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Mural connects art with L.I.’s marine scenery Patchogue Arts Council’s Cultivating Havens for the Arts through Regional Murals iniT h e r e s a “ Te s s ” P a rke r tiative, known as CHARM, r e c a l l e d t h e m o m e n t s h e funded by the New York State watched a little girl stop to Council on the Arts with supadmire the new mural above port from Gov. Kathy Hochul’s the entrance to the Seaford office. Public Library and tell her “My intention as the artist is mother she wanted to become to transport the viewer the an artist. same way a really good book For Parker, the wo u l d , ” Pa rke r muralist who creatsaid. “They [take] ed the work, the the whole human moment captured mind of the viewer what she hoped her and just kind of art would accomtransport them plish, inspiring somewhere.” wonder, sparking For the library, curiosity and transthe project offered porting those who an opportunity to see it somewhere make a f amiliar beyond their every- FRaNk MCkENNa community instituday surroundings. tion more distincDirector, The roughly tive while celebratSeaford Library 30-foot-tall mural, ing the town’s contitled “Bound nection to the Together,” transSouth Shore. Its for ms the library’s exterior director, Frank McKenna, said clock tower into an underwater the project began in July, after world, where two seahorses Danielle Paisley, the director of read together among books, the Patchogue-Medford Library, aquatic plants and rocks. Paint- approached him about finding ed across three walls, layers of a Nassau County library interteal water, bubbles and light ested in hosting a mural. McKcreate the illusion of looking enna connected with Beth Giaup from beneath the surface. cummo, executive director of Parker completed the mural the Patchogue Arts Council, early this month, as part of the Continued on page 7

By HUNTER FENOLLOL

hfenollol@liherald.com

Sean Kennedy/Herald

eighth precinct police officers chatted with community members over coffee, smoothies and treats from Simply Spinelli Cafe in Wantagh on oct. 7 during the nassau County police department’s 11th annual Coffee with a Cop day.

Coffee, cops and community

Nassau police share cups of Joe and connect with residents at Wantagh’s Simply Spinelli Cafe By SEaN kENNEDY Correspondent

The Nassau County Police Department partnered with a small business in Wantagh on Oct. 7 to celebrate National Coffee with a Cop Day, an annual tradition that allows officers to interact with their communities. The local event was held at Simply Spinelli Cafe, at 739 Wantagh Ave., where Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder and community affairs officers from the Eight Precinct met with residents to enjoy a cup of coffee and some conversation. The event lasted from 1 to 3 p.m. “This is the perfect opportunity for us to connect with our communities, meet with them face-to-face while, at the same time, supporting a local small business like Simply Spinelli Cafe,” Ryder said. The event connected the police depart-

ment to the coffee shop and bakery founded and owned by Alexa Spinelli, who began her business in 2019. “I love being a part of this community and being a place for our community, so having the Nassau County Police Department come in and be able to also interact with the community, that serves our purpose,” Spinelli said of hosting the event. The business was started out of her parents’ kitchen, and now Spinelli operates the storefront in Wantagh, continuing to bring healthier options to her customers. “I started it because I really like sweets, but a lot of sweets weren’t great for you,” Spinelli said. “My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer when I was younger and passed away from it in 2021, so it’s really important that I find quality ingredients to Continued on page 5

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News brief Levittown announces UPK registration dates Levittown Public Schools has opened registration for its Universal Prekindergarten program for the 2027-2028 school year on Oct. 19, 2026. Children who reside within the district and will be 4 years old on or before Dec. 1, 2027, are eligible to apply. Registration will remain open through Nov. 25, 2026. Provided to families free of charge, Levittown’s UPK program offers young learners a strong foundation for future academic success through play-based learning, early literacy experiences, social-emotional development and hands-on exploration. The program is offered exclusively through the district’s community partner, Tender Garden, with all 2027-2028 classes held at St. Bernard’s, located at 3100 Hempstead Turnpike in Levittown. Every classroom is staffed by licensed teachers dedicated to creating engaging, nurturing learning environments where children can build confidence, independence and readiness for kindergarten. Families are encouraged to complete the registration process and submit all required documentation during the registration window. Children with completed registrations submitted by the deadline will be eligible for the UPK lottery process. Completion of registration does not guarantee placement. Registration information, required

Courtesy Levittown Public Schools

Levittown Public Schools has opened registration for its Universal Prekindergarten program for the 20272028 school year on Oct. 19, 2026. forms and instructions will be available on the district website beginning Oct. 19. Families should be prepared to provide proof of residency, proof of age and required medical and immunization documentation. For more information, visit the Levittown Public Schools website at LevittownSchools.com or contact the Central Registration Office at (516) 434-7058. —Jordan Vallone

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OCTOBER 22, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD

Taking strides of hope at Jones Beach

WANTAGH HERALD — OCTOBER 22, 2026

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Every step carried a reason at Jones Beach on Oct. 18 — a loved one remembered, a diagnosis confronted or the hope that another family might someday be spared the words “you have cancer.” Survivors, people living with breast cancer, caregivers and supporters came together for Making Strides of Long Island, an American Cancer Society fundraiser presented by Teachers Federal Credit Union. The walk brought a shared purpose to the boardwalk: honoring those affected by breast cancer and supporting the effort to end the disease. With its main festival area at Field 5, the event combined opportunities for remembrance with celebrations of resilience. Participants could follow an approximately five-mile route, taking breaks or turning around whenever they needed. The emphasis was on participating at their own pace and finding connection along the way. That personal connection was reflected in the “I Walk For” signing wall, where participants could write the names of loved ones or the reasons behind their steps. A Tribute Garden offered space to reflect, remember and celebrate. At Field 1, the Fence of Hope marked a turnaround point and a place to honor those touched by breast cancer. Photos, notes and small mementos could be left in tribute to loved ones, giving walkers an opportunity to pause before continuing along the boardwalk. Support for people at different stages of their cancer experience was central to the event. A pink survivor and thriver tent offered American Cancer Society resources, commemorative shirts and medals, and opportunities to connect with others. The society defines a survivor as anyone who has received a cancer diagnosis, including those newly diagnosed, undergoing treatment or in remission. Making Strides uses the term “thriver” for people living with metastatic breast cancer. Caregivers were also welcomed into the space, recognizing the family members and friends who accompany loved ones through appointments, treatment and the uncertainty that can follow a diagnosis. Nearby, a Bell of Hope offered another way to mark the experience. A new tent focused on “previvors” — people who have not been diagnosed with cancer but have an increased risk because of an inherited genetic mutation, family history or other known risk factors.

Tim Baker/Herald Photos

Long Islanders turned out for the annual breast cancer awareness walk at Jones Beach on Oct. 18. Baldwin residents Tyler Smith, Christine Smith, Shaneya Mauldin and Robert Smith were decked in pink and excited to take part in the meaningful event. Beyond the tributes, the festival area offered ways to learn about support services and become involved. A Community Village connected participants with Long Island nonprofit organizations, while an exhibit highlighting the American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge program drew attention to free lodging available to people traveling for cancer treatment. Other activities emphasized breast cancer screening, advocacy and the experiences of Black women. The American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network provided information about advocating for research funding and access to care. Team photo stations and walls for messages of encouragement added opportunities to celebrate friendships and support networks. Together with the spaces for remembrance, they reflected the walk’s overlapping emotions: grief for those lost, gratitude for those alongside them and hope for those still facing treatment.

Cara DeSantis, Jaziela Trelles, Juan Trelles and Wendy Estrella offered their support at the walk. Supporter Shawn Hunt from St. Albans walked with her poodle, Dior.

A large crowd gathered to walk for Colleen Mooney Truono, who died two years ago from Triple Negative breast cancer. She was a teacher in the Island Trees School District.

OCTOBER 22, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD

An architect for a sunroom? Ask The Architect

Q. I’m buying a sunroom for my breakfast room on the back of my split-level house, about 8 feet off the ground. I’m being told by the contractor that I need an architect and sealed plans. Since it’s basically a kit of parts that will go on my existing deck, why do I need this? It seems like a lot of extra expense the sunroom people didn’t tell me about. If I already have a permit for the deck, it should be allowed, right? I haven’t bought the sunroom yet. I’m just trying to be sure I know the whole story before I do this, probably by spring, when the weather is better for construction. A. Do things once, the best way. A deck isn’t habitable, but a

sunroom is, and a permit is required. Plans have to show structural support, energy and building code compliance. Rain, moisture and ice are your primary concerns. You need the whole story without the sales part. Just like any purchase, issues you might not expect are still important, like finding out what kind of oil to add to your snowblower before the engine seizes or that windows without factory tinting can allow ultraviolet sunlight rays to fade your carpet. As an architect for a largely popular sunroom manufacturer in the 1980s and ’90s, I experienced many issues with their construction. Pre-engineered panel systems are designed by the company, hopefully by engineers, and should come with plans from the manufacturer that can be sealed and signed by their in-house engineer. If not, plans may need to be drawn from scratch by an architect or engineer that you hire so those plans can be integrated with your house. Integrated means that the company generally just sells you a product and doesn’t necessarily give any indication of how to support the unit or how to attach the unit system to your house so that it won’t leak or move. This is the general failing of the system, since, as I experienced with most of the installations, the part I could detail was free of leaking or movement, but the units themselves leaked nearly every time. We could detail how the edges of the unit could be sealed and redundantly weather-stripped and flashed, but the frames around the glass and wall edges would unseal and leak. I even met with the corporate president/owner and identified the specific problems. Promises to correct leak issues were made but not kept, and eventually I gave up. I looked at a 2-year-old system while discussing other work for a home recently. The owner described the back-and-forth misery he and his family were experiencing with their sunroom and the company. Even 25 years after I gave up, the same company is still doing things the same way. You need a detail-oriented architect and installer. The cost of doing things twice is much greater. Good luck.

Monte Leeper

© 2026 Monte Leeper. Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

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Time saving for life saving Time is a funny thing. You think you have plenty of it, discover how fast it goes and reach the realization that it’s not guaranteed or forever. It moves many of us to take better care with the time left – however long that might be. It is in that spirit, in this corner of the year, that I embark on that series of annual medical checkups to ensure that nothing has chang ed in my health between 2025 and 2026.

ber of survivors while a cure is actively sought. And while October is not the only time to think of people we care about, those fighting breast cancer, those who survived it and those who didn’t, for me it is a month heightened with the time and privilege to participate in the yearly American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk.

Guest Columnist

It doesn’t take too long to drive donations and walk with hundreds of others to feel as if these few hours might make a real difference.

These days are so different than simply making an appointment and updating forms on a clipboard in the office.

So, take time this fall to care for yourself and those you care for.

Suddenly valuable Ask medical profestime is preserved by the Lauren LeV sionals for the informaportals, notices, emails, tion and requirements texts and downloads revising records before any greet- needed to stay healthy. ing at the front desk for diagnostic Allow for the sometimes nervetests like a mammography. wracking minutes that add up as It takes some getting used to – you wait for the reports, evaluations and next steps. this now commonplace time saver. Remember that during Breast Cancer Awareness month it is not just about pink, but staying “in the pink” by encouraging people to take the time to work with healthcare professionals to know the signs of breast cancer and get tested or treated. Busy lives make it hard to make time for such checkups yet without them we cannot increase the num-

_________________

Consider health and its care for what it is, time well spent. A contributing writer to the Herald since 2012, Lauren Lev is a direct marketing/advertising executive who teaches marketing fundamentals as well as advertising and mark eting communications courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology and SUNY Old Westbury.

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Coffee with a Cop nurtures ties with community give to people, so they can enjoy food without sacrificing their health.” National Coffee with a Cop Day began in 2011, when officers from the Hawthorne Police Department in California were looking for ways to connect with their community. They discovered that the best solu-

tion was to partner with local coffee shops, starting a trend that would spread nationwide, with police departments in all 50 states now participating. This year’s event was the Nassau County Police Department’s 11th annual celebration of the day, continuing a tradition to help break down the

Sean Kennedy/Herald

Eighth Precinct police officers interacted with community members over coffee, smoothies and treats from Simply Spinelli Cafe in Wantagh on Oct. 7 during the department’s 11th annual Coffee with a Cop Day.

barriers between the police officers and the communities they serve. Previously, the police department has partnered with other shops, including Perk & Press in Massapequa and RS Beanery in Merrick. “Not so long ago, we were in a place where there was a lot of anti-police sentiment that was going on in the world,” Ryder said. “Now, we’re not there anymore. We’re in a better place, and it’s because of the outreach in our communities. Small businesses like these are doing the right thing, showing the support for us. We’re showing the support for them — and that’s how we build relationships in our communities.” The words of outreach connected with the likes of students from nearby MacArthur High School, which lies directly across the street from Simply Spinelli Cafe. “One of the officers told me about this, so I thought to come by after school,” high school senior Alexandra Mallia said. “The officers were so welcoming when I walked in, asking how I’m doing, and they’ve been really nice.”

WANTAGH HERALD — OCTOBER 22, 2026

COntinuED frOm PagE 1

the nassau County Police Department partnered with Simply Spinelli Cafe on Wantagh avenue to create an opportunity for police officers to break down barriers with the citizens they serve. For the Nassau County Police Department, the event brought about shared themes of love, support and trust between the community and the officers that police their streets. “You take all the bad things in this world, and then you come to a little store like this on Wantagh Avenue, and you can feel the good,” Ryder said. “Between the coffee, a healthy

dietary way to eat, and great business owners giving back to the community, it’s all good. There’s nothing but good.” The same can be said for Spinelli, who believes that events like these can foster a perfect environment for interaction. “I think, at the end of the day, we really need to focus on love rather than hate,” Spinelli said. “Here, that’s what we’re trying to do.”

WANTAGH LIONS CLUB THANKS THE FOLLOWING FOR SPONSORING OUR ANNUAL GOLF FUNDRAISER HELD ON OCTOBER 8, 2026 Cathy Francomano “In Memory of Joe & Charlotte Francomano” Wantagh Auto Body International Union of Operating Engineers Sun Auto Group Scahill Law Group P.C. The Cop Shop The Damadeo Agency “In Memory of Dave Moehringer” Verity Van Lines The Wantagh Inn Lamonica Herbst & Maniscalco Long Island Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence O’Shea Funeral Home DJ’s Claim Shack

My Own Car Guy The Snug Larry Lamendola Embassy Diner Nassau County Legislator Kayla Knight John Hagan Cassidy’s Bar & Restaurant Modern Eyes Ophthalmology (Andrew Greenberg, MD) LI Bagel Cafe (Bellmore) Cobra Consulting, LLC (Dave Dennenberg) Rise Display Ed Mirabella State Senator Steve Rhoads Park Avenue Service Wantagh Chamber of Commerce

Mike Gruter- In Memory of: Bob Gruter a friend to the Wantagh Lions Russell D. Mauro Attorney at Law William M.Goldrick Attorney at Law Bulovas Restorations Inc. Rich McAllister Justin Kantrowitz Charles J. Schmidt Funeral Home Ridgewood Station Tavern Boss Crokers Irish Poet Iavarone Bros LI Architecture Studio (Mike Duignan) O’Connor, McGuinness, Conte, Doyle, Oleson, Watson & Loftus, LLP Matt McCartin

We are truly in need of new members to volunteer. If you are over the age of 18 and would like to join us in helping those in need in our community please contact us: wantaghlions@gmail.com or call (516) 382-3369

Visit us online at wantaghlions.org Wantagh Lions is a 501c3 non profit organization

BRiNgiNg local spoRts home eVeRY weeK

spotlight athlete

HERALD SPORTS

Defense keys Wantagh’s big win By PETER SCHWARTZ sports@liherald.com

TRISTEN ROSE EAST ROCKAWAY Junior FOOTBALL PREVIOUSLY UNBEATEN NORTH SHORE had no answer for Rose Oct. 10 as East Rockaway/ West Hempstead won its second straight game following an 0-3 start. Rose exploded for 327 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries to lead the way in a 30-26 victory over the Vikings, who were 4-0. Through five games, Rose racked up 800 yards on the ground and nine touchdowns. As last year’s sophomore backup, he gained 234 yards.

games to watch Friday, Oct. 23 Football: Glen Cove at Hewlett .................................. 6 p.m. Football: Manhasset at Plainedge........................6:30 p.m. Football: Syosset at Freeport................................6:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 24 Football: Mineola at Clarke ..................................1:30 p.m. Football: Hicksville at Uniondale ..........................1:30 p.m. Football: North Shore at Malverne .......................1:30 p.m. Football: New Hyde Park at Carey .......................1:30 p.m. Football: Wantagh at Elmont ................................1:30 p.m. Foortball: Roosevelt at V.S. Central .......................1:30 p.m. Football: South Side at Sewanhaka.....................1:30 p.m. Football: Garden City at Kennedy.........................1:30 p.m. Football: Long Beach at Calhoun .........................1:30 p.m. Football: Farmingdale at Massapequa.................1:30 p.m. Football: Mepham at Baldwin ..............................1:30 p.m. Football: C.S. Harbor at Lynbrook.............................. 2 p.m. Football: Lawrence at V.S. North ................................ 2 p.m. Football: Seaford at Floral Park ................................. 2 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 31 Boys and Girls Cross-Country: Nassau County Class I, II and III Championsips at Bethpage State Park ........ 10a.m., 10:25a.m., 11:45 a.m., 12:10 p.m., 1:30 p.m., and 1:55 p.m.

An unbelievable pass defense led Wantagh to the win column for the sixth time in as many weeks. The Warriors got interceptions from Ray Azziriti, Luke Martini and Luke Rubbo and held visiting Bethpage without a completed pass in seven attempts on the way to a convincing 28-7 victory in a Nassau Conference III showdown. With the victory, the two-time defending county champions improve to a perfect 6-0 record. Bethpage is 4-2. “I’m happy,” Wantagh head coach Keith Sachs said. “We’re always focused on the end result. I don’t make much out of regular season games. We just want to get better and clean up on mistakes.” Azziriti’s interception late in the first quarter led to Martini’s 2-yard touchdown run and a 7-0 lead early in the second. Martini had 134 yards rushing and added another touchdown in the second half that made it 21-0. The 2025 Thorp Award winner is having another outstanding season with 1,004 yards on the ground and 15 touchdowns. “Luke is phenomenal,” Sachs said. “What he accomplished last year was incredible, but this year what he’s in the middle of accomplishing is almost ten times harder. He’s pretty much had eight or nine guys on him every single play. He’s taken on such a bigger load than last year.” Handing the ball off to Martini is senior quarterback and captain Max Avena whose patience has paid off this season as he assumed the starting role. Avena threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Rubbo just before halftime. “He waited his turn and he’s been phenomenal,” Sachs said of Avena. “He’s runs the offense and he’s very smart. He’s getting better and better which is great.” Senior guard and linebacker Patrick Forthofer, another captain who also plays lacrosse, led the team in tackles last season and continues to be a force on the defensive side of the ball. “He’s legitimately physical and tough and our v

Don’t let injuries sideline you.

Michelle Ebel/Herald

Luke Martini had 134 yards rushing, two touchdowns and also one of three Wantagh interceptions in last Saturday’s win over Bethpage. best defensive player and our best lineman,” said Sachs. The Warriors also get big contributions from senior wide receiver/middle linebacker Joseph Adamo, junior twoway linemen Vincenzo Fullone and Brendon Wood, junior wide receiver/ defensive end Jayden Amendolare, senior fullback and captain Ryan Rice, and Rubbo who now has five interceptions on the year. While being undefeated at this point of the season is a big accomplishment, it’s not the end-all be-all for Wantagh as it exhibited in the past.

Last season, it won the county championship with an 8-4 record and played its best football at the end of the season, a blueprint they want to replicate. “That seems to be our thing,” said Sachs. “Sometimes you learn more from a loss which we’ve done the last couple of years, but I never want to lose.” Next up for Wantagh, a visit to Elmont Saturday before closing the regular season with a Halloween matchup at home against South Side. And then comes the playoffs, the time of the year that matters most to the Warriors.

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OCTOBER 22, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD

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9/2/26 11:21 AM

Art celebrates reading, imagination and community which helped coordinate the project. The library wanted a South Shore theme incorporating the library’s seahorse logo and the importance of books and reading. The clock tower, with its three exposed walls, provided a natural canvas for the wraparound design. The arts council solicited portfolios from regional muralists, narrowed the candidates to two finalists and selected Parker in early August. “It’s a beautifully painted mural,” McKenna said. “It’s a welcoming, relaxing, peaceful work of art.” Parker, a full-time artist whose work includes murals across Long Island and beyond, said she knew the design needed to extend around all three walls rather than appear on the front alone. She also had to account for existing features, including the clock, windows, lettering and a plaque. The seahorses became the centerpiece for a more personal reason. Parker said she was drawn to the animal’s strong bonds and its behavior of holding tails and performing courtship rituals. That inspired her to create a pair rather than a single seahorse, with the two holding tails as they read. The books along the sea floor connect the imagery to the library, with bright orange lettering and the book designs contrasting with the surrounding bluegreen water. The mural’s perspective is designed to reward a closer look. Parker positioned the waterline at the point where the tower rises above the rest of the building, making the upper portion appear to represent the view from underwater toward the sky. The work is intended to seem less like a picture on a wall and more like an environment visitors can imagine entering. “Wonder” was a word McKenna said came to mind

Courtesy Tess Parker

Tess Parker in front of her mural, “Bound Together,” which now decorates the façade of the Seaford Library. when describing the mural’s effect on visitors. He recalled hearing children exclaim as they passed Parker at work. As a child growing up on Long Island, Parker said, she rarely saw murals like this one. Encountering public art earlier in life, she said — like the girl who told her mother that she wanted to be an artist — might have encouraged her to pursue her career sooner. Parker initially worked as a creative arts therapist

in psychiatric hospitals. Her transition to mural painting began when a hospital hired her to create decorative artwork for a fundraising gala. She approached its chief executive about funding murals, built a portfolio and eventually left her job to paint full-time. Today, she sees public art as an opportunity to reach people who might not otherwise visit a gallery. “It’s different because it’s free,” Parker said. She used aerosol paint exclusively for the Seaford mural, first priming the walls and then creating a “doodle grid” in order to expand the composition across the large, connected surfaces. Beneath the finished imagery, she incorporated words and names connected to the project and people in her life, leaving a hidden record of the experience. Parker’s biggest challenge wasn’t the building’s architecture, but rather working above a busy road on a boom lift, where she had to remain mindful of passing traffic. For McKenna, the finished mural also serves a practical purpose. The library, housed in a building that can be difficult for passersby to recognize, now has a colorful landmark visible from Jackson Avenue and the surrounding Verity Plaza. “It helps put us more on the map,” McKenna said, adding that the artwork enhances the library’s profile and makes the surrounding area more vibrant. Ultimately, Parker hopes the mural encourages visitors to look beyond its bright colors and familiar seahorse imagery. Reading, she said, can help people imagine other lives, develop empathy and feel less alone. She hopes her work inspires a similar openness. “If we get rid of curiosity, then we lose learning,” she said. The library is at 2234 Jackson Ave. in Seaford.

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WANTAGH HERALD — OCTOBER 22, 2026

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OCTOBER 22, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD

Focusing on transparency in Hempstead race By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Joe Scianablo says residents across the Town of Hempstead are asking for lower costs, safer communities and a government that puts taxpayers ahead of political connections. The Garden City resident and Marine combat veteran is making those concerns central to his second campaign for Hempstead town supervisor, challenging incumbent John Ferretti. Scianablo, a former New York City police officer and prosecutor, said conversations with residents have shaped his grassroots campaign. “We’re hearing from residents in the Town of Hempstead that they’re concerned about affordability, safety and protecting taxpayer dollars,” Scianablo said. “That’s going to be our focus this cycle.” Scianablo, 49, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1996 and served in Iraq before joining the NYPD, where he specialized in domestic violence. After retiring, he earned his law degree and pursued a legal career focused on justice and public safety. He said his background in the military, law enforcement and the courtroom has prepared him to lead the town, particularly as residents raise questions about spending, development and access to services. One of his primary concerns is the town’s budget. Although the current administration has cited a 2026 general fund tax levy cut and proposed tax freeze, Scianablo questioned the sustainability of its finances. “Objectively speaking, it’s very concerning,” he said. “Yes, the taxes are frozen, but how? Where is this money coming from then?” His campaign’s preliminary budget review identified what he described as a 97 percent increase in miscellaneous fund spending and millions of dollars being transferred from the town’s Highway Department. He

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD SUPERVISOR

Jeffrey Bessen/Herald

Garden City resident Joe Scianablo is running for Hempstead Town Supervisor against incumbent John Ferretti. also questioned the town’s reliance on selling municipal property to help close a budget gap. “The first thing that we’re going to be doing is have financial experts review not just the budget, but every town-owned property, every major expenditure, every department,” he said. “Just like I did as a prosecutor, we’re going to find and hunt down the wasteful spending, and we’re going to redirect those resources right

back in the community where they fall.” Scianablo said he would eliminate unnecessary spending without cutting essential services, rebuild financial reserves and direct more resources toward infrastructure, including road repairs and snow removal. Housing and development are other priorities. He attributed overdevelopment partly to zoning variances and inconsistent enforcement of existing building codes, arguing that officials should work with the individual communities to preserve neighborhood character by understanding their needs. “If we can just start complying with our own building codes within the town, we can eliminate a lot of this overdevelopment and overbuilding,” he said. On public safety, Scianablo said he would continue working with local law enforcement while expanding resources. He said the closure of The Safe Center LI has heightened the need for services for vulnerable residents. He also called for greater transparency in town government and more opportunities for residents to participate in decisions. Ultimately, Scianablo said he hopes voters will judge his candidacy on local issues rather than party affiliation. “It’s not meant to be political,” he said. “We’re focused on the right and wrong, not the right and left.”

Outlining priorities, challenges ahead of bid By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti is seeking re-election, wrapping up a little over a year in office, citing tax cuts, infrastructure improvements, public safety and preserving local control as priorities. Ferretti, 43, a lifelong Levittown resident and attorney, was appointed to the supervisor position in August 2025, following the resignation of his predecessor, Don Clavin. Previously, he served four terms in the Nassau County Legislature. He said his county experience prepared him to oversee the nation’s largest township. One of his first priorities was the town’s 2026 budget, which included an 18 percent reduction in the general fund tax levy. The Town Board adopted the budget in October 2025. Ferretti recently unveiled his proposed 2027 budget, which would maintain the $5 million reduction and keep the tax levy essentially flat. The proposed budget totals $591.7 million. “By freezing the budget for 2027, freezing my tax cut of last year in place, we’re giving residents a total of $10 million — $5 million tax cut last year, holding that over for 2027,” he told Herald reporters at a roundtable interview. He said the town faces financial challenges from rising costs and what he described as unfunded state mandates, including increased pension and health insurance expenses. “While we project conservatively, there are challenges that we face going forward, but we continue to work to give residents more while taking less,” Ferretti said, pointing to workforce reduc-

Tim Baker /Herald

Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti is seeking re-election, after completing a little over a year in office following his appointment to the position. tions, retirement incentives and efforts to generate revenue. Infrastructure is another priority. As of Oct. 15, Hempstead has repaved 115 of its 1,200 miles of roadway — which sets an annual record, according to Ferretti. Ferretti also highlighted improvements to parks, pools and recreational facilities, as well as efforts to secure state and federal grants to fund projects.

The South Shore’s vulnerability to storms and flooding remains a concern. Ferretti said the town prepares by “cleaning storm drains, reinforcing dunes and coordinating with local village officials, regardless of party, during major weather events.” Housing and zoning are also significant issues. Ferretti opposed the proposed state’s REVIVE Act, arguing it would limit local control over zoning and development by allowing higher-density housing while overriding local zoning authority. He said he supports development that incorporates community input but opposes what he views as a onesize-fits-all approach. “I’m not opposed unilaterally to any development,” he said. “But in the Town of Hempstead, residents and the people they elect need to have a say.” Looking ahead, Ferretti said affordability is the concern he hears most often. His goals for another term include keeping the town financially accessible, maintaining public safety and preserving its suburban character. “I want people to be able to say that they can continue to live here and that they believe that down the road their children and grandchildren will be able to stay here,” Ferretti said. “Nassau County will not be the sixth borough of New York City.” He also emphasized cooperation with Nassau County and local villages on public safety, noting that the town does not operate its own police department. “Public safety sees no party,” Ferretti said. “The number one priority of any elected official is keeping their residents safe. As he campaigns for another term, Ferretti said he will continue to emphasize lower taxes, maintained services, infrastructure investment and local control.

Charmed is a place for wellness and healing jvallone@liherald.com

In the heart of Bellmore’s downtown is an eclectic wellness shop that caters to all. Whether visitors are seeking spiritual guidance, mediumship sessions, Reiki and other wellness services, or simply browsing its array of merchandise, Charmed and Healing brings it all together under one roof. The storefront in Bellmore was opened in December of 2020 by shop owner Lori McGuire, who resides in nearby East Meadow. Charmed first operated out of a smaller spot earlier that year, and despite the pandemic complicating her first year in business, she needed more space and relocated to its current location on Bedford Avenue. McGuire is a psychic medium and certified to perform Reiki, an ancient Japanese practice that involves the transfer of energy from one person to another. Walking around the shop — which sports a homey, warm feel — patrons can browse a variety of holistic health items and other gifts, including essential oils, lotions, crystals and jewel-

ry. And aside from shopping, customers can book psychic readings and Reiki sessions. “Those are our main things,” McGuire said of Charmed’s services. “And then we offer a lot of classes. We try to be more of a community place.” Psychic readings are priced at $30 for 10 minutes; $50 for 15 minutes; $75 for 30 minutes; and $125 for 60 minutes. Reiki sessions are priced at $75 for 30 minutes or $125 for 60 minutes. Charmed and Healing posts a monthly calendar on its Facebook page, which details a list of programming, including crafting classes for things such as wreaths, candles and simmer pots. The schedule also boasts movie nights, packages for Reiki services and special psychic nights. A lot of the classes and p ro g r a m m i n g a re t h e m e d around the season or month. McGuire also hosts twicemonthly moon circles, which she said are well-attended. The circles include meditation, intention-setting by candlelight, Reiki, sound bowls and individual card readings. And S h a u n Ta n n e n b a u m , wh o works with McGuire, hosts angel classes, helping people

Jordan Vallone/Herald

Lori McGuire, owner of Charmed and Healing, behind the front in the Bellmore storefront. McGuire is a psychic medium and certified to perform Reiki. connect with archangels. Charmed’s purpose, above all, is to help people and offer the community an alternative, holistic approach to wellness and healing. “It’s been different each year,” she said, reflecting on her

business journey. “I think the thing that we’ve maintained are the psychic readings and the Reiki healings, and that’s what people come back for. And then once people come once or twice, they get to know everybody who works here and the other people

who come in, and it’s really just kind of developed into a community, which I love.” “It’s become a lighter energy-place,” Tannenbaum said. “Some people with darker energies just gravitate away, and it’s been really good lately.” And of course, Charmed is a novelty shop — the type of place where people stop in for birthday, housewarming, anniversary or milestone gifts. Mental clarity in a crazy world, McGuire said, is what she feels keeps her customers engaged. “I think it’s the uplifting energy,” she explained. “I think it’s the spark of guidance and joy, hope for the future. I think it’s that hopeful energy.” Charmed and Healing is at 305c Bedford Ave., Bellmore, New York. The shop is open on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Services can be booked online. For those interested in inquiring about what’s offered, email char medbellmore@ gmail.com or contact McGuire at (347) 739-2832.

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WANTAGH HERALD — OCTOBER 22, 2026

By JORDAN VALLONE

OCTOBER 22, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD

BookLove award lunches hosted in Levittown Sixth grade students at Levittown’s Wisdom Lane and Jonas E. Salk middle schools were recognized recently for their dedication to summer reading with special celebrations featuring lunch and meaningful conversations with Deputy Superintendent Beth Zirogiannis — affectionally referred to as “Dr. Z.’ Students who visited the Levittown Public Library throughout the summer were invited to enjoy a lunch with Dr. Z, where they gathered to celebrate their reading accomplishments and share their love of books. During the #BookLove events, Dr. Z read aloud “This Way, Charlie” by Caron Levis. The story of an unlikely friendship between Charlie, a blind horse, and Jack, a goat, inspired thoughtful discussions about friendship, resilience, and finding one’s own path. Over pizza and Oreos, students recommended books they could not put down, reflected on what it means to “find your way,” and shared advice they would give to their younger elementary school selves. The conversations highlighted the impact of reading in helping students learn more about themselves and the world around them. To commemorate the occasion, every student received a gift bag to take home. The #BookLove celebrations served as a rewarding conclusion to a summer of reading and reinforced the district’s commitment to fostering literacy, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning. Through their participation in the Levittown Public Library’s summer prog rams, students not only strengthened their reading skills but also discovered new stories, ideas and connections that will continue to inspire them throughout the school year.

ourtesy East Meadow School District

Jonas E. Salk Middle School sixth graders celebrated their summer reading achievements with a special #BookLove lunch on Oct. 5 hosted by Levittown Public Schools Deputy Superintendent Beth Zirogiannis. The #BookLove celebrations served as a rewarding conclusion to a summer of reading and reinforced the district’s commitment to fostering literacy, curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.

—Jordan Vallone

During the #BookLove events, Dr. Z read aloud “This Way, Charlie” by Caron Levis.

Over pizza and Oreos, students recommended books they could not put down, reflected on what it means to “find your way,” and shared advice they would give to their younger elementary school selves.

WANTAGH HERALD — OCTOBER 22, 2026

OCTOBER 22, 2026

LOCAL ELECTIONS GUIDE Candidate profiles, ballot Information and more inside!

OCTOBER 22, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD

ElEcTiON ‘26

NEW YORK STATE GOVERNOR

Kathy Hochul

Bruce Blakeman

Party affiliation: Democrat Profession: Governor

Party affiliation: Republican Profession: Nassau County Executive

On the Issues

On the Issues Affordability and tax relief

Affordability and tax relief

Hochul identifies lowering costs as a central priority. Her campaign points to inflation refund checks sent to more than 8 million New Yorkers, an expanded child tax credit and middle-class tax cuts as measures aimed at easing household expenses. She also cites universal free school meals as a way to help families save money.

Blakeman proposes eliminating state income tax on the first $50,000 of income for single filers and the first $100,000 for joint filers. He also proposes doubling the state’s multibillion-dollar property tax rebate program. Blakeman says restructuring the state budget, using state reserves, could finance the tax cuts and redirecting taxpayer funds currently allocated to services for undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers.

Housing and child care Hochul supports building and preserving more affordable housing. Her campaign highlights her support for running mate Adrienne Adams’ City for All housing plan during Adams’ tenure as New York City Council speaker. The two also worked together to secure child care funding. Hochul says she is working toward universal child care to make it more accessible and affordable for New York families.

Housing and childcare Blakeman aims to invest in schools and reduce the overall tax burden on residents. He looks to give families more disposable income as they contend with housing, childcare and other rising costs.

Public safety and schools

Public safety and schools Hochul emphasizes investments in community safety and cites gun safety legislation enacted during her administration. Her campaign also highlights her work with Adams on city and state gun-free zone laws. In schools, Hochul points to the ban on student cellphone use during school hours as another initiative enacted during her tenure.

Blakeman has pledged to increase support for police, expand counterterrorism funding for the NYPD and build or reopen state prisons. He also strongly opposes sanctuary state and city policies and supports greater cooperation with federal immigration authorities to deport undocumented immigrants with criminal records. He supports restricting biological males from competing in female school sports categories.

Federal policies

Federal policies Hochul has made opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies a central part of her campaign. She says she will defend New Yorkers against federal actions she considers harmful and, alongside Adams, oppose what her campaign describes as “MAGA extremism.”

Blakeman has made opposition to New York’s sanctuary policies and the state’s spending on services for migrants and asylum seekers a central part of his campaign. He supports working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to remove undocumented immigrants with criminal records and redirecting state resources currently used for migrant services.

ElEction ‘26

congrEssional District 4

Laura Gillen

Jeanine Driscoll

Party affiliation: Democrat Profession: U.S. Representative

Party affiliation: Republican Profession: Hempstead Receiver of Taxes

On the Issues Bipartisanship and legislative accomplishments Gillen is seeking re-election to a second term, emphasizing her successful efforts working across party lines. Gillen views hyperpartisan voting as a major roadblock to passing legislation. One of the first bills she introduced into Congress, which eventually passed in the House, sought to extend TPS for Haitian immigrants.

Affordability, housing and economic growth Gillen understands that affordability is a major concern for Long Island families. She supports restoring Affordable Care Act tax credits, lowering prescription drug and potentially capping the price of insulin, and eliminating tariffs which she says cost households an average of $1,700 annually. She also backs affordable housing initiatives.

Infrastructure, transportation and community Gillen highlighted her role in delivering $42 million in improvements to the NICE bus system, commuter tax deductions regarding congestion pricing and road safety grants. She has found funding for water filtration upgrades in multiple communities, flood prevention, emergency vehicles and accessibility improvements.

Public safety and national security Gillen considers the encroachment of drugs into local communities on of the most pressing threats to public safety. Gillen notes her attachment to the Republicanbacked “HALT Fentanyl Act” as another example of her ability to work across the aisle. Gillen favors protections against antisemitism continued U.S. assistance to Israel.

FUN

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On the Issues Government experience Driscoll has served as the Town of Hempstead receiver of taxes since 2019. With her current constituency in the Town of Hempstead covering more than 95 percent of New York’s 4th Congressional District, Driscoll believes her qualifications over the past seven years have prepared her for the role of representative.

Taxes, spending and the economy Driscoll identifies as a fiscal conservative who prioritizes reducing taxes and limiting government spending. She supports restoring the full SALT — state and local tax — deduction to provide relief to homeowners facing high property taxes. Driscoll would prioritize an elimination of taxes on tips, overtime pay and Social Security benefits.

Immigration and health care Driscoll has noted that two members of her immediate family are naturalized immigrants. She supports increased clarity of immigration rules as well as a tightening of immigration legislation. Driscoll favors work or volunteer requirements for eligible Medicaid recipients.

Education, accountability and constituent services Driscoll supports parental involvement in a school’s curriculum, particularly regarding controversial topics that a parent may personally disagree with, particularly in elementary school. She will look to restrict a school district’s ability to pierce the tax cap.

FUN

Facts Bagel Order:

Sal t b ag e l Baseball Team:

Me ts

Favorite Music Artist:

Q ue e n

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John Brooks

Shannon Fredericks

Party affiliation: Democrat Profession: Former state senator, insurance broker

Party affiliation: Republican Profession: Former regional coordinator Nassau Republican conference

WANTAGH HERALD — OCTOBER 22, 2026

ASSEMBLY DiStrict 14

On the Issues

Affordability and property taxes

Affordability and state spending

Brooks identifies lowering costs for Long Island families as a central priority. He points to his work on property tax relief during his time in the State Senate and says he would continue advocating for taxpayers and working families in the Assembly.

Fredericks identifies affordability as a leading concern among voters and supports reviewing state spending before increasing taxes. She argues that recent budget growth warrants closer scrutiny of how taxpayer money is used. As a young adult, she says she would bring the perspective of her generation to discussions about making New York affordable.

Education Brooks supports strong public schools and cites his experience on the Seaford Board of Education as part of his preparation for addressing education issues. His campaign highlights his advocacy for schools during his Senate tenure and emphasizes policies that reflect the needs of Long Island communities.

Public safety and first responders Brooks identifies safer communities and support for veterans and first responders as priorities. A longtime volunteer firefighter, former Seaford Fire Department chief and New York Army National Guard veteran, he points to his emergency response and military experience as foundations for his approach to public service.

Public safety Fredericks is critical of New York’s cashless bail policies and supports making community safety a legislative priority. She says policies enacted in Albany should help residents maintain safe communities.

Bipartisanship Fredericks emphasizes working across party lines to accomplish legislative goals. She says approaching colleagues with respect, humility and a willingness to collaborate would guide her work in the Assembly.

Infrastructure and bipartisanship

Constituent representation

Brooks supports stronger infrastructure and a government that responds to residents’ concerns. He emphasizes working across party lines and says he is willing to challenge his own party’s leadership when statewide policies do not reflect Long Island’s needs. His campaign points to his legislative record and nonpartisan approach to Senate committee work as examples of that philosophy.

Fredericks pledges to represent all residents of the 14th Assembly District and seek their input on local concerns. She says listening to constituents is essential to doing the job effectively. She also points to her experience working for State Sen. Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick and the Senate Republican conference as preparation for serving in Albany.

SENATE DiSTricT 5

ElEcTioN ‘26

Andrew Piddoubny

Steve Rhoads

Party affiliation: Democrat Profession: Attorney and State Supreme Court law clerk

Party affiliation: Republican Profession: State senator, attorney

On the Issues

Affordability

Affordability and spending

Piddoubny identified affordability as a central concern for 5th Senate District residents. He supports expanding access to early-childhood education beyond the state’s planned universal prekindergarten program, pointing to New York City’s 3-K program and 2-K pilot as models. He would seek a greater share of state funding for Long Island communities to help ease child care and other household expenses.

Rhoads supports restoring a 2 percent cap on annual state spending growth. He argues that slowing spending increases, rather than reducing existing programs, could allow economic growth to generate revenue for a substantial personal income tax cut. He also favors reviewing Medicaid enrollment and other major expenditures to control costs.

Homeowners insurance Piddoubny favors stronger scrutiny of homeowners insurance premiums and industry profits. He suggested exploring limits on excessive profits or preventing insurers from raising rates following especially profitable years. Under such an approach, excess revenue could be returned to policyholders rather than retained by insurance companies.

Public safety Rhoads opposes New York’s cashless bail policies and supports giving judges greater discretion to detain defendants before trial. He maintains that repeated lower-level offenses can contribute to more serious crime and identifies public safety as a leading concern among district residents.

State spending

Children and social media

Piddoubny supports reviewing the state budget to identify areas of overspending while ensuring that public money is directed toward effective programs. He said Long Island contributes more in state revenue than it receives and would prioritize securing what he considers a fairer allocation for the region.

Rhoads cited the state’s Stop Addictive Feeds Exploitation for Kids Act as an example of bipartisan work. The law is intended to regulate social media algorithms and prevent minors from receiving addictive feeds.

Representation

First responders and bipartisanship

Drawing on his legal experience, Piddoubny said he would emphasize negotiation, practical solutions and compromise when working with lawmakers from other parties. He believes serving as a member of the Senate’s majority conference would help him participate directly in budget negotiations, advance legislation and obtain additional state resources for the district.

Rhoads is working with Democratic State Sen. Jeremy Cooney on a bill that would provide volunteer first responders with three free credits per semester at SUNY and CUNY colleges. This expands on an initiative Rhoads helped establish as a county legislator. Though he in the Senate minority, he said he would continue seeking bipartisan agreements while opposing policies he believes increase spending or weaken public safety.

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GENERAL ELECTION

’26

FEDERAL

November 3, 2026 NASSAU COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS

This is not an actual ballot, but a composite of several sample ballots so as to reflect all the districts within the communities covered by your edition of the Herald. Complete reporting on candidates running in districts covered by the Herald may be found at LIHerald.com under the Elections ’26 tab.

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For election results after the polls close Tuesday night, go to LIHerald.com

Procurador General

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Laura Gillen

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Todd Hood

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La Legislatura del Condado de Nassau, Distrito 12

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Thomas DiNapoli

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Kate Murray

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Joseph Hernandez

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OCTOBER 22, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD

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OCTOBER 22, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD

LEGISLATIVE DISTrIcT 15

Kayla Knight

David Louis Boldt Smith

Party affiliation: Democrat Profession: Actor, educator, pastor and former nursing school administrator

On the Issues

ELEcTIon ‘26

Party affiliation: Republican, Conservative Profession: Attorney and Nassau County Legislator

On the Issues

Affordability and housing

Affordability and taxes

Smith says Nassau County’s high cost of living is pushing working families and younger residents out of the county. He supports developing underused property, including areas near railroad lines, for middle-income and working-class housing. He also wants greater access to preschool and child care, which he says are significant costs for families. Smith said he would seek legislation guaranteeing preschool for lower-income families.

Knight says Nassau County must balance the cost of government with the needs of residents. She supports maintaining property-tax exemptions and relief programs for seniors and veterans and says she wants to keep taxes under control while maintaining county services. She has also emphasized the need to make it possible for young people and longtime residents to continue living in Nassau County.

Government transparency and constituent services

Public safety

Smith says Nassau County residents should have more information about how taxpayer money is spent and what happens in the County Legislature. He supports establishing a countywide 311 system for non-emergency requests. Democratic legislators introduced a 311 proposal in February 2026, saying it could reduce pressure on the county’s 911 system and improve access to government services.

Knight identifies public safety as one of her primary priorities. She has pointed to county investments in law enforcement, including police staffing, training and technology, and says she would continue supporting resources for police and other public-safety agencies. In the 15th District, she has also identified traffic safety, speeding, potholes and dangerous intersections as issues requiring continued attention.

Public safety and the county’s armed deputy program

Community investment and constituent services

Smith says public safety should remain a central responsibility of county government and that Nassau should maintain its existing level of police protection. He opposes spending county resources on the county’s provisional emergency special deputy sheriff program, arguing that those resources could instead support traditional law enforcement.

Knight says she wants to secure additional Community Revitalization Program funding for community organizations, schools and fire departments if reelected. She has also organized district events focused on homeowner exemptions, veterans’ benefits and emergency preparedness. Her district office continues to provide information and assistance on county programs and services.

Government and accountability

Development and local control

Smith says he would approach the Legislature as an outspoken advocate for constituents, emphasizing accessibility and frequent communication. He said he does not want to promise specific tax cuts before reviewing the county budget and determining where taxpayer money is going. He also supports directing opioid-settlement resources toward addiction treatment, prevention and support for families affected by substance use.

As vice chair of the Legislature’s Planning, Development & the Environment Committee, Knight says development should be consistent with local zoning and the character of existing communities. She supports local control over land-use decisions and says residents should have a significant voice in determining how their neighborhoods develop. Knight has also acknowledged the affordability challenges facing younger residents.

LEGISLATIVE DISTrIcT 12

ELEcTIon ‘26

Michael Vanunu

Michael Giangregorio

Party affiliation: Democrat Profession: Lawyer

Party affiliation: Republican Profession: Retired, JPMorgan Chase

On the Issues

Water Safety

Constituent service

Vanunu is focusing his campaign on water rates, government spending, small-business costs and public safety in his bid to win. Vanunu said completing the proposed acquisition of Liberty Water by the South Nassau Water Authority should be a priority because of rising water bills. He said the Legislature could hold public hearings and press Liberty and the authority for information about negotiations and the proposed purchase.

Giangregorio said accessibility has been a central focus of his first term. He said his office works to help residents regardless of whether an issue falls directly under county jurisdiction, connecting constituents with the appropriate level of government when necessary.

Small businesses and spending Vanunu said the county should review fees and regulations affecting small businesses and consider ways to reduce costs, including possible breaks for new businesses or first-time renewals. He also questioned a $12 million county budget allocation listed as miscellaneous and said taxpayers should have greater information about how the money is spent. He criticized what he considers excessive spending on outside legal services.

Taxes and affordability Giangregorio said he has not voted for a Nassau County tax increase since taking office and supports finding ways to reduce spending and improve efficiency before considering additional taxes. He said the county should look for ways to provide affordable housing for young people, veterans and people with disabilities as property values continue to rise.

Public safety and legislation Public safety Vanunu, a former Queens assistant district attorney, said he wants to ensure the Nassau County Police Department has adequate resources to staff precincts and train officers. He cited concerns about detective shortages, upcoming retirements and staffing problems affecting county services, including emergency dispatch.

Constituent services Vanunu said his office would serve as a bridge between residents and county agencies, helping constituents navigate government and find the appropriate agency to address their concerns. He said he would bring a practical, cooperative and research-driven approach to the Legislature.

Giangregorio highlighted legislation he authored or supported, including a law prohibiting hotels and motels from renting rooms by the hour. He said the measure was prompted by constituent concerns about prostitution, drug trafficking and sex trafficking. He also pointed to the Blue Envelope program, which he developed with the Nassau County Police Department to help officers identify neurodivergent drivers and passengers during traffic stops.

Infrastructure and development Giangregorio cited several public works and development priorities, including phased improvements in Bellmore. He said planned traffic-signal improvements at Merrick and Camp avenues, including a left-turn signal near Camp Avenue School, are intended to improve traffic flow and pedestrian access. He also said he wants Nassau County, the Town of Hempstead, the state and property owners to work together to address long-vacant properties.

ElEction ‘26

Joe Scianablo

John Ferretti

Party affiliation: Democrat Profession: Veteran, former NYPD, attorney

Party affiliation: Republican Profession: Town of Hempstead Supervisor

On the Issues Affordability and taxes Scianablo supports reviewing the town’s budget, expenditures and propterties to identify wasteful spending and redirect taxpayer dollars toward community services. He has questioned the sustainability and transparency of the town’s proposed 2027 budget and supports rebuilding financial reserves.

Infrastructure and development Scianablo supports reinvesting in roads, parks, pools and other infrastructure while ensuring that resources are distributed fairly across communities. He wants to hold regular town halls to identify neighborhood priorities and pursue state and federal funding for revitalization projects.

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Housing Scianablo supports addressing housing affordability while preserving the character of established neighborhoods. He has raised concerns about overdevelopment and the approval of variances, calling for enforcement of existing codes. He believes housing and development decisions should reflect the individual needs of communities.

Public safety and government transparency Scianablo, a former New York City police officer and prosecutor, supports strengthening partnerships with Nassau County and local law enforcement. He also wants to expand services for domestic violence survivors and their children. He has called for greater government transparency and more accessible board meetings.

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Favorite Music Artist:

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On the Issues Affordability and taxes Ferretti supports reducing property taxes and controlling government spending to make the town more affordable. He pointed to an 18 percent reduction in the town’s general fund tax levy in 2026 and a proposed tax freeze for 2027. He also supports reducing staffing costs and eliminating discretionary spending.

Public safety and infrastructure Ferretti supports continued cooperation with Nassau County and village police departments to strengthen public safety. He also prioritizes roadway improvements, including repaving at least 100 miles annually, installing illuminated stop signs and addressing traffic concerns.

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Facts Bagel Order:

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Housing and local zoning Ferretti opposes state housing proposals that would override local zoning authority, arguing that residents should have a say in developments affecting their neighborhoods. While acknowledging the need for affordable housing for seniors and young adults, he favors lowering property taxes and preserving the town’s suburban character.

Parks and recreation Ferretti supports continued investment in the town’s parks, pools and beaches to improve recreational opportunities for residents. He highlighted improvements including new splash pads, upgraded pool facilities and extended swimming seasons. He also supports using state and federal grants to fund recreational projects.

Me ts

Favorite Music Artist:

O.A.R .

ELECTiON ‘26

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD CLERK

Joylette Williams

Kate Murray

Party affiliation: Democrat Profession: English Professor, Nassau Community College

Party affiliation: Republican Profession: Town of Hempstead clerk, attorney

On the Issues

Access and efficiency

Access to services

Williams wants to make the clerk’s office easier for residents to navigate. She supports developing an app that would allow residents to access town services and track requests, including Freedom of Information Law requests, in real time. She also wants the office to serve as a clearer one-stop source for information so residents are not repeatedly transferred between departments.

Murray says making government services convenient for residents remains a priority. She points to the clerk’s passport program, which allows residents to have photographs taken, applications reviewed and documents mailed from one location. The office also offers passport services on select weekends and provides marriage licenses, parking permits and other licenses and records.

Transparency and independence

Residents first

Williams highlights the clerk’s responsibility to operate independently from the town supervisor and Town Board, particularly when handling public records. She argues that properly submitted requests for public information should be handled consistently regardless of who requests the records and supports reviewing how the office processes, approves and denies FOIL requests.

Community outreach Williams proposes the clerk’s office to hold workshops throughout the town explaining services available to residents. Topics could include how to submit FOIL requests, what public information residents can access and how to apply for licenses. She says residents should be better informed about how to obtain town records and services.

Equal access to services Williams says services should be provided consistently across Town of Hempstead communities. She argues that where residents live or voting patterns should not determine the level of government services they receive. Although the clerk does not vote on Town Board policy, Williams says she would advocate for equal access to town resources and services.

Murray says the clerk’s office should help residents navigate government requirements, particularly when they need important documents during difficult circumstances. She supports having staff work within existing laws and policies to find solutions for residents, including delivering documents when someone cannot physically come to Town Hall.

Expanding identification programs Murray has expanded the office’s identification programs for children, seniors and people with special needs. The special-needs identification card includes information that could assist first responders, including whether a person is nonverbal. Murray says the initiative is part of an effort to adapt existing clerk services to additional groups of residents.

Coordination with town departments Murray says her previous experience as town supervisor helped her consider how the clerk’s office interacts with other town departments. She supports coordinating clerk services with programs run by departments such as parks and recreation and considering how the office’s staffing and budget needs affect public safety.

WANTAGH HERALD — OCTOBER 22, 2026

toWn oF HEMPStEAD SUPERViSoR

OCTOBER 22, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD

STEPPING OUT Anthony Rodia

Dee Shapiro’s My Olympia, 2018. Mixed media on paper. Courtesy of the artist.

Susan Grabel’s North Frieze of the Legendary Crone Goddess Temple, 2009. Cast paper, wood. Courtesy of the artist.

Beyond beauty

Women artists reimagine Venus at Hofstra Museum

By Abbey Salvemini

or centuries, the Roman goddess Venus has been used to represent ideals of feminine beauty, youth, desire and motherhood. What happens when women artists take those traditional ideals and reinterpret them through their own experiences? That question is at the center of ‘Deconstructing Venus,’ a new exhibition at Hofstra University Museum of Art. The museum opens its Emily Lowe Gallery to highlight the work of 20th- and 21st-century women artists to explore changing ideas about femininity and womanhood. Now on view through Dec. 11, the exhibition features an inspired group: Lee Krasner, Käthe Kollwitz, Elizabeth Catlett, Marisol, Lori Horowitz, Dee Shapiro and sculptor-printmaker Susan Grabel. The exhibit challenges, reconsiders and expands traditional ideas about femininity and women’s roles in society. Works explore themes of beauty, aging, identity, motherhood, activism and gender roles, while materials from Hofstra’s permanent collection and Special Collections add historical context to the exhibition. “Deconstructing Venus” begins with a question that has shaped art history for millennia: Who defines what a woman should be? Across cultures and centuries, the female figure has embodied fertility, beauty, devotion, temptation, motherhood, and power. Yet these images have most often been created within systems that limit women’s authority, over their own bodies and representation. By tracing this artistic legacy, the exhibition explores how women artists of the 20th and 21st centuries have challenged, embraced, and redefined these ideals, explains Sasha Giordano, director of the Hofstra University Museum of Art, in the exhibit catalog. The artists’ works approach long-standing expectations of women from different vantage points. “Some challenge conventional gender roles and beauty standards, while others embrace aspects of traditional womanhood or examine the constraints women have encountered in a male-dominated society,” Giordano says. Susan Grabel’s “Venus Cycle,” a series that traces Venus through the stages of aging while challenging idealized notions of the female form,

inspired the exhibit. Grabel’s work offers the most direct challenge to the traditional image of Venus, Giordano explains. She makes her own paper and casts her physical body, creating works that show an older body rather than an idealized, youthful figure. “There’s a long history of women being presented and idealized through the attributes of Venus and Aphrodite. It’s very hard to live up to these standards of perfection,” Giordano relates. After visiting Grabel’s studio, Giordano and cocurator Presley Rodriguez, the museum’s assistant Lori Horowitz’s Venus Amongst Her director of exhibitions Treasures, 2024. Mixed-media relief: and collections, turned aluminum sculpted photo, fabric, paper, • Now through Dec. 11 to Hofstra’s collection wood, fiber, and encaustic wax. Courtesy of • Emily Lowe Gallery, behind to find works that could Emily Lowe Hall, Hofstra the artist. University’s South Campus, expand the conversation. Hempstead Undergraduate intern • For more information about Sarah Braun was also involved in examining the collection, bringing the exhibition, gallery hours another generation’s perspective to the process. and related public programs, “The exhibition primarily shares art from the museum’s permanent visit hofstra.edu/museum collection to communicate a variety of women’s stories,” Rodriguez explains. The artists represented in the exhibition reflect an important shift in art history: women increasingly gained the ability to work independently and tell their own stories. The exhibit also includes works of non-Western art, demonstrating how women outside Europe and North America have responded to similar societal expectations surrounding gender and womanhood. Additionally, Hofstra Special Collections has contributed archival materials that offer insight into the challenges and achievements of women. “By bringing these varied perspectives together, Deconstructing Venus asks viewers to consider how ideas about women have been constructed over centuries – and what changes when women become the creators rather than simply the subjects of art,” Giordano adds. One of the archival materials on view is a diary belonging to an unidentified woman suffrage activist. An entry dated Nov. 18, 1918, records the writer watching her daughters vote for the first time. These archival materials offer a more intimate glimpse into the stories behind the exhibit. “When you’re looking at these smaller documents, it becomes a more personal experience,” Giordano adds. As always, public programming extends the conversation beyond the gallery. On Oct. 28, all are invited to “Speak Up! The Art of Civic Engagement.” This discussion examines the relationship between art, social change, and democratic participation. Susan Gottehrer and Arlo Fleischer of the Nassau County Regional Office of the New York Civil Liberties Union offer practical guidance on civic engagement, including how to advocate for issues they care about, communicate effectively with elected officials, and participate in events that shape their community. “Deconstructing Venus” brings women’s history into conversation with art made by women. Together, these artists replace a singular or limited ideal of womanhood with many individual narratives. No longer confined to stories written for or ascribed to them, these women rightfully claim agency as the authors, witnesses and truth-tellers of their own bodies, histories, struggles, and triumphs.

Anthony Rodia is back with his “Insanely Funny” tour, an all-new stand-up showcase packed with sharp observations and plenty of larger-than-life characters. Building on the success of his previous outing last year, this is his biggest and most ambitious yet, on the Paramount stage for two performances. A ﬁrstgeneration Italian-American raised in Westchester, Rodia discovered his knack for comedy early on.Drawing on family life, Italian-American culture, parenting and the everyday absurdities of modern life, Rodia has a knack for turning the familiar into the hilarious. His observational humor, self-deprecating wit and uncanny impressions have made him a rising star.

Friday, Oct. 23, 7 p.m. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington.

Ghostly Gala Halloween fun gets a kid-friendly twist when Long Island Children’s Museum hosts its annual Ghostly Gala. Designed for little ghosts and goblins, this after-hours bash delivers all the Halloween thrills without the scares. Families can create festive crafts, hit the ﬂoor at the Monster Mash Dance Party, trick-or-treat through the galleries, meet creepycrawly animal friends and explore the museum’s hands-on exhibits after hours. Costumes are encouraged, but not required, and families can enjoy the festivities at their own pace. Adding theatrical mischief to the mix, LICM Theater presents “Uncle Vlad’s Pumpkin Patch: The Vladuation,” the newest chapter in the museum’s annual Halloween theater tradition.

Saturday, Oct. 24, 6-9 p.m. Special performances of “Uncle Vlad’s Pumpkin Patch: The Vladuation” at 6:15, 7:45, and 8:30 p.m. (separate ticket required). 11 Davis Ave., Garden City. Contact licm.org or call (516) 224-5800.

OCT

Skating With Skeletons

CALENDAR Boardwalk Field 6 • When: 10 a.m.-noon • Contact: wantaghlibrary.org

Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to come Monster Mash their way across the museum’s synthetic, indoor ice rink with a crew of skeletons friends —no skates required! This playful reimagining of the family favorite sock skating exhibit enables everyone to slip into the seasonal spirit. Opening weekend adds even more seasonal fun with Skate, Rattle & Roll and Cutest Pumpkin in the Patch. • Where: 11 Davis Ave., Garden City • Time: Ongoing, through Nov. 1

OCT

Play Mah Jongg and Canasta every Thursday at Congregation Beth Tikvah. Snacks and drinks are provided. $5 contribution. • Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh • When: Noon-4 p.m. • Contact: mahjonggCBT@yahoo. com or (516) 785-2445

OCT

‘Sweeney Todd’

Molloy University’s CAP21 Musical Theatre students stage the indisputable masterpiece by Broadway legend Stephen Sondheim. ”Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” is a gripping musical thriller that will leave your heart pounding. Filled with razor-sharp wit, haunting melodies, and diabolical humor, it tells the chilling story of an exiled barber bent on revenge against the corrupt system that destroyed his family. Dark, daring, and deliciously macabre, this unforgettable score soars with intensity. Attend the tale, if you dare. • Where: 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre • Time: 8 p.m., also Oct. 24-25, varied times • Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444

OCT

Game time

Dog Days Weekend

Bring your pup to enjoy a relaxed autumn day at Old Westbury Gardens. Visitors are once again welcome to bring their leashed canine companions for a special opportunity to explore the grounds as the gardens take on their fall color. Stroll winding treelined paths, take in the seasonal landscape, and enjoy the crisp air as you and your pup discover some of the most scenic corners of the estate. It’s a laid-back weekend designed for fresh air, fall foliage, and time well spent outdoors with the whole family — paws included. With costume parade on Sunday. • Where: 71 Old Westbury Road, Old Westbury • When: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., also Oct. 25 • Contact: oldwestburygardens. org or call (516) 333-0048

Ghostly Gala Bring the kids to Long Island Children’s Museum’s annual Halloween celebration. Enjoy

NOV

Dweezil Zappa

Guitarist Dweezil Zappa brings his DZ20 Like Father, Like Son Tour to the Paramount, marking 20 years of performing his father Frank Zappa’s music. With jaw-dropping musicianship and a deep appreciation for his father’s singular sound, Dweezil takes audiences on a thrilling ride through a wildly inventive, technically dazzling musical legacy. His virtuosity on the guitar is matched only by his prolific compositional skills, which have generated numerous original works spanning multiple albums including “Confessions of Deprived Youth” (1991) and “Via Zammata” (2015). His music effortlessly traverses genres, seamlessly weaving together elements of rock, fusion, and experimental sounds, all while maintaining a signature style that is unmistakably his own. His collaborative spirit has led him to work with a diverse array of musicians all while honoring the legacy of his father. In addition to his solo work, Zappa has collaborated with an impressively varied roster of artists, • Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington including Edward Van Halen, Deep Purple, Lisa Loeb, Chick Corea, Herbie Hancock, and Steve • Time: 8 p.m. Vai, among others. Notably, his compositions have even been performed by a 100-piece • Contact: ticketmaster.com orchestra in Holland, showcasing his versatility and command of orchestral arrangements. or paramountny.com

the holiday in a fun, safe and spooky (not scary) way! Show off your costumes and dance moves in a Monster Mash Dance Party. Visit the Spooky Studio and meet mysterious underwater creatures. Also make some cool and creepy crafts. Start off your spooky night by decorating a bewitching trick-or-treat bag, then collect ghostly goodies from the museum’s roaming staff. Also a special showing of “Uncle Vlad’s Pumpkin Patch: The Vladuation” in the LICM theater. $18, $16 members; show $5. • Where: Museum Row, Garden City • Time: 6-9 p.m. • Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800

OCT

‘Dungeons and Dragons’

Tweens/teens in grades 5-12 can join the Adventurers guild on their quests seeking fame and fortune across strange lands and facing dangerous foes at Seaford Library. Get a chance to experience the world’s greatest role playing game D&D 5e! Bring your own 5th level character or pick one from the library’s motley crew! Registration required. • Where: 2234 Jackson Ave. • Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m. • Contact: seafordlibrary.org

Barkfest Eisenhower Park welcomes pups and their companions to join in some Halloween fun. Dress your four-legged friends in their best Halloween gear and check out the scene. Prizes awarded. Pets must be leashed, of course. Bring a pet food donation to help feed pets in need. • Where: Harry Chapin Lakeside Theatre, East Meadow • Time: 1-3 p.m.; judging at 2 p.m. • Contact: nassaucountyny.gov or (516) 572-0200

OCT

Harmonize with Long Island Harmonizers

Love to sing? So do the Long Island Harmonizers. The Barbershop Harmony Society chapter is a chorus of more than 20 singers, now welcoming new members. The ensemble performs four-part a cappella harmony in the barbershop style, entertaining audiences at local events. All are welcome to visit one of their weekly rehearsals. Come listen, meet the chorus, and — if you’d like — join in and sing. No musical experience is necessary, just a love of singing and a desire to have fun making music together. • Where: Faith Lutheran Church,

231 Jackson Ave, Syosset • When: Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30 p.m. • Contact: Call: Rich, (516) 521-4779, or Dennis, (516) 680-8036, or visit longislandharmonizers.org

OCT

Bingo at Temple B’Nai Torah

Temple B’nai Torah hosts weekly bingo with prizes, progressive games, and refreshments every Wednesday and Thursday. • Where: 1886 Front Street, East Meadow • When: 2:00pm - 4:00pm • Contact: (516) 221-2370

OCT

Wantagh Walks

Transition into the autumn season with Wantagh Public Library Librarian James on refreshing, moderately paced walks along the scenic Jones Beach Boardwalk. Enjoy the invigorating fall breeze, stunning autumn views, and great conversation in a friendly, low-key setting. Dress for the weather, wear comfortable shoes, and don’t forget to bring water. Registration required. • Where: Jones Beach

South Shore Symphony’s ‘Halloween Spooktacular’

Calling all ghosts and goblins! Kick off Halloween weekend with the spooky sights and sounds of the South Shore Symphony at the Madison Theatre. The orchestra’s second annual Halloween-themed concert features Hans Zimmer’s Batman Suite, Lalo Schifrin’s Mission Impossible Theme, frightfully fun music by Anton Dvořák and Anton Bruckner, and much more. Costumes are highly encouraged! • Where: 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre • Time: 7:30 p.m. • Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444

NOV The 27th Annual Long Island Jolson Festival

Society President Jan Hernstat invites all to participate in the annual tribute to Al Jolson, rescheduled. With Ed Greenbaum’s unique outtakes from “The Jolson Story, Noah Diamond as Grouch Marx, comedian Jeff Greenberg, with Tony Babino’s “The Heart of Al Jolson, and more. Tickets are $54.955. Costumes are highly encouraged! • Where: Lambrou’s Catering Hall, 4073 Austin Blvd., Island Park • Time: 10- a.m.-4 p.m. • Contact: Jan Hernstat at (516) 678-3524

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.

WANTAGH HERALD — OCTOBER 22, 2026

Your Neighborhood

HERALD

To place a public notice go to

OCTOBER 22, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD

liherald.com/legals and use our convienient portal. LEGAL NOTICE AVISO DE REUNIÓN ESPECIAL DEL DISTRITO DEL DISTRITO ESCOLAR WANTAGH UNION FREE, EN EL CONDADO DE NASSAU, NUEVA YORK SE EMITE NOTIFICACIÓN de que, conforme a una resolución de la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Wantagh, en el condado de Nassau, Nueva York, adoptada el 24 de septiembre de 2026, se celebrará una Reunión Especial del Distrito de los votantes cualificados de dicho distrito el Martes, 1 de diciembre de 2026 de 7:00 a 9:00 p.m. (hora predominante) en los siguientes lugares de votación: Mandalay Elementary School, 2667 Bayview Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York, para las personas que residen en el Distrito Electoral nº 1; Wantagh Elementary School, 1765 Beech Street, Wantagh, Nueva York, para las personas que residen en el Distrito Electoral Nº 2; y Forest Lake Elementary School, 3100 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York, para quienes residan en el Distrito Electoral Nº 3; con el fin de votar sobre las siguientes Proposiciones: PROPUESTA DE BONOS RESUELTO: (a) Que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Wantagh Union, en el condado de Nassau, Nueva York (el "Distrito"), está autorizada para realizar modificaciones y mejoras en los edificios y/o sitios del Distrito (el "Proyecto"), sustancialmente tal y como se describe en un plan preparado por el Distrito con la ayuda de Mark Design Studios Architecture, PC, (el "Plan"), cuyo plan está archivado y disponible para inspección pública en la oficina del Subsuperintendente de Negocios; dicho proyecto incluye la construcción de ampliaciones para proporcionar espacio adicional para aulas, deportes, banda y coro; reconstrucción interior y reconfiguración del espacio; mejoras en seguridad/protección, renovaciones de baños;

seguridad/protección, renovaciones de baños; sistemas de fontanería y riego; reemplazo de ventanas; pavimentación y trabajos de asfalto en todo el distrito; mejoras en campos deportivos y recreación/parques infantiles y la construcción de un edificio de mantenimiento, edificio deportivo y estación de confort; todo lo anterior incluirá el mobiliario original, equipo, maquinaria, aparatos y demoliciones, obras auxiliares o relacionadas con los mismos trabajos requeridos en relación con ello; y para gastar para ello, incluyendo los costes preliminares y los costes relacionados con la financiación, una cantidad que no exceda el coste máximo estimado de 69.850.000 dólares; siempre que los costes estimados de los componentes del Proyecto tal como se detallan en el Plan puedan reasignarse entre dichos componentes si la Junta de Educación determina que dicha reasignación es en el mejor interés del Distrito; (b) que se vota un impuesto por la presente por la cantidad total de no exceso de $69,850,000 para financiar dicho coste, dicho impuesto que se recaudará y recaude en cuotas en los años y en las cantidades que determine dicha Junta de Educación; y (c) que, en anticipación a dicho impuesto, se autoriza la emisión de bonos del Distrito por un importe principal total no superior a $69,850,000 y se vota un impuesto para pagar los intereses sobre dichos bonos que se hagan vencidos y deberán. PROPUESTA DE GASTO DEL FONDO DE RESERVA DE CAPITAL RESUELTO: (a) Que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Wantagh Union, en el condado de Nassau, Nueva York, (el "Distrito"), está autorizada a completar el proyecto de ventanas de la Escuela Media y las mejoras HVAC de la Escuela Secundaria, incluyendo mejoras del sitio, mobiliario, equipos, aparatos, maquinaria, demolición y otros trabajos o mejoras incidentales

PUBLIC NOTICES mejoras incidentales necesarias en relación con ello, y para gastar para ello, incluyendo los costes preliminares y los costes relacionados con la financiación, una cantidad que no exceda el coste estimado de 1.300.000 dólares (incluidos los intereses acumulados); y (b) que la cantidad de $1,300,000 (incluidos los intereses acumulados) del Fondo de Reserva de Capital del Distrito, establecido por los votantes del Distrito el 21 de mayo de 2024, queda autorizada a ser gastada para cubrir el coste de dicho fin, y dicho gasto queda aprobado. Dichas Proposiciones aparecerán en las papeletas utilizadas para votar en dicha Reunión special de Distrito, en las siguientes formas condensadas: PROPUESTA BONOS SÍ NO

RESUELTO: Que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Wantagh Union, en el condado de Nassau, Nueva York (el "Distrito"), está autorizada a construir modificaciones y mejoras en los edificios y/o sitios del Distrito, sustancialmente según lo descrito en un plan preparado por el Distrito con la ayuda de Mark Design Studios Architecture, PC, y para gastar para ello una cantidad que no exceda el coste máximo estimado de 69.850.000 dólares; (b) que se vota un impuesto por la suma total de no exceso de 69.850.000 dólares para financiar dicho coste, dicho impuesto que se recaudará y recaudará en plazos en los años y cantidades que determine dicha Junta de Educación; y (c) que, anticipando dicho impuesto, se autorizan por la presente la emisión de bonos del Distrito por un importe principal total no superior a $69,850,000 y se vota un impuesto para pagar los intereses sobre dichos bonos que se hagan vencidos y pagarán. PROPUESTA DE GASTO DEL FONDO DE RESERVA DE CAPITAL SÍ NO RESUELTO: (a) Que la Junta de

(a) Que la Junta de Educación del Distrito Escolar Libre de Wantagh Union, en el condado de Nassau, Nueva York, (el "Distrito"), está autorizada a completar el proyecto de ventanas de la Escuela Media y las mejoras HVAC de la Escuela Secundaria, incluyendo mejoras del sitio, mobiliario, equipos, aparatos, maquinaria, demolición y otros trabajos o mejoras incidentales necesarias en relación con ello, y para gastar para ello, incluyendo los costes preliminares y los costes relacionados con la financiación, una cantidad que no exceda el coste estimado de 1.300.000 dólares (incluidos los intereses acumulados); y (b) que la cantidad de $1,300,000 (incluidos los intereses acumulados) del Fondo de Reserva de Capital del Distrito, establecido por los votantes del Distrito el 21 de mayo de 2024, queda autorizada a ser gastada para cubrir el coste de dicho fin, y dicho gasto queda aprobado. La votación se realizará por votación según lo previsto en la Ley de Educación y las urnas permanecerán abiertas de 7:00 a 9:00 p.m. (hora vigente) y durante el tiempo necesario para que los votantes presentes puedan emitir su voto. Y SE DA UN AVISO ADICIONAL de que el registro personal de los votantes es obligatorio conforme al §2014 de la Ley de Educación o conforme al Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral. Si un votante se ha registrado previamente conforme al §2014 de la Ley de Educación y ha votado en una reunión anual o especial de distrito en los últimos cuatro (4) años naturales, es elegible para votar en esta Asamblea Especial del Distrito. Si un votante está registrado y elegible para votar conforme al Artículo 5 de la Ley Electoral, también es elegible para votar en esta Asamblea Especial del Distrito. Todas las demás personas que deseen votar deben registrarse. El registro se realizará con el fin de registrar a todos los votantes cualificados del Distrito conforme al §2014 de la Ley de Educación hasta el miércoles 25 de noviembre de 2026,

noviembre de 2026, entre las 8:00 y las 16:00 horas (hora vigente), en todos los días regulares en que la oficina del Secretario del Distrito esté en funcionamiento, ubicada en el Edificio de Administración, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, momento en el que cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho registro, siempre que en ese momento se sepa o se demuestre que tiene derecho a votar en la Reunión Especial del Distrito para la que se prepare el registro. La Junta de Registro también se reunirá con el propósito de registrar a todos los votantes cualificados del Distrito conforme al §2014 de la Ley de Educación el sábado 21 de noviembre de 2026, entre las 9:00 y la 1:00 p.m. (hora vigente), en las Oficinas Administrativas, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York, para añadir cualquier nombre adicional al Registro que se utilice en dicha Asamblea Especial de Distrito, momento en el que cualquier persona tendrá derecho a que su nombre se incluya en dicho Registro, siempre que en dicha reunión de la Junta de Registro se sepa o se demuestre a satisfacción de dicha Junta de Registro que tiene derecho a votar en la Reunión Especial del Distrito para la que se prepare el registro. El último día para registrarse será el miércoles 25 de noviembre de 2026. El registro así preparado conforme al §2014 de la Ley de Educación se archivará en la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, y estará abierto para inspección por cualquier votante cualificado del Distrito a partir del miércoles 25 de noviembre de 2026, entre las 9:00 y la 1:00 p.m. (hora vigente), entre semana y cada día anterior al día fijado para la Reunión Especial del Distrito, excepto jueves y domingos, y el viernes 27 de noviembre de 2026 y el sábado 28 de noviembre de 2026 solo con cita previa. El registro de los votantes cualificados de dicho distrito escolar preparado para la Reunión Anual y Elección del Distrito

Elección del Distrito celebrada el 19 de mayo de 2026 será utilizado por la Junta de Registro como base para la preparación del registro para dicha Reunión Especial del Distrito que se celebrará el 1 de diciembre de 2026. Y SE DA UN AVISO ADICIONAL de que los votantes militares que no estén actualmente registrados pueden solicitar registrarse como votantes cualificados en el Distrito Escolar Libre de Wantagh Union solicitando y enviando una solicitud de registro al Secretario del Distrito en persona, por correo postal a 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, por correo electrónico a mcguigane@wantaghschools.org o por fax al (516) 765-4154. La solicitud de registro puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar para recibir la solicitud de registro por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Los formularios de solicitud de registro de votantes militares deben recibirse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 17:00 horas del 5 de noviembre de 2026. Y SE DA UN AVISO ADICIONAL de que los votantes militares que sean votantes cualificados del Distrito Escolar Libre de Wantagh Union podrán solicitar una solicitud de papeleta militar al Secretario del Distrito en persona, por correo postal a 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793, por correo electrónico a mcguigane@wantaghschools.org, o por fax enviado al (516) 765-4154. En dicha solicitud, el votante militar podrá indicar su preferencia por recibir la solicitud por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Un votante militar debe devolver la solicitud original de la papeleta militar por correo postal o en persona a la oficina del Secretario del Distrito en 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793. Para que un votante militar reciba una papeleta militar, una solicitud válida debe recibirse en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 17:00 horas del 5 de noviembre de 2026. Las solicitudes de papeleta militar recibidas conforme a lo anterior se tramitarán de la misma manera que

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de la misma manera que una solicitud de papeleta no militar conforme a la Sección 2018-a de la Ley de Educación. La solicitud de papeleta militar puede incluir la preferencia del votante militar para recibir la papeleta militar por correo, fax o correo electrónico. Y SE DA UN AVISO ADICIONAL de que la papeleta militar original de un votante militar debe ser devolvida por correo o en persona a la oficina del Secretario del Distrito en 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793. Las papeletas militares serán examinadas si son recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito antes del cierre de las urnas el 1 de diciembre de 2026 que muestren una marca de cancelación del Servicio Postal de los Estados Unidos o del servicio postal de un país extranjero, o que muestren una avalación fechada de recepción por otra agencia del Gobierno de los Estados Unidos; o recibidas no más tarde de las 17:00 horas del 1 de diciembre de 2026 y firmadas y fechadas por el votante militar y un testigo, con una fecha que se determine no posterior al día anterior a la elección. Y SE DA UN AVISO ADICIONAL de que las solicitudes para papeletas por correo y por correo anticipado estarán disponibles durante el horario laboral escolar por parte del Secretario del Distrito. Las solicitudes completadas no pueden ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito antes del 2 de noviembre de 2026, y deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito al menos siete (7) días antes de la elección si la papeleta se va a enviar al votante, o el día antes de la elección, si la papeleta debe entregarse personalmente al votante o al agente nombrado en la solicitud de voto por correo o por correo anticipado. Las papeletas por correo y por correo anticipado deben ser recibidas por el Secretario del Distrito a más tardar a las 17:00 horas (hora vigente) del martes 1 de diciembre de 2026. Una lista de personas a las que se hayan emitido

las que se hayan emitido papeletas de voto por correo, y una lista de todas las personas a quienes se hayan emitido papeletas anticipadas de votación por correo, estará disponible para su inspección para votantes cualificados del Distrito en la oficina del Secretario del Distrito a partir del miércoles 25 de noviembre de 2026, entre las 8:00 y las 16:00 horas de los días laborables previos al día fijado para dicha reunión especial del distrito, excepto el jueves y el 1 de diciembre de 2026, el día fijado para dicha reunión especial del distrito. Cualquier votante cualificado podrá, tras examinar dichas listas, presentar una impugnación por escrito de las cualificaciones como votante de cualquier persona cuyo nombre aparezca en dichas listas, exponiendo los motivos de dicha impugnación. Cualquier impugnación por escrito será transmitida por el Secretario del Distrito o un designado de la Junta de Educación a los inspectores electorales en el día fijado para dicha reunión especial del distrito. Y SE DA MÁS AVISO de que se han establecido Distritos Electorales en el Distrito Escolar. Los límites de los Distritos Electorales, adoptados por resolución de la Junta de Educación, y el lugar de votación en cada distrito electoral serán los siguientes: DISTRITO ELECTORAL Nº 1 - Todos los votantes que residen al sur de Sunrise Highway votan en la escuela primaria Mandalay, 2667 Bayview Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793. DISTRITO ELECTORAL Nº 2 - Todos los votantes que residen al norte de Sunrise Highway y al este de Wantagh Parkway votan en la escuela primaria de Wantagh, 1765 Beech Street, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793. DISTRITO ELECTORAL Nº 3 - Todos los votantes que residan al norte de Sunrise Highway y al oeste de Wantagh Parkway, voten en la escuela primaria Forest Lake, 3100 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, Nueva York 11793. Solo se permitirá votar

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liherald.com/legals Solo se permitirá votar los votantes debidamente inscritos. Y SE DA UN AVISO ADICIONAL de que aquellos votantes que busquen información sobre dicha reunión especial del distrito en español deben contactar con la Oficina del Secretario del Distrito en el (516) 765-4103. POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE EDUCACIÓN Fecha: 24 de septiembre de 2026 ELAINE MCGUIGAN Secretario de distrito LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SPECIAL DISTRICT MEETING OF THE WANTAGH UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, IN THE COUNTY OF NASSAU, NEW YORK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to a resolution of the Board of Education of the Wantagh Union Free School District, in the County of Nassau, New York, adopted on September 24, 2026, a Special District Meeting of the qualified voters of said School District will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2026 from 7:00 o'clock A.M. to 9:00 o'clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) at the following voting places: Mandalay Elementary School, 2667 Bayview Avenue, Wantagh, New York, for those persons residing in Election District No. 1; Wantagh Elementary School, 1765 Beech Street, Wantagh, New York, for those persons residing in Election District No. 2; and Forest Lake Elementary School, 3100 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York, for those persons residing in Election District No. 3; for the purpose of voting upon the following Propositions: BOND PROPOSITION RESOLVED: (a) That the Board of Education of the Wantagh Union Free School District, in the County of Nassau, New York (the "District"), is hereby authorized to construct alterations and improvements to District buildings and/or sites (the "Project"), substantially as described in a plan prepared by the District with the assistance of Mark Design Studios Architecture, PC, (the "Plan"), which plan is on file and available for

"Plan"), which plan is on file and available for public inspection at the office of the Assistant Superintendent for Business; such Project including the construction of building additions to provide additional classroom, athletic, band and choir space; interior reconstruction and space reconfiguration; improvements to safety/security, bathroom renovations; plumbing and irrigation systems; window replacements; District-wide asphalt paving and curb work; athletic field and recreation/playground improvements and the construction of a maintenance building, athletic recreation building, and comfort station; all of the foregoing to include original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus and ancillary or related demolition, site and other work required in connection therewith; and to expend therefor, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and to the financing thereof, an amount not to exceed the estimated maximum cost of $69,850,000; provided that the estimated costs of the components of the Project as set forth in detail in the Plan may be reallocated among such components if the Board of Education shall determine that such reallocation is in the best interests of the District; (b) that a tax is hereby voted in the aggregate amount of not to exceed $69,850,000 to finance such cost, such tax to be levied and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as shall be determined by said Board of Education; and (c) that in anticipation of said tax, bonds of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $69,850,000 and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable. CAPITAL RESERVE FUND EXPENDITURE PROPOSITION RESOLVED: (a) That the Board of Education of the Wantagh Union Free School District, in the County of Nassau, New York, (the "District"), is hereby authorized to

PUBLIC NOTICES York, (the "District"), is hereby authorized to complete the Middle School window project and High School HVAC upgrades, including site improvements, furnishings, equipment, apparatus, machinery, demolition and other incidental work or improvements required in connection therewith, and to expend therefor, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and to the financing thereof, an amount not to exceed the estimated cost of $1,300,000 (including accrued interest); and (b) that the amount of $1,300,000 (including accrued interest) from the District's Capital Reserve Fund, established by the voters of the District on May 21, 2024, is hereby authorized to be expended to pay the cost of such purpose, and such expenditure is hereby approved. Such Propositions shall appear on the ballots used for voting at said Special District Meeting in substantially the following condensed forms: BOND PROPOSITION YES NO RESOLVED: (a) That the Board of Education of the Wantagh Union Free School District, in the County of Nassau, New York (the "District"), is hereby authorized to construct alterations and improvements to District buildings and/or sites, substantially as described in a plan prepared by the District with the assistance of Mark Design Studios Architecture, PC, and to expend therefor an amount not to exceed the estimated maximum cost of $69,850,000; (b) that a tax is hereby voted in the aggregate amount of not to exceed $69,850,000 to finance such cost, such tax to be levied and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as shall be determined by said Board of Education; and (c) that in anticipation of said tax, bonds of the District are hereby authorized to be issued in the aggregate principal amount of not to exceed $69,850,000 and a tax is hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable. CAPITAL RESERVE FUND EXPENDITURE PROPOSITION

FUND EXPENDITURE PROPOSITION YES NO RESOLVED: (a) That the Board of Education of the Wantagh Union Free School District, in the County of Nassau, New York, (the "District"), is hereby authorized to complete the Middle School window project and High School HVAC upgrades, including site improvements, furnishings, equipment, apparatus, machinery, demolition and other incidental work or improvements required in connection therewith, and to expend therefor, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and to the financing thereof, an amount not to exceed the estimated cost of $1,300,000 (including accrued interest); and (b) that the amount of $1,300,000 (including accrued interest) from the District's Capital Reserve Fund, established by the voters of the District on May 21, 2024, is hereby authorized to be expended to pay the cost of such purpose, and such expenditure is hereby approved. The voting will be conducted by ballot as provided in the Education Law and the polls will remain open from 7:00 o'clock A.M. to 9:00 o'clock P.M. (Prevailing Time) and as much longer as may be necessary to enable the voters then present to cast their ballots. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that personal registration of voters is required either pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law or pursuant to Article 5 of the Election Law. If a voter has heretofore registered pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law and has voted at an annual or special district meeting within the last four (4) calendar years, he or she is eligible to vote at this Special District Meeting. If a voter is registered and eligible to vote under Article 5 of the Election Law, he or she is also eligible to vote at this Special District Meeting. All other persons who wish to vote must register. Registration shall be conducted for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law through

§2014 of the Education Law through Wednesday, November 25, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 o'clock A.M. and 4:00 o'clock P.M., (Prevailing Time), on all regular days during which the office of the District Clerk is in operation, located in the Administration Building, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such register, provided that at such time he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said District Clerk to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such Special District Meeting for which the register is prepared. The Board of Registration will also meet for the purpose of registering all qualified voters of the District pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law on Saturday, November 21, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 o'clock A.M. and 1:00 o'clock P.M., (Prevailing Time), at the Administrative Offices, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York, to add any additional names to the Register to be used at the aforesaid Special District Meeting, at which time any person will be entitled to have his or her name placed on such Register, provided that at such meeting of the Board of Registration he or she is known or proven to the satisfaction of said Board of Registration to be then or thereafter entitled to vote at such Special District Meeting for which the register is prepared. The last day to register shall be Wednesday, November 25, 2026. The register so prepared pursuant to §2014 of the Education Law will be filed in the Office of the District Clerk, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, and will be open for inspection by anyqualified voter of the District beginning on Wednesday, November 25, 2026, between the hours of 9:00 o'clock A.M. and 1:00 o'clock P.M., (Prevailing Time), on weekdays, and each day prior to the day set for the Special District Meeting, except Thursday and Sunday, and on Friday, November 27, 2026 and Saturday, November 28, 2026 by appointment only. The register of the qualified voters of said

The register of the qualified voters of said School District prepared for the Annual District Meeting and Election held on May 19, 2026 shall be used by the Board of Registration as the basis for the preparation of the register for said Special District Meeting to be held on December 1, 2026. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are not currently registered may apply to register as a qualified voter of the Wantagh Union Free School District by requesting and returning a registration application to the District Clerk in person, by mail to 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, by email to mcguigane@wantaghschools.org or fax sent to (516) 765-4154. The request for the registration application may include the military voter's preference for receipt of the registration application by either mail, fax or email. Military voter registration application forms must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 o'clock P.M. on November 5, 2026. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that military voters who are qualified voters of the Wantagh Union Free School District, may request an application for a military ballot from the District Clerk in person, by mail to 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793, by email to mcguigane@wantaghschools.org, or fax sent to (516) 765-4154. In such request, the military voter may indicate their preference for receiving the application by mail, fax or email. A military voter must return the original military ballot application by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793. In order for a military voter to be issued a military ballot, a valid military ballot application must be received in the office of the District Clerk no later than 5:00 o'clock P.M., on November 5, 2026. Military ballot applications received in accordance with the foregoing will be processed in the same manner as a non-military ballot application under Section 2018-a of the

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application under Section 2018-a of the Education Law. The application for military ballot may include the military voter's preference for receipt of the military ballot by mail, fax, or email. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a military voter's original military ballot must be returned by mail or in person to the office of the District Clerk at 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793. Military ballots shall be canvassed if they are received by the District Clerk before the close of polls on December 1, 2026 showing a cancellation mark of the United States Postal Service or a foreign country's postal service, or showing a dated endorsement of receipt by another agency of the United States Government; or received not later than 5:00 o'clock P.M. on December 1, 2026 and signed and dated by the military voter and one witness thereto, with a date which is ascertained to be not later than the day before the election. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that applications for absentee and early mail ballots will be obtainable during school business hours from the District Clerk. Completed applications may not be received by the District Clerk earlier than November 2, 2026, and must be received by the District Clerk at least seven (7) days before the election if the ballot is to be mailed to the voter, or the day before the election, if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter or to the agent named in the absentee or early mail ballot application. Absentee and early mail ballots must be received by the District Clerk not later than 5:00 o'clock P.M., (Prevailing Time), on Tuesday, December 1, 2026. A list of persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued, and a list of all persons to whom early mail voter's ballots shall have been issued, will be available for inspection to qualified voters of the District in the office of the District Clerk on and after Wednesday, November 25, 2026, between the hours of 8:00 o'clock A.M. and 4:00 o'clock P.M. on weekdays prior

A.M. and 4:00 o'clock P.M. on weekdays prior to the day set for said Special District Meeting, except Thursday, and December 1, 2026, on the day set for said Special District Meeting. Any qualified voter may, upon examination of such lists, file a written challenge of the qualifications as a voter of any person whose name appears on such lists, stating the reasons for such challenge. Any such written challenge shall be transmitted by the District Clerk or a designee of the Board of Education to the inspectors of election on the day set for said Special District Meeting. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that Election Districts have been established in the School District. The boundaries of the Election Districts, as adopted by resolution of the Board of Education, and the place in each election district for voting shall be as follows: ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 1 - All voters who reside south of Sunrise Highway vote at the Mandalay Elementary School, 2667 Bayview Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793. ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 2 - All voters who reside north of Sunrise Highway and East of Wantagh Parkway vote at the Wantagh Elementary School, 1765 Beech Street Wantagh, New York 11793. ELECTION DISTRICT NO. 3 - All voters who reside north of Sunrise Highway and West of Wantagh Parkway, vote at the Forest Lake Elementary School, 3100 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, New York 11793. Only qualified voters who are duly registered will be permitted to vote. AND FURTHER NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that those voters seeking information regarding said Special District Meeting in Spanish should contact the Office of the District Clerk at (516) 765-4103. BY THE ORDER OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION Dated: September 24, 2026 ELAINE MCGUIGAN District Clerk

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opinions

e are in the final weeks of this year’s election campaigns for federal, state and local offices. Having run in 19 campaigns for town, county, statewide and federal office, and assisted with and observed countless others, I know firsthand the adrenaline rush, doubts and dreams that the candidates, their families, friends and supporters are feeling during this final, exhausting rush to the finish. (And having lost my one statewide campaign, for attorney general, by 1.3 million votes in 1986, I certainly know that not all campaigns end well.) But campaigns are about much more than drama and individual glory, or wins and losses. At their essence, they affect the security, opportunities and quality of life of our children and grandchildren. That’s particularly true of this year’s election for governor of New York, a race that I believe is definitely a crossroads moment for the state. The issues are serious. The differenc-

es between the candidates are stark and real, as are the differences between the two major parties, and indeed among the American people. I’m strongly supporting Bruce Blakeman as the leader the state needs at this defining moment. I say this having no personal animus toward Gov. Kathy Hochul. I knew her during the roughly 18 months in which she served as a Democratic member of Congress in 2011 and 2012, and was assigned to the Homeland Security Committee when I was its chairman. During that time I found her to be constructive and moderate, certainly not radical. In fact, in her previous office, Erie County clerk, Hochul had denied driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants. After she was defeated in a bid for reelection to Congress in 2012, Hochul was chosen by Andrew Cuomo to be his lieutenant governor, and then became governor when Cuomo was forced to resign in 2021. During her five years in office, she has governed from the left, and now sides with New York City’s self-styled democratic socialist mayor, Zohran Mamdani, whose progressive wing of the Democratic Party is taking it over

with its anti-police, pro-Hamas collectivist policies, much to the concern of traditional Democrats like James Carville and Rahm Emanuel. I’ve known Blakeman for over three decades. He and his wife, Segal, are close friends of Rosemary’s and mine, and Bruce worked closely with my daughter, Erin, when they served together on the Hempstead Town Board. Years before that, Bruce’s father, Bob Blakeman, was my Assemblyman when I lived in eastern Queens. More than any personal or family relationship, I admire Bruce’s integrity, his common-sense commitment to governing and his fierce sense of patriotism. He’s also a proven winner. He overcame the Democrats’ advantage of 85,000 registered voters in Nassau County to unseat County Executive Laura Curran in 2021, and was overwhelmingly re-elected last year. As county executive, Blakeman blocked a $150 million tax increase proposed by Curran, and has hired 800 law enforcement professionals without raising taxes. Fighting crime and standing with law enforcement have been hallmarks of his administration, as Nassau has been judged the safest county in the

e’s leading the resistance to socialist policies more typical of Europe.

country. He has also shown strong leadership by forging agreements and working with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to remove thousands of criminal aliens with no resultant violence — this at a time when Mamdani slanders ICE as “rotten to the core” and demands its abolition. Tens of thousands of New Yorkers are leaving our state because of high taxes, which penalize success, and softon-crime policies that make streets and neighborhoods unsafe. This year’s gubernatorial campaign isn’t about the traditional differences between the two parties, which have always been hashed out in the American mainstream. Instead we see Blakeman leading a resistance effort against socialist policies more typical of Europe than the United States. Though he is being outspent many times over, and despite the fact that there are 3 million more registered Democrats than Republicans in the state, Blakeman has been making steady progress, and the momentum is definitely in his direction. He has overcome the odds before, and is on his way to doing it again. And New York will be the winner. Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

Hitting bottom on the decency meter

ecency is a bedrock human quality, and you know it when you see it. It sets the bar for behavior among people. Decency, especially in an American president, should be a non-negotiable requirement, and in that respect, Donald Trump disqualified himself from the highest office in the land more than 10 years ago. For the moment, let’s set aside political differences, forget the huge issues of a troubled economy, ignore the war that no one wanted, stop arguing about taxes, data centers, the environment or medical care, all life-and-death issues. Consider just one qualifying attribute for leadership: human decency. If that’s too high a bar for an American president, then who are we? Can we agree that a flagrant display of indecency should end any candidate’s quest for office, especially the presidency? The president must model moral leadership, compassion, forgiveness and inspiration. How have we spiraled so far away from those American ideals of

American excellence? On Nov. 24, 2015, Trump took the stage at a campaign rally in Myrtle Beach, S.C., and mocked the body movements of a reporter, Serge Kovaleski, who, according to reporting at the time, had a congenital condition affecting joint movement. That was it — the moment the people of this country, whatever their politics, could have and should have said no, not Trump for president. Not ever. We’re better than that. But history took a sickening twist, and Trump not only gathered support but was elected to the presidency; decency was sacrificed that day in Myrtle Beach, and every day since. From the time of his emergence on the political stage, Trump has infected the public ethos with indecent remarks, attacks on reporters’ behavior and appearance, and shocking insensitivity to others’ feelings. His public humiliation of women is common. Even the people who surround and support him now, from Marco Rubio to Ted Cruz, have been targets of his belittling remarks. We should have known from the very first time he mocked a physically challenged person that he was unfit. We

should have known that a man who would boast of grabbing women by the genitals was not White House material. We should have known that a man who would sanction the separation of young children from their parents had no place in high office. We should have known that a leader who would denigrate entire populations of people as coming from s-hole countries could not be the standard-bearer for America. We should have found him unsuitable for office when he was convicted of sexually abusing E. Jean Carroll. We should have turned him out of office when he faced multiple indictments for trying to overturn the 2020 election results, which led to the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol. We should have considered his sneering, mocking, abusive insults of political enemies patently unacceptable and yes, indecent. We should have found his wrecking of the White House and trashing of its grounds and its honored spaces wrong and indecent. We should have found his lies, his many outright lies, documented by legitimate fact-checking organizations, profoundly indecent. Until last week, he approved of

e should have deemed Donald Trump unfit for office a number of times.

livestreaming an execution by firing squad in Maryland. You wonder if someone in Trump’s world spends time conjuring the most heinous, offensive and indecent policies to roll out and distract the voting population from the sad state of this country, in a war with no end, in an economy that is punishing the poorest among us. Public executions are the tactics of authoritarian regimes and tyrants. If we ever take this next step toward craven indecency, heaven help us. What will we have become? And who would have watched this execution? Would our teenagers have viewed it as a thrill-a-minute video experience? Would younger children have gotten to see it? How would anyone have controlled the viewership? According to The New York Times, the last public execution in the United States was in 1936. Are we thinking it’s time to bring back this violent spectacle? In recent history, public executions have become the terror tactic of outlier extremists like ISIS and Hamas. Are these the groups we want to emulate? Do we want to promote violence by taking it public? The death penalty challenges our humanity. To have broadcast it live would have only compounded the offense to human decency. Copyright 2026 Randi Kreiss. Randi can be reached at randik3@aol.com.

WANTAGH HERALD — OCTOBER 22, 2026

Blakeman will be the governor New York needs

Herald editorial

Wantagh

OCTOBER 22, 2026 — WANTAGH HERALD

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No excuses: Voting starts Saturday

very election season, the loudest voices belong to the biggest races. The national headlines, the ads that interrupt your evening news, the arguments at the dinner table — most of them are about Washington. Those contests matter. But if you stop paying attention once you get past the top of the ballot, you’re handing over decisions that shape your daily life far more directly. Think about what actually touches your week. The state legislators you elect decide how much aid flows to your school district, which shapes your property tax bill. They write the laws on housing, transportation and public safety. Your town officials decide whether that pothole gets fixed, how your parks are maintained and what gets built on the empty lot down the street. Judges on your ballot will rule on cases involving your neighbors, and maybe one day, you. These races are often decided by a few hundred votes, sometimes fewer. In a local contest, your single ballot carries real weight. Yet turnout typically falls off as you move down the ballot. Voters fill in the races they’ve heard about and leave the rest blank, or guess. Candidates for the State Assembly or Town Board don’t have the budgets to reach every household, and national coverage rarely mentions them. This week’s Herald includes our voter’s guide, with candidates in the races on your ballot explaining in their own

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letters Do Republicans have solutions to the high cost of housing? To the Editor: It is definitely time for County Executive Bruce Blakeman and the Republicans to take responsibility for the high cost of living in Nassau County. Residents’ exit from Nassau started way before Gov. Kathy Hochul took office. It began in the 1990s, when high taxes pushed retired people to move to lower-taxed states. Lack of affordable housing also forced their grown children to settle in areas with lower taxes and better housing options. Multi-generational family life in Nassau continues to be gravely challenged. Many seniors today who would prefer to move to an easier lifestyle are forced to remain in big houses. A great number, some now without spouses,

words where they stand on the issues that matter to our communities. Read it. Compare their answers. You may find that the candidate you assumed you’d support doesn’t share your priorities, or that someone you’d never heard of does. Informed voting isn’t about having strong opinions on everything. It’s about knowing enough to make a choice you can stand behind. Once you’ve done your homework, the next step is simple: Make a plan. It sounds obvious, but research has shown that people who decide in advance when and how they’ll vote are more likely to actually do it. Life gets in the way. A late meeting, a sick child, a long line on a rainy Tuesday night — any of these can turn good intentions into a missed opportunity. A plan protects your vote from the unexpected. New York makes this easier than it once was. Early voting begins this Saturday and runs through Sunday, Nov. 1, including weekends. That’s nine days of opportunity before Election Day on Nov. 3. If your calendar is packed, if you work long hours or commute into the city, or if you just don’t want to worry about it, early voting gives you ample time to cast your ballot, on your schedule. Early voting sites and hours may differ from your usual Election Day polling place. To find out where to vote before or on Nov. 3, go to NassauCountyny.gov/566/Board-of-Elections. So pick a day. Put it on your calendar, just you’d schedule a doctor’s appoint-

ment or a Little League game. Decide whether you’ll go before work, on your lunch break or on a Saturday morning. Bring your child or grandchild to instill in them a sense of civic responsibility starting at a young age. If you’re accompanying an elderly parent or a first-time voter, coordinate travel in advance. Treat it as a commitment — because it is one. Then take one more step: Mark up your sample ballot before you go. The Herald publishes a sample ballot so you can see exactly what you’ll face in the booth — every race, every candidate and anything on the back of the ballot. Sit down with it, alongside our voter’s guide, and make your choices in advance. Circle your picks. Bring it with you. When you get to the polling site, you’ll be in and out quickly, confident in every selection rather than staring at unfamiliar names and guessing. That small bit of preparation will also help everyone else in line. Voters who know what they’re doing keep things moving, which means shorter waits for your neighbors. Democracy doesn’t happen only every four years, and it doesn’t happen only in Washington. It happens in our town halls, our school board meetings and our state capital, shaped by the people that we choose to send there. Those choices are made by the citizens who show up to the polls. Read the guide. Mark your ballot. Schedule your vote. And then go do it.

opinions

hen you’re presented with a problem, you have a choice: either confront it in the moment or delay your response. Far too often, putting it off allows the problem to become bigger and harder to manage — something that’s as true in municipal budgeting as it is in everyday life. As the ranking member of the Nassau County Legislature’s Budget Review Committee, I’ve had a front-row seat as we’ve watched County Executive Bruce Blakeman’s administration repeatedly try to paint a rosy picture rather than deal with reality. Starting in 2022, instead of providing promised tax cuts to property owners, the county began depleting surpluses that Blakeman inherited from his predecessor, Laura Curran. Last year the county shifted $272.4 million in reserves — much it from its $385 million allotment of the federal American Rescue Plan Act — into Nassau’s general fund. Perhaps most appallingly, earlier this year, the administration tried to move $13.7 million of interest, from the tens of millions of dollars sitting dormant in

the county’s opioid litigation settlement fund, into the general fund. The Democratic minority caucus and I successfully thwarted this plan — and a subsequent attempt to put settlement interest directly into the general fund — because the sole purpose of these funds must be to provide lifesaving prevention, treatment and recovery services to those battling the scourge of addiction. These are just a few examples of how the county has sought to delay a collision with fiscal reality, and hearings on the administration’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget are proving that the budgetary mirage has just about evaporated. A report from the nonpartisan Office of Legislative Budget Review shows that the county will have to drain another $44 million from its reserves to balance next year’s budget, and that the administration has allocated $373 million more for other potential shortfalls. As we await an appraisal of the county’s performance for the current year, there are warning signs in reports and statements by the Nassau Interim Finance Agency and Comptroller Elaine Phillips. A recent NIFA report showed that Nassau ended fiscal year 2025 with a $56 million deficit. In testimony to the

earings on the 2027 spending plan are proving that the mirage is evaporating.

Letters have no affordable options in which to downsize. Their income is too high for Town of Hempstead apartments, and private senior developments cost more than they can afford and sell for more than their homes can sell for. In fact, seniors who live alone in the houses where they raised their families unwittingly contribute to inflated housing prices! Hochul proposed to build affordable housing for all age groups in downtown areas. Republicans nixed the idea from the get-go. Republicans, instead of blame, how about some solutions? JOyCE LITWIN ZIMMERMAN East Meadow

Where are the Jerry Kremers in today’s Congress? To the Editor: I commend Jerry Kremer for his excellent op-ed in the Oct. 8-14 issue, “The Republicans keep dropping easy passes.” I read it and said to my wife, “This is exactly what I’ve

Legislature on Oct. 7, Phillips confirmed that, by her calculations, the county did not report any surplus for 2025, and she did not foresee one for 2027. In fact, the comptroller’s annual financial report lists a $144.7 million deficit, further evidence that the county is spending its “rainy day” fund even before the umbrellas have been opened. NIFA and the comptroller’s office seldom reach similar conclusions about Nassau’s fiscal standing. When they do, we must take notice. Nevertheless, the county has continued its exorbitant spending on outside counsel — $23 million in 2025. In many cases, the work was farmed out to campaign donors, allies and ex-political candidates, all while staffing levels at the county attorney’s office continue to dwindle. The administration has shown no inclination to recalibrate, and in fact, its testimony during budget hearings demonstrated a willingness to draw down the county’s litigation fund, which should serve only as a firewall against substantial settlement payouts, to continue the practice. Meanwhile, other cost-saving measures have caused their own problems. Administration officials confirmed that

been saying.” As a retired social studies teacher with a degree in political science, I still look at politics as a case study, especially because today the reality is much too painful. Why are today’s politicians so different from the political leaders of yesterday such as Kremer? My dad was a lobbyist of sorts and knew many people in D.C., both Republican and Democrat. When I was in college in the late 1970s, studying political science, he told me that the representatives and senators he knew from both parties would rail at each other during the day in Congress, but when the day was over, they would go to each other’s homes for dinner. In reality, they were friends, and most of them had the country’s best interests at heart. Today, the animosity — dare I say hatred — across the aisle appears much too real, and doesn’t bode well for our nation. Nevertheless, thanks to Kremer for a very cogent and well-written essay. I can only hope politicians from both sides will read it and reflect. MICHAEL SERIF East Meadow

594 county employees availed themselves of the Voluntary Separation Incentive Program, a voluntary buyout of $2,000 per year of service for union members with more than 10 consecutive years of county employment. I supported VSIP because these men and women have earned it through their dedicated service, and it can be a helpful tool for managing the county payroll as long as staffing shortfalls are addressed responsibly. Despite assurances, departments like Child Protective Services, emergency communications, the Nassau County Police Department’s detective bureau and corrections still have an unmanageable number of vacancies. While numerous department heads touted the imminent arrival of new hires during the budget presentations, we will remain woefully — and in some cases dangerously — understaffed until they come on board. The first step in addressing these challenges is for the administration to stop the spin and sit down with stakeholders to take corrective action. Our final budget hearing before the Legislature’s vote is set for 10 a.m. on Oct. 30, and whether you participate in person or offer written testimony, I encourage you to add your voice to this conversation about Nassau County’s future. Arnold W. Drucker represents Nassau County’s 16th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s deputy minority leader.

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Don’t dismiss warning signs in county budget plan

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