Being funny for a good cause
Kiwanis clubs from Lynbrook, Valley Stream and Island Park joined forces last Sunday at Governors Comedy Club to raise money for the New York District Kiwanis governor’s project, an initiative focused on supporting children in foster care. Above, Lynbrook Kiwanis members. At right Gace Fiocco performed. Story, more photos, Page 10.
By HERNESTo GAlDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com
Long Island residents who rely on public transportation are paying more to get to work and commute around the region after a Metropolitan Transportation Authority fare increase took effect on Jan. 4. The base fare to board New York City’s subways and buses rose from $2.90 to $3, the first increase in more than two years. While the 10-cent hike amounts to less than a 4 percent increase, fares also went up on the Long Island Rail Road, which many South Shore commuters depend on for daily travel into Manhattan.
On the LIRR, monthly, weekly and one-way peak fares jumped an average of 4.5 percent, with some one-way fares rising by as much as 8 percent. The MTA said monthly ticket prices would not exceed $500, noting that current monthly fares are roughly equivalent to 2019 prices when adjusted for inflation, following a suspend-
ed increase in 2021 and a temporary discount in 2022.
MTA Chairman Janno Lieber called the new prices, “modest fare increases.”
The MTA board approved the fare increases in September, but implementation was delayed until the beginning of 2026 as the agency completed the transition from the MetroCard to the OMNY contactless payment system.
In addition to higher fares, several policy changes regarding tickets are now in effect for LIRR riders. One-way tickets are now valid only until 4 a.m. the day after purchase, replacing the previous 60-day validity period. A new unlimited Day Pass has replaced roundtrip tickets, and a mobile “payas-you-go” discount now offers a free trip after 10 rides within a 14-day period.
Critics, including Rep. Laura Gillen, who represents a large swath of the South Shore, accused the MTA of a “cash grab,” arguing that the agency hit Long Islanders with
Continued on page 7
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For the Lynbrook Titans Football & Cheer program 2025 was another season for the books and the local youth organization celebrated in style with and the traditional end of season banquet at the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant in Franklin Square on Jan. 10.
Over 440 attendees including athletes from both football and cheer, parents, coaches and board members gathered together to recognize the achievements of all the boys and girls. All participants received trophies, and teams also awarded their respective MVPs, Heart of the Titans, and Golden Pom recipients.
Highlights of our 2025 season included:
Record enrollment in the program overall.
The first time ever our cheer program’s enrollment matched our football enrollment.
A record number of sponsors supported our program, with 37 local small businesses from Lynbrook and surrounding communities sponsoring the 2025 season.
Three football teams represented the Lynbrook Titans in the Nassau County Youth Football League playoffs, including the 9-, 11- and 12-year-olds.
The 11-year-old team made it to the Division 2 Championship game at Mitchell Field Athletic Complex, unfortunately falling to Garden City.
The new executive board of directors was introduced at the banquet, led by newly elected President Ralph Vallarella. The new executive board of directors for 2026 includes:
President: Ralph Vallarella
Vice President: Samantha Grenier
Secretary: Danielle Davis
Treasurer: Michael Pellizzi
Football Director: John McHugh
Cheer Director: Maria Dente-Higgins
Sergeant At Arms: Greg Denk
New 2026 Board Committee Members: Jack Kennedy, John Bernabe, Dawn Sahakian, JT Quinn, Chris Magee, Tom Clancy and Samantha Riccobono.
Three longtime executive board members whose terms ended at the end of 2025, including were honored.
Ex-President Tom Clancy
Ex-Vice President Regine Grandmougin
More than 440 people filled the banquet hall at the Plattduetsche Park Restaurant for the Titans’ annual post-season celebration.
Day will be in March. Additional Information and details will be posted on the website, LynbrookTitans. com.
By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com
The 66-year-old Florida man accused of murder in a decades-long cold case long believed to be linked with the Gilgo Beach serial killings, has requested a second attorney for his defense.
Andrew Dykes, a resident of Ruskin, Florida, returned to Nassau County Court on Jan. 16 in front of Judge Tammy Robbins as his court-appointed defense attorney, Joseph LoPiccolo, filed a motion requesting a second counsel: criminal defense attorney Robert Schalk, for Dykes’s defense. Nassau prosecutors did not object. Schalk is a former Nassau County Assistant District Attorney and his current practice is based in Mineola.
Dykes pleaded not guilty to murdering Tanya Denise Jackson at the Nassau County Court House last month. In June 1997, parts of Jackson’s dismembered body were found in Hempstead Lake State Park. Her body was unidentifiable at the time and she was referred to as “Peaches” due to a heart-shaped peach tattoo located on her chest. Officials released Jackson’s identity last April.
In 2011 more of Jackson’s remains, along with the body of an unidentified child, were discovered buried alongside Ocean Parkway in Gilgo Beach during a search for victims of the Gilgo Beach serial killer. In 2016 DNA evidence linked Peaches to the body of Baby Doe as mother and daughter.
An American Army veteran and former Tennessee state trooper, Dykes is the father of Jackson’s daughter, Tatiana Marie Dykes, who was also murdered. Her remains were found near Cedar Beach in 2011. Dykes and Jackson were not married at the time of the murders. His DNA was found at the crime scene via a vaginal swab on Jackson’s remains. Detectives in Florida tailed Dykes and recovered a discarded straw, which was found to be a match.
“The grand jury minutes point out that, unfortunately, she was killed, and she had a relationship with Mr. Dykes,” LoPiccolo acknowledged to reporters outside the courtroom, however, he also
Luke
Joseph LoPiccolo, accused ‘Peaches’ killer Andrew Dyke’s attorney, fielded questions from reporters following filing a motion for a second attorney for his client’s defense.
claimed that “it does not show anything that establishes that he caused her death.”
Representing the District Attorney’s Office were Assistant District Attorneys Daryl Levy and Ania Pulaski, they did not speak to the media after the hearing, and in an email the District Attorney’s Office said that it had no comment “beyond our statements made on the record,” during the proceedings. Robbins addressed Dykes, dressed in a grey sweat suit and handcuffed behind his back, several questions asking if he understood the motions being filed. “Yes, your honor,” he answered each time. Robbins set a date of Feb. 25 for the next hearing in the case, both to rule on the motion for a second chair as well as to turn over more evidence to the defense. Dykes will not present in court for that meeting. Aundrey Dykes, his 43-year-old son who maintained his father’s innocence, was present for the proceedings.
PICKING UP WHERE she left off last winter when she earned All-County honors as well as Conference Player of the Year honors after leading the Vikings to 15 wins, McGowan ranks among Nassau’s top 20 scorers at 15.8 points per game as Seaford sits in the driver’s seat in Conference 7 with a 6-0 record (8-4 overall.) She scored in double figures in nine of the first dozen games as well as served as a key figure on the defensive end.
Thursday, Jan. 22
Girls Basketball: Plainedge at Seaford 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Carey at V.S. North 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: C.S. Harbor at Malverne 7:00 p.m.
Friday, Jan. 23
Girls Basketball: Baldwin at Farmingdale 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Uniondale at Hempstead 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Massapequa at Syosset 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Wantagh at V.S. North 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: North Shore at Malverne 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Jericho at Calhoun 6:45 p.m.
Girls Basketball: MacArthur at Long Beach 6:45 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Port Wash at E.Meadow 6:45 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Plainview at Freeport 6:45 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Oceanside at Massapequa 6:45 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 24
Girls Basketball: West Hemp at East Rock 10 a.m.
Boys Basketball: Malverne at North Shore 11:45 a.m.
Girls Basketball: Clarke at Sewanhaka 11:45 a.m.
Girls Basketball: Elmont at South Side 11:45 a.m.
Girls Basketball: Plainedge at V.S. South 11:45 a.m.
Boys Basketball: East Rock at West Hemp 11:45 a.m.
Boys Basketball: Herricks at Oceanside 1 p.m.
Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”
High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a winter sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.
By NICK MONGIOVI sports@liherald.com
For a Lynbrook girls basketball team that started 2-7 overall and 0-2 in League A-1, the Owls have settled in as they orchestrated a three-game win streak.
Over that span, Lynbrook beat Mineola, 44-37, Jan. 9, Valley Stream North, 45-40, Jan. 12, and red-hot Plainedge, 36-29, Jan. 15.
Against Plainedge, the two teams were tied heading into the fourth quarter. The Owls outscored the Red Devils 14-7 thanks to senior Sam Marsiglia’s performance from long distance in the final frame to come out victorious.
“Sam came off the bench and she hit two threes early in the fourth quarter,” Lynbrook head coach Dan Drumm said.
“Once she hit those two threes, we were up and they kind of started pressing a little bit. They got into a little foul trouble. We were breaking the press and we started scoring a little bit. It was definitely a tight game the whole way.”
Marsiglia was the hero against Plainedge, as she racked up a couple of rebounds as well.
Lynbrook improved to 4-2 in league and entered this week in third place, holding the tiebreaker over Plainedge. Senior Mia Corley and junior Jessie Vuotto tallied a team-leading 9 points each in the win.
Vuotto is the leading scorer for the Owls, averaging 14.4 points per game.
“She’s our one returning starter from last year and she’s had experience going to one semifinal and two finals for the counties,” Drumm said of Vuotto.
“She’s got a ton of experience and she outworks everybody every day. That’s our thing; we have a very hard-working team, but she’s the leader of that.”
Crashing the glass was an important part of the team’s win over Plainedge, as Vuotto snagged 14 rebounds and Corley grabbed 12. Corley also added 9 points and three steals.
During the three-game win streak, Vuotto totaled of 40 points, with an 18-point performance in the win against Valley Stream North. Against both VSN
Junior Jessie Vuotto totaled 40 points during a three-game win streak that has the Owls at 4-2 in League A-1.
and Plainedge, it was a back-and-forth affair until the fourth quarter, when the Owls pulled away. This team isn’t shy when it comes to pulling out close games.
“I do [think these close games will help later in the season when things tighten up] and last year, their team was excellent,” Drumm said. “All five starters could play and a lot of their games were blowouts, just because they were an excellent team. Losing four out of five starters on that team put us in a spot where these girls have to step up
now and that’s why a lot of our games are close. They’re gaining their experience on the run.”
In addition to Vuotto, the other two senior captains, Natalie Kehoe and Maggie Matterra, have led through all the adversity. Kehoe scored a season-high 8 points against Valley Stream North, while Drumm said Matterra “leads with her voice,” gaining respect from teammates.
The Owls host Valley Stream South Jan. 28 at 5 p.m.
congestion pricing, to incentivize LIRR use, and then punished those who switched to the LIRR with fare hikes.
In the month before the price hikes went in effect, the LIRR broke weekend ridership records, and officials said that 183,250 people rode the train on Saturday, Dec. 13, the largest number of Saturday riders since the pandemic. Eight days later, 152,661 customers rode the LIRR registering the highest postpandemic Sunday ridership.
“We continue to shatter ridership records because we are providing plenty of service to meet demand and remain focused on improving the customer experience,” LIRR President Rob Free stated in a news release. “The LIRR is the best way to travel not just during the holiday season but throughout the year, and we look forward to breaking more records in 2026.”
The MTA also expanded its Family Fare program, allowing children ages 5 to 17 to ride an LIRR train for $1 when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, including during peak hours. Reducedfare tickets for older adults, people with disabilities and Medicare recipients are now valid at all times, including during the morning rush.
The fare increases will generate about $350 million annually for the MTA, helping to support its roughly $21 billion operating budget, which covers
benefits, utilities and debt payments. More than a quarter of the MTA’s operating revenue comes from fares. Despite the modest increase, transit advocates note that higher costs could still strain household budgets for Long Island commuters who depend on the
five days a week. Have an opinion on the LIRR fare hikes? Send a letter to jbessen@liherald.com.
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.
WHY CHOOSE OUR LADY OF PEACE SCHOOL?
Rooted in the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy, OLP accepts the call to educate the whole child in the spirit of service and compassion.
OLP offers a rigorous, foundational curriculum in ELA, Math, Science, Social Studies, Spanish, STEM and special classes seamlessly integrated with daily prayer.
OLP strives as a community, coupled with God’s love, to inspire each child to grow spiritually and academically in a diverse and increasingly challenging world. We emphasize respect, responsibility, and service to foster a positive, safe and disciplined learning environment.
OLP offers opportunities for
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!
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
Determining what’s best for your child
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.
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
AGNES
By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com
Kiwanis clubs from Lynbrook, Valley Stream and Island Park joined forces on Jan. 18 to raise money for the New York District Kiwanis governor’s project, an initiative this year focused on supporting children in foster care.
The fundraiser, held at Governors Comedy Club in Levittown, brought together members from three clubs in the Long Island Southwest Division along with community guests for an evening of entertainment and philanthropy.
Proceeds raised by the Island Park Kiwanis Club will be used to assemble “blessing bags” for children in foster care.
Each year, the elected Kiwanis governor selects a charitable project of personal significance. This year’s effort — spearheaded by the current governor for the New York Kiwanis district, Carla Ingram — centers on providing comfort and dignity to foster care children, who often have few personal belongings of their own. Funds raised will go toward purchasing duffel bags or rolling luggage filled with items such as blankets,
books, puzzles, small toys, games and toiletries.
Despite snowy weather, attendance remained strong with about 50 Kiwanis members and guests participating. The event featured performances by six comedians, each bringing a different style of humor, creating what Davis described as a “lively and upbeat atmosphere.” In addition to the comedy show, attendees took part in raffles that included 20 prize baskets and a 50-50 drawing.
Kiwanis members said the strong turnout reflected continued community support for Kiwanis’ service mission
and the importance of the governor’s project.
“Nothing brings people together like an evening with great friends, good food and lots of laughs, all while supporting organizations that work so hard to improve our communities,” said Tina Castelluzzo, president of the Valley Stream Kiwanis Club said.
Community members interested in contributing to the blessing bags or learning more about Kiwanis are encouraged to contact the Lynbrook Kiwanis Club at Facebook.com/people/ Lynbrook-Kiwanis Club.
By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN agriffin@liherald.com
Sean Daniel Ledwith, of Malverne, died in his sleep on Jan. 11. He was 45. Sean was the beloved husband of Shannon Ledwith (née Sullivan), his high school sweetheart and wife of 18 years, and the devoted father of four children: Maeve, Sean Jr., Connor and Finn. He graduated from Our Lady of Peace School, Kellenberg Memorial High School — where he met his wife — and Adelphi University.
He was the son of the late Peter K. Ledwith and Susan Ledwith (née Boyd) of Lynbrook, and the beloved son-inlaw of Mary Ann Hanson and Patrick and Lynn Sullivan, all of Malverne. His sister is Town of Hempstead Councilwoman Laura Ryder.
Sean’s warmth, humor and generosity left an impression on everyone he met. Whether laughing with friends over a Jets or Knicks game or shuttling his kids to their many activities, he radiated love and commitment. He was a tireless father, navigating difficult schedules with Shannon to ensure their children had access to a Catholic education and meaningful opportunities.
“When you think of Sean, you have
an incredible number of warm thoughts that come,” Tom Atkinson, his brother-in-law said. “But I think the word that comes first is loyalty, in that he was incredibly loyal and faithful to his family, to his kids, to his wife of 18 years, to his country having served three tours and to the police department.”
After a successful career in software sales, Sean answered a lifelong calling in May 2014 and joined the Nassau County police. Over his 12-year career, he rose to duty as a plainclothes officer and was selected for the department’s elite Bureau of Special Operations, where he served with distinction in tactical and high-risk operations.
Said to be a proud Marine, Sean completed three overseas deployments: two in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and one in Kosovo with a United Nations peacekeeping force. His service earned him numerous honors, including the Iraqi Campaign Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal (Second Award), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (Second Award) and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (with Combat Distinguishing Device) — and it reads:
“— His leadership never wavered in
the face of an aggressive and determined enemy. Sergeant Ledwith’s initiative, perseverance, and total dedication to duty reflected credit upon him and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service.”
Sean served in many roles throughout his life — Marine sergeant, police officer, quarterback, lifeguard, youth coach, husband, father, son and brother — but above all, he will be remembered for his unwavering devotion to the people and communities he loved.
“He was quick to laugh, and would just be so thrilled to see you almost no matter who you are, which was nice,” Atkinson said. Sean touched everyone. “He was really just a wonderful guy.”
He is also survived by nine siblings, 28 brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, 32 nieces and nephews (and counting), countless friends and innumerable brothers in blue from the Nassau County Police Department and fellow Marines from the United States Marine Corps.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Ledwith Family Trust, c/o Ledwith and Atkinson, 81 Hempstead Ave., Lynbrook.
To make donations to the Ledwith Family Trust, visit, gofund.me.
By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com
Gov. Kathy Hochul used her 2026 State of the State address Jan. 13 to present an ambitious agenda focused on affordability, public safety and social services — while Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, her likely Republican challenger in this year’s gubernatorial race, sharply criticized the speech and questioned her record in office.
The state of the state of New York is strong, and we’re just getting started.
“The state of the state of New York is strong, and we’re just getting started,” Hochul said in her fifth State of the State, at Albany’s Hart Theater, framing the coming year as one focused on easing the financial strain on families while continuing investments in safety, housing and infrastructure.
GOv. KATHy HOcHul
At the core of Hochul’s address was a renewed push for universal child care, which she described as the most pressing affordability issue facing working families. The governor outlined plans to expand prekindergarten statewide, with the goal of achieving universal pre-K for 4-year-olds by 2028, while piloting yearround, full-day child care for children from birth to age 3.
“This plan will ultimately deliver universal child care for every family in New York, full stop,” Hochul said, drawing sustained applause.
She cited the high cost of care, particularly in New York City, where annual expenses can range from $26,000 to $40,000, calling the burden “almost impossible” for many parents. Hochul said the state would expand subsidies, strengthen its voucher system and improve tax incentives for employers who invest in child care benefits.
Beyond child care, Hochul framed affordability as a broader economic challenge, pointing to proposals aimed at lowering utility and auto insurance costs. She said the state would crack down on staged car accidents and insurance fraud, streamline utility assistance programs and protect consumers from steep rate hikes, while continuing investments in clean energy.
Housing, infrastructure, public safety
Housing and infrastructure were also key pillars of the address. Hochul announced an additional $250 million investment in affordable housing and $100 million for manufactured housing, while reiterating her administration’s commitment to cutting red tape that she said has slowed development for decades.
Under her Let Them Build initiative, Hochul said the state would modernize environmental review processes to accelerate housing, clean energy and
Tim Baker/Herald
Gov. Kathy Hochul, shown here at the Long Island Association State of the Region breakfast earlier this month, delivered her State of the State address on Jan. 13.
infrastructure projects.
“We’re changing the culture around building, brick by brick,” she said, noting that more than 400 communities have signed on as “pro-housing” municipalities eligible for state funding.
Public safety was another major focus. Hochul pointed to more than $3 billion in state investments in police and public safety over the past four years and said crime, including shootings, homicides and subway crime, has declined statewide.
“We’ll never be satisfied,” Hochul said, outlining plans to expand crime analysis centers, increase police patrols in subway stations, install platform barriers at 85 additional stations and grow mental health response teams that pair law enforcement with clinical professionals.
On gun violence, Hochul proposed a first-in-the-nation law requiring 3D printers sold in New York to include software that blocks the production of firearms, targeting so-called “ghost guns.” She also called for restrictions on handguns that can be converted into automatic weapons.
“Not here. Not in New York,” she said. “That’s how we save lives and fight crime.”
Immigration, civil rights, federal tensions
Hochul also used her address to draw a sharp contrast with President Trump and federal immigration enforcement
Roksana Amid/Herald Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman spoke after Hochul’s address, criticizing her agenda and calling for tax credits for working families with children.
child care affordability and instead proposed tax credits for working parents, though he did not offer specific details. He said those credits would be worth more than those proposed by Hochul. He also criticized Hochul’s handling of the migrant crisis, pointing to what he described as nearly $5 billion in state spending to manage the influx of asylum seekers, largely centered in New York City.
policies. She said New York would not allow the use of state resources to assist in federal immigration raids involving people who have not committed serious crimes, and would bar U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from entering schools, day cares, hospitals and houses of worship without a judicial warrant.
“We will not bow to a wannabe king,” Hochul said, adding that congestion pricing in New York City “is staying on.”
The governor also proposed legislation that would allow New Yorkers to sue federal officers in state court for alleged violations of their constitutional rights, framing the measure as a safeguard against abuses of power.
Blakeman’s rebuttal sharpens political contrast
An hour after Hochul’s address, Blakeman delivered a blistering rebuttal from Nassau GOP headquarters in Westbury, calling the governor’s remarks “the most unbelievable speech” he had ever heard.
“There was nothing in that speech that was believable,” Blakeman said. “I thought I was watching a ‘Saturday Night Live’ skit.”
He accused Hochul of failing to deliver results during her four years in office, particularly on child care. While Hochul outlined expanded subsidies and universal pre-K, Blakeman said the governor had “done nothing” to address
“She’s helping people who have been in the state for 15 minutes,” Blakeman said, arguing that Hochul’s policies have contributed to population and business losses.
The two leaders also diverge sharply on immigration enforcement. Blakeman has touted Nassau County’s cooperation with ICE, while Hochul is proposing legislation allowing New Yorkers to sue federal officers who violate their civil rights.
Shortly after his swearing-in this week, Blakeman signed Nassau County’s Religious Safety Act into law, banning protests within 35 feet of houses of worship around service times. Hochul, meanwhile, proposed a statewide ban on protests within 25 feet of religious property lines, saying worshippers should be able to pray “without fear or harassment.”
As Blakeman positions himself for a statewide run, political analysts note the challenge ahead. Long Island accounts for nearly one-fifth of New York’s electorate, with about 2.1 million active voters, but Blakeman will need to expand his appeal beyond his local base to attract swing voters upstate.
Hochul’s full agenda — more than 200 proposals spanning housing, energy policy, artificial intelligence regulation, youth mental health and consumer protections — will be detailed further when she releases her executive budget next week, setting the stage for a high-stakes gubernatorial race.
Each year, the Fourth Battalion Fire District, which includes the East Rockaway, Lakeview, Lynbrook, Malverne and Rockville Centre fire departments, presents college scholarship checks of $250 each to deserving members of the five departments as well as family members of department members.
The 2025 awards were presented to Colleen Chojnacki, East Rockaway F.D.; Anthony Fontana, Lynbrook F.D.; and Jessica Banta and Luke Trencheny, Rockville Centre F.D.
Banta, Chojnacki, and Fontana were present at the check presentation at the Lynbrook firehouse on Jan. 5. Trencheny did not attend.
Elected members of the battalion on hand were Scholarship Chairman Rockville Centre’s Mark Murray, present Battalion Chairman East Rockaway’s Joseph Mihalick, Battalion Vice Chairman Malverne’s James Lang, Battalion Secretary Lynbrook’s Kevin Bien, and Battalion Treasurer Lakeview’s Mike Koppel.
— Jeffrey Bessen
By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman was sworn in to a second term at the county’s 2026 inauguration ceremony at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City last week, and afterward signed new safety legislation.
The Jan. 12 ceremony was attended by hundreds, including elected officials, law enforcement representatives and clergy members.
Elaine Phillips and Maureen O’Connell were also sworn in to new terms as county comptroller and county clerk, respectively.
Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino led the ceremony, introducing a number of esteemed speakers, stakeholders and performers including Father Gerard Gordon, senior chaplain of the Nassau County Police Department, as well as Mary Millben, an internationally known performer who sang the national anthem.
Religious leaders representing both Judaism and Christianity took part in the ceremony, with Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, of Yeshiva of South Shore, delivering the invocation and Gordon offering the benediction.
The ceremony opened with a presentation of colors by members of the Nassau County Police Department, the
County Sheriff’s Department, the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, alongside Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 82.
Nassau County Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence
honoring those who have served in public service and the armed forces.
Musical selections were also provided by international vocalist Christopher Macchio, who sang “Hallelujah,” by Leonard Cohen.
“I would like to thank Hashem — God — for giving me the strength to serve as
your county executive,” Blakeman said in his remarks after his swearing in, which was conducted by his wife, Segal Blakeman, a Nassau County Family Court judge. “It’s only through the strength of God that I have the ability to serve, and I recognize that each and every day.”
“[We supported] our law enforcement, hired 600 law professionals, canceled a $150 million tax increase, didn’t raise taxes for four years, and earned seven bond upgrades,” he added, touting the achievements of his first term. “That’s unprecedented.”
Following his swearing in, Blakeman signed a bill previously approved by county legislators meant to add protection for worshippers at religious institutions. The bill prohibits demonstrations from occurring within 10 feet of a person entering or exiting a place of religious worship. It also prevents demonstrations within 35 feet of an entrance to a religious institution in the hour before a scheduled service and the hour after it ends.
“You know how I feel about religious freedom,” Blakeman said. “And the ability for people to be able to worship in their mosque, their church, their synagogue, their temple. And therefore we will protect those institutions, and we will protect people’s rights to worship freely here in the Nassau County.”
January 30th • 10:00am
Lower and manage energy costs for your household or business
Understand outage response & reliability priorities that impact homes and local businesses
Use smart meters & Time-of-Day rates to better manage when and how you use energy
Learn what makes PSEG Long Island #1 for Small Business Electric Service in the East, and how those service improvements benefit all customers
Compiled by Herald Staff
Jack Murphy
Massapequa Park age 14
I want to work on my reading and baseball skills
Franklin Square
I want to get into the gym and exercise more, so I can live a healthier lifestyle
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Angela Ortiz Inwood
This year, I want my children’s books to reach more families and classrooms so kids feel seen.
Tim Baker/Herald photos
Carroll
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.
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
By CHRIS COLUCCI
ccolucci@liherald.com
When many people consider “donating,” they might get rid of old clothes, send a few dollars toward a worthy cause, or maybe spend time at a local event. What not enough people consider is rolling up their sleeves to donate blood. New York state is currently suffering from a blood shortage. Dr. Lawrence Fialkow, divisional medical officer of the American Red Cross pointed out why January is such a critical time. “The start of the year is one of the most challenging times to collect blood,” Fialkow wrote in a statement to the New York Department of Health. “Severe winter weather, seasonal illnesses and post-holiday schedules can disrupt donations.”
You can donate a pint of blood every 56 days
During a whole blood donation, one pint of blood is drawn from the body, which typically holds 10 to 12 pints. With proper nutrition, the body will replenish its own supply in less than two months. Blood drives offer different procedures, including “power red donations” in which additional blood is drawn, red blood cells are specifically collected, and the remaining fluid is returned. This can be done every 112 days.
Donating platelets is the most time-intensive option, taking up to three hours to gradually draw five pints of blood, remove small platelets, and return the unused material. The comprehensive procedure is only done at fully equipped blood centers, not standalone blood drives, but it can be performed every seven days.
For the safety of donors and blood recipients, prospective donors must meet certain eligibility requirements before collection can begin. In New York, you must be 17 years old to donate, or 16 with a parent’s permission. Most people must be 120 pounds or heavier, depending on the type of donation being made. In New York, recent tattoos and piercings will create a three-month delay in the opportunity to donate.
Pregnant women are ineligible to donate until six weeks post-partum. While blood drives aim to be inclusive and do not bias based on gender or sexual preference, FDA regulations require a three-month deferral depending on specific sexual acts. Detailed guidelines can be found at redcrossblood.org/faq.
It’s not uncommon to find random signs posted to announce an upcoming blood drive taking place at a local fire departments, schools, and houses of worship. Many locations have drives on a recurring basis, often yearly or semiannually to capitalize on a fast turnaround time for repeat donors. Because agencies are eager to encourage donations, nearly anyone can apply to host a blood drive by directly contacting the American Red Cross or the New York Blood Center and completing the application process.
If Long Islanders are unable to find a drive happening near them and can’t find one occurring soon enough, they can locate a nearby blood center to make a walk-in appointment by visiting aabb.org/giveblood.
A new study led by NYU Langone Health researchers found that aerobic exercise boosts dopamine release and improves coordination in middle-aged mice, offering clues about how physical activity may help preserve mobility as we age — and even inform treatments for Parkinson’s disease. Here are three things to know about the findings.
— Hernesto Galdamez
n Exercise boosts dopamine — even in middle age
The researchers examined how running affects dopamine, a brain chemical critical for movement, motivation and memory. Dopamine levels naturally decline with age, contributing to slower movement and reduced coordination.
The study found that middle-aged mice — equivalent to humans in their 50s — experienced the same or even greater increases in dopamine release as younger mice after running regularly for 30 days. The findings build on earlier research showing similar effects in young male mice, demonstrating that the brain’s response to exercise remains strong well into middle age.
n Better movement came from coordination, not strength
Middle-aged mice that ran on exercise wheels showed noticeable improvements in agility and speed. They climbed down poles more quickly and moved more efficiently through open spaces than mice that did not exercise.
Importantly, the runners’ grip strength did not improve, suggesting the benefits came from enhanced coordination and brain function — not stronger muscles.
Researchers measured dopamine release in the striatum, a brain region essential for movement and motivation, and found dopamine levels were about 50 percent higher in exercising mice compared to sedentary ones.
“Our findings make clear that the impact of exercise on brain health and mobility is not exclusive to the young,” said senior study author Margaret E. Rice, PhD, a professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine.
n Insights could help guide Parkinson’s disease research
The study, published Dec. 9 in npj Parkinson’s Disease, is believed to be the first to directly link exercise-driven dopamine release with improved motor performance in aging mice of both sexes. While female mice ran more than males, both showed similar dopamine boosts and movement gains, suggesting there may be a threshold of exercise needed to achieve benefits.
Researchers say the findings may help explain why physical activity eases symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, a condition marked by the breakdown of dopamine-producing neurons. The team plans to repeat the study using mice genetically engineered to model Parkinson’s, while emphasizing that human studies are still needed.
“These results provide neurochemical evidence for why exercise improves everything from memory to movement to mood,” Rice said — reinforcing the idea that staying active can help the brain and body move better, even later in life.
and conductor Adam Glaser present their Spring Concert Series at the Madison Theatre, Molloy University, Rockville Centre, NY
METAMORPHOSIS Saturday, January 31st at 7:30pm
Korngold: Theme and Variations, op. 42
Goldmark: “Wedding March” (Theme and Variations) from Rustic Wedding Symphony
Glaser: Passacaglia for Full Orchestra (Grand Premier!)
Hindemith: Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria Von Weber
JAZZ VOCALIST JANE MONHEIT Sunday, March 8th at 3:00pm
THE RITE OF SPRING Saturday, March 28th at 7:30pm Robin Zeh, violin
Marquez: Conga del Fuego Nuevo
Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending (Romance for Violin and Orchestra)
Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring Ro , NY ny
For tickets or more information, visit www.sssymphony.org or call the Madison Theatre at 516.323.4444
By Abbey Salvemini
Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear are in the spotlight. The vibrant world of Disney Pixar’s beloved film springs to life in “Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out,” a traveling, hands-on exhibit developed by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Now ensconced at Long Island Children’s Museum, the exhibition invites kids — and adults too — to step inside the film’s emotional landscape and explore how feelings shape the way we think, act, and connect. Running through May 10, it blends play and learning to help young visitors understand the important role emotions, memory and imagination play in our everyday lives.
Designed to spark curiosity and conversation, the exhibit transforms familiar moments from the film into immersive learning experiences. Visitors can step into “headquarters,” create glowing memory spheres and experiment with how emotions interact through physical and digital play.
• Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800
• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City
According to Margo Malter, the museum’s director of exhibits, the opportunity to bring “Emotions at Play” here is especially meaningful since it offers a playful way to interpret the movie’s ideas that resonate with children and families.
“All of the activities are very open-ended and hands-on, which is really what the museum is all about,” says Malter.
Transforming “Inside Out” into a hands-on learning experience required a thoughtful balance between storytelling and play. Rather than focusing on passive observation, it’s designed to invite children to actively engage with emotions. Developed in collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios, the exhibit features iconic set pieces directly inspired by the film.
Everyone will instantly recognize and gravitate toward the immersive recreations of scenes inspired by “Inside Out.” At the Control Panel kids can pull levers and press buttons to explore the intensity of different emotions, while Emotions in Motion welcomes kids to place a memory sphere — just like in the movie — into a large, interactive machine.
Additional experiences deepen the emotional journey. Emotion Mirrors spring to life as guests step in front of them, triggering appearances by familiar “Inside Out” characters. At Range of Emotions, facial expressions are captured and identified on a screen, helping children connect expressions with feelings. A nearby writing station encourages reflection, inviting participants to choose colored paper that represents the emotions they want to express or explore.
From the vibrant color palette to the instantly recognizable environments, the installation captures the spirit of the film while staying true to the museum’s mission.
“For kids this age [2-10], it’s really about naming
the
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.
Preschool Open House
Meet representatives from local preschools and learn about early childhood programs at Lynbrook Public Library.
• Where: 56 Eldert St.
• Time: 6:3-8:30 p.m.
• Contact: LynbrookLibrary.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
Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to get discover all that makes Olympics competition so exciting. From speed skating to alpine skiing, the Olympics are fun to watch, but did you know that they’re also filled with science? Join the Green Teens in exploring speed, balance and aerodynamics. This is a drop-in program, free with admission.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: Noon-2 p.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
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
Lynbrook
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: savinospizzeria.com or (516) 596-1600
SingStrong International
A Cappella Festival returns to the Adelphi University Performing Arts Center. This exciting threeday, 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 hots 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
• 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.
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 creative evening at East Rockaway Public Library provides a fun and relaxing hands-on experience designed for adults. Participants enjoy a guided soap-making craft and leave with a unique creation to take home. Registration is required, and space is limited.
• Where: 477 Atlantic Ave., East Rockaway
• Time: 7-7:45 p.m.
• Contact: eastrockawaylibrary. org or (516) 599-1664
This casual gathering at East Rockaway Public Library invites book lovers to enjoy snacks while sharing and hearing book recommendations. Participants are encouraged to bring their
own favorite reads to discuss in a relaxed, social setting. No registration is required.
• Where: 477 Atlantic Ave., East Rockaway
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: eastrockawaylibrary. org or (516) 599-1664
A new session of the weekly ENL class at Lynbrook Public Library focuses on beginner English vocabulary, grammar, reading and writing. Workbook included. Participants must commit to at least 10 of 13 sessions.
• Where: 56 Eldert St.
• Time: 6:30-7:30 p.m.
• Contact: LynbrookLibrary.org
Country Line Dancing
Refine your footwork with a professional line dance instructor. The one-hour class will have you moving and kickin’ back.
• Where: St. Mary’s/Maris Stella Knights of Columbus, 78 Hempstead Ave., Lynbrook
• Time: Doors open 6:30 p.m. for warm-up, class 7-8 p.m., also Feb. 2 and Feb. 11
• Contact: (516) 887-2228
Evening of Excellence Gala
Join the Chamber of Commerce for this festive event to honor some of Lynbrook’s finest people who help make the community the great place it is to live work and play! Honorees include Amy Ezagui, Lynbrook Schools; Christopher Skartsiaris, Lynbrook Police Department; and Scott Bien, Lynbrook Fire Department. Breslin Realty & Fields Grade is also honored as Business of the Year. New officers and board members are celebrated. With dining, entertainment and dancing. $125 per person.
• Where: Coral House, 70 Milburn Ave.
• Time: 6-10 p.m.
• Contact: lynbrookusa.com or Michela Argento at (516) 3127719
Sammulous in concert
SaVinos of Lynbrook hosts Sammulous, a talented singer and songwriter. The performance includes a mix of jazz, pop, rock, disco and contemporary music for an entertaining and energetic evening. Enjoy a dynamic live music experience in an intimate setting.
• Where: 88 Atlantic Ave.,
• Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or 9516) 877-4000
The South Shore Symphony invites all to their “Metamorphosis” concert at their longtime Madison Theatre home. The program features Paul Hindemith’s iconic symphonic “Metamorphosis of Themes” by Carl Maria von Weber, transforming Weber’s melodies into vibrant orchestral movements, alongside other works like “Theme & Variations” and “A Passacaglia,” showcasing musical transformation through different eras and styles.
• Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@liherald.com.
By BRIAN KACHARABA bkacharaba@liherald.com
Dating abuse does not always announce itself in obvious or dramatic ways. Often, it begins quietly — with subtle control, emotional manipulation and behaviors that slowly undermine a person’s confidence and independence.
Recognizing those early warning signs, particularly among teenagers, will be the focus of an upcoming community seminar led by licensed clinical social worker Dr. MSeven Laracuente. The program, titled “Dating Abuse: Recognizing Signs and Offering Support,” is designed to help parents, caregivers and teens understand how abuse can take root in dating relationships long before it becomes visible.
The event will take place Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Long Island Scottish Rite Masonic Hall, located at 28 Lincoln Ave. in Rockville Centre. It is being presented by Cassiopeia Chapter #453 of the Order of the Eastern Star, with about 40 people already registered.
Laracuente said dating abuse is often misunderstood because many people associate it only with physical violence. In reality, she explained, abuse frequently involves a gradual pattern of power and control that can be verbal, emotion-
al, psychological or physical.
“Dating abuse is when one person tries to exert power and control over another,” Laracuente said. “It doesn’t happen all at once. It happens little by little, and the person being harmed often doesn’t even realize it’s happening.”
She said abusers may attempt to control how their partner looks, eats, speaks, sleeps or socializes. Over time, the person experiencing abuse may feel anxious, depressed or uneasy without knowing why. Friends and family members may also miss the signs, sometimes seeing only a happy relationship on the surface.
According to Laracuente, common red flags include noticeable mood changes, withdrawal from friends, isolation, increased anxiety and making frequent excuses for a partner’s behavior. A teen who suddenly gives up activities or interests they once enjoyed may also be signaling a deeper issue.
“Those changes matter,” she said. “They’re worth paying attention to.”
Laracuente emphasized that how adults respond when they suspect dating abuse is critical. One common mistake, she said, is taking a confrontational approach, such as issuing ultimatums or demanding that a teen end a relationship.
“That kind of hard-ball approach can actually make things worse,” she said. “It pushes them closer to the person who’s harming them.”
Instead, she encourages adults to lead with curiosity and compassion — asking open-ended questions, avoiding judgment and keeping communication open. She also stressed the importance of role modeling healthy relationships at home.
“Kids learn what relationships look like by watching the adults in their lives,” Laracuente said. “Respect, boundaries and healthy communication matter.”
While dating abuse affects adults as well, Laracuente said the seminar is especially geared toward parents, grandparents and caregivers of teenagers, though teens are welcome to attend. She noted that one in 12 teenagers has experienced dating abuse, according to research nationally.
The one-hour seminar will include a PowerPoint presentation, audience discussion and a question-and-answer session.
“We all have a responsibility to help our kids grow up knowing they deserve relationships where they are loved, honored and respected,” she said.
For more information or to RSVP, email cassiopeia453oes@gmail.com
LEGAL NOTICE
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU
WILMINGTON
SAVINGS FUND
SOCIETY, FSB NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR LWFT I TRUST 2020-1, -againstROY ESCOBAR, ET AL.
NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on November 14, 2025, wherein WILMINGTON
SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR LWFT I TRUST 2020-1 is the Plaintiff and ROY ESCOBAR, 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 4, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 153 MAIN STREET, EAST ROCKAWAY, NY 11518; and the following tax map identification: 42-1-226 & 227. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING AT “BAY PARK” ON HEWLETT BAY, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 612623/2023. Janet Deluca, 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. 157579
TRUSTEE FOR THE STRUCTURED ASSET INVESTMENT LOAN TRUST SERIES 2005-6, Plaintiff AGAINST ERIC EISENLAU, MARK FAUSER, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered June 7, 2016, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 4, 2026 at 2:00 PM, premises known as 5 John Street, East Rockaway, NY 11518. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at East Rockaway, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 42 Block: 89 Lot: 104. Approximate amount of judgment $368,273.90 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #012428/2012. Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee Gross Polowy, LLC 1775 Wehrle Drive William sville, NY 14221 00-293459 88140 157507
LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON MORTGAGE SECURITIES CORP., HOME EQUITY ASSET TRUST 2006-6, HOME EQUITY PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-6, -againstELIZABETH WOLK, 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 29, 2025, wherein U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR CREDIT SUISSE FIRST BOSTON MORTGAGE SECURITIES CORP., HOME EQUITY ASSET TRUST 2006-6, HOME EQUITY PASSTHROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2006-6 is the Plaintiff
and ELIZABETH WOLK, 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 10, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 259 FOREST AVENUE, LYNBROOK, NY 11563; and the following tax map identification: 38-464-28A & 28B.
ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK
Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 605955/2022.
Louis B. Imbroto, 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. 157677
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU HSBC BANK USA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE FOR ACE SECURITIES CORP. HOME EQUITY LOAN TRUST, SERIES 2003OP1, Plaintiff, Against DANIEL P. MULVEY JR. A/K/A DANIEL. MULVEY A/K/A DANIEL P. MULVEY, et al Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale, duly entered 08/17/2023, 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 299 Peninsula Boulevard, Lynbrook, Town of Hempstead, New York 11563, 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 Lynbrook, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 0042 Block 00230-00 Lot 00120 The approximate amount of the current Judgment lien is $383,348.12 plus interest and costs. The Premises will be sold subject to provisions of the aforesaid Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale; Index # 610938/2020 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.
JOHN P CLARKE, Esq., Referee. MCCABE, WEISBERG & CONWAY, LLC, 10 Midland Avenue, Suite 205, Port Chester, NY 10573
Dated: 12/26/2025
File Number: 20-302674 CA 157673
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF PUBLIC
HEARING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 27th day of January 2026, at 7:00 o’clock in the evening of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at the following locations:
ELMONT
SUSSEX ROAD (TH 285/24) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Hathaway Avenue, north for a distance of 30 feet.
SUSSEX ROAD (TH 285/24) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of 109th Avenue, south
for a distance of 30 feet.
SUSSEX ROAD (TH 285/24) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Hathaway Avenue, north for a distance of 26 feet.
(NR) LYNBROOK
HIGHLAND
BOULEVARD (TH 392(B)/25) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Franklin Avenue, west for a distance of 35 feet.
HIGHLAND
BOULEVARD (TH 392(B)/25) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Franklin Avenue, west for a distance of 35 feet.
FRANKLIN AVENUE (TH 392(B)/25) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Highland Boulevard, south for a distance of 30 feet.
MERRICK LITTLE WHALENECK ROAD (TH 609/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Cameron Avenue, north for a distance of 35 feet.
OCEANSIDE
UNIONDALE
ELLEN TERRY DRIVE (TH 603/25) North Side -NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Benjamin Road, east for a distance of 60 feet.
DAVISON AVENUE (TH 622/25) North SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at the west curbline of Oceanside Road, west for a distance of 235 feet.
NORTHGATE COURT (TH 642/25) North Side -NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Northgate Drive, west for a distance of 50 feet.
(NR) VALLEY STREAM MILFORD LANE (TH 595/25) North SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 22 feet east of the east curbline of Salem Road, east for a distance of 75 feet.
WANTAGHWANTAGH AVENUE (TH 636/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Emeric Avenue, south for a distance of 40 feet.
WANTAGH AVENUE (TH 636/25) East Side -
NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Emeric Avenue, north for a distance of 50 feet.
WEST HEMPSTEAD
BEDELL TERRACE (TH 495/25) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south for a distance of 69 feet.
BEDELL TERRACE (TH 495/25) West SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 69 feet south of the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south for a distance of 75 feet.
BEDELL TERRACE (TH 495/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south for a distance of 69 feet.
BEDELL TERRACE (TH 495/25) East SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 69 feet south of the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south for a distance of 65 feet.
WOODMERE IRVING PLACE (TH 466/25) East SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 210 feet south of the south curbline of Cedar Lane, south for a distance of 26 feet.
IRVING PLACE (TH 466/25) East SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 355 feet south of the south curbline of Cedar Lane, south for a distance of 43 feet.
HOWE COURT (TH 647/25) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of East Broadway, west for a distance of 28 feet.
ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” from the following location(s): EAST MEADOW GREEN AVENUE (TH 150/63) East SideNO STOPPINGstarting from a point 18 feet south of a point opposite the south curbline of Warren Street, north for a distance of 72 feet.
(Adopted 5/28/63)
MARIAN COURT (TH 332/24) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the east curbline of Prospect Avenue, east for a distance of 55 feet.
(Adopted 9/4/24) OCEANSIDE DAVISON AVENUE (TH 365/81) North SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 76 feet west of the west curbline of Oceanside Road, west for a distance of 127 feet.
(Adopted 1/26/82) WOODMERE IRVING PLACE (TH 529/64) East SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 130 feet south of the south curbline of Cedar Lane, south for a distance of 80 feet.
(Adopted 11/24/64)
IRVING PLACE (TH 683/67) East SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 252 feet north of the north curbline of Central Avenue, north for a distance of 65 feet.
(Adopted 2/27/68)
HOWE COURT (TH 83/77) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of East Broadway, west for a distance of 28 feet.
(Adopted 7/26/77) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.
Dated:January 13, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 157901
LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 17th, 2026, will sell at public online auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 12th, 2026 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to
take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code.
Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucou ntyny.gov/526/CountyTreasurer
Should the Treasurer determine that an inperson auction shall be held, same will commence on the 17th day of February 2026 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.
A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucou ntyny.gov/527/AnnualTax-Lien-Sale
A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 05th, 2026.
Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request,
information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.
Dated: January 22, 2026 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER
Mineola, New York
TERMS OF SALE
Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts. However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased. The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to
pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) receivership. The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk.
The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay
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.”
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.
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
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.
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.
With this critical investment, we can continue building a stronger, more stable future for NUMC.
“The board is deeply appreciative of Gov. Hochul and the Department of Health for their confidence in NUMC’s direction and leadership,” Rabinowitz added. “This funding acknowledges the difficult but necessary reforms underway and provides the financial runway needed to continue stabilizing operations, improving care delivery, and positioning the hospital for long-term sustainability.”
Hospital leadership stated that it will continue to work in close partnership with the state and county stakeholders to advance reforms, strengthen fiscal accountability and maintain NUMC’s mission as a vital health care resource.
ThOmAs sTOkEs
Chief executive Nassau University Medical Center
Thomas Stokes was tapped to lead the hospital as its chief executive officer in late-2025, and began his role earlier this month. He has over 25 years of experience overseeing finance and operations in top-tier health care institutions.
$82.1 million of the funding announced last week was provided through the state’s Department of Health’s Vital Access Provider Assurance Program, also known as VAPAP, for Fiscal Year 20252026, which ends this March. VAPAP provides assistance to hospitals and health care providers facing financial distress. $27.5 million was provided through an Inter-Governmental Transfer associated with enhanced Federal Medical Assistance Percentage funding tied to the coronavirus pandemic.
Of the VAPAP award, $25 million was received in August 2025, with the remaining $57.1 million anticipated in the first quarter of 2026. The $57. 1 million, along with the additional $27.5 million, was not reflected in NUMC’s previously approved budget. The combined funding, according to last week’s release, will reduce the hospital’s projected 2026 operating loss from $167.1 million to $82.5 million.
NUMC, in the release, said the state’s investment helps it build on a year of “decisive action” under the direction of the hospital’s new board, now with Stokes stepping into the chief executive role.
In his first days of leadership. Stokes
“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.
County Legislator Olena Nicks, a Democrat, is the ranking member of the Legislature’s health and social services committee, who represents 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.
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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
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS
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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.
You should be aware that some air conditioning companies make life easier for themselves by putting in flexible, soft, round duct, which comprises an inner lining of foil attached to a wire spiral frame covered with a thin layer of fiberglass insulation and a plastic sheeting cover. The system installation costs less if the installer passes on the savings to you, and is simpler to install. By simpler, I mean that duct tape is used instead of mechanical fastening with bends of metal and screws.
Unfortunately, you can’t clean flex duct, since the devices used to clean duct apply pressure, with vacuum and scraping techniques that will destroy your flex duct and render your system useless. You should consider cleaning the main “trunks,” which are probably made of metal duct. Duct cleaning is the first step to better breathing in the home. Then, after cleaning, have a reliable mechanical contractor install a filter in your central air conditioning unit, so you have “in-line” filtration.
Ask about the different types of filter systems, such as an electronic, static-type unit that catches dust like a magnet, and also how often the filter requires cleaning or replacement. Don’t just look for the lowest-priced unit, since the maintenance or replacement of the filter may be much more than the savings. With the electrostatic filter, you may be able to simply wash the filter and put it back. Once the filter is installed, you won’t require the portable type, and you should breathe easier, which is nothing to sneeze at.
© 2026 Monte Leeper Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper,
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Most people don’t think about local government when it’s running smoothly. They think about it when they hit a pothole.
A deep pothole can damage a car, cause an accident, slow emergency vehicles and frustrate fellow commuters who are trying to get to work or pick up their kids. Multiply that by the nearly 800,000 residents of the Town of Hempstead using 1,200 miles of roadway, and you begin to understand why road maintenance remains a core responsibility of local municipalities. We are now well into winter, and the pothole cycle has begun. The rain and snow will trickle beneath the surface of our roadways, the freezing and thawing will weaken the pavement and the daily traffic will finish the job. By late winter
and early spring, potholes will be popping up across our roadways. We know it’s coming every year, so it leaves local government with a choice: react slowly and bureaucratically, or respond quickly and fix problems before they get worse.
OThat’s why we’ve deployed the Town of Hempstead’s Pothole Patrol, a dedicated effort to identify and repair potholes quickly and efficiently during peak pothole season. We’ve also launched a new, user-friendly online portal that allows residents to report potholes in just a few clicks: hempsteadtown.com/potholepatrol.
a user to upload a photo of the problem area.
ur focus on efficiency extends well beyond road repairs, to cutting taxes.
I believe that good government should be practical. When residents see a problem, reporting it shouldn’t require navigating layers of red tape or making multiple phone calls. If you see a problem, you can tell us exactly where it is, and our teams can prioritize repairs based on real-time information. This website uses location services — if allowed — to report potholes and allows
This approach to an important government service reflects a broader principle that I believe in strongly: Government works best when it is streamlined, responsive and focused on results. Filling potholes isn’t glamorous, but it’s the kind of basic service that builds trust. When residents see their concerns addressed quickly, they know their government is listening, and working. This isn’t about reinventing government — it’s about making government work the way it should be working.
The town remains committed to repaving more than 100 miles of roadway each year, guided by responsible budgeting and strategic planning. Repairs are prioritized based on safety concerns, traffic volume and weather conditions, not politics or headlines. That’s how infrastructure should be managed — thoughtfully, consistently
and with the utmost respect for taxpayers’ dollars.
This focus on efficiency extends well beyond road repairs. By tightening operations, eliminating waste and managing taxpayer dollars responsibly, I — along with the Town Board — have been able to cut taxes while still delivering essential services and investing in infrastructure. That’s an important point: fiscal discipline and strong public services are not mutually exclusive. In fact, when government is run efficiently, residents shouldn’t have to choose between safe roads and lower taxes.
At the end of the day, filling potholes is about more than asphalt. It’s about a philosophy of governance that values efficiency over excuses and action over delay. When government focuses on doing the basics well — maintaining roads, keeping neighborhoods safe and making services accessible — everyone benefits.
When we fill the holes in our roads and remove the ones in government, the path forward is smoother for everyone.
John Ferretti is the Town of Hempstead supervisor.
since being elected to my first term as a state senator in 2023, I have seen how issues raised by Senate Republicans are often ignored, only to resurface months later as priorities for the governor or the legislative majorities. One such example is the legislation introduced over a year ago by the Republican conference to eliminate state taxes on tipped wages. I am proud to cosponsor this legislation, because it’s a real solution that would allow residents to keep more of their earnings. My colleagues in the Senate Republican conference and I have raised the alarm on affordability and public safety, because these are the issues directly impacting families, workers and small businesses across New York state.
New York’s affordability crisis didn’t happen overnight. It is the product of years of policy decisions made without consideration of the eventual consequences of those policies, which have increased the cost of necessities for all New Yorkers. Many Democratic politicians in Albany still believe we can
spend our way out of the affordability crisis they have created.
Recently I’ve spoken about how cashless bail and the revolving door of criminal justice have affected the price of consumer goods and insurance across the state. After the implementation of cashless bail, shoplifting became sport for those brazen enough to walk into stores, empty the shelves and walk out with hundreds of dollars of merchandise while taunting the employees to stop them if they dared. Companies made decisions to allow shoplifters to walk away rather than risk harm to their employees.
only offering Band-Aids as “solutions.”
Even before I took office, our conference warned that these reforms went too far and would have serious consequences. Since then, my colleagues and I have put forward multiple legislative solutions for the governor and legislative majorities to consider, including my bill that would restore judicial discretion to detain defendants who credibly pose a danger to the community, a legal principle that is recognized in 49 states.
t he challenges we face every day can only be solved with real policy changes.
The eventual effect of this policy was that retailers absorbed the losses, paid higher insurance premiums and raised prices to make up the difference, affecting all of us. Insurance companies paying out claims for those losses also increased their rates for all New Yorkers. This trickle-down effect of cashless bail impacting affordability wasn’t considered by the shortsighted State Legislature.
Since the state passed bail and discovery reforms in 2019, it has become an almost annual tradition for the governor to pay lip service to the harms this policy has caused the state, while
Albany-driven energy policies are also driving up taxes and utility costs, increasing energy bills for families and imposing costly burdens on small businesses. While I support taking steps to safeguard our environment, eliminating reliable sources of energy and favoring less-reliable sources is reckless and dangerous. The State Energy Planning Board recently acknowledged that reality by adopting an energy plan that delays the benchmarks for reducing emissions set forth in the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act passed in 2019.
But this half-measure isn’t enough. We must advance legislation that includes transparency by utility companies, limitations on rate increases, and
realistic deadlines so families aren’t forced to pay the price for policies that move faster than technology, infrastructure and New Yorkers’ wallets can support.
In the wake of several high-profile incidents and tragedies involving squatters in 2024, I brought an amendment to the Senate floor to correct state laws that were empowering and emboldening squatters. While my proposal was voted down at the time, a similar, albeit watered-down, proposal was ultimately tucked into the final state budget not long afterward. Time and again, the governor and the legislative majorities initially deny the realities and challenges New Yorkers are facing — which members of my conference and I consistently voice in the Senate chamber — only to later acknowledge these realities and pass legislative halfmeasures to pretend the problem is solved.
These challenges New Yorkers face every day didn’t happen overnight, and they can only be solved with real policy changes, not more spending and empty promises. In this year’s legislative session, I will continue to fight for real solutions: lowering costs, holding criminals accountable and giving families, workers and small businesses the stability they need to thrive.
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
if you walked through the streets of Manhattan, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Chicago or Portland last year, you could hardly miss them: endless Gaza protests, celebrities on bullhorns, and nonstop media coverage treating every chant as a moral imperative.
Susan Sarandon, Mark Ruffalo and a parade of progressive icons were everywhere, lecturing the world on justice. Now that courageous Iranians are risking their lives in the streets, confronting a brutal regime, where are these moral megaphones? Where are the hashtags, the celebrity rallies and the tearjerking op-eds?
The silence is deafening.
In Iran, protesters are facing a government that has crushed dissent for decades. Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed for demanding basic freedoms. These men and women aren’t marching for Instagram applause. They are risking imprisonment, torture and death. Yet celebrity rallies vanish, elite media campaigns are absent, and the activists who claim to speak for the oppressed suddenly
office, Trump has to address affordability, with everyday costs that are crushing the majority of Americans. The expense of groceries, health care, auto and homeowner’s insurance and prescription drugs are forcing people to make hard choices, because dollars can be stretched only so far. Interest rates for mortgages and loans are still too high.
The other reality is that the president has a nine-month window to address affordability, or he will lose Congress in November. Describing it as a “hoax” was ill-advised and alienating. If Trump loses Congress, the remainder of his presidency will be tied up in gridlock and attempts to impeach him. Nothing will get done, and the American people will go backward — while the two-party system, which has outlived its usefulness, will flourish. Promoting their own agendas to finagle and scheme to stay in power, the parties will do nothing to respond to the needs of everyday people, but everything for the special interests, lobbyists, and big campaign contributors.
have nothing to say.
The left’s silence on Iran has nothing to do with principle. Their outrage is selective, because the oppressor isn’t Israel and the victims aren’t Jewish. When a cause can’t be weaponized against America or Israel, moral alarm disappears. Outrage is on demand, but only when it fits the narrative.
w here were Sarandon and Ruffalo when Iranian women faced batons and bullets?
Feminist voices are especially absent. Iranian women have lived under systemic oppression for nearly 47 years, subject to forced dress codes, restricted movement and brutal punishment for defiance. They are beaten, jailed and killed for demanding basic freedoms. Activists who flood social media, claiming to defend women everywhere, remain silent. Feminism filtered through ideology becomes performative rather than principled.
The silence from LGBTQ organizations is equally revealing. Homosexuality is criminalized under Iran’s regime, and public expressions of LGBTQ identity are punishable by death. If slogans and flags in American protests were serious, Iran would be condemned first. Instead activists look away, showing that their concern is political alignment, not life or liberty.
Contrast this with the Gaza protests. Every banner, every chant, every Insta-
gram post receives nonstop amplification. Celebrities march alongside activists who openly embrace movements hostile to America and Israel. Symbols of terror-linked groups are tolerated or ignored. Meanwhile, ordinary Iranians who oppose the same terror-sponsoring regime receive barely a whisper. This is not moral consistency; it is ideological selectivity.
Most liberal universities provide a stark example. Administrations have tolerated or encouraged anti-Israel demonstrations while staying silent on Iranian protesters. Students who shut down lecture halls over foreign conflicts now say nothing as a regime executes dissenters and suppresses women. Silence becomes policy when outrage is inconvenient.
President Trump provides a sharp contrast. Unlike celebrity activists, Trump has consistently condemned the Iranian regime’s violence and warned of consequences if the crackdown continues. That is leadership. He stands with people who fight for freedom, not people who kneel for photo ops. The president doesn’t pick and choose human rights based on hashtags. He knows that regimes that brutalize citizens and export terror are enemies of freedom.
If the left truly believed in universal
Framework by Tim Baker
human rights, outrage over Tehran would match outrage over Jerusalem. Its imbalance reveals priorities that are political, not principled — and this issue is about principle, not theology. Iranian protesters demand liberty and dignity — the same rights claimed by Americans at our founding. But modern activist leftists treat Iranians’ struggle as an afterthought. Any conflict framed as “us versus the West” gets broadcast; real freedom fighters are ignored.
Where were Sarandon and Ruffalo when Iranian women faced batons and bullets? Where were the big-name voices condemning internet blackouts, executions and arrests? Their outrage is transactional and performative. When there is no ideological payoff, there is no protest. When there is no camera angle, there is no solidarity.
Real conservatives and courageous Americans see tyranny for what it is, wherever it occurs. They support Israel because it is a democratic ally amid hostile regimes. They support Iranians’ fighting for freedom because liberty is universal.
The left has an opportunity to prove it genuinely cares about human rights. Until it does, its moral hypocrisy will remain on full display. Outrage on demand is not justice. True courage stands with freedom — everywhere, every time.
Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.
