Merrick Herald 04-02-2026

Calhoun High students use art to connect with children in Honduras

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Students at Sanford H. Calhoun High School are using art to build connections that stretch far beyond their community.

Through their participation in The Memory Project, a nonprofit initiative that pairs students with children around the world who have experienced hardship, 76 Calhoun students and staff created 82 portraits and identity-based artworks for children in Honduras.

The effort, which ran from November through March, was led by sophomores Ellie Tzaras and Chloe Dujardin, who organized workshops, coordinated materials, tracked progress and led fundraising efforts to support the initiative.

“We wanted to do something that not only would make a community impact, but would make a global impact,” Tzaras said. “We really wanted to make a difference.”

The idea began when Tzaras and Dujardin approached art teacher Nancy Scott about starting an out-of-school service proj-

ect. Scott introduced them to The Memory Project, which she had previously incorporated into her classroom years earlier. This time, the students took the lead, transforming it into a voluntary, after-school effort.

Weekly workshops, held two to three times per week, provided students with guidance as they worked on their pieces. Scott, along with fellow teacher Gary SolorzanoRuiz, supported the program by staying after school for extended hours to assist students.

“Art is a powerful tool. It can cross borders — and it will. It can change a person’s life,” Scott said. “This was a sheer act of selflessness and love for a stranger.”

Participation was strongest among freshmen, many of whom found both a creative outlet and a sense of belonging through the program.

“At first, they were a bit scared, they were intimidated,” Tzaras said. “But the more they kept coming to these workshops, they were building friendships. By the end, there wasn’t a single person in the room who wouldn’t go up to someone and say, ‘Hey,

What to expect at your local movie theater

By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com

In November, hundreds of fans flocked to Bellmore Movies and the Showplace to spend an evening with four actors from the primetime drama “The Sopranos,” who shared details about the show. Locals who missed the opportunity will get a second chance to catch up on all things “Sopranos” on April 18, at 10 p.m.

T“A Night with the Sopranos” featured actors Jason Cerbone, Robert Funaro, Dan Grimaldi and Matthew Servitto, and the group offered their perspectives on the show’s story, its cultural impact, and its themes and purpose.

“The reception from the cast members has been great,” Jedlicka said. “We’ve had such great reception from the community. That’s why we wanted to bring it back to Bellmore… [and for] folks that came to the first Bellmore event, they should come to this one, because now they’re going to meet a new cast member that they didn’t at the first one.”

he reception from the cast members has been great.

ANDREw JEDlIckA Founder, Andrew Frank Group

These events are made possible by Merrick resident Andrew Jedlicka, the founder of the Andrew Frank Group, a consulting firm that manages several cast members, in collaboration with JD Sarantakos, of JD’s Productions, who works with the theatre to bring in special events from famous entertainers.

Last year’s event was the first of many, he said.

“We will be taking the show on tour,” he said. “We will be in Rhode Island in October. We’ll be in California in January of next year. We’re consistently booking more theaters across the country, so we’re really excited about it. Plus, the nice thing about this is that every show we do is that there’s going to be a new mystery guest.”

“The Sopranos” made a huge impact on television culture, first with its run on HBO from 1999, and then when it came to streaming service HBO Max in 2020, during the pan -

CoNTiNuED oN pAGE 5

Sketch to Stitch: turning drawings into stuffed creations

A cross-district project between North Bellmore and Bellmore-Merrick schools gave students a handson lesson in creativity and practical skills when middle schoolers turned elementary students’ drawings into handmade stuffed animals.

Fourth graders at Newbridge Road Elementary School received the creations on March 13, when seventh- and eighth-grade students from Merrick Avenue Middle School visited to distribute the sewn projects based on monster drawings completed earlier in the school year.

The initiative was coordinated by fourth grade teacher JoAnn Belferder and Sarah Norton, a family and consumer sciences teacher in the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District and adviser to the Merrick Avenue sewing club. Norton’s students used the drawings as templates to design and construct the stuffed figures.

The project served as a skills-based exercise for middle school students, who applied sewing techniques learned in class, while also giving younger students the opportunity to see their original work realized in a different format.

During the visit, Merrick Avenue students presented each fourth grader with a stuffed version of their drawing along with the original artwork.

Norton also spoke to the class about family and consumer sciences courses offered at the middle school level, including instruction in cooking, sewing, financial literacy and career exploration.

School officials said the project highlighted collaboration between grade levels and provided an introduction to practical coursework students will encounter in the future.

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The Taste of Bitterness: What Passover Really Teaches Us Passover GreetinG

When most people think about Passover, they think about freedom—an ancient story of a people escaping slavery and beginning a journey toward liberty. And while that’s certainly true, one of the most meaningful elements of the holiday is something far less obvious: a small portion of bitter herbs, known as marror, eaten during the ritual meal called the Seder.

like a sharp garnish can deepen the flavor of a rich dish. After the destruction of the Temple, the rabbis preserved marror as a standalone ritual, but its original role still shapes its meaning. It was once part of a larger whole, adding depth rather than distraction.

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At first glance, marror seems simple enough. It is commonly explained as a reminder of the bitterness of slavery endured by the Israelites in Egypt. In order to appreciate freedom, we taste what came before it. But the symbolism of marror goes much deeper—and speaks to a universal human experience.

And that, perhaps, is the most powerful message of all.

We live in a culture that often encourages us to avoid discomfort—to escape pain through distraction, entertainment, or temporary relief. But life rarely works that way. Challenges, losses, and disappointments have a way of staying with us. Even if we manage to step away for a moment, they are still there when we return. Passover offers a different perspective. Instead of denying bitterness, it invites us to acknowledge it—and even integrate it into our lives in a meaningful way. The goal is not to erase hardship, but to allow it to deepen our appreciation of joy.

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To begin with, marror is often misunderstood in its most basic form. Many families today use horseradish, which delivers a sharp, almost shocking heat. But historically, the bitter herb described in Jewish tradition was more likely a leafy green, such as romaine lettuce. That detail matters. Real bitterness in life is not always sharp and overwhelming; more often, it is subtle, lingering, and woven into the fabric of everyday experience.

There is also an interesting ritual involving a sweet mixture called charoset, made of fruits, nuts, and wine. During the Seder, the marror is dipped into the charoset—but then the excess is shaken off. The sweetness is meant to temper the bitterness, not overpower it. The balance is intentional.

In its original form, marror was never meant to stand alone. In ancient times, as described in the Bible, it was eaten together with the Passover lamb as part of a larger ritual meal: “with matzah and bitter herbs they shall eat it.” The bitterness did not detract from the experience—it enhanced it, much

During the Passover Seder, even at the height of celebration, there is a moment when we recall the many hardships the Jewish people have faced throughout history, and the reality of antisemitism today. Families share stories of past struggles alongside gratitude for the present. We emotionally remember those who once sat at our tables and now join us only in memory. We think, too, of those heroes in Israel who won’t be able to celebrate the seder in their homes, because they are needed to serve in the army and fight to defend our national ancestral homeland. The mixture of emotions—joy and pain, sweetness and bitterness—creates an experience that feels authentic and complete.

Ira Ebbin is the rabbi at Congregation

Local theater at heart of Long Island entertainment

demic.

“It became more and more popular,” Funaro explained in prior conversations with the Herald, adding of the show’s fans, “It’s a great feeling — not so much the recognition, but they really like the show, and they like your work, and they appreciate us, and we appreciate them, too.”

During last year’s show, the actors shared stories about the collaborative — sometimes comedic — atmosphere on the set. Servitto described working with the show’s star, the late James Gandolfini. Servitto wasn’t a veteran actor, but Gandolfini nonetheless made sure that his input would be accounted for. To this day, Servitto still wears a watch Gandolfini gave him to celebrate the show’s finale. Gandolfini died in 2013.

“He was just the most giving actor on the set, and he was a great leader,” Grimaldi added. “He never turned up at 6 in the morning half hung over, and he would never turn down a picture or an autograph. He was just a wonderful, wonderful person to work opposite.”

Sarantakos has been a fierce supporter of Bellmore Movies and the Showplace, facilitating special events for community members over the past eight months.

“It’s a unique, special event that

tony orlando will be coming to Bellmore movies and the Showplace on Saturday, at 7 p.m., to share stories about his remarkable career.

nobody’s going to forget — it’s that type of show,” he said. “We’re doing it on Long Island because I grew up on Long Island, Andrew grew up on Long Island, and it is just a great venue: the oldest movie theater on Long Island. To bring it there, to have the show rebound and to do it again is an honor.”

For those looking for an event for this weekend, music legend and radio host Tony Orlando will visit the theater to greet fans on Saturday, at 7 p.m.

“Tony Orlando is an icon,” Sarantakos said. “He had five number one hits and sold millions of records. He’s raised a half a billion dollars for veterans worldwide. His career has been over 60 years.”

Sarantakos said he hopes to plan even more and larger events in Bellmore in the future.

“Long Island … it’s got so much talent, so much different talent that’s not really being represented,” he said. “That’s what I’m trying to provide and do here at the Bellmore Movies and the Showplace, which seats about 325 people, and bring that entertainment here locally and support the community so that they don’t have to travel all these miles.”

To learn more about similar projects and events, visit @andrewfrankgroup on Facebook and Instagram.

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Hofstra baseball impacted by weather

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

“He’s probably my best hitter in the

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Water economics: balancing need with cost

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

By Allyson Ferr Ari & Chris ColuCCi of the Herald

Fifth installment in a series about water.

Water is a business.

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

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

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

The dollars and cents

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

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

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

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

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

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

Public water suppliers typically pro-

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Public vs. private water suppliers

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

Public, private water rates differ drastically

Continued from PreViouS PAGe

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Student leaders unite with peers at Common Ground Conference

Student leaders from two BellmoreMerrick high schools recently hosted an inaugural conference aimed at fostering civil discourse among teens from across Nassau County.

On March 18, students from John F. Kennedy High School and Wellington C. Mepham High School in the BellmoreMerrick Central High School District cohosted the first Common Ground Conference, drawing more than 200 students representing 10 high schools.

Participating schools included districts from Baldwin, Syosset, Roslyn, Herricks, Malverne, Carle Place, Division High School and Bellmore-Merrick’s Sanford H. Calhoun High School, along with the host schools.

Led by social studies and leadership teachers Brad Seidman of Kennedy and Jacqueline Geller of Mepham, the student-driven initiative was designed to encourage participants to engage in respectful dialogue across political and

social differences. Rather than focusing on debate or persuasion, students were encouraged to practice active listening to better understand differing viewpoints.

The conference opened with a diverse interfaith panel featuring local religious and secular leaders who spoke about how their traditions emphasize human dignity, mutual respect and community values.

Following the panel, students participated in “Courageous Conversation” breakout sessions facilitated by seniors

enrolled in Kennedy’s Leadership III class and Mepham’s leadership program. In small groups, participants discussed complex and often sensitive issues, including national security, immigration, the right to die and cultural representation.

Organizers said the event was the result of several months of planning and curriculum-based preparation, with the goal of creating a space where students could build empathy and find shared values despite differences.

Harold D. Fayette students light the way with kindness

Students at Harold D. Fayette School in the North Merrick School District recently took part in a schoolwide initiative aimed at promoting kindness, reading and community engagement.

As part of the effort, students created posters displayed outside classrooms throughout the building highlighting ways they can “Light the Way With Kindness.” Suggestions included standing up for others and encouraging friends and teammates. The project was themed around the Olympic Games, tying in messages of teamwork, inclusion and perseverance.

The activity coincided with the

Third

graders

Ann Mascary, Kaci Leung, William Stone and Mason Rupolo showed how they can “light the way with kindness.”

school’s PARP Week, during which students were encouraged to read and track their progress. Participants also brought in books to donate to local nonprofit The Book Fairies, helping provide reading materials to those in need.

In addition, Student Ambassadors in grades three through six took part in peer leadership activities by modeling positive behavior and visiting younger students to read books aloud, reinforcing both literacy and mentorship within the school community.

— Hernesto Galdamez

Bellmore resident rolls in books on wheels

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

When Spanish teacher Denise Cruz, of Bellmore, first brought her book-themed crafts to local fairs and markets, she never imagined it would evolve into a mobile bookstore drawing hundreds of visitors from across Long Island.

Cruz, a teacher at H. Frank Carey High School in the Sewanhaka Central High School District, said her lifelong love of reading began after she moved to the United States from the Dominican Republic and learned English through books.

Over the years, she crafted bookmarks, key chains, journals, and other literarythemed items for local markets, but unpredictable weather often ruined her merchandise and forced her to rethink her approach.

“It blew my tent away at a fair,” Cruz, a Bellmore resident since 2009, said. “I had to figure out a way to protect my merchandise and still share books with the community.”

Inspired by a mobile bookstore she saw on Instagram, Cruz invested in a custom trailer designed to feel like a traditional bookstore on wheels. Taller than standard trailers to accommodate adults, with floor space for children to sit and read, the mobile bookstore debuted with a grand opening on Sept. 13, 2025.

The mobile bookstore, dubbed The Wandering Page, now travels to festivals,

Bellmore’s Denise Cruz operates a mobile bookstore, The Wandering Page, traveling to festivals, book clubs and community events.

book clubs, and community events, often collaborating with local businesses, including Buzz’d Express Coffee in North Bellmore. Cruz curates an inventory spanning multiple genres and offers bookthemed merchandise, blind-date-with-abook packages, and works by local artists.

Cruz frequently emphasizes the importance of supporting independent bookstores.

“When customers buy books from Amazon,” according to Cruz, “the authors often don’t receive the full amount because Amazon produces the books themselves. Shopping locally helps sup-

port the authors and keeps small businesses alive.”

Industry data supports this, noting that authors typically earn only a fraction of a book’s retail price when sold through major online retailers.

Her husband, Juan Carlos Cruz, a New York City Police detective nearing retirement, said the trailer has been a gamechanger.

“It’s indoors, enjoyable, and allows customers to shop without worrying about the weather,” he said, adding that seeing children and families discover books together is especially rewarding.

The growth of The Wandering Page aligns with a wider renaissance of independent bookstores. According to data from the American Booksellers Association, the number of indie bookstores decreased from around 7,000 in 1994 to 1,651 in 2009, after the launch of Amazon in 1995. Since 2020, however, independent bookstores nationwide have increased roughly 70 percent, to 3,281 shops.

Historically, mobile bookstores have roots in public library bookmobiles, which bring literature to communities with limited access. The national Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services registers such vehicles to ensure quality and accessibility. On Long Island, at least two mobile bookstores, including The Wandering Page, are registered with the association.

Social media has amplified the trailer’s reach, with The Wandering Page’s Instagram followers growing from 100 to nearly 5,000 since its debut. During winter months, the trailer is parked in the Cruzes’ driveway, with small tents used for markets when weather permits. While the couple has discussed the possibility of a permanent storefront, they currently enjoy bringing books directly to neighborhoods across Long Island.

“The Wandering Page isn’t just a business,” Juan Cruz said. “It’s a way to bring communities together, inspire young readers, and support local authors and small businesses.”

Climate activists rally against Hochul plan

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

be issued at the end of 2030.”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

APRIL 16 • 10AM-12:30PM

FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle

Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers

Take advantage of on-site health screenings

Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences

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

Students foster empathy and leadership

what’s up?’”

While the project fostered connection within the school, it also presented logistical challenges. Dujardin said managing a large group of students — initially about 100 participants — required persistence and coordination.

“Some students wouldn’t show up or respond when we asked for updates,” she said. “It was a big challenge trying to get everyone to complete their work, but we got past it and still had a huge number involved.”

In addition to coordinating the artwork, the student leaders organized fundraising efforts to help offset costs associated with the project, including a required participation fee. Donations were collected during a schoolwide event, and a bake sale raised about $250.

“We understand that $15 is different for everyone,” Dujardin said. “So we wanted to take some of that cost off students and make sure everyone could participate.”

The project culminated on March 25 with a group photo and ceremonial send-off of the completed portraits, which will be delivered to children in Honduras.

“That you took time after school to do this project is a beautiful thing,” Solorzano-Ruiz stated in a news release. “The kids in front of your artwork — you are going to make their day.”

Both students said they hope the artwork provides more than just a visual keepsake.

“I hope they feel seen and that someone cares about them,” Dujardin said. “I hope it makes their day.”

For Tzaras, the experience underscored the power of small, personal acts of kindness.

“Donating food and money is important, but making someone smile is different,” she said. “This

showed me that even a simple act can make a big impact.”

Dujardin agreed, adding that the dedication of participating students left a lasting impression.

Both leaders said they hope to continue organizing service projects in the future, building on what they described as a meaningful and transformative experience for everyone involved.

“Some of these kids were in the art room for hours after school, working for someone they’ve never met,” she said. “It made me really proud of what our school was doing.”

STEPPING OUT

From sketchbooks to the spotlight

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

By Abbey Salvemini

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

• Now through May 3

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dan Soder

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

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

‘…how I wish you were here’

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

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

2, 2026

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

APR 3

Friday Night Car Show

Drop by to check out hundreds of antique and custom cars, every Friday, through Oct. 30.

• Where: Bellmore LIRR parking lot on Broadway between Bellmore and Bedford avenues.

• Time: 5-10 p.m.

Family theater

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

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

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

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

Seasonal Sprouts: Artful Explorers

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

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury

• Time: 11 a.m.-noon

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

APR

4

Great Big Easter Egg Hunt

Old Westbury Gardens welcomes families for some Easter fun. Take part in a reading of the classic Peter Rabbit tale, “The Great Big Easter Egg Hunt.” Afterward join in an exciting egg hunt in the Cottage Garden! Perfect for children ages 3-6. Up to 12 eggs per child may be redeemed for prizes; eggs are

APR

10

Mike DelGuidice

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

empty. Registration required. $22 adult, $20 seniors 62+ (member discounts available).

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Rd., Old Westbury

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

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

Easter Parade

Celebrate Easter with at the Easter Parade in Bellmore Village.

• Where: 222 Pettit Ave.

• Time: Noon

• Contact: bellmorechamber.com

Mobile Shredding

Bring your personal documents to the North Bellmore Library parking lot and have them securely shredded for free.

• Where: 1551 Newbridge Road, Bellmore

• Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Contact: northbellmorelibrary.org

APR 7

on how to cultivate a garden. Learn to grow lettuce, spinach, and different varieties of tomatoes.

• Where: 1551 Newbridge Road, Bellmore

• Time: 2 p.m.

• Contact: northbellmorelibrary.org

APR

8 The Salad Garden Get ready for the spring season at this gardening workshop at North Bellmore Public Library. Paul “the Plant Man” Levine shares tips and tricks

Light-Art Collaboration

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

• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City

• Time: 11-noon and 3-4 p.m.

• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800

‘Dog Sees God’ Hofstra University’s Department of Drama and Dance presents Bert V. Royal’s edgy comedy. The unauthorized continuation of the Peanuts comic strip, reimagines its characters as teenagers dealing with various contemporary issues including, identity, substance abuse, and relationships. When CB’s dog dies from rabies, CB begins to question the existence of an afterlife. His best friend is too burnt out to provide any coherent speculation; his sister has gone goth; his ex-girlfriend has recently been institutionalized; and his other friends are too inebriated to give him any sort of solace. Drug use, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion and sexual identity collide and careen toward an ending that’s both haunting and hopeful. $15 general admission, $10 for seniors and Hofstra alumni.

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

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

• Time: 8 p.m., also Apr 11

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

APR

10

‘An Evening

of Magic’ fundraiser

The Sarah Grace Foundation for Children With Cancer hosts its annual “An Evening of Magic” gala dinner. Award-winning magician Will Fern brings highenergy entertainment, including strolling magic and mind reading, to benefit children with cancer. The dinner fundraiser takes place in the Philodendrum Room at The Milleridge Inn. Tickets are $125 and include dinner, drinks and the show; advance purchase is required. Raffles and a 50/50 drawing will also be held.

• Where: 585 N. Broadway, Jericho

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: thesarahgracefoundation.org

AARP Smart Driver Course

Bellmore Memorial Library offers a Smart Driver session. Ages 18 and up can attend the- driver safety course to earn a discount on auto insurance. $25 for AARP members, $30 for nonmembers. Registration required.

• Where: 2288 Bedford Ave., Bellmor

• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Contact: bellmorelibrary.org

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

• Contact: hofstra.universitytickets.com

APR

11

“A Dream Is A Wish”

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

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

• Time: Varied times, also April 12

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

Having an event?

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

things to know holiday of Passover

A look at symbols and traditions behind Passover

By KAYLA DECHTER

kdechter@liherald.com

From the Seder to symbolic foods, here’s what to know about the Jewish holiday and the traditions that define it. Passover, or Pesach in Hebrew, is one of the most widely celebrated holidays in Judaism. Beginning at sundown on Wednesday, April 1 and ending the evening of Thursday, April 9, the holiday commemorates the story of the ancient Israelites’ escape from slavery in Egypt. For many Jewish families, Passover is a time of reflection, tradition and togetherness, marked by meaningful rituals and special foods.

Passover is centered on the story of freedom.

At the heart of the holiday is the biblical story of the Exodus, in which Moses led the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt after generations of oppression. Because of that, Passover is a time to remember the journey from hardship to freedom and the resilience that came with it. For many families, the holiday is not only about remembering history, but also about reflecting on the value of freedom, gratitude and perseverance in everyday life.

The Seder is one of the most important Passover traditions.

On the first nights of Passover, many families gather for a special ceremonial meal called a Seder, translating to “order” in Hebrew. During the Seder, participants follow a traditional sequence of prayers, readings, songs and storytelling from a book called the Haggadah. One of the best-known moments of the evening is when the youngest person at the table asks, “Why is this night different from all other nights?” The meal is designed to help families retell the Passover story and pass traditions from one generation to the next, often in a fun and creative way, with toys and props to engage children.

Many of the foods eaten during Passover are symbolic.

Passover is especially known for its meaningful foods, many of which help tell the story of the holiday. One of the most recognizable is matzah, an unleavened flatbread eaten during Passover. According to tradition, the Israelites fled Egypt so quickly that there was no time for their bread to rise. A traditional Seder plate also includes symbolic foods such as bitter herbs, representing the bitterness of slavery, and charoset, a sweet mixture that symbolizes the mortar used by enslaved Israelites. Together, these foods help bring the story to life in a hands-on and memorable way.

For many, Passover is both a religious observance and a joyful opportunity to gather with loved ones, honor tradition and celebrate family.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA

BELLMORE-MERRICK

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

CIUDAD DE HEMPSTEAD

CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

EL AVISO SE HA DADO AQUÍ que la Junta de Educación del BellmoreMerrick Central High School District celebrará una audiencia pública el 6 de mayo de 2026, a las 7:30 p.m. en la Sala de la Junta del Edificio de Administración Central ubicado en la Centro Educative Brookside, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, Merrick, Nueva York, con el propósito de tramitar todos los negocios según lo autorizado por la Ley de Educación, que incluye, entre otros, la discusión de los gastos de fondos y presupuestos, por lo tanto, en relación con la apropriación de fondos necesarios para cubrir los gastos necesarios del Distrito Central de Escuelas Secundarias para el año escolar 2026-2027 y sobre las propuestas que involucran el gasto de fondos o la recaudación de impuestos, en qué momento y en qué lugar todas las personas interesadas en el tema del mismo en relación con el mismo tendrán la oportunidad de ser escuchadas.

Y TAMBIÉN SE DE AVISO que una copia del estado de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año siguiente con fines escolares (presupuesto escolar) y copias de las propuestas relacionadas con el gasto de dinero y el funcionamiento del sistema escolar para el año siguiente , estará disponible para cualquier contribuyente en el Distrito siete días inmediatamente antes de la audiencia pública, excepto los sábados, domingos o días festivos, en cada escuela en la que se mantenga la escuela durante las horas de 8:00 a.m. y 4:00 p.m.

Y TAMBIÉN SE DE AVISO que un Informe de Exención del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, preparado de acuerdo con la Sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, se adjuntará a cualquier presupuesto provisional / preliminar, así como al presupuesto adoptado final del cual formará parte; y se publicarán en el (los) tablón (s) de boletines del Distrito que se mantendrá para

avisos públicos, así como en el sitio web del Distrito

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN

BELLMORE-MERRICK

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

PATTIANNE GUCCIONE

SECRETARIO DE DISTRITO

El aviso anterior se publicará en los periódicos Herald de Bellmore y Herald de Merrick el Jueves, el 2 de abril de 2026, el 16 de abril de 2023 y el 30 de abril de 2026. 159353

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OF THE BELLMOREMERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Education of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District will hold a Public Hearing on May 6, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. in the Boardroom of the Central Administration Building located at the Brookside Educational Center, 1260 Meadowbrook Road, Merrick, New York, for the purpose of transacting all business as is authorized by the Education Law, including, but not limited to, discussion of the expenditure of funds and budgeting therefore relative to the appropriation of necessary funds to meet the necessary expenditures of the Central High School District for the school year 2026-2027 and on propositions involving the expenditure of funds or the levy of tax, at which time and which place all persons interested in the subject matter thereof concerning the same will have an opportunity to be heard.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for school purposes (school budget) and copies of propositions involving expenditure of moneys and the operation of the school system for the ensuing year, will be available to any taxpayer in the District seven days immediately preceding the public hearing except Saturday,

Sunday or holidays, at each schoolhouse in which school is maintained during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a Real Property Tax Exemption Report, prepared in accordance with Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law, will be annexed to any tentative/preliminary budget as well as the final adopted budget of which it will form a part; and shall be posted on District Bulletin board(s) maintained for public notices, as well as on the District’s website.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

BELLMORE-MERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT PATTIANNE GUCCIONE DISTRICT CLERK

The above notice will be published in the Bellmore and Merrick Herald Life newspapers on Thursday, April 2, 2026, April 16, 2026, April 30, 2026 and May 14, 2026. 159351

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ANNUAL SCHOOL DISTRICT VOTE OF THE BELLMOREMERRICK CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the annual vote of the qualified voters of the BellmoreMerrick Central High School District, Nassau County, New York, will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the several polling places designated by the Bellmore, Merrick, North Bellmore, and North Merrick Union Free School Districts, as follows:

BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, at the Charles A. Reinhard Early Childhood Center, 2750 South St. Marks Avenue, Bellmore, New York between 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, at the Merrick District Office-Katherine E. Reif Administration Center, 21 Babylon Road, Merrick, New York, between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

NORTH BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, at the Newbridge Road School, 1601 Newbridge Road,

North Bellmore, New York, between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

NORTH MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, at the North Merrick Public Library, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, New York, between 6:30 a.m. and 9:00 p.m.

For the following purposes:

a.) To vote upon the annual school budget for the year 2026-2027 and to authorize the levying of a tax upon the taxable property of the district for the foregoing purposes.

b.) To vote upon such other propositions as may properly come before the voters.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that registration shall be conducted at the several polling places stated above by the Boards of Registration of the several component districts as follows: the Bellmore Union Free School District at the District Office, Winthrop Avenue School, 580 Winthrop Avenue, Bellmore, New York, on all school days of the school year until five (5) days preceding the vote between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.; the Merrick Union Free School District at the Administrative Office, 21 Babylon Road, Merrick, New York on all school days of the school year until five (5) days preceding the vote between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.; the North Bellmore Union Free School District at the Office of the District Clerk, 2616 Martin Avenue, Bellmore, New York, on all school days of the school year until five (5) days preceding the vote between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.; and the North Merrick Union Free School District at the Harold D. Fayette School, 1057 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, New York, on all school days of the school year until five (5) days preceding the vote between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. for the purpose of preparing a register of the qualified voters entitled to vote at the school meeting and election for which such register is prepared, in the manner provided by law. The register, as so prepared, will be filed in the office of the clerk at each of the respective Union Free School

Districts as set forth in this notice of meeting and such register is to be open for inspection at reasonable times for at least five (5) days prior to the date set for voting on the budget and election, except Sunday, and by appointment on the Saturday prior to the election at each elementary district.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a person shall be entitled to vote at the annual meeting and election who is a citizen of the United States, eighteen years of age, a resident of the Union Free School District in which he intends to vote for a period of thirty days next preceding the election he offers to vote and registered to vote for said election. A person shall be registered to vote if he or she shall have permanently registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections or with the Board of Registration of the component Union Free School District in which he resides. Only persons who shall be registered shall be entitled to vote.

AND NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Boards of Registration of the several component Union Free School Districts will meet during the hours of voting on May 19, 2026 at the polling places in each of the Union Free School Districts for the purpose of preparing a register for district meetings or elections to be held subsequent to May 19, 2026; said register shall include (1) all qualified voters of the Union Free School Districts, who shall present themselves personally for registration; and (2) all qualified voters permanently registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for school purposes (school budget) and copies of propositions involving expenditure of moneys and the operation of the school system for the ensuing year, may be obtained by any resident in the District during the fourteen days immediately preceding the annual vote except Saturday, Sunday or holidays, at school district offices and any schoolhouse within the district and on the

district’s website.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that applications for early mail voting and absentee ballots for the school district election may be applied for at the Office of the Clerk of the District. Applications for early mail voting and absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election. Furthermore, such application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven 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 his/ her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application by no later than six (6) days before the vote. No early mail voting or absentee voter’s ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received in the office of the District Clerk not later than 5:00 P.M. (prevailing time) on the day of the election.

A list of all persons to whom early mail voting and absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available for inspection at the Office of the Clerk until the day of the vote.

AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk of the school district no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and 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 (2) received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the election.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

BELLMORE-MERRICK

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

PATTIANNE GUCCIONE DISTRICT CLERK

The above notice will be published in the Bellmore Herald and Merrick Herald newspapers on Thursday, April 2, 2026, April 16, 2026, April 30, 2026 and May 14, 2026. 159355

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE VOTO ANUAL DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR BELLMORE-MERRICK

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT CIUDAD DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

EL AVISO SE HA DADO AQUI que el voto anual de los votantes calificados del BellmoreMerrick Central High School District, el Condado de Nassau, Nueva York, se llevará a cabo el Martes, el 19 de mayo de 2026, en los varios lugares de votación designados por el Bellmore, Merrick, North Bellmore y North Merrick Union Free School Districts, de la siguiente manera:

BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, en el Charles A. Reinhard Early Childhood Center, 2750 South St. Marks Avenue, Bellmore, New York, entre las 6:30 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m.

MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, en la Merrick District Office-Katherine E. Reif Administration Center, 21 Babylon Road, Merrick, Nueva York, entre las 7:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m.

NORTH BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT en la escuela Newbridge Road, 1601 Newbridge Road, North Bellmore, Nueva York, entre las 6:00 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m.

NORTH MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT,

en la Biblioteca Pública de North Merrick, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, Nueva York, entre las 6:30 a.m. y las 9:00 p.m.

Para los siguientes propósitos:

a. Para votar sobre el presupuesto escolar anual para el año 2026-2027 y para autorizar la imposición de un impuesto sobre la propiedad sujeta a impuestos del distrito para los propósitos anteriores.

b. Para votar sobre otras proposiciones que puedan presentarse adecuadamente antes los votantes.

Y TAMBIÉN SE DA AVISO que el registro se llevará a cabo en los lugares de votación indicados anteriormente por Las Juntas de Registro de los varios distritos componentes de la siguiente manera: la Bellmore Union Free School District en la Oficina del Distrito, Winthrop Avenue School, 580 Winthrop Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York, en todos los días de clases del año escolar hasta cinco (5) días anteriores a la votación entre el horario de 9:00 a.m. y las 3:00 p.m.; la Merrick Union Free School District en la Oficina Administrativa, 21 Babylon Road, Merrick, Nueva York, en todos los días de clases del año escolar hasta cinco (5) días anteriores a la votación entre las horas de 9:30 a.m. y 3:30 p.m.; la North Bellmore Union Free School District en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, 2616 Martin Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York, y en todos los días de clases del año escolar hasta cinco (5) días anteriores a la votación entre el horario de 9:00 a.m. y las 3:00 p.m.; y la North Merrick Union Free School District en la escuela Harold D. Fayette, 1057 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, Nueva York, en todos los días escolares del año escolar hasta cinco (5) días antes de la votación entre las 9:00 a.m. y 3:30 p.m. con el fin de preparar un registro de los votantes calificados con derecho a votar en la reunión de la escuela y la elección para la que dicho registro es preparado, en la forma prevista por la ley. El registro, como así preparado, será archivado en la Oficina del Secretario (District

Public Notices

Clerk) en cada uno de los respectivos Distritos Unión Libre como se establece en este aviso y dicho registro sera abierto por inspección en horas razonables hasta cinco (5) días antes de la fecha establecida para votar sobre el presupuesto y la elección del distrito, excepto el domingo, y por cita el sábado anterior de la elección en cada distrito elemental.

Y TAMBIÉN SE DA AVISO que una persona quien es cuidadano de Los Estados Unidos, tenga diez y ocho años de edad y es residente del Distrito Escolar de la Unión en el que se tiene la intención de votar a favor un período de treinta días antes de la elección y esta registrado para votar para la elección dicha tendrá derecho a votar. Una persona debera ser registrada para votar si el o ella han registrado permanente con La Junta de Elecciones del Condado de Nassau (Nassau County Board of Elections) o con La Junta de Registro (Board of Registration) del distrito donde el o ella reside. Solamente las personas que estan registradas tienen el derecho para votar.

Y ADEMÁS SE NOTIFICA que Las Juntas de Registro (Boards of Registration) de las varias escuelas componentes tendran una reunion el 19 de mayo 2026 durante las horas de votación en los lugares de votación en cada escuela para el propósito de preparer el registro para que las elecciones tendran lugar despues del 19 de mayo 2026; El Registro incluirá (1) todos los votantes calificados de las escuelas, quines se presentáran personalemente para registro; y (2) todos votantes calificados permanente registrados con la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau (Nassau County Board of Elections).

Y TAMBIÉN

SE DA AVISO que una copia de la declaración de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año siguiente para fines escolares (presupuesto escolar) y copias de las propuestas que involucran gastos de dinero y el funcionamiento del sistema escolar para el año siguiente , puede ser obtenido por cualquier residente del Distrito

durante los catorce días inmediatamente anteriores a la votación anual, excepto sábados, domingos o días festivos, en las oficinas del distrito escolar y en cualquier escuela dentro del distrito y en el sitio web del distrito.

Y TAMBIÉN

SE DA AVISO que las solicitudes de votación anticipada por correo y boletas en ausencia para las elecciones del distrito escolar se pueden solicitar en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito. Las solicitudes de votación anticipada por correo y de voto en ausencia deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito no antes de treinta (30) días antes de la elección. Además, dicha solicitud debe ser recibida por el Secretario de Distrito al menos siete días antes de la elección si la boleta se enviará por correo al votante, o el día antes de la elección si la boleta se entregará personalmente al votante o a su agente designado. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna de una boleta por correo, el Secretario del Distrito enviará la boleta por correo a la dirección indicada en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la votación. No se escrutará ninguna boleta de votación anticipada por correo ni de votante ausente a menos que se haya recibido en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. (horario predominante) del día de la elección. Una lista de todas las personas a quienes se les habrá emitido la votación anticipada por correo y el voto en ausencia estará disponible para su inspección en la Oficina del Secretario hasta el día de la votación.

Y TAMBIÉN SE DA AVISO de que los votantes militares que no están registrados actualmente pueden registrarse como votantes calificados del distrito escolar. Los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del distrito escolar pueden presentar una solicitud para una boleta militar. Los votantes militares pueden designar una preferencia para recibir un registro de votante militar, una solicitud de boleta militar o una boleta militar por correo, transmisión por fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de dicho

registro, solicitud de boleta o boleta. Las formas de registro de votantes militares y las formas de solicitud de boletas militares deben ser recibidas en la oficina del secretario de distrito del distrito escolar no más tarde que a las 5:00 p.m. el 23 de abril de 2026. No se escrutará ninguna boleta militar a menos que (1) se reciba en la oficina del Secretario de Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el día de las elecciones y que muestre una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o de un servicio postal de un país extranjero, o mostrando un endoso fechado de recibo de otra agencia del gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o (2) recibido por la oficina del secretario de distrito no más tarde que las 5:00 p.m. el día de la elección y firmada y fechada por el votante militar y un testigo del mismo, con una fecha que se asocia a no ser mas tarde del día anterior de la elección.

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN

BELLMORE-MERRICK

CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT

PATTIANNE GUCCIONE

SECRETARIO DE

DISTRITO

El aviso anterior se publicará en los periódicos Herald de Bellmore y Herald de Merrick el Jueves, el 2 de abril de 2026, el 16 de abril de 2026 y el 30 de abril de 2026 y el 14 de mayo de 2026. 159357

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING, PUBLIC HEARING, ELECTION, AND REGISTRATION OF VOTERS

NORTH BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

NORTH BELLMORE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

Pursuant to Section 1716 of Education Law a Public Hearing for discussion of the proposed 2026/27 School District Budget, and such other business as may come before the meeting, will be held on May 05, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. at the Administration Building on Martin Avenue, Bellmore, New York. A copy of the state of the amount of monies which will be required for the 2026/27 school year for school purposes may be

obtained, upon request, by any school district resident commencing April 30, 2026 during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. except for Saturdays, Sundays or holidays.

FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Annual Vote of the qualified voters of the North Bellmore Union Free School District will be held at the Newbridge Road School, North Bellmore, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 for the following purpose:

A. To vote upon the Annual School Budget for the school year 2026-2027 and to authorize levying of a tax upon the taxable property of the North Bellmore School District for such purposes.

B. The election of one (1) member of the Board of Education.

C. To vote upon such other propositions as may properly come before the meeting.

Voting will be by ballot on voting machines and the polls will remain open for voting from 6:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., and as much longer as may be necessary for all voters then present to cast their votes. Voting will be in the gymnasium of the Newbridge Road School.

Copies of the proposed 2026/27 budget will be available at each of the offices of the school houses in the district, J. G. Dinkelmeyer School, Newbridge Road School, Park Avenue School, Saw Mill Road School and Martin Avenue School between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on each day other than a Saturday, Sunday or holiday during the fourteen (14) days preceding the Annual Vote, and on the school’s website.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE pursuant to Real Property Tax Law Section 495, an exemption report detailing exemptions from real property taxation shall be available and appended to any tentative, preliminary or final budget.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the election of members of the Board of Education will be as follows:

One (1) member of the Board of Education; for full terms of three (3) years, commencing July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2029.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that nominating petitions for candidates for the Board of Education must be filed with the District Clerk between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. not later than April 20, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. Each petition shall state the name and residence of each signor, shall state the name and residence of the candidate, and must be signed by not less than thirty (30) qualified voters of the school district for election of members of the Board of Education. Vacancies on the Board of Education are not considered separate, specific offices; candidates run at large. Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the Board for which the candidate is nominated.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that at the Annual Vote, qualified voters of the BellmoreMerrick Central High School District shall vote for the following purposes:

A. To vote upon the annual budget of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District for the year 2026-2027 and to authorize the levying of a tax upon the taxable property of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District for such purposes.

B. To vote upon such other propositions as may properly come before the voters.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to Education Law §2014 personal registration of voters is required, and no person shall be entitled to vote at the District Meeting whose name does not appear on the register of the District. Voter registration for the District will be ongoing through and including Thursday, May 14, 2026, from 9:00 o’clock A.M. until 3:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time), on all school days of the school year, at the office of the District Clerk, for the purpose of preparing a register of the qualified voters of the District for said District Meeting, at which time any person shall be entitled to have

his/her name placed upon such register, provided that he/she is known or proven to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at said District Meeting for which such register is prepared. Immediately upon its completion, the register will be filed in the office of the District Clerk, 2616 Martin Avenue, Bellmore, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District between the hours of 9:00 o’clock A.M. and 3:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) on each of the five (5) days prior to the District Meeting for which it was prepared, except Sunday, and on Saturday, May 16, 2026 by appointment only.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to Education Law §2018a and Education Law §2018-e applications for absentee and early mail ballots may be applied for at the office of the District Clerk. The District Clerk must receive applications for absentee and early mail ballots no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election. Furthermore, the District Clerk must receive such application at least seven 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 his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee or early mail ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application, by no later than six (6) days before the vote. No absentee or early mail voter’s ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received in the office of the District Clerk not later than 5:00 P.M. (prevailing time) on the day of the election.

NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a person shall be entitled to vote at the annual meeting and election who is a citizen of the United States, eighteen years of age, a resident of the District for a period of thirty days next preceding the election he offers to vote and registered to vote for said election. A person shall be registered to vote if he or she shall have permanently registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections or with the Board of Registration of the school district. Only persons who shall be registered shall be entitled to vote.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Board of Registration will meet during the hours of voting on May 19, 2026 at the polling place of the school district for the purpose of preparing a register for District meetings or elections to be held subsequent to May 19, 2026. Said register shall include (1) all qualified voters of the school district who shall present themselves personally for registration; and (2) all qualified voters permanently registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the office

A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots shall have been issued will be available in the office of the District Clerk, 2616 Martin Avenue, North Bellmore, New York, commencing with the issuance of the first absentee or early mail ballot and during regular business hours on each of the five (5) days prior to the day of the election between the hours of 9:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M. (Prevailing Time), except Sunday and on Saturday, May 16, 2026 by appointment only. Such list will also be available at the polling place on the date of the vote. No absentee or early mail voter’s ballot shall be canvassed unless it shall have been received in the office of the District Clerk of the North Bellmore Union Free School District not later than 5:00 o’clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) on the day of Annual District Meeting.

of the District Clerk of the school district no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and 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 (2) received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the election.

BY THE ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

Laurice Gunnels District Clerk

This information is provided in Spanish in compliance with the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

159359

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE REUNIÓN ANUAL, AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA, ELECCIÓN, Y EL REGISTRO DE VOTANTES DISTRITO ESCOLAR NORTH BELLMORE UNION FREE NORTH BELLMORE, MUNICIPIO DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

De acuerdo con la Sección 1716 de la Ley de Educación, se celebrará una Audiencia Pública para debatir el presupuesto propuesto del Distrito Escolar 2026/27 y cualquier otro asunto que pueda surgir antes de la reunión, el 5 de mayo de 2026 a las 19:30 horas en el Edificio de Administración en Martin Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York. Cualquier residente del distrito escolar a partir del 30 de abril de 2026 de 2026 a fin escolar podrá obtener una copia del estado del importe que se requerrá para el curso escolar 2026 a petición de cualquier residente del distrito escolar a partir del 30 de abril de 2026, excepto sábados, domingos y 15:00, excepto sábados, domingos o festivos.

SE DA UN AVISO ADICIONAL de que la votación anual de los votantes cualificados del Distrito Escolar

2, 2026

Public Notices

Libre de North Bellmore Union se celebrará en la escuela Newbridge Road, North Bellmore, el martes 19 de mayo de 2026 con el siguiente propósito:

A. Para votar sobre el Presupuesto Anual de la Escuela para el curso escolar 2026-2027 y autorizar la imposición de un impuesto sobre los bienes gravables del Norte Distrito Escolar de Bellmore para tales fines.

B. La elección de uno (1) miembro de la Junta de Educación.

C. Votar sobre otras proposiciones que puedan presentarse adecuadamente ante la reunión.

La votación se realizará por papeleta en las máquinas de votación y las urnas permanecerán abiertas desde las 6:00 a.m. hasta las 9:00 p.m., y durante todo el tiempo que sea necesario para que todos los votantes presentes puedan emitir su voto. La votación se realizará en el gimnasio de la escuela Newbridge Road.

Copias del presupuesto propuesto para 2026/27 estarán disponibles en cada una de las oficinas de las escuelas del distrito: J. G. Dinkelmeyer School, Newbridge Road School, Park Avenue School, Saw Mill Road School y Martin Avenue School entre las 9:00 y las 15:00 horas de cada día excepto sábado, domingo o festivo durante los catorce (14) días previos a la Votación Anual, y en la página web del colegio.

POR FAVOR, TOME MÁS NOTA conforme a la Sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, estará disponible un informe de exención detallando exenciones de la tributación sobre bienes inmuebles que se adjuntará a cualquier presupuesto tentativo, preliminar o final.

POR FAVOR, TOME NOTA de que la elección de los miembros de la Junta de Educación será la siguiente:

Un (1) miembro de la Junta de Educación; por mandatos completos de tres (3) años, comenzando el 1 de julio de 2026 y finalizando el 30 de junio de 2029.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las peticiones de nominación para

candidatos a la Junta de Educación deben presentarse ante el Secretario del Distrito entre las 9:00 y las 15:00 horas, a más tardar el 20 de abril de 2026 a las 17:00. Cada petición deberá indicar el nombre y la residencia de cada señor, el nombre y la residencia del candidato, y deberá ser firmada por no menos de treinta (30) votantes cualificados del distrito escolar para la elección de los miembros de la Junta de Educación. Las vacantes en la Junta de Educación no se consideran cargos separados o específicos; los candidatos se presentan en la categoría de votos libres. Las peticiones de nominación no describirán ninguna vacante específica en la Junta para la que el candidato sea nominado.

POR FAVOR, TOME NOTA de que en la votación anual, los votantes cualificados del Distrito Escolar Central de BellmoreMerrick deberán votar para los siguientes fines:

A. Votar sobre el presupuesto anual del instituto BellmoreMerrick Central High Distrito Escolar para el año 2026-2027 y autorizar la recaudación de un impuesto sobre la propiedad sujeta a impuestos del instituto Bellmore-Merrick Central High School Distrito para tales fines.

B. Votar sobre otras proposiciones que puedan presentarse adecuadamente ante el votantes.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, conforme a la Ley de Educación §2014, se requiere el registro personal de votantes, y ninguna persona tendrá derecho a votar en la Asamblea del Distrito cuyo nombre no figure en el registro del Distrito. El registro de votantes para el Distrito continuará hasta el jueves 14 de mayo de 2026, desde las 9:00 a.m. hasta las 3:00 p.m. (hora vigente), en todos los días escolares del curso escolar, en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito, con el fin de preparar un registro de los votantes cualificados del Distrito para dicha reunión del distrito, en ese momento, cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho registro, siempre que se sepa o se demuestre que tiene

derecho a voto en dicha Asamblea de Distrito para la que dicho registro se prepare. Inmediatamente después de su finalización, el registro se archivará en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito, 2616 Martin Avenue, Bellmore, Nueva York, y estará abierto para la inspección de cualquier votante cualificado del Distrito entre las 9:00 y las 15:00 (hora vigente) de cada uno de los cinco (5) días previos a la reunión del distrito para la que fue preparado, excepto el domingo y el sábado 16 de mayo de 2026 solo con cita previa.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, conforme a la Ley de Educación §2018-a y la Ley de Educación §2018-e, las solicitudes para papeletas por correo anticipado y por correo anticipado pueden solicitarse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito. El Secretario del Distrito debe recibir solicitudes para votos por correo anticipado y por correo anticipado no antes de treinta (30) días antes de la elección. Además, el Secretario del Distrito debe recibir dicha solicitud al menos siete días antes de la elección si la papeleta debe enviarse al votante, o el día antes de la elección si la papeleta debe entregarse personalmente al votante o a su agente designado. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna de una papeleta por correo por correo anticipado o por correo postal, el Secretario del Distrito enviará la papeleta a la dirección indicada en la solicitud, a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la votación. No se solicitará el voto de votación por correo anticipado o por correo anticipado a menos que se haya recibido en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 17:00 horas (hora vigente) el día de la elección.

Una lista de todas las personas a las que se hayan emitido papeletas por correo anticipado y por correo anticipado estará disponible en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito, 2616 Martin Avenue, North Bellmore, Nueva York, comenzando con la emisión de la primera papeleta por correo por correo anticipado y durante el horario laboral regular en cada uno de los cinco (5) días previos al día de

la elección, entre las 9:00 y las 15:00 (hora vigente), excepto el domingo y el sábado 16 de mayo de 2026 solo con cita previa. Dicha lista también estará disponible en el colegio electoral en la fecha de la votación. No se podrá hacer campaña de votación por correo o por correo anticipado a menos que se haya recibido en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito Escolar Libre de North Bellmore Union a más tardar a las 17:00 horas (hora vigente) del día de la Asamblea Anual del Distrito.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que una persona tendrá derecho a votar en la asamblea anual y elección que sea ciudadano de los Estados Unidos, de dieciocho años, residente del Distrito por un periodo de treinta días antes de la elección que ofrezca votar y registrada para votar en dicha elección. Una persona estará registrada para votar si se ha registrado permanentemente en la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau o en la Junta de Registro del distrito escolar. Solo las personas que vayan a estar registradas tendrán derecho a voto.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que la Junta de Registro se reunirá durante el horario de votación del 19 de mayo de 2026 en el colegio electoral del distrito escolar con el fin de preparar un registro para las reuniones o elecciones del distrito que se celebrarán después del 19 de mayo de 2026. Dicho registro incluirá (1) todos los votantes cualificados del distrito escolar que se presenten personalmente para su registro; y (2) todos los votantes cualificados registrados permanentemente en la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau.

SE AVISA ADEMÁS de que los votantes militares que no estén actualmente registrados pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes cualificados del distrito escolar. Los votantes militares que sean votantes cualificados del distrito escolar pueden presentar una solicitud para una papeleta militar. Los votantes militares pueden designar una preferencia para recibir un registro de votante militar, solicitud de

papeleta militar o papeleta militar por correo, transmisión por fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de dicho registro, solicitud de papeleta o papeleta. Los formularios de registro de votantes militares y los formularios de solicitud de papeleta militar deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito escolar a más tardar a las 17:00 horas del 23 de abril de 2026. No se revisará ninguna papeleta militar a menos que (1) se reciba en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el día de las elecciones y muestre una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o que muestre una avalación fechada de recepción por parte de otra agencia del gobierno de Estados Unidos; o (2) recibido por la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 17:00 horas del día de las elecciones y firmado y fechado por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha asociada a no más tardar que el día anterior a la elección.

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN

Laurice Gunnels Secretario de distrito

Esta información se proporciona en español en cumplimiento de la Ley de Derecho al Voto de 1965. 159361

LEGAL NOTICE ELECTION AND REGISTRATION OF VOTERS, MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT AND MERRICK PUBLIC LIBRARY

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a public budget hearing of the Merrick Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, will be held at the Lakeside Elementary School, Merrick, New York on May 5, 2026 at 7:15 p.m. for the purpose of discussion of the expenditure of funds for the 2026-2027 school year and the budgeting thereof and for such other business as is authorized by the Education Law of the State of New York.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that a public budget hearing of the Merrick Library will be held at the Merrick Library, Merrick, New York on April 28, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of discussion of the expenditure of funds for the 20262027 fiscal year and the budgeting thereof and for such other business as is authorized by the Education Law of the State of New York.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that the vote upon the appropriation of the necessary funds to meet the estimated expenditures of said school district and library for the 20262027 school year (school budget and library budget) will be held at the annual meeting of said school district on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at the Norman J. Levy-Lakeside School, Merrick, New York. Voting shall take place between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. Voting machines will be used for voting at said annual election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that an election to fill two (2) vacancies, each for a term of three (3) years for the office of member of the Board of Education and two (2) vacancies for a term of five (5) years for the office of trustee of the Library Board will be held at the Norman J. Levy-Lakeside School, Merrick, New York, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. The polls for voting at said election will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that a proposition will appear on the ballot to read substantially as follows: Shall the Board be authorized to expend $2,200,000 from the Capital Reserve Fund established on May 21, 2019 for the purpose of performing the following projects: (1) Roof replacement at the Birch and Lakeside Elementary Schools and (2) boiler replacement at Birch Elementary School, all of the foregoing to include all labor, materials, equipment, apparatus and incidental costs related thereto.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the school year 2026-2027 for school purposes

and library purposes may be obtained by any resident of the district during the fourteen (14) days preceding the vote, except Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays, at the schools of the district from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, Pursuant to Chapter 258 of the Laws of 2008, Section 495 was added to the Real Property Tax Law and requires the School District to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report will show how much of the total assessed value on the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation. The report will list every type of exemption granted, identified by statutory authority, and will show 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, the cumulative amount expected to be received from recipients of each type of exemption as payments in lieu of taxes (PILOT) or other payments for municipal services, and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. This exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on the website maintained by the District.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education must be filed with the Clerk of the District between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., and no later than 5:00 p.m., Monday, April 20, 2026. Such nominating petition must be signed by at least twenty-five (25) qualified voters of the district for election to the Board of Education. The candidates receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to office. Personal registration is a prerequisite for voting at all elections in this school district, and no person will be entitled to vote at such election whose name does not appear upon the register prepared for such election; except that any person, a resident of the district, who is permanently registered with the Nassau County Board of Elections to vote at

elections other than a school district election and whose registration is current, shall also be qualified to vote at this election without further registration.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that the District Clerk will be in the District Office in said district on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. for the purpose of preparing the register of the school district for such election; at such time and place, any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed upon such register provided that he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of the Board of Registration to be entitled to vote at the meeting or election for which such register is to be prepared. Qualified individuals may also register between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on days when school is in session at the schools of the district, except that no registration shall take place less than five (5) days preceding the election, this year May 14, 2026.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that the Board of Registration will meet on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at the Norman J. Levy-Lakeside School, Merrick, New York, between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M. to prepare the Register of the School District to be used for meetings or elections held subsequent to the annual School District election and budget vote, at which time any person may be entitled to have his or her 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 said Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the school meeting or election for which said Register is so prepared.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that the register thus prepared will be filed in the office of the Superintendent of Schools and that such register will be open for inspection to any qualified voter of the district at the office of the Superintendent of Schools and the District Clerk in the Katherine E. Reif Administration Center between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. during each of the five (5) days prior to the day set for the election, except

Public Notices

Sundays, and on the Saturday prior to the election by appointment only.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that applications for absentee and early mail ballots may be applied for at the Office of the District Clerk. An application for an absentee or early mail ballot must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the date of the election. An application for an absentee or early mail ballot 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 his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely application for a mailed absentee or early mail ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address designated on the application by no later than six (6) days before the election. No absentee and early mail voter ballot shall be canvassed unless it shall have been received at the Office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on the date of the election. A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots have been issued will be available in the Office of the District Clerk on each of the five days prior to the election except Sunday.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration application forms must be received in the Office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026. Military ballot applications must be received in the Office of the District Clerk by mail or in person by also no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026. No military ballot will be canvassed unless

it is returned by mail or in person and (1) received in the Office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and 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 (2) received by the Office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated be not later than the day before the election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that at the election of the Merrick Union Free School District, qualified voters of the BellmoreMerrick Central High School District shall vote for the following purposes:

a) To vote upon the annual school budget for the 20262027 school year, and to authorize the levying of a tax upon the taxable property of the district for the foregoing purposes.

b) To vote upon such other propositions as may properly come before the meeting.

DATED: March 2026

Merrick, NY

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT PAMELA AMON, DISTRICT CLERK 159367

LEGAL NOTICE ELECCIÓN Y REGISTRO DE VOTANTES, DISTRITO ESCOLAR MERRICK UNION FREE Y BIBLIOTECA PÚBLICA DE MERRICK

PUEBLO DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

POR EL PRESENTE, SE NOTIFICA que se celebrará una audiencia pública sobre el presupuesto del Distrito Escolar Merrick Union Free, pueblo de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, Nueva York, en Lakeside Elementary School, Merrick, Nueva York el 5 de mayo de 2026 a las 7:15 p. m. para analizar el gasto de los fondos para el año escolar 2026-2027, su correspondiente presupuesto y otros asuntos según la autorización de la Ley de Educación del estado de Nueva York.

TAMBIÉN

SE NOTIFICA que se celebrará una audiencia pública sobre el presupuesto de la biblioteca de Merrick en la biblioteca de Merrick, Merrick, Nueva York el 28 de abril de 2026 a las 7:00 p. m. para analizar el gasto de los fondos para el año fiscal 2026-2027, su correspondiente presupuesto y otros asuntos según la autorización de la Ley de Educación del estado de Nueva York.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que, durante la reunión anual de dicho distrito escolar, que se celebrará el martes 19 de mayo de 2026 en Norman J. Levy-Lakeside School, Merrick, Nueva York, también se votará la asignación de los fondos necesarios para cubrir los gastos estimados del distrito escolar y la biblioteca (el presupuesto escolar y para la biblioteca) para el año escolar 2026-2027. La votación se realizará entre las 7:00 a. m. y las 9:00 p. m. Se usarán máquinas de votación en dicha elección anual.

TAMBIÉN

SE NOTIFICA que se celebrará una elección para cubrir dos (2) vacantes con un mandato de tres (3) años para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación y dos (2) vacantes con un mandato de cinco (5) años para la oficina del fideicomisario de la Junta de la Biblioteca en Norman J. Levy-Lakeside School, Merrick, Nueva York el martes 19 de mayo de 2026. Las urnas para dicha elección estarán abiertas desde las 7:00 a. m. hasta las 9:00 p. m.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que, en la boleta electoral, aparecerá una propuesta que indicará esencialmente lo siguiente: Se autorizará a la Junta a gastar $2,200,000 del fondo de reserva de capitales establecido el 21 de mayo de 2019 con el propósito de realizar los siguientes proyectos: (1) reemplazo del tejado de Birch Elementary School y Lakeside Elementary School; y (2) reemplazo de la caldera de Birch Elementary School; todo lo anterior incluirá toda la mano de obra, los materiales, los equipos,

los aparatos y los gastos imprevistos relacionados con dichas actualizaciones.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que cualquier residente del distrito podrá obtener una copia de la declaración del monto de dinero que será requerido para el año escolar 2026-2027, a los fines de invertirlos en la escuela y la biblioteca, durante los catorce (14) días previos a la votación, excepto los sábados, domingos o feriados, en las escuelas del distrito, entre las 9:30 a. m. y las 3:30 p. m.

TAMBIÉN

SE NOTIFICA que, de conformidad con el Capítulo 258 de las Leyes de 2008, se agregó la Sección 495 a la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles y requiere que el distrito escolar adjunte a su presupuesto sugerido un informe de exenciones. Este informe de exenciones mostrará qué parte del valor total estimado de la lista de tasación final utilizada en el proceso presupuestario queda libre de impuestos. En el informe se mencionará cada tipo de exención, otorgadas por la autoridad legal, y se mostrará el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención, expresado en un monto en dólares del valor estimado o como porcentaje del total del valor estimado en la lista, el valor acumulativo que se espera recibir de los beneficiarios de cada tipo de exención como pagos en lugar de impuestos (PILOT) u otros pagos para servicios municipales, y el impacto acumulativo de todas las exenciones otorgadas. Este informe de exenciones se publicará en cualquier tablero de anuncios que el distrito designe para avisos públicos y en el sitio web del distrito. TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que las peticiones para nominar a candidatos para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación deberán presentarse ante la secretaria del distrito entre las 9:30 a. m. y las 3:30 p. m. y antes de las 5:00 p. m. del lunes 20 de abril de 2026. Dicha petición debe estar firmada por al menos veinticinco (25) [PA1.1][NB2.1]votantes del distrito calificados para elección para la Junta de Educación. Los candidatos que reciban la mayor cantidad de

votos serán electos para el cargo. El registro personal es un requisito previo para votar en todas las elecciones de este distrito escolar y nadie podrá votar en esta elección si su nombre no aparece en el registro preparado para dicha elección; a excepción de cualquier persona residente del distrito que esté registrada de manera permanente en la Junta de Elecciones del condado de Nassau para votar en otras elecciones que no sean del distrito escolar y cuyo registro esté vigente, quien también podrá votar en esta elección sin registro adicional.

TAMBIÉN

SE NOTIFICA que la secretaria del distrito estará en la oficina del distrito el martes 5 de mayo de 2026, entre las 12:00 p. m. y las 4:00 p. m., con el propósito de preparar un registro de este distrito escolar para dicha elección, momento y lugar en los que cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en el registro, siempre y cuando se sepa o se demuestre, para satisfacción de la Junta de Registros, que dicha persona tiene derecho a votar en la reunión o en la elección para la cual se prepara dicho registro. Las personas calificadas también podrán registrarse los días en que la escuela esté en sesión entre las 9:30 a. m. y las 3:30 p. m. en las escuelas del distrito, pero no se harán registros con menos de cinco (5) días de anticipación a la elección; este año el límite es el 14 de mayo de 2026.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Registros se reunirá el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, entre las 7:00 a. m. y las 9:00 p. m. en Norman J. Levy-Lakeside School, Merrick, Nueva York, para preparar el registro del distrito escolar que se usará en las reuniones o elecciones subsecuentes a la votación del presupuesto y elección anual del distrito escolar, en cuyo horario cualquier persona tendrá derecho a inscribirse en el registro, siempre que en tal reunión de la Junta de Registros se sepa o se demuestre, a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registros, que esa persona tiene derecho, entonces o en lo sucesivo, a votar en la reunión o en la elección escolar para la cual se prepara el registro.

ASIMISMO, SE NOTIFICA que el registro preparado se presentará en la oficina del superintendente de escuelas y estará disponible para que cualquier votante calificado del distrito pueda inspeccionarlo en la oficina del superintendente de escuelas y de la secretaria del distrito en Katherine E. Reif Administration Center cada uno de los cinco (5) días previos al día establecido para la elección, de 9:30 a. m. a 3:30 p. m., excepto los domingos, y el sábado anterior a las elecciones únicamente con cita previa.

TAMBIÉN

SE NOTIFICA que las solicitudes de boletas electorales por ausencia y boletas electorales anticipadas por correo pueden realizarse en la oficina de la secretaria del distrito. La secretaria del distrito deberá recibir las solicitudes de voto por ausencia y anticipado por correo no antes de los treinta (30) días previos a la fecha de la elección. La secretaria del distrito debe recibir las solicitudes de voto por ausencia y anticipado por correo por lo menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la boleta electoral debe enviarse al votante por correo, o hasta el día antes de la elección si la boleta electoral debe entregarse al votante o a la persona designada por este en persona. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna para enviar por correo una boleta electoral por ausencia y anticipada por correo, la secretaria del distrito enviará por correo dicha boleta electoral a la dirección indicada en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la elección. Las boletas electorales por ausencia y anticipadas por correo no se escrutarán, a menos que se hayan recibido en la oficina de la secretaria del distrito antes de las 5:00 p. m. del día de la elección. Habrá una lista de todas las personas para las que se emitieron boletas electorales por ausencia y anticipadas por correo disponible en la oficina de la secretaria del distrito durante los cinco días previos al día de la elección, excepto los domingos. TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que los votantes militares que no estén registrados actualmente pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes

calificados del distrito escolar. Los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del distrito escolar podrán enviar una solicitud de boleta electoral militar. Estos votantes pueden indicar su preferencia de recibir una inscripción de votante militar, una solicitud de boleta electoral militar o una boleta electoral militar por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico en su solicitud de inscripción, solicitud de boleta electoral o boleta electoral. Los formularios de solicitud de registro para votantes militares se deben recibir en la oficina de la secretaria del distrito antes de las 5:00 p. m. del 23 de abril de 2026. Las solicitudes de boleta electoral militar deben recibirse en la oficina de la secretaria del distrito por correo o en persona también a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del 23 de abril de 2026. Las boletas electorales militares no se escrutarán, a menos que se envíen por correo o se presenten en persona y (1) la oficina de la secretaria del distrito las reciba antes del cierre de las urnas el día de la elección y tengan una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o un endoso fechado de recepción por parte de otra agencia del gobierno de los Estados Unidos, o bien (2) la oficina de la secretaria del distrito las reciba antes de las 5:00 p. m. del día de la elección, y estén firmadas y fechadas por el votante militar y un testigo de ello, con una fecha asociada que no sea posterior al día previo a la elección.

TAMBIÉN

SE NOTIFICA que, durante la elección del Distrito Escolar Merrick Union Free, los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Central de Escuelas Secundarias BellmoreMerrick votarán con los siguientes fines:

a) Votar sobre el presupuesto escolar anual para el año escolar 2026-2027 y autorizar la imposición de un impuesto sobre la propiedad sujeta a tributación del distrito para los propósitos anteriores.

b) Votar sobre cualquier otra propuesta que se pueda presentar oportunamente en la reunión.

FECHA: marzo de 2026

Merrick, NY

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DISTRITO ESCOLAR MERRICK UNION FREE PAMELA AMON, SECRETARIA DEL DISTRITO 159369

LEGAL NOTICE ANNUAL SCHOOL DISTRICT MEETING AND ELECTION

NORTH MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Budget Hearing of the North Merrick Union Free School District will be held at Harold D. Fayette School, 1057 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, New York, on the 5th of May 2026, at 7:00 PM for the transaction of such business as is authorized by Education Law.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN the annual budget vote and election of the North Merrick Union Free School District will be held at the North Merrick Library, 1691 Meadowbrook, Road, North Merrick, New York on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 for the purpose of voting on estimated expenses for the school year 2026-2027 and upon such propositions as may properly come before the meeting, as well as the election of two (2) members of the Board of Education each for a three-year term, commencing July 1, 2026 and expiring on June 30, 2029. Voting will be on machines, and polls will be open between the hours of 6:30 AM and 9:00 PM on that day.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE, that at the afore-said election, qualified voters of the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District shall vote for the following purposes: (A) vote upon the annual school budget for the year 2026-2027 and to authorize the levying of a tax upon the taxable property of the district for the foregoing purposes. (B) To vote upon such other propositions as may properly come before the meeting.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law the School District is required to attach to

Public Notices

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 of the final assessment roll used in the budgetary process is exempt from taxation, list every type of exemption granted by statutory authority, and show the cumulative impact of each type of exemption, the cumulative amount expected to be received as payments in lieu of taxes, and 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.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN the Board of Education has designated Thursday, May 14, 2026 between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM to prepare the register of the School District at the Harold D. Fayette School, 1057 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, New York. Residents may also register on school days between 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM in the District Clerk’s office until five days before the District vote. Qualified residents of the North Merrick Union Free School District must register at this time if not previously registered, in order to be eligible to vote at the annual meeting and on the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District Budget and Propositions. Any person shall be entitled to have his/her name placed upon such register provided that he/she is known or proven to the satisfaction of the District Clerk or a member of the board of registration, to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at the annual district election for which such register is prepared. If a voter is registered and eligible to vote under Article 5 of the Election Law, he or she is also eligible to vote at this election without further registration.

NO PERSON will be entitled to vote at the annual budget meeting and election of the North Merrick Union Free School District and the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School Budget Vote whose name does not appear on either the

Register of the North Merrick Union Free School District or the County registration lists provided by the County election officials.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that voters qualifying to vote by absentee or early mail ballot may apply and receive an absentee or early mail ballot from the District Clerk of the District. An application must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election for which an absentee or early mail ballot is sought. Completed absentee and early mail ballot applications 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 his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee or early mail ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth in the application by no later than six (6) days before the vote. Absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots shall have been issued, will be available in the Office of the District Clerk on each of the five (5) days prior to the day of the election except Sundays.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. Military voters who are qualified voters of the school district may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the Office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the Office of

the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and 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 (2) received by the Office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that a copy of the statements of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for school purpose, exclusive of public monies, may be obtained by any qualified voter of the District during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding the Annual Meeting except Saturday, Sunday, or holidays, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM at the District’s central office located at 1057 Merrick Avenue, and at each of the school houses in said District, to wit: Camp Avenue, Harold D. Fayette, and Old Mill Road Schools, at the North Merrick Public Library, on the District’s website, and at the Annual Meeting.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the register of the school district shall be filed in the Office of the District Clerk where it shall be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the School District, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM on each of the five days prior to and the day of the Annual District Election, except Sunday, and on Saturday, May 16, 2026 by appointment.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Board of Registration of the North Merrick Union Free School District will meet during the hours of voting on May 19, 2026, at the polling place for the purpose of preparing a register for District meetings or elections to be held subsequent to May 19, 2026. Said register shall include: (1) all qualified voters of the Union Free School District, who shall present themselves personally for registration; and (2) all qualified voters permanently registered with the Nassau County

Board of Elections; and (3) all previously qualified voters of the District who shall have been previously registered for any annual or special District meeting or election and who shall have voted at any annual or special District meeting or election held or conducted at any time within the four calendar years (2021-2025) prior to preparation of the registration of voters.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education shall be filed with the District Clerk at the Office of the Clerk between the hours of 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on or before April 20, 2026. Vacancies on the Board of Education are not considered separate, specific offices; candidates run at large. Nominating petitions shall not describe any specific vacancy upon the Board for which the candidate is nominated; must be directed to the Clerk of the District; must be signed by 25 qualified voters of the District; must state the name and residence of each signer, and the name and residence of the candidate.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education in accordance with §2035 of the Education Law, any referenda or propositions to amend the budget, or otherwise to be submitted for voting at said election, must be filed with the District Clerk in sufficient time to permit notice of the proposition to be included with the Notice of the Public Hearing, Budget Vote and Election, if required to be included in said notice, or on or before March 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.; prevailing time; must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the District Clerk; must be signed by at least 75 qualified voters of the District; and must legibly state the name of each signer. However, the School Board 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, which is unlawful or any proposition which fails to include a specific appropriation where the expenditure of monies

is required by the proposition, or where other valid reason exists for excluding the proposition from the ballot.

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

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION NORTH MERRICK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT Town of Hempstead, Merrick, New York

JOANNE LONG, DISTRICT CLERK 1057 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, New York

Merrick Herald Life: April 2, April 16, April 30, May 14 Long Island Business News: April 3, April 17, May 1, May 15 159371

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO MODIFICADO SOBRE LA REUNIÓN Y ELECCIÓN ANUAL DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR

DISTRITO ESCOLAR NORTH MERRICK UNION FREE, PUEBLO DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

POR EL PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que se llevará a cabo una audiencia sobre el presupuesto del Distrito Escolar North Merrick Union Free en la escuela Harold D. Fayette, 1057 Merrick Avenue, North Merrick, Nueva York, el día 5th de mayo de 2026, a las 7:00 p. m., para la resolución de dichos asuntos de acuerdo con lo estipulado por la Ley de Educación.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que la votación anual sobre el presupuesto y la elección del Distrito Escolar Libre Unificado de North Merrick se llevarán a cabo en la biblioteca pública de North Merrick, 1691 Meadowbrook Road, North Merrick, Nueva

York, el día martes 19 de mayo de 2026, con el propósito de realizar una votación sobre los gastos estimados para el año escolar 2026-2027 y sobre cualquier propuesta que pueda presentarse oportunamente en la reunión, al igual que sobre la elección de dos (2) miembros de la Junta de Educación, cada uno con un cargo de tres años de duración, que comenzará el 1 de julio de 2026 y finalizará el 30 de junio de 2029. La votación se realizará con máquinas y se podrá votar desde las 6:30 a. m. hasta las 9:00 p. m. de ese mismo día.

TAMBIN SE NOTIFICA que, en la elección antes mencionada, los votantes calificados del Distrito Central de Escuelas Secundarias de Bellmore-Merrick votarán con los siguientes fines: (A) votar sobre el presupuesto escolar anual para el año 2026-2027 y autorizar la imposición de un impuesto sobre la propiedad sujeta a tributación del distrito para los fines antes expuestos; (B) votar sobre aquellas otras propuestas que puedan presentarse debidamente ante la asamblea.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que, de acuerdo con la Sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, el Distrito Escolar debe adjuntar un informe de exención al presupuesto sugerido. Este informe de exenciones, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, mostrará qué parte del valor total calculado de la lista final de tasación usada durante el proceso presupuestario queda libre de impuestos, enumerará todos los tipos de exenciones otorgadas por la autoridad legal y mostrará el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención, el monto acumulativo que se espera recibir en pagos en lugar de los impuestos y el impacto acumulativo de todas las exenciones otorgadas. El informe de exenciones se publicará en cualquier tablero de anuncios que el distrito designe para avisos públicos y en el sitio web del distrito.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Educación ha designado el día viernes 14 de abril de 2026, de 8:00

a. m. a 3:30 p. m. para la realización de una reunión de la Junta de Registros en la escuela Harold D. Fayette, 1057 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, Nueva York, para preparar el registro del Distrito Escolar. Los residentes también pueden registrarse en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito durante los días de actividad escolar desde las 9:00 a. m. hasta las 4:00 p. m., hasta cinco días antes de la votación del Distrito. Para ser elegibles para votar durante la reunión anual y sobre el presupuesto y las propuestas del Distrito Escolar Central de Escuelas Secundarias de Bellmore-Merrick, los residentes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre Unificado de North Merrick deben registrarse en ese momento si no lo han hecho antes. Toda persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en el registro, siempre y cuando se sepa o se demuestre ante la secretaria del Distrito o algún miembro de la Junta de Registros que dicha persona tiene, en ese momento o en adelante, derecho a votar en la elección anual del distrito, para la cual se prepara dicho registro. Si un votante está registrado y es elegible para votar en virtud del Artículo 5 de la Ley de Elecciones, también es elegible para votar en esta elección sin necesidad de ningún registro adicional.

NINGUNA PERSONA tendrá derecho a votar en la reunión anual de presupuesto y la elección del Distrito Escolar North Merrick Union Free ni en la votación de presupuesto del Distrito Central de Escuelas Secundarias de Bellmore-Merrick si su nombre no aparece en el registro del Distrito Escolar North Merrick Union Free o en las listas de registro del condado provistas por los funcionarios electorales del condado.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que los votantes que cumplan con los requisitos para votar mediante boleta electoral por ausencia o boleta electoral anticipada por correo pueden solicitar y recibir una boleta electoral por ausencia o una boleta electoral anticipada por correo a través de la secretaria del Distrito. La secretaria del Distrito deberá recibir la solicitud no antes de los treinta (30) días previos a la elección para la cual se solicita una boleta electoral por ausencia o una boleta electoral anticipada por correo. La secretaria del Distrito debe recibir las solicitudes de boleta electoral por ausencia y boleta electoral anticipada por correo completas por lo menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la boleta electoral debe enviarse al votante por correo, o hasta el día antes de la elección si la boleta electoral debe entregarse al votante o a la persona designada por este en persona. Al recibir una solicitud oportuna para enviar por correo una boleta electoral por ausencia o una boleta electoral anticipada por correo, la secretaria del Distrito enviará por correo dicha boleta a la dirección indicada en la solicitud a más tardar seis (6) días antes de la votación. La secretaria del Distrito debe recibir las boletas electorales por ausencia y las boletas electorales anticipadas por correo antes de las 5:00 p. m. del día martes19 de mayo de 2026. Durante los cinco (5) días anteriores al día de la elección, excepto los domingos, en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito se encontrará a disposición una lista de todas las personas a quienes se les hayan emitido boletas electorales por ausencia y boletas electorales anticipadas por correo.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que los votantes militares que no estén registrados actualmente pueden solicitar su inscripción como votantes calificados del distrito escolar. Los votantes militares que sean votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar podrán enviar una solicitud de boleta electoral militar. Estos votantes pueden indicar su preferencia de recibir un registro de votante militar, una solicitud de boleta electoral militar o una boleta electoral militar por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico en su pedido del registro, de la solicitud de boleta electoral o la boleta electoral. Los formularios de registro de votantes militares y los formularios de solicitud de boleta electoral militar se deben recibir en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito antes de las 5:00 p. m. del 23 de abril de 2026. Las boletas electorales militares

Public Notices

no serán escrutadas, a menos que (1) la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito las reciba antes del cierre de la votación el día de la elección y tengan una marca de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o un endoso fechado de recepción por parte de otro organismo del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos, o bien (2) la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito las reciba antes de las 5:00 p. m. del día de la elección, y estén firmadas y fechadas por el votante militar y un testigo de ello, con una fecha asociada que no sea posterior al día previo a la elección.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que cualquier votante calificado del Distrito podrá obtener una copia de las declaraciones de la cantidad de dinero que será requerido para fines escolares para el año siguiente, a excepción de los fondos públicos, durante los catorce (14) días inmediatamente anteriores a la reunión anual, excepto los sábados, domingos o feriados, en la oficina central del Distrito ubicada en 1057 Merrick Avenue, de 9:00 a. m. a 3:30 p. m., y en cualquiera de las sedes escolares del Distrito, es decir: las escuelas Camp Avenue, Harold D. Fayette y Old Mill Road, la biblioteca pública de North Merrick, el sitio web del Distrito y en la reunión anual.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que el registro del Distrito Escolar se presentará en la oficina de la secretaria del Distrito, donde quedará abierto para la inspección de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar, de 9:00 a. m. a 4:00 p. m. durante los cinco días anteriores a la elección y el mismo día de la elección anual del distrito, excepto el domingo, y el sábado 16 de mayo de 2026 con cita previa.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que la Junta de Registros del Distrito Escolar North Merrick Union Free School se reunirá durante el horario de votación el día 19 de mayo de 2026 en el lugar de votación con el fin de preparar un registro para elecciones o reuniones del Distrito que se realizarán después del 19 de mayo de 2026. Dicho registro incluirá:

(1) a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Libre Unificado de North Merrick, que deberán presentarse personalmente para el registro; (2) a todos los votantes calificados registrados permanentemente en la Junta de Elecciones del condado de Nassau, y (3) a todos los votantes previamente calificados del Distrito que se hayan registrado previamente para cualquier elección o reunión anual o especial del Distrito y que hayan votado en alguno de estos eventos realizados o llevados a cabo en cualquier momento durante los cuatro años calendario (2021-2025) previos a la preparación del registro de votantes.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que las peticiones para nominar candidatos para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación deberán presentarse ante la secretaria del Distrito en su oficina, a más tardar el 20 de abril de 2026, de 9:00 a. m. a 5:00 p. m. Los puestos vacantes de la Junta de Educación no se consideran cargos específicos ni independientes; los candidatos se presentan en general. Las peticiones de nominación no deben describir ninguna vacante específica de la Junta para la cual se nomina al candidato, deben estar dirigidas a la secretaria del Distrito, deben estar firmadas por 25 votantes calificados del Distrito, deben indicar el nombre y la residencia de cada firmante y el nombre y la residencia del candidato.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que, de acuerdo con una regla adoptada por la Junta de Educación en virtud de la Sección 2035 de la Ley de Educación, cualquier referéndum o propuesta para modificar el presupuesto, o que se presente por otra forma para su votación en dicha elección, debe realizarse ante la secretaria del Distrito con el tiempo suficiente para permitir el aviso de la inclusión de la propuesta con el aviso de audiencia pública, votación de presupuesto y elección, si fuera necesaria su inclusión en dicho aviso, a más tardar el día 20 de marzo de 2026 a las 5:00 p. m., hora vigente, debe estar escrita o impresa en idioma inglés, debe estar dirigida a la

secretaria del Distrito, debe estar firmada por al menos 75 votantes calificados del Distrito y debe indicar el nombre legible de cada firmante. Sin embargo, la Junta Escolar no considerará ninguna solicitud de presentar ante los votantes una propuesta cuyo propósito no esté dentro de sus facultades de decisión, que esté fuera de la ley o que no incluya una asignación específica cuando dicha propuesta requiera un gasto de dinero, o cuando exista alguna otra razón válida para excluir la propuesta de la boleta electoral.

TAMBIÉN SE NOTIFICA que esta Junta establecerá una reunión especial a partir de ese momento, dentro de las veinticuatro horas luego de la presentación ante la secretaria del Distrito de un informe escrito de los resultados del voto, con el fin de examinar y tabular dichos informes del resultado del voto y declarar su resultado; que, por el presente y de acuerdo con la Sección 2019-a, subdivisión 2b, de la Ley de Educación, la Junta se designa a sí misma como un grupo de presidentes de mesa para emitir y escrutar los votos durante dicha reunión especial de la Junta.

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN, DISTRITO ESCOLAR NORTH MERRICK UNION FREE Pueblo de Hempstead, Merrick, Nueva York

JOANNE LONG, SECRETARIA DEL DISTRITO 1057 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, Nueva York

JASON CAGEN AKA

JERRY CAGEN, BARBARA CAGEN AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF JASON CAGEN AKA

JERRY CAGEN, DAVID CAGEN AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF JASON CAGEN AKA JERRY

CAGEN, HOWARD

CAGEN AS HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF JASON CAGEN AKA JERRY

CAGEN, Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 05/06/2024, 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 4/23/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 318 Frankel Boulevard, Merrick, New York 11566, and described as follows: ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, in the Township of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 63 Block 126 Lot 43, 44, and 45. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $610,329.71 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 606849/2018 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.

auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on April 21, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. premises k/a Section 62, Block 211, Lot 17. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. The foreclosure sale will be held, “rain or shine.”

MICHAEL SEPE, Referee. LEVY & LEVY, Attys. for Pltf., 12 Tulip Dr., Great Neck, NY 11021. #102798 159000

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF THE TIKI SERIES III TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. VLADISLAV BONDARSKY, ET AL., Defendant(s).

100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on April 28, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 1370 Noel Court, Merrick, NY 11566 a/k/a Section 55, Block 526, Lot 24. Approximate amount of judgment is $240,079.20 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. BRIAN J. DAVIS, Referee. MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 575 Underhill Blvd., Ste. 224, Syosset, NY 11791. #102795 159108

process against LLC to 1817 Gardenia Ave, Merrick, NY 11566. Purpose: legal services 159033

LEGAL NOTICE CASE NO. 21527

RESOLUTION NO. 293-2026

Adopted: March 24, 2026

distance of 20 feet. (TH-31/26)

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY AS TRUSTEE FOR RAST SERIES 2002-A12, MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES

2002-L UNDER THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED SEPTEMBER 1, 2002, Plaintiff, Against

ELISA DUREN AS EXECUTRIX AND HEIR OF THE ESTATE OF

Ronald J. Ferraro, Esq., Referee.

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

Dated: 2/27/2026 File Number: 272-8714 CA 159002

Merrick Herald Life: 2 de abril, 16 de abril, 30 de abril y 14 de mayo Long Island Business News: 3 de abril, 17 de abril, 1 de mayo y 15 de mayo 159373 To place a notice here call us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. L&L ASSOCIATES HOLDING CORP., Pltf. vs. WILLIAM GROSS, et al, Defts. Index #621790/2024. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Jan. 22, 2026, I will sell at public

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on May 5, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 23, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 2621 Merrick Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 63, Block 135 and Lot 881. Approximate amount of judgment is $949,219.50 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #004169/2009.

Jerry A. Merola, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 191890-2 158994

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. CAZ R.E. HOLDINGS, INC., Pltf. vs. JOSEPH SIMON MUSSO, et al, Defts. Index #602619/2021. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered Sept. 17. 2024, I will sell at public auction on the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court,

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, FAMILY BENEFIT LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, Plaintiff, vs. EXECUTIVE RENTALS NY INC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on August 21, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 28, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 2216 Van Nostrand Avenue, Merrick, NY 11566. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Merrick, not an Incorporated Village, in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 56, Block 25 and Lots 396-397. Approximate amount of judgment is $745,015.49 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #610395/2023.

Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 231149-1 159096

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION of Speciale Law PLLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/09/2026 Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of

Councilmember Muscarella offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AND SETTING ASIDE CERTAIN PARKING SPACES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES FOR THE SOLE USE OF HOLDERS OF SPECIAL PARKING PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COUNTY OF NASSAU TO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS. WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 286-2026, adopted March 10, 2026, a public hearing was duly held on the 24th day of March 2026, at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the proposed establishment and setting aside of a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons, in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, all as set forth in said resolution; and WHEREAS, after due consideration, this Town Board finds it to be in the public interest to establish and set aside a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, the following parking spaces be and the same hereby is set aside for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons: ELMONT MARIE COURT - south side, starting at a point 139 feet east of the east curbline of Circle Drive West, east for a

INWOOD JOHN STREET - south side, starting at a point 20 feet east of the east curbline of Wahl Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet. (TH-45/26) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons:

ELMONT

LEHRER AVENUE - east side, starting at a point of 205 feet south of the south curbline of Hempstead Turnpike, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-353/21 - 10/05/21) (TH-48/26)

MERRICK

WOODBINE AVENUEsouth side, starting at a point 340 feet west of the west curbline of Express Way, west for a distance of 20 feet. (TH-600/25 - 1/27/26) (TH-600(B)/25) ; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall enter this resolution in the minutes of the Town Board and shall publish a copy of this resolution once a newspaper having a general circulation in the Town of Hempstead, and shall post a copy hereof on the signboard maintained by her, and file in her office affidavits of such publication and posting. The foregoing resolution was seconded by Councilmember Miller and adopted upon roll call as follows: AYES: SEVEN (7) NOES: NONE (0) 159256

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 14th day of April 2026, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 197-5 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “ARTERIAL STOPS” at the following locations: ALL PERSONS

Public Notices

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

BELLMORE

OAK COURT (TH 61/26)

- STOP - All traffic traveling westbound on Arthur Lane shall come to a full stop.

MERRICK

E. BERKSHIRE

ROAD/BERKSHIRE

ROAD (TH 80/26)

- STOP - All traffic traveling northbound on Dobson Avenue shall come to a full stop.

E. BERKSHIRE

ROAD/BERKSHIRE

ROAD (TH 80/26)

- STOP - All traffic traveling southbound on Dobson Avenue shall come to a full stop.

Dated: March 24, 2026

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 159259

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

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

A.M. & 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals: THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30

A.M.

178/26. MERRICK - 7Eleven # 30338, Renewal of grant to maintain one doublefaced, illuminated,

detached ground sign; 49 sq. ft. per face, overall size 98 sq. ft. & setback 10’ from front property line on Sunrise Hwy., S/E cor. Sunrise Hwy. & HempsteadBabylon Tpke., a/k/a 203 Sunrise Hwy. THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M.

195/26. MERRICKMidco-Nowash, LLC c/o Midwood Management Corp., Install doublefaced LED illuminated pylon sign 88.3 sq. ft. per face; overall height 16’ 7 1/2”; clearance 5’ from grade; setback 5’ from Merrick Ave. & 12’ 11” from Merrick Rd., N/s Merrick Rd. between Merrick Ave. & Arbor La., a/k/a 1999 Merrick Rd.

ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.

This notice is only for new cases in Merrick within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo

Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 159243

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

LOCAL LAW NO.

29-2026

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 24th day of March 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 29-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 29-2026, to amend Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations. Dated: March 24, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 159251

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST, SERIES 2016-CIT, -againstJOSEPH SCHNAIER, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on July 12, 2024, wherein US BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR THE RMAC TRUST,

SERIES 2016-CIT is the Plaintiff and JOSEPH SCHNAIER, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on May 6, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 1808 ECHO LANE, MERRICK, NY 11566; and the following tax map identification: 62-24-15. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, BEING AT MERRICK, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 615396/2018. Peter Kramer, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 159287

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

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

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

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

READ THEM

P A ssover GreetinG

Wishing Bellmore-Merrick a happy Passover

As spring returns and the days grow longer, our community once again prepares to celebrate Passover. Jews of all ages gather around the Seder table, retelling the ancient story that has shaped our people for generations. On Passover, we do not just tell the story of our ancestors’ journey from slavery to freedom; we are encouraged to reflect on our own lives, our responsibilities, and the ways we bring meaning and connection into our homes and community.

Each year, Jewish tradition challenges us to see ourselves as if we personally went out from Egypt. This is more than a poetic idea. It is a call to recognize the moments in our own lives when we feel constrained, overwhelmed, or uncertain. Passover reminds us that change, growth, and redemption are always possible. Freedom is not only something we inherit; it should not be taken for granted. It is something we actively cultivate through gratitude, compassion, and community.

We are all too often reminded that, like our ancestors wandering through the desert, it is not always easy to journey through this world as Jews. But Passover reminds us that we do not journey alone. Just as our ancestors traveled together toward freedom, we too find strength and meaning in gathering, celebrating, and supporting one another.

Here in Merrick and Bellmore, we are blessed with a vibrant and caring community that brings these values to life.

This year, at the Merrick Jewish Cen-

GC

tre, we are excited to complement our traditional Seder experience with opportunities for the community to connect in new and joyful ways: Our Passover Café is an evening of laughter, friendly competition, and engaging Passover-themed fun. We are hosting a Young Family Passover Play Date, a warm and welcoming space with music and kosher-for-Passover snacks for our youngest members and their families to celebrate together. And our annual Passover at the Movies features a private showing of The Prince of Egypt at the Bellmore Movies & Showplace with kosher-for-Passover treats.

These programs are designed to ensure that everyone, at every stage of life, can find a meaningful way to connect to Passover and to community. Registration is required; please visit merrickjc.org for more information.

Additionally, in the true spirit of Passover, when we open our doors and declare that all who are in need should come and join, if you are looking for a Seder to attend, please let us know. If you are struggling, please reach out and we can offer support.

As we prepare for the holiday, may we open not only our homes but our hearts. May our Seders be filled with thoughtful conversation, joyful song, and renewed purpose. And may we carry the message of Passover, one of hope, resilience, and responsibility, beyond the holiday and into the days ahead.

Rabbi Josh Dorsch leads the Merrick Jewish Centre.

news brief

students learn safety with PSEG L.I.

Students in Nassau BOCES GC Tech’s construction, electrical and EMT programs got a hands-on lesson in electrical safety during a recent demonstration led by PSEG Long Island at the Levittown campus.

Using its Live Lines trailer, a mobile safety education tool, PSEG representatives walked students through realworld scenarios designed to highlight the dangers of electricity and how to respond safely. The trailer features a three-quarter-scale model of an electric distribution system, complete with high-voltage wires, utility poles and equipment commonly found in residential neighborhoods. During the demonstration, PSEG crews simulated a vari-

ety of hazardous scenarios, including a live wire falling onto a vehicle, an aluminum pool skimmer coming into contact with an overhead wire, a squirrel interfering with power lines and a downed wire touching a metal fence. Students responded enthusiastically to the presentation. The program combined visual demonstrations with practical safety guidance, giving students a clearer understanding of how to recognize hazards and respond appropriately. The Live Lines program is part of PSEG Long Island’s broader effort to promote electrical safety through education and community outreach.

—Jordan Vallone

Old Woodmere Beauty

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

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

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

Elliman

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

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

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

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

Building Maintenance

Assistant and Porter needed for Management Co. in Long Beach Experience Preferred Email: humanresoures5771 @gmail.com or Call: (212) 873-7575

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour.

For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com

DENTAL ASSISTANT

CHAIR SIDE F/T Lynbrook Office, Immediate Opening. Looking for Experienced Individual Email Resume nylaserendo@gmail.com Call 516-599-7111

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

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

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

$20 - $25 Per Hour Must Be Available On Weekends April - June 516-902-6258 Randy@LISNYC.com PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for

included. $20. 516-643-3623 DRESSER WOOD: W34" D18 1/2" H 30" Walnut, 3 Drawers, Good. $40 S. Freeport 516-279-7696

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Nassau County’s success story continues

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

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

Araise even higher in 2026 and beyond.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bruce Blakeman is the Nassau County executive.

The privilege, and responsibility, of a free press

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

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

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

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

A few weeks ago, I attended the 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Smart housing reform needs local trust

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

letters

Keeping things in numerical perspective in the Middle East

To the Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

Yet it would be a mistake to dismiss

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why I sued the state over youth mental health

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

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

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

Letters

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

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

LAwrence Levy Rockville Centre

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Framework by Tim Baker

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

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

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

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

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

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

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