Oceanside/Island Park Herald 01-23-2026

Oceanside/island park

HERALD

Courtesy Marisa Bitelli

Fresh snow brings smiles to Oceanside

Snow day magic took over Oceanside on Sunday as families bundled up, hit the hills and streets and turned them into winter playgrounds.

Above, the Bitelli family converted a patch of iced-over pavement into a hockey rink. At right, Gabriella Azakas, 5, left, and her sister, Viviana, 7, made the most of the fresh snowfall by still enjoying their outdoor playset.

Poetry and music mark book launch

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Years of poetry written quietly — often between professional and community commitments — came to fruition as Tony Iovino, longtime library advocate and former Oceanside Library director, celebrated the launch of his first poetry collection, “From the Land of Sidewalks and Lawns,” on Jan. 18.

The event, held at the Oceanside Library, blended spoken word and live music, reflecting the structure and spirit of the book itself. Iovino read selections from his collection while Oceanside residents Alison and Mark Eriksen performed acoustic songs chosen to mirror the book’s three thematic sections: family and friends, travel, and philosophy.

Turek for pushing him to write.

“She’s mentored dozens of poets over the years, and she wouldn’t let me off the hook.”

Over time, those occasional poems accumulated. Iovino estimated that he had written hundreds, with 40 to 50 published in anthologies and literary magazines. Encouraged repeatedly to assemble them into a single volume, he finally did so, editing and revising older work along the way.

f you’re not failing, you’re not stretching. That’s how you get better.

TONY IOVINO Former Oceanside Library director

For Iovino, the publication marked the culmination of a creative journey that began later in life.

“When I started the summer gazebo readings back in 2007, I hadn’t written a poem since third grade,” Iovino said, crediting East Meadow resident and poet Judy

“I realized I had all of these poems scattered everywhere,” Iovino said. “Magazines come and go. Online journals disappear. I wanted something permanent — something in one place.”

“From the Land of Sidewalks and Lawns” is organized into three sections. Poems inspired by family and friends form the first; the second draws from Iovino’s travels, including trips to New Orleans, Paris, Arizona and Wyoming; and the final section, which he describes as philosophical, reflects on everyday encounters and formative moments.

“Some of those poems come CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

MSSN expands parking, introduces visitor fees

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Mount Sinai South Nassau in Oceanside will expand and centralize on-campus parking with the opening of a new 800-space employee parking structure and the implementation of a managed parking system that includes new visitor parking fees.

Effective Monday, Feb. 2, the hospital’s new employee parking garage will officially open, significantly increasing on-campus capacity and reducing overflow onto nearby residential streets. Hospital officials said the new structure is designed to help staff park more efficiently while ensuring spaces remain available for patients, visitors and employees.

As part of the updated system, Parking Lot 3 will be designated exclusively for visitor and patient use. Handicapped-accessible parking will continue to be available in Lots 4, 5, 6 and 7, as well as near the hospital’s main entrance. Patients and visitors to the Fennessy Family Emergency Department will continue to park in Lot 7, located off Oceanside Road near the emergency department’s ambulatory entrance.

Patient parking will remain complimentary and accessible through Lot 6 on Washington Avenue, as well as Lots 3 and 7. However, the hospital will introduce a new fee schedule for visi -

tor parking and valet service.

Hourly visitor parking rates will be $4 for up to two hours, $6 for two to four hours and $9 for more than four hours, up to 24 hours. Visitors will be able to pay using a digital parking system that supports mobile app payments, text-to-pay or kiosks accepting credit cards and digital wallets, allowing for quicker exits.

Hospital officials noted that Mount Sinai South Nassau joins other Long Island hospitals that charge for visitor parking.

Valet parking will continue to be offered at the hospital’s main entrance, providing front-door access for patients and visitors. Valet rates will be $11 for up to two hours, $14 for two to four hours and $18 for up to 24

hours.

Parking Systems, which manages hospital lots across Long Island, will operate the new parking system. Representatives will be available 24 hours a day to assist visitors and employees with parking-related concerns.

“This upgrade of our on-campus parking is focused on alleviating hospital-related parking congestion on the side streets and in front of our neighbors’ homes while addressing the parking needs of our patients, employees and visitors,” said Dr. Adhi Sharma, president of Mount Sinai South Nassau. “By supporting a managed parking system, our lots will be reserved exclusively for those seeking or supporting patient care and visiting the hospital.”

Prior to the opening of the $30 million parking garage, hundreds of hospital employees relied on a shuttle service from Lot 12 on Sunrise Highway, which the hospital leased from the Village of Rockville Centre. The shuttle, implemented during construction, added time to employees’ commutes and created additional costs for the hospital. The service will be discontinued once the new garage opens.

The employee garage features wide ramps, modern LED lighting and help kiosks that connect users with Parking System representatives for nonemergency assistance.

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

The Substance Abuse Free Environment (SAFE) Coalition in Oceanside kicked off the new year by reflecting on a year of progress and outlining priorities for the future during its annual New Year Kickoff Dinner on Jan. 15 at the Oceanside Library.

The event brought together coalition members, community partners, educators and law enforcement representatives to review accomplishments from the past year and renew a shared commitment to preventing youth substance misuse in the Oceanside community. EGP Oceanside catered the dinner.

“This is something we do every year as an effort to bring everyone together and really see the impact of the work we’ve done,” said Alison Eriksen, project coordinator of the coalition. “When you’re in the middle of it, everyone is pulled in different directions. This gives us a moment to step back and say, ‘Wow, we did a lot’.”

Eriksen presented a year-in-review highlighting the coalition’s strategies, trainings, community events and prevention initiatives. The presentation also served as a springboard for goal setting in the year ahead.

“It’s a really energizing way to begin a new year,” Eriksen said. “We celebrate our wins, but we also talk about what we want to accomplish next and where we can grow.”

SAFE Coalition reflects, looks ahead at dinner Manager sentenced for prevailing wage scheme

By HERNESTO GALDAMEZ hgaldamez@liherald.com

A manager at an asbestos removal and demolition company has been sentenced for underpaying workers on public school projects in Merrick, shorting more than 40 employees of over $80,000 in legally required prevailing wages, Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly said. Joseph Demasco, 67, of North Babylon, pleaded guilty March 14 to felony failure to pay the prevailing wage. He was sentenced this week to five years’ probation and ordered to pay $81,592 in restitution. Demasco is also barred from working on public works projects in New York state for five years.

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

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

According to the district attorney’s office, certified payroll records sub -

A major focus for the coalition moving forward is sustainability. Oceanside SAFE is funded through the federal Drug-Free Communities grant, which provides support for up to ten years. The coalition is currently in its seventh year of funding.

“We’re really focusing now on sustainability and capacity building,” Eriksen said. “That means bringing in new part-

ners, expanding our reach and planning for how we maintain this work once the grant ends.”

Each year, the coalition recognizes individuals and organizations that go above and beyond in supporting its mission. This year’s honorees included the Nassau County Police Department’s Fourth Precinct POP Officers and Oceanside SAFE Coali-

tion Board President Herb Pitkowsky. Pitkowsky, a founding member of the coalition, was recognized for his longstanding commitment and behind-the-scenes work that helped establish and sustain the organization.

“He’s been here since the very beginning,” said Sara Dowler, chair of the coalition. “He’s an unsung hero who shows up to everything and has been instrumental in helping the coalition become what it is today.”

The Fourth Precinct officers were honored for their consistent partnership and enforcement efforts, including attending coalition meetings and supporting prevention initiatives.

“We truly couldn’t make the impact we’re making without their support,” Eriksen said. “They believe in our mission and help reinforce it through education and enforcement.”

Dowler emphasized that collaboration across all sectors of the community remains essential to the coalition’s mission and long-term success.

“Prevention starts with the community,” Dowler said. “It starts in the home, in schools, in businesses and through partnerships with law enforcement. This coalition brings everyone together to change the culture around youth substance misuse.”

Oceanside SAFE Coalition meetings are open to the public. Information about programs, events and resources is available at oceansidesafe.org.

mitted to the Merrick district listed hourly rates of $44 for hazardous construction laborers and $37.44 for construction laborers. In reality, workers were paid $35 an hour, largely in cash.

During that period, New York state’s prevailing wage rates were $52.70 per hour in wages and benefits for hazardous material laborers and $68.96 for construction laborers.

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

The investigation also found discrepancies in state tax filings. In early 2020, the company reported paying about $52,900 in wages to 15 employees for a three-month period in 2019. Certified payroll records for the same timeframe showed more than $185,000 paid to workers, including employees not listed on the return, resulting in a $63,036 loss to the state’s unemployment insurance fund, authorities said.

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

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

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

Several Oceanside students were recognized for outstanding academic achievement during the fall 2025 semester, earning placement on the Dean’s List at universities across the country.

Local Oceanside students earn Dean’s List honors at universities for fall 2025

Several Oceanside students were recognized for outstanding academic achievement during the fall 2025 semester, earning placement on the Dean’s List at universities across the country.

At Central Connecticut State University, Vanessa Frangiadakis earned Dean’s List honors in her first semester as a student in the university’s nursing and honors programs. Students are eligible for Dean’s List recognition at CCSN if they complete a minimum of nine undergraduate credits in a semester, achieve a 3.50 grade point average and have no incompletes on their academic record. Frangiadakis’ achievement highlights a strong start to her collegiate career in a rigorous academic program.

Charles McKee, an Oceanside resident and physical education teacher, was named to the Dean’s List at East Stroudsburg University for the fall 2025 semester. McKee was among 1,965 students recognized for academic excellence, as announced by Margaret Ball, D.M.A., the university’s provost and vice president for academic affairs.

To qualify for the Dean’s List at East Stroudsburg, students must be enrolled full

time and earn a minimum GPA of 3.50. A grade of B earns three quality points per credit, while an A earns four.

“It is quite rewarding to see so many students on the list this semester,” said Ball. “Congratulations to each of them on their dedication and fine work.”

Additionally, SUNY New Paltz announced its Dean’s List for the fall 2025 semester, recognizing students who achieved a 3.3 grade point average or higher while carrying a full-time course load.

Students from Oceanside earning Dean’s List honors at SUNY New Paltz include David Acker, Elaina Benedict, Ari Benjamin, Dylan Campbell, Lucas Hartofelis, Owen Joyce, Nathaniel Murray, Christian Ordonez, Joe Palazzolo, Giavanna Palmieri, Eileen Ponsot, Autumn Schanstra, Samuel Snider and Sarah Weisner.

Dean’s List recognition reflect students’ commitment to academic excellence and dedication to their studies throughout the semester.

— Abigail Grieco

SPOTLIGHT ATHLETE

MEAGHAN CAMPBELL

MacArthur Senior Basketball

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

GAMES TO WATCH

Thursday, Jan. 29

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

Boys Basketball: Farmingdale at Uniondale 5 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Friday, Jan. 30

Boys Basketball: Clarke at Carey 5 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Boys Basketball: Kennedy at MacArthur 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 31

Girls Basketball: Westbury at Uniondale 10 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

Energy fuels Oceanside’s progress

By MARC BERMAN sports@liherald.com

It’s a new year and a great year for Oceanside’s gymnastics team. It’s tough to put a finger on it, but something wasn’t spectacular last season for the Sailors.

Fifth-year coach Dakota Ejnes called it a “mediocre’’ campaign. But 2026 is jumping.

“This year the girls really stepped up, worked really hard in practice and that’s why we’re seeing such success at our meets,’’ Ejnes said. “We are all working for each other rather than working for ourselves. It’s being more than themselves is the theme of the season. We’ve progressed and everyone’s matured mentally.’’

The season’s highlight came on Jan. 17 at the “Cartwheels for a Cure’’ meet when the Sailors posted a season-high team score of 163.425, which was good for second place among the 20 Nassau schools. (The Cold Spring Harbor High event raises money for cystic fibrosis.)

“This year the whole team is a lot closer,’’ said senior captain Sofia Loscalzo, “The energy is a lot higher and more hard working. Everyone’s a lot more positive.’’

Loscalzo has already qualified for the state meet in floor.

“Sophia’s biggest quality is her leadership and positivity at every practice and meet,’’ said Ejnes, a former Long Beach High star who did gymnastics a Cortland State. “She leads by example, a great role model to the girls. She’s really stepped up her game on the floor.’’

This is Loscalzo’s fifth season on the squad so she’s seen all the highs and lows that accompany this acrobatic sport.

“Before meets, I talk to the team and hype them up,’’ Loscalzo said. “A lot of gymnastics is mental, so I make sure everyone believes in themselves.’’

A gymnast for the last 11 years, Loscalzo likes the floor category most. “I like to perform, show a bit of my personality and make it fun,” she said.

Another Oceanside star is Adrianna

Auleta, a junior dual athlete also on the cheerleading team. She’s committed to Baylor and will be part of the Acro and Tumbling team.

The most improvement Auleta has shown is on floor. “She got a new routine that spiced it up,’’ Ejnes said. “It’s super energetic and she loves to put on a show.’’

In the season’s first meet, Auleta posted her highest score – 9.45 versus North Shore.

Then there is freshman Anna Quinn, who performed as an eighth-grader.

“She’s a tremendous asset to the team,’’ Ejnes said. “Her confidence brings us so much success. And she’s our queen beam.’’

At the Cartwheel event, Quinn posted her highest beam score of 9.05. Two other contributors are juniors Sydney Moskowitz and Bobbi Thorne.

Oceanside has scheduled 12 dual meets. The match against Bethpage on Jan. 15 was its finest. “Every one of my girls were hitting their best performance - the vibe was so high in the gym,’’ Ejnes said.

The Sailors (3-4) will compete in another huge meet to kick off this week at Ejnes’ alma-mater, Long Beach. The extravaganza raises awareness for pediatric cancer.

“It’s my fifth year and each year the program is improving and growing,’’ Ejnes said.

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT PUNXSUTAWNEY PHIL

Three things to know about America’s most-known groundhog

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO

azingariello@liherald.com

The mammal, the myth, the legend — Punxsutawney Phil headlines Groundhog Day on Feb. 2 each year in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, as thousands gather for his traditional weather signal through centuries of seasonal lore.

n Phil’s “birthday” and origins

Phil does not have an actual, documented birth date recognized by zoological or veterinary records.

No scientific or reliable registry shows the exact date this specific groundhog was born. Instead, the day that Phil appears each year, Feb. 2, is symbolically treated as his “birthday” because that is Groundhog Day, the annual event when he is presented to the public to make his traditional weather signal.

The idea that the same animal has been making predictions since the late 19th century comes from folklore maintained by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, which plays up the legend that Phil is “immortal” and survives by drinking a mythical “elixir of life.”

n Phil’s diet and what groundhogs eat

There are no official records documenting a unique favorite food for Phil himself; the Groundhog Club does not publish a food preference list for him.

What scientists and wildlife experts do know is that groundhogs are primarily herbivores. In nature, they eat a wide range of vegetation, including grasses, clover, leaves, vegetables, fruits and other plant matter, and build up fat before hibernation.

Groundhogs may occasionally ingest small invertebrates such as insects or snail larvae, but this is rare and incidental; their diet is overwhelmingly plant-based. Because the species’ eating habits are documented across North America, it can be inferred that Phil, as a groundhog, feeds on the same sorts of plants and greens.

n Why he is the “official” groundhog

Phil is known as the official Groundhog Day groundhog because of a long-standing regional tradition that began in Punxsutawney.

The Groundhog Day tradition was formally established in 1887, when members of the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club held an official ceremony at Gobbler’s Knob and designated a local groundhog as the community’s seasonal weather forecaster. The event’s roots trace back to older European traditions associated with Candlemas Day, where seeing a shadow on Feb. 2 was linked to continued winter weather.

German immigrants in Pennsylvania adapted this practice to use the locally common groundhog. Each year, Phil emerges before sunrise before a crowd and “predicts” weather by whether he sees his shadow; the Inner Circle of the Groundhog Club then reads a scroll announcing either six more weeks of winter or an early spring.

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Tony Iovino celebrates his first poetry book

from very small things,” Iovino explained, “a panhandler I met in Washington, D.C., or a memory from when I was a kid and didn’t listen to someone’s advice on how to mow the lawn. Those moments stick with you.”

Essays accompany each section, offering context for the poems, including a longer piece on how the library’s well-known gazebo poetry readings began.

Iovino said his writing style has evolved over the years but remains intentionally accessible.

“I don’t write very esoteric poetry,” Iovino expressed. “I like to sprinkle in humor where I can. And reading poems out loud — especially during community readings — teaches you very quickly what works and what doesn’t.”

That awareness shaped the book launch itself, which alternated music and poetry. Before each section, the Eriksens performed two songs aligned with the book’s themes. Their set included “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac, “The Story” by Brandi Carlile, “California Dreamin’” by The Mamas & the Papas and “Across the Universe” by the Beatles.

“Music has a way of taking you to a different place and different time,” Alison, who has been a longtime friend of Iovino’s, said. “It really helped emphasize the emotion behind the meaning of family, the wonder of travel and existential philosophy.”

Andrew Kempski/Herald

Tony Iovino, former Oceanside Library director, and Kathy Schirrmacher, president of Friends of the Library, celebrated Iovino’s debut poetry collection, “From the Land of Sidewalks and Lawns,” on Jan. 18 at the library, with all proceeds going to the Friends.

no explained. “The title of the book reflects suburban life — Massapequa, Island Park, Rockville Centre — places that shaped me. That photo felt like the beginning of it all.”

Despite the personal nature of the work, Iovino said the book’s purpose is outward facing. All proceeds from sales are being donated to the Friends of the Oceanside Library.

“Every book sold in person goes entirely to the Friends,” he said. “Even online sales, whatever I receive, gets passed along. It’s a way to give back.”

Iovino, who helped establish the Friends organization locally and remains active with it, said supporting creative confidence is just as important as fundraising.

“People, especially young people, are afraid to fail,” Iovino said. “If you’re not failing, you’re not stretching. Writing is rewriting. You have to submit. You have to read your work out loud. That’s how you get better.”

Alison echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of showing up creatively for others.

The Eriksens, who have played music together for nearly two decades, said participating in the launch was deeply meaningful.

“Tony has been in my life for many years — always showing up, always supporting others and making things happen,” Alison said. “To be able to sing alongside him and be part of the group that heard his

published words first was truly an honor.”

For Iovino, seeing the book in print carried personal significance beyond its literary content. The cover features a photograph of himself as a toddler with his mother, taken in the late 1950s.

“My mother and I were very close,” Iovi-

“I love that we can use music to celebrate people,” she expressed. “Tony has helped me with so many community projects over the years. Saying yes to this was easy.”

The night reflected what Iovino has long championed — art rooted in place, shared community and created without fear.

“If you wait until it’s perfect,” he said, “you’ll never put it out there.”

Kiwanis clubs unite to support foster children

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

Kiwanis clubs from Island Park, Valley Stream and Lynbrook joined forces on Jan. 18 to raise money for the New York District Kiwanis governor’s project, an initiative this year focused on supporting children in foster care.

The fundraiser, held at Governors Comedy Club in Levittown, brought together members from three clubs in the Long Island Southwest Division along with community guests for an evening of entertainment and philanthropy. Proceeds raised by the Island Park Kiwanis Club will be used to assemble “blessing bags” for children in foster care.

Each year, the elected Kiwanis governor selects a charitable project of personal significance. This year’s effort — spearheaded by the current governor for the New York Kiwanis district, Carla Ingram — centers on providing comfort and dignity to foster care children, who often have few personal belongings of their own. Funds raised will go toward purchasing duffel bags or rolling luggage filled with items such as blankets, books, puzzles, small toys, games and toiletries.

“Something as simple as having a bag of their own can mean a great deal to a child,” said Karen Davis, president of the Island Park Kiwanis Club, noting that the goal is to provide both practical necessities and items that offer comfort and joy.

Despite snowy weather, attendance remained strong with about 50 Kiwanis members and guests participating. The event featured performances by six comedians, each bringing a different style of humor, creating what Davis described as a “lively and upbeat atmosphere.” In addition to the comedy show, attendees took part in raffles that included 20 prize baskets and a 50-50 drawing.

Kiwanis members said the strong turnout reflected continued community support for Kiwanis’ service mission and the importance of the governor’s project.

Community members interested in contributing to the blessing bags or learning more about Kiwanis are encouraged to contact the Island Park Kiwanis Club of another local Kiwanis chapter.

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Future doctors learn pain, addiction care

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

uncomfortable or difficult to discuss.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BUSINESS EXPO & WORKSHOPS

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

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

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

STEPPING OUT

‘Metamorphosis’ unleashed

South Shore Symphony reinvents familiar melodies — and itself

By Abbey Salvemini

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

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

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

Pete Correale

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

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

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

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

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

• Saturday, January 31, 7:30 p.m.

• Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

• Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

JAN

29

Unveiling the Secrets of Long Island’s Sharks

Long Island’s coastal waters are home to an impressive diversity of sharks, yet much about them remains a mystery. Join Chris (“The Fish Guy)” for an engaging presentation at Island Park Public Library. Explore the ongoing efforts of the Shark Research and Education Program at the South Fork Natural History Museum and discover how their work is advancing our understanding of these fascinating apex predators.

• Where: 176 Long Beach Road, Island Park

• Time: 6 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 432-0122

Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out

Long Island Children’s Museum’s welcomes all to its new exhibit.

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

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

Lincoln Orens Science Fair

Students, families and the community are invited to attend the Lincoln Orens Middle School Science Fair. Come explore student-designed projects showcasing creativity, experimentation and scientific inquiry across a wide range of topics.

• Where: 150 Trafalgar Blvd., Island Park

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 434-2630

Tu B’Shevat Shabbat Service

Michael Carbonaro

Volunteer Fair

Oceanside Library hosts its fourth annual Volunteer Fair, drawing people who are eager to connect with local organizations and find meaningful ways to give back. This event will feature a diverse lineup of nonprofits from Oceanside and across Long Island, offering opportunities for people of all ages and interests.

• Where: Oceanside Library, 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside

• Time: 7 p.m.

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

Amazing Animal Encounter

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

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.

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

Talking art

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

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

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

A Cappella Festival

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

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

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

Santa Con-Cert

The Santa Con-Cert is back on! The party starts at 7, so come on down dressed in your Christmas best. It’s after Christmas, but let’s keep the spirit alive! Bring a wrapped up gift for our White Elephant gift exchange. See you there!

• Where: South Shore Craft Brewery, 3505 Hampton Road

• Time: 7-11 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 388-6685

JAN

JAN 30 Trade Night

Celebrate the “New Year of the Trees” with a special Tu B’Shevat Shabbat service designed for children and families. Join us for engaging prayers, hands-on learning and a festive Oneg featuring special fruits and vegetables symbolizing growth and renewal. All are welcome.

• Where: Temple Avodah, 3050 Oceanside Road., Oceanside

• Time: 6 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 766-6809

• Time: Varied, through Feb. 1

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

Oceanside’s Got Talent

Oceanside Library is having its very own talent show! For children in grades K -6, this is an opportunity to show off your amazing talents or cheer on your friends and family!

• Where: 30 Davison Ave., Oceanside

• Time: 7 p.m.

Stop by Evolution Cards & Collectibles for its fifth trade night! Vendors are set up throughout the store helping you with anything you need! They will be buying, selling and trading as well.

• Where: Evolution Cards & Collectibles, 164B Long Beach Road, Island Park

• Time: 5-9 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 889-0077

FEB

1

Puppy Yoga/ Adoption

Puppy Yoga is back at Barrier Brewing in Oceanside! Join Hope for Cleo Animal Rescue for a feel-good morning of movement, puppy cuddles and community at Barrier Brewing Company. Stretch, breathe and smile your way through a beginner-friendly yoga class with adoptable puppies who believe every pose deserves a cuddle. No yoga experience needed; just bring a mat and a good attitude.

• Where: Barrier Brewing Company, 3001 New St., Suite A2, Oceanside

• Time: 10 a.m. and 11 a.m.

• Contact: (516) 594-1028

6th Annual Pickleball Tournament

Bethany House hosts their 6th annual pickleball tournament. All levels are welcome. With raffle items, paddles provided for sale and rent and free 30 minute beginner lessons with Northwell mobility, stability, flexibility and sport risk management informational clinic. It will be a round robin format. All proceeds go towards ending homelessness on Long Island.

• Where: 3573 Maple Court, Oceanside

• Time: 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

• Contact: fmilill056@gmail.com

Nassau County Museum of Art welcomes Christian White. He discusses his work and artistic process rooted in the tradition of Realism. A descendant of a storied lineage of American artists, White continues to honor and expand this legacy through his detailed, perceptive paintings that capture the beauty and truth of everyday life.. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students (members free). Limited seating, register in advance.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 3 p.m.

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

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.

NEWS BRIEFS

OHS earns third consecutive national honor Graphic novelist encourages creativity

Oceanside High School has been named to the College Board’s Advanced Placement (AP) School Honor Roll for the third consecutive year, earning an overall Silver designation for the 2024-2025 school year, which concluded in June.

The College Board’s AP School Honor Roll recognizes high schools nationwide that demonstrate a strong commitment to college readiness by expanding access to Advanced Placement coursework while supporting student participation and performance. Oceanside High School also earned Platinum-level recognition in both the College Credit and College Optimization categories, reflecting high rates of student success and sustained engagement in AP courses across multiple grade levels.

In the College Culture category, Oceanside High School scored within one percent of achieving Gold-level status, highlighting continued growth in expanding AP access and encouraging broader student participation in advanced coursework.

“This recognition reflects our commitment to expanding opportunity and ensuring access to rigorous coursework for every student,” said Diane Provvido, assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and technology. “In Oceanside, all means all. We are incredibly proud of the dedication of our educators and the hard work our students put into their AP studies.”

Oceanside High School currently offers 32 AP courses, along with an AP Seminar

Oceanside High School was named to the College Board’s Advanced Placement School Honor roll for the third consecutive year.

pathway and the AP Capstone Diploma program, providing students with opportunities to develop advanced academic skills, research abilities and college-level writing experience. About 58 percent of students are enrolled in at least one AP course.

In addition to its AP offerings, the Oceanside School District provides 20 dual enrollment courses in partnerships with Nassau Community College, Long Island University and Stony Brook University, allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school.

Oceanside High School has been recognized each year since the AP School Honor Roll’s inception.

— Abigail Grieco

Children’s author and illustrator Jay Cooper brought high-energy storytelling and imagination to the auditorium at School #9E on Jan. 23, encouraging students to believe that creativity, persistence and practice can turn any passion into a superpower.

Cooper — the creator of 29 books including “The Last Comics on Earth,” a New York Times best-selling graphic novel series — captivated first and second grade students as he shared stories from his career, sketched characters live and invited children to take part in the creative process. With the same enthusiasm found in his books, Cooper moved throughout the room, transforming the visit into an interactive lesson on confidence and self-discovery.

As a young student, Cooper struggled with reading until he discovered a SpiderMan comic book. Drawn in by the illustrations, he became motivated to tackle more difficult words, a turning point that eventually led him to excel academically. He shared that story to show students how perseverance and finding the right entry point can make learning enjoyable.

his

on

During the visit, Cooper outlined his creative process and invited students to invent characters of their own. Together, they imagined creations such as a tiger-spider-bunny and a robot designed to guarantee every child a happy birthday. The activity demonstrated how even the most unexpected ideas can evolve into character with purpose.

“I know we’re talking a lot about drawing,” Cooper told the students, “but this isn’t about art. It’s about whatever you want to be super at. If you work hard and practice, you can become super at whatever you want to do.”

The author visit was sponsored by School #9E’s Parent-Teacher Association, continuing the school’s efforts to inspire creativity, literacy and confidence among its students.

— Abigail Grieco

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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

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER’S

SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

Treasurer at: https://www.nassaucou ntyny.gov/527/AnnualTax-Lien-Sale

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.

JANE P.

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.

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

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

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

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 02/11/2026 at 9:30 A.M. to consider the following applications and appeals: THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30

A.M.

83/26. OCEANSIDEMcDonald’s Corp., Renewal of grant to maintain one doublefaced, detached, illuminated ground sign, overall height 25’, overall size 103 sq. ft., setback 3’ from property line., S/s Atlantic Ave., 200.50’ E/o Kenneth Pl., a/k/a 31-35 Atlantic Ave.

84/26. OCEANSIDE - M & T Bank, Renewal of grant to maintain one illuminated, doublefaced, ground sign, overall size 80 sq. ft., overall height 18 ft., setback 5’ from Long Beach Rd., N/W cor. Long Beach Rd. & Atlantic Ave., a/k/a 12 Atlantic Ave. 89/26. NR ISLAND PARK - Christian Miller, Variances, lot area occupied, front yard setbacks on President Pl. & Island Pkwy W., side yard, rear yard, maintain roofed-over decks with stairs & roofed-over garage

entrance all attached to dwelling (demolished existing stairs)., S/W cor. President Pl. & Island Pkwy. W., a/k/a 243 President Pl. 98/26. OCEANSIDEAlex Palco, Maintain pool & equipment, both with less than required side yard setbacks, maintain 4’ high improper pool enclosure (5’ required)., S/s Anchor Pl., 372.08’ E/o Harold St., a/k/a 3520 Anchor Pl. 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.

158019

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE, ON BEHALF OF THE HOLDERS OF THE CSFB MORTGAGE PASS-THROUGH CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2004-CF2, Plaintiff, vs. ALAN MICHAEL BAER AND LESLIE DANA BAER, AS ADMINISTRATORS OF THE ESTATE OF STELLA ANN BAER, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 16, 2022 and an Order Substituting CourtAppointed Referee duly entered on September 11, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side

Collectors pack library for first-ever pin trade

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

The Oceanside Library drew more than 100 collectors of all ages on Jan. 11 for its first-ever Collectors Pin Trade, transforming the library into a lively hub of conversation, connection and creativity as enthusiasts gathered to exchange pins and share stories behind their collections.

The inaugural event brought together seasoned collectors and first-time traders in a welcoming space for all ages, designed to celebrate a niche hobby that organizers say has long lacked a local gathering space. Tables filled quickly as participants opened pin books, compared collections and negotiated trades — often striking up conversations with people they had never met.

“During the event, I realized there was a clear need for something like this on Long Island,” said Stephanie Rizza, head of marketing at the library. “No other local library is currently offering a pintrading program, and we know there is a strong community of collectors who are eager for a space to connect, share and enjoy their hobby together.”

Originally proposed as a Disney pintrading event, the program was expanded to include all types of pins — a decision that broadened its appeal and created a more inclusive environment.

“Oceanside, having been the home of

Disney CEO Bob Iger, has many loyal and dedicated Disney fans,” said Sarah Campbell, head of the library’s youth services.

“But we wanted to expand the types of pins being traded. A few of our staff members and my son, who are also local residents, are collectors and traders of a variety of different themed pins, and I

have never seen an event or place for them to trade and discuss in our area before.”

Throughout the event, collectors sat together flipping through binders, comparing finds and celebrating rare discoveries. According to Rizza, the social aspect of the event was just as meaning-

ful as the trades themselves.

“I saw people actively searching for pins to complete their collections, sitting down together, opening their books and trading stories as well as pins,” Rizza said. “It was especially exciting to see the reactions when attendees came across pins they had never seen in person before. The energy in the room was incredible.”

The Collectors Pin Trade is now a monthly program at the Oceanside Library and is open to collectors of all ages. While buying and selling pins is not permitted, the focus remains on fostering community and shared interests in a safe, family-friendly setting. All pins must feature content appropriate for all ages.

Library administrators said the program reflects a broader commitment to offering innovative, nontraditional programming.

“It is important for us to provide the Oceanside community with opportunities to explore interests they may not typically consider,” said Michelle Samuel, assistant director of the library. “We continually challenge ourselves to think outside the box when planning programs so we can offer a diverse range of experiences, many of which encourage patrons to try something new.”

The next Collectors Pin Trade is scheduled for Feb. 8 from 12:30 to 4 p.m. More information about the events can be found on the Oceanside Library calendar or through its social media channels.

Student poems and performances on display

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

The Oceanside School District is showcasing the creativity and voices of its youngest residents through a Student Fine Arts Display featuring entries from the annual PTA Reflections Contest, now on view at the Oceanside Library.

The month long exhibition highlights artwork created by students from pre-k through 12th grade, all inspired by this year’s national Reflections theme, “I Belong!” The display brings together a wide range of artistic disciplines and offers a glimpse into how students across age groups interpret identity, community and connection through the arts.

of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on March 5, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 103 Knight Street, Oceanside, NY 11572. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon

The second-floor children’s room of the library has been transformed into a gallery space filled with visual, literary, digital and performancebased works. Photographs, drawings and paintings line the walls and shelves, while poems and short stories invite visitors to pause and read the personal reflections of student authors.

In addition to traditional and written pieces, the exhibition features original musical compositions, film projects, choreography and recorded songs. Many of these works are presented in an interactive format, with QR codes placed alongside the displays. Visitors are encouraged to use their phones to scan the codes, allowing them to watch a short film, listen

erected, situate, lying and being at Oceanside, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 54, Block 452 and Lot 11. Approximate amount of judgment is $285,512.03 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #004462/2009. Robert John Aiello, Esq., Referee Eckert Seamans Cherin & Mellott, LLC, 10 Bank Street, Suite 700, White Plains, New York 10606, Attorneys for Plaintiff 158023

Student artwork created for the PTA Reflections Contest is now on display in the children’s room on the second floor of the Oceanside Library, showcasing creative pieces from Oceanside School District students inspired by the theme “I Belong!”

to a song or view a recorded dance performance created by Oceanside students.

AND

Organizers say the interactive elements help bring the students’ creative processes to life and allow the audience to engage more deeply with the work. The combination of physical artwork and digital access reflects the broad scope of the Reflections program, which encourages students to explore the arts in ways that feel meaningful to them.

The PTA Reflections Contest is a

longstanding national arts initiative that aims to foster creativity and selfexpression among students. Oceanside’s display brings together selected entries from across the district, emphasizing both artistic skill and personal storytelling.

The exhibition is open to the public and will remain on display for the entire month of January. Community members, families and students are invited to visit, explore the artwork and celebrate the talents of Oceanside’s young artists.

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

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

DRIVERS WANTED

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

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Situations Wanted

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

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

F/T CHAIRSIDE DENTAL ASSISTANT

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Email Resume to:nylaserendo@gmail.com Call 516-599-7111

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

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

Inside Sales

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

OUTSIDE SALES

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

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

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators

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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.

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

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

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

© 2026 Monte Leeper

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

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OPINIONS

What did Trump gain by badmouthing Denmark?

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

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

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

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

If we simply allow Greenland to

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

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

except the U.S.

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

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

cessfully than at any time in recent memory.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health care reform is a failure from top to bottom

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

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

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

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

Talive.

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

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

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

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

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

Are the hospitals the major culprit?

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

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

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

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

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

HERALD

History’s lessons demand lifelong vigilance

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

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

Eight days later was Holocaust Remembrance Day — another solemn day of commemoration. Each year on Jan. 27 — the date of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945 — we pause to reflect on one of history’s darkest chapters and reaffirm our responsibility to remember.

The day commemorates the 6 million Jewish men, women and children murdered by the Nazi regime during World War II, along with millions of others, including Roma, people with disabilities, political dissidents, members of sexual minorities and others who were targeted and killed.

Remembrance days such as these are often accompanied by moments of

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Yorkers deserve more retirement investment options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FRAMEWORK by Patrick Baker

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

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

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

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

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

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