First-place winner of the NY-04 Congressional App Challenge, Nicia Warren of Roosevelt High School, receives her certificate of recognition. The competition is a nationwide challenge where students submit their apps that they coded themselves.
Warren’s app, called “Find My Food Drive,” was awarded for its ability to meet the needs of local community members facing food shortages. Story, Page 3.
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
The Rev. Harold Banarsee, senior pastor of the Freeport Church of God for 21 years, has seen numerous forms of ministry as the community has grown and changed. Banarsee first came to Freeport and the church in 1988, to serve as the executive pastor, and was later asked to become senior pastor.
Banarsee plans to continue leading the congregation, he said, “as long as the Lord would have me heading his people in this vineyard.” He added, “I really didn’t think that I would be pastoring in Freeport for all these years, but all God
has shown me the vision that this is where my base would be.”
Although he has done ministry around the world, the Freeport community is important to Banarsee, who appreciates the opportunity to meet people and form relationships from the pulpit as well as in the streets of the village.
“A pastor sees a village not only by what is built, but by who is becoming visible, welcomed and invested,” he said. “Freeport’s story, with my experience and observation, is of resilience and transition and cultural enrichment. And that really makes me feel that I find myself in the place where I want to be.”
By ANDREW FRANCIS afrancis@liherald.com
Ben Jackson, who guided the Freeport Chamber of Commerce through the pandemic as its president, was re-elected during the fall of 2025 to the leadership position once again and will serve up to two more years beginning this month. Jackson previously stepped up to the presidency role in mid-2020 without an election due to the pandemic and was re-elected during the spring of 2021 to serve another two years.
nesses and the community’s economic growth.
Jackson credited the chamber’s board of directors and the support from Freeport Mayor Robert Kennedy for the success the business group has achieved thus far.
A major goal for Jackson during his second tenure as president is to increase the chamber’s membership to further its impact on the community.
Jackson and the chamber faced unique challenges during his first stint as president, as Freeport businesses sought ways to recover economically after Covid-19 shut down much of commerce worldwide. Under Jackson and his successor, Ken Dookram, the group has increased its membership by 25 percent and revenue by 30 percent in addition to helping many local businesses recover financially.
The chamber is tasked with working with village leadership to strengthen local busi -
“I would like to get people more involved,” Jackson, 64, said. “We’re trying to make it so it’s more worthwhile to join the chamber. So we have to provide a return on your investment.”
In addition to his role as chamber president, Jackson has been part of the business group for more than 20 years, having served on its board of directors for nearly half of that time.
A lifelong resident of Freeport and alumnus of Freeport High School, Jackson has invested in Long Island commerce for more than 40 years as the owner of Ben’s General Continued on page 10
A Lindenhurst man has been indicted on multiple felony charges in connection with a high-speed, drunken crash on Atlantic Avenue in Freeport that killed a 55-year-old man returning home from work in September 2025, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly announced.
Bryan Mizhirumbay, 24, was arraigned before Judge Caryn Fink on a grand jury indictment charging him with aggravated vehicular homicide, manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, assault, driving while intoxicated and reckless driving, stemming from the late-night crash that claimed the life of Craig White, a Freeport resident and employee of AHRC Nassau. Mizhirumbay pleaded not guilty.
Bail was set at $100,000 cash, $350,000 bond, or a $1.5 million partially secured bond.
The court also ordered electronic monitoring, surrender of any and all passports, and a license suspension.
He is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 26, 2026. If convicted, he faces up to 8⅓ to 25 years in prison.
Cdrunk driver devastated the community. Craig’s many friends, colleagues, and loved ones remain in our thoughts as we prosecute this case.”
According to the indictment, on Sept. 3, 2025, at approximately 11:07 p.m., White was driving northbound on South Long Beach Avenue in Freeport, heading home from work at AHRC Nassau, when he entered the intersection at Atlantic Avenue.
friends, colleagues, and loved ones remain in our thoughts as we prosecute this case.
Anne Donnelly District Attorney
“This defendant, allegedly more than two times the legal limit for alcohol, was screaming down Atlantic Avenue in Freeport on a tragic collision course with Craig White, who was returning home from his shift at AHRC Nassau,” said DA Donnelly. “Mizhirumbay violently slammed into Craig’s vehicle at 90 miles per hour, causing catastrophic damage, and ending his life. Craig was a dedicated member of the AHRC staff, supporting the needs of individuals with disabilities serviced by the organization with kindness and compassion. His loss at the hands of an alleged
Prosecutors allege that Mizhirumbay was traveling eastbound on Atlantic Avenue at an extremely high rate of speed — as fast as 106 miles per hour in a 35-mileper-hour zone — and failed to stop for a red light at the intersection. His vehicle struck the driver’s side of White’s car.
The impact sent both vehicles across the intersection and into the westbound lanes of Atlantic Avenue.
White’s vehicle crashed through a fence on the property of Atlantic Nursery, while Mizhirumbay’s vehicle came to rest on the westbound shoulder and became engulfed in flames.
White was found unconscious and trapped inside his vehicle, which had been crushed inward toward the passenger compartment.
He was transported to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Mizhirumbay was taken to Nassau University Medical Center for treatment.
Blood drawn from Mizhirumbay at the hospital approximately one hour after the crash allegedly showed a blood alcohol concentration of .18 percent.
A review of the vehicle’s event data recorder indicated that Mizhirumbay was driving about 106 miles
Prosecutors allege the Lindenhurst driver who struck Craig White, 55, was traveling at more than 100 miles per hour and ran a red light at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and South Long Beach Avenue.
per hour three seconds before the crash and struck White’s vehicle at approximately 90 miles per hour, with intermittent braking before impact.
Mizhirumbay surrendered to the Nassau County Police Department Homicide Squad on Jan. 20, 2026.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy Bureau Chief Katie Zizza and Assistant District Attorney Brittany Battista of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Michael Bushwack and Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Litigation Division Kevin Higgins.
Mizhirumbay is represented by Steven Gaitman, Esq.
–Mohammad Rafiq
By ANDREW FRANCIS Herald reporter
The Village of Freeport shared in late January that for the 13th consecutive year, residents can expect Mayor Robert Kennedy to stand firm on preventing tax increases. The mayor submitted a budget to the Village Board of Trustees that has a zero percent tax rate increase. Kennedy has built a reputation of fiscal responsibility since he first began serving as mayor in 2013.
OThroughout his tenure, Kennedy and his administration have utilized grant reimbursements and prioritized responsible expenditures and Village safety and security to continue provide needed community services in cost-effective ways. This includes the expansion of the Freeport Police Department from 77 to 105 officers while increasing economic development for additional property tax revenues.
possible,” explained Kennedy. “That has included a grants consultant who searches for every reimbursable cent we’re entitled to.”
On Jan. 13, 2026, the budget was made available for public comment as a part of the legal process. The hearing progressed without major incident, and now the submitted budget will be reviewed by Kennedy and the Board of Trustees members.
ur goal has always been to provide our residents with the services they needed in the most costeffective way possible.
ROBER t KENNEDy Mayor
Cooperation from all Village department heads were also needed to ensure that Village funds are used efficiently and effectively.
“Our goal has always been to provide our residents with the services they needed in the most cost-effective way
Freeport Chamber of Commerce President Ben Jackson expressed pride and pleasure with the mayor’s proposed budget and the business atmosphere it fosters.
“This budget is fantastic for homeowners and business owners,” Jackson said. “We are getting more services without paying more of a tax burden. The mayor and his administration have been able to absorb contract increases, increase our police force, and other necessary things without burdening residents.”
Kennedy and the Board of Trustees must finalize and approve the budget by Feb 1, 2026, for the budget to be official. In the event that the new budget is not approved, the 2025 budget will used for another year, which also featured no tax rate increases.
The Congressional App Challenge is a nationwide competition that encourages middle and high school students to learn coding and develop mobile applications aimed at solving real-world problems. The annual challenge highlights student innovation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, with winning apps recognized by members of Congress.
Roosevelt is located within New York’s 4th Congressional District, which is represented by U.S. Rep. Laura Gillen, whose office received numerous submissions from students across Nassau County this year showcasing a wide range of technical skill and creativity.
“My office received many outstanding submissions from talented young coders across Nassau County who showcased their amazing skill and innovation,” said Rep. Gillen. “NY-04 is proud of the ingenuity demonstrated by all the students who participated and we congratulate this year’s winner, Roosevelt HS student, Nicia Warren. I wish all of these students continued success in their future endeavors and assure NY-04 families that I will continue fighting for investments in STEM education so our next generation has every opportunity to succeed.”
Congressional App Challenge participants pose with their certificates of recognition.
The first-place winner for New York’s 4th Congressional District was Roosevelt High School student Nicia Warren, who developed an app titled “Find My Food Drive.” The app creates a database of local food drives in Roosevelt, allowing users to add new food
drives, view locations on an interactive map, and find nearby food banks and food drives based on their location. By addressing the challenge of locating food assistance, the app helps eliminate barriers faced by residents who may not know when or where resources are available. Officials said the project demonstrates how student-driven technology can play a meaningful role in connecting communities with essential services.
–Mohammad Rafiq
Students in a fourth-grade dual language class at Archer Street
School examine a historical image during an in-class museum walk, part of a hands-on social studies lesson that encouraged observation, discussion and critical thinking.
Students in a fourth-grade dual language class at Archer Street Elementary School in the Freeport School District recently took a step back in time through an immersive, museum-style lesson that brought social studies to life.
During Ms. Cutillo’s class, the classroom was transformed into an interactive gallery featuring historical images from the 1600s and 1700s. Students rotated through the exhibits, closely examining each image while engaging in guided discussions with classmates.
As they moved through the room, students shared their “notices” and “wonderings,” using observation and inquiry to deepen their understanding of the historical period and make connections
to the past.
“This innovative approach to instruction allows students to actively engage with history rather than simply read about it,” said Principal Manouchka Daniel. “Through observation, discussion, and curiosity highlighted in programs such as these, our students develop critical thinking skills and a deeper appreciation for the past.”
The museum walk provided a handson learning experience that encouraged curiosity, collaboration and meaningful dialogue, effectively bringing the museum experience directly into the classroom.
–Mohammad Rafiq
The changes that Banarsee has seen over the years have, unfortunately, included many losses. He described the pandemic as “the biggest challenge the church and community has faced,” which resulted in unexpected deaths of church members and declining attendance. But the trauma brought about stronger ties in the community, as well as the implementation of online services and an increasing focus on utilizing social services.
“I think [the pandemic] brought us closer together as families, as people, as a community,” Banarsee said. “From that pandemic, I think it was only a spiritual awakening.”
Community outreach has been a staple of his leadership. His sister, Waveney Joseph, a trustee and a member of the church for over 25 years, said that it now organizes more service-oriented events.
“Before he became pastor, there was not that much outreach into the community,” Joseph said of her brother. “When his leadership started, we started a Saturday breakfast for anyone in the community. We had clothing drives for anyone in the community. We now have a congregation with Hispanics and African Americans, so, to me, outreach for souls and community outreach are two of the big changes that he implemented.”
A new challenge has impacted the church, the village and much of the surrounding area, in the form of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement activities, which have included widespread arrests and forced deportations, at the direction of the federal government. In addition to the Church of God, Banarsee oversees more than 20 other congregations in his capacity as president of the Eastern New York General Assembly of the Church of God, and he noted the spreading fear among many minority churchgoers, particularly Latinos.
“There are concerns about ICE among our leadership … we are all concerned about what people in our communities are dealing with,” Banarsee said. “I think it drove a lot of fear, and still is, in people within our community who are afraid to even go to the grocery store, to go shopping and to go out to do their daily routines.”
Freeport’s significant Latino community, he said, makes the area more susceptible to traumatization. He is aware, he said of “ICE’s presence in many of our business entities, arresting people in the community.” And Banarsee remains concerned that the agency does not always follow proper procedure or explain to people it takes into custody or their families the legal basis for its arrests.
Asked what could help reduce fear in the community while ICE is directed to uphold immigration laws, he noted that communication between federal and local authorities is key to maintaining peace in Freeport and other affected communities.
“I think if there was dialogue and conversation on these matters, I think [ICE] would be more effective and respectful,” Banarsee said.
ebenezer aduku, pastor of the united methodist Church, robert dawley, pastor of the freeport nazarene Church, mayor robert Kennedy, Stephen Lewis, pastor of the ame Church, oral Walcott, pastor of the freeport nazarene Church, Harold Banarsee, and Jose Liz, pastor of the Bible Center Church, meet for the Council of Church pastors.
Joseph added that the church can serve as a “safety net” for community members in need. “Our doors are always open,” she said, “meaning we’re always welcoming, regardless of ethnicity or status of the community members.” As an example of such support, when the church held a Thanksgiving food drive in November, families who were worried about leaving their homes had food delivered by church members.
Overall, Banarsee praised Freeport as a community “on the right track,” and described the leadership of Mayor Robert Kennedy and his administration as a crucial “turning point over the past decade.”
“His administration, I believe has been a game changer, marked by visible increases in new businesses, meaningful project development, and a stronger sense of safety and quality of life for residents in this community,” Banarsee said. “Freeport has been transformed into a village on the rise.”
The Bible will continue to serve as the “blueprint” for how Banarsee and the Church of God handle the influence of social issues in the congregation and around the village.
“What is being transmitted through social media and all of that, I think, has really created havoc in people’s lives,” Banarsee said, “because the truth in many aspects is not told, and I believe that this is the time where the church really has to be a lighthouse, a guide in society, where truth is concerned. One of the things that I am involved in right now is biblical trauma psychology, with all the mental issues that we’re dealing with in society right now. We have to turn back to the biblical principles to deal with such matters.”
rev. Harold Banarsee, left, and medical training instructor Yahhila Yisrael helped organize a Cpr training certification training that the freeport Church of god’s Health and Wellness ministries hosted.
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.
TTown Supervisor John Ferretti announced the launch of the town’s Pothole Patrol during a news conference in Merrick, citing repeated freezethaw cycles and heavy traffic as the primary causes of pavement deterioration.
hey aren’t just an inconvenience — they’re a safety issue.
JOHN FERETTi
Hempstead town supervisor
“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.
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 and infrastructure were also key pillars of the address. Hochul announced an additional $250 million investment in affordable housing and $100 million for manufactured housing, while reiterating her administration’s commitment to cutting red tape that she said has slowed development for decades.
Under her Let Them Build initiative, Hochul said the state would modernize environmental review processes to accelerate housing, clean energy and
infrastructure projects.
“We’re changing the culture around building, brick by brick,” she said, noting that more than 400 communities have signed on as “pro-housing” municipalities eligible for state funding.
Public safety was another major focus. Hochul pointed to more than $3 billion in state investments in police and public safety over the past four years and said crime, including shootings, homicides and subway crime, has declined statewide.
“We’ll never be satisfied,” Hochul said, outlining plans to expand crime analysis centers, increase police patrols in subway stations, install platform barriers at 85 additional stations and grow mental health response teams that pair law enforcement with clinical professionals.
On gun violence, Hochul proposed a first-in-the-nation law requiring 3D printers sold in New York to include software that blocks the production of firearms, targeting so-called “ghost guns.” She also called for restrictions on handguns that can be converted into automatic weapons.
“Not here. Not in New York,” she said. “That’s how we save lives and fight crime.”
Hochul also used her address to draw a sharp contrast with President Trump and federal immigration enforcement
County Executive Bruce
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.
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Contracting Corporation, based in Freeport. During Dookram’s leadership, Jackson continued to participate in chamber events and meetings, which benefited the community.
Dookram shared that the chamber’s events during the past two years have been among the organization’s greatest triumphs.
“The chamber has started looking to do some additional things for an event for members of our chamber on the [Nautical] Mile,” Dookram said. “… We’ve been able to continue to do everything that we’ve done in the past, and it’s been a good experience from my perspective.”
Dookram promised to continue working with the chamber and Jackson to meet his goals of increasing membership and emphasizing the value of membership.
Jackson said he wants to encourage other Freeport residents and business owners to serve on event committees and become members of the board of directors so they can share their opinions and have a say in what business the chamber conducts.
the Freeport Chamber of Commerce’s headquarters, at 11 richmond St., on the nautical mile, serves as a hub for local business advocacy and community events in the village.
Jackson also expressed hopes of strengthening lines of communication between the mayor and chamber members when addressing matters of Village commerce. In addition, Jackson said he hopes to foster greater unity between North and South Freeport and ensure that Latino business owners and residents of the village understand they are more than welcome to join the chamber and have a voice in Freeport matters.
“I’m personally going to businesses in North Freeport, and some of them have joined, some of them haven’t,”
Jackson explained. “There’s a language barrier, which is difficult. You know, how can they come to a meeting if they don’t understand what people are saying? So, it’s been a difficult challenge, but it is something I’m very interested in. A lot of people feel like the chamber is only the Nautical Mile, and there’s so
much more to Freeport than that.” Jackson will serve a minimum of one year as president and expressed a willingness to hand the post over next year to a worthy candidate chosen by the board of directors. In the meantime, Jackson said he’s ready to continue serving all of Freeport to the best of his abilities.
A Nassau County high school basketball referee is recovering after collapsing on a court in Freeport on Friday, Jan. 16, marking the second time in a decade that he has survived a cardiac emergency during a game.
Terry Twibell collapsed at the division line of the court just two minutes and 37 seconds into the first quarter of the Uniondale vs. Freeport girls varsity basketball game at Freeport High School, according to Omar Jolly, head of officiating for Section VIII.
Twibell suffered cardiac arrest and was revived by first responders, including Freeport athletic and medical staff and a fan who is a medical professional, who administered lifesaving care until he was stabilized. He is currently recovering in the hospital.
Relaying information provided by Twibell’s doctor, Jolly said the forceful CPR that saved Twibell’s life also caused significant injuries.
“Due to the team of people who were assisting Terry, he suffered 8 broken ribs,” Jolly said. “The doctor said he has seen many who have had their heart saved, but no ribs broken and they end up with either brain
Sue Grieco/Herald
Emergency responders and medical personnel attend to a high school basketball referee after he collapsed on the court during a girls varsity game between Uniondale and Freeport at Freeport High School on Friday, Jan. 16.
damage or being brain dead.”
Jolly added that, according to the doctor, “Terry was very fortunate to have had broken ribs because it saved him from potential brain damage or even being brain dead. Doctor said
they did an extraordinary job bringing him back and saved his life.”
Jolly said doctors also discovered a full blockage in one artery and found that two of Twibell’s previous bypass grafts had deteriorated, creating additional blockages.
Twibell was treated with blood thinners for at least two hours and received three stents. His vital signs are stable, though doctors noted elevated cholesterol levels.
In addition to his cardiac issues, Twibell suffered a laceration above his left eye, injuries to his chin, and a possible bruised jaw from the fall.
Jolly said Twibell is expected to remain hospitalized through Monday while doctors continue to monitor him and conduct further tests. He is currently reported to be stable, responsive, and speaking with visitors.
The incident echoes a similar emergency in 2016, when Twibell suffered full cardiac arrest during a basketball game in Seaford. At that time, first responders and bystanders used an AED to restore his pulse.
He was later placed in a medically induced coma and underwent quadruple bypass surgery.
Those who helped save him were later recognized by local officials. He has indicated that he plans to return to officiating, a role he has held for 20 years.
–Mohammad
Rafiq
Compiled by Herald Staff
Jack Murphy Massapequa Park age 14
I want to work on my reading and baseball skills
Photo: Melanie Murphy
Breanna Pullo Franklin Square
I want to get into the gym and exercise more, so I can live a healthier lifestyle
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Angela Ortiz Inwood
This year, I want my children’s books to reach more families and classrooms so kids feel seen.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Nicholas Carroll Malverne
I love biking around Long Island. This year, I want to bike all the way to Montauk
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Small businesses bring life to our communities. They are the restaurants, shops, and services that make each neighborhood unique and keep our local economy strong.
Eliana Turzio Rockville Centre age 11
I want to expand my skill set and improve my dance technique
Tim Baker/Herald photos
PSEG Long Island is proud to once again sponsor the Long Island Choice Awards, presented by the Herald, honoring the resilience, innovation, and dedication of local businesses across our region.
In 2026, PSEG Long Island’s commitment to helping small businesses grow is stronger than ever. Through our Business First platform, we provide resources and incentives that make a real difference. Programs like Vacant Space Revival help fill empty storefronts, Main Street Revitalization strengthens downtown districts, and Business First Advocates meet directly with owners to connect them to energy savings and business support.
Now it’s your turn to help celebrate the businesses that make Long Island thrive. Nominate your favorite local spots, your family-owned bakery, the boutique you love, or the service provider that always goes the extra mile. Your nomination helps give them the recognition they deserve and shines a light on the people and places that make our community stronger.
When small businesses thrive, we all thrive. Join us in celebrating their impact by submitting your nominations for the 2026 Long Island Choice Awards today.
Thank you,
Sincerely,
Scott Jennings, President & COO PSEG Long Island
Strong spiritual guidance is an essential part of daily activities at Long Island’s Catholic schools, creating a special sense of community among children, families, teachers, and the local parish, which reinforces moral values and an abiding respect for others. Resourceful instructors use powerful spiritual teachings and real-world experiences to bring these values to life for children, while our smaller classes allow for more personalized and productive interaction between students and teachers.
The timeless values that create better prepared, more capable, and more confident young adults. An important part of your child’s program is the learning of values. This is often the most easily observable difference in a ‘Catholic school kid’.
While the specific order and organization of when these values are taught might differ from school-to-school, the values and the discipline to live them are enduring qualities and are taught consistently across all Catholic elementary schools.
Kindergarten – Courtesy and Respect: Learning the importance of politeness and good manners in dealing with others, as well as the need to respect one another, and personal and public property.
First Grade – Punctuality and Neatness: Being on time for school and with assignments and being neat in both school work and homework.
Second Grade – Kindness and Generosity: Understanding the need to reach out and help one another and realizing the joy in giving more than is expected.
Third Grade – Hard Work and Perseverance: Recognizing the importance of diligence and a good work attitude, the satisfaction of doing our best and the need to keep trying despite obstacles.
Fourth Grade – Honesty and Responsibility: Being truthful and keeping our word, doing the right thing even when no one else is looking, accepting the consequences of our actions and
meeting our obligations.
Fifth Grade – Patience and Discipline: Learning to be patient with ourselves and others, saying “yes” to the right things and “no” to the wrong things, and taking charge of ourselves by controlling our actions and emotions.
Sixth Grade – Tolerance and Justice: Learning to accept and appreciate the differences in others and treating them with equality and fairness.
Seventh Grade – Thoughtfulness and Compassion: Understanding the needs and feeling of others and treating them with equality and fairness.
Eighth Grade – Loyalty and Courage: Caring about our relationships with others and being willing to show it through our actions; having the strength and will to do what is right even when we’re afraid or it’s unpopular.
Choosing and committing to the right Catholic school for your child can be daunting. While visiting the open houses offered system-wide during Catholic Schools Week is an excellent way to discern Catholic school possibilities for your child, there are also many ways to research school options from the comfort of your home and at a time of your choosing.
The Catholic elementary schools on Long Island provide a strong, well-rounded education for students from nursery through eighth grade. You will find welcoming early childhood centers and rigorous middle school programs. As evidenced by the Morning Star Initiative’s four pillars, you will see that each school is robustly Catholic, academically excellent, safe and supportive, and here to stay. At the same time, each school has its own special charism that you can learn more about when you visit a school or speak to a school representative. Our administrators and faculty are looking forward to welcoming you and your family!
Start
During Catholic Schools Week each school will be hosting an open house, where families are welcome to visit, learn more about the school, and meet administrators and faculty.
During each open house, information about the school’s academic, extended day, and extracurricular programs will be shared as well as how you can register your child.
You can also learn more about the open houses by visiting licatholicelementaryschools.org. Of course, you can always contact any of the Catholic elementary schools to learn more.
To get started, visit drvcschools.org. Here you can briefly learn about each school and then directly access each school’s website. You will also be able to make appointments for personal tours and request information online!
You can also visit each school’s Facebook and Instagram
Once you’ve narrowed down your list of prospective schools, you are encouraged to reach out to each school directly. The principals are waiting for your call. They are happy to answer any questions you have. If you are unable to attend the open house
or would like a more personalized tour, be sure to set one up with the school. This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know more about each school. Following your tour, please do not hesitate to follow up with each school with any additional questions you may have.
Photo: The values instilled in a Catholic education will pay dividends throughout the student’s lives.
WHY ST. AGNES?
AT ST. AGNES, WE OFFER A HOLISTIC EDUCATION THAT NURTURES THE UNIQUE ACADEMIC, SPIRITUAL, AND CREATIVE POTENTIAL OF EVERY CHILD. GUIDED BY THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH, WE BUILD A VIBRANT, FAITH-CENTERED COMMUNITY COMMITTED TO SERVICE, WORSHIP, AND PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY. KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 8 GRADE TH
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
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman spoke after being sworn in during the county’s 2026 inauguration ceremony on Jan. 12. Following his remarks, Blakeman signed new legislation aimed at protecting worshippers at religious institutions.
County Sheriff’s Department, the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, alongside Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 82.
Nassau County Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence
honoring those who have served in public service and the armed forces.
Musical selections were also provided by international vocalist Christopher Macchio, who sang “Hallelujah,” by Leonard Cohen.
“I would like to thank Hashem — God — for giving me the strength to serve as
your county executive,” Blakeman said in his remarks after his swearing in, which was conducted by his wife, Segal Blakeman, a Nassau County Family Court judge. “It’s only through the strength of God that I have the ability to serve, and I recognize that each and every day.”
“[We supported] our law enforcement, hired 600 law professionals, canceled a $150 million tax increase, didn’t raise taxes for four years, and earned seven bond upgrades,” he added, touting the achievements of his first term. “That’s unprecedented.”
Following his swearing in, Blakeman signed a bill previously approved by county legislators meant to add protection for worshippers at religious institutions. The bill prohibits demonstrations from occurring within 10 feet of a person entering or exiting a place of religious worship. It also prevents demonstrations within 35 feet of an entrance to a religious institution in the hour before a scheduled service and the hour after it ends.
“You know how I feel about religious freedom,” Blakeman said. “And the ability for people to be able to worship in their mosque, their church, their synagogue, their temple. And therefore we will protect those institutions, and we will protect people’s rights to worship freely here in the Nassau County.”
By Abbey Salvemini
Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear are in the spotlight. The vibrant world of Disney Pixar’s beloved film springs to life in “Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out,” a traveling, hands-on exhibit developed by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Now ensconced at Long Island Children’s Museum, the exhibition invites kids — and adults too — to step inside the film’s emotional landscape and explore how feelings shape the way we think, act, and connect. Running through May 10, it blends play and learning to help young visitors understand the important role emotions, memory and imagination play in our everyday lives.
Designed to spark curiosity and conversation, the exhibit transforms familiar moments from the film into immersive learning experiences. Visitors can step into “headquarters,” create glowing memory spheres and experiment with how emotions interact through physical and digital play.
• Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
According to Margo Malter, the museum’s director of exhibits, the opportunity to bring “Emotions at Play” here is especially meaningful since it offers a playful way to interpret the movie’s ideas that resonate with children and families.
“All of the activities are very open-ended and hands-on, which is really what the museum is all about,” says Malter.
Transforming “Inside Out” into a hands-on learning experience required a thoughtful balance between storytelling and play. Rather than focusing on passive observation, it’s designed to invite children to actively engage with emotions. Developed in collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios, the exhibit features iconic set pieces directly inspired by the film.
Everyone will instantly recognize and gravitate toward the immersive recreations of scenes inspired by “Inside Out.” At the Control Panel kids can pull levers and press buttons to explore the intensity of different emotions, while Emotions in Motion welcomes kids to place a memory sphere — just like in the movie — into a large, interactive machine.
Additional experiences deepen the emotional journey. Emotion Mirrors spring to life as guests step in front of them, triggering appearances by familiar “Inside Out” characters. At Range of Emotions, facial expressions are captured and identified on a screen, helping children connect expressions with feelings. A nearby writing station encourages reflection, inviting participants to choose colored paper that represents the emotions they want to express or explore.
From the vibrant color palette to the instantly recognizable environments, the installation captures the spirit of the film while staying true to the museum’s mission.
“For kids this age [2-10], it’s really about naming
A child adds colorful paper to the Long Term Memory wall, creating a glowing display inside “Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out.”
At the Control Panel, use buttons and levers to explore how emotions guide our reactions.
Everyone works together at a hands-on balance and teamwork challenge. A young visitor tries the Range of Emotions activity, exploring how feelings can look and sound different.
emotions and helping them give words to the feelings they are feeling,” Malter says. “Play is really the language of children and how they learn.”
Always, complementary programming enriches the exhibit experience. Children can create their own “memory orbs” inspired by the film or craft personalized “headquarters hats,” extending the themes of “Inside Out” beyond the gallery. Malter underscores the importance of hands-on creativity, noting the value of giving children the chance to make something tangible — an experience, and a keepsake — they can proudly take home.
At its heart, “Inside Out” delivers a powerful message: every emotion has value and a purpose. The exhibit brings that idea to life by creating a welcoming, judgment-free environment where children can explore feelings openly.
“This [exhibit] gives kids a safe space to have those conversations and for parents to give guidance,” Malter adds.
Ultimately, Malter hopes the exhibit does more than entertain for an afternoon — she envisions it as a catalyst for meaningful conversations that continue long after families leave the museum. By giving children age-appropriate tools to recognize, name and understand their emotions, the experience helps build emotional awareness and empathy at an early stage. Through hands-on activities and familiar characters, complex feelings are made accessible and relatable, encouraging children to express themselves with confidence. The result is an environment where learning feels intuitive, playful and engaging, while quietly reinforcing skills that support communication, resilience and healthy social development.
Building on the momentum of “Emotions at Play,” the museum will soon be rolling out an engaging lineup of family-friendly performances. In February and March, “Pete the Cat” arrives on its stage. Join the groovy blue feline and his pal Jimmy Biddle on an art-filled adventure that travels from New York to Paris, blending music, imagination and plenty of toe-tapping fun. The excitement continues in April and May with the return of “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical.” Based on Mo Willems’ wildly popular books and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, the high-energy production invites young audiences to follow the mischievous Pigeon in a lively, interactive theatrical experience.
Together, these performances — alongside the gallery exhibits that includie the newest permanent installation “Saltwater Stories” — offer families even more reasons to return. With a dynamic mix of theater, interactive learning and creative play, the museum continues to be a vibrant hub for discovery and family fun throughout 2026.
Ballet Hispánico 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.
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.
On Exhibit
Nassau County Museum of Art invites visitors into a world where reality is uncertain, dreams take shape, and the line between fact and imagination disappears. Works in “Real, Surreal, and Photoreal” challenge what we see and what we believe. Before abstraction took the spotlight in the mid-20th century, American artists captured the world as they saw it. This exhibit explores how artists across generations have reimagined “the real” in strikingly different ways. Works from both American and European artists are featured. On view through March 8.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: Ongoing
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Parent University: Your Mental Health Matters
A Parent University workshop focused on family mental health and wellness strategies at John W. Dodd Middle School.
• Where: 25 Pine St., Freeport
• Time: 7-8 p.m.
• Contact: freeportschools.org
‘Anastasia The New Musical’
Molloy Performing Arts Club stages the musical inspired by the films. From Tony winners Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, creators of such Broadway classics as Ragtime and Once On This Island, this dazzling show transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.
• Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: 7 p.m.; also Jan. 23, 8 p.m.; Jan 24, 1 and 7 p.m.
• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444
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
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
1
Oldies and Doo-Wop Hits Concert
Freeport Memorial Library hosts an oldies concert Hear favorites from the 1950s through 1970s, including “Kiss and Say Goodbye,” “Bye Bye Baby,” and more. Free admission.
• Where: 144 W. Merrick Road
• Time: 2:30-4 p.m.
• Contact: freeportlibrary.info or (516) 379-3274
• 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.
Art talk
Nassau County Museum of Art hosts Dee Shapiro, a New York–based artist, is known for her richly detailed paintings exploring geometry, architecture, and place. She discusses works from her City and Landscapes series featured in The Real, Surreal, and Photoreal exhibit, which capture the rhythm and structure of urban and natural environments.. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students (members free). Limited seating, register in advance.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: 3 p.m.
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
This concert at Freeport Library recreates memorable musical performances by some of the greatest artists heard at the White House over the decades. Presented by Alexander Wu and the Yamaha Piano Trio, the program celebrates American music and history through live performance. Enjoy an engaging and elegant concert experience suitable for music lovers of all backgrounds.
• Where: 144 West Merrick Road
• Time: 2:30-3:45 p.m.
• Contact: freeportlibrary.info or (516) 379-3274
26
Winter Classics at the Garden
Live music returns with a high-energy night of dance music in an upscale club setting. Enjoy sets by Hex Hector, Johnny Vicious, Razor and Dimitri Tee, with hosting by Danny Sabella, The Montana Brothers, and Classic NiteLife. Expect a vibrant atmosphere, classic vibes and an unforgettable night on the dance floor.
• Where: 385 South Main St.
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 855-7855
28
The Board of Education holds its next meeting at Caroline G. Atkinson Intermediate School. Stay up to date on district matters.
• Where: 58 Seaman Ave.
• Time: 7:30-8:30 p.m.
• Contact: freeportschools.org
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
31
The South Shore Symphony invites all to their “Metamorphosis” concert at their longtime Madison Theatre home. The program
Join Long Island Children’s Museum’s animal educator in the Hive Studio in the Feasts for Beasts Gallery to learn what goes into the care of the museum’s “residents.” Meet some of our real-life animals up close.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
Freeport BOE meets
The Board of Education holds its next meeting. All are encouraged to attend.
• Where: Atkinson School, 58 W. Seaman Ave.
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: districtclerk@ freeportschools.org
January 22, 2026 —
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 RCF 2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST LUIS M. CORDERO, ELIZABETH MATEUS, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 9, 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 2, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 18 Hotchkiss Place, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 55 Block: 395 Lot: 75. Approximate amount of judgment $486,818.66 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #614432/2022. Joseph M. Terino, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, L LC 1775 Wehrle Drive Williamsville, NY 14221 21-001160 88103 157519
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE UNDER THE POOLING AND SERVICING AGREEMENT DATED AS OF OCTOBER l, 2006, GSAMP TRUST 2006-HE7, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-HE7 Plaintiff, Against FRAZIER EDWARDS A/K/A FRAZIER EDWARDS, JR, et al Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 06/10/2025, 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 2/10/2026 at
2:00PM, premises known as 30 Porterfield Pl., Freeport, New York 11520, 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 the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, and State of New York.
Section 54 Block 91 Lot 209
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $635,724.65 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 000576/2017
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. Jared Kasschau, Esq., Referee.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 12/26/2025 File Number: 560-3683 CA 157730
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU DEUTSCHE BANK NATIONAL TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR CARRINGTON MORTGAGE LOAN, TRUST, SERIES 2005OPT2, ASSET BACKED PASS THROUGH CERTIFICATES SERIES 2005-OPT2 Plaintiff, Against CYNTHIA CRAIG A/K/A CYNTHIA A. CRAIG, et al Defendant(s)
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 06/18/2025, 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 2/9/2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 153 Connecticut Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520, 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 the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Section 0055 Block 00388.00 Lot 00198
The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $830,747.82 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 612946/2018
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. Georgia Papazis, Esq., Referee.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 12/26/2025 File Number: 18-300586 CA 157728
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., Plaintiff AGAINST DIANA J. BARNES A/K/A DIANE
CARTER A/K/A DIANA CARTER; ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered February 7, 2017, 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 5, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 39 Lessing Place, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 55 Block: 377 Lots: 1267, 1268, and 1269. Approximate amount of judgment $331,470.41 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #011584/2007. Janine T. Lynam, Esq., Referee Fein, Such & Crane, LLP 28 East Main Street
Rochest er, NY 14614 NSRNC625 88221 157625
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: 18 Bedell Street LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 9/19/25 NY Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as an agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: Law Office of Howard Colten, 53 E.Merrick Rd 237, Freeport, NY 11520 Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity. 157734
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU WELLS FARGO BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION AS TRUSTEE FOR ABFC 2006OPT1 TRUST, ASSET BACKED FUNDING CORPORATION ASSETBACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-OPT1, Plaintiff, Against ROBERT BELL,· CHRISTINE BELL, et al Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 11/26/2025, 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 11501 on 2/17/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 311 Park Avenue, Freeport, NY 11520, NY 11520, 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 the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York. Section 54 Block 309 Lot 277 and 278. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $977,850.09 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 013367/2010 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.
Scott H Siller, Esq., Referee.
MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 12/29/2025 File Number: 17-300065 CA 157829
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 REO TRUST 2017RPL1, Plaintiff, vs. THE UNKNOWN HEIRS-ATLAW, NEXT-OF KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, TRUSTEES, DEVISEES, LEGATEES, ASSIGNEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, AND GENERALLY ALL PERSONS HAVING OR CLAIMING, UNDER, BY OR THROUGH THE DECEDENTS VIOLA WHALEY AND WALTER GRABOWSKI BY PURCHASE, INHERITANCE, LIEN OR OTHERWISE, ANY RIGHT TITLE OR INTEREST IN AND TO THE PREMISES DESCRIBED IN THE COMPLAINT HEREIN, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Discharging the Guardian Ad Litem, Amending Caption, Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and for Nunc Pro Tunc Relief duly entered on August 4, 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 13, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 62 East First Street, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62, Block 69 and Lot 189. Approximate amount of judgment is $390,426.96 plus
interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #616841/2022. Cash will not be accepted. Michelle Aulivola, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 157831
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR LEGACY MORTGAGE ASSET TRUST 2019-GS7, Plaintiff -againstEULALEE PARKER; RAMON PARKER, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale dated July 26, 2023 and entered on July 28, 2023, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on February 17, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. premises situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, bounded and described as follows: BEGINNING at a point on the southerly side of Morton Avenue, distant 125 feet easterly from the corner formed by the intersection of the southerly side of Morton Avenue with the easterly side of Brookside Avenue; being a plot 50 feet by 100 feet by 50 feet by 100 feet. SBL# 0054-00299-00281 Said premises known as 61 MORTON AVE, FREEPORT, NY 11520 Approximate amount of lien $632,558.32 plus interest & costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 608057/2020.
CHESTER H. GREENSPAN, ESQ., Referee Kosterich & Skeete, LLC Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 707 Westchester Ave, Suite 302, White Plains, NY 10604 {* FREEPORT LEADER*} 157752
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, BRIDGEWELL CAPITAL, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. TANDEM ENTERPRISE LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on February 6, 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 18, 2026 at 2:30 p.m., premises known as 319 South Main Street, Freeport, NY 11520. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Freeport, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 62, Block 44 and Lot 394. Approximate amount of judgment is $1,198,937.49 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #600164/2022.
Oscar Prieto, Esq., Referee Vallely Mitola Ryan PLLC, 6851 Jericho Turnpike, Suite 165, Syosset, New York 11791, Attorneys for Plaintiff 157812
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that in accordance with the provisions of the Village Law, §4-412(9), after a public hearing on January 13, 2026, with due notice, a contract between the Incorporated Village of Freeport and the Freeport Volunteer Fire Department has been duly adopted by the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Freeport, New York, on January 13, 2026 for a fee of $151,000.00. A copy of the contract is available at the office of the Village Clerk, where it may be inspected by interested persons during office hours. BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES of the Incorporated Village of Freeport, New York.
Pamela Walsh Boening Village Clerk Issue Date: January 22,
2026 157981
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to §128-5 of the Freeport Village Code, a Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Freeport will be held to conduct public hearings on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 5:30 P.M., in the Municipal Building, Board of Trustees Conference Room, 46 North Ocean Avenue, 2nd Floor, Freeport, NY adjacent to the Mayor’s Office.
Pamela Walsh Boening Village Clerk Issue Date: January 22, 2026 157980
LEGAL NOTICE
Legal Notice for Mariners
The New York State Department of Transportation is currently performing drawbridge repairs in the Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, under contract D265324. This work affects the Wantagh Parkway Drawbridge over Sloop Channel, Loop Parkway Drawbridge over Long Creek and the Meadowbrook Parkway Drawbridge over Sloop Channel.
Repairs to these bridges include repainting of the bascule and flanking spans. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a drawbridge schedule deviation will be in effect beginning on September 15th, 2025 through March 31st, 2027, beginning with the Wantagh Drawbridge followed by the Meadowbrook Parkway Drawbridge then the Loop Parkway Drawbridge. The work on the Wantagh will be completed on or about January 30th, 2026 and begin on the Meadowbrook on or about February 2nd, 2026.The schedule deviation will restrict bridge openings for mariners to a single leaf only. Horizontal clearances will be restricted to 40 ft and, when the single leaf is opened, the unlimited vertical clearance width will be reduced to 23 ft. After March 31st, 2027 the draw spans will return to their normal operating schedule and both leaves will be able to open simultaneously for mariners.
Mariners should refer to the U.S. Coast Guard’s Local Notice to Mariners for specific dates of schedule deviations at these bridges. Project questions should be directed to (631) 952-6929 or r10rpic@dot.ny.gov. 157982
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SPECIAL MEETING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Special Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Freeport will be held Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 4:00 P.M. in the Municipal Building, 46 North Ocean Avenue, 2nd Floor, Main Conference Room, Freeport, New York 11520. Pamela Walsh Boening Village Clerk Issue Date: January 22, 2026 157979
LEGAL NOTICE
PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER’S
SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 17th, 2026, will sell at public online auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 12th, 2026 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code.
Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien
purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucou ntyny.gov/526/CountyTreasurer
Should the Treasurer determine that an inperson auction shall be held, same will commence on the 17th day of February 2026 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.
A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucou ntyny.gov/527/AnnualTax-Lien-Sale
A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 05th, 2026.
Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.
Dated: January 22, 2026 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER
Mineola, New York
TERMS OF SALE
Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record
which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts. However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased.
The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) receivership. The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau
County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.
The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid.
Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale.
This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale. Furthermore, as to the bidding,
1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy
that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.
2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.
3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.
4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.
Dated: January 22, 2026THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, New York 157891
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR BENEFIT OF THE HOLDERS OF THE CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST INC., ASSETBACKED PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2007-SHL1 Plaintiff, Against DOROTHY WATERMAN, PAULINE BROWN, et al Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 12/01/2025, 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 2/24/2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 48 Pleasant Ave, Roosevelt, NY 11575, and described as follows:
ALL that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Roosevelt, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 0055 Block 00351-00 Lot 00031 And 00032. The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $904,395.60 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 002787/2015 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. Keith Lavallee, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 1/6/2026 File Number: 560-1419 CA 157971
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE Supreme Court County of Nassau The Bank of New York Mellon FKA The Bank of New York, As Trustee For The Certificateholders CWALT, INC., Alternative Loan Trust 2006-32CB, Mortgage Pass-Through Certificates, Series 2006-32CB, Plaintiff AGAINST James A. Crittenden, Jr. a/k/a James Crittenden, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on December 8, 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 24, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 65 Sagamore Street, Freeport, NY 11520. 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: 55, BLOCK: 375, LOT: 1186-1189. Approximate amount of judgment is $367,839.74 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgmen t Index # 609700/2024. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Fay Mattana, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-100333-F00 88430 157868
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, AS SUCCESSOR-ININTEREST TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAMP TRUST 2006-HE8, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-HE8, -againstMARCIA LANDS AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES SPEARMAN LEAKE A/K/A JAMES LEAKE A/K/A JAMES SPEARMAN, 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 December 15, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK TRUST COMPANY, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, AS SUCCESSOR-ININTEREST TO U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR GSAMP TRUST 2006-HE8, MORTGAGE PASSTHROUGH
CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-HE8 is the Plaintiff and MARCIA LANDS AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES SPEARMAN LEAKE A/K/A JAMES LEAKE A/K/A JAMES SPEARMAN, 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 24, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 101 WEST FULTON AVENUE, ROOSEVELT, NY 11575; and the following tax map identification: 0055 - 00412-0000093. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT ROOSEVELT, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 008919/2015. Michael Alpert, 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. 157975
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR IN INTEREST TO BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO LASALLE BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR BEAR STEARNS ASSET BACKED SECURITIES I TRUST 2007-HE2, ASSET BACKEDCERTIFICATES SERIES 2007-HE2, Plaintiff against NINA DEMOSTHENES,
22, 2026
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Nassau University Medical Center has received $109.6 million in funding from New York state, an investment announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul in a release on Jan. 15. According to the release, the funding reflects the state’s “recognition of the hospital’s progress under new leadership and its commitment to stabilizing operations while preserving access to essential health care services for Long Island residents.”
It’s been a turbulent year at NUMC, Long Island’s only hospital. It provides health care to all residents, including the undocumented and uninsured — regardless of their ability to pay. Due to provisions that passed in the state’s budget in 2025, a restructured board was implemented at NUMC, shifting control of the hospital from Nassau County leadership to Hochul and state Democrats.
for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, which ends this March. VAPAP provides assistance to hospitals and health care providers facing financial distress. $27.5 million was provided through an Inter-Governmental Transfer associated with enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage funding tied to the coronavirus pandemic.
Of the VAPAP award, $25 million was received in August 2025, with the remaining $57.1 million anticipated in the first quarter of 2026. The $57. 1 million, along with the additional $27.5 million, was not reflected in NUMC’s previously approved budget. The combined funding, according to last week’s release, will reduce the hospital’s projected 2026 operating loss from $167.1 million to $82.5 million.
In addition, the state also granted the Nassau Interim Finance Authority, a public benefit corporation, expanded oversight, including the ability to approve hospital contracts exceeding $1 million.
A majority of the new board members at NUMC were named by Hochul throughout last year, who also designated the chairman, Stuart Rabinowitz, a former president of Hofstra University. Thomas Stokes was tapped to lead the hospital as its chief executive officer in late-2025, and began his role earlier this month. With over 25 years of experience overseeing finance and operations in top-tier health care institutions, his appointment, according to a Jan. 1 release, “brings deep expertise and a longstanding commitment to public service” to the hospital.
$82.1 million of the funding announced last week was provided through the state’s Department of Health’s Vital Access Provider Assurance Program, also known as VAPAP,
NUMC, in the release, said the state’s investment helps it build on a year of “decisive action” under the direction of the hospital’s new board, now with Stokes stepping into the chief executive role.
In his first days of leadership. Stokes has identified major opportunities to strengthen performance, while efforts to tighten financial oversight, contain costs, and improve revenue and operational efficiency continue to take hold. Stokes remarked that he was “deeply committed to restoring and strengthening this hospital for the patients and communities that depend on us.”
“With this critical investment, we can continue building a stronger, more stable future for NUMC — one that delivers the quality, access, and accountability our residents deserve,” he said.
“The board is deeply appreciative of Gov. Hochul and the Department of Health for their confidence in NUMC’s direction and leadership,” Rabinowitz added. “This funding acknowledges the difficult but necessary reforms underway and provides the financial runway needed to continue stabilizing opera -
et al Defendant(s)
Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614.
Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered November 25, 2019, 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 23, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 915 Van Buren Street, Baldwin, NY 11510. Sec 54 Block 386 Lot 7. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Baldwin, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York.
Approximate Amount of Judgment is $530,475.40 plus interest, fees, and
costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 000879/2016. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. 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.”
Andrew K Preston, Esq., Referee File # SPSNY448 157973
Nassau University Medical Center received $109.6 million in state funding in recognition of its progress under new leadership and its commitment to stabilizing operations and giving access to essential health care services for Long Island residents.
tions, improving care delivery, and positioning the hospital for long-term sustainability.”
Hospital leadership stated that it will continue to work in close partnership with the state and county stakeholders to advance reforms, strengthen fiscal accountability and maintain NUMC’s mission as a vital health care resource for Long Island.
“This funding marks an important step forward for NHCC and reflects growing confidence in the direction of its leadership,” said Richard Kessel, chairman and director of the Nassau Interim Finance Authority. “We look forward to continued collaboration in supporting NHCC’s financial stability and ensuring that public resources are managed effectively.”
The funding was well-received by local leadership on Long Island.
Legislator Olena Nicks, a Democrat, is the ranking member of the legislature’s health and social services committee, and a representative of communities that heavily rely on NUMC’s care. She said she is “committed to ensuring its long-term viability as an essential health care resource.”
“I thank Gov. Kathy Hochul for delivering nearly $110 million in vital funds to secure NUMC’s future,” she said in a statement on Jan. 16.
State Sen. Siela Bynoe, a Democrat who represents the state’s 6th District, said NUMC “is a lifeline for thousands, providing critical care for strokes, severe burns, cancer and other complex conditions.” She added that financial disarray and mismanagement has threatened NUMC’s future, which she has long fought against.
“This recent investment of nearly $110 million from New York state strengthens NUMC’s role as our region’s safety-net hospital, helping secure operations and ensure patients continue to have access to the care they need,” she said.
■ $109.6 million in state funding announced on Jan. 15
■ Funding recognizes progress under new leadership and efforts to stabilize operations while maintaining access to care
Funding sources
■ $82.1 million from the state Department of Health’s Vital Access Provider Assurance Program for FY 2025–26
■ $27.5 million through an InterGovernmental Transfer tied to enhanced federal Medicaid funding
Timeline
■ $25 million received in August 2025
■ $57.1 million expected in early 2026
■ Funds were not included in NUMC’s previously approved budget
Impact
■ Projected 2026 operating loss reduced from $167.1 million to $82.5 million
■ State assumed control of NUMC last year
■ Most board members appointed by Hochul and state Democrats; Stuart Rabinowitz named chairman
■ Thomas Stokes began his role as CEO earlier this month
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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
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Full Time and Part Time Positions Available! Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience. Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
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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
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Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours
Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
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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.
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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.
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Across Nassau County, villages are facing a financial bind that grows tighter each year. As president of the Nassau County Village Officials Association and mayor of Sea Cliff, I hear the same concern from every mayor and trustee I speak with: The state’s 2 percent property tax cap no longer reflects economic reality, and is undermining the ability of local governments to provide essential services.
The premise of the tax cap sounds simple: Limit the annual growth of the property tax levy to 2 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. In practice, this has become a structural problem for villages, because almost all major cost drivers rise far faster than 2 percent per year.
Local governments operate in the same economy as every small business and household. In recent years, insurance premiums have soared at doubledigit rates. Pension and health care obligations are set at the state level, not locally, but villages must pay them. Utility and fuel costs swing dramatically with global markets. The cost of
asphalt, concrete and construction materials continues to accelerate. Salary growth for police officers, who make up the largest portion of the budget for many villages, is determined largely by collective bargaining agreements, which are impacted by state mandates, not local discretion.
In Sea Cliff, the impact of these rising costs is real and immediate, affecting our ability to provide essential public services.
Villages are capped at increases that don’t come close to covering expenses.
Recently we contemplated the purchase of a new fire truck, a critical piece of lifesaving equipment that cannot be postponed, the cost of which has risen dramatically in recent years. This investment, vital for our community, is far beyond what we can responsibly absorb under the tax cap. A fire truck isn’t a luxury or a wish-list item; it is an essential investment in public safety. Combined with escalating state-driven expenses and other top-down mandates, the cap makes meeting basic needs increasingly difficult.
In other words, villages are being legally capped at increases that don’t even come close to covering expenses passed down directly from the state itself.
The most frustrating aspect of the cap is that Albany preserved almost all
of its own authority over local government costs while limiting our ability to raise the revenue needed to meet those obligations. Villages in Nassau County don’t spend money on luxury services. We pave roads, keep drinking water safe, operate sanitation services, maintain parks, staff local police departments and protect quality of life. These are not optional.
Municipalities are often told to “tighten their belts,” but we’ve been doing that for over a decade. We continually deliver more with less by consolidating services, sharing equipment, modernizing operations and securing grants wherever possible. There is no more belt-tightening to be done. There’s no fat to cut. Despite best efforts, costs beyond our control continue to outpace the arbitrary tax cap.
The law also misleads residents into thinking their property taxes are capped, when in fact only the village portion is. School district taxes, which make up the largest share of the bill, have separate rules. Villages, a small fraction of the overall levy, face the greatest constraints. This creates unfair pressure on the level of government closest to residents, which is responsible for paving streets, clearing snow,
responding to emergencies and maintaining infrastructure, while Albany limits our ability to fund these necessities.
The solution is not to abandon fiscal discipline. Local officials understand the burden property taxes place on homeowners — we live here, too. But the tax cap framework must be realistic, flexible and tied to the actual costs villages face. It should reflect true municipal cost drivers rather than relying solely on the consumer price index, allow for a separate, realistic cap for essential infrastructure projects, and provide multi-year budgeting flexibility. This would enable villages to plan responsibly, rather than making narrow, shortterm decisions that ultimately hurt taxpayers and local services.
Nassau County’s villages are among the strongest examples of local democracy. Residents choose villages for responsive, community-level government, but that system can’t function if Albany imposes fiscal expectations that ignore economic reality. The 2 percent tax cap may have made sense a decade ago, but today it is strangling the very municipalities entrusted with safeguarding our communities. Albany must reform this law so villages can remain safe, sustainable and vibrant.
Elena Villafane is the mayor of Sea Cliff and president of the Nassau County Village Officials Association.
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 pop-
ping 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.
That’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.
o
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.
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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
when we visit a doctor, whether for a routine check-up or a life-saving procedure — we place our lives in their hands. Our health is paramount, and we rely on skilled physicians to provide competent care. That trust makes it essential that every patient have confidence in the medical professionals who treat them.
That trust must be earned and protected, and strong safeguards are necessary to shield patients from misconduct. Yet recent reporting revealed that some physicians on Long Island were allowed to practice for months — even years — despite criminal convictions or allegations of fraud, sexual abuse and gross incompetence. These cases highlight a troubling pattern: doctors accused or convicted of serious misconduct often continue practicing with little or no disciplinary action, leaving patients vulnerable. Medical misconduct and delays in accountability remain persistent problems. Recently, Amir Sitafalwalla, a former physician from Manhasset, was sentenced to six years’ probation after sexually abusing patients at an urgentcare facility. Although he was terminat-
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.
ed by his employer and reported to the Department of Health in 2021, he did not surrender his medical license until 2025 — nearly four years later. During that time, the department had opened an investigation, yet he was still able to seek other employment, allegedly concealing the existence of that investigation when applying for a new position.
The lack of clear standards at the Office of Professional Medical Conduct has left serious complaints unresolved, exposing patients to harm and undermining trust in the system. To address these issues, I authored a bill that would establish strong guidelines, enforce corrective action and increase transparency to strengthen accountability for physicians. By holding problematic doctors responsible, we can protect patients and ensure that everyone can seek care without fear of exploitation or harm.
result in penalties including fines, suspension and retraining.
a bill I authored would strengthen accountability for physicians.
Other states, from Maine to Arizona, have established clear frameworks for penalties in cases of professional medical misconduct. Ohio’s experience demonstrates the impact of robust standards: After adopting disciplinary and fining guidelines in 2020, the state achieved a high rate of disciplinary actions against bad actors, keeping patients safe. In contrast, New York’s Office of Professional Medical Conduct does not detail the range of penalties or actions available for violations, leaving the system without consistent standards.
committee composition to increase lay representation, specifically including people with master’s or doctoral degrees in public health, bringing broader expertise and greater balance to the review process.
Additionally, the legislation would close gaps in how disciplinary histories are reviewed. Currently there is no responsibility for any committee of professional conduct to investigate whether a licensee who practiced medicine in another state or jurisdiction ever faced disciplinary action. Under the proposal, physicians undergoing disciplinary proceedings would be required to disclose any out-of-state medical licenses, and the committee would be required to review those records for any prior disciplinary action.
The legislation would establish clear consequences for serious offenses. It would also strengthen accountability for violations patients encounter, such as discriminatory treatment, unnecessary delays in care or unprofessional conduct that undermines patient trust. Egregious violations, such as sexual misconduct, would carry mandatory license revocation and public disclosure, while cases involving fraud, gross incompetence or substance impairment would
I have engaged with stakeholders, including members of the Nassau County and state medical societies, to discuss how the legislation would strengthen the Office of Professional Medical Conduct. Funded by physician licensing fees, the office’s budget has been stagnant for 20 years, with funds often diverted elsewhere, leaving investigations under-resourced. I plan to add provisions to the bill to ensure that those fees go directly to the office, allowing it to fully investigate complaints.
The bill would also restructure committees within the office to ensure that complaints are appropriately addressed. Its current board is composed of twothirds physicians and one-third lay members. The legislation would adjust
Framework by Tim Baker
Finally, the bill would strengthen reporting and transparency by requiring medical facilities to provide patients with contact information for the Office of Professional Medical Conduct and by requiring penalties or actions against licensees to be posted online within 10 days of a final determination. By setting clear standards for discipline and ensuring that patients know where to turn with concerns, this legislation would take meaningful steps to protect the public. Its reforms would help reaffirm the expectation that every New Yorker can rely on their doctor to provide safe, ethical and compassionate care.
Siela Bynoe represents the 6th State Senate District.
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