Bellmore Herald 01-22-2026

Bellmore teacher saves child

Alessia Hoffman, middle, saved the life of a 7-year-old student who was choking on a gummy treat at Chales Reinhard Early Childhood Center on Jan. 6. Story, Page 19.

Bellmore-Merrick school district under federal Title IX investigation

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District is among 18 educational entities nationwide under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights following complaints alleging violations of Title IX, federal officials announced this week.

According to the Department of Education, the investigations stem from complaints asserting that certain school districts, colleges and state education agencies have adopted policies allowing students to participate in athletic pro-

grams based on gender identity rather than biological sex. The complaints allege that such policies discriminate on the basis of sex and may limit equal opportunities for female athletes.

The Herald reached out to the Office for Civil Rights seeking clarification on the nature of the allegations, and was informed that the complaint involving Bellmore-Merrick allegedly centers on the district allowing a male student to try out for a girls’ volleyball team. Federal officials did not confirm additional details or comment further on the allegation.

In a statement provided to the Herald, the

Kennedy senior named Regeneron science scholar

By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

Cole Stern, a senior at John F. Kennedy High School in Bellmore, has been named one of 300 scholars nationwide in the prestigious Regeneron Science Talent Search competition, earning recognition for his research on extreme weather and climate-driven flooding.

The honor was announced on Jan. 7, placing Stern, 17, among the top high school researchers in the country.

Scholars are selected based on the rigor and originality of their research, scientific potential and quality of their written work.

“I’ve always been interested in weather and how global factors affect what happens here,” Stern said. “With global warming, changes in ocean and air temperatures are making extreme weather more likely, and I wanted to understand why.”

ny project involving weather requires extensive coding.

ColE STERN Senior, John F. Kennedy High School, Regeneron scholar

Stern’s project took a deep dive into Tropical Storm Ophelia, the Sept. 29, 2023, tri-state flooding event that brought record rainfall to Long Island and surrounding areas. Using advanced atmospheric modeling, Stern analyzed how unusually warm ocean temperatures contributed to the intensity of the storm.

The research was conducted through the district’s Advanced Science Research Program under the guidance of Barbi Frank, the program’s director and Stern’s research teacher, along with support from a professional mentor at the National Hurricane Center. Stern spent nearly two years learning advanced computer coding and running simulations using the Weather Research and Forecasting model.

“Any project involving weather requires extensive coding,” Stern said. “I spent most of 2024 learning Python, and then hundreds of hours running and interpreting simulations. It was a lot of work, but I

Continued on page 15

Hands-on learning highlighted at STEAM Expo

The Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District showcased its commitment to science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics on Jan. 15 during its third annual STEAM Expo.

The interactive event, held at Merrick Avenue Middle School, featured the district’s comprehensive STEAM curriculum along with its co-curricular programs, competitive teams and student clubs. Families explored hands-on demonstrations and activities that reflected the scope and innovation of STEAM instruction throughout the district.

Students and staff led experiences that included coding drones and NAO robots, operating Sphero bots and demonstrating student-designed robots. Additional exhibits featured 3D art creations, advanced science research opportunities and interactive stations focused on esports, gaming and hovercraft technology. The expo also welcomed families from Bellmore-Merrick’s elementary component districts, offering younger students an early look at the district’s STEAM pathways.

The event was coordinated by Dr. Danielle Caliendo, math and STEAM chairperson, and Roger Bing, science and STEAM chairperson, with support from dozens of district chairpersons, teachers and students.

“The success of the STEAM Expo reflects the dedication of our faculty and the curiosity and creativity of our students,” Caliendo said. “Seeing students of all ages exploring, collaborating and discovering the many opportunities available through our STEAM programs highlights the district’s strong commitment to innovation and learning.”

— Hernesto Galdamez

The Art of Negotiation

The Mansion at Oyster Bay, Woodbury

elevate the Conversation

The five tips

Mny employer’s Employee Assistance Program was particularly noteworthy in its early January email to the staff.

Instead of resolutions, the newsletter suggested to consider “Five tips for a great year”; tips that would be easy to keep beyond February and would afford an opportunity to “…watch our lives begin to shift…”

I list all five here, without reprinting the original commentary, given we all have our own lens to see these tips through. Welcome 2026 and here goes:

Joy – I believe we move so quickly we fail to capture and acknowledge a little joy in the day to day. I don’t know how the words popped in my head, but while hosting a party in my daughter’s honor I asked our guests to have a few hours with us, open to embracing joy despite a chaotic world outside the restaurant’s door.

that the imaginary high bar I set could be useful – maybe a real one in which I could do twenty masterful chin ups in under two minutes. A whole new goal to dream about.

Boundaries – back to the memo with its suggestion to “…set boundaries with kindness. (You) deserve to be treated with respect…”

I have run out of energy, thinking about the co-workers who forgot that the workplace isn’t their living room and they don’t get the right to shout, put down or otherwise verbally eviscerate their peers. Whether deliberate or without malicious intent, boundaries remind us that we are colleagues, not to be mistaken for dysfunctional relatives.

Gratitude – every time we feel heard, lend a hand, or remind others that our presence has purpose and is here to serve, we are expressing universal gratitude. An everyday kind of appreciation that doesn’t have to be tethered to days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.

Forgiveness – is it just my imagination, or is this getting slightly easier to do with the benefit of years watching and accepting human behavior? Even if they don’t meet expectations, sometimes it’s as simple as the fact that people give all they can give and deserve more understanding.

Self-compassion – failed this one repeatedly since grade school. I wish

To that end, I offer a calm and judicious reminder that a lack of respect is not a good look for an associate or a company. We all deserve better.

So into the early days of 2026 we go. Unlearning bad habits and building up good ones. Maybe even attaching the five tips to our daily existence. Ironically, my unexpected contribution to the tips has been an “End of Day” journal I received this past holiday season. Initially I didn’t know how to fit this book into my life, but in the wee hours of the night, it seems like these tips have made their way into my consciousness and the pages as well.

A contributing writer to the Herald since 2012, Lauren Lev is a direct marketing/ advertising executive who teaches marketing fundamentals as well as advertising and marketing communications courses at the Fashion Institute of Technology and SUNY Old Westbury.

Let us Know

News Brief items including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome. Photographs may be emailed as well. Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday, week prior to publication. Send to execeditor@liherald.com

EMILY McGOWAN SEAFORD Junior BASKETBALL

PICKING UP WHERE she left off last winter when she earned All-County honors as well as Conference Player of the Year honors after leading the Vikings to 15 wins, McGowan ranks among Nassau’s top 20 scorers at 15.8 points per game as Seaford sits in the driver’s seat in Conference 7 with a 6-0 record (8-4 overall.) She scored in double figures in nine of the first dozen games as well as served as a key figure on the defensive end.

games to watch

Thursday, Jan. 22

Girls Basketball: Plainedge at Seaford 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Carey at V.S. North 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: C.S. Harbor at Malverne 7:00 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 23

Girls Basketball: Baldwin at Farmingdale 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Uniondale at Hempstead 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Massapequa at Syosset 5 p.m.

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

Girls Basketball: North Shore at Malverne 6 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Jericho at Calhoun 6:45 p.m.

Girls Basketball: MacArthur at Long Beach 6:45 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Port Wash at E.Meadow 6:45 p.m.

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

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

Saturday, Jan. 24

Girls Basketball: West Hemp at East Rock 10 a.m.

Boys Basketball: Malverne at North Shore 11:45 a.m.

Girls Basketball: Clarke at Sewanhaka 11:45 a.m.

Girls Basketball: Elmont at South Side 11:45 a.m.

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

Boys Basketball: East Rock at West Hemp 11:45 a.m.

Boys Basketball: Herricks at Oceanside 1 p.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.

Second-half defense lifts Mepham

By NIKO SCARLATOS sports@liherald.com

Mepham used a dominant defensive second half and a commanding effort on the boards to secure a 49-37 girls basketball victory over Hewlett Jan. 14, improving to 8-5 overall and 4-1 in Conference AA-2

The Bulldogs fell to 2-8 (2-3 in AA-2) despite keeping the game tight early.

Mepham entered halftime with a slim 27-23 advantage after a competitive first half in which both teams traded baskets and fought for momentum. Hewlett stayed within striking distance behind balanced scoring, led by Mia Koloden’s 10 points and Emma Kresler’s 8, while Mepham relied on contributions across the lineup to maintain its lead.

The tone of the game shifted after halftime as Mepham made a key defensive adjustment. Head coach Jim Mulvey switched from a zone to man-to-man coverage, assigning sophomore guard Alexis Honkercamp and freshman guard Christina Eromon to guard Hewlett’s top scoring threats. The change paid immediate dividends, as the visitors struggled to generate clean looks and was limited to just 14 second-half points.

“I thought our defense really stepped up in the second half,” Mulvey said. “We came out of our zone and decided to man up and had Alexis and Christina guard the two best players on their team. Everyone after halftime decided to step up and take on the responsibility.”

Offensively, Mepham continued to find success through a balanced attack. Eromon led the Pirates with 11 points and 14 rebounds, showcasing poise and confidence well beyond her years. Honkercamp matched her with 11 points and delivered a dominant performance in the paint with 20 rebounds. Sophomore guard Bree McGovern added 8 points, while junior guard Mia Troiano and Olivia Lettieri each chipped in 6. Sophomore guard Maria Kiropoulos and senior forward Angelina Katsalas provided valuable minutes off the bench, helping Mepham control the tempo late.

Honkercamp’s physical presence proved to be the difference, as Mepham

repeatedly capitalized on second- and third-chance opportunities. Hewlett head coach Alex Pallatto pointed to rebounding as the deciding factor.

“They outworked us and in the rebounding battle they killed us,” Pallatto said. “When you give a team second- and third-chance opportunities, they’re going to score. That was the difference in the game.”

Despite the loss, Pallatto praised his team’s effort against Mepham’s aggressive defense. “This is the first time we’ve had a team really attack us defensively and we had players step up and kept it close, so I’m proud of them for that,” he said. Those contributions came from

Kayla Owens, who finished with 7 points, while Yalin Megira had 5, Angelina Batista scored 4, and Ella Fahy 3. For Mepham, the win reflected the team’s commitment to daily improvement as it battles Roslyn and Garden City for the AA-2 title.

“We always say the goal is to go 1-0 today,” Mulvey said. “This was a good team we just played, so it was a good win for sure.”

Honkercamp echoed that sentiment. “I thought we played really well tonight,” she said. “We worked hard and it was great to see the effort lead to a win. My mindset was to always go up and be physical for the ball no matter what.”

HERALD SPORTS

Mepham (8-6) enjoys major turnaround

BY GARRETT D. URIBE sports@liherald.com

Colin Kohut raised the palm of his left, non-dribbling hand – seemingly miffed at finding no cutters as the Mepham point guard paused at the top of the key.

His Pirates boys’ basketball team trailing by a point as the game’s last seconds ticked away, Kohut – scoreless on the afternoon till then – dropped a shoulder and charged the lane, his gesture of frustration now looking like a tactic as he raced past lulled Division defenders to lay in the goahead bucket with 5.9 seconds left.

The lead would hold, as Mepham (8-6, 3-3 Nassau Conference A4) completed its climb from 13 points behind at the half to outlast visiting Division 48-47 in a nonleague matchup Jan. 10.

Though Mepham head coach Jamie Adams said he’s preached patience to his club this season, the former longtime Lynbrook skipper, now in his second season at Mepham, agreed the thrilling finish to his team’s comeback against Division showed the Pirates also know there are times to adapt situationally – hewing to what Adams said has been his main

message: “Keep it simple, don’t overthink.”

“I’ll be honest, Division is a game we would have lost last year,” said Adams, whose club last season went 0-20 overall.

“This year guys aren’t settling for bad shots, impatiently, but also they’re free to be decisive, to read the defense and react.”

“Colin (against Division) saw they’d switched from zone to man,” Adams said.

“He saw the lane and went for it. That’s keeping it simple.”

Captains Rhyan Galarza, Andrew Adams, and Kohut have been key to Mepham’s so-far successful efforts at stepping from last season’s fog, said Adams –whose late start at the helm last season left little time for culture-building.

Galarza, an All-Conference forward, leads Mepham averaging 12.1 points per game, while the six-foot-three Adams –team leader with 7.8 rebounds per game –is fast becoming his team’s so-called “glue guy,” using an intimate knowledge of Mepham’s schemes to help keep alignments tidy on the floor as a vocal leader.

Described by coach Adams as his team’s “most gifted scorer,” junior shooting guard Frankie Fasano has emerged as

Ron Manfredi/Herald

Andrew Adams is the leading rebounder for the Pirates, who rallied to beat Division Jan. 10 and sit at 8-3 overall.

a second centerpiece of Mepham’s retooled offense, finding motion schemes a natural fit, as evidenced by his team second-leading 8.4 points per game.

“Frankie’s very crafty,” Adams said. “He shoots outside enough where teams have to go defend him, but also he’s a playmaker. We run a different offense from years past. Frankie has picked it up. Between him an Rhyan, those are the guys we look to.”

Freshman Caleb Caraballo, a late transfer from St. Mary’s, seems all but past any growing pains, averaging 8.1 points to rank third on the Pirates. Thee 6-3 forward made a splash leading Mepham with 13 points to go with a team-high 12 rebounds in a season-opening nonleague win at MacArthur, 44-43, Dec. 20.

“Games like (MacArthur and Division), which, again, we probably end up losing last year, are where all the work, the patience and the situational work, pay off,” Adams said.

“Last year, a multitude of things were against us,” Adams added. “I think we’ve changed the culture of the program. We’re getting there. Everyone rowing the boat in the right direction.”

Hochul delivers her fifth State of the State

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

Gov. Kathy Hochul used her 2026 State of the State address Jan. 13 to present an ambitious agenda focused on affordability, public safety and social services — while Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, her likely Republican challenger in this year’s gubernatorial race, sharply criticized the speech and questioned her record in office.

The state of the state of New York is strong, and we’re just getting started.

“The state of the state of New York is strong, and we’re just getting started,” Hochul said in her fifth State of the State, at Albany’s Hart Theater, framing the coming year as one focused on easing the financial strain on families while continuing investments in safety, housing and infrastructure.

GOv. KATHy HOcHul

At the core of Hochul’s address was a renewed push for universal child care, which she described as the most pressing affordability issue facing working families. The governor outlined plans to expand prekindergarten statewide, with the goal of achieving universal pre-K for 4-year-olds by 2028, while piloting yearround, full-day child care for children from birth to age 3.

“This plan will ultimately deliver universal child care for every family in New York, full stop,” Hochul said, drawing sustained applause.

She cited the high cost of care, particularly in New York City, where annual expenses can range from $26,000 to $40,000, calling the burden “almost impossible” for many parents. Hochul said the state would expand subsidies, strengthen its voucher system and improve tax incentives for employers who invest in child care benefits.

Beyond child care, Hochul framed affordability as a broader economic challenge, pointing to proposals aimed at lowering utility and auto insurance costs. She said the state would crack down on staged car accidents and insurance fraud, streamline utility assistance programs and protect consumers from steep rate hikes, while continuing investments in clean energy.

Housing, infrastructure, public safety

Housing and infrastructure were also key pillars of the address. Hochul announced an additional $250 million investment in affordable housing and $100 million for manufactured housing, while reiterating her administration’s commitment to cutting red tape that she said has slowed development for decades.

Under her Let Them Build initiative, Hochul said the state would modernize environmental review processes to accelerate housing, clean energy and

infrastructure projects.

“We’re changing the culture around building, brick by brick,” she said, noting that more than 400 communities have signed on as “pro-housing” municipalities eligible for state funding.

Public safety was another major focus. Hochul pointed to more than $3 billion in state investments in police and public safety over the past four years and said crime, including shootings, homicides and subway crime, has declined statewide.

“We’ll never be satisfied,” Hochul said, outlining plans to expand crime analysis centers, increase police patrols in subway stations, install platform barriers at 85 additional stations and grow mental health response teams that pair law enforcement with clinical professionals.

On gun violence, Hochul proposed a first-in-the-nation law requiring 3D printers sold in New York to include software that blocks the production of firearms, targeting so-called “ghost guns.” She also called for restrictions on handguns that can be converted into automatic weapons.

“Not here. Not in New York,” she said. “That’s how we save lives and fight crime.”

Immigration, civil rights, federal tensions

Hochul also used her address to draw a sharp contrast with President Trump and federal immigration enforcement

County Executive Bruce Blakeman spoke after Hochul’s address, criticizing her agenda and calling for tax credits for working families with children.

child care affordability and instead proposed tax credits for working parents, though he did not offer specific details. He said those credits would be worth more than those proposed by Hochul. He also criticized Hochul’s handling of the migrant crisis, pointing to what he described as nearly $5 billion in state spending to manage the influx of asylum seekers, largely centered in New York City.

policies. She said New York would not allow the use of state resources to assist in federal immigration raids involving people who have not committed serious crimes, and would bar U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from entering schools, day cares, hospitals and houses of worship without a judicial warrant.

“We will not bow to a wannabe king,” Hochul said, adding that congestion pricing in New York City “is staying on.”

The governor also proposed legislation that would allow New Yorkers to sue federal officers in state court for alleged violations of their constitutional rights, framing the measure as a safeguard against abuses of power.

Blakeman’s rebuttal sharpens political contrast

An hour after Hochul’s address, Blakeman delivered a blistering rebuttal from Nassau GOP headquarters in Westbury, calling the governor’s remarks “the most unbelievable speech” he had ever heard.

“There was nothing in that speech that was believable,” Blakeman said. “I thought I was watching a ‘Saturday Night Live’ skit.”

He accused Hochul of failing to deliver results during her four years in office, particularly on child care. While Hochul outlined expanded subsidies and universal pre-K, Blakeman said the governor had “done nothing” to address

“She’s helping people who have been in the state for 15 minutes,” Blakeman said, arguing that Hochul’s policies have contributed to population and business losses.

The two leaders also diverge sharply on immigration enforcement. Blakeman has touted Nassau County’s cooperation with ICE, while Hochul is proposing legislation allowing New Yorkers to sue federal officers who violate their civil rights.

Shortly after his swearing-in this week, Blakeman signed Nassau County’s Religious Safety Act into law, banning protests within 35 feet of houses of worship around service times. Hochul, meanwhile, proposed a statewide ban on protests within 25 feet of religious property lines, saying worshippers should be able to pray “without fear or harassment.”

As Blakeman positions himself for a statewide run, political analysts note the challenge ahead. Long Island accounts for nearly one-fifth of New York’s electorate, with about 2.1 million active voters, but Blakeman will need to expand his appeal beyond his local base to attract swing voters upstate.

Hochul’s full agenda — more than 200 proposals spanning housing, energy policy, artificial intelligence regulation, youth mental health and consumer protections — will be detailed further when she releases her executive budget next week, setting the stage for a high-stakes gubernatorial race.

Experts warn of winter ‘tripledemic’

By JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO jdalessandro@liherald.com

The “tripledemic” — influenza, Covid19 and the respiratory syncytial virus — is at the heart of Northwell Health’s battle against contagious disease this winter.

According to Northwell’s team of doctors, researchers and other medical professionals, Long Island is facing a challenging flu season: While the number of flu cases increases dramatically every week, the rate of hospitalizations jumped 75 percent in a single week, between Thanksgiving and Dec. 5.

Istrongly encourage everybody to get the vaccine.

The outbreak has created a surge in emergency department and urgent care visits throughout the region.

BRucE FARBER

“Northwell typically runs about 2,800 to 3,000 patients in our hospital beds,” its president and CEO, John D’Angelo, said at a news conference on Dec. 18. Currently Northwell has 3,500 patients, about 10 percent of whom are suffering from the flu.

While Northwell’s surge planning helps it handle the larger volume of patients, D’Angelo warned that flu season was far from over. “We haven’t plateaued yet — we haven’t seen a bump,” he said. “We’re still on kind of that rapid-ascent part of the curve, and we have to see where it goes.”

Bruce Farber, Northwell’s chief public health and epidemiology officer, said he focuses on ways to keep people out of the hospital. Regarding this year’s flu vaccine, Farber said, “It is very good at preventing hospitalizations and deaths.”

Farber anticipates 25,000 flu deaths this year, exceeding those related to Covid, with a higher concentration of pediatric and senior deaths.

Though this year’s flu cannot stop the transmission of the disease, it can effectively reduce its severity. “I’ve not seen a death in somebody who’s been vaccinated, and I have seen plenty of deaths in people who have not been vaccinated,” Farber said. “I strongly encourage everybody to get the vaccine.”

The Northwell team’s other advice for members of the public is to use commonsense strategies in addition to vaccination to avoid spreading diseases. Dwayne Breining, senior vice president of lab services, described tests as an important way of catching and responding to cases before they escalate.

“tripledemic” test that can be picked up and dropped off at the system’s various patient service centers.

“You can get one of our PCR tests at any health care site,” Breining said. “We recommend the triple test for flu, RSV and Covid, because, symptom-wise, they look the same, so you may not know what you have if you feel sick. … Usually within 24 hours, you’ll have the definitive PCR result.”

As the senior vice president of pediatric services at Northwell, Annemarie Stroustrup oversees Cohen Children’s Medical Center, where sickness has spread.

“The story that you hear for adults is virtually the same for children,” Stroustrup said. “There is a lot of flu in the community.”

Northwell’s pediatric patients show a much lower rate of RSV infection, however. “I think part of that is because there are new products on the market for babies and for pregnant women to get vaccinated or prophylaxed against RSV,” Stroustrup said. “The vaccine does help keep kids out of the hospital.”

To learn more, visit nwhlabs.Northwell.edu/Covid-19-testing.

John

and Dwayne Breining shared their expert advice on staying safe during flu season.

Northwell conducts 25 million tests each year in its 100,000-square-foot laboratory, making use of cutting-edge machinery and artificial intelligence partnered with medical experts. Even with this processing power, there has been a broader need for results. The Northwell team announced LabGold, a free three-in-one

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NUMC receives nearly $110 million from state

With a new board and new CEO, NUMC looks onward

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Nassau University Medical Center has received $109.6 million in funding from New York state, an investment announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul in a release on Jan. 15. According to the release, the funding reflects the state’s “recognition of the hospital’s progress under new leadership and its commitment to stabilizing operations while preserving access to essential health care services for Long Island residents.”

It’s been a turbulent year at NUMC, Long Island’s only public hospital. It provides health care to all residents, including the undocumented and uninsured — regardless of their ability to pay. Due to provisions that passed in the state’s budget in 2025, a restructured board was implemented at NUMC, shifting control of the hospital from Nassau County leadership to Hochul and state Democrats.

In addition, the state also granted the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, a public benefit corporation, expanded oversight, including the ability to approve hospital contracts exceeding $1 million.

A majority of the new board members at NUMC were named by Hochul throughout last year, who also designated the chairman, Stuart Rabinowitz, a former president of Hofstra University.

Thomas Stokes was tapped to lead the hospital as its chief executive officer in late2025, and began his role earlier this month. With over 25 years of experience overseeing finance and operations in top-tier health care institutions, his appointment, according to a Jan. 1 release, “brings deep expertise and a longstanding commitment to public service” to the hospital.

WNassau University Medical Center received $109.6 million in state funding, according to a release on Jan. 15. The funding was awarded in recognition of the hospital’s progress under new leadership and its commitment to stabilizing operations while preserving access to essential health care services for Long Island residents.

the hospital’s new board, now with Stokes stepping into the chief executive role.

In his first days of leadership. Stokes has identified major opportunities to strengthen performance, while efforts to tighten financial oversight, contain costs, and improve revenue and operational efficiency continue to take hold.

Stokes remarked that he was “deeply committed to restoring and strengthening this hospital for the patients and communities that depend on us.”

ith this critical investment, we can continue building a stronger, more stable future for NUMC.

$82.1 million of the funding announced last week was provided through the state’s Department of Health’s Vital Access Provider Assurance Program, also known as VAPAP, for Fiscal Year 20252026, which ends this March. VAPAP provides assistance to hospitals and health care providers facing financial distress. $27.5 million was provided through an Inter-Governmental Transfer associated with enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage funding tied to the coronavirus pandemic.

ThOMAs sTOkEs Chief executive Nassau University Medical

Center

“With this critical investment, we can continue building a stronger, more stable future for NUMC — one that delivers the quality, access, and accountability our residents deserve,” he said.

“The board is deeply appreciative of Gov. Hochul and the Department of Health for their confidence in NUMC’s direction and leadership,” Rabinowitz added. “This funding acknowledges the difficult but necessary reforms underway and provides the financial runway needed to continue stabilizing operations, improving care delivery, and positioning the hospital for long-term sustainability.”

Hospital leadership stated that it will continue to work in close partnership with the state and county stakeholders to advance reforms, strengthen fiscal accountability and maintain NUMC’s mission as a vital health care resource for Long Island.

Leadership of NUMC was shifted from Nassau County to the state last year. The majority of the board was named by Gov. Kathy Hochul, above, who also appointed the chairman, in a move to help the hospital remain viable.

NUMC funding at a glance

■ $109.6 million in state funding announced Jan. 15 by Gov. Kathy Hochul

■ Funding recognizes progress under new leadership and efforts to stabilize operations while maintaining access to care

Funding sources:

■ $82.1 million from the state Department of Health’s Vital Access Provider Assurance Program for FY 2025–26

■ $27.5 million through an InterGovernmental Transfer tied to enhanced federal Medicaid funding Timeline:

Of the VAPAP award, $25 million was received in August 2025, with the remaining $57.1 million anticipated in the first quarter of 2026. The $57. 1 million, along with the additional $27.5 million, was not reflected in NUMC’s previously approved budget. The combined funding, according to last week’s release, will reduce the hospital’s projected 2026 operating loss from $167.1 million to $82.5 million.

NUMC, in the release, said the state’s investment helps it build on a year of “decisive action” under the direction of

“This funding marks an important step forward for NHCC and reflects growing confidence in the direction of its leadership,” said Richard Kessel, chairman and director of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority. “We look forward to continued collaboration in supporting NHCC’s financial stability and ensuring that public resources are managed effectively.”

The funding was well-received by local leadership on Long Island.

Legislator Olena Nicks, a Democrat, is

the ranking member of the legislature’s health and social services committee, and a representative of communities that heavily rely on NUMC’s care. She said she is “committed to ensuring its long-term viability as an essential health care resource.”

“I thank Gov. Kathy Hochul for delivering nearly $110 million in vital funds to secure NUMC’s future,” she said in a statement on Jan. 16.

State Sen. Siela Bynoe, a Democrat who represents the state’s 6th District, said NUMC “is a lifeline for thousands, providing critical care for strokes, severe burns, cancer and other complex conditions.” She added that financial disarray and mismanagement has threatened NUMC’s future, which she has long fought against.

“This recent investment of nearly $110 million from New York state strengthens NUMC’s role as our region’s safety-net hospital, helping secure operations and ensure patients continue to have access to the care they need,” she said.

■ $25 million received in August 2025

■ $57.1 million expected in early 2026

■ Funds were not included in NUMC’s previously approved budget Impact:

■ Projected 2026 operating loss reduced from $167.1 million to $82.5 million

Governance and leadership:

■ State assumed control of NUMC last year

■ Most board members appointed by Hochul; Stuart Rabinowitz named chairman

■ Thomas Stokes began his role as CEO earlier this month

— Jordan Vallone

CATHOLIC SHOOLS WEEK

Live your faith and share it with others

Students

Strong spiritual guidance is an essential part of daily activities at Long Island’s Catholic schools, creating a special sense of community among children, families, teachers, and the local parish, which reinforces moral values and an abiding respect for others. Resourceful instructors use powerful spiritual teachings and real-world experiences to bring these values to life for children, while our smaller classes allow for more personalized and productive interaction between students and teachers.

The timeless values that create better prepared, more capable, and more confident young adults. An important part of your child’s program is the learning of values. This is often the most easily observable difference in a ‘Catholic school kid’.

While the specific order and organization of when these values are taught might differ from school-to-school, the values and the discipline to live them are enduring qualities and are taught consistently across all Catholic elementary schools.

Kindergarten – Courtesy and Respect: Learning the importance of politeness and good manners in dealing with others, as well as the need to respect one another, and personal and public property.

First Grade – Punctuality and Neatness: Being on time for school and with assignments and being neat in both school work and homework.

Second Grade – Kindness and Generosity: Understanding the need to reach out and help one another and realizing the joy in giving more than is expected.

Third Grade – Hard Work and Perseverance: Recognizing the importance of diligence and a good work attitude, the satisfaction of doing our best and the need to keep trying despite obstacles.

Fourth Grade – Honesty and Responsibility: Being truthful and keeping our word, doing the right thing even when no one else is looking, accepting the consequences of our actions and

put moral values to work in their lives every day

meeting our obligations.

Fifth Grade – Patience and Discipline: Learning to be patient with ourselves and others, saying “yes” to the right things and “no” to the wrong things, and taking charge of ourselves by controlling our actions and emotions.

Sixth Grade – Tolerance and Justice: Learning to accept and appreciate the differences in others and treating them with equality and fairness.

Seventh Grade – Thoughtfulness and Compassion: Understanding the needs and feeling of others and treating them with equality and fairness.

Eighth Grade – Loyalty and Courage: Caring about our relationships with others and being willing to show it through our actions; having the strength and will to do what is right even when we’re afraid or it’s unpopular.

By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman was sworn in to a second term at the county’s 2026 inauguration ceremony at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City last week, and afterward signed new safety legislation.

The Jan. 12 ceremony was attended by hundreds, including elected officials, law enforcement representatives and clergy members.

Elaine Phillips and Maureen O’Connell were also sworn in to new terms as county comptroller and county clerk, respectively.

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino led the ceremony, introducing a number of esteemed speakers, stakeholders and performers including Father Gerard Gordon, senior chaplain of the Nassau County Police Department, as well as Mary Millben, an internationally known performer who sang the national anthem.

Religious leaders representing both Judaism and Christianity took part in the ceremony, with Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, of Yeshiva of South Shore, delivering the invocation and Gordon offering the benediction.

The ceremony opened with a presentation of colors by members of the Nassau County Police Department, the

County Sheriff’s Department, the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, alongside Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 82.

Nassau County Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence

honoring those who have served in public service and the armed forces.

Musical selections were also provided by international vocalist Christopher Macchio, who sang “Hallelujah,” by Leonard Cohen.

“I would like to thank Hashem — God — for giving me the strength to serve as

your county executive,” Blakeman said in his remarks after his swearing in, which was conducted by his wife, Segal Blakeman, a Nassau County Family Court judge. “It’s only through the strength of God that I have the ability to serve, and I recognize that each and every day.”

“[We supported] our law enforcement, hired 600 law professionals, canceled a $150 million tax increase, didn’t raise taxes for four years, and earned seven bond upgrades,” he added, touting the achievements of his first term. “That’s unprecedented.”

Following his swearing in, Blakeman signed a bill previously approved by county legislators meant to add protection for worshippers at religious institutions. The bill prohibits demonstrations from occurring within 10 feet of a person entering or exiting a place of religious worship. It also prevents demonstrations within 35 feet of an entrance to a religious institution in the hour before a scheduled service and the hour after it ends.

“You know how I feel about religious freedom,” Blakeman said. “And the ability for people to be able to worship in their mosque, their church, their synagogue, their temple. And therefore we will protect those institutions, and we will protect people’s rights to worship freely here in the Nassau County.”

District responds as officials examine complaint

Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District said it has acted in accordance with applicable laws and state guidance.

“The Bellmore-Merrick Central HS District has always focused on supporting all students, respecting due process, and fulfilling its legal obligations,” the statement said. “At all times, the district acted in full compliance with all laws and regulations. BellmoreMerrick has followed the guidance and legal framework governing New York State public schools issued by the NYS Education Department.”

Bellmore-Merrick is one of two New York entities named in the investigation, along with the New York City Department of Education. The list also includes K–12 school districts and higher education institutions in California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Vermont and Washington.

The Office for Civil Rights is responsible for enforcing Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, which prohibits sex-based discrimination in any education program or activity that receives federal funding.

In a statement announcing the investigations, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Kimberly Richey said the federal government is examining allegations that female students’ rights are being compromised in school athletics.

“In the same week that the Supreme Court hears oral arguments on the future of Title IX, OCR is aggressively pursuing allegations of discrimination against women and girls by entities which reportedly allow males to compete in women’s sports,” Richey said. “Violations of women’s rights, dignity and fairness are unacceptable.”

The announcement comes amid ongoing national debate over how Title IX should be interpreted in relation to transgender students, particularly in school athletics. Soon after taking office, President Donald Trump signed an executive order stating that sex is defined as male or female at birth. The Trump administration has since cited Title IX as a basis for opposing policies that permit transgender girls to compete on female sports teams.

At the same time, New York State law and guidance from the State Education Department protect transgender students from discrimination and allow them to participate in school programs, including athletics, consistent with their gender identity. State policy also

permits students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that align with their gender identity.

The difference between federal enforcement priorities and state-level protections has placed school districts in a difficult position, particularly in states like New York where civil rights protections for transgender students are codified in law.

On Long Island, the issue has surfaced in recent months as at least two school districts adopted policies requiring students to use bathrooms and locker rooms based on biological sex or to use separate, gender-neutral facilities. Those policy changes prompted public debates, protests and legal questions about compliance with both state and federal law.

Compiled by Herald Staff

Jack Murphy Massapequa Park age 14

I want to work on my reading and baseball skills

Photo: Melanie Murphy

What is one thing you hope to do differently this year?

Breanna Pullo

Franklin Square

I want to get into the gym and exercise more, so I can live a healthier lifestyle

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Angela Ortiz Inwood

This year, I want my children’s books to reach more families and classrooms so kids feel seen.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Nicholas Carroll Malverne

I love biking around Long Island. This year, I want to bike all the way to Montauk

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Nominate your favorite local business for the 2026 Long

Island Choice Awards

Small businesses bring life to our communities. They are the restaurants, shops, and services that make each neighborhood unique and keep our local economy strong.

Eliana Turzio Rockville Centre age 11

I want to expand my skill set and improve my dance technique

Tim Baker/Herald photos

PSEG Long Island is proud to once again sponsor the Long Island Choice Awards, presented by the Herald, honoring the resilience, innovation, and dedication of local businesses across our region.

In 2026, PSEG Long Island’s commitment to helping small businesses grow is stronger than ever. Through our Business First platform, we provide resources and incentives that make a real difference. Programs like Vacant Space Revival help fill empty storefronts, Main Street Revitalization strengthens downtown districts, and Business First Advocates meet directly with owners to connect them to energy savings and business support.

Now it’s your turn to help celebrate the businesses that make Long Island thrive. Nominate your favorite local spots, your family-owned bakery, the boutique you love, or the service provider that always goes the extra mile. Your nomination helps give them the recognition they deserve and shines a light on the people and places that make our community stronger.

When small businesses thrive, we all thrive. Join us in celebrating their impact by submitting your nominations for the 2026 Long Island Choice Awards today.

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Scott Jennings, President & COO PSEG Long Island

Each Regeneron Scholar

loved every part of it.”

Frank said Stern’s passion for meteorology was evident from the start.

“Cole’s excitement about weather radiates from him,” she said. “He built his own weather station at home, participates in professional weather forums and truly loves what he does. When I read his paper, his passion came through so clearly, and that’s what made his work special.”

Stern said the idea for the project was sparked after witnessing the storm’s intense rainfall firsthand.

“I was walking home from a meeting, and the rain was unlike anything I’d ever seen,” he said. “It just kept pouring for hours. I started wondering what caused it and whether global warming played a role.”

That same storm ultimately led to the cancellation of Kennedy High School’s homecoming dance, a moment Frank said helped solidify Stern’s research focus.

The Advanced Science Research Program requires students to complete three years of independent research, and Frank said Stern’s success reflects the strength of the district’s science offerings.

“These students are doing graduate-level research in high school,” she said. “Cole may be the only scholar this year, but the level of work across the program is something the district should be incredibly proud of.”

Beyond his scientific research, Stern also is active in extracurricular activities at school. He’s a member of the math club, editor of the news section of the school newspaper, The Cougar Choir, and on the district’s bowling team. He also mentors younger students in the research program, helping them with

writing, presentations and project development.

Each Regeneron Scholar received a $2,000 award, along with an additional $2,000 designated for the school’s science program. From the 300 scholars, 40 finalists will be selected later this month to compete for top honors, including a $250,000 grand prize.

Stern said he hopes his work will help improve weather forecasting, as well as public safety.

“My research showed that warmer ocean temperatures played a critical role in heavy rainfall,” he said.

“If forecasters can better understand that, it can lead to earlier warnings and help reduce risks to life and property.”

Stern added that he plans to study meteorology in college and continue his research on climate and weather modeling.

“I want to keep studying global warming and weather systems,” he said. “If better models can help people prepare for extreme events, that’s how I want to make a difference.”

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STEPPING OUT

Feelings come to life

Inside the world of ‘Inside Out’ at Long Island Children’s Museum

By Abbey Salvemini

Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear are in the spotlight. The vibrant world of Disney Pixar’s beloved film springs to life in “Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out,” a traveling, hands-on exhibit developed by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Now ensconced at Long Island Children’s Museum, the exhibition invites kids — and adults too — to step inside the film’s emotional landscape and explore how feelings shape the way we think, act, and connect. Running through May 10, it blends play and learning to help young visitors understand the important role emotions, memory and imagination play in our everyday lives.

Designed to spark curiosity and conversation, the exhibit transforms familiar moments from the film into immersive learning experiences. Visitors can step into “headquarters,” create glowing memory spheres and experiment with how emotions interact through physical and digital play.

• Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800

• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City

According to Margo Malter, the museum’s director of exhibits, the opportunity to bring “Emotions at Play” here is especially meaningful since it offers a playful way to interpret the movie’s ideas that resonate with children and families.

“All of the activities are very open-ended and hands-on, which is really what the museum is all about,” says Malter.

Transforming “Inside Out” into a hands-on learning experience required a thoughtful balance between storytelling and play. Rather than focusing on passive observation, it’s designed to invite children to actively engage with emotions. Developed in collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios, the exhibit features iconic set pieces directly inspired by the film.

Everyone will instantly recognize and gravitate toward the immersive recreations of scenes inspired by “Inside Out.” At the Control Panel kids can pull levers and press buttons to explore the intensity of different emotions, while Emotions in Motion welcomes kids to place a memory sphere — just like in the movie — into a large, interactive machine.

Additional experiences deepen the emotional journey. Emotion Mirrors spring to life as guests step in front of them, triggering appearances by familiar “Inside Out” characters. At Range of Emotions, facial expressions are captured and identified on a screen, helping children connect expressions with feelings. A nearby writing station encourages reflection, inviting participants to choose colored paper that represents the emotions they want to express or explore.

From the vibrant color palette to the instantly recognizable environments, the installation captures the spirit of the film while staying true to the museum’s mission.

“For kids this age [2-10], it’s really about naming

A child adds colorful paper to the Long Term Memory wall, creating a glowing display inside “Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out.”

At the Control Panel, use buttons and levers to explore how emotions guide our reactions.

Everyone works together at a hands-on balance and teamwork challenge. A young visitor tries the Range of Emotions activity, exploring how feelings can look and sound different.

emotions and helping them give words to the feelings they are feeling,” Malter says. “Play is really the language of children and how they learn.”

Always, complementary programming enriches the exhibit experience. Children can create their own “memory orbs” inspired by the film or craft personalized “headquarters hats,” extending the themes of “Inside Out” beyond the gallery. Malter underscores the importance of hands-on creativity, noting the value of giving children the chance to make something tangible — an experience, and a keepsake — they can proudly take home.

At its heart, “Inside Out” delivers a powerful message: every emotion has value and a purpose. The exhibit brings that idea to life by creating a welcoming, judgment-free environment where children can explore feelings openly.

“This [exhibit] gives kids a safe space to have those conversations and for parents to give guidance,” Malter adds.

Ultimately, Malter hopes the exhibit does more than entertain for an afternoon — she envisions it as a catalyst for meaningful conversations that continue long after families leave the museum. By giving children age-appropriate tools to recognize, name and understand their emotions, the experience helps build emotional awareness and empathy at an early stage. Through hands-on activities and familiar characters, complex feelings are made accessible and relatable, encouraging children to express themselves with confidence. The result is an environment where learning feels intuitive, playful and engaging, while quietly reinforcing skills that support communication, resilience and healthy social development.

Building on the momentum of “Emotions at Play,” the museum will soon be rolling out an engaging lineup of family-friendly performances. In February and March, “Pete the Cat” arrives on its stage. Join the groovy blue feline and his pal Jimmy Biddle on an art-filled adventure that travels from New York to Paris, blending music, imagination and plenty of toe-tapping fun. The excitement continues in April and May with the return of “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical.” Based on Mo Willems’ wildly popular books and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, the high-energy production invites young audiences to follow the mischievous Pigeon in a lively, interactive theatrical experience.

Together, these performances — alongside the gallery exhibits that includie the newest permanent installation “Saltwater Stories” — offer families even more reasons to return. With a dynamic mix of theater, interactive learning and creative play, the museum continues to be a vibrant hub for discovery and family fun throughout 2026.

Ballet Hispánico’s CARMEN.maquia

Ballet Hispánico visits Tilles Center with a captivating performance that demonstrates the vitality and artistry that define the company’s work. The stunning evening-length CARMEN. maquia, offers a look at the repertory that established Ballet Hispánico as a transformative force in American dance. Since her debut in 1875, Carmen, the titular character from Bizet’s opera, has become a timeless cultural icon, inspiring generations of composers, choreographers and writers to attempt to capture her elusive and alluring nature. Highly original and full of explosive movement, this is a bold reimagining of her tragic tale. The physically charged and sensual choreography fuses contemporary dance with nods to the Spanish paso doble and flamenco. Ballet Hispánico was born from a bold vision to transform the world through the power of dance and reimagine how Latin culture is celebrated on the global stage.

Friday, Jan. 23, 8 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Art talk

Nassau County Museum of Art welcomes New York–based artist Dee Shapiro for an engaging conversation about her work featured in the “Real, Surreal, and Photoreal” exhibition. Known for her meticulously detailed paintings, Shapiro explores the interplay of geometry, architecture and a powerful sense of place, drawing viewers into scenes that feel both familiar and quietly otherworldly. During her session, Shapiro discusses selections from her City and Landscapes series, revealing how she captures the rhythm, structure and subtle poetry of urban streetscapes and natural environments alike. Her work balances precision with atmosphere, inviting close looking and fresh perspectives on spaces we often take for granted. With what appears to be a strong impetus to constantly re-invent her painterly vocabulary, her work keeps us on our toes with each of her series which she sees overall as evoking an alternate reality with absurd connection. Limited seating, so register in advance.

Sunday, Jan 25, 3 p.m. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students (members free). 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor. Register at nassaumuseum.org or call (516) 484-9337.

Your NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

JAN

22

Weight/ Strength Training with Desiree Durand

Get into shape with low-impact strength training at North Bellmore Public Library. $21 fee.

• Where: 1551 Newbridge Road

• Time: 11-11:30 a.m., also Jan. 29

• Contact: northbellmorelibrary.org

Chess for adults

Learn the fundamentals of chess with Chris Lucangeli at North Bellmore Public Library. Registration required.

• Where: 1551 Newbridge Road

• Time: 6-7:30 p.m.; also Feb. 5 and Feb. 19

• Contact: northbellmorelibrary.org

‘Anastasia The New Musical’

Molloy Performing Arts Club stages the musical inspired by the films. From Tony winners Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, creators of such Broadway classics as Ragtime and Once On This Island, this dazzling show transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.

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

• Time: 7 p.m.; also Jan. 23, 8 p.m.; Jan 24, 1 and 7 p.m.

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

JAN

24

STEM Explorers: Winter Olympics

Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to get discover all that makes Olympics competition so exciting. From speed skating to alpine skiing, the Olympics are fun to watch, but did you know that they’re also filled with science? Join the Green Teens in exploring speed, balance and aerodynamics. This is a drop-in program, free with admission.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: Noon-2 p.m.

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

Icebreaker 5K

Step into the New Year with a frigid run through Eisenhower Park.

• Where: Eisenhower Park Field 5

• Time: 9:15 a.m.

• Contact: Events.EliteFeats.com

JAN

Pete Correale

concert at their longtime Madison Theatre home. The program features Paul Hindemith’s iconic symphonic “Metamorphosis of Themes” by Carl Maria von Weber, transforming Weber’s melodies into vibrant orchestral movements, alongside other works like “Theme & Variations” and “A Passacaglia,” showcasing musical transformation through different eras and styles.

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

• Time: 7: 30 p.m.

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

Defensive Driving with Marty Hirschfield

North Bellmore Public Library holds a Defensive Driving course. Improve skills and obtain insurance discounts. Registration required.

• Where: 1551 Newbridge Road

• Time: 9: 30 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Contact: northbellmorelibrary.org

Lunar New Year Celebration

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

• Time: 9 p.m., doors open 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

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. He’s been a frequent guest on late night TV, including “The Tonight Show,” and has filmed well as filming three of his own one-hour television comedy specials, “Things We Do For Love,” “Let Me Tell Ya” and “For Pete’s Sake.” He has also released two comedy albums and has been a staff writer on several TV shows, most recently “Kevin Can Wait” on CBS as well as “The Crew” on Netflix. 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.

Holy Fire Reiki class

Dr. Kelly’s hosts sound/vibration bath helps promote the release of any negative energy and awaken your healing process.

• Where: 1762 Newbridge Road

• Time: 1-2:15 p.m.

• Contact: drkellysgrotto.com

JAN

25

In concert

Marc Berger performs songs from his western album “RIDE” at Merrick Library.

• Where: 2279 Merrick Ave.

• Time: 2-3:15 p.m.

• Contact: merricklibrary.org

Art talk

Nassau County Museum of Art hosts

Dee Shapiro, a New York–based artist, is known for her richly detailed paintings exploring geometry, architecture, and place. She discusses works from her City and Landscapes series featured in The Real, Surreal, and Photoreal exhibit, which capture the rhythm and structure of urban and natural environments.. $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

JAN

26

Messy Munchkins

Bring prechoolers to North Merrick Public Library for hands-on activities and fine motor fun.

• Where: 1691 Meadowbrook Road.

• Time: 4-4:45 p.m.

• Contact: nmerricklibrary.org

Merrick Chamber Annual Installation

The Merrick Chamber of Commerce holds its annual installation and awards celebration.

• Where: 16 Merrick Ave.

• Time: 6:30 p.m.

• Contact: merrickchamber.org

Weight/Strength Training

Get into shape with low-impact strength training at North Bellmore Public Library. $21.

• Where: 1551 Newbridge Road

• Time: 11-11:30 a.m.

• Contact: northbellmorelibrary.org

Anime & Manga Club

Kids in grades 7-12 can connect with anime fans for activities

and discussion at Merrick Library. Registration required.

• Where: 2279 Merrick Ave.

• Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

• Contact: merricklibrary.org

A Cappella Festival

SingStrong International A Cappella Festival returns to th e 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 Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City

• Time: Varied, through Feb. 1

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

South Shore Symphony

The South Shore Symphony invites all to their “Metamorphosis”

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 1- 2:30 p.m.

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

FEB

North Bellmore BOE meets The Board of Education holds its next meeting. Stay up to date on district issues.

• Where: 2616 Martin Ave.

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

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

Bellmore teacher saves student from choking

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

A Bellmore second-grade teacher is being praised for her quick thinking after she saved a 7-year-old student who was choking during snack time earlier this month at Charles A. Reinhard Early Childhood Center.

Alessia Hoffman was supervising her class on Jan. 6 when she noticed one of her students, Anderson Forman, appeared to be in distress while eating a fruit snack. Snack time was proceeding as usual, with students listening to a story while Hoffman walked around the room.

“I noticed something was off about Anderson,” Hoffman said. When she asked if he was OK, he was unable to respond verbally and shook his head no. When she asked if he could breathe, he again signaled no.

Hoffman first tried patting him on the back, but when that did not work, she had him stand up and performed the Heimlich maneuver. After three abdominal thrusts, the candy became dislodged.

Hoffman credited annual choking-response training provided by the district’s nurses for allowing her to act quickly and confidently, even though she had never expected to use the technique in a real-life emergency.

“It’s not really something that’s talked about much in graduate programs,” she said. “I’m really lucky to have such wonderful district training. I was able to implement what I learned pretty quickly.”

She also made a conscious effort to remain calm so as not to alarm the rest of the class.

“Children feed off your energy,” Hoffman said. “If they saw fear from me, they would be fearful. That was the last thing I wanted.”

Alessia Hoffman, a second-grade teacher at Charles A. Reinhard Early Childhood Center in Bellmore, saved a 7-year-old student who was choking during snack time earlier this month.

Superintendent Joseph Famularo praised Hoffman’s response and highlighted the district’s emphasis on preparedness and student safety.

“Our teachers are the first line of care for our students, and their preparation and professionalism make a profound difference every day,” Famularo said. “Having both an RN and an LPN on-site allows us to provide an exceptional level of care for Bellmore’s youngest learners, ensuring that all staff are expertly trained in life-saving protocols—from the Heimlich maneuver and EpiPen administration to rec-

ognizing allergic reactions and blood sugar emergencies.”

Famularo said that commitment was evident during the incident.

“This dedication to preparedness was on full display when one of our teachers calmly and flawlessly administered the Heimlich maneuver,” he said. “We are incredibly proud of the leadership of our teacher, Mrs. Hoffman, and our nurses, Mrs. Maini and Ms. Costa, and the remarkable composure shown by our student. This moment reflects the safe, vigilant and caring environment we work hard to maintain for our school community.”

Following the incident, Anderson was evaluated by the school nurse and determined to be OK. He remained in class for the rest of the day and suffered no injuries.

Hoffman said the experience reinforced the importance of regular safety training for educators, particularly at the elementary level.

“If I didn’t know what to do, I would have frozen,” she said. “It’s important for educators — and people in general — to have that knowledge in their back pocket.”

As a thank-you, Anderson and his family later gave Hoffman a Chick-fil-A gift card — her favorite restaurant, which she had previously mentioned to her students — along with a necklace.

Hoffman said the gesture was appreciated but unnecessary.

“I was just happy that I was able to help him,” she said.

She encouraged other educators to speak with administrators and school nurses about safety training to ensure they are prepared if a similar emergency arises.

January 22, 2026 —

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ROBERT ATELA A/K/A ROBERT T. ATELA, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on December 2, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 114 Beach Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 63, Block 223 and Lot 15. Approximate amount of judgment is $566,265.24 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 612746/2022. Cash will not be accepted. Beth Chamow, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 157810

LEGAL NOTICE NORTH BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE NORTH BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT HEREBY INVITES THE SUBMISSION OF PROPOSALS FOR THE FOLLOWING: UNIVERSAL PREKINDERGARTEN 2026-2027 RFP SPECIFICATIONS MAY BE OBTAINED AT THE NORTH BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUSINESS OFFICE LOCATED AT 2616 MARTIN AVENUE, BELLMORE, NY 11710 OR BY EMAILING A REQUEST TO:

JNEWMAN@NORTHBE LLMORESCHOOLS.ORG OR JPOLLITT@NORTHBELL MORESCHOOLS.ORG IN ALL CASES CONDITIONS AND SPECIFICATIONS OF THE NORTH BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT SHALL APPLY. SEALED PROPOSALS MUST BE MARKED, “UNIVERSAL PRE-KINDERGARTEN RFP”, AND WILL BE RECEIVED UNTIL 11:30 A.M. ON FEBRUARY 13, 2026, AT THE NORTH BELLMORE UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT BUSINESS OFFICE LOCATED AT 2616 MARTIN AVENUE, BELLMORE, NY 11710. THE BOARD OF EDUCATION RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CONSIDER QUALIFICATIONS, EXPERIENCE, AND REPUTATION IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT AUDITING SERVICES FIELD, AS WELL AS THE SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS OF A PROPOSER SET OUT HEREIN, IN CONSIDERING PROPOSALS AND AWARDING THE CONTRACT. THE BOARD OF EDUCATION RESERVE ALL RIGHTS AND MAY REJECT ANY OR ALL PROPOSALS AS IT MAY DEEM APPROPRIATE TO DO SO. BY ORDER: BOARD OF EDUCATION NORTH BELLMORE UFSD BY: CATHERINE FREEMAN PURCHASING AGENT DATED: JANUARY 15, 2026 157958

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 27th day of January 2026, at 7:00 o’clock in the evening of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Chapter l90 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead by the insertion of a location into Section l90-4, subdivision “A”, in relation to a 20 mph school speed limit, 7

AM to 6 PM, school days, as follows: “A” - 20 mph school speed limits

BELLMORE, STEWART AVENUE - between Camp Avenue and Leonard Street. (TH-613/25)

The proposed local law is on file in the office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Hempstead, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, where same may be inspected during office hours.

ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: January 13, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 157907

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 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 NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE OF THE TRUMAN 2021 SC9 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. ADAM TIBBETTS, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on July 23, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 24, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 2657 Wilson Avenue, Bellmore, NY 11710. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 56, Block 275 and Lots 288, 289 and 290. Approximate amount of judgment is $444,485.65 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #602379/2023. William J. Garry, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 223162-1 157930

EMPLOYMENT

Help Wanted

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

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

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time Positions Available!

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

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

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EDITOR/REPORTER

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

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

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

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

OUTSIDE SALES

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

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

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS

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

HomesHERALD

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Real Estate

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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?

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

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OpiniOns

Filling potholes in our roads — and in our government

Most people don’t think about local government when it’s running smoothly. They think about it when they hit a pothole.

A deep pothole can damage a car, cause an accident, slow emergency vehicles and frustrate fellow commuters who are trying to get to work or pick up their kids. Multiply that by the nearly 800,000 residents of the Town of Hempstead using 1,200 miles of roadway, and you begin to understand why road maintenance remains a core responsibility of local municipalities. We are now well into winter, and the pothole cycle has begun. The rain and snow will trickle beneath the surface of our roadways, the freezing and thawing will weaken the pavement and the daily traffic will finish the job. By late winter

and early spring, potholes will be popping up across our roadways. We know it’s coming every year, so it leaves local government with a choice: react slowly and bureaucratically, or respond quickly and fix problems before they get worse.

OThat’s why we’ve deployed the Town of Hempstead’s Pothole Patrol, a dedicated effort to identify and repair potholes quickly and efficiently during peak pothole season. We’ve also launched a new, user-friendly online portal that allows residents to report potholes in just a few clicks: hempsteadtown.com/potholepatrol.

a user to upload a photo of the problem area.

ur focus on efficiency extends well beyond road repairs, to cutting taxes.

I believe that good government should be practical. When residents see a problem, reporting it shouldn’t require navigating layers of red tape or making multiple phone calls. If you see a problem, you can tell us exactly where it is, and our teams can prioritize repairs based on real-time information. This website uses location services — if allowed — to report potholes and allows

This approach to an important government service reflects a broader principle that I believe in strongly: Government works best when it is streamlined, responsive and focused on results. Filling potholes isn’t glamorous, but it’s the kind of basic service that builds trust. When residents see their concerns addressed quickly, they know their government is listening, and working. This isn’t about reinventing government — it’s about making government work the way it should be working.

The town remains committed to repaving more than 100 miles of roadway each year, guided by responsible budgeting and strategic planning. Repairs are prioritized based on safety concerns, traffic volume and weather conditions, not politics or headlines. That’s how infrastructure should be managed — thoughtfully, consistently

and with the utmost respect for taxpayers’ dollars.

This focus on efficiency extends well beyond road repairs. By tightening operations, eliminating waste and managing taxpayer dollars responsibly, I — along with the Town Board — have been able to cut taxes while still delivering essential services and investing in infrastructure. That’s an important point: fiscal discipline and strong public services are not mutually exclusive. In fact, when government is run efficiently, residents shouldn’t have to choose between safe roads and lower taxes.

At the end of the day, filling potholes is about more than asphalt. It’s about a philosophy of governance that values efficiency over excuses and action over delay. When government focuses on doing the basics well — maintaining roads, keeping neighborhoods safe and making services accessible — everyone benefits.

When we fill the holes in our roads and remove the ones in government, the path forward is smoother for everyone.

John Ferretti is the Town of Hempstead supervisor.

A silent health threat facing Long Islanders

We are in the midst of a growing public health crisis, one that especially impacts senior citizens. Fortunately, everyone can take an active role in solving it, not just scientists, researchers and health care professionals.

Loneliness and social isolation are widespread. One in three American adults reported feeling lonely, while one in four conveyed having no social and emotional support, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This goes far beyond occasional feelings of loneliness or disconnect that everyone experiences periodically, or briefly going off the grid to recharge the body and mind. Someone who is socially isolated has few relationships and little contact with others, while those who are lonely feel like they lack meaningful or close relationships or a sense of belonging.

Research shows that prolonged loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of numerous health conditions, including cognitive decline and memory loss, depression, anxiety, stress, high

blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. They can also make existing illnesses worse; someone with Alzheimer’s disease, for example, may have accelerated symptoms due to lack of social and mental stimulation. For caregivers, they can lead to caregiver burnout.

pRegular social engagement helps stimulate the brain and support cognitive health, improves mood, encourages physical activity and better sleep, and strengthens emotional resilience. As is the case with other lifestyle choices — healthy diet, exercise, proper sleep, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption — prioritizing or neglecting it influences numerous facets of health. Loneliness and isolation occur in people of all ages, and senior citizens are especially susceptible. Older adults isolate for many reasons. Some live alone after the loss of a spouse, and don’t have relatives or close friends nearby. Others face mobility issues, such as not being able to drive and lacking alternative transportation, or have a health condition that makes going out harder. Mobility challenges are even more problematic on Long Island during the winter, when the weather makes leaving the house harder. Fear, embarrassment and self-consciousness can

also lead people to withdraw. Technology can partially bridge the gap, but not all seniors feel comfortable using video calls, smartphones or social media. Without support and training, many are left disconnected from family, friends and the larger community.

eople of all ages can feel lonely and isolated, but especially seniors.

An estimated 111,000 Long Islanders ages 65 and older — roughly one out of every five seniors — live alone, according to Newsday. Fortunately, there are a variety of free resources available to help them strengthen social bonds and stay connected.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers free daily activity programming at its AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center in Amityville, including music, creative arts, rhythm and movement, and brain games. The activities are dementia-friendly, but you don’t need to have a dementia-related illness to participate; programming is open to all seniors. Learn more and view upcoming free activities at afalongisland.org, or call the center at (631) 2234000.

Municipal senior centers offer programs and opportunities to socialize with other nearby residents. Local libraries offer activities, social gatherings and group outings, many of which center on learning about or trying some-

thing new, an added benefit for brain health. Religious institutions often have social groups for their congregations and the community.

Look into these and other options if you’re feeling lonely, and find something you might enjoy. It may require you to step out of your comfort zone, but chances are it will be worth it. We can all take small steps in our daily lives that will make a big difference. Visit or call someone instead of texting or emailing them (especially if they’re older); it will help both of you feel more connected. Encourage someone to take advantage of the services described above, and go along with them to help them break the ice. Check in with family, friends and elderly neighbors periodically to see if they need anything; that simple act will remind them that someone is thinking of them, and promote feelings of connectivity.

Social connection isn’t a luxury — it is essential for maintaining physical health, cognitive function, emotional well-being and overall quality of life. Unlike other health conditions, loneliness and isolation can’t be cured or medicated with pills. Helping hands and warm hearts are the necessary treatments. Every one of us can provide them.

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

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Bellmore

Established

Incorporating

Modernizing support for volunteer firefighters

NFax: (516) 569-4942

Web:

HERALD

ew York’s volunteer firefighters and emergency service personnel have long been the backbone of the state’s emergency response system. On Long Island and across New York, they respond not only to fires, but also to car accidents, medical emergencies, storms and disasters of every kind.

Their service saves taxpayers an estimated $3.8 billion each year, according to the Firefighters Association of the State of New York. Yet despite their value, volunteer departments are struggling to recruit and retain enough members to meet growing demands.

The reasons are familiar. Potential volunteers say they don’t have the time, that the commitment feels overwhelming, or that the system is simply too complicated to navigate. Cultural and economic changes have made it harder for people to give unpaid time, and the numbers show it: New York’s volunteer fire service has declined from roughly 120,000 members in the early 2000s to about 80,000 today. While this is not yet a full-blown crisis, it is a warning sign that action is needed now.

Now, FASNY is proposing the next step: the Volunteer Optimization Legislative Initiative. This package of 14 straightforward actions is designed to modernize how New York supports volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel, making service more feasible for today’s families and workers. Importantly, these initiatives would apply uniformly across the state, ensuring fairness and consistency for all volunteer departments.

For more than a decade, FASNY has

worked to reverse the decline in the number of volunteers. Through initiatives like Train the Recruiter classes and a statewide outreach campaign, the organization has consistently pushed creative solutions.

In recent years, that effort has been strengthened by a productive partnership with Gov. Kathy Hochul and many state legislators. Together they have delivered training stipends, grants for capital improvements and funding for equipment purchases that have made a real difference in communities statewide.

At its core, VOLI recognizes that volunteers should not be penalized financially for serving. Several proposals focus on meaningful tax relief, including an enhanced volunteer firefighter and EMS income tax credit, the ability to combine such credits with property tax exemptions, and new credits to help offset child care and family-related expenses. Housing affordability is addressed with exemptions from mortgage recording taxes and optional local relief on recording fees, helping volunteers live in the communities they protect.

Other initiatives acknowledge the real, day-to-day costs of volunteering. VOLI would allow departments or authorities having jurisdiction to reimburse volunteers’ reasonable out-ofpocket expenses without creating tax burdens. It also proposes incentives for on-call duty shifts through the Length of Service Award Program, and statefunded reimbursement mechanisms to help smaller departments afford these benefits.

Workplace realities are another major

barrier to volunteering, and VOLI tackles this head-on. Employer tax incentives would encourage businesses to hire volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel while allowing them to respond during business hours. At the same time, volunteers would gain stronger workplace protections.

Equally important, the initiative would prohibit local governments, unions or bargaining units from preventing career firefighters from volunteering in their home communities, expanding the potential pool of experienced responders.

Safety and fairness are also central themes. VOLI would bring volunteer injury benefits in line with standard workers’ compensation, ensuring equal protection when volunteers are hurt in the line of duty. It would also expand eligibility for training stipends, public service loan forgiveness, and state tuition assistance, recognizing that education and training benefit both volunteers and the communities they serve.

Taken together, these 14 initiatives do not represent radical change. They are practical, thoughtful updates that reflect modern economic realities while respecting the proud tradition of volunteer service.

With the new state legislative session under way, FASNY representatives will discuss these proposals. Implementing at least a majority of them, if not all, would strengthen recruitment and retention, protect taxpayers, and help ensure that New York’s volunteer fire and EMS system remains strong for generations to come.

Both parties share the blame for the mess we’re in

To the Editor:

Re Jerry Kremer’s column in the Jan. 1-7 issue, “For President Trump, too many missed opportunities,” I will try to be as fair and balanced as possible.

Neither a Democrat nor a Republican, I’m an independent. We are as divided as ever, but the fault for that lies at the feet of both parties. Their respective loyalties override the business of representing the needs of the people.

Since the beginning of President Trump’s second term, no matter whatever good he has done, Democrats find fault with it. The reality is that he inherited a domestic as well as an international mess that was administered by behind-thescenes figures who were propping up a cognitive declined president. A year into

Outrage on demand: Gaza gets celebs, Iran gets ignored

if you walked through the streets of Manhattan, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Chicago or Portland last year, you could hardly miss them: endless Gaza protests, celebrities on bullhorns, and nonstop media coverage treating every chant as a moral imperative.

Susan Sarandon, Mark Ruffalo and a parade of progressive icons were everywhere, lecturing the world on justice. Now that courageous Iranians are risking their lives in the streets, confronting a brutal regime, where are these moral megaphones? Where are the hashtags, the celebrity rallies and the tearjerking op-eds?

The silence is deafening.

In Iran, protesters are facing a government that has crushed dissent for decades. Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed for demanding basic freedoms. These men and women aren’t marching for Instagram applause. They are risking imprisonment, torture and death. Yet celebrity rallies vanish, elite media campaigns are absent, and the activists who claim to speak for the oppressed suddenly

Letters

office, Trump has to address affordability, with everyday costs that are crushing the majority of Americans. The expense of groceries, health care, auto and homeowner’s insurance and prescription drugs are forcing people to make hard choices, because dollars can be stretched only so far. Interest rates for mortgages and loans are still too high.

The other reality is that the president has a nine-month window to address affordability, or he will lose Congress in November. Describing it as a “hoax” was ill-advised and alienating. If Trump loses Congress, the remainder of his presidency will be tied up in gridlock and attempts to impeach him. Nothing will get done, and the American people will go backward — while the two-party system, which has outlived its usefulness, will flourish. Promoting their own agendas to finagle and scheme to stay in power, the parties will do nothing to respond to the needs of everyday people, but everything for the special interests, lobbyists, and big campaign contributors.

have nothing to say.

The left’s silence on Iran has nothing to do with principle. Their outrage is selective, because the oppressor isn’t Israel and the victims aren’t Jewish. When a cause can’t be weaponized against America or Israel, moral alarm disappears. Outrage is on demand, but only when it fits the narrative.

wFeminist voices are especially absent. Iranian women have lived under systemic oppression for nearly 47 years, subject to forced dress codes, restricted movement and brutal punishment for defiance. They are beaten, jailed and killed for demanding basic freedoms. Activists who flood social media, claiming to defend women everywhere, remain silent. Feminism filtered through ideology becomes performative rather than principled.

here were Sarandon and Ruffalo when Iranian women faced batons and bullets?

gram post receives nonstop amplification. Celebrities march alongside activists who openly embrace movements hostile to America and Israel. Symbols of terror-linked groups are tolerated or ignored. Meanwhile, ordinary Iranians who oppose the same terror-sponsoring regime receive barely a whisper. This is not moral consistency; it is ideological selectivity.

Most liberal universities provide a stark example. Administrations have tolerated or encouraged anti-Israel demonstrations while staying silent on Iranian protesters. Students who shut down lecture halls over foreign conflicts now say nothing as a regime executes dissenters and suppresses women. Silence becomes policy when outrage is inconvenient.

human rights, outrage over Tehran would match outrage over Jerusalem. Its imbalance reveals priorities that are political, not principled — and this issue is about principle, not theology. Iranian protesters demand liberty and dignity — the same rights claimed by Americans at our founding. But modern activist leftists treat Iranians’ struggle as an afterthought. Any conflict framed as “us versus the West” gets broadcast; real freedom fighters are ignored.

Where were Sarandon and Ruffalo when Iranian women faced batons and bullets? Where were the big-name voices condemning internet blackouts, executions and arrests? Their outrage is transactional and performative. When there is no ideological payoff, there is no protest. When there is no camera angle, there is no solidarity.

The silence from LGBTQ organizations is equally revealing. Homosexuality is criminalized under Iran’s regime, and public expressions of LGBTQ identity are punishable by death. If slogans and flags in American protests were serious, Iran would be condemned first. Instead activists look away, showing that their concern is political alignment, not life or liberty.

Contrast this with the Gaza protests. Every banner, every chant, every Insta-

President Trump provides a sharp contrast. Unlike celebrity activists, Trump has consistently condemned the Iranian regime’s violence and warned of consequences if the crackdown continues. That is leadership. He stands with people who fight for freedom, not people who kneel for photo ops. The president doesn’t pick and choose human rights based on hashtags. He knows that regimes that brutalize citizens and export terror are enemies of freedom.

If the left truly believed in universal

Framework by Tim Baker

Real conservatives and courageous Americans see tyranny for what it is, wherever it occurs. They support Israel because it is a democratic ally amid hostile regimes. They support Iranians’ fighting for freedom because liberty is universal.

The left has an opportunity to prove it genuinely cares about human rights. Until it does, its moral hypocrisy will remain on full display. Outrage on demand is not justice. True courage stands with freedom — everywhere, every time.

Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.