Lynbrook/East Rockaway Herald 04-16-2026

East Rockaway to host forum on proposed realignment

The East Rockaway School District will host a community forum on Thursday, at 7 p.m., at the East Rockaway Junior/ Senior High School to discuss a proposed realignment plan. The plan would reorganize elementary schools by grade, with one serving K–3 and the other grades 4–6, impacting the Centre Avenue and Rhame Avenue schools. The evening will include a presentation and Q&A session, and residents are encouraged to attend or watch via livestream on the district’s YouTube channel. Above and right, Centre Avenue’s first day of school last September.

Ravens build dynasty in flag football

By SEAN KENNEDY Correspondent

Members of local youth flag football team can accurately describe themselves as a dynasty, having won their third league championship in four years.

Coaches Lenny Hernandez and Michael Molinari led the Lynbrook-based Hometown Boys Ravens to a divisional title in the HTB&G Flag Football League on March 29 with a talented seventh-grade squad.

“I’m so happy for this team — they all give tremendous amounts of effort,” Hernandez said.

steer clear of the potential contact-related injuries that come with tackle football. Flag football has even become an Olympic sport, set to debut at the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles.

“Injuries can happen, but the risk is much less,” Hernandez said. “In a sport like this, we’re able to remain active and competitive, and from a cognitive and mental perspective, you want to keep those competitive juices flowing.”

’m so happy for this team — they all give tremendous amounts of effort.

lENNY HERNANDE z Ravens co-coach

“The camaraderie and togetherness of this team is off the charts.”

The South Shore-based league gives children and teens from kindergarten through high school the chance to play an alternative to contact sports. In addition to the Ravens, teams also represent Bellmore, Merrick, Seaford and Wantagh.

Flag football has grown in popularity dramatically over the past decade, as athletes

For the Ravens, the sport, whose six-week season in the HTB&G league ends in March, also serves as an opportunity to maintain the competitive spirit in between other sports seasons. Many players on the team are multi-sport athletes.

“It’s a group of competitive boys,” Hernandez added. “They picked up the sport very easily, and have developed the agility, acumen, fundamentals and game IQ that make them so successful.”

Continued on page 3

Zucker School of Medicine earns top ranking

The Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell has been recognized among the nation’s top medical schools for research, earning a Tier 2 designation in the 2026 Best Graduate Schools rankings released by U.S. News & World Report.

The school ranked among the top three in New York and in the top half of medical schools nationwide for research excellence, according to the report.

The recognition comes amid a challenging funding climate for medical research, including reductions in grants from the National Institutes of Health. Research activity now accounts for 60 percent of a school’s overall ranking in the U.S. News methodology, making federal funding levels a critical factor.

Despite those pressures, the Zucker School of Medicine has maintained a strong research performance, supported by its academic programs and institutional partnerships.

U.S. News evaluates research-focused medical schools based on faculty resources, funding and the strength of training programs for physician-scientists. At Zucker, MD/PhD and PhD programs emphasize the study of human disease, translational research and applying scientific discoveries in patient care.

A key component of the school’s research environment is its partnership with Northwell Health, the state’s largest health care provider. The affiliation gives students access to an extensive clinical network, diverse patient populations and advanced research facilities.

“We are incredibly proud that our dedication to impactful research has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report, amidst federal funding challenges,” said David Battinelli, the Deborah and Lawrence Smith dean of the medical school. “This recognition is a testament to our commitment to pioneering discovery.”

Battinelli said students “benefit tremendously” from research opportunities across Northwell’s system, includ-

ing the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, as well as collaborations with institutions such as Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

Since opening 15 years ago, the Zucker School of Medicine has built a reputation for hands-on learning, innovative programming and a strong emphasis on research. Graduates have gone on to match into competitive specialties, including surgery, cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery, as well as primary care fields such as internal medicine, pediatrics and family medicine.

According to a nationwide survey conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges, program directors report that Zucker graduates consistently exceed national expectations in professionalism, clinical skills and systems-based practice.

More information about the school and its research programs is available on its website.

Ravens’ teamwork fuels championship season

During the coronavirus pandemic, flag football became an option because it is mostly a non-contact sport. “They had eliminated tackle football for the season,” Hernandez said of the height of Covid-19, in 2020. The flag football league was created in 2021. “We just wanted something that allowed us to still compete. One of the few sports that were allowed to continue during that time was flag football.”

Six years and three trophies later, the team is no less determined to continue their winning ways.

“The hard work and drive that all these kids have is truly unbelievable,” Molinari said. “The drive and effort allow them to be so much better than everyone else.”

The journey to the Ravens’ latest championship did not come without adversity. Last season, the team was dominant throughout the regular season — just like it always had been — but lost the Panthers in the championship game in a last-second heartbreaker.

“We lost 14-12, and it had been our first loss in about 30 games,” Hernandez said. “It was difficult. I didn’t see a dry eye at the end of that game.”

But the team was as determined as ever to recapture its divisional title.

“We said to ourselves, we’re going to come in this year more focused, more fired up, and tighten the closeness and togetherness of the team,” Hernandez said. “We were on a mission. They trusted each other, they leaned on one another, and they played as a team.”

In the championship game, at Cedar Creek Park in Seaford, the Ravens played the Titans, a team they hadn’t faced all season. The Ravens took control with a two-touchdown lead at halftime, and held it until the end, winning 24-7.

the Lynbrook-based ravens, of the HtB&g flag football League, won their third title in four years. from left were coach mike molinari, matthew gutierrez, Jake Weinman, Christian polanco, Westley Hernandez, owen Hernandez, Joe molinari, austin Halstead, Jack mastriano, tommy norman, drew dehmer, matthew Krakauskas, Brody perceval, michael LoCascio and coach Lenny Hernandez.

“We were happy about all of our hard work and talent that we put into winning,” Ravens player Owen Hernandez, the coach’s son, said. “It was a fight, but we were glad that we came through.”

While each championship trophy lifted is an added accomplishment for the Ravens, for the coaches, the true rewards are the lessons of hard work and camaraderie that bond the team together.

“I want these kids to know that their hard work and

dedication pay offs,” Molinari said. “These kids work so hard, and they prove it year in and year out.”

Hernandez hopes the championship moments will last a lifetime for his players.

“It’s about looking back and having these fond memories, and walking away with a quality skill set that can help you through life,” he said. “That’s what I want most [for these kids], more than anything.”

NCJW to host screening of film ‘The Barn’

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

The National Council of Jewish Women Peninsula Section is expanding its efforts to bring Holocaust education into classrooms and communities with a special virtual screening of the documentary “The Barn” later this month.

Led by Holocaust Education Chair Pnina Knopf, the Lawrence-based organization is offering middle schools, high schools, religious institutions and community groups the opportunity to view the film free of charge. The initiative, Knopf said, reflects both the organization’s long-standing mission and the growing need to confront misinformation.

“We’ve been around over 87 years, and we serve the local community right here in Lawrence,” Knopf said. “We want students to really feel it not just learn it. Programs like this help them understand where hate can lead.”

The April 28 Zoom program will begin at 10 a.m. and feature filmmaker Rachel Kastner, who will join participants virtually from Israel. Kastner, the granddaughter of Holocaust survivors, began working on the film as a teenager, driven by a sense of responsibility to preserve her family’s story.

“I believe in the power of storytelling and documentary film to achieve this, and I am very moved to have many educators across the US are showing “The Barn” to their classrooms this year,” Kastner said.

That responsibility is at the heart of “The Barn”, which follows Kastner and her grandfather as they return to the remote Ukrainian town where he survived

Courtesy Pnina Knopf the national Council of Jewish Women peninsula Section is showing a virtual screening of the documentary “the Barn”, on april 28. above is a drawing of rachel Kastner’s grandfather’s hideout in a barn during the Holocaust.

the Holocaust, hidden in a bunker beneath a barn for more than a year. The film, which premiered at the International Miami Jewish Film Festival in 2019, has since reached audiences worldwide and is increasingly being used as an educational tool.

“Beyond teaching the basic requirements of the history curriculum for this chapter of history of WWII and the Holocaust, I greatly appreciate educators who find ways to ensure students truly absorb the moral

takeaways and lessons of the Holocaust,” Kastner added. “Especially amidst the rise of antisemitism and Holocaust denial, as well as xenophobia that extends to other minorities.”

Following the screening, Kastner will participate in a live question-and-answer session, giving students and participants the opportunity to engage directly with both the history and the filmmaking process.

The program is being presented with the support of community partners: Trinity-St. John’s Church, Hewlett-East Rockaway Jewish Centre, the Marion & Aaron Gural JCC, Sid Jacobson JCC, Temple Am Echad and Congregation Etz Chaim. This reflects a broader effort to bring diverse groups together around Holocaust education and remembrance.

Educators who have previously participated say the experience resonates deeply. Kaitlin GaNun, principal at Lynbrook South Middle School described the film as “a moving story,” pointing to the powerful bond between Kastner and her grandfather and its impact on students.

“It is such a moving story and the love Rachel, and her grandfather shared is so special, we should all be so lucky to have a relationship like they did,” GaNun said. “I look forward to keeping this story alive in our community for years to come.”

GaNun’s school is already signed up for the presentation with a minimum of 100 students attending.

“Facts matter, but stories stay with you,” Knopf said. “If even one student walks away and chooses to speak up against hate, then this program has done its job.”

To register for the viewing, visit https://tinyurl. com/fm8fye2d.

Lynbrook firefighters tackle attic blaze on

Lynbrook firefighter Trevor Gass, of Truck Company, is covered in insulation after performing overhaul duties with fellow firefighters following an attic fire at a home on Tottenham Road on Monday.

Lynbrook DWI arrest for fence crash

A 28-year-old man was arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated after crashing through a homeowner’s fence in Lynbrook early Sunday morning, according to police.

Lynbrook police responded to a call at 3:03 a.m. for an auto accident near 332 Broadway. Upon arrival, officers observed a vehicle that had veered off the roadway, crashed through a fence along Broadway and ended up in the backyard of a home on Lennox Place.

Police said the driver was seen crawling out of the wreckage and attempting to flee the scene in front of 316 Broadway. Officers reported detecting the odor of alcohol on his breath and said

he appeared intoxicated.

Following an on-scene investigation, the man was arrested and transported to Nassau County Police Headquarters for further testing.

“We received multiple calls about the crash, and our officers responded immediately,” Lynbrook Police Chief Brian Paladino said. “When they arrived, they observed the driver exiting the vehicle and attempting to leave the scene. Based on their investigation at the scene, it was clear he was intoxicated, and they took appropriate action to ensure the safety of our community.”

—Kayla Dechter

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By LILY SPINDA CORRESPONDENT

On the ground floor of the Atria Tanglewood, a senior living facility in Lynbrook, Leon and Rita Vilinsky celebrated their 75th wedding anniversary.

The surprised couple walked into the ballroom — a packed room of residents and staff on April 8. A two-tier wedding cake, adorned with white roses and “Happy 75th Anniversary” in gold cursive, and a black-and-white photo from their wedding day in 1951 was displayed on stretched canvas.

When Atria Tanglewood’s Engage Life Director Julianne Bertini learned of their milestone, she immediately started planning a special moment for them. She reached out to the Vilinsky’s family, invited Rabbi Jill Kaplan of Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David in Rockville Centre to give a blessing, and contacted friends from their temple to join them.

“I have been in senior living for over 13 years and I’ve never seen a couple make it to 75 years of marriage,” Bertini said. She knew this extraordinary event “had to be big, memorable and rare.”

The Brooklyn-native couple grew up a street away from each other in Bensonhurst but didn’t meet until they locked eyes at a dance hosted by their alma mater CUNY Brooklyn College.

Leon recalled knowing it was love after their first date, when Rita fell asleep on his shoulder during the bus ride back home. Soon after, they tied the knot as the Vilinsky’s on April 7, 1951. Leon was 23 and Rita 20.

However, their love was paused momentarily when Leon was deployed to Korea, just a year into their marriage. During that time, Rita learned her secret to love: patience. She waited for Leon to return and after three years, they reunited and have been together ever since, raising three children, welcoming several grandchildren, and

building a life filled with Long Island memories.

“First of all, I don’t think I ever expected to live this long. It’s been a wonderful life,” Rita said.

For Leon and Rita, it was not an easy decision to move to Atria after living in their Lynbrook home of 62 years. It was an adjustment for the couple, but after two years, they have found a routine and a place of comfort in their new home.

“It’s not like being in your own home, it’s different but it’s been good. And I hope that the years that we have left, we can enjoy them,” she said.

The celebration began with blessings from Kaplan, who has been a spiritual leader at Atria for the past 15 years.

“It’s nice when temple members are residents here because there’s a continuity for them [so] they won’t feel like ‘I’m in this strange, weird place’,” she said.

During the blessing, Leon and Rita sat underneath a chuppah, a traditional canopy that symbolizes the home that a Jewish bride and groom build together. It represents a foundation of love and prosperity.

Diamond anniversaries of marriage, are exceptionally rare with little data recorded by the U.S. Census Bureau. But the secret to such longevity is simple to Leon and Rita.

“You respect each other, and if there’s a rough spot, just make sure it doesn’t last too long,” Leon said. “You can’t carry any baggage.”

Rita agreed. “If you have an argument, you got to make up before you go to bed,” she said. “Just before the day is over, make amends … and go to sleep with a clear head.”

For Leon and Rita, celebrating 75 years of marriage is more than a milestone. It’s a testament to their lifetime of love, resilience, and partnership.

“We’ve been spending many years together, it’s been a good life. Being on Long Island is one of the best places to live,” Leon said.

BRIAN FALK

SEAFORD Senior Lacrosse

A DYNAMIC THREE-SPORT athlete who helped Seaford’s football team to the Nassau Conference IV championship and the basketball team to a deep run in the Class A playoffs, Falk is one of the most talented lacrosse players in the county. He shared the Herald’s 2026 Lacrosse Preview cover with West Hempstead’s Elizabeth Poirot. Bound for Villanova, Falk racked up 25 goals and 18 assists a year ago and earned All-County honors.

games to watch

Thursday, April 16

Boys Lacrosse: Glen Cove at Freeport 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Uniondale at Clarke 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Hewlett at Baldwin 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: MacArthur at Mepham 5 p.m.

Baseball: Seaford at Lynbrook 5

Baseball: Oceanside at East Meadow

Baseball: Farmingdale at Massapequa 5 p.m.

Softball: Kennedy at East Meadow 5 p.m.

Softball: V.S. North at Baldwin 5 p.m.

Softball: Plainedge at Farmingdale 5 p.m.

Softball: Hewlett at South Side 5 p.m.

Friday, April 17

Baseball: MacArthur at Hewlett 5 p.m.

Baseball: South Side at Kennedy 5 p.m.

Softball: Freeport at West Hempstead 5 p.m.

Softball: Oceanside at Mepham 5 p.m.

Softball: Lawrence at East Rockaway 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Lynbrook at South Side 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Plainedge at Lynbrook 5 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Long Beach at Farmingdale 6 p.m.

Saturday, April 18

Girls Lacrosse: V.S. District at Sewanhaka 10 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Uniondale at East Meadow 1 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

Lynbrook steamrolls to 5-1 start

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

Lynbrook won a dozen softball games last spring but lost its last four, including a shutout defeat at the hands of Wantagh in the Nassau Class A quarterfinals.

Now, with the improved arm of sophomore Jamie Deitch leading the way, the Owls are looking to soar higher.

In six Conference 5 games, Deitch has struck out 55 batters while allowing fewer than 15 hits as Lynbrook broke out of the gate with a 5-1 record, falling only to Valley Stream Central.

Deitch was dominant again last Saturday in a 13-1 win at Lawrence, striking out 15 and allowing just one hit against a Golden Tornadoes’ lineup missing a few key pieces after producing a combined 14 runs in the first two games.

“Jamie is one of the hardest-working kids I’ve ever coached,” said Lynbrook coach Tom Frawley, who began coaching Nassau County high school softball 40 years ago. “She only pitched one game last year,” he added. “She’s off to a great start and she’s only going to get better considering how dedicated she is.”

Deitch, eighth-grade battery mate Scarlett Crane and sophomore shortstop Kamila DeJesus all homered at Lawrence and combined for 10 hits with DeJesus going 4-for-5. “It’s been a total team effort,” said Frawley, who coached the Golden Tornadoes from 2014-2020.

“We’ve been pretty consistent.”

Like Deitch, Lawrence senior pitcher Addison Watson, who struck out nine, had made tremendous strides since last spring, coach Craig

Mannhart said.

“Addison is one of our senior leaders along with Hailey [Brancaccio] and Kelley [Orellana],” he said. “Her command in the circle is like night and day compared to last season. She’s more confident and keeping us competitive in every game.”

Brancaccio plays first base and bats third. Orelanna moved to shortstop from second base and hits in the 2-hole. There’s also speedy center fielder Eliana Perez and left fielder Roselyn Monzon.

“We just want to compete every single game,” said Mannhart, who guided Lawrence to a 5-6-1 mark a year ago.

Lynbrook’s offense produced double digits in runs for the fifth time in as many victories. Seniors Angelia Macchia (third base) and Daniella Inserra (first base) follow DeJesus in the lineup and help set the tone.

In a 14-2 win over Freeport March 30, Macchia went 4-for-4 and scored three times. Inserra homered in a 10-3 victory over East Rockaway April 7. Another senior, outfielder Brianna Lubrano, was 3-for-3 with a pair of RBIs in a 12-0 win over Jericho March 27.

Crane is batting clean-up, followed by Deitch.

“Scarlett excelled at the Junior High level and had all the credentials to be on varsity this season,” Frawley said of Crane. “She has a lot to do with how much we’ve been scoring.”

The Owls and Golden Tornadoes meet again May 1 at Lynbrook. Up next for the Owls is Valley Stream South on the road this Friday at 4:30 p.m. Lawrence visits East Rockaway at 5 p.m.

Adelphi business school rises up on Long Island

Adelphi University’s Robert B. Willumstad School of Business ranked first among Long Island institutions in the 2026 Poets & Quants Best Undergraduate Business Schools ranking, the university announced March 23.

Adelphi climbed 17 spots, from No. 102 in 2025 to No. 85 this year, marking the largest increase among all colleges and universities included in the ranking. The improvement was driven in part by gains in career outcomes, which rose from No. 103 to No. 79, and admissions standards, which increased from No. 97 to No. 83, according to Poets & Quants.

The publication evaluates undergraduate business programs nationwide using a composite index that includes surveys of alumni two years after graduation, as well as school-reported data on admissions, academic experience and employment outcomes.

Adelphi officials pointed to the school’s Willumstad Winning Edge program as a key factor in the rankings jump. The two-course sequence pairs each student with faculty and career-readiness advisers while emphasizing hands-on professional experience and career preparation.

“While we are extremely proud of this ranking, it is what is behind the ranking that really sets Adelphi apart,” said MaryAnne Hyland, dean of the Willumstad School of Business, in a press release sent to the Herald. “Our commitment to student success is reflected in high alumni satisfaction and strong internship and job placement rates that give our students the competitive edge necessary to thrive in today’s economy.”

Hyland added that recent graduates have reported high satisfaction with their experience, and that the school’s focus on career readiness has contributed to improved internship and job placement outcomes.

The recognition comes as Adelphi prepares to expand its business offerings in New York City. Later

this spring, the university will open a new Manhattan Center at 529 Fifth Ave., near Grand Central Terminal. The three-floor, 51,000-square-foot facility is designed to serve working professionals seeking advanced degrees or certifications.

Beginning this fall, the Manhattan Center will offer

Open House Sunday, April 19 at 1PM

With over 150 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs and championship NCAA Division II teams, Molloy is where you’ll learn with purpose

Our career-focused programs in healthcare, education, business and arts and sciences

See why we’re Long Island’s top-ranked private university.

Rex Heuermann pleads guilty in Gilgo case

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com

Rex Heuermann admitted in Suffolk County Court last week to being the Gilgo Beach serial killer, and to murdering seven women whose remains were found along Ocean Parkway between 1993 and 2011.

Heuermann said on April 8 that he strangled Melissa Barthelemy, Maureen Brainard-Barnes, Amber Lynn Costello, Sandra Costilla, Valerie Mack, Jessica Taylor and Megan Waterman. He also admitted to killing Karen Vergata, who disappeared in 1996. Her remains were found later on Fire Island and near Tobay Beach.

“When Rex decided that he wanted to accept responsibility and didn’t want to proceed the trial, from a defense standpoint, we then pivoted and did our best to protect his interest,” Michael Brown, Heuermann’s attorney, said. “That included the fact that he’s going to cooperate with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Behavioral Analysis Unit.”

Heuermann is expected to be sentenced to three consecutive terms of life in prison without the possibility of parole for the murders of Barthelemy, Costello and Waterman. He is also expected to receive four consecutive sentences of 25 years to life for the killings of Brainard-Barnes, Costilla, Mack and Taylor. Sentencing is scheduled for June 17.

Brown stated that with this new plea, Heuermann will face no further prosecution.

Asa Ellerup, Heuermann’s ex wife, attended the hearing with their daughter, Victoria Heuermann, and attorney Robert Macedonio.

“Rex Heuermann, and Rex Heuermann alone, is responsible for these horrific crimes,” Macedonio

said. “Any suggestion that Asa Ellerup and Victoria Heuermann were involved is irresponsible. They have no knowledge, no involvement or any connection to these heinous acts.”

“My thoughts are prayers are with the victims and their families,” Ellerup said. “Their loss is immeasurable, and the focus should be on them. I ask that you give some privacy to my family as they navigate this very difficult time.”

In January, Heuermann appeared before state Supreme Court Justice Timothy Mazzei, and his attorneys filed a 178-page omnibus motion seeking multiple forms of legal relief, including dismissal of a second-degree murder charge in the 1993 death of Costilla and a review of grand jury minutes.

He had previously pleaded not guilty, and his attorneys mounted a broad challenge to the prosecution’s case. At earlier court proceedings, the defense focused on disputing key forensic evidence, particularly DNA analysis that prosecutors said linked Heuermann to the victims.

Defense attorneys argued that the testing methods and conclusions should be closely examined, raising questions about how the evidence was collected and interpreted. They also challenged other elements of the investigation, signaling an effort to weaken the case and prepare for a potential trial.

Prosecutors maintained that the evidence was strong, citing DNA findings, cellphone data and years of investigative work that led to Heuermann’s arrest.

In September, Mazzei ruled that Heuermann would face one trial for all seven of the alleged murders.

Additional reporting by Carolyn James.

Seven women were killed between 1993 and 2010. Their remains found near Gilgo Beach and Ocean Parkway.

Rex Heuermann admitted to killing the following women:

Melissa Barthelemy — strangled July 10, 2009.

Maureen Brainard-Barnes — strangled July 9, 2007.

Amber Lynn Costello — strangled Sept. 2, 2010.

Sandra Costilla — strangled Nov. 19, 1993.

Valerie Mack — strangled and dismembered between Sept. 1 and Nov. 1, 2000.

Jessica Taylor — strangled and dismembered around July 23, 2003.

Megan Waterman — strangled June 6, 2010.

Heuermann also admitted to killing:

Karen Vergata — disappeared in 1996; remains found later on Fire Island and near Tobay Beach.

–Heuermann allocution

Blakeman looks to curtail NIFA’s oversight

By CHRIS COLUCCI ccolucci@liherald.com

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the Republican nominee for governor, held a news conference last week to laud the county’s budget surplus and financial stability. Blakeman also called for an end to the strict oversight of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, which was created in 2000 to monitor county finances.

“We are calling on NIFA to basically transfer from being a control authority to an advisory authority,” Blakeman said on April 10. “NIFA costs county taxpayers approximately $3 million a year in administrative expenses. That money is unnecessary. It is not doing anything to help our fiscal status.”

The $3 million cost Blakeman cited is a rough estimate of the combined salaries of the five NIFA committee members. The committee has had oversight of county spending since 2011.

“We will do everything necessary to make sure that we are no longer burdened in a control period that is completely unnecessary, unwarranted and, quite frankly, not according to the law,” Blakeman added.

Richard Kessel, chairman and director of NIFA, delivered a direct rebuttal, saying, “The only reason the county budget is balanced is that it got over $200 million in federal funding during

Covid, and it’s using that money and other reserves to balance and to hide what is a deficit.” In 2024, Blakeman’s administration moved more than $220 million received from federal pandemic aid into the county’s general fund.

Blakeman noted recent county prosperity — including seven bond upgrades in the past three and a half years and gross economic output that he described as larger than that of nearly 150 mem-

bers of the United Nations — before addressing the potential for a political slant to NIFA’s financial control.

“NIFA has been a political machine, governed by [Gov.] Kathy Hochul,” he said. “She wants to control every aspect of our business here in Nassau County, just like she has throughout the state of New York.”

Blakeman said that State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, a Democrat, has

declared that the county has no fiscal stress. And County Comptroller Elaine Phillips, a Republican, emphasized Nassau’s financial health despite rising costs statewide. “In 2024 to 2025, we saw almost a $5 million increase in health insurance costs,” Phillips said, “[and] a 23 percent increase in our pension costs.”

Phillips commended Blakeman’s decision not to raise county taxes for the entirety of his four-year tenure, and added that NIFA’s shift to an advisory role would be appropriate. “I wholly support that NIFA does not keep us in a control period,” she said.

County Treasurer David Chiang also voiced support for reduced NIFA oversight while stressing the county’s current financial position. “Nassau County is in the best fiscal shape it’s ever been in,” he said. “Without cutting services, we have maintained our service level while keeping revenues stable. Our expenses have been going down. We have budget surpluses.”

“Bruce Blakeman has no authority to decide whether there’s a control period in effect,” Kessel said. “It’s our position that a control period is absolutely necessary, and we will continue it going forward. It’s up to us to decide whether or not to decide to have a control period. If he doesn’t comply with it, we’ll take the appropriate action at the appropriate time.”

Marion Street students promote empathy

Students at Marion Street School in the Lynbrook school district marked Autism Acceptance Month on April 1 with a walk and hands-on activities focused on inclusion, empathy and understanding.

Wearing blue and carrying messages of acceptance, students walked around the school track to show support for individuals with autism. Fifth graders from the No Place for Hate Student Committee led the effort, guiding their peers in conversations about how to create a more welcoming and respectful school community.

After the walk, students took part in interactive learning stations that explored different aspects of the autism spectrum. Through the activities and discussions, students learned about diverse ways people communicate and experience the world, while building skills in empathy, kindness and inclusion across grade levels.

— Jeffrey Bessen

Students learn train safety from the LIRR

Kindergarten and first grade students at Centre Avenue School learned how to stay safe around trains during an assembly led by Chrisann Fabio, a representative from the Long Island Rail Road.

Students were taught nine key safety rules, including staying close to adults, standing behind the yellow platform line, crossing tracks only at designated areas and never going around lowered crossing gates. They also learned the importance of not distracting train engineers, avoiding tunnels and bridges, and keeping objects off the tracks.

Through the lesson, students gained a better understanding of how to recognize potential dangers near trains and how to make safe choices in and around stations and crossings.

The program concluded with a screening of the animated film “The Adventures of Sly Fox and Birdie,” which reinforced the safety messages. Students also received pencils to take home as reminders of the safety lessons.

Kindergarten and first grade students at Centre Avenue School take part in a train safety assembly led by LIRR representative Chrisann Fabio. Fifth graders on the No Place for Hate Student Committee led a meaningful discussion with other Marion Street Elementary School students.

PSEG Long Island supports small businesses

Business

First workshop, with topics ranging from billing to electric vehicles, scheduled for May 6

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

To mark Small Business Week, May 3-9, PSEG Long Island will host a Business First Workshop to support small businesses across the region.

The workshop is scheduled for May 6, from 9 to 11 a.m., at the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management, at 510 Grumman Road West in Bethpage, commonly referred to as the old Grumman building. The event is intended to bring together business owners and PSEG Long Island representatives to share information about programs and services that can help businesses operate more efficiently and manage energy use and costs.

“PSEG Long Island is proud to support our local business community — the entrepreneurs who invest in our neighborhoods, drive local economy and create jobs,” Veronica Isaac, PSEG Long Island’s senior manager of Economic Development, said. “Our Business First Workshop on May 6 will present all of the products and services offered by our PSEG Long Island Business First program for small and medium business owners. We will also have a special recognition ceremony to honor local companies and business organizations that participate in, promote and support our programs.”

Last year’s Business First Workshop presenters offered information about programs and services that help businesses operate more efficiently.

The company’s Business First program provides businesses with dedicated support for managing electricity needs, as well as information on billing processes and energy-efficiency incentives. Other areas of focus include building and renovation services, electric vehicle infrastructure and fleet incen -

Bryson, on economic development; Alex Nyilas, on the Business First program; Alexandro Campos, on billing; Brittany Degel, on energy efficiency; Nicole Jones-Cumberbatch, on building and renovation services; Paul DiBenedetto, on electric vehicles; and Jimmy Alty, on procurement.

The workshop will also provide an opportunity for attendees to connect with Business First Advocates and representatives from procurement and building and renovation services, offering direct access to support resources.

Long Island is home to more than 100,000 small businesses, according to the Long Island Association, underscoring their significance to the regional economy.

— April 16, 2026

tives, and procurement-related opportunities.

The topics will include digital tools such as the utility’s app and online account management platforms, as well as economic development initiatives that offer grants and bill credit opportunities.

Presenters will include Nayan Parikh, on digital channels; Christine

“We proudly share information about PSEG Long Island’s revitalization programs with all new businesses in our community,” Cheryl Fajardo, past president of the Greater New Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce, said. “As a strong partner in local economic development, PSEG Long Island has played a vital role in helping us improve our downtown areas through beautification projects, infrastructure support and promotional efforts.”

Pre-registration is recommended by emailing PSEGLI-Businessfirst@psegliny.com.

“Protecting Your Future”

The 2026 edition of “Ettinger Law Firm’s Guide to Protecting Your Future”, a free download at trustlaw.com, and in hard copy on Amazon or complimentary at your no-cost consultation (by phone, Zoom or in-person), with Ettinger Law Firm provides:

Elder Law Estate Planning: Explains planning for death and disability, including avoiding probate, the five steps to an elder law estate plan, mistakes to avoid, and special situations (such as estranged children, special needs, and second marriages).

Financial and Tax Aspects of Estate Planning: Estate planning for IRA’s and other “qualified” plans, reducing or eliminating New York and Federal estate taxes, avoiding mistakes with beneficiary designations, and reducing or eliminating capital gains taxes.

The Social Side of Estate Planning: The social aspects of how and to whom to leave your estate to and whether you should discuss these matters with your adult children. Are any more deserving, more in need, your relationships with them and theirs with each other, which are most

capable, what to do with a vacation home and much more.

Medicaid Planning Strategies: With 36 years’ experience in over 5,000 Medicaid applications, we show you (a) how to protect your assets from long-term care with the Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT), (b) the seven myths surrounding the MAPT, (c) how to get home care though Medicaid while keeping your income, (d) how to apply for Medicaid, (e) Medicaid exempt assets, and (f) “spousal refusal”.

Estate Administration on Death: Executors’ and trustees’ duties, including how to settle an estate quickly, efficiently, and at least cost while avoiding misunderstandings and litigation.

Health Issues for Older Adults: “Protecting Your Future” also includes living longer and healthier lives. Here you’ll find many of the keys to successful mental and physical aging.

Well-Being for Older Adults: As we age and begin to consider our legacy, how do we learn to “accept what is”, to forgive, to become less fearful, to increase our gratitude and generosity, and to achieve peace of mind.

Concerns about water rise across the region

Uneven investment in treatment, emerging contaminants leave many residents feeling vulnerable

By Roksana amid, stacy dRiks & Hailey FulmeR of the Herald

Sixth installment in a series about water.

Concerns about water quality remain visible and closely tied to patterns of neglect in communities across Long Island.

In the region, water problems don’t exist in isolation. Flooding, contamination and aging infrastructure are increasingly intersecting, and all of it can be traced back to a single source: the Island’s underground aquifer system. The sole-source system supplies all of the region’s drinking water, leaving little margin for error as environmental pressures intensify.

neglect beneath the surface

In Uniondale, aging infrastructure, delayed upgrades and a lack of investment are reflected in a deteriorating water tower and broader concerns about environmental health. The tower is known locally as “Old Rusty,” according to Pearl Jacobs, president of the Nostrand Gardens Civic Association, and has stood for more than three decades without proper maintenance. Experts typically recommend inspection, repainting and structural upkeep every seven years, Jacobs said.

“It’s beyond repair,” she said of the tower. “You can see the corrosion. There were reports of leaks. This is not just infrastructure; it’s a health and safety issue.”

Despite years of complaints, advocates like Jacobs say local officials initially proposed only cosmetic fixes, such as applying internal epoxy coatings to stop leaks. It was only after community pressure that roughly $10 million was allocated in 2025 for a new tower. The project is still in its early stages over a year later. The new tower is planned to be fully operational by the summer of 2027.

Residents have reported brown water in their homes, raising concerns about unsafe levels of contaminants. Water quality studies conducted one of Jacobs civic partners, Jeannine Maynard, cofounder of the Greater Uniondale Area Action Coalition and vice president of the Uniondale Community Land Trust indicated elevated levels of 1,4-dioxane, [a synthetic industrial chemical that is often found as a contaminant in water supplies, especially in places with past manufacturing or heavy chemical use], in the system.

Uniondale’s water infrastructure also includes aging pipes, with much of the system’s lead content still unknown. Maps show large portions of Uniondale untested, highlighting gaps in oversight compared with nearby communities. Advocates say these combined issues — brown water, an outdated tower, unknown lead risks and industrial contamination — reflect broader inequities.

a patt

ern of delays and uncertainty

The water tower is not just a one-off

issue but, for many residents, part of a broader pattern of neglect in the Town of Hempstead.

Jacobs pointed to a stark comparison: while Uniondale’s water tower deteriorated, West Hempstead received millions of dollars for a new facility. “They took taxpayer money and invested it elsewhere while our infrastructure was failing,” she said.

Uniondale residents, Jacobs said, have been diagnosed with a variety of cancers. “People start asking questions like, ‘What’s in our water?’”

reflects “a level of neglect,” leaving residents in the dark about risks.

“When things are ignored for decades, it sends a message,” Maynard said. “The question is: whose communities get prioritized and whose are left waiting?”

researchers are still working to understand the full scope.

Rising seas, stronger storms strain water supply

“We have a single-source water supply on Long Island,” Ali FarhadZadeh, an associate professor of civil engineering at Stony Brook University, said. “The water basically comes from the ground — from the aquifer.”

Residents wonder about the safety of their water because much of the community’s infrastructure has not been fully studied, said Maynard.

An interactive map from the League of Conservation Voters shows that while neighboring Hempstead has many defined lead service lines, most of Uniondale is listed as unknown, raising concerns about potential contamination. Air studies and local health data suggest higher rates of certain conditions, such as asthma, in the community, which may be linked to environmental exposure. Experts say the lack of detailed pipe inventories and testing

She also pointed to growing concern over PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a class of human-made chemicals often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. Used for decades in products designed to resist heat, water and stains — including firefighting foam, nonstick cookware and waterproof materials — PFAS have entered groundwater through industrial processes.

And because Long Island relies on a sole-source aquifer, those contaminants can persist and circulate throughout the region, Maynard said. “These weren’t things people were even looking for,” she said. “So they built up over time.”

She added that PFAS and related contaminants have been detected widely across Long Island. Exposure has been linked in studies to increased risks of cancers, hormone disruption and other long-term health effects, though

As storms grow more frequent and sea levels rise, that system is under mounting strain. Heavier rainfall is overwhelming drainage systems and saturating the ground, increasing flooding and raising the risk of saltwater intrusion.

“We have saltwater that’s in the sediment, under the ocean on the South Shore,” Ryan Wallace, assistant professor at Adelphi University’s Department of Environmental Studies and Sciences said. “That saltwater could actually make its way to make its way into and mix with the freshwater aquifer, and that’s a lot of different towns.”

While residents are not drinking saltwater, intrusion can render wells unusable and reduce the region’s supply of clean drinking water.

New York state launched a pilot program on March 8 to help residents with private wells testing for PFAS contamination and cover cleanup costs. Suffolk is among the counties expected to be

Water infrastructure faces increased demand

Continued from PreViouS PAGe

included.

Eligible homeowners can receive free testing and may qualify for rebates of up to $5,000 for filtration systems or $10,000 to connect to public water companies.

“It makes infrastructure like septic systems and pipelines very vulnerable,” FarhadZadeh said of heavy rainfall. “They’re old — they’re not built for the new norm that we have with these storm patterns.”

Low-lying communities — particularly along the South Shore and in eastern Suffolk County — face more frequent flooding and infrastructure stress. Flooding is no longer limited to major storms.

When groundwater is already close to the surface, even routine rainfall can overwhelm drainage systems, creating a direct pathway between surface pollution and the aquifer.

“When it floods, water picks up and carries a lot of pollutants with it,” Robert Hayes, Environmental Advocates NY’s senior director of clean water, said. “Those pollutants might make their way into drinking water sources, whether it’s groundwater or surface water.”

Hayes said that investing in naturebased solutions such as wetlands or rain gardens could help capture water before it carries pollutants.

Aging infrastructure adds to growing risks

Many of Long Island’s water and sewer systems were built decades ago, at a time when both population and climate pressures were lower.

“The aging infrastructure is a big deal,” FarhadZadeh said. “I think it should be taken very seriously.”

Systems not designed to handle today’s volume of stormwater can quickly become overwhelmed, increasing the likelihood of overflows, leaks or system failures.

A $250 million water infrastructure funding package announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul on March 12 includes projects aimed at upgrading aging systems and improving water quality statewide. It includes $23 million for the Village of Hempstead and $5 million for PFAS treatment in Williston Park.

Hayes said that such investments are critical, but risks — and resources — vary across the region.

“Long Island has some of the most polluted drinking water in the state of New York,” he said. “But there is much more contamination still out there, and much more still to be done to make sure that no New Yorker is exposed to harmful levels of contamination when they turn on the tap.”

“Drinking water and quality issues on Long Island — we can consider them to be disproportionately affecting certain communities,” Wallace said. “Especially communities with older infrastructure, in close proximity to industrial zones or historically industrial areas.” Communities like Uniondale and Hempstead Village, which also have fewer resources to address the problem.

Exposure to contaminated drinking water, Wallace said, has been associated with increased risks of cancers including stomach, bladder, kidney, ovarian and prostate.

As flooding increases and infrastructure continues to age, the challenge for Long Island is not just protecting its water supply, but understanding how interconnected pressures are reshaping it from the ground up.

N. Shore water divide highlights cost and quality

Glen Cove’s drinking water meets all state and federal safety standards, according to the city’s 2024 annual water quality report, but maintaining that standard has required years of infrastructure upgrades, careful management of its well system and, at times, reliance on neighboring communities.

In nearby Glen Head and Sea Cliff, water is supplied privately by Liberty Utilities, highlighting differences not only in cost, but in how water systems are maintained and experienced by residents.

Glen Cove relies on a network of six municipal wells, including sites at Duck Pond Road, Nancy Court, Seaman Road and Kelly Street. According to former Councilwoman Marsha Silverman, the system was under significant strain eight years ago , with only two of the six wells operational at the time.

Multiple wells were offline for different reasons — contamination, storm damage, long-term deterioration — forcing the city to act quickly to restore capacity.

“We had purchased a couple hundred thousand dollars’ worth of water from Locust Valley because we couldn’t supply Glen Cove,” Silverman said.

To stabilize the system, the city

implemented a multi-year plan that included installing temporary filtration systems at the Duck Pond Road wells to address freon contamination, repairing the Kelly Street well after a lightning strike, and fully rehabilitating the Seaman Road well.

That work is ongoing. In January, the City Council approved more than $700,000 in additional repairs to the Seaman Road well, awarding a $776,000 contract to Philip Ross Industries Inc. to upgrade its granular activated carbon system. The improvements are intended to better regulate PFAS, which have been linked to serious health risks, and ensure that the well remains in compliance with state Department of Health standards.

The investment follows a broader pattern of spending, with the city investing tens of millions of dollars in its water system in recent years, including a $5 million rehabilitation project completed in 2024 at the Seaman Road station. Those upgrades are necessary as state and federal guidelines for contaminants become increasingly strict.

“There was always talk about building a seventh well, because we really need it,” Silverman said.

Cost differences across the North Shore

Despite those infrastructure challenges, Glen Cove’s municipal system remains relatively affordable compared with neighboring communities, because it is publicly operated and not for profit.

Residents’ quarterly bills typically range from $40 to $50 in the winter to a few hundred dollars in the summer, depending on usage.

In contrast, residents of Glen Head and Sea Cliff — served by private systems — often face significantly higher costs, with some paying hundreds of

dollars per month. Those systems generally factor operational expenses, infrastructure upgrades and profit into their rate structures, contributing to higher bills.

For Glen Head resident Agatha Nadale, the cost is substantial — about $1,800 per year. Her concerns, however, extend beyond the money.

“I can remember [in the ’70s] we’d fill a pitcher of water in the summer and there were these, like, little squiggly things swimming in the water,” she said. She also recalled a strong chlorine taste, and said those early experiences continue to shape how she uses water today. Nadale said she relies on a wholehouse filtration system, and does not drink tap water.

“I have already saved a handful of families from buying homes where Liberty Utilities is,” she said.

While Glen Head’s system has undergone upgrades — including carbon filtration systems designed to remove PFAS and meet stricter standards for water quality — public perception has not always kept pace with those improvements.

Although Glen Cove’s system remains compliant, continued monitoring and investment will be necessary as environmental standards evolve.

That concern extends across Long Island, where all communities rely on the same groundwater source and face challenges not only of contamination and saltwater intrusion, but also of steadily increasing demand.

Looking ahead

Silverman has also raised the possibility of long-term alternatives, including desalination, though no formal plans have been established.

At the federal level, U.S. Rep. Tom Suozzi said that water quality has been a longstanding priority.

“This has been a problem for a long time, and I’ve been working on improving our water quality on Long Island for over 30 years,” Suozzi said. “Dealing with aging infrastructure as mayor of Glen Cove, I realized how crucial drinking water projects were to my community. I installed one of the earliest ‘granulated activated carbon’ filtration systems on Long Island.”

“Improvements need to consistently be made to ensure our water remains safe,” he added.

For Glen Cove, the ability to draw from neighboring systems like Locust Valley provides a critical safety net. But it also highlights the importance for the city of maintaining its own infrastructure — particularly its network of wells — as demand continues to grow.

Across the North Shore, the contrast is clear: While water may come from the same aquifer, the cost, management and experience of that water can vary significantly from one community to the next.

And for residents like Nadale, of Glen Head, those differences are not abstract — they shape daily decisions about cost, safety and trust in what comes out of the tap.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 22, 2026

6:00-9:00PM

BUSINESS & TRANSACTIONAL

JOSEPH G. MILIZIO

Managing Partner Vishnick McGovern Milizio, LLP

RACHELLE ROSENBERG, ESQ.

Partner Abrams Fensterman

RALPH ROSELLA

Office Managing Member Bond, Schoeneck & King

CAV. NICHOLAS R. CAIAZZO

Partner/Trial Attorney Wilson Elser

CORPORATE & SECURITIES COMPLEX TORT & GENERAL CASUALTY

DAVID F. DURSO

Partner

Ruskin Moscou Faltischek, P.C.

DEBT SOLUTIONS

LESLIE H. TAYNE

Founder & Managing Director Tayne Law Group, P.C.

EMPLOYMENT & BUSINESS LITIGATION

DANIELÉ D. DE VOE

Partner

Sahn Ward Braff Coschignano, PLLC

JEFFREY BASSO

Partner Campolo, Middleton & McCormick, LLP

MICHAEL POROPAT

Partner Stockman & Poropat, PPLC

ESTATE PLANNING/ ELDER LAW

BRIAN A. TULLY

Founder & Managing Partner Tully Law Group, P.C.

ROCHELLE L. VERRON, ESQ.

Founder & Managing Partner Verron Law Group, P.C.

RONALD FATOULLAH, ESQ. Chair Elder Law Group & Partner Trusts & Estates Meltzer, Lippe, Goldstein & Breitstone, LLP

STEPHEN J. SILVERBERG

Founding Attorney Law Office of Stephen J. Silverberg, P.C.

WENDY K. GOIDEL, ESQ.

Founder & Principal Goidel Law Group, LLC

ESTATE PLANNING/

GENERATIONAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT

RUSSEL MORGAN, ESQ. Founding Partner Morgan Legal Group, P.C.

STEPHANIE D’ANGELO, ESQ. Principal Attorney D’Angelo Law Associates, P.C.

FAMILY LAW

ALEXANDER E. SKLAVOS, ESQ.

Founder & Principal Attorney Sklavos Law Group, P.C.

ARMAND J. PRISCO, ESQ. Partner Polin, Prisco & Villafane

JOSEPH TROTTI

Partner Vishnick McGovern Milizio, LLP

MICHAEL ALBER, ESQ Partner The Alber Firm, P.C.

FINANCE, INSURANCE & LEGAL AFFAIRS

ALAN B. HODISH, ESQ. Founding Principal Law Offices of Alan B. Hodish, LLC

HEALTHCARE & CANNABIS LAW

ANDREW P. COOPER, ESQ., LLM

Cannabis & Psychedelics Attorney Falcon Rappaport & Berkman LLP

INJURY & CAR ACCIDENT LAW

CHRISSY GRIGOROPOULOSPELEYTAY, ESQ.

Founding Attorney Grigor Law Injury & Car Accident Lawyers

LITIGATION & DISPUTE RESOLUTION LAW

ANDREW J. TURRO

Shareholder Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C.

TOM MEALIFFE Partner Nixon Peabody, LLP

MEDICAL MALPRACTICE

JOSEPH L. CIACCIO Partner

Napoli Shkolnik, PLLC

PERSONAL INJURY

DOROTHY RENZ Partner

Duffy & Duffy, P.C.

JASON A. GREENBERG Founder & Managing Attorney Law Offices of Jason Greenberg, P.C.

LEONARD J. WIENER

Associate Meyer, Suozzi, English & Klein, P.C.

ROSS L. SCHILLER

Founder & Managing Attorney Ross L. Schiller & Associates, P.C.

REAL ESTATE

BRIAN S. STOLAR Partner

Harris Beach Murtha

BRYAN P. MCCROSSEN Partner

Jaspan Schlesinger Narendran

ED PUERTA

Partner

Nixon Peabody, LLP

GILAD ADLAD Attorney at Law Law Office of Gilad Adlad

RISING STARS

ALEXIS EPSTEIN

Associate

Barket Epstein Kearon Aldea and LoTurco, LLP

BROOKE MCDONALD Associate Salenger, Sack, Kimmel & Bavaro, LLP

JACOB BLOOM, ESQ. Associate Attorney Miller & Caggiano, LLP

TAX CERTIORARI LITIGATION

ANTHONY FORZAGLIA Partner Schroder & Strom, LLP

TRUST & ESTATE LITIGATION

ANDREW P. NITKEWICZ

Partner Cullen and Dykman, LLP

TRIAL LAW

CHAD J. LAVEGLIA

CEO & Trial Lawyer

Law Office of Chad J. LaVeglia PLLC

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

ANDREW B. WOOLF

Founding Partner

Klee Woolf Goldman & Filpi, LLP

JONATHAN R. KLEE

Managing Partner

Klee Woolf Goldman & Filpi, LLP

TIMOTHY E.T. FINNEGAN

Partner

McIntyre, Donohue, Accardi, Salmonson, & Riordan, LLP

COMMUNITY CHAMPION

PHIL RIZZUTO

Trial Attorney

The Rizzuto Law Firm

TOP BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM

VISHNICK MCGOVERN MILIZIO, LLP

TOP LAW FIRM

NIXON PEABODY, LLP

TOP TAX CERTIORARI LAW FIRM

SCHRODER & STROM, LLP

TRIAL TEAM OF THE YEAR

STUART L. FINZ, CARAMIA R. HART, BRANDON S. FINZ

FINZ & FINZ, P.C.

TO

SILVERSPONSORS

By Christy Hinko

In an era when busy schedules and digital distractions often pull families in di erent directions, fitness is becoming an increasingly shared pursuit rather than an individual one. For Pam Rosenbluth, owner of Club Pilates studios in Oceanside and Merrick, with another location set to open in the Five Towns area, the shift toward wholefamily wellness reflects a broader cultural change.

“Habits don’t exist in isolation,” Rosenbluth said. “So if one person is trying to prioritize their health, but then the environment around them doesn’t support it, it’s a lot harder to stay consistent.”

“

Health experts have long emphasized the importance of social support in maintaining healthy routines. Rosenbluth said that when families commit to fitness together—or at least support one another’s e orts—it creates accountability and consistency that can be di cult to achieve alone.

“If the whole family is doing it, it builds a level of accountability,” she said. “When you’re doing it together, it becomes something that you look forward to doing, rather than something you have to check o a list. It’s like a want-to instead of a have-to.”

“Kids learn from what they see,” she said. “So it’s good to get them started early and show them that making time to move your body is important.”

That philosophy is increasingly visible inside her studios, where she said more families and friend groups are attending classes together.

“We do see people coming in as families and as friends,” Rosenbluth said. “It’s more fun working out together and it helps people stay more accountable.”

One noticeable trend is the rise in teenage participation, particularly in Pilates, a low-impact exercise method focused on core strength, flexibility and alignment. Rosenbluth attributes that growth to both accessibility and broader awareness.

K ids learn from what they see,” she said. “So it’s good to get them started early and show them that making time to move your body is important.”

That sense of shared experience can also strengthen family bonds at a time when many households struggle to find opportunities to connect. Between work, school and screen time, Rosenbluth noted that simple activities like exercising together can fill an important gap.

“We’ve gotten away from reasons to be together or to put the phone down and talk to each other,” she said. “Whether it’s having a meal together, working out together or even taking a walk, it keeps the family connected while reinforcing the value of taking care of your body.”

The influence extends beyond adults. Children, Rosenbluth said, often adopt habits they observe at home.

“Pilates is incredibly adaptable,” she said. “You can have somebody brand new to working out and somebody very experienced and they can both get a very e ective, meaningful workout.”

She added that the method’s versatility makes it appealing across generations.

“It meets people where they are and then it builds from there,” Rosenbluth said. “Whether it’s for sports, daily movement or just staying pain-free, it carries into everyday life.”

The growing popularity of Pilates also reflects a shift in how people approach fitness. Highintensity workouts and “no pain, no gain” mentalities are giving way to more sustainable practices focused on long-term health.

“People are less interested in burning out and working to the point of exhaustion,” Rosenbluth said. “They’re really looking to feel good long term.”

That includes increased attention to mobility, recovery and injury prevention—areas where Pilates has gained recognition among medical professionals.

“We get referrals now from chiropractors, physical therapists and doctors,” she said. “We’ve had

people whose doctors tell them, ‘I don’t know what you’re doing, but keep doing it≠.’”

Equally important, Rosenbluth said, is the sense of community fostered in smaller, studio-based environments, a contrast to large, impersonal gyms.

“People want to connect. They don’t want to just work out,” she said. “They want to feel known when they walk in the door.”

That demand for connection intensified following the COVID-19 pandemic, when many people

relied on virtual workouts at home.

“After all the virtual workouts, people were really seeking connection,” Rosenbluth said. “It’s more fun to work out with other people and feed off their energy.”

Her studios emphasize personal relationships with members, from checking in on absences to celebrating milestones—an approach she believes keeps people engaged.

“We want to know our clients,” she said. “If we don’t see somebody for a week or two, we’ll reach out. We want people to come in and feel supported.”

As her business expands, Rosenbluth sees whole-family fitness as more than a trend. It is, she said, a practical and meaningful way to build healthier habits and stronger relationships.

“At the end of the day, it’s about making fitness sustainable and enjoyable,” she said. “When you do that together, it becomes part of your life—not just something you try to fit into it.”

Monday Core & Strength (Pilates Focus)

• 30–45 min beginner Pilates session

Focus: core, posture, flexibility Great for all ages and fitness levels.

TueSday

Family Walk or Light Cardio

• 20–30 min walk after dinner

Optional: light jog or bike ride Goal: movement + conversation.

WedneSday

Stretch & Recovery

• 15–20 min stretching or mobility work

Focus: injury prevention and flexibility.

ThuRSday Group Workout Attend a class together (Pilates, yoga, etc.)

Encourages consistency and accountability.

FRiday

Fun Fitness night

Dance workout, backyard games, or sports keep it light, social, and enjoyable.

SaTuRday active outing

Hiking, beach walk, or park activities combine fitness with family time.

Sunday Rest & Reset

Light stretching or short walk reflect and plan for the next week.

Tick season returns as spring temperatures rise

By Christy Hinko

As warmer weather settles over Long Island, tick season is returning in force this April, sending health officials’ annual reminder back into focus: the smallest outdoor nuisance can carry some of the region’s most persistent health risks.

Blacklegged ticks, commonly known as deer ticks, are already active across Nassau and Suffolk counties, where wooded preserves, neighborhood trails, backyard gardens and leaf-covered lawns all create ideal habitat. Long Island remains one of New York’s highestrisk areas for tick-borne illness, particularly Lyme disease, which is spread primarily through infected deer ticks.

Ticks do not wait for summer. Once temperatures consistently rise above freezing, they begin seeking hosts, and a mild winter can lengthen that active window. Suffolk County’s tick surveillance program continues monitoring species and disease prevalence throughout the region as residents head outdoors more frequently for spring walks,

youth sports, gardening and hiking.

In addition to deer ticks, lone star ticks have become increasingly common on Long Island. That species is associated with ehrlichiosis and has also been linked to alpha-gal syndrome, a condition that can trigger an allergic reaction to red meat after certain bites.

Because ticks are often difficult to detect before they attach, prevention remains the first line of defense.

Health experts recommend simple habits before and after time outdoors:

• Wear light-colored clothing so ticks are easier to spot.

• Stay on cleared paths and avoid brushing against tall grass or low brush.

• Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or another EPA-

approved ingredient.

• Tuck pant legs into socks when walking in wooded or grassy areas.

A careful tick check after coming indoors is equally important, especially around ankles, behind knees, under arms, around waistbands, behind ears and along the scalp. Showering soon after outdoor exposure can also help remove ticks before they attach.

Pets deserve the same attention. Dogs and outdoor cats can pick up ticks in yards, parks and on neighborhood walks, then carry them indoors. Ears, collars, paws and underbelly areas are common hiding spots, even when pets are using veterinarian-recommended tick prevention.

If a tick is attached, remove it as soon as possible using fine-tipped tweezers. Grasp it close to the skin

LOOK TO US FOR EXPERT VISION CARE

and pull upward steadily without twisting. Avoid squeezing, crushing or using home remedies such as petroleum jelly, nail polish or heat, which can increase the chance of disease transmission.

After removal:

• Clean the bite area with soap and water or rubbing alcohol.

• Save the tick in a sealed bag if identification may be needed later.

• Mark the date of the bite and monitor for symptoms.

Anyone who develops fever, fatigue, headache, joint pain or a rash in the days or weeks after a bite should contact a health care provider. A bull’s-eye rash is often associated with Lyme disease, but not every case produces one, making symptom awareness especially important.

Local resources, including county health departments, Cornell Cooperative Extension and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, offer seasonal updates and tick identification guides as outdoor season begins.

By Christy Hinko

Early strawberries are among the first signs of spring on Long Island, arriving in late April and gaining momentum into May. Though the region is better known for its peak strawberry harvest in early summer, the first crop generates excitement at farm stands and local markets eager to showcase fresh, locally grown produce after a long winter. These berries are often smaller and more delicate than their laterseason counterparts, but they make up for it with a bright red color, fragrant aroma and a sweettart flavor that signals the changing season. Beyond their appeal, strawberries offer notable health benefits. They are rich in vitamin C, providing more per serving than an orange, and are packed with antioxidants that help combat inflammation and support immune health. Strawberries also contain fiber, which aids digestion, and important nutrients such as folate and potassium. Their naturally low calorie content and high water composition make them a refreshing, hydrating snack.

Spring’s sweetest start: Strawberry season arrives early

Long Island’s first berries bring fresh flavor, health perks and simple ways to enjoy every bite, from smoothies to shortcake—and even the leafy tops.

well with both sweet and savory ingredients, complementing foods such as spinach, goat cheese and balsamic vinegar. Strawberries can also be blended into beverages, baked into desserts or cooked down into sauces and jams. Their adaptability makes them a staple ingredient throughout the spring and summer months.

One of the simplest ways to enjoy early strawberries is in a smoothie:

Strawberry Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled

• 1 banana

• 1/2 cup yogurt (plain or vanilla)

• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)

• 1 tsp honey (optional)

• A few ice cubes

Instructions:

Combine all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Adjust sweetness with honey if needed. Serve immediately.

nutrients. The greens are edible, slightly bitter and contain fiber and antioxidants. Blend them into smoothies or chop finely into salads to get the full benefit of the fruit.

For a classic dessert, strawberry shortcake remains a favorite:

Simple Strawberry Shortcake

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced

• 2 Tbsp sugar

• 2 cups biscuit mix or flour-based baking mix

• 2/3 cup milk

• Whipped cream

Instructions:

In a bowl, combine sliced strawberries with sugar and let sit for about 20 minutes to release juices. Prepare biscuits according to package directions or mix baking mix with milk to form a dough, then bake at 425 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden. Split warm biscuits in half, spoon strawberries over the bottom halves and top with whipped cream. Place the biscuit tops over the filling and serve.

As the season progresses, strawberries will become more abundant and widely available across Long Island. Early berries, however, offer a preview of what is to come, bringing fresh flavor, nutritional benefits and culinary flexibility to the table at the start of the growing season.

In the kitchen, strawberries are remarkably versatile. They can be eaten fresh on their own, sliced over yogurt or cereal, or tossed into salads for a burst of sweetness. They pair

A quick side note about hulled strawberries: the entire strawberry can be thrown into the blender. Eating the whole strawberry, including the leafy green tops, reduces waste and adds

How Hearing Loss and Tinnitus is a Hidden Threat to Physical Wellness

April is recognized nationwide as Physical Wellness Month a time to reflect on the habits that support overall health and quality of life. While most people focus on exercise, nutrition, sleep, and stress, one critical component is often overlooked: hearing.

Hearing loss and tinnitus (ringing or buzzing in the ears) are often dismissed as normal parts of aging. However, research shows untreated hearing loss affects far more than hearing. It is linked to cognitive decline, depression, social isolation, increased fall risk, poor sleep, and even dementia.

Hearing Loss:

More Than a Sensory Issue

Modern research recognizes hearing loss as a significant medical condition.

In Preventing Decline, Dr. Keith N. Darrow explains that untreated hearing loss can shorten healthy, active years of life. It is associated with increased risks of dementia, falls, social withdrawal, and reduced independence. Early detection and treatment are key to maintaining long-term health.

Hearing and the Brain

When hearing declines, the brain must work harder to interpret sound— especially in conversations or noisy environments. This increased cognitive load diverts resources away from memory and focus. Over time, this strain may accelerate cognitive decline. Treating hearing loss can help reduce this burden and improve quality of life.

Social and Emotional Impact

Hearing loss often leads individuals to withdraw from conversations and social settings. This isolation is strongly linked to depression,

increased stress, and poorer health outcomes. Addressing hearing health supports social engagement—an essential factor in emotional and physical wellness.

Balance and Safety

The inner ear also plays a key role in balance. Hearing loss is associated with a higher risk of falls, a leading cause of injury among older adults. Treating hearing loss may improve stability and confidence in daily movement.

Sleep and Stress

Tinnitus can disrupt sleep, contributing to fatigue, irritability, and increased stress. Poor sleep is linked to cardiovascular issues, weakened immunity, and reduced cognitive performance. Treatment often improves sleep quality and overall well-being.

Take Control of Your Health

Hearing loss is often treatable. Advances in audiology and prescriptive hearing technology can improve hearing, reduce tinnitus, and support brain health. Regular hearing

evaluations—especially for adults over 50—are an important part of preventative care.

A Call to Wellness

This Physical Wellness Month, prioritize your hearing. Protecting your hearing means protecting your brain, your safety, and your quality of life. If you’ve noticed changes in hearing or increased listening fatigue, now is the time to act. Early treatment supports healthier aging and overall wellness.

To receive your FREE copy, visit hbcabookoffer.com or call (516) 212-0691 and request yours while supplies last.

I

“I have my life back after 21 years of 24/7 noise that never stopped. But now I have relief from that noise that I never thought I’d be in control of”

Take a hike

By Christy Hinko

Long Island’s hiking landscape is often overshadowed by its beaches, but the island’s trail network o ers a surprising range of terrain — from steep harbor blu s to pine barrens, coastal overlooks and rare maritime forest. For hikers looking to stay local, the best routes span both Nassau and Su olk counties and can suit nearly any experience level, from short family walks to all-day mileage.

On the North Shore, Caumsett State Historic Park Preserve remains one of Long Island’s most versatile hiking destinations. The preserve’s more than 13 miles of trails move through open meadows, woodland and shoreline, with wide paths that make route-finding easy for beginners while still o ering enough distance for longer outings. Parking is available at the main lot o Lloyd Harbor Road and the park is open year-round to sunset.

Seasonal fees may apply for vehicles.

sustained uphill sections. Parking is limited at the Harbor Road entrance, so early arrival is recommended on weekends. The park is free and open sunrise to sunset, but sturdy footwear is essential because leaf-covered slopes can become slippery, especially after rain. Fall is particularly popular here because of foliage and clearer harbor views.

Restrooms are available near the entrance area, making it a practical choice for families or anyone planning several hours on the trail. Spring and fall are often the most comfortable seasons, when temperatures are mild and the open fields are especially scenic.

spring and autumn typically o er the best conditions.

At the eastern end of the island, Montauk Point State Park delivers one of Long Island’s most scenic easy hikes. The loop near the lighthouse combines ocean views, rocky shoreline and short coastal trails. Parking is available inside the state park, where seasonal vehicle fees apply and restrooms and food service are available near the main visitor area. Early morning visits often provide the quietest conditions and the clearest views.

Nearby, Cold Spring Harbor State Park o ers one of the island’s most physically demanding hikes despite its relatively short trail system. The steep climbs and descents overlooking the harbor create rare elevation changes for Long Island and hikers should expect uneven footing and

For longer-distance hikers, the Long Island Greenbelt Trail links together multiple parks over roughly 32 miles, running north to south through varied ecosystems. Many hikers begin sections near Trail View State Park or Bethpage, using public parking lots at trail access points. Because the route crosses multiple jurisdictions, carrying a trail map or GPS app is important. Sections are manageable as day hikes, particularly in cooler months when exposed stretches are more comfortable. The island’s longest signature route, Paumanok Path, stretches about 125 miles from western Su olk County to Montauk. Di culty varies widely depending on section, with some flat woodland miles and others more exposed or sandy. It is best approached in segments rather than as a continuous trek, especially for newer hikers. Late

For easier family-friendly outings, Sunken Meadow State Park combines boardwalk stretches with wooded trails overlooking Long Island Sound. The flatter terrain makes it accessible for casual walkers, though blu sections add moderate elevation in some areas. Summer mornings and fall afternoons are especially popular. Bethpage State Park o ers long, mostly flat mileage through the Bethpage Bikeway corridor, making it ideal for hikers focused on endurance rather than technical

terrain. Parking is straightforward at the main park entrances and restrooms are available seasonally.

For quieter hiking, Caleb Smith State Park Preserve provides shaded trails, river views and reliable birdwatching. The preserve tends to feel less crowded than larger parks, particularly on weekday mornings.

Two of Long Island’s most distinctive ecosystems appear farther east: Sunken Forest on Fire Island, reached by ferry and boardwalk and Brookhaven State Park, where more than 25 miles of pine barrens trails create one of the island’s most remote hiking experiences.

Across all of Long Island’s trails, hikers should carry water, check tick conditions and expect limited shade on coastal routes. Cell service can vary in larger preserves, so downloaded maps are helpful. Even on shorter trails, changing weather o the Sound or Atlantic can quickly a ect conditions.

Long Island Hiking A practical guide

By Christy Hinko

Long Island offers more than beaches. From pine barrens to coastal bluffs, the region features hundreds of miles of trails. Preparation and awareness are essential for a safe hike. Use these practical tips before heading out.

Know the terrain

Trails range from flat woodland paths to sandy stretches and steep coastal edges. Expect roots, mud and seasonal flooding in low areas. Review trail maps in advance and note distance, elevation and conditions.

Stay on legal trails

Respect property boundaries. Many wooded areas border private land, and trespassing laws are enforced. Follow posted signage and remain on marked trails to avoid getting lost or damaging habitats.

Local Resources

Suffolk County Parkswww.suffolkcountyny.gov/Departments/Parks (631) 854-4949

Manages more than 100 parks with trail systems, campgrounds and greenbelts.

Nassau County Parks www.nassaucountyny.gov (516) 571-7443

Oversees preserves, coastal parks and trail networks in western Long Island.

Match the hike to your ability

Choose routes suited to your fitness level. Beginners should start with short, marked loops, while experienced hikers can attempt longer greenways. Overestimating ability increases injury risk.

Plan your route and share it

Identify trailheads, parking and exit points before departure. Leave your route, start time and expected return with someone at home to aid emergency response if needed.

Carry navigation tools

Bring a physical map or offline app. Orienteering skills are useful where trails intersect and markers are inconsistent. The AllTrails app provides user-generated maps and GPS tracking.

Bring a charged phone

Carry a fully charged cellphone

New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation www.parks.ny.gov

(631) 669-1000

Provides trail maps, closures and safety guidance for state parks.

Long Island Greenbelt Trail Conference www.ligreenbelt.org

(631) 360-0753

Maintains the Greenbelt Trail system and

and consider a backup battery. Service can be unreliable in dense or remote areas.

Pack a basic first aid kit

Include bandages, antiseptic wipes, blister care, gauze and personal medications. Immediate care helps prevent minor injuries from worsening.

Dress for conditions

Wear moisture-wicking clothing and sturdy footwear. Long sleeves and pants protect against brush and insects. Layer for changing temperatures.

Use sun protection

Apply sunscreen, wear a hat and bring sunglasses. Sun exposure can be significant even on shaded trails.

Prepare for ticks and insects

Ticks are common in wooded and grassy areas. Use repellent and perform a full-body check after hiking.

for safe, smart trails

Carry sufficient water and food

Bring extra water, especially in warm weather. Pack snacks to maintain energy levels.

Follow Leave No Trace principles

Pack out trash, avoid disturbing wildlife and stay on designated paths to preserve natural areas.

Watch the weather

Check forecasts before hiking. Rain can make trails slippery and storms can create hazards. The National Weather Service (www. weather.gov/okx) provides local forecasts.

Know your limits

Turn back if conditions change, you feel fatigued or navigation becomes uncertain.

offers guided hikes and maps.

New York–New Jersey Trail Conference www.nynjtc.org

Offers trail maps, apps and maintenance support.

Sierra Club www.sierraclub.org

Provides hikes, conservation efforts and outdoor programs.

New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) www.dec.ny.gov

Provides guidance on wildlife, ticks and land use.

Prepared hikers reduce risk and protect

Long Island’s natural spaces. Proper planning, gear and awareness make every outing safer and more enjoyable.

FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle

Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers

Take advantage of on-site health screenings

Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences

Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A

Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways

Snack station for all

*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees

All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life. APRIL 16 • 10AM-12:30PM

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

PANEL + Q&A RAFFLE DRAWINGS MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN

Mount Sinai South Nassau is advancing cardiovascular care on Nassau County’s South Shore

Joyce Ashe, 79, was relaxing at her Rockaway Park home when she felt a tingling sensation in her neck, shoulder, and arm that began to increase in intensity.

Ms. Ashe and her husband, John, called 911, and she was transported by ambulance to Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Fennessy Family Emergency Department in Oceanside, where she was diagnosed with dangerously high blood pressure and a heart murmur caused by aortic stenosis (a serious heart valve disease where the aortic valve narrows, restricting blood flow from the heart to the body).

so impressive. I’ve already recommended him to three of my dear friends.”

Soon, residents like Ms. Ashe who need TAVR or other advanced cardiac surgical care will be able to get it conveniently in their own community on the South Shore.

were upgraded in 2023, will increase the hospital’s capacity to serve the rising number of patients needing cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology procedures. The CT-angiography lab provides rapid diagnostic evaluations and detailed reports about the heart to expedite diagnosis and delivery of care.

Her condition was stabilized and after further evaluation, physicians determined that she would require a Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR), a minimally invasive procedure that replaces the narrowed aortic valve without the need for open-heart surgery.

She was admitted last April to The Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan, where Sunny Goel, MD, FACC, FSCAI, Director of Structural Heart Disease at Mount Sinai South Nassau, performed the TAVR procedure. A few days later, she was discharged home, followed by an intensive cardiovascular rehabilitation program at Mount Sinai South Nassau Cardiovascular Rehabilitation in Oceanside. Asked to rate her experience with Dr. Goel and Mount Sinai South Nassau, Ms. Ashe responded: “A-plus,” she said. “Dr. Goel was

Starting later this year, patients can be diagnosed, treated, and cared for at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside at the new Feil Family Pavilion, featuring nine operating rooms that will support open-heart and other advanced cardiac procedures, staffed by expert cardiac specialists from the Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital at The Mount Sinai Hospital. The Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked No. 2 in the nation for cardiology, heart and vascular surgery by U.S. News & World Report® for 2025-26.

Each year, more than 450 Long Island residents with complex heart conditions travel to hospitals outside of Nassau and Suffolk counties for advanced cardiac surgery. Starting this spring, patients can be diagnosed, treated, and cared for at Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside at the new Feil Family Pavilion, featuring nine operating rooms that will support open-heart and other advanced cardiac procedures.

Mount Sinai South Nassau also plans to open new cardiac catheterization and electrophysiology labs as well as a CT-angiography lab. These additions, combined with three additional labs that

Mount Sinai South Nassau has been among Long Island’s leading providers of interventional cardiology services for more than 15 years. Its cardiac catheterization lab is a recipient of the American Association of Critical-Care Nurses gold-level Beacon Award for Excellence and holds the American College of Cardiology’s highest rating as a “four-star achiever.”

To ensure that patients achieve the best possible recovery, Mount Sinai South Nassau offers an intensive cardiac rehabilitation program. Certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, the program provides rehabilitation plans that are tailored to the specific needs of patients and coordinated by specialists in cardiovascular rehabilitation medicine.

For more information, visit https://www. mountsinai.org/locations/south-nassau or call 516-632-3670 to schedule an appointment with a Mount Sinai South Nassau cardiovascular physician.

High Performing

Heart Care, Right Here on the South Shore

Mount Sinai South Nassau is proud to be named a high performing hospital in heart attack and heart failure by U.S. News & World Report ® year after year.

Our comprehensive heart care, including award-winning expertise in minimally invasive treatments to address blockages, has made us the premier choice for cardiac care on the South Shore. Cardiac surgeons from the world-renowned Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital in Manhattan also now see patients at our Oceanside campus for pre and post operative evaluation and rehabilitation. The Mount Sinai Fuster Heart Hospital at The Mount Sinai Hospital is ranked No. 2 in the nation for Cardiology, Heart, and Vascular Surgery by U.S. News & World Report ®, outranking every cardiac program on the South Shore.

Learn more at mountsinai.org/southnassau

Temp Group guides parents through teen years

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

For many parents, raising teenagers can feel overwhelming — a stage filled with rapid change, emotional ups and downs and new challenges that don’t come with a clear roadmap. A six-week course offered by Temp Group in Woodmere is aiming to change that.

The agency’s “Active Parenting of Teens” program, led by Youth Services Social Worker Elizabeth McDonald and Prevention Supervisor and Clinical Therapist Nachma Fagin, is designed to give parents practical, researchbased tools to strengthen relationships and guide their children through adolescence.

The program is part of Temp Group’s prevention efforts, focusing on building protective factors that can help reduce risky behaviors before they begin. The first session began April 16.

“It’s really part of our prevention work,” McDonald said. “Building protective factors for kids is so important when it comes to preventing misuse. And as we always say, parenting doesn’t come with a manual, it doesn’t come with a rule book.”

Over six weeks, the course takes parents through what McDonald described as an “active parenting journey,” with each session focusing on a different aspect of raising teens.

The first session introduces parenting styles and emphasizes the importance of family time, while exploring the difference between control and influence.

“A lot of times we try to control what happens with kids,” McDonald said. “But really, we have influence — and having a positive relationship with them ends up being more powerful.”

The second session focuses on cooperation and communication, helping parents identify common communi-

Group of Woodmere’s Prevention Supervisor and Clinical Therapist Nachma Fagin, left, and Youth Services Social Worker Elizabeth McDonald are running a six-week teen parenting class.

cation blocks and learn more effective ways to connect with their teens.

Session three shifts to responsibility and discipline, offering strategies that encourage positive behavior rather than simply punishing negative actions. It also addresses managing anger and understanding “who the problem belongs to,” giving parents a framework for responding to conflict.

Session four centers on building courage and redirecting misbehavior. Parents are introduced to concepts such as the “say, feel, do” cycle, the goals behind behavior and how to avoid power struggles. The session also includes

practical family enrichment activities that can be used at home.

The fifth session tackles more serious concerns, including how to reduce the risk of drugs, violence and other high-risk behaviors. Parents are taught strategies to guide teens through difficult topics, including peer pressure and decision-making.

Throughout the program, the emphasis remains on strengthening communication and fostering a supportive, respectful relationship between parent and child.

“It covers a bunch of different topics that parents deal with,” McDonald said. “There’s a lot of focus on relationships and communication and helping parents engage more positively with their teen.”

Fagin said the course provides a space not only for learning, but also for connection among parents facing similar challenges.

“Parents often feel like they’re the only ones dealing with these issues,” she said. “This gives them a chance to learn from each other and realize they’re not alone.”

As both facilitators and parents themselves, McDonald and Fagin said the program holds personal meaning as well.

“It’s very meaningful for us to offer this and we hope it’ll be a powerful tool for parents,” Fagin added. “I think a lot of people struggle with parenting, especially every person has their own stuff that they’re dealing with.”

With continued interest from local families, Temp Group plans to expand the program and reach more parents and age groups in the months ahead.

“I think it’s incredibly valuable to be able to offer this to the community,” Fagin said. “If we can help parents feel more confident and more connected to their teens, that has a lasting impact.”

To register for the course call (516) 374-3671 or email emcdonald@tempogroup.org.

OUT

reimagined

Destination: Outdoor escape Your backyard,

By Karen Bloom

Spring has surely sprung (at last) — and we’re very much attuned to Earth Month as we embrace the outdoors. It’s great get out and about and not feel so housebound, which leads many of us to rethink how we use our outdoor space. The season definitely invites us outside, offering a chance to reconnect with nature right at home and shape a backyard that works for everyday living.

Start by considering how your yard can better serve your household. Maybe you’re envisioning a space for easy entertaining, a safer play area for kids and pets, or simply a peaceful retreat to unwind. Increasingly, homeowners are embracing “backyarding” — bringing indoor comforts like dining, lounging and even workouts into the open air.

A little planning now can pay off all season long, with vibrant blooms, fresh herbs and a space that feels both functional and inviting.

“With the season’s first signs appearing, this is the time to prepare your garden for months of enjoyment,” garden design expert Fiona Jenkins says.

Here are her practical tips for creating a beautiful, low-maintenance yard that doesn’t demand all your free time.

Keep It Manageable

When it comes to flower beds, smaller is often smarter. Narrow beds — about one to two feet wide — are easier to plant, maintain and keep looking tidy.

Limiting plant variety can also make a big difference. Sticking to a handful of dependable options helps you better handle their needs and simplifies care. Hardy perennials such as geraniums and peonies, along with evergreen shrubs, offer reliable color year after year without the need for constant replanting.

“Once established, these plants can provide lasting beauty with minimal effort,” Jenkins says. “Just be

sure you understand their watering, feeding and pruning needs before planting.”

Build A Strong Foundation

Healthy soil is the backbone of any successful garden. Investing in rich, organic soil — and refreshing it annually with compost — helps plants thrive while reducing the necessity of frequent watering and fertilizing.

Mulch is another essential. A layer of organic material such as bark, leaves or compost helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature and keep weeds in check — all while improving soil quality over time.

“Mulching is a great way of protecting your soil and making it last longer by helping to maintain moisture levels and prevent weeds from growing,” she explains.

Add Structure With Hardscaping

Incorporating hard surfaces like decking, patios or walkways can transform a backyard into a more usable living space. These elements provide structure, define different zones and create natural gathering areas.

Composite decking remains a popular choice for its durability and low maintenance, while natural stone, concrete or porcelain pavers offer a clean, timeless look.

Thoughtful additions like built-in lighting can extend the use of your yard into the evening, adding both safety and ambiance.

For visual interest with minimal upkeep, consider a rock garden. Combining alpine plants or succulents with layered stones and pebbles creates texture and dimension — without demanding much attention.

Try Raised Beds

Raised beds are a practical solution for both flowers and vegetables. They help contain plant growth, improve drainage and make gardening more accessible. Whether placed over existing soil or integrated into a patio design, they also serve as attractive focal points.

“A raised flower bed will stop them from spreading out of control and add a focal point of interest to your garden,” Jenkins says.

Let

Nature Take The Lead

For a softer, more natural look, consider embracing a slightly “wild” aesthetic. Swapping part of a traditional lawn for a meadow-style area can reduce maintenance while supporting pollinators.

“This isn’t to say you should let it grow completely out of control, but your garden can look beautiful with the aesthetic of a grassy meadow rather than an urban space,” she continues.

Scattering wildflower seeds introduces bursts of color and attracts bees and butterflies, creating a lively, ever-changing landscape that benefits the local ecosystem.

With thoughtful choices and a bit of early effort, your backyard can become one of your favorite places to spend time this season and throughout the year — a space that feels as welcoming and comfortable as any room inside your home.

Asbury Short Film Concert

The acclaimed national touring showcase returns with a curated showcase of standout short films — many seen by the local audience for the first time. Presented by Asbury Shorts, the New York City-based long-running short film exhibitor, the program highlights an eclectic mix, including film festival favorites and Oscar-recognized selections. The dynamic lineup spans genres, from sharp comedies like “The Tailor,” where culture and confusion collide on a Brooklyn street (pictured), to compelling dramas, inventive animation and occasional thoughtprovoking documentaries. This is a rare opportunity to experience these cinematic “hidden gems” in a true theater setting — films that often don’t reach traditional big screens. These shorts provide a window into emerging filmmakers alongside early works from directors who go on to achieve major acclaim.

Friday, April 17, 7 p.m. Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre. Tickets available at madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444.

Micky Dolenz

Micky Dolenz celebrates the 60th anniversary of The Monkees with a special tour honoring the band’s enduring legacy and timeless sound. In this nostalgic and high-spirited performance, Dolenz takes audiences on a musical journey through The Monkees’ rise to fame, performing their biggest hits in chronological order while sharing personal stories from his decades in entertainment — as he keeps the music alive for new generations As the last surviving member of the beloved group, Dolenz brings both heart and history to the stage, paying tribute to bandmates Davy Jones, Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith, while celebrating the fans who helped transform a fictional TV band into a global sensation. This is sure to be a heartfelt, hit-filled evening that blends music, memories and a lasting connection to one of pop culture’s most iconic acts.

Sunday, April 19, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

APR

16

Chamber Happy Hour

Local professionals are invited to connect and network at the Chamber’s upcoming Happy Hour. The event offers an opportunity to meet new members, reconnect with familiar faces and exchange ideas in a relaxed setting. Attendees can enjoy light appetizers while building relationships that support business growth for $15 per person (includes appetizers; cash bar).

• Where: Elsie Lane, 33 Atlantic Ave.

• Time: 6-7:30 p.m.

• Contact: lynbrookusa.com or (516) 242-4649

Family

theater

APR

17

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

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 10:15 a.m. and noon.; also April 19

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

APR

18

Long Island Home Show

Check out the best resources in home improvement, landscaping and design services. Experts are ready to provide guidance on enhancing your living spaces, ensuring every corner of your home meets your needs and style.

• Where: Nassau Coliseum, Uniondale

• Time: Opens 10 a.m., also April 19

• Contact: ticketmaster.com

‘Dog Days’ Weekend and Dog Festival

Get ready to wag those tails, at Old Westbury Gardens with your pooch (leashed of course), Bring your canine companions for a

Once upon a time in the Bronx

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

• Time: 3 p.m.

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

APR

20

Hofstra Jazz Ensemble

All are welcome to “An Evening of Jazz,” with the Hofstra University Jazz Ensemble and Vocal Jazz Quartet. The ensembles perform original student arrangements and traditional jazz repertoire.

• Where: Hofstra’s Helene Fortunoff Theater, Monroe Lecture Center, South Campus, Hempstead

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: hofstra.universitytickets.com or call the Hofstra Box Office at (516) 463-6644

JUN

• 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.

scenic stroll through grounds bursting spring’s first blooms. With a curated lineup of local pet and dog-focused vendors offering treats, accessories, services, and more — ust for your pup (and you!).

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury

• Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., also April 19

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

Education Foundation 5K

The East Rockaway Education Foundation hosts their 5K run, beginning at Hewlett Point Beach, to support innovation in East Rockaway schools. The yearly event has raised over $90,000, supporting grants and scholarship programs for students in the community. Register at events.elitefeats.com/26eref.

• Where: Starting at Hewlett Point Beach

• Time: Starts at 8:30 a.m.

• Contact: eastrockawayfoundation.org

Jazzin’ with Kirk Whalum

The sax icon appears at the Madison Theatre. He blasts off with his highly-anticipated

new album “Epic Cool.” an electrifying collection of original grooves. Whalum focuses on his songwriting to craft an album that’s passionate and spirited on a monumental scale, but with his trademark soul. Get ready to groove, because like his new album, Whalum is anything but ordinary.

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

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

‘Romantic Rendezvous’ Old Westbury Gardens chamber ensemble in residence, Poetica Musica welcomes the season in the intimate and elegant Red Ballroom of Westbury House. Renowned pianists Javor Bracic and Angelina Gadeliya make their series debut, performing solo and duo piano works by Chopin, Schubert, Fauré, Barber, and others.The program includes Sonata in A minor by Franz Schubert, Dolly Suite for piano four hands by Gabriel Fauré, Rondo, Op. 5 by Frédéric Chopin, Souvenirs for piano four hands by Samuel Barber, and Crimean Sketches for solo piano by Serhii Bortkiewicz. Advance ticket purchase required. A pre-concert talk will take place at 7:30 pm, followed by a reception

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

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

after the concert on the West Porch. $30, $25 for members, seniors and students.

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury

• Time: 8-9:30 p.m.

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

APR

19

Lynbrook Public Library Book Giveaway

The library celebrates National Library

Week by organizing a giveaway of books, no registration required. Stop to pick up novels to build your home library, or books for your classroom!

• Where: 56 Eldert St.

• Time: All day, through April 27

• Contact: lynbrooklibrary.org or (516) 599-8630

Megan

Hilty in concert

Direct from her Tony-nominated performance as Madeline Ashton in Broadway’s “Death Becomes Her,” Adelphi welcomes Tony, Grammy and Critics Choice Award-nominated actor-singer Megan Hilty to the stage. Enjoy an intimate afternoon of music with her Grammy-nominated pianist and music director Matt Cusson.

23

Reunion To Celebrate Life

St. Raymond Grammar School class of 1965 and East Rockaway High School class of 1969 are having a joint reunion at Grandpa Tony’s. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch-up and celebration of the lives of the alumni. Email any inquiries to Lorraine Keegan.

• Where: 101 Althouse Ave., East Rockaway

• Time: 5-9 p.m.

• Contact: LTK271982@yahoo.com

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Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION

VALLEY STREAM UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. TWENTY-FOUR TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD AND NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing of the qualified voters of the Valley Stream Union Free School District No. Twenty-Four of the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, will be held at the William L. Buck School on Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York in said District on May 6, 2026 at 7:30 p.m., prevailing time, for the transaction of such business as is authorized by the New York State Education Law, including the following items.

1. Presentation of the budget document.

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

3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that said vote and election will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 7:00 a.m., prevailing time, in the school buildings located in such districts as enumerated below:

District No. 1: Valley Stream Fire Department 112 South Corona Ave, Valley Stream, New York

District No. 2: William L. Buck School 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York

District No. 3: Brooklyn Avenue School 24 Brooklyn Avenue, Valley Stream, New York

District No. 4: Robert W. Carbonaro School

50 Hungry Harbor Road, Valley Stream, New York at which time the polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., prevailing time, to vote by voting machines upon the following items:

1. To adopt the annual budget of the School District for the fiscal year 2026-2027

and to authorize the requisite portion thereof to be raised by taxation on the taxable property of the District.

2. To elect three (3) members of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term commencing July 1, 2026 and expiring on June 30, 2029, as follows:

a. One (1) member of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term to succeed Armando Hernandez, whose term expires June 30, 2026;

b. One (1) member of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term to succeed Melissa Herrera, whose term expires June 30, 2026;

c. One (1) member of the Board of Education for a three (3) year term to succeed Cynthia Nunez (last incumbent-currently vacant), whose term expires June 30, 2026; the person elected shall also serve the remainder of the unexpired term commencing May 19, 2026.

3. To present the following propositions for consideration:

a. SHALL the proposed budget of expenditures of Valley Stream Union Free School District TwentyFour for the year 20262027 be approved in the amount of $43,131,639 and for the purposes shown in the statement thereof presented at the annual meeting, and that such sum be raised through a levy upon the taxable property in the district after first deducting the monies from state aid and other sources, as provided by law.

b. SHALL the Board of Education of Valley Stream Union Free School District TwentyFour be authorized to appropriate and expend from the Capital Reserve Fund, which was established on 2024 (“Reserve Fund”) pursuant to Section 3651 of the Education Law, for the following capital improvement projects: Renovating Three (3) Classrooms district-wide, and resurfacing the parking lot and playground at William L. Buck school in the approximate amount $1,200,000, and other work required in connection therewith; and to expend from the

Reserve Fund therefore, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto an amount not to exceed the estimated total cost of $1,200,000.

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

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

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that petitions nominating candidates for the office

of Member of the Board of Education of the Valley Stream Union Free School District No. Twenty-four shall be filed with the District Clerk of said School District at the District Clerk’s office, 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York, not later than April 20, 2026, between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., prevailing time. All nominating petitions must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 25 qualified voters or 2% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); must state the name and residence of each signer, and must state the name and residence of the candidate. Each petition shall be directed to the District Clerk and shall describe the specific vacancy for which the candidate is nominated. Each vacancy upon the Board of Education to be filled shall be considered a separate specific vacancy. A nominating petition may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for the office or declares his or her unwillingness to serve. Forms for nominating petitions may be obtained at the office of the Superintendent of Schools at the William L. Buck School on Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York and the office of the District Clerk of said School District.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 or pursuant to Article 5 of the New York State Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to New York Education Law §2014 and has voted at any annual or special district meeting within the past four (4) calendar years, such voter is eligible to vote at this election; if a voter is registered and eligible to vote pursuant to Article 5 of the New York State Election Law, such voter is also eligible to vote at this election. All other persons who wish to vote must register. The Board of Registration will meet for the purposes of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to Education Law §2014 at the William L. Buck School, on May 11,

2026 at 5:30 p.m., prevailing time, to add any additional names to the Registers to be used at the aforesaid Budget Vote and Election, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Registers, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such Budget Vote and Election for which the Register are prepared. The Registers so prepared pursuant to Education Law §2014 will be filed in the Office of the Clerk of the School District in the Administration Building, located at 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on Thursday, May 14, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., prevailing time, on weekdays, and each day prior to the day set for the Budget Vote and Election, except Sunday or holidays, and on Saturday by prearranged appointment, and at the polling places on the day of the Budget Vote and Election.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to New York Education Law §2014, the Board of Registration shall meet on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the respective polling places between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., at the prevailing time, to prepare the Register of the School District to be used at the annual meeting and election that is to be held in 2027and any special meeting that may be held after the preparation of said Register, at which time any person will be entitled to have her or his name placed on such Register, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the school meeting or election for which such Register is prepared.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that qualified voters with disabilities who seek information about access to polling places may, in advance of the day of the vote,

contact the District Clerk at 516-434-2839 for information about accessibility.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that beginning seven (7) days immediately preceding the May 6, 2026, public budget hearing, any resident in the District may request to review a copy of the proposed budget by appearing at the Office of the District Clerk, 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York. Additionally, a statement of the estimated expenses for the ensuing year may be obtained by any resident in the District during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding said election on the school district website www. valleystreamschool district24.org, at the Henry Waldinger Memorial Library during its normal hours of operation, located at 60 Verona Place, Valley Stream, New York, at the School District Administrative Center, 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York, and at each of the following school buildings in which school is maintained between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., prevailing time, except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays:

1. Brooklyn Avenue School located at 24 Brooklyn Avenue, Valley Stream New York;

2. William L. Buck School located at 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream New York; and

3. Robert W. Carbonaro School located at 50 Hungry Harbor Road, Valley Stream New York.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Real Property Tax Law Section 495, the School District is required to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how much of the total assessed value on the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted, identified by statutory authority, and show: (a) the cumulative impact of each type of exemption expressed either as a dollar amount of assessed value or as a percentage

of the total assessed value on the roll; (b) the cumulative amount expected to be received from recipients of each type of exemption as payments in lieu of taxes or other payments for municipal services; and (c) the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. The exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on any website maintained by the District.

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

A list of persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued, and a list of all persons to whom early mail voter’s ballots shall have been issued, will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the office of the District Clerk on and after Thursday, May 14, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. on weekdays prior to the day set for the annual election and on Saturday, May 16, 2026, by advanced appointment by contacting the District Clerk at 516-434-2839 and on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, the day set for the election. Any qualified voter may, upon examination of such lists, file a written challenge of the qualifications as a voter of any person whose name appears on such lists, stating the reasons for such challenge. Any such written challenge shall be transmitted by

the District Clerk or a designee of the Board of Education to the inspectors of election on Election Day.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the Valley Stream Union Free School District No. TwentyFour by requesting and returning a registration application to the District Clerk in person, or by email to districtclerk@vs24.org or fax sent to 516-2560163. The request for the registration application may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the registration application by either mail, fax or email. Military voter registration application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the Valley Stream Union Free School District No. Twenty-Four may request an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk and return such military ballot application to the District Clerk in person, or by email to districtclerk@vs24. org or fax sent to 516256-0163. In order for a military voter to be issued a military ballot, a valid military ballot application must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m., on April 23, 2026. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a non-military ballot application under Section 2018-a of the Education Law. The application for military ballot may include the military voter’s preference for receipt of the military ballot by mail, fax, or email. A military voter’s original military ballot application and military ballot must be returned by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York, along with the required signed affidavit by the voter.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District

Public Notices

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

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education in accordance with New York Education Law §2035, any referenda or propositions to change the number of Board of Education members, or a bond issue for capital improvements, or any other petition required by law to be stated in the Notice of Annual Meeting and Election must be filed with the District Clerk at 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York, not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on February 18, 2026. Any other petition, except those petitions required by law to be stated in the Notice of Annual Meeting and Election, must be filed with the District Clerk at 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York, no later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time on March 20, 2026. All such petitions must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the Clerk of the School District; must be signed by at least one hundred (100) qualified voters of the District (representing the greater of 100 or 5% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); and must legibly state the name of each signer. However, the Board of Education will not entertain any petition to place before the voters any proposition the purpose of which is not within the powers of the voters to determine, nor any proposition or amendment which is contrary to law.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that those voters seeking information regarding this Budget Vote and Election in Spanish should contact the Office of the District

Clerk at 516-434-2839.

Jennie L. Padilla District Clerk of the Board of Education Valley Stream Union Free School District No. Twenty-Four 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, New York 159363

LEGAL NOTICE CONVOCATORIA DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA, VOTACIÓN DEL PRESUPUESTO Y ELECCIONES

DISTRITO ESCOLAR INDEPENDIENTE DE VALLEY STREAM N.º

VEINTICUATRO MUNICIPIO DE HEMPSTEAD Y CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

POR LA PRESENTE

SE NOTIFICA que se celebrará una audiencia pública de los votantes habilitados del DISTRITO ESCOLAR INDEPENDIENTE de Valley Stream n.º veinticuatro de la ciudad de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, Nueva York, en la escuela William L. Buck, situada en Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York, en dicho distrito, el 6 de mayo de 2026 a las 19h30, hora local, para tratar los asuntos autorizados por la Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York, incluidos los siguientes puntos.

1. Presentación del documento presupuestario.

2. Diálog o sobre todos los puntos aquí expuestos, que se someterán a votación mediante máquina de votación, en las elecciones que se celebrarán el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, tal y como se establece a continuación.

3. Diálogo sobre cualquier otro asunto que pueda surgir debidamente en la reunión.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que dicha votación y elección se celebrarán el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, a las 7h00, hora local, en los edificios escolares situados en los distritos que se enumeran a continuación:

Distrito n.º 1:

Departamento de Bomberos de Valley Stream

112 South Corona Ave, Valley Stream, Nueva York

Distrito n.º 2:

Escuela William L. Buck 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York

Distrito n.º 3:

Escuela Brooklyn Avenue 24 Brooklyn Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York

Distrito n.º 4:

Escuela Robert W. Carbonaro 50 Hungry Harbor Road, Valley Stream, Nueva York

en ese momento, las urnas estarán abiertas de 7h00 a 21h00, hora local, para votar mediante máquinas de votación sobre los siguientes puntos:

1. Aprobación del presupuesto anual del Distrito Escolar para el año fiscal 2026-2027 y autorización para que la parte necesaria del mismo se recaude mediante impuestos sobre los bienes sujetos a impuestos del Distrito.

2. Elección de tres (3) miembros de la Junta de Educación para un mandato de tres (3) años que comenzará el 1 de julio de 2026 y expirará el 30 de junio de 2029, de la siguiente manera:

a. Un (1) miembro de la Junta de Educación para un mandato de tres (3) años que sucederá a Armando Hernández, cuyo mandato expira el 30 de junio de 2026;

b. Un (1) miembro de la Junta de Educación para un mandato de tres (3) años que sucederá a Melissa Herrera, cuyo mandato expira el 30 de junio de 2026;

c. Un (1) miembro de la Junta de Educación para un mandato de tres (3) años que suceda a Cynthia Núñez (última titular, puesto actualmente vacante), cuyo mandato expira el 30 de junio de 2026; la persona elegida también ocupará el cargo durante el resto del mandato no vencido a partir del 19 de mayo de 2026.

3. Presentación de las siguientes propuestas para su consideración:

a. APROBACIÓN del presupuesto de gastos propuesto por el DISTRITO ESCOLAR INDEPENDIENTE de Valley Stream Número Veinticuatro para el año 2026-2027 por un

importe de 43 131 639 dólares y para los fines indicados en el informe del mismo presentado en la reunión anual, y que dicha suma se recaude mediante un impuesto sobre los bienes sujetos a impuestos del distrito, tras deducir primero los fondos procedentes de la ayuda estatal y otras fuentes, según lo dispuesto por la ley.

b. AUTORIZACIÓN para que la Junta de Educación del DISTRITO ESCOLAR

INDEPENDIENTE

Número Veinticuatro de Valley Stream asigne y utilice fondos del Fondo de Reserva de Capital, creado en 2024 (“Fondo de Reserva”) de conformidad con el artículo 3651 de la Ley de Educación, para los siguientes proyectos de mejora de capital: Renovación de tres (3) aulas en todo el distrito y repavimentación del aparcamiento y el patio de recreo de la escuela William L. Buck por un importe aproximado de 1 200 000 dólares, así como la ejecución de otras obras necesarias relacionadas con ello; y para que utilice recursos del Fondo de Reserva para tal fin, incluidos los costes preliminares y los costes incidentales, una cantidad que no exceda el coste total estimado de 1 200 000 dólares.

c. APROBACIÓN del presupuesto de gastos propuesto por el Distrito Escolar Central de Secundaria de Valley Stream, condado de Nassau, Nueva York, para el año 2026-2027, por un importe de 173 600 882 dólares, y que dicha suma se recaude mediante un impuesto sobre los bienes inmuebles sujetos a impuestos en el Distrito Central de Secundaria de Valley Stream, tras deducir primero los fondos procedentes de la ayuda estatal y otras fuentes, ¿según lo dispuesto por la ley. d. AUTORIZACIÓN para que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Central de Secundaria de Valley Stream establezca un Fondo de Reserva de Capital con el fin de financiar mejoras de capital en las instalaciones y terrenos del Distrito, incluyendo, entre otras cosas, ampliaciones, reconstrucción, renovación, rehabilitación, expansión y equipamiento de los edificios y terrenos del Distrito; obras y mejoras en los terrenos; zonas

de aparcamiento y pavimentación; aceras y bordillos; infraestructura de drenaje y servicios públicos; elementos de accesibilidad ADA (Ley de Estadounidenses con Discapacidades); auditorios; techos; sistemas informáticos y tecnológicos; redes de datos y comunicaciones; puertas; sistemas mecánicos, eléctricos, de fontanería y sanitarios; sistemas de gestión y conservación de la energía; iluminación exterior e interior; vallas; suelos; sistemas de seguridad y extinción de incendios; sistemas de calefacción, ventilación y aire acondicionado; gimnasios; albañilería; tejados; sistemas de seguridad; baños; paredes; ventanas; mobiliario y equipamiento fijado de forma permanente a los edificios, y proyectos similares, junto con los costes arquitectónicos, de ingeniería y otros gastos incidentales relacionados con los mismos; con un importe final de dicho Fondo de Reserva de Capital de 15 000 000 $, más los intereses acumulados, y con un plazo de quince (15) años, que se financiará mediante transferencias del saldo de fondos no asignados del fondo general del Distrito y los intereses devengados por los mismos.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las solicitudes de nominación de candidatos para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación del DISTRITO ESCOLAR INDEPENDIENTE de Valley Stream n.º veinticuatro deberán presentarse ante el secretario del distrito de dicho distrito escolar en la oficina del secretario del distrito, 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York, a más tardar el 20 de abril de 2026, entre las 9h00 y las 17h00, hora local. Todas las peticiones de nominación deberán estar firmadas por al menos veinticinco (25) votantes habilitados del Distrito (lo que represente el mayor de los siguientes valores: 25 votantes habilitados o el 2 % del número de votantes que votaron en las elecciones anuales anteriores); deberán indicar el nombre y la residencia de cada firmante, así como el nombre y la residencia del candidato. Cada petición se dirigirá al secretario del Distrito y deberá describir la

vacante específica para la que se nomina al candidato. Cada vacante de la Junta de Educación que deba cubrirse se considerará una vacante específica independiente. La Junta de Educación podrá rechazar una petición de nominación si el candidato no reúne los requisitos para el cargo o declara su falta de voluntad para desempeñarlo. Los formularios para las peticiones de nominación pueden obtenerse en la oficina del Superintendente de Escuelas, situada en la Escuela William L. Buck, en Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York, y en la oficina del secretario del distrito de dicho distrito escolar.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que se requiere el registro personal de los votantes, ya sea de conformidad con el artículo 2014 de la Ley de Educación de Nueva York o de conformidad con el artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral del Estado de Nueva York. Si un votante se ha inscrito hasta la fecha de conformidad con el artículo 2014 de la Ley de Educación de Nueva York y ha votado en cualquier reunión anual o extraordinaria del distrito en los últimos cuatro (4) años naturales, dicho votante tiene derecho a votar en estas elecciones; si un votante está inscrito y tiene derecho a votar de conformidad con el artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral del Estado de Nueva York, dicho votante también tiene derecho a votar en estas elecciones. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deben inscribirse. La Junta de Inscripción se reunirá con el fin de inscribir a todos los votantes habilitados del Distrito de conformidad con el artículo 2014 de la Ley de Educación en la Escuela William L. Buck, el 11 de mayo de 2026 a las 17h30, hora local, para añadir cualquier nombre adicional a los registros que se utilizarán en la citada votación presupuestaria y elección, momento en el que cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre figure en dichos registros, siempre que en dicha reunión de la Junta de Registro se demuestre, a satisfacción de dicha Junta, que tiene derecho, en ese momento o posteriormente, a votar en dicha votación

presupuestaria y elección para la que se preparan los registros. Los registros así preparados de conformidad con el artículo 2014 de la Ley de Educación se depositarán en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar, situada en el Edificio Administrativo, en el 75 de Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York, y estarán abiertos a la inspección de cualquier votante habilitado del Distrito a partir del jueves, 14 de mayo de 2026, entre las 9h00 y las 15h00, hora local, los días laborables, y todos los días previos a la fecha fijada para la votación sobre el presupuesto y las elecciones, excepto los domingos y festivos, y los sábados con cita previa, así como en los colegios electorales el día de la votación sobre el presupuesto y las elecciones.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, de conformidad con el artículo 2014 de la Ley de Educación de Nueva York, la Junta de Inscripción se reunirá el martes, 19 de mayo de 2026, en los respectivos colegios electorales entre las 7h00 y las 21h00 horas, según la hora vigente, para preparar el Registro del Distrito Escolar que se utilizará en la reunión anual y las elecciones que se celebrarán en 2027, así como en cualquier reunión extraordinaria que pueda celebrarse tras la preparación de dicho Registro, momento en el que cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que se incluya su nombre en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión de la Junta de Registro se conozca o se demuestre, a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro, que tiene derecho, en ese momento o posteriormente, a votar en la reunión escolar o en las elecciones para las que se prepara dicho Registro.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que los votantes con discapacidad que cumplan los requisitos y deseen obtener información sobre el acceso a los colegios electorales podrán, con antelación al día de la votación, ponerse en contacto con el secretario del distrito en el número 516-4342839 para obtener información sobre la accesibilidad.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, a partir de los siete (7) días inmediatamente anteriores a la audiencia pública sobre el presupuesto del 6 de mayo de 2026, cualquier residente del Distrito podrá solicitar consultar una copia del presupuesto propuesto acudiendo a la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, situada en 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York. Además, cualquier residente del Distrito podrá obtener un estado de los gastos estimados para el año siguiente durante los catorce (14) días inmediatamente anteriores a dicha elección en el sitio web del distrito escolar www. valleystreamschool district24.org, en la Biblioteca Henry Waldinger Memorial durante su horario habitual de apertura, situada en 60 Verona Place, Valley Stream, Nueva York, en el Centro Administrativo del Distrito Escolar, 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York, y en cada uno de los siguientes edificios escolares en los que se imparten clases entre las 9h00 y las 16h00 horas, hora local, excepto los sábados, domingos y festivos:

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

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

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

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, de conformidad con el artículo 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, el Distrito Escolar está obligado a adjuntar a su presupuesto propuesto un informe de exenciones. Dicho informe de exenciones, que también formará parte del presupuesto definitivo, indicará qué parte del valor catastral total que figura en el registro catastral definitivo utilizado en el proceso presupuestario está exenta de impuestos, enumerará todos los tipos de exención concedidos, identificados por la autoridad legal, y

LLYN3-3

mostrará: (a) el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención expresado bien como importe en dólares del valor catastral, bien como porcentaje del valor catastral total que figura en el registro; (b) el importe acumulado que se espera recibir de los beneficiarios de cada tipo de exención en concepto de pagos en lugar de impuestos u otros pagos por servicios municipales; y (c) el impacto acumulado de todas las exenciones concedidas. El informe de exenciones se publicará en cualquier tablón de anuncios mantenido por el Distrito para avisos públicos y en cualquier sitio web mantenido por el Distrito.

Y POR LA PRESENTE

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

el sábado 16 de mayo de 2026, previa cita concertada llamando al secretario del distrito al 516-434-2839, así como el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, día fijado para las elecciones. Cualquier votante habilitado podrá, tras examinar dichas listas, presentar una impugnación por escrito de la condición de votante de cualquier persona cuyo nombre figure en dichas listas, indicando los motivos de dicha impugnación. Dicha impugnación por escrito será transmitida por el secretario del distrito o una persona designada por la Junta de Educación a los inspectores electorales el día de las elecciones.

anterior se tramitarán de la misma manera que una solicitud de papeleta electoral no militar en virtud de la sección 2018-a de la Ley de Educación. La solicitud de papeleta militar puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar para recibir la papeleta por correo, fax o correo electrónico. La solicitud original de papeleta militar y la papeleta militar del votante militar deben devolverse por correo o en persona a la oficina del secretario del distrito, situada en 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York, junto con la declaración jurada firmada por el votante que se requiere.

News brief

ER board president honored by SCOPE

East Rockaway Board of Education President Peter McNally was recently recognized for his contributions to public education at SCOPE Education Services’ 25th Annual “Shining Above the Rest” Awards Dinner, held March 23 at Villa Lombardi’s.

McNally received the School District Service Award, which honors individuals who have made a meaningful impact on education and their school communities across Long Island.

Public Notices Public Notices

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que los votantes militares que no estén actualmente inscritos pueden solicitar su inscripción como votantes habilitados del DISTRITO ESCOLAR INDEPENDIENTE de Valley Stream n.º 24 solicitando y devolviendo una solicitud de inscripción al secretario del distrito en persona, o por correo electrónico a districtclerk@vs24. org o por fax al 516256-0163. La solicitud de inscripción puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar de recibir el formulario de inscripción por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Los formularios de solicitud de inscripción de votantes militares deben recibirse en la oficina del secretario del distrito a más tardar a las 17h00 horas del 23 de abril de 2026.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las papeletas militares se contarán si son recibidas por el secretario del distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, y muestran un sello del Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o muestran un endoso con fecha de recepción por parte de otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o recibidas a más tardar a las 17h00 del martes 19 de mayo de 2026, y firmadas y fechadas por el votante militar y un testigo del mismo, con una fecha que se compruebe que no sea posterior al día anterior a la elección.

20 de marzo de 2026. Todas estas peticiones deben estar escritas a máquina o impresas en inglés; deben dirigirse al secretario del distrito escolar; deben estar firmadas por al menos cien (100) votantes habilitados del distrito (lo que represente el mayor de 100 o el 5 % del número de votantes que votaron en las elecciones anuales anteriores); y deben indicar de forma legible el nombre de cada firmante. No obstante, la Junta de Educación no admitirá ninguna petición para someter a los votantes ninguna propuesta cuyo objeto no esté dentro de las competencias de los votantes para decidir, ni ninguna propuesta o enmienda que sea contraria a la ley.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que aquellos votantes que deseen obtener información sobre esta votación presupuestaria y estas elecciones en español deben ponerse en contacto con la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito al 516-4342839.

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

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

He was first elected to the East Rockaway Board of Education in 2019 and was recently re-elected to another three-year term beginning July 1, 2025. In addition to his role on the board, McNally is a technology education teacher in the Lynbrook School District and also serves as head coach of the track and field and cross-country teams.

The East Rockaway School District congratulated McNally on the recognition and thanked him for his continued dedication to the district and community.

— Kayla Dechter

La lista de personas a las que se hayan expedido papeletas de voto por correo, así como la lista de todas las personas a las que se hayan expedido papeletas de voto anticipado por correo, estarán a disposición de los votantes habilitados del Distrito para su consulta en la oficina del secretario del Distrito a partir del jueves 14 de mayo de 2026, entre las 9h00 y las 16h00 los días laborables previos al día fijado para las elecciones anuales y

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que los votantes militares que sean votantes habilitados del DISTRITO ESCOLAR INDEPENDIENTE de Valley Stream n.º 24 pueden solicitar un formulario de solicitud de papeleta militar al secretario del distrito y devolver dicho formulario al secretario del distrito en persona, por correo electrónico a districtclerk@vs24.org o por fax al 516-2560163. Para que se expida una papeleta electoral militar a un votante militar, debe recibirse una solicitud válida de papeleta electoral militar en la oficina del secretario del distrito a más tardar a las 17h00 horas del 23 de abril de 2026. Las solicitudes de papeleta electoral militar recibidas de conformidad con lo

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, de conformidad con una norma aprobada por la Junta de Educación en virtud del artículo 2035 de la Ley de Educación de Nueva York, cualquier referéndum o propuesta para modificar el número de miembros de la Junta de Educación, o una emisión de bonos para mejoras de capital, o cualquier otra petición que la ley exija que figure en la convocatoria de la reunión anual y las elecciones, deberá presentarse ante el secretario del distrito en 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York, a más tardar a las 17h00, hora local, del 18 de febrero de 2026. Cualquier otra petición, salvo aquellas que la ley exija que figuren en la Convocatoria de la Asamblea Anual y las Elecciones, deberá presentarse ante el secretario del distrito en 75 Horton Avenue, Valley Stream, Nueva York, a más tardar a las 17h00, hora local, del

SUPREME COURT

NASSAU COUNTY

NEWREZ LLC D/B/A

SHELLPOINT

MORTGAGE

SERVICING, Plaintiff against VERNA LAPOINTE

A/K/A VERNA

FAZZOLARI LAPOINTE, et al Defendant(s)

Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Leopold & Associates, PLLC, 80 Business Park Drive, Suite 110, Armonk, NY 10504. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered February 19, 2026, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 5, 2026 at 2:00 PM.

Premises known as 77 Wood Street, Lynbrook, NY 11563. Sec 37 Block 305 Lot 34. 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 Lynbrook, Nassau County, New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $929,221.47 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 012056/2012. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Lisa Segal Poczik, Esq., Referee File # 7754956 159301

LEGAL NOTICE VILLAGE OF LYNBROOK REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PARKING FINE MANAGEMENT SEALED PROPOSALS will be received by the Village Clerk of the Incorporated Village of Lynbrook on or before April 30, 2026 at 11:00 A.M., at which time they will be publicly opened and read for the following: “PARKING FINE MANAGEMENT” Requests for Proposals may be obtained at the Office of the Village Clerk, Village Hall, One Columbus Drive, Lynbrook, New York between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 4:00 P.M. Monday through Friday or on the Download section of lynbrookvillage.gov. The Board of Trustees reserves the right to reject any and all proposals if they are not in the best interest of the Village. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES John Giordano, Village Administrator Lynbrook, New York April 13, 2026 159648

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR NOVASTAR MORTGAGE FUNDING TRUST, SERIES 2007-1 NOVASTAR HOME EQUITY LOAN ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-1 Plaintiff, Against CAROL STARKMAN, FREDERICK STARKMAN A/K/A FRED STARKMAN A/K/A FREDERICK B. STARKMAN, et al Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 03/11/2026, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 5/19/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 61 5th Avenue, East Rockaway, NY 11518, and described as follows: 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 East Rockaway, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 042 Block 0000A-00 Lot 00220 and 00221. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $487,502.73 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 605740/2024 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.

Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 3/20/2026 File Number: 14-309465 CA 159628

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How much extra money does a home cost these days? Part 2

Q. I saw a billboard and several TV commercials for something called “Let Them Build, NY” and was wondering what you could tell me about it. The commercial said that there is an extra $82,000 spent on housing, per home, just due to government red tape. Is this true, and is anything being done about it?

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A. As I continue to answer this delicate and complicated question, I have to respond to people who called this column, over the years, just an advertisement. I’ve received criticism and pushback for nearly four decades because I’ve pointed out where changes needed to happen, in a constructive manner. Instead of causing positive change, I saw projects delayed, passive-aggressive behavior and extra tasks thrown at me that weren’t required by others. It hasn’t been easy, and this is hopefully a forum for positive reflection on how to improve our lives, not just criticism. I will never just complain about a problem without stating that there is a solution.

The cost of building has gone up. It should be understood by all that building safety requirements should never be ignored. The problem with cost increases is that delays, due to issues that have nothing to do with safety, are a part of the problem, not the solution.

For example, the average project starts out with research. There are many issues that must be addressed, from environmental conditions, such as ground water levels, to parking and zoning use, structural conditions and fire safety. Local government archives information about each property, yet when it comes time to request the records, many have stumbling blocks, such as Freedom of Information Law, or FOIL, requests that can sometimes take weeks. Then, when you get the information, it is often inaccurate sketches.

Local government expects very detailed information from professionals, to fix the information problems of the past, yet often provides inaccurate plans that hardly reflect the building. This is because as-built drawings and final surveys were neither required nor enforced. A new home has always been required to have an accurate final survey from a licensed surveyor for the initial certificate of occupancy, but the surveys in municipal records are often inaccurate sketch diagrams made by the developer, a contractor or expeditor, not a licensed professional (as was also always required). Those “plot” plans often say “prop. dwelling” (proposed) with completely useless, inaccurate information. So, after waiting, in some cases, weeks just to see the records, what you get is just a waste of time and money. Might as well hire the surveyor at the outset, something many customers are reluctant to spend for.

The playing field is definitely not level. Government should require of itself the same standards it forces on the public. Imagine getting valuable data without delays, right at the beginning of a project, instead of waiting weeks for the answer that there are no records. Experienced developers already know to hire the surveyor, do the testing, do the zoning analysis, etc.

© 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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REVIVE Act is the wrong solution to the housing crisis

To the surprise of no one, Albany extremists — following the lead of Gov. Kathy Hochul — have once again proposed a one-sizefits-all, top-down mandate that would attack suburbia by stripping municipalities of control over local zoning.

The recently introduced REVIVE Act — sponsored by State Sen. James Skoufis and Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages — proposes to fast-track high-density housing by redeveloping “underutilized” commercial properties, and in the process, completely bypass the local review processes that ensure thoughtful, responsible growth.

Conveniently, the definition of “underutilized” is broad and open-ended, and includes shopping centers, office parks and parking lots, setting the threshold for “underutilized” as 50 percent vacant for one year. To make matters worse, the legislation contains a fast-track clause that would grant automatic approval to developments if municipalities fail to act within a rigid, state-imposed timeline that is far too short to accommodate any type of thoughtful and meaningful public input.

Worse yet, under the REVIVE Act, new developments would be permitted to be built as-of-right to the same height as the tallest existing building in the municipality. In the Town of Hempstead, the tallest building is Nassau University Medical Center, at 280 feet. This would allow high-density, high-rise developments of nearly 30 stories to be fast-tracked throughout our community on any “underutilized” parcel a developer should choose.

This proposal simply has one goal in mind: to increase density in suburban areas, no matter what.

Ted. Responsible growth isn’t just about adding housing units. It’s about ensuring that our neighborhoods can thrive in the best way possible for every resident. Development needs to be sustainable, strategic, and aligned with the needs and character of the community.

he proposal has one goal: to increase housing density in suburban areas.

It does not adequately take into consideration the real-world impact that high-density developments would have on traffic congestion, school capacity, environmental concerns and public safety. And frankly, it sends a troubling message that Albany doesn’t care about those impacts. Local zoning exists for a reason, and decisions about development should be made by the people who live in these communities, not imposed by bureaucrats hundreds of miles away.

This “Albany knows best” approach is not just misguided; it’s dangerous. Legislation like the REVIVE Act fails to account for a community’s existing infrastructure, its long-term planning goal, and, most concerningly, the voices of residents who would be most affect-

That’s why I’ve been proud to stand with local and state leaders in strong opposition to this egregious state overreach. Last month I joined members of the State Senate and Assembly in Albany to denounce the REVIVE Act. More recently, I stood with a coalition of elected officials from across Nassau County in front of Samanea Mall in Westbury — a site that could easily be deemed “underutilized” under this legislation and targeted for highdensity redevelopment.

That location is not unique. There are countless sites across Long Island that could fall under the scope of this bill. And instead of encouraging balanced economic development or supporting job-creating commercial investment, Albany appears determined to impose high-density, high-rise residential projects with little regard for community impact.

Suburban communities aren’t Albany’s plaything to experiment with. They are neighborhoods where families have

built their lives, where small businesses support local economies and where residents take pride in the character of their towns. Stripping those communities of their voice isn’t just bad policy — it’s fundamentally detrimental to the principles of local governance and community-driven planning.

And make no mistake: Opposition to the REVIVE Act isn’t limited to elected officials. Residents across the region are speaking out because they understand what is at stake. They know that once local control is taken away, it will be impossible to get back. They know that decisions made without their input will shape their neighborhoods for generations to come.

That’s why I launched an online petition so residents can make their voices heard and stand up against this misguided proposal. I encourage everyone to visit Change.org/StopReviveAct and join the growing number of Long Islanders who are saying enough is enough.

The REVIVE Act doesn’t just get the balance wrong — it ignores it entirely. And if we allow that to happen, the consequences won’t be felt in Albany. They’ll be felt on our roads, in our schools and in the neighborhoods we call home.

That’s why this fight matters. And that’s why the REVIVE Act must be stopped.

John Ferretti is the Town of Hempstead supervisor.

Let’s strengthen protections for domestic violence victims

new York had almost 90,000 reported victims of domestic violence in 2022 alone. What makes this statistic most troubling is that domestic violence often goes unreported, as does the harm. Whether the victim is protecting their abuser out of fear of retaliation, economic or emotional dependency, denial or shame, abusers continue to exploit and further victimize survivors.

Abusers can be creative in finding ways to manipulate and control their victims. We need to provide tools to victims, victims’ advocates and law enforcement to ensure that survivors of domestic violence get the support they need and perpetrators are held accountable. That’s why I have introduced a legislative package to increase support for victims, including bills I carry with Assemblyman Ari Brown that would help strengthen our services for those victims, and close loopholes in the law that

allow predators to control their domestic partners by threating their pets.

More than one-third of domestic violence survivors suffer head, neck or facial injuries. Nonetheless, one study found that although 65 percent of victims of intimate partner violence reported having lost consciousness or experiencing a period of being dazed and confused, only 35 percent sought medical treatment. In some cases, a victim may opt not to seek care on their own to protect their abuser, or their abuser may prevent them from seeking care.

They are often overlooked, despite the increased focus on traumatic brain injuries.

As a result, victims of such violence are especially vulnerable to undiagnosed traumatic brain injuries. While there has rightfully been an increased focus on TBI among athletes, military personnel and seniors who fall, domestic violence victims are typically overlooked. The state Department of Health has taken steps to address this issue, such as alerting health care providers to this connection, but there is still more to be done.

For instance, the state’s Traumatic Brain Injury Program includes a variety of state departments and offices that can

offer unique insights into how their mission intersects with challenges related to TBI, and these agencies also have their commissioner or a designee on the Traumatic Brain Injury Services Coordinating Council. However, the Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence does not have a seat on the council, and has no role in the TBI Program. One of my bills would correct that oversight and ensure the office’s inclusion in shaping policies and training to mitigate the epidemic of TBI among survivors of domestic violence.

Another oversight in our laws deals with the crime of coercion and the use of coercive control, whereby an abuser controls their victim through the use of threats, pressure, shame or other manipulative tactics. While New York has a criminal penalty for coercion, which includes using the threat of physical harm or damage to property, it does not include threats against pets. This critical gap in the law is especially concerning given that roughly 70 percent of pet owners entering domestic violence shelters report that their abuser threatened,

injured or killed a family pet. Additionally, 90 percent of animal abuse incidents committed by perpetrators of domestic violence are done in the presence of their victims to exert control or revenge. That’s why I have introduced a bill to include threats to harm animals in the crime of coercion.

Domestic violence is a blight that is as complex as it is ever-changing, because technology offers opportunities for abusers to exert even more control over their victims’ lives. While we may never be able to achieve a world in which this horrific crime is nonexistent, we must commit to continuously examining our laws to ensure that we are doing everything we can to prevent it and to provide critical services to those in need.

Other legislative improvements I am exploring with other lawmakers include a bill I introduced to create a registry of persistent domestic violence offenders, and one I cosponsor to allow orders of protection to include prohibiting an abuser from having contact with a shared pet. Lawmakers must be diligent in our efforts, and comprehensive in our proposals, to protect women and all victims of domestic violence.

Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick represents the 9th State Senate District.

HERALD

LIRR riders, put on your damn headphones

there is an unwritten contract that comes with riding on the Long Island Rail Road. You buy your ticket, you find your seat and you agree — implicitly, silently, without anyone asking you to sign anything — to share a small, enclosed space with strangers for the duration of your journey. It’s not always comfortable. It’s rarely glamorous. But it works, because most people understand that shared spaces require a certain baseline of consideration for the people around you.

That contract is being violated, every day, by people who can’t be bothered to use headphones. This lack of common decency is getting worse. Perhaps it signals the erosion of pre-pandemic norms, or the proliferation of short-form video content that simply must be consumed the moment it appears. But the reason doesn’t matter. The result is the same: a train car held captive by one person’s indifference.

You know what I’m talking about. The commuter who has his phone propped against his coffee cup, watching a video at full volume like he’s in his living room — a living room, apparently, with very thick walls or no neighbors. The guy on his Bluetooth speaker. Yes, a Bluetooth. On a train. In public. Among other humans.

What is so urgent that it cannot wait — or at minimum, be routed through a pair of earbuds? If you’re going to subject your fellow passengers to unsolicit-

letters

Turning our backs on nuclear power will cost us

To the Editor:

ed audio, the least you can do is make it enriching. Bach’s “Goldberg Variations.” A Pulitzer Prize-winner on Audible. Perhaps a documentary about the migratory patterns of the Arctic tern. Something that, when the woman across the aisle glances up from her book, she might think, “Well, I didn’t ask for this, but I’ll learn something today.”

Instead, what Long Island commuters are treated to after a long day of work is a TikTok of someone attempting to fit way too many cherry tomatoes in their mouth. Or a Twitch stream of a man dropping words that would make a sailor take notes. Or, my personal favorite, a FaceTime call conducted at a volume that suggests the party on the other end is located not in Queens but in Uzbekistan.

The headphone — wireless, wired, over-ear, in-ear, take your pick — is sold at every price point from reasonable to why-does-this-cost-more-than-my-firstcar, and is one of the great inventions of the modern age precisely because it solved this problem. It lets each of us live inside our own sonic world without inflicting it on everyone else. The technology is cheap, ubiquitous, and works perfectly well even when moving at 60 miles per hour.

And before anyone reaches for the ready-made excuse, “My AirPods died” is not quite the sympathetic defense it might seem. Yes, it’s mildly inconvenient to sit for 40 minutes without being

Karl Grossman’s op-ed critique of New York’s zeroemission credit program, “Nuclear power for $33 billion, and guess who’s paying?” (April 2-8) mischaracterizes both the program’s purpose and its value. The figure he cites is designed to alarm, but stripped of context, it obscures a central truth: New York is not subsidizing failure — it is investing in reliability, climate compliance and economic stability.

In 2016, the state Public Service Commission established zero-emissions credits as part of its Clean Energy Standard to preserve existing nuclear generation, the single largest source of zero-emission electricity in the state. At the time, upstate nuclear plants were at risk of premature closure due to distorted wholesale markets. The commission found that losing those facilities would result in “significantly increased greenhouse gas emissions,” higher capacity costs and immediate reliability risks.

Federal courts agreed. In 2018, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit upheld New York’s ZEC program, finding it lawful and consistent with federal energy policy. The court rejected claims that ZECs distorted markets, affirming that states retain

able to catch up on the latest episode of “Love Is Blind.” We understand. We feel for you. But that inconvenience — yours, private, manageable — pales significantly when compared with forcing the occupants of an entire train car to listen to it with you.

Charge your headphones. Toss a wired pair in your bag. The bar here is low, but it’s still worth clearing.

Long Island commuters are not a fragile lot. Anyone who has navigated Penn Station at rush hour or waited half an hour for a delayed train on an unsheltered platform in January has developed a certain resilience. We don’t need silence. We don’t need perfection. Trains are noisy — the screech of the rails, the hiss of the doors, the conductor calling out “Jamaica next!” in a voice that carries to the next car. That’s the deal. That’s ambient. That’s fine.

What isn’t fine is being forced to listen to someone else’s choice of entertainment, which, based on available evidence, is made with absolutely no one else in mind.

So here’s a modest proposal: bring your headphones, and use them. The train is a community — a rolling slice of Long Island life, hurtling toward work or home. Communities are at their best when their members extend small courtesies to one another.

And, if you absolutely must share your audio with the world, at the very minimum, make it Bach.

authority to value environmental attributes of generation. As the court noted, “States are not preempted from encouraging production of clean energy.”

Nuclear power supplies roughly 20 percent of New York’s electricity and more than 40 percent of its carbon-free generation. Without it, emissions would spike dramatically, undoing years of progress under the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. As New York’s independent system operator has repeatedly warned, premature retirements of dispatchable resources, espe-

The REVIVE Act is a wolf dressed as housing reform

the REVIVE Act is being sold as housing reform, but it could become the law that quietly changes suburban Long Island before many residents even realize what happened. Wrapped in language about revitalization, vacant property and affordability, this bill is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, a measure that appears reasonable on the surface while giving Albany democrats new power to override local decision making, weaken community review, and force suburban communities into a model many residents never asked for.

The act has not yet become law, but Long Islanders should understand what is in it. Albany democrats present it as a housing solution, but the deeper reality is political: If they can force more housing into suburban communities, they believe they can slowly change the makeup, character and, ultimately, the voting patterns of places that have long resisted their agenda.

As ranking member of the Assembly’s Local Governments Committee, and after more than five decades in the construction industry, I see exactly what happens when decisions are made by

people who never have to live with the consequences.

Business districts are built deliberately. Stores, offices, restaurants and surrounding neighborhoods function together because local boards spend years carefully managing them. A healthy downtown supports the tax base that funds local services, police protection, sanitation, roads and municipal government.

iIf business districts begin converting into residential projects whenever vacancies appear, communities lose taxable revenue, business activity and commercial identity. Once a district begins shifting away from retail, it rarely comes back.

revenue while still carrying the same infrastructure burden, and homeowners are left carrying more of the cost.

Under the proposed law, if a commercial property is 50 percent vacant for a year, the state would open the door to residential conversion. One year is nothing in commercial real estate, yet one difficult year could permanently change a property and neighborhood that took decades to shape.

t sounds practical and moderate, but its long-term effects would be anything but.

Long Islanders should understand what this means in practice. Parking lots that support downtown merchants and customers can suddenly become targets for dense multifamily housing.

A lot that serves local businesses today can become a large apartment project tomorrow, overwhelming infrastructure while weakening the very business district it once supported.

In some communities, tax-exempt institutions — religious, educational or otherwise — continue expanding into commercial corridors. When tax-exempt uses steadily replace taxable commercial property, local governments lose

Letters

cially nuclear, pose “significant reliability challenges,” particularly as electrification increases demand.

Critics often invoke plant age as a proxy for danger. That is misleading. Nuclear facilities are regulated by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission under one of the most stringent safety regimes in the world. License extensions are granted only after exhaustive review of materials, systems and operational performance. Comparing a nuclear plant to a “57-year-old car” may be rhetorically effective, but it is technically unserious. Nuclear facilities are continually upgraded with the latest technology, which is often mandated by the commission.

The economic argument also collapses under scrutiny. ZECs are not a “bailout”; they are a market correction. Fossil fuel generation benefits from decades of embedded subsidies and does not pay for its environmental externalities. ZECs attempt to internalize those costs, something economists across the spectrum have long advocated. As former Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz has stated, “Retaining existing nuclear plants is one of the most cost-effective ways to prevent carbon emissions.”

As well, these facilities support thousands of high-skilled, union jobs that cannot be quickly or easily replaced. More important, they anchor local economies across upstate New York. Abrupt closures

The law would go further. If a municipality doesn’t complete a review of a project of less than 150 units within 60 days, the project would automatically be approved. That would mean drainage, sewer capacity, traffic, parking and emergency access could all be pushed aside under an artificial deadline created by Albany democrats who wouldn’t live with the consequences.

The bill would also limit parking to one space per dwelling unit. But families often have two or three cars. Streets weren’t designed to absorb endless overflow parking from dense development. design hearings could still take place, but they would nonbinding. On Long Island, boards of architectural review decide what signage, awnings, storefront designs and building appearances fit a community. Without that authority, downtown character quickly

would not only destabilize the grid but devastate entire communities.

Nuclear power is not a panacea. Renewables will continue to expand, but the idea that wind and solar alone can replace firm, dispatchable baseload power in the near term is not supported by grid realities. Even the Union of Concerned Scientists acknowledges that maintaining existing nuclear capacity can play a role in reducing emissions during the transition.

The real question isn’t whether ZECs cost money. It is whether abandoning them would cost more in emissions, in reliability failures, in lost jobs and, ultimately, in higher long-term energy prices.

New York’s energy transition must be grounded in pragmatism, not ideology. Preserving zero-emission nuclear generation through ZECs isn’t a step backward. It is a necessary bridge, one that ensures we reach a cleaner future without falling into the very pitfalls critics claim to oppose.

PATRICk GUIdICE Holtsville

Patrick Guidice is the business manager of IBEW Local 1049, representing over 4,000 workers in the electrical and gas utility industry on Long Island. Karl Grossman’s column did not appear in all print editions of the Herald, but can be found at liherald. com/oped.

deteriorates. Anyone who has seen parts of Brooklyn knows what happens: outlandish signage and a complete free-forall that overwhelms the character of a street and strips away local identity.

Many suburban democrats sound independent when they’re home on Long Island. Their votes tell a different story. Their leadership is driven overwhelmingly by New York City priorities. Again and again, what helps the city comes first, even when Long Island communities pay the price.

The state budget proves it year after year: top-heavy spending tilted toward the city, urban priorities funded by suburban taxpayers, and less local control. The REVIVE Act follows that same pattern. It was written to sound practical and moderate, but its long-term effect is to take more control away from local communities.

Too many elected Long Island democrats sound suburban when they’re home in their districts, but when votes are called, they follow Albany democrats increasingly influenced by voices openly hostile to suburban priorities, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. We Long Islanders put politics aside when Long Island itself is at stake, and we won’t stand by while bills like this threaten to erode our suburban way of life by putting the equivalent of a skyscraper in our backyards.

Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.

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