Oyster Bay Herald 01-22-2026

films.

H.S. sports history comes to life at Locust Valley library

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

Boxes of aging VHS tapes, metal canisters of 8-millimeter film and slide carousels once consigned storage closet at Locust Valley High School are now the nucleus of a local history project at the Locust Valley Public Library.

The library has received hundreds of hours of 20th-century high school sports footage from the Locust Valley High School Athletic Department, and is in the process of digitizing and preserving the material, with dozens of games already available for public viewing online and more to come.

The collection, donated to the library last February, spans decades of athletic history and includes high school football, basketball and lacrosse games filmed as early as the 1950s, according to labels on the original reels. Head Librarian Nadine Buccilli said the scope of the donation became clear only after library staff began assessing the material.

It arrived in multiple formats. There are more than 300 VHS tapes, a number of 8-millimeter film reels in metal tins, and carousels of slides, some partially filled or empty. According to Buccilli, the VHS tapes alone fill 343 cassettes totaling more than

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

The Oyster Bay-East Norwich Central School District Board of Education honored former board president and longtime Trustee Laurie Kowalsky on Tuesday with a plaque of appreciation, recognizing her 10 and a half years of service to the district and its students.

Kowalsky, who stepped down from the board on Dec. 31, was joined at the meeting by her husband, Keith, as current board members and district leadership reflected on her tenure, which spanned periods of academic reform, fiscal constraints and the unprecedented challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

the state’s 2 percent tax cap, rising costs and shifting educational needs, while still advancing new initiatives.

Ianni predicted that the trust and professional respect Kowalsky earned would endure beyond her formal service.

I really do believe that the school district is in good hands

LAURIE KOWALSKY Former trustee, Board of Education

“I have worked with many different leaders, but Ms. Kowalsky’s commitment to excellence and accountability is something I will always value,” he said. “She recognized that dreams are only possible through sacrifices and hard work, and she applied that truth to every decision made for the benefit of our students and community.”

Superintendent Francesco Ianni praised Kowalsky’s commitment to accountability, collaboration and student-centered decision-making. Her work, he said, helped guide the district through years marked by stringent budget restrictions under

Kowalsky announced her decision to step down in a Facebook post, describing her decade on the board as “a meaningful and rewarding experience” and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to serve the community. She also highlighted a series of accomplishments during her time on the board, many of them under Ianni’s CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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HERALD SCHOOLS

took home the Reach Award and Inspire Award from the FIRST qualifiers.

LV robotics team wins accolades at challenge

The Locust Valley High School robotics team “Kuiper” emerged from two days of competitive FIRST Technology Challenge qualifiers at Sewanhaka High School on Jan. 17 and 18 with the first place Reach Award and the team’s first Inspire Award win in a decade.

Kuiper team members have spent months building and tinkering with their robotic contraption to achieve this year’s build of scooping up and throwing plastic balls into goals. They repaired their robot on the fly as a team, ensuring that it survived a bent chassis, and made it all the way to the semifinals on Saturday.

The highly coveted Inspire Award is given to a team that displays professionalism and shares its experiences, enthusiasm and knowledge with other teams, community members and the judges. The Reach Award celebrates a team that has introduced and recruited new people into FIRST.

The team is looking forward to the championships in March, but first will host qualifiers at Locust Valley High School on Jan. 31 and Feb. 1.

DTHE GREAT BOOK GURU

Tiphany’s travails

ear Great Book Guru, One of my 2026 resolutions is to set aside time every night for a family read-aloud session. I’m looking for something great to start us off - something that would appeal to both older children and adults. Any thoughts?

Family Book Reader

Dear Family Book Reader, There are lots of great books out there, but I just finished one I really enjoyed and think your family will too: “The Winter Dollhouse” by Laura Amy Schlitz. Told in multiple perspectives in alternating chapters, the book is suspenseful and poignant. Tiphany (her mother was a huge fan of “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” but a bad speller!) is eleven years-old and pretty much the perfect child, but in her own eyes “plain and ordinary”. She soon becomes a dog walker, actor, thief, and rescuer. The person she res-

cues is Szilvia Rozsahegyi, an elderly Hungarian woman - owner of a magnificent albeit shabby dollhouse - who soon hires Tiphany to walk her dog. Mr. DeLuca is the cantankerous owner of a toy store who does not like children, especially Tiphany. Gretel and Red are small dolls who have lots to say. Throughout, the usual fairy tale stereotypes are upturned.

ANN DIPIETRO

Szilvia could very well be a witch but instead is an acerbic but loving friend to Tiphany. The girl’s stepmother Holly is devoted to her, and the “wolf” dog becomes her rescuer.

There are lost jewels, missing dolls, and a century old mystery – all of which are resolved in a most satisfying conclusion. Definitely a good choice for a family read-aloud.

Would you like to ask the Great Book Guru for a book suggestion? Contact her at annmdipietro@gmail.com.

NEWS BRIEF

Hometown heroes applications open now

The Town of Oyster Bay is now accepting applications for the 2026 Hometown Heroes Community Recognition Program. This initiative honors the service of the brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces – both living and deceased – who are current or former residents of the town.

“This Hometown Heroes Banner Recognition Program allows us to show our deep gratitude to the men and women who have put their lives on the line for our nation,” Town Councilman Steve Labriola wrote in a statement. “Their courage and dedication deserve our utmost respect, and this initiative provides a lasting tribute to their service. We are proud to bring this important initiative back to our communities.”

The program features banners bearing the honorees’ names, ranks, photographs, and areas of service. These banners will be displayed at selected park facilities throughout the town in the months leading up to Veterans Day in November. To participate, individuals or organizations may sponsor a banner for $75, covering the production cost. No profit is made from this program.

After Veterans Day, the banners will be taken down to prevent damage from winter weather and returned to the service member’s family or loved ones. Those who sponsored banners in the previous year must submit a new application to be included in the 2026 season. Applications are due by March 13. For more information contact OysterBayTown.com/herobanners or (516) 797-4121.

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Digitizing hundreds of hours of sports film

686 hours of footage.

“We didn’t know what we were doing with them when we first got them,” she said. “But initially, my thought was, let’s see if it’s something we can preserve and digitize so that there’s access to them. This really is a preservation project first, and digitizing is part of that.”

It’s a really interesting catalog of this athletic history across Nassau and Suffolk counties through three decades of film.

NICOLE MENCHISE

Digitization and archives coordinator, Long Island Library Resources Council

Because magnetic tape degrades more rapidly than film, the library prioritized the VHS tapes.

Staff members contacted the Atreyu Project, a company that works with libraries and historical societies to restore old audio recordings and create digital archives, which agreed to assess the condition of the tapes at no cost. After testing an initial batch of 10 tapes and confirming that they were in good shape, the library moved forward with the digitizing process.

Using grant funding, it began by having 54 VHS tapes digitized and uploaded to its website. Those videos, which range in date from 1971 through 2005, are now available to the public and featured on the library’s homepage.

“There are 55 up on the website right now, VHS only,” Buccilli said. “My goal was to … at least make some progress with this within a year, and I feel we did that. We got it in February, and it’s up in January.”

To guide the broader preservation effort, the library also turned to the Long Island Library Resources Council, a nonprofit created by the state in 1966 to support libraries across Nassau and Suffolk counties. The council provides continuing education, archival consulting and digitization services to its member institutions.

Nicole Menchise, the council’s digitization and archives coordinator, said that the Locust Valley library submitted an application in July after receiving the films. The request was placed in the council’s Accessing Archives program, which sends a project archivist to institutions that lack the staff or expertise to manage specialized materials.

The archivist, Robert Annen, is scheduled to begin work at the library this spring. He will inspect the films, repair them if needed, digitize as much material as possible and rehouse the originals in proper archival containers for long-term storage.

Once digitized, many of the films will be made available on the New York Heritage Digital Collections website, which hosts historical materials from institutions across the state. Menchise said the Locust Valley footage is expected to appear later this year.

The significance of the collection extends beyond Locust Valley, according to those involved. While the footage documents the Falcons’ athletic history, it also captures their opponents over the decades, including teams from Cold Spring Harbor, East Rockaway, Floral

Park, Glen Cove and Oyster Bay.

“It’s not just the Locust Valley schools,” Menchise said. “It’s schools across Long Island that the Locust Valley teams have played. It’s a really interesting catalog of this athletic history across Nassau and Suffolk counties through three decades of film.”

Jennifer Santo, the library’s reference librarian, has played a key role in organizing the project and preparing metadata so the digitized footage can be accurately described and searched online. The library is also investing in staff training to ensure that future uploads are properly cataloged.

For Buccilli, part of the appeal lies in the human connections captured in the grainy footage. Some of the older films lack sound, while later VHS recordings capture announcers and crowd noise, complete with distinctive Long Island accents.

“You hear some pretty good accents,” Buccilli said. “Great things that bring you right back. It’s just a nice snapshot of the times.”

The response from the community, she said, has already been encouraging. One former Locust Valley resident now living in California contacted the

library shortly after the videos went online, eager to see footage from his hometown.

“I really hope that people do feel a sense of community,” Buccilli said. “Being able to see your grandparents playing in a game, or sharing it with your grandchildren. These things were filmed as part of the school’s and the community’s life.”

The library views the project as an ongoing initiative rather than a onetime release. Grant applications are pending to fund additional digitization, particularly of the 8-millimeter films, some of which date back to the 1950s. Library officials also hope to collaborate with the school district on future programming, such as public screenings.

“It’s history that doesn’t have a good shelf life if you don’t do something with it,” Buccilli said. “We’re very proud of the work the library’s done, and we’re super thankful to the high school and the athletic department for thinking of us. This is something that’s only going to grow.”

To learn more about the project and to view some of the old film, visit LocustValleyLibrary.org.

OBEN school board honors Laurie Kowalsky

leadership: improvements in academic performance, gains in graduation rates from the mid-80-percent range to consistently high-90-percent levels, and increases in four-year college applications.

Kowalsky also pointed to the district’s strong Moody’s rating as an indicator of financial health, noting that those advances came while it navigated Covid disruptions, high inflation and the constraints of the tax cap.

The day after the ceremony, Kowalsky reflected on her path to the board, which began with years of involvement in the schools as a parent, and volunteering in the community. She served on the PTA and the PTA Council in the 2000s, and oversaw the parking for Oyster Fest for several years at Roosevelt School and Oyster Bay High School.

Her initial motivation to seek a seat on the school board, she said, stemmed from a belief in public education and concern about the district’s reputation at the time.

“A lot of friends had told me, ‘You can’t put your kids in Oyster Bay schools. Just terrible. And don’t do it,’” Kowalsky recalled. “I really believe in public schools, so I wanted to figure out why the ratings were so low and why people felt that way about the school, and maybe there was something we could do about it.”

Describing herself as “data-driven,” Kowalsky said she believed that real change required a superintendent willing to closely examine performance metrics. She credited Ianni with doing just that, particularly in areas such as Advanced Placement results, graduation rates and postsecondary outcomes.

“One of the things that bothered me a lot was that it was like we could only get, like, 60 percent of the kids — I think it was 62 percent of the kids — three or above

on an AP exam,” she said. “To me, that’s failing.”

That number rose to about 84 percent over several years, she added, reflecting what she believed was the district’s untapped potential.

Kowalsky also spoke about the challenges the board faced during the pandemic, including the search for a new superintendent, surging inflation and decisions about reopening schools. The district was among the first in Nassau County, she said, to bring students back to classrooms full time, driven by concerns about the impact of prolonged remote learning, particularly on younger students.

The Art of Negotiation

Gallucci Sr. Managing Director, Whitestone Analytics; Adjunct Professor, Adelphi University

At the same time, the board was grappling with rising costs that far outpaced the allowable tax levy increase. Kowalsky said the board challenged district leadership to avoid cutting programs or staff despite increases in the consumer price index of 8 and 9 percent.

“We had to say, ‘How are we going to navigate this?’” she recounted. “‘We don’t want to cut programming. We don’t want to cut staff.’”

Kowalsky singled out current board President Nancy Castrogiovanni, Vice President Maryann Santos and Trustee Mike Schindler as particularly influential collaborators. Their focus on academics, finances and getting students back into classrooms, she said, was central to the district’s progress.

Her decision to step down, Kowalsky said, was driven by family and professional considerations. One of her daughters has moved to Miami, and her other children spend a significant amount of time in Florida. Increased work travel and return-to-office requirements made balancing board responsibilities increasingly difficult.

“It was becoming just so hard to get back, between work travel and board meetings,” she said, adding that January was a natural transition point as her commitments increased.

She also noted how the community has changed over the years, particularly with the addition of universal busing and prekindergarten, which she said reflect the needs of today’s two-income families.

Looking ahead, Kowalsky said she believes the district is well-positioned for continued success, with new initiatives such as a science program aimed at future Regeneron competition and continued academic focus under the current board leadership.

“I really do believe,” she said, “that the school district is in good hands.”

Hochul delivers her fifth State of the State

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

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

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

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

GOv. KATHy HOcHul

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

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

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

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

Housing, infrastructure, public safety

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

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

infrastructure projects.

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

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

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

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

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

Immigration, civil rights, federal tensions

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

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

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

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

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

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

Blakeman’s rebuttal sharpens political contrast

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Info session on immigration draws crowd

By WILL SHEELINE & ROKSANA AMID of the Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald

Amid an increase in immigration enforcement activity on Long Island, more than 150 residents packed First Baptist Church, in Glen Cove, on Jan. 15 for a community meeting, organized by Assemblyman Charles Lavine, focused on how residents can support immigrant neighbors and respond to what speakers described as escalating fear and uncertainty.

The gathering brought together civil liberties advocates, faith leaders and members of local rapid-response networks, following two recent vigils in Glen Cove led by Lavine, who said that more opportunities for community action are planned.

Leslie Dwyer, a member of the Glen Cove Rapid Response Network and Director of Public Affairs for Lavine, set an urgent tone. “Does everyone agree that enough is enough?” she asked the crowd. “We are here to promote good over evil.”

Roger Street Friedman, a Sea Cliff resident and RRN volunteer who helped organize the event, explained that community members wanted to learn more following escalating tensions between ICE agents and protesters across the country.

“I think people are upset and want to do something, but don’t know what

their rights are,” he said. “We have so much interest from the community and there’s so much misinformation that it felt like a very important time to do an information session.”

Recent events have unfolded so quickly, Dwyer said, that many residents feel overwhelmed, adding that distraction itself can be a strategy.

“Tonight we’re going to focus on one place we can make a difference, and that is how we support our immigrant neighbors,” she said. “Although we’re limited in what we can do, we don’t have to sit idly by and watch.”

immigration law to address widespread misconceptions. She emphasized that immigration enforcement falls under civil, not criminal law.

I think people are upset and want to do something, but don’t know what their rights are

Lavine, addressing the packed sanctuary, framed the meeting as a moral and civic response to federal immigration policies under President Trump. “There is such a thing as political science,” he said. “Political science requires important governmental decisions to be made based on truth, honesty, empirical studies and good faith — not on whim, not on personal grievance, hatred, racism or financial self-dealing.”

ROGER STREET

FRIEDMAN

Sea Cliff

Gottehrer outlined various forms of legal immigration status, including Temporary Protected Status, work visas, school visas and asylum, stressing that they are “all legal processes.” Many immigrants, she said, are actively complying with the system, attending hearings and maintaining paperwork, yet they face sudden changes. “Trump is doing everything he can to remove the legal status,” she said, “because they’re doing the right thing,” and are detained.

Gottehrer explained that the county allows U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to train and deputize local police officers and corrections officers to perform certain immigration enforcement functions.

due process.

Sonia Arora, of the Port Washington Rapid Response Network, described how community-organizing efforts dating back to 2016 have evolved into more formal support systems.

Those early efforts, she said, focused on building trust with community leaders such as educators, librarians, clergy and an immigration attorney.

She explained that rapid-response networks now use tools to confirm ICE sightings, and stressed the importance of verification to avoid spreading panic.

Beyond monitoring, Arora outlined a wide range of support services, including food coordination through houses of worship, legal and “know your rights” clinics, guardianship planning in case a parent is detained, and translation services. “You are witnesses,” she told the gathering. “You are observers.”

Tracy Bacher, a constituant liasion for Lavine involved with the Glen Cove Rapid Response Network, urging attendees to “be a witness,” saying, “we cannot let them operate in the shadows.”

Susan Gottehrer, director of the Nassau County chapter of the New York Civil Liberties Union, offered what she described as “the nuts and bolts” of

She questioned how residents could determine whether an officer is acting as a local official or an ICE agent, reminded attendees that the agency generally needs a judicial warrant to detain someone, and distinguished judicial warrants from administrative warrants, which she described as lacking

The Rev. Roger C. Williams, pastor of First Baptist Church, closed the program by linking the meeting to the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. “We’re caught up in this inescapable mutuality in a single garment of destiny — we are all together,” he said, paraphrasing King. “You cannot lift up yourself while debasing someone else.”

Students showcase independent research

Students in James H. Vernon Elementary School’s Atlantis Program transformed the school’s new athletic complex into a research showcase on Jan. 14, presenting independent projects that ranged from wildlife management to philosophical inquiry.

The symposium featured interactive displays where fourth through sixth grade students shared months of research with parents and guests, fielding questions on the topics they had explored.

The Atlantis Program, an enrichment initiative led by teacher Joanne Loring, guides qualified students through progressively sophisticated levels of independent research. Fourth graders learn to develop strong research questions, fifth graders study what it means to become an expert in a subject and sixth graders focus on creating action-oriented projects that emphasize innovation.

Projects explored questions including how humans can safely coexist with rising deer populations, how cultural differences between China and America affect approaches to education and how prosthetic limb technology can be advanced for future users.

Other students examined philosophical questions, such as how optimism influences thinking, or ethical dilemmas, including why animal lovers might support cosmetic surgeries for pets that some consider cruel. One student created original artwork to convey concerns about social media’s impact on youth, while another analyzed Vernon School’s environment to identify improvements that would benefit students with colorblindness.

–Will Sheeline

Blakeman is

By MOHAMMAD RAFIQ mrafiq@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Compiled by Herald Staff

Jack Murphy Massapequa Park age 14

I want to work on my reading and baseball skills

Photo: Melanie Murphy

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

Breanna Pullo Franklin Square

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

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Angela Ortiz Inwood

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

Tim Baker/Herald photos

Nicholas Carroll Malverne

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

Tim Baker/Herald photos

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

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

Eliana Turzio Rockville Centre age 11

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

Tim Baker/Herald photos

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

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

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

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

Thank you,

Sincerely,

Scott Jennings, President & COO PSEG Long Island

STEPPING OUT

Feelings come to life

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

By Abbey Salvemini

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

child adds colorful paper to the Long Term Memory wall, creating a glowing display inside “Emotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ballet Hispánico’s CARMEN.maquia

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

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

Art talk

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

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

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

JAN

Blues night

The Bayville Village Arts Council welcomes all to a free concert with feature various local artists performing the blues. Enjoy a unique blues experience.

• Where: Bayville Arts & Community Center, 88 Bayville Ave., Bayville

• Time: 8 p.m.

JAN

Art talk

Nassau County Museum of Art hosts

Dee Shapiro, a New York–based artist, is known for her richly detailed paintings exploring geometry, architecture, and place. She discusses works from her City and Landscapes series featured in The Real, Surreal, and Photoreal exhibit, which capture the rhythm and structure of urban and natural environments.. $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

Yoga Book Club

Join Oyster Bay Yoga for an evening of movement, connection and conversation. The evening begins with all-levels yoga and move into a discussion of “The Book Club for Troublesome Women” by Marie Bostwick. Admission is free for members and $30 per person for non-members.

• Where: 9 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay

• Time: 6:30 p.m.

• Contact: iysterbayyoga.com or (516) 922-4222

Town Board meets The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to attend their upcoming board meeting, held at Town Hall North, to engage with their government and find out what’s going on in their community.

• Where: 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay

• Time: 10 a.m.

• Contact: (516) 624-6380

JAN

Pete Correale

also enjoy frosty-themed face painting to complete their chilly transformation. Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen” makes a special appearance, giving guests the chance to strike a regal, icy pose with the Snow Queen herself. $8, $6 for seniors (65+) and children (4-17).

• Where: The Whaling Museum and Education Center, 301 Main St., Cold Spring Harbor

• Time: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

• Contact: cshwhalingmuseum. org or (631) 367-3418

Talking art

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.

JAN

28

By Design: Women Building Influence, Growth and Change

Licensed architext and firm principal Serda Urganciyan speaks about navigating growth, visibility and influence as a woman in business at Oyster Bay’s Life Enrichment Center. $15 per person for Oyster Bay-East Norwich Chamber of Commerce members, $20 per person for non-members.

• Where: 45 East Main St.

• Time: 6 p.m.

• Contact: visitoysterbay.com or (516) 259-1842

JAN

30

Intentional listening circle

Visit Oyster Bay Yoga to share stories, listen and connect with community members as part of their intentional listening circle led by Kaitlyn Pawlukojc. The group meets once a month. All are welcome.

• Where: 9 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay

• Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.

• Contact: oysterbayyoga.com or (516) 922-4222

JAN

31

Lunar New Year Celebration

Families are invited to vibrant celebration of art and music when Nassau County Museum of Art ushers in the Lunar New Year, honoring the rich creative contributions of Chinese culture. Activities include a Year of the Horse craft at the Manes Center. Before or after art making, head to the mansion to enjoy cultural performances. $20, $10 child; members free. Registration required.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

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

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

FEB

1

Winter In The Woods

Explore Sands Point Preserve’s natural environment on a guided tour. Examine the preserve’s unique physical features and wildlife, as well as critical conservation issues

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

• Time: 9 p.m., doors open

8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

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

and helpful practices to create a healthy, sustainable environment. Environmental educator Hildur Palsdottir engages everyone in hands-on nature discovery activities as participants observe the changing season. Meet at Castle Gould’s Clock Tower.15, $10 members; children $5, free for members.

• Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point

• Time: 10-11:30 a.m.

• Contact: sandspointpreserveconservancy. org or call (516) 571-7901

FrostFest

Step into a world of frosty fun, The Whaling Museum and Education Center invites families to a spectacular day of wintry wonder at their second annual FrostFest. FrostFest is a seasonal celebration designed for kids of all ages. Dive into the icy secrets of the polar seas and uncover why the ocean’s coldest corners are teeming with surprises. Young explorers can create frosty crafts, launch into action in their Catapult Lab, and try their hand at “tagging” arctic creatures in their polar fishing activity. Visitors can

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

FEB 5

Monthly meditation

Sands Point Preserve’s historic mansions and waterfront grounds are the backdrop for an evening of nature-based mindfulness and meditation with Hildur Palsdottir, first Thursday monthly. Classes are held in the beautiful rooms of the Preserve’s mansions, or in the Hempstead House Garden when weather permits. Explore techniques specifically aimed at stress reduction. Hildur adapts ancient Buddhist teachings to modern applications for calming the mind. With transformative practices you will access wisdom and clarity to live a more compassionate life. In addition to facilitating these monthly groups, Hildur offers support with establishing a home meditation practice. No feeling is final. $17 per class.

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

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

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

Having an event?

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

Local priorities frame the governor’s race

By JEFFREY BESSEN jbessen@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

“The environment of Long Island, it is everything, it means more here than most places because its, an island,” Hochul said, noting the $3 million she approved for upgrading septic systems. She called the nearly $4 billion com-

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

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

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

Cohen noted the substantial growth the two-county region has undergone in the 100 years since the LIA was found.

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

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

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

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

DiNapoli noted that while the state has a relatively strong economy, uncer-

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

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

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

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

January 22, 2026 —

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Public Notices

INC. VILLAGE OF LAUREL HOLLOW

AVISO PÚBLICO PUEBLO INC. DE LAUREL HOLLOW

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the offices to be filled at the next General Election of the Incorporated Village of Laurel Hollow, to be held on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, from noon to 9:00 p.m. at Village Hall, 1492 Laurel Hollow Road, and the terms thereof are as follows:

AVISO SE DICE POR LA PRESENTE que las oficinas que se llenarán en las próximas Elecciones Generales del Pueblo Incorporado de Laurel Hollow, que se llevarán a cabo el martes 16 de junio de 2026 desde el mediodía hasta las 9:00 p.m. en Village Hall, 1492 Laurel Hollow Road, y sus términos son los siguientes:

TRUSTEE Two Years

TRUSTEE Two Years

TRUSTEE Two Years

Fideicomisario Dos años

Fideicomisario Dos años

Fideicomisario Dos años

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES

POR ORDEN DE LA JUNTA DE TRUSTEES

Cathryn Hillmann

Clerk-Treasurer Secretario

Dated: January 23, 2026

Fecha: 23 de enero de 2026 157988

LEGAL NOTICE

New York Surrogate’s Court Accounting Citation

SURROGATE’S COURT, NASSAU COUNTY CITATION

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, By the Grace of God Free and Independent TO: Grassi Advisory Group, Inc. Office of the NYS Attorney General Jasper Surety Elizabeth Fey

Sita Fey Erica Fey any and all unknown persons whose names or parts of whose names and whose place or places of residence are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained, distributees, heirs-atlaw and next-of-kin of the said Nathanial Johnson Jr. , deceased, and if any of the said distributees named specifically or as a class be dead, their legal representatives, their husbands or wives, if any, distributees and successors in interest whose names and/or places of residence and post office addresses are unknown and cannot after diligent inquiry be ascertained A petition having been duly filed by Public Administrator of Nassau County, who is domiciled at 240 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York 11501.

$29,537.20, of which $ 2,037.20 has been paid and $ 27,500.00 is unpaid;

4. Fixing and determining the accounting fees of Grassi & Co, CPA’s, PC in the amount of $ 8,560.00 of which $ 2,560.00 has been paid and $ 6,000.00 is unpaid;

5. Releasing and discharging the surety;

6. Directing each of you claiming to be a distributee of the Decedent to establish proof of your kinship, and show cause why the balance of said funds should not be paid to said alleged distributees upon proof of kinship or deposited with the New York State Comptroller on account for the unknown next of kin of Nathanial Johnson, Jr., decedent, should said alleged distributees default herein or fail to establish proof of kinship;

YOU ARE HEREBY CITED TO SHOW CAUSE before the Surrogate’s Court, Nassau County, at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola, New York, on February 25th, 2026, at 9:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, why the account of Public Administrator of Nassau County, a summary of which has been served herewith, as Administrator of the estate of Nathanial Johnson Jr, should not be judicially settled. [X] Further relief sought (if any): 1. Releasing and discharging the Petitioner from all liability, responsibility and accountability as to all matters set forth in the account of proceedings;

2. Allowing the commissions of the Petitioner in the amount of $ 10,230.03 pursuant to SCPA 2307(1) and the reasonable and necessary expenses of the office in the amount of $ 2,307.61 pursuant to SCPA 1207(4);

3. Fixing and determining the attorney’s fees and disbursements of Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC attorney for petitioner in the amount of $ 26,603.28 as and for legal fees and $ 2,933.92 as and for disbursements, for a total of

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.

7. Granting such other and further relief as to the Court is just and proper Dated, Attested, and Sealed, December 22, 2025 (Seal)

HON. Rhonda E. Fischer Surrogate s/ Debra Keller Leimbach

Chief Clerk

Signature of Attorney Richard T. Kerins, Esq. Print Name of Attorney Mahon, Mahon, Kerins & O’Brien, LLC

Firm Name (516) 538-1111 Telephone 254 Nassau Boulevard South, Garden City South, New York 11530 Address Email (optional)

NOTE: This citation is served upon you as required by law. You are not required to appear. If you fail to appear it will be assumed that you do not object to the relief requested. You have a right to have an attorney appear for you, and you or your attorney may request a copy of the full account from the petitioner or petitioner’s attorney. 157838

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY

TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 17th, 2026, will sell at public online auction the tax

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

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

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

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

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

Dated: January 22, 2026

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Mineola, New York

TERMS OF SALE

Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts. However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased. The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the

Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) receivership.

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

The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be

retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale. Furthermore, as to the bidding,

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

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

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

4. If it is determined that the bidder(s) have violated any of these bid requirements then their bid shall be voided and if they were the successful bidder the lien and any deposits made in connection with said bid shall be forfeited. Dated: January 22, 2026THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER Mineola, New York 157891

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE INC. VILLAGE OF LAUREL HOLLOW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Special Meetings of the Board of Trustees of the Inc. Village of Laurel Hollow will be held at the Village Hall, 1492 Laurel Hollow Road, in said Village, on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., and, if required, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the preliminary budget for 2026-27. These meetings are open to the general public.

Cathryn Hillmann Village Clerk-Treasurer Dated: January 13, 2026 157987

LEGAL NOTICE

Locust Valley Central School District Request for Proposals for Construction Management Proposals from qualified and experienced individuals and firms are requested by the Board of Education of Locust Valley Central School District, Town of Oyster Bay, Nassau County, New York for Construction Management Services to provide management and oversight for two major 2026 summer renovations. Proposals will be received until 11:00 a.m. on January 30, 2026, in the Business Office, at Locust Valley CSD, 22 Horse Hollow Road, Locust Valley, NY 11560. Attention: Karen Horoszewski, Assistant Superintendent for Business. Interested, qualified and experienced providers can obtain Request for Proposal documents beginning January 21, 2026 in the Administration Building, online at www.locustvalleyschoo ls.org or via email request to LVpurchasing@locustva

Public Notices

lleyschools.org

157990

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE TO BIDDERS

The Board of Education of the Locust Valley Central School District invites the submission of Sealed Bid Proposals to furnish materials and labor to complete the Elevator Refurbishment at Locust Valley Middle and High School in accordance with the plans and specifications for the following category(ies) of work:

LOCUST VALLEY

CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

CAPITAL

IMPROVEMENT

PROJECT

Locust Valley Middle School & High School Elevator Refurbishment NYSED PROJECT NO.:

28-05-03-06-0-012-060

Bid # LV012-03

CONTRACT G-1:

GENERAL CONSTRUCTION

Sealed Bid Proposals will be received until 10:00 am prevailing time on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at the School District Administration Office, 22 Horse Hollow Rd. Locust Valley, N.Y. 11560, at which time and place the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. Any bid may be withdrawn without prejudice prior to the official bid opening time or any publicized postponement thereof. Any bid received after the time and date stated above will be returned to the bidder unopened. Bidders are solely responsible for the arrival of each bid at the School District Administration Office by the appointed time, regardless of the means of delivery. Bids must be presented on the standard bid proposal form(s) in the manner designated therein and as required by the Specifications. All bids must be addressed to the Purchasing Agent, Justine Stringer, District Administration Building, 22 Horse Hollow Rd. Locust Valley, N.Y. 11560. All bids shall be sealed and in an opaque envelope that is distinctly marked on the outside as follows:

“Bid # LV012-0, Elevator Refurbishment at Locust Valley Middle and High School” as required by the Bid Specifications. The

name of the bidder, bidders address, and the name of the contract, and/or contracts being bid must also appear on the outside of the envelope.

The Contract Documents may be examined at the Office of the Architect, Mark Design Studios Architecture, PC, 270 North Broadway, Hicksville New York, 516-827-0240 (phone) during the hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. excluding holidays.

Bidders are encouraged to call ahead; however the Contract Documents may only be obtained through the Office of REVplans, 28 Church Street, Unit #7, Warwick, New York 10990 (877-272-0216) beginning on Tuesday, January 27, 2026. Complete digital sets of Contract Documents shall be obtained online (with a free user account) as a download for a nonrefundable fee of One Hundred ($100.00) Dollars at the following website: revplans.biddyhq.com under ‘public projects’. Optionally, in lieu of digital copies, hard copies may be obtained directly from REVplans upon a deposit of One Hundred ($100.00) Dollars for each complete set. Checks for deposits shall be made payable to Locust Valley Central School District, and may be uncertified. Plan deposit is refundable in accordance with the terms of the ‘Information For Bidders’ to all submitting bids. Bidding Document costs are refundable provided the documents are returned to REVplans within thirty (30) days of the Bid Opening, and are COMPLETE, UNMARKED and in NOT TORN condition.

Any bidder requiring printed documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. All bid addenda will be transmitted to registered plan holders via email and will be available at the above.

Any bidder requiring documents to be shipped shall make arrangements with the printer and pay for all packaging and shipping costs. Plan holders who have obtained hard copies of

the bid documents will need to make the determination if hard copies of the addenda are required for their use, and coordinate directly with the printer for hard copies of addenda to be issued. There will be no charge for registered plan holders to obtain hard copies of the bid addenda. The bid deposit for hard copies will be returned upon receipt of plans and specifications, in good condition, within thirty days after bid date, except for the lowest responsible bidder, whose check will be forfeited upon the award of the contract.

A Pre-Bid conference and walk-through will be held promptly at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at the Locust Valley Middle and High School located at 99 Horse Block Rd, Locust Valley, NY 11560. All bidders shall meet at the front entrance of the school. Prospective bidders are strongly encouraged to attend. Knowledge of the site is crucial to obtain a proper understanding of the Work. All bidders must be fully familiar with the site. Bidders shall visit the sites of proposed work and be fully familiarized with conditions as they exist, as well as the character of the operations to be carried on under the proposed contract. All visits must be scheduled & coordinated with Brandon Steck, Director of Operations, at (516) 827 - 0240 or by email to brandon@markdesigns tudios.com.

Each bid must be accompanied by a certified check payable to LOCUST VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT or by a Bid Bond in an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the bid conditioned as set forth in the “Information for Bidders” of the Bid Specifications. All bid security, except those of the three lowest bidders will be returned within ten (10) days after bids are submitted. The bid security provided by the three lowest bidders will be returned after the execution of the Trade Contract. The District will require the successful bidder to provide separate Performance and Labor & Materials Payment

Bonds in the amount of the contract price and in the form specified in the Bid Documents. Each Bidder shall prepare their bid proposal, along with a bid security, in accordance with the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in the “Information for Bidders” and Bid Specifications. Attention of bidders is particularly called to the minimum wage rates to be paid under the contracts. Wages to workers, laborers and mechanics employed to work on this project shall be paid in accordance with Section 220 of the Labor Law and in accordance with the Prevailing Rate Schedules found in the Project Manual. Proof of such payments will be required. The District reserves the right to award a contract to the lowest responsible bidder providing the required security within fortyfive (45) days of the date opening of the bids. To the fullest extent allowed by law, the District further reserves the right to reject bids that contain conditions, omissions, exceptions or modifications, or in its sole discretion to waive any irregularities in the bids, or to reject any or all bids, or to accept any bid which in the opinion of the District is in its best interest.

By Order of Board of Education

Locust Valley Central School District 157989

LEGAL NOTICE

INCORPORATED

VILLAGE OF LAUREL HOLLOW

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC

HEARING

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Laurel Hollow shall, on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. or as soon as possible thereafter, conduct a public hearing relative to Introductory Local Law D-2026, which would authorize the Board of Trustees to adopt a budget for the fiscal year commencing June 1, 2026 that requires a real property tax levy in excess of the amount otherwise prescribed in General Municipal Law §3-c. Said public hearing shall be held at the Village Hall, 1492

Laurel Hollow Road, Laurel Hollow, New York.

Copies of said local law will be available for review at the Village Hall during normal business hours, and can be found on our website www.laurelhollow.org.

By Order of the Board of Trustees

Cathryn Hillmann Clerk-Treasurer

Dated: January 15, 2026

Publication Date: January 23, 2026 157986

LEGAL NOTICE INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF LAUREL HOLLOW

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that, on January 14, 2026, after a Public Hearing duly held by the Board of Trustees of the Incorporated Village of Laurel Hollow, the following local law was adopted by the Board of Trustees:

Local Law No. 1-2026

A LOCAL LAW authorizing the Board of Trustees, to amend Chapter 1, General Provision Local Law No. 2-2026

A LOCAL LAW authorizing the Board of Trustees, to amend Chapter 135-1(B), Vehicles and Traffic Local Law No. 3-2026

A LOCAL LAW authorizing the Board of Trustees, to amend Chapter 38, Dogs

Copies of the local law, as adopted, are available at Village Hall for review.

This local law was effective immediately upon filing in the office of the Secretary of State.

By Order of the Board of Trustees

Dated: January 15, 2026

Cathryn Hillmann

Clerk-Treasurer 157985

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, STORMFIELD CAPITAL FUNDING I, LLC, Plaintiff, vs. 63 MILL RIVER ROAD, LLC A/K/A 63 MILL RIVER ROAD LLC, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order for Reformation, Confirming Referee’s Report of Amount Due and for Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 16, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 23, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 63 Mill River Road, Upper Brookville, NY 11771 a/k/a 63 Mill River Road, Glen Head, NY 11545. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Upper Brookville, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 24, Block B and Lot 893, as well as all personal property of Defendant as identified in that certain Consolidation, Extension, Spreader and Modification Agreement, dated as of November 15, 2022, and recorded on January 2, 2023 in Book M, Volume 46996, Page 950, and that certain Building Loan Mortgage, Assignment of Rents, Security Agreement and Fixture Filing, dated as of November 15, 2022, and recorded on January 20, 2023, in Book M, Volume 47021, Page 307, and excluding any funds held by Plaintiff in any

reserve, escrow, or suspense fund and excluding any funds held by Plaintiff in any cash management account. Approximate amount of judgment is $2,578,897.79 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #621084/2023.

Melvyn Roth, Esq., Referee

Polsinelli PC, Aaron P. Davis, Esq., 600 Third Avenue, 42nd Floor, New York, New York 10016, Attorneys for Plaintiff 157967

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, JOVIA FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION F/K/A NASSAU EDUCATORS FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, Plaintiff, vs. JOSEPH W. BUFFA, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale and Other Relief duly entered on April 4, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 5 Hilltop Drive, Bayville, NY 11709. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Incorporated Village of Bayville, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 29, Block 12 and Lots 67, 68 and 69. Approximate amount of judgment is $356,936.14 plus interest and costs.

Premises will be sold subject to the provisions of filed Judgment Index #617497/2022. Keith Lavallee, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 231850-1 157969

LEGAL NOTICE Notice of Sale Supreme Court: Nassau County Point 62 LLC v Carol Gordon et al. Defts Index 605518/2022 Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale filed and entered September 12, 2023 I will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Dr. Mineola NY 11501 on February 26, 2026 at 2:00 pm premises known as School District 306 a/k/a BA-6, Section 66, Block 124, Lot 61, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau, State of New York Sold subject to the terms of sale and filed judgment of foreclosure. Bank Checks Only, must be payable to the Referee for 25% of Bid Price, No Cash Accepted. Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.” Covid-19 safety protocols will be followed at the foreclosure sale. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health and safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction. Ronald J Ferraro, Esq., Referee 157983

OPINIONS

The tax cap is squeezing us, and Albany needs to fix it

Across Nassau County, villages are facing a financial bind that grows tighter each year. As president of the Nassau County Village Officials Association and mayor of Sea Cliff, I hear the same concern from every mayor and trustee I speak with: The state’s 2 percent property tax cap no longer reflects economic reality, and is undermining the ability of local governments to provide essential services.

The premise of the tax cap sounds simple: Limit the annual growth of the property tax levy to 2 percent or the rate of inflation, whichever is lower. In practice, this has become a structural problem for villages, because almost all major cost drivers rise far faster than 2 percent per year.

Local governments operate in the same economy as every small business and household. In recent years, insurance premiums have soared at doubledigit rates. Pension and health care obligations are set at the state level, not locally, but villages must pay them. Utility and fuel costs swing dramatically with global markets. The cost of

Wasphalt, concrete and construction materials continues to accelerate. Salary growth for police officers, who make up the largest portion of the budget for many villages, is determined largely by collective bargaining agreements, which are impacted by state mandates, not local discretion.

In Sea Cliff, the impact of these rising costs is real and immediate, affecting our ability to provide essential public services.

Villages are capped at increases that don’t come close to covering expenses.

Recently we contemplated the purchase of a new fire truck, a critical piece of lifesaving equipment that cannot be postponed, the cost of which has risen dramatically in recent years. This investment, vital for our community, is far beyond what we can responsibly absorb under the tax cap. A fire truck isn’t a luxury or a wish-list item; it is an essential investment in public safety. Combined with escalating state-driven expenses and other top-down mandates, the cap makes meeting basic needs increasingly difficult.

In other words, villages are being legally capped at increases that don’t even come close to covering expenses passed down directly from the state itself.

The most frustrating aspect of the cap is that Albany preserved almost all

of its own authority over local government costs while limiting our ability to raise the revenue needed to meet those obligations. Villages in Nassau County don’t spend money on luxury services. We pave roads, keep drinking water safe, operate sanitation services, maintain parks, staff local police departments and protect quality of life. These are not optional.

Municipalities are often told to “tighten their belts,” but we’ve been doing that for over a decade. We continually deliver more with less by consolidating services, sharing equipment, modernizing operations and securing grants wherever possible. There is no more belt-tightening to be done. There’s no fat to cut. Despite best efforts, costs beyond our control continue to outpace the arbitrary tax cap.

The law also misleads residents into thinking their property taxes are capped, when in fact only the village portion is. School district taxes, which make up the largest share of the bill, have separate rules. Villages, a small fraction of the overall levy, face the greatest constraints. This creates unfair pressure on the level of government closest to residents, which is responsible for paving streets, clearing

snow, responding to emergencies and maintaining infrastructure, while Albany limits our ability to fund these necessities.

The solution is not to abandon fiscal discipline. Local officials understand the burden property taxes place on homeowners — we live here, too. But the tax cap framework must be realistic, flexible and tied to the actual costs villages face. It should reflect true municipal cost drivers rather than relying solely on the consumer price index, allow for a separate, realistic cap for essential infrastructure projects, and provide multi-year budgeting flexibility. This would enable villages to plan responsibly, rather than making narrow, shortterm decisions that ultimately hurt taxpayers and local services.

Nassau County’s villages are among the strongest examples of local democracy. Residents choose villages for responsive, community-level government, but that system can’t function if Albany imposes fiscal expectations that ignore economic reality. The 2 percent tax cap may have made sense a decade ago, but today it is strangling the very municipalities entrusted with safeguarding our communities. Albany must reform this law so villages can remain safe, sustainable and vibrant.

Elena Villafane is the mayor of Sea Cliff and president of the Nassau County Village Officials Association.

A silent health threat facing Long Islanders

e are in the midst of a growing public health crisis, one that especially impacts senior citizens. Fortunately, everyone can take an active role in solving it.

Loneliness and social isolation are widespread. One in three American adults reported feeling lonely, while one in four conveyed having no social and emotional support, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This goes far beyond occasional feelings of loneliness or disconnect that everyone experiences periodically. Someone who is socially isolated has few relationships and little contact with others, while those who are lonely feel like they lack meaningful or close relationships or a sense of belonging.

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

sure, heart disease and stroke. They can also make existing illnesses worse; someone with Alzheimer’s disease, for example, may have accelerated symptoms due to lack of social and mental stimulation.

Regular social engagement helps stimulate the brain and support cognitive health, improves mood, encourages physical activity and better sleep, and strengthens emotional resilience. As is the case with other lifestyle choices — healthy diet, exercise, proper sleep — prioritizing or neglecting it influences numerous facets of health.

Pgap, but not all seniors feel comfortable using it. Without support and training, many are left disconnected from family, friends and the larger community.

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

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

Loneliness and isolation occur in people of all ages, and senior citizens are especially susceptible. Older adults isolate for many reasons. Some live alone after the loss of a spouse, and don’t have relatives or close friends nearby. Others face mobility issues, or have a health condition that makes going out harder. Mobility challenges are even more problematic on Long Island during the winter, when the weather makes leaving the house harder. Fear, embarrassment and self-consciousness can also lead people to withdraw. Technology can partially bridge the

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers free daily activity programming at its AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center in Amityville. The activities are dementiafriendly, but you don’t need to have a dementia-related illness to participate; programming is open to all seniors. Learn more and view upcoming free activities at afalongisland.org, or call the center at (631) 223-4000.

Municipal senior centers offer programs and opportunities to socialize with other nearby residents. Local libraries offer activities, social gatherings and group outings, many of which center on learning about or trying something new, an added benefit for brain

health. Religious institutions often have social groups for their congregations. Look into these and other options if you’re feeling lonely, and find something you might enjoy. It may require you to step out of your comfort zone, but chances are it will be worth it.

We can all take small steps in our daily lives that will make a big difference. Visit or call someone instead of texting or emailing them (especially if they’re older); it will help both of you feel more connected. Encourage someone to take advantage of the services described above, and go along with them to help them break the ice. Check in with family, friends and elderly neighbors periodically to see if they need anything; that simple act will remind them that someone is thinking of them, and promote feelings of connectivity. Social connection isn’t a luxury — it is essential for maintaining physical health, cognitive function, emotional well-being and overall quality of life. Unlike other health conditions, loneliness and isolation can’t be cured or medicated with pills. Helping hands and warm hearts are the necessary treatments. Every one of us can provide them.

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

2

Established

Incorporating

Modernizing support for volunteer firefighters

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

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

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

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

For more than a decade, FASNY has

LETTERS

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

To the Editor:

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

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

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

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

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

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

Workplace realities are another major

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

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

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

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

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

Outrage on demand: Gaza gets celebs, Iran gets ignored

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

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

The silence is deafening.

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

LETTERS

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

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

have nothing to say.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If the left truly believed in universal

FRAMEWORK by Tim Baker

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

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

Ari Brown represents the 20th Assembly District.

January

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