Amityville Herald 02_04_2026

HERALD aMIT yvIllE

RECoRD

Push for deck hockey rink

Kevin McCaffrey recognized Page 10

Community gathers at Babylon’s 9/11 Memorial for services held last year.

Photo/Herald newspaper

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

The Town of Babylon is accepting applications for inclusion in its Post-9/11 Memorial, honoring residents and individuals with ties to the town who later died from illnesses linked to exposure during the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

Town officials said the application process is intended to ensure that all eligible families

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Village works to ease parking strain near mosque on Union Avenue

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

Amityville Village officials are working with mosque leaders and local law enforcement to address parking concerns tied to events at the Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam mosque at 64 Union Ave.

The issue was raised at a recent Village Board meeting by Union Avenue resident Patty Dieck, who described the disruptions residents face when large numbers of cars arrive for mosque gatherings.

“It’s a complete disruption,” Dieck said, noting that some residents have been blocked in their own drive-

ways. While she praised the mosque’s charitable work, she urged the board to address the parking issue.

“We understand that there is not a lot of parking on the site, and the municipal lot nearby also does not have a lot of room, but perhaps you could meet with them and come up with some solutions such as shuttles,” she told board members.

Following the meeting, Police Chief Frank Caramanica reached out to mosque leadership to schedule a meeting.

“We have set up a meeting with them and will be going over some possible solutions,” Caramanica said.

Mayor Michael O’Neill said the village wants to take a proactive approach.

“We will be working with them to find solutions,” O’Neill said. “We want to make sure residents’ driveways are not blocked and the cars are parked safely.”

O’Neill said mosque officials have been cooperative. “They understand the problem and want to mitigate it and be good neighbors,” he said. “They were very receptive.”

Dieck suggested that providing residents with a calendar of events could help alleviate concerns.

“I am sure we all can find ways to solve this issue,” she

said. “The members of Ahmadiyya Movement in Islam want to be good neighbors, and they do a lot of charitable work in our community and are probably not aware of how disruptive the parking is. Working together with the village, I am sure they can come up with a solution — and the residents of Union Avenue would appreciate it.”

In other business: • Mayor O’Neill updated residents on the search for a new village logo, which ties into Amityville’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) projects. An outside firm presented three design options at a public meeting, but many residents expressed concern that the options didn’t reflect Amityville’s historic, small-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

Applications open to honor those lost to 9/11 related illnesses

are aware of the opportunity to have their loved ones recognized and remembered.

The Town of Babylon September 11th Hometown Memorial, located at Cedar Beach, was dedicated on Sept. 11, 2005, in memory of those who lost their lives and whose lives were forever altered by the attacks. Since its dedication, the town has held an annual remembrance vigil at the site, bringing together families, local fire departments, community leaders and residents to honor those lost.

Designed as a living memorial, the 1.41-acre site reflects the natural landscape of the barrier beaches and ocean dunes that define Babylon’s shoreline. The memorial is intended not only as a place of remembrance, but as a space that grows and endures, much like the community it represents. The site hosts

Residents raise

memorial gatherings, environmental stewardship activities and educational tours.

The memorial is part of the U.S. Forest Service’s Living Memorials Project, which uses natural landscapes to honor victims of terrorism. According to the Forest Service, the project “invokes the resonating power of trees to bring people together and create lasting, living memorials to the victims of terrorism, their families, communities, and the nation.” Unlike traditional monuments, living memorials incorporate the surrounding environment, allowing native plants and wildlife to become part of the tribute.

Families seeking more information about eligibility and application requirements must contact the office of Town Councilman Terence McSweeney by email at TMcSweeney@townofbabylon. com or by phone at 631-957-3081.

concerns, officials seek solutions with mosque leaders

town character.

“Residents care deeply about preserving village identity, and many felt that none of the designs really captured the historical nature of the small-town character of Amityville,” O’Neill said. “Residents consistently emphasized the importance of recognizable local landmarks, such as the Triangle Building and the gazebo, and the village’s maritime heritage.”

Resident Town Howard suggested that the village consider designing a logo in-house, using its own resources. O’Neill said the board would continue to update residents as the process unfolds.

The DRI projects continue to move forward. O’Neill said planning committees are now working on improvements to sidewalks, street lighting and landscaping. One focus is making sure seasonal additions, like hanging flower

baskets, do not interfere with the new Hometown Heroes banner program, which honors local veterans.

The Hometown Heroes initiative places flags on light poles featuring the names, photos and service dates of veterans, sponsored by their families.

The village’s façade improvement program is also progressing. “Two have been completed and the others are underway,” O’Neill said. “Once they get their contracted bids and quotes in, they will be moving forward.”

• Resident Wendy Canestra asked the board to consider recording Village Board meetings and making them available to the public. Mayor O’Neill said the board was not in favor of the idea at present, but would take the request under advisement.

The next Village Board meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 10, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the third-floor courtroom at Village Hall.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5

•Amityville Rotary Club Meeting: 8 a.m., Brownstones Coffee, 55 Merrick Road, Amityville. For more information, please call President Carolyn Dodd at (631) 374-8712.

•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com

•Suffolk County First Precinct Community Meeting: 7 p.m., West Babylon Public Library, 211 Route 109, West Babylon. For more information, please call (631) 8548100.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631) 789-2569.

•St. Mary’s Thrift Shop: 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., 175 Broadway, Amityville, enter from rear parking lot. Lots of collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items. For information, call (631) 464-4899.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7

•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com

•St. Mary’s Thrift Shop: 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., 175 Broadway, Amityville, enter from rear parking lot. Lots of collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items. For information, call (631) 464-4899.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631) 789-2569.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9

•Copiague School District Board of

Education Meeting: 7 p.m., Everett E. Newmann III Administrative Offices at Copiague Middle School, 2650 Great Neck Road, Copiague. For more information, please call (631)-842-4015.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10

•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 2207808. All calls are confidential.

•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11

•Town of Babylon Town Board Meeting: 3 p.m., Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst. For more information, please call (631) 957-3000.

•Amityville School District Board of Education Regular Session: 7:30 p.m., Park Avenue Memorial Elementary School, 140 Park Ave., Amityville. For more information, please call (631) 565-6000.

•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free weekly, virtual meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.

•Church Attic Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., First United Methodist Church, 25 Broadway, Amityville. For information, call (631) 264-0152 or email amitychurch1792@gmail.com

Calendar items are printed for non-profit organizations, as space permits, or when an event, service or information is being sponsored by a profit-making organization without charge to readers. Submit items to us at Richner Communications, attn: Record Editor, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530; or email: dconsola@liherald.com at least two - three weeks prior to the publication date in which the item must appear. Sorry, but open-ended requests without the specific dates of the events are not acceptable. While we make every attempt to accommodate each request, we cannot guarantee publication of any items. For more information, call 516-569-4000.

Hometown Heroes Banner Program accepting orders

The Lindenhurst Kiwanis is now accepting orders for their Hometown Heroes Banner Program.

Honor your Hometown Hero with a custom banner displayed in North Babylon, West Babylon, Village of Lin-

denhurst, Deer Park, Wheatley Heights, North Amityville, Wyandanch, Copiague and the Village of Amityville. Space is limited, so please do not delay.

For more information and to place your order visit shorturl.at/kbqH9.

Kiwanis Spring Social, March 1

Amityville Kiwanis Club will be holding its Spring Social on March 1 from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Unqua Corinthian Yacht Club.

The event will include a 50/50 raffle, Chinese Auction and Credit Card Bar. The cost is $25 per person.

For tickets and table reservations, please call Kevin Smith at (516) 351-1270 or email afd1131@verizon.net

No food will be served but you are permitted to bring light snacks.

The Unqua Corinthian Yacht Club is located at 31 Unqua Place, Amityville.

Youngster asks to have deck hockey rink built in town

Ryan Cook, 12, speaks up at meetings to help grow the game locally

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherld.com

Ryan Cook has learned a lot on the deck hockey court — how to win with grace, lose with dignity, and keep pushing through setbacks. Now, the 12-yearold Lindenhurst resident is taking those lessons off the court and into the halls of village government.

For the past several months, Ryan has been appearing before the Lindenhurst Village Board with one simple request: build a local deck hockey rink in his community.

“I was wondering if that is possible?” he asked during a recent board meeting, urging village officials to consider creating a dedicated space for the growing sport.

Ryan plays on a deck hockey team that includes his older brother Zachary and other kids from Lindenhurst, West Islip and other parts of the Town of Babylon. The team was started by his father, Brian Cook, who hoped to spark local interest in the fast-paced game.

“Right now, we’re playing at the Northwell Ice Center in Eisenhower Park,” Brian said. “It’s a long trip, and it’s expensive. A local rink would help us promote the sport and grow it right here in Babylon.”

Deck hockey is considered a more affordable alternative to ice hockey. Players only need a stick and a good pair of sneakers. The team also travels out of state to compete, building friendships and confidence along the way.

Village officials say they share the

Coats, care and community:

Amityville Rotary answers the cold

Members of the Lindenhurst deck hockey team pose for a

Michael Lavorata. The group is asking the village or town to build a deck hockey rink. Cooks’ interest in building a deck hockey rink. They’ve begun applying for grants to help cover the costs and are collecting letters of support from residents.

A rink could cost around $400,000, according to Lindenhurst Village Clerk Katie Schrader. “Right now, we’re looking for a location,” she said. “While we support the idea, we need to make sure the project is viable.”

Ryan and his father suggested Fire-

man’s Park as a possible site, but the village is evaluating other locations as well. Officials have also reached out to the Town of Babylon, which has a deck hockey rink at Sawyer Avenue, for advice and guidance.

Babylon Town Supervisor Richard Schaffer said he’s open to the idea. “We’ll be talking,” he said.

Anyone interested in deck hockey, email Brian at cook1754@yahoo.com

FIVE THINGS TO KNOW: About Deck Hockey

1. It’s like ice hockey — without the ice

Deck hockey is a variation of ice hockey played on foot, usually on an outdoor or indoor rink made of asphalt or a sport court surface. Players wear sneakers instead of skates, and there’s no checking, making it more accessible to a wider range of ages and skill levels.

2. It’s also called “street hockey” — but there’s a key difference

While street hockey is often played informally on driveways or roads, deck hockey is organized and typically played within enclosed rinks, with official rules, referees, and league play. Equipment includes plastic sticks, balls (not pucks), and full goalie gear.

in Suffolk County. Many players from the Babylon area compete in youth, adult and travel leagues, and it’s even become a stepping stone for ice hockey players to sharpen skills in the off-season.

4. It’s fast, strategic, and cardio-heavy Games are high-energy and rely on quick passes, sharp reflexes and constant movement. Because players run instead of skate, stamina and foot speed are crucial — making it a great conditioning sport for athletes of all kinds.

5. There’s a tight-knit community around it

As winter delivered record-low temperatures and repeated snowstorms, the Amityville Rotary Club responded with a simple but vital mission: keeping people warm.

Over several months, the club collected 90 coats, along with hats, gloves, socks and clothing racks, and donated them to the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, providing protection and dignity to those facing the harshest months of the year.

“This generous outpouring of support from our community really reflects its generous and caring heart,” said Rotary President Carolyn Dodd. “A sincere and warm thank you to our wonderful neighbors for filling the donation box with such kindness, and to the Amityville Village Hall for opening their doors to make this effort possible. Every coat, every pair of gloves, every small gesture will help bring comfort and dignity to someone facing the cold this winter.”

As temperatures dropped, the club’s work offered a reminder that warmth can come not only from winter clothing, but from a community willing to look after its own.

3. It’s big in Long Island

Deck hockey has a strong presence on Long Island, including several leagues

From youth leagues to adult co-ed teams, deck hockey fosters a strong sense of camaraderie. Families in Babylon and neighboring towns often turn out to cheer on local teams, and many players stick with it for years — both for the love of the game and the friendships it builds.

Help Wanted

Digital Pre-Press Operator – Full-Time, Evening/overnight shift

Join our web press production team! The Digital Pre-Press Operator prepares ads, editorial pages, and special sections for high-volume print production, ensuring files meet technical standards, color accuracy, and are press-ready. This hands-on role requires attention to detail, technical skill, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

• Preflight, prepare, and process digital files through RIP workflows.

• Ensure accurate color, resolution, fonts, imposition, and plate readiness.

• Perform quality checks on ads and editorial content.

• Troubleshoot technical issues with files, RIP, and press output.

• Coordinate with editorial, advertising, and pressroom teams.

• Maintain file organization, backups, and workflow documentation.

Requirements:

• 2–5+ years pre-press experience in newspapers, magazines, or high-volume print.

• Proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat; RIP systems knowledge.

• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to meet deadlines.

• Ability to lift plates (20–30 lbs) and work in a production environment.

Preferred:Experience with web press imposition, color-management systems, or workflow automation.

Schedule: Evening/overnight shift, full-time; flexibility needed for peak periods.

Compensation: Benefits package and hourly rate based on experience $17.50 - $23.50

to jnegrin@liherald.com

CRIME WATCH

The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County Police Department’s First and Third precincts, the Amityville Police Department and other law enforcement and emergency service units.

ROBBERY

Wyandanch: Someone broke into a home on Parkway Boulevard Jan. 22, shortly before 7 p.m., punched a resident there in the face and stole clothing including a jacket and sweatpants.

PETIT LARCENY

Wyandanch: Two license plants were stolen off a vehicle that was parked on Edison Avenue Jan. 22. The owner of the vehicle went into the First Precinct to report the theft at approximately 3 p.m.

North Lindenhurst: A small group of young people went into the King Kullen supermarket on Wellwood Avenue shortly before 4 p.m., Jan. 21, took ice cream from the freezer and left the store without paying for the items.

•More than $250 in groceries were stolen from King Kullen supermarket on North Wellwood Avenue Jan. 21.

Amityville: Someone broke into a vehicle parked on Bayview Avenue Jan. 21 and stole some change. The incident was reported at 10:15 a.m.

West Babylon: An assortment of groceries, the value of which police did not report, was stolen from Stop & Shop supermarket Jan. 11.

GRAND LARCENY

North Amityville: More than $300,000 was stolen from the bank account of a resident of Albany Avenue. That incident was reported Jan. 16 and police said someone hacked the victim’s account. Police are investigating the crime.

• The owner of a 2012 Mercedes Benz reported to police on Jan. 21 that someone had stolen his/her vehicle, which was parked on Rainbow Lane. The theft was reported at 2:43 p.m.

•A 2026 Hyundai Tucson was stolen from Cedar Road Jan. 17 at approximately 1:30 a.m.

Copiague: An unidentified individual went into the Target department store shortly before 6 p.m., Jan. 19 and left the store with $1,700 in Legos.

•A representative of ACE Hardware on Montauk Highway called police Jan. 19 to report that someone had stolen pumps valued at $1,375. That theft was reported at 5:23 p.m. that day.

ASSAULT

Babylon: An employee of Domino’s Pizza at 9 Cooper Street called police to report that he/she had been punched in the face by an individual whose name was not listed in the police report.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

North Babylon: A representative of Uncle Giuseppe’s food store reported to police Jan. 16 that someone had damaged a shelf there. No further information was available.

ARRESTS

Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired: Horacio Orea Gutierrez, 47, of 179 Ansonia St., West Islip; Jean Francois, 52, of 15 Westgate Dr., Bohemia; Nadia Persaud, 37, of 5811 Oceania St. Oakland Gardens, New York; Isaac Perez, 46, of 81 N. 15 St., Wheatley Heights.

Grand Larceny: John Tripodi, 57, of 75 Oaklawn Ave., Farmingville; Salvatore Santiago, 33, of 1520 4th St., West Babylon; Jeffrey Russell, 43, of 1362 N. Clinton Ave., Bay Shore; Jose Rodriguez, 51, of 135 Crooked Hill Rd., Brentwood; Pierre Lashawn, 30, of 578 Oakley Ave., Elmont. Petit Larceny: Shashawna Ferguson, 28, of 1401 Potter Blvd., Bay Shore; Thomas Decker, 25 of 315 West 12 St., Deer Park; Michael Keeler, 47, of 277 Washington Ave., Brentwood; Geovanni Hernandez, 27, of 49 Pineview Blvd., Central Islip; Amber Smiroldo, 35, of 6 Quaker Path, Yaphank; Darcell McKinnie, 55, of 170 Woodland Ave., Central Islip; Octavia Davis, 42, of 225 Tell Ave., Deer Park; Robert Stuart, 29, of 429 39 St., Lindenhurst; Robbery: Gary Joseph D’Angelo, 33, of 365 Village Green, Patchogue; Kasandra Rodriguez, 40, of 46 Midland Blvd., Lake Ronkonkoma; Michael McConville, 38, of 30 Liberty Ave., Lindenhurst; Christopher Lamonica, 35, of 317 40 St., Lindenhurst. Assault: Yanqiu Yuan, 47, of 5636 Oceania St., Oakland Gardens, New York, Michel Baffa, 40, of 11 Farber Dr., West Babylon. Gang Assault: Robert Miller, 55, of 151 Old Farmingdale Rd., West Babylon.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

Copiague’s dominant season continues

By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com

Copiague’s girls basketball team has turned steady improvement into real success this season, and the results are impossible to ignore.

Under the guidance of head coach Tayanee Peay, the Eagles have compiled an impressive 13-3 overall record, including a dominant 12-2 mark in League 2.

Peay credits much of the team’s growth to a shift in mindset that has paid off on the court. “We showed selfishness early, but we’ve been really pushing for them to play more of a team game and we’ve seen so much progress with that,” she said. “The results speak for themselves.”

The emphasis on teamwork has translated into balanced scoring, improved chemistry, and a brand of basketball that continues to improve each week.

Leading the way offensively is sophomore forward Janiya Morris, who has emerged as one of the league’s most consistent scorers. Morris averages over 15 points per game and has been the focal point of the offense, delivering big performances in key matchups. Her scoring ability, combined with her leadership on the floor, has made her a cornerstone of Copiague’s success.

The Eagles have also benefited from strong contributions across all grade levels. Eighth-grade forward Fredericka Cooper has played with poise well beyond her years. “Fredericka has become so mature,” Peay said. “You can’t even tell that she’s an eighth grader by the way she plays.” Cooper’s confidence and composure have added depth to the frontcourt.

Senior forward Seanna Berry has been another key contributor, providing experience and stability. Berry’s presence has helped guide the younger players while contributing in important moments throughout the season.

In the backcourt, sophomore guards Londynn Rogers and Aaliyah Jones have played major roles in the team’s success. Their energy, defense, and ability to create opportunities have helped fuel Copiague’s transition game and keep pressure on opposing teams.

Copiague’s balance has been on full dis-

HERALD SPORTS West Babylon gears up for playoff run

Erik Lee/Herald

Janiya Morris, right, is averaging more than 15 points per game for the Eagles, who have a shot at a league title.

play in some of its recent wins. On Jan. 21, the Eagles took down Huntington 56-41 and had three players score in double figures as Morris had 21, Cooper scored 19, and Mais finished with 13. Just a few days later, a 60-20 win over Lindenhurst on Jan. 27 finished the Eagles having three players in double figures yet again. This time Morris led the way with 17 points, while Jones and freshman point guard Madison Mais each added 10.

Finally, on Jan. 31, the Eagles picked up a 54-39 win over Commack. Morris once again led the scoring with 15 points, while Mais finished with 11, showcasing the growing offensive depth.

With a clear focus, strong leadership, and contributions from every level, the Eagles continue to soar as they set their sights on a league title.

Peay emphasized that the success has been driven by a strong sense of purpose.

“We set weekly goals and are constantly pushing every week,” she said. “Our original goal was to make the playoffs, now it’s to win the league. We just want to continue getting better each and every day.”

By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com

West Babylon’s girls basketball team has built its identity on steady improvement, unselfish play, and a belief that any opponent can be beaten on a given night.

Under the guidance of head coach Ron Langella, the Eagles enter the final stretch of the regular season with a 10–8 overall record and a strong 9–5 mark in League 3, once again positioning themselves for a postseason run.

“We’re playing hard and getting better as the season has gone along,” Langella said. “That’s really been the key for us.”

Leading the way is sophomore guard Jaelynn Burgess, who has emerged as one of the league’s premier scorers. She recently reached the 1,000-point milestone for her career, an achievement Langella described as unforgettable. Yet what stood out most was her reaction. During a timeout, the coach said Burgess brushed aside the accomplishment and told her teammates, “Who cares about my stats. We need to win this game.” She currently leads the team in scoring, averaging 15.8 points per game, while setting the tone with her leadership and competitiveness.

Burgess had 23 points and freshman Ava Dockery 21 Jan. 28 as West Babylon rallied for a 61-58 victory over Smithtown East.

Senior center Sarah Caltobiano serves as the heart and soul of the team, Langella said. A captain, Caltobiano anchors the paint, pulling down rebounds and taking charges while logging heavy minutes. Her toughness and consistency have been crucial to West Babylon’s success.

Junior Gia Coladonato, who sealed the Jan. 28 win with a steal and layup, adds another layer with her athleticism and high motor. She plays hard on both ends of the floor and is known for doing the little things that help her teammates succeed. At the point guard position, Dockery has made an immediate impact. Dockery’s offseason dedication paid off, as she’s been playing year round and has been part of the varsity program since seventh grade, earning a starting role last season as an eighth grader.

Senior Samantha Serrano provides a spark off the bench, contributing valu-

Lee/Herald Sara Caltobiano, left, is the heart and soul of an Eagles’ team that locked up a seventh straight playoff appearance.

able energy and effort. Sophomores Chloe Downey and Alyssa Dunsmore round out the rotation, playing in every game and embracing their roles. “They know their roles and they play them so well,” Langella said, highlighting the depth and reliability.

Unselfishness defines the Eagles’ style of play. Ball movement and team first basketball have fueled a strong stretch of recent wins, including victories over Smithtown East twice, Centereach, Bellport, Deer Park, and East Islip.

Burgess has consistently led the scoring, while Dockery, Dunsmore, Charlotte Hoisik, and junior Alura Liles have all made key contributions.

As the postseason approaches, West Babylon’s confidence is growing.

The Eagles have already secured a playoff spot for the seventh straight season, with three remaining games to determine seeding.

For a program accustomed to postseason pressure, the mindset remains simple. “You never know what can happen in the playoffs,” Langella said. “We can beat any team on any given night, but we’re going to have to bring our best.”

AFA Health Screening Day

THURSDAY

February 12 10 AM - 2 PM

AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center

149 Schleigel Blvd., Amityville

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF:

Memory screenings to help identify early signs of cognitive changes

Blood pressure screenings to support cardiovascular health

Balance screenings to assess fall risk and mobility

Information on other health screenings and resources for older adults

All screenings are free and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments are required.

Contact the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center at 631-223-4000 for more information.

SPONSORS

Long Island’s fragile drinking water system

Experts explain what lies beneath the surface, and detail the threats to our crucial aquifers

By JORDAN VALLONE, WILL SHEELINE & ABIGAIL GRIECO of the Herald Community Newspapers

First installment in a series about water.

On Long Island, we’re not talking enough about water.

From the drops coming out of our taps to the waves breaking along both shores, myriad water-related issues have the potential to impact Long Islanders’ day-to-day lives.

The water system is not a single pipeline or policy, but a web of underground aquifers, aging infrastructure, coastal ecosystems — and policymakers — that together determine who has access to clean, affordable water — and who faces the greatest risk when that system begins to fail.

This series will break down how Long Island’s water system works, from aquifers to coastal bays, and clarify how policy, infrastructure and governance shape access to clean, affordable water. It will also examine the environmental pressures facing that system, from contamination and climate change to the health of bays, fisheries and drinking water supplies.

Through global reports that demonstrate the rapid growth of freshwater use over the past century, and interviews with environmental experts and regional advocates who connect these issues locally, this first installment examines what lies beneath the surface: the water we drink, and how contamination and access may disproportionately affect certain communities.

The sole source beneath Long Island

In order to understand Long Island’s relationship with drinking water, it’s essential to understand where the water comes from. The island relies on aquifers, underground layers of sand, gravel and clay that store billions of gallons of water accumulated over tens of millions of years. More specifically, Long Island relies on three: the Upper Glacial, the Magothy and the Lloyd (as well as a fourth, significantly smaller one, the Jameco).

These aquifers together are designated a single-source aquifer system by the Environmental Protection Agency, which means that “your groundwater supply is provided by an aquifer that serves at least 50 percent of your water needs,” according to Sarah Meyland, a former professor at New York Institute of Technology.

Meyland explained that both Nassau and Suffolk counties rely on this single aquifer system for 100 percent of our freshwater, whether it comes from a tap, shower or sprinkler. While this has meant that Long Islanders have had access to clean, easily accessed drinking water for decades, the aquifers, particularly in Nassau County, have one major downside.

“This aquifer needs to be particularly well protected, because if you damage it,

or if you ruin it, you don’t have any other source of water,” Meyland said.

“And that’s exactly the situation Long Island is in. We don’t have a secondary backup source of water.”

Since the federal government began measuring water usage in Long Island’s aquifers in 1900, roughly 5 percent of drinkable water has been consumed or lost due to salinization, the process by which freshwater is turned into saltwater. It occurs in aquifers due to overpumping, as water is taken out faster than it is replaced, causing saltwater from the Long Island Sound and the ocean to fill in the missing volume.

tion of the aquifer system is already nonfunctional, Queens is barely better, and both now get their water from the New York City water system, which pumps freshwater in from upstate. Nassau is well on its way to following them; the difference is there is no municipal entity to bail Nassau out.

RISING TIDES

as of 2021, the United States withdraws the third-highest amount of freshwater from underground globally, roughly 444.4 billion cubic meters per year.

A key conclusion from the university’s report put the crisis in simple terms: “The world is already in the state of ‘water bankruptcy.’” In many basins and aquifers, long-term overuse and degradation, the report says, means that “hydrological and ecological baselines cannot realistically be restored.”

What areas are more affected?

If Long Island continues on the same path of aquifer depletion without any intervention from state authorities, such as the Department of Environmental Conservation, Meyland said, Nassau County will suffer more than Suffolk within the next 50 years.

“It’s about a third of the size of Suffolk with roughly the same number of people,” she said. “The Town of Brookhaven is the same size as the county of Nassau. So Nassau County will continue to experience saltwater intrusions. That’s going to put pressure on virtually all of the water suppliers along the north and south shore.”

Meyland singled out Long Beach as an area that would likely lose its entire local water supply because of saltwater intrusion to the Lloyd Aquifer, the only aquifer the city draws from.

The vast majority of the used water is consumed by private sprinklers and irrigation systems, many of which are automated to water yards and home gardens. According to Meyland, Long Island has the highest per-capita water use of any community from New York to North Carolina, and the vast majority of that use occurs from spring through fall, when sprinklers turn on and swimming pools fill up.

There is no known way to create new water, or to speed up the natural replenishment process. Desalination plants, which remove salt from water, are becoming more common globally, but they are expensive projects, according to Meyland.

“It’s like a bank account,” Meyland said. “The water, the money coming in, needs to be at least equal to the money going out.”

Water bankruptcy

While a 5 percent loss may seem inconsequential, the real problem is there’s no way to efficiently and cheaply replenish that loss. And the damage is not evenly distributed: The vast majority of the loss takes place in Brooklyn, Queens and Nassau, which have not effectively stewarded their portions of the aquifers.

Suffolk, which has the lowest population density of the four counties, has proactively monitored and managed its water intake and outflow for years, leaving its portion of the aquifers “a system in balance,” as Meyland described it.

She pointed out that Brooklyn’s por-

The issues impacting drinking water supply are not unique to Long Island. According to a report released by the United Nations University last month, the world is entering an “era of global water bankruptcy” — a new, formal definition of a reality for billions of people. The report called for a “fundamental reset” of the global water agenda, as irreversible damage pushes sources of fresh drinking water beyond recovery.

“This report tells an uncomfortable truth: Many regions are living beyond their hydrological means, and many critical water systems are already bankrupt,” said the report’s lead author, Kaveh Madani, the director of the UN University’s Institute for Water, Environment and Health.

Numbers published by Our World In Data, a nonprofit publication that uses data to explain global issues like poverty, disease and climate change, showed that

“They will have already been forced to look for other sources of water, whether they make arrangements from New York City, or they make arrangements and buy water from some of their neighboring water suppliers,” Meyland explained. “I’m sure there will be a lot of pressure to desalinate water, but that will be very expensive.”

On the North Shore of Nassau County, she said, areas of the Great Neck and Manhasset peninsula, including Sands Point, are at risk of losing their supplies of water, also due to salinity. And their options are limited, she added, because some of these communities are already piping water from other parts of Long Island.

Water suppliers are aware of the risk the future holds, Meyland said, but it is unfair to put the burden on them to fix the situation. “They are not at fault for what is happening to the water supply for coastal communities,” she said. And water supplies are not only depleting on Long Island, but they are also contaminated.

The Environmental Working Group affiliated with Citizens Campaign for the Environment, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for stronger environmental policies in New York and Connecticut, released a report in 2025 showing that a least 189 New York water systems — primarily serving residents of Long Island — detected high levels of toxic so-called “forever chemicals,” or PFAS, in tap water.

The report showed that 702,000 residents in Nassau County and 122,200 resi-

Detailing the threats to L.I.’s drinking water

dents of Suffolk have elevated levels of PFAS in their water supplies. Some particularly vulnerable communities include those serviced by the Lynbrookbased Liberty Utilities, the Water Authority of Western Nassau and the Hempstead Town Water District.

What can be done?

According to Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, geography and land use play a major role in why some Long Island communities experience more severe water quality issues than others.

“The biggest driver for water quality in the marine environment is land activity,” Esposito said, noting that polluted stormwater runoff, fertilizer use and marine debris all flow from developed areas into surrounding bays and waterways.

Highly populated and heavily developed regions — particularly along the South Shore — generate greater amounts of runoff, which carries excess nitrogen from lawn fertilizers, bacteria and debris into nearby bays. That nitrogen fuels algae growth, which depletes oxygen levels and can lead to fish kills and damage to shellfish populations.

Aging infrastructure in some coastal communities continues to pose challenges. Esposito pointed to the Long Beach’s sewage treatment plant, which discharg-

es roughly 5 million gallons of wastewater per day into Nassau County’s Western Bays. While the wastewater is treated, Esposito said the facility is old and in need of major repairs.

The Western Bays have been among the most degraded areas, in part due to decades of treated sewage discharges and runoff from surrounding communities. Marine debris, including plastic bottles, cigarette butts and food packaging, often originates farther inland, and makes its way through tributaries before washing into coastal waters, Esposito said.

On the North Shore, in areas that still rely on septic systems, groundwater contamination presents another challenge, as pollutants can leach directly into aquifers and nearby waterways.

Esposito pointed to several major policy changes that have reshaped how New York addresses water contamination, particularly by emerging chemicals like PFAS and 1,4-dioxane.

She noted that the state now has some of the nation’s strongest drinking water standards for these chemicals — standards that are fully implemented across Long Island’s public water systems, the

result of years of advocacy and scientific review.

In addition to regulating water systems themselves, Esposito highlighted a first-of-its-kind state law, passed in 2019, that limited the amount of 1,4-dioxane allowed in common household and personal care products. The law was phased in over several years and was fully implemented in 2023, reducing the amount of chemicals entering wastewater systems in the first place.

Esposito also emphasized the importance of preventing pollution at its source, rather than relying on expensive treatment systems after contamination occurs. Citizens Campaign has spent several years advocating for legislation aimed at reducing packaging waste, a significant contributor to marine debris found in Long Island’s bays and waterways.

One of the most significant steps underway is the long-awaited redirection of treated sewage from the South Shore Water Reclamation Facility, in Bay Park, away from the Western Bays and into the Cedar Creek ocean outfall pipe — a nearly $600 million project more than a decade in the making. The change is expected to dramatically improve

water quality in the Western Bays once the Bay Park Conveyance Project is completed.

At the local and state level, municipalities are also tapping into grant programs designed to reduce stormwater pollution. These initiatives fund upgrades to stormwater systems, filtration devices that remove nitrogen and bacteria before runoff reaches waterways. Environmental organizations, including Citizens Campaign, Operation SPLASH and the Nature Conservancy have played a key role in advocating for these measures through long-term collaboration and public pressure.

Looking ahead, Citizens Campaign plans to launch a new marine debris prevention campaign this spring, focused on public education and outreach, emphasizing that litter discarded anywhere on Long Island can ultimately end up in coastal waters. The organization is also continuing its push in Albany for legislation aimed at reducing packaging waste and monitoring contaminants entering waterways through wastewater systems.

Residents can make a difference, Esposito said, by limiting fertilizer use, properly disposing of trash and supporting redevelopment over construction on green spaces.

“We encourage people to get up, show up and speak up,” she said. “If you want to protect our waters and public health, sometimes you have to speak out.”

Curtain rises on complete Argyle Theate makeover Former Suffolk County lawmaker is recognized for his work

In the weeks before leaving office, Suffolk County Legislator Kevin J. McCaffrey joined representatives from The Argyle Theatre in Babylon Village to highlight a series of facility upgrades made possible through Suffolk County JumpSMART funding.

The historic theater, which opened in 1922, underwent extensive renovations aimed at modernizing the venue while preserving its character. Exterior improvements included new lighting, fresh paint and a redesigned marquee. Inside, upgrades featured a new 19-foot mahogany bar, a tin-inspired ceiling, enhanced lighting fixtures, an improved sound system and expanded production capabilities.

Additional work focused on accessibility and long-term infrastructure improvements. The women’s restroom was doubled in size, adding four new stalls and sinks, while other upgrades included a new roof, updated electrical wiring, improved insulation, concrete repairs and the installation of brand-new HVAC units.

Funding for the project was secured through allocations from the county’s capital program

and the federal American Rescue Plan Act, which were designed to help small businesses and communities recover from the economic impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Village of Babylon Mayor Mary E. Adams, along with Argyle Theatre co-owners Dr. Mark Perlman and Dylan Perlman, presented McCaffrey with tokens of appreciation in recognition of his support of the theater and his efforts to help secure funding for the improvements.

OBITUARY

Carol Ann Sandick, Lindenhurst resident and graduate of Amityville schools

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherld.com

Carol Ann Sandick’s life was marked by a deep love for animals, a passion that guided her path from Long Island to California and helped shape who she was.

After graduating from SUNY’s Delhi University, Carol Ann fulfilled a lifelong dream by working at the San Diego Zoo, an experience that brought her immense joy.

“She loved animals and her pets; that was her thing,” said her mother, Martha Peterson. “She was fascinated with the zoo and was so happy to have had the opportunity to work with the primate monkeys there. She loved them.”

Carol Ann, who grew up in Amityville, died Jan. 2, 2026, after a long battle with breast cancer. She was 67.

After returning to Long Island from San Diego, she settled in Lindenhurst and worked at Cameta Camera in Amityville, where she met her future husband, Steven Sandick.

“We loved photography and the same music,” her husband said. “She was warm and friendly, and we spent a lot

of time just talking and going to record shows together.”

Carol Ann was a graduate of the Amityville school system, Class of 1976. While growing up in the village, she met Rosemary Sullivan, who would become her lifelong friend and who served as her Maid of Honor at her wedding.

“We just hit it off. I was kind of a hippie, and we both loved the Grateful Dead,” Sullivan said. “I’m sure she met Bob Weir (a founding member of the Grateful Dead) at the pearly gates and took him up to heaven with her.”

The two women also shared a profound bond forged through hardship. Both underwent chemotherapy and radiation treatments, an experience that deepened their friendship even further.

In addition to her mother and husband, Carol Ann is survived by her son, Austin who she adored; her brothers, Ed and Wesley Peterson of New Jersey; and her sister-in-law, Tracy of Amityville as well as by three nephews, Philip, Jesse

and Lucas and many cousins and dear friends.

She was predeceased by her fathers, Charles P. Kinne and Arthur Peterson.

Following a private cremation, Sandick was memorialized at a service con-

ducted by the Rev. Calvin Collins, pastor of First United Methodist Church in Amityville. Interment will be at Amityville Cemetery at a later date. Arrangements were under the direction of Powell

neral Home Inc. of Amityville.

ATTENTION FAMILIES AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Family members and funeral directors may submit obituary notices to us at: Amityville Herald Record, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 or may call us at 516-569-4000 ext. 329.

STEPPING OUT

Big game, big flavor

Score from kickoff to crunch time

By Karen Bloom

It’s the biggest sports day of the year — and a perfect excuse to throw a bash that’s almost as exciting as the game itself. The Super Bowl on Sunday isn’t just about touchdowns, commercials and the halftime show: it’s about friends, fun and food that’s worth a victory dance.

Sure, the game on the big screen is the main event, but let’s be honest — some of the best plays happen around the snack table. Wings, dips, even desserts are all part of the strategy to keep your fans happy (and maybe even sneak a second helping before halftime). When it comes to dessert, fuss-free is the way to go. An array of cookies, brownies and dessert bars will satisfy the sweet tooth. You can take your dessert table to the next level by icing your treats in team colors. Here’s your playbook for scoring big with game-day treats that’ll make your party a championship-worthy hit.

West Bank Wings

No football party is complete without a generous serving of wings. Try these Asianinspired chicken wings, with a spicy Creole twist.

• 3 pounds chicken wing pieces

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 2 teaspoons Creole Seasoning

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice

• 1/4 cup cane syrup or molasses

• 1/4 cup ZATARAIN’S® Creole Mustard

• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic

• 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• Chopped fresh cilantro

• Sesame seeds

Preheat oven to 450°F. Toss chicken wings with oil and Creole Seasoning in large bowl. Arrange wings in single layer on foil-lined large shallow baking pan.

Bake 35 minutes or until wings are cooked through and skin is crisp.

Mix remaining ingredients, except cilantro and sesame seeds, in large skillet. Bring to boil on high heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer about 15 minutes or until sauce is reduced by a third and is a “syrup” consistency. Add wings; toss to coat with sauce. Transfer wings to serving

platter. Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Cajun Buffalo Wings

Here’s another zesty take on the footballwatching favorite.

• 2 1/2 pounds chicken wing pieces

• 1/2 cup any flavor Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce

• 1/3 cup ketchup

• 2 tsp. Cajun seasoned spice blend

Bake wings in foil-lined pan at 500 °F on lowest oven rack for 20 to 25 minutes until crispy, turning once.

Mix Buffalo Wings Sauce, ketchup and spice blend.

Toss wings in sauce to coat.

Tip: You may substitute 1/2 cup Red Hot Sauce mixed with 1/3 cup melted butter for the Wings Sauce.

Alternate cooking directions: Deep-fry at 375°F for 10 minutes or broil 6-inches from heat 15 to 20 minutes turning once.

Blazin’ Buffalo Potato Skins

This the ideal game day snack! Seriously, it’s a crowd pleaser.

• 3 pounds small russet potatoes

• Olive oil cooking spray

• 1 cup shredded reduced-fat or regular Monterey Jack cheese

• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken

• 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce

• 1/2 cup chopped Blue Diamond Smokehouse

• Almonds

• 1/2 cup light sour cream

• 1/4 cup sliced green onion tops

Preheat oven to 450 F and line baking sheet with foil.

Rinse potatoes and pat dry; pierce with fork or sharp knife. Place in large microwave-safe bowl; cover and microwave high for 15 minutes or until potatoes are soft when gently squeezed. Remove and let cool slightly.

Cut in half and scoop out potato leaving 1/4inch rim of potato inside skin. Place on prepared baking sheet and spray both sides of potato skins liberally with cooking spray; bake for 15 minutes to crisp.

Billy Stritch and Friends celebrate Judy Garland

Sprinkle equal amounts of cheese into each skin. Stir together chicken and wing sauce and spoon over cheese. Top with almonds and bake for 5 minutes more. Add dollop of sour cream to each and sprinkle with green onions. Serve with and additional wing sauce, if desired. Makes 6-8 servings.

Sweet Chili Meatballs

Round out your lineup with this tasty addition to your game day spread.

• 1 pound lean ground turkey or ground beef

• 1/3 cup Japanese panko crumbs or bread crumbs

• ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped

• 3 green onions, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 12 ounces Frank’s RedHot Sweet Chili Sauce, divided

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Mix ground meat, panko crumbs, cilantro, green onion, ginger, egg, salt and 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce. Form into one-inch meatballs. Place meatballs on lightly greased baking sheets.

Bake 20 minutes, turning once halfway through. Put meatballs in slow cooker or Dutch oven to keep warm, pour remaining sweet chili sauce over meatballs. Gently stir to coat meatballs and serve.

Bacon Avocado Dip

Game day requires guacamole. Try a new twist on the must-have dip.

• 1 large avocado, peeled and mashed

• 1/2 tomato, seeded and chopped

• 1/3 cup Blue Diamond Jalapeno Smokehouse

• Almonds, chopped

• 1/4 cup diced red onion

• 3 strips cooked bacon, roughly chopped

• 2 tablespoons sour cream

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• Juice of 1/2 lime

• Salt and pepper, to taste

In small bowl, mix all ingredients. Serve with tortilla chips or other favorite dippers, such as carrots, bell peppers and broccoli.

Judy on TV! This concert shines a long-overdue spotlight on a unique chapter of Garland’s legendary career: her 1963–64 CBS television series. It’s a look at Garland’s iconic talent through the lens of her landmark 1963-64 weekly television broadcasts. Renowned entertainer and music director Billy Stritch leads this dazzling tribute that brings together a stellar lineup of jazz and Broadway favorites including acclaimed vocalists Gabrielle Stravelli and Nicolas King. The Judy Garland Show lasted only nine months and the star saw its cancellation as a devastating failure. Stritch sees it much differently, noting that the show’s 26 hours of concert material capture a crucial era of her life and legacy as one of the greatest entertainers of all time. These terrific performers revive the unforgettable music, intimate moments and sheer star power that defined the show.

Saturday, Feb. 7, 8 p.m. $58, $48, $38. Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Feel the beat with Step Afrika!

The acclaimed dance company visits Hofstra University with a high-octane performance, Step Afrika! 101. Since its 1994 founding, Step Afrika! has been recognized as a cultural ambassador for this percussive dance tradition rooted in African American communities and historically linked to Black Greek-letter organizations. Their signature style fuses precise footwork and rhythmic movement with contemporary African dance, AfroBeats and popular music, in a powerful celebration of culture and community. Everyone is encouraged to clap, stomp, and join in calland-response moments that make the show feel as communal as it is electric. In keeping with Step Afrika!’s emphasis on service and community, it’s requested to bring non-perishable food items or basic toiletries to benefit the Hofstra Pantry and the Mary Brennan INN.

Sunday, Feb. 8, 3:30-5 p.m. Free admission. John Cranford Adams Playhouse, South Campus, Hempstead. For more information, visit hofstra.edu/academics/culturalcenter or call (516) 463-5669 or email hofculctr@hofstra.edu.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

5

Wendy Klemperer: Wrought Taxonomies

Vanderbilt Museum welcomes everyone to enjoy the exhibition of outdoor sculpture at the historic summer estate of William Kissam Vanderbilt II. Klemperer’s sculptures. a haunting assemblage of animal forms that span imaginary, endangered, familiar, and exotic species, celebrate natural history and the nonhuman world through evocative interactions with the surrounding environment. Using materials salvaged from scrapyards, she composes ecological narratives that respond to the history and collections of Suffolk County’s first public park and museum. Her brilliant use of gestural lines captures the spectator’s attention and invites museum-goers to reflect on the relationship between an interest in animal life and the incessant push of human industry. Visitors are encouraged to picnic on the grounds.

• Where: 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport

• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

• Contact: vanderbiltmuseum.org or call (631) 854-5579

‘Everybody Loves

Raymond: Celebrating 30 Years’

Visit the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame for its latest exhibit. The immersive exhibit (designed by LIMEHOF Creative Director, renowned designer Kevin O’Callaghan) features the 70-footwide set from the show’s recent 30th anniversary TV special on CBS, never before on display. Visitors can walk into the world of the Barone family and explore their home through original studio sets, which include the living room, the kitchen, and other areas of the house. Also see a variety of iconic items, including original clothing, the famous fork and spoon, and the Christmas toaster, among other classic items from the series. Multimedia clips, including behind the scenes and rare out-takes and a range of videos related to the show, will play in LIMEHOF’s surround sound theater.

• Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook

• Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Contact: limusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888

FEB

6

‘So don’t stop me now’

FEB

Movie matinee Stop by Copiague Memorial Public Library for a showing of “Mother of the Bride,” the 2024 reboot of the romcom. Feel free to bring a beverage and snack. Registration is required.

Thrift Shop Stop by Simpson United Methodist Church’s Thrift Shop for some unique finds.

• Where: 30 Locust Ave., Amityville

• Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 789-2569

Queen-mania rolls on. Almost Queen returns to the Paramount stage with their homage to the beloved band. They don’t just pay tribute to the legendary band, Almost Queen transports you back in time to experience the magic and essence of Queen themselves. The band — featuring Joseph Russo as Freddie Mercury, Steve Leonard as Brian May, Randy Gregg as John Deacon, and John Cappadona as Roger Taylor — is “guaranteed to blow your mind” with iconic four-part harmonies and expertly executed musical interludes. The band’s authenticity shines through in their impeccable attention to detail and genuine costumes, while their live energy and precision captivates fans of all ages with an unforgettable concert experience. Almost Queen’s concerts are a true testament to the band’s love for Queen’s music. The carefully curated setlist featuring Queen’s best-loved songs, like “Somebody to Love,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Fat Bottomed Girls,” and “Radio Ga Ga,” along with lesser known tracks. And of course, no Queen tribute concert would be complete without classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions!” It’s no wonder fans keep coming back for more.

St. Mary’s Thrift Shop

Stop by St. Mary’s Thrift Shop to start your new year with found treasures. Choose from collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items.

• Where: St. Mary’s, 175 Broadway, Amityville (enter from rear parking lot)

• Time: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 464-4899

Night Sky Live

Visit Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum’s Reichert Planetarium for a family-friendly program with an astronomy educator. Tour the night sky from right here in Centerport. Topics vary depending on the time of year, but can include seasonal constellations, visible planets, galaxies, nebulae, and more. $22, $18 seniors and students, $16 child 12 and under.

• Where: 180 Little Neck Road, Centerport

• Time: 2 p.m.; also Feb. 7 and Feb. 13

• Contact: vanderbiltmuseum.org or call (631) 854-5579

St. Mary’s Thrift Shop Stop by St. Mary’s Thrift Shop to start your new year with

found treasures. Choose from collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items.

• Where: St. Mary’s, 175 Broadway, Amityville (enter from rear parking lot)

• Time: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 464-4899

Not Just A Phase

Join certified Meditation and Breath Work Guide Laura for a relaxing and inspiring workshop at Amityville Public Library. Participants can center themselves, use the power of breath to connect with their own life energy, delve into a greater awareness of the various phases of the moon and their connection to the cycles of our own lives. Also create a personalized Moon Maps and Moon Phase natural stone beaded bracelets. $5.Payment is due at registration.

• Where: 19 John St. Amityville

• Time: 1:30-3:30 p.m.

• Contact: amityvillepubliclibrary. org or (631) 264-0567

11 Winter Concert ‘Salon’ Series Warm up from the winter cold and enjoy the comfort of fine classical music

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Bayard Cutting Arboretum State Park. Listen this week to pianist JK Hodge. Seating is limited with pre-registration required through the Islip Arts Council. The concerts are free to the public.

• Where: 440 Montauk Highway, Great River

• Time: 1 p.m.

• Contact: For registration, call the Islip Arts Council at (631) 888-3525; day of concert information, call Bayard Cutting Arboretum at (631) 581-1002

In concert

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame welcomes Mike the Rodgers. Mike’s a multi-instrumentalist born and raised on Long Island and still calls it home. His vast experience has taken him from a deli on Hempstead Turnpike to Wembley Stadium in London, and everything you can imagine in between. His career is defined by diverse opportunities, various projects and unique circumstances. But, regardless of what he does or where he goes, he considers himself just a musician who loves to play and perform.

• Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Contact: limusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888

• Where: 50 Deauville Blvd., Copiague

• Time: 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Contact: copiaguelibrary.org or (631) 691-1111

Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group

This group meets weekly, at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, in person with Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. All calls are confidential.

• Where: 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown

• Time: 7:30 -9 p.m.

• Contact: Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808

Kid Zone

Children in grades Pre-K-5 are invited to First Presbyterian Church’s Kid Zone, weekly. Included is dinner, a Bible story, as well as crafts and games.

• Where: 79 E. Main St., Babylon

• Time: 5:30-7 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 587-5838

Babylon Town Board meets

The Town of Babylon Board holds their next meeting. All are welcome to attend.

• Where: Town Board Room, Babylon Town Hall, 200 E. Sunrise Highway, Lindenhurst

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 957-3000

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

The 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

The 150th Westminster Kennel Club (WKC) Dog Show began with Master’s Agility Saturday, and Best of Breed (BOB) judging on Monday, culminating in Best in Show (BIS) on Tuesday. Keep in mind, Westminster had a grand clubhouse and kennels in Babylon from 1880 to 1904. In fact, Sensation, the WKC trademark Pointer, was buried in front of that clubhouse by Southards Pond in 1887. I spent ten years pinpointing the spot. Why does the entire world watch Westminster? Look at the concise list:

Pets, Pets, Pets...

JOANNE ANDERSON

“America’s Dog Show” since 1877: The first show had over 1,200 dogs entered, including a “trick dog” named Sprite and a two-legged mixed breed named Nellie. The show lasted four days in May, rather than two days in February as it does now. Sensation was on special exhibition at that first show while local notable August Belmont Jr. showed six dogs, including Robin whose tombstone still stands by the cannons at Belmont Lake. Belmont pulled a shrewd one, entering Robin as both a Gordon and an English Setter. He couldn’t do that now.

Longevity: Westminster is the second longest continuously held sporting event in the US, only one year behind the Kentucky Derby. The WKC dog show went on through turmoil and challenging times. Even during the Depression, the number of

entries stayed solid. Former President Hoover attended the 1943 WKC show amid WWII. WKC honored Search and Rescue dogs working at Ground Zero in February 2002.

World famous arena: WKC has been held in all four incarnations of Madison Square Garden. No other event can make that claim. When 1880 reconstruction was going on, a wall collapsed as Show Manager William Tileston and Chairman Walter Webb walked by. Tileston and three women passersby were killed; Webb was injured. Both men were WKC charter members who had attended the grand opening of the clubhouse in Babylon months before. In 2014, WKC moved breed judging to the Piers because the newest Garden turned benching space into food concessions. Then in 2021 during COVID-19, Westminster relocated to Lyndhurst mansion in Tarrytown for two years, and Billie Jean King Tennis Stadium in Queens the next two years.

Parade of champions: Only the elite participate. All dogs entered must already be champions- a requirement begun in 1992 because so many fanciers wanted to take part. Over 2,500 breed champions traveled from all 50 states and 18 other countries to be seen at the Garden.

Benching: Westminster is one of the only benched shows left, which means when

not in the ring, all dogs entered must be on view as a way of educating the public about purebred dogs. Breed benching and judging is at Javits Center now, and only BOB winners benched at the Garden before and during Group judging Monday and Tuesday evenings.

“Academy Awards of Dogs”: Westminster is the canine Super Bowl, Oscars, and World Series rolled into one. A week’s worth of festivities, including dog-designated benefits and awards banquets, lead up to the final show down at BIS. Wednesday morning the newly crowned BIS winner visited the New York City morning news shows.

Chronicling our history and culture: Prominent WKC participants include- the Czar of Russia who sent his Wolfhounds.

Journalist Nellie Bly who chased Phineas Fogg’s record around the world chased her own Maltese in the ring. J. P. Morgan won ribbons with his Collies, Lou Gehrig entered his German Shepherd, and heiress Patty Hearst handled her own French Bulldog.

Civic responsibility: WKC has a longstanding tradition of giving back. During that first 1877 show one day’s proceeds went to Henry Bergh of the newly formed ASPCA. In 1918 profits were given to the Red Cross to support the war efforts.

Nowadays WKC presents scholarships to outstanding veterinary students. This year WKC gave grants to three breed rescue clubs and continued to support the Purple Leash Project which aids domestic violence survivors with pets.

“Live from New York”: Other televised major dog shows have taped highlights, but during WKC Group finals, seven hours of live TV covers every Best of Breed (BOB) winner. In 1990 there were 140 AKCrecognized breeds; 201 this year. I helped compile WKC BOB data sheets for a decade, so I appreciate how the task becomes more daunting each year.

Best In Show (BIS): When you are at the Garden, the tension builds to a canine crescendo as the BIS judge decides, signs the book, and walks across the ring to bestow the coveted trophy. The dogs feel it too. BIS champions like Uno the Beagle or Stump the super-senior Sussex Spaniel became overnight sensations as their names were etched into dogdom’s Hall of Fame, a tradition that started with Sensation, the WKC iconic Pointer buried in Babylon Village.

Public Notices — Your right to

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF SUFFOLK

INDEX NO: 628672/2025

D/O/F: 10/23/2025

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Property Address: 367 37th Street Lindenhurst, NY 11757

Plaintiff designates Suffolk County as the place of trial. Venue is based upon the County in which the property is situate.

AVAIL 3 LLC, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS ADMINISTRATOR OF RESTORATION III TRUST,                                Plaintiff,        -against-

Unknown heirs at law of LINDA GILMORE, her next of kin, distributees, executors, administrators, trustees, devisees, legatees, assignees, lienors, creditors, and successors in interest, and generally all persons having or claiming, under, by or through said defendant who may be deceased, by purchase, inheritance, lien or otherwise, any right title or interest in and to the premises described in the complaint herein, all of whom and whose names and places of residence are unknown to the plaintiff and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained; PATRICK A GILMORE AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE FOR THE ESTATE OF LINDA GILMORE, NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA;

“JOHN DOES” and “JANE DOES”, said names being fictitious, parties intended being possible tenants or occupants of premises, and corporations, other entities or persons who claim, or may claim, a lien against the premises,                                Defendant(s).

TO THE ABOVE-NAMED DEFENDANTS:

YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your Answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorneys within twenty (20) days after service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, where service is made by delivery upon you personally within the State, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner, and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: The foregoing Summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an Order of the Hon. Thomas F. Whelan, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Suffolk County, entered January 16, 2026 and filed with the complaint and other papers in the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office.

THE OBJECT OF THE ACTION is to foreclose a mortgage recorded in the Suffolk County Clerk’s Office on March 19, 2025 in Liber M00023649, Page 132, covering premises k/a 367 37th Street, Lindenhurst, NY 11757 a/k/a District 0103, Section 00.001, Block 04.00, Lot 108.000.

NOTICE

YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME

If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT.

The following notice is intended only for the defendants who are owners of the premises sought to be foreclosed or who are liable upon the debt for which the mortgage stands as security.

YOU ARE HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE.

PLEASE BE AWARE:

• that debt collectors, in accordance with the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1692 et seq., are prohibited from engaging in abusive, deceptive, an unfair debt collection efforts, including, but not limited to:

• the use or threat of violence;

• the use of obscene or profane language; and

• repeated phone calls made with the intent to annoy, abuse, or harass.

• If a creditor or debt collector receives a money judgment against

you in court, state and federal laws may prevent the following types of income from being taken to pay the debt:

• Supplemental security income, (SSI);

• Social security;

• Public assistance (welfare);

• Spousal support, maintenance (alimony) or child support;

• Unemployment benefits;

• Disability benefits;

• Workers’ compensation benefits;

• Public or private pensions;

• Veterans’ benefits;

• Federal student loans, federal student grants, and federal work study funds; and

• Ninety percent of your wages or salary earned in the last sixty days.

[SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK]

TO THE DEFENDANTS: The Plaintiff makes no personal claim against you in this action.

TO THE DEFENDANTS: If you have obtained an order of discharge from the Bankruptcy court, which includes this debt, and you have not reaffirmed your liability for this debt, this law firm is not alleging that you have any personal liability for this debt and does not seek a money judgment against you. Even if a discharge has been obtained, this lawsuit to foreclose the mortgage will continue and we will seek a judgment authorizing the sale of the mortgaged premises.

Dated:

Sandy J. Stolar, Esq.

MARGOLIN, WEINREB & NIERER, LLP

Attorneys for Plaintiff 575 Underhill Boulevard, Suite 224 Syosset, New York 11791

516-921-3838

#102748

26-31 1/28, 2/4, 11, 18

NOTICE is hereby given that the PLANNING BOARD of the Village of Amityville will hold a Public Hearing in the Court Room of Village Hall, 21 Ireland Place, Amityville, NY at 6:00 P.M. on THURSDAY, February 5, 2026, to consider the following applications: Application of Linda Dosouto. Applicant seeks architectural review and approval for the proposed construction of a 20’ x 24’ detached garage pursuant to Section 24-6 A. (1) (h) of the Village of Amityville Code. Premises located on the South side of Cottage Place approximately 150 feet

East of Couty Line Road in a “Residential B” District known as 2 Cottage Place a/k/a SCTM# 101-7-1-42. Application of Michael Esposito. Applicant seeks architectural review and approval for a proposed façade alteration pursuant to Section 24-6 A. (1) (g) of the Village Code. Premises located on the Northwest corner of Broadway and Greene Avenue in a “B-1 Business” District known as 184 Broadway a/k/a SCTM #101-5-2-15.

By Order of the Planning Board, Village of Amityville Catherine Murdock, Clerk/Treasurer 26-32. 1/28, 2/4

NOTICE OF COMPLETION OF TENTATIVE ASSESSMENT ROLL

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the undersigned Assessor of the Village of Amityville has completed the tentative assessment roll for the year 2026 and that a copy thereof has been filed in the office of the Village Clerk/Treasurer at 21 Ireland Place, 2nd Floor, Amityville, NY 11701 and online at www.amityville.com, where it may be seen and examined by any interested person until February 17th, 2026.

Date: 1/28/26

Thomas Donato, Assessor Village of Amityville 26-33. 2/4

Copiague student celebrates win at Adelphi Challenge

Walter G. O’Connell Copiague High School student Ja’Nyah Martin was part of the winning team, Jammin’ for Jovia, at Adelphi University’s Apprentice Challenge, a competitive marketing event that tasked students with solving a realworld business problem.

The annual competition challenged teams to develop innovative marketing proposals focused on understanding what Generation Z seeks from financial institutions and creating strategies to boost brand relevance, loyalty and engagement. Student teams presented their ideas to a panel of Adelphi University business professors and industry professionals.

The winning team consisted of 10 Long Island high school students who impressed judges with their creativity, research and strategic thinking. In total, the 2025 Apprentice Challenge included 213 students from 27 local high schools, highlighting the strong level of competition and collaboration among participants.

By earning first place, the Jammin’ for Jovia team demonstrated exceptional skills in marketing analysis, teamwork and professional presentation, key competencies for future success in business and related fields.

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460

E-mail

Help Wanted

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

DRIVERS WANTED

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

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

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

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

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

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

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

OUTSIDE SALES

Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours

Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS

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

Health Care/Opportunities

HEALTHCARE WORKER with 40Yrs Experience is Seeking Position Caring for Your Loved One 516-640-4204

HomesHERALD

A House You'll Call Home

Welcome to this beautifully updated and spacious 5-bedroom, 3 full bath expanded Ranch in Hewlett Harbor! The most desirable section of the Five Towns! Low taxes, no Sandy damage and no flood insurance required! Step into an atmosphere enhanced by brand-new wall-to-wall windows that fill every room with natural light and custom-built blinds. The primary bedroom offers a private ensuite bath with a triple door closet. The eat-in kitchen is newly renovated with gorgeous countertops, modern new appliances, a wine cooler, and a butler’s pantry with additional counter space for effortless entertaining. A mudroom with ample storage provides the perfect spot to keep seasonal and holiday items neatly organized and out of the way. There are two additional updated bathrooms, new air conditioning and gleaming hardwood floors flow throughout the home. The second floor is a private oasis, complete with two bedrooms and a full bath, and a stand-up attic for extra storage. The outside is beautifully landscaped with oversized fenced-in backyard. There is plenty of room for a pool, hot tub, outdoor fireplace, swing set, and even a basketball hoop. The ultimate space for entertainment and relaxation. Enjoy new siding, a newer roof under 10 years old, freshly installed pavers, and a beautiful patio that’s perfect for gatherings or outdoor relaxation under the stars. Well water for sprinklers. Don't miss the opportunity to make it your Home sweet Home! Schedule your private tour to view this beauty.

REAL ESTATE

Real Estate

WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670

WYOMING LEGACY ESTATE: 14.5 horse-zoned acres bordering Bridger-Teton National Forest. South of Jackson Hole. Custom lodge, 360° mountain views, hot tub, access to four-season outdoor recreation. https://2antelopetrailpinedalewy.com

How do we keep our home livable during renovations?

Q. Do you have any suggestions on how we can guarantee our house won’t be damaged while we have a renovation done? We’re doing a lot of work to add a back family room and a second floor. Our house is a cape that already has a second floor, but we want a full second floor. Everyone we spoke to called it a dormer, but we read your column in which you clarified that a dormer is pushed out through the current roof and a second floor is the whole thing, so we know. We want to stay on the first floor, and even though we’ll get a POD for the driveway, we’re concerned about staying on the first floor. The contractor showed us the plastic curtains he uses, but is there anything else? Our daughter has asthma, and we’re very concerned.

Signature Premier Properties 75 Seamens Ave Rockville Centre, NY 11570

A. It’s tough to guarantee that dust won’t get in, since there are many ways dust travels and the average home, without any air filtration, usually get dusty, anyway. I have seen countless projects with zippered air curtain separations, sealed at the walls, floors and ceilings — even double curtains separated by 4 feet to create a vestibule, with a fan drawing air to the outside just before people open the first zipper. This is called a negative air method, and the fan should only be turned on when someone is about to enter the vestibule from the clean side, because if the fan is left on, it’s drawing air from the dusty side to the clean side.

Several clients purchased boxes of disposable booties to slip over shoes to keep from tracking in dust and dirt. If you have carpeting or just want to protect your finished floors, it’s best to have the walking paths covered in plywood and heavy plastic. Lift the plastic and fold inward to discard periodically, or vacuum with a brush attachment so as not to suck up the plastic. Also, if the path is highly trafficked, it will tear and may be slippery from the booties and dust, so monitor the surface and how affected it will be.

Sometimes just a smooth fiberboard, without splinters, is best. One client even used a spray bottle to spray the air and then the booties before discarding them in a plastic bag. Unfortunately, some people did not completely understand the air flow issues, and left their exterior windows open in the clean areas, adjacent to where the work was being done, allowing the dust to float in through the windows from outside.

Depending on how much you want to spend, there are elaborate portable units with high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters that will rid the air of a large amount of dust as well as less-visible matter such as pollen. You may want to consult your child’s doctor for advice about filtered respirators, or whether it’s a good idea for her to be there during the construction at all. Good luck!

2026 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question”

AFFORDABLE

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

BABY'S CHANGE TABLE. Gently used; white, 3 drawers. $15. Lido Beach. (516)705-8398

BEDSPREAD: BRAND NEW Macy's Charter Club Size: Twin Matching pillow sham. $80 516-432-5699

ERGOBABY BABY CARRIER 360, all positions, 12-45 lbs in box, $50, 516-884-9994.

SEIKO SCHOOLHOUSE CLOCK, 21Hx13Wx4D, VGC, Battery Op, Chimes, hardly used, light oak. $90 (516)486-2363

STROLLER GRACO MODES Bassinet LX, 2019 with instructions, very good, on YouTube, $65, 516-884-9994.

SERVICES

Cable/TV/Wiring

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069

Cleaning Services

516-252-8402

WENDY'S CLEANING SERVICES INC. Commercial/Residential. We Specialize In Houses, Apartments, Offices, Airbnb & More. Good References. Free Estimates. Call/Text Wendy 516-406-5375 Or Email wencruzpa@gmail.com

Electricians

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC.

All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.

Handyman

PAINTING & HANDYMAN SERVICE

Tired of calling a contractor & they don't call back? I will call you back the same day!

917-822-0225 Ricky Specializing in carpentry, bathrooms, kitchens, sheetrock, flooring, electric, plumbing. Over 25 yrs exp.Lic/Ins H3805150000

Home Improvement

BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833-807-0159

CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641

Home Improvement

DO YOU KNOW what's in your water? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728

PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-516-1160 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move.

PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496

SAFE STEP. NORTH America's #1 WalkIn Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-916-5473

Miscellaneous

GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391

Plumbing

PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES! Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers. Family Plumbing. 516-825-3606

Services

AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER?

STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-833-880-7679

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-833-323-0318. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider.

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-549-0598 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Telephone Services

CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682

Satellite/TV Equipment

DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

Health &

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-833-661-4172

ATTENTION: VIAGRA AND CIALIS USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-833-641-6397

OpiniOns

Extremist green policies have made electric rates soar

Anew report issued by our Center for Cost Effective Government confirms that progressive policies implemented by New York’s Legislature designed to tackle climate change have caused energy rates in the state to skyrocket, with few environmental benefits.

In fact, these policies increased electric bills by roughly 50 percent in the six years since their implementation.

In 2019, Albany enacted a sweeping law, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, imposing mandates seeking a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It also calls for 100 percent renewable electricity use by 2040.

But recently, New York’s government has been quietly telling the utilities to slow-walk the decommissioning of gasfired power plants. And after the November election, Gov. Kathy Hochul officially retreated from the unrealistic mandate requiring electric heat in new buildings until a lawsuit on the issue concludes.

The state’s progressive policies

included numerous initiatives many now regret, including shutting down nuclear plants; refusing to frack in New York; refusing to approve natural-gas pipelines; requiring all new buildings be heated with electricity; imposing carbon penalties on utilities, passing costs to consumers; and mandating that all cars be electric by 2035.

OIronically, New York’s carbon footprint wound up being worse after passage of this bill, while electric rates soared. Curtailing natural gas had devastating consequences, both economically and environmentally. It was the transition from dirtier coal and oil to cleaner natural gas that dropped U.S. greenhouse emissions by 14 percent from 2005 to 2019, while emissions were increasing worldwide. Rates are slated to increase further, with the New York State Electric & Gas company saying it will charge 23.7 percent more in 2026, while National Grid is seeking increases that could raise bills upstate by $600 a year. And Con Edison is seeking increases that would increase average gas and energy bills more than $150 higher than in 2020. This reduced supply is exacerbated by the enormous energy required for the A.I. revolution. Large companies at the forefront of A.I. innovation put

immense strain on the grid. A.I. data centers are becoming large energy users, outpacing even electric vehicles in their power demand growth.

verly ambitious initiatives have had negative consequences worldwide.

Overly ambitious policy initiatives to shut down traditional power generation and replace it with less-reliable wind and solar energy have resulted in significant negative consequences worldwide. In Germany, an optimistic energy transition plan involved shutting down nuclear plants. In 2011, Germany’s 17 nuclear reactors generated over 33 percent of the country’s electricity. Their shutdown led to a return to fossil fuels. Consequently, greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on foreign energy sources actually increased.

These extreme policies have been mirrored in California, resulting in electric costs that are roughly 50 percent higher than the national average and gasoline costs that are 47 percent above the average.

The typical residential customer in New Jersey, which also promulgated extreme green policies, saw an increase of 17 to 20 percent last year. One resident of Clark, N.J., claimed that her bill rose from $174 in June to over $300 in July — this despite New Jersey’s Public Service Electric & Gas having told her

to expect an increase of 17 percent. Even once-touted wind projects are losing their luster when they come under greater scrutiny. According to NY Energy Ratings, “Developers are looking for a way to pay for the mounting costs of new wind energy projects. They have even asked the [Public Service Commission] to increase New York electric rates.” This is estimated to result in an increase of 4 percent, or $4.67 per month for ratepayers. Some projects are costing double what they were expected to.

Billionaire Bill Gates, who previously sided with the climate doomsday faction, has tempered his position, noting that the trillions of dollars being funneled to climate initiatives could be better spent relieving worldwide poverty. Are you a better person if you pay an arm and a leg for extreme green policies that will have little impact on reducing the carbon footprint decades down the road? Or is it more cost-effective to concentrate those funds on saving lives today, via better health care and economic opportunity, while simultaneously investing in innovations that can provide cheaper, cleaner energy over a rational, gradual period of time?

Steve Levy is president of Common Sense Strategies, a political consulting firm, and has served as Suffolk County executive and as an assemblyman. He can be reached at steve@commonsensestrategies.com.

We can make our school cafeterias safer

in recent years, we’ve seen stories on the news of everyday heroes who have saved the lives of choking children. There have been incidents all over Long Island, from Elmont to East Setauket, yet New York does not currently require cafeteria monitors to be certified in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the Heimlich maneuver.

My new bill, SS6127A, known as Stella’s Law, would correct this oversight. The legislation is named in honor of Stella Tsimis, a teacher’s aide in the Connetquot school district who, in February 2023, saved the life of a 7-year-old boy in the school cafeteria by performing the Heimlich maneuver on him while he

was choking.

Tsimis received the New York State Liberty Medal for saving the boy’s life.

The Liberty Medal is the highest civilian honor awarded by New York state, and is presented only for extraordinary, heroic and life-saving acts.

Tsimis’s actions that day highlighted the need for all adult cafeteria monitors in school cafeterias to be trained in and hold current certifications for first aid, CPR and the Heimlich maneuver, to help ensure the safety of the children who eat there. Requiring the First Aid for Choking poster to be displayed in all school eating areas further supports this goal by providing clear, life-saving instructions that can be followed in an emergency.

such posters, but it’s important for teachers, monitors and staff to be able to successfully intervene in an emergency.

s taffs need to be trained in first aid for choking and the Heimlich maneuver.

Many rescuers have learned the Heimlich maneuver in school health classes, workplace training or even from

Stella’s Law would ensure that personnel are trained, and that informative posters showing the Heimlich maneuver are displayed where students are at the greatest risk of choking. The instructional posters help make sure students are not fearful or afraid if a choking emergency occurs, because they understand this life-saving technique.

There are many resources available in your community. Organizations like the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association hold classes to help people be prepared for such emergencies. We hosted our first CPR-Heimlich maneuver training in cooperation with the West Babylon Fire Department on Jan. 24.

In 2024, a Patchogue-Medford math

teacher, Chris Schiefer, came to the rescue of one of his students. Schiefer noticed the student choking on a gumball and quickly went into action, performing the Heimlich maneuver and helping to dislodge the obstruction. After making sure the student saw the nurse to confirm he was all right, Schiefer turned the incident into a learning opportunity by teaching his students about the Heimlich maneuver and pointing out a chart on the wall demonstrating how to handle a choking incident.

This was a great effort made by a responsible educator, but we should have standard training in place, as well as step-by-step signage for school staff, so they can be frontline administrators of these life-saving techniques.

Please contact your local school district, state senator or Assembly member and encourage them to support Stella’s Law, and to make our schools safer.

Amityville

RecoRd

CHARLES DELANO - Founder

Established 1904

Incorporating the Amityville Record in 2024

CAROLyN JAmES

Associate Publisher / Editor

Donna Consola

JessiCa Kleiman

Multi Media Marketing Consultants

offiCe

2 Endo Boulevard

Garden City, NY 11530

Phone: (516) 569-4000

Fax: (516) 569-4942

Web: www.liherald.com

E-mail: amityeditor@liherald.com

Copyright © 2026

Richner

HERALD

lOut of practice, but not out of resolve

ast week, for the first time in three years, Long Island was forcefully reminded that winter isn’t just a suggestion. The Jan. 25 snowstorm dumped more than a foot of snow, whipped it around with high winds and then sealed it in place with a deep freeze, making it the most significant storm in these parts since Jan. 29, 2022. For a region that had grown used to mild winters and more rain than snow, it was a rude, icy wake-up call.

Within hours, schools and businesses were closed, and familiar streets transformed from wet pavement to skating rinks masquerading as thoroughfares.

Snow shovels were unearthed from garages, boots were rediscovered in the backs of closets and many residents wondered, “Wait, how do we do this again?”

The storm highlighted the dedication of emergency workers and the importance of preparation, but it also revealed something else: After a few relatively snow-free winters, Long Island was a little out of practice.

Emergency crews, plow drivers, sanitation workers, police officers, EMS personnel and other essential workers put in long hours in harsh and dangerous conditions. Their efforts kept major roadways passable and ensured that critical services remained available. These people don’t get snow days, and Long Island is better off because of it.

Elected officials also moved quickly. Roads were treated with pre-storm brine to prevent ice from bonding to

letters

Our foreign policy ‘is heading in the wrong direction’

To the Editor:

I read Peter King’s opinion piece last week, “What did Trump gain by badmouthing Denmark?” about the administration’s various foreign policy accomplishments and failures during the first year of President Trump’s second term. I agree that the approach that’s being taken in regard to Greenland is not wise. Our current treaty with Denmark gives the United States great leeway for the use of Greenland’s territory for U.S. bases in the defense of the U.S. and our NATO allies.

I feel that our foreign policy in general is heading in the wrong direction. The “America First” policy that’s being promoted by the administration is doing great damage to our peaceful relationships around the world. We may have the greatest military in modern history, but we live in a complex world. We need to preserve NATO and make sure that treaties established at the end of World War II remain

pavement. Hundreds of plows were deployed across towns and villages. Gov. Kathy Hochul sent more than 100 members of the National Guard to assist with snow removal, including on major parkways that thousands of drivers rely on every day.

County Executives Bruce Blakeman and Ed Romaine, in Nassau and Suffolk, respectively, declared states of emergency, helping streamline coordination and resources.

Many residents noticed and appreciated responders’ efforts. Social media was filled with thank-yous to plow drivers and sanitation crews, often described as “the backbone of the operation.” Credit where it’s due: Without their efforts, the storm’s aftermath would have been far worse.

Still, once the snow stopped falling, patience began to melt, unlike the ice. Complaints poured in about side streets that weren’t plowed quickly enough, leaving cars stuck and neighbors frustrated as snow hardened and became virtually unmovable. In some areas, plows managed little more than a single narrow lane, pushing snow into piles that quickly froze into what might as well have been concrete barriers.

The storm’s heavy mix of snow and sleet didn’t help. Parked cars made matters worse. Town officials, including in Oyster Bay, pointed to vehicles left on streets despite parking restrictions as a major obstacle to proper plowing. And then there was the Long Island tradition of shoveling snow into the street

— illegal, counterproductive and, in Nassau County, potentially a $200 mistake.

All of this slowed cleanup, especially when you consider the scale of the task. The Town of Hempstead alone is responsible for clearing roughly 1,200 miles of roadway. That’s not a quick lap around the block — it’s a marathon in snow boots.

Snow removal is a team sport. Municipalities can plan routes, deploy equipment and send alerts, but residents have to do their part, moving vehicles, following restrictions, staying informed and resisting the urge to dump snow where plows just cleared it.

After three quiet winters, Long Island’s collective snow-day muscle memory had weakened. The key takeaway from Jan. 25 is that the storm exposed gaps while providing a muchneeded refresher. Main roads were cleared. Most neighborhoods were eventually serviced. Emergency operations held up under pressure. With better coordination, clearer communication and stronger public cooperation, the next response can be even smoother. Snowstorms on Long Island are inevitable, and we should be ready for them. If everyone — from county and state governments to towns, villages, businesses and residents — gets back in practice, the next big storm can be met not with surprise and frustration, but with confidence, coordination and maybe even a little less slip-sliding around.

The political distraction industry — and its cost

something’s wrong. It’s hard to put a finger on it. We live in a political world, and something about the way that world slides between the foreground and the background of daily life just seems off — not dramatic, not mysterious, just persistently wrong.

That unease has a source.

Contemporary politics now functions within what can fairly be called a political distraction industry. Large, highprofile controversies generate a media fog that draws our attention toward whatever is loudest or most immediate, while steadily pulling our focus away from decisions that more directly shape our lives.

In any given week, we may be urged to fixate on the latest scandal, to listen to conflicting stories about exploding motorboats off the coast of South America, to dissect executive orders that change little in practice, to scroll through a flood of presidential social media posts, or to follow lawsuits filed theatrically against judges and officials with no realistic chance of success.

LeTTers

strong. We need cooperation, not condemnation of friends.

I agree that we need secure and safe borders, and those who illegally entered our country should be dealt with through our justice system. But I hope that the constant rhetoric we see daily in our news media starts to abate, and that cooler heads prevail. We need the direction of our politics, and our policies, to return to a sense of normalcy.

JErOME I. rOSEn Hewlett

Each story is framed as urgent. Each demands our attention. It’s hard to keep up, and it’s harder to see through the fog of information to discern things that may be far more important.

This isn’t an accident. Distraction has become a strategy.

The incentives aren’t difficult to see. Media outlets compete in an overcrowded attention economy. Social media platforms reward speed, outrage and repetition. Political fundraising thrives on alarm. Issues and decisions are boiled down to simplistic either/or choices. Complexity doesn’t travel well. The most consequential changes tend to arrive quietly, already dressed as routine.

w here every problem is a ‘crisis,’ and every disagreement ‘unprecedented.’

scrutiny. Constant conflict fragments potential coalitions. Attention jumps from flare to flare, rarely lingering long enough for consideration of the most basic questions: What has actually changed? Who benefits? What precedent has just been set? Distraction works in part because it enlists us. We share the clips, repost the provocations, argue over headlines designed to provoke argument. It feels like engagement, but reaction isn’t the same as agency, and outrage — however understandable — doesn’t substitute for influence.

chasing.

The result is a loss of perspective. Minor controversies swell into national emergencies, while decisions affecting housing costs, public education, health care access, environmental protections and local governance are made quietly. We debate the tone of a speech while overlooking the budget it obscures. We argue about personalities while the machinery of government is adjusted — often in ways that prove difficult to reverse.

It’s no secret: a distracted public is easier to manage than an attentive one. Constant motion prevents sustained

Even our political vocabulary has been thinned by overuse. Everything is a “crisis.” Every disagreement is “unprecedented.” When every day is framed as an emergency, real emergencies become harder to recognize. Fatigue follows. People disengage — not because they don’t care, but because constant alarm is mentally exhausting. There is no need to tune out — but there is a need to slow down. When a story breaks, a few stubborn questions help restore a sense of scale: Does this materially change how power is exercised? Does it affect people’s rights, safety, or economic security? Will it still matter a year from now? If not, it may be worth keeping an eye on — but not

Framework by Mallory Wilson

The normalization of continuous distraction carries a cost most of us have experienced without quite naming it. The news and social media flood the airwaves with stories and endless commentary about the latest nasty thing the president has said about a celebrity — who insulted whom, who clapped back. Meanwhile, we hear only a sidebar about a court decision that permits the administration to empower ICE agents to arrest U.S. citizens as though they were undocumented immigrants, the decision mentioned only briefly before disappearing from coverage. One story dominates our attention for days; the other slips past almost unnoticed. Again, the imbalance is not accidental.

Distraction isn’t merely noise, but leverage. The point is not to stop us from seeing anything at all, but to keep us looking in the wrong direction long enough for other, potentially more consequential, decisions to settle into place. By the time our attention shifts back, the argument is over, the paperwork is filed and the change is treated as a fact rather than a choice. What is lost is not awareness, but the chance to intervene at the moment when our scrutiny might have made a difference.

Michael Blitz is professor emeritus of interdisciplinary studies at the City University of New York’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

BUSINESS EXPO & WORKSHOPS