Oceanside/Island Park Herald 01-23-2026

HERALD Oceanside/island park

As ice breaks, a captain acts

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Even when he was on vacation, Island Park Fire Department Captain Joe Bitetto’s instinct to protect others never took a break.

Bitetto, a Barnum Isle resident, was walking across Mirror Lake, in upstate Lake Placid, with his fiancé, Megan Walsh, on Dec. 20, watching dogsleds race around the lake. As they were making their way across the ice, a family of three just steps ahead of them suddenly fell through the ice near

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Temple Avodah, in Oceanside, commemorated the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with a Shabbat service last Friday that blended prayer, music and reflection, urging congregants to consider both the nation’s progress and the work that remains in fulfilling King’s dream.

The service drew worshippers of all ages for prayer, storytelling and song. Led by Rabbi Jeshayahu (Shai) Beloosesky and cantorial soloist Steven Wagner, the eve -

ning blended Jewish tradition with the moral language of the civil rights movement, linking ancient scripture to a modern struggle.

The Shabbat coincided with Parashat Va’era, a portion of the Torah centered on the Israelites’ exodus from slavery in Egypt. As Beloosesky explained, the story of liberation is not confined to the past.

Redemption, he told the congregation, is both a divine promise and a human obligation.

“The parsha is about redemption — the redemption of the Israelites from Egypt,”

he said. “And Martin Luther King Jr. also had a dream of redemption — the redemption of American society.”

Just as Moses carried a message of freedom to an exhausted people who could barely hear it, Beloosesky said, King carried a dream to a nation burdened by injustice. The question, he suggested, is not whether the dream was spoken, but whether it is still being heard.

“We must ask ourselves now: How many people are listening today?” he said. “How many truly want to hear Dr. King’s dream in our time?”

Throughout the service,

that question echoed in many ways. Congregants were invited to share moments of gratitude, grounding ideals in everyday life. A mother spoke of her relief and gratitude that her daughter had traveled safely to and from Israel.

A young student drew laughter when she expressed thanks that her science teach -

er had not assigned homework.

Between prayers, there was music. Featured soloist Sydney Williams delivered powerful renditions of “Lean on Me,” by Bill Withers, “Visions,” by Stevie Wonder, and “This Time,” from the musical “Now. Here. This.” The songs mirrored the evening’s themes of solidarity,

AI safety workshop draws Oceanside parents

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Oceanside school district’s Parent University hosted a workshop on Jan. 13 to help parents navigate artificial intelligence at home and in the classroom, highlighting both its potential benefits and risks for children.

The program, titled “Healthy Kids, Smart Schools: Navigating Artificial Intelligence at Home and in the Classroom,” ran from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Oceanside High School. The evening included hands-on demonstrations with devices at each table, allowing parents to experience the AI tools their children use in school and see the district’s technology environment firsthand.

The evening was divided into two sessions. The first, “Raising Healthy Children in the AI Era,” was led by Dr. Fred Muench, an associate professor, psychologist, researcher and digital behavioral expert with Northwell Health. Muench outlined the rapid pace of AI development and its implications for children, emphasizing that parental guidance is essential.

“AI is moving so fast that even the researchers can’t keep up,” Muench said. “We’re dealing with incredibly powerful systems that are heavily personalized to what we say, do and think.”

He explained the difference between passive AI, such as social media feeds and recommendations, and active AI, including chatbots and conversational tools. While AI can help with mild anxiety or depression, it can also create emotional attachments that children may not recognized as simulated relationships.

“Kids are more likely to believe something they see on a screen than something an adult tells them,” Muench said. “AI doesn’t just capture attention anymore — it creates emotional attachment.”

He urged parents to delay AI exposure for children

Oceanside School District’s Parent University hosted a workshop on Jan. 13 to help parents navigate artificial intelligence at home and in the classroom, including hands-on demonstrations with devices at each table that allowed parents to experience the AI tools their children encounter in school.

under 14 when possible and recommended open conversations, transparency and shared accounts over outright restriction.

“The real risk isn’t the technology,” Muench said. “It’s the unsupervised, private emotional bonding.”

Anna Policastro, the district’s executive director of technology, and Samantha Halper, its technology coach, led the second session, “AI in Our Classrooms and at Home.” They described how AI tools are being integrated into the curriculum to enhance learning while remaining teacher-supervised and age-appropriate. Examples includ-

ed math bots that provide step-by-step problem-solving guidance, historical and literary chatbots to engage younger students and adaptive quiz tools that adjust to individual learning levels.

Policastro emphasized the importance of balancing guidance with trust.

“Our kids can swipe before they write; they talk to Alexa before they tie their shoes,” Policastro said. “AI is a tool. It is a helper. It is not the authority — you make the final decision.”

Both Policastro and Halper encouraged parents to guide their children rather than ban AI, teaching them to think critically, monitor privacy settings and model healthy digital habits. As a parent, Policastro suggested strategies such as asking children to explain how they use AI, discussing their feelings about it and setting screen-free times to prevent overreliance. Tools such as Bark, Net Nanny and Magic School support both safety at home and online as well as supervised classroom learning.

The evening concluded with a question-and-answer session and raffles for participants.

Julianne Kur — Parent University committee member as well as an Oceanside High School teacher and parent — said the workshop was an important opportunity for dialogue.

“Having the opportunity to have these conversations about these very important topics with the district is so important,” Kur said. “You have to be involved in the conversation to make change within, and we really want to capitalize on those opportunities. I think they’re doing a wonderful job of looking at this and taking these conversations seriously.”

The Oceanside School District hopes the workshop will give parents the tools to support safe, ethical and meaningful AI use — helping children benefit from technology while avoiding potential pitfalls.

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Local nonprofit serves up smiles at Lia’s Pizzeria

By ALLYSON FERRARI aferrari@liherald.com

Students from Hang Out One Happy Place, in Baldwin, shared a joyful and empowering experience on Jan. 14, when they made two large pizzas from scratch in the kitchen at Lia’s Pizzeria in Oceanside.

For the eight students who took part, the outing was more than just a fun afternoon — it was an opportunity to learn about teamwork and build independence and confidence in a real-world setting, surrounded by encouragement and support.

Hangout One Happy Place, founded by Baldwin resident Angela Lucas, is a nonprofit dedicated to bringing young adults of all abilities together in creative social programming. The organization offers a variety of art, dance, fitness and lifeskills classes six days a week, and gives participants a welcoming space to learn, grow and build meaningful connections.

One of those offerings is a cooking class. Looking to give her students hands-on experience beyond the classroom, Lucas reached out to Lia’s Pizzeria to ask whether it would be open to hosting the group and teaching them how to make pizza, and the answer was an immediate yes.

“It was absolutely amazing,”

Lucas said. “The owner, Tony, was absolutely so kind to us,” she added, referring to Tony Vicari. “All of the staff there is always so kind.”

Lucas brings the group to Lia’s every Wednesday night, and the staff has made them feel like they were at home. Last week, students were welcomed behind the counter and treated like part of the team. Each took part in the process, adding sauce and cheese to the dough before watching their pizzas slide into the oven.

What stood out to Lucas was the trust the restaurant staff showed the students. “He let them be free,” she

said of Vicari. “It wasn’t like, ‘Don’t touch this.’ It was just so free-flowing. Such a happy day, and such a gift that he gave them.”

That sense of trust made a powerful impact. In many settings, adults with all abilities are often limited or closely supervised, even when they don’t need to be. “Not many people will open their doors to people with all abilities,” Lucas said. “Kindness pays it forward, and [Tony] paid it forward big time.”

The atmosphere in side the pizzeria was one of excitement, as students worked side by side with Vica-

ri, and other members of Lia’s staff, carefully spreading sauce and sprinkling cheese before watching their creations bake. The pride on their faces was unmistakable when the finished pies emerged from the oven.

After the two pizza pies were out of the oven, the students from Hangout One Happy Place were able to sit in the dining area and enjoy their creations.

“It was beautiful,” Lucas said. “The kids were so happy. Everyone in the restaurant was happy. It was awesome.”

Oceanside students meet multi-career filmmaker

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

New York-based actor, producer and writer Vinny Petrosini visited Oceanside High School on Jan. 12 to speak with students about career exploration, entrepreneurship and the changing landscape of the film industry. His visit was part of the school’s Work-Based Learning program.

Petrosini met with students in Film Studies, Business and Road Map to Success classes, sharing his unconventional career path and encouraging students to remain open to multiple professional opportunities. He emphasized that success doesn’t always come from choosing a single track early on, but from building skills, relationships and experience over time.

“I fit the bill because I don’t just do one thing,” Petrosini said, explaining that his career spans finance, retail and entertainment.

He began his professional life as a financial advisor and continues to operate a private money management practice on Long Island through LPL Financial. He later launched an online retail business specializing in movie memorabilia before entering the acting world unexpectedly more than 20 years ago.

Petrosini’s acting career began when a friend making an MTV film asked him to fill in for a missing actor. The experience led to additional opportunities in commercials, television and film. About 15 years ago, his background in finance led him into

producing when a director sought help salvaging a troubled project. The film was completed on time and under budget, launching a steady stream of producing work through Petrosini’s company, Without a Net Productions.

His screen credits include a co-starring role in the drama series “Parallels,” and producing work on television shows and films, including “Doomsday,” for which he earned an Emmy nomination, and “Godless,” which was filmed entirely on Long Island. Petrosini has also received nominations for the Independent Spirit Award and the Spotlight Award at The Big Apple Film Festival.

Petrosini spoke candidly about the challenges of managing multiple careers and navigating the modern entertainment industry.

“Most of what I do is manage personalities,” he said. “On the movie side, I have to know who’s a great artist, who’s numberfocused, how people work together. There’s no chapter in a textbook for that.”

He also discussed how social media and audience engagement now influence storytelling and distribution, describing the learning curve of adapting to platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

Students actively participated in the discussion, asking questions about balancing

careers, managing time and protecting creative work in a business-driven industry.

“I tell students how to protect themselves as an artist, how to communicate effectively and how to work with different personalities,” he said. “That’s what makes a project succeed.”

Freshman Sophia Circosta, who plans to pursue a career in the medical field, said she was inspired by Petrosini’s multifaceted background.

“I didn’t know it was actually possible that you could own a business firm and be a producer at the same time,” she said. “It showed that even small jobs matter and that everybody has a role in the world. You shouldn’t treat anyone like you’re better than them.”

As a student in the Road Map to Success class, Circosta said the visit offered insights she wouldn’t get from a traditional classroom lesson.

“Instead of just sitting and writing things down, you’re actually interacting with a real-world professional,” she said. “You’re learning from someone who’s actually lived it. It makes me feel more confident about thinking ahead to the real world.”

This was Petrosini’s second visit to the school through the Work-Based Learning program, and he said he hopes to continue supporting similar initiatives.

“It breaks up the monotony of the school day,” Petrosini said. “If students leave with even one new idea or perspective, then it’s worth it.”

Twenty Oceanside residents were named to dean’s lists and honor rolls at colleges and universities across the country for the fall 2025 semester. Out of the 20, 15 of these students earned dean’s list honors at Hofstra University.

20 Oceanside students earn fall 2025 college honors at respective universities

Twenty Oceanside residents were named to dean’s lists and honor rolls at colleges and universities across the country for the fall 2025 semester, recognizing strong academic performance.

Bryan Tirado of Oceanside earned dean’s list honors at Nazareth University. To qualify, students must complete at least 12 graded credit hours and achieve a grade point average of 3.5 or higher for the semester.

Two Oceanside students were named to the dean’s list at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania: Lynda Feustal and Emily Hennett. Kutztown’s dean list recognizes undergraduate students who register for a minimum of 12 credits and earn a GPA of at least 3.60.

Veronica Santos of Oceanside earned part-time honors at SUNY Canton. The designation is awarded to students who achieve a minimum GPA of 3.25 while completing between six and 11 credit hours during a single semester.

Gavin Elmore of Oceanside was

named to James Madison University dean’s list for fall 2025. Eligibility requires students to complete at least 12 graded credit hours and earn a GPA between 3.5 and 3.899.

Fifteen Oceanside residents earned dean’s list honors at Hofstra University, which recognizes students who achieve a GPA of at least 3.5 for the semester. Those students are Cassandra Ahearn, Sophia Berger, Alexa Cardona, Thomas DeStefani, Abby Gold, Jason Kerber, Nicolle Martines Yzaguirre, Jonathan Mastrandrea, Ellena O’Malley, Adalia Rezki, Atina Samedy, James Scardino, Justin Sin, Gabriela Tumbaco and Marco Vaccaro.

Dean’s list and honor roll distinctions are awarded by colleges and universities to acknowledge students who demonstrate academic excellence during a given semester.

— Abigail Grieco

EMILY McGOWAN SEAFORD Junior BASKETBALL

PICKING UP WHERE she left off last winter when she earned All-County honors as well as Conference Player of the Year honors after leading the Vikings to 15 wins, McGowan ranks among Nassau’s top 20 scorers at 15.8 points per game as Seaford sits in the driver’s seat in Conference 7 with a 6-0 record (8-4 overall.) She scored in double figures in nine of the first dozen games as well as served as a key figure on the defensive end.

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, Jan. 22

Girls Basketball: Plainedge at Seaford 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Carey at V.S. North 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: C.S. Harbor at Malverne 7:00 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 23

Girls Basketball: Baldwin at Farmingdale 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Uniondale at Hempstead 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Massapequa at Syosset 5 p.m.

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

Girls Basketball: North Shore at Malverne 6 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Jericho at Calhoun 6:45 p.m.

Girls Basketball: MacArthur at Long Beach 6:45 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Port Wash at E.Meadow 6:45 p.m.

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

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

Saturday, Jan. 24

Girls Basketball: West Hemp at East Rock 10 a.m.

Boys Basketball: Malverne at North Shore 11:45 a.m.

Girls Basketball: Clarke at Sewanhaka 11:45 a.m.

Girls Basketball: Elmont at South Side 11:45 a.m.

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

Boys Basketball: East Rock at West Hemp 11:45 a.m.

Boys Basketball: Herricks at Oceanside 1 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

High School athletes to be featured on the Herald sports page must compete in a winter sport and have earned an AllConference award or higher last season. Please send the following information: Name, School, Grade, Sport and accomplishments to Sports@liherald.com.

By TONY BELLISSIMO tbellissimo@liherald.com

On the cusp of being fully healthy for the first time all season and coming off hardfought losses to defending Nassau Class AAA champion Port Washington and reigning Long Island Class AA champion

Baldwin in a span of three days, the best remedy for Valley Stream Central boys’ basketball last Friday night was a double dose of Vera.

Junior twins Jaiya and Julian Vera, that is.

Jaiya poured in a game-high 24 points and dished out 10 assists, Julian added 14 points, and senior center Nelson Frias, who missed the two aforementioned setbacks, added 13 as the Eagles soared past visiting Oceanside, 68-53, at Memorial Junior High.

“Every time we turned around there’s another injury, but we have to put our heads down and keep working,” head coach Mike Wimmer said after VSC improved to 6-4 overall (4-2 in Conference AA-II.) “This was a good win,” he added. “Oceanside has played a lot of teams close and just crushed East Meadow. We had a great start and shot the ball well.”

Seniors Josh Gamarra (19) and Louis Saglembeni (10) scored in double figures for the Sailors (4-7, 2-5), who also got 9 points from sophomore Jordan Simpson and 8 from sophomore Omar Olmeda Vasquez.

“We knew they were coming off two tough losses and we wanted to match their intensity to start the game,” Oceanside head coach Ed Risener said. “We did that early but in the second quarter the game got away from us. We had too many turnovers and didn’t

match their physicality. That’s a team that can turn turnovers into points quickly and even though we battled back, it was too much to overcome.”

Central had 40 points at halftime after scoring 39 against Port Washington Jan. 10 and 47 against Baldwin Jan. 13.

“We just want to build off this win and keep going,” Jaiya Vera said. “We have to leave the losses behind and just focus on what’s ahead. We haven’t been 100 percent, but we know what we can do when everyone’s in the lineup.”

Frias had six first-quarter points in the paint, and the second quarter saw both Vera’s and senior Aidan Balkaran dial long distance. Balkaran hasn’t been in the lineup due to an injury suffered on the opening day of practice. Senior standout Sean O’Neil, who averages 13 points per game, saw limited minutes while he nurses an injury.

“Having Nelson back healthy allows us to do so much,” Wimmer said of Frias. “He opens things up for the guards and tonight our guards were on fire.”

The teams meet again at Oceanside Feb. 13 in the regular-season finale. Risener is hopeful that game will have playoff implications for the Sailors, who need at least a .500 conference mark to qualify for the Class AAA tournament.

“First time through the conference schedule we’re 2-5 with two games we had a real chance to win,” Risener said. “There are results we’re capable of flipping, so that’s encouraging. Josh is one of the best players in Nassau County and other guys are really coming along.”

Oceanside sophomore Omar Olmeda

against VSC’s Nelson Frias during last Friday’s

Hochul delivers her fifth State of the State

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

Gov. Kathy Hochul used her 2026 State of the State address Jan. 13 to present an ambitious agenda focused on affordability, public safety and social services — while Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, her likely Republican challenger in this year’s gubernatorial race, sharply criticized the speech and questioned her record in office.

The state of the state of New York is strong, and we’re just getting started.

“The state of the state of New York is strong, and we’re just getting started,” Hochul said in her fifth State of the State, at Albany’s Hart Theater, framing the coming year as one focused on easing the financial strain on families while continuing investments in safety, housing and infrastructure.

GOv. KATHy HOcHul

At the core of Hochul’s address was a renewed push for universal child care, which she described as the most pressing affordability issue facing working families. The governor outlined plans to expand prekindergarten statewide, with the goal of achieving universal pre-K for 4-year-olds by 2028, while piloting yearround, full-day child care for children from birth to age 3.

“This plan will ultimately deliver universal child care for every family in New York, full stop,” Hochul said, drawing sustained applause.

She cited the high cost of care, particularly in New York City, where annual expenses can range from $26,000 to $40,000, calling the burden “almost impossible” for many parents. Hochul said the state would expand subsidies, strengthen its voucher system and improve tax incentives for employers who invest in child care benefits.

Beyond child care, Hochul framed affordability as a broader economic challenge, pointing to proposals aimed at lowering utility and auto insurance costs. She said the state would crack down on staged car accidents and insurance fraud, streamline utility assistance programs and protect consumers from steep rate hikes, while continuing investments in clean energy.

Housing, infrastructure, public safety

Housing and infrastructure were also key pillars of the address. Hochul announced an additional $250 million investment in affordable housing and $100 million for manufactured housing, while reiterating her administration’s commitment to cutting red tape that she said has slowed development for decades.

Under her Let Them Build initiative, Hochul said the state would modernize environmental review processes to accelerate housing, clean energy and

Tim Baker/Herald

Gov. Kathy Hochul, shown here at the Long Island Association State of the Region breakfast earlier this month, delivered her State of the State address on Jan. 13.

infrastructure projects.

“We’re changing the culture around building, brick by brick,” she said, noting that more than 400 communities have signed on as “pro-housing” municipalities eligible for state funding.

Public safety was another major focus. Hochul pointed to more than $3 billion in state investments in police and public safety over the past four years and said crime, including shootings, homicides and subway crime, has declined statewide.

“We’ll never be satisfied,” Hochul said, outlining plans to expand crime analysis centers, increase police patrols in subway stations, install platform barriers at 85 additional stations and grow mental health response teams that pair law enforcement with clinical professionals.

On gun violence, Hochul proposed a first-in-the-nation law requiring 3D printers sold in New York to include software that blocks the production of firearms, targeting so-called “ghost guns.” She also called for restrictions on handguns that can be converted into automatic weapons.

“Not here. Not in New York,” she said. “That’s how we save lives and fight crime.”

Immigration, civil rights, federal tensions

Hochul also used her address to draw a sharp contrast with President Trump and federal immigration enforcement

Roksana Amid/Herald Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman spoke after Hochul’s address, criticizing her agenda and calling for tax credits for working families with children.

child care affordability and instead proposed tax credits for working parents, though he did not offer specific details. He said those credits would be worth more than those proposed by Hochul. He also criticized Hochul’s handling of the migrant crisis, pointing to what he described as nearly $5 billion in state spending to manage the influx of asylum seekers, largely centered in New York City.

policies. She said New York would not allow the use of state resources to assist in federal immigration raids involving people who have not committed serious crimes, and would bar U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from entering schools, day cares, hospitals and houses of worship without a judicial warrant.

“We will not bow to a wannabe king,” Hochul said, adding that congestion pricing in New York City “is staying on.”

The governor also proposed legislation that would allow New Yorkers to sue federal officers in state court for alleged violations of their constitutional rights, framing the measure as a safeguard against abuses of power.

Blakeman’s rebuttal sharpens political contrast

An hour after Hochul’s address, Blakeman delivered a blistering rebuttal from Nassau GOP headquarters in Westbury, calling the governor’s remarks “the most unbelievable speech” he had ever heard.

“There was nothing in that speech that was believable,” Blakeman said. “I thought I was watching a ‘Saturday Night Live’ skit.”

He accused Hochul of failing to deliver results during her four years in office, particularly on child care. While Hochul outlined expanded subsidies and universal pre-K, Blakeman said the governor had “done nothing” to address

“She’s helping people who have been in the state for 15 minutes,” Blakeman said, arguing that Hochul’s policies have contributed to population and business losses.

The two leaders also diverge sharply on immigration enforcement. Blakeman has touted Nassau County’s cooperation with ICE, while Hochul is proposing legislation allowing New Yorkers to sue federal officers who violate their civil rights.

Shortly after his swearing-in this week, Blakeman signed Nassau County’s Religious Safety Act into law, banning protests within 35 feet of houses of worship around service times. Hochul, meanwhile, proposed a statewide ban on protests within 25 feet of religious property lines, saying worshippers should be able to pray “without fear or harassment.”

As Blakeman positions himself for a statewide run, political analysts note the challenge ahead. Long Island accounts for nearly one-fifth of New York’s electorate, with about 2.1 million active voters, but Blakeman will need to expand his appeal beyond his local base to attract swing voters upstate.

Hochul’s full agenda — more than 200 proposals spanning housing, energy policy, artificial intelligence regulation, youth mental health and consumer protections — will be detailed further when she releases her executive budget next week, setting the stage for a high-stakes gubernatorial race.

Temple Avodah reflects on King’s dream

perseverance and shared responsibility.

At one point, worship leaders invited congregants to close their eyes and reflect on the future they hope to build. “What would Martin Luther King say now?” Beloosesky asked. “What would Moses say now? If you were in their position, how would you move forward?”

The service’s most expansive reflection came from Nassau County District Court Judge Maxine S. Broderick, president-elect of the Nassau County Bar Association. Speaking not only as a jurist but also as a beneficiary of the civil rights movement, Broderick framed King’s legacy as both a moral inheritance and a call to action.

“That movement expanded freedom, dignity and opportunity for all people in this country,” she said. “It reminded us that justice is not the possession of one community, but the inheritance of all humanity.”

Broderick spoke of a nation grappling with war abroad, economic strain and a growing sense of disillusionment, particularly among young people. Rising costs, shrinking opportunities and a constant flood of misinformation, she said, have eroded confidence in institutions, and even the concept of truth itself.

“We live in difficult times,” Broderick said. “Young people are bombarded with information but starved for wisdom. Many ask, ‘What can I believe?’ A society cannot thrive when its young members doubt the very existence of truth.”

In that environment, Broderick argued, hope is not naïve. It is necessary.

“‘We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope,’” she said, quoting King. “Hope is not wishful thinking. It is a discipline. It is the belief that a better future is possible, even when the present is painful.”

Broderick reminded the congregation that the civil rights movement was sustained not by certainty but by determination — by ordinary people who marched, sat in, endured arrests and persisted despite fear and fatigue.

“They believed justice was possible,” she said. “They believed their children, and all of America’s children, deserved a better future.”

As a judge, Broderick said, she sees that same quiet hope every day. “The very act of coming before the law is an act of hope,” she said. “It is the belief that truth matters and that justice can be done.”

Congregants gathered after the service for oneg — a traditional post-Shabbat get-together — and there were more discussions about responsibility, dignity and what it means to live King’s dream in daily life.

The commemoration of Dr. King was not confined to remembrance. It was an affirmation that hope — disciplined, practiced and shared — remains a powerful force, capable of carrying a community and a country forward.

“Our children need to see that hope is not only a feeling,” Broderick said. “It is a practice — a moral choice.”

Rubber ducks take over Oceanside Library

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

The Oceanside Library turned an ordinary Tuesday into a playful, all-ages adventure on Jan. 13, hosting its first-ever National Rubber Duck Day scavenger hunt — an all-day event designed to draw families into the library and showcase its role as a community hub.

36 rubber ducks — each with different designs — were hidden throughout the building on all three floors. Participants were given colorful scavenger hunt sheets and challenged to locate at least 25 ducks to qualify for a prize raffle held at the end of the day.

The hunt coincided with National Rubber Duck Day, officially observed Jan. 13, and inspired by a 1970s episode of “Sesame Street” featuring Ernie’s beloved rubber duck. Technology librarian Carlo Mastrandrea, an Oceanside resident who organized the event, said the idea grew organically from a love of whimsical programming and a desire to reuse materials from past activities.

“It started as something fun,” Mastrandrea said. “But it also became about helping younger children with character recognition — letters, numbers, symbols — while giving families a reason to explore the entire library.”

Ducks were intentionally placed both high and low, some camouflaged against backgrounds, to make the hunt challenging. Children searched for ducks shaped like pigs, dragons or surfers, checking off each find on their sheets. Librarians offered hints when needed, often delighting in the excitement on children’s faces when a hidden duck was finally spotted.

Prizes were tailored to different age groups. Children competed for a giant rubber duck while teens had a chance to win a light-up LED duck. The first 100 children to complete their sheets received a small rubber duck to keep, while adults earned commemorative stickers.

The event ran from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., drawing a steady stream of families before and after school hours. Organizers said turnout and enthusiasm could pave the way for making the scavenger hunt an annual tradition.

“I want people to see that the library is more than books,” Mastrandrea said. “It’s programs, creativity and experiences. There’s something fun for everyone, any day of the week.”

Island Park firefighter saves a family of three

the shoreline.

Without hesitating, Bitetto sprang into action. He immediately told Walsh to get to solid ground, then positioned himself safely on land and reached toward the family.

“I grabbed the child and the mother first, then we got the father out,” he recounted. “It all happened very fast.”

The rescue was over almost as quickly as it began. Though shaken, the family escaped without serious injury.

“They were cold and wet, but they were OK,” Bitetto said. “I told them to get somewhere warm and dry off.”

Bitetto has served in the IPFD since 2016. He credits his training — and a sense of responsibility for others’ safety — for his calm response. “When there’s an emergency, you assess the situation and make sure you can help without putting yourself in danger,” he said. “The last thing you want is to become part of the emergency.”

Though he was off duty, Bitetto said his mindset never changes. “It’s about stepping up and doing the right thing,” he said. “If I were in that situation, I’d hope someone would do the same for me.”

Staying calm, he added, is critical — especially when there are children involved.

“The little kid was screaming when she got out of the water,” Bitetto recalled. “I stayed calm, talked to her,

asked if she was OK. I think if I was anxious, it would have made it worse.” Bitetto downplayed his role, saying

that anyone in his situation would have done the same. Local leaders strongly disagreed.

At its meeting on Jan. 15, the village board presented him with a village citation and a key to the village in acknowledgement of his heroism and his commitment to public service.

“His quick, decisive actions saved lives and demonstrated the courage and professionalism that define the Island Park Fire Department,” Mayor Michael McGinty said. “We are proud to honor him for his extraordinary service.”

Michael Gagliardi, a trustee and a former fire chief, echoed those sentiments, calling the rescue a textbook example of leadership.

“When emergencies happen, true firefighters act on instinct,” Gagliardi said. “Captain Bitetto did exactly that — even while on vacation. His actions are a testament to his leadership, training and dedication to the department.”

The Town of Hempstead also honored Bitetto at this year’s inauguration ceremony for town officials on Jan. 7 at Division Avenue High School, in Levittown. Town Supervisor John Ferretti and members of the Town Board recognized Bitetto for his lifesaving actions.

“It’s a nice feeling, and I appreciate it,” Bitetto said. “But at the end of the day, I was just trying to help people who were in distress. Everyone was safe, and that’s what matters.”

For Bitetto, service is second nature. “It’s just something that’s embedded in you,” he said. “Always trying to give an extra helping hand.”

Live your faith and share it with others

Strong spiritual guidance is an essential part of daily activities at Long Island’s Catholic schools, creating a special sense of community among children, families, teachers, and the local parish, which reinforces moral values and an abiding respect for others. Resourceful instructors use powerful spiritual teachings and real-world experiences to bring these values to life for children, while our smaller classes allow for more personalized and productive interaction between students and teachers.

The timeless values that create better prepared, more capable, and more confident young adults. An important part of your child’s program is the learning of values. This is often the most easily observable difference in a ‘Catholic school kid’.

While the specific order and organization of when these values are taught might differ from school-to-school, the values and the discipline to live them are enduring qualities and are taught consistently across all Catholic elementary schools.

Kindergarten – Courtesy and Respect: Learning the importance of politeness and good manners in dealing with others, as well as the need to respect one another, and personal and public property.

First Grade – Punctuality and Neatness: Being on time for school and with assignments and being neat in both school work and homework.

Second Grade – Kindness and Generosity: Understanding the need to reach out and help one another and realizing the joy in giving more than is expected.

Third Grade – Hard Work and Perseverance: Recognizing the importance of diligence and a good work attitude, the satisfaction of doing our best and the need to keep trying despite obstacles.

Fourth Grade – Honesty and Responsibility: Being truthful and keeping our word, doing the right thing even when no one else is looking, accepting the consequences of our actions and

meeting our obligations.

Fifth Grade – Patience and Discipline: Learning to be patient with ourselves and others, saying “yes” to the right things and “no” to the wrong things, and taking charge of ourselves by controlling our actions and emotions.

Sixth Grade – Tolerance and Justice: Learning to accept and appreciate the differences in others and treating them with equality and fairness.

Seventh Grade – Thoughtfulness and Compassion: Understanding the needs and feeling of others and treating them with equality and fairness.

Eighth Grade – Loyalty and Courage: Caring about our relationships with others and being willing to show it through our actions; having the strength and will to do what is right even when we’re afraid or it’s unpopular.

Choosing and committing to the right Catholic school for your child can be daunting. While visiting the open houses offered system-wide during Catholic Schools Week is an excellent way to discern Catholic school possibilities for your child, there are also many ways to research school options from the comfort of your home and at a time of your choosing.

The Catholic elementary schools on Long Island provide a strong, well-rounded education for students from nursery through eighth grade. You will find welcoming early childhood centers and rigorous middle school programs. As evidenced by the Morning Star Initiative’s four pillars, you will see that each school is robustly Catholic, academically excellent, safe and supportive, and here to stay. At the same time, each school has its own special charism that you can learn more about when you visit a school or speak to a school representative. Our administrators and faculty are looking forward to welcoming you and your family!

Start with an open house

During Catholic Schools Week each school will be hosting an open house, where families are welcome to visit, learn more about the school, and meet administrators and faculty.

During each open house, information about the school’s academic, extended day, and extracurricular programs will be shared as well as how you can register your child.

You can also learn more about the open houses by visiting licatholicelementaryschools.org. Of course, you can always contact any of the Catholic elementary schools to learn more.

To get started, visit drvcschools.org. Here you can briefly learn about each school and then directly access each school’s website. You will also be able to make appointments for personal tours and request information online!

You can also visit each school’s Facebook and Instagram

CATHOLIC SHOOLS WEEK

The right choice

Determining what’s best for your child

social

available.

Get to know the schools

Once you’ve narrowed down your list of prospective schools, you are encouraged to reach out to each school directly. The principals are waiting for your call. They are happy to answer any questions you have. If you are unable to attend the open house

or would like a more personalized tour, be sure to set one up with the school. This is a wonderful opportunity to get to know more about each school. Following your tour, please do not hesitate to follow up with each school with any additional questions you may have.

student’s lives.

ST. AGNES CATHEDRAL SCHOOL OPEN HOUSE

WHY ST. AGNES? AT ST. AGNES, WE OFFER A HOLISTIC EDUCATION THAT NURTURES THE UNIQUE ACADEMIC, SPIRITUAL, AND CREATIVE POTENTIAL OF EVERY CHILD. GUIDED BY THE MISSION OF THE CHURCH, WE BUILD A VIBRANT, FAITH-CENTERED COMMUNITY COMMITTED TO SERVICE, WORSHIP, AND PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE 21ST CENTURY. KINDERGARTEN THROUGH 8 GRADE TH

JANUARY 25 MASS 9:30 AM

REGISTRATION : JANUARY 27 TH 9:30 AM-10:30 AM JANUARY 28 TH 9:30 AM-10:30 AM 7:00-8:00 PM

Blakeman is sworn in to his second term

By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman was sworn in to a second term at the county’s 2026 inauguration ceremony at the Cradle of Aviation Museum in Garden City last week, and afterward signed new safety legislation.

The Jan. 12 ceremony was attended by hundreds, including elected officials, law enforcement representatives and clergy members.

Elaine Phillips and Maureen O’Connell were also sworn in to new terms as county comptroller and county clerk, respectively.

Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino led the ceremony, introducing a number of esteemed speakers, stakeholders and performers including Father Gerard Gordon, senior chaplain of the Nassau County Police Department, as well as Mary Millben, an internationally known performer who sang the national anthem.

Religious leaders representing both Judaism and Christianity took part in the ceremony, with Rabbi Mordechai Kamenetzky, of Yeshiva of South Shore, delivering the invocation and Gordon offering the benediction.

The ceremony opened with a presentation of colors by members of the Nassau County Police Department, the

institutions.

your county executive,” Blakeman said in his remarks after his swearing in, which was conducted by his wife, Segal Blakeman, a Nassau County Family Court judge. “It’s only through the strength of God that I have the ability to serve, and I recognize that each and every day.”

“[We supported] our law enforcement, hired 600 law professionals, canceled a $150 million tax increase, didn’t raise taxes for four years, and earned seven bond upgrades,” he added, touting the achievements of his first term. “That’s unprecedented.”

Following his swearing in, Blakeman signed a bill previously approved by county legislators meant to add protection for worshippers at religious institutions. The bill prohibits demonstrations from occurring within 10 feet of a person entering or exiting a place of religious worship. It also prevents demonstrations within 35 feet of an entrance to a religious institution in the hour before a scheduled service and the hour after it ends.

County Sheriff’s Department, the Nassau County Fire Marshal’s Office and the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, alongside Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 82.

Nassau County Chief Fire Marshal Michael Uttaro led the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by a moment of silence

honoring those who have served in public service and the armed forces.

Musical selections were also provided by international vocalist Christopher Macchio, who sang “Hallelujah,” by Leonard Cohen.

“I would like to thank Hashem — God — for giving me the strength to serve as

“You know how I feel about religious freedom,” Blakeman said. “And the ability for people to be able to worship in their mosque, their church, their synagogue, their temple. And therefore we will protect those institutions, and we will protect people’s rights to worship freely here in the Nassau County.”

The SOUTH SHORE SYMPHONY

METAMORPHOSIS Saturday, January 31st at 7:30pm

Korngold: Theme and Variations, op. 42

Goldmark: “Wedding March” (Theme and Variations) from Rustic Wedding Symphony

Glaser: Passacaglia for Full Orchestra (Grand Premier!)

Hindemith: Symphonic Metamorphosis of Themes by Carl Maria Von Weber

JAZZ VOCALIST JANE MONHEIT Sunday, March 8th at 3:00pm

THE RITE OF SPRING Saturday, March 28th at 7:30pm

and conductor Adam Glaser present their Spring Concert Series at the Madison Theatre, Molloy University, Rockville Centre, NY For tickets or more information, visit www.sssymphony.org or call the Madison Theatre at 516.323.4444 i k i f i i

Robin Zeh, violin

Stravinsky: The Rite of Spring Ro

Marquez: Conga del Fuego Nuevo

Vaughan Williams: The Lark Ascending (Romance for Violin and Orchestra)

SPECIAL AWARDS

STRATEGIC VISIONARY IN LUXURY

REAL ESTATE

Kelly Killoren Bensimon

Founder & Owner, Broker Specialist

Kelly Killoren Bensimon Inc., Douglas Elliman

LEGACY IN REAL ESTATE

Jan Burman

Chairman B2K Development

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Steven Krieger

Chief Executive Officer B2K Development

RISING STAR

Ashley Infantino

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

DeSimone Real Estate Agency

James La Dolce

Vice President, Branch Manager Flushing Bank

COMMERCIAL

CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

Jonathan M. Stern

Chief Growth Officer

Ackman Ziff Real Estate Group

COMMERCIAL BROKERAGE

Michael Tucker

Associate Broker

DGNY Commercial

COMMUNITY IMPACT LEADERSHIP

Gary Broxmeyer

President Fairfield Properties

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

Joel Lipsky

Chief Executive Officer Lipsky Construction

INDUSTRY IMPACT AND LEADERSHIP

Jeff Schwartzberg, MBA

Managing Principal Premier Commercial Real Estate, LLC

LEGAL

Keith P. Brown

Partner Certilman Balin Adler & Hyman LLP

REAL ESTATE ATTORNEY

Robert M. Connelly

Attorney Romer Debbas, LLP

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE

Dave Spiegel

Senior Managing Director

Bluejay Management

TOP INDUSTRIAL AND INVESTMENT SALES AND LEASING COUNSELOR OF THE YEAR

Tom Attivissimo

CEO & Principal

Greiner-Maltz Co, of Long Island, LLC

RESIDENTIAL

HAMPTONS LEADERSHIP

Joe Fuer

Senior Managing Director

COMPASS

GOLD SPONSORS

INNOVATION IN CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN

Gina Farese

Chief Executive Officer

Marcor Solar

PROPERTY

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

Rob Mannino

Chief Operating Officer

The Kulka Group

DELEVOPMENT & CONSTRUCTION

Joseph Picataggi Jr.

Principal Terra Construction Group

ENGINEERING

Matthew K. Alyward, PE

Partner

R&M Engineering

EXCELLENCE IN REAL ESTATE LAW

Michael S. Ackerman

Managing Partner

Ackerman Law

FATHER / SON DUO

John & Dylan Vitale

President & Vice President

Vitale Properties

INTERIOR DESIGN

Susan Mandel

Founder and Lead Designer

Interior Motives New York

NEXT GEN BROKERAGE

Giuseppe Gregorio

Associate Broker

NYSpace Finders

Luca DiCiero

Founder & CEO

NYSpace Finders

POWER TEAM

Darab Lawyer

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Douglas Elliman

Vanessa Ambrosecchia

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

Douglas Elliman

REAL ESTATE EXCELLENCE

Shaan Khan

President, Long Island Board of REALTORS®

Realtor Broker/Owner, RK Realty Group

TECHNOLOGY

Denise Savino-Erichsen

President & CEO

Automatic Industries

SILVER SPONSORS

Compiled by Herald Staff

Jack Murphy

Massapequa Park age 14

I want to work on my reading and baseball skills

What is one thing you hope to do differently this year?

Franklin Square

I want to get into the gym and exercise more, so I can live a healthier lifestyle

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Angela Ortiz Inwood

This year, I want my children’s books to reach more families and classrooms so kids feel seen.

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Carroll

I love biking around Long Island. This year, I want to bike all the way to Montauk

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Nominate your favorite local business for the 2026 Long Island Choice Awards

Small businesses bring life to our communities. They are the restaurants, shops, and services that make each neighborhood unique and keep our local economy strong.

Eliana Turzio

Rockville Centre age 11

I want to expand my skill set and improve my dance technique

Tim Baker/Herald photos

PSEG Long Island is proud to once again sponsor the Long Island Choice Awards, presented by the Herald, honoring the resilience, innovation, and dedication of local businesses across our region.

In 2026, PSEG Long Island’s commitment to helping small businesses grow is stronger than ever. Through our Business First platform, we provide resources and incentives that make a real difference. Programs like Vacant Space Revival help fill empty storefronts, Main Street Revitalization strengthens downtown districts, and Business First Advocates meet directly with owners to connect them to energy savings and business support.

Now it’s your turn to help celebrate the businesses that make Long Island thrive. Nominate your favorite local spots, your family-owned bakery, the boutique you love, or the service provider that always goes the extra mile. Your nomination helps give them the recognition they deserve and shines a light on the people and places that make our community stronger.

When small businesses thrive, we all thrive. Join us in celebrating their impact by submitting your nominations for the 2026 Long Island Choice Awards today.

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Scott Jennings, President & COO PSEG Long Island

Author visit inspires third graders Annual Glow Bowl lights up new year

Award-winning author, playwright and screenwriter Jeff Gottesfeld visited School No. 8 on Jan. 13, giving third grade students a firsthand look at his upcoming book “Honor Flight.”

Gottesfeld, who has been speaking to Meg Lewitin’s classes for four years, shared insights from his career and experiences living both overseas and in various parts of the United States. His travels and interactions with military families inspired much of his work, including his earlier book “Twenty One Steps,” which tells the story of Tomb Guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

During the visit, Gottesfeld explained that “Honor Flight,” illustrated by Matt Tavares and due out in March, celebrates the all-expenses-paid trips that allow veterans to visit national memorials. These trips, funded by donations, give veterans an opportunity to see how the nation honors their service.

Gottesfeld read excerpts from the book and engaged students in a lively discussion, fielding questions about the military, veterans and the writing process. He encouraged the children to remember the sacrifices of those who serve, emphasizing the value of gratitude and remembrance.

“Living in different places taught me to appreciate the men and women who defend our country,” Gottesfeld told the students. He described visiting national cemeteries on Memorial Day, meeting veterans and

Courtesy Donna Kraus

Award-winning author, playwright and screenwriter Jeff Gottesfeld visited School No. 8 on Jan. 13, giving third grade students a firsthand look at his upcoming book “Honor Flight.”

speaking with their families—experiences that shaped his storytelling and deepened his commitment to honoring service members.

Students responded enthusiastically, asking questions about his research, his books and what inspired him to become a writer. For many in Lewitin’s class, the visit provided a meaningful connection between history, literature and real-life heroes.

Gottesfeld’s visit is part of an ongoing effort to introduce young readers to history and social themes through engaging stories that blend fact, empathy and imagination.

— Abigail Grieco

Oceanside High School’s Best Buddies chapter kicked off the New Year with its fourth annual Glow Bowl, a glow-in-the-dark bowling event that brought students and staff together for fun, food and friendship.

The event, held in the school’s auxiliary gym, featured three bowling lanes illuminated with strings of white lights and decorated with glow-in-the-dark streamers. Student volunteers cheered bowlers on and reset pins at the end of each lane, creating a lively, celebratory atmosphere.

Best Buddies is a global organization that fosters friendships and inclusion between individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. At Oceanside High School, members participate in chapter meetings, one-on-one buddy activities, and social events such as the Glow Bowl and Spotlight on the Stars. These gatherings reinforce the district’s 2025–26 theme: “Oceanside Schools…Better Together!”

Oceanside High launched Long Island’s first high school Best Buddies chapter more than 20 years ago. Special Education teacher Laura Garelick, one of the founding advisors, continues to guide the chapter as it builds meaningful peer relationships and promotes inclusion throughout the school community.

Students and staff said the Glow

chapter kicked off the New Year with its fourth annual Glow Bowl, a glow-in-thedark bowling event that brought students and staff together for fun, food and friendship.

Bowl offered a unique opportunity to connect, have fun and celebrate friendship. For many participants, it was a chance to relax, share laughs and welcome 2026 with bright colors and a sense of community.

The Glow Bowl highlights the ongoing work of Best Buddies to create inclusive environments in schools, emphasizing empathy, teamwork and peer support in a way that brings the entire Oceanside High community together.

— Abigail Grieco

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

Island Park School Board honors nine K-8 December Students of the Month at meeting

The Island Park Board of Education recognized nine students as December Students of the Month during its Jan. 12 meeting, honoring those who exemplified adaptability and resilience.

The district’s December learner profile focused on students who demonstrate flexibility in the face of change, persevere through challenges and maintain a positive outlook while working toward long-term goals. School officials said the honorees showed an ability to learn from experience, adjust to new situations and embrace diverse perspectives while seeking support when needed.

Students recognized were Melody Madramootoo, kindergarten; Journey Matthews, first grade; Arianna Paccione, second grade; Harvin Herrera Padilla, third grade; Dayiro Valencia-Villar, fourth grade; Rihanny Tavarez, fifth grade; Johanna Revello, sixth grade; Alexander Mayhua, seventh grade; and Arianna DeBellis, eighth grade.

Following the student recognitions, Superintendent of Schools Vincent Randazzo provided district updates to board members and the public. His presentation slides are

Lincoln Orens Middle School Principal Dr. Bruce Hoffman, far left, Assistant Principal Gina Fazio, second from left and Francis X. Hegarty Principal Shannon Malagreca, far right, honored the Island Park K-8 December Students of the Month at the Jan. 12 Board of Education meeting.

available on the Superintendent’s Corner page of the Island Park Union Free School District website. A recording of the full Board of Education meeting is also available on the district’s YouTube channel.

— Abigail Grieco

STEPPING OUT

Feelings come to life

Inside the world of ‘Inside Out’ at Long Island Children’s Museum

By Abbey Salvemini

Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear are in the spotlight. The vibrant world of Disney Pixar’s beloved film springs to life in “Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out,” a traveling, hands-on exhibit developed by the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. Now ensconced at Long Island Children’s Museum, the exhibition invites kids — and adults too — to step inside the film’s emotional landscape and explore how feelings shape the way we think, act, and connect. Running through May 10, it blends play and learning to help young visitors understand the important role emotions, memory and imagination play in our everyday lives.

Designed to spark curiosity and conversation, the exhibit transforms familiar moments from the film into immersive learning experiences. Visitors can step into “headquarters,” create glowing memory spheres and experiment with how emotions interact through physical and digital play.

• Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

• View the LICM events calendar at licm.org for additional information or call (516) 224-5800

• Long Island Children’s Museum, Museum Row, Garden City

According to Margo Malter, the museum’s director of exhibits, the opportunity to bring “Emotions at Play” here is especially meaningful since it offers a playful way to interpret the movie’s ideas that resonate with children and families.

“All of the activities are very open-ended and hands-on, which is really what the museum is all about,” says Malter.

Transforming “Inside Out” into a hands-on learning experience required a thoughtful balance between storytelling and play. Rather than focusing on passive observation, it’s designed to invite children to actively engage with emotions. Developed in collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios, the exhibit features iconic set pieces directly inspired by the film.

Everyone will instantly recognize and gravitate toward the immersive recreations of scenes inspired by “Inside Out.” At the Control Panel kids can pull levers and press buttons to explore the intensity of different emotions, while Emotions in Motion welcomes kids to place a memory sphere — just like in the movie — into a large, interactive machine.

Additional experiences deepen the emotional journey. Emotion Mirrors spring to life as guests step in front of them, triggering appearances by familiar “Inside Out” characters. At Range of Emotions, facial expressions are captured and identified on a screen, helping children connect expressions with feelings. A nearby writing station encourages reflection, inviting participants to choose colored paper that represents the emotions they want to express or explore.

From the vibrant color palette to the instantly recognizable environments, the installation captures the spirit of the film while staying true to the museum’s mission.

“For kids this age [2-10], it’s really about naming

to the

At the Control Panel, use buttons and levers to explore how emotions guide our reactions.

Everyone works together at a hands-on balance and teamwork challenge. A young visitor tries the Range of Emotions activity, exploring how feelings can look and sound different.

emotions and helping them give words to the feelings they are feeling,” Malter says. “Play is really the language of children and how they learn.”

Always, complementary programming enriches the exhibit experience. Children can create their own “memory orbs” inspired by the film or craft personalized “headquarters hats,” extending the themes of “Inside Out” beyond the gallery. Malter underscores the importance of hands-on creativity, noting the value of giving children the chance to make something tangible — an experience, and a keepsake — they can proudly take home.

At its heart, “Inside Out” delivers a powerful message: every emotion has value and a purpose. The exhibit brings that idea to life by creating a welcoming, judgment-free environment where children can explore feelings openly.

“This [exhibit] gives kids a safe space to have those conversations and for parents to give guidance,” Malter adds.

Ultimately, Malter hopes the exhibit does more than entertain for an afternoon — she envisions it as a catalyst for meaningful conversations that continue long after families leave the museum. By giving children age-appropriate tools to recognize, name and understand their emotions, the experience helps build emotional awareness and empathy at an early stage. Through hands-on activities and familiar characters, complex feelings are made accessible and relatable, encouraging children to express themselves with confidence. The result is an environment where learning feels intuitive, playful and engaging, while quietly reinforcing skills that support communication, resilience and healthy social development.

Building on the momentum of “Emotions at Play,” the museum will soon be rolling out an engaging lineup of family-friendly performances. In February and March, “Pete the Cat” arrives on its stage. Join the groovy blue feline and his pal Jimmy Biddle on an art-filled adventure that travels from New York to Paris, blending music, imagination and plenty of toe-tapping fun. The excitement continues in April and May with the return of “Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus! The Musical.” Based on Mo Willems’ wildly popular books and featuring music by Deborah Wicks La Puma, the high-energy production invites young audiences to follow the mischievous Pigeon in a lively, interactive theatrical experience.

Together, these performances — alongside the gallery exhibits that includie the newest permanent installation “Saltwater Stories” — offer families even more reasons to return. With a dynamic mix of theater, interactive learning and creative play, the museum continues to be a vibrant hub for discovery and family fun throughout 2026.

Ballet Hispánico’s CARMEN.maquia

Ballet Hispánico visits Tilles Center with a captivating performance that demonstrates the vitality and artistry that define the company’s work. The stunning evening-length CARMEN. maquia, offers a look at the repertory that established Ballet Hispánico as a transformative force in American dance. Since her debut in 1875, Carmen, the titular character from Bizet’s opera, has become a timeless cultural icon, inspiring generations of composers, choreographers and writers to attempt to capture her elusive and alluring nature. Highly original and full of explosive movement, this is a bold reimagining of her tragic tale. The physically charged and sensual choreography fuses contemporary dance with nods to the Spanish paso doble and flamenco. Ballet Hispánico was born from a bold vision to transform the world through the power of dance and reimagine how Latin culture is celebrated on the global stage.

Friday, Jan. 23, 8 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Art talk

Nassau County Museum of Art welcomes New York–based artist Dee Shapiro for an engaging conversation about her work featured in the “Real, Surreal, and Photoreal” exhibition. Known for her meticulously detailed paintings, Shapiro explores the interplay of geometry, architecture and a powerful sense of place, drawing viewers into scenes that feel both familiar and quietly otherworldly. During her session, Shapiro discusses selections from her City and Landscapes series, revealing how she captures the rhythm, structure and subtle poetry of urban streetscapes and natural environments alike. Her work balances precision with atmosphere, inviting close looking and fresh perspectives on spaces we often take for granted. With what appears to be a strong impetus to constantly re-invent her painterly vocabulary, her work keeps us on our toes with each of her series which she sees overall as evoking an alternate reality with absurd connection. Limited seating, so register in advance.

Sunday, Jan 25, 3 p.m. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students (members free). 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor. Register at nassaumuseum.org or call (516) 484-9337.

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

JAN

‘Anastasia The New Musical’ Molloy Performing Arts Club stages the musical inspired by the films. From Tony winners Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, creators of such Broadway classics as Ragtime and Once On This Island, this dazzling show transports its audience from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing con man and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love and family.

• Where: Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

• Time: 7 p.m.; also Jan. 23, 8 p.m.; Jan 24, 1 and 7 p.m.

• Contact: madisontheatreny.org or (516) 323-4444

JAN

23

Nate Charlie Music

Nate Charlie performs at EGP Oceanside.

An acoustic singersongwriter, he performs a variety of cover songs in his own unique way.

• Where: EGP Oceanside, 2823 Long Beach Road, Oceanside

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 766-9547

JAN

24

STEM Explorers: Winter Olympics

Long Island Children’s Museum invites families to get discover all that makes Olympics competition so exciting. From speed skating to alpine skiing, the Olympics are fun to watch, but did you know that they’re also filled with science? Join the Green Teens in exploring speed, balance and aerodynamics. This is a drop-in program, free with admission.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: Noon-2 p.m.

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

Comedy Night Fundraiser

Friends of the Oceanside Library presents Oceanside Library After Dark, an adults only event. Hosted by Dan Larocco, the comedy night will be a fundraiser to support the library. Barrier Brewery will be here too!

• Where: 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: oceansidelibrary.com ore (516) 766-2360

JAN

Pete Correale

interactive evening.

• Where: Barrier Brewing Company, 3001 New Street, Unit A2, Oceanside

• Time: 7 p.m.; also Feb. 3, Feb. 10, Feb. 17, Feb. 24

• Contact: (516) 594-1028

JAN 28

Quilting with the LWR Team

The Lutheran World Relief (LWR) meets every Wednesday at Oceanside Lutheran Church. All hands are welcome. Come help make quilts that we ship around the world to those in need!

• Where: 62 Davison Ave., Oceanside

• Time: 9:30 a.m.

• Contact: (516) 766-0136

Emergency Preparedness workshop

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

• Time: 9 p.m., doors open 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

After opening for Sebastian Maniscalco on his massive “It Ain’t Right” arena tour, Pete Correale is now doing his own. Be prepared for the laughs when he brings his “As I Was Saying” tour to the Paramount stage. The Long Island-born comedian-actor-writer, best known for his conversational, reality-based humor, is one busy guy. He co-hosts co-host of the “Pete and Sebastian Show,” a podcast with comedian Sebastian Maniscalco, that’s of the most popular comedy podcasts on air today, consistently growing in audience eight years after its launch. He’s been a frequent guest on late night TV, including “The Tonight Show,” and has filmed well as filming three of his own one-hour television comedy specials, “Things We Do For Love,” “Let Me Tell Ya” and “For Pete’s Sake.” He has also released two comedy albums and has been a staff writer on several TV shows, most recently “Kevin Can Wait” on CBS as well as “The Crew” on Netflix. His comedy is reflective of his life and the experiences he’s been through. Being married for over 20 years and having a young daughter, Pete’s never at a loss for material. With a conversational delivery and his trademark disarming regular guy attitude, Pete makes you feel like you’re listening to the funniest guy at a party as opposed to just another comedian on a stage.

Sons of Skynyrd

Sons of Skynyrd, a Lynyrd Skynyrd, tribute band is at DOX in Island Park! SOS will be playing two extended sets of Skynyrd and some southern rock classics as well.

• Where: DOX, 10 Broadway, Island Park

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 992-2222

Tunes at The Wreck

Full volume, full band, no holding back. Join Category3 at The Wreck for a high-voltage, fully plugged-in show that’s going to shake the walls. This is the sound you know and love — big riffs, heavy grooves and that signature electric energy.

• Where: 140 Long Beach Road, Island Park

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 628-2628

Track 9 at Knight Owl Lounge

The Track 9 party band is excited to return to the Knight Owl Lounge. Friendly staff, reasonably priced drinks and room to dance and have a good time! Let’s have

some fun together.

• Where: Knight Owl Lounge, 2985 Kenneth Place, Oceanside

• Time: 7:30-10:30 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 678-1237

JAN

25

Psychic readings

South Shore Craft Brewery hosts psychic medium, author, teacher and public speaker Robert E. Hansen. Food and craft beer available to purchase.

• Where: 3505 Hampton Road, Oceanside

• Time: Doors open at 11:30 a.m., readings start at noon.

• Contact: s outhshorecraftbrewery.com

Sunday Concert

Oceanside Library welcomes Tal Naccarato. He is dynamic composer, songwriter and teacher-artist whose roots stretch from the medieval mountain village of Fiumefreddo Bruzio, Italy, to the heart of East Flatbush, Brooklyn. His original music fuses Folk, Americana, Rock, and Blues with classical guitar flair and a signature bluesy swing. In 2023, Tal took

home top honors at the Long Island Blues Society Solo/Duo Competition. Tal performs solo acoustic from his original and traditional repertoire.

• Where: 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside

• Time: 2 p.m.

• Contact: oceansidelibrary.com or (516) 766-2360

JAN

27

Winter Book Club

St. Anthony’s R.C. Church hosts the first session of the book club. Read and discuss “Inner Compass: An Invitation to Ignatian Spirituality” by Margaret Silf. Read the Introduction and Chapter 1 for the first meeting. The following five sessions will be every other Tuesday.

• Where: 110 Anchor Ave., Oceanside

• Time: 10 a.m.

• Contact: (516) 459-9386

Trivia Night

Barrier Brewing welcomes all to Trivia Night. Teams will compete in a series of fun, challenging questions across a variety of topics. Bring your knowledge, work together and enjoy a lively,

With severe weather events becoming more frequent and more extreme, it is more important than ever that New Yorkers are prepared for disasters. State Sen. Siela Bynoe hosts a training course on responding to a natural or man-made disaster at Oceanside Library. Discuss how to properly prepare for any disaster, including developing a family emergency plan and stocking up on emergency supplies. Registration required.

• Where: 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside

• Time: 6:30 p.m.

• Contact: oceansidelibrary.com or (516) 766-2360

Island Park Zoning Board of Appeals meets

The Island Park Zoning Board holds its next meeting at Village Hall.

• Where: 127 Long Beach Road, Island Park

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 431-0600

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.

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU

WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR THE POOLING AND SERVICING

AGREEMENT DATED

AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2004 MERRILL LYNCH

MORTGAGE

INVESTORS TRUST

MORTGAGE LOAN

ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES

2004-WMC5, -againstCINDY B SOMMER, ET AL.

NOTICE OF SALE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on March 9, 2023, wherein WELLS FARGO BANK, N.A., AS TRUSTEE FOR THE POOLING AND SERVICING

AGREEMENT DATED

AS OF OCTOBER 1, 2004 MERRILL LYNCH MORTGAGE

INVESTORS TRUST MORTGAGE LOAN

ASSET-BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES

2004-WMC5 is the Plaintiff and CINDY B SOMMER, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on February 17, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 411 WANAMAKER ST, OCEANSIDE, NY 11572; and the following tax map identification: 43-219-88. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN OCEANSIDE, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 006889/2014. Scott H. Siller, Esq.Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social

distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 157793

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. 1900 CAPITAL TRUST II, BY US BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS CERTIFICATE

TRUSTEE, Pltf. vs RAJA MOHAMMAD IQBAL

A/K/A RAJA IQBAL, et al, Deft. Index #611532/2023. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered December 8, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the north side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on February 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 2800 Rockaway Avenue, Oceanside, NY 11572 a/k/a Section 38, Block 529, Lot 32. Said property located on the westerly side of Rockaway Avenue, a distance of 78.37 ft. Northerly from the corner formed by the intersection of the Northerly side of Dover Road and the Westerly side of Rockaway Avenue; Running thence NW, a distance of 127.83 feet; Thence NE, a distance of 59.59 feet; Thence SE, a distance of 158.08 ft. to the Westerly side of Rockaway Avenue; Thence Southerly along the Westerly side of Rockaway Avenue, the following 2 courses and distance along the: 1)SW, a distance of 11.33 feet; 2) SW, a distance of 55.34 ft. to the true point or place of beginning. Being and intended to be the same premises described in Deed dated 03/08/2017 Recorded 03/09/2017 in Liber 13482 Page 155. Approximate amount of judgment is $536,281.16 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. JANE P. SHRENKEL, Referee., HILL WALLACK LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 261 Madison Avenue, 9th Floor, Ste. 940-941, New York, NY. File No. 020292-03136#102724 157788

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC

HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 27th day of January 2026, at 7:00 o’clock in the evening of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 197-13 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “TRAFFIC REGULATIONS IN THE VICINITY OF SCHOOLS” at the following locations:

OCEANSIDE

ELLEN TERRY DRIVE (TH 603/25) North Side -NO PARKING 9 AM to 1 PM SCHOOL DAYSstarting at a point 60 feet east curbline of Benjamin Road, east for a distance of 38 feet.

WOODMERE

IRVING PLACE (TH 466/25) East SideNO PARKING 8 AM to 4PM SCHOOL DAYS ONLY - starting at a point 50 feet south of the south curbline of Cedar Lane, south for a distance of 160 feet.

IRVING PLACE (TH 466/25) East SideNO PARKING 8 AM to 4PM SCHOOL DAYS

ONLY - starting at a point 236 feet south of the south curbline of Cedar Lane, south for a distance of 119 feet.

ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 197-13 “TRAFFIC

REGULATIONS IN THE VICINITY OF SCHOOLS” from the following locations:

OCEANSIDE

ELLEN TERRY DRIVE (TH 229/04) North Side -NO PARKING 9 AM to 1 PM SCHOOL DAYSstarting from the east curbline of Benjamin Road, east for a distance of 100 feet.

(Adopted 11/16/04)

WOODMERE

IRVING PLACE (TH 88/06) East SideNO PARKING 7 AM to 9AM and 2 PM to 4 PM

MONDAY through FRIDAY SCHOOL BUSES

ONLY - starting at a point 209 feet south of the south curbline of Cedar Lane, south for a distance of 113 feet.

(Adopted 6/6/06)

ALL PERSONS

INTERESTED shall have

an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated:January 13, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY

Town Clerk 157903

LEGAL NOTICE

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT,

The Board of Fire Commissioners (BOFC) of the Oceanside Fire District of the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the 13th day of January, 2026, has adopted a Resolution, published herewith and this resolution shall not take effect until thirty (30) days after its adoption, nor until approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of electors of such Fire District affected, qualified to vote at the Annual Election of Fire District Officers, voting on such proposition, if within thirty (30) days after its adoption and publication there is filed a petition signed and acknowledged, or proved in the same manner as a deed to be recorded, by resident taxpayers of said Fire District, owning taxable real property aggregating at least one-quarter (1/4) of the assessed valuation of all taxable real property of the Fire District, as such valuation appears on the latest completed assessment roll of the Town of Hempstead, in which the Fire District is located, protesting against such resolution and requesting that it be submitted to the qualified electors of the Fire District affected, for approval.

THE BOFC OF THE OCEANSIDE FIRE DISTRICT OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, COUNTY OF NASSAU, STATE OF NEW YORK, HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS; WHEREAS the BOFC has determined it to be in the best interest of the Fire District to purchase equipment for (2) Seagrave Pumpers. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the net sum of (one hundred thousand) $100,000.00 dollars be withdrawn from the Capital Reserve Fund established for the purpose of such

expenditures and that such expenditure is subject to permissive referendum. The unencumbered balance in that account as of January 13, 2026 was approximately $2,161,804.00.

Dated: January 13, 2026

BOARD OF FIRE COMMISSIONERS

OCEANSIDE FIRE DISTRICT

TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD ATTEST:

TRICIA SCHIELDS

District Secretary

OCEANSIDE Fire District 157919

LEGAL NOTICE

ISLAND PARK SCHOOL DISTRICT

PUBLIC NOTICE

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR UNIVERSAL PREKINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

Island Park School District

School Business Office Island Park, NY 11558

The Board of Education of the Island Park School District invites sealed proposals for providing UNIVERSAL PREKINDERGARTEN PROGRAM. The Request for Proposal (“RFP”) including forms for proposal, certifications, General Information and Conditions, and Specifications may be obtained from the District’s website: www.ips.k12.ny.us/req uest_for_proposal. In all cases, it must be understood that the General Information and Conditions and Specifications of the Island Park School District shall apply. Proposals must be in sealed, opaque envelopes marked “RFP – UNIVERSAL PRE-KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM” and will be received until 11 a.m. on February 25, 2026, at the Business Office. The Board of Education reserves the right to reject all proposals, to request clarifications or corrections to proposals received, to waive what it deems to be an informality in the RFP process, to waive what it deems to be technical defects, irregularities and/or omissions relating to a specific proposal, to negotiate any portion of the proposals received, to readvertise and solicit additional proposals or to cancel this RFP if it is in the best interest of the District to do so.

Proposals will be evaluated by the District. Any aspects of the service not addressed by the General Information and Conditions, or Specifications are left for the proposer to address. Alternatives to the General Information and Conditions, Specifications or additions to the Specifications are to be clearly identified by the proposer. Island Park School District

Salvatore Carambia School Business Administrator 99 Radcliffe Road Island Park, NY 11558 Telephone: 516-434-2600 157920

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 02/04/2026 at 9:30

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

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30

A.M.

56/26. OCEANSIDEEugene L. & Janet Speroni, Renewal of grant to maintain 2family dwelling., N/W cr. Stevens St. & Rosewell Ave., a/k/a 2892 Stevens St. 58/26. - 61/26. OCEANSIDE - Sean D. Romine & Cindy E. Manjarres, Variances, lot area occupied, side yard, side yards aggregate, maintain deck & trellis attached to dwelling; Variance, lot area occupied, maintain shed; Special exception to maintain 2nd accessory structure (gazebo), higher & larger than permitted & exceeding horizontal maximum with a side yard variance; Special exception to maintain 3rd accessory structure (trellis), higher than permitted with a lot area occupied variance., S/s Burt Ave., 220’ E/o Roxbury Rd., a/k/a 116 Burt Ave

62/26. - 64/26.

OCEANSIDE - Eric Rogers, Variances, lot area occupied, rear yard, construct 2-story addition & stairs to existing 2nd-story deck, all attached to dwelling (remove existing stairs to deck); Maintain pool not permitted in the front yard & with less than required front yard setback on Westminster Rd., maintain pool enclosure within the clear sight triangle at neighbors driveway, which may substantially obstruct line of sight; Install pool not permitted in the front yard & with less than required front yard setback on Westminster Rd., maintain pool enclosure within the clear sight triangle at neighbors driveway, which may substantially obstruct line of sight (remove existing pool)., N/W cor. Yale St. & Westminster Rd., a/k/a 574 Yale St. 65/26. - 70/26. NR ISLAND PARK - Joseph Stavola, Variance, lot area occupied, maintain front porch attached to dwelling; Variances, side yard, rear yard, maintain pool and pool equipment; Special exception to maintain accessory structure (shed) higher & larger than permitted, exceeding horizontal maximum, not permitted in side yard with less than required front yard setback & with lot area occupied variance; Special exception to maintain 2nd accessory structure (shed) not permitted in side yard with less than required front yard and side yard setbacks & with lot area occupied variance; Special exception to maintain 3rd accessory structure (shed) not permitted in side yard with less than required front yard and side yard setbacks & with lot area occupied variance; Special exception to maintain 4th accessory structure (shed) not permitted in side yard with less than required side yard setback & with lot area occupied variance., E/s Madison Ave., 75’ N/o Brighton Blvd., a/k/a 120 Madison Ave. 71/26. OCEANSIDEBGG Restoration Service Corp. (Edwar Sierra), Variance, lot area occupied, maintain rear platform attached to dwelling &

install 12’ gazebo thereon., E/s Oceanside Rd., 878.17’ N/o Judith La., a/k/a 3207 Oceanside Rd. 73/26. - 74/26. OCEANSIDE - Barry Harpur, Variances, lot area occupied, front yard setback on Alvin Ct., construct addition attached to dwelling; Maintain 6’ high fence on Alvin Ct. without clear sight triangle at owners driveway which may substantially obstruct line of sight., N/E Cor. Ralph Ave. & Alvin Ct., a/k/a 3135 Ralph Ave. 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 Oceanside & Island Park 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.

157894

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and Municipal Home Rule of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing will be held in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 27th day of January 2026, at 7:00 o’clock in the evening of that day to consider the enactment of a local law to amend Section 202-1 of the code of the Town of Hempstead to INCLUDE “PARKING OR STANDING

Public Notices

PROHIBITIONS” at the following locations:

ELMONT

SUSSEX ROAD (TH

285/24) West Side -

NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Hathaway Avenue, north for a distance of 30 feet.

SUSSEX ROAD (TH

285/24) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of 109th Avenue, south for a distance of 30 feet.

SUSSEX ROAD (TH

285/24) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Hathaway Avenue, north for a distance of 26 feet.

(NR) LYNBROOK

HIGHLAND

BOULEVARD (TH

392(B)/25) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Franklin Avenue, west for a distance of 35 feet.

HIGHLAND

BOULEVARD (TH

392(B)/25) South SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Franklin Avenue, west for a distance of 35 feet.

FRANKLIN AVENUE (TH

392(B)/25) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Highland Boulevard, south for a distance of 30 feet.

MERRICK

LITTLE WHALENECK ROAD (TH 609/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Cameron Avenue, north for a distance of 35 feet.

OCEANSIDE

UNIONDALE

ELLEN TERRY DRIVE (TH 603/25) North Side -NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the east curbline of Benjamin Road, east for a distance of 60 feet.

DAVISON AVENUE (TH 622/25) North SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at the west curbline of Oceanside Road, west for a distance of 235 feet.

NORTHGATE COURT (TH 642/25) North Side -NO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of Northgate Drive, west for a distance of 50 feet.

(NR) VALLEY STREAM MILFORD LANE (TH 595/25) North Side -

NO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 22 feet east of the east curbline of Salem Road, east for a distance of 75 feet.

WANTAGHWANTAGH AVENUE (TH 636/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the south curbline of Emeric Avenue, south for a distance of 40 feet.

WANTAGH AVENUE (TH 636/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the north curbline of Emeric Avenue, north for a distance of 50 feet.

WEST HEMPSTEAD

BEDELL TERRACE (TH 495/25) West SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south for a distance of 69 feet.

BEDELL TERRACE (TH 495/25) West SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 69 feet south of the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south for a distance of 75 feet.

BEDELL TERRACE (TH 495/25) East SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south for a distance of 69 feet.

BEDELL TERRACE (TH 495/25) East SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 69 feet south of the south curbline of Hempstead Avenue, south for a distance of 65 feet.

WOODMERE

IRVING PLACE (TH 466/25) East SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 210 feet south of the south curbline of Cedar Lane, south for a distance of 26 feet.

IRVING PLACE (TH 466/25) East SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 355 feet south of the south curbline of Cedar Lane, south for a distance of 43 feet.

HOWE COURT (TH 647/25) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of East Broadway, west for a distance of 28 feet.

ALSO, to REPEAL from Section 202-1 “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” from the following location(s):

EAST MEADOW GREEN AVENUE (TH 150/63) East Side -

NO STOPPINGstarting from a point 18 feet south of a point opposite the south curbline of Warren Street, north for a distance of 72 feet.

(Adopted 5/28/63)

MARIAN COURT (TH 332/24) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting at the east curbline of Prospect Avenue, east for a distance of 55 feet.

(Adopted 9/4/24) OCEANSIDE DAVISON AVENUE (TH 365/81) North SideNO STOPPING ANYTIME - starting at a point 76 feet west of the west curbline of Oceanside Road, west for a distance of 127 feet.

(Adopted 1/26/82) WOODMERE IRVING PLACE (TH 529/64) East SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 130 feet south of the south curbline of Cedar Lane, south for a distance of 80 feet.

(Adopted 11/24/64)

IRVING PLACE (TH 683/67) East SideNO PARKING ANYTIME - starting at a point 252 feet north of the north curbline of Central Avenue, north for a distance of 65 feet.

(Adopted 2/27/68)

HOWE COURT (TH 83/77) North SideNO STOPPING HERE TO CORNER - starting from the west curbline of East Broadway, west for a distance of 28 feet.

(Adopted 7/26/77) ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated:January 13, 2026 Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD, TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 157901

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY

TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 17th, 2026, will sell at public online auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall

have paid to the County Treasurer by February 12th, 2026 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property. Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code.

Effective with the February 2019 lien sale Ordinance No. 175-2015 requires a $175.00 per day registration fee for each person who intends to bid at the tax lien sale. Ordinance No. 175-2015 also requires that upon the issuance of the Lien Certificate there is due from the lien buyer a Tax Certificate Issue Fee of $20.00 per lien purchased. Pursuant to the provisions of the Nassau County Administrative Code at the discretion of the Nassau County Treasurer the auction will be conducted online. Further information concerning the procedures for the auction is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucou ntyny.gov/526/CountyTreasurer

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

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

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

Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its

services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office. Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.

Dated: January 22, 2026

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Mineola, New York

TERMS OF SALE

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

The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the

assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) receivership.

The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk. The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the

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

1. The bidder(s) agree that they will not work with any other bidder(s) to increase, maintain or stabilize interest rates or collaborate with any other bidder(s) to gain an unfair competitive advantage in the random number generator in the event of a tie bid(s) on a tax certificate. Bidder(s) further agree not to employ any bidding strategy designed to create an unfair competitive advantage in the tiebreaking process in the

upcoming tax sale nor work with any other bidder(s) to engage in any bidding strategy that will result in a rotational award of tax certificates.

2. The tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) bid, will be arrived at independently and without direct or indirect consultation, communication or agreement with any other bidder and that the tax certificate(s) the Bidder will bid upon, and the interest rate(s) to be bid, have not been disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder, and will not be disclosed, directly or indirectly, to any other bidder prior to the close of bidding. No attempt has been made or will be made to, directly or indirectly, induce any other bidder to refrain from bidding on any tax certificate, to submit complementary bids, or to submit bids at specific interest rates.

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

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

Dated: January 22, 2026THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, New York 157891

EMPLOYMENT

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

Situations Wanted

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

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Situations Wanted

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

HERALD

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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.

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

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

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

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

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

©

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SERVICES

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Home Improvement

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AUTOMOBILE & MARINE

OPINIONS

Filling potholes in our roads — and in our government

Most people don’t think about local government when it’s running smoothly. They think about it when they hit a pothole.

A deep pothole can damage a car, cause an accident, slow emergency vehicles and frustrate fellow commuters who are trying to get to work or pick up their kids. Multiply that by the nearly 800,000 residents of the Town of Hempstead using 1,200 miles of roadway, and you begin to understand why road maintenance remains a core responsibility of local municipalities. We are now well into winter, and the pothole cycle has begun. The rain and snow will trickle beneath the surface of our roadways, the freezing and thawing will weaken the pavement and the daily traffic will finish the job. By late winter

and early spring, potholes will be popping up across our roadways. We know it’s coming every year, so it leaves local government with a choice: react slowly and bureaucratically, or respond quickly and fix problems before they get worse.

OThat’s why we’ve deployed the Town of Hempstead’s Pothole Patrol, a dedicated effort to identify and repair potholes quickly and efficiently during peak pothole season. We’ve also launched a new, user-friendly online portal that allows residents to report potholes in just a few clicks: hempsteadtown.com/potholepatrol.

a user to upload a photo of the problem area.

ur focus on efficiency extends well beyond road repairs, to cutting taxes.

I believe that good government should be practical. When residents see a problem, reporting it shouldn’t require navigating layers of red tape or making multiple phone calls. If you see a problem, you can tell us exactly where it is, and our teams can prioritize repairs based on real-time information. This website uses location services — if allowed — to report potholes and allows

This approach to an important government service reflects a broader principle that I believe in strongly: Government works best when it is streamlined, responsive and focused on results. Filling potholes isn’t glamorous, but it’s the kind of basic service that builds trust. When residents see their concerns addressed quickly, they know their government is listening, and working. This isn’t about reinventing government — it’s about making government work the way it should be working.

The town remains committed to repaving more than 100 miles of roadway each year, guided by responsible budgeting and strategic planning. Repairs are prioritized based on safety concerns, traffic volume and weather conditions, not politics or headlines. That’s how infrastructure should be managed — thoughtfully, consistently

and with the utmost respect for taxpayers’ dollars.

This focus on efficiency extends well beyond road repairs. By tightening operations, eliminating waste and managing taxpayer dollars responsibly, I — along with the Town Board — have been able to cut taxes while still delivering essential services and investing in infrastructure. That’s an important point: fiscal discipline and strong public services are not mutually exclusive. In fact, when government is run efficiently, residents shouldn’t have to choose between safe roads and lower taxes.

At the end of the day, filling potholes is about more than asphalt. It’s about a philosophy of governance that values efficiency over excuses and action over delay. When government focuses on doing the basics well — maintaining roads, keeping neighborhoods safe and making services accessible — everyone benefits.

When we fill the holes in our roads and remove the ones in government, the path forward is smoother for everyone.

John Ferretti is the Town of Hempstead supervisor.

A silent health threat facing Long Islanders

We are in the midst of a growing public health crisis, one that especially impacts senior citizens. Fortunately, everyone can take an active role in solving it, not just scientists, researchers and health care professionals.

Loneliness and social isolation are widespread. One in three American adults reported feeling lonely, while one in four conveyed having no social and emotional support, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This goes far beyond occasional feelings of loneliness or disconnect that everyone experiences periodically, or briefly going off the grid to recharge the body and mind. Someone who is socially isolated has few relationships and little contact with others, while those who are lonely feel like they lack meaningful or close relationships or a sense of belonging.

Research shows that prolonged loneliness and social isolation increase the risk of numerous health conditions, including cognitive decline and memory loss, depression, anxiety, stress, high

blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. They can also make existing illnesses worse; someone with Alzheimer’s disease, for example, may have accelerated symptoms due to lack of social and mental stimulation. For caregivers, they can lead to caregiver burnout.

PRegular social engagement helps stimulate the brain and support cognitive health, improves mood, encourages physical activity and better sleep, and strengthens emotional resilience. As is the case with other lifestyle choices — healthy diet, exercise, proper sleep, quitting smoking and limiting alcohol consumption — prioritizing or neglecting it influences numerous facets of health. Loneliness and isolation occur in people of all ages, and senior citizens are especially susceptible. Older adults isolate for many reasons. Some live alone after the loss of a spouse, and don’t have relatives or close friends nearby. Others face mobility issues, such as not being able to drive and lacking alternative transportation, or have a health condition that makes going out harder. Mobility challenges are even more problematic on Long Island during the winter, when the weather makes leaving the house harder. Fear, embarrassment and self-consciousness can

also lead people to withdraw. Technology can partially bridge the gap, but not all seniors feel comfortable using video calls, smartphones or social media. Without support and training, many are left disconnected from family, friends and the larger community.

eople of all ages can feel lonely and isolated, but especially seniors.

An estimated 111,000 Long Islanders ages 65 and older — roughly one out of every five seniors — live alone, according to Newsday. Fortunately, there are a variety of free resources available to help them strengthen social bonds and stay connected.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers free daily activity programming at its AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center in Amityville, including music, creative arts, rhythm and movement, and brain games. The activities are dementia-friendly, but you don’t need to have a dementia-related illness to participate; programming is open to all seniors. Learn more and view upcoming free activities at afalongisland.org, or call the center at (631) 2234000.

Municipal senior centers offer programs and opportunities to socialize with other nearby residents. Local libraries offer activities, social gatherings and group outings, many of which center on learning about or trying some-

thing new, an added benefit for brain health. Religious institutions often have social groups for their congregations and the community.

Look into these and other options if you’re feeling lonely, and find something you might enjoy. It may require you to step out of your comfort zone, but chances are it will be worth it.

We can all take small steps in our daily lives that will make a big difference. Visit or call someone instead of texting or emailing them (especially if they’re older); it will help both of you feel more connected. Encourage someone to take advantage of the services described above, and go along with them to help them break the ice. Check in with family, friends and elderly neighbors periodically to see if they need anything; that simple act will remind them that someone is thinking of them, and promote feelings of connectivity.

Social connection isn’t a luxury — it is essential for maintaining physical health, cognitive function, emotional well-being and overall quality of life. Unlike other health conditions, loneliness and isolation can’t be cured or medicated with pills. Helping hands and warm hearts are the necessary treatments. Every one of us can provide them.

Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., of Merrick, is president and CEO of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America.

Established 1966

Incorporating the Oceanside Beacon and Record of Oceanside in 2001

AbigAil grieco

JeNNiFer reNDA

2 Endo Boulevard Garden City, NY 11530

Phone: (516) 569-4000

Fax: (516) 569-4942

Web: www.liherald.com

E-mail: oceaneditor@liherald.com

oFFiciAl NeWSPAPer:

HERALD

Edith Richner

Modernizing support for volunteer firefighters

New York’s volunteer firefighters and emergency service personnel have long been the backbone of the state’s emergency response system. On Long Island and across New York, they respond not only to fires, but also to car accidents, medical emergencies, storms and disasters of every kind.

Their service saves taxpayers an estimated $3.8 billion each year, according to the Firefighters Association of the State of New York. Yet despite their value, volunteer departments are struggling to recruit and retain enough members to meet growing demands.

JorDAN VAlloNe

The reasons are familiar. Potential volunteers say they don’t have the time, that the commitment feels overwhelming, or that the system is simply too complicated to navigate. Cultural and economic changes have made it harder for people to give unpaid time, and the numbers show it: New York’s volunteer fire service has declined from roughly 120,000 members in the early 2000s to about 80,000 today. While this is not yet a full-blown crisis, it is a warning sign that action is needed now.

Now, FASNY is proposing the next step: the Volunteer Optimization Legislative Initiative. This package of 14 straightforward actions is designed to modernize how New York supports volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel, making service more feasible for today’s families and workers. Importantly, these initiatives would apply uniformly across the state, ensuring fairness and consistency for all volunteer departments.

For more than a decade, FASNY has

LETTERS

Both parties share the blame for the mess we’re in

To the Editor:

Re Jerry Kremer’s column in the Jan. 1-7 issue, “For President Trump, too many missed opportunities,” I will try to be as fair and balanced as possible. Neither a Democrat nor a Republican, I’m an independent. We are as divided as ever, but the fault for that lies at the feet of both parties. Their respective loyalties override the business of representing the needs of the people.

Since the beginning of President Trump’s second term, no matter whatever good he has done, Democrats find fault with it. The reality is that he inherited a domestic as well as an international mess that was administered by behind-thescenes figures who were propping up a cognitive declined president. A year into

worked to reverse the decline in the number of volunteers. Through initiatives like Train the Recruiter classes and a statewide outreach campaign, the organization has consistently pushed creative solutions.

In recent years, that effort has been strengthened by a productive partnership with Gov. Kathy Hochul and many state legislators. Together they have delivered training stipends, grants for capital improvements and funding for equipment purchases that have made a real difference in communities statewide.

At its core, VOLI recognizes that volunteers should not be penalized financially for serving. Several proposals focus on meaningful tax relief, including an enhanced volunteer firefighter and EMS income tax credit, the ability to combine such credits with property tax exemptions, and new credits to help offset child care and family-related expenses. Housing affordability is addressed with exemptions from mortgage recording taxes and optional local relief on recording fees, helping volunteers live in the communities they protect.

Other initiatives acknowledge the real, day-to-day costs of volunteering. VOLI would allow departments or authorities having jurisdiction to reimburse volunteers’ reasonable out-ofpocket expenses without creating tax burdens. It also proposes incentives for on-call duty shifts through the Length of Service Award Program, and statefunded reimbursement mechanisms to help smaller departments afford these benefits.

Workplace realities are another major

barrier to volunteering, and VOLI tackles this head-on. Employer tax incentives would encourage businesses to hire volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel while allowing them to respond during business hours. At the same time, volunteers would gain stronger workplace protections.

Equally important, the initiative would prohibit local governments, unions or bargaining units from preventing career firefighters from volunteering in their home communities, expanding the potential pool of experienced responders.

Safety and fairness are also central themes. VOLI would bring volunteer injury benefits in line with standard workers’ compensation, ensuring equal protection when volunteers are hurt in the line of duty. It would also expand eligibility for training stipends, public service loan forgiveness, and state tuition assistance, recognizing that education and training benefit both volunteers and the communities they serve.

Taken together, these 14 initiatives do not represent radical change. They are practical, thoughtful updates that reflect modern economic realities while respecting the proud tradition of volunteer service.

With the new state legislative session under way, FASNY representatives will discuss these proposals. Implementing at least a majority of them, if not all, would strengthen recruitment and retention, protect taxpayers, and help ensure that New York’s volunteer fire and EMS system remains strong for generations to come.

OPINIONS

Outrage on demand: Gaza gets celebs, Iran gets ignored

If you walked through the streets of Manhattan, Los Angeles, Baltimore, Chicago or Portland last year, you could hardly miss them: endless Gaza protests, celebrities on bullhorns, and nonstop media coverage treating every chant as a moral imperative.

Susan Sarandon, Mark Ruffalo and a parade of progressive icons were everywhere, lecturing the world on justice. Now that courageous Iranians are risking their lives in the streets, confronting a brutal regime, where are these moral megaphones? Where are the hashtags, the celebrity rallies and the tearjerking op-eds?

The silence is deafening.

In Iran, protesters are facing a government that has crushed dissent for decades. Hundreds of people have reportedly been killed for demanding basic freedoms. These men and women aren’t marching for Instagram applause. They are risking imprisonment, torture and death. Yet celebrity rallies vanish, elite media campaigns are absent, and the activists who claim to speak for the oppressed suddenly

LETTERS

office, Trump has to address affordability, with everyday costs that are crushing the majority of Americans. The expense of groceries, health care, auto and homeowner’s insurance and prescription drugs are forcing people to make hard choices, because dollars can be stretched only so far. Interest rates for mortgages and loans are still too high.

The other reality is that the president has a nine-month window to address affordability, or he will lose Congress in November. Describing it as a “hoax” was ill-advised and alienating. If Trump loses Congress, the remainder of his presidency will be tied up in gridlock and attempts to impeach him. Nothing will get done, and the American people will go backward — while the two-party system, which has outlived its usefulness, will flourish. Promoting their own agendas to finagle and scheme to stay in power, the parties will do nothing to respond to the needs of everyday people, but everything for the special interests, lobbyists, and big campaign contributors.

TONY

have nothing to say.

The left’s silence on Iran has nothing to do with principle. Their outrage is selective, because the oppressor isn’t Israel and the victims aren’t Jewish. When a cause can’t be weaponized against America or Israel, moral alarm disappears. Outrage is on demand, but only when it fits the narrative.

WFeminist voices are especially absent. Iranian women have lived under systemic oppression for nearly 47 years, subject to forced dress codes, restricted movement and brutal punishment for defiance. They are beaten, jailed and killed for demanding basic freedoms. Activists who flood social media, claiming to defend women everywhere, remain silent. Feminism filtered through ideology becomes performative rather than principled.

here were Sarandon and Ruffalo when Iranian women faced batons and bullets?

gram post receives nonstop amplification. Celebrities march alongside activists who openly embrace movements hostile to America and Israel. Symbols of terror-linked groups are tolerated or ignored. Meanwhile, ordinary Iranians who oppose the same terror-sponsoring regime receive barely a whisper. This is not moral consistency; it is ideological selectivity.

Most liberal universities provide a stark example. Administrations have tolerated or encouraged anti-Israel demonstrations while staying silent on Iranian protesters. Students who shut down lecture halls over foreign conflicts now say nothing as a regime executes dissenters and suppresses women. Silence becomes policy when outrage is inconvenient.

human rights, outrage over Tehran would match outrage over Jerusalem. Its imbalance reveals priorities that are political, not principled — and this issue is about principle, not theology. Iranian protesters demand liberty and dignity — the same rights claimed by Americans at our founding. But modern activist leftists treat Iranians’ struggle as an afterthought. Any conflict framed as “us versus the West” gets broadcast; real freedom fighters are ignored.

Where were Sarandon and Ruffalo when Iranian women faced batons and bullets? Where were the big-name voices condemning internet blackouts, executions and arrests? Their outrage is transactional and performative. When there is no ideological payoff, there is no protest. When there is no camera angle, there is no solidarity.

The silence from LGBTQ organizations is equally revealing. Homosexuality is criminalized under Iran’s regime, and public expressions of LGBTQ identity are punishable by death. If slogans and flags in American protests were serious, Iran would be condemned first. Instead activists look away, showing that their concern is political alignment, not life or liberty.

Contrast this with the Gaza protests. Every banner, every chant, every Insta-

President Trump provides a sharp contrast. Unlike celebrity activists, Trump has consistently condemned the Iranian regime’s violence and warned of consequences if the crackdown continues. That is leadership. He stands with people who fight for freedom, not people who kneel for photo ops. The president doesn’t pick and choose human rights based on hashtags. He knows that regimes that brutalize citizens and export terror are enemies of freedom.

If the left truly believed in universal

FRAMEWORK by Tim Baker

Real conservatives and courageous Americans see tyranny for what it is, wherever it occurs. They support Israel because it is a democratic ally amid hostile regimes. They support Iranians’ fighting for freedom because liberty is universal.

The left has an opportunity to prove it genuinely cares about human rights. Until it does, its moral hypocrisy will remain on full display. Outrage on demand is not justice. True courage stands with freedom — everywhere, every time.

Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.