Massapequa Herald 02_04_2026

HERALD Massapequa

Svec and Durso announce they’re running for reelection

By MIKE POLANSKY Senior Correspondent

Massapequa Park residents will vote to fill two of four Village trustee seats on Wednesday, March 18.

Incumbent trustees Todd Svec and Dana Durso are both seeking re-election.

Svec has lived in Massapequa Park since his parents moved from Flushing when he was less than a year old. A 1981 graduate of Berner High School, he attended Nassau Community College and earned his degree from St. John’s University Pharmacy School in 1987. “I still have a strong feeling for St. John’s basketball,” he mentioned, “and I went to the Garden a couple of nights ago ago to see them beat Seton Hall.”

Durso grew up in West Babylon and graduated from West Babylon High School in 1997. She and her husband, State Assemblyman Mike Durso, have two daughters. Nicole, 14, is in eighth grade at Berner Middle School, and Taylor, 10, is in fifth grade at East Lake Elementary School.

Svec was inducted into the Massapequa

High School Hall of Fame in 2022. “I have lived here my whole life, and have worked here my whole life,” he said. “I love Massapequa Park and I never want to leave.”

Durso is a licensed realtor with Signature Premier Properties in Massapequa Park and assists her father, who owns Vincent’s Pizzeria in Farmingdale.

Svec began working at Arlo Drug Store on Park Boulevard at age 15, later purchasing the business and owning it for 30 years. Although he no longer owns the store, he continues to work there 50 hours a week. He and his wife, Roseanne, a fellow Berner and St. John’s Pharmacy School graduate, work side by side at Arlo. They have four daughters — Ashley, Lauren, and twins Kristin and Heather — all in the medical field, and seven grandchildren, with an eighth expected in March.

Durso has served on the Village Board since 2020 and said her decision to run “just kind of happened.

“I wasn’t very happy with things that

Kilmeade to lead

St. Patrick’s Day parade 2026

Brian Kilmeade, a bestselling author and nationally known broadcaster who has called Massapequa home for decades, has been named grand marshal of the 2026 Massapequa Chamber of Commerce St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The Chamber announced Kilmeade’s selection last week, citing his ongoing ties to the community.

Robin Hepworth, president of the Chamber, said the chamber is delighted and honored to have Kilmeade serve as grand marshal.

“We selected Brian not only because he is of Irish descent, but also because we believe he truly represents the spirit of Massapequa,” said Hepworth. “While he is a nationally known broadcaster and author, he never lost touch with his hometown, which he actively supports and cntinues to give back to in many ways.”

The parade is scheduled for Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Kilmeade, a 1986 graduate of LIU–C.W. Post, built his career in television and radio while remaining rooted in Massapequa, where he lives with his wife and three children. He’s often seen around the community, including on the sidelines of local soccer games — sometimes as a coach. He joined Fox News in 1997 and is a longtime cohost of “Fox & Friends,” which airs weekdays from 6 to 9 a.m. He also hosts “The Brian Kilmeade Show,” a nationally syndicated radio program, and “One Nation with Brian

Kilmeade” on Fox News Channel. He is the author of seven books, six of which were New York Times bestsellers, including George Washington’s Secret Six and The President and the Freedom Fighter.

Before his time with Fox, Kilmeade worked as a sports anchor and reporter in Los Angeles and served as a correspondent for the high school news network Channel One.

The Massapequa Chamber launched its inaugural St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2025. Organizers say they expect an even larger turnout this year and plan to release more event details in the coming weeks.

For information on the Chamber and this event call 516-541-1443 or go online to massapequachamber.org.

Picnic permits now available online for Oyster Bay parks

Families and community groups planning spring and summer outings at Oyster Bay parks can now reserve picnic pavilions online — including those at Marjorie R. Post Community Park in Massapequa.

Town Councilman Tom Hand announced that residents can apply for permits at any town park with a picnic area by visiting OysterBayTown.com/ picnic.

“Each location, from Roosevelt Beach in Oyster Bay to Marjorie Post Park in Massapequa, offers something unique for residents to enjoy,” Hand said in a statement. “We’ve streamlined the process to increase convenience and accessibility.”

Other parks with reservable picnic areas include Theodore Roosevelt Me-

morial Park and Beach in Oyster Bay, Harry Tappen Beach and Marina in Glenwood Landing, Syosset-Woodbury Community Park, and Plainview-Old Bethpage Community Park.

Permits are required for groups of 25 or more and grant exclusive use of the pavilion from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the day of the reservation. Some locations feature covered spaces, water access and barbeque areas.

To check availability, residents can filter by date, facility and amenities at OysterBayTown.com/picnic. New users must create an account to submit a reservation.

Town officials recommend booking early, as picnic spots tend to fill quickly. For more information, call the town at (516) 797-4139.

Todd Svec and Dana Durso running for reelection

were going on, and kept complaining about things that I didn’t see changing,” she said. “You can’t make change unless you actually do something about it,” she said.

Svec was first elected to the Village Board in 2020 and was re-elected in 2022 and 2024. “I would have loved to have gotten involved earlier, but the 75 hours a week that I worked before I sold the store made that impossible,” he said.

Both trustees said they serve because of their commitment to the village and its residents. Svec noted that his job makes him particularly accessible. “Especially on the weekends, when Village Hall is closed, if someone has a complaint they will bring it to me at Arlo, said Svec.”

Durso and Svec both cited the creation of the “Park After Dark” program as their biggest accomplishment on the board. Durso said the event helps bring the community together, adding that after the first one, “we got personal phone calls from people I didn’t even know saying how great its was.” Svec credited the program’s summer Wednesday-night street closures on Park Boulevard and Front Street with increasing community engagement.

Both also praised the annual Christmas Tree and Menorah Lighting Ceremony. Durso called it “really great and getting even better every year,” while Svec said it has become a village staple.

Svec said his biggest frustration remains the behavior of some middle school students in the downtown business district. “It’s not all kids, but a few bad apples who have unbelievable disrespect for everyone, and there are some parents that simply don’t care.” He said the village continues to coordinate with police and the school district.

Durso echoed those concerns, particularly as a parent. “There are no consequences and the kids know it.” She said the village’s role is to continue raising awareness and ensuring police involvement. “The Problem Oriented Policing (POP) Unit is phenomenal and they’re always there,” she said.

Both canfidates said new events, including a New Year’s Eve ball drop, have been discussed. Svec said there are no formal plans, while Durso noted the idea presents financial and logistical challenges. She also said the village has discussed working with the Chamber of Commerce to have the St. Patrick’s Day Parade end in the village.

Durso is also working with the VFW on a new village project to establish a veterans memorial area.

Svec said he enjoys serving under Mayor Dan Pearl and added that if Pearl were to step down and he were able to reduce his work hours, “if the stars align I would consider stepping up to be the next Mayor,” he said.

Durso said she is not seeking higher office. “I love what I’m doing now, being able to get things done on a smaller level,” she said, though she would consider a position such as the Town Board if asked.

Both candidates emphasized the importance of cooperation on the Village Board. “We really have an amazing team,” Durso said. “We have our discussions but we’re very close and work easily together, so that it doesn’t even feel like work.”

Nominating petitions for the two seats must include 100 signatures from registered village voters and be filed by Wednesday, Feb. 10.

Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Village Hall, 151 Front St., on Wednesday, March 18.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5

•Town of Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting: 7 p.m., Town Board Hearing Room, Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. For more information, call (516) 624-6333.

•Massapequa School District Board of Education Meeting: 8 p.m., Board Room, 4925 Merrick Rd., Massapequa. For more information, call (516) 308-5000.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631)-789-2569.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8

•Simpson United Methodist Church Thrift Shop: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., 30 Locust Ave., Amityville. For more information, call (631) 789-2569.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9

•Nassau County Legislature Committees Meeting: 1p.m., Theodore Roosevelt Executive and Legislative Building, 1550 Franklin Ave., Mineola. For more information, call 516-571-6200.

•Massapequa Fire District Regular Monthly Meeting: 7:30 p.m., District Administration Building, 1 Brooklyn Ave., Massapequa. For more information, call

(516) 798-9849.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10

•Town of Oyster Bay Town Board Meeting: 10 a.m., Town Board Hearing Room, Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay. For more information, please call (516) 624-6380.

•Plainedge School District Board of Education Meeting: 7:30 p.m., High School Cafeteria, Plainedge High School, 241 Wyngate Dr., Massapequa. For more information, call (516) 992-7450.

•Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m., Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown. Free weekly, in-person meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11

• Emotional Health Recovery and Support Group: 7:30 to 9 p.m. Free weekly, virtual meeting of Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. For more information, call Steve at (631) 3320552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808. All calls are confidential.

Calendar items are printed for non-profit organizations, as space permits, or when an event, service or information is being sponsored by a profit-making organization without charge to readers. Submit items to us at Richner Communications, attn: Post Editor, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530; or email: dconsola@liherald.com at least two - three weeks prior to the publication date in which the item must appear. Sorry, but open-ended requests without the specific dates of the events are not acceptable. While we make every attempt to accommodate each request, we cannot guarantee publication of any items. For more information, call 516-569-4000.

YES Community Counseling Center

YES Community Counseling Center, part of Project W.I.S.H., offers a safe space for parents and children impacted by domestic violence.

Free therapeutic services include in-

dividual, family and group counseling. To request services or make a referral, please call (516) 799-3203 ext. 124. For more information, visit yesccc. org.

Registration for O’Bay’s toddler sports program

The Town of Oyster Bay’s Toddler Sports Program will return beginning February 10. This 6-week program offers sports classes at the Hicksville Athletic Center for children ages 3 and 4.

“The Town’s Toddler Sports Program is a fantastic way to teach your toddler the fundamentals of sports in a fun and social environment,” said Councilman Lou Imbroto. “This program is sure to be a hit with children and parents alike, as youngsters are given the opportunity to learn the basics of various different sports such as tee-ball, flag football and more along with children their own age.”

The Toddler Sports Program runs for six weeks and begins February 10. Residents who sign their toddler up for the program must choose one class per week, per child. Classes will take place on: Tuesdays, at the Hicksville Athletic Center in Hicksville; and at the Hicksville Athletic Center in Hicksville. Classes are held at 10 and 11 a.m.

Registration will be available online through the Parks Registration Portal at oysterbaytown.com/sports beginning 9 a.m., Wednesday, January 14. Space is limited- first come, first serve. Registration will close when the program reaches full capacity.

Each class is approximately 50 minutes. The cost of the program is $75 per child who is a Town resident, and $90 per child whose care giver is a Town resident but not the child. The child’s birth certificate and a tax or utility bill will be required to validate age and proof of residency. A guardian must be present during the class. The child must be 3 years old by the start of the program. The last day to request a refund for this program will be February 19.

The Toddler Sports Program is run by the Town’s Parks Department, Recreation Division. For further information, please call (516) 797-7945.

Massapequa schools project to receive $2.1M in state aid

By MIKE POLANSKY cjames@liherld.com

The Massapequa School District is The Massapequa School District projects it will receive a $2.1 million increase in foundation aid from New York state for the 2026-27 school year, an increase Assistant Superintendent for Business & Operations Ryan Ruf described as “phenomenal.”

Although Newsday reported a potentially larger increase in its Jan. 22 edition, Ruf said the increase, when compared with the district’s current 2026-27 budget, is expected to be closer to $2.1 million.

Ruf noted that the final amount of foundation aid for the 2025-26 school year may require minor adjustments but reiterated that the projected $2.1

million increase represents a “phenomenal” gain for Massapequa compared with many other Long Island school districts.

State aid was briefly discussed at the Jan. 22 meeting of the Massapequa Board of Education.

“Given the uncertainty around State aid this year, the $2.1 million increase in foundation aid IS phenomenal,” said Board of Education President Kerry Wachter. “At the same time, the Board will continue to work with our local legislators to secure additional state aid to help ease the burden on Massapequa taxpayers.”

Wachter also said Ruf “is a seasoned professional, and the Board has full confidence in his analysis.”

In other business at the Jan. 22 meet ing,

•Superintendent of Schools Dr. William Brennan advised the board that Massapequa High School achieved Advanced Placement School of Distinction status. The designation includes gold status, with 64% or more of students having taken at least one AP course before graduating; platinum status, with 53% or more of students having taken at least three AP courses; and platinum status, with 25% or more of students having taken at least five AP courses.

•Brennan also advised the board of preparations for the Special Olympics, which will be held May 2 at Berner Middle School. A total of 466 people have volunteered to participate.

•Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services Dr. Jordan McCaw and Assistant Superintendent for

Instructional Services Dr. Michelle Walsh presented a summary of district efforts to develop a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support program.

•The board voted to accept a $6,000 donation from the Cuccias family to establish two annual scholarship awards in memory of their daughter, Michelle Cuccias-Weidenbach, a lifelong Massapequa resident and Massapequa High School graduate.

•The board also approved contracts for boiler replacements at McKenna Elementary School and East Lake Elementary School, as well as a roofing replacement at Lockhart Elementary School.

The next meeting of the Massapequa Board of Education will be held Thursday, Feb. 5, at 8 p.m. in the Massapequa High School boardroom.

Big honors, new members and a full calendar at the Woman’s Club of Massapequa

By MAUREEN LARISH Correspondent

It’s been a busy season for the Woman’s Club of Massapequa.

During a recent meeting, President Antoinette LaBonte shared some exciting news: Club member Tammy Lestingi was honored as a recipient of the Woman of Distinction Award.

The recognition, presented by Assemblyman Michael Durso and Oyster Bay Town Supervisor Joseph Saladino, celebrates individuals who make meaningful contributions to their communities.

The club applauded Lestingi’s welldeserved honor.

The meeting also featured a presentation by guest speaker Dr. Gary Fernando, who gave a dynamic slide lecture on the Renaissance — a roughly 300-year period of revived art, culture

and style spanning the 14th through 16th centuries.

The club also welcomed its newest member, Valerie Pecan, who was officially installed by Membership Chair Monica Rea. She was sponsored by Del Genovese.

To support the food pantry at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish, members brought non-perishable donations to the meeting. Fran Bassett, the club’s service coordinator, delivered the collected items.

Hospitality Chairs Tammy Lestingi and Tami Valenti added a festive touch with a fall-themed dessert table, which members helped serve.

The group’s annual fundraiser took place Dec. 7 at the Unqua Corinthian Yacht Club in Amityville. Proceeds from the event help support Massapequa High School scholarships and assist local families in need on a temporary basis.

Thanks to the generosity of members and sponsors, dozens of gift cards and holiday items were turned into themed baskets raffled off at the event.

It was a trunk full of care as the Woman’s Club collected non perishable foods for the community. Fran Bassett, the club’s service coordinator, delivered the items to Our Lady of Lourdes

Courtesy Massapequa Woman’s Club Tammy Lestingi is shown with Oyster Bay Town Councilman Joseph Saladino and New York State Assemblyman Michael Durso as she was named a Woman of Distinction.

Schedule appointments for memory screeenings

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is encouraging Long Islanders to get a head start on 2026 by scheduling their annual memory screening appointment. AFA offers free, confidential memory screenings at its AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education and Resource Center (149 Schleigel Blvd., Amityville) with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites every Wednesday. Appoint-

ments can be scheduled by calling the Center at 631-223-4000.

Annual memory screenings should be part of everyone’s health and wellness routine. They are quick (approximately 10-15 minutes), noninvasive, and consist of a series of questions to gauge memory, language, thinking skills and other cognitive functions. Results are confidential.

CRIME WATCH

The following incidents have been reported by the Suffolk County Police Department’s First and Third precincts and other law enforcement and emergency service units.

ROBBERY

Wyandanch: Someone broke into a home on Parkway Boulevard Jan. 22, shortly before 7 p.m., punched a resident there in the face and stole clothing including a jacket and sweatpants.

PETIT LARCENY

Wyandanch: Two license plants were stolen off a vehicle that was parked on Edison Avenue Jan. 22. The owner of the vehicle went into the First Precinct to report the theft at approximately 3 p.m.

North Lindenhurst: A small group of young people went into the King Kullen supermarket on Wellwood Avenue shortly before 4 p.m., Jan. 21, took ice cream from the freezer and left the store without paying for the items.

•More than $250 in groceries were stolen from King Kullen supermarket on North Wellwood Avenue Jan. 21.

Amityville: Someone broke into a vehicle parked on Bayview Avenue Jan. 21 and stole some change. The incident was reported at 10:15 a.m.

West Babylon: An assortment of groceries, the value of which police did not report, was stolen from Stop & Shop supermarket Jan. 11.

GRAND LARCENY

North Amityville: More than $300,000 was stolen from the bank account of a resident of Albany Avenue. That incident was reported Jan. 16 and police said someone hacked the victim’s account. Police are investigating the crime.

• The owner of a 2012 Mercedes Benz reported to police on Jan. 21 that someone had stolen his/her vehicle, which was parked on Rainbow Lane. The theft was reported at 2:43 p.m.

•A 2026 Hyundai Tucson was stolen from Cedar Road Jan. 17 at approximately 1:30 a.m.

Copiague: An unidentified individual went into the Target department store shortly before 6 p.m., Jan. 19 and left the store with $1,700 in Legos.

•A representative of ACE Hardware on

Montauk Highway called police Jan. 19 to report that someone had stolen pumps valued at $1,375. That theft was reported at 5:23 p.m. that day.

ASSAULT

Babylon: An employee of Domino’s Pizza at 9 Cooper Street called police to report that he/she had been punched in the face by an individual whose name was not listed in the police report.

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF

North Babylon: A representative of Uncle Giuseppe’s food store reported to police Jan. 16 that someone had damaged a shelf there. No further information was available.

ARRESTS

Driving While Intoxicated/Impaired: Horacio Orea Gutierrez, 47, of 179 Ansonia St., West Islip; Jean Francois, 52, of 15 Westgate Dr., Bohemia; Nadia Persaud, 37, of 5811 Oceania St. Oakland Gardens, New York; Isaac Perez, 46, of 81 N. 15 St., Wheatley Heights.

Grand Larceny: John Tripodi, 57, of 75 Oaklawn Ave., Farmingville; Salvatore Santiago, 33, of 1520 4th St., West Babylon; Jeffrey Russell, 43, of 1362 N. Clinton Ave., Bay Shore; Jose Rodriguez, 51, of 135 Crooked Hill Rd., Brentwood; Pierre Lashawn, 30, of 578 Oakley Ave., Elmont. Petit Larceny: Shashawna Ferguson, 28, of 1401 Potter Blvd., Bay Shore; Thomas Decker, 25 of 315 West 12 St., Deer Park; Michael Keeler, 47, of 277 Washington Ave., Brentwood; Geovanni Hernandez, 27, of 49 Pineview Blvd., Central Islip; Amber Smiroldo, 35, of 6 Quaker Path, Yaphank; Darcell McKinnie, 55, of 170 Woodland Ave., Central Islip; Octavia Davis, 42, of 225 Tell Ave., Deer Park; Robert Stuart, 29, of 429 39 St., Lindenhurst; Robbery: Gary Joseph D’Angelo, 33, of 365 Village Green, Patchogue; Kasandra Rodriguez, 40, of 46 Midland Blvd., Lake Ronkonkoma; Michael McConville, 38, of 30 Liberty Ave., Lindenhurst; Christopher Lamonica, 35, of 317 40 St., Lindenhurst. Assault: Yanqiu Yuan, 47, of 5636 Oceania St., Oakland Gardens, New York, Michel Baffa, 40, of 11 Farber Dr., West Babylon. Gang Assault: Robert Miller, 55, of 151 Old Farmingdale Rd., West Babylon.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

WEB SITE: www.massapequapost.com / www.liherald.com/Babylon

spotlight athlete

MIA DISALVO

SOUTH SIDE Senior Gymnastics

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.

games to watch

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.

HERALD SPORTS

Baldwin surges past Massapequa

By NICK MONGIOVI sports@liherald.com

The roof of Baldwin High School nearly blew off the gymnasium as the stands were packed for the Conference AAA girls’ basketball rivalry between the Bruins and Massapequa Jan. 29.

The undefeated conference season lives on for defending state Class AA champion Baldwin after lights-out shooting performances from senior Alyssa Polonia and junior Chinaya Okogeri led to a huge third quarter, as the Bruins beat Massapequa, 58-31.

“I thought we were playing hard from the jump tonight and the difference was in the first half; we just weren’t making our shots,” Baldwin head coach Tom Catapano said. “In the second half, we settled in, and then once we started making shots, the game was going to pop open for us. I thought our effort was tremendous all night.”

The Bruins (11-2 overall, 9-0 in conference) used a 21-4 run in the third quarter to seal the outcome. Juniors Elizabeth Hill and Ajeya Nicholas added 5 points apiece, and senior Akua Bonsu chipped in 4.

Polonia knocked down four shots from three-point land and recorded her fourth 20-plus point performance as she finished with 20 on the night. The guard averages 15.1 points per game.

“I started off shaky, but I just have to have trust in the work I put in and keep shooting,” Polonia said.

Okogeri, who averages 9 ppg, finished with her sec -

ond-highest point total with 14, while sophomore guard Malia Robinson added 10.

“They [Polonia and Okogeri] have a ton of experience,” Catapano said. “Both were brought up as middle school players. As a coach, it feels really good to know you have those two in the back court.”

Massapequa head coach Billy Herr was able to take some positives from the game. The Chiefs are 13-3 overall, 8-2 in conference.

“After the game, the first thing we looked at was the positives,” Herr said. “Baldwin’s known for its pressure, full-court press, and I think we did a really good job of breaking that. We may not have scored as well as we wanted to, but there weren’t a lot of turnovers in transition.

“I don’t think we did a good job of limiting their transition offense,” he added.

“So that’s something we’ll take with us moving forward. We reminded the girls that

they got a lot of shops up, which is tough to do against this team.”

Junior Olivia Morgan had active hands-on defense, creating offensive opportunities for Massapequa in transition and finished with 8 points.

“She’s our lead guard,” Herr said. “She’s a spark that drives us defensively at the top of our zone and when we’re in man guarding the opponent’s best ball handler, she works really hard. She had a really great defensive game and did really well getting to the basket.”

The Chiefs are known for their elite size. Catapano knew that would be a challenge coming in, but he and his staff prepared their kids for the tough matchup and have now put a target on their backs.

“This was a great win for us,” Catapano said. “They’re absolutely humongous. Nobody has more size than Massapequa does. We lost six seniors this year, who all went on to play college basketball and came off a state championship. Everybody thinks this is going to be a down year and we’re slowly finding our footing, and I think we’re ready to make a deep playoff run right now.”

The Chiefs’ ‘humongous size’ came from seniors Savanna Appleton (12 ppg), Maeve Schiereck (6 ppg) and sophomore Sienna Erker (7.7 ppg.) Those three clogged the paint and held the Bruins to just 16 points in the first half.

Baldwin is back in action on the road against Oceanside this Friday at 6:45 p.m., while Massapequa heads to South Side for a non-league tilt this Saturday at 3 p.m.

AFA Health Screening Day

THURSDAY

February 12 10 AM - 2 PM

AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center

149 Schleigel Blvd., Amityville

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF:

Memory screenings to help identify early signs of cognitive changes

Blood pressure screenings to support cardiovascular health

Balance screenings to assess fall risk and mobility

Information on other health screenings and resources for older adults

All screenings are free and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments are required.

Contact the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center at 631-223-4000 for more information.

SPONSORS

Long Island’s fragile drinking water system

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.

RISING TIDES

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.”

Water bankruptcy

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-

Detailing the threats to L.I.’s drinking water

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.

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

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

water quality in the Western Bays once the Bay Park Conveyance Project is completed.

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.”

Parkway students celebrate with Farmingdale technology students,

and Kathy Lively. Each first grader received a handmade birdhouse to mark the occasion.

and

Young minds, big ideas in Farmingdale

Woodward Parkway students team up with high schoolers to build mobile library

When first graders at Woodward Parkway Elementary School in Farmingdale noticed their school didn’t have a lending library, they decided to do something about it.

Inspired by their Geodes literacy curriculum, the students in Jennifer DeRuvo’s class envisioned a library on wheels — one that could bring books directly to classrooms. But building it would take more than imagination. It would take collaboration.

On Jan. 16, the students visited Farmingdale High School, where they partnered with students from the Child Lab program and technology teacher Chris Sterler’s woodworking classes. The visit brought the younger students face to face with sawdust, safety goggles and — most importantly — their idea coming to life.

The mobile library, now under construction, is designed to travel the hallways of Woodward Parkway, offering easy access to books for students throughout the school.

Several district leaders joined the visit, including Woodward Parkway Principal Patrick Klocek, Superintendent Paul Defendini, and school board members George Andriopoulos and Kathy Lively. Their attendance underscored the Farmingdale school district’s support for student-led learning and innovation.

Inside the high school’s technology labs, seniors and juniors acted as mentors, guiding the first graders through the steps of building, design and safety. The younger students got to help with pieces of the construction — a hands-on experience that left them feeling proud.

The completed library is expected to begin rolling through classrooms in the coming weeks. But for many involved, the real value of the project goes beyond books. By taking their idea seriously, older students showed their younger peers that their voices matter — and that collaboration can bring even the simplest ideas to life.

OBITUARY

Former Massapequa educator Marylin Searby dies at 95

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

Marylin Searby, a longtime teacher and administrator in the Massapequa School District, died Dec. 14, 2025, in Wilmington, North Carolina. She was 95 years old and was remembered by family and friends as a dedicated educator, an avid golfer and a woman deeply committed to service and lifelong learning.

“She was extremely kind and very considerate of other people,” said her daughter, Martha Searby Pompeo. “She loved children and even after retirement she worked with underprivileged children.”

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Garden City, Mrs. Searby spent much of her professional life in Massapequa, where she taught second grade before becoming an assistant principal at Birch Lane Elementary School. It was there that she met her future husband, Arthur Searby, who also served as an administrator in the district.

After their marriage, the couple moved to Islip, where they lived for many years, boating on the Great South Bay and taking summer cruises through the waters of eastern Long Island. Following their retirement, they purchased a home in Carolina Shores, North Carolina, and traveled extensively, playing golf in New Zealand, Scotland, England and

Australia. Their travels were often paired with a shared interest in history, particularly the World War II era. Arthur Searby was a veteran who served in the war.

In addition to golf, Mrs. Searby enjoyed needlework, cards, Mahjong and Mexican Train. She was a strong supporter of SUNY Oneonta, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and Shriners, and was proudly influential in helping to organize and open the New Hanover Friends of the Library with her husband.

“We celebrated many birthdays together,” said her niece, Mary Searby Martorano, who described Mrs. Searby as thoughtful and generous. “She loved her family and loved cooking and entertaining.”

In addition to her daughter Martha Pompeo and her husband, Douglas, of Westminster, Colorado, Searby is survived by her daughter Cindy Searby of Sun City West, Arizona; seven nieces; three grandchildren; many cousins; other family members and friends She was predeceased by her husband, Arthur; her brother, Joseph Ripperger; and his wife, Diana.

Funeral services were under the direction of An -

drews Mortuary & Crematory of Wilmington, North Carolina. A funeral Mass was celebrated January 23, 2026, at St. Mark Catholic Church, followed by a Celebration of Life at Porters Neck Village.

ATTENTION FAMILIES AND FUNERAL DIRECTORS

Family members and funeral directors may submit obituary notices to us at: Massapequa Herald Post, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530 or may call us at 516-569-4000 ext. 329

If

The 150th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

The 150th Westminster Kennel Club (WKC) Dog Show began with Master’s Agility Saturday, and Best of Breed (BOB) judging on Monday, culminating in Best in Show (BIS) on Tuesday. Keep in mind, Westminster had a grand clubhouse and kennels in Babylon from 1880 to 1904. In fact, Sensation, the WKC trademark Pointer, was buried in front of that clubhouse by Southards Pond in 1887. I spent ten years pinpointing the spot. Why does the entire world watch Westminster? Look at the concise list:

Pets, Pets, Pets...

JOANNE ANDERSON

“America’s Dog Show” since 1877: The first show had over 1,200 dogs entered, including a “trick dog” named Sprite and a two-legged mixed breed named Nellie. The show lasted four days in May, rather than two days in February as it does now. Sensation was on special exhibition at that first show while local notable August Belmont Jr. showed six dogs, including Robin whose tombstone still stands by the cannons at Belmont Lake. Belmont pulled a shrewd one, entering Robin as both a Gordon and an English Setter. He couldn’t do that now.

Longevity: Westminster is the second longest continuously held sporting event in the US, only one year behind the Kentucky Derby. The WKC dog show went on through turmoil and challenging times. Even during the Depression, the number of

entries stayed solid. Former President Hoover attended the 1943 WKC show amid WWII. WKC honored Search and Rescue dogs working at Ground Zero in February 2002.

World famous arena: WKC has been held in all four incarnations of Madison Square Garden. No other event can make that claim. When 1880 reconstruction was going on, a wall collapsed as Show Manager William Tileston and Chairman Walter Webb walked by. Tileston and three women passersby were killed; Webb was injured. Both men were WKC charter members who had attended the grand opening of the clubhouse in Babylon months before. In 2014, WKC moved breed judging to the Piers because the newest Garden turned benching space into food concessions. Then in 2021 during COVID-19, Westminster relocated to Lyndhurst mansion in Tarrytown for two years, and Billie Jean King Tennis Stadium in Queens the next two years.

Parade of champions: Only the elite participate. All dogs entered must already be champions- a requirement begun in 1992 because so many fanciers wanted to take part. Over 2,500 breed champions traveled from all 50 states and 18 other countries to be seen at the Garden.

Benching: Westminster is one of the only benched shows left, which means when

not in the ring, all dogs entered must be on view as a way of educating the public about purebred dogs. Breed benching and judging is at Javits Center now, and only BOB winners benched at the Garden before and during Group judging Monday and Tuesday evenings.

“Academy Awards of Dogs”: Westminster is the canine Super Bowl, Oscars, and World Series rolled into one. A week’s worth of festivities, including dog-designated benefits and awards banquets, lead up to the final show down at BIS. Wednesday morning the newly crowned BIS winner visited the New York City morning news shows.

Chronicling our history and culture: Prominent WKC participants include- the Czar of Russia who sent his Wolfhounds.

Journalist Nellie Bly who chased Phineas Fogg’s record around the world chased her own Maltese in the ring. J. P. Morgan won ribbons with his Collies, Lou Gehrig entered his German Shepherd, and heiress Patty Hearst handled her own French Bulldog.

Civic responsibility: WKC has a longstanding tradition of giving back. During that first 1877 show one day’s proceeds went to Henry Bergh of the newly formed ASPCA. In 1918 profits were given to the Red Cross to support the war efforts.

Nowadays WKC presents scholarships to outstanding veterinary students. This year WKC gave grants to three breed rescue clubs and continued to support the Purple Leash Project which aids domestic violence survivors with pets.

“Live from New York”: Other televised major dog shows have taped highlights, but during WKC Group finals, seven hours of live TV covers every Best of Breed (BOB) winner. In 1990 there were 140 AKCrecognized breeds; 201 this year. I helped compile WKC BOB data sheets for a decade, so I appreciate how the task becomes more daunting each year.

Best In Show (BIS): When you are at the Garden, the tension builds to a canine crescendo as the BIS judge decides, signs the book, and walks across the ring to bestow the coveted trophy. The dogs feel it too. BIS champions like Uno the Beagle or Stump the super-senior Sussex Spaniel became overnight sensations as their names were etched into dogdom’s Hall of Fame, a tradition that started with Sensation, the WKC iconic Pointer buried in Babylon Village.

STEPPING OUT

Big game, big flavor

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.

West Bank Wings

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.

Cajun Buffalo Wings

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.

Blazin’ Buffalo Potato Skins

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.

Sweet Chili Meatballs

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.

Bacon Avocado Dip

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.

Feel the beat with Step Afrika!

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.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art invites visitors into a world where reality is uncertain, dreams take shape, and the line between fact and imagination disappears. Works in “Real, Surreal, and Photoreal” challenge what we see and what we believe. Before abstraction took the spotlight in the mid-20th century, American artists captured the world as they saw it. This exhibit explores how artists across generations have reimagined “the real” in strikingly different ways. Works from both American and European artists are featured. On view through March 8.

5

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: Ongoing

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

Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out

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

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

Oyster Bay Zoning Board of Appeals meets

The Town of Oyster Bay holds their next Zoning Board meeting. All are welcome to attend.

• Where: Town Board Hearing Room, Town Hall North, 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 624-6333

Massapequa BOE meets The Massapequa Board of Education holds their next meeting. All are welcome to attend.

• Where: Massapequa High School Board Room, 4925 Merrick Rd., Massapequa

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 308-5000

‘Everybody Loves

Raymond: Celebrating 30 Years’

Visit the Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame for its latest exhibit. The immersive exhibit

‘So don’t stop me now’

• Time: 10 a.m.

• Contact: (516) 624-6380

Farmingdale Library Cinema

Come by Farmingdale Library for a showing of the 2010 comedy “You Again,” starring Kristen Bell and Jamie Lee Curtis. When a young woman realizes her brother is about to marry the girl who bullied her in high school, she sets out to expose the fiancée’s true colors.

• Where: 116 Merritts Road, Farmingdale

• Time: 10 a.m.-noon

• Contact: farmingdalelibrary.org or (516) 249-9090

FEB

Emotional Health

Recovery

and Support Group

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.

(designed by LIMEHOF Creative Director, renowned designer Kevin O’Callaghan) features the 70-footwide set from the show’s recent 30th anniversary TV special on CBS, never before on display. Visitors can walk into the world of the Barone family and explore their home through original studio sets, which include the living room, the kitchen, and other areas of the house. Also see a variety of iconic items, including original clothing, the famous fork and spoon, and the Christmas toaster, among other classic items from the series. Multimedia clips, including behind the scenes and rare out-takes and a range of videos related to the show, will play in LIMEHOF’s surround sound theater.

• Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook

• Time: 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

• Contact: limusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888

6

Thrift Shop Stop by Simpson United Methodist Church’s Thrift Shop for some unique finds.

• Where: 30 Locust Ave., Amityville

• Time: 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 789-2569

St. Mary’s Thrift Shop

Visit St. Mary’s Thrift Shop to start your new year with found treasures. Choose from collectibles, glassware, clothing and other gently used items.

• Where: St. Mary’s, 175 Broadway, Amityville (enter from rear parking lot)

• Time: 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Contact: (631) 464-4899

Movie matinee

Stop by Plainedge Public Library for a showing of the 1989 classic “When Harry Met Sally,” starring Meg Ryan and Billy Crystal. Snacks are provided for patrons who register. For ages 18 and up.

• Where: 1060 Hicksville Road, N. Massapequa

• Time: 3-4:30 p.m.

• Contact: plainedgelibrary.org or (516) 735-4133

In concert

FEB

8

The Long Island Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame welcomes Mike the Rodger s. Mike’s a multi-instrumentalist born and raised on Long Island and still calls it home. His vast experience has taken him from a deli on Hempstead Turnpike to Wembley Stadium in London, and everything

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

you can imagine in between. His career is defined by diverse opportunities, various projects and unique circumstances. But, regardless of what he does or where he goes, he considers himself just a musician who loves to play and perform.

• Where: 97 Main St., Stony Brook

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Contact: limusichalloffame.org or (631) 689-5888

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This group meets weekly, at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9592, in person with Emotions Anonymous, a 12-step support group for anyone experiencing emotional difficulties. All calls are confidential.

• Where: 55 Hickory Lane, Levittown

• Time: 7:30-9 p.m.

• Contact: Steve at (631) 332-0552 or Jill at (516) 220-7808

Book talk

FEB

12

Massapequa Fire District Meeting

Massapequa Fire District holds their regular monthly meeting. All are welcome to attend.

• Where: District Administration Building, 1 Brooklyn Ave., Massapequa

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 798-9849. FEB 9

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

Having an event?

Oyster Bay Town Board meets

The Town of Oyster Bay holds their next board meeting. All are welcome to attend.

• Where: Town Board Hearing FEB 10

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 OF SALE

SUPREME COURT

COUNTY OF NASSAU

Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas as Indenture Trustee for the Registered Holders of Saxon Asset Securities Trust 2006-3 Mortgage Loan Asset Backed Notes, Series 2006-3, Plaintiff AGAINST

Jeffrey A. Mazes, Leslie A. WillisMazes; et al., Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered April 13, 2018, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, New York, 11501 on March 3,2026, at 2:00PM, premises known as 21 Delta Road, Massapequa, NY 11758. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Amityville, in the Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York, Section 66 Block 100 Lot 650. Approximate amount of judgment

$535,622.74 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 003203/2015. The auction will be conducted pursuant to the COVID-19 Policies Concerning Public Auctions of Foreclosed Property established by the Tenth Judicial District. Foreclosure Auctions will be held "Rain or Shine."

Jane Pastor Shrenkel, Esq. LOGS Legal Group

LLP f/k/a Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC

Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff

175 Mile Crossing Boulevard Rochester, New York 14624

(877) 430-4792

Dated: January 9, 2026

For sale information, please visit www. Auction.com or call

(800) 280-2831

26-16 1/28, 2/4, 11, 18

Notice of Application for Authority

AD MORT LLC

filed an Application for Authority with the New York Department of State on November 6, 2025. The LLC was organized in the State of New Jersey on March 11, 2021. The county within New York State in which the office of the LLC is to be located is Nassau County.

The Secretary of State has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served, and the address to which the Secretary of State shall mail a copy of any process is 316 Fulton Avenue, Apt. 7, Hempstead, NY 11550.

The address of the office of the LLC in its jurisdiction of formation is 912 Cedar Bridge Avenue, #7, Brick, NJ 08723. The purpose of the LLC is to engage in any lawful act or activity.

26-7 1/14, 21, 28, 2/4, 11, 18

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY.

NAME: Notoriously Made Photography LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York, (SSNY) on 12/19/2025. NY

Public Notices

Office location: Nassau County. SSNY has been designated as an agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of the process to: 11 Clarissa Drive, Syosset, NY 11791

Purpose: To engage in any lawful act or activity.

26-14. 1/18, 2/4, 11, 18, 25, 3/4

NOTICE OF FORMATION of

Devora Finkel Law

PLLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/31/25 OBice location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 262 Mulberry Lane West Hempstead NY 11552. Purpose: any lawful act.

26-11. 1/21. 28. 2/4, 11, 18, 25

:Notice of Self Storage Sale

Please take notice Safeguard Self Storage #190113 located at 6000 Sunrise Highway Massapequa NY 11758 intends to hold a sale of the property stored in the below listed Storage Spaces. The public sale shall occur as an online auction via www. storagetreasures. com on 2/25/2026 at 10:30AM. Unless listed below, the contents consist of household goods, furnishings and garage essentials. Patrick Dunn unit #2320; Stephen Griffiths unit #3441. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. See manager for details. 26-18 2/4, 11

NOTICE OF SALE

Supreme Court County of Nassau Nationstar Mortgage LLC dba Mr. Cooper, Plaintiff AGAINST Peter Falci, Kim Falci, et al, Defendant Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 5, 2019, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 4, 2026 at 2:30 PM premises known as 287 North Delaware Avenue, Massapequa, NY 11758. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 52, BLOCK: 527, LOT: 245. Approximate amount of judgment is $800,575.12 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 009037/2013. NO CASH DEPOSITS WILL BE ACCEPTED AT SALE. Lisa Goodwin, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01046203-F00 88288 26-19 2/4, 11, 18, 25

Notice is hereby given that a license, Application ID: NA-0340-26101303 for liquor, beer, wine, and cider has been applied for by the undersigned to sell liquor, beer, wine, and cider at retail in a Restaurant under the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law at 1015 Park Blvd, Massapequa, NY 11762, County of Nassau, for on premises consumption at Park Blvd Associates, LLC. 26-20. 2/4, 11

INCORPORATED

VILLAGE OF MASSAPEQUA PARK NASSAU COUNTY, NEW YORK NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to the provision of the State of New York that a Public Hearing will be held by the Zoning Board of Appeals in the Incorporated Village of Massapequa Park on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Village Hall, 151 Front Street, Massapequa Park, New York 11762 for the following purposes:

Case No. 4523 To consider the variance application of Mrs. Ana Restrepo, 50 Hemlock Lane, Massapequa Park, NY 11762 to maintain a mini split in the second front yard in violation of Village Code. Such proposal is in violation of Chapter 345-30 (D2) Permitted Structures in front yards which permits only a front covered portico, porch, egress window well, and a temporary storage container.

The existing mini split is located in the north second front yard approximately 27 feet from north property line.

Case No. 4524 To consider the variance applications of Mr. Louis Basabe, 300 Philadelphia Avenue, Massapequa Park, NY 11762 to maintain a finished basement with an addition of an emergency escape rescue opening in violation of Village Code. Such proposal is in violation of Chapter 345-31 A(1) Rear Yards: Except as provided in Subsection E, every building hereafter erected shall have a rear yard which shall be of the following minimum depth: In a Residential A District: 15 feet.

The emergency escape rescue opening is proposed with a 13.78 foot setback to the rear west property line.

Case No. 4525 & 4526

To consider the variance application of Mr. Kristian Hernandez, 123 Spruce Street, Massapequa Park, NY 11762 to subdivide a residential parcel and construct a new single family home on one of the lots, creating two (2) 60’x100’ lots in violation of Village Code. Such proposals are in violation of the following codes:

Chapter 345-28 (A): Lot and building area: Windows and Courts: Areas of lots and buildings: For buildings hereafter erected, the minimum lot area for each dwelling house, exclusive of accessory buildings, garages, porches or other buildings appurtenant thereto, shall be as follows: (1) Residential Districts: In Residential A Districts and except as otherwise provided in the Residential AA District, the minimum lot area shall be 8,000 square feet, and each lot shall have at least 80 feet in the front and rear and shall be at least 100 feet in depth on both sides. i. The two (2) proposed lot widths are each 60.0 feet with a 6,000 square foot lot size.

Chapter 345-29 (A): Area Standards in Residential A District: Generally, every building hereafter erected or structurally altered in Residential A District shall be on a lot having the area, frontage and depth on both sides provided in Chapter 345-28 (A) (1).

Chapter 345-29 (B): Issuance of Building Permits: No building permit shall be issued and no building shall be erected on a plot of less than 8,000 square feet as set forth herein, nor when the issuance of the same shall leave remaining a plot immediately adjacent less in size than required by this chapter.

Chapter 345-28 (F) Certificate of Occupancy: After December 29, 1999, the mini-

mum lot area to be erected or altered shall, as stated in the existing law of 345-28, have a minimum lot area of 8,000 square feet, and each lot shall have at least 80 feet in front and rear and shall be at least 100 feet in depth on both sides.

Case No. 4527 To consider the variance application of Mr. Christopher Brumber, 144 Pacific Street, Massapequa Park, NY 11762 to erect a first and second floor addition, and portico all in violation of Village Code.

Such proposals are in violation of the following Village Codes:

Chapter 345-30 A(1) (a) Front Yards which states: In a Residential A District: 25 feet required. The proposed first floor addition is shown at 20 feet from the front property line. The proposed portico is shown at 16.7 feet to the front property line. The proposed second floor addition is shown at 23 feet and 24 feet from the front property line.

Chapter 345-30 (D2) Permitted Structures in Front Yards which states: The following are permissible encroachments: a portico, porch, emergency egress well and a temporary storage container. A front covered portico shall have a width not greater than eight (8) feet. The roof line may only extend an additional one (1) foot on each end. A front covered portico cannot extend more than six (6) feet from the house line.

Proposed portico is shown at eight point five eight (8.58) feet wide with a total width of ten point seven (10.7) feet wide at the roof overhangs.

Chapter 345-31C Side Yards (1): In a Residential A District: Five (5) feet for a house and five (5) feet for a garage.

Proposed rear addition and second floor addition are shown at

four point seven (4.7) feet to the side property line.

Case No. 4528 To consider the variance application of Mrs. Pamela Falgiano, 1476 Lakeshore Drive, Massapequa Park, NY 11762 to install an above ground oil tank in the second front yard in violation of Village Code.

Such proposal is in violation of Chapter 345-30 (D2) Permitted Structures in front yards which permits only a front covered portico, porch, egress window well, and a temporary storage container.

Proposed oil tank to be located in the second front yard approximately 21 feet to south property line.

Case No. 4529 To consider the variance application of Mr. Lawrence Kroez, 320 Broadway, Massapequa Park, NY 11762 to erect an inground pool with spa with less than required setbacks in violation of Village Code. Such proposal is in violation of Chapter 345-41 (H, J) Pools, Walkways, Distances which states: An unobstructed walk area of not less than 24 inches wide shall be provided to extend entirely around pools below grade. Also, no portion of a pool, including walkways, pump, filters, showers, accessories or pool water disinfectants shall be located at a distance less than five (5) feet from any side or rear property line or building setback line. Proposed inground pool with spa to be located five (5) feet from side and rear property line, deficient by two (2) feet.

Proposed walkway to be two (2) feet of pavers with a three (3) foot greenery, deficient by two (2) feet.

By order of the Zoning Board of Appeals January 29, 2026 26-25. 2/4

4, 2026

EXHlBIT A

(Below is the Notice for Publication and Posting)

VILLAGE OF MASSAPEQUA PARK, NEW YORK

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on January 26, 2026, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Massapequa Park, in the County of Nassau, New York, adopted a bond resolution entitled: "Bond Resolution of the Village of Massapequa Park, New York, adopted January 26, 2026, authorizing the construction of improvements to Village parking lots, stating the estimated maximum cost thereof is $200,000, appropriating said amount for such purpose, and authorizing the issuance of bonds in the principal amount of not to exceed $200,000 to finance said appropriation," an abstract of such bond resolution, concisely stating the purpose and effect thereof, being as follows:

FIRST: AUTHORIZING the Village of Massapequa Park, New York to issue bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $200,000 pursuant to the Local Finance Law of the State of New York, to finance the construction of improvements to Village parking lots;

SECOND: STATING that the estimated maximum cost thereof, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and the financing thereof, is $200,000; appropriating said amount for such purpose; and STATING that the plan of financing includes the issuance of bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $200,000 to finance said appropriation, and the levy and col-

lection of taxes on all the taxable real property in the Village to pay the principal of said bonds and the interest thereon as the same shall become due and payable;

THIRD: DETERMINING and STATING the period of probable usefulness applicable to the purpose for which said bonds are authorized to be issued is ten (10) years; the proceeds of said bonds and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation thereof may be applied to reimburse the Village for expenditures made after the effective date of this bond resolution for the purpose for which said bonds are authorized; and the proposed maturity of said bonds will exceed five (5) years;

FOURTH: DETERMINING that said bonds and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of said bonds and the renewals of said bond anticipation notes shall be general obligations of the Village; and PLEDGING to their payment the faith and credit of the Village;

FIFTH: DELEGATING to the Village Treasurer the powers and duties as to the issuance of said bonds, and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of said bonds, or the renewals thereof; and

SIXTH: STATING the conditions under which the validity of the bonds may be contested; and SEVENTH: DETERMINING that the bond resolution is subject to a permissive referendum.

DATED: January 26, 2026 Linda Tuminello Village Clerk 26-21. 2/4

Public Notices

EXHIBIT A

(Below is the Notice for Publication and Posting)

VILLAGE OF MASSAPEQUA PARK, NEW YORK

PLEASE TAKE NO-

TICE that on January 26, 2026, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Massapequa Park, in the County of Nassau, New York, adopted a bond resolution entitled: "Bond Resolution of the Village of Massapequa Park, New York, adopted January 26, 2026, authorizing the construction of improvements to various roads in the Village, stating the estimated maximum cost thereof is $2,000,000, appropriating said amount for such purpose, and authorizing the issuance of bonds in the principal amount of not to exceed $2,000,000 to finance said appropriation," an abstract of such bond resolution, concisely stating the purpose and effect thereof, being as follows:

FIRST: AUTHORIZING the Village of Massapequa Park, New York to issue bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $2,000,000 pursuant to the Local Finance Law of the State of New York, to finance the construction of improvements to various roads in the Village;

SECOND: STATING that the estimated maximum cost thereof, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and the financing thereof, is $2,000,000; appropriating said amount for such purpose; and STATING that the plan of financing includes the issuance of bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $2,000,000 to finance said appropriation, and the levy

and collection of taxes on all the taxable real property in the Village to pay the principal of said bonds and the interest thereon as the same shall become due and payable;

THIRD: DETERMINING and STATING the period of probable usefulness applicable to the purpose for which said bonds are authorized to be issued is fifteen (15) years; the proceeds of said bonds and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation thereof may be applied to reimburse the Village for expenditures made after the effective date of this bond resolution for the purpose for which said bonds are authorized; and the proposed maturity of said bonds will exceed five (5) years;

FOURTH: DETERMINING that said bonds and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of said bonds and the renewals of said bond anticipation notes shall be general obligations of the Village; and PLEDGING to their payment the faith and credit of the Village;

FIFTH: DELEGATING to the Village Treasurer the powers and duties as to the issuance of said bonds, and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of said bonds, or the renewals thereof; and

SIXTH: STATING the conditions under which the validity of the bonds may be contested; and SEVENTH: DETERMINING that the bond resolution is subject to a permissive referendum.

DATED: January 26, 2026 Linda Tuminello Village Cler 26-22. 2/4

EXHIBIT A

(Below is the Notice for Publication and Posting)

VILLAGE OF MASSAPEQUA PARK, NEW YORK

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on January 26, 2026, the Board of Trustees of the Village of Massapequa Park, in the County of Nassau, New York, adopted a bond resolution entitled: "Bond Resolution of the Village of Massapequa Park, New York, adopted January 26, 2026, authorizing the acquisition of machinery and equipment for use by DPW, stating the estimated maximum cost thereof is $300,000, appropriating said amount for such purpose, and authorizing the issuance of bonds in the principal amount of not to exceed $300,000 to finance said appropriation," an abstract of such bond resolution, concisely stating the purpose and effect thereof, being as follows:

FIRST: AUTHORIZING the Village of Massapequa Park, New York to issue bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $300,000 pursuant to the Local Finance Law of the State of New York, to finance the acquisition of machinery and equipment for use by DPW;

SECOND: STATING that the estimated maximum cost thereof, including preliminary costs and costs incidental thereto and the financing thereof, is $300,000; appropriating said amount for such purpose; and STATING that the plan of financing includes the issuance of bonds in a principal amount not to exceed $300,000 to finance said appropriation, and the levy and col-

lection of taxes on all the taxable real prope1ty in the Village to pay the principal of said bonds and the interest thereon as the same shall become due and payable;

THIRD: DETERMINING and STATING the period of probable usefulness applicable to the purpose for which said bonds are authorized to be issued is fifteen (15) years; the proceeds of said bonds and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation thereof may be applied to reimburse the Village for expenditures made after the effective date of this bond resolution for the purpose for which said bonds are authorized; and the proposed maturity of said bonds will exceed five (5) years;

FOURTH: DETERMINING that said bonds and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of said bonds and the renewals of said bond anticipation notes shall be general obligations of the Village; and PLEDGING to their payment the faith and credit of the Village;

FIFTH: DELEGATING to the Village Treasurer the powers and duties as to the issuance of said bonds, and any bond anticipation notes issued in anticipation of said bonds, or the renewals thereof; and

SIXTH: STATING the conditions under which the validity of the bonds may be contested; and SEVENTH: DETERMINING that the bond resolution is subject to a permissive referendum.

DATED: January 26, 2026 Linda Tuminello Village Clerk 26-23. 2/4

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that a Public Hearing will be held February 23, 2026, at 7 PM in Village Hall, 151 Front Street, Massapequa Park to adopt a Local Law to authorize the Incorporated Village of Massapequa Park to override the 2026 “Tax Levy Limit”, pursuant to General

Municipal Law Section 3-c. Anyone wishing to be heard will be given the opportunity at the above time and place mentioned.

LINDA TUMINELLO, RMC VILLAGE ADMINISTRATOR By Order of the Board of Trustees

Dated this 28th day of January 2026 26-24. 2/4

Public Notices

leGal noTIce puBlIc noTIce of counTy Treasurer’s sale of TaX lIens on real esTaTe

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 17, 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) 23, 306, 18, 22 in the Town of Oyster Bay 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.

IMporTanT

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 oysTer Bay school:18 plaIneDGe

MIANULLI MICHAEL D TRUST 8,984.40 48272 00850

GODLEY EDITH H 2,350.54 48273 00040 4-5

MC ELROY ALAN & KAREN 5,888.63 48286 00890

DEANGELIS NICOLE 19,061.51 48303 00870

MADDALONE DEAN & LORIANNE 2,024.84 48324 00640

SCARPELLI LUIGI & TATULLI RITA 2,005.20 48333 04530

PUETZ BOYD J 15,096.18 48357 04230 423-425

BLAIR SALES CORP 367.48 48443 00050 5-6

995 FULTON LLC 8,964.50 48447 00700 70,263

HENRY PHYLLIS 2,633.13 48483 00100 10-13

MALIZIA MICHAEL G 4,060.42 48500 01410

MC CONNELL SEAN P & MC CONNELL 10,554.66 48502 01260

MOTOR AVENUE INC 12,860.46 48505 00010 1-3

MOTOR AVENUE INC 8,642.76 48505 00040 4-5

GIANINO EDWARD R & VAN NOSTRAND 14,776.52 48520 02470 247-251

RAMCHARRAN HEERALALL & SINGH PA 5,124.51

48520 03270 327-329,706

BERRY DONALD T 17,265.22 48535 00110

RYAN KENNETH J & BONNIE 6,091.70 48546 00140

WILMINGTON SAVING FUND SOCIETY 12,268.86

48552 00030

SCHAEFER DAVID & SCHAEFER LAURA 2,580.65

48552 00270

VYSOTSKY INNA 12,663.23

48571 0024UCA00970 24 CA 97 UNIT 33

FLANAGAN JOAN M 3,637.33 48573 00010

BLAUFARB HOWARD & FELICE 2,398.36

48579 00030

PERRI CRAIG 2,553.61

48581 00020

PIERRE ELYSE & PALACIOS-PIERRE 2,733.65

48589 00080

EPIC LONG ISLAND, INC 653.21 48598 00020

HUDSON CHARLENE A 5,046.92

48598 00190

WHATTY I 14,493.08

49 B0200480

F & Q PROPERTIES LLC 14,561.83

49 H 05500

TRUDDEN JOSEPH & ROSEMARY 2,823.66 49034 00100 10-14

FASO SHARON G TRUST & 3,393.93 49054 00370 37-40

POUCHAN INCORPORATED 14,781.90 49076 00010

ZOLFO ROSARIO LIFE ESTATE 9,938.01 49088 00100

DALLOW CONSTANCE J 6,332.95 49088 0016A 16A-16B

HOMESTEAD RELIEF LLC 7,831.78 49090 00110

ALRYASHI AMMAR H 1,733.88 49096 00100

TP REALTY ENTERPRISE LLC 7,360.22 490970105500

BLOVSKY JENNIFER E 6,524.50

49118 00550 55-56

XAFIS PETER TRUST 6,253.40 49123 02320

GRAY KENYA 1,384.04 49146 04120

BOUZA GEORGEEN 2,370.82 49161 00930

TAVOLARIO LANA & MICHAEL A 2,918.15

49180 00190

BARRIS SHELDON & PATRICIA LIFE 2,265.64 49182 00240

GONZALEZ MARLON & LILIAN 11,954.61 49183 00300

SIEGEL STEVEN & HILLARY 15,904.37

49209 00110 MC LAUGHLIN JOHN C & EILEEN 13,368.06

49226 00260 BARILLA GIOVANNI

49233 00310

49249 00140

Public Notices

CACCHIOLI ALFRED B & THERESA 3,680.06

48226 00640 VITALE NICHOLAS & LUCILLE 19,269.47

48349 00780

NIKL LORRAINE

48362 00780

EBBECKE DONALD M 19,900.66

48368 00600

SCHLEGEL CHARLES & DOROTHY 3,829.39

48383 04590 459-462

FERRARI SHANE & ANDREA 319.64

48383 04840

MCKNIGHT LYNN ANN (TRUST) 8,134.07

48393 54690 5469-5471 BARTKUS STANLEY & MARION 2,535.63 48399 17040 1704-1706 WHITE VINCENT T & C E 1,336.30

48401 20710 2071-2072

MACKENZIE EAMON 13,860.06

48404 54290 5429-5431

LUCAS JENNA & THOMAS 954.97

48406 00830 MILACCIO JOAN TRUST

48430 37500 3750-3753 Wheaton Kenneth 2,060.21

00900

48524 00070 ROMEO STEPHEN

48524 00160

48526 00210

48536 00180

00250

48560 00120

50130 5013-5015 FARESE DOMINICK & LINDA 2,764.09

52146 0018A 18AB,19AB,20AB,21AB BEGUM RUQAYYA 3,351.67

52159 00430 43,97,362,439-442

PELLICONE JOSEPH A & 18,736.01

52178 06640

O H G A REALTY CO 61,488.13

52203 00300 30-33

SINGH SATNAM 6,256.83

52214 18090 1809-1810

59 BROOKLYN AVENUE REALTY CORP 53,441.00

52264 24820 2482-2486,2531

MASSAPEQUA 1000 LLC & 461,564.86

53 E 00290

WHALEN CHARLES & MARGARET 6,890.80

53083 04560

MAHONEY STEPHEN & SUSAN 8,557.94 53092 00680 68-72

HARLEY WILLIAM & JOAN 13,134.94 53093 00640

LYONS JEREMIAH J & MARY 17,215.41

53096 25990 2599-2601

REGAN JOHN & COLLEEN 21,056.28 53102 15420 1542-1546

MCTIERNAN DANIEL J & ANNA M 1,277.70 53111 19640

MCTIERNAN DANIEL J & ANNA M 17,208.95 53111 19650 1965-1967

PETTINATO THOMAS A & SHEILA 19,394.05 53121 24720

PALUMBO TRUST 12,888.19 53149 00100

EDELBACH DONALD & STRASSER MADE

53161 00130 LANDSKRON

53178 00130

53181 00210 LANDSKRON RICHARD A

53195 00070

53195 00350

53205 28810 2881-2884

02400

14500

65185 00610

65189 01800

65191 02300

65201 00320

JUSTIN &

65251 01720

65262 00100

66013 00330

66013 00340

MARJON ENTERPRISES LLC

66013 00350 SATZINGER GREGG

66013 00360

CRUDELE MICHAEL & NANCY A 18,564.27

66022 00460 46-49

DEBENY SUSAN MARIE 17,742.49

66032 00060 6-11

JOSEPH ANTHONY PLASTERING CORP 8,016.22

66033 00380 38-39

ELECT SERVICES LLC 369.88 66034 00090 9-10

THURSTON DEBRA H 3,593.90

66036 00410 41-46

CAREY BRIAN A & IRENE M 15,518.02

66042 00110 11-13

SL GROUP CONSTRUCTION LLC 1,154.94

66056 00580 58-59

KAUFMAN MARK H & ROBIN H 20,653.50

66074 00770 77-80

MILLER JONATHAN 3,851.56

66074 00940 94-97

ALVINO MARGARET 4,511.07

66075 00390 39-43

SELESKA GRACE 8,338.93

66079 01120 112-115

BRAVO AGNES CATHERINE 2,183.36

66083 00440 44-49

Town of oysTer Bay school:306 amiTyville UfsD Name Parcel Group Lot Amount

LEE TYRONE & JENNIFER JENNINGS 8,003.61

53 A0100160

CARMAN MILL ROAD PROPERTIES LLC 26,519.87

53006 00010 1-6

CARMAN MILL ROAD PROPERTIES LLC 9,702.28

53006 00070 7-8

CARMAN MILL ROAD PROPERTIES LLC 7,318.34

53006 00090 9-10

CARMAN MILL ROAD PROPERTIES LLC 7,691.13

53006 00110 11-12

GERVASIO STEVEN 1,926.37

53020 00770

GERVASIO STEVEN 1,042.12

53020 01140

GERVASIO STEVEN 44,741.78

53020 01190

GERVASIO STEVEN 9,026.08

53020 01210

TOKARZ STANLEY 3,608.72

53021 00620 62,64

MACCI PETER 18,023.14

53025 02530 253-257

MACCI PETER 829.25

53025 02850

ARRIOLA JOSE S MEJIA 6,529.79

53027 02360

ROGERS GREGORY & LIA 1,974.61

53042 00510

2 PLYMOUTH DRIVE LLC 13,361.67 53042 00540

MONROE MASS LLC 613.04

53043 00190 19 & 21

JCD 2021 REALTY LLC 5,332.88

53045 01220

HUGHES EWART F & ROSLIE 3,479.00

53048 00050 5,7

BARINA GROUP LLC & WILLIAMS MAT 11,833.31

53048 00230 23,25

ELITE MEADOWS ESTATES INC 1,020.29

53049 00080 8,10

LAMPE ANGELA & PAUL 752.85

53049 00110

LAMPE ANGELA & PAUL 1,096.72

53049 00120 12,14,16,18

LAMPE NANCY KOWINSKY 11,107.39

53049 00130 13,15,17,19

LAMPE ANGELA & PAUL

53049 00200

Terms of sale

Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State 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 noti-

Public Notices

fied 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

Dist 1001

Dist 1002

Dist 1003

Dist 1004

Dist 1005

Dist 1006

HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE NEW YORK TREND NEW YORK POST

UNIONDALE BEACON

HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE NEW YORK POST

UNIONDALE BEACON

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

Dist 1009

Dist 1010

Dist 1011

Dist 1012

Dist 1013

Dist 1014

Dist 1015

Dist 1016

Dist 1017

FREEPORT HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

BALDWIN HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW 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

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

VALLEY STREAM HERALD

VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE

FIVE TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

FIVE TOWNS TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU HERALD (FIVE TOWNS)

NEW YORK POST

FIVE TOWNS JEWISH TIMES

FIVE TOWNS TRIBUNE

JEWISH STAR

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

FRANKLIN SQ/ELMONT HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

FRANKLIN SQ/ELMONT HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER

Dist 1018

Dist 1019

Dist 1020

Dist 1021

Dist 1022

NEW YORK POST

GARDEN CITY NEWS

GARDEN CITY TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW YORK POST

EAST ROCKAWAY TRIBUNE

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

ROCKAWAY JOURNAL

EAST ROCKAWAY TRIBUNE

LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD

ROCKVILLE CENTRE TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER

Dist 1023

Dist 1024

Dist 1025

Dist 1026

Dist 1027

Dist 1030

Dist 1031

Dist 1201

Dist 1205

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

VALLEY STREAM HERALD

VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE

ISLAND PARK TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

OCEANSIDE/ISLAND PARK HERALD

EAST MEADOW HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW YORK POST

MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER

NEW YORK POST

Town of norTH HempsTead

Dist 2001

Dist 2002

Dist 2003

Dist 2004

Dist 2005

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW YORK POST

MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW YORK POST

BNH

MANHASSET PRESS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

ROSLYN NEWS TIMES

MANHASSET PRESS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

PORT WASHINGTON NEWS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER

NEW YORK POST

Dist 2006

Dist 2007

Dist 2009

Dist 2010

Dist 2011

NEW YORK POST

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN

WANTAGH HERALD CITIZEN

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

VALLEY STREAM HERALD

VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE

MERRICK HERALD

MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

THE NASSAU OBSERVER

MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD

Dist 3004

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE

LONG ISLAND PRESS

NASSAU

Dist 1007

Dist 1008

BELLMORE HERALD

MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

BALDWIN HERALD

HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

Dist 1028

Dist 1029

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

LONG BEACH HERALD

LONG BEACH TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

MERRICK HERALD

MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE

Dist 2122

MANHASSET PRESS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

PORT WASHINGTON NEWS

GREAT NECK NEWS RECORD

JEWISH STAR

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW YORK POST

MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW YORK POST

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW YORK POST

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER

NEW YORK POST

Dist 2301

GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

THE NORTH SHORE LEADER

Dist 2315

JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE

Town of oysTer Bay

Dist 3001

GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

THE NORTH SHORE LEADER

Dist 3002

GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SEA CLIFF - GLEN HEAD HERALD

THE NORTH SHORE LEADER

Dist 3003

JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL

Schedule Your Annual Memory Screening Appointment

Alzheimer’s Foundation of America Offering Free Memory Screenings to Long Islanders at its AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center

December 29, 2025 – The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is encouraging Long Islanders to get a head start on 2026 by scheduling their annual memory screening appointment. AFA offers free,

confidential memory screenings at its AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education and Resource Center (149 Schleigel Blvd., Amityville) with no minimum age or insurance prerequisites every Wednesday. Appointments can be scheduled by calling the Center at 631-223-4000.

Annual memory screenings should be part of everyone’s health and wellness routine. They are quick (approximately 10-15 minutes), noninvasive, and consist of a series of questions to gauge memory, language, thinking skills and other cognitive functions. Screenings are administered one on one by a qualified professional, and results are confidential and provided immediately at the end of the screening. Results are not a diagnosis, but a memory screening can suggest if someone should see a physician for a full evaluation.

Early detection of memory impairments is vital. Many different conditions can cause memory issues, including treatable or curable conditions such as vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, urinary tract infections, sleep apnea, stress, anxiety, and depression.

Even in the case of a dementiarelated illness such as Alzheimer’s, early detection can provide greater opportunity to begin treatments when they are most effective, as well as taking part in a clinical trial. In addition, it affords the person the chance to take advantage of community services, such as support groups and therapeutic programming, which can help maximize quality of life, as well as have a greater say in making legal, financial, and health care decisions.

Memory screenings are equally important for people who aren’t experiencing symptoms of memory loss. Like other health screenings, they provide a baseline that can help uncover a potential issue sooner.

Residents can schedule their free memory screening appointment by calling the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center at 631223-4000.

Fax your ad to: 516-622-7460

E-mail

Help Wanted

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

DRIVERS WANTED

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

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

To apply: Send a brief summary in the form of a cover letter describing your career goals and what strengths you can bring to our newsroom, along with a resume and three writing samples to jbessen@liherald.com

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

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

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

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

OUTSIDE SALES

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

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

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS

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

Health Care/Opportunities

HEALTHCARE WORKER with 40Yrs Experience is Seeking Position Caring for Your Loved One 516-640-4204

HomesHERALD

A House You'll Call Home

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

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

SFR C: (347)

O:

Signature Premier Properties 75 Seamens Ave Rockville Centre, NY 11570

How do we keep our home livable during renovations?

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”

AFFORDABLE

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

BABY'S CHANGE TABLE. Gently used; white, 3 drawers. $15. Lido Beach. (516)705-8398

BEDSPREAD: BRAND NEW Macy's Charter Club Size: Twin Matching pillow sham. $80 516-432-5699

ERGOBABY BABY CARRIER 360, all positions, 12-45 lbs in box, $50, 516-884-9994.

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.

SERVICES

Cable/TV/Wiring

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 OnDemand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-782-4069

Cleaning Services

nard 516-252-8402

WENDY'S CLEANING SERVICES INC. Commercial/Residential. We Specialize In Houses, Apartments, Offices, Airbnb & More. Good References. Free Estimates. Call/Text Wendy 516-406-5375 Or Email wencruzpa@gmail.com

Home Improvement

& MARINE

Electricians

E-Z ELECTRIC SERVICES, INC.

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.

Handyman

PAINTING & HANDYMAN SERVICE

Tired of calling a contractor & they don't call back? I will call you back the same day!

917-822-0225 Ricky Specializing in carpentry, bathrooms, kitchens, sheetrock, flooring, electric, plumbing. Over 25 yrs exp.Lic/Ins H3805150000

Home Improvement

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

PREPARE FOR POWER outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase. Call 1-877-516-1160 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move.

PREPARE FOR POWER outages with Briggs & Stratton® PowerProtect(TM) standby generators - the most powerful home standby generators available. Industry-leading comprehensive warranty - 7 years ($849 value.) Proudly made in the U.S.A. Call Briggs & Stratton 1-888-605-1496

SAFE STEP. NORTH America's #1 WalkIn Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-the-line installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-855-916-5473

Miscellaneous

GET BOOST INFINITE! Unlimited Talk, Text and Data For Just $25/mo! The Power Of 3 5G Networks, One Low Price! Call Today and Get The Latest iPhone Every Year On Us! 844-329-9391

Plumbing

PLUMBER! PLUMBER! PLUMBER! FREE ESTIMATES!

Heating, Repairs, Installations. $25 OFF New Customers. Family Plumbing. 516-825-3606

Services

AGING ROOF? NEW HOMEOWNER?

STORM DAMAGE? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing available. Call 1-833-880-7679

INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT? Don't Accept the insurance company's first offer. Many injured parties are entitled to major cash settlements. Get a free evaluation to see what your case is really worth. 100% Free Evaluation. Call Now: 1-833-323-0318. Be ready with your zip code to connect with the closest provider.

PEST CONTROL: PROTECT YOUR HOME from pests safely and affordably. Roaches, Bed Bugs, Rodent, Termite, Spiders and other pests. Locally owned and affordable. Call for service or an inspection today! 1-833-549-0598 Have zip code of property ready when calling!

Telephone Services

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

Satellite/TV Equipment

DIRECTV- All your entertainment. Nothing on your roof! Sign up for Directv and get your first three months of Max, Paramount+, Showtime, Starz, MGM+ and Cinemax included. Choice package $84.99/mo. Some restrictions apply. Call DIRECTV 1-888-534-6918

Health & Fitness

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 USERS! A cheaper alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - Only $99! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 1-833-641-6397

OpiniOns

Extremist green policies have made electric rates soar

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.

We can make our school cafeterias safer

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.

Tsimis’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.

s 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.

HERALD

lOut of practice, but not out of resolve

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

letters

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

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

— 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.

The political distraction industry — and its cost

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.

LeTTers

strong. We need cooperation, not condemnation of friends.

I agree that we need secure and safe borders, and 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

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.

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?

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

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

Framework by Mallory Wilson

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.