Alyssa
R.
Pacemakers Joanne Wolfring, 63, left, Susan Avery, 65, Pam Abikaram, 69, Sandy Russell, 75, and Phyllis Bogart, 79, showed that you’re never too old, as they danced with the Rockville Centre Homemakers, displaying their birth years with pride.
Pacemakers show age is no limit with high-energy routines
By AlYSSA R. GRIFFIN
agriffin@liherald.com
The Pacemakers, a dance team for seniors, brought energy, movement and a message of empowerment to the Rockville Centre Recreation Center last week, partnering with the Rockville Centre Homemakers to inspire older residents to stay active and embrace aging with confidence.
Residents from around the area gathered on March 24 to get their groove on alongside the women, who are determined to show that growing older is anything but limiting.
Members of the Pacemakers guided attendees through a variety of dance moves, encouraging them to let loose and have fun.
“We will be dancing to ‘We’re Not Gonna Take It,’ by Twisted Sister,” Maryann Grandazza, co-president
Continued on PAge 11
By AlYSSA R. GRIFFIN & BRIAN KACHARABA of the Herald
Rockville Centre school officials have restored two teaching positions in the proposed 2026-27 budget in response to community feedback, while maintaining most previously planned reductions to help close a multimillion-dollar spending gap.
The revised proposal, presented March 26 at a Board of Education public work session at South Side High School, takes into account updated enrollment projections in adding back one elementary teach-
ing position and one speech teacher tied to the transition from Committee on Preschool Special Education services to Committee on Special Education.
District Superintendent Matthew Gaven explained that the elementary position is a second-grade teacher at Jennie E. Hewitt Elementary School, added after a 26th student enrolled March 20, triggering the need for another class section.
“We generally aim for 25 students in a classroom,” Gaven said. “When you reach 26, we typically have to split a section.”
The initial budget gap of roughly $6 million has been reduced to about $3.2 million after retirements, staffing adjustments and other cost-saving measures.
Earlier proposals called for the elimination of 24.2 teaching positions — including 22 excessed roles — along with 40 teaching-assistant positions. Those reductions, combined with 12 teacher retirements, account for nearly $3 million in savings from teaching positions and about $950,000 from teaching assistants.
The cuts include two teachers each in math and social studies, and one each in English
Language Arts, science, art and physical education, along with several world language, academic intervention services and positions in STELLAR, a program supporting students in technology, enrichment, literacy, library studies and research. Separate special-education staffing changes include a reduction of 7.8 teaching posi -
tions tied to retirements and program needs.
The plan drew sharp criticism from residents at a meeting on March 12, particularly over the potential impact on small-group instruction, special-education services and overall classroom support.
Officials said the remaining
Continued on PAge 13
By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com
The Mary Ruchalski Foundation is preparing to host its sixth annual Mary 5K, continuing its mission to raise awareness and funds in the fight against pediatric cancer while bringing the community together in support of families facing the disease.
The event has become a meaningful tradition for the foundation, drawing strong participation from local residents and running clubs. This mix of participants helps create a lively, inclusive atmosphere while expanding awareness of the foundation’s mission.
“What I like about it is that a lot of RVC people in our community come to the event,” Carol Ruchalski, the mother of the late Mary Ruchalski and the foundation’s creator, said. “It’s nice to have a wide variety of people come out to run in support of the foundation.”
Each year, the 5K attracts between 200 and 300 runners, with more than 300 participants attending last year’s event. In addition to the main race, a children’s race makes the event especially family friendly.
“I believe last year we had over 300 runners,” Ruchalski said. “We did so well, and we have a kids’ race, so that’s fun.”
mize the impact of donations.
Beyond fundraising, the 5K serves as an opportunity to bring people together in support of children and families facing pediatric cancer while honoring Mary’s legacy.
Participants like Bryan Brady of Roslyn Heights are preparing for the race alongside family members.
“I’m looking forward to seeing people come out, seeing Fran and Carol,” Brady said. “But especially seeing the young people — those who knew Mary. It’s good to see them.”
The event’s energy and shared purpose — from seasoned runners to young children — have made the Mary 5K one of the foundation’s most anticipated gatherings each year.
The race will take place at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow on April 11, with check-in beginning at 8 a.m. Participants will receive complimentary bottled water, access to live race results via text or email, and free finish-line photos.
Raffles will also be held, and all registered participants will be entered for a chance to win a $100 American Express gift card.
Local students, particularly from South Side High School, play a key role in supporting the event, with teams participating as both runners and volunteers.
The foundation hopes to raise about $5,000 through this year’s race — hitting 5K for the 5K.
“We usually get a lot of kids from South Side High School who support us,” she said. “Various teams come out.”
A returning sponsor, the Talbot family, has once again provided race T-shirts, helping offset costs and maxi -
As the foundation prepares for another strong turnout, organizers say the goal remains the same: to bring people together, honor Mary’s memory, and continue the fight against pediatric cancer.
For more information and to sign up, visit Events.EliteFeats.com/26Ruchalski.
By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com
William F. Murphy, former bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, died at age 85 on Mar. 26.
“Bishop Murphy was widely respected for his expertise in Vatican diplomacy and international relations and was deeply committed to ecumenical and interfaith dialogue,” Most Reverend John O. Barres, Bishop of Rockville Centre, said in a statement. “With a gift for friendship, he generously mentored many priests and bishops and championed the apostolate of the laity and their vital role in the public square.”
Murphy served as the fourth bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre from 2001 until his retirement in 2017, leading one of the largest Catholic dioceses in the United States.
Born in Boston in 1940, Murphy was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Boston in 1970 and later earned advanced degrees in theology and education, including a doctorate from the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
Before coming to Long Island, Murphy held a variety of leadership roles within the Catholic Church. He served as rector of the Pontifical North American College in Rome, where he helped oversee the formation of future priests, and later as an auxiliary bishop in Boston. He was known for his academic background, pastoral approach, and involvement in national Catholic organizations, including the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Appointed by Pope John Paul II, Murphy became bishop of Rockville Centre in 2001. During his tenure, he focused on strengthening Catholic education, promoting vocations to the priesthood, and expanding outreach efforts across Long Island. He emphasized the importance of evangelization and worked to engage both practicing Catholics and those less connected to the Church.
Murphy’s leadership also coincided with a period of significant challenges for the Church, including addressing clergy sexual abuse cases and implementing reforms aimed at accountability and healing. He supported the U.S. bishops’ Charter for the Protection of Children and Young People and worked to improve policies within the diocese.
After retiring in 2017, Murphy remained active in Church life while stepping back from administrative responsibilities.
His tenure is remembered for its combination of pastoral leadership, educational focus, and efforts to guide the diocese through both growth and difficult transitions.
“His faithful service leaves a lasting legacy on Long Island and throughout the universal Church,” Barres said in the statement. “As we pray for the repose of Bishop Murphy’s soul, we give thanks for his devoted episcopal ministry and enduring witness of faith. May
Since
in
he rest in the peace of Christ.”
With the Catholic university located within the village, Murphy had a longstanding relationship with Molloy University. He served on Molloy’s Board of Trustees, providing leadership and supporting its commitment to academic excellence, service, and the Dominican tradition, while remaining an active and encouraging presence in the campus community.
“Bishop Murphy served the diocese with dedication for many years, and during that time, he developed a meaningful connection with Molloy and its mission,” James Lentini, president of Molloy, said. “His impact will be remem-
bered with appreciation and respect.”
As people gathered at St. Agnes Cathedral at the beginning of Holy Week, a prayer to Mary, mother of Jesus, was offered for Murphy’s soul.
Residents near and far were saddened to hear of his death, including Teresa Truncale of Malverne. “It’s sad,” she said. “My children went to St. Agnes and then Kellenberg.”
The public is welcome to attend the funeral arrangements on Apr. 6 and 7 to gather in prayer at the Cathedral of St. Agnes as Murphy enters into eternal life. Public viewing will be Monday from 2 to 6:30 p.m. and Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Walter P. Kellenberg 1957-1976
John R. McGann 1976-2000
James T. McHugh 2000
William F. Murphy 2001-2017
John O. Barres 2017 to present
On March 23, the administrator of a Maine Avenue rehab facility reported receiving numerous phone calls from an unknown caller of a lewd and inappropriate nature.
On March 24, a 91-year-old female resident of North Centre Avenue was discovered deceased in her apartment.
On March 25, the assistant manager of U-Haul on Maple Avenue reported a trailer was missing from their yard.
ported that she was in a motor vehicle accident on Hempstead Avenue and the other vehicle fled the scene.
On March 23, 25 pounds of household pharmaceuticals were removed from the drug box at police headquarters and destroyed.
On March 25, a North Centre Avenue resident reported multiple fraudulent ATM withdrawals totaling over $2,000.
On March 28, a North Baldwin resident reported several fraudulent ATM transactions at various Citibank locations.
On March 26, a South Kensington Avenue resident reported that his wallet was stolen from his vehicle in the driveway.
On March 29, a Lincoln Avenue resident reported fraudulent transactions on her EBT card.
On March 26, a Broadway resident reported that his wallet was stolen from his unlocked vehicle in his driveway.
On March 23, a Deer Park resident re-
On March 23, John Almanza, 24, of Rockville Centre was arrested and charged with assault after an altercation in his residence.
People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.
The Rockville Centre 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
March 22 – March 29
General Alarms – 11
Still Alarms – 8
Rescue – 5
Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 59
Mutual Aid Fire – 1
Mutual Aid Rescue – 0
Mutual Aid Ambulance – 2
Total – 86
have questions, please visit any firehouse on Sunday mornings and speak with one of the officers or call (516) 6789320. For emergencies dial 911 or (516) 766-0400.
Year To Date
General Alarms – 143
Still Alarms – 73
Rescue – 55
Aided Cases (Ambulance) – 606
Mutual Aid Fire – 26
Mutual Aid Rescue – 0
Mutual Aid Ambulance – 3
Total – 906
By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com
Two South Side High School juniors are turning their love of animals and respect for service members into meaningful community impact through the school’s Pets for Vets club.
Jake Bivona and Daniel DiGiovanna, co-presidents and co-founders of the club, have been volunteering with the nonprofit Paws of War since eighth grade. What began as a middle school community service project has grown into an organized high school effort that raises funds and awareness for veterans, first responders and Gold Star families.
“Initially, we used the foundation for a community service project in the eighth grade that we had to do,” Bivona said. “We picked it because we all like to own dogs and most of us, like someone who served in the military, so we thought it was just a good fit to help. Once we got to high school, we thought starting a club would be beneficial because one, it would help the foundation a lot because like over the last few years, we’ve raised over almost $6,000 for them. So, we’ve grown to help them.”
The club, advised by teacher Daniel Mullin and supported by school administrators including Principal Patrick Walsh and Assistant Principal Benjamin Moss, has steadily expanded since its founding. Membership has grown
from just a handful of students to roughly 20 to 30 participants, reflecting increasing interest in the cause.
On March 23, the club hosted a special visit from marine veteran Mike Kilano of Paws of War, who brought along a service dog named Lucy and her veteran owner Gary O’Rourke. During the presentation, students learned about the organization’s mission to rescue and train dogs — many from shelters or overseas — and pair them with veterans at no cost.
“Yeah, they basically take dogs and service animals from places like abusive shelters and battlefields where they may have been left behind because the military actually doesn’t take the dogs that
they use in service back home with them,” DiGiovanna said.
Lucy demonstrated her training and interacted with students, offering a firsthand look at the role service animals play in supporting veterans both physically and emotionally.
The event also marked a milestone for the club’s fundraising efforts. Bivona and DiGiovanna presented Kilano with a $450 check, along with donated supplies for the organization’s Nesconset facility valued at approximately $1,500. In total, the club has raised more than $5,500 for Paws of War through bake sales, food drives and community donations.
“It was super cool to have those two
people who are actually a part of the foundation to come out to the school and tell all the people in our club what they actually do,” DiGiovanna said. “It got everybody really enthusiastic about our club. Hearing the veterans talk about their life experience and showing them what they do with their dogs and how they run their own system. It was a super inspiring experience.”
Beyond fundraising, the co-founders say the club’s mission is to educate their peers about the importance of service dogs and the support they provide to veterans and their families. Looking ahead, they hope to continue growing the club and ensuring its mission carries on after they graduate.
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
The Hofstra baseball team is looking to take flight in the heart of spring after it was largely grounded to open the season in the dead of winter.
After opening the 2026 season with a three-game series at then fourth-ranked Mississippi State from Feb. 13-15, the Pride were only able to play three games over the next three weeks as mother nature unleashed historic snow totals across the Long Island region.
“You count on those early games to be able to evaluate the team and see where we’re going into conference play,” said fifth-year Hofstra head coach Frank Catalanotto. “It’s tough to replicate that when you’re inside in the gym or in the bubble.”
Playing just six games in the first three weeks of the season didn’t give Hofstra much preparation before starting the critical Coastal Athletic Association (CAA) portion of its schedule on March 6 at College of Charleston. The Pride took one of three games in series at Charleston and Monmouth to open conference play before taking two of three against Northeastern last weekend to move to 4-5 entering April.
Hofstra is looking to reach the sixteam CAA tournament with 21 returners from last year’s disappointing 18-36 team that went 8-19 in the league to miss out on the postseason. The Pride can assure a CAA playoff spot by placing among the top two in the league’s north division featuring Monmouth, Northeastern, Stony Brook and Towson or by having one of the two highest NCAA RPI ratings at the end of the regular season for the remaining teams.
Leading Hofstra’s charge for some late May baseball is red-shirt senior center fielder Tyler Cox, who hit .276 last season after transferring from West Virginia. The local lefty product from Clarke High School is second on the team in hitting as of March 30 with a .304 average and four home runs.
“He’s probably my best hitter in the
lineup and his approach has gotten better as lately he’s been more aggressive in hitting counts,” said Catalanotto of Cox. “He’s a leader on the team.”
Junior shortstop Michael Brown who leads the Pride in hitting with a .361 average and two home runs. Brown drove in the winning run in Hofstra’s 5-4 11 inning win against Northeastern on March 27.
Sophomore catcher CJ Griggs entered the final week of March hitting .304 and recording the winning RBI in a dramatic 11-10 win against Northeastern Sunday in which the Pride rallied for four runs in the bottom of the ninth.
JJ DeVito, a graduate student transfer from St. Johns, who was a former standout at Wantagh High School, has added some offensive punch to the lineup with a .268 average including four hits in a 5-4 loss at Charleston on March 8.
The pitching staff got a boost to start the season with the return of 2024 First-
Team All-CAA honoree Carlos Martinez, who missed last season due to Tommy John surgery. Martinez missed some early non-league action as he worked his way back from injury and Catalano is hoping he can peak during the crucial CAA portion of the schedule in April and May.
“He was struggling a little bit early with some pain in his arm, but now he’s feeling close to 100 percent,” said Catalanotto of Matinez.
The starting rotation for weekend CAA games also features sophomore Chris Bedford and senior Sean Hamilton. Key hurlers out of the bullpen include Nick Reese, Deuce Musial, Maddon McArthur, Tanner Sanderoff and Brayden Gregg.
Sophomore Michael Heyman, a Hewlett High School graduate, is another relief pitching option who could be called upon in non-league midweek games this season.
The Pride will look to get the April part of their CAA schedule off on the right foot with a series at Towson this weekend before hosting Long Island rival Stony Brook for three games from April 10-12. Hofstra will host series against Towson from May 1-3 and Monmouth from May 8 -10 before closing the regular season at Stony Brook.
Hofstra dug itself an early hole to gain a playoff spot by dropping four of six CAA games to start the season, but taking two of three from Northeastern gives the Pride a winning foundation to build off with plenty more conference games left to finish strong.
“There are a lot of games left and we’ve got to go take care of business,” said Catalanotto, a former 14-year Major League Baseball player who led Hofstra to a CAA title in his season as head coach in 2022. “We’ve got the talent to do it.”
each year, as winter fades and warmth re-enters the world, we find ourselves drawn outside more often. For me, this is sometimes quite literal—my kids pulling at my pant leg to get us to the playground—but often I recognize it as something deeper.
There is something quietly healing about that first warm breeze, the return of color to the trees, and the feeling of sunlight on our faces after months of gray. It’s not just pleasant; it feels almost necessary. It is as if something within us has been waiting for this moment.
In the Jewish tradition, this seasonal shift is both honored and sacred. Passover, one of the central holidays of the Jewish calendar, is known in Hebrew as “chag ha’aviv”— the festival of spring. While Passover commemorates the biblical story of the Israelites’ journey from slavery to freedom, it is also intentionally aligned with this time of year. The Hebrew calendar is even adjusted to ensure that the holiday always falls in the spring. Why is that? The Jewish mystical tradition offers a beautiful answer. The story told on Passover—of an ancient people enslaved and oppressed, moving from darkness to light, from constriction and hardship back to life—is also a story embedded in the natural world itself.
feeling with symbolic action. The preparation for Passover includes an intense, and sometimes overwhelming, ritual of cleaning (from which my sweat is still drying). We switch our dishes and remove all traces of leavened food, or chametz. While on the surface this is about dietary laws and ancient customs, beneath it lies a powerful symbolic message that speaks to all of us.
Passover—and spring itself—is an invitation to clear space not only in our homes, but within ourselves. It asks us to pause and reflect: What has accumulated in us over the past year? What feels heavy, cluttered, or stuck? What might we be ready to release?
In that sense, Passover speaks to something universal. We all understand the need, from time to time, to reset—to let go of what no longer serves us and make room for something new. During this season, I often encourage people to do something simple and deeply human: step outside. Take a walk, or simply sit in the sun. Breathe deeply and notice the quiet miracle of renewal happening all around you.
When we allow that returning light to reach us—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—we open the door to our own renewal. We begin to remember that even in difficult seasons, even when life feels heavy or uncertain, the possibility of growth and change is never gone.
Dear Brothers and Sisters: Happy Easter to you and your families!
This Easter Sunday, Easter Octave, Divine Mercy Sunday and Easter Season we continue to pray and contemplate our Lord’s Resurrection appearances, and we give thanks for Pope Leo XIV and his worldwide spirit of Catholic mission.
In his Cycle of Catechesis on the Resurrection of Christ, Pope Leo writes: “The Resurrection of Jesus Christ is an event that one never finishes contemplating and meditating on, and the more one explores it, the more one is filled with wonder, drawn in as if by an overwhelming yet fascinating light. It was an explosion of life and joy that changed the meaning of reality itself, from negative to positive; yet it did not happen in a striking way, much less a violent one, but gently, hidden, one might say humbly.”
much sadness in the world - “a feeling of precariousness, at times profound desperation.” We think especially of the daily crosses and trials of those from war-torn and violence-ridden areas of the world.
Pope Leo recognizes that there is
Spring is, quite literally, a season of liberation. The days grow brighter, and life begins to stir anew. Even our bodies respond: the added sunlight lifts our spirits, increases our energy, and gently nudges us back toward hope. What we experience outside mirrors something deeply human within us—a longing to emerge, to begin again, and to truly feel alive.
In Jewish homes, we associate this
Spring reminds us of this essential truth, and so does the message of Passover. Even when the seasons grow dark and cold, there is always a force gently drawing us back toward the light.
I wish you all a holiday season filled with renewal, hope, and peace.
David J. Lerner is the rabbi at Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David in Rockville Centre.
The Holy Father then reflects on the despair of the two disciples on the Road to Emmaus. Their hearts burn and their joy is restored as the Risen Lord explains the scriptures to them and they recognize him in the breaking of the bread. In this way, the Paschal Mystery gives us hope and strength in every trial and circumstance.
May the light of the risen Christ illumine with God in heaven our path to holiness on earth and our path to eternal life and happiness
Sincerely yours in the Risen Lord, Most Reverend John O. Barres
The Most Reverend John O. Barres is the Bishop of the Diocese of Rockville Centre.
By Allyson Ferr Ari & Chris ColuCCi of the Herald
Fifth installment in a series about water.
Water is a business.
Advocates argue that water is a basic human right. It’s also a product, provided for a cost and purchased by consumers. Whether filling a 40-ounce water bottle, taking a long, relaxing shower or running the tap for two minutes of teeth-brushing, water consumption is an often overlooked part of our everyday lives.
Like other expenses considered essential for life such as food, electricity and a Wi-Fi signal, the water bill is a recurring payment. And just like other utilities, residents sometimes have limited options for their service provider.
Long Island residents are served by either public water districts or private water suppliers and, depending on location, some pay significantly more for the same basic necessity — often with little or no ability to choose their provider. While a majority receive water from public providers, a smaller portion of the population is served by private companies, often at higher cost.
The dollars and cents
When their water bill comes in, many ratepayers feel a sharp pain in the wallet. Costs can fluctuate based not only on how much they use, but what they use it for.
Several water districts estimate that the average use for a family of four is nearly 400 gallons per day. In some cases, especially in private service areas, water bills can range from $500 to $800 per month during peak summer periods, according to longtime advocate Agatha Nadel, a resident of Glen Head.
Pricing differs sharply between public and private water systems. According to Pamela Bellings, a communications specialist at Liberty Water, “Residential water rates are set through a regulatory process overseen by the New York Public Service Commission.”
“Rates are designed to recover the cost of operating, maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure while ensuring service remains safe and reliable,” Bellings said of how Liberty determines its residential rates.
“Rates do not fluctuate month to month, but they may change over time following regulatory review and approval,” she added. These proposed changes require detailed justification and include opportunities for public input before a decision is made, which helps balance customer affordability with the need to maintain and modernize critical water infrastructure, according to Liberty.
Critics argue that despite regulatory oversight, the structure of private water systems can lead to significantly higher costs due to general service charges, meter charges, regulatory charges and other fees.
Public water suppliers typically pro-
vide a standard water usage rate, a conservation rate — a type of sliding scale applying higher fees to higher use, intended to encourage judicious water use — and an irrigation fee for dedicated sprinkler systems, which are presumed to be relatively lower priority than consumption.
“We feel water is a basic need. You need it for drinking, cooking and bathing,” said Robert McEvoy, chairman of the Oyster Bay Water District.
“Once you get past that, whether you’re putting 15,000 gallons on your lawn in the course of a quarter or you’re drinking every last drop, it has to meet the same standards, health-wise. We have to treat all our water the same way.”
“Water districts are determined or created as part of town law,” McEvoy explained. “A lot of the boundaries preexist the Nassau Subdivisions Act and the Nassau County charter — when they were established. Some of them run sort of coterminous with school district lines.”
of about 9.75 percent per project by the New York Public Service Commission, and that can rise to as much as 12 to 15 percent.
While treatment standards remain consistent for public safety, pricing can vary significantly depending on the provider. In some towns, prices may even vary between houses on the same block due to water zoning boundaries or the homeowners’ use of private or public water supplies.
Nadel’s residence, for example, is in the Liberty Water service area, while homes just 100 feet away are served by the public Jericho Water District.
“My neighbor pays a fifth of what I pay in an entire year,” Nadel said. “No taxes, no surcharges, nothing.”
Pricing differences, advocates say, are driven largely by the structure of private systems, which include profit margins and surcharges and have limited access to the government funding that public providers rely on to offset costs.
Residents in a private system can pay three to five times more than those served by public water providers, according to Nadel. Private water companies are guaranteed a baseline profit
According to Nadel, a four-year rate cycle in the mid-2010s brought an increase of about 120 percent, significantly driving up household water costs. A major issue voiced by private water customers is the amount they pay in fees added to their water bills, which typically include base usage rates and additional charges such as taxes and surcharges. In some cases, nearly half of the bill is not for water usage. Surcharges can include the cost of infrastructure projects such as filtration systems, water towers and other capital improvements.
“It’s an absolute sin,” Nadel said of the surcharges. “Forty-one percent of a typical water bill goes to charges and taxes that have nothing to do with the actual water usage. It really is an absolute sin.”
Public vs. private water suppliers
While most Long Island homeowners rely on public water services from their local municipality, private water suppliers may be an option for certain service areas. Liberty Water is one of the area’s
Continued from PreViouS PAGe
largest private alternatives, currently supplying water to nearly 120,000 Nassau residents, primarily in the Town of Hempstead. A homeowner who wants an alternative to either public or private water suppliers would need to install and maintain a private well, subject to local and state requirements.
“For most customers, remaining connected to a regulated public water system provides reliability, water quality oversight and long-term infrastructure support,” Bellings said.
As a result, most Long Islanders continue to receive water service from the provider assigned to their area, even if they are dissatisfied with it. Because water is tied to geographic districts, homeowners typically cannot choose their provider.
As a matter of public safety, water suppliers — public and private — must adhere to state and federal guidelines to monitor and remove waterborne contaminants. “Private suppliers have the same health department and [Department of Environmental Conservation] requirements — federal, state and local requirements for pure water,” McEvoy said. “They have the same maximum contaminant levels for the same contaminants. Their testing requirements are the same as us, whether it’s a public or a private water supplier.”
McEvoy has decades of experience in the water industry, having previously served as chairman of the Long Island Water Conference and president of the Nassau Suffolk Water Commissioners’ Association — both organizations dedicated to ensuring water quality, safety and affordability across the Island.
Nadel explained that the Water Authority of North Shore has two main options to deliver public water: build and operate its own system or contract with an existing public provider. In her own research with North Shore Concerned Citizens, she has concluded that contracting with nearby systems — such as Jericho, Glen Cove, or Roslyn — would be the fastest and most practical approach because those providers already have infrastructure in place.
Long Island’s water systems are interconnected, allowing supplies to be rerouted during emergencies such as contamination events or periods of high demand, demonstrating that a transition from private to public supply may be feasible. Nadel said the shift would not be overly complex, but rather a matter of political will.
Homeowners having scant options is an issue on both shores, but potential alternatives have been considered for several years. The South Nassau Water Authority was created in 2021 to potentially offer Town of Hempstead residents an alternative to Liberty Water. A plan to establish a new water authority and create a sustainable, efficient and effective alternative to Liberty has been in the works for years. Residents and legislators are eager to move forward, but negotiations to transition away from the current water supply are complex and have moved slowly.
“Right now, the options are very limited,” explained Assemblywoman Judy Griffin, who represents District 21, which encompasses Baldwin, East Rockaway, Lynbrook, Malverne, Rockville Centre, South Hempstead and parts of Freeport and Valley Stream. “Residents that live in the Village of Rockville Centre and the Village of Freeport have municipal water; however, those who live anywhere else in AD-21 are served by Liberty Water with no ability to opt out, unless the municipalization of South Nassau Water Authority becomes a reality. The primary goal being to transition these private customers to public control to lower costs.” Public funding for some, but not for others
“Strong communities start with a strong infrastructure,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a 2024 news release. “Clean water is a basic human right.”
Last month, Hochul announced a plan to direct $28 million in state and federal grants to Long Island to help facilitate water infrastructure upgrades. The
Customers who received water from Liberty utilities opposed a 2023 rate hike that potentially saw bills in nassau County increase by a cumulative 34.2 percent. the increase ultimately went into effect in August 2024.
If your water bill seems excessive, there are some relatively simple steps to pare it down.
20-minute shower with standard showerhead
Up to 50 gallons of water
15-minute shower with low-flow showerhead
Up to 30 gallons of water
5 loads of laundry, standard machine
Up to 200 gallons of water per week
4 loads of laundry, Energy Star-certified machine
Up to 115 gallons of water per week
Standard toilet with minor running leak
Up to 1.6 gallons per flush plus up to 180 gallons per week
EPA-verified WaterSense-label toilet
Up to 1.28 gallons per flush
funds are part of a $250 million statewide project to improve water infrastructure.
The plan follows similar financial support in January of this year, when Hochul sent $18 million to Long Island — one part of a $288 million project — with the similar aim of making water and sewer infrastructure improvements.
In a statement supporting the most recent funding, Village of Hempstead Mayor Waylyn Hobbs Jr. wrote, “We know that access to clean water is not a luxury, but it is a necessity.” Hobbs continued, “Upgrading our aging water system, replacing outdated pipes and improving the overall system is critical to protecting public health.”
The influx of funds can play a significant role in maintaining and upgrading anything from deteriorating equipment at water treatment plants to damaged
underground supply lines. As government agencies, water districts can benefit from funding directly from the state, while private businesses cannot. The trickledown effect, so to speak, of extra governmental funding is that cost savings can be passed to residents. More important, water quality and safety can be more easily maintained. Private suppliers address potential safety issues at their own expense, without state or federal aid.
“Currently they’re not available for private water companies,” McEvoy said. “But the Long Island Water Conference has put it on their agenda to seek legislation that would give them access [to public funds] only for treatment of the contaminants. Not for any other purpose.”
Due to the unequal funding for environmental upgrades, public water providers are in a stronger financial position to improve infrastructure and remove contaminants using state and federal funds, while private systems are excluded from receiving them — meaning costs are passed on to residents.
The Environmental Protection Agency requires community water systems — public and private — to publish “community confidence reports,” most commonly in the form of yearly water-quality reports that reveal test results for contaminants, as well as facts and figures detailing overall water consumption.
The Jericho Water District Annual Drinking Water Quality Report for 2024, for example, highlighted nearly 4.9 billion gallons of water provided to 58,000 customers, averaging 13.4 million gallons per day. Jericho Water charges a minimum of $13 per calendar quarter, at a rate of $1.30 per 1,000 gallons up to 10,000 gallons. Fees increase on a sliding scale with usage — similar to the conservation rate used in other municipalities — reaching $3.90 per 1,000 gallons for usage above 200,000 gallons per quarter.
According to the 2025 Liberty Annual Water Quality Report for the Sea Cliff Operations District, the average customer used just under 95,800 gallons of water, at a cost of about $1,340, or $3.67 a day. Liberty also revealed that it served roughly 4,388 customers, at a total cost of $5.9 million.
The reports highlight how costs and scale can vary widely between systems, even as both draw from the same regional water supply.
For many residents, the issue is not just how much water they use, but who controls the system that delivers it.
Riverside Elementary School gave winter one final sendoff, as its Grade 4 and 5 drama club staged a lively performance of “Bring on the Snow!” just days before the arrival of spring.
The spirited production served as a celebration of the season and literacy week, complete with laughter, music and a flurry of imaginative scenes that delighted an audience of proud families and staff.
The 30-minute musical and variety show on March 13 featured a mix of twopart songs, winter-themed puns and comedic skits that kept the crowd engaged throughout. Students brought to life a cast of quirky characters, including wisecracking reindeer and a family of directionally challenged geese, while scenes like a graceful snowflake ballet and the playful “FreezeWhiz” game show added variety and humor to the performance.
At the heart of the show was a simple, relatable theme: the excitement and anticipation of a long-awaited snow day. Through energetic musical numbers and lively dialogue, the young performers captured the joy of winter weather and the fun it brings. The production featured music by noted composers
Andy Beck, Brian Fisher, Sally K. Albrecht and Jay Althouse, giving students the chance to showcase both their vocal and theatrical talents.
The cast was guided by club advisors Kirsten Ruvolo, the school’s music teacher, and Caroline O’Connor, a teacher assistant, who worked closely with students in the weeks leading up to the performance. Through rehearsals, students dedicated themselves to learning lines, mastering songs and building confidence on stage.
of the Homemakers, said. “As you get older, people tell you, ‘You can’t do it anymore.’ They’re saying, ‘We can do what we want to do.’”
Older residents gathered on the floor to learn choreography from The Pacemakers founder Susan Avery, 65, a former Rockville Centre resident, along with members Pam Abikaram, 69, Phyllis Bogart, 79, Sandy Russell, 75, and Joanne Wolfring, 63. The dancers proudly wore their birth years on the back of their jerseys.
The group grew out of a painful experience for Avery. About a decade ago, she became the unwitting target of online criticism after a video of her dancing at a public event was posted without her knowledge. Hurtful comments questioned whether she should be dancing at her age, leaving her discouraged.
“I learned what it was like to be cyberbullied,” Avery said. “People started saying really cruel things, like, ‘Who does she think she is?’ ‘She’s too old to be dancing in public.’ ‘We don’t need to see this.’”
With encouragement from her daughter — who suggested that she start a dance group for older adults — Avery turned the negativity into inspiration. With no formal plan, she put out a call for participants, and a group began meeting weekly to dance, connect and
have fun.
“Every week, we just started meeting and learning choreography, and we didn’t have any direction,” she said.
“We didn’t have any gigs or anything like that, but I was taking video of our rehearsals, and I would send it around to friends: ‘Look what we’re doing. This is so much fun.’”
One connection led to a breakthrough — an invitation to perform at a Brooklyn Cyclones baseball game in July 2019. The group took the field unsure how they would be received — and earned a standing ovation. That marked a turning point, and from there the Pacemakers began gaining momentum.
“People love us, and it really is a testament to how I was feeling back then,” Avery said. “We’re here, we’re vital, we’re active, we’re sexy, we are out there.”
The group has grown into a vibrant ensemble of about 50 dancers, men and women, who perform paid gigs and fundraisers roughly 40 times a year. They have appeared locally, across the country and internationally, including performances and workshops in Europe.
The Pacemakers have also been featured on “The Drew Barrymore Show” and PBS’s “Bare Feet with Mickela Mallozzi,” which has helped spread their message to a wider audience.
Their mission to redefine how society views aging. The dancers proudly embrace their age, routinely displaying their birth years on their costumes. Their performances — set to a mix of classic and contemporary music — challenge stereotypes and celebrate confidence, energy and joy at every stage of life.
“There’s nothing wrong with saying, ‘Yes, I’m old,’” Avery said. “We are old, it is what it is, and we’re also all of these other things.”
Looking ahead, the Pacemakers hope to perform on major stages, including the Super Bowl and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, while continuing to grow in numbers, particularly with men ages 60 and older.
By Tara Jones
Off the coast of Long Island, a new chapter in the region’s energy future is already spinning.
The South Fork Wind project — the first utility-scale offshore wind farm serving New York — is now delivering electricity to the East End, demonstrating that offshore wind is no longer theoretical. It’s operating infrastructure.
The project represents more than a milestone. For energy planners and policymakers, it is proof that offshore wind can play a critical role in solving one of the biggest challenges facing downstate New York: how to replace aging power plants while meeting growing electricity demand and keeping costs low for customers.
Meeting demand at its highest
According to an Aurora Energy Research study, they found that offshore wind generation could have saved New York ratepayers about $77 million during a single winter month. Because the price of the
energy that the wind farms produce are set at a single, stable rate for 25 to 30 years, there is no cost for the “fuel”.
Carrie Meek Gallagher, CEO of LIPA, also highlighted how South Fork Wind delivers particularly strong energy generation during the colder months, which means that when demand spikes, offshore wind can meet the demand when it is needed most.
John Durso, president of the Long Island Federation of Labor, said clean energy investment is creating opportunities that extend far beyond the construction phase.
Offshore wind projects require a highly trained workforce — from electricians and ironworkers to marine crews and engineers — and unions have been preparing workers through apprenticeship programs
that can take years to complete.
In turn, those good-paying union jobs and careers support families and help keep spending local.
The takeaway on offshore wind Long Island no longer has to debate offshore wind in the abstract, supporters say. It is already here and generating power, proving that cleaner energy, affordable energy, and local economic growth can go hand in hand.
As Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, pointed out, South Fork Wind coming online has also dispelled many of the environmental concerns around offshore wind.
By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com
Dozens of advocates and concerned residents gathered at the Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building in Mineola last month to protest Gov. Kathy Hochul’s proposal to revise New York state’s 2019 Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
The CLCPA is an environmental policy that requires greenhouse gas emissions in the state to be reduced by 40 percent from 1990 levels by 2030 by replacing much of the state’s fossil fuel electricity with renewable energy. Hochul wrote about the policy in an opinion essay published by the Empire Report on March 20, titled “Climate Action and Affordability Must Go HandIn-Hand.”
Following the loss of federal support for solar, wind and other energy initiatives and the rapid increase of oil prices, Hochul suggested that the climate act could lead to severe utility cost increases if it is not revised.
“So much has radically changed since the climate act was enacted, necessitating common-sense adjustments that keep us on our path to a greener future in a way that is affordable for New Yorkers,” Hochul wrote. “We need more time, and so I am proposing we amend the law to require regulations to reduce statewide greenhouse gas emissions to
be issued at the end of 2030.”
Eric Weltman, senior organizer of the national nonprofit Food and Water Watch, led a group of protesters urging state legislators to defend the climate law later that day.
“We are here because Governor Hochul, unfortunately, is threatening to weaken New York’s landmark climate law,” Weltman said, “and we’re here to urge our legislators to stand up and
defend and protect the climate law. Hochul is embracing policies that would promote fracking and more costly fossil fuel pipelines and power plants.”
The CLCPA, Weltman said, reduces costs related to fossil fuels, decreases air pollution and supports a shift toward renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power.
Joe Sackman, executive director of the Long Island Progressive Coalition,
said the 2019 legislation “fully expressed New York’s willingness to take on climate change and move us toward a just and working-class-centered economy.”
“Governor Hochul, by demanding rollbacks to the CLCPA, you are playing politics with our future,” Sackman added. “It’s time to do what is right. No rollbacks on New York’s climate law.”
T.J. Shivers, representing New York Communities for Change, focused on the climate crisis’s direct effects on Long Islanders’ budgets.
“Energy burdens are crushing families from many low- and moderateincome communities,” Shivers said. “People are paying 6 to 10 percent or more of their income just on energy bills, far above what is considered affordable … When my bill goes up, it’s not just the number on paper, that’s food off the table.”
A number of community organizations joined the protest and spoke against revisions to the CLCPA, including the New York Public Interest Research Group, Transition Town Port Washington, the South Shore Audubon Society, the Green Party of Nassau County, All Our Energy, Grassroots Environmental Education, Renewable Heat Now and Bend the Arc Jewish Action: Long Island, calling for Nassau County residents to contact their local elected officials to advocate for preserving the climate act.
gap reflects rising costs, declining enrollment — down about 8 percent over the past decade — and structural pressures that continue to outpace revenue growth.
To help balance the budget, administrators plan to use about $1.6 million from the district’s fund balance, or savings. Officials cautioned, however, that those reserves are relatively low — about 11 percent of the budget, compared with a Nassau County average of roughly 25 percent — limiting how much the district can rely on them without creating future financial strain.
“There are many more conversations that need to be had,” board Secretary Janet Gruner said. “But at this moment, we are in a very difficult situation and must make some hard decisions. That’s not because we don’t value teachers — and I know many feel expendable in this process — but that is absolutely not the case.”
Board Trustee Erica Messier drew applause from the audience when she said she did not support “reductions at the curriculum level” or a budget approach that maximizes the use of the fund balance, instead calling for a more “measured, incremental approach.”
She also suggested that the district consider moving from the International Baccalaureate program to Advanced Placement, which she said could save
$500,000.
“The budget, as it stands right now, I don’t know if I can support it,” Messier said.
There was no public comment session at the meeting, despite a large turnout in the high school’s Commons Room. But Rockville Centre Teachers’ Association President Lesli Deninno shared prepared remarks with the Herald criticizing the proposal.
“Our community deserves honesty,” Deninno wrote. “Our Board of Education deserves accurate information to make informed decisions. Our educators deserve respect and transparency as they face unprecedented disruption to their work and livelihoods. And, most importantly, our students deserve better. They deserve a district that puts their education first, not one that balances its budget on their backs.”
New York’s tax cap continues to shape school district budgets. Rockville Centre is proposing a tax levy increase of about 2.06 percent — below the state cap — which would generate roughly $2.25 million in additional revenue.
Under state law, districts are generally limited to increasing their property tax levy by the lesser of 2 percent or the rate of inflation, and can exceed that threshold only with the approval of at least 60 percent of voters.
District officials said they are not recommending exceeding the cap, arguing that the budget shortfall is driven in part by structural issues, including declining enrollment, and that raising taxes would not address long-term financial challenges.
Staying below the cap, however, makes it difficult to fully fund programs and services, often forcing options such as staffing reductions, the use of reserves or cuts in expenses. Additional proposed savings include reductions to extracurricular funding, field trips and summer staffing, as well as the imposition of a $50 musical instrument maintenance fee.
The next budget meeting is scheduled for April 16, when officials will present a revised, line-by-line proposal reflecting board and community feedback. The board is expected to review the proposal and may consider adoption at that meeting.
FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle
Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers
Take advantage of on-site health screenings
Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences
Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A
Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways
Snack station for all
*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees
All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.
MAE CAIME FOUNDER, AMAEZING MIDLIFE & BEYOND
Register for this FREE event: Seaford.eventbrite.com or email rbamgbose@liherald.com or call 516.569.4000 x273 AGENDA:
EXPERT PANEL + Q&A RAFFLE DRAWINGS MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN
By Abbey Salvemini
Fresh talent is in full bloom this spring at Heckscher Museum of Art. For three decades, the Heckscher Museum of Art has served as a prestigious launchpad for the next generation of visual storytellers. “Long Island’s Best” is back, marking its 30th anniversary as it spotlights emerging high school artists throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties, now through May 3.
As the only juried exhibition of its kind on Long Island, this program offers high schoolers the rare distinction of seeing their work hanging in a professional museum and memorialized in a full-color commemorative catalog. The selection process is famously rigorous: For the 2026 season, 84 finalists were curated from over 400 submissions representing 63 schools across Nassau and Suffolk. Tasked with this challenge were jurors Meredith Brown, Ph.D., the museum’s consulting curator of contemporary art, and guest juror Aaron Feltman — an accomplished artist and a proud Long Island’s Best alumnus.
“It is never an easy process,” says Brown, who explained that the strongest pieces combine technical skill with originality and meaningful themes.
This year’s exhibition included an unusually high number of sculptures — more than in any previous “Long Island’s Best” exhibitions — that reflect both the students’ ambition and influenced by the recent exhibition “Emma Stebbins: Carving Out History.”
“I was surprised by the number of sculptural submissions,” Brown adds. “Sculpture is tricky, and many schools don’t have the resources, but these students took the challenge on and produced really compelling work.”
Among standout pieces is Luminous Harvest, a ceramic sculpture by Lyla Pinto, a senior at Long Beach High School, which earned fourth place and the Stan Brodsky Award. Inspired by painter Darragh Park’s “To Here/From Here,” Pinto created a tree-like form composed of branches holding symbolic fruit and candles.
“I was drawn to Park’s artwork because it seemed alive, as though the forms are changing and expanding rather than remaining still,” she explains. “The handcrafted fruits represent abundance, sustenance and the various attributes each branch offers. I made seven branches because the number seven represents completeness and balance, suggesting a full cycle of growth rather than a single moment. Like Park, I wanted to convey a sense of natural rhythm through organic shapes as demonstrated in the abundance and repetitious organic greenery.”
For Director of Education Joy Weiner — whose program leadership is being honored at a “30th Birthday Bash” on April 18 — the most rewarding aspect of her involvement is observing students experience the thrill of having their work displayed in a museum.
“Just watching their faces as they show their parents how special this opportunity is, that’s one of the happiest memories every year,” she relates.
“Long Island’s Best” has evolved considerably since its early years.
“Years ago, there were landscapes, still lifes and portraits. That was pretty much what you got,” Weiner
Lyla Pinto: Lyla Pinto’s ceramic sculpture “Luminous Harvest, was awarded Fourth Place and honored with the Stan Brodsky Scholarship Award.
• Now through May 3
• Open Thursday through Sunday, noon-5 p.m.
• Heckscher Museum of Art, 2 Prime Ave., Huntington
• Visit Heckscher.org or call (631) 380-3230 for information on related programming
adds. “Over the years, the different kinds of materials became something that students were interested in exploring. And they’re also much more aware of the world around them, tackling social issues, personal experiences and big-picture ideas through their art.”
While the program certainly sharpens their technical craft, its true value lies in instilling the professional rigor required of a working artist. It also underscores the lasting influence of arts education, with many alumni pursuing careers in art, design, filmmaking, and teaching.
“The whole process from beginning to end involves meeting deadlines, working with teachers, creating the work and writing about it,” Weiner says. “That’s very important as they continue in their careers, to not only create a work of art but to be able to speak about it and share it with others.”
Looking ahead, both Brown and Weiner encourage students to embrace the process, even if their work isn’t selected.
“Sharing your work is a powerful experience. It helps students grow as artists and lets others engage with their vision.” Weiner adds.“Even if your piece isn’t chosen, you learn something about yourself and your art. And when people connect with your work, it’s a truly rewarding experience.”
Teachers, Long Island’s Best alumni and the community are all invited to the stylish “Birthday Bash” celebrating this momentous milestone. Alumni and local artists will contribute works for a fundraiser, underscoring the lasting influence of “Long Island’s Best” throughout the region. The gathering includes an opportunity to meet students and hear firsthand how the program shaped their creative journeys.
“I’ve been privileged to watch the growth of Long Island’s Best,” Weiner says. “I have seen elementary school students eventually become LI Best finalists, have watched students’ progress to becoming Long Island Biennial artists as professionals; and have been lucky to work with students who now teach art in our community, inspiring the next generation.”
This milestone exhibit not only celebrates the talent of today’s students but also emphasizes the enduring value of arts education in shaping Long Island’s creative future. It’s an opportunity to explore a wide variety of media and themes while experiencing the fresh perspectives and voices of the next generation of artists, gaining insight into how young people interpret the world around them through art.
Dan Soder
Come chill with stand-up comedian Dan Soder! Get ready for a night of sharp, laugh-out-loud comedy when he takes the stage on The Golden Retriever of Comedy tour. Known for his quick wit and effortlessly relatable storytelling, Soder has built a devoted following. His credits include ”Not Special” on Comedy Central, a standout turn on Netflix’s The Standups” and his acclaimed HBO special “Son of a Gary.”Fans have also embraced his hit YouTube special, “Dan Soder: On The Road,” a laugh-packed set filled with smart, surprising takes on relationships, growing up and everything in between. Offstage, Soder hosts the popular podcast Soder and was a longtime co-host of SiriusXM’s The Bonfire from 2015 to 2023. Many will also recognize him from his role as Dudley “Mafee” on Billions. With his easygoing charm and razor-sharp observations, Soder delivers comedy that feels both down-to-earth and unexpectedly insightful.
Saturday, April 4, 7 and 9 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.
‘…how I wish you were here’
Wish You Were Here celebrates the 50th Anniversary of Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here,” acclaimed as one of the greatest albums of all time and cited by Pink Floyd keyboardist Richard Wright and guitarist David Gilmour as their favorite album. The band continues its 30-year tradition of combining sight and sound to capture the mood, emotions, and intensity of the Floydian theatrical concert experience — in a spectacular tribute of music, performers, lighting, video, lasers and inflatables — all performed without backing or click tracks. The veteran 10-piece musical ensemble features seven vocalists and a Floydian stage production — sound effects and vintage videos, flying inflatables, theatrical vignettes with props, and a sensational light show with moving lasers, rolling fog and state-of-the-art intelligent lighting — all produced with a fan’s obsession for detail.
Thursday, April 9, 7:30 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.
Bring the kids to Old Westbury Gardens, now open for the 2026 season, to xplore creativity in nature during this one-hour guided program through the gardens and at the barn at Orchard Hill. Children will observe colors, textures, and patterns in the landscape, play art-inspired games, and create a simple hands-on art project using natural inspiration. Meet at the Beech Tree. Registration required. $22 adult, $20 seniors 62+ (member discounts available).
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 11 a.m.-noon
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Old Westbury Gardens welcomes families for some Easter fun. Take part in a reading of the classic Peter Rabbit tale, “The Great Big Easter Egg Hunt.” Afterward join in an exciting egg hunt in the Cottage Garden! Perfect for children ages 3-6. Up to 12 eggs per child may be redeemed for prizes; eggs are empty. Registration required. $22 adult, $20 seniors 62+ (member discounts available).
• Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury
• Time: 10:30 a.m., noon and 1:30 p.m.
• Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048
Families are invited to Long Island Children’s Museum to illuminate their imagination and inspire creativity In this educatorled, hands-on workshop, participants are introduced to the history and process of lantern making while creating their own unique drawing. In collaboration with LuminoCity, participants’ 2-D artwork will be submitted for a chance to have it brought to life as a 3-D light sculpture featured on display at the 2026 LuminoCity Festival. Free limited ticket with museum admission, available at the Box Office on the day of the workshop.
• Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City
• Time: 11-noon and 3-4 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or (516) 224-5800
Local favorite Mike DelGuidice returns to the Paramount stage with his popular residency, delivering the high-energy, feel-good performances that have made him a hometown standout. Backed by his powerhouse band, DelGuidice brings the music of his idol, Billy Joel, to life with passion and precision, celebrating decades of iconic hits in a rousing, crowd-pleasing show. A multi-instrumentalist who grew up immersed in music, DelGuidice’s deep knowledge of Joel’s catalog ultimately led to sharing the stage with the Piano Man himself, touring around the world. Alongside beloved classics, he weaves in his own original songs, showcasing the songwriting that has earned him a devoted following. His releases include My Street, Miller Place and Mask Production, and his track “Ordinary Guy” was featured as the theme for Kevin Can Wait starring Kevin James. Whether performing on stage or connecting with fans through his “Live on the Porch” series, which brought audiences together during the pandemic, DelGuidice continues to share his love of music in ways that resonate far beyond the Long Island community.
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.
• Time: 8 p.m., also Apr 11
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
The Sarah Grace Foundation for Children With Cancer hosts its annual “An Evening of Magic” gala dinner. Awardwinning magician Will Fern brings high-energy entertainment, including strolling magic and mind reading, to benefit children with cancer. The dinner fundraiser takes place in the Philodendrum Room at The Milleridge Inn. Tickets are $125 and include dinner, drinks and the show; advance purchase is required. Raffles and a 50/50 drawing will also be held.
• Where: 585 N. Broadway, Jericho
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: thesarahgracefoundation.org
Friday Flicks
Stop by Rockville Centre Public Library for a showing of the R-rated thriller “The Roofman.”
A charismatic criminal on the run hides in a toy store, assumes a new identity, and embarks on an unexpected and risky relationship with an employee.
• Where: 221 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: 2 p.m.
• Contact: rvclibrary.org or (516) 766-6257
‘Dog Sees God’
Hofstra University’s Department of Drama and Dance presents Bert V. Royal’s edgy comedy. The unauthorized continuation of the Peanuts comic strip, reimagines its characters as teenagers dealing with various contemporary issues including, identity, substance abuse, and relationships. When CB’s dog dies from rabies, CB begins to question the existence of an afterlife. His best friend is too burnt out to provide any coherent speculation; his sister has gone goth; his ex-girlfriend has recently been institutionalized; and his other friends are too inebriated to give him any sort of solace. Drug use, suicide, eating disorders, teen violence, rebellion and sexual identity collide and careen toward an ending that’s both haunting and hopeful. $15 general admission, $10 for seniors and Hofstra alumni.
• Where: Hofstra’s Joan and Donald Schaeffer Black Box Theater, Joseph G. Shapiro Family Hall, Hempstead
• Time: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; also April 12, 2 p.m.; April 16-April 19
World,” and many more. Enjoy a magical journey and maybe even meet your favorite princess! Breakfast and tea ticket options also available.
• Where: Madison Theatre, Molloy University, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: Varied times, also April 12
• Contact: madisontheatreny. org or (516) 323-4444
14
• Contact: hofstra. universitytickets.com
Spring
The Rockville Centre Police Benevolent Association hosts a fundraiser at the St. Agnes Parish Center to support Madeline Norton, the young daughter of Officer Gerard Norton. Madeline was diagnosed at just six months old with PKAN, a rare and devastating neurodegenerative disease that currently has no cure. Fundraiser features entertainment, food, drinks from local breweries and raffles. Tickets are $75 per person.
• Where: 99 N. Village Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: Noon-4 p.m.
• Contact: info@ madelinemission.org
‘A Dream Is A Wish’ The enchanting “A Dream Is A Wish” princess concert returns to the Madison Theatre with new adventures and Disney Classics. Families are invited to sing along to all their favorite Disney songs including “Let It Go,” “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” “Part of That World,” “ A Whole New
The RVC Lions host their 5th Annual Restaurant Crawl. Sample specialty dishes from 10–12 local restaurants, offering attendees a chance to enjoy a variety of flavors from across the community. Additional details to be announced soon.
• Where: Rockville Centre (participating local restaurants TBD)
• Time: 6–9 p.m.
• Contact: rvclions.com
SIBSPlace, an affiliate of Mount Sinai South Nassau, hosts its annual Sunshine Luncheon at the Rockville Links Club, offering an afternoon centered on community, compassion and celebration under the theme “Together We Shine.” The event brings supporters together to raise awareness and funds for programs that help children and families navigate grief and loss. Guests can expect an uplifting gathering that highlights the organization’s impact while fostering connection among attendees. Individual tickets are $125, with proceeds benefiting SIBSPlace’s services.
• Where: 600 N. Long Beach Rd., Rockville Centre
• Time: 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 374-3000
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.
APRIL 16 • 10AM-12:30PM
FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle
Meet trusted local exhibitors and service providers
Take advantage of on-site health screenings
Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences
Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A
Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways
Snack station for all
*Boxed lunches for first 150 attendees
All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.
MAE CAIME FOUNDER, AMAEZING MIDLIFE & BEYOND
AGENDA:
EXPERT PANEL + Q&A
RAFFLE DRAWINGS MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN
Register for this FREE event: Deerpark.eventbrite.com or email lcreem@LIHerald.com or call 516.569.4000 x243
April 2, 2026 —
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF ANNUAL SCHOOL DISTRICT AND LIBRARY ELECTION
ROCKVILLE CENTRE
UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT
NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that the Annual Meeting of the qualified voters of the Rockville Centre Union Free School District, Nassau County, New York will be held on May 19, 2026 at South Side High School, 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York for the following purposes:
a) To vote upon the annual School budget and the Library budget for the school year 2026/2027 and to authorize the levying of a tax upon the taxable property of the District for the foregoing purposes;
b) To elect two members of the Board of Education at large for three-year terms commencing July 1, 2026: (i) to succeed Janet Gruner, the incumbent, whose term of office expires June 30, 2026; (ii) to succeed Tara Hackett, the incumbent, whose term of office expires June 30, 2026
c) To elect one member of the Library Board at large for a three-year term commencing July 1, 2026: (i) to succeed Michael Ludwig, the incumbent, whose term of office expires on June 30, 2026.
d) To vote upon such other propositions as may properly come before the meeting and conduct other business as authorized by law.
NOTICE IS GIVEN, that the Board of Education of the Rockville Centre Union Free School District, Nassau County, New York will hold a public meeting for the purpose of discussing the expenditure of funds for school year 2026/2027 beginning, July 1, 2026. Said meeting may result in changes or modifications to the final budget presented to the District’s voters and will be held at South Side High School, 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, on April 16, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. Detailed copies of the proposed school budget will be available in each school building, the William H. Johnson Administration Building and the Public Library.
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Board of Education will hold a public hearing on May 7,
2026 at 7:00 P.M. at South Side High School located at 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, for the purpose of presenting expenditure of funds and the budgeting therefore relative to the appropriation of necessary funds to meet the necessary expenditures of said School District for school year 2026/2027, at which time and which place all persons interested in the subject matter thereof concerning the same will have an opportunity to be heard.
NOTICE IS GIVEN, that the Library Board will hold a public meeting for the purpose of discussion of the expenditure of funds and the budgeting therefore for the fiscal year 2026/2027 beginning July 1, 2026. Said meeting may result in changes or modifications to expenditures for this budget and will be held at the Rockville Centre Public Library, 221 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre, New York on April 15, 2026, at 7:00 P.M. Detailed copies of the proposed Library budget will be available in the Library.
AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that the Library Board will hold a public hearing on May 12, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. in the Rockville Centre Public Library located at 221 North Village Avenue, Rockville Centre New York, for the purpose of presenting expenditure of funds and the budgeting therefore relative to the appropriation of necessary funds to meet the necessary expenditures of said Library for school year 2026/2027, at which time and place all persons interested in the subject matter thereof concerning the same will have an opportunity to be heard.
AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that the Annual Meeting and Election shall be conducted by voting on propositions and candidates on voting machines on said 19th day of May, 2026 commencing at 7:00 A.M. and ending at 9:00 P.M. at South Side High School located at 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York.
AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for school purposes (School
budget) exclusive of public moneys, and propositions involving expenditure of moneys and the operation of the school system for the ensuing year, may be inspected commencing on May 7, 2026 through the date of the Annual Meeting on the District’s website, in the William H. Johnson Administration Building and at each schoolhouse in which school is maintained, during the hours of 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. except Saturday, Sunday or holidays.
AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that a copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the ensuing year for Library purposes (Library budget) exclusive of public moneys, and propositions involving expenditure of moneys and the operation of the Library for the ensuing year, may be inspected at the Library commencing on April 16, 2026 through the date of the Annual Meeting, except for holidays.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that nominations for the office of Member of the Board of Education and the Library Board, unless otherwise provided by law, shall be made by petition subscribed by at least sixty (60) qualified voters of the District. Petitions shall be filed in the office of the Clerk of the School District between the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. on April 20, 2026. Such petition shall state the residence of each signer and shall state the name and residence of the candidates. Candidates receiving the greatest number of votes shall be considered elected to fill the vacancies. Where terms are of different length, the candidate receiving the highest vote shall be entitled to select the longest term. However, 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.
AND NOTICE IS ALSO GIVEN that voter registration shall be permitted in the office of the District Clerk at the William H. Johnson Administration Building, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, during the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. on school business days through May 14, 2026. AND NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the register of voters 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 shall have been previously registered for any Annual or Special District Meeting or Election and who shall have voted at any Annual or Special District Meeting or Election held or conducted at any time within the four calendar years prior to preparation of the said register; and (3) voters permanently registered with the Board of Elections of the County of Nassau.
AND NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the registers containing the names of all persons entitled to vote at the Annual Election to be held on May 19, 2026 will be filed in the office of the District Clerk in the William H. Johnson Building, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York, and will be open for inspection by any qualified voter of the District five days prior to said Annual Election, except Sunday, between the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. on weekdays and by appointment on Saturday. The register will also be open for inspection at the polls on the day of the said Annual Election, May 19, 2026 between the hours of 7:00 A.M. and 9:00 P.M.
AND NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the Board of Registration will meet during the hours of voting at the Annual District Meeting and Election on May 19, 2026 at the polling place for the purpose of preparing a register for District meetings or elections to be held more than thirty days subsequent to May 19, 2026. Said register shall include (1) all qualified voters of the District who shall present themselves personally for registration, and (2) all previously qualified voters of the District who shall have been previously registered for any Annual or Special District Meeting or Election and who shall have voted at any Annual or Special District Meeting or Election held or conducted at any time within the four calendar years prior to preparation of said register. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that applications for absentee ballots for the School District and Library election may be
applied for at the office of the District Clerk, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, NY 11570. Applications for absentee ballots must be received no earlier than thirty (30) days before the election. If a ballot is to be mailed to an eligible voter, the application must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election or an application may be picked up in person in the office of the District Clerk no later than the day before the election by the voter or his/her designated agent. Upon receiving a timely request for a mailed absentee ballot, the District Clerk will mail the ballot to the address set forth on the application no later than six (6) days before the election. Absentee ballots must be received in the office of the District Clerk by 5:00 P.M. on May 19, 2026, the day of the election. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available for inspection up to the day before the Annual Election in the office of the District Clerk, except Sundays, between the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. on weekdays and by appointment on Saturdays.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that pursuant to Section 2018-e of the Education Law, applications for early mail ballots may be obtained at the Office of the District Clerk of the Rockville Centre Union Free School District, William H. Johnson Administration Building, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, New York during all days in which the District is in session. Completed applications must be received by the District Clerk no earlier than April 20, 2026 and by May 12, 2026, if the early mail ballot is to be mailed to the voter. If the early mail ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter at the Office of the District Clerk the completed application must be received by the District Clerk no later than May 18, 2026. No early mail voter’s ballot will be canvassed unless it has been received in the Office of the District Clerk of the District no later than 5:00 p.m. on May 19, 2026. A list of all persons to whom early ballots have been issued will be available in the Office of the District Clerk’s office during office hours on and
after May 13, 2026 until May 18, 2026, except on Saturday May 16, 2026, by prearranged appointment by contacting the District Clerk at (516) 2558921 or via email at mceliberti@rvcschools. org. A challenge to an early voting ballot may not be made on the basis that the voter should have applied for an absentee ballot. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the School District. Military voters who are qualified voters of the School District may submit an application for a military ballot. Military voters may designate a preference to receive a military voter registration, military ballot application or military ballot by mail, facsimile transmission or electronic mail in their request for such registration, ballot application or ballot. Military voter registration forms and military ballot application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 p.m. on April 24, 2026. No military ballot will be canvassed unless it is (1) received in the office of the District Clerk before the close of the polls on election day and showing a cancellation mark of the United States postal service or a foreign country’s postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States government; or (2) received by the office of the District Clerk by no later than 5:00 p.m. on election day and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is associated to be not later than the day before the election.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that any proposition or question to be placed upon the voting machines shall be submitted in writing by petition subscribed by at least one hundred fortynine (149) qualified voters of the District and filed in the office of the District Clerk between the hours of 8:15 A.M. and 4:30 P.M., not later than the 30th day preceding the meeting or election at which time such question or proposition shall be voted upon, except that this rule shall not apply to those questions or
propositions which are required to be stated in the published or posted notice of the meeting or to those propositions or questions which the Board of Education has authority by law to present at any Annual or Special Meeting of the District.
PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that Section 495 of the Real Property Tax Law requires the District to attach to its proposed budget and 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 cumulative amount expected to be received as payment in lieu of taxes (PILOT) and the cumulative impact of all exemptions granted. In addition, said exemption report shall be posted on any District bulletin board maintained by the District for Public Notices, as well as on the District’s website. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Board will convene a Special Meeting thereof within twenty-four-hours after filing with the District Clerk a written report of the results of the ballot for the purpose of examining and tabulating said report of the results of the ballot and declaring the results of the ballot; and the Board hereby designates itself to be a set of poll clerks to case and canvass ballots pursuant to Education Law S2019-a, subdivision 2b at said Special Meeting of the Board.
Dated: February 2, 2026 Rockville Centre, NY BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE UFSD COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK
MARYLOU CELIBERTI, DISTRICT CLERK 159339
LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE ELECCIÓN ANUAL DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR Y LA BIBLIOTECA DISTRITO ESCOLAR LIBRE DE LA UNIÓN DEL CENTRO DE ROCKVILLE CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK POR LA PRESENTE SE NOTIFICA que la Reunión Anual de los votantes calificados del
Distrito Escolar Libre de la Unión de Rockville Centre, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York, se llevará a cabo el 19 de mayo de 2026 en South Side High School, 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, Nueva York con los siguientes propósitos:
a) Votar sobre el presupuesto anual de la Escuela y el presupuesto de la Biblioteca para el año escolar 2026/2027 y autorizar la imposición de un impuesto sobre la propiedad imponible del Distrito para los fines anteriores;
b) Elegir a dos miembros de la Junta de Educación por en general por un período de tres años, a partir del 1 de julio de 2026: (i) para suceder a Janet Gruner, la titular actual, cuyo mandato expira el 30 de junio de 2026; (ii) para suceder a Tara Hackett, la titular actual, cuyo mandato expira el 30 de junio de 2026.
c) Elegir a un miembro de la Junta de la Biblioteca en general por un período de tres años a partir del 1 de julio de 2026: (i) para suceder a Michael Ludwig, el titular actual, cuyo mandato expira el 30 de junio de 2026. d) Votar sobre las demás proposiciones que se presenten debidamente a la reunión y llevar a cabo otros asuntos según lo autorice la ley. SE DA AVISO de que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Rockville Centre Union, Condado de Nassau, Nueva York, llevará a cabo una reunión pública con el propósito de discutir el gasto de fondos para el año escolar 2026/2027 que comienza el 1 de julio de 2026. Dicha reunión puede resultar en cambios o modificaciones al presupuesto final presentado a los votantes del Distrito y se llevará a cabo en South Side High School, 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, Nueva York, el 16 de abril de 2026 a las 7:00 p.m. Copias detalladas del presupuesto escolar propuesto estarán disponibles en cada edificio escolar, el Edificio de Administración William H. Johnson y la Biblioteca Pública. SE DA AVISO que la Junta de Educación llevará a cabo una audiencia pública el 7 de mayo de 2026 a las 7:00 p.m. en South Side High School ubicada en 140 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, Nueva
Surrogate
Debra Keller Leimbach
Chief Clerk
Signature of Attorney
Richard T. Kerins, Esq.
Print Name of Attorney
Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC
Firm Name (516) 538-1111
Telephone 254 Nassau Boulevard South, Garden City South, New York 11530
Address rkerins@mmkolaw.com
Email (optional)
NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you, and you or your attorney may request a copy of the full account from the petitioner or petitioner’s attorney. 158992
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU.
AJAX MORTGAGE
LOAN TRUST 2021 -E, MORTGAGE BACKED SECURITIES, SERIES 2021 -E, BY U.S. BANK
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS INDENTURE TRUSTEE, Plaintiff -againstPAUL ARCHIBALD
MCGREGOR AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF IRENE GREEN, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated February 2, 2026 and entered on February 11, 2026, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on April 22, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises situate, lying and being at Lakeview, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as Section 38 Block: 130 and Lot: 1 and 2. Said premises known as 1357 LANGDON BOULEVARD, ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY 11570
Approximate amount of lien $256,676.43 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 619329/2023.
BRIAN DAVIS, ESQ., Referee Pincus & Tarab
Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 {* ROCK CEN H*} 158902
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE OF COOPERATIVE APARTMENT SECURITY BY VIRTUE OF A DEFAULT
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: By virtue of a default under a Security Agreement dated January 18, 2006, executed by DONNA PINKNEY A/K/A DONNA P. PINKNEY (“Debtor”), and the ESTATE OF DONNA PINKNEY A/K/A DONNA P. PINKNEY as assigned to CITIMORTGAGE, INC. (“Secured Party”), said Secured Party, by Auctioneer(s): Richie Schultz, John Roman, Michael Campbell, or Stephan G. Marcelin, will conduct a public sale of the security consisting of 83 shares of stock of ROCK RIVER APTS, INC. (“Corporation”), and all right, title, and interest in and to a Proprietary Lease between said Corporation and Debtor for the apartment known as 102 SOUTH VILLAGE AVENUE, APT./UNIT 3B, ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NY 11570, together with all fixtures and articles of personal property now or hereafter affixed to or used in connection with said apartment on APRIL 21, 2026 at 1:30 PM, at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501, in satisfaction of an indebtedness in the unpaid principal amount of $110,863.35, plus interest, late fees, attorney fees, maintenance in arrears, and all other advanced charges. The apartment is sold “AS IS” AND POSSESSION TO BE OBTAINED BY THE PURCHASER.
Said sale is subject to residency requirements of the Corporation, payment of all sums due, if any, to ROCK RIVER APTS, INC. and the consent if necessary, of said Corporation; any existing tenancy; payment of all expenses and fees of the secured party with respect thereto; terms of sale and auctioneer’s fees; flip-tax; State, City, and County transfer tax. The
Secured Party reserves the right to bid.
Terms: an official bank or certified check made payable to Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., as attorneys for the Secured Party for ten (10%) percent of price bid. No cash accepted. Balance shall be due within thirty (30) days.
ATTORNEYS FOR
SECURED PARTY:
Stern & Eisenberg, P.C. 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016, and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540
P. 516-630-0288
F. 732-726-8719
Dated: March 16, 2026
Firm File No. NY202600000011-1 159084
LEGAL NOTICE
ROCKVILLE CENTRE UNION FREE SCHOOLS
ROCKVILLE CENTRE, NEW YORK
PUBLIC RELEASESCHOOL BREAKFAST
MANDATE
Rockville Centre Union Free School District will be conducting a survey of parents of students in kindergarten through fourth grade who attend the Rockville Centre elementary schools to determine if there is any interest in a school breakfast program in the 20262027 school year. If insufficient interest is determined, an exemption to participate in this program will be requested by the Board of Education to the New York State Education Department. Parents and taxpayers are asked to share their concerns regarding the District’s survey and exemption request by contacting the Rockville Centre Food Service office in writing at Rockville Centre Administration, 128 Shepherd Street, Rockville Centre, NY 11570 or by phone at (516) 255-8973. 159323
LEGAL NOTICE
Village of Rockville Centre Nassau County, New York
Notice of Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing Date: April 8, 2026
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 340 Rockville Centre Village Code NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Board of Appeals of the Village of Rockville Centre will hold a Zoning Appeals Hearing at the Eugene
J. Murray Village Hall
1 College Place, Rockville Centre at 7:00 p.m.
LEGAL NOTICE
April 8, 2026 at 7:00
PM Case # 04-2026Stoneville LLC -
Adjourned from February 4th, 2026
Renewal of variance for the parking of vehicles in a Residence A District which abuts Business A property pursuant to Case # 32-2024 which states the permit renewal is for a twelve (12) month period.
Premises known as 82-96 South Long Beach Road
Case # 08-2026 - 150 Sunrise Highway LLC
To Construct a hotel in a “Business A District”, where 10-foot front yard setbacks are required and 0 feet is provided on Sunrise Highway, 1’-0” on Centre Ave, 0’-7” on Merrick Road, with a height of three stories 38 feet where three stories 36 feet is permitted, where the Parking Bay Dimension for two-way traffic of a double loaded bay is 58’-0” where 63’-4” is required and where 63 parking spaces are requires and 44 parking spaces are provided and is subject to a substantial Occupancy Permit from the Board of Appeals.
Premises known as 150 Sunrise Highway Case # 11-2026 - Matt & Kathy Baxley
To construct a detached garage with a proposed height of 20.0 feet where 15.0 feet is the maximum allowable within a Residence A district.
Premises known as 70 Whitehall Road
Case # 12-2024Rockville Cars 1 LLC, D/B/A Nissan of Rockville Centre
Renewal of an expired parking variance (Case # 34-2022 September 21st, 2022) for a period of three (3) years.
Premises known as 700
Sunrise Highway
Dated: March 25, 2026
BOARD OF APPEALS OF THE VILLAGE OF ROCKVILLE CENTRE, Rockville Centre, New York
J. Robert Schenone, Chairman Patrick D. O’Brien, Secretary Information and records for appeals cases are available at the Office of the Secretary of the Board of Appeals, 110 Maple Avenue, RVC, NY 159324
More than 100 people gathered at Congregation B’nai Sholom-Beth David for its annual Shabbat Across America celebration, an event that brought together synagogues across North America to mark the tradition of Shabbat with a shared sense of community.
The March 13 program is part of a continent-wide initiative organized by the nonprofit National Jewish Outreach Program, encouraging hundreds of congregations to participate in a welcoming and accessible spiritual experience. This year’s theme, “CommUNITY,” emphasized inclusivity, family and connection among participants.
The evening featured a musical Shabbat service known as Shabbat Soul, led by Cantor Alty Weinreib. Held monthly, the service blends traditional prayers with contemporary musical elements, including guitar and percus -
sion, creating an atmosphere designed to be both reflective and uplifting. Congregation member Al Weiser accompanied on guitar.
The service encouraged active participation, with attendees singing along and, by the conclusion, joining in a spirited dance that moved through the room. The program concluded with a traditional Shabbat dinner shared by attendees.
Jill Kaplan, the congregation’s corresponding secretary, also announced the winners of the Super Bowl-a-Thon fundraiser held at Maple Lanes in Rockville Centre on Super Bowl Sunday. Prizes were awarded to Dave Kaufman for the highest score, Brandon Melendez for the lowest score, and Bonnie Friedman for raising the most money.
–Brian Kacharaba
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Notice to Bidders
Sealed Bids will be received by the Purchasing Department of the Village of Rockville Centre, One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York for the matter stated below until 11:00 am prevailing time on APRIL 21, 2026 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for: DISTRIBUTION TRANSFORMERS 2026 Bid No. 2604E2(1184) The contract documents and specifications can be examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Lisa Strazzeri via email only at Lstrazzeri@rvcny.us. Questions must be submitted no later than April 9, 2026. Award of Contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to reject all bids or make
such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law.
Purchasing Department Lisa Strazzeri Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 159322
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS
Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 04/15/2026 at 9:30
A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:
THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.
185/26. SOUTH HEMPSTEAD - Molloy University, Variance, side yard, maintain a/c unit attached to building., E/s Hempstead Ave., 60.06’ S/o Fern St., a/k/a 1079 Hempstead Ave. 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 South Hempstead 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. 159239
LEGAL NOTICE
Public Notice to Bidders
Sealed Bids will be received by the Purchasing Department of the Village of Rockville Centre, One College Place, Rockville Centre, New York for
the matter stated below until 11:00 am prevailing time on APRIL 21, 2026 at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The contract will be awarded as soon thereafter as practicable for: VEHICLE COLLISION REPAIR Bid No. 2604DPW1(1183) The bid documents and specifications can be obtained/examined on the Village’s website at www.rvcny.gov. Follow the link to the Purchasing Department. All questions should be directed to the Purchasing Department. Please contact Lisa Strazzeri via email only at Lstrazzeri@rvcny.us. Questions must be submitted no later than April 9, 2026. Award of Contract will be made to the lowest responsible bidder in accordance with applicable provisions of the law. The Village reserves the right to reject all bids or make such determination as in the best interests of the Village, as provided by law.
Purchasing Department
Lisa Strazzeri Purchasing Agent 516-678-9213 159321
Help Wanted
Building Maintenance
Assistant and Porter needed for Management Co. in Long Beach Experience Preferred Email: humanresoures5771 @gmail.com or Call: (212) 873-7575
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
Full Time/Part Time
Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour.
For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com
DENTAL ASSISTANT
CHAIR SIDE F/T Lynbrook Office, Immediate Opening. Looking for Experienced Individual Email Resume nylaserendo@gmail.com Call 516-599-7111
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
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com
EDITOR/REPORTER
Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA
ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
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
PHOTOGRAPHERS WANTED
$20 - $25 Per Hour Must Be Available On Weekends April - June 516-902-6258 Randy@LISNYC.com
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings
With my second term as county executive underway, I’m proud to say that Nassau County’s future is bright. Like my first term, these coming years will be defined by a strong commitment to public safety, excellent economic growth that increases affordability for our residents, and expanded opportunities for business owners that will benefit everyone.
Growing our economy remains a top focus for my administration. After canceling a $150 million tax hike in my first year in office, I have not raised taxes for four consecutive years — a promise that I will keep in this year’s budget. Through smart financial management, we have earned an unprecedented seven bond upgrades and have been cited by Democratic State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli as a county with no fiscal stress. Our local businesses are thriving, with minority- and women-owned business certifications increasing by 40 percent last year alone — a number I hope to
Araise even higher in 2026 and beyond.
Positive economic activity lets us invest in initiatives that matter to residents. We’ve restored local historical sites like the Roslyn Grist Mill, invested in cultural centers like the Joysetta and Julius Pearse African American Museum, in Hempstead, and upgraded local community hubs like Centennial Park, in Roosevelt. These are testaments to how a well-run government can provide for all of its residents.
since taking office, with more to come. We opened the state-of-the-art Harry Singh Bolla Police Training Village to give all of our officers, new and old, cutting-edge training to ensure that Nassau County remains a leader in public safety.
We’re focused on public safety, economic growth and business opportunities.
I’m proud to report that Nassau County remains the safest county in the United States, a distinction we owe to the courageous men and women of the Nassau County Police Department, the Corrections Department, the Probation Department, the Sheriff’s Department and the District Attorney’s Office. These dedicated professionals — along with emergency services personnel like our firefighters, EMS workers and fire marshals — work tirelessly for our security, and we cannot thank them enough.
My administration recognizes the importance of investing in public safety efforts. I’ve authorized the hiring of 600 new police and corrections officers
During my time in office, our emergency services staff has also grown, with more than 1,000 residents signing up to become volunteer firefighters. This year’s budget will expand the number of fire marshals and dispatchers, ensuring that we are prepared for anything that comes our way.
The good news is that our initiatives are already paying off. Major crimes have fallen by more than 10 percent in the past year, with huge declines in serious crimes like murder, rape, assault and robbery. In 2025 our police executed the largest drug bust and gang takedown in county history. Major investments in our battle to alleviate the opioid crisis led to a drop of more than 16 percent in overdose deaths last year. These results speak for themselves, and show that our policies are working.
My administration has also taken steps to protect our religious freedoms.
I recently signed a new law that prevents protesters from targeting churches, synagogues and mosques. Nassau County will always stand for the safety and rights of everyone who practices their religion here.
Our stance on immigration enforcement remains firm: Nassau County is not a sanctuary county. Collaborating with our federal partners has helped us remove dangerous and illegal criminals from our streets — many of whom come from known gangs like MS-13, the 18th Street Gang and the Trinitarios. I want to reiterate that all of our enforcement actions are targeted at criminals, not honest and hardworking people who enrich our communities. My administration is continuing to work on a guest-worker program to support law-abiding immigrants, many of whom are pillars of our business community.
Even as we continue to build on our successes, I know that there’s a lot of work ahead to keep us moving in the right direction, but my commitment to making Nassau County the safest, most affordable and healthiest place to live, work and raise a family remains strong. Thank you for helping to make us the best place to live in all of New York.
Bruce Blakeman is the Nassau County executive.
s deputy managing editor of Herald Community Newspapers, I am privileged to work alongside a staff of honest and creative reporters and editors who deliver the local news that you’re used to receiving. They embody what it means to be a strong journalist, acting with integrity and passion, which is reflected in every story we write and share with the communities that we love to cover.
The ethos I’m describing embodies the pillars of American journalism — a press that thrives on freedom and a drive to seek the truth and report it.
Many of my former colleagues — my good friends — have moved on from their time with the Herald to apply that passion in other media circuits, delivering more, albeit different, news to readers close to home and nationally, too. In a media climate so polarized, where it may feel difficult to decipher right from wrong and the truth from exaggerations, it’s important to remember that we are privileged to live in a
country where we can ask questions. We can challenge what we’re told. We can yearn for more than what appears in black and white.
A few weeks ago, I attended the 2026
Marie Colvin Distinguished Lecture at Stony Brook University, hosted by the school’s Marie Colvin Center for International Reporting. The center was established in memory of Colvin, a fearless war correspondent who was raised on Long Island and died on the front lines of the Syrian civil war in 2012.
T his work matters, and we must never take our freedoms for granted.
The featured speaker was Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian politician and journalist who was arrested in Moscow in 2022 and sentenced to 25 years in prison for “high treason” for opposing the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Kara-Murza spent over two years in prison, including 11 months in solitary confinement. His release in 2024 was orchestrated by the Biden administration, and part of the largest prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Russia since the Cold War.
For the writing he completed while in prison, Kara-Murza was awarded the 2024 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary.
He was the type of speaker who drew you in from the start, painting a bleak
picture of what it’s like to be a journalist in Russia, a place where independent media voices have been not only silenced but directly targeted for telling the truth. He named fellow writers — many of them friends — who were killed by the Russian government. Kara-Murza himself has survived two suspected poisonings in the past decade, marked for his relentless, fearless, truthful reporting. His opening thoughts captivated me. “There’s nothing dictatorships hate more than the truth,” he said, “and the first targets in that quest for absolute power are usually, almost always, independent media voices.”
In Russia, the press is never protected. In the U.S., by contrast, federal courts usually appear committed to upholding the First Amendment’s guarantee of free speech. Just two weeks ago, federal courts ruled that the Pentagon’s newly implemented press policy, which bars news outlets from reporting information not officially sanctioned for release, is a violation of the amendment. U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman wrote in his ruling that it was “more important than ever that the public have access to information from a variety of perspec-
tives about what the government is doing.” That, in essence, makes good journalism possible.
Kara-Murza made it clear that a democracy thrives only when its people put forth the effort to sustain it. He invoked Ben Franklin’s reminder that the United States was founded as “a republic, if you can keep it”— which resonates with renewed urgency.
I became a journalist because I love to write. I’m committed to upholding the values I believe in so strongly. Like my Herald colleagues, I love telling your stories, and I love diving into the important topics I believe you, our readers, deserve to know about.
I can’t say that I’m as courageous as Vladimir Kara-Murza, who embodies everything journalists should hope to be — fearless, principled, and unwavering in the pursuit of truth. But his story reminds me why this work matters, and why we must never take our freedoms for granted. Every day that we can report honestly, ask challenging questions, and share your stories is a privilege — one I never intend to lose sight of.
Jordan Vallone, the deputy managing editor of Herald Community Newspapers, is a graduate student in Stony Brook University’s School of Communications and Journalism. Comments? jvallone@liherald.com.
2
ew York’s housing crisis is undeniable. Rents are high, supply is tight and too many families are struggling to find a place to call home.
In response, Albany is advancing proposals like the REVIVE Act alongside Gov. Kathy Hochul’s Let Them Build agenda — efforts designed to cut red tape and accelerate development.
The goal is right. The challenge is getting the approach right, too. At the heart of the debate is a familiar tension: how to build faster without sacrificing thoughtful planning and public trust.
It’s not just about process; it’s about trust. Residents are more likely to support new housing when they believe their voices are heard. Developers are more likely to invest when rules are consistent. And elected officials are more effective when they can balance urgency with accountability.
Supporters of reform make a compelling case. New York’s development process is notoriously slow and expensive. Reviews under the State Environmental Quality Review Act can stretch timelines by years, even for projects that ultimately pose little or no environmental risk.
According to state data, projects can take up to 56 percent longer to start compared with other states, and cost up to $45,000 per unit on Long Island. Those costs are usually passed on to renters and buyers. In a state where affordability is already a crisis, those inefficiencies matter.
The REVIVE Act seeks to address this by targeting underused commercial properties — shopping centers, office
To the Editor:
parks and large parking lots — and encouraging their conversion into housing. In concept, this is smart policy. Repurposing dormant or declining properties into vibrant residential communities can ease the housing shortage while revitalizing local economies.
But the concerns raised by local officials and residents are just as valid. Critics argue that the legislation could sideline local zoning authority, limit public hearings and reduce meaningful community input.
The inclusion of a “deemed approved” provision — allowing projects to move forward automatically if municipalities fail to act within an expedited timeline — is a flashpoint.
One side says projects would move forward without public hearings or meaningful community input. That might overstate the case, but it isn’t entirely off base. The proposal appears to compress timelines and shift leverage away from local governments. If those timelines are too tight, or if municipalities lack the resources to review complex proposals quickly, the result could be approvals by default rather than by design.
And what about the timeline itself? That remains a critical detail. Without clear and reasonable deadlines, “expedited” can quickly become “unworkable.” Municipal boards might need additional support to operate on stateimposed clocks. If they are rushed, oversight suffers. If they miss deadlines, community members may feel that decisions are being made for them, not with them.
Yet it would be a mistake to dismiss
With all the rhetoric being bandied about over the war in the Middle East, I would like to add something that rarely seems to enter into the discussion. That is the size of the various sides. My source is the 2025 World Almanac.
Israel has an area of approximately 8,470 square miles, which is about the size of the state of New Jersey. The West Bank and Gaza have a combined area of about 2,402 square miles, which is about the size of the city of Detroit and the state of Delaware.
The area of Israel’s near neighbors — Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria and Lebanon — is just over 1.3 million square miles, or about one-third the size of the United States.
The population of Israel is just over 9.4 million. The population of the West Bank and Gaza is just
the need for reform altogether. Doing nothing is not an option. The current system is too slow, too costly and too unpredictable. Developers face uncertainty and communities can miss opportunities.
The answer lies not in choosing sides, but in combining the best ideas from both. New York should streamline environmental review for projects that consistently demonstrate minimal impact, particularly those on previously developed sites. It should set clear, enforceable timelines for decisions.
Those timelines, however, must be realistic, and paired with resources, training and technical assistance for local governments. The state’s proposal to modernize permitting and create a “permitting academy” is a step in the right direction.
At the same time, local decision-making must be preserved. Communities deserve a voice in shaping their neighborhoods, especially when it comes to density, infrastructure and quality of life. Public hearings should not be eliminated, but they can be made more efficient and focused.
If “deemed approved” provisions are included, they must come with safeguards: flexibility for municipalities acting in good faith, transparency in the review process and mechanisms to ensure that projects meet clear standards before moving forward.
New York doesn’t need a rushed solution. It needs a smart one. Albany has an opportunity to get this right. By blending efficiency with oversight, and speed with community input, lawmakers can craft a housing policy that works for all.
over the past several decades, proposals to redevelop the nassau Hub — nearly 72 acres of prime undeveloped real estate situated in the heart of nassau county — have been presented to the public with great fanfare.
To date, none of these proposals has been realized: not the Lighthouse Project, in 2004; not rXr realty’s proposal, in 2018; and not the Las vegas Sands casino and resort, proposed in 2023. In each of these instances, major developers imposed their ideas for a project on county residents and local communities instead of working in partnership with them. As a result, this top-down approach to development has generated significant community and political opposition, crucial factors leading to the cancellation of these projects. with development currently stalled, we now have a tremendous opportunity to reimagine the process. we have the chance for county residents, developers, local educational institutions, commu-
under 5.4 million. The population of Israel’s near neighbors is 188.2 million. As a reference, the population of the United States is nearly 342 million.
There are rights and wrongs on both sides, but the constant drive to destroy Israel is not the correct solution to these issues.
LAwrence Levy Rockville Centre
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Letters must include your name and contact information for verification. Send lettters to execeditor@liherald.com Be heard. Be part of the conversation.
nity leaders and elected officials to work together to create and implement a comprehensive, 21st-century vision of the nassau Hub from the ground up: a “community first” approach to redevelopment and a generational opportunity to develop one of the last remaining large parcels of land in nassau county.
DThis community-first plan should contemplate benchmarks that aim for tangible benefits for the county and local residents. It must expand our tax base so we can preserve essential services without raising taxes — and even possibly lower them. It must be an engine for economic revitalization as part of a comprehensive strategy for addressing nassau’s longstanding affordability challenges. Designed correctly, the new Hub will become a destination for high-paying careers that will address the regional “brain drain” and equip our children with the opportunity to build their futures where they were raised.
evelopers’ top-down approach has generated too much community opposition.
serving green spaces and utilizing renewable energy sources, such as solar power, wherever possible. Moreover, nassau county must secure necessary infrastructure resources — whether through grants, contributions from the developer that is ultimately chosen or a combination of both — to accommodate growth.
Most important, the plan should also be built with union labor, and the developer that is ultimately selected must enter into a project-labor agreement with the various trades to facilitate that outcome. It should generate wages commensurate with nassau’s cost of living. with its central location, the Hub benefits from bordering major population hubs such as east Meadow, Uniondale and Hempstead village. It’s a short distance from the Meadowbrook Parkway, Hofstra University and nassau community college. All of these assets create excellent synergies that can amplify the success of the development.
ect, in which the developer and the Town of Hempstead’s adversarial relationship quickly sank any hopes of achieving common ground. Success at the Hub will require leadership and an all-hands-on-deck approach that prioritizes communication, good-faith negotiations and a shared commitment to approving a final project that is focused on uplifting the communities we serve. Since the closure of Mitchel Field in the early 1960s and the transfer of the land to the county, we have had a tremendous opportunity within reach. There have been countless visions for redeveloping the site. For more than six decades, however, proposals have come and gone, and nassau has not taken full advantage of this remarkable resource.
This community-first plan should be environmentally friendly and sustainable, with an emphasis on minimizing any adverse impact on the local environment, fostering walkable lifestyles, pre-
Far too often, attempts to build nassau’s future have been doomed by bureaucracy, political infighting and nIMBy roadblocks. That was especially true in the case of the Lighthouse Proj-
Framework by Tim Baker
That’s why it is so important to embrace another approach to the Hub — and that’s why what I offer here is a deliberately broad framework. Ultimately, the future of the Hub must not be about what I, or any other elected official or developer, wants. It must about what our community wants. It is essential for leaders to listen to community members and fulfill their vision — and our conversation about building that future together is one that must begin right now.
Scott M. Davis, of Rockville Centre, represents Nassau County’s 1st Legislative District.
