The Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Evening of Excellence dinner on Jan. 29 at the Coral House in Baldwin, honoring signficant contributions to Lynbrook by educators, first responders and businesses. Above, Amy Ezagui, left, Chris Skartsiaris and Fire Chief Scott Bien were recognized. At right, Chamber President Michela ArgentoSerra addressed the organization’s members and guests at the gala. Story, more photos, Page 3.
By MADISoN GUSlER mgusler@liherald.com
Lynbrook native Patrick Coonan, the inaugural dean of Adelphi University’s College of Nursing and Public Health, died on Jan. 24, at age 71. He was surrounded by his family, which had supported him since he suffered a heart attack in 2017 that resulted in a brain injury.
Born on April 12, 1954, Coonan was raised in Lynbrook and attended Malverne schools before earning a nursing degree from Adelphi. He worked in the emergency departments of several hospitals, eventually overseeing nursing staffs and taking on administrative roles.
He met his future wife, Anita Vetere, at an event to support the Lynbrook Fire Department, where Coonan and Anita’s brother, Michael Vetere Jr., were both members. She, too, was a student at Adelphi, and they married on May 22, 1977.
Coonan, who had joined the Fire Department at 18, remained an active member for 53 years, and served as department chief from 1993 to 1997.
“He was loving, a force of life,” Anita said. “He’d walk in a room and it would light up. He was a great family man. His kids meant everything to him.”
Coonan trained paramedics as well nurses before he began his career in academia. He was a part-time program director at Columbia University before becoming assistant dean at the Columbia School of Nursing. Coonan earned a master’s in health care administration from Long Island University, and master’s and doctoral degrees in education and nursing at Columbia’s Teachers College.
In 2004, he became the dean of Adelphi’s School of Nursing.
“That was his dream job,” his son, David, said. “He took everything that he had learned
Continued on page 20
An opportunity to battle isolation for West End Elementary School kids arises with new “Buddy Bench.”
The purpose of the bench is to connect lonely children, attracting new company on the seat beside them.
Donated by Parent Teacher Association, the purple bench resides outside West End.
The installation was to celebrate the upcoming P.S I Love You day on Feb. 13, a day promoting the spread of positive messages of love and encouragement.
“This bench is a great teaching tool,” Principal Leah Murray wrote in a news release. “It teaches us and our students that they can reach out to and notice others and that everyone is valued and important.”
— Kayla Dechter
The Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce brings together civic leaders, local business owners and residents to support the village’s economic growth and connection to the community.
At the Jan. 29 annual An Evening of Excellence gala at the Coral House in Baldwin, educators, first responders, and businesses were honored for their leadership, dedication, and service that made a long lasting impact on the Lynbrook community.
“This year’s honorees were a special group because of their hard work and dedication to our village,” said Michela Argento-Serra, president of the Chamber of Commerce, in an interview. “The amount of time and effort that they put in to making our community better is nothing short of incredible.”
Amy Ezagui, a longtime educator and school leader at Lynbrook schools, graduated Lynbrook High School and earned a bachelor of science in secondary education from SUNY Oswego and returned to the high school in 2003 as a teacher.
She has taught all levels of physics and Regents and college-level courses through Molloy University. In addition to teaching, Ezagui has acted as class adviser, organized Challenge Day programs, advises the Bring Change to Mind Club, and is building representative for the Lynbrook Teachers’ Association.
Beyond the confines of the classroom, Ezagui is actively involved in the community, serving as co-director of tee ball and Double A for the Lynbrook East Rockaway Little League and as president of the Lynbrook Knights Youth Baseball Corp.
Det. Sgt. Chris Skartsiaris has served with the Lynbrook Police Department since 1997, and after graduating from the Nassau County Police Academy in 1998 he distinguished himself as a field training officer and patrol emphasis program leader.
After joining the Detective Division in 2012, Skartsiaris led hundreds of investigations resulting in high-risk
arrests and major asset recoveries. Promoted to sergeant in 2016, he became known for his hands-on leadership and daily involvement in operations. In 2019, he returned to the Detective Division at his higher rank and has overseen major felony investigations, including robbery, burglary, grand larceny and narcotics cases.
Skartsairis has received 38 letters
of recognition, eight certificates of merit, five certificates of exceptional police duty, multiple Town of Hempstead awards. This was his second Chamber of Commerce award.
Chief Scott Bien served the Lynbrook Fire Department from 2021 to 2025, guiding the department through a period of growth and evolving operational challenges. During his tenure,
he emphasized emergency readiness, strong community engagement, public outreach and education.
Bien is adamant about reinforcing the importance of visibility, trust and connection within the community, encouraging firefighters to remain actively involved with the neighborhoods they serve.
by Susan Jeffers
Lynbrook school district Chairwoman Susan Moller has been named a New York State Master Counselor after a rigorous application process.
crucial role in turning my initial waitlisting into an acceptance. I am immensely grateful for Ms. Moller’s dedication and support, and we still keep in touch.”
Moller, who oversees counseling at Lynbrook High School and Lynbrook North and South middle schools, joins a statewide network of outstanding counselors recognized for their dedication to professional growth and development. As leaders in their field, master counselors are professionals dedicated to sharing best practices, engaging in advanced professional learning opportunities and mentoring fellow educators.
“Ms. Moller is always on top of everything,” Charisse Cueto, a 2025 graduate of Lynbrook High School, said in a news release. “I visited Ms. Moller’s office a lot, especially during my junior and senior years when I was applying to colleges, and she was so helpful at every meeting. In fact, she deserves so much credit for helping me get into Cornell, where I’m currently attending. Ms. Moller played a
After attending joint workshops, Moller will share ideas and resources with colleagues in her school district. Accepted into the program through Stony Brook University, Moller is one of three counselors on Long Island and one of 25 in the state to be selected for the honor in the 2025 cohort.
“Being named a New York State Master Counselor is an incredible honor, and I take great pride in advocating for students every day, helping them discover their strengths, navigate challenges and believe in what’s possible for their future,” Moller said in the release. “I am excited to expand my knowledge and network to help students and families at Lynbrook Schools and for what the next four years bring!”
— Kayla Dechter
By NOAH PERETZ Correspondent
A person using the moniker Irene Rock Vigotty recently posted a complaint in the Valley Stream News Face book group.
She expressed her grievances with the East Rockaway Lidl grocery store’s lack of shopping carts, pointing out that, “There are NEVER any carts in front of the store...I have to geezer around the lot looking for a person walking to their car and then follow them to get their cart.”
Vigotty said she had spoken with managers on multiple occasions and had been told that circumstances, including cart theft and staff shortages, contributed to the noticeable lack of shopping carts.
Other shoppers expressed similar frustrations with this Lidl location’s cart shortage.
“There used to be wonderful smallish carts in here, but lately they have been very spare, and when you come in the store, and there’s none in the store or in the lot,” Barbara from Oceanside said after getting a cart from another shopper exiting the store.
She also pointed out the necessity of such handoffs because of the lack of shopping carts. “Other people are very nice, they see an old lady and come over and give me their cart, otherwise I’d be out here in the cold for a while,” she joked.
Barbara’s frustrations were echoed by
Jen from Far Rockaway, who said, “I come here every two weeks, and I usually get a cart from someone who’s going back to their car.”
Despite multiple shoppers having the same issue on the same day, other shoppers had conflicting accounts of the cart shortage’s severity.
Heshie from Stockholm, Sweden, via Far Rockaway, said, “Just this location has a problem in my experience; usually at other locations, the cart rack is filled.”
Lidl is a chain that started in Germany
and has locations throughout Europe, so Heshie’s personal account encompasses his shopping experience across multiple countries. “I live in Sweden, so I deal with Lidl all the time,” he said.
His claims might not just be based on personal experience. According to SEnine Magazine, a London-based local publication, Lidl locations in the U.K. are doing away with handheld baskets and only supplying wheeled carts.
Despite Vigotty noting that the East Rockaway Lidl had been dealing with a
cart shortage since May of 2025 in her post, Heshie only noticed a glaring lack of carts in recent months.
“I would say it’s just this store for the past two months at most, I go to this store a lot,” he said.
Other shoppers exist in the middle ground between Bigotry’s exasperation and Cheshire’s sentiments.
Michelle from Queens, who was shopping without a cart, didn’t know that there were any complaints of a cart shortage.
“I only shop here once in a while, so I don’t know if it’s a problem. I usually see some carts, but not a lot,” she said.
All four declined to provide their last names.
What is considered the first modern Lidl location was opened in Ludwigshafen, Germany in 1973, with only three employees and roughly 500 products, an according to information on the company’s website.
In the 1990s, Lidl began its global expansion and within a few years the company had stores across Europe, and now operate in 31 countries and employ more than 360,000 people.
The U.S. headquarters in Arlington, Va., was opened in 2015. There are more than 190 Lidl stores actions the East Coast, according to the company’s website.
As of press time, Lidl did not respond for comment.
A MEMBER OF SOUTH SIDE’S varsity for five seasons, DiSalvo is considered one of the most talented gymnasts in Nassau County. She earned All-County honors on vault in the 202122 campaign and has been All-County in three events (vault, balance beam and floor exercise) in each of the past four seasons. Her career highs are 8.45 on vault, 8.95 on beam and 9.3 on floor. She’s also one of the Cyclones’ captains.
Thursday, Feb. 5
Girls Basketball: Sewanhaka at Carey 4:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Manhasset at Elmont 5 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Roosevelt at Mepham 6:45 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Calhoun at Long Beach 6:45 p.m.
Girls Basketball: South Side at Clarke 6:45 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Lawrence at Seaford 6:45 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Long Beach at Calhoun 6:45 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Clarke at South Side 7 p.m.
Girls Basketball: G.N. South at MacArthur 7 p.m.
Friday, Feb. 6
Boys Basketball: Carey at Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m.
Boys Basketball: V.S. North at V.S. South 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Carle Place at West Hemp 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Island Trees at Malverne 6 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Baldwin at Oceanside 6:45 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Lo. Valley at North Shore 6:45 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Seaford at Lawrence 7 p.m.
Girls Basketball: V.S. North at V.S. South 7 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 7
Boys Basketball: Hempstead at Freeport 11:45 a.m.
Boys Basketball: Massapequa at Uniondale 12 p.m.
Girls Basketball: Massapequa at South Side 3 p.m.
Boys Basketball: Oceanside at Baldwin 4 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 TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com
Lynbrook brought plenty of fight to Saturday’s Nassau League A-6 boys’ basketball battle, but defending county champion Floral Park found a way to counterpunch each time the visiting Owls took a swing.
Junior Collin Murphy had a game-high 23 points, seniors Declan Lally and Joe Prestia 16 apiece, Brendan Martin 15, and Brady Croon 12 as the firstplace Knights led from start to finish in what was their 10th consecutive victory and 16th in 17 games, 82-60.
“It was frustrating, but credit to them they didn’t miss many shots,” Lynbrook head coach Brian Donaldson said. “I thought our defense was solid and we played pretty good offensively.”
The Owls (11-5 overall, 4-4 in league) trailed by as many as 11 in the first half but got within four on four different occasions in the second half before Floral Park closed the game with a 19-3 run.
“The final doesn’t indicate at all what kind of game this was,” Donaldson said. “We were right there until the last few minutes. They showed why they’re the champs and that’s where we want to be. Hopefully we see them again in the playoffs.”
Lynbrook’s offense was led by seniors Devin Byrne, who hit five 3-pointers for 15 points, Jake Prince (13) and Max Dellacona (11.) The result left the Owls needed to win two of their last four league games to go dancing in the Class A playoffs.
“I think we’re a playoff team,” Donaldson said. “As a
coach you always want to strive for perfection and I think day by day we are getting better. We have nice depth and versatility.”
Floral Park, which took the first meeting between the teams Dec. 20, winning 58-49 at Lynbrook, will likely be the top seed in Class A.
“They play at a fast pace and like us have a lot of kids who can score,” Donaldson said.
The Knights scored at least 18 points in all four quarters of Saturday’s rematch and drained 11 shots from behind the arc, including five in the second quarter between Murphy (three) and Lally as they led 33-22 before Byrne helped the Owls get within 38-30 at halftime.
“Devin’s shot was on today,” Donaldson said of Byrne. “He hit some big ones to keep us in it.”
The margin was down to four several times in the third quarter, thanks to a dynamic dunk from junior Orji Agwu and a trey from senior Jaime Pereira.
Byrne hat the hot hand early in the fourth, sandwiching a pair of threes between a bucket by Martin and Floral Park led 58-54 with 7:12 left before stepping back on the gas.
Lally, Murphy and Prestia all hit threes and the Knights were suddenly up 70-57 midway through the fourth.
The Owls have defeated three (Mineola, Valley Stream North and Plainedge) of the four opponents remaining on their schedule, falling only to Wantagh by a basket.
“Right now the goal is to get into the playoffs and start gearing up for potential matchups,” Donaldson said.
East Rockaway High School science research students traded their textbooks for trowels on Jan. 30, visiting Scholars Academy in Far Rockaway to experience a working hydroponics farm firsthand.
Easy Rockaway High School science research students visited Scholars Academy in Far Rockaway on Jan. 30 to explore hydroponic farming and its role in addressing food security.
“I wanted them to see how this technology addresses real-world challenges,” said Science Chairwoman Jennifer Belfiore in a news release.
The students took part in a hands-on experience with seeding, transplanting and harvesting crops, while learning how hydroponic systems operate on a large scale.
Learn more about Teens for Food Justice: TeensForFoodjustice.org.
— Kayla Dechter
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Experts explain what lies beneath the surface, and detail the threats to our crucial aquifers
By JORDAN VALLONE, WILL SHEELINE & ABIGAIL GRIECO of the Herald Community Newspapers
First installment in a series about water.
On Long Island, we’re not talking enough about water.
From the drops coming out of our taps to the waves breaking along both shores, myriad water-related issues have the potential to impact Long Islanders’ day-to-day lives.
The water system is not a single pipeline or policy, but a web of underground aquifers, aging infrastructure, coastal ecosystems — and policymakers — that together determine who has access to clean, affordable water — and who faces the greatest risk when that system begins to fail.
This series will break down how Long Island’s water system works, from aquifers to coastal bays, and clarify how policy, infrastructure and governance shape access to clean, affordable water. It will also examine the environmental pressures facing that system, from contamination and climate change to the health of bays, fisheries and drinking water supplies.
Through global reports that demonstrate the rapid growth of freshwater use over the past century, and interviews with environmental experts and regional advocates who connect these issues locally, this first installment examines what lies beneath the surface: the water we drink, and how contamination and access may disproportionately affect certain communities.
The sole source beneath Long Island
In order to understand Long Island’s relationship with drinking water, it’s essential to understand where the water comes from. The island relies on aquifers, underground layers of sand, gravel and clay that store billions of gallons of water accumulated over tens of millions of years. More specifically, Long Island relies on three: the Upper Glacial, the Magothy and the Lloyd (as well as a fourth, significantly smaller one, the Jameco).
These aquifers together are designated a single-source aquifer system by the Environmental Protection Agency, which means that “your groundwater supply is provided by an aquifer that serves at least 50 percent of your water needs,” according to Sarah Meyland, a former professor at New York Institute of Technology.
Meyland explained that both Nassau and Suffolk counties rely on this single aquifer system for 100 percent of our freshwater, whether it comes from a tap, shower or sprinkler. While this has meant that Long Islanders have had access to clean, easily accessed drinking water for decades, the aquifers, particularly in Nassau County, have one major downside.
“This aquifer needs to be particularly well protected, because if you damage it,
or if you ruin it, you don’t have any other source of water,” Meyland said. “And that’s exactly the situation Long Island is in. We don’t have a secondary backup source of water.”
Since the federal government began measuring water usage in Long Island’s aquifers in 1900, roughly 5 percent of drinkable water has been consumed or lost due to salinization, the process by which freshwater is turned into saltwater. It occurs in aquifers due to overpumping, as water is taken out faster than it is replaced, causing saltwater from the Long Island Sound and the ocean to fill in the missing volume.
tion of the aquifer system is already nonfunctional, Queens is barely better, and both now get their water from the New York City water system, which pumps freshwater in from upstate. Nassau is well on its way to following them; the difference is there is no municipal entity to bail Nassau out.
as of 2021, the United States withdraws the third-highest amount of freshwater from underground globally, roughly 444.4 billion cubic meters per year.
A key conclusion from the university’s report put the crisis in simple terms: “The world is already in the state of ‘water bankruptcy.’” In many basins and aquifers, long-term overuse and degradation, the report says, means that “hydrological and ecological baselines cannot realistically be restored.”
What areas are more affected?
If Long Island continues on the same path of aquifer depletion without any intervention from state authorities, such as the Department of Environmental Conservation, Meyland said, Nassau County will suffer more than Suffolk within the next 50 years.
“It’s about a third of the size of Suffolk with roughly the same number of people,” she said. “The Town of Brookhaven is the same size as the county of Nassau. So Nassau County will continue to experience saltwater intrusions. That’s going to put pressure on virtually all of the water suppliers along the north and south shore.”
Meyland singled out Long Beach as an area that would likely lose its entire local water supply because of saltwater intrusion to the Lloyd Aquifer, the only aquifer the city draws from.
The vast majority of the used water is consumed by private sprinklers and irrigation systems, many of which are automated to water yards and home gardens. According to Meyland, Long Island has the highest per-capita water use of any community from New York to North Carolina, and the vast majority of that use occurs from spring through fall, when sprinklers turn on and swimming pools fill up.
There is no known way to create new water, or to speed up the natural replenishment process. Desalination plants, which remove salt from water, are becoming more common globally, but they are expensive projects, according to Meyland.
“It’s like a bank account,” Meyland said.
“The water, the money coming in, needs to be at least equal to the money going out.”
While a 5 percent loss may seem inconsequential, the real problem is there’s no way to efficiently and cheaply replenish that loss. And the damage is not evenly distributed: The vast majority of the loss takes place in Brooklyn, Queens and Nassau, which have not effectively stewarded their portions of the aquifers.
Suffolk, which has the lowest population density of the four counties, has proactively monitored and managed its water intake and outflow for years, leaving its portion of the aquifers “a system in balance,” as Meyland described it. She pointed out that Brooklyn’s por-
The issues impacting drinking water supply are not unique to Long Island. According to a report released by the United Nations University last month, the world is entering an “era of global water bankruptcy” — a new, formal definition of a reality for billions of people. The report called for a “fundamental reset” of the global water agenda, as irreversible damage pushes sources of fresh drinking water beyond recovery.
“This report tells an uncomfortable truth: Many regions are living beyond their hydrological means, and many critical water systems are already bankrupt,” said the report’s lead author, Kaveh Madani, the director of the UN University’s Institute for Water, Environment and Health.
Numbers published by Our World In Data, a nonprofit publication that uses data to explain global issues like poverty, disease and climate change, showed that
“They will have already been forced to look for other sources of water, whether they make arrangements from New York City, or they make arrangements and buy water from some of their neighboring water suppliers,” Meyland explained. “I’m sure there will be a lot of pressure to desalinate water, but that will be very expensive.”
On the North Shore of Nassau County, she said, areas of the Great Neck and Manhasset peninsula, including Sands Point, are at risk of losing their supplies of water, also due to salinity. And their options are limited, she added, because some of these communities are already piping water from other parts of Long Island.
Water suppliers are aware of the risk the future holds, Meyland said, but it is unfair to put the burden on them to fix the situation. “They are not at fault for what is happening to the water supply for coastal communities,” she said. And water supplies are not only depleting on Long Island, but they are also contaminated.
The Environmental Working Group affiliated with Citizens Campaign for the Environment, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for stronger environmental policies in New York and Connecticut, released a report in 2025 showing that a least 189 New York water systems — primarily serving residents of Long Island — detected high levels of toxic so-called “forever chemicals,” or PFAS, in tap water.
The report showed that 702,000 residents in Nassau County and 122,200 resi-
dents of Suffolk have elevated levels of PFAS in their water supplies. Some particularly vulnerable communities include those serviced by the Lynbrookbased Liberty Utilities, the Water Authority of Western Nassau and the Hempstead Town Water District.
What can be done?
According to Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, geography and land use play a major role in why some Long Island communities experience more severe water quality issues than others.
“The biggest driver for water quality in the marine environment is land activity,” Esposito said, noting that polluted stormwater runoff, fertilizer use and marine debris all flow from developed areas into surrounding bays and waterways.
Highly populated and heavily developed regions — particularly along the South Shore — generate greater amounts of runoff, which carries excess nitrogen from lawn fertilizers, bacteria and debris into nearby bays. That nitrogen fuels algae growth, which depletes oxygen levels and can lead to fish kills and damage to shellfish populations.
Aging infrastructure in some coastal communities continues to pose challenges. Esposito pointed to the Long Beach’s sewage treatment plant, which discharg-
es roughly 5 million gallons of wastewater per day into Nassau County’s Western Bays. While the wastewater is treated, Esposito said the facility is old and in need of major repairs.
The Western Bays have been among the most degraded areas, in part due to decades of treated sewage discharges and runoff from surrounding communities. Marine debris, including plastic bottles, cigarette butts and food packaging, often originates farther inland, and makes its way through tributaries before washing into coastal waters, Esposito said.
On the North Shore, in areas that still rely on septic systems, groundwater contamination presents another challenge, as pollutants can leach directly into aquifers and nearby waterways.
result of years of advocacy and scientific review.
In addition to regulating water systems themselves, Esposito highlighted a first-of-its-kind state law, passed in 2019, that limited the amount of 1,4-dioxane allowed in common household and personal care products. The law was phased in over several years and was fully implemented in 2023, reducing the amount of chemicals entering wastewater systems in the first place.
I f you want to protect our waters and public health, sometimes you have to speak out
AdrIenne d’esposIto Executive director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment
Esposito pointed to several major policy changes that have reshaped how New York addresses water contamination, particularly by emerging chemicals like PFAS and 1,4-dioxane.
She noted that the state now has some of the nation’s strongest drinking water standards for these chemicals — standards that are fully implemented across Long Island’s public water systems, the
water quality in the Western Bays once the Bay Park Conveyance Project is completed.
Esposito also emphasized the importance of preventing pollution at its source, rather than relying on expensive treatment systems after contamination occurs. Citizens Campaign has spent several years advocating for legislation aimed at reducing packaging waste, a significant contributor to marine debris found in Long Island’s bays and waterways.
One of the most significant steps underway is the long-awaited redirection of treated sewage from the South Shore Water Reclamation Facility, in Bay Park, away from the Western Bays and into the Cedar Creek ocean outfall pipe — a nearly $600 million project more than a decade in the making. The change is expected to dramatically improve
At the local and state level, municipalities are also tapping into grant programs designed to reduce stormwater pollution. These initiatives fund upgrades to stormwater systems, filtration devices that remove nitrogen and bacteria before runoff reaches waterways. Environmental organizations, including Citizens Campaign, Operation SPLASH and the Nature Conservancy have played a key role in advocating for these measures through long-term collaboration and public pressure.
Looking ahead, Citizens Campaign plans to launch a new marine debris prevention campaign this spring, focused on public education and outreach, emphasizing that litter discarded anywhere on Long Island can ultimately end up in coastal waters. The organization is also continuing its push in Albany for legislation aimed at reducing packaging waste and monitoring contaminants entering waterways through wastewater systems.
Residents can make a difference, Esposito said, by limiting fertilizer use, properly disposing of trash and supporting redevelopment over construction on green spaces.
“We encourage people to get up, show up and speak up,” she said. “If you want to protect our waters and public health, sometimes you have to speak out.”
By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com
Over a year has passed since former leadership at Nassau University Medical Center filed a lawsuit against New York state, alleging a decades-long Medicaid scam that deprived the largest safety-net hospital on Long Island of as much of $1 billion in aid.
Following a turbulent year at NUMC, in which its board and leadership was ousted and replaced by mostly state appointments, the federal Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is investigating the same reports, according to a Jan. 16 letter sent to Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medical Services within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
The alleged Medicaid scheme
In late-2024, Nassau University Medical Center and its parent public-benefit corporation, the Nassau Health Care Corporation, accused the state for withholding $1.06 billion, plus interest, in Medicaid payments that the hospital said it was entitled to receive.
According to notice-of-claims documents distributed to reporters at a November 2024 conference in the lobby of the East Meadow hospital, a disproportionately large share of patients served by NUMC are eligible for Medicaid. NUMC is one of three public hospitals in New York that serve all patients, regardless of their ability to pay for medical care.
Because of the large number of Medicaid patients, the hospital receives federal funding through the Disproportionate Share Hospital program and the Upper Payment Limit program — both Medicaid programs authorized under the Social Security Act. In order to receive payments from the federal government, states — in NUMC’s case, New York — must contribute their assigned share, commonly referred to as the state share or non-federal share, to hospital funding.
Typically, the state share matches the federal contribution.
According to the notice-of-claims documents, in 2024, NUMC was due to receive DSH payments totaling roughly $100.2 million. The federal share of the DSH payments was half of that total, around $50.1 million, which was transferred to the State Department of Health for distribution.
The documents alleged that the state orchestrated a ruse to mislead the federal government by requiring NUMC to front the state’s contractual share of the DSH funds from its own operating account. As a result, NUMC received only half of the DSH payments it was entitled to, because the state required the hospital to fund its own non-federal share.
The hospital alleged that it had been a victim of similar schemes since at least 2001.
Throughout 2025, a restructured board was implemented at the Nassau
An alleged Medicaid fraud scheme at Nassau University Medical Center re-surfaced in a letter by the House Oversight Committee. The committee is investigating allegations made against the state and requesting clarification for how funds from certain federal programs should be distributed.
Health Care Corporation and NUMC, due to provisions that passed in the state’s budget in May. These changes ousted former leadership who brought the allegations against the state. Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed a new chairman of the board, Stuart Rabinowitz, a former president at Hofstra University.
The hospital also welcomed Thomas Stokes as its new chief executive earlier this month.
On Jan. 15, the hospital announced it had received $109.6 million in funding from state leadership.
In a Jan. 16 letter to Oz, U.S. Rep. James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, and chair of the House Oversight Committee, said the committee is “investigating reports that the State of New York has been failing to abide by current law and properly match federal Medicaid funds.”
Comer stated that the committee is concerned that the state, and potentially other states, are failing to follow federal law by “misrepresenting the source of the non-federal share that the state is responsible for providing to trigger federal dollars under the Medicaid DSH program.”
Citing articles on the alleged Medicaid scheme by both the Herald and the New York Post, Comer said “reports on this scheme indicate that the state has engaged in this behavior for more than 20 years, costing taxpayers over $1 billion for one hospital alone, Nassau University Medical Center.”
The committee, he said, initiated an
Tim Baker/Herald NUMC’s operations were taken over by state Democrats, under the direction of Gov. Kathy Hochul, who appointed the new board’s chair and a majority of the board. The state recently distributed $110 million to NUMC.
investigation in July of last year by sending a letter to Hochul and the state’s Executive Chamber, and has received some, but “nowhere near all” of the requested documents and communications.
Comer wrote that four members of Congress from New York wrote to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. and the Acting Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Stephanie Carlton and “requested clarification on the obligation of states, including New York, to ensure timely and complete DSH payments to NUMC
The Medicaid Disproportionate Share Hospital, or DSH, program provides supplemental funding to hospitals that serve large numbers of low-income and uninsured patients, helping offset uncompensated care costs.
DSH funding is shared by the federal government and states. States must contribute a non-federal “state share” to receive matching federal dollars.
Nassau University Medical Center, one of only three public hospitals in New York that treat patients regardless of ability to pay, relies heavily on DSH funds. Federal rules prohibit states from requiring hospitals to finance the state share themselves.
Under previous leadership, NUMC alleged New York violated those rules by forcing the hospital to front the state’s portion of DSH payments, resulting in reduced funding. The U.S. House Oversight Committee is now reviewing whether the state complied with federal Medicaid law
— Jordan Vallone
and other eligible hospitals.” They also requested a review of the situation that occurred at NUMC to determine if the state’s actions are in compliance with federal statutes and regulations.
Comer requested a briefing to assist in the investigation, as well as the issuing of a “formal clarification regarding the proper sourcing of non-federal share funds for the Medicaid DSH program.”
State officials have long said the takeover at NUMC was necessary, citing a storied history of mismanagement that they say put the hospital into financial distress.
A spokesperson for the governor told the New York Post, covering the same matter at the hospital: “NUMC’s previous leadership left the hospital in a deep financial hole because of years of mismanagement and an outright refusal to meet the state’s basic oversight requirements, putting patient care at risk.”
The money provided to the hospital earlier this month, according to a release shared with the Herald, 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.”
Practical, science-backed strategies to improve connection,
Fourth and sixth grade students at Centre Avenue Elementary School attended a Holocaust education presentation on Jan. 29 featuring survivor Arnold Newfield, who visited through the Kupferberg Holocaust Center at Queensborough Community College.
Newfield shared his family’s traumatic journey of survival, fleeing Austria for the Netherlands in 1938. He was born in 1942 in Westerbork, a transit camp, and at age three was separated from his father, who was sent to Buchenwald, while he, his mother, and two brothers were deported to Ravensbrück.
Newfield shared his family’s experience in detail, along with their planned reunification in the Netherlands. Following the end of the war, Newfield and his family came back together, eventually immigrated to the United States and settled on the lower East Side of Manhattan.
Centre Avenue students, who have been studying the Holocaust in class, asked questions following the presentation and presented Newfield with handmade thank-you cards.
Newfield concluded by encouraging students to ask family members about their histories, avoid living with anger, and participate in voting when they become eligible. — Kayla Dechter
to sixth graders at Centre
learned firsthand about a profound moment in history on Jan. 29 when they met Holocaust survivor
Sixth graders at North and South Middle Schools in the Lynbrook School District recently received a response from award-winning author Lois Lowry after studying her novel “The Giver” in their English classes.
Each student created a project identifying key symbols and themes from the novel. The papers were bound together and mailed to Lowry, who replied by thanking the students for their interest and appreciation for her novel, and for sharing it with her, which left them excited and proud to hear back from the author.
— Kayla Dechter
Score from kickoff to crunch time
By Karen Bloom
It’s the biggest sports day of the year — and a perfect excuse to throw a bash that’s almost as exciting as the game itself. The Super Bowl on Sunday isn’t just about touchdowns, commercials and the halftime show: it’s about friends, fun and food that’s worth a victory dance.
Sure, the game on the big screen is the main event, but let’s be honest — some of the best plays happen around the snack table. Wings, dips, even desserts are all part of the strategy to keep your fans happy (and maybe even sneak a second helping before halftime). When it comes to dessert, fuss-free is the way to go. An array of cookies, brownies and dessert bars will satisfy the sweet tooth. You can take your dessert table to the next level by icing your treats in team colors. Here’s your playbook for scoring big with game-day treats that’ll make your party a championship-worthy hit.
No football party is complete without a generous serving of wings. Try these Asianinspired chicken wings, with a spicy Creole twist.
• 3 pounds chicken wing pieces
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 2 teaspoons Creole Seasoning
• 1/2 cup pineapple juice
• 1/4 cup cane syrup or molasses
• 1/4 cup ZATARAIN’S® Creole Mustard
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
• 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sesame seeds
Preheat oven to 450°F. Toss chicken wings with oil and Creole Seasoning in large bowl. Arrange wings in single layer on foil-lined large shallow baking pan.
Bake 35 minutes or until wings are cooked through and skin is crisp.
Mix remaining ingredients, except cilantro and sesame seeds, in large skillet. Bring to boil on high heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer about 15 minutes or until sauce is reduced by a third and is a “syrup” consistency. Add wings; toss to coat with sauce. Transfer wings to serving
platter. Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Here’s another zesty take on the footballwatching favorite.
• 2 1/2 pounds chicken wing pieces
• 1/2 cup any flavor Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce
• 1/3 cup ketchup
• 2 tsp. Cajun seasoned spice blend
Bake wings in foil-lined pan at 500 °F on lowest oven rack for 20 to 25 minutes until crispy, turning once.
Mix Buffalo Wings Sauce, ketchup and spice blend.
Toss wings in sauce to coat.
Tip: You may substitute 1/2 cup Red Hot Sauce mixed with 1/3 cup melted butter for the Wings Sauce.
Alternate cooking directions: Deep-fry at 375°F for 10 minutes or broil 6-inches from heat 15 to 20 minutes turning once.
This the ideal game day snack! Seriously, it’s a crowd pleaser.
• 3 pounds small russet potatoes
• Olive oil cooking spray
• 1 cup shredded reduced-fat or regular Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken
• 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped Blue Diamond Smokehouse
• Almonds
• 1/2 cup light sour cream
• 1/4 cup sliced green onion tops
Preheat oven to 450 F and line baking sheet with foil.
Rinse potatoes and pat dry; pierce with fork or sharp knife. Place in large microwave-safe bowl; cover and microwave high for 15 minutes or until potatoes are soft when gently squeezed. Remove and let cool slightly.
Cut in half and scoop out potato leaving 1/4inch rim of potato inside skin. Place on prepared baking sheet and spray both sides of potato skins liberally with cooking spray; bake for 15 minutes to crisp.
Billy Stritch and Friends celebrate Judy Garland
Sprinkle equal amounts of cheese into each skin. Stir together chicken and wing sauce and spoon over cheese. Top with almonds and bake for 5 minutes more. Add dollop of sour cream to each and sprinkle with green onions. Serve with and additional wing sauce, if desired. Makes 6-8 servings.
Round out your lineup with this tasty addition to your game day spread.
• 1 pound lean ground turkey or ground beef
• 1/3 cup Japanese panko crumbs or bread crumbs
• ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped
• 3 green onions, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 12 ounces Frank’s RedHot Sweet Chili Sauce, divided
Preheat oven to 350° F.
Mix ground meat, panko crumbs, cilantro, green onion, ginger, egg, salt and 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce. Form into one-inch meatballs. Place meatballs on lightly greased baking sheets.
Bake 20 minutes, turning once halfway through. Put meatballs in slow cooker or Dutch oven to keep warm, pour remaining sweet chili sauce over meatballs. Gently stir to coat meatballs and serve.
Game day requires guacamole. Try a new twist on the must-have dip.
• 1 large avocado, peeled and mashed
• 1/2 tomato, seeded and chopped
• 1/3 cup Blue Diamond Jalapeno Smokehouse
• Almonds, chopped
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 3 strips cooked bacon, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons sour cream
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• Juice of 1/2 lime
• Salt and pepper, to taste
In small bowl, mix all ingredients. Serve with tortilla chips or other favorite dippers, such as carrots, bell peppers and broccoli.
Judy on TV! This concert shines a long-overdue spotlight on a unique chapter of Garland’s legendary career: her 1963–64 CBS television series. It’s a look at Garland’s iconic talent through the lens of her landmark 1963-64 weekly television broadcasts. Renowned entertainer and music director Billy Stritch leads this dazzling tribute that brings together a stellar lineup of jazz and Broadway favorites including acclaimed vocalists Gabrielle Stravelli and Nicolas King. The Judy Garland Show lasted only nine months and the star saw its cancellation as a devastating failure. Stritch sees it much differently, noting that the show’s 26 hours of concert material capture a crucial era of her life and legacy as one of the greatest entertainers of all time. These terrific performers revive the unforgettable music, intimate moments and sheer star power that defined the show.
Saturday, Feb. 7, 8 p.m. $58, $48, $38. Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.
The acclaimed dance company visits Hofstra University with a high-octane performance, Step Afrika! 101. Since its 1994 founding, Step Afrika! has been recognized as a cultural ambassador for this percussive dance tradition rooted in African American communities and historically linked to Black Greek-letter organizations. Their signature style fuses precise footwork and rhythmic movement with contemporary African dance, AfroBeats and popular music, in a powerful celebration of culture and community. Everyone is encouraged to clap, stomp, and join in calland-response moments that make the show feel as communal as it is electric. In keeping with Step Afrika!’s emphasis on service and community, it’s requested to bring non-perishable food items or basic toiletries to benefit the Hofstra Pantry and the Mary Brennan INN.
Sunday, Feb. 8, 3:30-5 p.m. Free admission. John Cranford Adams Playhouse, South Campus, Hempstead. For more information, visit hofstra.edu/academics/culturalcenter or call (516) 463-5669 or email hofculctr@hofstra.edu.
and Sip
Per Sempre Lodge #2344 of the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America invites all to a Paint and Sip Fundraiser for a great cause. Enjoy a guided, step-bystep painting experience led by a local artist, complete with all supplies, a complimentary glass of wine, light refreshments and a cash bar. Come for an evening of creativity, laughter and fun while taking home your own finished masterpiece.
• Where: 78 Hempstead Ave., Lynbrook
• Time: 7-10 p.m.
• Contact: Gina DiSalvio at (516) 965-4246
Join in some creative fun relating to Long Island Children’s Museum new exhibit. Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out” focuses on Riley’s emotions Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear. Come explore your many emotions and craft an interchangeable hat to display which emotion is “in charge” throughout the day at the drop-in program.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: Noon-2 p.m., also Feb. 8
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
FEB 10
East Rockaway BOE meets The school board holds its next meeting. Discussions ocus on district matters, policies and educational initiatives.
• Where: 443 Ocean Ave., East Rockaway
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 887-8300
Chamber of Commerce’s Lunch and Learn
Lynbrook Chamber of Commerce hosts an informative Lunch and Learn with Mayor Beach as the guest speaker. The program highlights updates on current projects and initiatives taking place in the Village of Lynbrook.
• Where: Pearsall’s Station, 479 Sunrise Hwy.
• Time: Noon-2 p.m.
• Contact: Michela Argento at (516) 312-7719
catwalk experience only.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: Starting at 11:30 a.m.
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
‘So
Queen-mania rolls on. Almost Queen returns to the Paramount stage with their homage to the beloved band. They don’t just pay tribute to the legendary band, Almost Queen transports you back in time to experience the magic and essence of Queen themselves. The band — featuring Joseph Russo as Freddie Mercury, Steve Leonard as Brian May, Randy Gregg as John Deacon, and John Cappadona as Roger Taylor — is “guaranteed to blow your mind” with iconic four-part harmonies and expertly executed musical interludes. The band’s authenticity shines through in their impeccable attention to detail and genuine costumes, while their live energy and precision captivates fans of all ages with an unforgettable concert experience. Almost Queen’s concerts are a true testament to the band’s love for Queen’s music. The carefully curated setlist featuring Queen’s best-loved songs, like “Somebody to Love,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Fat Bottomed Girls,” and “Radio Ga Ga,” along with lesser known tracks. And of course, no Queen tribute concert would be complete without classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions!” It’s no wonder fans keep coming back for more.
Book talk
Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House press secretary and senior advisor to President Joseph R. Biden Jr., visits Hofstra University to discuss her two books published last year, “Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America” and “Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House Outside the Party Lines.” Copies of both books will be available for purchase, and her talk will be followed by a book signing. Advance registration is required.
• Where: John Cranford Adams Playhouse, Hofstra University South Campus, Hempstead
• Time: 11:15 a.m.- 2:45 p.m.
• Contact: events.hofstra.edu to RSVP
In concert
It’s time for nostalgia!
Come by St. Mary’s/ Maris Stella Knights of Columbus for an evening with The New Standard. Enjoy the quartet’s classic tunes and great vibes. $30 per person, including food. Cash bar. Walk-ins are welcome.
• Where: 78 Hempstead Ave., Lynbrook
• Time: 7-10 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 887-2228
14
Lunar New Year program
Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes Chinese Theatre Works to the museum stage. Join in a celebration of the Lunar New Year with an original “budaixi” glove puppet production that features the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac. This year’s show stars the Horse, who presides over a jolly selection of wild puppet skits, dances, popular songs, and well known Chinese sayings that celebrate the wit and wisdom of the zodiac animals. Hao Bang Ah! Horse! A hands-on post show demonstration will make the Chinese bilingual cultural experience accessible to even the youngest audience members. $5, $4 members, $10 theater only.
• Where: Museum Row, Garden City
• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m..
• Contact: licm.org or call (516) 224-5800
See the world’s best drivers tear up the dirt and show off crazy skills and all-out racing in fierce head-to-head battles of speed and skill when Monster Jam roars into UBS Arena. Get ready for the event that will change everything you
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
thought you knew about freestyle. Monster Jam trucks team up with Freestyle Motocross bikes to deliver gravity-defying skills and thrills. It’s an adrenaline rush not to be missed.
• Where: 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont.
• Time: Noon and 6 p.m.; also Feb. 15 and Feb. 16
• Contact: ticketmaster.com
Walk the blue carpet as a VIP to celebrate Long Island Children’s Museum’s premiere performance of Pete the Cat! Dress your best, smile for the paparazzi, and take a picture with Pete! A special youth emcee will be interviewing VIPs on camera. Gain exclusive access to Pete’s Groovy Lounge for refreshments, enjoy the opening day performance of the show and take home a fun swag bag! You’ll even get to meet the cast after the show! For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW bus! $16 ($14 members), $20 theater and
‘The Wedding Singer’ Molloy University’s CAP21 Musical Theatre students stage the musical comedy based on the iconic film. The show will have you partying like it’s 1985! Travel back to the outrageous 1980s, when hair was huge, neon ruled fashion and everything MTV was “like, totally tubular.” Based on the mega-hit Adam Sandler movie, this Broadway romance about a heartbroken rock star wannabe finding love again is jam-packed with big laughs, dazzling dance numbers, and a score as bold and electric as the decade itself. From popped collars to power ballads, “The Wedding Singer” is a nostalgic, feel-good celebration of love, friendship and all things ‘80s.
• Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre
• Time: 8 p.m.; also Feb. 21, 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Feb 22, 3 p.m.
• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444
Check out the free, family-friendly community event celebrating local businesses and everything that makes the village special at Lynbrook Library. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, sample food from local restaurants and connect with business owners showcasing their products and services. Chamber members also have the opportunity to reserve a table to engage directly with residents and visitors in a lively, welcoming setting.
• Where: 56 Eldert St.
• Time: Noon-3 p.m.
• Contact: Audrey Donaldson at (516) 670-2057
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.
Notice is hereby given that I shall, commencing on February 17, 2026, sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on real estate herein-after described, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party-ininterest in such real estate shall pay to the County Treasurer by February 12, 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 per cent per six month’s 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 17, 2026 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.nassaucountyny. gov/526/County-Treasurer
Should the Treasurer determine that an in-person 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.
The liens are for arrears of School District taxes for the year 2024 - 2025 and/or County, Town, and Special District taxes for the year 2025. The following is a partial listing of the real estate located in school district number(s) 20, 19 in the Town of Hempstead only, upon which tax liens are to be sold, with a brief description of the same by reference to the County Land and Tax Map, the name of the owner or occupant as the same appears on the 2024/2025 tentative assessment roll, and the total amount of such unpaid taxes.
THE NAMES OF OWNERS SHOWN ON THIS LIST MAY NOT NECESSARILY BE THE NAMES OF THE PERSONS OWNING THE PROPERTY AT THE TIME OF THIS ADVERTISEMENT. SUCH NAMES HAVE BEEN TAKEN FROM THE 2024/2025 TENTATIVE ASSESSMENT ROLLS AND MAY DIFFER FROM THE NAMES OF THE OWNERS AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. IT MAY ALSO BE THAT SUCH OWNERS ARE NOMINAL ONLY AND ANOTHER PERSON IS ACTUALLY THE BENEFICIAL OWNER.
TOwn OF HEMpSTEAd SCHOOL:19 EAST ROCkAwAY UFSd
SAVADER LE PAUL & ELAINE TR,P 4,635.61 38144 00180 GOLIAN
CHIAROLANZA GIANLUCA 6,873.81
38076 00620 62-63
YADANZA DOUGLAS R & ROANNE L SI 324.20
38081 02220
EMPIRE DEVELOPMENT GROUP LLC 8,952.31
38094 00090
CORTESE LE S CORTESE ETAL,B 5,752.37
38095 05370
MANTHOS JAMES & LINDA 10,343.78
38241 00250 25-27
LINNEMAN STEVEN & TINA 8,520.06
38299 01160
SKELOS NICHOLAS & HELEN 629.31
38442 02320
21 RANDALL AVE REALTY CORP 8,115.06
38460 00110
108 EARLE AVENUE LLC 895.32
38467 01040 104,196
NOAH & LEAHS ARK INC 352.22
38473 00200
AVIN MARIE 1,246.52
38498 0028UCA01900 28 CA 190 UNIT 210
WEIR KENNETH & MCGLUE YVONNE 984.26
38498 0028UCA01900 28 CA 190 UNIT 312
144 ATLANTIC AVENUE REALTY CORP 787.64
38498 0028UCA01900 28 CA 190 UNIT 327
A & S TAZ REALTY LLC 1,021.23
38512 00030 MZI REALTY CORP 17,816.34
42 C0200210
CHARDENET FRANCINE 6,218.37
42 E 0134UCA00110 134 CA 11 UNIT 120
ALISIE-SABAU CLAUDIU & MARIA 614.61
42 E 0134UCA00110 134 CA 11 UNIT 209 RANKOVA MAYA 579.52
42 E 0134UCA00110 134 CA 11 UNIT 214 PATITUCCI LIUGINO & ROSALIE 7,059.27
42 E 01470 GIRARDI FRANCESCA 7,024.90
42 E 0550UCA00150 550 CA 15 UNIT 51 SASSON RAYA & SOKOL SERGIO 46,641.96
42 H 05080 NICHINSON LINDA 2,471.35
42 Q0300370
DETRINGO RUTH 2,742.50
42067 0141A 141A,141B,141C
CHIZZIK STACEY 1,679.60
42109 01190 119-121,222
BALLIN STEVEN & ROBERTA 16,958.79
42114 00010
NADEL PAUL 21,146.40
42114 00200
DISANTO ROBERT C & 1,618.15
42114 04040
RANKOVA LEONID & MAYA & 923.15
42125 00130 13,14
BELL REALTY GROUP LLC 6,630.11
42127 01150 115-119,342
BRUSH ALFRED & EDITH 14,315.70
421670108170
VERITY HEC 1,321.04
421680101020
CHEN DONG XIU & CHEN DONG XING 12,472.07
421680101350 135-139
P. COLLADO HOLDINGS CORP 1,416.76
422110101510 151-153
MCGANN THOMAS & JANET 11,522.14 42230 00810 81-82
VETRANO SENECA J 18,826.64 42235 00320
GEORGE BRIAN & GIANNA 11,125.55 42236 00190
PERSAUD-SINGH NEETA 372.84 42244 00290
KHAN SHAZIM & GEORGE 3,545.41 42252 00740
WOLKOFF STEPHEN & JULIE & 4,652.67 42263 00070
MZI REALTY CORP 39,020.82 42264 00110
ZIMMERMAN GERARD 6,700.26 42274 00290
KORNBERG MITCHELL 6,870.95 42275 02210
AMORUSO CAROLINE NIELSEN 20,702.45 42276 00100
PERSICO MITCHEL & JOANNE 20,423.36 42281 00110
EHRLICH MICHELLE & SCHWARTZ EMA 21,018.86 42281 00310
RAMLAKHAN DIPCHAND 30,967.65 42281 00350
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 Soldier’s 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 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) 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 rate of interest and penalty which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten percent of the amount from which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety percent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety percent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten percent 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 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 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.
This list includes only tax liens on real estate located in Town of Hempstead. Such other tax liens on real estate are advertised as follows:
TOwn OF HEMpSTEAd
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE NEW YORK POST
UNIONDALE BEACON
1003
1004
1005
1006
1007
1008
1009
1010
1011
1012
EAST MEADOW HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS
NEW YORK POST
BELLMORE HERALD
MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS
NEW YORK POST
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS NEW YORK POST
THE NASSAU OBSERVER
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE NEW YORK POST
SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN
WANTAGH HERALD CITIZEN
BELLMORE HERALD
MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE NEW YORK POST
BALDWIN HERALD
HEMPSTEAD BEACON,
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE NEW YORK POST
FREEPORT HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE NEW YORK POST
BALDWIN HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
YORK POST
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE NEW YORK POST
OCEANSIDE TRIBUNE
OCEANSIDE/ISLAND PARK HERALD
MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE Dist 1013
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
VALLEY STREAM HERALD
VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE
Dist 1014
FIVE TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
FIVE TOWNS TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU HERALD (FIVE TOWNS)
NEW YORK POST Dist 1015
FIVE TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
FIVE TOWNS TRIBUNE
JEWISH STAR
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST Dist 1016
FRANKLIN SQ/ELMONT HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
1017
FRANKLIN SQ/ELMONT HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER
NEW YORK POST Dist 1018
GARDEN CITY NEWS
GARDEN CITY TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW YORK POST Dist 1019
EAST ROCKAWAY TRIBUNE
LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
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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 other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 13715.
Dated: February 05, 2026
MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
and everything he’d worked towards, and he put it all back into the school that gave so much to him.”
Coonan was integral in the opening of the Nexus building, the home of the College of Nursing and Public Health, which he founded in 2013. As the inaugural dean, he helped oversee an expansion of students, staff, facilities and programs before he retired in 2017. He helped design the school’s state-of-theart nursing simulation lab.
“He made sure the lab included all aspects of nursing care, maternal health, ICU, home care and individual patient examination rooms with highfidelity, state-of-the-art manikins,” said Deborah Ambrosio Mawhirter, an associate clinical professor at Adelphi who worked closely with Coonan during his time as dean. “He knew that simulation was the future in nursing education.”
Coonan founded the Nursing Adelphi Sigma Theta Tau Leadership conference, which was held at Adelphi for over 15 years and attracted hundreds of nurses to the area to learn about nursing and leadership. Funds raised during the events supported scholarships for Adelphi nursing students.
“He was devoted to developing competent clinicians, confident professionals and compassionate leaders,” Mawhirter said. “He was truly a transformational leader who found the potential in everyone. He was inspiring and motivating to students and faculty, best described as an empowering and visionary leader and a mentor to many.”
Coonan also served as academic director of the Center for Health Innovation at Adelphi He was a member of several boards, served as president of the New York State Council of Deans and Directors of Baccalaureate and Higher Degree Nursing Programs, and on the Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center board, and advised on course learning for Nurse.com.
He was also a subject matter expert for the consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal, and the principal consultant for his own management consulting business, Infinite Horizons Consulting LLC.
Coonan’s impact on education extended beyond Adelphi: He was a Malverne Board of Education trustee from 1997 to 2001 and from 2007 to 2012, and served as board president for four years.
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 11-2026
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal
“He was a remarkable individual whose service to our school district has left an enduring legacy,” Josephine Bottitta, the current president of the Malverne school board, told the Herald.
Coonan received several honors over the course of his career, including lifetime achievement awards from the Adelphi University College of Nursing and Public Health and the Alpha Omega Chapter of Sigma Theta Tao in 2017, as well as the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award from the Malverne school district in 2019.
Coonan was a fan of all things Disney, and enjoyed traveling, the New York Rangers and entertaining friends in his home. And his family was important to him: Every week, they would gather for dinner at the Brick Café in Lynbrook. In a 2016 interview with Nurse Leader, Coonan said “Friday nights center me, and help me keep my life in focus.”
“We all want to be people like him,” his son David said. “We want to be successful, do things to the best of our ability, work hard, and impact people.”
“He was a Disney fanatic,” David added. “The house was covered in Disney memorabilia. He looked up to Walt
Disney, and studied his leadership style to apply in his professional life.”
In addition to his wife of 48 years, Coonan is survived by his mother, Jeancarol; his children, David, Lauren,
Town of Hempstead residents need to know that state law requires every operator of a personal watercraft to receive a boater safety certificate.
Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 27th day of January 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 11-2026, and following the close
of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 11-2026, to amend Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include & repealing “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations. Dated: January 27,
To make this more accessible to local boaters, town officials have organized several courses administered by the town’s Bay Constables.
The courses are open for enrollment as early as February, split into three sessions that must each be attended to receive a certificate: Feb. 10, 17, and 24 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Town Conservation Waterways building, 1401 Lido Boulevard, Point Lookout.
“We want to ensure that residents are
[sailing] safely to protect themselves and their fellow boaters,” Town Supervisor John Ferretti wrote in a news release. “We encourage boaters in need of certification to attend a course right here in America’s largest township.” Once boaters attend three sessions and receive their certificate, the documentation must be on board the vessel while sailing. The courses are free, the certificate costs $10.
To register for a Boater Safety Class, please call the Town Bay Constables at (516) 897-4100.
— Kayla Dechter
Help Wanted
CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE
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Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines.
Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com
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Positions Available!
Busy Print Shop in Garden City is Hiring Immediately for Full Time and Part Time Drivers. Must Have a Clean License and BoxTruck Driving Experience.
Hours Vary, Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $21 per hour Night Availability is a Must. Please Email Resume to careers@liherald.com or Call (516)569-4000 x239
DRIVING INSTRUCTOR
Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome!
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Part Time & Full Time. The award-winning Herald Community Newspapers group, covering Nassau County's North and South Shores with hard-hitting news stories and gracefully written features, seeks a motivated, energetic and creative editor/reporter to join our dynamic (and awesome) team! This education and general assignment reporting position offers a unique experience to learn from some of the best in the business. Historically, reporters who have launched their careers with us have gone on to The New York Times, Newsweek, Newsday, the New York Daily News, New York Post, CNN, BBC, NBC News and The Daily Mail, among many others. We look for excellent writers who are eager to learn, enhance their skills, and become well-established and respected journalists in our industry. Salary range is from $20K to $45K To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com
F/T CHAIRSIDE DENTAL ASSISTANT
Lynbrook Location. Experienced Individual With Impeccable Work Ethics. Immediate Opening. Email Resume to:nylaserendo@gmail.com Call 516-599-7111
MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP
Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for a FULL-TIME & PART-TIME mailroom/warehouse helper in Garden City. We are a busy print shop looking for motivated and reliable individuals to assist in various duties in the shop. Forklift experience is a plus and heavy lifting is required. Hours vary, so flexibility is key. Salary Ranges from $17 per hour to $20 per hour. Email resumes or contact info to careers@liherald.com
MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT
Inside Sales
Looking for an aggressive self starter who is great at making and maintaining relationships and loves to help businesses grow by marketing them on many different advertising platforms. You will source new sales opportunities through inbound lead follow-up and outbound cold calls. Must have the ability to understand customer needs and requirements and turn them in to positive advertising solutions. We are looking for a talented and competitive Inside Sales Representative that thrives in a quick sales cycle environment. Compensation ranges from $35,360 + commissions and bonuses to over $100,000 including commission and bonuses. We also offer health benefits, 401K and paid time off. Please send cover letter and resume with salary requirements to ereynolds@liherald.com Call 516-569-4000 X286
Richner Communications, One of the Fastest Growing Media, Event and Communications Companies on Long Island is Seeking a Sales/Marketing Candidate to Sell our Print Media Products and our Digital, Events, Sponsorships. Earning potential ranges from $35,360 plus commission and bonuses to over $100,000 including commissions and bonuses. Compensation is based on Full Time hours Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off. Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250
PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for
Welcome to this beautifully updated and spacious 5-bedroom, 3 full bath expanded Ranch in Hewlett Harbor! The most desirable section of the Five Towns! Low taxes, no Sandy damage and no flood insurance required! Step into an atmosphere enhanced by brand-new wall-to-wall windows that fill every room with natural light and custom-built blinds. The primary bedroom offers a private ensuite bath with a triple door closet. The eat-in kitchen is newly renovated with gorgeous countertops, modern new appliances, a wine cooler, and a butler’s pantry with additional counter space for effortless entertaining. A mudroom with ample storage provides the perfect spot to keep seasonal and holiday items neatly organized and out of the way. There are two additional updated bathrooms, new air conditioning and gleaming hardwood floors flow throughout the home. The second floor is a private oasis, complete with two bedrooms and a full bath, and a stand-up attic for extra storage. The outside is beautifully landscaped with oversized fenced-in backyard. There is plenty of room for a pool, hot tub, outdoor fireplace, swing set, and even a basketball hoop. The ultimate space for entertainment and relaxation. Enjoy new siding, a newer roof under 10 years old, freshly installed pavers, and a beautiful patio that’s perfect for gatherings or outdoor relaxation under the stars. Well water for sprinklers. Don't miss the opportunity to make it your Home sweet Home! Schedule your private tour to view this beauty.
Real Estate
WE BUY HOUSES for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-888-704-5670
WYOMING LEGACY ESTATE: 14.5 horse-zoned acres bordering Bridger-Teton National Forest. South of Jackson Hole. Custom lodge, 360° mountain views, hot tub, access to four-season outdoor recreation. https://2antelopetrailpinedalewy.com
CEDARHURST NO FEE Private Entrance, Modern 1BR, 2BR, 3BR, CAC, W/D, Storage, Wall To Wall Carpeting, Indoor Parking Space. Starting At $1450 For One Bedroom When Available. (516)860-6889/ (516)852-5135/ (516)582-9978
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Your Apartment through the Herald and PrimeTime Classified section. Call us for our great *specials. 516-5694000, press 5 for Classified Dept. *(private party only)
How do we keep our home livable during
Q. Do you have any suggestions on how we can guarantee our house won’t be damaged while we have a renovation done? We’re doing a lot of work to add a back family room and a second floor. Our house is a cape that already has a second floor, but we want a full second floor. Everyone we spoke to called it a dormer, but we read your column in which you clarified that a dormer is pushed out through the current roof and a second floor is the whole thing, so we know. We want to stay on the first floor, and even though we’ll get a POD for the driveway, we’re concerned about staying on the first floor. The contractor showed us the plastic curtains he uses, but is there anything else? Our daughter has asthma, and we’re very concerned.
A. It’s tough to guarantee that dust won’t get in, since there are many ways dust travels and the average home, without any air filtration, usually get dusty, anyway. I have seen countless projects with zippered air curtain separations, sealed at the walls, floors and ceilings — even double curtains separated by 4 feet to create a vestibule, with a fan drawing air to the outside just before people open the first zipper. This is called a negative air method, and the fan should only be turned on when someone is about to enter the vestibule from the clean side, because if the fan is left on, it’s drawing air from the dusty side to the clean side.
Several clients purchased boxes of disposable booties to slip over shoes to keep from tracking in dust and dirt. If you have carpeting or just want to protect your finished floors, it’s best to have the walking paths covered in plywood and heavy plastic. Lift the plastic and fold inward to discard periodically, or vacuum with a brush attachment so as not to suck up the plastic. Also, if the path is highly trafficked, it will tear and may be slippery from the booties and dust, so monitor the surface and how affected it will be.
Sometimes just a smooth fiberboard, without splinters, is best. One client even used a spray bottle to spray the air and then the booties before discarding them in a plastic bag. Unfortunately, some people did not completely understand the air flow issues, and left their exterior windows open in the clean areas, adjacent to where the work was being done, allowing the dust to float in through the windows from outside.
Depending on how much you want to spend, there are elaborate portable units with high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters that will rid the air of a large amount of dust as well as less-visible matter such as pollen. You may want to consult your child’s doctor for advice about filtered respirators, or whether it’s a good idea for her to be there during the construction at all. Good luck!
© 2026 Monte Leeper
Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the
Call Leonard 516-252-8402
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SEIKO SCHOOLHOUSE CLOCK, 21Hx13Wx4D, VGC, Battery Op, Chimes, hardly used, light oak. $90 (516)486-2363
STROLLER GRACO MODES Bassinet LX, 2019 with instructions, very good, on YouTube, $65, 516-884-9994.
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All Types Residential/Commercial Wiring, Generators, Telephone/Data, Home Entertainment, Service Upgrades, Pools, Spas. Services/Repairs. Violations Removed. Free Estimates Low Rates. 516-785-0646 Lic/Ins.
BEAUTIFUL BATH UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Superior quality bath and shower systems at AFFORDABLE PRICES! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Call Now! 1-833-807-0159
CARPENTRY & PAINTING: Residential/ Commercial. All Phases. Licensed/Insured. FREE ESTIMATES! Anthony & J Home Improvements 516-678-6641
DO YOU KNOW what's in your water? Leaf Home Water Solutions offers FREE water testing and whole home water treatment systems that can be installed in as little one day. 15% off your entire purchase. Plus 10% senior & military discounts. Restrictions apply. Schedule your FREE test today. Call 1-866-247-5728
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Home Improvement
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CONSUMER CELLULAR - the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No long-term contract, no hidden fees and activation is free. All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-844-919-1682
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ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Discover Oxygen Therapy That Moves with You with Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators. FREE information kit. Call 1-833-661-4172
ATTENTION: VIAGRA AND CIALIS
Anew report issued by our Center for Cost Effective Government confirms that progressive policies implemented by New York’s Legislature designed to tackle climate change have caused energy rates in the state to skyrocket, with few environmental benefits.
In fact, these policies increased electric bills by roughly 50 percent in the six years since their implementation.
In 2019, Albany enacted a sweeping law, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, imposing mandates seeking a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It also calls for 100 percent renewable electricity use by 2040.
But recently, New York’s government has been quietly telling the utilities to slow-walk the decommissioning of gasfired power plants. And after the November election, Gov. Kathy Hochul officially retreated from the unrealistic mandate requiring electric heat in new buildings until a lawsuit on the issue concludes.
The state’s progressive policies
included numerous initiatives many now regret, including shutting down nuclear plants; refusing to frack in New York; refusing to approve natural-gas pipelines; requiring all new buildings be heated with electricity; imposing carbon penalties on utilities, passing costs to consumers; and mandating that all cars be electric by 2035.
OIronically, New York’s carbon footprint wound up being worse after passage of this bill, while electric rates soared. Curtailing natural gas had devastating consequences, both economically and environmentally. It was the transition from dirtier coal and oil to cleaner natural gas that dropped U.S. greenhouse emissions by 14 percent from 2005 to 2019, while emissions were increasing worldwide. Rates are slated to increase further, with the New York State Electric & Gas company saying it will charge 23.7 percent more in 2026, while National Grid is seeking increases that could raise bills upstate by $600 a year. And Con Edison is seeking increases that would increase average gas and energy bills more than $150 higher than in 2020. This reduced supply is exacerbated by the enormous energy required for the A.I. revolution. Large companies at the forefront of A.I. innovation put
immense strain on the grid. A.I. data centers are becoming large energy users, outpacing even electric vehicles in their power demand growth.
verly ambitious initiatives have had negative consequences
worldwide.
Overly ambitious policy initiatives to shut down traditional power generation and replace it with less-reliable wind and solar energy have resulted in significant negative consequences worldwide. In Germany, an optimistic energy transition plan involved shutting down nuclear plants. In 2011, Germany’s 17 nuclear reactors generated over 33 percent of the country’s electricity. Their shutdown led to a return to fossil fuels. Consequently, greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on foreign energy sources actually increased.
These extreme policies have been mirrored in California, resulting in electric costs that are roughly 50 percent higher than the national average and gasoline costs that are 47 percent above the average.
The typical residential customer in New Jersey, which also promulgated extreme green policies, saw an increase of 17 to 20 percent last year. One resident of Clark, N.J., claimed that her bill rose from $174 in June to over $300 in July — this despite New Jersey’s Public Service Electric & Gas having told her
to expect an increase of 17 percent. Even once-touted wind projects are losing their luster when they come under greater scrutiny. According to NY Energy Ratings, “Developers are looking for a way to pay for the mounting costs of new wind energy projects. They have even asked the [Public Service Commission] to increase New York electric rates.” This is estimated to result in an increase of 4 percent, or $4.67 per month for ratepayers. Some projects are costing double what they were expected to.
Billionaire Bill Gates, who previously sided with the climate doomsday faction, has tempered his position, noting that the trillions of dollars being funneled to climate initiatives could be better spent relieving worldwide poverty. Are you a better person if you pay an arm and a leg for extreme green policies that will have little impact on reducing the carbon footprint decades down the road? Or is it more cost-effective to concentrate those funds on saving lives today, via better health care and economic opportunity, while simultaneously investing in innovations that can provide cheaper, cleaner energy over a rational, gradual period of time?
Steve Levy is president of Common Sense Strategies, a political consulting firm, and has served as Suffolk County executive and as an assemblyman. He can be reached at steve@commonsensestrategies.com.
in recent years, we’ve seen stories on the news of everyday heroes who have saved the lives of choking children. There have been incidents all over Long Island, from Elmont to East Setauket, yet New York does not currently require cafeteria monitors to be certified in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the Heimlich maneuver.
My new bill, SS6127A, known as Stella’s Law, would correct this oversight. The legislation is named in honor of Stella Tsimis, a teacher’s aide in the Connetquot school district who, in February 2023, saved the life of a 7-year-old boy in the school cafeteria by performing the Heimlich maneuver on him while he
was choking.
Tsimis received the New York State Liberty Medal for saving the boy’s life. The Liberty Medal is the highest civilian honor awarded by New York state, and is presented only for extraordinary, heroic and life-saving acts.
sTsimis’s actions that day highlighted the need for all adult cafeteria monitors in school cafeterias to be trained in and hold current certifications for first aid, CPR and the Heimlich maneuver, to help ensure the safety of the children who eat there. Requiring the First Aid for Choking poster to be displayed in all school eating areas further supports this goal by providing clear, life-saving instructions that can be followed in an emergency.
such posters, but it’s important for teachers, monitors and staff to be able to successfully intervene in an emergency.
taffs need to be trained in first aid for choking and the Heimlich maneuver.
Many rescuers have learned the Heimlich maneuver in school health classes, workplace training or even from
Stella’s Law would ensure that personnel are trained, and that informative posters showing the Heimlich maneuver are displayed where students are at the greatest risk of choking. The instructional posters help make sure students are not fearful or afraid if a choking emergency occurs, because they understand this life-saving technique.
There are many resources available in your community. Organizations like the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association hold classes to help people be prepared for such emergencies. We hosted our first CPR-Heimlich maneuver training in cooperation with the West Babylon Fire Department on Jan. 24.
In 2024, a Patchogue-Medford math
teacher, Chris Schiefer, came to the rescue of one of his students. Schiefer noticed the student choking on a gumball and quickly went into action, performing the Heimlich maneuver and helping to dislodge the obstruction. After making sure the student saw the nurse to confirm he was all right, Schiefer turned the incident into a learning opportunity by teaching his students about the Heimlich maneuver and pointing out a chart on the wall demonstrating how to handle a choking incident.
This was a great effort made by a responsible educator, but we should have standard training in place, as well as step-by-step signage for school staff, so they can be frontline administrators of these life-saving techniques.
Please contact your local school district, state senator or Assembly member and encourage them to support Stella’s Law, and to make our schools safer.
ast week, for the first time in three years, Long Island was forcefully reminded that winter isn’t just a suggestion. The Jan. 25 snowstorm dumped more than a foot of snow, whipped it around with high winds and then sealed it in place with a deep freeze, making it the most significant storm in these parts since Jan. 29, 2022. For a region that had grown used to mild winters and more rain than snow, it was a rude, icy wake-up call.
Within hours, schools and businesses were closed, and familiar streets transformed from wet pavement to skating rinks masquerading as thoroughfares.
Snow shovels were unearthed from garages, boots were rediscovered in the backs of closets and many residents wondered, “Wait, how do we do this again?”
The storm highlighted the dedication of emergency workers and the importance of preparation, but it also revealed something else: After a few relatively snow-free winters, Long Island was a little out of practice.
Emergency crews, plow drivers, sanitation workers, police officers, EMS personnel and other essential workers put in long hours in harsh and dangerous conditions. Their efforts kept major roadways passable and ensured that critical services remained available. These people don’t get snow days, and Long Island is better off because of it.
Elected officials also moved quickly. Roads were treated with pre-storm brine to prevent ice from bonding to
pavement. Hundreds of plows were deployed across towns and villages. Gov. Kathy Hochul sent more than 100 members of the National Guard to assist with snow removal, including on major parkways that thousands of drivers rely on every day.
County Executives Bruce Blakeman and Ed Romaine, in Nassau and Suffolk, respectively, declared states of emergency, helping streamline coordination and resources.
Many residents noticed and appreciated responders’ efforts. Social media was filled with thank-yous to plow drivers and sanitation crews, often described as “the backbone of the operation.” Credit where it’s due: Without their efforts, the storm’s aftermath would have been far worse.
Still, once the snow stopped falling, patience began to melt, unlike the ice. Complaints poured in about side streets that weren’t plowed quickly enough, leaving cars stuck and neighbors frustrated as snow hardened and became virtually unmovable. In some areas, plows managed little more than a single narrow lane, pushing snow into piles that quickly froze into what might as well have been concrete barriers.
The storm’s heavy mix of snow and sleet didn’t help. Parked cars made matters worse. Town officials, including in Oyster Bay, pointed to vehicles left on streets despite parking restrictions as a major obstacle to proper plowing. And then there was the Long Island tradition of shoveling snow into the street
Our foreign policy ‘is heading in the wrong direction’
To the Editor:
I read Peter King’s opinion piece last week, “What did Trump gain by badmouthing Denmark?” about the administration’s various foreign policy accomplishments and failures during the first year of President Trump’s second term. I agree that the approach that’s being taken in regard to Greenland is not wise. Our current treaty with Denmark gives the United States great leeway for the use of Greenland’s territory for U.S. bases in the defense of the U.S. and our NATO allies.
I feel that our foreign policy in general is heading in the wrong direction. The “America First” policy that’s being promoted by the administration is doing great damage to our peaceful relationships around the world. We may have the greatest military in modern history, but we live in a complex world. We need to preserve NATO and make sure that treaties established at the end of World War II remain strong. We need cooperation, not condemnation of friends.
I agree that we need secure and safe borders, and
— illegal, counterproductive and, in Nassau County, potentially a $200 mistake.
All of this slowed cleanup, especially when you consider the scale of the task. The Town of Hempstead alone is responsible for clearing roughly 1,200 miles of roadway. That’s not a quick lap around the block — it’s a marathon in snow boots.
Snow removal is a team sport. Municipalities can plan routes, deploy equipment and send alerts, but residents have to do their part, moving vehicles, following restrictions, staying informed and resisting the urge to dump snow where plows just cleared it.
After three quiet winters, Long Island’s collective snow-day muscle memory had weakened. The key takeaway from Jan. 25 is that the storm exposed gaps while providing a muchneeded refresher. Main roads were cleared. Most neighborhoods were eventually serviced. Emergency operations held up under pressure. With better coordination, clearer communication and stronger public cooperation, the next response can be even smoother. Snowstorms on Long Island are inevitable, and we should be ready for them. If everyone — from county and state governments to towns, villages, businesses and residents — gets back in practice, the next big storm can be met not with surprise and frustration, but with confidence, coordination and maybe even a little less slip-sliding around.
something’s wrong. It’s hard to put a finger on it. We live in a political world, and something about the way that world slides between the foreground and the background of daily life just seems off — not dramatic, not mysterious, just persistently wrong.
That unease has a source.
Contemporary politics now functions within what can fairly be called a political distraction industry. Large, highprofile controversies generate a media fog that draws our attention toward whatever is loudest or most immediate, while steadily pulling our focus away from decisions that more directly shape our lives.
In any given week, we may be urged to fixate on the latest scandal, to listen to conflicting stories about exploding motorboats off the coast of South America, to dissect executive orders that change little in practice, to scroll through a flood of presidential social media posts, or to follow lawsuits filed theatrically against judges and officials with no realistic chance of success.
Each story is framed as urgent. Each demands our attention. It’s hard to keep up, and it’s harder to see through the fog of information to discern things that may be far more important.
This isn’t an accident. Distraction has become a strategy.
The incentives aren’t difficult to see. Media outlets compete in an overcrowded attention economy. Social media platforms reward speed, outrage and repetition. Political fundraising thrives on alarm. Issues and decisions are boiled down to simplistic either/or choices. Complexity doesn’t travel well. The most consequential changes tend to arrive quietly, already dressed as routine.
w here every problem is a ‘crisis,’ and every disagreement ‘unprecedented.’
The result is a loss of perspective. Minor controversies swell into national emergencies, while decisions affecting housing costs, public education, health care access, environmental protections and local governance are made quietly. We debate the tone of a speech while overlooking the budget it obscures. We argue about personalities while the machinery of government is adjusted — often in ways that prove difficult to reverse.
It’s no secret: a distracted public is easier to manage than an attentive one. Constant motion prevents sustained
those who illegally entered our country should be dealt with through our justice system. But I hope that the constant rhetoric we see daily in our news media starts to abate, and that cooler heads prevail. We need the direction of our politics, and our policies, to return to a sense of normalcy.
JErOME I. rOSEn Hewlett
Editors’ note: The following letter was sent to the Herald on Jan. 29, after last week’s issues went to press.
To the Editor:
It’s frustrating that nearly five days after the significant snow we had on Jan. 25, our neighborhoods, thoroughfares and side streets are still not cleared. Did the plows come? Yes, they did. Main roads have been cleared. But who’s responsible for the mess left behind along Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Avenue and other highly traveled streets that could certainly benefit from another pass of the plow?
Why are cars forced to park next to huge mounds of snow that haven’t been removed? The plows should still be out there, helping to widen the streets. Instead I’ve seen multiple town highway trucks with plows removed.
An example is Goldenrod Avenue in Franklin Square, which leads to both Washington Street School and H. Frank Carey High School. During school hours, Goldenrod is almost impassable, whether you’re driving north or south, because it
scrutiny. Constant conflict fragments potential coalitions. Attention jumps from flare to flare, rarely lingering long enough for consideration of the most basic questions: What has actually changed? Who benefits? What precedent has just been set? Distraction works in part because it enlists us. We share the clips, repost the provocations, argue over headlines designed to provoke argument. It feels like engagement, but reaction isn’t the same as agency, and outrage — however understandable — doesn’t substitute for influence. Even our political vocabulary has been thinned by overuse. Everything is a “crisis.” Every disagreement is “unprecedented.” When every day is framed as an emergency, real emergencies become harder to recognize. Fatigue follows. People disengage — not because they don’t care, but because constant alarm is mentally exhausting. There is no need to tune out — but there is a need to slow down. When a story breaks, a few stubborn questions help restore a sense of scale: Does this materially change how power is exercised? Does it affect people’s rights, safety, or economic security? Will it still matter a year from now? If not, it may be worth keeping an eye on — but not
has at least 4 feet of snow sticking out into the street on both sides.
Why are all the corners leading to crosswalks not cleared? This is a safety issue. Are people expected to climb a snow mound to get to businesses on Hempstead Turnpike?
If the curb outside a store is still piled with snow and the crosswalk at the corner of that street isn’t cleared, how are people expected to get to the store? Businesses are clearing their own sidewalks, but it seems that curbs, corners, crosswalks and some bus stops are orphans of the storm.
When talking to the Town of Hempstead Highway Department, I was told they are only responsible for “residential areas.” They did offer to put in a “ticket” to replow Goldenrod Avenue. I was told that the state Department of Transportation is responsible for large thoroughfares like Hempstead Turnpike and Sunrise Highway. I called the DOT, and an employee repeated “from curb to curb” when I asked what snow clearing they were responsible for.
It seems to me that during these storms, the town, as the “first responder” agency, funded by our tax dollars, should do more to make traveling in our community easier — especially since the town isn’t responsible for plowing main thoroughfares. Why can’t they send crews out to dig out street corners and crosswalks when a storm is over? If we’re expected to take our kids to school, go to work and go about our daily lives, we should get better assistance from the town in order to return to our normal routine.
ELIzABETH MUrPHY Franklin Square
chasing.
The normalization of continuous distraction carries a cost most of us have experienced without quite naming it. The news and social media flood the airwaves with stories and endless commentary about the latest nasty thing the president has said about a celebrity — who insulted whom, who clapped back. Meanwhile, we hear only a sidebar about a court decision that permits the administration to empower ICE agents to arrest U.S. citizens as though they were undocumented immigrants, the decision mentioned only briefly before disappearing from coverage. One story dominates our attention for days; the other slips past almost unnoticed. Again, the imbalance is not accidental. Distraction isn’t merely noise, but leverage. The point is not to stop us from seeing anything at all, but to keep us looking in the wrong direction long enough for other, potentially more consequential, decisions to settle into place. By the time our attention shifts back, the argument is over, the paperwork is filed and the change is treated as a fact rather than a choice. What is lost is not awareness, but the chance to intervene at the moment when our scrutiny might have made a difference.
Michael Blitz is professor emeritus of interdisciplinary studies at the City University of New York’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice.
