Oceanside/Island Park Herald 04-23-2026

HERALD Oceanside/island park

Tim Baker/Herald Longtime friends Stephen Oswald II and Linda Cole organized and ran the first Long Island Pinball Rumble at the Oswalds’ Oceanside home last Saturday.

Pinball wizards meet in Oceanside

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

The rat-a-tat of pinball machine flippers and balls ricocheting between bumpers, and the ring of accumulating points filled an Oceanside garage Saturday as Stephen and Lisa Oswald hosted the first Long Island Pinball Rumble, drawing nearly 20 of players from across the region for a day of competition, nostalgia and community.

The event, sanctioned by the International Flipper Pinball Association, featured 19 players competing in eight rounds of group match play on nine machines set up in the Oswalds’ home on Cypress Avenue.

The $25 entry fee covered not only the sanctioning costs but pizza and drinks as well, with the remaining money split into cash prizes for the top four finishers.

Stephen Oswald II, 48, said the idea of hosting a tournament at his home had been in the works for years. A collector who has owned pinball machines for about two decades, Oswald said he only recently began playing competitively. On the tournament scene, he met fellow enthusiasts Linda and Dennis Cole, who had hosted events in their home in Oakdale and helped organize the Oceanside tournament.

“We had talked about it for a couple of years,” Oswald said. “I have a decent amount of machines, and Linda knows how to run the tournaments. We figured April would be a good time, because the weather would be nicer and we could keep most of the games in the garage.”

Linda Cole, 47, served as tournament director, organizing the matchups and scor-

Work begins on I.P. housing for veterans

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

The Tunnel to Towers Foundation broke ground on its Island Park Veterans Village, marking the start of a major housing initiative for veterans at the site of the former Long Beach Motor Inn.

The project, at 3915 Austin Blvd., will transform the former motel — long considered a blighted property associated with crime and neglect — into a 58-unit affordable housing complex for veterans.

Imember of the Tunnel to Towers executive board, said during the April 17 groundbreaking ceremony. “It will provide comprehensive mental health, legal and career support that these veterans deserve.”

The ceremony opened with a presentation of the colors by the Island Park Fire Department, Nassau County Police Department and Fort Hamilton Honor Guard, followed by an invocation from Father Gerard Gordon of the Nassau County Police Department.

t’s simple in its concept, but it’s powerful in its impact. Affordable housing is not a veteran issue. It’s an American issue.

Nassau County transferred ownership of the property to the foundation in November 2025 after years of debate over what should replace the former motel. Construction is expected to finish by the end of 2027, with a grand opening in 2028. Veterans can begin applying for leases in the next year.

GAVIN NAPLES

Senior vice president, Tunnel to Towers

“This is the start of the Veterans Village that will offer more than just a roof,” John Carroll, a

“Our flag silently speaks to us of the countless men and women who have sacrificed all for us,” Gordon said.

Carroll, a retired member of the New York City Fire Department, reflected on his own experiences responding to the Sept. 11 attacks and thanked police and fire departments for helping the city in the aftermath. He also noted the current project would not be possible without the sup-

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Signing the beam, building the future in I.P.

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

A key milestone has been reached in the construction of The Bridgeview, a $45 million waterfront apartment development rising on the former Bridgeview Yacht Club site, as developer John Vitale emphasized both progress and the workers behind.

On March 31, project partners from Vitale Properties and B2K Construction joined Town of Hempstead officials to sign a ceremonial steel beam marking the building’s “topping out” — the point at which the final piece of structural steel is installed.

Vitale, 71, described the moment not as a celebration of completion, but as recognition of the labor that made it possible.

“To us, this was really about recognizing all the guys who worked all winter through that brutal weather — the framers, the concrete workers, the people doing site work. We had a little gathering, some food, and thanked them for getting us to this point.”

While topping out is widely recognized as an important milestone, Vitale viewed it as a moment to acknowledge the team’s progress and hard work.

“Until the building is finished, that’s when I’ll be doing my celebrating,” he said. This was really for the workers and recognizing where we are in the progress.”

The 177-unit development, located along the Barnum Island shoreline near the Long Beach Bridge, is expected to open in the fall, Vitale said, with roughly six months of construction remaining.

John Vitale, center, president of Vitale Properties, signed the ceremonial beam alongside project partners from Vitale Properties, B2K Construction teams and local officials during the topping-out celebration for The Bridgeview apartment development in Island Park on March 31.

Once complete, The Bridgeview is expected to stand out among Long Island residential developments for its waterfront location and modern amenities. Plans include boat docks, a fishing pier, a yoga room and a golf simulator, as well as an elevated pool overlooking the water.

The building will also feature a large community space designed as a tribute to the former Bridgeview catering hall, incorporating signage and memorabilia from the site. Vitale said former patrons — including couples who held weddings there — have

already expressed interest in returning to visit the space.

Beyond amenities, the project reflects a broader shift in development along the South Shore since Hurricane Sandy in 2012, which devastated much Vitale’s former waterfront restaurant portfolio, including Paddy McGee’s and the Bridgeview Yacht Club.

“The property has been raised, and all the apartments are well above sea level,” Vitale said. “Everything is fortified. These are some of the safest properties on the

BRANDED CONTENT

South Shore.”

The site has been elevated and designed with flood-mitigation measures, including raised living spaces and reinforced infrastructure, part of a long-term strategy to adapt to increasingly frequent coastal flooding.

Local officials, including former Town Supervisor Don Clavin, attended the topping-out ceremony, signaling municipal support for the project.

“We were excited that supervisor came down and recognized the project,” Vitale said. “He talked about smart growth, and that’s something we believe in too — development that makes sense for the community.”

Vitale added that backing from local government is essential for large-scale redevelopment efforts.

“You need your town officials behind a project,” he said. “It meant a lot to have that support.”

The Bridgeview is the latest phase in Vitale’s transformation of roughly 10 acres of waterfront property from a nightlife destination into a residential community. Following the success of the nearby Channel Club apartments, which opened in 2019, Vitale said the shift toward housing has proven beneficial for the area.

With construction progressing on schedule, Vitale remains focused on completion rather than milestones.

“The goal,” he said, “is to get the building done.”

Why Battery Storage Is Key to Long Island’s Energy Future

As Long Island’s energy system modernizes, battery storage is becoming a central piece of how electricity is generated, delivered and managed.

At its core, battery energy storage systems (BESS) capture electricity from the power grid — including solar and wind — when demand and prices are low and store it for later use. When demand increases, instead of turning to costly and dirty peaker plants, batteries can discharge, selling their power at a lower price. The result is a more flexible system that can better match supply with demand, saving ratepayers money.

For a region like Long Island, where aging infrastructure and high energy use have long posed challenges, that flexibility is increasingly important. Storage supports the expansion of clean energy while reducing reliance on older, fossil fuel-based generation the region has depended on for years.

“One very, very critical element into the clean energy transition is energy storage,” said Melissa Parrot, executive director of Renewable Energy Long Island.

Safety Built Into Every System

Paul Rogers, a retired FDNY lieutenant now with the Energy Safety Response Group, said today’s systems are guided by rigorous standards, extensive training and coordination with local fire departments. Updated fire safety codes adopted in 2025 are the most stringent in the country, reinforced by a highly trained local workforce.

This is not theoretical. According to the New York State Energy

Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), more than 7,400 BESS facilities are already operating across New York State, supporting grid reliability with minimal safety issues reported.

Stabilizing the Grid, Lowering Costs

Beyond safety, battery energy storage is helping stabilize Long Island’s aging grid. By storing energy when supply is abundant and releasing it during peak demand, these systems reduce

strain on infrastructure, limit outages and decrease reliance on costly peaker plants.

“Battery energy storage helps stabilize the grid and keep pricing down,” said Carrie Meek Gallagher, CEO of the Long Island Power Authority.

For residents and businesses, affordability remains a key benefit. By reducing price spikes and improving system efficiency, storage creates more predictable energy costs.

“Battery energy storage, in my opinion, is the silver bullet for us over the next decade,” said Billy Haugland II of the Haugland Group.

5K Walk/Run supports veterans, first responders

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Building Homes for Heroes 5K Walk/Run returned to Eisenhower Park on April 4, drawing runners, families and community members together in support of injured veterans and first responders. The event combined fundraising with outreach, as organizers aimed to expand awareness of the nonprofit’s mission while building on momentum from last year’s race.

Based in Island Park, Building Homes for Heroes was formed in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 attacks, when founder Andy Pujol volunteered in search and rescue efforts at Ground Zero. What began as an effort to gift a single home to a returning veteran has since grown into a national organization that has provided hundreds of mortgage-free homes. The nonprofit is now on track to complete its 500th home by the end of 2026.

Beyond housing, the organization offers long-term support to veterans and their families, including financial advisory services, emergency funding and programming focused on mental health, academic advancement and physical wellness. When homes are gifted, the celebrations often bring together local police and fire departments and community members for large, procession-style welcome events.

The race itself is part of a renewed push to strengthen the nonprofit’s presence on Long Island. Last year marked the first time in roughly a decade that Building Homes for Heroes hosted a run locally, and organizers said the response exceeded expectations. About 195 runners participated in the 2025 event despite steady rain and cold conditions, demonstrating a strong level of community support.

David Weingrad, the organization’s director of communications, said much of that success was due to Daniel Hernandez, a Marine veteran and staff member who helped bring the race back.

“There’s always going to be things you learn on the spot,” Weingrad said. “He was all over the place, and people were pulling him in every direction — he did an amazing job. I think it was a testament to how much people care about our cause and our mission.”

Hernandez, who joined the organization in 2019, began running during the coronavirus pandemic and has since used the activity as a way to raise awareness and funds for veterans. In addition to organizing the race, he has taken on personal endurance challenges to spotlight issues affecting the veteran community.

In November, Hernandez ran one mile every hour and completed 22 pushups between each mile to raise awareness about veteran suicide rates. The effort began in Eisenhower Park and continued through the night, ending the following day in Long Beach.

“I am growing to love running,” Hernandez added.

“I just thought this is a great challenge. Our veterans are suffering. For me, taking one day to support them means a lot.”

Organizers said hosting the event at Eisenhower Park continues to play a key role in expanding visibility for the nonprofit. While Building Homes for Heroes has a national reach, many residents are still unaware that it was founded on Long Island and continues to operate locally.

“We just had our 20th anniversary, but so many people don’t know that we’re a Long Island grown organization,” Weingrad said. “When people learn that Building Homes for Heroes is based right here in their backyard, that’s what makes them want to be generous.”

That local connection was evident throughout this year’s event, and warmer, drier conditions made for a great time. The event featured a Kids Fun Run followed by the main race, along with raffles and other fundraising opportunities. Participants of all ages took part, and organizers said the mix of competition and community engagement reflects the broader goal of bringing people together in support of those who have served.

“The weather was perfect — better than last year,” Hernandez said. “There was a lot of laughs and smiles. I think for the most part, everyone had a great time.”

As the event continues to grow, organizers hope to keep the 5K going as an annual tradition on Long Island, further strengthening ties between the nonprofit and the communities it serves while continuing to raise funds for veterans in need.

“The community really came together for this one

and it gives me hope to improve and expand on it,” Hernandez added.

Visit BuildingHomesForHeros.org to donate and to learn more about the organization, reach and impact on communities across the U.S.

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NEWS BRIEF

MSSN-Anthem reach three-year agreement

The Mount Sinai Health System and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield have reached a new three-year agreement that restores in-network access to Mount Sinai hospitals, physicians and services for many Anthem members across New York.

The agreement, announced April 13, took effect immediately and applies to Anthem’s commercial plans, Child Health Plus, Medicaid, HARP, MLTC/ MAP and Essential Plans 1-5. Anthem Medicare Advantage and Anthem Individual Marketplace plans are not included in the deal.

The agreement ends months of uncertainty for patients after Mount Sinai physicians went out of network earlier this year when the two sides failed to reach a new contract by their Dec. 31 deadline. Thousands of patients across New York, including many on Long Island, had been forced to find new doctors, delay appointments or seek continuity-of-care exemptions while negotiations continued.

“Most importantly, we were able to work with Mount Sinai to protect our members’ access to care while keeping costs as low as possible for the families, employers and taxpayers who pay for healthcare,” said Victor DeStefano, commercial president of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, in a statement.

According to Anthem, the new contract includes responsible price increases, more predictable cost trends and val-

Health Benefits of Forgiveness

Each one of us experience countless injustices in the course of everyday living. Like other experiences, it is not the experience itself so much that counts, but how you process it. The Mayo Clinic addresses the health benefits of “forgiveness” which they define as “an intentional decision to let go of resentment and anger”. Letting go of grudges and bitterness can lead to:

Everett Worthington, Profession Emeritus of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, provides a free workbook at for whom forgiveness may be difficult (most of

Recall: Recall the hurt. Look at the incident in an objective way and don’t try to push aside your feelings.

Empathize: Empathize with the offender without excusing the action or invalidating your own feelings. Maybe the person was having a bad day or was raised in dire circumstances.

forgiveness. Think about a time when you were rude or harsh, and recognize that everyone has shortcomings.

Commit: Make a decision to forgive. You can write a letter that you don’t send to help yourself make the commitment.

Hold:

how you react to those feelings will.

“Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned”

The Mount Sinai Health System and Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield reached a new three-year agreement on April 13 that restores in-network access to Mount Sinai hospitals, physicians and services for many Anthem members across New York.

ue-based care models that tie reimbursement to patient outcomes. The agreement also includes safeguards intended to ensure accurate hospital billing, appropriate care settings and healthcare costs that more closely track inflation and workers’ wages.

Mount Sinai officials said the deal restores in-network access to all of the system’s physicians, hospitals and services immediately, bringing relief to patients who had been waiting for the dispute to end.

— Abigail Grieco

FIRE WATCH

The Oceanside Fire Department is always looking for help in serving our community. If you live here or in any one of the adjacent communities and are interested in joining or just have

April 12 – April 18

General Alarms – 6

Unit Calls – 2

Motor Vehicle Accidents: 4

Carbon Monoxide Alarms: 2

Medical Emergencies: 31

Mutual Aid – 1

Special Calls – 4

Total – 50

any questions, stop into Fire Headquarters at 65 Foxhurst Road in Oceanside, visit JoinOFD.net, oceansidefd.net, or call (516) 766-2717. For fire or medical emergencies, dial 911 or (516) 766-0245.

Year To Date

General Alarms – 131

Unit Calls – 55

Motor Vehicle Accidents – 28

Carbon Monoxide Alarms – 31

Medical Emergencies – 461

Mutual Aid – 16

Special Calls – 39

Total – 761

Bridging generations through remembrance

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

More than 100 people gathered at the Friedberg JCC as the Jewish Community Council of Oceanside hosted its annual Yom HaShoah commemoration, honoring the six million Jews murdered during the Holocaust through an evening of remembrance, reflection and a renewed call to action.

This year’s program centered on the theme “Bridging Generations,” highlighting the importance of preserving memory as the number of living survivors continues to decline.

“We commemorate the memory of the six million members of our people who perished at the hands of the Nazis,” said Sam Seifman, president of the Jewish Community Council of Oceanside, during the April 14 program. “Bridging generations means making sure our memory does not end with the survivors, but continues through their children, grandchildren, students and communities.”

Seifman said the theme calls on younger generations to turn remembrance into responsibility..

“When younger people learn, speak and act against hatred, they help carry the moral lessons of the Holocaust into the future,” he said.

The evening was spearheaded by Glora LeBeaux, senior director of social work services at the JCC, whose efforts helped organize the annual commemora-

tion. Roni Kleinman, executive director of the Friedberg JCC, welcomed attendees and thanked the community partners who helped organize the event.

The evening’s first featured speaker was Mitchell Bickman, director of social studies for the Oceanside School District, who spoke about how Holocaust education is taught through the district and how it shapes students’ understanding of antisemitism, Israel and human rights.

“Education is the most powerful antidote to hate,” Bickman said.

He explained that Oceanside students begin learning about diversity and preju-

dice in the early grades before moving into Holocaust literature, survivor testimony and historical study in middle and high school.

“Our mission goes beyond historical facts,” Bickman said. “We aim to help students understand their collective responsibility to uphold human rights and foster a just society. Our goal in Oceanside is to ensure that the memory of the victims is honored not just by remembering itself, but by acting against injustice today.”

The second featured speaker, Bernie Furshpan, shared the story of his father,

Moshe Furshpan, who escaped the Nazis as a 10-year-old boy and survived in the forests of Poland for four years.

“It’s my obligation to tell my father’s story,” Furshpan said. “It’s an absolute obligation. It’s a moral obligation, too, to educate young people.”

Furshpan, vice chairman of the Holocaust Memorial and Tolerance Center in Glen Cove, described how his father fled into the woods after Nazi troops entered his village in 1941.

“I learned from my father not to be afraid, to appreciate the little things in life and to be grateful,” Furshpan said. Furshpan emphasized both the resilience of survivors and the trauma they carried long after the war ended. He urged audience members, particularly young people to reject hate and choose compassion.

“We are all one family,” Furshpan said. “We are all the same, just diversified.”

The program also included a candlelighting ceremony in memory of the six million Jews killed in the Holocaust. Candles were lit by Bickman; Sarah Diamond, second generation survivor; Ana Levandel, survivor; David Welner, second generation survivor; Furshpan; and Oceanside youth members.

“Remembrance is not about assigning guilt to those alive today but assigning responsibility,” Bickman said. “When we remember, we honor the victims by committing ourselves to a more humane future.”

CHARLOTTE WEBSTER EAST ROCKAWAY Senior SOFTBALL

ALREADY A TWO-TIME All-Conference selection, Webster appears well on her way to at least a third if not an All-County season. Heading into this week’s action, the Rocks’ fourth-year starting shortstop leads Nassau County in home runs with 6 and RBIs with 28 while batting .700 through nine games. Webster blasted a pair of homers against Baldwin on March 21 and repeated the accomplishment April 11 versus Freeport.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, April 23

Flag Football: Oceanside at East Rockaway 5 p.m.

Flag Football: Bell-Merrick at Massapequa 5:30 p.m.

Friday, April 24

Softball: Clarke at Farmingdale 5 p.m.

Softball: Malverne at Uniondale 5 p.m.

Softball: North Shore at South Side 5 p.m.

Baseball:Calhoun at Long Beach 5 p.m.

Baseball: Elmont at Kennedy 5 p.m.

Boys Tennis: South Side at Hewlett 5 p.m.

Flag Football: East Meadow at Freeport 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: Carey at Kennedy 5 p.m.

Girls Lacrosse: West Hempstead at Clarke 5 p.m.

Saturday, April 25

Softball: Wantagh at Oceanside 10 a.m.

Softball: Hicksville at Long Beach 10 a.m.

Softball: West Hempstead at Lawrence 10 a.m.

Softball: Lynbrook at Freeport 10 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Herricks at Baldwin 11 a.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Roslyn at Long Beach 1 p.m.

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

Boys Lacrosse: Freeport at V.S. District 1 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: North Shore at Seaford 3 p.m.

Boys Lacrosse: Lynbrook vs Hewlett 6:30 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

HERALD SPORTS

Oceanside geared for playoff push

By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com

The first long, hot bus ride of the season didn’t go as planned, but the Oceanside boys lacrosse team hopes the lessons learned from that defeat will help them take one to Hofstra in the postseason.

“We watched the film,” coach John Emmerich said. “We got burned on a lot of mistakes. We’ve been making a lot of the same mistakes, but we’ve been winning anyway, so sometimes you’ve got to get burned to learn, and that’s the positive takeaway.

“Ultimately, the goal is to win in the playoffs. Of course, all these other games matter, but it’s really just about getting better as the season goes on so that we can make a playoff push,” he added.

That loss came on April 15, 11-4 at Roslyn, and was the Sailors’ second defeat of the season. Oceanside got back on the bus and beat Herricks, 18-12, three days later.

Sophomore Owen Mazeika had four goals and two assists, senior Jack Passuello had three goals and six assists, senior Ethan Famularo had three goals and one assist, and senior Brady Nardone chipped in with two goals and three assists in the bounce-back win.

The catalyst through the first eight games for Oceanside (6-2) has been the defense, led by senior close defenseman Chase Bier, who has 35 ground balls and 31 caused turnovers, and senior goalie Riley Hickam, who has a 59.7 percent save percentage.

Junior Drew Lynch and sophomore Max Labroska have been solid next to Bier, and senior short-stick defensive midfielders Jacob DiDio and Sean Mahoney have helped Oceanside only give up 7.5 goals per game.

“The chemistry of our defense is awesome right now,” Emmerich said.

Emmerich said he’s still waiting for the offense, which averages 9.6 goals per game, to click. But that group has two important characteristics they share the ball to the tune of 78 percent assist-

last Saturday.

ed goals, and they’ve shown resilience.

In each game of a four-game winning streak, which saw Oceanside defeat Carey, Calhoun, Locust Valley, and Seaford following a 9-8 loss to Long Beach on March 20, the Sailors have either trailed or had a one-goal lead at halftime. They’ve outscored opponents 44-29 in the second half.

“They just kept playing, kept staying the course, kept playing their game, and just stayed composed,” Emmerich said.

“They’ve been doing a really good job of just handling what they can control and playing the right way.”

Leading the charge offensively have

been Mazeika and Passuello, who are tied for the team lead with 28 points. Famularo has nine goals and six assists, and senior Luke Miller has 11 goals and four assists.

“But even without them firing on all cylinders, we’re still winning games,” Emmerich said. “That’s a good thing, it’s promising. We’re excited about what’s on the horizon because we know they will start clicking soon, and once they do, our team’s going to feel really complete, and we’re going to get rolling.”

Perhaps rolling all the way to Hofstra.

The Sailors are home Saturday at 1 p.m. versus East Meadow.

FASNY sounds alarm for new recruits

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

As part of a statewide effort to address declining volunteer firefighter enrollment, the Firefighters Association of the State of New York launched its 17th annual RecruitNY campaign with a news conference and a live firefighting demonstration at the Melville Fire Department April 15.

The initiative comes as the number of volunteer firefighters across the state has dropped by roughly 33 percent over the past two decades, from about 120,000 in the early 2000s to 80,000 today — even as emergency calls continue to rise. Recent data compiled by FASNY shows a 16 percent increase in house fires and a 37 percent jump in overall fire calls over that time, putting added strain on departments.

“It is very important for all of our communities to understand that fire and rescue service is staffed by volunteers who are will-

ing to go out 24/7 and respond to medical and fire emergencies as needed,” the association’s president, Gene Perry, said. “While some departments are doing very well, others face challenges and are trying to get more people and younger people involved.”

Nearly 90 percent of fire departments statewide — including about 70 in Nassau and 100 in Suffolk — rely on volunteers, making recruitment a growing public safety concern.

As part of RecruitNY, departments across Long Island opened their doors for demonstrations and outreach events aimed at attracting new members. Officials said the effort is critical to maintaining staffing levels and emergency response capabilities.

At the Long Island kickoff, FASNY representatives joined local officials and firefighters to highlight recruitment efforts and encourage residents to consider volunteering. They also conducted a demonstration on how firefighters extinguish

dangerous car fires.

In a survey conducted by the association two years ago, 49 percent of New York residents expressed an interest in becoming volunteer firefighters. As well, 66 percent of respondents said they would visit their local fire station to learn more, and 55 percent reported that they would begin with an online search for information.

“What we need are more incentives to encourage people to volunteer, like tax

breaks on homes and priority for affordable housing for volunteers,” Assemblyman Steve Stern said. “These are critically important, but we need to go much further, and I want you to know that we see it and we hear it, because not having enough volunteers is a direct hit on us all — our families and our communities — and it puts our safety at risk.”

For more information on volunteering, contact your local volunteer fire department or visit fasny.com.

Foundation breaks ground at site of former inn

port of donors, volunteers, elected officials and the foundation’s monthly contributors.

“We are blessed by a powerful network of support,” he said. “Together, you make this cause possible.”

Jeanna DellaRagione, Tunnel to Towers chief operating officer, thanked local officials, contractors, sponsors and Nassau County residents for making the project a reality.

“These days are beautiful milestones on our journey to help our military heroes,” DellaRagione said. “A massive thank you to the residents of Nassau County for welcoming Tunnel to Towers into their community.”

The Island Park project is part of Tunnel to Towers’ broader effort to combat veteran homelessness nationwide.

Gavin Naples, senior vice president of the foundation’s homeless veterans’ program, said the organization has made it a priority to provide long-term supportive housing for veterans who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes.

“We made a promise that if you signed up to protect our freedoms, you’re not going to have to worry about where you lay your head,” Naples said.

He continued to emphasize that the Island Park development is designed to do more than provide shelter.

“It’s not enough to just provide a home,” Naples said. “You have to address those root causes to make sure that we’re providing a platform of rehabilitation and reintegration back into the community.”

Since launching its effort to eradicate veteran homelessness in 2023, Tunnel to Towers has provided more than 20,000 veterans and 10,000 children with access to housing and supportive services.

Naples said the foundation plans to build veterans villages in more than 100 cities over the next decade, creat-

Attending the April 17 groundbreaking ceremony, signaling the start of the Tunnel to Towers’

tiative in Island Park were, from left, the foundation’s CEO, Frank Siller; 101-year-old World War II veteran Dave Marshall; Senior Vice President Gavin Naples; Chief Operating Officer Jeanna DellaRagione; Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti; County Legislator Patrick Mullaney; and Island Park Mayor Michael McGinty.

ing more than 12,500 units of supportive housing across the country.

“It’s simple in its concept, but it’s powerful in its impact,” Naples said. “Affordable housing is not a veteran issue. It’s an American issue.”

Frank Siller, Tunnel to Towers chairman and CEO, said the organization was founded after the Sept. 11 attacks to honor the memory of his brother, Stephen, a firefighter who died after running through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the World Trade Center.

“When we found out what he did, we knew we had to do something to honor what he did and the sacrifice of

so many men and women that gave their lives,” Siller said.

The foundation originally planned to provide scholarships for children who lost parents in the attacks, but its mission quickly expanded to include mortgage-free homes for injured veterans, Gold Star families and first responders.

By the end of this year, Siller said, the organization will have delivered more than 2,000 mortgage-free homes.

“We are keeping this promise to never forget and to honor them,” he said. “What better way than to do good than the good that we are doing.”

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Pinball passion brings L.I. players together

ing with the help of an online tournament platform. Players competed in fourperson groups, earning 7 points for first place, 5 for second, 3 for third, and 1 for fourth in each round.

Cole said she enjoys directing tournaments even more than playing in them. “My husband is really the pinball collector,” she said. “He buys, fixes, sells and restores games. There’s a wonderful pinball community — we’ve met many of our best friends through the pinball community.”

Cole said she learned how to run tournaments from another pinball friend, and has since organized several, including Flip Frenzy events. The Oceanside tournament, she said, offered both experienced players and newcomers a chance to compete.

“It’s always great when new people come and join the community,” Cole said.

The tournament was part of a larger competitive pinball network on Long Island that has grown rapidly in recent years. Players who participate in IFPAsanctioned tournaments earn ranking points that contribute to international standings. More than 14,000 IFPA tournaments were held in 2025, with nearly 320,000 participants worldwide.

The ranking system, Oswald said, is one reason pinball has evolved from a casual pastime into a serious competitive hobby.

“It’s like any other sport where you can get ranked,” he said. “The more tournaments you play in and the better you do, the higher your ranking goes.”

Still, he said, pinball remains appealing mostly because of the non-digital experience it offers in an increasingly digital world. “There’s something satisfying about it,” he said. “You can feel the ball moving through the machine. You feel the flippers, you feel the vibration. It’s not just staring at a screen.”

The machines featured at the tournament ranged from early-1990s models to more modern ones released in the past year. Maintaining them, Oswald said, can be a challenge.

“You have to keep them clean and waxed, and there’s always something mechanical or electrical that needs fixing,” he said. “The older machines, especially, can be difficult, because you’re dealing with computer boards that are 30 years old.”

Oswald bought his first machine around 2005 using spare change he had collected in a barrel over several years. He found a 1963 machine for sale in East Meadow and, with the help of his father, brought it home and learned how to repair it himself.

That first purchase sparked a hobby that has become a major part of his life.

As a child growing up in Oceanside, Oswald spent time at the old Nunley’s amusement park, on the Baldwin-Freeport border, where he fell in love with the pinball machines in the arcade.

Pinball nearly disappeared, he said, during the 1990s, as arcades closed and manufacturers went out of business, but it has experienced a resurgence over the

past 15 years.

Oswald said he hoped events like the Long Island Pinball Rumble would introduce new people to the pastime. “We want more people involved, because we don’t want to see it disappear again,” he said. “It’s a fun hobby, it’s social, and it brings people together.”

Among those in attendance was

Harry Reimer, of Baldwin, who said the Long Island pinball community is closeknit.

“We all get together every couple of weeks at each other’s homes and play each other’s machines,” Reimer said. “Steve’s always a good time,” he added of Oswald.

Reimer, who owns 14 machines of his

own, said he has been collecting since the 1980s. “In those days, arcades would retire them and practically throw them away,” he explained. “Now the same game can be worth $15,000.”

After the success of the first Long Island Pinball Rumble, Oswald said he hopes to make the event a regular occurrence during the warmer months.

TPS bill backed by Gillen advances in House

By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com

House Democrats secured enough bipartisan support last week to pass legislation to extend temporary protected status for roughly 350,000 Haitians living in the United States. Since Rep. Laura Gillen assumed office last year, she has backed a bill that would allow Haitian TPS holders legal status for three more years.

During a roundtable discussion in Elmont just days before the pivotal vote on April 16, Gillen acknowledged the limitations of temporary measures and pointed to broader legislative efforts, including bipartisan immigration proposals aimed at creating pathways to legal status.

The latest legislation would mark a transformational moment for TPS holders seeking clarity about their future. Haiti was first designated for TPS following a devastating 2010 earthquake, and ongoing instability has kept the designation in place.

Last week’s House effort, led by Rep. Ayanna Pressley and backed by Gillen and original co-sponsor Rep. Mike Lawler, secured the required 218 signatures earlier this month, triggering the House vote, in which it passed, 224-204.

“Our immigration system has been

broken for a long time,” Gillen said.

Mimi Pierre-Johnson, a community leader and activist in Elmont — home to one of Long Island’s largest Haitian populations — emphasized the importance of bipartisan support.

“This should be something that galvanized folks to understand it doesn’t matter about the people who’s trying to divide you, it’s what’s important to you, right?” Pierre-Johnson said. “So if your

neighbors that are going to work, paying taxes, you know, building a family, building a life, and the only thing stopping them from doing all of that is a piece of legislation.”

In January, Gillen signed a bipartisan letter urging the Trump administration to extend TPS for Haitian nationals ahead of the Feb. 3 expiration. She also met with White House officials to advocate for continued protections, efforts

that coincided with a federal court ruling issued one day before the deadline that preserved TPS.

Gillen reiterated the need for broader reform, noting the limits of temporary protections. She is also among the Democratic co-sponsors of the bipartisan Dignity Act, which aims to create a pathway to legal status for long-term U.S. residents.

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages, whose 22nd District encompasses Elmont, became the first person of Haitian descent elected to the New York State Legislature in 2012. Solages wrote in a statement that although the House vote should be applauded, progress “isn’t anywhere near the finish line” — referencing to the bill’s possible fate in the Senate and the likelihood of a presidential veto if it passes there.

“We may take this moment to rejoice at the progress made, but we cannot lose focus,” Solages said.

For advocates of the House bill, the push for TPS protections is about more than passing legislation; it reflects the realities of immigrant communities and the uncertainties they face.

The bill is now expected to move to the Senate for consideration, though a date for a vote has not yet been scheduled. Its aim is to protect Haitians who hold TPS through April 20, 2029.

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

Scott Jennings was appointed president and chief operating officer of PSEG Long Island in January, overseeing electric service for about 1.2 million customers. He joined PSEG in 1998 after starting at Deloitte, and held leadership roles in finance and energy investments. He helped develop PSEG’s Long Island agreement, leading to its 2014 launch, and most recently served as senior vice president of finance, planning and strategy. He earned a degree in business administration and an MBA in accounting from Pace University.

Q: From a business degree in accounting, how did you get into the power industry?

A: I started with Deloitte, and PSEG was one of my clients. The engagement showed me how critical the energy industry is to the overall economy and every family. At PSEG I’ve been able to see every part of the business as I moved into several different roles in finance supporting the overall company, and directly managed a number of our business areas.

Q: Having been involved in creating PSEG Long Island’s operating structure in 2014, how does that influence your current priorities?

A: Yes, it was a great experience to lead our pitch to LIPA to serve as the operator more than a decade ago, and I’m really happy to move out here and join and lead the PSEG Long Island team. I think this publicprivate partnership brings great value to the customers of Long Island. With the utility system owned by LIPA, they have access to FEMA funding to recover the costs of storms and support grants for investments, they don’t pay federal or state taxes, and they have access to low-cost debt financing. That’s real value. And then engaging a private company, like PSEG, brings the expertise to operate the utility efficiently and effectively. So my first priorities are aligned with that: leading the utility to bring value to our customers by providing strong reliability and customer service at an affordable price.

Q: Being responsible for PSEG-New Jersey’s high standard in the industry, how do you lift PSEG Long Island to that level?

A: Over our first 12 years on Long Island, we’ve made great strides — this is a very, very different electric system and process compared to the past. Reliability has greatly

improved — PSEG Long Island is now in the top 10 percent of the country for reliability, just behind our sister in New Jersey. We see this in fewer sustained outages, fewer momentary outages, and lesser impacts and quicker responses during recent storms.

Similar on the customer satisfaction front. When we took over in 2014, the Long Island utility had the lowest customer satisfaction in the industry. Since then, PSEG Long Island has been recognized as having the most improvement in the entire country, and was even ranked No. 1 in the 2025 J.D. Power Business Customer Satisfaction Study among large utilities in the East.

And finally I’d point to affordability. When we took over, Long Island electric rates were about the highest in the country. Since then, through good cost control, New York state actions on property taxes and LIPA refinancing its debt, our rates are now lower than our neighboring utilities in NYC and Connecticut.

So we’ve made great progress, and my focus will be to continue to improve our service while managing costs.

Q: From your 30 years of experience, what lessons are

most relevant as you take on this position?

A: It’s about putting the right people in the right positions and keeping focus on what is most important for customers: reliability, service and cost.

Q: Under your leadership, what does success look like, and how can PSEG Long Island help strengthen the L.I. region?

A: I look for success in two timeframes. First is the nearterm of maintaining continued strong reliability and customer service while managing costs effectively. The second is positioning the Long Island electric utility for long-term success. We’re making additional system reliability investments so the strong reliability performance we’ve recently delivered can be maintained. Similarly, we’ll be assessing our longterm energy needs and the generation supply needed to meet them reliably and affordably, while also balancing environmental considerations. These actions and more will position Long Island for reliable and affordable service for years to come, which will help support the region’s continued economic development and great communities for our families.

Herald archive goes digital for public access

By KUMBA JAGNE Intern

Library patrons once had to rely on microfilm to search past editions of the Oceanside/Island Park Herald, threading reels into bulky readers and scanning pages by hand to find specific articles.

That process has been replaced by a searchable digital archive.

The Herald is now available through the New York State Historic Newspapers website, allowing users to search by keyword and instantly retrieve relevant articles. The yearlong project was led by Oceanside local history librarian Erin McCauley and Island Park’s adult reference librarian Sara Geller, who collaborated to bring the publication online.

“I get a lot of patrons who are interested in the history of their home or their property,” McCauley said. “Instead of me doing the actual research, they could do it themselves. They can feel really confident in researching on their own.”

The Island Park Public Library has long preserved the Herald on microfilm, updating the archive annually. After receiving funding from the Francis and Gertrude Levett Foundation — which supports initiatives in education, medical research and community well-being — the Oceanside Library partnered with Island Park to digitize

Island

the collection. An earlier effort added the Oceanside Beacon to the state’s historic newspapers database in 2023. That archive includes issues through Dec. 1984, when the paper ceased publication before being absorbed by Richner Communications. The latest project

Courtesy Tina Gonzalez

fills a gap by digitizing the Herald issues from 1989 through 2023.

“I try to fill the voids where, if people are looking for something, where better than our local newspaper to find it,” McCauley said.

The digitization work was completed by Advantage Archives, an Iowa-

based vendor that also handled the Beacon project.

McCauley, who is also pursuing a career in archival work, said the project reflects her broader interest in local history.

“I do wonder about what used to be here and what the people were like and what their lives were like,” she said. “I just find it very interesting to try to imagine what life was like back in different times.”

The Oceanside/Island Park Herald, a weekly publication and the community’s only current local newspaper, now has over 1,500 issues available online. The broader New York State Historic Newspapers collection includes more than 1.5 million issues and 15.5 million pages dating back to 1725.

McCauley said some of the most compelling content comes from stories about long-standing local businesses, including Chwatsky’s one of Oceanside’s first prominent Jewish-owned businesses; Levin’s pharmacy, operating since 1922; Dee’s Florist, open since 1958; Pasetti’s, a catering business; and Cedarhurst Paper, a supplier of paper goods and party materials.

“It’s not big news, it’s small and local about everyday life,” McCauley said. “As the local history librarian, it’s important to me that we preserve these newspapers and make them easily available to everyone.”

Friday, April 24: Rides 6 PM - 10 PM

Saturday, April 25: Rides 11 AM - 9 PM Sunday, April 26: Rides 11 AM - 7 PM Vendors Sat. & Sun. 10 AM - 6 PM

Compiled By Herald Staff

Charlotte Jacobs Massapequa Park

I like to do doodles and to color with my mom and my sister. Sometimes my sister gets markers on my pictures, but that’s okay.

What is the best rainy-day activity when April showers hit?

Mackenzie Alessandro Glen Cove, age 11

I like to go to Claymation and paint.

Tim Baker/Herald

Charlie McDonald Rockville Centre, age 8

I like to go to the library and play on my iPad and look for books.

Tim Baker/Herald

BRUCE A. BLAKEMAN NASSAU COUNTY EXECUTIVE

Aviana Mannino Lynbrook, age 12

Calling my friends and playing Roblox and watching Hannah Montana.

Tim Baker/Herald

Alonnah Joggy East Meadow I love being in my room listening to the rain while playing music and falling asleep. Abbey Salvemini/Herald

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.

STEPPING OUT

Rooted in springtime Blossoming out at Planting Fields

By Abbey Salvemini

As spring moves forward towards its peak, Planting Fields Arboretum State Historic Park in Oyster Bay bursts into a vivid celebration of color, nature and community. This weekend, April 25–26, the inaugural Branches in Bloom Festival invites visitors to stroll beneath sweeping canopies of magnolias, cherry blossoms and other flowering trees.

Blending longstanding tradition with new experiences, the festival refreshes the site’s beloved Arbor Day celebration of years past. Guests can explore the historic estate in colorful bloom while enjoying guided tours, live entertainment and familyfriendly activities, making it an easy spring highlight for visitors of all ages.

The new festival is both a tribute and a transformation.

“Branches in Bloom is a reimagination of a 40-year-old tradition here at Planting Fields,” Communications and Marketing Manager Kayla Cheshire says. “It’s still in honor of Arbor Day, but now we’re really able to focus on our spring flowering collection, something thousands of visitors come to see each year.”

That shift is most visible in the festival’s new setting. Instead of hosting activities away from the colorful trees, organizers moved the entire event to the West Lawn, placing everyone directly among the site’s most stunning seasonal displays. That change will have an immediate impact, according to Stewardship Director Lilly McGurk.

“The focus on the spring blooms is really going to knock everybody’s socks off,” she says with enthusiasm.

The refreshed format also reflects a broader push to make the festival more engaging and accessible to all audiences. While hands-on tree education and environmental programming remain at its core, the expanded offerings are designed to be inviting for families, younger visitors and those discovering the grounds for the first time.

“We wanted to create something that feels contemporary and welcoming to all,” McGurk explains. “People are looking to get outside, enjoy nature and spend time together. This brings in that wellness aspect while still celebrating the environment.”

Over the course of the weekend, the festival

Harry Chapin’s Greatest Stories Live

blends learning with leisure, offering something for both the curious and the casual visitor. Guided tours led by expert horticulturalists, including Arboretum Director Vincent Simeone, provide behind-the-scenes insight into the site’s celebrated collections, while interactive demonstrations and displays offer practical inspiration for gardeners at every level.

Music, magic shows, jugglers and roaming performers keep the grounds buzzing with energy throughout the day. Anchoring the schedule are performances by Strummin’ and Drummin’ (spanning late morning into the afternoon), complemented by face painting, caricatures and a lineup of food trucks offering plenty of casual bites and treats.

For families, interactive experiences are a major draw. The Kids Tree Climb run by longtime sponsor Wonderland Tree Care + Landscapes returns as a centerpiece activity, giving children the chance to safely scale trees under professional supervision. Due to high demand, last entry is at 2:30 p.m. to ensure all finish by the 4 p.m. close.

• Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Admission is $30 per car, or if taking the LIRR to Oyster Bay, $5 per person (kids under 3 free); learn at plantingfields.org

• 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay

Craft stations include simple coloring and imaginative projects like wearable “bee crowns,” designed to spark creativity and connect visitors to nature.

“We design activities with everyone in mind,” McGurk says. “There are things for kids, adults and families to enjoy together.”

The festival also underscores the broader mission of the Planting Fields Foundation, which works in partnership with New York State Parks, to preserve and maintain stewardship of the site. Beyond its celebrated horticulture, the organization continues to highlight the estate’s layered history, art and culture — threads that run throughout the programming and shape the visitor experience.

“There’s so much more here than just the plants,” Cheshire adds. “There’s history, there’s art, there’s culture. Events like this allow us to showcase all of that while making the site accessible to people of all ages and abilities.”

Accessibility remains a priority. This year, organizers pilot a shuttle from the Oyster Bay LIRR station making it easier for visitors from throughout the region to attend without a car. Supported by a state tourism grant through I Love New York, this expands the festival’s reach.

“We want everyone to feel welcome here,” Cheshire says. “This is about creating access not just to the festival, but to green space and nature in general.”

Even with its expanded offerings, Branches in Bloom remains firmly rooted in its Arbor Day heritage. Tree giveaways, educational exhibits, a plant sale, and environmental partnerships continue to anchor the festival, preserving its mission-driven focus while allowing it to evolve and resonate with a new generation.

With blooms in full display, immersive activities and a renewed focus on community connection, organizers aim for the festival to take root as a lasting seasonal celebration.

“It’s a new take on a tradition that means a lot to us. At the end of the day, it’s about bringing people together, celebrating the season and sharing this incredible place with as many people as possible,” Cheshire says.

In the long tradition of American roots music family groups, the Chapin family holds a distinctive place. Tom Chapin, Steve Chapin, Jen Chapin, and The Chapin Sisters (Abigail and Lily Chapin) are all accomplished artists with a shared commitment to family and music that connects deeply with audiences. Their performances together bring that spirit into focus in a powerful and personal way at this special concert honoring Harry Chapin’s legacy. Two generations of his family come together to perform his songs, joined by The Harry Chapin Band, featuring Big John Wallace and Howard Fields.His iiconic works are performed lwith the energy and intimacy they were written with in mind. In keeping with Harry’s lifelong commitment to fighting hunger, everyone is encouraged to bring nonperishable items, to be donated to a local food bank.

Friday, April 24, 8 p.m. $91, $71, $51. JLandmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Wild days in the Bronx

Chazz Palminteri returns with his electrifying solo performance of “A Bronx Tale,” the autobiographical one-man show that launched his career. Raw, riveting and deeply personal, the play draws on his bruising childhood in the Bronx, including the moment — at just nineyears-old — when he witnessed a gangland killing that forever shaped his world-view. Onstage, Palminteri inhabits 18 vividly drawn characters, seamlessly shifting between friends, foes and family members to conjure an entire neighborhood with nothing but his voice, physicality and storytelling prowess. First written and performed in 1989, A Bronx Tale quickly became a sensation, hailed as one of the most sought-after stage properties since Rocky. The original production paved the way for the acclaimed film adaptation — directed by Robert De Niro—and later a hit Broadway musical.

Sunday, April 26, 7:30 p.m. The Paramount. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

Annual Fundraising Gala

The Kiwanettes of Oceanside welcome all to their Annual Fundraising Gala! It will be an elegant evening of service, leadership and dedication to the community.

• Where: O’Connell Gardens, 2985 Kenneth Place, Oceanside

• Time: 6:30-10 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 637-2262 APR

Girl Scouts of Nassau County Information Session

The Girl Scouts of Nassau County host an information session for families interested in learning more about joining, volunteering and available programs. Attendees have the opportunity to ask questions and explore how to get involved in local troops.

• Where: Island Park Library, 176 Long Beach Road, Island Park

• Time: 6:30 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 432-0122

Active Parenting of Teens

Oceanside SAFE Coalition is offering a special three week Spring session of Active Parenting of Teens. For parents and guardians of preteens and teens, this interactive discussion program provides the skills needed to use effective discipline, teach responsibility and communicate with their children. Registration required.

• Where: Virtual sessions provided upon registration

• Time: 7-8 p.m.

• Contact: oceansidesafe.org

Hofstra Spring Dance Concert

Hofstra University’s Department of Drama and Dance welcomes all to Spring 2026 Dance Concert. The performance features includes pieces by Hofstra faculty choreographers and guest artists. $15 general admission, $10 for seniors and Hofstra alumni.

• Where: Toni and Martin Sosnoff Theater, John Cranford Adams Playhouse, South Campus, Hempstead

• Time: 8 p.m., also April 24-April 25

• Contact: hofstra. universitytickets.com

MAY 2

George Thorogood and The Destroyers

fire departments to EMS teams to community organizations — all of whom share a commitment to helping families prevent water emergencies.

• Where: Saf-T-Swim, 3194 Lawson Blvd., Oceanside

• Time: 3-5 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 442-2825

24

and Adelphi University Senior Adjunct Faculty, as he performs APR

Dr. Scott Litroff,

a vibrant and lively concert on the Adelphi University stage. He plays contemporary/smooth jazz, fusion, funk, pop, and original works alongside some of the finest musicians in the jazz and pop scene today. Drawing upon his multiple influences from jazz, pop, and the classical arts, Scott is known for his impressive lyricism, improvisational prowess, and high virtuosity. It is sure to be a captivating evening as Scott and his band move and groove as they interpret the works of Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind, and Fire, Dave Koz, Gerald Albright, Kenny G, and others.

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

• Time: 7 p.m.

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

Community Drum Circle

Join certified drum circle facilitator Laura Cerrano for a fun interactive rhythmic musicmaking experience at Oceanside Library. Drumming is proven to reduce stress, provide an outlet for positive self-expression, build community and improve social engagement. All drums and small percussions are provided. No prior drumming

experience needed!

• Where: 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside

• Time: 1 p.m.

• Contact: oceansidelibrary.com or (516) 766-2360

That Diva Band

Groove along to sing-along anthems and dance floor favorites spanning the ‘80s, ‘90s, 2000s, and today at South Shore Brewery. Expect big hooks, big voices and big fun! Grab a beer and dance !

• Where: South Shore Craft Brewery, 3505 Hampton Road, Oceanside

• Time: 7:30-10:30 p.m.

• Contact: southshorecraftbrewery.com or (516) 388-6685

Prescription Drug Take Back Day

The Oceanside SAFE Coalition hosts a drug take back day. Bring your unused/expired medications to be properly disposed of thanks to our partners at the Nassau County Police Department. Drive up and drop off for safe and proper disposal. There will be no liquids or sharp objects accepted. APR

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

For the past five-plus decades, over 8,000 live shows and more than 15 million albums sold, George Thorogood and The Destroyers have been “The All-American Rock & Roll Party Band” (Goldmine Magazine). In celebration of 53 years of “playing rock ‘n roll hot enough to melt the polar icecaps and flood the world’s major population centers” (Rolling Stone), the group continues The Baddest Show On Earth Tour — a stage-shaking, roofraising, guitar-snarling blast. For an artist whose music honors the blues, rock and country legends of the past, Thorogood’s forward momentum is now stronger than ever. And along with longtime Destroyers Jeff Simon (drums), Bill Blough (bass), Jim Suhler (guitar) and Buddy Leach (saxophone), they continue “to slap a custom flame paint job onto those classic sounds” (Blues Blast Magazine) like never before. The band has lways delivered on their promises. In 1976, they debuted as the most explosive indie breakthrough act of the decade. Throughout the ‘80s/’90s MTV era, Thorogood was the epitome of snakeskin and shades guitar-slinger cool. And with chart-topping hits like ‘One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer’, ‘Move It On Over’, ‘Who Do You Love?’, ‘I Drink Alone’, ‘Get A Haircut’ and the ultimate badass anthem ‘Bad To The Bone’, the band soon became undeniable cornerstones of classic Rock. Meanwhile, their album catalog continues to dominate streaming charts worldwide.

• Where: Oceanside High School, Front Circle, 3610 Skillman Ave., Oceanside

• Time: Noon-2 p.m.

• Contact: oceansidesafe.org

Cooking with Chef Rob

Join Chef Rob at Island Park Library as he demonstrates an appetizer: Broccoli Rabe flowers sautéed with garlic, oil and mushrooms with sundried tomatoes on triple-toasted Italian bread wedges. Divine!

• Where: 176 Long Beach Road

• Time: 1:30 p.m.

• Contact: islandparklibrary.org or (516) 432-0122

Water Safety Splash & Learn

Summer is right around the corner and water safety is top of mind for every parent. Join us for a free, family-friendly event designed to help swimmers of all ages build confidence, learn essential water safety skills and head into the season prepared. This event brings water safety to life through hands-on demonstrations, expert instructor guidance and kid-friendly activities that reinforce the most important rules for staying safe in and around the water. You’ll also meet local safety partners, from

The Lovin’ Spoonful Fondly known as “America’s answer to the Beatles,” the band brings their chart-topping folk-rock hits to the Madison Theatre. Formed in New York’s Greenwich Village, The Lovin’ Spoonful, made up of original band members John Sebastian, Steve Boone, Joe Butler, and Zal Yanovsky, exploded onto the charts sending their first seven singles soaring onto Billboard’s Top-10 virtually overnight. Their first single, “Do You Believe in Magic,” flew to the top of the charts, followed by an unprecedented string of hits. Today, The Lovin’ Spoonful tours with founding member Steve Boone, along with Jeff Alan Ross (Badfinger, Peter Asher), Bill Cinque (Neil Diamond), longtime drummer Mike Arturi, and Rob Bonfiglio (The Beach Boys, Brian Wilson Band, Wilson Phillips).

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

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

Let’s Meet And Network On Long Island

Join in this community business networking dinner. Share advice, grow your business network, and enjoy a casual evening. Free and fun. Separate checks. RSVP needed.

• Where: Oceanside IHOP, 2971 Long Beach Road

• Time: 6-7:30p.m.

• Contact: Register at lmnoli. com or call Mark at (516) 993-0053

Having an event?

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

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF BUDGET

HEARING AND ANNUAL SCHOOL DISTRICT ELECTION & BUDGET VOTE OF OCEANSIDE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that the annual school district election and budget vote of the qualified voters of Oceanside Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, NY, will be held on May 19, 2026, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the Merle Avenue School #6 gymnasium, Merle Avenue, Oceanside, NY, for the following purposes:

a) to vote upon the annual School budget for the school year 20262027 and to authorize the levying of a tax upon the taxable property of the District, which shall be in substantially the following form:

PROPOSITION NO.

1 - SCHOOL DISTRICT BUDGET

RESOLVED, that the statement of estimated expenses (budget) presented by the Board of Education of Oceanside Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, for the School Year 20262027 in the amount of $192,419,398 for the purposes stated, be and same is approved, and said total amount, exclusive of public monies and other lawful income shall be raised by the levy on the taxable property within the school district and collected during the ensuing year as provided by law.

b) to vote upon the following propositions:

PROPOSITION NO. 2OCEANSIDE LIBRARY PROPOSITION 20262027

The annual appropriation for Library services of $8,106,632 heretofore authorized by the voters is hereby increased by the amount of $183,068 for a total annual appropriation of $8,289,700 for each year commencing July 1, 2026, together with the Library’s designated share of any payments by LIPA pursuant to a settlement under case index #403754/2016, representing the amount necessary

for Library services pursuant to the written contract between the Board of Education of the Oceanside Union Free School District and the Oceanside Library.

PROPOSITION NO. 3 - CAPITAL RESERVE PROJECT

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Oceanside Union Free School District (“District”), is hereby authorized to appropriate and expend from the Capital Reserve Fund, approved by the voters and established on May 15, 2018, an amount not to exceed $5,789,078 for the purpose of undertaking a District Capital improvement Project at Oceanside High School to commence during the 2026-2027 school year and to consist of the construction of improvements and alterations to Oceanside High School property (“Project”) as follows:

1) Renovate the Oceanside High School (“HS”) varsity track. Work to include full renovation of existing track, new perimeter fencing, new concrete pavement;

2) Renovation of boys’ and girls’ student bathrooms (1st & 2nd floor - South Wing);

3) Renovation of boys’ and girls’ student bathrooms by main HS gym (Hall of Fame);

4) Installation of rooftop air conditioning unit of main gym at Oceanside HS; 5) Renovation of glass block windows in three HS staircases; and the sites thereof; all of the foregoing to include furnishings, equipment, machinery, demolition and other work required in connection therewith; provided that the detailed costs of the components of the Project as set forth may be reallocated among such components if the Board of Education shall determine that such reallocation is in the best interests of the District and does not materially change the scope of the Project.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the voting shall be on voting machines and the polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. The election shall be held in accordance with the Rules for the Conduct of Elections adopted by the Board of Education.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER

NOTICE that the Budget Hearing will be held in the Oceanside School #6 auditorium, Merle Avenue, Oceanside, NY, on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 7:30 p.m., for the transaction of such business as is authorized by the Education Law. The condensed form of the budget proposition and the text of all other propositions to appear on the voting machine and a detailed statement in writing of the amount of money which will be required for the 2026-2027 school year for school purposes, specifying the purposes and the amount for each, will be prepared and copies will be made available, upon request, to any District resident at each schoolhouse from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the fourteen days preceding said election, excluding Saturday, Sunday and holidays, at such budget hearing and annual election, and on the District website.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that pursuant to Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law, the 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 on 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 and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that nominations for the office of Board of Education member, shall be made by petition subscribed by at least 46 qualified voters of the District, shall state the name and residence of the candidate and the name and residence of each signer, must describe the specific vacancy for which the candidate is nominated, including length of term of office and name of last incumbent, and must be filed in the District Clerk’s Office, Administration Building, 145 Merle Avenue, Oceanside, NY, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. not

later than the 30th day preceding the election, this year, April 20, 2026, and on April 20, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A nomination may be rejected by the Board of Education if the candidate is ineligible for the office or declares his/her unwillingness to serve.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that any proposition to be placed upon the voting machines shall be submitted in writing by petition subscribed by at least 113 qualified voters of the District and filed in the District Clerk’s Office from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., not later than the 30th day preceding the election at which such question or proposition is to be voted upon, this year, April 20, 2026, and on April 20, 2026 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except that this rule shall not apply to those propositions which are required to be published or to those propositions or questions which the Board of Education has authority by law to present at any annual or special District election.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that registration of the qualified voters for said annual District election is permitted in the District Clerk’s Office, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, up to and including Wednesday, May 13, 2026. A register will be prepared and will be filed in the District Clerk’s office and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on each of the five days before the election, except Sunday, and by appointment from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, and at the polling place on Election Day. The register shall include: (1) all qualified voters of the District who shall personally present themselves for registration; and (2) all previously qualified voters of the District who have registered for any annual or special District election and who have voted at any annual or special District election held within the four calendar years (2022-2025) prior to preparation of the said register; and (3) voters permanently registered with the Board of Elections of Nassau County.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that applications for absentee ballots

are to be completed on a form prescribed by the state board of elections and may be obtained by contacting the District Clerk by email (jkraemer@ oceansideschools.org), or phone (516-6781226). Applications for early mail ballots are to be completed on a form prescribed by the state board of elections and may be obtained by visiting the State Education Department’s Website (https://www. counsel.nysed.gov/ miscellaneous), or by contacting the District Clerk by email (jkraemer@ oceansideschools. org), or phone (516678-1226). Completed applications for absentee and early mail ballots must be received at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or to his or her designated agent. Applications will not be accepted before April 20, 2026. Absentee and early mail ballots must be received in the District Clerk’s office not later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 to be canvassed. A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots have been issued will be available for inspection in the District Clerk’s office on each of the five days prior to the election from 8:00 A.M. to 4:00 p.m. except Sunday, and by appointment only from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the Saturday prior to the election.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that pursuant to Education Law §2018-d, any person serving in the military, including spouses and dependents, may register to vote in the upcoming school district election. A military voter who is a qualified voter of the school district may obtain a registration form by contacting the District Clerk by telephone (516678-1226), facsimile (516-678-2145), email (jkraemer@ oceansideschools. org), mail (145 Merle Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572), or in person from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. A military voter who is duly registered may apply for a military ballot by requesting an application form from the District Clerk. Completed applications must be personally

delivered or mailed to the District Clerk and received no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 23, 2026. Completed military ballots must be received by 5:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026 if signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto with a date which is not later than the day before the election, or not later than the close of the polls on May 19, 2026 if showing a cancellation mark of the United States Postal Service or a foreign country’s postal service or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government. A military voter may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration form, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile or electronic mail in the request for such registration, ballot application, or ballot.

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

Dated: March 18, 2026

Oceanside, New York BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OCEANSIDE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK

Justan Kraemer District Clerk 159143

To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE AUDIENCIA PRESUPUESTARIA Y ELECCIONES ANUALES DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR Y VOTACIÓN PRESUPUESTARIA DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR UNION FREE DE OCEANSIDE, MUNICIPIO DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU, ESTADO DE NUEVA YORK

POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que la elección anual del distrito escolar y la votación

del presupuesto de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar Union Free de Oceanside, Municipio de Hempstead, Condado de Nassau, NY, se llevarán a cabo el 19 de mayo de 2026, de 7:00 a. m. a 9:00 p. m. en el gimnasio de la Escuela n.° 6 de Merle Avenue, Merle Avenue, Oceanside, NY, con los siguientes propósitos: a) votar sobre el presupuesto escolar anual para el año escolar 2026-2027 y autorizar la imposición de un impuesto sobre la propiedad gravable del Distrito, el cual tendrá sustancialmente la siguiente forma:

PROPOSICIÓN N.º 1 - PRESUPUESTO DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR

SE RESUELVE que el estado de gastos estimados (presupuesto) presentado por la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Union Free de Oceanside, Municipio de Hempstead, Condado de Nassau, Estado de Nueva York, para el Año Escolar 20262027 por un monto de $192,419,398 para los fines indicados, sea y se apruebe, y dicho monto total, excluyendo los fondos públicos y otros ingresos legales, se recaudará mediante el gravamen sobre la propiedad imponible dentro del distrito escolar y se cobrará durante el año siguiente según lo dispuesto por la ley.

b) votar sobre las siguientes propuestas:

PROPOSICIÓN N.º 2 - BIBLIOTECA DE OCEANSIDEPROPOSICIÓN 20262027

La asignación anual para servicios de biblioteca de $8,106,632 autorizada hasta ahora por los votantes se incrementa en $183,068 para una asignación anual total de $8,289,700 para cada año a partir del 1 de julio de 2026, junto con la parte designada de la Biblioteca de cualquier pago realizado por LIPA de conformidad con un acuerdo bajo el índice de caso #403754/2016, que representa la cantidad necesaria para los servicios de biblioteca de conformidad con el contrato escrito entre la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Union Free de Oceanside y la Biblioteca de Oceanside.

PROPOSICIÓN N.º 3PROYECTO DE RESERVA DE CAPITAL

SE RESUELVE que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Union Free de Oceanside (“Distrito”) queda autorizada a asignar y gastar, del Fondo de Reserva de Capital, aprobado por los votantes y establecido el 15 de mayo de 2018, una cantidad que no exceda los $5,789,078 para llevar a cabo un Proyecto de Mejora de Capital del Distrito en la Escuela Preparatoria de Oceanside, que comenzará durante el año escolar 20262027 y consistirá en la construcción de mejoras y modificaciones a la propiedad de la Escuela Preparatoria de Oceanside (“Proyecto”), de la siguiente manera:

1) Renovación de la pista de atletismo de la Escuela Preparatoria de Oceanside (“HS”). Los trabajos incluirán la renovación completa de la pista existente, nueva cerca perimetral y nuevo pavimento de concreto; 2) Renovación de los baños para estudiantes (1.er y 2.º piso - Ala Sur); 3) Renovación de los baños para estudiantes (1.er y 2.º piso - Ala Sur); 4) Instalación de una unidad de aire acondicionado en la azotea del gimnasio principal de la Escuela Preparatoria de Oceanside. 5) Renovación de las ventanas de bloques de vidrio en tres escaleras de la escuela secundaria; y sus respectivos emplazamientos; todo lo anterior incluye mobiliario, equipo, maquinaria, demolición y demás trabajos relacionados; siempre que los costos detallados de los componentes del Proyecto, tal como se establecen, puedan reasignarse entre dichos componentes si la Junta de Educación determina que dicha reasignación redunda en beneficio del Distrito y no modifica sustancialmente el alcance del Proyecto.

POR FAVOR, TOME NOTA ADICIONAL que la votación se realizará mediante máquinas de votación y las urnas estarán abiertas de 7:00 a.m. a 9:00 p.m. Las elecciones se llevarán a cabo de conformidad con el Reglamento para la Celebración de Elecciones adoptado por la Junta de Educación.

POR FAVOR, TOME

April 23, 2026

Public Notices

NOTA ADICIONAL que la audiencia presupuestaria se llevará a cabo en el auditorio de la Escuela Oceanside n.° 6, en Merle Avenue, Oceanside, NY, el miércoles 6 de mayo de 2026 a las 7:30 p. m., para tratar los asuntos autorizados por la Ley de Educación. Se preparará una versión resumida de la propuesta presupuestaria y el texto de todas las demás propuestas que aparecerán en la máquina de votación, así como una declaración detallada por escrito de la cantidad de dinero que se requerirá para el año escolar 2026-2027 para fines escolares, especificando los fines y la cantidad para cada uno. Se pondrán copias a disposición, previa solicitud, de cualquier residente del Distrito en cada escuela de 9:00 a. m. a 4:00 p. m. durante los catorce días anteriores a dicha elección, excluyendo sábados, domingos y días festivos, en dicha audiencia presupuestaria y elección anual, y en el sitio web del Distrito.

POR FAVOR, TOME NOTA ADICIONAL que de conformidad con el artículo 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles, el Distrito debe adjuntar a su propuesta de presupuesto un informe de exenciones. Dicho informe, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, mostrará cómo el valor total tasado en el padrón de tasación 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 acumulado que se espera recibir como pagos en lugar de impuestos y el impacto acumulativo de todas las exenciones otorgadas.

POR FAVOR, TOME NOTA ADICIONAL que las candidaturas para el cargo de miembro de la Junta de Educación deberán presentarse mediante petición firmada por al menos 46 votantes calificados del Distrito, indicando el nombre y la residencia del candidato y de cada firmante, describiendo la vacante específica para la que se nomina al candidato, incluyendo la duración del mandato y el nombre del último

titular, y deberán presentarse en la Oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito, Edificio de Administración, 145 Merle Avenue, Oceanside, NY, de 9:00 a. m. a 4:00 p. m., a más tardar el trigésimo día anterior a las elecciones, este año, 20 de abril de 2026, y el 20 de abril de 2026 de 9:00 a. m. a 5:00 p. m. La Junta de Educación podrá rechazar una candidatura si el candidato no reúne los requisitos para el cargo o declara su falta de voluntad para desempeñarlo.

POR FAVOR, TOME NOTA ADICIONAL que cualquier propuesta que se coloque en las máquinas de votación deberá presentarse por escrito mediante una petición suscrita por al menos 113 votantes calificados del Distrito y archivada en la Oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito de 9:00 a. m. a 4:00 p. m., no más tarde del trigésimo día anterior a la elección en la que se votará dicha pregunta o propuesta, este año, 20 de abril de 2026, y el 20 de abril de 2026 de 9:00 a. m. a 5:00 p. m., excepto que esta regla no se aplicará a aquellas propuestas que deban publicarse o a aquellas propuestas o preguntas que la Junta de Educación tenga autoridad por ley para presentar en cualquier elección anual o especial del Distrito.

POR FAVOR, TOME NOTA ADICIONAL que el registro de los votantes calificados para dicha elección anual del Distrito está permitido en la Oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito, de 9:00 a. m. a 4:00 p. m., de lunes a viernes, hasta el miércoles 13 de mayo de 2026 inclusive. Se preparará un registro que se archivará en la Oficina de la Secretaria del Distrito y estará abierto para su inspección por cualquier votante calificado de 9:00 a. m. a 4:00 p. m. cada uno de los cinco días anteriores a la elección, excepto el domingo, y con cita previa de 9:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m. el sábado, y en el lugar de votación el día de la elección. El registro incluirá: (1) todos los votantes calificados del Distrito que se presenten personalmente para registrarse; y (2) todos los votantes previamente calificados del Distrito que se hayan registrado para

cualquier elección anual o especial del Distrito y que hayan votado en cualquier elección anual o especial del Distrito celebrada dentro de los cuatro años (20222025) anteriores a la preparación de dicho registro; y (3) votantes registrados permanentemente en la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau.

POR FAVOR, TOME NOTA ADICIONAL que las solicitudes de voto en ausencia deben completarse en un formulario prescrito por la junta electoral estatal y pueden obtenerse contactando a la secretaria del distrito por correo electrónico (jkraemer@ oceansideschools.org) o por teléfono (516-6781226). Las solicitudes de voto anticipado por correo deben completarse en un formulario prescrito por la junta electoral estatal y pueden obtenerse visitando el sitio web del Departamento de Educación del Estado (https://www. counsel.nysed.gov/ miscellaneous) o contactando a la secretaria del distrito por correo electrónico (jkraemer@ oceansideschools. org) o por teléfono (516-678-1226). Las solicitudes completas de voto en ausencia y voto anticipado por correo deben recibirse al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la boleta se enviará por correo al votante, o el día anterior a la elección si la boleta se entregará personalmente al votante o a su agente designado. No se aceptarán solicitudes antes del 20 de abril de 2026. Las papeletas de voto en ausencia y por correo anticipado deben recibirse en la oficina de la secretaria del distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del martes 19 de mayo de 2026 para su escrutinio. Una lista de todas las personas a quienes se les hayan emitido papeletas de voto en ausencia y por correo anticipado estará disponible para su consulta en la oficina de la secretaria del distrito durante los cinco días previos a las elecciones, de 8:00 a. m. a 4:00 p. m., excepto el domingo, y con cita previa de 9:00 a. m. a 12:00 p. m. el sábado anterior a las elecciones.

POR FAVOR, TOME NOTA ADICIONAL que de conformidad con la Ley de Educación §2018-d,

cualquier persona que preste servicio militar, incluidos los cónyuges y dependientes, puede registrarse para votar en las próximas elecciones del distrito escolar. Un votante militar que sea un votante calificado del distrito escolar puede obtener un formulario de registro comunicándose con la Secretaria del Distrito por teléfono (516-678-1226), fax (516-678-2145), correo electrónico (jkraemer@ oceansideschools.org), correo postal (145 Merle Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572) o en persona de 9:00 a. m. a 4:00 p. m. Un votante militar debidamente registrado puede solicitar una boleta militar solicitando un formulario de solicitud a la Secretaria del Distrito. Las solicitudes completas deben entregarse personalmente o enviarse por correo a la Secretaria del Distrito y recibirse a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del 23 de abril de 2026. Las boletas militares completas deben recibirse antes de las 5:00 p. m. el 19 de mayo de 2026 si está firmada y fechada por el votante militar y un testigo con una fecha que no sea posterior al día anterior a la elección, o no posterior al cierre de las urnas el 19 de mayo de 2026 si muestra un sello de cancelación del Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero o muestra un endoso de recepción fechado por otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos. Un votante militar puede indicar una preferencia para recibir un formulario de registro de votante militar, una solicitud de boleta militar o una boleta militar por correo, fax o correo electrónico en la solicitud de dicho registro, solicitud de boleta o boleta.

POR FAVOR, TOME NOTA ADICIONAL que la Junta convocará una reunión especial dentro de las veinticuatro horas siguientes a la presentación ante la Secretaria del Distrito de un informe escrito de los resultados de la elección con el propósito de examinar y tabular dichos informes y declarar el resultado de la elección; que la Junta se designa por la presente como un conjunto de secretarios de mesa electoral para emitir y escrutar votos de conformidad con la Ley de Educación,

§2019-a(2b) en dicha reunión especial de la Junta.

Fechado: Marzo 18, 2026 Oceanside, Nueva York

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN DISTRITO ESCOLAR UNION FREE DE OCEANSIDE, MUNICIPIO DE HEMPSTEAD, CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK

Justan Kraemer Secretaria del Distrito 159145

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ANNUAL SCHOOL DISTRICT VOTING AND PUBLIC HEARING ISLAND PARK UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to Board of Education Resolution adopted on December 15, 2025, the Annual Voting of the qualified voters of the Island Park Union Free School District, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York will be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., for the purpose of voting on the combined School and Recreation Budget, and Library Budget of the estimated expenditures of the school fiscal year 2026-2027. Voting shall take place in the Lincoln Orens Middle School, Steven L. Foster Auditorium Foyer, 150 Trafalgar Boulevard, Island Park, New York between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., by voting machine. A copy of said combined school and recreation budget, and library budget may be obtained by any voter in the District, during the fourteen (14) days immediately preceding the aforesaid Annual Voting, at the District Office located at 99 Radcliffe Road, Island Park, New York during the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., the Francis X. Hegarty School Main Office, located at 100 Radcliffe Road, the Lincoln Orens Middle School Main Office, located at 150 Trafalgar Boulevard, during the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., except Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays and, at the Island Park Public Library located at 176 Long Beach Road, during the hours 10 a.m.

to 5 p.m. and posted on the District’s Internet Website.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that, pursuant to Board of Education Resolution adopted on the 15th of December 2025, a PUBLIC HEARING shall be held on May 5, 2026 at 7:00 p.m., at the Lincoln Orens Middle School, 150 Trafalgar Boulevard, Island Park, New York, for the purpose of discussion of the expenditure of funds and budgeting thereof (ANNUAL BUDGET).

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that, on said May 19, 2026 an election will be held for: (i) one (1) member of the Board of Education for a term of five (5) years to succeed KATHLEEN MCDONOUGH, whose term expires on June 30, 2026; and (ii) two (2) members of the Library Board. One seat will be for the unexpired term of THOMAS MCCREIGHT, which seat is now held by appointee Teresa Moran, and which remaining term commences May 19, 2026 through June 30, 2031. The other seat will be for the unexpired term of MICHAEL SCHNALL, which seat is now held by appointee Joan McCreight, and which remaining term commences May 19, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Petitions nominating candidates for the office of School Board Member and Library Board Trustee must be filed in the office of the District Clerk, on or before April 20, 2026, at the Conference Center, 99 Radcliffe Road, Island Park, New York, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at least thirty (30) days prior to the election, with the hours on April 20, 2026 being 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Each petition must be directed to the Clerk of the District; must be signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District; must state the name and residence of each signer, the name and residence of the candidate; and must describe the specific vacancy for which the candidate is nominated, including the length of the term of office and the name of the last incumbent.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that, the Board of Registration shall meet in the Conference Center located at 99 Radcliffe Road, Island Park, New

York, on Monday, April 20, 2026 from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and on Tuesday, May 12, 2026 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., for the purpose of preparing a register of the qualified voters of the School District for said Annual Voting.

The Register of qualified voters of said School District, prepared at the Annual Election and Voting held on May 20, 2025, shall be used by the said Board of Registration as the basis for the preparation of the Register for said Annual Voting on May 19, 2026. Any person whose name appears on such register or who on or after January 1, 2022 shall have been registered hereunder for any Annual or Special Election and Voting conducted at any time on or after January 1, 2022, will not be required to register personally for the Annual Election and Voting.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that Military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the school district by submitting a Military Voter Registration Application to the District Clerk, no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, April 17, 2026, the day before the District’s Board of Registration meeting to prepare the school district register. A copy of the Military Voter Registration Application is available both in the office of the District Clerk and online located at the District’s website at http:// www.ips.k12.ny.us/ budget_info. Upon such request for a military voter application, such military voter may indicate his/her preference for receiving the application for registration by mail, facsimile, or electronic mail. Any military voter shall be entitled to have his/her name placed upon such register, provided, that at such meeting of the board of registration, he/she is known or proven to the satisfaction of such board of registration, to be then or thereafter entitled to military voter status at the annual meeting and election for which such register is prepared.

PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that in accordance with Part

122 of the Rules and Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, military voters who are qualified voters of the School District may apply for a military ballot. Applications for military ballots are available both in the office of the District Clerk and online located at the District’s website at http:// www.ips.k12.ny.us/ budget_info. Upon such request for a military voter ballot application, such military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application by mail, facsimile or electronic mail. Such designation will remain in effect until revoked or changed by the voter. Completed military ballot applications must be received by the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. Thursday, April 24, 2026. Military ballots will not be canvassed unless they are received by the District Clerk on or before 5:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, notwithstanding anything to the contrary herein, that, pursuant to the provisions of Section 5-612 of the Election Law, any person registered under the provisions of the said Election Law, and so certified as registered by the Board of Elections, County of Nassau, for general election purposes, will be entitled to vote at the said Annual Election and Voting without further registration. Only those persons who shall be registered shall be entitled to vote at said Annual Election and Voting.

Immediately upon its completion, said Register shall be filed in the office of the District Clerk, where it shall be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the School District between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on each of the five (5) days prior to and the day set for the Election and Voting, except Sunday and between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on Saturday.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN, that absentee and early mail ballots for those eligible are available, and that applications for absentee and early mail ballots may be applied for at the District Clerk’s Office. Such application must be received no

Public Notices

earlier than 30 days before the election and no later than seven (7) calendar days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter or by the day before the election if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. A list of all persons to whom absentee and early mail ballots have been issued will be available in the District Clerk’s Office on each of the five (5) calendar days prior to the day of the election, except Sunday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., and between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. (Noon) on Saturday. No absentee or early mail ballot will be canvassed unless it is received in the District Clerk’s Office no later than 5:00 p.m. on the day of the election.

NOTICE IS FURTHER

GIVEN, that Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law requires the District 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 statutory authority, and show the cumulative impact of each type of exemption, the cumulated 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 the District’s website.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION Island Park Union Free School District Island Park, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York.

Jack Vobis, President Board of Education

Patricia LaBarbera, District Clerk

Dated: March 5, 2026 Island Park, NY 159148

LEGAL NOTICE

AVISO DE

YORK

POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que, de conformidad con la Resolución de la Junta de Educación adoptada el 15 de diciembre de 2025, la votación anual de los votantes cualificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de Island Park Union, Municipio de Hempstead, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York, se llevará a cabo el martes 19 de mayo de 2026, de 7:00 a. m. a 9:00 p. m., con el fin de votar sobre el Presupuesto Escolar y Recreativo combinado y el Presupuesto de la Biblioteca, correspondiente a los gastos estimados para el año fiscal escolar 2026-2027. La votación se llevará a cabo en el vestíbulo del Auditorio Steven L. Foster de la Escuela Intermedia Lincoln Orens, ubicado en 150 Trafalgar Boulevard, Island Park, Nueva York, entre las 7:00 a. m. y las 9:00 p. m., mediante máquina de votación. Cualquier votante del Distrito podrá obtener una copia de dicho presupuesto combinado escolar y de recreación, y del presupuesto de la biblioteca, durante los catorce (14) días inmediatamente anteriores a la votación anual antes mencionada, en la Oficina del Distrito ubicada en 99 Radcliffe Road, Island Park, Nueva York, durante las horas de 9:00 a. m. y 4:00 p. m., la Oficina Principal de la Escuela Francis X. Hegarty, ubicada en 100 Radcliffe Road, la Oficina Principal de la Escuela Intermedia Lincoln Orens, ubicada en 150 Trafalgar Boulevard, durante las horas de 8:00 a. m. y 4:00 p. m., excepto sábados, domingos y feriados, y en la Biblioteca Pública de Island Park ubicada en 176 Long Beach Road, durante las horas de 10 a. m. y 5 p. m. y publicada en el sitio web del Distrito.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, de conformidad con la Resolución de la Junta de Educación adoptada el 15 de diciembre de 2025, se llevará a cabo una AUDIENCIA PÚBLICA el 5 de mayo de 2026 a las 7:00 p. m., en la Escuela Intermedia Lincoln Orens, 150 Trafalgar Boulevard, Island Park, Nueva York, con el propósito de discutir el gasto de fondos y la presupuestación de los mismos (PRESUPUESTO

ANUAL).

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que, el 19 de mayo de 2026, se celebrará una elección para: (i) un (1) miembro de la Junta de Educación por un mandato de cinco (5) años para suceder a KATHLEEN MCDONOUGH, cuyo mandato expira el 30 de junio de 2026; y (ii) dos (2) miembros de la Junta de la Biblioteca. Un escaño será para el mandato no expirado de THOMAS MCCREIGHT, escaño que ahora ocupa la designada Teresa Moran, y cuyo mandato restante comienza del 19 de mayo de 2026 al 30 de junio de 2031. El otro escaño será para el mandato no expirado de MICHAEL SCHNALL, escaño que ahora ocupa la designada Joan McCreight, y cuyo mandato restante comienza del 19 de mayo de 2026 al 30 de junio de 2027. Las peticiones que nominen candidatos para el cargo de Miembro de la Junta Escolar y Síndico de la Junta de la Biblioteca deben presentarse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito, antes del 20 de abril de 2026, en el Centro de Conferencias, 99 Radcliffe Road, Island Park, Nueva York, entre las 9:00 a.m. y las 5:00 p.m. al menos treinta (30) días antes de la elección, con horario del 20 de abril de 2026 de 9:00 a.m. a 5:00 p.m. Cada petición debe dirigirse al Secretario del Distrito; debe estar firmado por al menos 25 votantes cualificados del Distrito; debe indicar el nombre y la residencia de cada firmante, el nombre y la residencia del candidato; y debe describir la vacante específica para la que se ha nominado el candidato, incluyendo la duración del mandato y el nombre del último titular.

SE AVISA ADEMÁS que la Junta de Registro se reunirá en el Centro de Conferencias ubicado en 99 Radcliffe Road, Island Park, Nueva York, el lunes 20 de abril de 2026 de 9:30 a. m. a 1:30 p. m. y el martes 12 de mayo de 2026 de 10:00 a. m. a 2:00 p. m. y de 6:00 p. m. a 9:00 p. m., con el propósito de preparar un registro de los votantes calificados del Distrito Escolar para dicha votación anual.

El Registro de votantes calificados de dicho Distrito Escolar, preparado en la Elección y Votación

Anual celebrada el 20 de mayo de 2025, será utilizado por dicha Junta de Registro como base para la preparación del Registro para dicha Votación Anual el 19 de mayo de 2026. Cualquier persona cuyo nombre aparezca en dicho registro o que el 1 de enero de 2022 o después haya sido registrada de conformidad con el presente para cualquier Elección y Votación Anual o Especial realizada en cualquier momento el 1 de enero de 2022 o después, no estará obligada a registrarse personalmente para la Elección y Votación Anual.

TENGA EN CUENTA, ADEMÁS, que los votantes militares que no estén registrados actualmente pueden solicitar su inscripción como votantes cualificados del distrito escolar presentando una Solicitud de Registro de Votante Militar ante la Secretaría del Distrito, a más tardar a las 4:30 p. m. del viernes 17 de abril de 2026, el día anterior a la reunión de la Junta de Registro del Distrito para preparar el registro escolar. Puede obtener una copia de la Solicitud de Registro de Votante Militar tanto en la Secretaría del Distrito como en línea en el sitio web del Distrito: http://www.ips.k12. ny.us/budget_info Al solicitar una solicitud de registro de votante militar, el votante militar puede indicar su preferencia por recibirla por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico. Todo votante militar tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho registro, siempre que en dicha reunión de la junta de registro se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de dicha junta de registro que tiene derecho en ese momento o en lo sucesivo a la condición de votante militar en la reunión anual y la elección para las que se prepare dicho registro.

TENGA EN CUENTA, ADEMÁS, que, de acuerdo con la Parte 122 del Reglamento del Comisionado de Educación, los votantes militares que cumplan los requisitos para votar en el Distrito Escolar pueden solicitar una papeleta electoral militar. Las solicitudes para papeletas electorales militares están disponibles tanto en la oficina del

Secretario del Distrito como en línea, en el sitio web del Distrito: http://www.ips.k12. ny.us/budget_info Al solicitar una papeleta electoral para votantes militares, el votante militar puede indicar su preferencia por recibirla por correo postal, fax o correo electrónico. Dicha designación permanecerá vigente hasta que el votante la revoque o la modifique. Las solicitudes de papeleta electoral militar completadas deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del jueves 24 de abril de 2026. Las papeletas electorales militares no se procesarán a menos que el Secretario del Distrito las reciba a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del 19 de mayo de 2026.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS, sin perjuicio de cualquier disposición contraria en el presente, que, de conformidad con las disposiciones del Artículo 5-612 de la Ley Electoral, toda persona registrada conforme a las disposiciones de dicha Ley Electoral, y certificada como registrada por la Junta Electoral del Condado de Nassau, para fines electorales generales, tendrá derecho a votar en dichas Elecciones Anuales sin necesidad de registrarse. Solo las personas que estén registradas tendrán derecho a votar en dichas Elecciones Anuales.

Inmediatamente después de su terminación, dicho Registro deberá ser archivado en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito, donde estará abierto para inspección por cualquier votante calificado del Distrito Escolar entre las 8:30 a.m. y las 4:30 p.m. de cada uno de los cinco (5) días anteriores y el día fijado para la Elección y Votación, excepto el domingo y entre las 8:30 a.m. y las 12:00 p.m. (mediodía) del sábado.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que las papeletas de voto en ausencia y por correo anticipado para aquellos elegibles están disponibles, y que las solicitudes de papeletas de voto en ausencia y por correo anticipado pueden presentarse en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito. Dicha solicitud debe recibirse no antes de 30 días antes de la elección y no más tarde de siete (7)

días calendario antes de la elección si la papeleta se enviará por correo al votante o el día anterior a la elección si la papeleta se entregará personalmente al votante. Una lista de todas las personas a quienes se han emitido papeletas de voto en ausencia y por correo anticipado estará disponible en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito en cada uno de los cinco (5) días calendario anteriores al día de la elección, excepto el domingo, entre las 8:30 a.m. y las 4:30 p.m., y entre las 8:30 a.m. y las 12:00 p.m. (mediodía) el sábado. No se escrutará ninguna papeleta de voto en ausencia o por correo anticipado a menos que se reciba en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 5:00 p. m. del día de la elección.

SE NOTIFICA ADEMÁS que la Sección 495 de la Ley del Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles exige que el Distrito adjunte a su presupuesto propuesto un informe de exenciones. Dicho informe, que también formará parte del presupuesto final, mostrará cómo el valor catastral total del registro de tasación 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 acumulado 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 se publicará en cualquier tablero de anuncios que mantenga el Distrito para avisos públicos y en su sitio web.

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN Distrito Escolar Libre de Island Park Union Island Park, Ciudad de Hempstead, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York.

Jack Vobis, Presidente Junta de Educación Patricia LaBarbera, Secretaria de distrito

Fechado: 5 de marzo, 2026 Island Park, NY 159150

PUBLIC & LEGAL NOTICES

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

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. MONICA CORNING A/K/A MONICA FUSCO, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Amending Caption, Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on October 31, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 6, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 17 Marina Road, Island Park, NY 11558. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Village of Island Park, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 43, Block 3 and Lot 347. Approximate amount of judgment is $660,228.77 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 604918/2023. Cash will not be accepted. John Riordan, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 159273

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Formation of Lara’s Luxe Pet Care LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/4/2026. Office location: Nassau County, NY. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Lara Behan 242 Nassau Parkway, Oceanside, NY 11572. Purpose: Any lawful purpose 159265

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY FRONTSEAT LLC, Plaintiff against NEVADA VILLAS INC., et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s)

Hersko & Ehrenreich P.C., 555 Willow Avenue, Cedarhurst, NY 11516, (516) 942-4216. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered March 11, 2026, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 14, 2026 at 2:00 PM. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being identified on the land and tax map of the County of Nassau in the State of New York. Premises known as (No Street Number) Nevada Avenue, Island Park, NY 11558. Sec 43 Block 70 Lot 485 and 494, Group Lot 485 and 486. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $584,854.96 plus interest, fees, and costs and Attorney fees. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 602550/2025.

The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Christy Demelfi, Esq., Referee File # 17-6721 159496

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCAF ACQUISTION TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. JENNIFER MIKODA, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Amending Caption, Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 26, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the

Public Notices

front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on May 20, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 3152 Trinity Street, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 43, Block 373 and Lots 71, 72, 73, 74. Approximate amount of judgment is $418,204.96 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 620608/2024. Cash will not be accepted.

Michael Sepe, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 159624

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 28th day of April 2026, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 197-18 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “RIGHT TURN ONLY” at the following location(s): (NR) ISLAND PARK

AUSTIN BOULEVARD

(TH 654(B)/25) West Side - RIGHT TURN ONLY - at a point 12 feet north of the north curbline of Kingston Boulevard. ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: April 14, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 159764

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 35-2026

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 14th day of April 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 35-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 35-2026, to amend Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations.

Dated: April 14, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 159767

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 05/06/2026 at 9:30

A.M. & 2:00 P.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30

A.M.

236/26. NR ISLAND PARK - 7-Eleven # 44913, Renewal of grant to maintain double-faced, illuminated logo sign & LED price sign (not permitted) to existing pylon; overall size 136 sq. ft. (68 sq. ft. per face); clearance 5’3” from bottom of sign to grade., N/E cor. Austin Blvd. & Kingston Blvd.,

a/k/a 4295 Austin Blvd. 242/26. OCEANSIDEScott Jukofsky, Variances, lot area occupied, front yard average setback, construct addition & roof over attached to dwelling., E/s Brook Ave., 100’ S/o Charles St., a/k/a 2749 Brook Ave. THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 2:00 P.M.

253/26. OCEANSIDEMerrick Terrace Associates, Use variance for proposed high density multifamily with maximum population density variance (construct proposed building for 12 apartments totaling 64 apartments); variance in off-street parking & parallel parking, special exception to park in the front yards setbacks on Merrick Rd. & Westlake Ct. on a larger lot., N/E cor. Merrick Rd. & Westlake Ct., a/k/a 491 Merrick Rd. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Island Park & Oceanside 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. 159756

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 28th day of April 2026, at 10:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following locations:

BALDWIN GRAND AVENUE (TH 88/26) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the north curbline of Parsonage Street, north for a distance of 40 feet.

PARSONAGE STREET (TH 88/26) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the west curbline of Grand Avenue, west for a distance of 25 feet.

BELLMORE NEWBRIDGE ROAD (TH 77/26) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Camp Avenue, north for a distance of 35 feet.

MEROKEE PLACE (TH 91/26) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the south curbline of Grand Avenue, south for a distance of 40 feet.

(NR)ISLAND PARK AUSTIN BOULEVARD (TH 654(B)/25) West Side - NO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 12 feet north of the north curbline of Kingston Boulevard, north for a distance 98 feet. ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” from the following locations: NORTH BELLMORE

NEWBRIDGE ROAD (TH 195/20) West Side15 MINUTE PARKINGstarting at a point 87 feet south of the south curbline of Fish Avenue, south for a distance of 30 feet.

Safety award places South Nassau on top

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Mount Sinai South Nassau (MSSN) has been named among the nation’s top hospitals for patient safety, earning the 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades and placing in the top 10 percent nationwide.

The recognition places the Oceansidebased hospital among 438 facilities out of nearly 4,500 evaluated across the country that met the criteria for the award, according to Healthgrades, an independent online platform that compares health care providers.

Healthgrades determined recipients by analyzing risk-adjusted complication and mortality rates across 13 patient safety indicators, each representing serious but preventable complications. The analysis found that Mount Sinai South Nassau performed at a high level in preventing infections, medical errors and other avoidable conditions.

“Our entire team — physicians, nurses and support staff — are focused on patient safety every day,” said Dr. Adhi Sharma, president of Mount Sinai South Nassau. “We’ve made quality care a priority, and we are constantly reviewing ways to improve.”

Dr. Alan Wong, chief medical officer and senior vice president for medical affairs, said the recognition reflects years of coordinated effort across the hospital.

“This really takes the efforts of everyone in the hospital to achieve, especially our nursing and physician staff,” Wong said. “And it doesn’t happen overnight. We have been working toward this goal for several years now.”

Hospital leadership and its advisory board have emphasized patient safety as a long-term priority, said Joseph Fennessy, a member of the Mount Sinai Health System Board of Trustees and former chair of the hospital’s board of directors.

“When you have to go to a hospital — for an emergency or elective procedure — you often have anxiety,” Fennessy said. “Our patients should rest a little easier, knowing that patient safety at Mount Sinai South Nassau is a priority.”

Healthgrades’ broader analysis highlighted a significant gap between top-performing hospitals and lower-performing facilities nationwide, underscoring the importance of safety ratings for patients choosing where to receive care.

407/71) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Beech Street, north for a distance of 50 feet.

among the nation’s top hospitals for patient safety, earning the 2026 Patient Safety Excellence Award from Healthgrades and placing in the top 10 percent nationwide.

Between 2022 and 2024, more than 167,000 preventable safety events occurred among Medicare patients in U.S. hospitals, according to the study. Four key indicators accounted for nearly 78 percent of those incidents.

Patients treated at top-performing hospitals such as MSSN were significantly less likely to experience major complications, Healthgrades reported. Those included a 52.4 percent lower likelihood of in-hospital falls resulting in fractures; a 57.5 percent lower risk of collapsed lung related to procedures; a 67.8 percent lower risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections; and a 71.9 percent lower risk of developing pressure sores during hospital stays.

The data used in the analysis was drawn primarily from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality and the Medicare Provider Analysis and Review dataset produced by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

In addition to the patient safety, recognition, Mount Sinai South Nassau has also earned the Healthgrades America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Coronary Intervention Award for the third consecutive year.

The hospital has received multiple quality recognitions as well, including 10 “High Performing” ratings from U.S. News & World Report in areas such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, colon cancer surgery, diabetes, heart attack, heart failure, hip fracture, kidney failure, pneumonia, maternity care and blood cancers.

MSSN officials said the latest recognition reinforces their ongoing commitment to improving care and ensuring patient safety remains at the forefront of operations.

Place

(Adopted 12/8/20) EAST ATLANTIC BEACH TRENTON AVENUE (TH

(Adopted 11/16/71) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid. Dated: April 14, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor

MURRAY Town Clerk 159762

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

BRANDS CYCLE (WILL TRAIN)

*MECHANICS

*FITNESS EQUIPMENT

TECHNICIAN 1966 Wantagh Ave, Wantagh 516-781-6100 info@brandscycle.com

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

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

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

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

Positions Available! Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must.

Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

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

- $27/ Hour

Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

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

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

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

OUTSIDE SALES

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

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $20 per hour to $30 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com

RECEPTIONIST F/T

Valley Stream Subaru Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM Answer Phones, Light Clerical $17.00/Hour, Benefits, 401K Call Therese 516-825-8700

RECEPTIONIST/ P/T: SEASONAL, Warm, Friendly, Excellent People Skills, Office Work/ Customer Service. $17-$24/ Hr. Beach Club. 516-239-2150 SEWING MACHINE OPERATOR/

HomesHERALD

Rare Beachfront Gem

I don’t have a permit yet, but I do have an impatient contractor

Q. I have been through a year of permits. My architect warned me it could take this long, but I didn’t believe them. My neighbor did the same addition and told me it would only take a few weeks for a permit, but then I learned they didn’t even get permits, and I’m really wondering if I should have done the same thing. I follow your column and can now attest to what you’ve been saying. We had to get a zoning variance, and it took many, many months certainly not a few weeks. Now we’re right at the end, and I’ve been assured by the building department that we’re “almost there.” Funny thing is, I still don’t have a permit, and my contractor is ready to move on to another project if we don’t start now. Should I just get started, to keep my contractor, knowing I’ll have the permit soon, or will there be problems if I do?

A. Getting started ahead of having a permit in hand is problematic. A licensed professional should never advise someone to deviate from an ordinance, law or building code. This issue ties directly into my last two columns about the New York state campaign to “Let Them Build.” Delays are costly. Between fuel increases and tariffs, every day makes a difference when it comes to the cost of construction.

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Building authorities won’t directly tell you that you could start without your permit, even if the permit is almost there. They do, however, have a method referred to as a “maintain” permit, where they recognize work that was already done and review it with an increased fee, in most cases. By doing so, they’re accommodating people to start construction without permits, even if they wouldn’t say so. It’s understandable that you feel you’re doing everything right, and shouldn’t be penalized for having done so, and therefore want to just start, already.

When you look over at your neighbor’s home, you may be compelled to follow their example, but remember, they, or some owner of that property in the future, will still have to file with building plans, even after the fact. When that happens, the building codes may have changed, or things that they did may not be compliant and will need reconstructing. This isn’t always the case, but when a professional is called to figure out what someone constructed and then to draw plans, after the fact, they find things that don’t always work out smoothly. It isn’t uncommon, when plans haven’t been reviewed and permitted, to find structure undersized, room sizes and ceiling heights smaller than allowed, not enough windows or the wrong-sized windows to meet light, ventilation and fire escape requirements, and more.

You’re doing this project the right way, and even though nobody will tell you that you can just start, there seem to be ways to condone your doing so.

Good luck!

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OPINIONS

The tumor was malignant — but then it was gone

Three years ago this week, I had what I’ve called my “unexpected medical adventure.” As I described to readers then, it was a life-altering experience with a very good ending.

It all began innocuously enough, with a routine endoscopy for acid reflux in the summer of 2017 by my gastroenterologist, Dr. Michael Barth. As expected, the procedure turned up nothing, and Barth simply prescribed a medication, which I took regularly. Over the next few years, I had few symptoms, and put off my fiveyear follow-up endoscopy.

Finally, at Barth’s insistence, I scheduled another endoscopy in March 2023. I had no concern. Just closing the loop. Just another test guys my age go through. Imagine my surprise when I woke up from the procedure and Barth told me that he’d found a protrusion in my stomach wall. While he thought it was benign, he recommended that I see Dr. Arvino Trini-

dade, a specialist at Northwell, who scheduled a biopsy at Long Island Jewish hospital.

Melissa Zimmerman, a retired Nassau County Police Department detective who’d been on my security detail when I was in Congress, offered to drive me and Rosemary to the hospital. Before I was taken into the operating room, Trinidade told me he thought there was nothing there. But when I woke up, he told me there was a tumor, and it was probably malignant. Four days later, Barth and Trinidade called to confirm it. But they were confident of a good outcome, and told me the surgery would be done at LIJ by Dr. Matthew Weiss, a premier cancer surgeon.

IWABC-AM studios in Manhattan and attended a political dinner at King Umberto’s in Elmont. I told almost nobody about the upcoming surgery. With a day to go, I began a liquid diet, with Jell-O being the closest thing to solid food.

’ve become more aware of those who receive more severe diagnoses than mine.

That afternoon, Weiss called and told me I should be confident of complete success. He casually told me to “enjoy the weekend.” That evening, Rosemary and I had dinner at an Italian restaurant in Manhattan with Zimmerman and her husband, Lance.

The following week, I had appointments at Northwell, saw my cardiologist in Manhattan to get his sign-off on the operation, did several radio shows at the

Early Monday morning, Zimmerman again drove us to the hospital. By 6:30 I was ready for showtime. Lying on a gurney with an intravenous tube in my arm, I was wheeled into the operating room, a science fiction-style enclosure crowded with doctors, nurses, bright lights and a table filled with knives and scissors. An epidural was painlessly inserted in my spine, and an anesthesia mask placed over my face.

The next thing I knew, I was in the recovery room, and Rosemary was telling me that Weiss said that all had gone well. I had no significant pain — unless I moved or reached for something. Each day the pain receded, and I was able to walk a little more. When I was discharged the following Saturday, I walked from the hospital to the car.

At home I was able to eat regularly, felt nothing more than soreness at the

incision site and, after a week or so, was outside, walking a few more blocks each day. As the doctors had predicted, all follow-up tests showed complete success. I recounted much of this to readers at the time. Now, having had three years to reflect and put it all in perspective, I appreciate more than ever how fortunate I’ve been: Barth urging me to get the “routine” endoscopy; Trindade and Weiss being ultimate professionals; and having strong family support from Rosemary; my son, Sean; my daughter, Erin; and my sister, Barbara, who’s a nurse. There were also the friends who took the time to visit me in the hospital or call to wish me luck.

I’ve also become increasingly aware of the many people who receive much more severe diagnoses than I had, which do not end well. I was also fortunate to have access to outstanding medical care at a first-rate hospital. (To the naysayers and critics, I didn’t have any congressional or federal health insurance.) I’m also grateful that I broke loose from the traditional Irish suspicion and distrust of doctors and hospitals. Yes, I’m a lucky guy!

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

Trying desperately to avoid the stress of TV news

These nearly two months of war in Iran have me, and countless others, more on edge than we have ever been. The idea that a conflict in the Middle East could become World War III is very unsettling. When a war is that far away and the parties themselves have a long history of bickering, our lives become unsettled, and we need diversions.

To blot out the talking heads on Fox, MS Now and CNN, I found myself looking for other distractions beyond my work as a government-affairs specialist. I watched some sports events, tuning to NCAA baskeball’s Final Four, hoping to relax. To my surprise, those games could ruin your sleep if you watched every upset. I was rooting for St. John’s, and when the junior point guard Dylan Darling sank a driving, buzzer-beating layup to beat Kansas and send the Red Storm to their first Sweet 16 in 27 years,

I almost fell off my chair.

A lot of the other games had surprise endings, and when the final ended with a Michigan victory, I realized that watching the tournament wasn’t the best way to avoid nail-biting. So I turned to other sports, and anything that would distract me from all the news about the Israelis killing Iranian leaders one by one. I got some initial relief watching a women’s pro hockey game between New York Sirens and the Seattle Torrent at Madison Square Garden. It was nice to watch a no-nonsense game that attracted a record crowd of 18,000 .

pages unnerved me, when he lavished praise on the recently ousted attorney general, Pam Bondi.

S t. John’s basketball. Women’s hockey. Testing Negative for Stupid — and more.

I also watched the women’s basketball national championship. There were quite a few nervous moments until the final game, when UCLA won its first national title.

Then I decided to do some casual reading, and started with Louisiana Sen. John Kennedy’s new book, titled “How to Test Negative for Stupid, And Why Washington Never Will.” Most of its 224 pages are a lot of fun, thanks to Kennedy’s folksy humor, but the last 30

Rather than move on to a new book, I turned my attention to my streaming television services, Netflix, Amazon and Hulu, in the hope of finding some feelgood movies. When I opened them up, they offered me such calming films as “Supernatural,” “Scream,” “Send Help,” “Sinners” and “The Substance.” I know there are other offerings, but most of the feel-good movies are old and I’ve already seen them. All my life, I’ve loved good comedy. I cherish the great old names like Jackie Mason, Henny Youngman, Buddy Hackett, Jerry Lewis, Jackie Gleason, George Carlin, Don Rickles and Lenny Bruce. Occasionally I stumble on one of these legends on Facebook, and try to share their comedy with people around me. Regrettably, there are no comedians these days that give me the same belly laughs that I got from those giants. My grandson in Los Angeles heads up a unit of Netflix that promotes a number of comedians, but I haven’t adapted to their new style.

So where do I go for some badly needed diversion? I’m a devout Knicks and Yankees fan, but there’s no way I can get a Knicks playoff ticket without paying big dollars. I love going to Yankees games, too, but their tickets are getting pricier, so I limit my purchases to no more than three games. I enjoy watching major golf tournaments, but sometimes you feel as if the announcers will put you to sleep with their commentary. I am looking forward to the U.S. Open in June, though.

Some of us are lucky to have hobbies that help us escape the pressures of today’s headlines. I love writing and making speeches, but neither lulls you into a peaceful state of mind. Short of moving to Antarctica, where I imagine you can avoid the daily news horrors, I’ll keep trying to find some other relaxing activity. I still watch TV for the weather reports, but goodbye to the other channels.

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.

Playground safety for kids requires vigilance

As spring returns and families stream back to neighborhood parks, playgrounds quickly reclaim their place as a focus of community life. They are where children test their limits, build confidence and simply enjoy being kids.

But beneath that joy lies a sobering reality: More than 200,000 children, according to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, are injured on playgrounds each year in the United States — many in ways that are preventable.

That’s why National Playground Safety Week, April 20-24, should be treated as more than a symbolic observance. It is a necessary prompt for parents, caregivers, schools and local officials to refocus on safety as playground use surges.

Playgrounds were never meant to be spaces for careless behavior. In fact, they were created with safety and development in mind. In the 19th century, educators such as Friedrich Fröbel promoted the idea of structured play as essential to childhood growth, helping to instill cooperation, coordination and social skills.

As cities grew more crowded and streets more dangerous with the rise of motor vehicles, playgrounds became protected environments where children could play away from traffic and other hazards. Early efforts by civic groups and park advocates helped establish designated play areas as a public safety measure — a mission that still resonates today.

Your opinion Matters

The strength of our community comes from open dialogue.

The strength of our community comes from open dialogue.

We invite residents to submit letters to the editor on issues affecting our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government.

The strength of our community comes from open dialogue. We invite residents to submit letters to the editor on issues affecting our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government.

In the U.S., the Outdoor Recreation League funded the building of playgrounds on parkland after newspapers reported on the high number of children run down by cars in New York. One of the first recreational areas in America was built in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park in 1887.

Yet even within these safer spaces, risks remain — especially after months of winter wear and limited use. Equipment may have loosened, surfaces can degrade, and aging structures may no longer meet modern safety standards.

The playgrounds’ young users, meanwhile, return with pent-up energy, eager to climb higher and move faster than conditions safely allow. Caregivers often distracted by cell phones only add to the challenge.

Preventing injuries doesn’t require diminishing the joy of play, but does require managing the environment around it. The National Program for Play Area Safety is a nonprofit organization that emphasizes practical, researchbased strategies that communities can adopt. Chief among them is active, attentive supervision. Its “ABC” model — Anticipating hazards, Behaving in ways that guide safe play and Considering the unique needs of each playground — makes clear that safety is not passive. It is intentional.

The program builds on a 30-year initiative started at the University of Northern Iowa to help communities and organizations ensure safe, high-quality

playgrounds. It promotes best practices grounded in research, guidelines and standards while collaborating with agencies at the local, state, national and international levels.

Equally important is age-appropriate design. When younger children use equipment meant for older users, the risk of falls and misuse increases. Clear guidance and thoughtful layout can help families make safer choices without limiting exploration.

Communities must also prioritize proper surfacing and regular inspections, particularly in early spring. What lies beneath a child’s feet can determine whether a fall results in a minor scrape or a serious injury.

Safety extends further still. Accessibility ensures that all children can benefit from outdoor play, while attention to thermal comfort — such as shaded areas and heat-safe materials — helps protect children from high temperatures.

National Playground Safety Week offers a timely reminder, but it should also serve as a starting point. The original purpose of playgrounds — to give children a safe place to grow, learn and play — demands ongoing attention.

A quick inspection, a watchful eye and a renewed awareness can go a long way. With thoughtful action at the start of the season, communities can ensure that playgrounds remain what they were always meant to be: spaces of safe discovery, not preventable harm.

We invite residents to submit letters to the editor on issues affecting our neighborhoods, schools, businesses and local government.

Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com

Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com

Be heard. Be part of the conversation.

Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com

Be heard. Be part of the conversation.

Be heard. Be part of the conversation.

LLong Island’s ‘hidden workforce’ has visible needs

ong Island’s “hidden workforce” of family caregivers faces very visible challenges. The term is frequently used to describe family caregivers who, while not employed by our health care system, play a critical role in it. They don’t wear uniforms or ID badges, but this massive workforce of more than 329,000 Long Islanders provides over 307 million hours of unpaid care, valued at $5.7 billion, per year, according to AARP New York data released in February. Nationally, nearly one in four American adults provided ongoing care to an adult or child with a complex medical condition or disability in the past year, a 2025 report, by AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving, found. Almost 25 percent of those people reported giving more than 40 hours of care per week, the equivalent of a full-time job, for free. Taking on the unpaid labor of love of caring for a family member can be both extremely rewarding and enormously straining. Emotionally, caregivers may struggle with stress, anxiety, guilt and social isolation. Physically, they may

FRAMEWORK by

increase their own health risks with the stress and exhaustion of helping loved ones with daily activities they can no longer manage alone.

Financially, that can cause hardships such as reduced work hours, loss of employment or new debt to cover care-related expenses, especially for middleaged people balancing their caregiving responsibilities with the demands of jobs and raising children.

Like all workers, family caregivers need breaks, but they frequently forgo their own needs to prioritize someone else’s. Repeatedly making this sacrifice, while well-intended, is ultimately detrimental for both them and their loved ones. Self-care is a necessity, not a luxury.

When it comes to caregiving, Rosalynn Carter couldn’t have said it better.

The workload is even greater for the 60,000-plus Long Island families caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s or another dementia-related illness. Roughly 80 percent of people living with dementia receive care at home, primarily from unpaid family members. Along with assisting with medication management, bathing, dressing, transportation, meal preparation and financial oversight, dementia family caregivers also face unique challenges caused by the disease’s impact on a person’s memory, behavior and independence. Sufferers may forget who their loved ones are, manifest personality changes like agitation, aggression and hallucinations, and wander from safety. Their caregivers face higher risks of anxiety, depression, burnout and declining quality of life.

Tim Baker

One of the most important things caregivers can do is take advantage of support resources. The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers free caregiver support groups at its AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center in Amityville, where people caring for loved ones with dementia can connect and share with others who are going through similar experiences. Caregivers can learn more and register by calling the Center at (631) 223-4000. AFA also has a free Helpline — (866) 232-8484 — that provides caregiver support seven days a week.

Nassau and Suffolk counties’ Offices for the Aging are available to provide support and guidance to family caregivers about local, state and federal assistance programs. Local nonprofit organizations, libraries and religious institutions often have caregiver services available, which can include support groups, educational and training pro-

grams or financial assistance.

Finally, don’t be afraid, reluctant or embarrassed to ask for, or accept, help. Seeking help is a sign of neither weakness nor failure; it is an essential step toward sustaining the ability to care for a loved one. Other relatives or friends are often eager to help but don’t know exactly how; embrace these offers and explain specific things that would be helpful, such as spending time with the person so you can run errands, assisting with meals or providing transportation. Offering options allows the volunteer to decide what they are comfortable doing, while ensuring that it’s something that will be helpful.

If you know someone who’s a family caregiver, check in on them periodically and offer your help. Seemingly little things can make an enormous difference.

Former first lady Rosalynn Carter, a lifelong caregiver advocate, once said, “There are only four kinds of people in the world: those who have been caregivers, those who are caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” Her words reinforce the crucial need to support and prioritize Long Island’s “hidden workforce” that all of us will either be part of or depend on one day.

Charles J. Fuschillo Jr. is president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America and a Merrick resident.

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