Franklin Square/Elmont Herald 01-22-2026

Franklin square/elmont

HERALD

Franklin Square Chamber swears in 2026 leadership

A new year, a freshly energized Franklin Square. On Jan. 13th, dozens gathered at Filomena’s, a prominent Italian spot, to commemorate and witness the swearing-in of new and familiar leaders for the 2026 year at the Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce Installation dinner. The honorees of the evening were sworn in, and Councilman Thomas Muscarella delivers a speech, excited to witness the growth of Franklin Square in 2026. Story, more photos, Page 3.

Elmont Cultural Center searches for a home

By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com

The Elmont Cultural Center assumes many roles across Elmont and beyond, but planning events can be difficult when your organization has no headquarters of its own. The center is looking for a place to call home, where it can host events that showcase the work it does throughout the year.

TBoard member Tamar Bailey, the daughter of the organization’s founder, Mimi Pierre Johnson, explained how the center would benefit from having its own permanent building. Since Johnson founded the organization in 2009 to serve youth and establish after-school programs, it has been focused on helping the community meet its needs despite not having so much as a permanent office.

Haitian population, which includes Johnson herself. “We need to reconnect, especially in the environment that we are in,” she said. “I feel like society has lost it.” She aims to continue providing programs that bring the community together.

he Elmont Cultural Center is such a staple, not only in Elmont, but in Nassau and Suffolk.

NIkkI LoNg Board member

A permanent home for the center would represent common ground where people could gather as the organization continues to serve them. Johnson envisions filling such a space with community resources, such as health professionals and educational workshops. It would also be a place where people could reconnect with their roots and keep their cultural identity alive.

Elmont has a richly multicultural community, which Johnson does not want to see lose its roots. It has a sizable

She gave an example of elderly Haitian immigrants having to navigate an unfamiliar world. A headquarters for the center would be a place where they could connect with others and find help.

“The Elmont Cultural CenContinued on page 10

Another productive year for Franklin Square

By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com

The 2026 Franklin Square Chamber of Commerce Installation Dinner welcomed and officially swore in its leadership for the upcoming term. Santino F. Sarrica was sworn in, hitting his 3rd year mark serving as president, and was joined by Domenico Ciaccio as secretary. Newly sworn in to the executive board was Joseph Filosa, recognized as treasurer. Joseph Romeo filled in as 1st vice president, Jaime Parra as 2nd vice president, Rosalia D’Amato as 3rd vice president, and Giuliano Brugellis as 4th vice president.

The board of directors is comprised of Joseph Ardito, Bruno Caracciolo, Joseph Petrosino, and Erik Wortmann, along with several new board directors sworn in this year: Marisa Filardo, Tony DeDomenico, Luisa Tola, Sabatino Melfi, Thomas Hoering, and Paul Capoziello.

Sarrica begins his speech by drawing on his passion for community and calling on the Franklin Square community to drive innovation and collaboration. He extends his welcome to the newly elected officers. “Your fresh energy, diverse perspectives, and your dedication are exactly what this chamber needs,” he explains. “I do not doubt that with you on the board, we are assembling the strongest team in the Chamber’s history, one that will ignite even greater achievements,” he later adds.

He also reflects upon the last 2 years, alluding to the Franklin Square com -

munity’s accolades. “Our accomplishers stand as a testament to what happens when a community comes together for a purpose.”

Last April, Franklin Square partnered with the town of Hempstead and the Quality of Life Task Force to coordinate a day of rolling up sleeves and keeping the streets clean. The month of June was transformed into commemorating the milestones of chamber members’ businesses during the annual

Spring Fair in Rath Park.

With the assistance of PSEG. the Town of Hempstead, and the Quality of Life team, they aided with Franklin’s Square’s signage, and in addition, Sarrica hopes to implement 2 more along the borders. The purpose of the signage is to further extend a warm welcome when driving into Franklin Square.

Sarrica marks this board as the strongest they have assembled. Also recognized during the dinner were Leg-

islator John Jeffery, Council Member Thomas Muscarella, and Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti for their unwavering support of the chamber.

Muscarella agrees that Franklin Square will see another successful year, given the turnout of the installation dinner. “The great fellowship for the Franklin Square Chamber is a guarantee of success for all this year,” he says. “People are very closely knit,” he adds.

Ferretti deploys new way to repair roads

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

As winter conditions continue to strain Long Island roadways, Hempstead Town officials are rolling out a new strategy to tackle potholes before they worsen during the busiest repair season of the year.

Town Supervisor John Ferretti announced the launch of the town’s Pothole Patrol during a news conference in Merrick, citing repeated freeze-thaw cycles and heavy traffic as the primary causes of pavement deterioration.

“This is the time of year where potholes form from the constant freezing and melting of rain and snow. They aren’t just an inconvenience — they’re a safety issue,” Ferretti said. “The Pothole Patrol is part of our ongoing commitment to invest in infrastructure and maintain the quality of life enjoyed by our residents. Well-maintained roads protect vehicles, improve safety, and support our local economy.”

The initiative assigns crews to monitor streets daily and respond to reported hazards in an effort to reduce vehicle damage and improve roadway safety. Four newly hired patrol workers attended the event, and town officials said the program includes two dedicated trucks operating at all times, each staffed by four employees and equipped with machinery designed to dispense asphalt quickly.

Unlike previous years, when repairs were largely complaint-driven, the new patrol will actively

search for potholes throughout the township. Pothole repairs will be prioritized based on traffic volume, visibility, and proximity to high-use locations such as schools and commercial corridors.

The initiative also introduces a new online reporting portal, developed by the town’s Information Technology Department, that allows residents to submit reports directly to the town. Users may enter an address manually or enable GPS location services on their devices to pinpoint a pothole, and photos can be uploaded to assist repair crews.

“We are relying on residents to be our eyes and ears,” Ferretti added. “By reporting potholes through our online form, they will help us prioritize repairs and respond faster. It’s a convenient way for our community to partner with us in keeping our roads in top-tier shape.”

The system can automatically determine whether a reported road falls under town, county, or state jurisdiction, and it will redirect residents if the pothole is outside town responsibility.

Ferretti addressed concerns that patched potholes may reopen, noting that full repaving cannot be done during winter months. Temporary repairs will continue until spring, when repaving resumes. The town maintains roughly 1,200 miles of roadway, repaving more than 100 miles in 2025 and planning to exceed that in 2026 as part of a 12-year plan to resurface every town road.

Residents can now utilize the reporting form at HempsteadTown.com/PotholePatrol.

Elmont highlights annual Strength for Life fundraiser

Elmont Union Free School District recognized community engagement and student achievement during the board of education meeting on Jan. 13.

This past fall, Stewart Manor School hosted its 18th annual Prediction Marathon, raising funds for Strength for Life, a local organization that supports cancer patients during and after treatments. In preparation for the event, 4th, 5th and 6th grade scholars trained in their physical education classes, learning about cardiovascular health and how to maintain a personal running pace. The marathon also incorporated math skills, as students calculated their predicted finish times using data from practice runs. Schoolwide support was

evident on race day, with students in pre-K through third grade lining the course to cheer on their classmates with pink pom-poms.

During the board meeting, the Student Council president and treasurer presented highlights from the marathon and shared its impact. Through the sale of custom-designed shirts, the school raised $2,100 for the cause, exceeding their goal.

This annual community service project teaches students the importance of contributing to a worthy cause and the power of helping others directly in the community.

–Hailey Fulmer

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.

Defense sets tone for Sewanhaka

By MICHELLE RABINOVICH sports@liherald.com

Defense is the way to go for head coach Jay Allen and the Sewanhaka boys basketball program. Entering this Friday’s game at Clarke with an 8-5 record, that is the golden detail of the Ravens. After that, it’s only upwards from there.

At large, the defensive numbers speak for themselves. The Ravens have held opponents’ combined field goal percentage to 29.%; broken apart it’s 32.4% from two and 24% from deep. Overall, they’ve allowed an average of 44 points per game, and caused an average of 16.5 turnovers.

“We feel like if we’re playing the game and [holding the opposing team] to 40s and 50s, then we have a really good chance to win,” Allen explained.

Looking internally, Sewanhaka has pulled down an average of 37.5 rebounds per game and posted 9.4 steals per game.

Lethal. The high rebounding can be explained by the two six-footers that Allen keeps in the high post, Senior Nehemy Fresnel and sophomore Nnamdi Amadike. So yes, they can keep a lid on the basket if they’re not busy cleaning up the boards.

Recent wins speak to that. A 44-40 win Jan. 14 over Carey proved as much. Fresnel had a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds, half of his offense coming from three 3-pointers. Senior Dante Anderson posted 14 points, including two shots from long range, as well as four steals. Sophomore Lance Williams made himself known, earning a pair of visits to the charity stripe, picking up 4 of his 6 points there.

A unicorn of a player to keep an eye out for is Rohan Murphy. An eighthgrade point guard, Allen explained that Murphy is adapting his game to the speed and intensity of varsity at an impeccable rate.

There was also a 51-48 win over Division last Saturday, another example of how the defense was rolling. Williams was assigned Division’s leading scorer,

Baker/Herald Eighth-grade point guard Rohan Murphy, right, is making quick progress for the Ravens, who are riding a three-game win streak.

Isaiah Faton, and Allen said that he kept him to five points below average. It was good enough to secure the win.

“We played pretty good defense on their best scorer, and we held him below his average, so that makes a huge difference as well,” Allen said. “[Williams’] defensive effort was tremendous, and without it, we wouldn’t have won.”

Offensively, Allen saw sparks of what he wanted.

“We had a great offensive game from two of our players, Dante Anderson had 26 points today, he played very well, especially in the first half,” Allen explained.

Senior Jayden Spaulding came off the bench and started at point guard against Division, but Anderson picked it up when the coaching staff realized that stimulated the offense more.

“It was really more of a point guard by committee type of action today,” Allen said after the game.

Fresnel poured in 17 points, including a pair of threes, in the effort as Sewanhaka improved to 4-3 in League 5.

“The guys really stepped it up on the offensive side and that was a big thing for us,” Allen said.

With such a steady defense, Allen looks to see this offense take off and blossom as the youthful Ravens gain experience.

“We’re super young,” he admitted. “I don’t know a lot of teams that have an eighth grader at their point guard position, and we knew there were going to be growing pains with that, but we’re basically making a five year commitment to this kid saying, ‘hey, we gotta figure it out.’”

CN Guidance & Counseling Services, a nonprofit behavioral health leader serving Long Island for more than five decades, officially opened its trans formative Community Crisis Center (CCC) in Hicks ville this December. The 24/7/365 facility provides immediate, walk-in mental health and substance use crisis care for adults, children, and families, offering a comforting, safe alternative to hospital emergency departments (where people can sometimes wait up to 10 hours to receive care).

To celebrate, CN Guidance hosted a ribbon cutting and Community Open House on Friday, December 5, followed by the CCC’s public opening on Saturday, December 6.

“The turnout and enthusiasm from the community were extraordinary,” said Jeffrey Friedman, CEO of CN Guidance. “From our partners in government and healthcare to the families and neighbors who walked through our doors, people understand how deeply needed this level of crisis care is. The Community Crisis Center is already making an impact, and we are honored to serve as a lifeline for individuals seeking immediate, compassionate support.”

Closing the Crisis Care Gap

Centrally located on Long Island, the CCC introduces an innovative model bridging emergency departments and community-based care. The center provides:

24/7/365 walk-in access for anyone in mental health and/or substance use crisis, including those brought in voluntarily by family, friends, police or mobile crisis units. Quick screening, mental health evaluation, health monitoring, medication management, outpatient detox, medication-assisted treatment for substance use, and aftercare planning for more comprehensive treatment.

24-hour nursing staff ensure safe, clinically sound alternatives to hospital care.

Peer support staff with lived recovery experience to provide person-centered, recovery-oriented care. Emergency observation and stabilization in a comfortable, non-hospital setting for both adults and children, age five and older. The CCC is co-located alongside CN Guidance’s Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), that currently provides ongoing treatment to thousands of Long Islanders each year, and represents a vital expansion of the organization’s mission to provide traumainformed, person-centered, on-demand care across the region.

Ribbon Cutting Highlights

The December 5th ribbon-cutting ceremony brought together state and local leaders, healthcare leaders, and community partners, emphasizing the CCC’s impact on

Long Island’s behavioral health landscape.

Dr. Ann Marie Sullivan, OMH Commissioner, highlighted the center as part of New York State’s broader behavioral health strategy. “The CN Guidance & Counseling’s Community Crisis Center will provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis can receive quality care in a welcoming and healing setting with the goal of continuing their recovery journey,” Dr. Sullivan said. “These Crisis Centers represent yet another way Governor Hochul’s focus on mental health is providing greater access to care for all New Yorkers.”

Through the ribbon cutting, other leaders reinforced the center’s importance:

Dr. Chinazo Cunningham, OASAS Commissioner: Spoke on the center’s role in addressing the opioid crisis: ”We have seen success from this initiative across the state, and we look forward to the benefits this new facility will provide to those on

recovery-experience-support staff and observed the center’s innovative care model, which bridges the gap between hospital emergency departments and ongoing community-based treatment.

Inside the New Center

The CCC is staffed by dozens of professionals, including nurses, licensed behavioral health specialists, certified peer recovery advocates, psychiatric nurse practitioners, substance use counselors, and behavioral health technicians. The center provides many services including assessments, therapeutic interventions, peer support, ongoing observation, medication-assisted treatment, care coordination, and discharge planning. Food, beverages, showers and a change of clothes are also provided as needed. CN Guidance was awarded millions in state and Nassau County funding to undertake and develop the center. It can serve up to 24 individuals per day and is expected to help roughly 2,000 residents annually.

Community Impact

By expanding access to care and amplifying crisis response capabilities, the CCC helps reduce ER visits, supports recovery and strengthens families across the region. Working closely with state and local partners, CN Guidance delivers these life-saving services to all Long Island residents in need, regardless of ability to pay. The center also relieves pressure on hospitals and first responders, creating a more efficient behavioral health system. Most importantly, the CCC provides immediate support close to home, helping people regain stability before challenges escalate.

Accessing Services

Long Island.”

Nassau Deputy County Executive Anissa Moore: Recognized the county’s support,public health priorities, and celebrated how the center is bringing hope to the community.

Nassau County Legislator Rose Walker: CN Guidance’s long-term community impact, and how this new facility is an amazing next step.

Hundreds of attendees toured the 6,600-square-foot facility, designed with trauma-informed spaces for children, families, and first responders to promote both safety and dignity. There they met clinical, medical, and peer-with-lived-

Residents can access the CCC 24/7/365 at 950 S Oyster Bay Rd., Hicksville, calling 516-390-6544, or learn more at centralnassau.org/programs/communitycrisis-center. Anyone experiencing a behavioral health crisis may also contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for immediate support.

Partnering for Change

Community organizations and stakeholders can help by sharing CCC information, supporting outreach efforts, or contacting CN Guidance at 516-822-6111, ssanon@CentralNassau.org or msilberstein@centralnassau.org. Partnerships make sure compassionate care reaches those who need it most.

a dozen reasons to choose Catholic Schools

A dozon reasons to choose Catholic Schools

We cultivate a faculty and staff of people who are dedicated, caring and effective.

We have a 99 percent high school graduation rate. 85 percent of our graduates go to college.

We prepare students to be productive citizens and future leaders.

We provide a safe and welcoming environment for all.

We offer an education that combines Catholic faith and teachings with academic excellence.

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We emphasize moral development and self-discipline.

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We teach children respect of self and others.

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We partner with parents in the faith formation of their children.

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We set high standards for student achievement and help them succeed. We provide a balanced academic curriculum that integrates faith, culture and life.

We instill in students the value of service to others.

We use technology effectively to enhance education.

Community aims to preserve civic identity

ter is such a staple, not only in Elmont, but in Nassau and Suffolk,” Nikki Long, another board member and a longtime Elmont resident. said. “So having a home would allow them to branch out and help so many more diverse cultures that are coming into the fold of Elmont.”

Long is a proud mother of a Sophomore at Sewanhaka High School and a co-founder of the Elmont Runners Club, a partner of the cultural center.

“There is no place for families to come together and be as one,” Long said. As an event planner for the cultural center and the running club, she imagines what the center could be, she said, with a greater capacity to plan and promote special events. Currently, however, that is nearly impossible, as the board members explain. Bailey described a number of events the center longs to host, but said it can be almost impossible to book venues for them.

A headquarters for the center, with the capacity to grow, would require financial support as well. “Don’t forget about the cultural history of Elmont, because that is so important to preserve things with history being written over,” Long says. “We want to be able to keep that history because people should know what that means.”

She emphasized that companies should invest in such an effort to preserve Elmont’s history.

Johnson said she wants to play the same role as elected officials who serve the community, securing resources for the people — and for a cultural center that brings them together, strengthening the community.

“It would be what we stand for — not in an event, but every day,” she said. “It’s part of our fabric in the community.”

By MELISSA BERMAN

every year, the elmont Cultural Center hosts an annual holiday drive while partnering with other local organizations. although the center does not have its own space, it coordinated with the elmont memorial Library to host the event, turning it into a night filled with holiday spirit for children and their families.

things to know annual rock hall scholarship

Honoring Linda Barreira’s legacy

mberman@liherald.com

The third annual The Friends of Rock Hall Linda Barreira Memorial Scholarship: Celebrating Community Passion application is live and submissions can be sent until April 1. This scholarship was made to remember Barreira in perpetuity while recognizing students who give back to their communities. They are looking for students who give a little extra and are passionate about animals, the garden and helping others just like Barreira was.

Honoring a legacy of community dedication and cultural preservation

This $1,000 scholarship celebrates the legacy of Linda Barreira, the beloved Director of Rock Hall Museum who dedicated 37 years to its growth and success. During her tenure, Linda initiated the garden club, curated permanent exhibits that still grace the museum today, and was the driving force behind the Annual Country Fair, transforming Rock Hall into a beacon of history and culture. The Friends of Rock Hall proudly carries on her mission of preserving the museum as a vibrant cultural center and promoting educational programs through fundraising activities that support educational exhibits, lectures, museum enhancements, and research.

Eligibility requirements and application timeline

To be eligible for the scholarship, applicants must be a high school junior or senior attending a private or public school or be homeschooled, and must be a resident of the Town of Hempstead. Applicants must not have previously won this award and cannot be related to a board member of the Friends of Rock Hall or an employee of Rock Hall Museum. The application period opens on January 1st and all completed applications must be submitted by 12 noon Eastern Standard Time on April 1st, with late applications not being considered.

Essay guidelines and selection process

In the spirit of Linda Barreira’s dedication to the community, applicants are invited to share a passion project or an impactful way in which they have contributed to their community through an original essay of 500 words or less. The essay must be emailed to friendsofrockhall@gmail.com with the subject line “Linda Barreira Memorial Scholarship” and must include the applicant’s name, grade, and current school. A panel of three board members of the Friends of Rock Hall will carefully review each submission, with the recipient of the $1,000 award being notified at the beginning of May and honored at the Friends of Rock Hall Annual Meeting in June at Rock Hall Museum in Lawrence with the award possibly also being presented during the recipient’s end-of-year ceremony.

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

Gov. Kathy Hochul, shown here at the Long Island Association State of the Region breakfast earlier this month, delivered her State of the State address on Jan. 13.

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

Roksana Amid/Herald Nassau 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.

Blakeman is sworn in to his second term

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

institutions.

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.

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

Nominate your favorite local business for the 2026 Long Island Choice Awards

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

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.

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

“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.”

Compiled by Herald Staff

Jack Murphy

Massapequa Park age 14

I want to work on my reading and baseball skills

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

Eliana Turzio

Rockville Centre age 11

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

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Elmont resident is granted distinguished title in Nigeria

By HAILEY FULMER hfulmer@liherald.com

Known for her tangible support in communities in Elmont and Nigeria, Emilian Emeagwali committed a life’s work of excellence. While visiting her hometown in Onitsha, Nigeria, last month with her nonprofit Giving Back to the Community Corporation, she earned the Odu title, the most prestigious title a woman can earn in Onitsha.

The Otu Odu Society has existed for centuries and is passed down from generation to generation. It’s a practice that honors a prestigious woman like Emeagwali and celebrates her strength. It’s a powerful symbol of prestige and purity in their tradition, she explains.

You have to apply to receive the title and to be accepted, your character must meet their standards. Applying for the title has been on her mind for a while, however she wanted to wait until her 5 children were finished with their education and to settle into their careers.

“It was a very memorable moment, and I wouldn’t take it away for anything,” Emilian’s son, Chuka Emeagwali, said.

It’s a very exclusive membership, and women must be affluent due to the financial requirements to join.

The elegant white attire makes the

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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

the

Everyone works together at a hands-on balance and teamwork challenge.

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

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

Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out

Long Island Children’s Museum’s welcomes all to its new exhibit. Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out provides interactive experiences that help visitors learn about the important role emotions, memory and imagination play in our everyday lives. Hands-on and digital experiences focus on the five emotions featured in the film: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear. Kids learn to recognize emotions and explore ways that we express and manage our own emotions. With related activities.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

Warm Hearts, Warm Hands with Howie’s Heart

Help bring warmth and care to those in need with Warm Hearts, Warm Hands with Howie’s Heart at Franklin Square Public Library. Participants create care bundles from donated gloves and mittens, filled with essential winter items for homeless men and women. This hands-on community service project is open to ages 10 and up and requires registration.

• Where: 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square

• Time: 6:30-8 p.m.

• Contact: FranklinSquarePL.org or (516) 488-3444

‘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

STEM Explorers: Winter Olympics

Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to get

JAN

Pete Correale

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

Lunar New Year Celebration

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

• Where: 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.

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

Rascal Flatts

Experience the energy of ‘Rascal Flatts: Life Is a Highway Tour,’ featuring the country trio’s biggest hits and fan favorites at UBS Arena. This high-energy concert delivers unforgettable performances, powerful vocals and the JAN 29

signature sound fans love. A must-see event for country music enthusiasts.

• Where: 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com

Empire Safety Driving Defense Class

Franklin Square Public Library offers the defensive driving course. Improve driving skills and obtain insurance discounts. Registration required. $33.”

• Where: 19 Lincoln Road, Franklin Square

• Time: 9 a.m.-3 p.m

• Contact: fslibrary.org or (516) 488-3444

JAN

Saturday Prayer Brunch

Enjoy a brunch and a meaningful worship with Pastor Sheree Thomas. Registration is limited. $23.18 per person.

• Where: 1489 Hempstead Tpke.

• Time: 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Contact: (516)-350-8725

JAN 30

A Cappella Festival

SingStrong International

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

• Where: Adelphi University 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” concert at their longtime Madison Theatre home. The program JAN

• 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

Amazing Animal Encounter’

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

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.

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

January 22, 2026 —

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

Public Notices

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU FLAGSTAR BANK, FSB, Plaintiff, Against NATALIE PIQUANT, YVANA PIQUANT, et al

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 11/30/2017, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction, on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, N.Y. 11501 on 1/30/2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 1573 Miriam Court, Elmont, New York 11003, and described as follows:

ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Section 32 Block 729 Lot 3

The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $784,067.32 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 14-000987 If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, the then Court Appointed Referee will cancel the Foreclosure Auction. This Auction will be held rain or shine.

Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee.

MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573

Dated: 11/26/2025

File Number: 385-0176 CA 157565

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC, Plaintiff AGAINST BEVERLY SINCLAIR, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 3, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 4, 2026 at

3:30 PM, premises known as 238-15 117th Road, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 32 Block 638 Lots 38, 39, 240. Approximate amount of judgment $807,422.76 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #605892/2024. Curtis R. Exum, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 24-000926 88193 157511

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, MORTGAGE ASSETS MANAGEMENT, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. KIM BUBANJ AKA KIM FRANCES BUBANJ, AS POSSIBLE EXECUTRIX AND AS HEIR, DEVISEE, DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BETH ANN OCANDO AKA BETHANN OCANDO, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on December 3, 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 1132 Norbay Street, Franklin Square, NY 11010. 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 35, Block 26 and Lot 335. Approximate amount of judgment is $757,623.52 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 003632/2016.

Chad A. Lupinacci, Esq., Referee Greenspoon Marder, 1345 Avenue of the Americas, Suite 2200, New York, NY 10105, Attorneys for Plaintiff 157786

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court County of Nassau Freedom Mortgage Corporation, Plaintiff AGAINST Estate of Douglas Palma, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 26, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 18, 2026 at 2:30 PM premises known as 49 Mckee Street, Floral Park, NY 11001. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 8, BLOCK: 77, LOT: 62-63. Approximate amount of judgment is $497,030.37 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 609763/2023. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Elisa Strassler Rosenthal, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT

WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-096515-F01 88315 157750

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 3-2026

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, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 13th day of January 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 3-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 3-2026, to amend Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations.

Dated:January 13, 2026 Hempstead, New York

BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 157912

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

LOCAL LAW NO. 2-2026

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, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 13th day of January 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 2-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 2-2026, to amend Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include & repealing “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations.

Dated:January 13, 2026

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 157911

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

LOCAL LAW NO. 1-2026

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, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 13th day of January 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 1--2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 1-2026, to amend Chapter 202 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “REGULATIONS &

RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking at various locations.

Dated:January 13, 2026

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 157910

LEGAL NOTICE CASE NO. 21527

RESOLUTION NO. 9-2026

Adopted: January 13, 2026

Supervisor Ferretti offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AND SETTING ASIDE CERTAIN PARKING SPACES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES FOR THE SOLE USE OF HOLDERS OF SPECIAL PARKING PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COUNTY OF NASSAU TO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS AND THE REPEAL OF CERTAIN OTHER LOCATIONS, WHICH WERE PREVIOUSLY, SET ASIDE AS PARKING SPACES FOR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS.

WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 1185-2025, adopted December 9, 2025, a public hearing was duly held on the 13th day of January 2026, at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the proposed establishment and setting aside of certain parking spaces for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons, in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, all as set forth in said resolution; and WHEREAS, after due consideration, this Town Board finds it to be in the public interest to establish and set aside certain parking spaces for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that in accordance with Section 202-48 of the

Code of the Town of Hempstead, the following parking spaces be and the same hereby is set aside for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons:

FRANKLIN SQUARE

JEFFERSON STREETwest side, starting at a point 125 feet south of the south curbline of Naple Avenue, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-587/25) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons:

BALDWIN

COLONY DRIVE - west side, starting at a point 194 feet south of a point opposite the southeast curbline of North Drive, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-49/15 - 5/12/15) (TH-583/25) ; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall enter this resolution in the minutes of the Town Board and shall publish a copy of this resolution once in a newspaper having a general circulation in the Town of Hempstead, and shall post a copy hereof on the signboard maintained by her, and file in her office affidavits of such publication and posting. The foregoing resolution was seconded by Councilmember Miller and adopted upon roll call as follows:

AYES: SIX (6) NOES: NONE (0) 157918

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

LOCAL LAW NO. 8-2026

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 was duly called and held on the 13th day of January 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 8-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Local Law No. 8-2026, to consider the

amendment of a local law to amend Chapter 202 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, in relation to restricted parking in residential areas immediately adjacent to Belmont Park Racetrack of Elmont and Bellerose Terrace, New York.

Dated:January 13, 2026

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY

Town Clerk 157917

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

LOCAL LAW NO. 4-2026

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, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 13th day of January 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 4-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 4-2026, to amend Section 197-15 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “PROHIBITION OF LEFT TURNS” at various locations.

Dated:January 13, 2026

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 157913

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing will be held by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on February 10, 2026 at 10:30 o’clock in the morning of that day for the purpose of considering the application of NEW MAGIC REALTY INC. for Special Exception (car wash and detail center addition to existing automotive repair facility) .

The property is an 11,102.7 square foot rectangular shaped parcel of land located at the northeast corner of Hempstead Turnpike and Grand Street, Elmont, New York with 131.02 feet of frontage on Hempstead Turnpike and 97.61 feet of frontage on Grand Avenue situated in Elmont, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, New York. Maps pertaining to said proposal are on file with the application above mentioned in the Office of the undersigned and may be viewed during office hours.

All persons interested in the subject matter will be given an opportunity to be heard at the time and place above designated. BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk

Dated:January 13, 2026 Hempstead, New York 157899

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 02/04/2026 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals: THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.

57/26. ELMONTEdeline Magnan, Renewal of grant to maintain 2-family dwelling., E/s Waldorf Ave., 143’ N/o Blackstone St., a/k/a 84 Waldorf Ave. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550. This notice is only for new cases in Elmont within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional

Public Notices

cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo

Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it.

157896

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Section 202-48 of the code of the Town of Hempstead entitled, “Handicapped Parking on Public Streets,” 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 adoption of a resolution setting aside certain parking spaces for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons at the following locations:

EAST ATLANTIC BEACH

MOHAWK AVENUEeast side, starting at a point 240 feet south of the south curbline of Beech Street, south for a distance of 16 feet.

(TH-616/25)

ELMONT

237th STREET - east side, starting at a point 118 feet north of the north curbline of 116th Avenue, north for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-641/25)

TERRACE AVENUEwest side, starting at a point 495 feet south of the south curbline of Atherton Avenue, south for a distance of 18 feet.

(TH-644/25)

GARDEN CITY SOUTH

WHITEHALL ROAD

SOUTH - east side, starting at a point of 285 feet south of the south curbline of Ardsley Boulevard, south for a distance of 22 feet.

(TH-605/25)

ROOSEVELT

RONALD PLACE - east side, starting at a point 459 feet south of the south curbline of East Fulton Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-597/25)

UNIONDALE

LAWRENCE STREETwest side, starting at a point 269 feet south of the south curbline of Westbury Boulevard, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-596/25)

SOUTHERN PARKWAYnorthside, starting at a point 455 feet west of the west curbline of Uniondale Avenue, west for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-625/25)

WANTAGH

BAYVIEW AVENUEeast side, starting at a point 187 feet north of the north curbline of St. Regis Street, north for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-599/25)

WOODBINE AVENUEsouth side, starting at a point 340 feet west of the west curbline of Express Way, west for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-600/25)

WEST HEMPSTEAD

BARBARA LANE - west side, starting at a point 213 feet south of the southcurbline of White Star Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-608/25) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons:

FRANKLIN SQUARE

THIRD AVENUE - north side, starting at a point 84 feet east of the east curbline of Fourth Street, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-35/11 - 6/14/11)

(TH-592/25) 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, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, N.Y.

JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 157909

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 Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following locations:

ELMONT

SUSSEX ROAD (TH 285/24) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Hathaway Avenue, north for a distance of 30 feet.

SUSSEX ROAD (TH 285/24) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of 109th Avenue, south for a distance of 30 feet.

SUSSEX ROAD (TH 285/24) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Hathaway Avenue, north for a distance of 26 feet. (NR) LYNBROOK

HIGHLAND

BOULEVARD (TH

392(B)/25) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Franklin Avenue, west for a distance of 35 feet.

HIGHLAND

BOULEVARD (TH

392(B)/25) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Franklin Avenue, west for a distance of 35 feet.

FRANKLIN AVENUE (TH 392(B)/25) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Highland Boulevard, south for a distance of 30 feet.

MERRICK LITTLE WHALENECK ROAD (TH 609/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Cameron Avenue, north for a distance of 35 feet.

OCEANSIDE

UNIONDALE

ELLEN TERRY DRIVE (TH 603/25) North Side -NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Benjamin Road, east for a distance of 60 feet.

DAVISON AVENUE (TH 622/25) North SideNO STOPPING

ANYTIME - starting at the west curbline of Oceanside Road, west for a distance of 235 feet.

NORTHGATE COURT (TH 642/25) North Side -NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Northgate Drive, west for a distance of 50 feet.

(NR) VALLEY STREAM MILFORD LANE (TH 595/25) North SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 22 feet east of the east curbline of Salem Road, east for a distance of 75 feet.

WANTAGHWANTAGH AVENUE (TH 636/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Emeric Avenue, south for a distance of 40 feet.

WANTAGH AVENUE (TH 636/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Emeric Avenue, north for a distance of 50 feet.

WEST HEMPSTEAD

BEDELL TERRACE (TH 495/25) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south for a distance of 69 feet.

BEDELL TERRACE (TH 495/25) West SideNO STOPPING

ANYTIME - starting at a point 69 feet south of the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south for a distance of 75 feet.

BEDELL TERRACE (TH 495/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south for a distance of 69 feet.

BEDELL TERRACE (TH 495/25) East SideNO STOPPING

ANYTIME - starting at a point 69 feet south of the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south for a distance of 65 feet.

WOODMERE

IRVING PLACE (TH 466/25) East SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 210 feet south of the south curbline of Cedar Lane, south for a distance of 26 feet.

IRVING PLACE (TH 466/25) East SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 355 feet south of the south curbline of Cedar Lane, south for a distance of 43 feet.

HOWE COURT (TH 647/25) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO

CORNER - starting from the west curbline of East Broadway, west for a distance of 28 feet.

ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” from the following location(s):

EAST MEADOW GREEN AVENUE (TH 150/63) East SideNO STOPPINGstarting from a point 18 feet south of a point opposite the south curbline of Warren Street, north for a distance of 72 feet.

(Adopted 5/28/63)

MARIAN COURT (TH 332/24) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the east curbline of Prospect Avenue, east for a distance of 55 feet.

(Adopted 9/4/24)

OCEANSIDE DAVISON AVENUE (TH 365/81) North SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 76 feet west of the west curbline of Oceanside Road, west for a distance of 127 feet.

(Adopted 1/26/82)

WOODMERE IRVING PLACE (TH 529/64) East SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 130 feet south of the south curbline of Cedar Lane, south for a distance of 80 feet.

(Adopted 11/24/64)

IRVING PLACE (TH 683/67) East SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 252 feet north of the north curbline of Central Avenue, north for a distance of 65 feet.

(Adopted 2/27/68)

HOWE COURT (TH 83/77) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of East Broadway, west for a distance of 28 feet.

(Adopted 7/26/77) 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, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, N.Y.

JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 157901

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

Public Notices

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 NASSAU COUNTY US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR VRMTG ASSET TRUST, Plaintiff against NANCY ROTCHFORD, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Stern & Eisenberg, P.C., 20 Commerce Drive, Suite 230, Cranford, NJ 07016 and 1131 Route 55, Suite 1, Lagrangeville, NY 12540.

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered November 3, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 20, 2026 at 3:30 PM. Premises known as 730 Ash Street, Franklin Square, NY 11010. Sec 33 Block 596 Lot 282. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the Unincorporated Village of Munson, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.

Approximate Amount of Judgment is $416,554.08 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 611471/2023. For sale information, please visit www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832.

During the COVID-19 health emergency, Bidders are required to comply with all governmental health requirements in effect at the time of the sale including but not limited to wearing face

coverings and maintaining social distancing (at least 6feet apart) during the auction, while tendering deposit and at any subsequent closing. Should a bidder fail to comply, the Referee may refuse to accept any bid, cancel the closing and hold the bidder in default. Bidders are also required to comply with the Foreclosure Auction Rules and COVID-19 Health Emergency Rules issued by the Supreme Court of this County in addition to the conditions set forth in the Terms of Sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Dominick R. Dale, Esq., Referee File # NY202000000829-2 157926

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST, -againstSARA VAZQUEZGUERRERO, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on November 12, 2025, wherein WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, D/B/A CHRISTIANA TRUST, NOT INDIVIDUALLY BUT AS TRUSTEE FOR PRETIUM MORTGAGE ACQUISITION TRUST is the Plaintiff and SARA VAZQUEZ-GUERRERO, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on February 25, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 716 NORTH ASCAN STREET, ELMONT, NY 11003; and the following tax map identification: 32-700-20.

ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ELMONT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 610277/2023. Lee A. Schwartz, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 157928

LEGAL NOTICE 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 RCAF Acquisition Trust, Plaintiff AGAINST 1803 Fairfax Street LLC, Colin Cohen, et al., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered November 26, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 19, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 1803 Fairfax Street, Elmont, NY 11003. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Elmont in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 32, Block 443, Lots 11 & 12. Approximate amount of judgment $599,621.68 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #604302/2024. Brian Davis, Esq., Referee McCalla Raymer Leibert Pierce, LLC 420 Lexington Avenue-Suite 840 New York, NY

Franklin Square receives Champion of Change honor

Franklin Square Union Free School District was formally recognized by the New York State School Boards Association for its state-of-the-art Daily Living Skills Center during the board of education meeting on Jan. 14. The Champion of Change Recognition Program highlights school district and BOCES programs that are bringing positive, meaningful change to the students, communities and districts of New York.

The Daily Living Skills Center, located at John Street School, provides a welcoming, hands-on environment where students build essential life skills, engage in meaningful group socialization and develop social-emotional competencies. Designed to resemble a home, the space includes a bedroom, playroom, living room, kitchen and dining area, along with sensory-friendly toys and furniture. Through interactive activities, students learn practical skills such as making a bed, folding towels, following recipes and setting a table.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

GITSIT SOLUTIONS, LLC; Plaintiff v. JOAN NEWBY; et al.; Defendants

Attorney for Plaintiff: Hasbani & Light, P.C.,

This school year, the district has expanded access by offering intra-district field trips for third graders, fostering inclusivity and ensuring students across the district can benefit from this unique learning experience.

“Our Daily Living Skills Center is more than a program; it is a promise. A promise that every student in our district deserves the tools to live fully, independently and joyfully,” Director of Pupil Personnel Services Dr. Pamela Taylor said.

Following the presentation on the Daily Living Skills Center, NYSSBA Area 11 Director Charmise Desiré presented the banner to the board and Superintendent of Schools Dr. Jared Bloom. The Champion of Change Recognition is determined through observations by the NYSSBA award committee, along with input from association members.

–Hailey Fulmer

450 7th Ave, Suite 1901, NY, NY 10123; (212) 643-6677

Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale granted herein on 11/10/2025, I will sell at Public Auction to the highest bidder at the Nassau Supreme Court, located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on February 24, 2026, at 2:00 PM Premises known as 135 Barbara Street, Elmont, NY 11003

Section: 32 Block: 676

Lot: 5

Approximate amount of judgment: $722,110.39 plus interest and costs.

Docket Number: 603366/2024

Tara Mayerhofer, Esq., Referee 157924

All that certain plot, piece, or parcel of land, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York. As more particularly described in the judgment of foreclosure and sale. Sold subject to the terms and conditions contained in said judgment and terms of sale.

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

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!

$22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School

516-365-5778

Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

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

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

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

OUTSIDE SALES

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

Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off.

Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS

FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and

HomesHERALD

Spacious Split

Real Estate

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

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

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

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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.

Why New York must act to stop DIY machine guns

in recent years, one trend has become impossible to ignore: Handguns are being turned into illegal machine guns with alarming ease. This isn’t a failure of enforcement or a lack of existing law. It’s the result of outdated firearm designs colliding with rapidly evolving technology, creating a public safety threat that demands action.

Across New York state, police are recovering semi-automatic pistols that have been modified with devices known as “Glock switches.” These illegal devices allow a handgun to fire continuously with a single pull of the trigger, reaching rates of fire comparable to military weapons — dozens of rounds per second, often with no control over where those bullets land. These aren’t weapons used for self-defense. They are weapons that turn everyday settings into scenes of mass harm.

Machine guns and conversion devices are already illegal under state law. That has been true for decades, yet technology has changed the landscape in ways lawmakers couldn’t have anticipated when the laws were written. Glock

switches are small, inexpensive and increasingly easy to obtain or manufacture using home 3D printers. They are difficult to detect and easy to conceal. As a result, they are showing up more frequently in violent crimes.

What makes this crisis especially urgent is that some pistols are designed in ways that make illegal conversion exceptionally simple. With household tools and minimal time, a handgun can be transformed into a machine gun. When product designs repeatedly enable criminal misuse with such devastating consequences, lawmakers have a responsibility to address the risk proactively, not retroactively.

establish a straightforward standard for firearm manufacturers that want to sell handguns in New York. Pistols would be required to be designed in a way that prevents easy conversion into machine guns.

M ore socalled Glock switches are being found in New York communities.

That’s why this issue has moved to the forefront of New York’s public safety agenda. In her 2026 State of the State address, Gov. Kathy Hochul included a proposal to confront this problem. Her plan recognizes the basic truth that enforcement alone cannot keep pace with a problem driven by design flaws and emerging technology. Preventing future harm requires setting clear safety standards before weapons even reach the market.

The governor’s proposal aligns with legislation previously introduced by me in the Assembly and by Sen. Zellnor Myrie in the Senate. Our bill would

This approach is measured and precise. It wouldn’t ban handguns. It wouldn’t confiscate firearms from current owners. It wouldn’t affect law enforcement or military use. People who already own affected pistols could keep them, repair them and sell them through lawful channels. This effort would focus solely on future sales, ensuring that New Yorkers aren’t sold weapons whose designs make illegal and deadly modification predictable.

Legislative pressure is already compelling changes in the firearm industry. Recently, Lenny Magill, founder and CEO of the GlockStore, one of the country’s largest Glock retailers, announced that Glock would soon discontinue most older models and introduce new pistols with updated triggers and slides that, he speculated, would prevent them from accepting the switches that convert them to full auto. If verified, this would represent a significant industry response to public safety concerns driven by state legislation.

This moment didn’t happen by

chance. It followed years of growing public awareness of the devastation modified pistols cause, more litigation seeking accountability from their manufacturers, and legislation that forced safer designs.

Some have argued that existing bans on machine guns should be sufficient. The evidence says otherwise. Glock switches have been used in mass shootings across the country, and are increasingly recovered in New York communities. When the law addresses only the device and not the design that enables its use, it leaves a dangerous gap that bad actors exploit.

The Supreme Court has long held that dangerous and unusual weapons fall outside the protections of the Second Amendment. A handgun designed to be converted into a machine gun fits in that category. This initiative wouldn’t strip anyone of lawful firearms. It would reinforce a longstanding principle that weapons capable of extreme and mass harm do not belong in the public market — or in our neighborhoods.

When loopholes in design allow weapons of war to be assembled in minutes, the cost is measured in lives. Governor Hochul’s proposal would close that loophole and reaffirm New York’s commitment to public safety. It is a necessary step that we must take now.

Michaelle Solages represents the 22nd Assembly District.

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Modernizing support for volunteer firefighters

New 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

It’s time for Albany to put New Yorkers first

since being elected to my first term as a state senator in 2023, I have seen how issues raised by Senate Republicans are often ignored, only to resurface months later as priorities for the governor or the legislative majorities. One such example is the legislation introduced over a year ago by the Republican conference to eliminate state taxes on tipped wages.

I am proud to cosponsor this legislation, because it’s a real solution that would allow residents to keep more of their earnings. My colleagues in the Senate Republican conference and I have raised the alarm on affordability and public safety, because these are the issues directly impacting families, workers and small businesses across New York state.

New York’s affordability crisis didn’t happen overnight. It is the product of years of policy decisions made without consideration of the eventual consequences of those policies, which have increased the cost of necessities for all New Yorkers. Many Democratic politicians in Albany still believe we can

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.

spend our way out of the affordability crisis they have created.

Recently I’ve spoken about how cashless bail and the revolving door of criminal justice have affected the price of consumer goods and insurance across the state. After the implementation of cashless bail, shoplifting became sport for those brazen enough to walk into stores, empty the shelves and walk out with hundreds of dollars of merchandise while taunting the employees to stop them if they dared. Companies made decisions to allow shoplifters to walk away rather than risk harm to their employees.

Tonly offering Band-Aids as “solutions.”

Even before I took office, our conference warned that these reforms went too far and would have serious consequences. Since then, my colleagues and I have put forward multiple legislative solutions for the governor and legislative majorities to consider, including my bill that would restore judicial discretion to detain defendants who credibly pose a danger to the community, a legal principle that is recognized in 49 states.

he challenges we face every day can only be solved with real policy changes.

The eventual effect of this policy was that retailers absorbed the losses, paid higher insurance premiums and raised prices to make up the difference, affecting all of us. Insurance companies paying out claims for those losses also increased their rates for all New Yorkers. This trickle-down effect of cashless bail impacting affordability wasn’t considered by the shortsighted State Legislature.

Since the state passed bail and discovery reforms in 2019, it has become an almost annual tradition for the governor to pay lip service to the harms this policy has caused the state, while

Albany-driven energy policies are also driving up taxes and utility costs, increasing energy bills for families and imposing costly burdens on small businesses. While I support taking steps to safeguard our environment, eliminating reliable sources of energy and favoring less-reliable sources is reckless and dangerous. The State Energy Planning Board recently acknowledged that reality by adopting an energy plan that delays the benchmarks for reducing emissions set forth in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act passed in 2019.

But this half-measure isn’t enough. We must advance legislation that includes transparency by utility companies, limitations on rate increases, and

Framework by Tim Baker

realistic deadlines so families aren’t forced to pay the price for policies that move faster than technology, infrastructure and New Yorkers’ wallets can support.

In the wake of several high-profile incidents and tragedies involving squatters in 2024, I brought an amendment to the Senate floor to correct state laws that were empowering and emboldening squatters. While my proposal was voted down at the time, a similar, albeit watered-down, proposal was ultimately tucked into the final state budget not long afterward. Time and again, the governor and the legislative majorities initially deny the realities and challenges New Yorkers are facing — which members of my conference and I consistently voice in the Senate chamber — only to later acknowledge these realities and pass legislative halfmeasures to pretend the problem is solved.

These challenges New Yorkers face every day didn’t happen overnight, and they can only be solved with real policy changes, not more spending and empty promises. In this year’s legislative session, I will continue to fight for real solutions: lowering costs, holding criminals accountable and giving families, workers and small businesses the stability they need to thrive.

Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick represents the 9th State Senate District.

January 30th • 10:00am

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