Merrick Herald 01-29-2026

Calhoun presents ‘The old Man and The old Moon’

Calhoun High School’s On Tour Company presented its first ever sensory-friendly performance, expanding access for audience members with sensory needs. Story, photos, Page 10.

JFK students lead cancer education

By JoSEPH D’AlESSANDRo jdalessandro@liherald.com

Two John F. Kennedy’s High School students are making strides to keep an eye out for the health of their friends and family.

Juniors Madeline Weiner and Hannah Yoselowitz pioneered a new initiative in their high school: a breast cancer education seminar that took place over two days on Jan. 12 and 13 in each of the school’s physical education classes, reaching over 600 students.

civic action project in which they have to choose an issue or topic important to them,” explained Brad Seidman, the duo’s instructor for the program.

Weiner’s family history with breast cancer motivated her to speak out.

his is really meaningful to me…

These seminars are an extension of the student’s Civics and Leadership II class project, which began with their advocacy for the Find it Early Act, which was introduced to Congress last November.

MADEliNE WEiNER High School Student

“We wrote a letter to the senator and our representatives about the Find it Early Act, which has insurance to cover the cost of a mammogram, so that way it’s free to all women, so everyone can have a chance to catch it early,” Yoselowitz said.

“As part of the Leadership II class, they are assigned a

“This is really meaningful to me because of my grandmas — they did have it,” Weiner said. “I hope that what everyone gets out of it is that they get themselves checked so that breast cancer never gets to the point where it is life threatening and that they can still go on and not have everything important taken away from them because of it.”

The students partnered with the nonprofit Mauer Foundation to tackle the problem directly. The Mauer Foundation provides various forms of breast health education, focusing on prevention, early detection and risk reduction.

Eileen Pillitteri, program director of the Maurer Foundation, expressed excitement

Continued on page 9

FREE WEBINAR

Power Smarter Energy Decisions with PSEG Long Island

January 30th • 10:00am

Lower and manage energy costs for your household or business

Understand outage response & reliability priorities that impact homes and local businesses

Use smart meters & Time-of-Day rates to better manage when and how you use energy

Learn what makes PSEG Long Island #1 for Small Business Electric Service in the East, and how those service improvements benefit all customers

Congress investigates alleged NUMC shortfall

Letter to Dr. Mehmet Oz requests federal guidance, resurfaces $1 billion fraud claim from 2024

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

Over a year has passed since former leadership at Nassau University Medical Center filed a lawsuit against New York state, alleging a decades-long Medicaid scam that deprived the largest safety-net hospital on Long Island of as much of $1 billion in aid.

Following a turbulent year at NUMC, in which its board and leadership was ousted and replaced by mostly state appointments, the federal Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is investigating the same reports, according to a Jan. 16 letter sent to Dr. Mehmet Oz, the administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medical Services within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The alleged Medicaid scheme

In late-2024, Nassau University Medical Center and its parent public-benefit corporation, the Nassau Health Care Corporation, accused the state for withholding $1.06 billion, plus interest, in Medicaid payments that the hospital said it was entitled to receive.

According to notice-of-claims documents distributed to reporters at a November 2024 conference in the lobby of the East Meadow hospital, a disproportionately large share of patients served by NUMC are eligible for Medicaid. NUMC is one of three public hospitals in New York that serve all patients, regardless of their ability to pay for medical care.

Because of the large number of Medicaid patients, the hospital receives federal funding through the Disproportionate Share Hospital program and the Upper Payment Limit program — both Medicaid programs authorized under the Social Security Act. In order to receive payments from the federal government, states — in NUMC’s case, New York — must contribute their assigned share, commonly referred to as the state share or non-federal share, to hospital funding.

Typically, the state share matches the federal contribution.

According to the notice-of-claims documents, in 2024, NUMC was due to receive DSH payments totaling roughly $100.2 million. The federal share of the DSH payments was half of that total, around $50.1 million, which was transferred to the State Department of Health for distribution.

The documents alleged that the state orchestrated a ruse to mislead the federal government by requiring NUMC to front the state’s contractual share of the DSH funds from its own operating account. As a result, NUMC received only half of the DSH payments it was entitled to, because the state required the hospital to fund its own non-federal share.

The hospital alleged that it had been a victim of similar schemes since at least 2001.

Throughout 2025, a restructured board was implemented at the Nassau Health Care Corporation and NUMC, due to provisions that passed in the state’s budget in May. These changes ousted former leadership who brought the allegations against the state. Gov. Kathy Hochul appointed a new chairman of the board, Stuart Rabinowitz, a former president at Hofstra University. The hospital also welcomed Thomas Stokes as its new chief executive earlier this month.

On Jan. 15, the hospital announced it had received $109.6 million in funding from state leadership.

Letter to Dr. Mehmet Oz

In a Jan. 16 letter to Oz, U.S. Rep. James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, and chair of the House Oversight Committee, said the committee is “investigating reports that the State of New York has been failing to abide by current law and properly match federal Medicaid funds.”

Comer stated that the committee is concerned that

An alleged Medicaid fraud scheme at Nassau University Medical Center re-surfaced in a letter by the House Oversight Committee. The committee is investigating allegations made against the state and requesting clarification for how funds from certain federal programs should be distributed.

the state, and potentially other states, are failing to follow federal law by “misrepresenting the source of the non-federal share that the state is responsible for providing to trigger federal dollars under the Medicaid DSH program.”

Citing articles on the alleged Medicaid scheme by both the Herald and the New York Post, Comer said “reports on this scheme indicate that the state has engaged in this behavior for more than 20 years, costing taxpayers over $1 billion for one hospital alone, Nassau University Medical Center.”

The committee, he said, initiated an investigation in July of last year by sending a letter to Hochul and the state’s Executive Chamber, and has received some, but “nowhere near all” of the requested documents and communications.

Comer wrote that four members of Congress from New York wrote to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. and the Acting Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Stephanie Carlton and “requested clarification on the obligation of states, including New York, to ensure timely and complete DSH payments to NUMC and other eligible hospitals.” They also requested a review of the situation that occurred at NUMC to determine if the state’s actions are in compliance with federal statutes and regulations.

Comer requested a briefing to assist in the investigation, as well as the issuing of a “formal clarification regarding the proper sourcing of non-federal share funds for the Medicaid DSH program.”

State’s response

State officials have long said the takeover at NUMC was necessary, citing a storied history of mismanagement that they say put the hospital into financial distress.

A spokesperson for the governor told the New York Post, covering the same matter at the hospital:

Tim Baker/Herald NUMC’s operations were taken over by state Democrats, under the direction of Gov. Kathy Hochul, who appointed the new board’s chair and a majority of the board. The state recently distributed $110 million to NUMC.

“NUMC’s previous leadership left the hospital in a deep financial hole because of years of mismanagement and an outright refusal to meet the state’s basic oversight requirements, putting patient care at risk.”

The money provided to the hospital earlier this month, according to a release shared with the Herald, reflects the state’s “recognition of the hospital’s progress under new leadership and its commitment to stabilizing operations while preserving access to essential health care services for Long Island residents.”

Manager sentenced for prevailing wage scheme

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

A manager at an asbestos removal and demolition company has been sentenced for underpaying workers on public school projects in Merrick, shorting more than 40 employees of over $80,000 in legally required prevailing wages, Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly said.

Joseph Demasco, 67, of North Babylon, pleaded guilty March 14 to felony failure to pay the prevailing wage. He was sentenced this week to five years’ probation and ordered to pay $81,592 in restitution. Demasco is also barred from working on public works projects in New York state for five years.

Prosecutors said Demasco oversaw wage violations while BJA Renovations Corp. worked as a subcontractor on multiple projects in the Merrick Union Free School District between 2019 and 2021, including at Birch School, Roland A. Chatterton School and Norman J. Levy Lakeside School.

“Joseph Demasco treated our state’s prevailing wage laws as a suggestion, consistently underpaying workers on public projects,” Donnelly said. “This gross exploitation of the people who build our communities will be prosecuted, and those responsible will be held accountable.”

According to the district attorney’s office, certified payroll records submitted to the Merrick district listed hourly rates of $44 for hazardous construction laborers and $37.44 for construction laborers. In reality, workers were paid $35 an hour, largely in cash. During that period, New York state’s prevailing wage rates were $52.70 per hour in wages and benefits for hazardous material laborers and $68.96 for construction laborers.

Prosecutors said weekly payroll was delivered to Merrick job sites by Demasco or company president Nicholas Barnett, who also served as a site supervisor.

The investigation also found discrepancies in state tax filings. In early 2020, the company reported paying about $52,900 in wages to 15 employees for a three-month period in 2019. Certified pay-

County District Attorney Anne

Donnelly announced the sentencing of Joseph Demasco of North Babylon for failure to pay the prevailing wage, according to a news release.

roll records for the same timeframe showed more than $185,000 paid to workers, including employees not listed on the return, resulting in a $63,036 loss to the state’s unemployment insurance fund, authorities said.

The case also involved similar wage violations on a 2021 project at Oceanside High School in the Oceanside Union Free School District.

Barnett pleaded guilty in March to misdemeanor failure to pay the prevailing wage and falsifying business records and was sentenced in May to three years’ probation and a five-year debarment from public works. Vice President Dana Petrizzo pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct and received a conditional discharge. BJA Renovations Corp. was sentenced to a three-year conditional discharge and barred from public works for five years.

State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said the case underscores New York’s commitment to enforcing prevailing wage laws and protecting workers on publicly funded projects.

‘Pothole Patrol’ deploys to tackle road repairs

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

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

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

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

The initiative assigns crews to monitor streets daily and respond to reported hazards in an effort to reduce vehicle damage and improve roadway safety. Four newly hired patrol workers attended the event, and town officials said the program includes two dedicated trucks operating

at all times, each staffed by four employees and equipped with machinery designed to dispense asphalt quickly.

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

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

The initiative also introduces a new

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

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

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

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

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

Future doctors learn pain, addiction care

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Third-year medical students at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell gained skills that many physicians do not learn until well into their careers during Pain and Addiction Care Prevention Week Jan. 13-16.

In more than 25 hours of intensive instruction, students were trained to address pain, substance-use and alcohol-use disorders using harm-reduction strategies, non-opioid alternatives and patient-centered care.

Beyond clinical techniques, students were taught to listen more closely to patients’ experiences and approach treatment with empathy, a skill educators said is critical to addressing the ongoing substanceuse crisis.

“While opioids certainly have a place in medicine, historically doctors weren’t adequately trained in judicious prescribing practices,” said Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, assistant professor of medicine, emergency medicine, psychiatry and science education at the Zucker School.

Kapoor, who is also vice president of emergency medicine addiction services and director of screening, brief intervention and referral to treatment at Northwell Health, added, “Ensuring the next generation of physicians is equipped to approach complex conditions like pain and substance-use disorders will undoubtedly drive positive change in patient and community health,” he added.

PACE Week builds on instruction students receive during their first two years of medical school. In total, Zucker students complete more than 30 hours of patient-centered education focused on pain and substance use — more than at any other U.S. medical school — addressing a topic many clinicians find

uncomfortable or difficult to discuss.

The program also fulfills a federal requirement mandating that clinicians seeking or maintaining DEA registration complete at least eight hours of training in treating pain and opioid or other substance-use disorders.

Each day of PACE Week began with first-person accounts from people in recovery, family members affected by addiction, medical residents and Zucker alumni. Among them were two physicians in recovery, who shared the challenges of seeking help while navi-

gating professional expectations and fear of judgment. Family members described the emotional, financial and personal toll substance use disorders can have, emphasizing the need for compassion, strong support systems and recovery resources not only for patients, but also for those who care for them.

Students took part in workshops covering medications for opioid-use disorder, medicinal cannabis and multimodal pain care. One component focused on femoral nerve blocks, a non-opioid pain management technique that interrupts pain signals at their source using ultrasound-guided injections.

“Adding this level of training means our students are starting their careers with skills many clinicians only learn later,” said Dr. Simone Rudnin, a Northwell Health Emergency Department physician. “They’re prepared from day one to treat pain differently than we did even a decade ago.”

Kapoor said that such interventions could reduce reliance on opioid medications and lower the risk of future substance use disorder. “Students are learning practical interventions that can offer equal or better pain relief while reducing long-term risks of patients,” he said.

PACE Week concluded with student capstone presentations for Northwell executives and Hofstra leaders. Students made “elevator pitches,” debated ethical scenarios, shared public-service announcements and offered narrative reflections on addiction and care.

“Hearing physicians and family members speak openly about their lived experiences with addiction was profoundly impactful,” Alexandra Boubour, a third-year medical student, said. “Their vulnerability challenged stigma and reinforced the importance of empathy, transparency and community in both healing and medical culture.”

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

spotlight athlete

MEAGHAN CAMPBELL

MacArthur Senior Basketball

WELL ON HER WAY to earning All-County honors for a third consecutive season, Campbell joined the 1,000-career rebound club Jan. 14 in the Generals’ victory over New Hyde Park. She’s the first player in program history to accomplish the feat and has a chance to reach 1,000 career points before season’s end. Bound for Vasser, she ranks among Nassau’s top 10 scorers this season at 16.2 points per game. Last season, she averaged 14.5 ppg.

games to watch

Thursday, Jan. 29

Boys Basketball: Port Wash at Oceanside 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Farmingdale at Uniondale 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Lawrence at North Shore 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: E.Meadow at V.S. Central 6:45 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Massapequa at Baldwin 6:45 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Syosset at Freeport 6:45 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 30

Boys Basketball: Clarke at Carey 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Plainedge at V.S. North 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Glen Cove at Hewlett 6:45 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Carey at Clarke 6:45 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Division at South Side 7 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Kennedy at MacArthur 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 31

Girls Basketball: Westbury at Uniondale 10 a.m.

Boys Basketball: Lynbrook at Floral Park 11 a.m.

Girls Basketball: Syosset at Oceanside 11:45 a.m.

Girls Basketball: Seaford at Friends Aca. 11:45 a.m.

Girls Basketball: Floral Park at Lynbrook 11:45 a.m.

Girls Basketball: V.S. North at Plainedge 11:45 a.m.

Girls Basketball: No. Shore at Lawrence 11:45 a.m.

Girls Basketball: E. Meadow at Plainview 11:45 a.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.

Youthful Kennedy eyes playoffs

By DYLAN BUTLER sports@liherald.com

March 2020 feels like a generation ago for the Bellmore JFK girls basketball team, which went on a magical run to the Nassau Class A semifinals that season and haven’t returned since.

The Cougars have come frustratingly close to a playoff return the last few winters, only to fall short.

But the first half of the season, in which Kennedy went 9-5 overall and 3-3 in Nassau Conference AA-I, has them excited about the possibility of a return to the postseason.

Head coach Mallory Freely said she entered the season not knowing how well her team, which has just two seniors, would fare.

But a season-opening 60-49 win at district rival Mepham provided optimism.

“They handled Mepham, which is usually a tough game, with such composure,” head coach Mallory Freely said. “It was like the eighth day, so for them to quickly learn some plays, they definitely impressed me quickly, and it was a morale booster to keep it going.”

A 53-42 win over another district rival, Calhoun, Dec. 16 further fueled the hope that postseason basketball could be in the offering.

Katelyn Kuhl and Jordi Wohllenben have been alternating as the team’s leading scorer and have been instrumental to the success through the first half of the conference schedule.

“Without either of them, we would not nearly be what we are, not even just in scoring, just everything — defensively, rebounding, setting up plays, and things like that, just really two smart girls who know the game very well, know how to play other sports as well, they’re multi-sport kids,” Freely said.

Kuhl is a junior forward and the leading scorer, whom Freely credits with doing all the dirty work. She had 23 points, 12 rebounds, and six blocks in that season-opening win at Mepham on Nov. 26.

Wohllenben, who had 18 points and six steals in a 64-47 win over Long Beach

on Jan. 12, is a senior guard and fouryear varsity competitor in lacrosse, soccer, and basketball. She’s also a captain in basketball and lacrosse.

“She’s every coach’s favorite kid, doing the dirty work, so unsung and just all over the place, our energizer bunny, doesn’t ever stop running, never gets tired, never asks for a sub, she just does it all,” Freely said.

Isabella Ryan is a sophomore forward who also thrives in the game’s intangibles, the hustle plays, and rarely subs out. And Valentina Alfieri, who was the first off the bench a year ago, is the

floor general as a freshman.

“It’s pretty miraculous to see such leadership from her,” Freely said of Alfieri, who had 16 points and four steals in the win over Calhoun.

Sisters Remi and Sydney Watstein, Freely said, take turns scoring 10 to 12 points each per game. Remi is a sophomore shooting guard who had 13 points and six steals in a 61-50 victory over Island Trees on Dec. 22, while Sydney is just a seventh grader.

“They’re definitely doing better than I had expected,” Freely said. “We’re a very young team, so we’re doing well.”

Breast cancer lessons help reduce the risk

in establishing contact with the Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District.

“Our mission is delivering breast health programs in a high school setting, and we connect with about 90% of school districts on Long Island,” Pillitteri said. “It just happened to be that one of the districts that we’re not strongly affiliated with yet has been the Bellmore Merrick School District.”

During the session, presenters provided information from the foundation’s advisory board, made up of educators who make these presentations accessible and engaging for young people. Throughout the two days, students joined in on the conversations about lifestyle factors and healthy foods, which address

avoidable breast cancer risks.

“They started to learn about what some of the causes of breast cancer are and what folks can do to start to reduce their risk for breast cancer,” Pillitteri said. “We actually teach people how to do a proper self-exam and how to advocate for themselves when they have concerns about their health… It was a great day.”

Lauren Fisch-Henry is the social media and marketing specialist for the Mauer Foundation.

“Our mission here at the Maurer Foundation is to provide breast health education programs to save lives,” she said. “We focus on risk factors, risk reduction and teaching people how to detect breast cancer at its earliest stage, and our focus on young people

has been a focus from our very beginning.”

The effects of these programs go beyond the initial audience, says Fisch-Henry. Students are expected to share this information at home and with future peers, helping keep all community members in good health.

“All three of us are hoping that this continues next year,” Seidman said. “I know Maddie and Hannah want to bring it back next year as seniors and sort of pass on the program to younger leadership students in the hope that they’ll continue to have the foundation here and that it can be beneficial to students beyond their years here.”

Learn more about breast cancer prevention and programs or be directed to local resources at MaurerFoundation.com.

Calhoun students bring inclusive theater experience

On Tour Company hosts sensory-friendly show to expand access to theater

Sanford H. Calhoun High School’s On Tour Company recently presented a sensory-friendly performance of The Old Man and the Old Moon, offering a more accessible theater experience for audience members with sensory sensitivities.

The performance, held Jan. 24 in the Sal Salerno Little Theater, was part of the company’s 2025–26 season and stemmed from a student-led initiative by senior Nattie Martin, the 2025 Merrick Herald Person of the Year. Martin worked alongside director James Crichton and the school’s special education department to develop the production with accommodations designed to create a welcoming environment for all audience members.

Sensory-friendly adjustments included modified lighting and sound levels, as well as a relaxed atmosphere that allowed audience members to move freely and express themselves during the show.

Directed and musically directed by Crichton, The Old Man and the Old Moon is a play with music by PigPen Theatre Co. The story follows a caretaker responsible for refilling the leaking moon with liquid light each night. When his wife mysteriously disappears, he leaves his post for the first time to search for her, plunging the world into darkness.

— Hernesto Galdamez

first sensory-friendly performance on Jan. 24.

Storm dumps up to 15 inches

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

A powerful winter storm that walloped the Northeast dumped more than a foot of snow across much of Long Island over the weekend, leaving Bellmore, Merrick and neighboring communities digging out and prompting school districts to adjust schedules as cleanup efforts continued into the week.

Snow began early Sunday and intensified throughout the day, leaving localized totals of about 12 to 15 inches in parts of Nassau County, with some variation across communities. The National Weather Service reported wind gusts reaching up to 40 mph along South Shore areas, contributing to drifting snow and hazardous travel conditions. Many roadways remained slick through Monday as plows worked to clear main routes and residential streets.

The Merrick Union Free School District and the Bellmore Union Free School District both closed schools Monday because of dangerous conditions, canceling all classes and extracurricular activities.

By Tuesday, some neighboring school districts across Long Island reported delayed openings or prepared to return to normal schedules as crews continued clearing snow from streets and sidewalks. Local officials urged residents to remain cautious, particularly on side roads where snow and ice lingered.

Public transportation was also affected, with local bus services and other transit options disrupted during and after the storm. Residents were advised to avoid nonessential travel until conditions improved.

As cleanup continued, many residents said they were adjusting to the lingering effects of the storm and facing the challenge of digging out after heavy snowfall.

“I’ve never seen snow piled this high in our neighborhood before — it’s beautiful, but it’s going to take a long time to dig out,” Jennifer Robles said.

Bellmore commuter Tom Morales said that while major roadways were gradually becoming passable, conditions remained difficult in many neighborhoods.

“Main roads are getting better, but side streets are still rough — people are taking it slow and looking out for each other,” Morales told the Herald.

Let us Know

News Brief items including awards, honors, promotions and other tidbits about local residents are welcome. Photographs may be emailed as well. Deadline for submissions is noon Thursday, week prior to publication. Send to execeditor@liherald.com

Nominate a student under 18 for the Sustainability Champion Award to recognize their efforts in driving sustainable change.

Submit a nomination of approximately 100 words or less describing the student’s leadership in promoting sustainability: What motivates them? What impact have they had?

Be sure to include a photo or an example of their work—whether it’s a community garden, an environmental campaign, or a creative solution to a sustainability challenge.

Do You Know an Extraordinary Young Leader Making a Difference in Their Community? DEADLINE: MARCH 17TH

The award will be presented at the 2026 LI Herald Sustainability Awards of Long Island powered by Reworld on May 14. th

BUSINESS EXPO & WORKSHOPS

STEPPING OUT

‘Metamorphosis’ unleashed

South Shore Symphony reinvents familiar melodies — and itself

By Abbey Salvemini

When the South Shore Symphony takes the stage on Jan. 31 at their Madison Theatre home, on the Molloy University campus, the evening represents more than a single stop in its season. It reflects the orchestra’s artistic transformation under the leadership of esteemed conductor Adam Glaser, now in his third year as music director.

Since he took the helm of the South Shore Symphony (from former Music Director Scott Jackson Wiley) he’s continued to foster connections with its musicians and shape a shared artistic identity. He describes his group as “a community of friends and musicians who are always striving for excellence,” and says the experience has been both energizing and collaborative.

expanded to include a full orchestra — involving winds, brass and percussion.

Pete Correale

As Glaser explains, the passacaglia is a type of continuous variation built over a repeating bass line, a form that dates back centuries.

“Among the many musical interests I enjoy exploring over lunch with my colleague Jim Millar, the Brahms symphonies constantly rise to the top, particularly the final movement of the Fourth Symphony, an orchestral passacaglia. When accepting Jim’s commission for a new work to be performed by the highly advanced orchestra he leads in beautiful Tenafly, I chose the passacaglia form for inspiration and structure,” he continues.

Glaser adds that his time with the South Shore Symphony inspired him to revisit the piece, allowing him to reimagine its full expressive possibilities.

After opening for Sebastian Maniscalco on his massive “It Ain’t Right” arena tour, Pete Correale is now doing his own. Be prepared for the laughs when he brings his “As I Was Saying” tour to the Paramount stage. The Long Island-born comedian-actor-writer, best known for his conversational, reality-based humor, is one busy guy. He co-hosts co-host of the “Pete and Sebastian Show,” a podcast with comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, that’s of the most popular comedy podcasts on air today, consistently growing in audience eight years after its launch. His comedy is reflective of his life and the experiences he’s been through. Being married for over 20 years and having a young daughter, Pete’s never at a loss for material. With a conversational delivery and his trademark disarming regular guy attitude, Pete makes you feel like you’re listening to the funniest guy at a party as opposed to just another comedian on a stage.

Friday, Jan. 30, 9 p.m., doors open 8 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com.

• Saturday, January 31, 7:30 p.m.

• Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

• Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org

An established composer, Glaser — whose prolific career includes roles as Music Director of the professional-caliber Juilliard Pre-College Orchestras and Director of Orchestras and Associate Professor of Music at Hofstra University — brings his keen musicality to this concert, titled “Metamorphosis.” Programmed around the time-honored musical form of “theme and variations,” the repertoire highlights how composers begin with a simple musical idea and reshape it in inventive, surprising and often dazzling ways.

“[They] are all unique in their own way, but they are presented together because they all share a common theme,” Glaser says.

This fascinating program unites four works from the 19th and 20th centuries, each offering its own take on the theme and variations form. It opens with the “Wedding March” from Karl Goldmark’s Rustic Wedding Symphony.

“While I would rarely excerpt one movement from a symphony, in this case, it is just brilliant as its own piece,” Glaser explains.

The concert’s centerpiece is a world premiere: the full orchestral version of Glaser’s own “Passacaglia.”

Originally written in 2018 for a high school string orchestra in New Jersey, the piece has now been

“Since 2018, I have often felt that the string orchestra version of Passacaglia packed a lot of material into a relatively compact canvas, and wondered if the underlying composition might warrant an expansion that embraces all instrument families. Inspired by my new “musical family,” I am pleased to dedicate this new version to my friends in the orchestra and honored to conduct the premiere. This new version makes a few subtle references to a five-note musical signature derived from Rockville Centre’s zip code, 11570.”

Glaser acknowledges that conducting works by other composers presents its own challenges, requiring a balance between honoring the composer’s intentions and bringing his own interpretive insight to the music.

“Our job [as the conductor] is to be an advocate for the composer, but we only have notes on a page,” he says.

The evening’s second half celebrates musical reinvention with Korngold’s “Theme and Variations, Op. 42.” In seven short minutes, it delivers the sweeping melodies and lavish orchestration that earned Korngold his reputation for “Hollywood sound.”

“[Theme and Variations] takes it to the highest level possible,” Glaser says, pointing out that audiences will recognize the Hollywood influence in the brief composition.

The concert closes with Hindemith’s “Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes” by Carl Maria von Weber, a piece that literally transforms Weber’s melodies into a bold, rhythmically vibrant orchestral adventure — bringing the program’s title of “Metamorphosis” full circle.

“[Symphonic Metamophosis] is such a brilliant example of how a composer can take a small amount of material and spin so many wonderful variations from it,” Glaser enthuses.

Beyond the individual works, he sees “Metamorphosis” as a symbol of the South Shore Symphony’s evolving journey.

This concert offers the audience both familiarity and discovery: beloved repertoire alongside a brand-new works, all connected by a single unifying idea. For Glaser, it is an opportunity to begin shaping the orchestra’s future while honoring its past.

The season continues with a trio of exciting performances in the months ahead. Jazz vocalist Jane Monheit joins the South Shore Symphony on March 8 for an evening of rich, lyrical storytelling. Later that month, on March 28, the orchestra tackles Stravinsky’s “The Rite of Spring,” promising a thrilling display of rhythm and energy. The season concludes on May 29 with their annual concert at St. Agnes Cathedral, uniting powerful voices and orchestra for Beethoven’s monumental “Ninth Symphony.

With “Metamorphosis,” the orchestra invites concertgoers to experience music as a living, evolving art form — where familiar melodies are reborn, new works take flight and the orchestra’s journey of transformation continues under Glaser’s inspired leadership.

‘Madness takes its toll’ Fasten your garter belt and come up to the lab and see what’s on the slab: It’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Do the Time Warp in celebration of 50 years of Richard O’Brien’s legendary cult classic musical on the big screen! In this legendary comedyhorror cult classic, sweethearts Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a self-proclaimed “sweet transvestite” scientist. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker (Meat Loaf) and a creepy butler (Richard O’Brien). Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named “Rocky.” Nothing beats a Rocky Horror screening where you can jump up and dance to the Time Warp in this live, interactive experience. Get into it and dress to impress!

Friday, Jan. 30, 8 p.m. $25. Jeanne Rimsky Theater at Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

JAN

Weight/ Strength Training

Get into shape with low-impact strength training at North Bellmore Public Library. $21.

• Where: 1551 Newbridge Road

• Time: 11-11:30 a.m.

• Contact: northbellmorelibrary.org

JAN

Anime & Manga Club

Kids in grades 7-12 can connect with anime fans for activities and discussion at Merrick Library. Registration required.

• Where: 2279 Merrick Ave.

• Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

• Contact: merricklibrary.org

A Cappella Festival

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

• Where: Adelphi University Performing Arts Center, 1 South Ave., Garden City

• Time: Varied, through Feb. 1

• Contact: adelphi.edu/pac or 9516) 877-4000

Defensive Driving with Marty Hirschfield North Bellmore Public Library holds a Defensive Driving course. Improve skills and obtain insurance discounts. Registration required.

Michael Carbonaro

South Campus, Hempstead

• Time: 11:15 a.m.- 2:45 p.m.

• Contact: events.hofstra.edu to RSVP

FEB 14

Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores installation

The Chamber of Commerce welcomes members to the annual installation and awards dinner. $125 per person. Registration required.

• Where: Crest Hollow Country Club, 8325 Jericho Turnpike

• Time: 6:30 p.m.

• Contact: bellmorechamber.com

Lunar New Year program

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

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Actor-magician-comedian Michael Carbonaro has built a career turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Best known as the star of the hit truTV series “The Carbonaro Effect,” he’s made millions laugh in astonishment by blending quick-witted comedy with jaw-dropping illusions in everyday settings. On stage, Carbonaro has headlined two hit national tours, with a live show that mixes theatrical magic, sly improv, gleeful trickery, and playful audience participation. Now, he’s delighting audiences with his newest adventure, Michael Carbonaro: Wonderboy — a tour where audiences discover him as the Hero of Mischief, in a world where magic is the superpower and laughter is the sidekick. An accomplished actor, he’s appeared in “Law & Order: SVU,” “CSI: Miami,” and “Grey’s Anatomy,” among other projects. As a magician, he’s been named Magician of the Year by the Academy of Magical Arts and is the sole recipient of the Copperfield Prize, awarded for elevating the art of magic itself. A performing magician since his youth, Carbonaro studied experimental theater at New York University with the aspirations of entertaining audiences through a variety of theatrical mediums, including hidden-camera magic, which he later showcased frequently on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” Following Carbonaro’s frequent late-night appearances, Michael was presented with the opportunity to launch his hit comedic series, “The Carbonaro Effect.” A trickster at heart, Michael performs inventive tricks on unsuspecting members of the public who are unaware that he is a magician. Bringing wonder, mischief and magic to the stage — reality doesn’t stand a chance.

Horse craft at the Manes Center. Before or after art making, head to the mansion to enjoy cultural performances. $20, $10 child; members free. Registration required.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1- 2:30 p.m.

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

features Franz Schubert’s Mass in G. Auditions are by appointment only. If you love to sing consider auditioning to be part of this treasured Long Island tradition. For additional information about the Long Island Choral Society, visit lics.org.

• Where: Garden City Community Church, 245 Stewart Ave, Garden City

• Contact: (516) 652-6878 or audition.info@lics.org

• Time: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

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

FEB

10

Pasta Amore with Chef Dell’Amore

Stop by North Bellmore Public Library for a tasty workshop. Learn how to make an all-time great pasta dish with Chef Dell’Amore

Long Island Children’s Museum welcomes Chinese Theatre Works to the museum stage. Join in a celebration of the Lunar New Year with an original “budaixi” glove puppet production that features the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac. This year’s show stars the Horse, who presides over a jolly selection of wild puppet skits, dances, popular songs, and well known Chinese sayings that celebrate the wit and wisdom of the zodiac animals. Hao Bang Ah! Horse! A hands-on post show demonstration will make the Chinese bilingual cultural experience accessible to even the youngest audience members. $5, $4 members, $10 theater only.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

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

Valentine’s Day Storycraft

Families with kids ages 3-8 can visit Bellmore Public Library for storytime and craft to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Registration required.

• Where: 1551 Newbridge Road

• Time: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Contact: northbellmorelibrary.org JAN

Lunar New Year Celebration

Families are invited to vibrant celebration of art and music when Nassau County Museum of Art ushers in the Lunar New Year, honoring the rich creative contributions of Chinese culture. Activities include a Year of the

Amazing Animal Encounter

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

• Where: 1551 Newbridge Road

• Where: 2288 Bedford Ave.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.

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

1 North Bellmore BOE meets

5

2

Long Island Choral Society Audition

The Long Island Choral Society is looking for new members for the final concert of their 97th Season. The Spring 2026 concert FEB

• Time: 7:30 p.m. FEB

The Board of Education holds its next meeting. Stay up to date on district issues.

• Where: 2616 Martin Ave.

Winter Forest Walk

• Time: 2-3:30 p.m.

• Contact: northbellmorelibrary.org

FEB

12

Book talk

• Time: 11-11:30 a.m.

• Contact: bellmorelibrary.org

Join naturalist Virginal Dankel for an interactive winter stroll across the Nassau County Museum of Art grounds. During this seasonal walk, participants can expand their knowledge of the natural world and strengthen their powers of observation. Adults only. $20, $20 members. Registration required.

• Where: Manes Education Center, 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor FEB 7

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

Having an event?

Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@liherald.com.

Local priorities frame the governor’s race

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

Celebrating its centennial year, the Long Island Association hosted its annual State of the Region breakfast with Sen. Chuck Schumer speaking, a panel discussion moderated by LIA President Matt Cohen that included State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, Nassau County Executive Bruce and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine. Gov. Kathy Hochul was the final speaker.

Through the panel discussion at the Jan. 9 event highlighted several issues that most likely will the focal points of the gubernatorial race between Blakeman, the presumptive GOP candidate and Hochul, a Democrat.

“We have been very successful in Nassau County, we have the safest county in America, Niche magazine said we’re the most desirable place to live,” Blakeman said during the panel discussion.

Hochul spoke for roughly 30 minutes and used her time as part campaign stop and part preview of her State of the State address that will be delivered on Jan. 13. Unveiling a proposed five-year, $3.75 billion for water infrastructure.

“The environment of Long Island, it is everything, it means more here than most places because its, an island,” Hochul said, noting the $3 million she approved for upgrading septic systems.

She called the nearly $4 billion commit-

a relatively strong economy, uncertainty remains as federal decisions begin to impact funding for such items as healthcare, education, energy and nutrition programs The states large reserve funds will continue to support the economic region through these challenges.

“My role as comptroller is to remind everybody, at the end of the day, whatever the policy decisions are,” he said, “we have to look at the implications of our spending choice. Not just in the short run, for the coming years budget, but what will it mean a year, two, or three down the road.”

And while Cohen touched on Long Island’s expansion, DiNapoli noted that the state has seen a decrease in its young adult population, however there has been a jump residents’ ages 18 to 34.

ment to build water infrastructure, including building sewers, “historic.”

Even before Hochul spoke, housing, Romaine said, must also be addressed — but through smarter planning and help from the state for vital infrastructure projects.

“Affordable housing is not an issue by itself,” he said. “You have to have the infrastructure — the sewers, the roads — to support it.”

Cohen noted the substantial growth the two-county region has undergone in

the 100 years since the LIA was found.

“Since 1926, the population on Long Island has increased 900 percent, and we’ve really gone from a bedroom community of New York City to our own bustling, diverse, economic powerhouse,” he said in his opening remarks. “We’re home to world renowned tourist destinations, the highest ranked education and health care institutions, and we’re still the embodiment of the American dream and have an unparalleled quality of life.

DiNapoli noted that while the state has

A December report from DiNapoli’s office on Gen Z and millennial New Yorkers struggling with economic and affordability challenges noted the overall decline is a result of rising housing costs and a job market that lacks entry-level positions.

Schumer noted he just completed his 27th year visiting all of New York’s 62 counties.

“The mantra that guides my work and all of my staff is this: when Long Island does well all of New York does well.”

Madison Gusler, Carolyn James and Jordan Vallone contributed to this story.

Our experts handpicked this highly acclaimed collection to pair perfectly with your favorite dishes from Omaha Steaks. Uncork 12 bottles with bonus gifts for just $79.99 (plus shipping and tax) as your introduction to the Omaha Steaks Wine Club – saving you $155. Then, look forward to 12 new selections every three months and enjoy a $30 Omaha Steaks E-Reward Card with each future club case. You’ll also save 10% on every 12+ bottle purchase and get free delivery every time you order. There’s no commitment to continue and every bottle comes with our 100% guarantee.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF FORMATION of OPPROS LLC. Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/10/2025. Office location: Nassau County. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process may be served and shall mail copy of process against LLC to 21 Richard Ave, Merrick, NY 11566. Purpose: any lawful act. 157822

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY

TREASURER’S

SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 17th, 2026, will sell at public online auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 12th, 2026 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property.

Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code.

Effective with the February 2019 lien sale

Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucou ntyny.gov/526/County-

Treasurer

Should the Treasurer determine that an inperson auction shall be held, same will commence on the 17th day of February 2026 at the Office of The County Treasurer 1 West Street, Mineola or at some other location to be determined by the Treasurer.

A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucou ntyny.gov/527/AnnualTax-Lien-Sale

A list of local properties upon which tax liens are to be sold will be advertised in this publication on or before February 05th, 2026.

Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.

Dated: January 22, 2026

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Mineola, New York

TERMS OF SALE

Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts. However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the

lien is purchased. The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) receivership. The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk. The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the

sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale.

Furthermore, as to the bidding,

1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.

2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any

News brief

Applications are live for pre-K lottery

The North Bellmore School District is accepting applications for its universal prekindergarten program for the 2026-27 school year.

While the district has received expanded grant funding and anticipates having enough seats for all applicants, a lottery will still be held to assign placements. The program is contingent on state funding.

Children who will be 4 years old by Dec. 1, 2026, and eligible to enter kindergarten in September 2027 may apply. The program is administered by the North Bellmore School District and offered through community-based preschools. It is funded by the New York State Education Department through a UPK grant and is provided at no cost to

families.

The district expects to offer primarily full-day programs, with limited halfday placements. Half-day programs run 2 1/2 hours per day, five days a week, while full-day programs run five hours per day, five days a week. Daily attendance is expected. Families cannot choose school locations, and transportation is not provided.

The application deadline is Friday, Feb. 13. Applications are available online at northbellmoreschools.org and at each elementary school from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on school days. For more information, contact the Curriculum Office at (516) 992-3000, ext. 3009.

— Hernesto Galdamez

Public Notices

other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.

3. The bids to be placed by the Bidder will be made in good faith and not pursuant to any direct or indirect, agreement or discussion with, or inducement from, any other bidder to submit a complementary or other noncompetitive bid.

4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited.

Dated: January 22, 2026THE NASSAU

COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, New York 157891

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 02/11/2026 at 9:30

A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals:

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30

A.M.

97/26. MERRICK - Louis & Natalie Ciccone, Variances, lot area occupied, front yard setback on Harry La. & Harry La. (Earl Dr.),

construct roof over porch attached to dwelling., N/E cor. Harry La. & Harry La. (Earl Dr.), a/k/a 1364 Harry La. 99/26. - 100/26. MERRICK - Danie Mascary, Maintain pool equipment (fountain) with less than permitted side yard setback; Special exception to maintain accessory structure (gazebo) higher than permitted & exceeding horizontal maximum on 2 sides., W/s North Dr., 219.65’ S/o Jerusalem Ave., a/k/a 1056 North Dr. 101/26. MERRICKSpay Argyris & Eleni Chatzidaki-Argyris, Immediate Family Res. (2nd Kitchen)., N/s Bridge St., 137.86’ W/o Meadowbrook Rd., a/k/a 1657 Bridge St. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.

This notice is only for new cases in Merrick within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 158015

AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

ROOF LEAK REPAIRS/ Replacement, Chimney Waterproofing, Flashing/ Repairs, Licensed/ Insured, Free Estimates. 516-259-4444 or 631-201-4444

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

CLEANER PART-TIME For The Baldwin Public Library. Up to 17 hours / week; Sundays optional at 2X. For more info. contact rduccilli@baldwinpl.org. Send resume to employment@baldwinpl.org or visit Library to complete an application by 2/12/26.

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

HomesHERALD

Modern Coastal Luxury

Discover the ultimate beachside lifestyle, where coastal luxury meets modern sophistication. Located just 1,000 feet from the sands of Long Beach, this FEMA-compliant 5-bedroom, 4.5-bath residence sits on a rare double lot and is designed for entertaining and everyday comfort, blending high-end finishes, generous scale, and seamless indooroutdoor living. Exceptional curb appeal includes a full-size garage with EV charging, five additional parking spaces, and covered carports—an uncommon offering in Long Beach. Inside, the open-concept main level is flooded with natural light, anchored by a gas

Keeping indoor air clean

Q. Every winter I get terrible colds, and this year I got a postcard from a company that cleans air conditioning ducts. Does this help? I’m concerned about stirring up more dust. What else can I do except buy one of those portable air cleaners?

A. These days, with all the requirements for home energy savings, airtight homes and pressurized air testing, homes are much more likely to have impurities in the air. Homes used to be built with alkali-laden plaster, which mold couldn’t live on. People wore sweaters, because windows leaked cold air and homes were cooler. It seems that modern materials and methods actually brought on more sickness.

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

The paper backing on gypsum wallboard provides an excellent place in a dark wall cavity for mold spores to live. Inert, sprayed-in foam does help, but most people are intimidated by the cost. Carpets gather dust and, when vacuumed, may release more impurities into the air.

Cleaning hard-walled metal air ducts is a good idea after a couple of years of continuous use. If you only use the system in midsummer heat spells, the main reason to clean the ducts is because dust settles there and adheres to the sides of the air ducts. Spores and other mold prosper in the layers of dust, and can remain inactive until moisture is present, which is why, at certain times of the year, condensation from cold meeting warm air allows the mold to develop.

You should be aware that some air conditioning companies make life easier for themselves by putting in flexible, soft, round duct, which comprises an inner lining of foil attached to a wire spiral frame covered with a thin layer of fiberglass insulation and a plastic sheeting cover. The system installation costs less if the installer passes on the savings to you, and is simpler to install. By simpler, I mean that duct tape is used instead of mechanical fastening with bends of metal and screws.

Unfortunately, you can’t clean flex duct, since the devices used to clean duct apply pressure, with vacuum and scraping techniques that will destroy your flex duct and render your system useless. You should consider cleaning the main “trunks,” which are probably made of metal duct. Duct cleaning is the first step to better breathing in the home. Then, after cleaning, have a reliable mechanical contractor install a filter in your central air conditioning unit, so you have “in-line” filtration.

Ask about the different types of filter systems, such as an electronic, static-type unit that catches dust like a magnet, and also how often the filter requires cleaning or replacement. Don’t just look for the lowest-priced unit, since the maintenance or replacement of the filter may be much more than the savings. With the electrostatic filter, you may be able to simply wash the filter and put it back. Once the filter is installed, you won’t require the portable type, and you should breathe easier, which is nothing to sneeze at.

© 2026 Monte Leeper

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question” in the subject line, or to Herald Homes, 2 Endo Blvd., Garden City, NY 11530, Attn: Monte Leeper, architect.

Stuff HERALD

MERCHANDISE MART

Antiques/Collectibles

AFFORDABLE TV & INTERNET. If you are overpaying for your service, call now for a free quote and see how much you can save! 1-833-323-0160

SAVE ON YOUR TRAVEL PLANS!

Up to 75% More than 500 AIRLINES and 300,000 HOTELS across the world. Let us do the research for you for FREE! Call: 877 988 7277

We Buy Antiques, Fine Art, Coins & Jewelry Same Day Service, Free In-Home Evaluations, 45 Year Family Business. Licensed and Bonded, Immediate Cash Paid. SYL-LEE ANTIQUES www.syl-leeantiques.com 516-671-6464

Miscellaneous For Sale

NIKON EQUIPMENT FOR Sale: D300S Body Only $125; Nikon 80-400mm Lense $555; Nikon 300mm Lense $250; Nikon 18-200mm Lense $150; Nikon 55-200mm Lense $75; Nikon 35-105mm Lense $100; Nikon 500mm F8 Lense $150; Sigma 600mm F2.8 Mirror Lense $150. Call Leonard 516-252-8402

FINDS UNDER $100

Finds Under $100

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

EPICURE MODEL 4: 2 Speakers: Vintage, High Quality Audio, 20" height, Great Condition, $90 516-279-7696

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

STANDING/ SITTING DESK, manually adjustable with hand crank. White metal, great condition. $40 Call 516-782-6103

STROLLER GRACO MODES Bassinet LX, 2019 with instructions, very good, on YouTube, $65, 516-884-9994.

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

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

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.

Services

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

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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

oPinions

What did Trump gain by badmouthing Denmark?

President Trump’s myriad pronouncements on Greenland have been confusing and convoluted, and appear to serve no American national interest.

I agree with him that Greenland is vital to our national security, and that increased measures must be taken for missile defense and to prevent incursions by Russia and China into the Arctic region.

Trump’s insistence, however, that the United States must “own” Greenland is wrong and actually counter to our national security interests.

For starters, Greenland is a territory of Denmark, one of our most loyal allies and a founding member of NATO, the linchpin of our defense against Russian aggression for more than 75 years, which caused the defeat and collapse of the Soviet Union. Under our existing treaty agreements with Denmark, the U.S. has the power to take whatever measures we believe necessary to defend Greenland, including constructing military bases, installing missile defense systems and deploying troops on the ground.

If we simply allow Greenland to

remain under Danish “ownership” while we take whatever strategic security measures we deem essential, we would have the full support of NATO, which, with its 32 member nations, is the most powerful and effective military alliance in history, and under Article 5 is required to come to the defense of any member nation when attacked.

HTrump’s threat to invade Greenland and take it by force made no sense. Such a move would fracture NATO — and, ironically, constitute the first attack ever made against a NATO nation, weakening our defenses at a time when we are facing major military challenges in the Caribbean, Pacific and Middle East. It would be the diplomatic and military equivalent of shooting ourselves in the foot — “America First” turned upside down.

except the U.S.

is threat was a dismissive, condescending disparagement of a loyal friend.

From a personal perspective, I visited Denmark in 1987 and 2024, and found the people to be exceptionally pro-American. The dismissive, condescending disparagement of such a loyal friend, for no apparent or meaningful purpose, sends a chilling message not just to allies, but also to other nations thinking of engaging with the U.S. It reflects Trump’s proclivity to demean democratic allies such as Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelensky, whom Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance ganged up on and berated in the Oval Office) while extolling enemy dictators like Russia’s Vladimir Putin (whom Trump greeted literally with a red carpet), China’s Xi Jinping (“my friend”) and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un (“sends me love letters”).

cessfully than at any time in recent memory.

Those successes, with no loss of American lives, make Trump’s actions toward Greenland and Denmark all the more inexplicable. Sometimes it appears that he is seeking almost immediate validation of his diplomatic policies. History shows, however, that world affairs don’t lend themselves to neat, precise timetables or overnight successes.

Most notably, President Harry S. Truman’s Marshall Plan, enacted in 1948 to rebuild Europe, and his support of NATO, which was formed in 1949, did not receive acclaim until more than four decades later, with the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Nor did President Richard Nixon’s skillful diplomatic efforts, which rescued Israel from defeat by Egypt and ended the Yom Kippur War in 1973, have their maximum effect until the signing of the Camp David Accords in 1978, which brought about a peace that has lasted almost 50 years.

Almost as damaging to our national interest was Trump’s demeaning language and attitude toward a nation that has stood so loyally with us. Describing Denmark’s military capabilities as limited to “dogsleds” ignores the reality that Danish troops fought side by side with Americans in Iraq and Afghanistan, and suffered more combat deaths in Afghanistan, as a percentage of Denmark’s population, than any country

What is so disappointing about Trump’s actions toward Denmark is how they contrast with his clear foreign policy successes: standing with Israel against Hamas and bringing about a cessation of that war; carrying out immensely effective attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities; brilliantly extricating Nicolas Maduro from his Venezuelan hideout and bringing him to the U.S. for trial; and sealing our borders more suc-

TTo consolidate the legacy of his already considerable foreign policy achievements, Trump must cease his needless antagonism of our closest allies so America can further the quest for world peace. If not, “America First” might well become “America Alone.”

Peter King is a former congressman, and a former chair of the House Committee on Homeland Security. Comments? pking@ liherald.com.

Health care reform is a failure from top to bottom

here are very few things that scare me. Black cats coming my way are a nuisance. Bumps on an airliner are expected, and I don’t panic. Those crazy e-bike drivers who can kill you in a heartbeat are dangerous, but I’m constantly on the lookout for them. Odd-looking people on the street can be frightening, but I cross fast to avoid them.

So what scares me? It’s the American health care system, which can frighten people to death, no pun intended. A month ago I wasn’t feeling peppy, and was sleepy in the middle of the day. It felt like a hangover, but I’m not a drinker, so that wasn’t it. I decided to go to an emergency room, fearing some malady that I didn’t recognize. It turned out that I had a pulse of 38, which is dangerously low unless you’re, say, a professional triathlete.

I arrived at the ER (of a purposely unnamed hospital) on a Friday, which

means you’re destined to stay in the hospital over the weekend. In fairness, if you’re having a heart attack or a stroke, you’ll get immediate attention, but all other symptoms get lesser treatment. Once I saw some physicians, they gave swift attention to the issue and how to resolve it. I spent a total of four nights at the hospital, and a few weeks later I learned that the bill was $249,892. Fortunately, I have coverage for the claim, which eventually was reduced to $13,405, which was paid by my insurer. The size of the original statement is typical in hospitals all over the country, which tend to inflate their charges to astronomical numbers in order to get to a fair settlement. For the better part of my life, I have seen dozens of bills that list crazy charges, all in the effort to get to a livable amount.

Talive.

Let’s start with the hospitals. In 23 years in Albany, I heard countless stories about the hospital lobby and the steps it takes to protect its turf. Periodically, legislation is introduced that would correct a flaw in the delivery system, but if it doesn’t meet with the approval of the hospital industry, it dies a silent death.

he clock will continue to tick, and many more patients will face $250,000 bills.

Last year the health care industry spent $653 million on issues involving Congress. Hospitals are a part of that mammoth number, but there’s a heated competition among all types of providers. And the major blame is on Congress and the presidents.

— in 2020. House Speaker Mike Johnson said he had a bipartisan bill ready for action, but in the end he passed a onehouse, partisan bill that is going nowhere. Over in the Senate they had a “great bill” three weeks ago, and it crashed and burned. At this moment, a bipartisan group of senators say they are “making progress” on a bill, but I’ll get many haircuts before their dream comes true.

Two presidents have come and one is gone since Obamacare was passed. No bill has come from a White House occupant or Congress, so what should health care providers do? Year after year goes by, and there are no changes to existing law. Obamacare patients are getting hit with horrifying increases. Congress is in a state of continuous gridlock.

Are the hospitals the major culprit? No, it’s the entire system. There’s a massive game going on all over America, played by health care providers, insurers and Congress, which makes the system the mess that it is. Each one has to use all the gimmicks it knows to stay

Waiting for Congress to come up with a health care bill that satisfies all of the parties is an impossible dream. Part of the reason there’s never any compromise solution is the role of the president. The Obama administration passed a major bill that everyone agrees is in need of tweaking. But who’s going to tweak it?

President Trump promised to come up with a new bill “ within two weeks”

The clock will continue to tick, and there will be many more patients dealing with $250,000 bills. Congress’s failure to find a solution is an indictment of our elected officials from top to bottom.

Jerry Kremer was a state assemblyman for 23 years, and chaired the Assembly’s Ways and Means Committee for 12 years. He currently chairs the Capitol Insight Group, a government relations firm. Comments? jkremer@liherald.com.

HERALD

History’s lessons demand lifelong vigilance

though this month’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day and International Holocaust Remembrance Day have passed, the lessons we can take from both are lifelong.

On Jan. 19, the nation commemorated the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement. MLK Day isn’t just a celebration of one man’s achievements; it is a call to examine the enduring struggle for racial justice, equality and human dignity. King’s life and legacy remind us that progress is neither automatic nor permanent. It must be protected through vigilance, education and moral courage.

Eight days later was Holocaust Remembrance Day — another solemn day of commemoration. Each year on Jan. 27 — the date of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945 — we pause to reflect on one of history’s darkest chapters and reaffirm our responsibility to remember. The day commemorates the 6 million Jewish men, women and children murdered by the Nazi regime during World War II, along with millions of others, including Roma, people with disabilities, political dissidents, members of sexual minorities and others who were targeted and killed.

Remembrance days such as these are often accompanied by moments of

silence, educational programs, survivor testimonies, memorial ceremonies, museum exhibits and classroom discussions across the globe. These observances are intentional acts of learning and reflection, meant to ensure that history is not forgotten, distorted or repeated.

What unites the remembrance of the Holocaust, MLK Day and similar historical observances is their shared warning: injustice thrives in silence, ignorance and apathy.

In our era, which is experiencing rising antisemitism, racism, xenophobia and political polarization, these lessons are more urgent than ever. Misinformation spreads quickly, and historical facts are sometimes questioned or deliberately distorted. Remembrance days serve as anchors of truth. They remind us that these events are not abstract or distant; they happened to real people, within living memory, and their consequences still shape our world today.

Education is the most powerful antidote to hate. Learning about the Holocaust helps people understand where intolerance can lead when fear and conspiracy replace empathy and critical thinking. Studying the civil rights movement reveals how ordinary people, from students to clergy to workers, can challenge unjust systems through collective action, nonviolence and moral clarity.

These stories empower new generations to recognize injustice and believe that change is possible.

Importantly, remembrance is not about assigning guilt to those alive today, but about assigning responsibility. Responsibility to speak out against hate, to protect democratic values, to stand with marginalized communities and to recognize early warning signs of injustice. When we remember, we honor the victims by committing ourselves to a more humane future.

These observances also create space for empathy. Survivor testimonies and historical narratives humanize events that can otherwise feel overwhelming or distant. They remind us that behind every statistic is a person with dreams, family and dignity. This human connection is essential in countering the tendency to reduce others to labels or stereotypes.

Remembering is not passive. It is an active commitment to learning, teaching and acting. By honoring the lessons of the Holocaust, King’s legacy and other pivotal moments in history, we affirm the shared values of dignity, justice and humanity. In doing so, we help ensure that “Never again” and “Justice for all” aren’t empty phrases, but guiding principles for the present and the future.

New Yorkers deserve more retirement investment options

as the cost of living continues to rise across New York — from housing and energy to groceries and health care — many families and small-business owners, especially those from historically underserved communities, are being forced to make painful tradeoffs that leave little room to save for retirement.

To build a more resilient financial future, workers with 401(k) plans should have more opportunities to diversify their nest eggs. That’s why we need to ensure that private-sector employees have access to the same options long enjoyed by publicsector pension holders.

Today, that parity does not exist. While public pension systems have long been able to invest in private-market assets such as private equity, real estate and infrastructure — which can generate outsized long-term growth — the vast majority of 401(k) plans remain confined to traditional public stocks and bonds. This leaves millions of privatesector workers — including a dispropor-

Framework

tionate share of African American employees — with fewer tools to grow their retirement savings in an increasingly expensive economy.

There is some good news: the U.S. Department of Labor has taken initial steps to implement rulemaking that would expand access to private-market investments, creating a path toward closing this gap. Critically, the proposal also aims to protect employers from speculative lawsuits for offering employees more options to invest.

pA clear majority of voters favor allowing access to these assets, according to a recent poll by the Council for a Safe & Secure Retirement. Support is broad and bipartisan, with 62 percent of Black voters, 69 percent of Hispanic voters, and majorities of both workingclass and middle-class voters — no matter whom they voted for in the last election — backing the inclusion of private markets and more diverse investment options in 401(k) plans.

in 2025, and generated an impressive 11.9 percent return on investment. Private-sector workers of every stripe should be allowed the same retirement opportunities as public-sector workers.

Beyond New York, private assets have been outperforming public stocks for years. From 2002 to 2022, the average annual returns for private-equity investments were estimated to be 14.75 percent, compared with 9.25 percent for the S&P 500 and 8.84 percent for the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

rivatesector employees don’t have publicsector pension holders’ choices.

For decades, public pension plans have enjoyed access to these investments, while those working for Main Street businesses missed out. In fact, infrastructure made up a total of $9.1 billion of New York City pension plans

by Patrick Baker

Private investment also helps drive capital to minority-owned businesses. Earlier this year, the New York City Employees’ Retirement System reported a total of $26.5 billion allocated to minority- and women-owned investment managers, representing 14.6 percent of the fund’s U.S.-based actively managed assets. These allocations not only expand opportunities for diverse firms, but also demonstrate that investing with minority, women and emerging managers can deliver competitive returns, with privatemarket portfolios outperforming publicmarket equivalents by roughly 7 percent.

New York’s pension funds illustrate how private markets can generate wealth while promoting inclusion. This

model can and should be emulated with 401(k) plans by enabling them to offer private-market investments for privatesector employees.

Unlocking these investments for private-sector workers can also strengthen local economies, build wealth and create a cycle of opportunity and prosperity. A whopping 85 percent of private-equitybacked businesses are small companies. By investing in private-equity funds that support local entrepreneurs, retirees won’t just enhance their returns; they can nurture economic growth in their own communities.

By moving forward with formal rulemaking to clarify how private-market investments can be included in 401(k) plans, the Labor Department can provide plan fiduciaries with the certainty needed to diversify investment options and help our historically underserved communities grow long-term wealth. Acting decisively would ensure that retirement security and inclusive investing aren’t just goals for public funds, but for private-sector workers as well. All of our communities deserve the same opportunity to invest and build a more secure future.

Phil Andrews is president of the Long Island African American Chamber of Commerce and founding president of the New York City Minority Small Business Chamber of Commerce.