Baldwin Herald 01-29-2026

hosts cookie decorating class Page 3

Elsa Tapia playing in the snow on Sunday.

Courtesy Jennifer Daizyjmc

A winter wonderland in Baldwin

By AllYSoN FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com

Baldwin schools closed Monday as a result of the powerful winter storm over the weekend. All school activities and events scheduled for Monday were also canceled. Snow fell throughout the day Sunday, with blowing snow and near-whiteout conditions at times. Snow mixed with sleet late Sunday afternoon before transitioning to light freezing rain overnight, which complicated the cleanup effort with accumulating ice.

Amid the storm, which brought high winds as well, Both Nassau and Suffolk counties were under a state of emergency, and officials urged Baldwin residents to avoid unnecessary travel. “Stay home on Sunday if you can,” Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said in a news release.

“We’re talking about significant snow. We’re talking about whiteouts. We’re talking about freezing weather and wind. If you don’t absolutely have to go out on Sunday, please stay home.”

Many local businesses closed up shop — but the Irish Pub, on Merrick Road remained open.

“Irish Pub was open for a snow day party,” Samantha Cools, girlfriend of the pub’s owner, said on a Facebook post. “Owner, Shawn Sabel, came in so his staff could stay home and be safe!”

Baldwin residents took their children to Silver Lake for sledding on Sunday while many others enjoyed the snowy day at home.

Members of the Baldwin Fire Department reported that they were at the fire house and “standing by to respond to any emergencies” on Sunday, according to firefighter Sara San-

DEADLINE MARCH 2ND

School district honors MLK with student artwork

By AllYSoN FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com

The Baldwin school district welcomed students from its five elementary schools, along with their families, to its district office to pay tribute to the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Jan. 22, with its annual MLK poster contest.

KThe contest, which began in 1980, was inspired by the parent organization the Concerned Parents of Baldwin, who wanted to honor King in the district before there was a federal holiday to commemorate his life. Now, fourth- grade students at all five elementary schools — Brookside, Lenox, Meadow, Plaza and Steele — take part in an art lesson that emphasizes the civil rights leader’s positive impact on American society. Teachers and principals of each school select the best posters for an exhibition that will remain in the halls of the district office through February.

ing’s dream is not just locked in the past, but rather it lives on through

ebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, and not just by remembering his words, but by seeing his ideas come to life through the creativity of our students,” district Superintendent Anthony Mignella said in his welcoming remarks. “The artwork you’re going to see today reminds us that King’s dream is not just something locked in the past, but rather something that lives on through each new generation.”

each new generation.

ANthoNY MIgNEll A Baldwin superintendent

Mignella added, “We believe in excellence, equity and belonging, ensuring that all students have access to rich learning experiences and the confidence to use their voice.”

The room was packed with parents, siblings, friends and administrators, all there to support the young artists.

“We’re fortunate to have a very talented and incredibly dedicated group of art teachers,” André Poprilo, director of the district’s fine and performing arts, said, “that I would like

“Today we gather here to cel-

ConTinuEd on pagE 13

Relay for Life of Baldwin meeting update

There has been a change of date for the upcoming Relay for Life of Baldwin planning meeting. Due to ongoing construction at the Baldwin Public Library, as well as space availability conflicts, the groups February meeting has been moved to Thursday, Feb. 5, at 7 p.m. in the library’s children’s department. Going forward, meetings will continue to take place at its normally scheduled times on the first Wednesday of the month.

News brief

Come “Meet Your Legislators” at the BPL

Nassau County Legislature Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Debra Mulé and Legislator Scott M. Davis will host a “Meet Your Legislator” community forum for Baldwin residents on Thursday, Feb. 5, at the Baldwin Public Library.

Mulé, a Democrat from Freeport, and Davis, a Democrat from Rockville Centre, each represent portions of Baldwin. The forum is intended to provide residents with an informal opportunity to connect with their legislators to ask questions and share concerns about issues affecting the community.

The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Baldwin Public Library, located at 2385 Grand Ave.

For more information, residents can contact Juwan Anderson at Davis’ office at 516-571-6201 or janderson@ nassaucountyny.gov, or Mulé’s office at 516-571-6206 or dmule@nassaucountyny. gov.

— Allyson Ferrari

The format of the forum will be a

about the new districts, am introduction by Legislator Davis, a briefing on upcoming events, and a Q&A.

Winter cooking decorating at the BPL

By ALLYSON FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com

The Baldwin Public Library invited local tweens to decorate winter-themed sugar cookies during a handson program on Jan. 24. The event was led by Melinda Space of Thems the Breaks and offered students a creative, seasonal activity ahead of a weekend snowstorm on Long Island.

Students in grades four through seven participated in the workshop, where prebaked sugar cookies shaped like hats, mittens and snowflakes were ready for decorating. Space demonstrated various techniques and assisted attendees as they designed their cookies.

“We love that the library offers fun, creative opportunities like cookie decorating, especially during the winter, so students can explore culinary arts in a hands-on way,” said Sophea Sainsurin, who attended the program with her daughter, Sothanee.

In addition to decorating, the program included an educational component. Students learned about cocoa beans and the origins of chocolate, as well as how cocoa is transformed into chocolate and career paths such as baking and pastry arts.

Sainsurin and her daughter said they enjoyed the experience at the library.

“I love learning new things, and decorating cookies was fun and tasty too, because I got to eat the cookies I decorated,” Sothanee said.

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Baldwin High School students take part in Advanced Placement courses, which offer college-level instruction in high school and the opportunity to earn college credit or advanced placement. Research shows students who score a three or higher on an AP exam are more likely to succeed in college, while all participants benefit from early exposure to advanced coursework.

Baldwin High School earns AP Honor Roll Silver designation

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For the third consecutive year, the College Board has named Baldwin High School to its Advanced Placement School Honor Roll, earning a Silver distinction for optimizing college readiness and expanding student access to AP courses.

The AP School Honor Roll recognizes schools whose AP programs deliver strong student outcomes while broadening participation. Schools earn the designation annually based on criteria that reflect a commitment to building a college-going culture, increasing opportunities to earn college credit and maximizing college readiness.

The honor includes a diverse range of high schools across the United States and Canada, including public, private and charter schools, representing large and small student populations, rural and urban communities, and specialized academic programs.

To qualify, at least 40 percent of a school’s graduating class must have taken at least one AP exam during high school; 25 percent or more must have earned a score of three or higher on at least one AP exam; and two percent or more must have taken five or more AP exams, with at least one exam completed during the junior or senior year. The criteria are designed to encourage students to take AP courses across multiple grade levels rather than concentrating them in a single year. Schools are recognized at four levels: Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze.

In 2025, Baldwin High School students

took 1,224 AP exams. The district also recognized 259 AP Award winners, including 39 students who earned the AP Capstone Diploma.

“Being named to the College Board’s AP Silver Honor Roll reflects Baldwin’s deep commitment to educational excellence and to providing students with meaningful opportunities to engage in rigorous, college-level learning,” Superintendent Anthony Mignella said in a statement. “Through our 29 Advanced Placement courses, Baldwin students are challenged to think critically, communicate effectively, collaborate with others, apply creativity, demonstrate strong character and engage as responsible citizens. These essential skills prepare students not only for college, but for success beyond the classroom.”

Mignella added that earning the designation for a third consecutive year reflects the dedication of administrators, teachers, students and families throughout the district.

Baldwin High School Principal Neil Testa also praised the achievement.

“I am incredibly honored and proud for our school to once again earn the AP Honor Roll Silver designation,” Testa said. “This recognition shows that our school continues to grow stronger each year thanks to the talent, dedication and excellence of our students and the educators who support them.”

— Allyson Ferrari

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spotlight athlete

MEAGHAN CAMPBELL

MacArthur Senior Basketball

WELL ON HER WAY to earning All-County honors for a third consecutive season, Campbell joined the 1,000-career rebound club Jan. 14 in the Generals’ victory over New Hyde Park. She’s the first player in program history to accomplish the feat and has a chance to reach 1,000 career points before season’s end. Bound for Vasser, she ranks among Nassau’s top 10 scorers this season at 16.2 points per game. Last season, she averaged 14.5 ppg.

games to watch

Thursday, Jan. 29

Boys Basketball: Port Wash at Oceanside 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Farmingdale at Uniondale 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lawrence at North Shore 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: E.Meadow at V.S. Central 6:45 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Massapequa at Baldwin 6:45 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Syosset at Freeport 6:45 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 30

Boys Basketball: Clarke at Carey 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Plainedge at V.S. North 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Glen Cove at Hewlett 6:45 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Carey at Clarke 6:45 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Division at South Side 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Kennedy at MacArthur 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 31

Girls Basketball: Westbury at Uniondale 10 a.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynbrook at Floral Park 11 a.m.

Girls Basketball: Syosset at Oceanside 11:45 a.m.

Girls Basketball: Seaford at Friends Aca. 11:45 a.m.

Girls Basketball: Floral Park at Lynbrook 11:45 a.m.

Girls Basketball: V.S. North at Plainedge 11:45 a.m.

Girls Basketball: No. Shore at Lawrence 11:45 a.m.

Girls Basketball: E. Meadow at Plainview 11:45 a.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

Next-man-up mentality for Bruins

By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com

A season that was nearly derailed before it started for the Baldwin boys’ basketball team is humming right along on schedule.

“I think we’re starting to hit our stride,” legendary head coach Darius Burton said. “I’m gonna be honest with you, we’re playing great defense, getting a guy or two back healthy.”

It’s a much more positive prognosis than one Burton had early, when big men Dylan Cudjoe and Gabriel Phillips suffered preseason ACL injuries, followed by a season-ending MCL injury to fellow senior Rian Gittens, the sixth man, who was inserted into the starting lineup in the two weeks Mical Saint Jean was sidelined due to an ankle injury.

“Majorly concerned, but I’ll tell you what, this group has been battle-tested,” Burton said. “They’re a great group of kids, and I’ve just been blessed by the program. It starts with the PAL program. My middle school team went undefeated. My JV team is 13-0. The pipeline is just there.”

Despite those major injuries, Baldwin is 11-2 overall and 6-2 in League 2 - AAA, on track to compete for a sixth straight county championship and one win away from clinching a playoff berth for the 26th straight year.

Leading the way is Ethan Sainsbury, a four-year varsity player and two-year starter and co-captain who runs the show as the point guard and assists and steals leader. In a 73-24 win over Academy Charter on Jan. 21, Sainsbury had 13 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and five steals.

Saint Jean is a two-year varsity starter and co-captain who leads the team in scoring.

“Those two, as captains, have really stepped their game up,” said Burton, who has 448 career victories.

Sophomore center Matthew Pierre Louis and 6-foot-7 Devon Mitchell have helped fill the void in the frontcourt, while senior Jordan Williams, who had 12 points, five assists, and three rebounds in an 89-52 win over Long Island Lutheran Regional on January 17, has made great strides. Sophomore CJ Okogeri has made big contributions off the bench, especially on the defensive end.

Burton said he’s looking forward to rematches against Port Washington and Westbury, who handed his team their lone losses this year. Against Port, the Bruins led throughout the game, but were done in by an uncharacteristic fourth quarter when they were outscored 15-2 in a 43-36 defeat.

And Saint Jean, who had a team-high 17 points, five rebounds, and three assists in a 78-28 win over Academy Charter on Friday, was sidelined in a 53-50 loss at Westbury.

“We’re going to have those two teams a second time around and, knock on wood, with everybody that can play,” Burton said.

Despite the injuries, the one constant for Baldwin has been on the defensive side, where the Bruins have given up just 44.1 points per game, a number that has decreased to 40.6 points per game during a current sixgame winning streak.

“I’m very excited going to the second half of the season to see what we can do and make a run in the playoffs,” Burton said.

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things to know about PunXsutawnEY PhiL

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO

America’s most-known groundhog

azingariello@liherald.com

The mammal, the myth, the legend — Punxsutawney Phil headlines Groundhog Day on Feb. 2 each year in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, as thousands gather for his traditional weather signal through centuries of seasonal lore.

n Phil’s “birthday” and origins

Phil does not have an actual, documented birth date recognized by zoological or veterinary records. No scientific or reliable registry shows the exact date this specific groundhog was born. Instead, the day that Phil appears each year, Feb. 2, is symbolically treated as his “birthday” because that is Groundhog Day, the annual event when he is presented to the public to make his traditional weather signal. The idea that the same animal has been making predictions since the late 19th century comes from folklore maintained by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, which plays up the legend that Phil is “immortal” and survives by drinking a mythical “elixir of life.”

n Phil’s diet and what groundhogs eat

There are no official records documenting a unique favorite food for Phil himself; the Groundhog Club does not publish a food preference list for him. What scientists and wildlife experts do know is that groundhogs are primarily herbivores. In nature, they eat a wide range of vegetation, including grasses, clover, leaves, vegetables, fruits and other plant matter, and build up fat before hibernation. Groundhogs may occasionally ingest small invertebrates such as insects or snail larvae, but this is rare and incidental; their diet is overwhelmingly plant-based. Because the species’ eating habits are documented across North America, it can be inferred that Phil, as a groundhog, feeds on the same sorts of plants and greens.

Phil is known as the official Groundhog Day groundhog because of a long-standing regional tradition that began in Punxsutawney.

The Groundhog Day tradition was formally established in 1887, when members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club held an official ceremony at Gobbler’s Knob and designated a local groundhog as the community’s seasonal weather forecaster. The event’s roots trace back to older European traditions associated with Candlemas Day, where seeing a shadow on Feb. 2 was linked to continued winter weather.

German immigrants in Pennsylvania adapted this practice to use the locally common groundhog. Each year, Phil emerges before sunrise before a crowd and “predicts” weather by whether he sees his shadow; the Inner Circle of the Groundhog Club then reads a scroll announcing either six more weeks of winter or an early spring. n

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Snowy conditions closed schools on Monday

chez Amoros, in a comment on a Herald Facebook post.

Resident, Daniel Neuburger, shared a story on a local Facebook group, giving the Fire Department and first responders a shout-out.

“Sunday, after I noticed something that initially looked like snow blowing around or steam coming off of my neighbors garage, I took a second look,” Neuburger posted. In fact, it turned out to be smoke coming from [the neighbors] garage, and Neuburger called 911. Within a few minutes, he reported, the structure was engulfed in flames and smoke.

“Seconds later the Fire Department plow truck led the way for the other fire trucks onto the scene. A large force of Fire Department [personnel] jumped into action and quickly brought the [fire] under control.”

District Supervisor Jerry Brown, of the Fire Department, reported to the Herald that there were no injuries, and that the BFD had been assisted by other local departments.

The National Weather Service warned that road conditions in and around Baldwin would be hazardous on Sunday, particularly on bridges and overpasses, with visibility potentially dropping below a quartermile due to the falling and blowing snow. Motorists were advised to carry emergency supplies, and to monitor local transportation updates.

Future doctors learn pain, addiction care

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Third-year medical students at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell gained skills that many physicians do not learn until well into their careers during Pain and Addiction Care Prevention Week Jan. 13-16.

In more than 25 hours of intensive instruction, students were trained to address pain, substance-use and alcohol-use disorders using harm-reduction strategies, non-opioid alternatives and patient-centered care.

Beyond clinical techniques, students were taught to listen more closely to patients’ experiences and approach treatment with empathy, a skill educators said is critical to addressing the ongoing substanceuse crisis.

“While opioids certainly have a place in medicine, historically doctors weren’t adequately trained in judicious prescribing practices,” said Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, assistant professor of medicine, emergency medicine, psychiatry and science education at the Zucker School.

Kapoor, who is also vice president of emergency medicine addiction services and director of screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment at Northwell Health, added, “Ensuring the next generation of physicians is equipped to approach complex conditions like pain and substance-use disorders will undoubtedly drive positive change in patient and community health,” he added.

PACE Week builds on instruction students receive during their first two years of medical school. In total, Zucker students complete more than 30 hours of patient-centered education focused on pain and substance use — more than at any other U.S. medical school — addressing a topic many clinicians find

uncomfortable or difficult to discuss.

The program also fulfills a federal requirement mandating that clinicians seeking or maintaining DEA registration complete at least eight hours of training in treating pain and opioid or other substance-use disorders.

Each day of PACE Week began with first-person accounts from people in recovery, family members affected by addiction, medical residents and Zucker alumni. Among them were two physicians in recovery, who shared the challenges of seeking help while navi-

gating professional expectations and fear of judgment. Family members described the emotional, financial and personal toll substance use disorders can have, emphasizing the need for compassion, strong support systems and recovery resources not only for patients, but also for those who care for them.

Students took part in workshops covering medications for opioid-use disorder, medicinal cannabis and multimodal pain care. One component focused on femoral nerve blocks, a non-opioid pain management technique that interrupts pain signals at their source using ultrasound-guided injections.

“Adding this level of training means our students are starting their careers with skills many clinicians only learn later,” said Dr. Simone Rudnin, a Northwell Health Emergency Department physician. “They’re prepared from day one to treat pain differently than we did even a decade ago.”

Kapoor said that such interventions could reduce reliance on opioid medications and lower the risk of future substance use disorder. “Students are learning practical interventions that can offer equal or better pain relief while reducing long-term risks of patients,” he said.

PACE Week concluded with student capstone presentations for Northwell executives and Hofstra leaders. Students made “elevator pitches,” debated ethical scenarios, shared public-service announcements and offered narrative reflections on addiction and care.

“Hearing physicians and family members speak openly about their lived experiences with addiction was profoundly impactful,” Alexandra Boubour, a third-year medical student, said. “Their vulnerability challenged stigma and reinforced the importance of empathy, transparency and community in both healing and medical culture.”

Fourth grade poster contest honors MLK

to recognize here today for their inspiring work to inspire our young artists that are here today.”

The five art teachers include Jami Delatorre, Lyne Molinari, Micha Proietto, Nicole Rubin and Carolyn Vota. Each elementary school principal and art teacher honored the students together

—Six to 10 students from each school— calling them up to the front of the room, presenting them with certificates and posing with them for photos.

After the ceremony, the district offered attendees complimentary refreshments, before giving parents the opportunity to see their children’s artwork on display.

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‘Metamorphosis’ unleashed

South Shore Symphony reinvents familiar melodies — and itself

By Abbey Salvemini

When the South Shore Symphony takes the stage on Jan. 31 at their Madison Theatre home, on the Molloy University campus, the evening represents more than a single stop in its season. It reflects the orchestra’s artistic transformation under the leadership of esteemed conductor Adam Glaser, now in his third year as music director.

Since he took the helm of the South Shore Symphony (from former Music Director Scott Jackson Wiley) he’s continued to foster connections with its musicians and shape a shared artistic identity. He describes his group as “a community of friends and musicians who are always striving for excellence,” and says the experience has been both energizing and collaborative.

expanded to include a full orchestra — involving winds, brass and percussion.

Pete Correale

As Glaser explains, the passacaglia is a type of continuous variation built over a repeating bass line, a form that dates back centuries.

“Among the many musical interests I enjoy exploring over lunch with my colleague Jim Millar, the Brahms symphonies constantly rise to the top, particularly the final movement of the Fourth Symphony, an orchestral passacaglia. When accepting Jim’s commission for a new work to be performed by the highly advanced orchestra he leads in beautiful Tenafly, I chose the passacaglia form for inspiration and structure,” he continues.

Glaser adds that his time with the South Shore Symphony inspired him to revisit the piece, allowing him to reimagine its full expressive possibilities.

After opening for Sebastian Maniscalco on his massive “It Ain’t Right” arena tour, Pete Correale is now doing his own. Be prepared for the laughs when he brings his “As I Was Saying” tour to the Paramount stage. The Long Island-born comedian-actor-writer, best known for his conversational, reality-based humor, is one busy guy. He co-hosts co-host of the “Pete and Sebastian Show,” a podcast with comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, that’s of the most popular comedy podcasts on air today, consistently growing in audience eight years after its launch. His comedy is reflective of his life and the experiences he’s been through. Being married for over 20 years and having a young daughter, Pete’s never at a loss for material. With a conversational delivery and his trademark disarming regular guy attitude, Pete makes you feel like you’re listening to the funniest guy at a party as opposed to just another comedian on a stage.

Friday, Jan. 30, 9 p.m., doors open 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

• Saturday, January 31, 7:30 p.m.

• Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

• Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org

An established composer, Glaser — whose prolific career includes roles as Music Director of the professional-caliber Juilliard Pre-College Orchestras and Director of Orchestras and Associate Professor of Music at Hofstra University — brings his keen musicality to this concert, titled “Metamorphosis.” Programmed around the time-honored musical form of “theme and variations,” the repertoire highlights how composers begin with a simple musical idea and reshape it in inventive, surprising and often dazzling ways.

“[They] are all unique in their own way, but they are presented together because they all share a common theme,” Glaser says.

This fascinating program unites four works from the 19th and 20th centuries, each offering its own take on the theme and variations form. It opens with the “Wedding March” from Karl Goldmark’s Rustic Wedding Symphony.

“While I would rarely excerpt one movement from a symphony, in this case, it is just brilliant as its own piece,” Glaser explains.

The concert’s centerpiece is a world premiere: the full orchestral version of Glaser’s own “Passacaglia.”

Originally written in 2018 for a high school string orchestra in New Jersey, the piece has now been

“Since 2018, I have often felt that the string orchestra version of Passacaglia packed a lot of material into a relatively compact canvas, and wondered if the underlying composition might warrant an expansion that embraces all instrument families. Inspired by my new “musical family,” I am pleased to dedicate this new version to my friends in the orchestra and honored to conduct the premiere. This new version makes a few subtle references to a five-note musical signature derived from Rockville Centre’s zip code, 11570.”

Glaser acknowledges that conducting works by other composers presents its own challenges, requiring a balance between honoring the composer’s intentions and bringing his own interpretive insight to the music.

“Our job [as the conductor] is to be an advocate for the composer, but we only have notes on a page,” he says.

The evening’s second half celebrates musical reinvention with Korngold’s “Theme and Variations, Op. 42.” In seven short minutes, it delivers the sweeping melodies and lavish orchestration that earned Korngold his reputation for “Hollywood sound.”

“[Theme and Variations] takes it to the highest level possible,” Glaser says, pointing out that audiences will recognize the Hollywood influence in the brief composition.

The concert closes with Hindemith’s “Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes” by Carl Maria von Weber, a piece that literally transforms Weber’s melodies into a bold, rhythmically vibrant orchestral adventure — bringing the program’s title of “Metamorphosis” full circle.

“[Symphonic Metamophosis] is such a brilliant example of how a composer can take a small amount of material and spin so many wonderful variations from it,” Glaser enthuses.

Beyond the individual works, he sees “Metamorphosis” as a symbol of the South Shore Symphony’s evolving journey.

This concert offers the audience both familiarity and discovery: beloved repertoire alongside a brand-new works, all connected by a single unifying idea. For Glaser, it is an opportunity to begin shaping the orchestra’s future while honoring its past.

The season continues with a trio of exciting performances in the months ahead. Jazz vocalist Jane Monheit joins the South Shore Symphony on March 8 for an evening of rich, lyrical storytelling. Later that month, on March 28, the orchestra tackles Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” promising a thrilling display of rhythm and energy. The season concludes on May 29 with their annual concert at St. Agnes Cathedral, uniting powerful voices and orchestra for Beethoven’s monumental “Ninth Symphony.

With “Metamorphosis,” the orchestra invites concertgoers to experience music as a living, evolving art form — where familiar melodies are reborn, new works take flight and the orchestra’s journey of transformation continues under Glaser’s inspired leadership.

‘Madness takes its toll’ Fasten your garter belt and come up to the lab and see what’s on the slab: It’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Do the Time Warp in celebration of 50 years of Richard O’Brien’s legendary cult classic musical on the big screen! In this legendary comedyhorror cult classic, sweethearts Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a self-proclaimed “sweet transvestite” scientist. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker (Meat Loaf) and a creepy butler (Richard O’Brien). Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky.” Nothing beats a Rocky Horror screening where you can jump up and dance to the Time Warp in this live, interactive experience. Get into it and dress to impress!

Friday, Jan. 30, 8 p.m. $25. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

JAN

29

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art invites visitors into a world where reality is uncertain, dreams take shape, and the line between fact and imagination disappears. Works in “Real, Surreal, and Photoreal” challenge what we see and what we believe. Before abstraction took the spotlight in the mid-20th century, American artists captured the world as they saw it. This exhibit explores how artists across generations have reimagined “the real” in strikingly different ways. Works from both American and European artists are featured. On view through March 8.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: Ongoing

• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

‘Everybody Loves Raymond: Celebrating 30 Years’

Visit the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame for its latest exhibit. It features the 70-foot-wide set from the show’s recent 30th anniversary TV special on CBS, never before on display. A completely immersive experience, 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

JAN

A Cappella Festival

The SingStrong International

A Cappella Festival returns to the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center. This exciting three-day, all-vocal event features five unique concerts and two days of classes and coaching, showcasing the versatility and power of the human voice. Festival proceeds support music programs and the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund. Audiences will experience a diverse range of a cappella styles, including pop, jazz, rock, barbers hop, hip-hop, doo-wop, and more. The festival hosts performances by professional a cappella groups from around the world, alongside talented collegiate and high school ensembles. Visit singstrong.org for details.

• Where: Adelphi University

Michael Carbonaro

• Where: Manes Education Center, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

‘Inside Out’ Headquarter Hats

Join in some creative fun relating to Long Island Children’s Museum new exhibit. Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out” focuses on Riley’s emotions Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear. Come explore your many emotions and craft an interchangeable hat to display which emotion is “in charge” throughout the day at the drop-in program.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: Noon-2 p.m., also Feb. 8

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

FEB

9

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

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Actor-magician-comedian Michael Carbonaro has built a career turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Best known as the star of the hit truTV series “The Carbonaro Effect,” he’s made millions laugh in astonishment by blending quick-witted comedy with jaw-dropping illusions in everyday settings. On stage, Carbonaro has headlined two hit national tours, with a live show that mixes theatrical magic, sly improv, gleeful trickery, and playful audience participation. Now, he’s delighting audiences with his newest adventure, Michael Carbonaro: Wonderboy — a tour where audiences discover him as the Hero of Mischief, in a world where magic is the superpower and laughter is the sidekick. An accomplished actor, he’s appeared in “Law & Order: SVU,” “CSI: Miami,” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” among other projects. As a magician, he’s been named Magician of the Year by the Academy of Magical Arts and is the sole recipient of the Copperfield Prize, awarded for elevating the art of magic itself. A performing magician since his youth, Carbonaro studied experimental theater at New York University with the aspirations of entertaining audiences through a variety of theatrical mediums, including hidden-camera magic, which he later showcased frequently on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Following Carbonaro’s frequent late-night appearances, Michael was presented with the opportunity to launch his hit comedic series, “The Carbonaro Effect.” A trickster at heart, Michael performs inventive tricks on unsuspecting members of the public who are unaware that he is a magician. Bringing wonder, mischief and magic to the stage — reality doesn’t stand a chance.

Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City

• Time: Varied, through Feb. 1

• Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or 9516) 877-4000

Lunar New Year Celebration

Families are invited to vibrant celebration of art and music when Nassau County Museum of Art ushers in the Lunar New Year, honoring the rich creative contributions of Chinese culture. Activities include a Year of the Horse craft at the Manes Center. Before or after art making, head to the mansion to enjoy cultural performances. $20, $10 child; members free. Registration required.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.

• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

National Hot Cocoa Day

Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to celebrate National Hot Cocoa Day in the Teen Zone at the Baldwin Public Library. First come, first served. No registration required.

• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.

• Time: 3-4 p.m.

• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228

FEB

1

Talking art

Nassau County Museum of Art welcomes Christian White. He discusses his work and artistic process rooted in the tradition of Realism. A descendant of a storied lineage of American artists, White continues to honor and expand this legacy through his detailed, perceptive paintings that capture the beauty and truth of everyday life.. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students (members free). Limited seating, register in advance.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337

Amazing Animal Encounter

Join Long Island Children’s Museum’s animal educator in the Hive Studio in the Feasts for Beasts Gallery to learn what goes into the care of the museum’s “residents.” Meet some of our real-life animals up close.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.

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

FEB

2

Long Island Choral Society Audition

The Long Island Choral Society is looking for new members for the final concert of their 97th Season. The Spring 2026 concert features Franz Schubert’s Mass in G. Auditions are by appointment only. If you love to sing consider auditioning to be part of this treasured Long Island tradition. For additional information about the Long Island Choral Society, visit lics.org.

• Where: Garden City Community Church, 245 Stewart Ave, Garden City

• Contact: (516) 652-6878 or audition.info@lics.org

FEB

7

Winter Forest Walk

Join naturalist Virginal Dankel for an interactive winter stroll across the Nassau County Museum of Art grounds. During this seasonal walk, participants can expand their knowledge of the natural world and strengthen their powers of observation. Adults only. $20, $20 members. Registration required.

Learn Chinese calligraphy

In recognition of the Lunar New Year, join Chinese calligraphy instructor Daniel Yu to learn about Chinese calligraphy at Baldwin Public Library. Discover the cultural significance of the materials, while you practice your hand with the art form. A co-founder of the New York Chinese Opera Society and a member of the Huaxia Chinese Calligraphy Association, Yu is also director and president of the Association of Chinese Calligraphy in America and director of the North American Chinese Calligraphers Association.

• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.

• Time: 2-3 p.m.

• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228

FEB

12

Valentine Heart Suncatchers

Students in grades 6-12 are invited to Baldwin Public Library to paint a heartshaped suncatcher, just in time for Valentines Day.

• Where: 2385 Grand Ave.

• Time: 4-5 p.m.

• Contact: baldwinpl.org or call (516) 223-6228

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,

things to know about blood donations

January is National Blood Donor Month

By CHRIS COLUCCI

ccolucci@liherald.com

When many people consider “donating,” they might get rid of old clothes, send a few dollars toward a worthy cause, or maybe spend time at a local event. What not enough people consider, however, is rolling up their sleeves to donate blood. New York state is currently suffering from a blood shortage. Dr. Lawrence Fialkow, divisional medical officer of the American Red Cross pointed out why January is a critical time. “The start of the year is one of the most challenging times to collect blood,” Fialkow wrote in a statement to the New York Department of Health. “Severe winter weather, seasonal illnesses and post-holiday schedules can disrupt donations.”

n You can donate a pint of blood every 56 days

During a whole blood donation, one pint of blood is drawn from the body, which typically holds 10 to 12 pints. With proper nutrition, the body will replenish its own supply in less than two months. Blood drives offer different procedures, including “power red donations” in which additional blood is drawn, red blood cells are specifically collected, and the remaining fluid is returned. This can be done every 112 days.

Donating platelets is the most time-intensive option, taking up to three hours to gradually draw five pints of blood, remove small platelets, and return the unused material. The comprehensive procedure is only done at fully equipped blood centers, not standalone blood drives, but it can be performed every seven days.

n Most adults can donate, with certain exceptions

For the safety of donors and blood recipients, prospective donors must meet certain eligibility requirements before collection can begin. In New York, you must be 17 years old to donate, or 16 with a parent’s permission. Most people must be 120 pounds or heavier, depending on the type of donation being made. In New York, recent tattoos and piercings will create a three-month delay in the opportunity to donate.

Medical issues and medications are reviewed on an individual basis. Pregnant women are ineligible to donate until six weeks post-partum. While blood drives aim to be inclusive and do not bias based on gender or sexual preference, FDA regulations require a three-month deferral depending on specific sexual acts. Detailed guidelines can be found at redcrossblood.org/faq.

n Blood drives can pop up almost anywhere

It’s not uncommon to find random signs posted to announce an upcoming blood drive taking place at local fire departments, schools, and houses of worship. Many locations have drives on a recurring basis, often yearly or semiannually to capitalize on a fast turnaround time for repeat donors. Because agencies are eager to encourage donations, nearly anyone can apply to host a blood drive by directly contacting the American Red Cross or the New York Blood Center and completing the application process.

If Long Islanders are unable to find a drive happening near them and can’t find one occurring soon enough, they can locate a nearby blood center to make a walk-in appointment by visiting aabb.org/ giveblood.

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January 29, 2026 —

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

Formation of 42-36 NORTHERN BLVD LLC filed with the Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/18/2025. Office loc.: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. The address SSNY shall mail process to Jon Halperin, 1144 Atlantic Ave., Baldwin, NY 11510. Purpose: Any lawful activity. 157558

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE

TO BANK OF AMERICA

N.A. AS SUCCESSOR

TO LASALLE BANK N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR THE MERRILL LYNCH FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST

MORTGAGE LOAN

ASSET-BACKED

CERTIFICATES SERIES

2007-H1, -against-

TONY PERPIGNAN, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on January 3, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS SUCCESSOR TRUSTEE TO BANK OF AMERICA

N.A. AS SUCCESSOR

TO LASALLE BANK N.A. AS TRUSTEE FOR THE MERRILL LYNCH FIRST FRANKLIN MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST

MORTGAGE LOAN

ASSET-BACKED

CERTIFICATES SERIES

2007-H1 is the Plaintiff and TONY PERPIGNAN, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on February 17, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 3001 VERITY LN, BALDWIN, NY 11510-4551; and the following tax map identification: 54-415-73.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE, OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE LYING AND BEING AT BALDWIN, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 017145/2009. Robert A. Abrams, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 157797

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE UNDER SECURITIZATION SERVICING

AGREEMENT DATED AS OF AUGUST 1, 2005 STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-HE3, -againstCLAIRE MARTIN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA GAIL FISCHER, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on November 14, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE UNDER SECURITIZATION SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF AUGUST 1, 2005 STRUCTURED ASSET SECURITIES CORPORATION, STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2005-HE3 is the Plaintiff and CLAIRE MARTIN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BARBARA GAIL FISCHER, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501,

on February 19, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 984 HAYES ST, BALDWIN, NY 11510; and the following tax map identification: 54-559-1898. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN BALDWIN, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 613974/2017.

Scott H. Siller, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 157795

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. 615048/2025 COUNTY OF NASSAU

PLANET HOME LENDING, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. HELMUT DARBOUZE, if living, and if she/he be dead, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands,

widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, Defendants. Plaintiff designates NASSAU as the place of trial situs of the real property

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises: 2788 CENTRAL AVENUE, BALDWIN, NY 11510

Section: 54, Block: 285, Lot: 31

To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT

THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $564,707.00 and interest, recorded on January 16, 2024, in Book M Vl-47403 at Page 384, of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New York., covering premises known as 2788 CENTRAL AVENUE, BALDWIN, NY 11510. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage

described above. NASSAU County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county.

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 the mortgage company will not stop the 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.

Dated:December 19th, 2025 Westbury, NY ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC

Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 157547

PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES…

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

To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY

TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 17th, 2026, will sell at public online auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 12th, 2026 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or

assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code.

Effective with the February 2019 lien sale

Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucou ntyny.gov/526/CountyTreasurer

Should the Treasurer determine that an inperson auction shall be held, same will commence on the 17th day of February 2026 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.

A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucou ntyny.gov/527/AnnualTax-Lien-Sale

A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 05th, 2026. Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by

the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.

Dated: January 22, 2026

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Mineola, New York

TERMS OF SALE

Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts. However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased. The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et seq., with

regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) receivership. The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.

The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested

Public Notices

parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale. Furthermore, as to the bidding,

1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.

2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.

3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.

4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.

Dated: January 22,

2026THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, New York 157891

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK INDEX NO. 610860/2025 COUNTY OF NASSAU

FEDERAL HOME LOAN MORTGAGE CORPORATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE FREDDIE MAC SEASONED CREDIT RISK TRANSFER TRUST, SERIES 2024-2, Plaintiff, vs. GREGORY PITTMAN, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF LEONIA GIPSON A/K/A LEONIA GIPSON-PITTMAN; JOYCESTINE GIPSONCANTY AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF LEONIA GIPSON A/K/A LEONIA GIPSON-PITTMAN; UNKNOWN HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE LEONIA GIPSON A/K/A LEONIA GIPSON-PITTMAN, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NA; SUSTAINABLE NEIGHBORHOODS, LLC; CAVALRY SPV I, LLC; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND

FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; CAPITAL ONE BANK (USA) N.A.; INC.

VILLAGE OF LYNBROOK; MIDLAND CREDIT MANAGEMENT INC., Defendants.

Plaintiff designates NASSAU as the place of trial situs of the real property

SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS

Mortgaged Premises: 477 DE MOTT AVENUE, NORTH BALDWIN, NY 11510

Section: 36, Block: 236.01, Lot: 276

To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in the above entitled action and to serve a copy of your Answer on the plaintiff’s attorney within twenty (20) days of the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service of the same is complete where service is made in any manner other than by personal delivery within the State. The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service. Your failure to appear or to answer will result in a judgment against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. In the event that a deficiency balance remains from the sale proceeds, a judgment may be entered against you.

NOTICE OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Consolidation, Extension and Modification Agreement to secure the sum of $299,845.00 and interest, recorded on August 15, 2011, in Book M 36282 at Page 620, of the Public Records of NASSAU County, New York., covering premises known as 477 DE MOTT AVENUE, NORTH BALDWIN, NY 11510. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. NASSAU County is designated as the place of trial because the real

property affected by this action is located in said county. 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 the mortgage company will not stop the 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.

Dated: January 6th, 2026

ROBERTSON, ANSCHUTZ, SCHNEID, CRANE & PARTNERS, PLLC

Attorney for Plaintiff Matthew Rothstein, Esq. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310 Westbury, NY 11590 516-280-7675 157848

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS Notice is hereby given that SEALED PROPOSALS for: BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT ROOFING REPLACEMENT AT BALDWIN SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

SED#

28-02-10-03-0-009-047 CONTRACT G –GENERAL CONSTRUCTION WORK

Will be received until 10:15 AM prevailing time on February 17, 2026, at the Business Office of the Baldwin Union Free School District, located at 960 Hastings Street, Baldwin, NY 11510, at which time and place where all bids received will be publicly opened and read and where the identity of all offerors will be publicly disclosed. Complete digital sets of Bidding Documents, drawings, and specifications, may be obtained online beginning January 27,

2026 as a download at the following website: melville.h2mplanroom. com

The Owner has decided to solicit bids from one contractor in accordance with General Municipal Law §101, the Bidder shall submit with its bid a separate sealed list that names each subcontractor that the bidder will use to perform work in the contract, and the agreed-upon amount to be paid to each, for: (A) Plumbing and gas fitting, (B) steam heating, hot water heating, ventilating and air conditioning apparatus and (C) electric wiring and standard illuminating fixtures. After the low bid is announced, the sealed list of subcontractors submitted with such low bid shall be opened and the names of such subcontractors shall be announced, and thereafter any change of subcontractor or agreed-upon amount to be paid to each shall require the approval of the public owner, upon a showing presented to the public owner of legitimate construction need shall include, but not be limited to, a change to subcontractor status as determined pursuant to paragraph (e) of subdivision two of section two hundred twenty-two of the labor law or the subcontractor has become otherwise unwilling, unable or unavailable to perform the subcontract. The sealed lists of subcontractors submitted by all other bidders shall be returned to them after the contract award.

Complete sets of Bidding Documents, Drawings and Specifications, may be obtained from REVplans, 28 Church Street, Unit 7, Warwick, NY 10990

Tel: 1-845-651-3845, upon depositing the sum of $100 (One Hundred Dollars) for each combined set of documents. Checks or money orders shall be made payable to Baldwin Union Free School District. Plan deposit is refundable in accordance with the terms in the Instructions to Bidders to all submitting bids. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the

printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. Please note REVplans (melville.h2mplanroom. com) is the designated location and means for distributing and obtaining all bid package information. Only those Contract Documents obtained in this manner will enable a prospective bidder to be identified as an official plan holder of record. The Provider takes no responsibility for the completeness of Contract Documents obtained from other sources. Contract Documents obtained from other sources may not be accurate or may not contain addenda that may have been issued. All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at melville.h2mplanroom. com. Plan holders who have paid for hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda.

Bids must be made in the standard proposal form in the manner designated therein and as required by the Specifications that must be enclosed in sealed envelopes bearing the name of the job and name and address of the bidder on the outside, addressed to: BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, clearly marked on the outside: Bid For: Roofing Replacement at the Baldwin Senior High School. Each proposal submitted must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond, made payable to the BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the bid, as a commitment by the bidder that, if its bid is accepted, it will enter into a contract to perform the work and will execute such further security as may be required for the faithful performance of the contract.

Certification of bonding

company is required for this bid, see Instructions for Bidders section. Each bidder shall agree to hold his/her bid price for forty-five (45) days after the formal bid opening, except as permitted by General Municipal Law § 103(11).

A pre-bid conference and walk through is scheduled for February 3, 2026, at 4:30 PM at the project site. Potential bidders are asked to gather at the main entrance to the school, at which time they shall be escorted to the area of work. This meeting is not mandatory; however, it is highly recommended that all potential bidders attend. Potential bidders are asked to gather at the main entrance, at which time they will be directed to the areas of work. The pre-bid conferences and walkthroughs are not mandatory; however, it is highly recommended that all potential bidders attend.

It is the Board’s intention, and it reserves its right to award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, providing the required security who, to the Board’s satisfaction, meets the experience, technical, budget and all specification requirements and has references and responses from references that are deemed acceptable by the Board. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids, or portions thereof, or alternates, or alternatives, to waive any informality and to accept such bids, or portions thereof, or alternates, or alternatives which, in the opinion of the Board, are in the best interests of the School District.

Board of Education Baldwin Union Free School District 960 Hastings Street Baldwin, New York 11510 158059

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that SEALED PROPOSALS for: BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT TURF FIELD AND ROOFING REPLACEMENT AT BALDWIN MIDDLE SCHOOL SED# 28-02-10-03-0-012-038 CONTRACT C – SITE

WORK CONTRACT G –GENERAL CONSTRUCTION WORK

Will be received until 11:00 AM prevailing time on February 17, 2026, at the Business Office of the Baldwin Union Free School District, located at 960 Hastings Street, Baldwin, NY 11510, at which time and place where all bids received will be publicly opened and read and where the identity of all offerers will be publicly disclosed.

Complete digital sets of Bidding Documents, drawings, and specifications, may be obtained online beginning January 27, 2026 as a download at the following website: melville.h2mplanroom. com

The Owner has decided to solicit bids from one contractor in accordance with General Municipal Law §101, the Bidder shall submit with its bid a separate sealed list that names each subcontractor that the bidder will use to perform work in the contract, and the agreed-upon amount to be paid to each, for: (A) Plumbing and gas fitting, (B) steam heating, hot water heating, ventilating and air conditioning apparatus and (C) electric wiring and standard illuminating fixtures. After the low bid is announced, the sealed list of subcontractors submitted with such low bid shall be opened and the names of such subcontractors shall be announced, and thereafter any change of subcontractor or agreed-upon amount to be paid to each shall require the approval of the public owner, upon a showing presented to the public owner of legitimate construction need shall include, but not be limited to, a change to subcontractor status as determined pursuant to paragraph (e) of subdivision two of section two hundred twenty-two of the labor law or the subcontractor has become otherwise unwilling, unable or unavailable to perform the subcontract. The sealed lists of subcontractors submitted by all other bidders shall be returned to them after the contract award. Complete sets of

MSSN expands parking, introduces visitor fees

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside will expand and centralize on-campus parking with the opening of a new 800space employee parking structure and the implementation of a managed parking system that includes new visitor parking fees.

Effective Monday, Feb. 2, the hospital’s new employee parking garage will officially open, significantly increasing oncampus capacity and reducing overflow onto nearby residential streets. Hospital officials said the new structure is designed to help staff park more efficiently while ensuring spaces remain available for patients, visitors and employees.

As part of the updated system, Parking Lot 3 will be designated exclusively for visitor and patient use. Handicappedaccessible parking will continue to be available in Lots 4, 5, 6 and 7, as well as near the hospital’s main entrance. Patients and visitors to the Fennessy Family Emergency Department will continue to park in Lot 7, located off Oceanside Road near the emergency department’s ambulatory entrance.

to two hours, $14 for two to four hours and $18 for up to 24 hours.

Parking Systems, which manages hospital lots across Long Island, will operate the new parking system. Representatives will be available 24 hours a day to assist visitors and employees with parkingrelated concerns.

“This upgrade of our on-campus parking is focused on alleviating hospitalrelated parking congestion on the side streets and in front of our neighbors’ homes while addressing the parking needs of our patients, employees and visitors,” said Dr. Adhi Sharma, president of Mount Sinai South Nassau. “By supporting a managed parking system, our lots will be reserved exclusively for those seeking or supporting patient care and visiting the hospital.”

Patient parking will remain complimentary and accessible through Lot 6 on Washington Avenue, as well as Lots 3 and 7. However, the hospital will introduce a new fee schedule for visitor parking and valet service.

Hourly visitor parking rates will be $4 for up to two hours, $6 for two to four hours and $9 for more than four hours, up to 24 hours. Visitors will be able to pay using a digital parking system that sup-

Public Notices

Bidding Documents, Drawings and Specifications, may be obtained from REVplans, 28 Church Street, Unit 7, Warwick, NY 10990 Tel: 1-845-651-3845, upon depositing the sum of $100 (One Hundred Dollars) for each combined set of documents. Checks or money orders shall be made payable to Baldwin Union Free School District. Plan deposit is refundable in accordance with the terms in the Instructions to Bidders to all submitting bids. Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. Please note REVplans (melville.h2mplanroom. com) is the designated location and means for distributing and obtaining all bid package information. Only those Contract Documents obtained in this manner will enable a prospective bidder to be identified as an official plan holder of record. The Provider takes no responsibility for the completeness of Contract Documents obtained from other

sources. Contract Documents obtained from other sources may not be accurate or may not contain addenda that may have been issued.

All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at melville.h2mplanroom. com. Plan holders who have paid for hard copies of the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda.

Bids must be made in the standard proposal form in the manner designated therein and as required by the Specifications that must be enclosed in sealed envelopes bearing the name of the job and name and address of the bidder on the outside, addressed to: BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, clearly marked on the outside: Bid For: Turf

Field Upgrades and Repointing at Baldwin Middle School. Each proposal submitted must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond, made payable to the BALDWIN UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT, in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total amount of the bid, as a commitment by the bidder that, if its bid is accepted, it will enter into a contract to perform the work and will execute such further security as may be required for the faithful performance of the contract. Certification of bonding company is required for this bid, see Instructions for Bidders section. Each bidder shall agree to hold his/her bid price for forty-five (45) days after the formal bid opening, except as permitted by General Municipal Law § 103(11).

A pre-bid conference and walk through is scheduled for February 3, 2026, at 3:30 PM at the project site. Potential bidders are asked to gather at the main entrance to the school, at which time they shall be escorted

to the area of work. This meeting is not mandatory; however, it is highly recommended that all potential bidders attend. It is the Board’s intention, and it reserves its right to award the contract to the lowest responsible bidder, providing the required security who, to the Board’s satisfaction, meets the experience, technical, budget and all specification requirements and has references and responses from references that are deemed acceptable by the Board. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all bids, or portions thereof, or alternates, or alternatives, to waive any informality and to accept such bids, or portions thereof, or alternates, or alternatives which, in the opinion of the Board, are in the best interests of the School District.

Board of Education Baldwin Union Free School District 960 Hastings Street Baldwin, New York 11510 158058

ports mobile app payments, text-to-pay or kiosks accepting credit cards and digital wallets, allowing for quicker exits.

Hospital officials noted that Mount Sinai South Nassau joins other Long Island hospitals that charge for visitor parking.

Valet parking will continue to be offered at the hospital’s main entrance, providing front-door access for patients and visitors. Valet rates will be $11 for up

Prior to the opening of the $30 million parking garage, hundreds of hospital employees relied on a shuttle service from Lot 12 on Sunrise Highway, which the hospital leased from the Village of Rockville Centre. The shuttle, implemented during construction, added time to employees’ commutes and created additional costs for the hospital. The service will be discontinued once the new garage opens.

The employee garage features wide ramps, modern LED lighting and help kiosks that connect users with Parking System representatives for nonemergency assistance.

News brief

Courtesy John Cools/Baldwin Fire Department

BFD kept Baldwin safe during winter storm

The Baldwin Fire Department was on a 24-hour snow standby during the storm over the weekend.

According to a post on Facebook made by the BFD, the dedicated volunteer firefighters of the BFD handled six emergency calls during the 24-hour period. They responded to one structure garage fire,

one oven fire, three automatic fire alarms, and one ambulance call. Above, the Baldwin Fire Department fighting fires and keeping the community safe during the storm on Sunday. The Baldwin community appreciates all that the fire department does to help keep them safe.

ROOF LEAK REPAIRS/ Replacement, Chimney Waterproofing, Flashing/ Repairs, Licensed/ Insured, Free Estimates. 516-259-4444 or 631-201-4444

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

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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

Wanted

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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

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F/T CHAIRSIDE DENTAL ASSISTANT

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Email Resume to:nylaserendo@gmail.com Call 516-599-7111

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

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

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Keeping indoor air clean

Q. Every winter I get terrible colds, and this year I got a postcard from a company that cleans air conditioning ducts. Does this help? I’m concerned about stirring up more dust. What else can I do except buy one of those portable air cleaners?

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A. These days, with all the requirements for home energy savings, airtight homes and pressurized air testing, homes are much more likely to have impurities in the air. Homes used to be built with alkali-laden plaster, which mold couldn’t live on. People wore sweaters, because windows leaked cold air and homes were cooler. It seems that modern materials and methods actually brought on more sickness.

The paper backing on gypsum wallboard provides an excellent place in a dark wall cavity for mold spores to live. Inert, sprayed-in foam does help, but most people are intimidated by the cost. Carpets gather dust and, when vacuumed, may release more impurities into the air.

Cleaning hard-walled metal air ducts is a good idea after a couple of years of continuous use. If you only use the system in midsummer heat spells, the main reason to clean the ducts is because dust settles there and adheres to the sides of the air ducts. Spores and other mold prosper in the layers of dust, and can remain inactive until moisture is present, which is why, at certain times of the year, condensation from cold meeting warm air allows the mold to develop.

You should be aware that some air conditioning companies make life easier for themselves by putting in flexible, soft, round duct, which comprises an inner lining of foil attached to a wire spiral frame covered with a thin layer of fiberglass insulation and a plastic sheeting cover. The system installation costs less if the installer passes on the savings to you, and is simpler to install. By simpler, I mean that duct tape is used instead of mechanical fastening with bends of metal and screws.

Unfortunately, you can’t clean flex duct, since the devices used to clean duct apply pressure, with vacuum and scraping techniques that will destroy your flex duct and render your system useless. You should consider cleaning the main “trunks,” which are probably made of metal duct. Duct cleaning is the first step to better breathing in the home. Then, after cleaning, have a reliable mechanical contractor install a filter in your central air conditioning unit, so you have “in-line” filtration.

Ask about the different types of filter systems, such as an electronic, static-type unit that catches dust like a magnet, and also how often the filter requires cleaning or replacement. Don’t just look for the lowest-priced unit, since the maintenance or replacement of the filter may be much more than the savings. With the electrostatic filter, you may be able to simply wash the filter and put it back. Once the filter is installed, you won’t require the portable type, and you should breathe easier, which is nothing to sneeze at.

© 2026 Monte Leeper

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

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oPinions

What did Trump gain by badmouthing Denmark?

President Trump’s myriad pronouncements on Greenland have been confusing and convoluted, and appear to serve no American national interest.

I agree with him that Greenland is vital to our national security, and that increased measures must be taken for missile defense and to prevent incursions by Russia and China into the Arctic region.

Trump’s insistence, however, that the United States must “own” Greenland is wrong and actually counter to our national security interests.

For starters, Greenland is a territory of Denmark, one of our most loyal allies and a founding member of NATO, the linchpin of our defense against Russian aggression for more than 75 years, which caused the defeat and collapse of the Soviet Union. Under our existing treaty agreements with Denmark, the U.S. has the power to take whatever measures we believe necessary to defend Greenland, including constructing military bases, installing missile defense systems and deploying troops on the ground.

If we simply allow Greenland to

remain under Danish “ownership” while we take whatever strategic security measures we deem essential, we would have the full support of NATO, which, with its 32 member nations, is the most powerful and effective military alliance in history, and under Article 5 is required to come to the defense of any member nation when attacked.

HTrump’s threat to invade Greenland and take it by force made no sense. Such a move would fracture NATO — and, ironically, constitute the first attack ever made against a NATO nation, weakening our defenses at a time when we are facing major military challenges in the Caribbean, Pacific and Middle East. It would be the diplomatic and military equivalent of shooting ourselves in the foot — “America First” turned upside down.

except the U.S.

is threat was a dismissive, condescending disparagement of a loyal friend.

From a personal perspective, I visited Denmark in 1987 and 2024, and found the people to be exceptionally pro-American. The dismissive, condescending disparagement of such a loyal friend, for no apparent or meaningful purpose, sends a chilling message not just to allies, but also to other nations thinking of engaging with the U.S. It reflects Trump’s proclivity to demean democratic allies such as Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, whom Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance ganged up on and berated in the Oval Office) while extolling enemy dictators like Russia’s Vladimir Putin (whom Trump greeted literally with a red carpet), China’s Xi Jinping (“my friend”) and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un (“sends me love letters”).

cessfully than at any time in recent memory.

Those successes, with no loss of American lives, make Trump’s actions toward Greenland and Denmark all the more inexplicable. Sometimes it appears that he is seeking almost immediate validation of his diplomatic policies. History shows, however, that world affairs don’t lend themselves to neat, precise timetables or overnight successes.

Most notably, President Harry S. Truman’s Marshall Plan, enacted in 1948 to rebuild Europe, and his support of NATO, which was formed in 1949, did not receive acclaim until more than four decades later, with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Nor did President Richard Nixon’s skillful diplomatic efforts, which rescued Israel from defeat by Egypt and ended the Yom Kippur War in 1973, have their maximum effect until the signing of the Camp David Accords in 1978, which brought about a peace that has lasted almost 50 years.

Almost as damaging to our national interest was Trump’s demeaning language and attitude toward a nation that has stood so loyally with us. Describing Denmark’s military capabilities as limited to “dogsleds” ignores the reality that Danish troops fought side by side with Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan, and suffered more combat deaths in Afghanistan, as a percentage of Denmark’s population, than any country

What is so disappointing about Trump’s actions toward Denmark is how they contrast with his clear foreign policy successes: standing with Israel against Hamas and bringing about a cessation of that war; carrying out immensely effective attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities; brilliantly extricating Nicolas Maduro from his Venezuelan hideout and bringing him to the U.S. for trial; and sealing our borders more suc-

TTo consolidate the legacy of his already considerable foreign policy achievements, Trump must cease his needless antagonism of our closest allies so America can further the quest for world peace. If not, “America First” might well become “America Alone.”

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

Health care reform is a failure from top to bottom

here are very few things that scare me. Black cats coming my way are a nuisance. Bumps on an airliner are expected, and I don’t panic. Those crazy e-bike drivers who can kill you in a heartbeat are dangerous, but I’m constantly on the lookout for them. Odd-looking people on the street can be frightening, but I cross fast to avoid them.

So what scares me? It’s the American health care system, which can frighten people to death, no pun intended. A month ago I wasn’t feeling peppy, and was sleepy in the middle of the day. It felt like a hangover, but I’m not a drinker, so that wasn’t it. I decided to go to an emergency room, fearing some malady that I didn’t recognize. It turned out that I had a pulse of 38, which is dangerously low unless you’re, say, a professional triathlete.

I arrived at the ER (of a purposely unnamed hospital) on a Friday, which

means you’re destined to stay in the hospital over the weekend. In fairness, if you’re having a heart attack or a stroke, you’ll get immediate attention, but all other symptoms get lesser treatment. Once I saw some physicians, they gave swift attention to the issue and how to resolve it. I spent a total of four nights at the hospital, and a few weeks later I learned that the bill was $249,892. Fortunately, I have coverage for the claim, which eventually was reduced to $13,405, which was paid by my insurer. The size of the original statement is typical in hospitals all over the country, which tend to inflate their charges to astronomical numbers in order to get to a fair settlement. For the better part of my life, I have seen dozens of bills that list crazy charges, all in the effort to get to a livable amount.

Talive.

Let’s start with the hospitals. In 23 years in Albany, I heard countless stories about the hospital lobby and the steps it takes to protect its turf. Periodically, legislation is introduced that would correct a flaw in the delivery system, but if it doesn’t meet with the approval of the hospital industry, it dies a silent death.

he clock will continue to tick, and many more patients will face $250,000 bills.

Last year the health care industry spent $653 million on issues involving Congress. Hospitals are a part of that mammoth number, but there’s a heated competition among all types of providers. And the major blame is on Congress and the presidents.

— in 2020. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he had a bipartisan bill ready for action, but in the end he passed a onehouse, partisan bill that is going nowhere. Over in the Senate they had a “great bill” three weeks ago, and it crashed and burned. At this moment, a bipartisan group of senators say they are “making progress” on a bill, but I’ll get many haircuts before their dream comes true.

Two presidents have come and one is gone since Obamacare was passed. No bill has come from a White House occupant or Congress, so what should health care providers do? Year after year goes by, and there are no changes to existing law. Obamacare patients are getting hit with horrifying increases. Congress is in a state of continuous gridlock.

Are the hospitals the major culprit? No, it’s the entire system. There’s a massive game going on all over America, played by health care providers, insurers and Congress, which makes the system the mess that it is. Each one has to use all the gimmicks it knows to stay

Waiting for Congress to come up with a health care bill that satisfies all of the parties is an impossible dream. Part of the reason there’s never any compromise solution is the role of the president. The Obama administration passed a major bill that everyone agrees is in need of tweaking. But who’s going to tweak it?

President Trump promised to come up with a new bill “ within two weeks”

The clock will continue to tick, and there will be many more patients dealing with $250,000 bills. Congress’s failure to find a solution is an indictment of our elected officials from top to bottom.

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

HERALD

History’s lessons demand lifelong vigilance

though this month’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day and International Holocaust Remembrance Day have passed, the lessons we can take from both are lifelong.

On Jan. 19, the nation commemorated the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement. MLK Day isn’t just a celebration of one man’s achievements; it is a call to examine the enduring struggle for racial justice, equality and human dignity. King’s life and legacy remind us that progress is neither automatic nor permanent. It must be protected through vigilance, education and moral courage.

Eight days later was Holocaust Remembrance Day — another solemn day of commemoration. Each year on Jan. 27 — the date of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945 — we pause to reflect on one of history’s darkest chapters and reaffirm our responsibility to remember. The day commemorates the 6 million Jewish men, women and children murdered by the Nazi regime during World War II, along with millions of others, including Roma, people with disabilities, political dissidents, members of sexual minorities and others who were targeted and killed.

Remembrance days such as these are often accompanied by moments of

silence, educational programs, survivor testimonies, memorial ceremonies, museum exhibits and classroom discussions across the globe. These observances are intentional acts of learning and reflection, meant to ensure that history is not forgotten, distorted or repeated.

What unites the remembrance of the Holocaust, MLK Day and similar historical observances is their shared warning: injustice thrives in silence, ignorance and apathy.

In our era, which is experiencing rising antisemitism, racism, xenophobia and political polarization, these lessons are more urgent than ever. Misinformation spreads quickly, and historical facts are sometimes questioned or deliberately distorted. Remembrance days serve as anchors of truth. They remind us that these events are not abstract or distant; they happened to real people, within living memory, and their consequences still shape our world today.

Education is the most powerful antidote to hate. Learning about the Holocaust helps people understand where intolerance can lead when fear and conspiracy replace empathy and critical thinking. Studying the civil rights movement reveals how ordinary people, from students to clergy to workers, can challenge unjust systems through collective action, nonviolence and moral clarity.

These stories empower new generations to recognize injustice and believe that change is possible.

Importantly, remembrance is not about assigning guilt to those alive today, but about assigning responsibility. Responsibility to speak out against hate, to protect democratic values, to stand with marginalized communities and to recognize early warning signs of injustice. When we remember, we honor the victims by committing ourselves to a more humane future.

These observances also create space for empathy. Survivor testimonies and historical narratives humanize events that can otherwise feel overwhelming or distant. They remind us that behind every statistic is a person with dreams, family and dignity. This human connection is essential in countering the tendency to reduce others to labels or stereotypes.

Remembering is not passive. It is an active commitment to learning, teaching and acting. By honoring the lessons of the Holocaust, King’s legacy and other pivotal moments in history, we affirm the shared values of dignity, justice and humanity. In doing so, we help ensure that “Never again” and “Justice for all” aren’t empty phrases, but guiding principles for the present and the future.

New Yorkers deserve more retirement investment options

as the cost of living continues to rise across New York — from housing and energy to groceries and health care — many families and small-business owners, especially those from historically underserved communities, are being forced to make painful tradeoffs that leave little room to save for retirement.

To build a more resilient financial future, workers with 401(k) plans should have more opportunities to diversify their nest eggs. That’s why we need to ensure that private-sector employees have access to the same options long enjoyed by publicsector pension holders.

Today, that parity does not exist. While public pension systems have long been able to invest in private-market assets such as private equity, real estate and infrastructure — which can generate outsized long-term growth — the vast majority of 401(k) plans remain confined to traditional public stocks and bonds. This leaves millions of privatesector workers — including a dispropor-

Framework

tionate share of African American employees — with fewer tools to grow their retirement savings in an increasingly expensive economy.

There is some good news: the U.S. Department of Labor has taken initial steps to implement rulemaking that would expand access to private-market investments, creating a path toward closing this gap. Critically, the proposal also aims to protect employers from speculative lawsuits for offering employees more options to invest.

pA clear majority of voters favor allowing access to these assets, according to a recent poll by the Council for a Safe & Secure Retirement. Support is broad and bipartisan, with 62 percent of Black voters, 69 percent of Hispanic voters, and majorities of both workingclass and middle-class voters — no matter whom they voted for in the last election — backing the inclusion of private markets and more diverse investment options in 401(k) plans.

in 2025, and generated an impressive 11.9 percent return on investment. Private-sector workers of every stripe should be allowed the same retirement opportunities as public-sector workers.

Beyond New York, private assets have been outperforming public stocks for years. From 2002 to 2022, the average annual returns for private-equity investments were estimated to be 14.75 percent, compared with 9.25 percent for the S&P 500 and 8.84 percent for the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

rivatesector employees don’t have publicsector pension holders’ choices.

For decades, public pension plans have enjoyed access to these investments, while those working for Main Street businesses missed out. In fact, infrastructure made up a total of $9.1 billion of New York City pension plans

by Patrick Baker

Private investment also helps drive capital to minority-owned businesses. Earlier this year, the New York City Employees’ Retirement System reported a total of $26.5 billion allocated to minority- and women-owned investment managers, representing 14.6 percent of the fund’s U.S.-based actively managed assets. These allocations not only expand opportunities for diverse firms, but also demonstrate that investing with minority, women and emerging managers can deliver competitive returns, with privatemarket portfolios outperforming publicmarket equivalents by roughly 7 percent.

New York’s pension funds illustrate how private markets can generate wealth while promoting inclusion. This

model can and should be emulated with 401(k) plans by enabling them to offer private-market investments for privatesector employees.

Unlocking these investments for private-sector workers can also strengthen local economies, build wealth and create a cycle of opportunity and prosperity. A whopping 85 percent of private-equitybacked businesses are small companies. By investing in private-equity funds that support local entrepreneurs, retirees won’t just enhance their returns; they can nurture economic growth in their own communities.

By moving forward with formal rulemaking to clarify how private-market investments can be included in 401(k) plans, the Labor Department can provide plan fiduciaries with the certainty needed to diversify investment options and help our historically underserved communities grow long-term wealth. Acting decisively would ensure that retirement security and inclusive investing aren’t just goals for public funds, but for private-sector workers as well. All of our communities deserve the same opportunity to invest and build a more secure future.

Phil Andrews is president of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce and founding president of the New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce.