Nassau Herald 04-09-2026

HERALD Nassau

Courtesy Douglas Hesney The Cognitive Film Society’s creative director and co-founder, Yelena Fradlis, left with Co-founders Douglas Hesney and Jeff Hsi outside the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, promoting their screenings.

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

On any given screening night, the red velvet seats in the theater at the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library fill quickly with movieloving community members ready to debate, dissect and celebrate film together.

In just two years, the Cognitive Film Society has transformed from a grassroots idea into a cultural hub in the Five Towns, blending packed screenings, student engagement and community partnerships.

Co-founder Douglas Hesney, said the organization was built with community at its core.

“I saw an opportunity to create something that wasn’t just about watching films, but about engaging with them,” Hesney said. “What’s been most rewarding is seeing how

the community has embraced that idea and really made it their own.”

He added that the society’s growth has exceeded expectations. “We started with a vision, but the response has gone beyond what we imagined,” he said. “Every screening, every discussion, you see new faces, new voices, and that’s what keeps it exciting.”

Library Director Michelle Young said the concept was an ideal match with the library’s mission. “I thought it was perfect,” she wrote in an email. “While we are the designated arts and music library of Nassau County, we really should consider ourselves the arts, music and film library.”

The library’s 200-seat theater, Young said, has played a key role in the film group’s success. “The jewel of the library is our the -

Bus company is honored by Inwood group

By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com

For over eight decades, the Independent Coach Corporation has been a model of reliability and community in the Five Towns and surrounding neighborhoods. The Inwood Civic Association honored the company as its Citizen of the Year on March 22.

Founded in 1941, Independent Coach is the only charter bus company based in the Five Towns. Its original facilities, at 25 Wanser Ave., in Inwood, and 1145 Railroad Ave., in Hewlett — purchased in 1970 — house more than 225 employees and just as many vehicles.

e were very honored, and remain committed to helping the community however we can through our services.

QuAAS President, Independent Coach Corporation

The company is owned by the Fabrizio family, of Lawrence. Nanci Quaas, its president since 1997, is one of the late owner Nicholas Fabrizio’s four children. The company’s goal, Quaas said, has always been to give back to the community.

“We just try to do as much as we can,” she said.

Rosemarie Reo, president of the Inwood Civic Association and a 1974 graduate of Lawrence High School, recalled riding Independent Coach buses as a youngster.

“Organizations like Independent Coach don’t boast about what they do,” Reo said. “People need to know that we have good people in the community that are civic-minded.”

Over the years, the bus com-

The company transports thousands of children in 18 school districts to and from their school buildings as well as to events and programs. Its network includes Hewlett-Woodmere, Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls, East Rockaway, Valley Stream 13 and West Hempstead, and it also helps facilitate transportation for camps and community organizations like the Five Towns Early Learning Center, in Inwood, and Lawrence’s Rock and Wrap it Up!

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Hewlett lacrosse star Chase Rivas honored off the field

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Chase Rivas, a junior lacrosse player at Hewlett High School, will be recognized as the Temple Israel, Lawrence Outstanding Jewish High School Athlete from the South Shore at the Jewish Sports Heritage Association’s 8th Annual Induction and Awards Ceremony.

The Jewish Sports Heritage Association was founded in 2015 by Alan Freedman, with a mission to highlight Jewish athletes across the sports world — challenging the long-held notion that “Jews in sports” is an oxymoron.

“By highlighting Jewish athletes from across the sports world, it hopefully offers a starting point for discussions of stereotypes and prejudice,” Freedman said.

The program has become the centerpiece of that mission on the South Shore, honoring both national inductees and standout local student-athletes each year.

The ceremony is on April 12, at Temple Israel of Lawrence. The event begins at 10:30 a.m. and is free and open to the community.

“Our goal is to educate the public about the role that Jewish men and women have played and continue to play in the world of sports,” he said.

For the high school awards, the association is sent names of perspective Jewish student athletes from schools, and they search local newspapers as well.

According to Freedman, Rabbi Galina Makaveyev of Temple Israel of Lawrence

told him to keep his eyes on Chase, a few years ago.

“We’re looking for not only a very good athlete but somebody who is academically

up there and involved in the community,” Freedman added. “Knowing Chase through the temple, it was an easy pick for the male athlete.”

Rivas has been playing lacrosse since second grade when his dad was offered the position to coach the youth team.

“He wanted me to play on his team, obviously,” Rivas said. “He put the lacrosse stick in my hand, and I just picked it up quick. It was easy and it was really fun to me. I’ve been playing lacrosse my whole life, it just feels so natural to be on the field.”

Rivas has also been playing for Team Israel at the World Series of Youth Lacrosse during Memorial Day weekend, since he was 12-years old.

“I feel like it’s like a big part of my identity,” Rivas said. “I love supporting team Israel, my teammates and the people who run it. It’s fun representing my Judaism.”

He said that when he was notified of his honor for the Jewish Sports Heritage Association, he was shocked and embarrassed but still felt his hard work had paid off.

“I feel very proud,” he said. “I just want to continue playing lacrosse because I’ve always played and it’s really fun for me.” Rivas’ mother, Blake Rivas, said that she is extremely proud of him and that he’s deserving of this honor.

“It’s really his life, he lives and breathes it,” Blake said. “When we found out he got this it was so exciting because he deserves it. He puts a lot into it and teaches little kids how to play.”

She said that Rivas does a lot to support Judaism by volunteering at Temple Israel and with local food pantries.

“He does a lot with that and I’m so proud of him,” she said. “He worked hard this year.”

Thousands gather at Woodmere F.D. for annual chometz burning

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

Thousands of Five Towns residents gathered at the Woodmere Fire Department for the annual community-wide chometz burning ahead of Passover.

Families had from 6:30 to 11:30 a.m. on April 1 to bring all chometz that they still had possession of to the parking lot at 20 Irving Place. Chometz — leavened food products prohibited during the eight-day holiday, which began that night and commemorates the Jews Exodus from Egypt. Participants placed items such as bread and grains into designated containers while reciting traditional prayers.

It’s tradition that all chometz is burned or sold to non-Jews within the first hours of Passover and only kosher for Passover products are consumed during the holiday.

The event, now in its 23rd year, is organized and supervised by the Woodmere Fire Department, whose roughly 75 volunteer members respond to nearly 1,000 fire and medical calls annually as part of Nassau County’s 3rd Battalion.

Emergency Medical Services Lt. Jay Goldmark, a 34-year member of the department, created the event to promote safety after a resident was injured performing a chometz burning at home.

“It is wonderful to be able to provide a service to the community to offer to the community a safe alternative to doing this in your house,” Goldmark said. “We do it in

a safe, controlled environment with trained firefighters and keep it safe for the community.”

The fire department prepares a couple days in advance by receiving the necessary permits from the Town of Hempstead, buying new steel cans and making sure all firefighters are ready.

“It’s nice to be able to do this for the community,” he said.

The firefighters oversee the burning process and provide guidance on safe materials, discouraging the use of plastics or other hazardous items.

“Hosting this brings safety and serves as a space where the community can get together,” Commissioner Israel Max said.

“The community feels they have a safe to do what the religion requires and it’s very meaningful. We’re happy to be a part of the

community.”

Over the years, there has been more awareness from residents who used to do this at their home and can now participate in a safe and controlled environment.

Lt. Marc Deutsch said that not only does the fire department get support from the community but also from the local politicians.

He gave a shoutout to County Executive Bruce Blakeman, Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti, Councilwoman Missy Miller, Town Clerk Kate Murry and Legislator Howard Kopel.

“Due to the nature of what’s going on we would also like to thank the local Jewish security service that’s here to help keep people safe,” Deutsch said. “Along with the local auxiliary police who come to help with crowd control.”

Deutsch said they began this event to prevent people from doing it at their homes and risking injuries and a burnt home.

According to Deutsch, Ferretti provides them with a dumpster to dispose all the ashes into, and the fire department prepare kindling, safety precautions and control the fires.

“Our members both Jewish and nonJewish including our chiefs participate in coming here to help the community to do it safely,” he added. “We have Jewish, Christian, Muslim members that come and prepare from midnight the night before and as early as 5 a.m. this morning.”

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Crime watCh

Inwood man pleads guilty

According to Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly, an Inwood man pleaded guilty on March 31 to killing his 2-month-old daughter.

Marlon Rabanales Pretzantzin, 21, pleaded guilty before Judge Robert Schwartz to second-degree murder. He is scheduled to return to court May 7 and faces up to 21 years to life in prison. Prosecutors have recommended a sentence of 24 years to life.

The incident occurred at 11 a.m. on March 7, 2025, at a Maple Road residence in Inwood. Pretzantzin was home alone with his two children — a 14-month-old son and 2-month-old daughter, Liseyda RabanalesBarrios — when he assaulted the infant.

Authorities said the defendant struck the child, shook her and applied pressure to her body, causing severe injuries. The child became unresponsive and was taken to a neighboring apartment, where a 911 call was made.

The infant was transported to St. John’s Episcopal Hospital and later to Cohen Children’s Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. Officials said she suffered multiple injuries, including head trauma,

rib fractures, hemorrhaging in the neck and spinal injuries.

Pretzantzin was arrested on March 12, 2025, by Nassau County police.

— Melissa Berman

Lawrence resident indicted

A Lawrence man, Samy Sedhom, has been charged with attempted murder and assault for allegedly shooting his sister in the head using a crossbow on Feb. 13.

Sedhom, 21, and his 28-year-old sister allegedly had a despite over the thermostat, as the two disagreed over the temperature in their house.

Sedhom allegedly waited for his sister to park her car inside the garage of the home on West Avenue in Lawrence. While his sister entered a code to close the garage door, he allegedly shot a G5 hunting arrow from a Barnett Whitetail Hunter Crossbow. The shot caused serious physical injuries to his sister’s right ear, right cheek and face.

She was taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where she received emergency surgery to stop the bleeding and close the nearly six-inch-long slash from the arrow on her face.

After the subsequent investigation, police said they uncovered that Sedhom had allegedly been planning to kill his sis-

ter since December 2025 over the thermostat dispute. He allegedly purchased the crossbow, along with a three-pack of hunting arrows and a GPS, which he fitted to his sister’s car to track her movements.

“The defendant’s alleged actions were violent and calculated,” Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said in a news release. “Homes should be a safe haven, not a place of fear and bloodshed.” To discard the weapon, Sedhom allegedly drove to the intersection of West and Bayview avenues, also in Lawrence, where he discarded the crossbow. The weapon was later recovered by the police.

Sedhom is charged with second degree attempted murder, two counts of assault, and criminal possession of a weapon. He plead not guilty and is due pack in court on April 30.

Sedhom is represented by Steven Mullkoff. If found guilty, he could face up to 25 years in prison.

— Aidan Warshavsky

A push to protect opioid funds

By AIDAN WARSHAVSKY awarshavsky@liherald.com

A half dozen Democratic Nassau County legislators led by Olena Nicks are looking to have much more than the 8.5 percent of the $95 million in opioid settlement money distributed, as Nicks unveiled legislation to protect opioid settlement funds.

The announcement of the proposed legislation comes after $13.7 million in interest was moved from the settlement fund that the county operates into a general account, also run by the county. The $95 million is proceeds from settlements with opioid manufacturers, retailers and distributors, secured in 2021.

“That raises some serious questions,” Nicks said. “Are we moving quickly enough to meet the needs of the residents who are struggling? Are we honoring the intent of these funds?”

Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton, the Legislature’s minority leader, said that the settlement reached in 2021 did not outline when the funds had to be distributed. She said that every time she and fellow legislators investigate the transfers, they are told it remains within the fund.

“There are no restrictions on how that money is being moved,” DeRiggi-Whitton said.

Nicks noted that the proposed legislation aims to establish permanent safeguards to ensure that settlement funds and interest earned remain dedicated to prevention, treatment, recovery and education. She said the legislation would increase transparency by allowing the public to see how the resources are being used.

The settlement money is used by state and local governments and approved organizations such as health care providers and community groups. Nicks, who volunteers with the Uniondale Fire Department, said the legislation is about bolstering support and education.

“We need to support the first responders, the health professionals and the service providers who are confronting this crisis every single day,” she said.

DeRiggi-Whitton said that like her fellow legislators, she has also attended breakfasts and meetings. She said that many health care groups and organizations are concerned over the loss of federal funding — some even mentioning the possibility of staff layoffs.

“All of these incredible institutions in Nassau County, and we still can’t get them the funds they need,” she said. “It’s probably the worst thing I’ve seen in 20 years.”

Legislator Arnold Drucker said the decision by Republican Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and his administration to pull money from the fund is offensive and violates their commitment to taxpayers and residents in the county.

“It’s a betrayal of the administration’s commitment to this life-saving opportunity,” Drucker said. “It’s going to cost lives.”

Christopher Boyle, the director of communications for the county, said the practice of moving accrued interest to the general fund is standard, and that the money is being used properly.

“Like all other county funds, the interest accrues to the general fund,” Boyle said. “Opioid overdoses have declined by 16 percent in just the past year (countywide, according to the Nassau County Medical Examiner’s office). The money is being put to good use.”

Nicks called for the $13.7 million to be transferred back into the settlement fund and increase spending from the fund countywide.

“We need to act now,” Nicks said. “Addiction does not wait, and neither should we.”

The legislators did not say when the proposed legislation would be discussed among the other county lawmakers.

ELIZABETH POIROT

WEST HEMPSTEAD Senior Lacrosse

ONE OF NASSAU COUNTY’S most prolific scorers, Poirot shares the Herald’s 2026 High School Lacrosse preview cover with Seaford’s Brian Falk. Poirot earned Honorable Mention All-County honors last spring after dominating the scoresheet for a second straight season and helping the Rams to 11 wins. As a junior, she racked up 77 goals to go along with 38 assists. This after in 2024 the dynamic attack scored 74 goals and had 25 assists.

games to watch

Friday, April 10

Softball: Plainedge at Mineola 10 a.m.

Softball: Plainview at Carey 10 a.m.

Softball: Roosevelt at Malverne 10 a.m.

Softball: Sewanhaka at Uniondale

Baseball: Long Beach at South Side

Baseball: Glen Cove at Hewlett

Baseball: Garden City at MacArthur

Boys Lacrosse: Wantagh at North Shore 11

Girls Lacrosse: Oceanside at Wantagh

Girls Lacrosse: Plainedge at Lynbrook

Girls Lacrosse: West Hempstead at Elmont 5

Saturday, April 11

Girls Lacrosse: East Meadow at Plainedge 9 a.m.

Softball: V.S. Central at V.S. South 10 a.m.

Softball: North Shore at Hewlett 10 a.m.

Softball: Freeport at East Rockaway 10 a.m.

Softball: Massapequa at Oceanside 10 a.m.

Softball: Elmont at West Hempstead 10 a.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Locust Valley at Seaford 2 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

HERALD SPORTS

Pitching, defense ignite Hewlett

By MARC BERMAN sports@liherald.com

Off a brilliant 16-2 campaign, the Hewlett softball team will make the jump from Conference 9 to 4 and is excited about the rise.

Hewlett returns many of its standouts but still is a young group with a accomplished eighth-grader returning as its ace pitcher in Coralia Savin. The club hit .405 last season.

“I believe we’re going to be competitive in Conference 4 with a chance to make the playoffs,’’ coach Jonathan Welsh said. “The strength of our team is our defense.’’

The defense is led by sophomore twoway shortstop, Alyssa Reich, whose spectacular at the plate and field. An All-Conference selection, Reich hit .480 in 2025 to lead the squad and stands as the backbone of the infield.

“I believe she’s the best shortstop in the county,’’ Welsh said. “She’s a five-tool player all around. There’s nobody better in the field.’’

Reich is a three-sport athlete and also a captain, saying “leadership’’ is her best attribute. She also plays soccer and runs track for Hewlett.

“I’ve been working on my swing a lot, not dropping my hands,’’ Reich said.

“We’re definitely strong this season,’’ Reich added. “We worked very hard and improved a lot. We have a really good core group with new incoming eighth-graders who will make an impact.’’

The key to the season is Savin’s development as its top pitcher after she performed sensationally as a seventh-grader, earning All-County Honorable Mention.

In the season-opening win over Conference 3’s Island Trees, Savin struck out 8 and allowed one earned run on March 23.

“Coralia is the definition of gamechanger,’’ Welsh said. “She has a rare combination of physical dominance and fearless mental edge. She lives in the moment and wants the ball in the circle every game. It’s rare you find this in an eighth-grader. When she’s on, we’re tough to beat.’’

Savin will rely on junior catcher Sarah Oliveros, who is a good contact hitter but

also a calming influence at the backstop. (Sarah) keeps (Savin’s) head in the game, good at controlling her emotions,’’ Welsh said.

Junior centerfield Lily Simon, the socalled unsung hero who went without 2025 honors, is the backbone of the outfield and hit .396.

The key senior is Kayla Owens, who homered in the season-opening win — the Bulldogs’ lone contest entering the break. Owens launched four home runs in 2025.

“It was a no-doubter off the bat,’’ Welsh said. “Absolute tater.’’

Two new intriguing eighth-grade newcomers are first baseman Savannah Nica-

lek and second baseman Mia Bekker. Both played middle-school softball last spring.

Bekker will start at second baseman as sophomore star Riley Lahey rehabs from a hip injury. Lahey was All Conference last season, batting .457. When Lahey rejoins midseason, Welsh will move her to the outfield.

The Bulldogs lost in the second round of the playoffs last season to Roslyn. There is no reason Hewlett won’t at least repeat that feat, especially if Savin keeps growing on the mound.

“With her in the circle, our future is bright,’’ Welsh said.

Independent Coach is honored for its service

pany, in partnership with the Kiwanis Club of the Five Towns, has provided dozens of children at the Five Towns Early Learning Center with transportation for trips whose destinations range from the Peninsula Public Library, in Lawrence, to the New York Aquarium, in Brooklyn.

Pepper Robinson, the Early Learning Center’s executive director, described the company as generous and helpful. “Independent Coach has been very good to us over the years,” Robinson said. “They are there whenever we ask them.”

When it isn’t providing transportation for children, Independent Coach helps deliver donated clothing for Syd Mandelbaum’s Rock and Wrap It Up! Since the early 2000s, the bus company and the nonprofit have partnered to collect clothing worn by members of the New York Giants and Yankees, and Independent Coach has also been involved in Nassau County Veterans Stand Down, which provides clothing veterans in need. The Fabrizios have regularly sent a bus filled with volunteers, driven by Michael Sperber, now the manager of the company’s Inwood office, to help out.

Mandelbaum met Nicholas Fabrizio in the 1980s, when he was a

Board of Education trustee in the Lawrence school district, and the two negotiated bus contracts.

“The Fabrizios are a great family, and their impact on the community is tremendous,” Mandelbaum said. “They’re a great organization, and their environmental consciousness is what makes them special.”

Independent Coach was founded in 1941, with one bus, by Francis Levett. Fabrizio began working for the company, as a driver and a mechanic, in 1955. He worked alongside Levett until 1973, learning the ins and outs of the school bus business. After a 23-year stint as general manager, Fabrizio and his family bought the company from Levett’s estate.

The civic association has hosted the Citizen of the Year dinner since 1963, recognizing individuals and organizations for their service. A seven-member committee makes the nominations, and the honorees over the years have included the Inwood Fire Department and Sanitary District 1. Fabrizio himself was honored in 2019, and now, Quaas said, the honor has come full circle.

“Being selected as a family was very special,” she said. “We were very honored, and remain committed to helping the community however we can through our services.”

independent Coach Corporation, owned by the fabrizio family, was honored on march 22 for its contributions to the f ive towns and nearby communities.

Syd mandelbaum, third from left, has known the fabrizio family for over three decades.

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Premier Business Women of Long Island Awards honor top female leaders and innovators

By Abbey Salvemini

The room at The Heritage Club at Bethpage was filled with energy, ambition and a shared sense of purpose on March 25 as business leaders gathered for the 2026 Premier Business Women of Long Island Awards. This annual event honored outstanding women who are not only achieving success within their respective industries but also driving innovation and meaningful change across them.

At the heart of the evening was a clear and resonant message: women are no longer waiting for opportunities to be granted; they are creating their own paths and redefining leadership on their own terms.

Amy Amato, executive director of corporate relations and events at Richner Communications, set the tone early in the night, encouraging attendees to “take a look around this room” as a reflection of progress. She also emphasized the significance of the occasion. “Tonight is about celebrating the incredible women who are leading, building and shaping our community,” she said.

She added that the event is part of a broader mission to create spaces “where women don’t just sit at the table, they own the room,” reinforcing the evening’s theme of empowerment and visibility.

She praised the honorees not only for their professional achievements but also for their role in transforming their industries. “You are not just leaders in your field, you are redefining them,’ she said.

Stuart Richner, CEO of Richner Communications, echoed that statement, reflecting on the company’s history and his mother, Edith Richner, a co-founder who once stood alone as the only woman at the table nearly six decades ago. “If she were here tonight, she would be incredibly proud to see a room filled with such accomplished, driven and inspiring women,” he said.

The evening also highlighted the importance of giving back, with proceeds supporting Baby Essentials of Long Island, an organization dedicated to helping families in need provide safe and healthy starts for their children. Richner emphasized the organization’s mission to assist parents facing financial hardship and other challenges, adding a deeper sense of purpose to the celebration.

The honorees themselves brought the evening to life, sharing personal

stories of resilience, leadership and determination that resonated throughout the room.

Among them, Carol Gomes was recognized in the Healthcare and Wellness category, highlighting her leadership as CEO and COO of Stony Brook University Hospital. Reflecting on what it means to be a woman in business today, she described it as a sense of empowerment and the confidence to lead with strong conviction.

“We are nowhere near where we need to be; we’re making progress, but there are still many opportunities to advance women into higher leadership positions,” she said.

Ana Ludemann, MBA, was honored in the Financial Services category, celebrating her success in a competitive, male-dominated industry. Now a vice president and wealth management financial advisor, she built her career after arriving in the United States in 2014 with just $100. Her journey underscored the importance of perseverance and mindset.

“If you work hard and do right by people, there is no way you will not succeed,” she said, adding that resilience is defined not by obstacles, but by how one responds to them.

Honorees in the Insurance and

Rising Stars Under 40, Evelyn Gellar and Jillian Kashuba of Forest Hills Financial Group, echoed the evening’s central themes. Together, they emphasized that while women are increasingly supporting one another and rising into leadership, challenges remain — particularly around work-life balance and equitable opportunities. Their message was clear: building networks and lifting each other up is essential to sustaining momentum in a competitive industry.

Another highlight of the evening was the recognition of the Power Team award, which honored a group of women from St. Joseph’s University. Among them, Jessica McAleer Decatur, Vice President of marketing and communications, reflected on the significance of the recognition and the responsibility that comes with it.

“To follow in the footsteps of these pioneering women is deeply meaningful. As part of the next generation of women leaders, I hope not only to carry forward their legacy, but also to inspire the next generation,” she said.

Throughout the evening, the room buzzed with energy and camaraderie as powerful women mingled,

exchanged stories and shared insights across industries. The atmosphere reinforced the idea that success is not achieved in isolation, but through collaboration, mentorship and a shared commitment to lifting others along the way. Conversations extended beyond individual accomplishments, focusing instead on creating lasting impact and opening doors for the next generation of women leaders.

The event also celebrated the sponsors and partners whose support made the evening possible, including Forest Hills Financial Group, Long Island Contractors Association, and our centerpiece sponsor, St. Joseph’s University. Their involvement underscored the Long Island business community’s ongoing commitment to fostering diversity, inclusion and opportunity.

As the evening ended, the message remained clear: progress is underway, and the future of women in business is being shaped through the shared determination and collaboration of everyone present.

To learn more, see additional photos and view the complete list of honorees and sponsors, visit richnerlive.com.

HERALD SchoolS

HHS theatre company’s ‘Our Town’

the Hewlett High School Theatre Company presented a production of Thornton Wilder’s classic play, “Our Town” from March 26 to 28th. This performance featured an extensive cast and captured heartfelt moments, celebrating the essence of community. The play, known for its metatheatrical style, utilizes a Stage Manager, portrayed by Deniz Artan, to guide the audience through a journey of life with a minimalist approach. This style emphasizes character interactions and development. Central to the narrative are the characters Emily and George, played by Claudia Lee and Patryk Ziemkiewicz, who explore themes of daily life, love & marriage, and death & eternity. This production serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of valuing everyday life and cherishing the timeless bonds of human connection.

Melissa Berman

Towards the end of the play, the characters gathered somberly in the Grover’s Corners cemetery, where the character Emily Webb, died in childbirth.

Film, friends and full houses in Hewlett-Woodmere

ater,” she wrote. “From the red velvet seats to the sound system, it really brings people back to the time many of these films were made. It creates an experience you just can’t replicate at home.”

The library has helped the organization grow by hosting screenings and discussions. “We have been proudly working with the Cognitive Film Society by hosting an eclectic range of impactful movies along with captivating special guest speakers,” Young wrote. “It’s been exciting to see audiences not only attend but stay and engage in meaningful conversations afterward.”

Yelena Fradlis, the group’s creative director and a co-founder, said the organization was designed to go beyond traditional movie programming.

“We wanted this to be more than just a film club,” Fradlis said. “It’s about creating dialogue and building connections across the community.”

Iexpanding its reach beyond the library.

“Collaborating with local businesses has allowed us to think creatively about programming,” Fradlis said. “Whether it’s themed events or bringing in different audiences, those partnerships have helped us grow in new directions.”

The outreach, Hesney said, has helped turn individual events into broader community experiences. “When you involve different parts of the community, such as schools, businesses or organizations, it becomes something bigger than just a screening,” he said. “It becomes a shared cultural moment.”

t’s about creating dialogue and building connections across the community.

Yelena FradlIs Creative director, Cognitive Film Society

Those connections, she said, have been strengthened through partnerships with local schools. “Working with students has been incredibly important to us,” Fradlis said. “They bring fresh perspectives, and we’re giving them a platform to engage with film. Whether through discussion, writing or performance, it has been really special.”

That film society has collaborations with Hewlett-Woodmere schools, helping to introduce film to classroom discussions and giving students the chance to take part in the organization’s events.

“We’re helping students see film not just as entertainment, but as something you can study, analyze and even create,” Hesney said.

The society has also partnered with local businesses and community groups,

In addition to its in-person programming, the group has built a growing digital presence with its essays, reviews and film analysis on Substack, attracting more than 2,000 subscribers and extending its reach from local audiences to readers around the world.

“Our Substack allows the conversation to continue beyond the theater,” Hesney said. “People who can’t attend in person can still be part of what we’re building.”

“It’s another way to bring people into the conversation,” Fradlis said. “We want film to feel accessible and engaging, no matter where you are.”

Young said the collaboration reflects the library’s broader role as a community anchor. “Partnerships like this help us grow and expand our reach,” she said. “This is exactly the kind of programming that brings people together.”

With a steady stream of screenings and online engagement, Fradlis said the organization is still in its early stages. “We’re just getting started,” she said. “There’s so much more we want to do, and so many more people we want to reach.”

Association hosts state transport chief

By NOAH PERETZ nperetz@liherald.com

The Long Island Association hosted state Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez as a guest speaker last week. Dominguez spoke about Gov. Kathy Hochul’s fiscal year 2027 executive budget and policy proposals for the DOT.

Appearing at LIA headquarters in Melville on March 31, Dominguez explained that Hochul’s administration matched the federal funding for New York state’s transportation needs from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021 with a five-year, $35 billion plan. Hochul added $800 million to the plan last year to offset the cost of tariffs and inflation.

“Our federal dollars are expiring on Sept. 30, which presents a unique challenge,” Dominguez said. “We need to make sure that we are positioning New York for the next level of transportation funding.”

She detailed Hochul’s proposed spending plan, which totals $260 billion. Federal funding is down 11.4 percent, or $10.3 billion, and state operating funds have increased by $157 billion. The state is expecting $17 billion more in state revenue over the next two years than earlier estimates.

“The governor is committed to economic growth and making sure there is a social safety net, and funding that social safety net across the board without increasing taxes,” Dominguez said. “In sum, the 2027 Executive Budget successfully balances two simultaneous realities that we have real momentum here in New York, and addressing the volatility that we know is ahead.”

The budget plan includes automated work-zone speed enforcement with new

speed cameras. Dominguez noted that some drivers have been speeding at over 100 miles per hour through work zones, according to the cameras.

The budget proposes deployment of the cameras on non-controlled-access highways, like Sunrise Highway. It also proposes protections for highway maintenance workers against violent assault.

Dominguez also touched on Hochul’s plan to lower the cost of car insurance.

The plan proposes changes to the state’s auto insurance laws that will punish perpetrators of staged car crashes.

The spending plan also includes funding for filling potholes on main roadways. “We are on a blitz statewide addressing potholes,” Dominguez said. It proposes investments of $107 million for paving on Long Island, including 50 miles of the Northern State Parkway and 35 miles of Sunrise Highway.

Action Long Island representative Michael Rodin suggested more improvements he wanted to see. “We want to make sure public transit is a part of the DOT’s agenda in the future,” he said. “We want roads to be able to accommodate buses as well as more cars — a lot of people take public transit to work.”

When the presentation was open for questions, Dominguez addressed a concern about independent contractors’ coverage under the anti-assault provisions in the budget. “The worker assault provision covers state employees as well as independent contractors,” she said.

“We need to make sure elected officials understand that transit and the lives of transit workers are important, so they fund initiatives to help these efforts and these people,” Marc Herbst, executive director of the Long Island Contractors Association, said. “If we don’t ask, they don’t respond.”

Bessent, Blakeman tout Trump’s tax cuts

By JULIA CAPITELLI jcapitelli@liherald.com

To promote President Trump’s economic agenda, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent visited Long Island and took part in a panel discussion with Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and business executives from across the county.

The March 30 discussion, at the county legislative building, focused on three aspects of the Working Families Tax Cut Act: the elimination of taxes on tips and overtime pay, the creation of so-called Trump Accounts and the higher cap on the income tax deduction for state and local taxes. Under the law, parents can open and contribute funds to accounts for their children under age 18. As part of the pilot program for the accounts, children born during Trump’s term will receive $1,000 from the Treasury Department.

“It’s something that’s going to help every family in America,” Blakeman, the Republican candidate for governor, said of the program.

The law includes an increase in the state and local tax deduction cap from $10,000 to $40,000. It also allocates roughly $170 billion to carry out the administration’s immigration and border objectives, and raises the federal debt ceiling to $5 trillion.

“That’s the American way,” Bessent said of the tax cuts. “Work harder, keep more of your money.”

The SALT deduction avoids double taxation and allows certain taxpayers to reduce their federally taxable income. To offset the cost created by this and the elimination of taxes on tips and overtime, the law cuts nearly $1 trillion from Medicaid and reduces food assistance and clean-energy incentives.

Panelists shared their perspectives on the law, mostly as it relates to their businesses. Michael Serao, exec-

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and several business executives discussed President Trump’s economic agenda on March 30.

utive vice president and chief administrative officer of First Central Savings Bank, claimed that Trump Accounts could help students build financial literacy.

But much of the discussion focused on the elimination of taxes on tips and overtime, and the SALT deduction. “I am surrounded by hardworking people, who come into the diner and tell me how happy they are about their tax returns and about how much more money they are getting back,” Gus Tsiorvas, owner of the Embassy Diner, in Bethpage, said.

According to the Internal Revenue Service, the average tax refund this year is roughly 10 percent higher than it was in March 2025. “This means more discretionary spending here in Nassau County,” County Comptroller Elaine Phillips said, “which allows

Bruce not to raise taxes.”

Blakeman reiterated his assertion that Nassau is “the safest county in America where we haven’t raised taxes one penny in four years.”

In a statement about Blakeman’s use of taxpayer resources to campaign as everyday costs escalate, Democratic County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton said the Bessent visit was “as shameless as it gets.”

“Nassau residents aren’t stupid — they feel the squeeze every time they fill up, check out at the grocery store, or pay a bill,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “The cost-of-living crisis is real, and it’s being driven directly by the disastrous tariffs and global instability coming from the same out-of-touch allies in Washington [Blakeman] continues to stand with.”

News brief

Courtesy Batsheva Lebitag

More than 100 community members gathered for a pre-Pesach mitzvah event cohosted by UJA and Young Israel of Woodmere.

YIW holds a pre-Passover day of service

More than 100 community members gathered for a pre-Pesach mitzvah event co-hosted by UJA and Young Israel of Woodmere, coming together for a hands-on day of service.

Families worked side by side to sort, organize and pack food and essential Passover items for those in need, creating what organizers described as a meaningful and energetic atmosphere. Participants of all

ages — from young children to grandparents — took part, each contributing to the effort.

The completed packages will be distributed to local families through The SHOP at the Marion & Aaron Gural JCC, a UJA partner agency, helping bring the joy and dignity of Passover to households across the Five Towns.

— Melissa Berman

Come learn about local disability rights pioneer Dr. Henry Viscardi, Jr. and explore over 125 artifacts highlighting the fight for equal opportunity for people with disabilities.

The museum provides an inclusive, fully accessible experience for all visitors and is the perfect place to spend a fun and educational day with your family. School field trips and group tours welcome.

and to purchase tickets, visit

Bringing Thorton Wilder’s classic play ‘Our Town’ to life

By MELISSA BERMAN mberman@liherald.com

The Hewlett High School Theatre Company brought Thornton Wilder’s classic play “Our Town” to the stage with a three-night run from March 26 to 28, delivering a production centered on community, connection and the passage of time.

Known for its minimalist, metatheatrical style, the play was guided by the Stage Manager, portrayed by senior Deniz Artan, who led audiences through the everyday lives of the residents of Grover’s Corners. The production emphasized character and storytelling, focusing on the relationship between Emily Webb and George Gibbs, played by Claudia Lee and Patryk Ziemkiewicz.

Through its three acts — depicting daily life, love and marriage, and death — the performance underscored the importance of appreciating life’s ordinary moments.

“Working on this show was an amazing experience,” Ziemkiewicz said. “The message that this story tells is beautiful, and it gave me a new appreciation for the little moments in life.”

The production was directed by theater teacher Dawn DeMaio and produced by social studies teacher Mariah Duffy, with set design by art teacher Jennifer Csorba. DeMaio

said students worked to connect the play’s themes to their own lives, despite its early 20th-century New England setting.

“Our student actors have diligently worked to forge fresh connections with this classic piece,” DeMaio said. “We encouraged them to reflect on their own experiences within this community and its meaning to them.”

Artan said the role helped him grow as both an actor and an observer.

“I learned the importance of stepping back and noticing the small

details of life,” he said.

The production also extended beyond the stage, featuring a student-created display and video exploring what “hometown” means to the cast and crew.

Lee, who portrayed Emily in her final high school performance, said the experience was especially meaningful.

“This production has taught me so much about appreciating life and never taking anything for granted,” she said. “The message of this show is truly timeless.”

The performance highlighted both

the students’ dedication and the enduring relevance of Wilder’s work, offering audiences a poignant reminder to value everyday life and human connection.

STEPPING OUT

‘Rent’ star Adam Pascal returns to reimagine the jukebox musical

By Iris Wiener

When Adam Pascal pulls into Long Island these days, it’s not just a commute; it’s a homecoming layered with memory, coincidence, and creative possibility. This spring, the Tony-nominated performer-turned-director from Syosset is channeling all of that into “Feels Like the First Time: The Foreigner Musical.”

The new production premieres April 17 at the Little Theatre on Long Island University’s Brookville campus.

The project, created in collaboration with the legendary rock band Foreigner, marks the launch of LIU’s New Works Initiative and Pascal’s tenure as the university’s inaugural Artist-in-Residence. But for Pascal, the journey to this moment is anything but typical.

The path to directing the show began not in a rehearsal room, but at a backyard barbecue.

“Tom Dunn [Tilles Center’s creative producer, executive/artistic Director and Dean of LIU’s College of Arts and Design] lives across the street from my sister. I first met Tom and his wife at a barbecue,” Pascal relates. “Tom said, ‘We’re doing this thing. Do you want to direct it?’”

From there, the pieces quickly began to align. A previous version of the musical had been developed, but Pascal and the team — including book writer Stephen Garvey and arranger David Abbinanti — set out to reshape it into something fresh: a high-energy, heart-driven story set in the 1980s, centered on three families whose lives collide when a rock star arrives for a backyard concert after an MTV contest win.

“We wanted to create something that was fun and that had heart, that understood its purpose using Foreigner’s music,” Pascal says.

That purpose, however, comes with a unique creative challenge. The musical weaves iconic songs into an original narrative — a process Pascal describes as both complex and deeply collaborative.

“You’re creating a story, and in many ways building a scene backwards,” he explains. “You have these lyrics that were never written to be narrative in that way, so you have to do a lot of reverse engineering.”

Still, that creative freedom is part of the appeal.

“We get to reimagine these songs,” he adds. “They’ve now become narrative storytelling songs.”

The new musical features a company of 26 performers, primarily LIU students — a fact Pascal calls fortuitous.

“The combination of this process, this particular show, and this university … it couldn’t have been a better melding of all things.”

For Pascal, working with students isn’t just about mentorship — it’s personal, as he has two sons the same age as the young cast. His directing style reflects that perspective, blending instinct, experience and a focus on emotional authenticity.

“I approach it from a much more naturalistic and real place. I’m trying to orchestrate a picture and to get them to use their emotions in a physical way.”

That lived-in approach comes from decades in the industry, which includes roles in Broadway’s “Aida,” “Memphis” and “Something Rotten,” besides the iconic“Rent.” However, Pascal quickly points out that he was never formally trained.

Works Initiative, an incubator for developing and refining new theatrical works by both emerging and established writers.

• Friday through Sunday, April 17-19 and Thursday through Sunday, April 23-26, varied times

• Tickets are $43.82, $17.82 students; available at tillescenter.org/events

• Tilles Center for the Performing Arts, LIU Post, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville

“My approach can only be [described as] a layman approach. I’m fortunate enough to now have 30 years of experience making musicals.”

And yet, for all his Broadway credentials, Pascal is candid about the challenges facing the industry today — particularly the financial barriers that make developing new work increasingly difficult in New York City.

“We all have to change the mindset about working in New York,” he says bluntly, pointing to rising production costs and systemic issues. Instead, he sees projects like “Feels Like the First Time” as part of a larger shift — one that prioritizes creativity, collaboration and accessibility over tradition and expense.

“I want to take the power out of Broadway’s hands and put it back into the hands of people who make theater,” he states.

That philosophy is evident in the show’s development process, which Pascal praises for its efficiency and clarity of vision.

For LIU students like Anna Frost, being part of that process is nothing short of transformative. A senior serving as dramaturg for the show, Frost is deeply embedded in the rehearsal rooms, helping to shape the evolving script.

“It is so exciting for me to work on a show which is in development,” she says. “I get to work with a living, breathing text.”

For her, the experience underscores the importance of new work in today’s theatrical landscape.

“There has to be new art that is relevant to what is happening now,” she adds. “Getting to be a part of something that will be history is really cool.”

Pascal agrees and hopes the students recognize the significance of their involvement.

“They’ll forever be connected to this show as the first people that played these characters,” he says. “If the show becomes a hit, they’ll always have that on their resume.”

That sense of legacy resonates deeply with Pascal himself, particularly given his return to Long Island. He remains deeply connected to his roots, and optimistic about its potential as a hub for theatrical innovation.

“There’s no better place for it,” he says of LIU. “They have the facilities, the desire and the proximity to the city.”

As for what’s next, Pascal continues to develop new musicals through his production company, including an adaptation of “Ruthless People.” He’s also set to direct “Our Little Secret: A True New Musical” in Toronto. For now, “Feels Like the First Time” offers something that feels incredibly meaningful — -a chance to build, collaborate, and rediscover the spark that started it all.

Or, as Pascal might put it, to make it feel like the first time all over again.

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 Joel’s beloved classics, he weaves in his own original songs, showcasing the songwriting that has earned him a devoted following. 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 and wide.

Friday and Saturday, April 10-11, 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Fleetwood Macked

Eighteen years ago

Fleetwood Macked set out to provide audiences with the truest live Fleetwood Mac experience as possible and haven’t stopped since. Much of the realism comes from the New York-based band’s history. Husband and wife musical team Hillary and Michael Epstein (Stevie and Lindsey) and friends Tracy Wells, Jay Novas, Phil Weiss and Andrew Nadien (Christine, John and Mick) have made great music together in various incarnations that finally all came together with their mutual love of Fleetwood Mac. They are and have always been professional touring rock musicians, which also adds to the authenticity of the sound of the band. Fleetwood Macked live brings audiences the passion, depth, heart, and the musicianship Fleetwood Mac’s music requires. Out of love and respect musical liberties are not taken, songs are recreated just as Fleetwood Mac intended them.

Friday, April 10, 8 p.m. $48. My Father’s Place 1221 Old Northern Blvd., Roslyn. Tickets available at mfpproductions.com.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

APR

10

‘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

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

• Contact: hofstra.universitytickets.com

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 14-15

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

Seasonal Sprouts: Flowers and Trees

Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens to discover the wonders of nature with a one-hour guided tour through the gardens and woodlands, featuring naturethemed games and hands-on activities. This week, children explore plants big and small, learning how they grow and

Micky Dolenz

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 295-5770

APR

14

Graphic Novel Book Group

Hewlett-Woodmere

Public Library and Librarian Patrick Risolo welcomes all to the first graphic novel discussion. Dive into “The Dark Knight Returns” by Frank Miller. Comic fans won’t want to miss it! Registration required.

• Where: 1125 Broadway, Hewlett

• Time: 7-8 p.m.

• Contact: hwpl.org or (516) 374-1967

APR

Amazing Appetizers

16

• Time: 8 p.m.

Micky Dolenz celebrates the 60th anniversary of The Monkees with a special tour honoring the band’s enduring legacy and timeless sound. In this nostalgic and high-spirited performance, Dolenz takes audiences on a musical journey through The Monkees’ rise to fame, performing their biggest hits in chronological order while sharing personal stories from his decades in entertainment. As the last surviving member of the beloved group, Dolenz brings both heart and history to the stage, paying tribute to bandmates Davy Jones, Peter Tork and Michael Nesmith, while celebrating the fans who helped transform a fictional TV band into a global sensation. A true entertainment veteran, Dolenz’s career spans decades and disciplines — from his early days as a child star on “Circus Boy” to his work as a singer, actor, director and radio host. In recent years, he has continued to keep The Monkees’ music alive for new generations, including a solo tour performing the group’s 1967 album “Headquarters” in its entirety. This is sure to be a heartfelt, hit-filled evening that blends music, memories and a lasting connection to one of pop culture’s most iconic acts. APR

change with the seasons. Each session includes a simple planting or craft project for children to take home and continue their learning. Registration required. $22 adult, $20 seniors 62+ (member discounts available).

• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury

• Time: 11 a.m.-noon

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

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

APR

12

Art & The Revolutionary War

Rock Hall hosts Doug Sheer for a conversation about the American Revolutionary War. It was not only a military and political conflict but also a cultural revolution that reshaped how people saw themselves and their nation. Art during this era played a vital role in inspiring patriotism, documenting history, and shaping the emerging identity of the United States. Through prints, portraits, and paintings, artists helped translate revolutionary ideals into powerful visual symbols that continue to define American culture today. Political cartoons and printed broadsides circulated widely, using symbols such as the rattlesnake and the liberty tree to unite colonists under common ideals of freedom and defiance. These visual images communicated revolutionary messages sometimes more effectively than words alone. $10; $8 seniors. Members free. Check is to be payable to the Friends of Rock Hall. Space limited. Reservations required.

• Where: 199 Broadway, Lawrence

• Time: 1:30 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 239-1157

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

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

APR

13

Game Time

Visit Peninsula Public Library for Canasta, Mah Jongg, Scrabble and more. Seating is limited and is first come, first seated.

• Where: 280 Central Ave., Lawrence

• Time: Ongoing weekly, 2 p.m.

• Contact: peninsulapublic.org or (516) 967-5777

Atlantic Beach Board of Trustees meet

The Village of Atlantic Beach Board of Trustees welcome all to their monthly meeting. Attend to learn what is going on in the community and to speak out about issues and concerns.

• Where: 65 The Plaza, Atlantic Beach

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 371-4600

Cedarhurst Board of Trustees meet

The Village of Cedarhurst Board of Trustees welcome all to their monthly meeting Attend to learn what is going on in the community and to speak out about issues and concerns.

• Where: 200 Cedarhurst Ave., Cedarhurst

Join Chef Robert Dell’Amore at tHewlett-Woodmere Public Library to made appetizers. Chef Robert will be back to show us some delicious apps: broccoli rabe flowers sautéed with garlic and oil, and mushrooms with sun dried tomatoes on triple-toasted Italian bread wedges. (Vegetarian) Registration required.

• Where: 1125 Broadway, Hewlett

• Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• Contact: hwpl.org or (516) 374-1967

APR

17

Asbury Short Film Concert

This national touring showcase returns to the Madison Theatre. See a diverse, focused lineup — in many cases featuring up-and-coming filmmakers — of short films you generally won’t find on the big screen. These films, including Oscar and film festival winners, cover all genres.

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

• Time: 7 p.m.

• 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.

WEDNESDAY APRIL 22, 2026

6:00-9:00PM

The Heritage Club at Bethpage 99 Quaker Meeting House Road Farmingdale

For more information or be a sponsor, contact Amy Amato Executive Director, Corporate Relations Events at aamato@richnerlive.com or 516.569.4000 x224 GOLD SPONSORS

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TO PURCHASE TICKETS SCAN HERE! A portion of ticket proceeds will be donated to a local charity.

SILVERSPONSORS

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

Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A

Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways

Snack station for all

*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees

All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.

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

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

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING, BUDGET VOTE AND ELECTION OF THE HEWLETTWOODMERE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing of the qualified voters of the HewlettWoodmere Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, New York, will be held in the Woodmere Education Center, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, in said district on May 6, 2026, at 6:30 PM, prevailing time, for the transaction of business as authorized by the Education Law, including the following items:

1. To present to the voters a detailed statement of the amount of money which will be required for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

2. To discuss all the items hereinafter set forth to be voted upon by voting machine at the Budget Vote and Election to be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

3. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting pursuant to Education Law of the State of New York and acts amendatory thereto.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required to fund the School District’s budget for 2026-2027, exclusive of public moneys, may be obtained by any resident of the District beginning May 5, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, prevailing time, except Saturday, Sunday or holidays at the Office of the District Clerk, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, at the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library, 1125 Broadway, Hewlett, and on the District’s internet website.

AND FURTHER NOTICE

IS HEREBY GIVEN, that said Budget Vote and Election will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, in the Woodmere Education Center, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, between the hours of 7:00 AM and 10:00 PM prevailing time, at which time the polls will be opened to vote by voting machine upon the following items:

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

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

2. Resolved that the 2026-2027 fiscal year Library budget proposed by the Board of Trustees of the HewlettWoodmere Union Free School District Public Library, and the levy of a tax appropriation therefore, in accordance with the provisions of Section 259 of the Education Law, shall be approved.

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

4. To elect one (1) Trustee of the HewlettWoodmere Public Library for a five (5) year term of office commencing July 1, 2026, and expiring on June 30, 2031. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law, the School District is required to attach to its proposed budget an exemption report. Said exemption report, which will also become part of the final budget, will show how 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 the 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 (PILOT) and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. In addition, said exemption report shall be posted on any bulletin board maintained by the District for public notices and on any website maintained by the District. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education shall be filed with the Clerk of said School District at her office in her office in Woodmere Education Center, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, not later than April 20, 2026, between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM prevailing time. Each petition shall be directed to the Clerk of the District; must be signed by at least 38 qualified voters of the District. 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. To nominate a candidate for the office of Trustee of the Hewlett-Woodmere Public Library Board, each petition must be signed by at least thirtyeight (38) voters of the District. Vacancies on the Board of Trustees 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. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law, or pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law and has voted at an annual or special district meeting within the last four (4) calendar years, he or she is eligible to vote at this election. 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. All other persons who wish to vote must register. The Board of Registration will meet for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, prevailing time, to add any additional names to the Register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register provided that at such meeting of said Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the Register is prepared. The Register so prepared pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning on Thursday, May 14, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, prevailing time, on

each day prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, and on Saturday, May 16, 2026, by prearranged appointment between 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM, and at the polling place(s) n the day of the vote.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, the voters may register with the Clerk of said School District at her office in the District Administration Office, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, when school is in session at any day on or before May 14, 2026 to add any additional names to the Register to be used at the aforesaid election, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register provided that at such meeting with the Clerk of said School District he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of the Clerk of said School District to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such election for which the Register is prepared. The Register so prepared pursuant to Section 2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk, at her office in the District Administration Office, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District beginning Thursday, May 14, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, prevailing time, on each day prior to the day set for the election, except Sunday, and on Saturday, May 16, 2026, by prearranged appointment between 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM, and at the polling place(s) on the day of the vote.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district. An application for registration as a military voter can be requested from the District Clerk in the Woodmere Education Center, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, and must be returned to said office no later than 5:00 PM, April 23, 2026. In the request for an application for registration, the military voter is permitted to designate his/her preference for receiving the application for

registration by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the District may submit an application for a military ballot or before April 23, 2026, from the Office of the District Clerk, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York. The original military ballot application must be returned by mail or in person to the District Clerk, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, during school business hours, no later than 5:00 PM on April 23, 2026. In the request for an application for a military ballot, the military voter is permitted to designate his/her preference for receiving the application for a military ballot, and the military ballot, by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail. All qualified military voters’ ballot application and military ballot must be returned by mail or in person. Ballots for military voters shall be distributed to qualified military voters no later than April 24, 2026. Military ballots must be received by the District Clerk (1) before the close of the polls, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, and must show a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or must show a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or (2) not later than 5:00 pm on the day of the election and be signed and dated by the military voter and one witness, with a date ascertained to be not later than the day before the election.

A list of persons to whom military ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the Office of the District Clerk on and after Thursday, May 14, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, prevailing time, on each day prior to the day set for the annual election, except Sunday, and on Saturday, May 16, 2026, by prearranged appointment between 10:00 AM and 1:30 PM, and on May 19, 2026, the day set for the election. Any qualified voter then present in the polling place may object to the voting of the ballot upon appropriate

grounds by making his or her challenge and the reasons therefore known to the Inspector of Election before the close of the polls AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for early mail ballots and absentee ballots will be obtainable during school business hours from the District Clerk beginning Monday, April 20, 2026; completed applications must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than April 20, 2026 and at least seven (7) days before the election, May 12, 2026, if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, May 18, 2026, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Early mail ballots and absentee ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 p.m., prevailing time, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026. Applications for absentee ballots or early mail ballots may also be printed from the District website www.hewlettwoodmere.net and delivered to the District Clerk beginning April 20, 2026, in the manner described above. A list of persons to whom early mail ballots and absentee ballots are issued will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the Office of the District Clerk on and after Thursday, May 14, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM, prevailing time, on each day prior to the day set for the annual election, except Sunday, and on May 19, 2026, the day set for the election. Any qualified voter then present in the polling place may object to the voting of the ballot upon appropriate grounds by making his or her challenge and the reasons therefore known to the Inspector of Election before the close of the polls. A challenge to an absentee ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should have applied for an early mail ballot.

AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that pursuant to a rule adopted by the Board of Education in accordance with Section 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 Clerk of the Board of Education at the District

Office, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, New York, in sufficient time to permit notice of the proposition to be included with the Notice of the Public Hearing, Budget Vote and Election required by Section 2004 of the Education Law or on or before Friday, April 17, 2026, at 5:00 PM, prevailing time; must be typed or printed in the English language; must be directed to the Clerk of the School District; must be signed by at least 94 qualified voters of the District (representing 5% of the number of voters who voted in the previous annual election); 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.

Dated: Woodmere, New York, March 18, 2026 By Order of the BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE HEWLETT-WOODMERE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York District Clerk 159343

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA, VOTACIÓN PRESUPUESTA Y ELECCIÓN DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE UNIÓN DE HEWLETT-WOODMERE El distrito escolar Woodmere Union Free School District, en la ciudad de Hempstead, Nueva York, se llevará a cabo en el 3. Elegir a dos (2) miembros de la Junta de Educación por un período de tres (3) años que comenzará el 1 de julio de 2026 y finalizará el 30 de junio de 2029. La votación sobre el presupuesto y las elecciones se celebrarán el martes 19 de mayo de 2026.

2. Se resuelve que el presupuesto de la biblioteca para el año fiscal 2026-2027 propuesto por la Junta Directiva de la Biblioteca Pública

del Distrito Escolar Unificado Gratuito de Hewlett-Woodmere, y la imposición de una asignación de impuestos para tal fin, de conformidad con las disposiciones de la Sección 259 de la Ley de Educación, serán aprobados.

1. Presentar a los votantes un estado detallado de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año fiscal 2026-2027.

1. Aprobar el presupuesto anual del Distrito Escolar para el año fiscal 2026-2027 y autorizar que la parte necesaria del mismo se recaude mediante impuestos sobre la propiedad gravable del Distrito.

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA QUE una copia del estado de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para financiar el presupuesto del Distrito Escolar para 2026-2027, excluyendo los fondos públicos, puede ser obtenida por cualquier residente del Distrito a partir del 5 de mayo de 2026, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., hora local, excepto sábados, domingos o días festivos en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, en la Biblioteca Pública Hewlett-Woodmere, 1125 Broadway, Hewlett, y en el sitio web del Distrito. Centro Educativo Woodmere, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, en dicho distrito el 6 de mayo de 2026, a las 6:30 p. m., hora vigente, para la realización de negocios según lo autorizado por el CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK 4. Elegir un (1) Fideicomisario de la Biblioteca Pública Hewlett-Woodmere por un período de cinco (5) años que comenzará el 1 de julio de 2026 y finalizará el 30 de junio de 2031. Ley de Educación, incluyendo los siguientes puntos: POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que se celebrará una Audiencia Pública de los votantes calificados de Hewlett2. Discutir todos los puntos que se exponen a continuación para ser votados mediante máquina de votación en el 3. Tratar cualquier otro asunto que pueda presentarse debidamente ante la

Public Notices

reunión de conformidad con Ley de Educación del Estado de Nueva York y sus modificaciones.

Y POR LA PRESENTE

SE NOTIFICA QUE la mencionada votación del presupuesto y las elecciones se celebrarán el martes 19 de mayo de 2026 en el Centro Educativo Woodmere, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, entre las 7:00 a. m. y las 10:00 p. m., hora local, momento en el que se abrirán las urnas para votar mediante máquina de votación sobre los siguientes temas: La Junta de Registro se reunirá con el propósito de registrar a todos los votantes calificados del Distrito de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación el miércoles 13 de mayo de 2026, de 8:00 a. m. a 8:00 p. m., hora local, para agregar cualquier nombre adicional al Registro que se utilizará en la elección antes mencionada, en cuyo momento cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se coloque en dicho Registro siempre que en dicha reunión de dicha Junta de Registro se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro que tiene derecho a votar en esa elección o posteriormente en la misma para la cual se prepara el Registro. El Registro preparado de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación se archivará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, y estará abierto para su inspección por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito a partir del jueves 14 de mayo de 2026, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., hora local, todos los días anteriores al día fijado para la elección, excepto el domingo, y el sábado 16 de mayo de 2026, con cita previa entre las 10:00 a. m. y la 1:30 p. m., y en el/los lugar(es) de votación el día de la votación. Asimismo, se notifica que el registro personal de votantes es obligatorio conforme al Artículo 2014 de la Ley de Educación o al Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral. Si un votante se ha registrado previamente

conforme al Artículo 2014 de la Ley de Educación y ha votado en una asamblea distrital anual o extraordinaria en los últimos cuatro (4) años calendario, podrá votar en esta elección. Si un votante está registrado y puede votar conforme al Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral, también podrá votar en esta elección. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deberán registrarse. Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que, de conformidad con la Sección 495 de la Ley de Impuestos sobre Bienes Inmuebles, el Distrito Escolar debe adjuntar a su presupuesto propuesto un informe de exenciones. Dicho informe de exenciones, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, mostrará cómo el valor catastral total del padrón catastral final utilizado en el proceso presupuestario está exento de impuestos, enumerará cada tipo de exención otorgada por la autoridad legal y mostrará el impacto acumulativo de cada tipo de exención, el monto acumulativo que se espera recibir como pagos en lugar de impuestos (PILOT) y el impacto acumulativo de todas las exenciones otorgadas. Además, dicho informe de exenciones deberá publicarse en cualquier tablón de anuncios que el Distrito mantenga para avisos públicos y en cualquier sitio web que mantenga el Distrito. Y SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las peticiones para nominar candidatos para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación deberán presentarse ante la Secretaria del Distrito Escolar en su oficina en Woodmere Education Center, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, a más tardar el 20 de abril de 2026, entre las 9:00 a. m. y las 5:00 p. m. hora local. Cada petición deberá dirigirse a la Secretaria del Distrito; deberá estar firmada por al menos 38 votantes calificados del Distrito. Las vacantes en la Junta de Educación no se consideran cargos específicos separados; los candidatos se postulan a nivel general. Las peticiones de nominación no deberán describir ninguna

vacante específica en la Junta para la cual se nomina al candidato. Para nominar a un candidato para el cargo de Fideicomisario de la Junta de la Biblioteca Pública HewlettWoodmere, cada petición deberá estar firmada por al menos treinta y ocho (38) votantes del Distrito. Las vacantes en la Junta de Fideicomisarios no se consideran cargos específicos separados; los candidatos se postulan a nivel general. Las solicitudes de nominación no deberán describir ninguna vacante específica en la Junta para la cual se nomina al candidato. Una lista de las personas a quienes se les entregan boletas militares estará disponible para su inspección por los votantes calificados del Distrito en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito a partir del jueves 14 de mayo de 2026, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., hora local, todos los días previos al día fijado para la elección anual, excepto el domingo, y el sábado 16 de mayo de 2026, con cita previa entre las 10:00 a. m. y la 1:30 p. m., y el 19 de mayo de 2026, el día fijado para la elección. Asimismo, se notifica que los votantes militares que no estén registrados actualmente pueden solicitar su inscripción como votantes calificados del distrito escolar. La solicitud de inscripción como votante militar puede solicitarse en la oficina del secretario del distrito, ubicada en el Centro Educativo Woodmere, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, y debe devolverse a dicha oficina a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del 23 de abril de 2026. En la solicitud de inscripción, el votante militar puede indicar si prefiere recibirla por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico. Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA QUE los votantes pueden registrarse con la Secretaria de dicho Distrito Escolar en su oficina en la Oficina de Administración del Distrito, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, entre las horas de 8:00 a. m. y 4:00 p. m., cuando la escuela esté en sesión en cualquier día hasta el 14 de mayo de 2026 para agregar cualquier nombre adicional al Registro que se utilizará en la elección antes

mencionada, en cuyo momento cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre sea colocado en dicho Registro siempre que en dicha reunión con la Secretaria de dicho Distrito Escolar se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de la Secretaria de dicho Distrito Escolar que tiene derecho a votar en esa elección para la cual se prepara el Registro. El Registro preparado de conformidad con la Sección 2014 de la Ley de Educación se archivará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, en su oficina en la Oficina de Administración del Distrito, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, y estará abierto para su inspección por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito a partir del jueves 14 de mayo de 2026, entre las 8:00 a. m. y las 4:00 p. m., hora local, todos los días anteriores al día fijado para la elección, excepto el domingo, y el sábado 16 de mayo de 2026, con cita previa entre las 10:00 a. m. y la 1:30 p. m., y en el/los lugar(es) de votación el día de la votación. Asimismo, se notifica que los votantes militares que cumplan con los requisitos para votar en el Distrito pueden presentar una solicitud de boleta militar antes del 23 de abril de 2026 en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, ubicada en One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York. La solicitud original de boleta militar debe enviarse por correo o entregarse en persona en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, ubicada en One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, durante el horario escolar, a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del 23 de abril de 2026. En la solicitud de una boleta militar, el votante militar puede indicar su preferencia para recibir la solicitud y la boleta por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico. Todas las solicitudes y boletas militares de los votantes calificados deben devolverse por correo postal o en persona. Las boletas para los votantes militares se distribuirán a los votantes calificados a más tardar el 24 de abril de 2026. Las boletas militares deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito

(1) antes del cierre de las urnas, el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, y deben mostrar un sello de cancelación del servicio postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o deben mostrar un endoso de recepción fechado por otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o (2) a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del día de la elección y estar firmadas y fechadas por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha que se determine que no sea posterior al día anterior a la elección.

DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE UNIÓN DE HEWLETT-WOODMERE

Las papeletas de voto en ausencia se podrán obtener durante el horario escolar en la oficina del secretario del distrito.

Inspector electoral antes del cierre de las urnas. El votante calificado presente en el lugar de votación puede objetar la votación de la papeleta por motivos apropiados haciendo su impugnación y dando a conocer las razones por las cuales

Y POR LA PRESENTE SE DA ADEMÁS AVISO que las solicitudes de boletas de voto anticipado por correo y Una lista de las personas a quienes se les emiten boletas de voto anticipado por correo y boletas de voto en ausencia estará disponible para su consulta por los votantes calificados del Distrito en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito a partir de El jueves 14 de mayo de 2026, entre las 8:00 y las 16:00 horas, hora local, todos los días previos a la fecha fijada para las elecciones anuales, excepto el domingo, y el 19 de mayo de 2026, fecha fijada para las elecciones. Cualquier votante cualificado presente en el centro de votación podrá impugnar la votación por motivos justificados, presentando su impugnación y las razones correspondientes al inspector electoral antes del cierre de las urnas. No se podrá impugnar una papeleta de voto en ausencia alegando que el votante debería haber solicitado una papeleta de voto anticipado por correo.

de abril de 2026, las solicitudes completas deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito no antes del 20 de abril de 2026 y al menos siete (7) días antes de las elecciones, el 12 de mayo de 2026, si la boleta se enviará por correo al votante, o el día anterior a las elecciones, el 18 de mayo de 2026, si la boleta se entregará personalmente al votante. Las boletas de voto anticipado por correo y las boletas de voto en ausencia deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m., hora local, del martes 19 de mayo de 2026. Las solicitudes de boletas de voto en ausencia o boletas de voto anticipado por correo también pueden imprimirse desde el sitio web del Distrito www.hewlettwoodmere.net y entregarse al Secretario del Distrito a partir del 20 de abril de 2026, de la manera descrita anteriormente. JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF AUGUST 1, 2006 SECURITIZED ASSET BACKED RECEIVABLES LLC TRUST 2006-HE1 MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-HE1, Plaintiff, AGAINST AZEEM ALI, et al. Defendant(s) Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on December 19, 2024.

Approximate amount of judgment $1,966,318.02 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #001877/2013. Paul L. Meli, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 159082

A partir del lunes 20

DEL Por orden de Municipio de Hempstead, condado de Nassau, Nueva York Secretario del distrito Fecha: Woodmere, Nueva York, 18 de marzo de 2026 Y POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA QUE, de conformidad con una regla adoptada por la Junta de Educación de acuerdo con la Sección 2035 de la Ley de Educación, cualquier referéndum o proposición para enmendar el presupuesto, o de otro modo para ser sometido a votación en dicha elección, debe ser presentado ante el Secretario de la Junta de Educación en la Oficina del Distrito, One Johnson Place, Woodmere, Nueva York, con tiempo suficiente para permitir que el aviso de la proposición se incluya con el Aviso de la Audiencia Pública, Votación del Presupuesto y Elección requerido por la Sección 2004 de la Ley de Educación o a más tardar el viernes 17 de abril de 2026, a las 5:00 p. m., hora vigente; debe estar mecanografiado o impreso en idioma inglés; debe estar dirigido al Secretario del Distrito Escolar; debe estar firmado por al menos 94 votantes calificados del Distrito (que representen el 5% del número de votantes que votaron en la elección anual anterior); y debe indicar legiblemente el nombre de cada firmante. Sin embargo, la Junta Escolar no considerará ninguna petición para someter a votación ninguna propuesta cuyo propósito no esté dentro de las facultades de los votantes para determinar, que sea ilegal, o ninguna propuesta que no incluya una asignación específica cuando el gasto de fondos sea requerido por la propuesta, o cuando exista otra razón válida para excluir la propuesta de la boleta electoral. 159345 LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE and the (“Village”), undersigned in the manner in the Village the following for the year fees, interest of such sale, be completed. sale of its PLEASE ALSO LIENS FOR Such real the Village. amount pursuant and Village TO ANY FORECLOSURE

I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on April 23, 2026 at 3:30 PM premises known as 541 11th Street, Cedarhurst, NY 11516. Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Woodmere, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 0039, Block 00290-00 and Lot 00054.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF STARWOOD MORTGAGE RESIDENTIAL TRUST 2020-1, Plaintiff, vs. JOHNSON PLACE HOLDINGS LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 17, 2026, 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 May 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 30 Johnson Place, Woodmere, NY 11598. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Hamlet of Woodmere, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 41, Block 101 and Lot 329 f/k/a Section 41, Block 101, and Lot Part of lot 2. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,101,512.31 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 617161/2023.

Gerard A. Geisweller, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 231781-1 159305

LEGAL NOTICE Village of Lawrence Legal Notice NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Building Design of the Incorporated Village of Lawrence will hold a work session beginning at

Assessments and/or

Public Notices

6:30 P.M. followed by a public meeting on April 13th, 2026 at the Lawrence Village Hall 196 Central Ave Lawrence, New York 11559 beginning at 7:00 P.M. to conduct the following Public Hearings and to attend to such other matters as may properly come before the Board:

“ Pelman1020 New McNeil Avenue- Proposed New House Design.

The order in which the listed applications are heard shall be determined the night of the meeting. The applications and

accompanying exhibits are on file and may be inspected at the Village Office during normal business hours between 8:00a.m. and 4:00p.m. If anyone needs special accommodations for a disability, such person should contact the Village Clerk at least 5 days before the hearing.

All interested parties will have the opportunity to be heard

By Order of the Board of Building Design

Barry Pomerantz

Chairman

Dated: April 1st, 2026 159513

LEGAL NOTICE

PUEBLO DE HEWLETT

HARBOR AVISO DE ELECCIÓN DE PUEBLO

TENGA EN CUENTA

que, de conformidad con la Sección 15-104 (3) (a) de la Ley Electoral, se notifica que la Aldea de Hewlett Harbor celebrará la Elección

Anual de la Aldea para las oficinas designadas de la Aldea El Dia Martes 16 de Junio, 2026 entre las 12:00 p.m. y las 9:00 p.m. en Village Hall, 449 Pepperidge Road, Hewlett Harbor, New York 11557.

NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF LAWRENCE NOTICE OF SALE OF LIENS FOR UNPAID VILLAGE TAXES AND/OR ASSESSMENTS REMAINING UNPAID FOR THE YEAR 2025

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to the provisions of Village Code §187-17 and the New York Real Property Tax Law as applicable to the Village of Lawrence (“Village”), and pursuant to direction of the Village Board of Trustees, the undersigned Village Clerk-Treasurer/Village Administrator will sell at Public Auction in the manner provided by law on April 15, 2026 at 10:00 am local prevailing time in the Village Hall, 196 Central Avenue, Lawrence, New York so much of each of the following parcels upon which Village Taxes and/or Assessments remain unpaid for the year 2025 as will be sufficient to discharge the taxes and/or assessments, fees, interest and discharges which may be due thereon respectively at the time of such sale, and shall continue the same from day to day until the said sale shall be completed. The Village reserves the right to withdraw any property prior to the sale of its lien.

PLEASE ALSO TAKE NOTICE THAT THE VILLAGE OF LAWRENCE WILL PURCHASE ALL LIENS FOR SALE, AND NO PUBLIC BIDDING WILL BE PERMITTED.

Such real estate will be sold subject to any unpaid tax liens purchased and held by the Village. The purchase or purchasers of such tax sale will be required to pay the amount of their respective bids to the undersigned within TEN days after the sale pursuant to the provisions of Section 1454 of the New York Real Property Tax Law and Village Local Law #12-1994. THE VILLAGE DOES NOT PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE TO ANY LIEN PURCHASER REGARDING ANY ASPECT OF THE PURCHASE OF OR FORECLOSURE UPON ANY LIEN.

The following is a list or statement of the Real Estate upon which such Tax and/or Assessments are unpaid for the year 2025 with a statement of the amount of tax and/or assessments, fees, interest and charges thereon:

Alcalde Plazo: (4) Cuatro Años

Fideicomisario

Plazo: (4) Cuatro Años Fideicomisario

Plazo: (4) Cuatro Años

Juez del pueblo

Plazo: (4) Cuatro Años

LISA JAMES

Secretaria Adjunto de la Aldea

Fecha: 31 de marzo de 2026

Hewlett Harbor, Nueva York 159512

LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the Planning Board of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Harbor will convene and hold a public hearing via ZOOM April 16, 2026, at 7:00PM. All residents and professionals wishing to attend are directed to contact Village Hall at 516-374-3806 for further ZOOM information/instruction or visit our website at www.hewlettharbor.or g. All interested parties will be given the opportunity to be heard on the following applications for relief:

1) Yan Kobilou - 287 East Rockaway Road Hewlett Harbor, NY 11557 Village Code 145-35.2 Solar panels. The applicant has applied to the Planning Board for review and approval to install solar panels on the roof of the dwelling.

2) Vladimir Babekov and Luydmila Alayeva - 8 Richards Lane Hewlett Harbor, NY 11557 Village Code 145-77. States any architectural changes to dwelling front façade must seek Planning Board approval. Applicant is requesting design approval of a 1 story attached garage on front and side of the dwelling.

At the said hearing, all interested parties for and against will be given an opportunity to be heard.

Those persons planning to attend the meeting and who require special accommodations because of a disability are requested to notify the Village Clerk no less than 48 hours prior to the meeting.

Dated: March 31, 2025 Hewett Harbor, New York BY ORDER OF THE PLANNING BOARD OF THE VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR Michael Serao

Planning Board Chairman Peter Lynch Building Superintendent 159517

LEGAL NOTICE

INC. VILLAGE OF HEWLETT NECK

PUBLIC HEARING

TENTATIVE VILLAGE

BUDGET

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Hewlett Neck will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at 6:00 PM. in relation to the tentative budget of the Inc. Village of Hewlett Neck for fiscal year beginning June 1, 2026 and ending May 31, 2027, a copy of which is available at the office of the Village Clerk, 30 Piermont Avenue, Hewlett New York, where it may be inspected by any interested person during office hours 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., weekdays. No compensation is proposed to be paid to any member of the Board of Trustees. At such public hearing, citizens and persons interested will have an opportunity to be heard.

Any person having a disability which would inhibit attendance at or participation in the hearing should notify the Village Clerk at least three business days prior to the hearing, so that reasonable efforts may be made to facilitate such attendance and participation.

Michelle Blandino, Village Clerk Inc. Village of Hewlett Neck

Dated: April 2, 2026 159516

LEGAL NOTICE

ASSESSOR’S NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF THE FINAL ASSESSMENT ROLL

THE ASSESSOR OF THE COUNTY OF NASSAU HEREBY GIVES NOTICE that he has completed the 2026/2027 final assessment roll, which will be used for the 2027 levy of Town and County Taxes in the Towns of Hempstead, North Hempstead and Oyster Bay, and the City of Glen Cove and the City of Long Beach, and for the 2026/2027 levy of school taxes in such Towns and in the City of Long Beach. A certified electronic copy of the roll was filed with the Department of Assessment on April 1,

2026. The electronic roll may be examined on public terminals located in the offices of:

DEPARTMENT OF ASSESSMENT NASSAU COUNTY OFFICE BUILDING

240 OLD COUNTRY ROAD, FOURTH FLOOR MINEOLA, NY 11501 where the same will remain open for public inspection for fifteen days.

Dated this 1st day of April 2026.

JOSEHA A. ADAMO

Assessor, Nassau County 159474

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 04/22/2026 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M. 207/26. - 210/26. INWOOD - Adam & Sharon Yanofsky, Variances, height, lot area occupied, front yard average setback, side yard, side yards aggregate, maintain 2-story addition, 2nd story addition, roof over open porch, side roof over entry & 4’10” overhang all attached to dwelling; Variances, lot area occupied, side yard, side yards aggregate, maintain deck attached to dwelling; Special exception to maintain accessory structure (shed) exceeding horizontal maximum & with lot area occupied variance; Maintain 4’ high fence on top of 1’9” high retaining wall (5’9” total height) & forward of dwelling which may substantially obstruct line of sight at neighbors driveway., S/s Soloff Blvd., 425.42’ W/o Westville Rd., a/k/a 97 Soloff Blvd. 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 Inwood 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. 159470

LEGAL NOTICE VILLAGE OF HEWLETT HARBOR NOTICE OF VILLAGE ELECTION

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Section 15-104 (3)(a) of the Election Law, notice is hereby given that the Village of Hewlett Harbor shall hold the Annual Village Election for the designated Village offices on Election Day, Tuesday, June 16, 2026 between the hours of 12:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at Village Hall, 449 Pepperidge Road, Hewlett Harbor, New York 11557.

Mayor Term: (4) Four Years Village Trustee Term: (4) Four Years Village Trustee Term: (4) Four Years Village Justice Term: (4) Four Years

LISA JAMES Village Clerk

Dated: March 31, 2026 Hewlett Harbor, New York 159511

LEGAL NOTICE

Village of Lawrence Legal Notice NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Appeals of the Incorporated Village of Lawrence will hold a work session beginning at 6:45 P.M. followed by a public meeting on April 22, 2026 at Village Hall, 196 Central Ave, Lawrence, New York 11559 beginning at 7:30 P.M. to conduct the

following Public Hearings and to attend to such other matters as may properly come before the Board: “ Manela, 198 Harborview N - Section 212.12.1 Schedule Dimensional Regulations states, the maximum building coverage for a lot size of 13,335 sq. ft. in an area is 3,145 sq. ft. Section 70-11.B of the Village Code states that it shall be unlawful to alter, change, add to or remove from any site soil or other material which will result in any deviation from the original grade of the property. Section 212-39.C of the Village Code states the maximum exterior wall height from the base plane to the underside of the eave is 23 ft. Section 212-16.B of the Code of the Village of Lawrence states, the maximum building height for a building in Zoning District B is 36 feet. Section 212-48.B of the Village Code states, in a Residence District B the minimum rear yard setback for pool is 20 ft. Section 212-24.D of the code of the Village of Lawrence states, in a Residence District B, the minimum side yard setback for an accessory structure is 8ft. Section 212-24.D of the code of the Village of Lawrence states, in a Residence District B, the minimum rear yard setback for an accessory structure is 8ft.

“ Blackford, 204 Sage Ave - Section 212-12.1 Schedule Dimensional Regulations states, the minimum front yard setback for a lot size of 15,000 sq. ft. is 30 feet. “ Ross, 3 Hawthorne Ln - Section 212-12.1 of Schedule Dimensional Regulations states, the maximum surface coverage for a lot size of 12,154 sq. ft. in area is 5,469 sq. ft. .Section 212-48.B of the Village Code states, in a Residence District BB the minimum rear yard setback for pool is 20 ft.

“ Makowsky, 66 Auerbach LnSection 212-15.D (1) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District BB, the minimum front yard setback is 30 ft. Section 212-15.D (1) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District BB, the minimum side yard setback is 15 ft. Section 212-15.D (1) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District

News brief

EHS adds radiotherapy program

Episcopal Health Services is now offering a new, noninvasive treatment for osteoarthritis and other inflammatory conditions, becoming the first provider on the Rockaway Peninsula to do so.

The Far Rockaway-based health system recently introduced its RAPID Program — Radiation for Arthritis & Painful Inflammatory Disorders — that uses low-dose radiotherapy to reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain. The treatment is delivered using a TrueBeam linear accelerator that received federal clearance for use in adults with medically refractory osteoarthritis.

Dr. Mark Ashamalla, chief of radiation oncology at EHS, leads the program.

“LDRT is an evidence-based treatment that is safe, effective, and noninvasive for inflammatory and degenerative conditions of the tendons, joints and other soft tissues of the body,” Ashamalla said. “Studies show an 80% response rate, with patients achieving improved pain and function.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, osteoarthritis affects more than 32.5 million adults in the United States, making it the most common form of arthritis.

Unlike radiation used in cancer treatment, low-dose radiotherapy uses minimal radiation to target inflammation, helping modulate immune responses and ease pain. Treatments are typically administered over about six short sessions, each lasting only a few minutes, with patients able to resume normal activities immediately and experiencing few side effects, officials said.

The RAPID Program is designed for patients over age 40 and may be used to treat a range of conditions, including osteoarthritis in major joints, plantar fasciitis, calcific tendonitis, tennis elbow and other tendon or ligament inflammation, as well as Dupuytren’s disease and certain types of scarring.

Health officials said the treatment may benefit patients who have not found relief through physical therapy, medications, injections or weight management, and could serve as an option before considering surgery or joint replacement.

The program is offered through EHS’ radiation oncology services at the Walsh Ambulatory Pavilion. Appointments can be scheduled by visiting ehs. org/rapid or calling 718-869-7101.

— Melissa Berman

Public Notices

BB, the minimum aggregate setback is 35ft. Section 212-15D (1) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District BB, the minimum rear yard setback is 40 ft. Section 212-15.D (2)(a) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District BB, the maximum front yard height/setback ratio is 0.74.Section 212-15.D (2)(c) of the Village Code states, in a Residence District BB, the maximum side yard height/setback ratio is 1.5.

“Kaffash/Contract Vendee Zirkiev, 73 Park

Row - Section 212-48.A of the Village Code states, no pool may be constructed in a front yard. Section 212.48.B of the Code of the Village of Lawrence states, in a residence B District, the minimum rear yard setback for a pool is 20 ft. Section 212-24.D of the Code of the Village of Lawrence states, accessory structures may only be constructed in the side or rear yard. “ Mizrahi, 95 Briarwood Ln - Section 212-12.1 Schedule Dimensional

Regulations states, the minimum Front yard setback for a lot size of 15,796 sq. ft. is 30. Section 212-12.1

Schedule Dimensional Regulations states, the maximum Front yard height setback ratio for a lot size of 15,796 sq. ft. is 0.74. The order in which the listed applications are heard shall be determined the night of the meeting. The applications and accompanying exhibits are on file and may be inspected at the Village Office during normal business hours

between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. If anyone needs special accommodations for a disability, such person should contact the Village Clerk at least 5 days before the hearing. All interested parties will have the opportunity to be heard

By Order of the Board of Appeals

Lloyd Keilson Chairman Dated March 31, 2026 159510

LMS boys volleyball clinch season

The Lawrence Middle School boys’ volleyball team has clinched the season after their win against Roosevelt Middle School on March 25.

They won three out of the five sets and claimed their last win of the regular season.

The team played an undefeated season and were under the guise of Coach Klein and Lawrence High School Senior Coach Mailo.

Volleyball is a mix of chaos, energy, and surprising talent. One minute, the ball is flying wildly in every direction, and the next, someone pulls off an incredible save that has the whole gym cheering.

Teammates shout encouragement, diving for balls they might have been able to reach, while learning the fine art of timing, teamwork, and not running into each other.

Between the high-fives, laughter, and the occasional dramatic miss, it’s all about having fun, building confidence, and discovering that volleyball is way more exciting than it looks from the sidelines.

— Melissa Berman

To place an ad call 516-569-4000 press 5 • To place an ad call 516-569-4000

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How much extra money does a home cost these days?

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

A. There is plenty of finger-pointing in the construction industry, on top of the current cost increases due to tariffs, war and subsequent delivery costs due to higher fuel prices. But long before there were these current issues, government officials began, at every level, to either increase enforcement of existing regulations or to add regulations on top of what was already fairly complicated and burdensome.

Many years ago I was very active in the American Institute of Architects, to the point of being vice president of the Long Island chapter. I left them when I realized that they did not want to have the backbone to challenge, as a professional group, the regulations that cause construction and building design to become out of reach for a large segment of our population. In the years following, I daily encountered the thousands of building owners who never even attempted to comply with building regulations, basically skirting the entire permit process altogether because of the added expense.

The first and foremost expense is caused by the delays in getting through the approval process. There are so many reasons for the slowdown that it will take several columns, at 500 words apiece, to get through the long list of problems. If you ask a government official, they will point to the design professionals who “just can’t seem to get the regulations right” in their drawing submissions. I have often listened as officials complained to me about inadequate drawings being submitted. In all fairness, it is a two-way street, because the communications from officials back to the architects and engineers is often incoherent or incomplete.

When a plans examiner uses phrases like “demonstrate compliance” or “incomplete submission,” they are contributing to the problem, not solving it. Instead of pointing to specific sections of code and explaining the very specific problem, they communicate in generalities that are useless and cause a lot of extra work and discussion among the people trying to move a project forward. The phrase “If you aren’t part of the solution, you’re part of the problem” applies here.

I remember when a plans examiner would mark up and discuss specific drawings, and some even went the extra mile and pulled out their code books. In the era of computers, the internet and the “portal,” building officials often abbreviate and confuse both the professional and the customer by not pointing out that “the wording on Sheet 3 in the upper right-hand corner should state…” The lack of specifics creates lots of back-and-forth, delays and cost to the owner for the delays. Rent and taxes still need to be paid during the delays.

More to follow.

© 2026 Monte Leeper

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

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Did I ever tell you about my grad school?

Rosemary and I and our son Sean recently visited the University of Notre Dame. In many ways it was a homecoming.

Rosemary, her mother and her sister graduated from St. Mary’s College, adjacent to Notre Dame, in the days before it accepted female students. Her father and two brothers are Notre Dame grads. Our daughter Erin and I graduated from Notre Dame Law School, and Sean earned his MBA from Notre Dame’s Mendoza School of Business. Sean is now an affiliated scholar at the university’s Liu Institute for Asian Affairs, and regularly lectures on Asian geopolitics and economic policy at the institute and the Mendoza School. When I was growing up as an IrishCatholic kid in blue-collar Queens, Notre Dame embodied Irish-Catholic immigrant success in becoming a part of the American fabric and achieving the American dream. That success was exemplified by Notre Dame’s fabled football teams, which dominated college

football during that era. Of course, there was and is more to the university than football. Notre Dame was founded at a time of severe anti-Catholic bias in the country, led by hate groups such as the Ku Klux Klan and the Know Nothing movement. There also was anti-Catholic bias in academia well into the 20th century, which Arthur Schlesinger Sr. described as “the anti-Semitism of intellectuals.”

My wife and I visited a university you may have heard of to watch our son in action.

Notre Dame, though, went beyond being a defensive religious fortress to making Catholic thought a part of American life, along with full acceptance of other religions, with open debate and finding common ground encouraged. Striking that balance can be difficult, but it is still working. Religious freedom was on display on the campus last year, when pro-Hamas demonstrations did not devolve into the antisemitic violence that occurred at other universities, such as Columbia. Students were given prescribed locations and time periods for demonstrations, and those who ignored them were arrested. The result was intelligent debate without violence.

Rosemary and I visited this year to meet with some of Sean’s academic colleagues and watch him in action. We

ialso walked around the campus, taking in iconic sights like the Golden Dome and rekindling old memories. On our first morning, we met with Frank Pomarico and his wife, Eileen. A Queens native and a graduate of St. Francis Prep, Frank was the captain of Notre Dame’s 1973 national champion football team, coached by the legendary Ara Parseghian. Frank and Eileen live in South Bend, and are amazingly friendly and interesting. It was a great way to start the day.

Then we walked over to the law school to meet with Diane Desierto, a professor of international law and human rights, a native of the Philippines, a friend of Sean’s and a true scholar. Desierto updated me on the state of the law school (all good), her strong belief that law students should be exposed to all sides of issues and that legal education must include a moral component.

We had lunch with Josh Gobel, a good friend and a longtime member of the South Bend Police Department who now works in the Notre Dame P.D. in various key capacities, including protecting visiting dignitaries, such as Supreme Court Justice Amy Cony Barrett — who

attended the law school at the same time as Erin. Great conversation with Josh, as always.

After a visit to the campus bookstore, Rosemary and I joined Sean at the Morris Inn on campus for dinner with Michel Hockx, a Chinese scholar and a professor at the Liu Institute, where Sean had just finished teaching a class. Hockx, who is originally from the Netherlands, has been teaching at Notre Dame for 10 years, and has worked with Sean on various projects. After dinner, we all walked to the Mendoza School to watch Sean give a lecture to a group of students preparing to visit Japan.

He discussed the intricacies of Japanese political, cultural and economic development since the end of World War II, the country’s relationship with the United States and the threats it faces from China. My biased opinion? A thoughtful, virtuoso performance. (He must have gotten it from Rosemary, who was a teacher.)

The next day we flew back to New York. Rosemary and I went home to Seaford, and Sean to his apartment in Manhattan — all three of us with new Notre Dame memories to share. And yes, Notre Dame football is still great. Go, Irish!

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

Will there be a blue wave this fall?

Is this the year of the blue wave?

Will it be a modified one or a total rout? Is there any chance of a red wave? Not likely. But, once again, we are facing a year in which the U.S. House of Representatives, and perhaps the Senate, are up for grabs, and the early odds favor the party that’s out of power.

We often refer to political prognosticating it as “reading the tea leaves.” But tea leaves are no longer the best way to pick winners and losers. There are now so many more sophisticated ways to handicap the races, some of which we have been used for years and others that are brand new. The media is dominated by daily polling announcements, and if you give the polls any credence, they spell bad news for President Trump and the candidates of his party.

Poll after poll, whether from the left or the right, seem to indicate that this may be a very bad year for Republicans.

You know that things look bad for them when Fox News consistently announces polls showing that everyday Republicans and independents are slowly moving away from long-favored party candidates. In addition, wellknown commentators such as Megyn Kelly and Tucker Carlson are predicting only bad things for the party come November.

i’ve seen many waves, red and blue, which are part of the ups and downs of politics.

The newest form of political projections is occurring on such outlets as Kalshi and Polymarket. On Kalshi, people trade contracts on the outcome of real-world events. They are deep into gambling on sports events, but lately have also been involved in betting on political events. Polymarket is built on a crypto platform. People bet on “yes” and “no” shares that reflect the feelings of the bettors and their inkling to pick winners. Both platforms have become highly controversial. Demands are being made for them to be regulated by Congress, but that won’t happen soon.

If you want to find more reliable trends, pay attention to what’s going on in Washington and around the country. This year, more than 30 Republican

members of the House have announced that they won’t seek re-election. Some are campaigning for Senate seats and others are running for governor, but the vast majority of the retirees have announced that they’re eager to spend more time with their families, the age-old excuse to get out of Washington.

At last count, there were 35 House seats up for reelection that were tilting toward the Democrats. If the blue wave is really going to happen, most of those seats will go to the Democrats. In 2025 the party won major races in Virginia, New Jersey and New York. This year, a number of Democrats have had upset wins in races for state House seats in districts that Trump won in 2024 by wide margins. If these victories are any indication of the national trend, it’s all bad news for the Republicans.

Up to a few months ago, there was little or no talk about Democrats having any chance to take over the U.S. Senate, but the latest polls seem to show a tightening of the races in Maine, North Carolina, Texas and Ohio. If Democrats can

pull off any upsets in these key states, Jon Ossoff can hold on to his seat in Georgia and a newcomer can win in Michigan, the party’s chances of capturing the Senate will improve remarkably. One of the more disturbing factors for Republicans is the fact that Trump hasn’t made any strong statements about his desire to see his party stay in power. He is promoting various ideas about how they can win at the ballot box, but any federal effort to take the power to oversee voting away from the states will likely be struck down as unconstitutional.

Having reached an advanced age, I’ve seen many waves, both red and blue. They sometimes last two years, and occasionally continue for four years. The swings back and forth between parties are part of the ups and downs of politics. So if it turns out that the Democrats have a great year, they’d better handle their newfound power very carefully, because two years can pass very quickly.

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

Local News Day now means more than ever

Somewhere on Long Island tonight, a village board will vote on a zoning variance, a school district will finalize a budget or a contractor will win a bid. None of it will lead the network news or trend on social media. But it will matter — to the family whose street gets rezoned, to the teachers whose contract is on the line, to the taxpayers footing the bill.

In most cases, a Herald reporter will be in that room. But in too many communities across the country — and increasingly in our own backyard — that reporter’s chair sits empty. And when no one is watching, things have a way of going sideways.

April 9 is Local News Day, a national moment to recognize what local news does, why it matters, and what we lose when it disappears.

Local news isn’t the shouting matches on cable or the partisan warfare that passes for national political coverage. Local news is the Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s Day parade and the Hewlett High School science fair. It’s the Nassau County budget hearing that will affect your property taxes for the next decade, the obituary that captures a neighbor’s life, and the investigation that stops a bad idea before it becomes law. At Richner Communications — publisher of the Long Island Herald — we’ve been doing this work since 1964. Sixty-two years, three generations, over 100 local employees, nearly 30 weekly newspapers.

The Founding Fathers understood the stakes. The free press is the only indus-

Your opinion Matters

try they considered important enough to protect by name in the Constitution. But we are failing that promise. Since 2004, one-third of all American newsrooms have closed. There are 43,000 fewer local reporters and editors working today than there were then. New York alone has lost nearly half its newspapers, and a quarter of the state’s counties now have one or no local news sources. Digital-only outlets have not filled the void.

Today, more than 2½ newspapers shutter in America each week. The consequences are documented and dire: Communities without local news see lower voter turnout, higher taxes and measurable increases in corruption, political polarization, and even toxic environmental emissions.

Wealth is no inoculation from this trend. The Scarsdale Inquirer was founded in 1901 and served one of the wealthiest communities in America for 123 years. It closed without warning in January 2024. The Westchester village — mirroring the demographics of many Long Island communities — still doesn’t have a newspaper over two years later.

Compounding this problem is the rise of artificial intelligence, which can now manufacture articles, quotes, and entire “news sites” that look authoritative and cost almost nothing to create. That means the news environment has only grown harder to navigate. Trusted news brands, with reporters who actually live and work in the communities they cover, are more important than ever. It’s the reason that we at the Herald use A.I. as a tool to support, not replace, the report-

ers you know and respect.

And yet the climate for news in America has rarely been more hostile than today. The United States now ranks 57th in the world in press freedom — labeled “problematic” by Reporters Without Borders, placing us alongside countries we’re accustomed to lecturing about democratic norms. Arrests of reporters and editors in America nearly tripled between 2023 and 2024. A national shield law for reporters has failed to pass Congress twice. Right now, the Pentagon is aggressively curtailing press access, a policy that flies in the face of a functioning democracy. The temperature in Washington sets a tone, and that tone travels — all the way to the reporters covering Long Island’s myriad municipal entities.

The Herald has always believed that local news is worth fighting for. It’s why we helped found the Empire State Local News Coalition, which won a first-of-itskind state tax credit for local newspapers. That legislation is already helping newspapers survive that might otherwise have gone dark, meaning that thousands of New Yorkers who might otherwise have lost their only trusted local news source still have one.

Every community gets the local news it deserves — which is to say, the local news it supports. If you want a paper that shows up, you have to show up for it. On Local News Day, make that decision. Subscribe. Advertise. Tell your neighbors. The Herald has been here for over a century. Whether we’re here for the next one is, in no small part, up to you.

opinions Washington must start solving problems

The American people are fed up.

The chaos at our airports was awful, the Department of Homeland Security has not been fully funded during these very dangerous times, and the people are demanding that Immigration and Customs Enforcement live up to the standards of all other federal law enforcement agencies. They are sick and tired of the endless blame game. All across America, people are demanding that politicians put partisanship aside and work together to fix the very real problems we face.

The anger and annoyance are real. And frankly, I agree.

That’s why I’ve introduced bipartisan legislation to immediately reopen DHS while advancing common-sense reforms to ICE. Alongside my Problem Solvers Caucus co-chair, Republican Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick of Pennsylvania, who served as an FBI agent for more than 15 years, I am trying to cut through the dysfunction, isolate the problem areas where negotiations have stalled and work together to actually get something done.

Our solution is common sense: fund the parts of the DHS where there are no disagreements, like disaster response and cybersecurity, and institute real reforms to ICE that most Americans have been hungering for. It only makes sense to hold ICE, a federal law-enforcement agency, to the same safety and accountability standards of every other bureau in the nation.

Calling us

Democrats have been saying for weeks that they will fund the $87 billion that doesn’t go to ICE right now. That would have ended the airport disaster, paid our TSA agents far earlier and kept the core functions of DHS operating. We would not vote to fund the other $10 billion for ICE, however, until there were real reforms.

‘Country Destroying, Radical Left Democrats’ doesn’t help.

That means body-camera and officer-identification requirements, higher training standards, a crackdown on roving patrols and limitations on agents wearing masks. The legislation would also lay out stronger warrant requirements and rules governing activity in sensitive locations to ensure that enforcement resources are focused on the “worst of the worst.”

It seems simple, but Congress has been in a political standoff that perfectly exemplifies what’s wrong with Washington. Let me explain.

The budget for the DHS is $97 billion. $87 billion of that funds everything from the TSA agents at our airports to Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster responses, cybersecurity units and the Coast Guard. The remaining $10 billion funds ICE.

Framework by Tim Baker

While Republicans resisted at first, there was eventually enough consensus among both Democratic and Republican members of Congress to at least reopen the non-ICE agencies of DHS. But just as bipartisan negotiations in the Senate were making progress, President Trump intervened with a directive to his party: “No deals with the Democrats.”

To be precise, he outlawed deals with the “Crazy, Country Destroying, Radical Left Democrats.”

That’s outrageous. Once again, that’s politics getting in the way of progress. Finger-pointing has been all too prevalent.

I have built my career on finding common ground for the common good. It has always been my philosophy that I’ll work with anyone, regardless of political party, to get things done for my constituents. As co-chair of the biparti-

san Problem Solvers Caucus, I’ve worked with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to tackle the nation’s toughest issues. Just a few months ago we passed legislation out of the House that extended health care tax credits to prevent skyrocketing premiums for millions. Unfortunately, then as now, the president got in the way, changing the debate from bipartisan health care wins to Venezuela and Greenland before the Senate could close the deal.

I represent a district that voted for Trump and for me. My constituents aren’t interested in partisan talking points — they want results. They want safe airports, secure borders, a functioning government and a lower cost of living. And they want their elected officials to work together to deliver.

People are concerned that the Department of Homeland Security has not been in the game. They’re outraged about the illegal and immoral behavior of ICE. And they’re frustrated that politicians are too busy pointing fingers to solve our problems.

We don’t have to choose between security and accountability. We can do both. We don’t have to accept dysfunction in Washington. And we certainly don’t have to tolerate political games when real people are being affected.

Tom Suozzi represents the 3rd Congressional District.