Sea Cliff/Glen Head Herald 02-19-2026

Nazi sympathizers ran a summer camp, called Camp Siegfiried after a mythological German hero, in Yaphank, which also provided cover for Nazi espionage during WWII.

Uncovering L.I.’s Nazi past

By WIll SHEElINE wsheeline@liherald.com

The North Shore Historical Museum welcomed historian Christopher Verga on Sunday for a presentation on homegrown fascism, foreign propaganda and its continued impact on Long Island today.

Titled “Nazis of Long Island: Sedition, Espionage & the Plot Against America,” the presentation examined the growth of the various far-right German nationalist movements active on Long Island, and across America, in the 1930s and ‘40s.

Verga, who teaches at John Jay College of Criminal Justice where he specializes in radicalization, framed his talk as both local history and national warning.

“This is bigger than Long Island,” he said. “These guys were trying to flip the United States. ‘Der Tag,’ ‘The Day,’ that’s what they were trying to go for.”

Attendees from across the North Shore, including New York Assemblyman Charles Lavine, asked Verga questions throughout.

Drawing on archival research from institutions including the Longwood Public

Library in Middle Island and the Suffolk County Historical Society, Verga traced the rise of the German American Bund, or Federation, and affiliated groups across Long Island, the New York metropolitan area, and the entire country in the 1930s.

He began by discussing the work of journalist Dorothy Thompson, who warned early about Adolf Hitler and fascism. Thompson “blew all the whistles, she sounded all the alarms,” Verga said, but was largely ignored as Nazi ideology took root in pockets of the United States.

Verga described a Long Island traumatized by World War I losses, the Great Depression and the 1918 influenza pandemic.

“Most Americans,” he said, “still did not want to get involved in the war.”

Across the country there were approximately 25,000 members of German-American Bund–related groups around the country. He emphasized that fear of another global conflict created fertile ground for isolationist and extremist movements.

Central to his talk was Camp Siegfried in Yaphank, a Bund-run summer camp and

Propel waits on approvals, some residents oppose

By JUlIA CAPITEllI jcapitelli@liherald.com

As the Propel project to install underground powerlines across Long Island into the Bronx and Westchester awaits approvals, Glen Head residents continue to raise concerns and oppose the construction.

The New York Power Authority and New York Transco plan to install nearly 90 miles of cables in the Propel project.

Three of the proposed lines will pass through Glen Head and Glenwood Landing. A roughly 9.1mile line will run from a Uniondale hub to Shore Road and a 17.7-mile line from Melville to Shore Road. Another 17.7-mile line will run from Shore Road to Westchester.

States Army Corps of Engineers and the New York State Public Service Commission.

The project is going through the Article VII process at the state level to review several aspects of a project, including environmental compatibility and public need. It also requires public input. Transco says the Propel team has used many methods of public outreach, such as public information sessions, surveys and open houses, but Glen Head residents say there is a lack of communication to their community specifically.

to offshore wind and does not rely on any generation source.

With construction expected to start later this year, Propel continues moving through the permitting process which includes permits at the federal, state and local levels. The project is still waiting for approvals from the United

“The fact that they refuse to come and meet with our community,” said Glen Head resident Christine Panzeca, “is more than insulting.” Panzeca has opposed the project from the beginning and has joined George Pombar, head of the Glen Head Glenwood Landing Civic Council, in organizing informational events for the community regarding Pro -

CoNtINued oN paGe 15

NSHM welcomes historian Chris Verga

community in Suffolk County.

The camp name itself referenced a Germanic mythological hero used in Nazi propaganda. In the myth, retold in composer Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle of operas, the hero Siegfried slays the dragon Fafnir to rescue the warrior-queen Brunhilde, with its roots in pre-Christian Germanic paganism.

Verga adding that the dragon slain in the legend was often used by fascists as an antisemitic metaphor.

Camp Siegfried was part of a broader network that included camps in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, upstate New York and the Midwest. The stated goal was youth indoctrination modeled on the Hitler Youth. Children were trained in weapons use and nationalist ideology, he said, and the Bund promoted what he described as Aryan-only housing policies in the surrounding community.

Verga devoted time to the German-American Settlement, the housing development corporation that operated the Yaphank community surrounding Camp Siegfried. The settlement required proof of German heritage for property purchases until forced to stop by court order in 2016.

Verga said the Bund structured itself through a series of separate corporations, including the German-American Settlement League and related travel and publishing arms, allowing it to dissolve and reconstitute entities as legal pressure mounted. Publicly, the organization adopted an “America first” front while privately advancing Nazi doctrine.

He also highlighted the scale of Nazi propaganda spending. Citing research attributed to William Donovan, later head of the Office of Strategic Services which became the CIA, Verga said the Nazi government spent an estimated $200 million in 1930s curren-

cy on propaganda abroad, including support for American-based groups and sympathetic writers.

Of that money, roughly $3 million was spent on Long Island, equivalent to nearly $70 million adjusted to inflation.

Local resistance was equally part of the story. Antifascist organized boycotts and protests. Disabled American veterans sent undercover investigators into camps. Brookhaven Town Council member Gustav Neuss attempted to use zoning laws to restrict activities at Camp Siegfried.

In 1938, six camp managers were convicted in Suffolk County for violating New York’s civil rights law by requiring loyalty oaths without proper filings. Verga recounted a chilling exchange from the trial: when asked in court to demonstrate the camp salute, a witness performed the Nazi salute. The district attorney then asked whether it was an American salute. The

witness replied, “No, but it will be soon.”

The Bund’s most infamous public display came on Feb. 20, 1939, when it held a rally at Madison Square Garden in Manhattan.

An estimated 20,000 supporters gathered inside for what was billed as a “true Americanism” rally. According to Verga, Bund leader Fritz Kuhn spoke for about 30 minutes and attempted to align Nazi ideology with American revolutionary imagery, including invoking George Washington.

Outside, thousands of protesters clashed with police. A Jewish plumber named Isadore Greenbaum rushed the stage in protest and would likely have been killed had he not been removed by police officers.

“Thank God for New York City Police Department,” Verga said, “because they saved him that night.”

Those same officers chipped in to pay Greenbaum’s bail after he was held for disturbing the peace.

Beyond rallies, Verga emphasized that Bund activity extended into espionage. He detailed Operation Pastorius, a 1942 sabotage plot in which German agents landed on Long Island and in Florida with plans to attack American infrastructure. One of the saboteurs, George Dasch, turned himself in to the FBI, leading to the arrest of others. Most were executed.

Verga also described intelligence gathering related to shipping timetables and aviation manufacturing on Long Island, including facilities in Garden City and at Republic Aviation in Farmingdale.

“This is espionage. This is sedition,” he said. “It’s not just a crazy bunch of people in the woods.”

The museum will host an upcoming exhibit on Black and Women’s history months titled No Longer Hidden debuting on Saturday. For more information on the museum’s offerings and upcoming events, visit NorthShoreHistoricalMuseum.org.

Supporting the library one letter at a time

By JULIA CAPITELLI Jcapitelli@liherald.com

Roughly 100 members of the Sea Cliff community are expected to come together at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church on Friday for a night of spelling, trivia and refreshments to raise funds for Friends of the Sea Cliff Library.

This is the first time the organization is holding an adult spelling bee, raising funds through ticket sales and gathering sponsors. Co-President Gloria Sosa said the idea was inspired by musical comedy “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

Friends of the Sea Cliff Library invited Sea Cliff residents aged 21 and older to sign up in teams of two or three to compete. Spectators will also have opportunities to get involved, answering trivia questions to win prizes. In addition to spelling and trivia, the event will include a costume competition where the participant with the best bee costume will win a $300 gift card to Life Training in Glen Head.

“Some (people) like to dress up,” Sosa said, “So, we hope we get a lot of fun costumes.” The competition will be judged by Ann DiPietro, head of the Sea Cliff Children’s Library.

Sosa said her organization holds many fundraisers to support its mission, advancing the Sea Cliff Library as a learning center and strengthening ties with the community. To organize the spelling bee, Friends of the Sea Cliff Library partnered with Love Your Neighbor Project for the first time. Love Your Neighbor Project has previously supported the organization for other events.

Jaime Teich, founder of Love Your Neighbor Project, described the spelling

bee fundraiser as a “fantastic concept. She said that it is an honor to help organizations plan events and connect with the community.

“We are hoping that everybody has a really great time,” Teich sad, “and that the community understands what the Friends of the Sea Cliff library do.”

Event sponsors include families and businesses from the village and beyond, including Village Trustee George Williams and Vermont-based law firm Costello, Valente & Gentry P.C.

Friends of the Sea Cliff Library held an “Offbeat Artifacts” sale in the fall and a Magic Show to kick off National Friends of the Library Week in October.

While this is the first spelling bee fundraiser, Sosa said her organization would like to make it an annual event if people show interest. She added that she hopes to have a fun night.

“I hope we laugh a lot,” she said, “I think there’ll be some really good words to spell, and I think we’ll have a lot of fun. See who’s a good speller, who isn’t.”

The blame game

Dyounger siblings Alice and Izzy - also in the back - are texting on their phones. Suddenly the car crashes into another vehicle killing an elderly driver and her passenger. Each of the family members harbors secret guilt over the accident, but what about the role of the car?

ear Great Book Guru, I was at a fabulous Mardi Gras celebration at St. Luke’s here in Sea Cliff where someone mentioned a book that sounded interesting - lots of great discussion points: artificial intelligence, sibling rivalry, self-driving cars, parental guilt… perfect for my next book club meeting. Are you familiar with it?

Book Club Searcher

Dear Book Club Searcher –“Culpability” by Bruce Holsinger would be a great choice with its myriad of ethical dilemmas.

On Kindness

ANN DIPIETRO

The story opens as the Cassidy-Shaw family is driving to a lacrosse tournament. Seventeen-year-old Charlie - the eldest child - is in the driver’s seat. Noah, his father, is riding next to him… in their self-driving minivan.

The mother, Lorelei, an internationally respected researcher of AI ethics, is in the back seat on her computer, and the two

While Noah is the narrator, we are privy throughout to conversations Alice has with her AI chatbot, Blair, and also included are passages from Lorelei’s book about the ethics of artificial intelligence. When the parents decide to spend a week in a Chesapeake Bay beach house to recover from the trauma, the pressure mounts with the prospect of Charlie going to prison. None of the family is guilt-free and their only hope is… will AI absolve them? A fascinating book for our times and highly recommended!

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

News brief

Welcoming Northwell to the Gold Coast

The Gold Coast Business Association attended the ribbon cutting for Northwell Health STARS Rehabilitation at their Glen Head location on Feb. 11. Celebrating alongside was Maxine Cappel Mayreis, president of the Glen Cove Chamber of Commerce, fellow Glen Cove chamber members, and Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggiWhitton. From Northwell Health, attendees included Karen Keenan, site supervisor; Brian Krebs, vice president of STARS outpatient rehab; Harry Dietrich, senior director of rehab services at the Glen Head clinic; and Denise Goncalves, director of physician relation-

ship management.

As part of Northwell Health’s network, STARS collaborates with the Cancer Institute, Neuroscience Institute, Orthopaedic Institute, Women’s Health, and Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation to provide comprehensive care close to home.

Services include physical and occupational therapy, sports medicine, back and spine care, neurological and stroke rehabilitation, concussion and brain injury programs, pediatric and pelvic floor rehab, aquatic therapy, joint replacement therapy, balance and vestibular rehab, speech therapy, and more.

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Educating on matters of the heart’s health

By WILL SHEELINE wsheeline@liherald.com

Physicians from Glen Cove Hospital made a house call to Grenville Baker Boys & Girls Club in Locust Valley this month, not to treat a patient, but to discuss the importance of sports physicals and heart health in young athletes, part of a new community wellness series focused on children and teens.

Dr. Brittany Grella, associate program director of the hospital’s Family Medicine Residency Program, and Dr. Sophie Golden, a third-year resident in family medicine, led the presentation, which was sponsored by the hospital and drew parents, community members and school officials.

The doctors focused on preparticipation sports evaluations — sports physicals — and why they are critical before children begin athletic activities.

“So what is a sports physical?” Grella asked. “A sports physical is done for children. It’s a checkup prior to playing sports. Typically it’s done six weeks before they engage in any activity.”

Aphysical exam raises concerns. Citing guidance from the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Board of Internal Medicine’s Choosing Wisely campaign, she said that unnecessary testing can cause worry without improving outcomes.

“The key takeaway from the presentation was that sports physicals keep you safe and healthy for sports,” Golden said.

“For most healthy kids, we don’t recommend extra tests like echocardiograms or EKGs, because the doctor’s questions and listening work best.”

The doctors also discussed inherited conditions such as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and Marfan syndrome, as well as arrhythmias that can be passed down within families. They urged parents to be forthcoming about family history, including unexplained deaths before age 50.

lthough these incidences are rare, they do occur.

Dr. BrIttANy GrELLA

Glen Cove Hospital

The purpose, she explained, is to identify potential underlying conditions that could put a child at risk during exercise.

The physicians outlined the two main components of a sports physical: a detailed medical history and a thorough exam. The history includes questions about fainting, chest pain, irregular heartbeats and any family history of heart disease. The exam includes height, weight, blood pressure, vision screening and a head-to-toe assessment, including heart and lung function.

Grella referenced the nationally televised cardiac arrest of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin in a “Monday Night Football” game three years ago as a reminder that, although uncommon, cardiac arrest is always a risk.

“Although these incidences are rare, they do occur,” she said. “So it’s really important that we’re encouraging our children to get sports physicals.”

Golden emphasized that most healthy, low-risk children do not need advanced cardiac testing, such as an electro- or echocardiogram, unless their history or

“We could hypothesize till we’re blue in the face,” Golden said in response to a question about why cardiac events seem to have become more common. She noted the role of social media and increased media coverage in raising awareness. “But I do think a lot of it is due to the media presence. Everybody’s getting media on their phone, delivered immediately.”

The discussion expanded to include childhood obesity, anxiety, stimulant medications and energy drinks. Golden cautioned that supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

The presentation had added local significance after a November incident in Locust Valley. Danielle Turner, director of health, physical education and athletics for the Locust Valley Central School District, spoke about a senior who collapsed on the first day of winter sports, suffering sudden cardiac arrest.

“A senior, visibly very healthy, physically cleared, 17-year-old collapsed in the gym in front of his team,” Turner said. Coaches trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator responded immediately, and the student was transported to and treated at Glen Cove Hospital. “He’s back in school,” Turner said. “He’s functioning. He’s not really exercising too strenuously just yet, but he’s functioning.”

Dr. Brittany Grella and her colleague Dr. Sophie Golden, of Glen Cove Hospital, educated parents and community members at Grenville Baker what they need to know about cardiac risks for young athletes

Jarrod

What’s underground comes back around

Undoing the damage: the challenges of managing Long Island’s largest chemical spill

By ALYSSA R. GRIFFIN & JOSEPH D’ALESSANDRO of the Herald Community Newspapers

Second installment in a series about water.

It’s impossible to discuss Long Island’s groundwater without addressing Northrop Grumman.

The Long Island aeronautics industry was a key asset to the United States armed forces in the last century, testing and manufacturing nearly 30,000 airplanes for the U.S. Navy starting in the 1930s, and later producing the lunar module for Apollo 11’s landing on the moon. For over 50 years, the Northrop Grumman Bethpage Facility and Naval Weapons Industrial Reserve Plant Site was at the center of American defense and innovation — and one of the largest chemical contamination sites in New York.

According to the state Department of Environmental Conservation, the degreasing agent trichloroethene leaked from NWIRP’s plumbing and dumping sites into the Magothy Aquifer — which provides water to much of Nassau County — creating the Navy Grumman groundwater plume.

tions or captured in granulated carbon, preventing any future leaks.

The DEC’s 2019 Record of Decision was the first formal plan for cleaning up the site. Before then, there were around 10 extraction wells in the affected area. Since the ROD, the number of wells has risen to 26, supported by five watertreatment plants. The aggressive plan to stop the plume’s southward migration was motivated by the DEC’s zero-tolerance attitude toward chemical contamination, Pelton said.

“Groundwater exists in these voids between grains of sand and soils in what we call pore spaces,” Granzen explained. “Water moves in between those pore spaces. When the contaminants get mixed with the groundwater, that causes movement.”

RISING TIDES

“The water districts should not have to address this,” Pelton said. “That’s the primary driver here: removing the TCE from the aquifer system so that we’ve got a better drinking water source.”

The plume is a twomile-by-four-mile body of TCE with the potential to leach into Long Island’s South Shore waters and the Great South Bay, according to Jason Pelton, director of Remedial Bureau D in the DEC’s Division of Environmental Remediation.

“As plumes go, it’s probably the largest in New York state,” Pelton said. “It may be one of the largest in the country.”

Bethpage’s tarnished legacy

Shortly after the plume was identified in 1983, the DEC formed a partnership with both the responsible parties, the Navy and Northrop Grumman, to begin restoration efforts. The two groups operate extraction wells, large structures that siphon water out of the aquifer, filter out TCE, and send the water back underground by way of recharge basins.

“I’ve been very impressed with the Navy and Northrop Grumman’s ability to locate these wells precisely where they need to be, and to see the contaminant numbers that are coming out in these locations,” Kristin Granzen, DEC project manager for the U.S. Navy Bethpage site, said.

The joint cleanup effort processes about 10 million gallons of contaminated water per day, according to DEC documents provided to the Herald. The agency estimates that about 80 percent of the contamination — 276,000 pounds — has been removed from the Magothy Aquifer and destroyed in chemical reac-

The DEC’s goal is to reduce the aquifer’s TCE levels to 5 parts per billion, the groundwater safety standard, though much of the plume’s area is still over 50 ppb, according to DEC map data from May 2025.

“The fact that it’s predominantly TCE makes it a little bit easier,” Pelton added. “The challenge is the magnitude of the contamination … I would say maybe we’re pumping in the interior of the plume for 30 or 40 more years.”

Chemicals linger, at what cost?

While the cleanup continues, the plume’s public health effects have been a topic of endless discussion. Its cleanup is made possible by collaboration with local municipalities, home to the county’s hundreds of monitoring wells collecting data on groundwater. They are a strict quality-control measure assessing whether the water is safe to consume or to use in irrigation.

Kevin Reilly, who oversees the monitoring of the Massapequa Water District as its superintendent, told the Herald that if the chemicals posed no real health risks to the community, there would be no need for the decades-long cleanup effort. The district serves parts of Massapequa, Massapequa Park and North Massapaqua, all areas just south of Bethpage, where the plume originated.

After filtration, there are no risks to residents’ health, the DEC maintains. “I would say the overall health of the aquifer is healthy,” Pelton said. “It’s important that people know that their drinking water is really high quality, and it’s absolutely safe to drink that water.”

According to a chemical profile from the Agency for Toxic Substances and

Courtesy Department of Environmental Conservation this map shows the estimated extent of the navy grumman groundwater plume, which was first identifed in 1983, based on the most recent data from 2025.

Disease Registry, a division of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, TCE can be a carcinogen with high exposure, and the state Department of Health conducted an environmental health investigation in Bethpage, finalized in 2013, on whether long-term exposure to contamination from the sites had affected local cancer rates.

According to the department’s report, there was no correlation between the presence of TCE in the aquifer with cancer rates on Long Island. The most commonly diagnosed cancers in the areas affected by the plume were those typically seen most often in adults, and no single rare cancer type appeared more than once. Most diagnoses occurred at ages when cancer is generally most common. There was no indication that the cancers were linked to environmental findings.

The health department continues routine monitoring of drinking water and remediation efforts to protect public health as the cleanup progresses.

At the request of the Bethpage community, the department is revisiting the

2013 study, and its work is expected to be completed by the end of this year. In a written statement, the department told the Herald that the update cannot provide a direct link between cancer cases and environmental exposure, including the plume. Evaluations of environmental exposure can draw some health associations, but they cannot determine causality.

“There is no new threat to public health, and prior exposures have been addressed for more than a decade due to the efforts of New York State,” the statement read. “The Department is currently working on the study and upon completion of the report will announce findings and host a public meeting.”

The race against the spread

The state continues its effort to clean up the plume while keeping the affected communities informed. The DEC facilitates regular community meetings through its Community Participation Working Group, comprising elected officials, agencies, businesses and experts

Saga of Navy-Grumman plume continues

Continued from PreViouS PAGe

that meet on a quarterly basis. The group was established to foster dialogue, improve public understanding, and encourage discussion of the cleanup.

The DEC staff also provides regular project updates at Bethpage Community Council meetings, which are held at the Bethpage Public Library and open to the public.

According to the DEC’s January Groundwater Plume Cleanup Update, public water suppliers treat groundwater using established methods to contain regulated contaminants before they reach homes and businesses. Water is drawn from designated sources, treated to meet all federal and state drinking water standards, and distributed through a network of mains and storage tanks. Throughout the process, water quality is continuously monitored to ensure that it remains safe to drink.

The challenge is the magnitude of the contamination.

Jason PelTon Remedial bureau director, Department of Environmental Conservation

“We work really closely with the water districts in Nassau County,” Pelton said. “Every single day they provide high-quality drinking water that meets all of the New York State Department of Health drinking water requirements.”

The system relies on multiple safeguards to maintain high water quality and protect public health. This approach ensures that if standards are not met, suppliers notify customers and take corrective action, which can include temporarily taking wells out of service.

Negotiations among public water suppliers, the DEC, Northrop Grumman and the Navy have focused on funding the treatment systems used to maintain safe drinking water. The Bethpage Water District, for example, operates treatment systems that are considered among the most advanced in the nation, according to the DEC.

Though it is currently not affected, the Massapequa Water District is just outside the current spread of the plume. “We are not an active part of the cleanup yet,” Reilly said. “We monitor — there’s monitoring wells that we get the data from the Navy and their consultants and the DEC. But we don’t have any contamination in our wells from the Grumman Navy plume at this time.”

Common misconception has led many Long Island residents to believe the entirety of the South Shore has been impacted, which is not the case. Nonetheless, Reilly said, “The plume is migrating and flowing towards our district.”

He explained that while large-scale, permanent systems for treating the underground water are currently under construction, temporary systems have been installed along the leading edge of the plume. They operate on a smaller scale, but they are designed to be mobile, and can be relocated as needed to respond to changing conditions while the permanent treatment infrastructure is being completed.

“The water districts to the north of us are already treating their wells for the contaminants, and they’ve spent millions upon millions of dollars to get these treatment systems in place,” Reilly said. “We haven’t had to do that yet — we’re watching. We don’t want to have to do that, and we’re constantly involved in pushing to get these Navy treatment systems up and running, to treat the groundwater.”

Northrop Grumman did not respond to requests for comment.

the northrop Grumman rW-21 Area Groundwater extraction and treatment

pumped out of the aquifer, before sending it back underground.

Courtesy Northrop Grumman northrop Grumman was a major manufacturer in the aeronautics industry for the u.S. armed forces. Above, airplane parts in of one its factories.

study that shows local governments and corporations working together to protect communities. The plume’s development and spread also show that the consequences of a mistake can be challenging to deal with, and that decades of damage require as much or more time to repair. The DEC’s expertise, Northrop Grumman and the Navy’s willingness to take responsibility, and the help of local water districts, were essential in making the restoration effort possible.

The public can receive updates about the plume cleanup effort at the DEC’s Bethpage Community Council meetings at the Bethpage Public Library, the Navy’s semi-annual Resident Advisory Board meetings online at NAVFAC.Navy.Mil/Divisions/Environmental, and Northrop Grumman’s website, NorthropGrumman.com/Sustainability.

deCeX6 is an early exploration well designed to support the cleanup of the plume. the well, installed in the town of oyster Bay by the State department of environmental Conservation, awaits potential future use if needed.

and community members

Service and sacrifice honored at ceremony

By ROKSANA AMID ramid@liherald.com

The Tribute and Honor Foundation celebrated a milestone on Feb. 7, hosting its fifth annual Tribute and Honor Awards Ceremony and Fundraising Gala before a record-breaking crowd.

Veterans, families, first responders, elected officials and community leaders from across Long Island filled the soldout event to recognize eight honorees whose service and leadership have strengthened the veteran community and those who support it.

According to foundation leaders, the annual awards are intended not only to recognize individuals, but also to raise public awareness about the challenges veterans and their families face and the importance of sustained advocacy and community support.

This year’s honorees included five veterans: Peter Carbone, who received the Community Service Award; Officer Owen Valance, honored with the Impact Award; Robert Freeland, recipient of the Volunteer Award; Philip Como, who earned the Leadership Award; and Scott Whitting, presented with the Legacy Award.

Three additional awards recognized supporters and organizations that serve the veteran community. Long Island Cares Veterans Services received the Homefront Award. Eileen Shanahan and the Warrior Ranch Foundation were presented with the Awareness and Remembrance Award. Simone Renaud was honored posthumously with the Front Runner Award.

Among those in attendance were Marisa Gambino, president of Loggia Glen Cove #1018, Sons and Daughters of Italy in America; her husband, Dr. Charles Gambino; and Joseph Gallo, the

lodge’s immediate past president. Carbone, a longtime lodge member and veteran, was recognized during the ceremony for his years of service and quiet contributions to others.

Foundation President and Founder Gaitley Stevenson-Mathews reflected on the organization’s growth since its founding in December 2021. Established in the wake of the 2021 fire that damaged Glen Cove’s VFW Post 347, the foundation initially focused on grassroots efforts to support the local veteran community. Since then, its initiatives have expanded to include the Ben Farnan Scholarship and the Military Banner Program in Morgan Park, among

other projects.

Howard Stillwagon, commander of Glen Cove’s VFW Post 347, noted the organization’s steady evolution and its ongoing impact on veterans and their families throughout the region.

Now in its fifth year, the Tribute and Honor Awards Ceremony has developed into one of the area’s signature veteranfocused events. Beyond celebrating individual accomplishments, the gala serves as a key fundraiser supporting the foundation’s programs and its broader mission to honor service members, preserve remembrance and provide tangible assistance to veterans across Long Island.

State Republicans rally around Blakeman

County executive, now the GOP nominee for governor, has plenty to say about Hochul at convention

By Chris ColuCCi, ABig Ail grieCo & AngelinA Zing Ariello of the Herald

After three days of official business, rallying the party faithful and nominating the state Republican slate, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman was front and center at the party’s convention in Garden City last week, and accepted the GOP’s nomination to be its gubernatorial candidate.

If elected, Blakeman would be only the second Long Islander to become governor, 127 years after Teddy Roosevelt did so, and the first Nassau County executive to hold the state’s top office.

Blakeman criticized Gov. Kathy Hochul and pledged to cut income taxes for middle-class families, reduce electricity bills by rolling back stateimposed fees and mandates, and redirect spending he said is being wasted to instead fund schools, infrastructure, hospitals and services for veterans.

“Taxes are soaring, electric bills and insurance premiums keep climbing out of control,” Blakeman said on Feb. 11, the third and final day of the convention. “Crime is rising. Businesses are leaving the state in record numbers. Families and seniors are being priced out of their homes. New York ranks dead last for economic development, and number 45 out of 50 states in the nation for affordability, and it’s all a direct result of Kathy Hochul’s failed policies.”

He vowed to oppose congestion pricing, protect Second Amendment rights and support law enforcement, including keeping violent offenders in prison and revisiting criminal justice policies such as cashless bail and parole standards.

“I will bring the experience, leadership and focus on public safety,” Blakeman said. “We will make you safer in your homes and your communities, and we will continue to fight for your families. I will be governor for all the people, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, abilities and lifestyles.”

Upstate Madison County Sheriff Todd Hood was introduced as Blakeman’s running mate, the candidate for lieutenant governor. Hood pledged to support Blakeman and help lead what he described as an effort to fix the state’s pressing problems. A third-term elected sheriff with more than 30 years of law enforcement service, Hood framed his candidacy around public safety and government accountability. He argued that the state has become less safe and more expensive under oneparty rule, criticizing bail laws, antipolice rhetoric and high taxes that he said have hurt communities and driven families and small businesses out of the state.

Hood said that he and Blakeman would stand with law enforcement and crime victims, cut taxes, rein in state spending and work to make New York more affordable.

“That’s the kind of leadership that I’ll bring to the lieutenant governor’s office,” Hood said. “Bruce Blakeman and

the party’s nominee for governor, noted Gov. Kathy Hochul’s “failed policies” on Feb. 11.

I are running to restore common sense.”

Former Gov. George Pataki, New York’s last Republican governor, who served three terms, from 1995 to 2006, offered his support as well, making clear the party’s push to win back the governor’s office.

“I’ve known Bruce for decades,” Pataki said of Blakeman. “He is someone who loves this country and loves this state. He is someone who has dedicated his life to public service to make the lives of others better. And he hasn’t just tried. He has succeeded.”

Delegates also nominated Saritha Komatireddy, a former federal prosecutor, for attorney general, with 86.3 percent of the vote. She defeated Brooklyn attorney Khurram Dara. Komatireddy emphasized her experience prosecuting terrorism and public corruption, and pledged to focus on public safety.

“I’ve spent my life in public service and public safety,” she said. “New Yorkers are tired of seeing criminals released over and over again while families feel

the office.

unsafe in their own communities.”

The party’s nominee for comptroller, Joseph Hernandez, shared his family’s story of emigrating from Cuba after his father was a political prisoner. He criticized current Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and outlined plans to invest $1 billion in Israeli bonds and launch a proposed $10 billion “Empire Opportunity Fund.”

“I know a communist when I see a communist,” Hernandez said of DiNapoli. “My friends, he is a communist.”

Long Beach Republican Chairman Jim Moriarty pointed to Nassau County as a microcosm of the state.

“In Nassau County, the demographics and all other statistics mirrors the state of New York,” Moriarty said on the second day of the convention. “He’s got tremendous executive experience,” he added of Blakeman. “He’s shown he can win and attract bipartisan support. He’s going to be a tremendous candidate and a great governor.”

Along with Hochul, the Democratic

slate includes incumbents Attorney General Letitia James and DiNapoli, a native Long Islander. The lieutenant governor candidate is Adrienne Adams, the former speaker of the New York City Council.

Hochul received a boost in her campaign when current Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado suspended his campaign for governor, deciding not to challenge her in the Democratic primary.

Blakeman is expected to face a challenge in the Republican primary from Libertarian candidate Larry Sharpe. That election is June 23. The general election is on Nov. 3.

Despite Republican support inside the building, Democrats outside made their presence known on Feb. 11.

“We’re here to send a message to our Republicans over in the hotel across the street that we’re not going to stand for electing a man as governor of this state who’s going to kowtow to Donald Trump,” state Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs said.

MARCH 13 • 10AM-12:30PM

EAST MEADOW BETH-EL JEWISH CENTER

1400 Prospect Ave, East Meadow

FREE community event focused on health, wellness, and lifestyle

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Take advantage of on-site health screenings

Enjoy lively entertainment, fitness demonstrations and interactive experiences

Hear from experts during a panel discussion with Q&A

Win raffles, prizes, and giveaways

Snack station for all

All designed to help you stay active, informed, and engaged at every stage of life.

AGENDA: VISIT EXHIBITORS

10:00AM - 12:30PM

EXPERT PANEL + Q&A 11:30AM - 12:30PM

RAFFLE DRAWINGS*

*must be present to win

Register for this FREE event: RichnerLIVE.com/march.expo

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

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

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

Cable installation continues to draw criticism

Continued from page 1

pel.

Marykate Guilfoyle, manager of media, communications and events for New York Transco wrote in response to written questions that Propel is still on track to meet its permitting targets and start construction this year. New York Independent System Operator, the state grid operator, requires the project to be in-service by May 2030. However, the timeline of construction itself remains unclear.

“Each project is unique,” Guilfoyle wrote, “and there are no specific standards.”

Residents raised concerns related to construction, such as worsening traffic, difficulty getting students to and from school and trouble accessing driveways.

In Guilfoyle’s response to written questions, she wrote that construction will be done in phases to limit disruptions. She added that people will not be blocked from getting in or out of their driveways.

Pombar also expressed concerns about impact on local businesses, especially if construction makes it difficult for people to find parking and access buildings.

On a phone call, Guilfoyle said that the Propel team put out a survey that businesses can take to communicate details such as their parking situations and seasonality.

She explained that the Propel team will use the information to plan construction so impact to businesses is minimized.

A public notice from the Army Corps of Engineers from June 2025 states that the overall purpose of the proposed project is “to satisfy the New York State Public Service Commission-declared Long Island Offshore Wind Export Public Policy Transmission Need to increase transmission capability from Long Island into southeastern New York.”

Some offshore wind projects off Long Island have been cancelled after the Trump administration did not issue permits. Residents also continue to claim that Propel is connected to both wind projects and battery energy storage systems.

“It’s disingenuous,” Panzeca said. “for them to present these as all separate projects.”

In the same response to written questions, Guilfoyle reiterated that Propel does not include battery storage nor is it affiliated with battery storage developers. She said via phone call that Propel is not a wind project.

The Public Service Commission released a Public Policy Transmission Need in 2021. Since then, the state grid operator has identified issues with downstate grid pertaining to congestion, reliability and capacity to move power.

Guilfoyle explained in a separate written response that Propel’s transmission lines are “energy agnostic,” meaning they do not move any one specific type of power. The state grid operator selected Propel in 2023 to address trou-

ble with reliability and power flow.

“Propel NY is not tied to offshore wind and does not rely on any generation source,” Guilfoyle wrote. “The Propel NY project holds no contracts or agreements with wind developers or projects, better storage companies or projects, or any other generation sources.”

Should all required permits be issued, Propel construction is expected to begin this year. Guilfoyle wrote that as construction gets closer, the companies will share “detailed, location-specific information” with affected residents, businesses and municipalities.

three lines in the propel project will pass through glen Head and glenwood Landing

STEPPING OUT

Hoops, hijinks and history

By Andrew Coen

Acentury after the team’s founding, Harlem Globetrotters storied history comes alive when the latest iteration of the quickfingered hoops stars return here.

The Globetrotters bring their 100 Year Tour to Nassau Coliseum, on Feb. 21, giving fans a chance to see the team’s well-known acrobatic dunks, trick shots and long-range shots up close. This special appearance marks the first time the iconic team — debuting their new 100 Year jerseys — has performed in the arena against longtime rivals, the Washington Generals, since 2017. From gravity-defying dunks to game-changing tricks, everyone will certainly feel the history, the joy, and those “wow” moments in true Globetrotters style.

What started with Curly, Meadowlark, Wilt, and Geese continues on today with Hammer, Torch, Bulldog, Cheese, Jet, Wham, Thunder, TNT — and so many more. Taking inspiration from the fun-loving and awe-inspiring players of the past, today’s Globetrotters stars are ready to wow you on the court and in the crowd

The team is full of a number of talented men and women basketball players who were for various

Guard Lucius

Harlem Globetrotters at 100

courtesy Harlem Globetrotters Andrew “Big Dog” Whitsett, right, a 7’1” forward/finisher, commands attention with his size and presence on the court.

The centennial season’s “5th Quarter” postgame session gives fans some special moments with players.

Wild

days

in the Bronx

Chazz Palminteri is back on the Paramount stage with his electrifying solo performance of “A Bronx Tale,” the autobiographical one-man show that launched his remarkable career. Riveting and deeply personal, it draws on Palminteri’s bruising Bronx childhood, including the moment — at nine-years-old — when he witnessed a gangland killing that forever shaped his view of the world. Palminteri inhabits 18 vivid haracters, seamlessly shifting between friends, foes and family members to conjure an entire neighborhood with nothing but his voice, physicality and storytelling prowess. First written and performed in 1989, “A Bronx Tale” became a sensation, hailed as one of the most sought-after properties since “Rocky.” The original production paved the way for the acclaimed film adaptation — directed by Robert De Niro — and later a hit Broadway musical.

reasons counted out throughout their lives, according to Lucius “Too Tall” Winston, who has spent the last nine years with the Globetrotters. Winston, despite his nickname, only measures 5’11’’ and was told by a former coach at age 15 he was too short to play college or professional basketball.

“You have a ton of guys through our team that had to face adversity and that builds character,” he says. “I got a chance to see that coach a couple years ago after he saw me play and he said he wanted to apologize for what he said to me and I told him if he didn’t tell me those words at that age I probably wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Sunday, Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington. Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or paramountny. com.

and

pursue their dreams — anything is possible with good

Winston is as fanatical about basketball today as he was as a young player in his hometown of Russellville, Ala. His love of the sport has crossed from player to coach to motivational speaker. Winston dedicates his personal time to organizations that shine a light on the sport with emphasis on leadership, team work and focus. True joy for him comes with motivating kids to get out of their comfort zone and pursue their dreams — anything is possible with good character, good grades and hard work.

• Feb. 21, 2 p.m.

• Tickets range from $50-$200; available at ticketmaster.com and harlemglobetrotters.com

The Globetrotters have revolutionized the sport of basketball throughout its 100-year history, including popularizing the slam dunk The team’s roster includes Zeus McClurkin, who set a record for the most dunks in a minute with 16 in 2016.

• Nassau Coliseum, Hempstead Tpke., Uniondale

“Too Tall” Winston’s favorite trick is the 2 Ball Spin. He holds eight Guinness World Records, including Most Figure Eight Dribbles in One Minute (2020 and Most Three Point Shots Made By a Pair in One Minute (2020).

In addition to the Globetrotters’ famed high-flying dunks, the number of longdistance shots are always a thrill.The Globetrotters famously introduced a 4-point shot in 201, 30 feet from the basket, which is seven feet longer than the NBA’s three-point line.

Winston, who played college basketball at Tuskegee University, relates that interaction with the fans is what makes attending a Globetrotter game particularly unique. Among the signature moments, the team holds a free postgame autograph session. And during the game those in the crowd are frequently called down to the court to participate in stunts. Everyone can also take part in premium options that enable pregame access to meet players along with joining the team for warmups on the court.

“You get to see guys that can play the game at a high level who can jump out of the gym and shoot the ball extremely well and you’ll also see plenty of entertainment as well,” Winston says. “It’s a high quality game from start to finish and then at the end fans are allowed to come down courtside and get autographs and take pictures with us.”

McClurkin, who set a record for the most dunks in a minute courtside and get autographs and take pictures with us.”

future Hall of Famers like Wilt Chamberlain and Connie Hawkins; or Curly Neal and Meadowlark

International icons, the Globetrotters are considered “ambassadors” of the game, beloved the world over for their special brand athleticism that combines the skills and foundations of basketball with a uniquely theatrical flare. From breaking the NBA color barrier with alums like Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton signing a pro contract as a member of the New York Knicks or courting future Hall of Famers like Wilt Chamberlain and Connie Hawkins; or Curly Neal and Meadowlark Lemon dazzling sellout crowds; to ushering women into professional basketball; to the current group, the Globetrotters’ reach and impact attract attention.

Tilles Center Atrium becomes an intimate lounge to showcase exciting up-and-coming jazz talent Sarah Hanahan, presented in collaboration with Jazz at Lincoln Center. The dynamic, soulful alto saxophonist is swiftly emerging as one of the most compelling new voices in jazz. A graduate of both the Jackie McLean Institute of Jazz and The Juilliard School, she blends deeprooted swing and bebop traditions with a bold, modern intensitySince stepping onto the scene, Hanahan has performed with an extraordinary range of jazz luminaries. =Her commanding tone, technical mastery, and melodic imagination have taken her to major stages across the U.S. and abroad, with regular appearances at premier New York City venues. Whether fronting her own quartet or collaborating with some of the music’s most revered artists, Hanahan plays with passion, precision and an unwavering commitment to the ever-evolving art of jazz.

The current team of elite men and women, holders of an unprecedented 60+ Guinness World Records, including 18 set just last year — the most of any team in any sport — bring a fresh look of gravity-defying dunks and game-changing tricks against their renowned rivals in this special centennial season.

Thursday, Feb. 26, 7:30 p.m. Tilles Center, LIU Post campus, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville. Tickets available at tillescenter.org or (516) 299-3100.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

FEB

19

Spring Volleyball Instruction

North Shore Volleyball invites girls in third and fourth grade to sign up for instructional programs. Weekly instruction through May 21 is offered. No experience necessary. Registration is open at NorthShoreVolleyball.org, but space is limited. The 14-week session costs $210.

• Where: 145 Glen Ave., Sea Cliff

• Time: 5 p.m. for third graders and 6 p.m. for fourth graders

• Contact: NorthShoreVolleyball. org

Tunes with Lucky Old Suns

Still Partners hosts Lucky Old Suns, a tribute to Jerry Garcia Band. Musicians Charlie Mirro, Drew Bertand, Colin Turner and Jim Fontana perform.

• Where: 225 Sea Cliff Ave., Sea Cliff

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: stillpartners.com or (516) 200-9229

FEB

20

Rock on with Ray’s No Quitter

North Shore band Ray’s No Quitter returns to Still Partners.

• Where: 225 Sea Cliff Ave., Sea Cliff

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: stillpartners.com or (516) 200-9229

Art explorations

FEB

“Don’t stop believin’…

mar

Monthly meditation

5

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. Explore techniques specifically aimed at stress reduction as Hildur adapts ancient Buddhist teachings to modern applications for calming the mind. Hildur also offers support with establishing a home meditation practice. $17 per class.

• Where: 127 Middle Neck Road, Sands Point

• Time: 6-7 p.m.

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

21

Converse, collaborate and create with kids at Family Saturdays at Nassau County Museum of Art. Get inspired by the art and objects in the galleries and then join educators at the Manes Center to explore and discover different materials to create your own original artwork. Kids and adults connect while talking about and making art together. A new project is featured every week. $20 adult, $10 child. For ages 2-14. Registration required. $20, $10 child; members free.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: Noon-3 p.m.

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

Art talk

FEB 22

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

Town meeting

The Town of Oyster Bay invites residents to attend their upcoming Town Board meeting.

• Where: 54 Audrey Ave., Oyster Bay

• Time: 10 a.m.

• Contact: (516) 624-6300

‘Brown Bag’

Art Chat

Grab your lunch and join Nassau County Museum of Art Docent Riva Ettus for her popular “Brown Bag Lecture” at the museum. Explore “The Real, Surreal, and Photoreal,”

through a lively and informative presentation. No reservations. First come, first seated.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 1 p.m.

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

FEB

27

Adult Spelling Bee

Join in a spelling bee for adults 21 and over. Compete in teams of two or three. The Love Your Neighbor Project-sponsored spelling bee at St. Luke’s raises funds for Friends of the Sea Cliff Library. Tickets for teams of three are $75, teams of two are $50 and tickets for spectators are $20 on the library website. Fee include free drink tickets and t-shirts.

• Where: 253 Glen Ave., Sea Cliff

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: seaclifflibrary.org or call (516) 671-4290

Pickleball Tournament

Gold Coast Pickleball hosts a tournament sponsored by North Shore CASA. Participants rotate partners during the round

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

Voyage rocks on with another dynamic tribute to Journey. The popular band takes everyone back to the ‘80s when Journey’s timeless music ruled the airwaves. Hailed by fans and critics alike, the band performs the music with chilling accuracy. Voyage is celebrated for their uncanny ability to recreate the legendary sound, energy and passion of one of rock’s greatest bands. With their blistering guitar solos, lush keyboard arrangements, electrifying stage presence, and stunning harmonies, the band has earned a reputation as the ultimate homage to Journey’s timeless music. Fronted by vocalist Pedro Espada, whose range and tone is acclaimed as rivaling the iconic Steve Perry, he’s backed by a lineup of world-class musicians — Robby Hoffman, Greg Smith, Lance Millard, and Dana Spellman — who bring every note to life with precision and heart. Voyage doesn’t just perform Journey’s greatest hits, they transport audiences back to the height of arena rock glory. From the soaring ballads of “Faithfully” and “Open Arms” to the anthemic energy of “Don’t Stop Believin’” and “Separate Ways,” every performance is a journey through the soundtrack of a generation. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering the magic of Journey for the first time, Voyage promises a night of unforgettable rock ‘n’ roll.

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

robin style tournament. With raffles, prizes and refreshments. $80 per adult or $150 per couple. Registration required.

• Where: 95 Glen Head Road

• Time: 3 p.m.

• Contact: NSCPBTourney. eventbrite.com or call (516) 676-9849

mar

1

mar

6

First Fridays: Through Stained Glass

Explore the extensive collection of medieval and renaissance stained glass at Planting Fields! During this walk and workshop for adults, participants will discover the travels and stories of a few of the 40-plus stainedglass panes that illuminate the historic house-museum, the Main House. Guests are uided by Collections and Exhibitions Manager Emily Leger and Archivist Marie Penny and will view the Corpus Vitrearum, an International scholarly compilation of historic glass windows. Also make your own faux stained glass to bring home and enjoy! $25.

• Where: Main House, 1395 Planting Fields Road, Oyster Bay

• Time: 2-3:30 p.m.

• Contact: plantingfields.org or call (516) 922-9210

Art Perspectives

Nassau County Museum of Art welcomes acclaimed artist Adam Straus for engaging conversation with noted art critic-writer-filmmaker Amei Wallach. Together, Straus and Wallach will discuss his artistic process, share insights from his current and past work, and present images that illuminate the evolution of his practice. Their dialogue offers a unique window into the artist’screative journey and the broader role of art in reflecting and responding to our contemporary world. $20, $15 seniors, $10 students (members free). Limited seating, register in advance.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 3 p.m.

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

Having an event?

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

LEGAL NOTICE

Public Notices

SEA CLIFF TAX SALE ON MARCH 20, 2026

NOTICE OF TAX SALE

INCORPORATED VILLAGE OF SEA CLIFF, NEW YORK 2025-26 VILLAGE TAXES

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that, pursuant to the provisions of Sections 1450 and 1452 of Article 14 of the Real Property Tax Law of the State of New York, I, Judith Phelps, Treasurer of the said Incorporated Village of Sea Cliff, will sell at public auction, in the manner provided by law, on the 20th day of March at 10:00 o’clock in the forenoon, in the Board Room at the Village Hall in said Village, so such of each of the following parcels of real estate upon which Village Taxes remain unpaid as will be sufficient to discharge the tax, fees, interest and charges which may be due thereon respectively at the time of such sale, and shall continue the same from day to day until the said sale shall be completed. Such purchaser at such tax sale will be required to pay ten percentum of his respective bid to the undersigned Village Treasurer immediately upon the conclusion of this sale and the remaining ninety per centum within ten days after the sale and upon such payment in full shall receive a written certificate of sale describing the real estate purchased and sum paid therefor.

THE NAMES OF OWNERS SHOWN ON THIS LIST MAY NOT NECESSARILY BE THE NAMES OF THE PERSONS OWNING THE PROPERTY AT THE TIME OF THIS ADVERTISEMENT. SUCH NAMES HAVE BEEN TAKEN EITHER FROM ASSESSMENT ROLLS PREPARED AS OF APRIL 2025 OR FROM THE RECORDS OF THE RECEIVER OF TAXES AND FREQUENTLY DIFFER FROM THE NAMES OF THE OWNERS AT THE TIME OF PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. IT MAY ALSO BE THAT SUCH OWNERS ARE NOMINAL ONLY AND ANOTHER PERSON IS ACTUALLY THE BENEFICIAL OWNER. PROPERTY OWNERS MAY MAKE PAYMENT AT VILLAGE HALL PRIOR TO TAX SALE. PAYMENT MUST BE BY CASH OR CHECK ONLY.

The following is a list of the parcels of real estate to be sold, including the amount of the tax, fees, interest and charges thereon, all parcels being within Section 21 of the Nassau County Land and Tax Map, to wit:

piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in Roslyn, Town of North Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 7, Block G and Lot 503. Approximate amount of judgment

$427,770.28 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #001689/2016 / 16-001689. Roger Hausch, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 158112

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE

The bond resolution, a summary of which is published herewith, has been adopted on February 12, 2026, and the validity of the obligations authorized by such bond resolution may be hereafter contested only if such obligations were authorized for an object or purpose for which North Shore Central SCHOOL DISTRICT, in the County of Nassau, New York, is not authorized to expend money or if the provisions of law which should have been complied with as of the date of publication of this Notice were not substantially complied with, and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty days after the publication of this Notice, or such obligations were authorized in violation of the provisions of the constitution.

things to know after north shore’s propositions pass

Work can now begin on district bond projects

By JULIA CAPITELLI

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

REVERSE MORTGAGE SOLUTIONS, INC., Plaintiff, AGAINST

STEPHANIE CAPONE

AS SOLE HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT LARSON, et al. Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on September 26, 2025. I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the North Side Steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 27, 2026 at 2:30 PM premises known as 151 Jefferson Ave, Roslyn Heights, NY 11577. Please take notice that this foreclosure auction shall be conducted in compliance with the Foreclosure Auction Rules for Nassau County, and the COVID 19 Health Emergency Rules, including proper use of masks and social distancing. All that certain plot

ELIZABETH CIAMPI District Clerk BOND RESOLUTION OF NORTH SHORE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, NEW YORK, ADOPTED FEBRUARY 12, 2026, AUTHORIZING THE CONSTRUCTION OF IMPROVEMENTS AND ALTERATIONS TO DISTRICT SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND SITES; STATING THE ESTIMATED TOTAL COST THEREOF IS NOT TO EXCEED

$11,756,000; APPROPRIATING SAID AMOUNT THEREFOR; AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF NOT TO EXCEED $11,756,000 SERIAL BONDS OF SAID DISTRICT TO FINANCE SAID APPROPRIATION.

jcapitelli@liherald.com

The North Shore community voted to pass two school district propositions on Feb. 10. Both allow the district to begin indoor and outdoor projects throughout the district. All projects are to be completed within three to five years, and yearly school budgets will not be affected. Proposition one was for $11.76 million in bond projects for all five schools. The second was for $2.48 million from the district’s capital reserve funds to replace the high school track and install stadium lights at the high school football field. Here are three things to know following the vote.

n Both proposition pass with more than two-thirds majority by voters.

Proposition one passed with 930 votes in favor to 392 against, and proposition two with 928 votes for and 394 against. Roughly 70 percent of 1,322 total voters voted in favor of each proposal.

n Bond projects will include air conditioning, infrastructure and athletic improvements.

Improvements to large space air conditioning will be made in the gymnasiums at all three elementary schools and the middle school as well as Glen Head Elementary’s gathering room, Glenwood Landing’s cafeteria and Sea Cliff’s auditorium.

Work on infrastructure is planned for every school except Sea Cliff. The ceiling at the high school auditorium will be replaced, and new fencing will be installed at the middle school. Glen Head will receive upgrades to its elevator and gathering room. Music classrooms at Glenwood Landing are slated to be reconstructed and reconfigured.

Various athletic and recreational facility improvements are planned for both the middle and high schools.

n The full timeline for completion of projects has not been determined yet.

While all projects must be completed within three to five years, the exact timeline is not yet laid out. In an interview prior to the vote, Superintendent Chris Zublionis said it would be discussed following the passage of the propositions.

Board of Education Trustee Lisa Colacioppo suggested meeting to discuss the timeline at the board’s public meeting on Feb. 12.

Let us Know

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

Students can learn about success from Sam Darnold

Super Bowl Sunday reached national-holiday status many years ago in the United States. Unlike other holidays, the meaning of this one shifts every year. Each Super Bowl is meaningful in its own way, reflecting the particular time period and the specific people involved.

The broader historical context around a particular Super Bowl creates a feeling of its being “more than a game.” A perfect example of this was Super Bowl XXV in 1991, when Whitney Houston sang perhaps the most famous rendition of the national anthem, while we were in the midst of the Gulf War. The game and the song became a lasting metaphor for national unity, even though it was a tough loss for the city of Buffalo.

Likewise, the personalities involved in each Super Bowl create unique stories and lessons that we can learn from

and be inspired by. For me, this year’s Super Bowl LX was the story of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold. Drafted third overall in the 2018 NFL draft, Darnold had a lackluster early career. He struggled as one of the lowest-ranking quarterbacks in the NFL, and led his teams to victory only 21 times in his first five seasons. By contrast, his last two seasons boasted 28 wins, playoff appearances and, earlier this month, an NFL championship.

Take advantage of new opportunities, even if they seem like a step back.

So what made the difference in Darnold’s career, and what lessons can we glean from his turnaround to share with our students about success in our careers and in life?

First, take advantage of new opportunities, even if they seem like a step back. Darnold had a difficult start with, let’s face it, a difficult organization, the New York Jets. After three years, he went to another challenging team, the Carolina Panthers. Finally, at rock bottom and almost totally written off, he signed a backup quarterback deal with the San Francisco 49ers.

Most folks at the time didn’t even know if he was still playing. But with a superior coaching staff and the space to learn and grow, Darnold took advantage of this tremendous opportunity with the 49ers, and coach Kyle Shanahan, and the following year, then with the Minnesota Vikings, he had the best season of his career. He had a sense of what he needed in coaching and support, and that propelled him to new opportunities. He was also fearless in moving among organizations four times to chase opportunities that he was even more prepared for.

Second, don’t allow opportunities that don’t work out to become an albatross on your life, but make those situations pay you back with learning and growth. It had to be so hard for Darnold to struggle in New York, the most highprofile of all sports communities. But he didn’t let pundits define him. Rather, he admitted that those early years were difficult and continued to learn, work and grow. He reflected on what didn’t work and how this helped him mature in his

thinking. As Darnold said recently: “Mistakes happen, and you learn from them. You don’t want to make mistakes again, but sometimes in your career, especially if it is a long career? Those things are going to happen. But being able to move on, and to learn from those experiences is to move on. The days in New York, Carolina, those were part of my journey and part of my experience. I loved it, to be part of it. Yeah, there were lows and stuff, not going to lie to ya. But that is part of it. I learned so much from that. I am able to move on.”

Finally, confidence and self-belief are the key that connects the first two lessons. In his transition to the 49ers, it has been reported that even for the backup role, the coaches weren’t going to sign Darnold if his self-concept was weak. Despite the early years, he knew that self-belief is one of the greatest tools to handle adversity and open new doors of opportunity.

So while it’s true that the Super Bowl is only a football game — the most expensive football game ever produced — it is also a story that has the power to unite, to inspire and to teach.

Chris Zublionis is superintendent of the North Shore School District.

Combating the scourge of kratom in Nassau County

Our most consequential responsibility as public servants, parents and community leaders is to confront emerging threats to our children’s health and wellness. Frighteningly, many of these can be found within arm’s length at our local convenience stores, and there’s a new one on the shelf.

arnOld w. drucker

We are all aware of the everpresent threats of alcohol, tobacco and nicotine products and the risks of lifelong addiction, cancers and terminal illnesses their use can cause. More recently, we witnessed the frightening rise of dangerous fruit- and candy-flavored vaping products that get our kids hooked on nicotine and can cause irreversible health problems like “popcorn lung.” Thankfully, our efforts to stem that tide have made slow but steady progress. Now we are confronted by the threat of a new and alarming substance — an emerging stimulant known as kratom — and it is incumbent on all of us to act swiftly to protect our communities.

A constituent recently contacted my office and asked to meet with me to discuss how Nassau County could address the dangers of this drug, which their son, and many others, had gotten hooked on. It had caused devastating damage, and I knew action was necessary.

It’s easy to see how people can be enticed by kratom. It is often falsely marketed as a natural, plantbased energy booster, mood lifter, pain reliever and opioid withdrawal remedy. But, as they say, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

It’s a stimulant with side effects ranging from psychosis to liver damage.

Experts at the Mayo Clinic warn that kratom has not been proven safe or to have any medical efficacy. The Food and Drug Administration similarly cautions against its use, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has labeled it a drug of concern, with side effects including confusion, delusions, tremors, psychosis, depression toxicity, liver damage and addiction. Because it is unregulated and its labeling is inconsistent, its users have little idea how much they’ve actually taken until it’s too late.

During a five-year span, poison-control centers across America received

more than 3,400 reports of kratomrelated incidents, and some cases ended in patients’ deaths. My constituent told me that when their son finally embarked on a path to recovery, the withdrawal symptoms he experienced were similar to, if not worse than, someone going through heroin withdrawal.

Based on these disturbing facts, I filed legislation on Feb. 6 that would ban the sale and distribution of kratom products in Nassau County. Those found in violation would be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and up to a year in jail for each offense.

Suffolk County has already banned kratom, and New York state restricts its sale to people over age 21. Passing my legislation would bring us in line with our neighbors in Suffolk and hopefully serve as a catalyst for a statewide ban. The fact that the Republican majority has followed my lead and filed similar legislation gives me hope that this common-sense approach to protecting public health is on the fast track to approval.

Throughout my decade as a legislator, I have remained laser-focused on preserving the wellness of our commu-

nities and protecting our young people from dangerous, misleading products that can ruin their health. In 2019 I proudly introduced and passed a ban on the sale of most flavored vaping products in Nassau — products that we have proven vape companies market directly to unsuspecting youths. The ban was later adopted statewide. The proposal built on my previous bill to restrict the advertising of age-restricted items such as cigarettes, tobacco and vaping products within 1,000 feet of establishments frequented by young people.

Before taking steps to regulate vaping, I focused intently on finishing the work that the late Legislator Judy Jacobs began to ban the sale of tobacco and cigarettes to anyone under age 21 — a goal that we achieved in 2018.

All of these proposals were ultimately enacted with bipartisan, unanimous support. As our focus now turns to kratom and addressing the devastation it has already caused for far too many families, I implore my colleagues to once again set aside our partisan labels. Banning kratom will protect our children and our communities from irreversible harm. Let’s work together and get it done.

Arnold W. Drucker represents Nassau County’s 16th Legislative District and is the Legislature’s deputy minority leader.

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HERALD

aMisleading safety data could hurt kids

Feb. 2 report, “Violent and Disruptive Incidents and Bullying in New York Schools,” from State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli should serve as a wake-up call for anyone tempted to declare victory on school safety.

While official data shows that rates of “serious” violent and disruptive incidents are near zero, bullying, cyberbullying and drug-related incidents are rising statewide — in many cases exceeding pre-pandemic levels. That disconnect matters, because it reveals a system that risks measuring safety by definitions rather than by students’ lived experiences.

According to DiNapoli’s analysis of seven years of School Safety and Educational Climate data from the State Education Department, bullying is now the most frequently reported school safety incident.

In the 2023-24 school year, bullying, not including cyberbullying, accounted for nearly two-thirds of all reported incidents statewide. Almost 30,000 bullying incidents were reported, translating to 12.4 incidents per 1,000 pupils. In schools that reported at least one incident, the rate was far higher.

Cyberbullying, meanwhile, remains officially “low” in the data, but that is precisely the problem. Anonymity, offcampus activity and the digital lives students have after dismissal make cyberbullying notoriously difficult to detect and report. The report itself acknowledges that many incidents likely go unreported. When nearly 35 percent of public schools report no bullying or

letters

Peter King goes too easy on ICE agents

To the Editor:

Re Peter King’s column “There are better ways to resolve the immigration crisis” in last week’s issue: The videos we all saw of Renee Good and Alex Pretti being shot to death by ICE agents contradict Mr. King’s description. He referred to these horrific acts as “heat-of-the moment reactions to unexpected incidents.”

Additionally, Mr. King opposes “any requirement that ICE agents remove their masks” because “wearing masks has become absolutely essential for them.”

If only Mr. King found it in his heart to have similar consideration and respect for the families of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

JOSIE MARINO Lynbrook

cyberbullying incidents, the question is not whether bullying exists, but whether schools are capturing it honestly.

Drug-related incidents tell a similar story. After dropping during the period of remote learning, the number of drug incidents in secondary schools has risen above pre-Covid levels. Statewide rates climbed from 4.2 incidents per 1,000 students in 2017-18 to 6.5 in 2023-24, with especially high rates in upstate districts. These are not abstract numbers. They reflect daily realities that students, teachers and families confront in hallways, bathrooms and social spaces.

Yet at the same time these troubling trends are rising, reports of serious violent and disruptive incidents — such as assault, sexual offenses and weapons possession — have plummeted. That decline coincides not with a dramatic transformation of school culture, but with changes to reporting definitions implemented in 2021-22. Under the revised rules, incidents are only reportable if the offender is at least 10 years old, the incident meets felony criteria, and it has been referred to law enforcement.

The result is a dataset that may be technically accurate under state rules, but deeply misleading if taken at face value. Schools may still experience serious incidents that never meet the threshold for state reporting, creating a false sense of security for parents and policymakers who rely on these numbers to assess safety.

This is not the intent of New York’s school safety laws. The Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act,

enacted in 2000, and the Dignity for All Students Act, adopted a decade later, were designed to protect young people and ensure transparency in reporting harassment, bullying and violence. After the Sandy Hook tragedy in Connecticut, New York state rightly sought to refine and streamline reporting to focus on prevention. But refinement must not become minimization.

Limiting cellphone use during the school day is a modest step in the right direction. It will reduce in-school distractions. But bullying and cyberbullying don’t stop at the dismissal bell. Students carry their social worlds and their conflicts home in their pockets. Without sustained education, intervention and accountability, phones will simply resume their role as weapons after school hours.

Schools need to be honest with themselves about what these incidents are and properly report them to the State Education Department. That honesty isn’t about protecting reputations or presenting a picture of perfect calm. It’s about identifying real problems so they can be addressed.

Pretending a school or district is blissful may look good on paper, but it does nothing to protect students. Reliable, transparent data is the foundation of meaningful solutions.

If we want safer schools in reality and not just safer statistics, we must confront bullying, cyberbullying and substance use head-on, report them accurately, and commit to prevention that extends beyond the school day. Our children deserve nothing less.

opinions

The part of Tom Suozzi’s record no one is talking about

i’ve spent my life around politics, and I’ve learned that it’s easy to judge a leader by a single headline. It’s much harder, and far more meaningful to look at their entire record, the choices they’ve made over time and the values that guided them when it truly mattered.

That’s why I feel compelled to speak up about Tom Suozzi.

Long before immigration became a national wedge issue, before cable news shouting matches and social media outrage dominated the conversation, Tom Suozzi was doing the work. Quietly. Consistently. He acted because he believed in what was right and what actually made communities stronger. He followed his conscience.

Tom was just 31 when he was elected mayor of Glen Cove. In the 1990s, long before immigration was a political talking point or a cable news obsession, he helped create the first hiring site for immigrant workers on the East Coast. It wasn’t just about connecting people to jobs. While workers waited for employment, they were offered English classes,

citizenship preparation, and access to support services that helped them navigate life in a new country.

The message was simple and powerful: we want you to succeed here.

No one talked about the “Latino vote” back then. It happened because Suozzi believed, and still believes, that integration strengthens communities, that dignity matters, and that when people are treated with respect, the entire community benefits. Those values weren’t rhetorical. They were embedded in real policies that improved lives.

Lcooperation between police and the people they serve. It was about making sure victims of crime felt safe enough to seek help, regardless of where they were born.

The results were real. Victims of real crimes were more willing to come forward. officers could focus on stopping violence and keeping neighborhoods safe. Trust was preserved, and Nassau County was stronger because of it.

ong before immigration became a national wedge issue, he was doing the work.

When Suozzi became Nassau County executive, those same principles guided his leadership. He has always believed in strong, professional law enforcement. But he also understood that real public safety depends on trust. When communities are afraid of the police, crimes go unreported. Witnesses disappear. Victims stay silent. And we are all less safe as a result.

That’s why his administration made clear that Nassau County police would focus on local public safety, not federal immigration enforcement. This was about protecting the integrity of policing and ensuring that officers could do their jobs effectively, without turning neighbors into targets or undermining

Letters

Who’s left to report the truth?

To the Editor:

As a former reporter, I cherish a free press — and with our democracy hanging by a thread, I refuse to sit by while truth tellers are silenced.

I was bothered that Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos caved to President Trump’s demand that the Post stay out of presidential endorsements. But what bothered me more was watching people cancel their subscriptions over it. That’s cutting off your nose to spite your face. Why punish a newspaper already struggling to survive? Did we forget that reporters are stationed around the world, risking their lives to bring us the truth — and that in times of conflict, they’re always the first targets, precisely so the truth never reaches us?

The Post loses $100 million a year, yet it remains an essential truth teller. This is the paper that exposed Watergate. Not surprisingly, Trump admired President Richard Nixon. Both detested the press because its job is to investigate corruption and

report the truth. And let’s not forget: a Washington Post journalist was murdered at the direction of a Saudi prince while Trump looked the other way.

While Trump manufactured a crisis in Greenland and ICE gunned down American citizens, the final board meeting of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting barely registered. Jimmy Kimmel’s being pulled off the air and the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” already feel like ancient history. Even as wars rage in Ukraine and the Middle East, coverage keeps shrinking — and that is no accident. And now Bezos is laying off a third of the Post’s staff, including a war correspondent in Ukraine. With Secretary of War Pete Hegseth blocking Pentagon reporting, Trump forming a “Board of Peace” with Putin and other authoritarian leaders, and independent news sources collapsing, who is left to deliver the truth?

CLAUDIA BoRECKy President,

Bellmore Merrick Democratic Club Merrick

At the same time, while Suozzi was county executive, just next door, in Suffolk County, inflammatory rhetoric and aggressive enforcement were tearing at the fabric of communities. That atmosphere of fear and dehumanization didn’t exist in isolation. It contributed to the climate that led to the murder of Marcelo Lucero, a heartbreaking reminder that words and policies have consequences far beyond politics.

Suozzi chose a different path, one rooted in safety, accountability and humanity. And his commitment to inclusion wasn’t symbolic. It was structural. When he became county executive, the county had never elected a Hispanic legislator. Suozzi didn’t just talk about representation; he helped make it happen. I know, because he helped me get

elected as the first Hispanic legislator in county history. He understood that government should look like the people it serves, and he took concrete steps to make that a reality.

Today, he serves in Congress, where immigration policy is shaped by federal realities and national challenges. He has made real immigration reform a priority, understanding that lasting solutions require serious governing, not slogans, not fear-mongering and not political theater. He has been clear: The border should be secure, and violent criminals should be deported. But immigrants who have lived here for decades, worked hard, paid taxes and raised families deserve a legal path forward, not to be targeted, treated inhumanely or used as political props.

I’ve seen Tom Suozzi lead when it was hard. I’ve seen him take risks when others stayed silent. And I’ve seen him stand with immigrant communities throughout his career, not just when it was convenient.

No person, and no politician, is perfect. But Suozzi has always put himself on the front lines, never shied away from a fight, and never walked away from the people he serves.

That’s the part of his record people should be talking about.

Dave Mejias, an attorney in Glen Cove, served in the Nassau County Legislature from 2004 to 2009.

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