms.

While ICE remains an essential component of immigration enforcement, raids no longer need to be as extensive. President Trump’s strict border-enforcement policies have brought illegal immigration to the lowest levels in decades. It is virtually nonexistent.

While the law must be enforced, however, there is always room for reasonable discretion. There is no longer the need for dragnet-style raids. The time has come for a more surgical strategy, focusing almost entirely on criminal elements. Trump’s designation of border czar Tom Homan to oversee ICE opera-

Also, Minnesota, and Minneapolis, must agree to honor ICE detainers and turn over undocumented criminals in their prisons and jails before their release. This minimizes the possibility of fatal interactions. (It is slanderous and irresponsible for officials and critics to describe ICE agents as “murderers.” While investigations are ongoing, the reasonable interpretation of the multitude of videos we’ve all seen is that, at worst, there were heat-of-themoment reactions to unexpected incidents.)

Various “reforms” of ICE are being suggested, and I’m sure a number of them, such as the use of body cameras,

Now that the border is secure and the crisis is past, our elected officials should make reasonable immigration reforms. Those who are undocumented, but were brought to our country as children and have lived here for a specified period of time without incident, should be given a path to citizenship. There should be no attempts to track down undocumented people who are living here without bothering anyone. They should be urged to register and, after a certain period, be allowed to apply for residency.

It is to everyone’s benefit, and society’s gain, for people to be brought out from the shadows. With proper leadership and cooperation, we could be approaching a reasoned resolution of this divisive crisis.

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

Keep driverless cars off Long Island roads

Gov. Kathy Hochul recently announced that the state plans to test driverless forhire cars outside New York City. I’m a Long Island resident, and the idea of robot cars on our streets is scary. As a transportation professional with over 25 years of experience on the roadways of our communities, I know how extraordinarily unsafe a plan like this would make us. On Long Island, our cars are how life happens. Parents, kids, commuters and seniors are on the road every day, often navigating heavy traffic, construction and unpredictable weather. Spend five minutes on the Long Island Expressway at

rush hour, or near a busy school zone at the beginning or end of a school day, and it becomes clear why safety cannot be left to unproven technology.

And let’s be honest about what’s really going on here. The goal for these tech companies is New York City. Testing driverless cars just outside the city line is a sneaky way to move closer to that goal without facing the complexity, scrutiny and opposition that would come with starting in the city itself. In the meantime, Long Island is expected to carry the risks as the testing ground.

of the country. When you complicate that track record with a February snowstorm or a rainy evening rush hour here, the risks become obvious.

T he safety of so many drivers cannot be left to unproven technology.

Safety is where this proposal really starts to fall apart. Driverless cars have already stalled in traffic, blocked emergency vehicles, sped past school buses loading children and failed to handle basic roadway situations in other parts

And these risks aren’t just on paper — driverless cars are already hurting people. Reuters reported three weeks ago that a Waymo self-driving car hit a child during morning school drop-off near an elementary school in California. Federal regulators were investigating the incident, which raised serious questions about whether this technology can safely operate around children, parents and busy school zones. It should give every Long Island family pause.

The pressure behind the proposal to deploy more driverless cars is coming from powerful technology companies and executives like Elon Musk, who are focused on expanding their platforms

and opening new markets. Their priorities are driven by growth and investors’ demands, not by the realities of Long Island roads or the safety concerns of the families who live here.

Long Islanders tend to be practical. We care about safety, accountability and systems that work. Decisions that affect our roads and neighborhoods should reflect those values, not treat our communities as a steppingstone to somewhere else.

Governor Hochul should listen to the people who live and work here and understand these roads firsthand. Long Island should not be asked to bear unfair risks so that technology companies can inch closer to New York City. Transportation policy should put safety first. For Long Island, that means protecting our roads, our workers and the people who rely on them every day. We’re nobody’s guinea pigs.

Black History is Long Island history

every February, Black History Month arrives with familiar names and stories. We rightly honor the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman and other giants whose courage reshaped the nation. Their legacies deserve remembrance.

But for many people on Long Island, those stories might feel distant — heroic, yes, but abstract, having unfolded somewhere else, in another place at another time.

What often goes missing is the understanding that Black history did not only happen on the National Mall or in Southern courtrooms. It happened here. It happened in the neighborhoods we walk every day, in the schools our children attend, in churches tucked onto residential blocks, and in town halls where decisions quietly shaped who could live where, who could teach, who could lead and who could serve.

On Long Island, Black residents confronted segregated housing patterns long after the law said discrimination was over. Veterans returned home from fighting for democracy abroad only to find out that it did not fully extend to them in their own communities. Black educators pushed open doors in school districts where they were once excluded from classrooms except as students. Black churches became organizing centers, social safety nets and sources of political power when other institutions shut their doors.

King spoke at Rockville Centre’s South Side Junior High School — now

South Side Middle School — on March 26, 1968, just nine days before he was assassinated in Memphis. In his remarks, he spoke of poverty and injustice, and urged unity. People like Roslyn’s Hazel Dukes, who served as president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People from 1990 to 1992, made it their life’s work to combat pervasive housing discrimination in many of our communities.

These are not footnotes to history. They are history.

Local athletes who broke color barriers on high school fields, teachers who became the first Black faces in faculty rooms, small-business owners who built livelihoods despite limited access to credit, and community leaders who advocated for basic services all helped shape what our communities look like today. Their contributions did not always come with applause or recognition. Many are remembered only by those who lived through the changes, if they are remembered at all.

That absence matters. When history is presented only as something that happened “somewhere else,” it becomes easier to disconnect from it. It becomes symbolic rather than instructive.

But when Black history is grounded in familiar places — the elementary school you attended, the block where you grew up, the library or park you pass without a second thought — it becomes harder to ignore and easier to understand.

It also forces uncomfortable but necessary questions. Why do some figures

receive plaques and street names while others fade from memory? Why are certain struggles celebrated as defining moments, while local battles for fairness are overlooked? And what does it say about us if we fail to acknowledge the people who made our own communities more just, more open and more representative?

Black History Month should be an invitation to look closer, not just farther away. It should prompt school districts to examine whose stories are included in local curriculums. It should challenge libraries, historical societies and news organizations to document and elevate the experiences of Black residents who helped build these communities. It should encourage towns, villages and neighborhoods to ask whether public recognition truly reflects their full history.

This is not about diminishing national heroes. It is about completing the picture. National change is always the sum of local actions, people showing up to meetings, organizing neighbors, mentoring students, opening businesses and insisting on dignity in places where they were told to wait their turn.

For Black history to matter, it cannot live only in textbooks or documentaries. It must live where people live.

On Long Island, Black history did not unfold at a distance. It unfolded on our blocks, in our schools and in our town halls. Remembering that truth honors the past, helps us understand the present and reminds us that the next chapter of history is still being written, right here.

We can deliver affordability with a historic tax cut

new Yorkers don’t experience the state budget in billions and balance sheets. They feel it at the kitchen table — when the utility bill arrives, when rent jumps (again), when child care costs nearly as much as a mortgage, and when too much of every paycheck disappears before it ever reaches a savings account. The numbers tell the story families already know. New York ranks first in the nation in individual tax burden, second in total tax burden and fourth in property taxes. Endless regulations drive up the cost of housing, energy and doing business. Median home prices rank seventh nationally; auto insurance, third; health insurance, fifth; and the cost of child care is among the highest in the country.

Yet the governor’s $260 billion executive budget doubles down on the approach that created this crisis. State operating spending is set to grow 5.7 percent, pushing New York’s budget just above the combined size of Florida’s and Texas’s, even though those states have more than twice our population.

TDespite $17 billion in higher-thanexpected revenues, this plan treats the affordability crisis like a paper cut, a flimsy Band-Aid on a wound that demands real, lasting care.

To add to this, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani recently warned of a fiscal crisis worse than the Great Recession. His plan? More taxes and a bailout from Albany, using your dollars. Who’s going to start the next big job-creating business here with a 22 percent income tax rate? They won’t. They’ll go to Florida, Texas or North Carolina.

The Taxpayer Rescue Act would save the average New York family $5,000 per year.

Meanwhile, another report showed that the MTA, already receiving millions from the congestion pricing commuter tax, spent $1.5 billion on overtime — hundreds of millions over budget. Who pays? You do. This cycle of higher taxes, more spending and more regulations — while you get less — must stop.

Affordability doesn’t come from spending more. It comes from keeping government out of your pocket, letting you keep more of what you earn. That’s why I’ve introduced the Taxpayer Rescue Act, bold legislation that would deliver the largest personal income tax cut in state history. It would eliminate state income tax on the first $50,000 of

income for single filers, the first $75,000 for head-of-household filers and the first $100,000 for married couples. It would also lower the tax rate to 4 percent for middle-class earners and cap it at 5 percent below the millionaire threshold. Phased in over 10 years, it would provide $35 billion in tax relief, and save the average family $5,000 per year — without cutting funding for vital programs. Affordability also means lowering everyday costs driven by Albany’s mandates and overregulation. Taxes, fees and surcharges can account for 25 to 50 percent of utility bills. Regulations can add tens of thousands of dollars to the cost of building a single-family home. Child care costs force parents to choose between careers and care. These are policy choices — and they can be reversed.

Affordability also means ending Albany’s habit of reaching deeper into family budgets whenever spending gets out of control. That’s why I’ve sponsored legislation that would require a two-thirds supermajority vote to raise any tax, fee or surcharge. It would force bipartisan consensus, curb reckless tax hikes and finally bring accountability to a system that too often treats taxpayers as an unlimited revenue source.

I’m proud to have joined my Senate Republican conference in a series of affordability roundtables across the state, hearing from residents about the challenges they face every day. We hear you, and we’re taking action. We recently unveiled our affordability agenda: exempting tips and overtime from state income tax, freezing property taxes for three years, cutting bureaucratic red tape, returning nearly $1 billion in unused energy funds to ratepayers, slashing private water company bills by up to 30 percent, offering utility tax holidays, reducing costly housing mandates, and strengthening child care support with full funding, a $1,000 “baby bonus” and staffing flexibility for child care centers. If history repeats itself, this budget will only grow beyond $260 billion. Albany Democrats can’t seem to stop spending your hard-earned tax dollars. That’s why the Senate Republican conference will go line by line, calling out waste and fighting to hold the line for taxpayers. Saving New York means changing course. It means cutting taxes, lowering everyday costs, reducing regulations and putting working families first. Real affordability isn’t about bigger budgets — it’s about giving New Yorkers the freedom to build a future they can truly afford. I will keep fighting to make that a reality.

Steve Rhoads represents the 5th State Senate District.

Thirty days of the good, the bad and the ugly

he year 2025 was a dizzying one for all Americans. So many things happened in Washington that it would take about 50 pages of the Herald to walk readers through every one. Rather than take on that project, I prefer to write about January, and how we were impacted by the news of the month. I declare January the month of the good, the bad and the ugly.

Of the good things that happened, I’ll focus on the Cinderella story of Indiana University football quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Every time I think about him and his accomplishments, I can’t help but smile. If you love an example of perfection, Mendoza is exactly that. It starts with his decision to enroll at Indiana, which was roundly criticized by all of his supporters. Why would you go to a school that has never won a national championship? But Mendoza defied the taunts and joined that muchmaligned Hoosiers team.

Then, with smarts and determination, he guided the team to a 16-0 season and a national championship. He won the coveted Heisman Trophy and charmed all of America with his mature and impressive interviews. His displays of love for his wheelchair-bound mother were touching and memorable.

So the Mendoza story tops the good. The decision to send thousands of ICE and border-patrol agents to Minneapolis definitely tops January’s bad news. The Trump administration’s actions were poorly handled by Kristi Noem, the secretary of homeland security. Her instant labeling of Alex Pretti, the second Minnesotan shot by ICE agents, as a “domestic terrorist” was a reckless reaction to the death of a U.S. citizen with no criminal record.

crowds of protesters. The 600 members of the Minneapolis police force, who handled the George Floyd demonstrations, were the best people to deal with such a crisis, but they were bypassed.

F rom Fernando Mendoza to Alex Pretti to federal buildings in Philadelphia.

The White House staff, headed by close Trump adviser Stephen Miller, bungled every stage of the Pretti shooting, and poured more gasoline on the fire by labeling him an “assassin.” Miller and Noem were the wrong people to juggle a political crisis, and every step they took proved it. President Trump, who ordered the mass invasion into Minneapolis, was eventually forced to say he wanted to “de-escalate” the situation, but he’s stuck with the optics of a horrible event.

any references to slavery in numerous federal facilities.

The attempts to erase this sad chapter of American history are part of the run-up to the July Fourth observation of the nation’s 250th anniversary. Apparently, some people in the White House have decided that we must reflect only on the happy things that have happened during the past 250 years, but slavery is part of our history, and it can’t be wiped away. There are people who promote the idea that the Holocaust never happened, which is why we observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day each year.

The idea of drowning a major American city with thousands of law enforcement agents never made sense to begin with. Ask any respected police official about how the situation in Minneapolis was handled and he or she will tell you that the vast majority of the officers sent there were not trained to handle

There are so many things I could classify as ugly, but one stands out, because it has largely escaped public attention. A few weeks ago, a group of federal employees in Philadelphia were captured on local television removing historical materials relating to the history of slavery. This on top of media reports that the administration is taking a number of measures to eliminate

It’s hard to predict what the next 11 months are going to be like in our nation’s capital. There’s new evidence every day of our bitter partisan divide. The president’s postings on social media are often inflammatory. The tone that dominates the daily news is depressing. I wish there were a little more happy talk in our political world, but that, as Shakespeare said, is devoutly to be wished.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.