Uniondale Herald 02-05-2026

California Avenue Elementary School Science Specialist Rick Wolfsdorf Jr., center, and Uniondale High science teacher Michael Guardino helped students through their two attempts to build a boat that sped toward a finish line, propelled by a blow dryer.

By ABBY GIBSON Intern

The sound of hair dryers and excited third-, fourth- and fifth-grade students and their parents echoed down the halls of Uniondale Avenue Elementary School last weekend as competitors took part in a Sailboat Challenge at the second session of Super Science Saturday. Students and parents gathered in the school’s cafeteria on Jan. 31 for a districtwide initiative, to learn about design, force and motion through hands-on learning and experimentation. At the first Saturday session, on Oct. 11, the focus was on engineering and coding with Lego robots.

Medical students take nutrition lessons into a hospital kitchen Students sail into STEM

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO azingariello@liherald.com

A group of fourth-year medical students from the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell took part in the Culinary Medicine elective that integrates nutrition education with hands-on experience in a hospital kitchen.

The program is designed to help future physicians better understand how food and dietary choices intersect with patient care.

On Jan. 15, the students commuted to Long Island Jewish Valley Stream hospital for a pediatric nutrition session.

They cooked in an active hospital kitchen while observing how meals are prepared for patients.

Eva Sheridan, an assistant professor in the Department of Science and Science Education at the Zucker School, collaborated with Alice Fornari, a registered dietician and a professor of science education and family medicine at the school, to create the elective in 2020.

“My sister is a [veterinarian], and she went to vet school

back at the time, and as part of vet school, she had a whole semester where she was learning about the feeding schedule of the animals,” Sheridan recalled, speaking at the start of the program. “And I was kind of thinking, huh, when I went to school, and still, there was no learning about the feeding of human beings, and that is essential.”

Sheridan joined the Zucker School faculty in 2018 after working in psychiatry

research, where she focused on mitigating weight gain often caused by antipsychotic medications. Her current role involves facilitating smallgroup learning throughout the medical school curriculum.

The course uses Health Meets Food courseware, which integrates nutrition science, clinical cases and culinary instruction. When the elective

first launched during the coronavirus pandemic, it was conducted remotely, with students taking part in case discussions and viewing live cooking demonstrations on Zoom. Once inperson learning resumed, the program moved into hospital kitchens.

It is structured around selected nutrition modules,

Cradle of Aviation to host “Airman” documentary Documenting Legacies

By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com

The Herald sat down with director Amy Serrano from Florida and associate producer Helen Dorado Alessi, of Long Beach discuss the making of AIRMAN, a documentary about Louisiana’s last Tuskegee Airman, Calvin G. Moret. A behind-thescenes screening of the project will take place at the Cradle of Aviation Museum on Thursday, Jan. 12 at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free with reservation.

Q:What is the goal of the AIRMAN project?

A:Serrano :The project requires approximately $500,000 to complete. The budget covers filming, travel, archival research, post-production, and preparing the film for festivals,

streaming platforms, and educational distribution. High-quality documentaries that reach wide audiences require professionallevel funding to meet industry standards.

A: Hellen:AIRMAN is designed as a multi-platform educational project. In addition to festival and streaming releases, it will include school study guides, community engagement programs, and an online archive for students and educators. The goal is not just to tell a story, but to create lasting educational resources that bring people together and preserve histor

Q:What will audiences see in the 21-minute preview of AIRMAN?

A: Serrano: This is a 21-minute behind-the-scenes look at the making of AIRMAN. I

would say it’s highly educational because it gives you a background on the Tuskegee Airmen history. You will learn so much about the role of the Airmen in World War II, within the Civil Rights Movement and how their success was won through merit and hard work. There are tidbits of interviews with Mr. Moret — he’s a very respected man, a very singular man. He’s an important storyteller for the Tuskegee Airmen.

A: Hellen: You’re also going to meet Mr. Moret, and his lovely wife at the end of the film, and you’ll hear him singing.

Q:Who was Calvin G. Moret, and why is his story central to the film?

A: Serrano: Calvin G. Moret was a Tuskegee Airman and a powerful storyteller whose life embodied resilience, love, and integrity. He helped desegregate the U.S. military and remained deeply committed to unity despite experiencing discrimination. I spent the last three years of his life documenting his story, capturing personal moments, public talks, and reflections even his own family hadn’t heard before.

Q:Were you with him the last three years of his life person-

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ally?

A: Serrano: I met him and we thought it would just be one interview on a Friday morning. I remember telling my then-fiancé that I’d be home by 1 p.m. for lunch — but I stayed until 8 p.m. I followed him with my camera on road trips — we flew together three times with his children. His daughter said in an interview, “Amy got to know Dad better than we did.” I have three years’ worth of material to shape into a 90-minute documentary on Mr. Moret and the Tuskegee Airmen.

Q: Why is this documentary considered urgent right now?

A: Hellen : It has an educational component for schools and nonprofit organizations. We need more examples of people who are just the best — people who show courage, who show love. My job is to tell people the reality that there are only so many trusted messengers. And when you get to hear the words from Mr. Moret’s own mouth, and his thoughts on truth and integrity, it matters.

Q: What kind of footage and interviews did you gather?

A: Serrano: We’re entering phase two of interviews now. We’re speaking with people he impacted personally and those carrying on the Airman legacy — including Black Pilots of America. We’re also talking to historians, journalists, and others he influenced.

Q:What kind of questions did you ask those interviewees?

A: Serrano: We just completed five interviews. I always end with two questions: “What was Calvin G. Moret’s legacy?” and “What made him extraordinary?” One man broke down crying just talking about him. From Black pilots to a journalist who once challenged David Duke on air, the answers were remarkably consistent.

Powering Long Island: A History of Resilience and Reinvention

The story of Long Island’s energy infrastructure is one of growth, ambition, missteps and resilience.

From the development of the Long Island Lighting Company (LILCO) and the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) to handle a growing need, to key historical events like

A press conference

the Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant saga and Hurricane Sandy, Long Island’s power grid has a storied history.

The Formation of LILCO

Around 1910, LILCO was created by combining four small Suffolk County utility companies to make improvements on the existing system to deliver electric power.

For much of its history, LILCO focused on

large, centralized fossil-fuel power plants supported by an expanding grid.

Long before the adverse effects of climate change would be felt, the dangerous choice to rely on fossil fuels was evident in the Bay Shore gas explosion in 1919, knocking out power for three days.

Through the 1950s and 60s, negative effects were felt to a greater impact. Most famously the New York smog event of 1966, where air pollution from coal power plants and other sources led to poisonous air quality, severe health impacts and deaths.

While plagued by these negative public health circumstances, this system did meet the energy demand of the day. But, in the 1960s and ‘70s, the development of air conditioning made demand for electric power skyrocket. LILCO’s answer? The Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant.

The Shoreham Nuclear Plant: A Defining Turning Point

The Shoreham Nuclear Power Plant was constructed, but was met with public opposition and significant safety concern studies. The 1979 accident at the Three Mile Island in Pennsylvania amplified these concerns.

Though completed, and still reflected on Long Island ratepayers utility bills, Shoreham never operated commercially, and it became a national symbol of failed centralized energy planning. Ultimately, the plant was decommissioned, leaving Long Islanders with debt—and a lasting skepticism toward large, single-point energy solutions.

Storms, Blackouts and a Grid Under Stress

From 1985’s Hurricane Gloria that knocked out electricity to two-thirds of LILCO’s customers, to the Northeast blackout of 2003 that halted the Long Island Rail Road, to Hurricane Sandy in 2012 where 90 percent of Long Island lost power, to every tropical storm and weather event in between, these natural disasters continued to expose deep flaws in the aging infrastructure. Each event compounded existing wear on the system, accelerating the need for reinforcement, storm hardening, smarter grid design and diversity of energy sources— while costing a premium to do so. These moments also reshaped public expectations: reliability is no longer just about everyday demand, but about resilience under extreme conditions.

From LILCO to Long Island Power Authority (LIPA)

As a result of the Long Island Power Act of 1985, the Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) was created to assume responsibility for LILCO’s debt, which totaled around $7.3 billion, and the infrastructure. LIPA inherited a vast, but inadequate grid that must be upgraded.

Now, as the AI and data-center revolution demand more and more of our power grid, and new technologies have become available, namely renewables like wind, solar and battery storage, Long Island has the opportunity to transform to a modern, affordable and resilient power grid.

Volunteers gather to make lunch for the homeless

By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com

In Uniondale, more than 40 students spent Martin Luther King Jr. Day assembling sandwiches for neighbors in need, transforming a school holiday into a morning of service at the Uniondale Fire Department’s Van Ness firehouse.

The initiative — part of the nationwide MLK Day of Service — was organized by New York Life Foundation volunteers in partnership with the Uniondale School District and the fire department. Together, they made and packaged 397 sandwiches, which were delivered to the Mary Brennan INN in Hempstead, a nonprofit that provides food and shelter to those experiencing homelessness.

“This was my first year serving as a captain for the Day of Service, and the turnout was great,” said Nickeisha Frazer, a New York Life agent and Uniondale resident. “Everything flowed smoothly, and it showed what can happen when corporations, schools and the community work together.”

Students from Uniondale — including members of My Brother’s Keeper, Key Club and the National Honor Society — worked alongside teachers, advisors and corporate volunteers to prepare turkeyand-cheese, ham-and-cheese and cheese sandwiches, complete with condiments.

Frazer said food insecurity was chosen as the focus because many families are struggling with rising costs, housing insecurity and inflation.

“There are people who may have a job, but because of inflation, they’re pretty much paycheck to paycheck,” she said. “We know there are individuals who are barely making ends meet.”

She added that many students want to help but may not know where to begin — and this project offered a meaningful entry point. “Unity — how much we could accomplish by working together.

That’s one of the biggest lessons of that day,” Frazer said.

New York Life, she explained, is not only a for-profit company, but one that actively invests in service initiatives. Through its Volunteers for Good program and the New York Life Foundation, the organization contributed $32.5 million nationally in 2024. Frazer chose Uniondale because it’s where she lives and works in Nassau County.

“We’re always looking for opportunities to serve as volunteers — not just doing business, but giving back,” she said.

A firehouse of support

The Van Ness firehouse — home to Uniondale’s emergency rescue and EMS squads — includes a large event hall and certified kitchen that made it ideal for the food prep effort. Fire commissioners and members supported the event by welcoming volunteers, offering building tours and explaining the department’s broader community role.

“We were happy to make the facility available,” said Fire Commissioner Noel Thomas. “Seeing that many students show up to help their neighbors was impressive. It says a lot about their leadership, their parents and their teachers.”

Fire Department Captain Avril Ashley added: “To see students give up part of their day off to serve their community was really rewarding.”

Advisors Allison Chaplin and Colin Ross, who work with the school district, were on site working alongside the students. Ross also serves as the advisor for the district’s My Brother’s Keeper program.

Uniondale Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil was credited by organizers for encouraging student participation and championing community service.

“We showed the students what it

Volunteers assembled roughly 400 sandwiches, with a mix of turkey and cheese to give to the INN.

Family and friends joined together to volunteer in a goal of unity. Lorna Simpson, left, Cameron Simpson, 11, Kennedy Williams, 8, and Marsha Williams made turkey sandwiches during the MLK Day of Service at Sherman Van Ness fire station.

means to commit to a cause and work together,” Frazer said. “I know Dr. King would be proud that young people were

getting involved in social issues like homelessness and hunger — and doing it in their own communities.”

Help Wanted

Digital Pre-Press Operator – Full-Time, Evening/overnight shift

Join our web press production team! The Digital Pre-Press Operator prepares ads, editorial pages, and special sections for high-volume print production, ensuring files meet technical standards, color accuracy, and are press-ready. This hands-on role requires attention to detail, technical skill, and teamwork in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities:

• Preflight, prepare, and process digital files through RIP workflows.

• Ensure accurate color, resolution, fonts, imposition, and plate readiness.

• Perform quality checks on ads and editorial content.

• Troubleshoot technical issues with files, RIP, and press output.

• Coordinate with editorial, advertising, and pressroom teams.

• Maintain file organization, backups, and workflow documentation.

Requirements:

• 2–5+ years pre-press experience in newspapers, magazines, or high-volume print.

• Proficiency in Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, Acrobat; RIP systems knowledge.

• Strong attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and ability to meet deadlines.

• Ability to lift plates (20–30 lbs) and work in a production environment.

Preferred:Experience with web press imposition,

Schedule:

Crime watCh

theFt iN rOOSeVeLt FieLD maLL

On Nov. 14 Jason Washington, 41, was arreste for shoplifting at Nordstrom.

On Dec. 5, Brittany Banks, 31, of Amityville, was arrested for shoplifting at Old Navy inside Roosevelt Field Mall.

On Dec. 5, Kenneth Gregory, 48, of Jamaica, was arrested for shoplifting at Macy’s inside Roosevelt Field Mall.

On Dec. 13, Jahrel Page, 29, of Freeport, was arrested for shoplifting at Lululemon inside Roosevelt Field Mall.

On Dec. 15, Maria Hercules, 66, of Far Rockaway, was arrested for shoplifting at Macy’s inside Roosevelt Field Mall.

On Dec. 16 and Dec. 17, multiple shoplifting arrests were reported at ALO and Bath & Body Works inside Roosevelt Field Mall.

On Dec. 17, $400 in cash was reported stolen from ALT Kiosk inside Roosevelt Field Mall.

On Dec. 10, Montunrayo Oladunni, 22, of Uniondale, was arrested for shoplifting at Nordstrom inside Roosevelt Field Mall.

On Dec. 3 Louis Wilson, 28, of Oyster Bay was arrested for shoplifting at Macy’s.

On Dec. 7 Kevin Martinez,26, was of Freeport was arrested for shoplifting from Saks Off 5th.

On Dec. 16 Ingrid Johana Gomez, 37, of Bayside was arrested for shoplifting at an ALT KIOSK. Gomez removed $400 from this location.

On Dec. 17 Imani Bishop,24, was arrested for shoplifring at ALO.

On Dec. 17, Yolanda Carrasco Rosas, 47, of Manhasset, was arrested for shoplifting at Target on Union Turnpike.

On Dec. 9, Shawn Smith, 20, of Brooklyn, was arrested for shoplifting at UPS in East Garden City.

Petit LarCeNY

On Nov. 30, Edner J. Volcy, 40, of Uniondale, was arrested for DWI at

Smith Street.

On Dec. 1, Arielle S. Georges, 29, of Uniondale, was arrested at 1400 Union Turnpike.

On Dec. 1, Reign King, 19, and Mykel A. Hatten, 19, both of Uniondale, were arrested.

On Dec. 2, a male suspect reportedly stole a bouquet of flowers from 576 Uniondale Ave.

On Dec. 1, unknown subject(s) reportedly removed four New York license plates from a vehicle parked at 178 Maple Ave.

On Dec. 1, unknown subject(s) reportedly removed two Illinois license plates from a vehicle parked at 845 Nassau Rd.

On Dec. 7, a Huffy bicycle was reported stolen from Leslie Lane.

On Dec. 15, batteries were reported stolen from Walgreens on Uniondale Avenue.

On Dec. 16, two packages, including CPAP equipment, were reported stolen from Anchor Way.

On Dec. 4 and Dec. 6, multiple shoplifting arrests were reported at Stop & Shop on Cherry Valley Avenue in West Hempstead.

On Dec. 5, Shatora Gaskin, 32, of Hempstead, was arrested for shoplifting at Walmart on Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow.

On Dec. 16, Shariff Jones, 35, of Hempstead, was arrested for shoplifting at Target in Westbury.

On Nov 28 Christopher Almendarez Gomez, 30, of Baldwin was arrested for shoplifting from Dicks Sporting Goods.

On Dec. 13 four unknown subjects were reported by a victim who removed street signs from Fenimore Ave and Braxton street.

On Dec. 16, a vicrim reported an unknown male subject remove CPAP equiptment form Busy BEEZ Childcare.

On Dec. 16 A victim reported an unknown male remove two packages from 242 Anchor Way.

People named in Crime Watch items as having been arrested and charged with violations or crimes are only suspected of committing those acts of which they are accused. They are all presumed to be innocent of those charges until and unless found guilty in a court of law.

Firefighters make a special visit to the library

By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com

Children at the Uniondale Public Library got a special visit from 17 members of the Uniondale Fire Department as part of an ongoing initiative to build stronger bonds between firefighters and the community — through story time.

Firefighters read Pete the Cat: Firefighter Pete aloud to children, in a setting designed to be both fun and comforting. Other books included multiple bilingual titles.

The idea began when the fire department was brainstorming new ways to connect with local families — especially children — and recognized the library as an ideal partner, since Fire Chief and alarm dispatcher Jessica Ellerby and legislator Olena Nicks red books to kids two years ago for Black History Month.

“The other guys saw that were saying is this the only time fire fighters read books? We want to read books too,” she said.

But coordinating schedules and was a challenge as all slots were full for another Black History Month reading.

“I said, wait a minute, let me put my other hat on – we can do a story time with the library,” Ellerby said who also serves on the library board.

Chrissy Hirsch, librarian and head of children’s services, said Ellerby reached out to the library’s assistant director, Syntychia Kendrick-Samuel, to get involved with programming for local youth.

Hirsch then organized multiple sessions to accommodate different family schedules. On Wednesday, day care groups attended a “touch a truck” story time, while Saturday’s session welcomed working families.

“We make it a priority to have multiple sessions of programs so that families can attend when they are available,” Hirsch said in an email.

She added that because the library sees so many children, their goal is to educate while making the experience memorable — something staff refers to as “creating a core memory.”

“When we see that one of our children’s programs has made a mark with the kids, we note that it is a core memory program,” Hirsch said. “Chief Jessica Ellerby and the firefighters created that core memory program through trust, learning and positive relationships.”

For many children, firefighters are seen only in emergency situations. But bringing them into a familiar, safe place like a library helps children form new, more personal associations.

“We want them to get more familiar with us as people, so they know that there are real people inside the gear,” Ellerby said, referencing first Assistant Chief Kevin Hicks, who also attended the event. “I really think these outside events help that, that’s why I like doing them.”

Ellerby added that the interaction isn’t just valuable for children — it helps firefighters as well.

“It works both ways to be better leaders,” she said. “It helps the fire department expand with public speaking and how to interact with children.”

Hirsch echoed the importance of building those connections in everyday spaces.

“Children may see the firefighters in the community, responding to very scary situations, so it is important that children experience our local emergency services in a relaxed learning environment,” she said.

“It is a relatable experience; being a community hero and a helper is both a vital and an attainable goal,” Hirsch added. “To quote the Fred Rogers Institute: In challenging times, Fred Rogers is often quoted saying something he learned from his mother: ‘Look for the helpers. There are always people who are helping.’ Right now, we are all looking for, and deeply appreciating, our many helpers.”

Nicks also stopped by on Saturday, reading books to children during the session. Nicks began volunteering with the Uniondale Fire Department at age 18 and remains closely involved.

“I was grateful to spend the afternoon at an event that promotes a love of reading and strengthens bonds between our community and the first responders who serve and protect them!”

spotlight athlete

MIA DISALVO

SOUTH SIDE Senior Gymnastics

A MEMBER OF SOUTH SIDE’S varsity for five seasons, DiSalvo is considered one of the most talented gymnasts in Nassau County. She earned All-County honors on vault in the 202122 campaign and has been All-County in three events (vault, balance beam and floor exercise) in each of the past four seasons. Her career highs are 8.45 on vault, 8.95 on beam and 9.3 on floor. She’s also one of the Cyclones’ captains.

games to watch

Thursday, Feb. 5

Girls Basketball: Sewanhaka at Carey 4:30 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Manhasset at Elmont 5 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Roosevelt at Mepham 6:45 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Calhoun at Long Beach 6:45 p.m.

Girls Basketball: South Side at Clarke 6:45 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Lawrence at Seaford 6:45 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Long Beach at Calhoun 6:45 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Clarke at South Side 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: G.N. South at MacArthur 7 p.m.

Friday, Feb. 6

Boys Basketball: Carey at Sewanhaka 4:30 p.m.

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

Girls Basketball: Carle Place at West Hemp 5 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Island Trees at Malverne 6 p.m.

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

Girls Basketball: Lo. Valley at North Shore 6:45 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Seaford at Lawrence 7 p.m.

Girls Basketball: V.S. North at V.S. South 7 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 7

Boys Basketball: Hempstead at Freeport 11:45 a.m.

Boys Basketball: Massapequa at Uniondale 12 p.m.

Girls Basketball: Massapequa at South Side 3 p.m.

Boys Basketball: Oceanside at Baldwin 4 p.m.

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

HERALD SPORTS

Uniondale (6-6) trying to rally late

By PATRICK MOQUIN sports@liherald.com

Before an all-important core of seniors says their farewells, Uniondale girls’ basketball may have one last chapter in store. Nearing the end of a 2025-26 campaign mired by injuries, poor weather and last-second renovations to practice facilities, the Knights might finally be rounding into consistent form, just in time for a late playoff push.

“Hopefully, it lights a fire for the girls, as they keep track of the standings,” head coach Nolan Dunkley said of the recent trials. “Right now, we hold this eighth place for playoffs, but we haven’t had as much games as other teams have had, so that’s our thing. We’re trying to be hungry.”

Last Saturday, Uniondale earned a 60-26 over Westbury on Senior Day, the second game since mid-January in which the Knights held their opponents to less than 30 points.

Despite this, they hold a 5-3 conference record (6-6 overall) with five games remaining and are still in control of their own destiny for a playoff spot. If they make the bracket, Dunkley said that they could surprise a higher-seeded opponent.

“We might sneak up on somebody,” Dunkley said. “If we get right at practice, and we get everybody there, I’m telling you, we can make it. That’s in my prayers every day. We just need to stay the course. I don’t want them to bail out when we finally get some consistency.”

Any path forward for Uniondale will revolve around senior Zahara Saintyl, who has played nearly every position on the court while leading the Knights in scoring. She has scored at least 10 points in every start so far and dropped 20 on Westbury. On Jan. 8, she had 24 points and 13 rebounds in a big 43-40 win at Port Washington.

Dunkley said there have been points where he has felt the need to check in on Saintyl, worried that there was too much pressure on her to perform. She has held up well, however, consistently delivering for the Knights in one of the

most outsized roles in all of Nassau Class AAA.

“I just wanted to check with her mentally to see if it was weighing on her too much,” Dunkley said. “If she stays the course and we get everybody back and we get it collected, hopefully, that’ll ease her load. She just has to keep grinding and doing what she’s doing.”

To do right by Saintyl is to build around her on her final year, and several teammates have stepped up ahead of Uniondale’s march to the postseason.

Senior Kayla Reid, a defensive stalwart from the beginning, has stepped up on offense to score 9.5 points per game.

Dunkley said senior point guard Eniola Adisa, who had 12 points in the win over Port, has grown more comfortable in a distributing role over time, setting up for minor improvements for the likes of Amaya Grier and Jahshelle Papin. On Senior Day, sophomore forward Kelsey Green pulled Dunkley aside and told him she planned to become a leader for Uniondale in years to come. The coach made her focus on the task ahead, but as she has stepped up as a reliable scorer, it has become clear that she will be an immense part of the Knights’ future, which will be built in part by those who came before her.

Valentine’s Day traditions and origins

By CAROLYN JAMES cjames@liherald.com

Valentine’s Day, celebrated each year on February 14, is a holiday recognized around the world as

1Valentine’s Day has ancient roots that predate romantic love.

Although Valentine’s Day is now strongly associated with romance, its origins are much older and not originally about love. The holiday traces back to ancient Rome, where a festival called Lupercalia was celebrated in midFebruary. Lupercalia was linked to fertility, health, and the coming of spring. During this festival, rituals were performed to promote fertility and ward off evil spirits. When Christianity spread through the Roman Empire, many pagan festivals were adapted into Christian holidays. Over time, Lupercalia was replaced with a day honoring Saint Valentine, helping shift the holiday’s meaning from fertility rituals to something more symbolic and moral.

2

There was likely multiple “Saint Valentines.”

One interesting fact is that historians are not certain which Valentine the

a time to express love and affection. Its roots trace back centuries, blending religious tradition with cultural customs that have evolved

holiday refers to. There were at least two Christian martyrs named Valentine who lived during the 3rd century. One popular legend claims that a priest named Valentine secretly performed marriages for couples when marriage was banned by Emperor Claudius II. Another story suggests Valentine helped imprisoned Christians and signed letters “from your Valentine,” which may explain the phrase still used today. While these stories are difficult to confirm historically, they contributed to Valentine becoming associated with love, devotion, and kindness.

3

The holiday became romantic in the Middle Ages.

Valentine’s Day did not become strongly linked with romantic love until the Middle Ages, especially in England and France. During this time, people believed that birds began mating in midFebruary, which helped connect the date with romance. Famous writers such

over time.

From ancient legends to modern-day chocolates and cards, here are five things to know about the holiday and its traditions:

as Geoffrey Chaucer wrote poems that linked Valentine’s Day to love and courtship. This literary influence played a major role in shaping how people viewed the holiday, turning it into a day for expressing affection rather than simply honoring a saint.

4

Valentine’s Day cards—and chocolate— have a long history.

Exchanging Valentine’s messages has been popular for centuries. The oldest known Valentine’s card dates to 1415, when Charles, Duke of Orléans, wrote a poem to his wife while he was imprisoned. By the 18th and 19th centuries, printed Valentine’s cards became common, especially in Europe and the United States. Improvements in printing technology and cheaper postage helped make cards widely accessible. Today, Valentine’s Day is one of the most popular card-giving holidays, with millions exchanged each year.

Chocolate and Valentine’s Day are

also loosely connected, but this wasn’t always the case. In the 1800s, a chocolate maker named Richard Cadbury began selling chocolates in decorative, heartshaped boxes. These boxes were often kept as souvenirs after the chocolates were eaten. This idea helped turn chocolate into a classic Valentine’s Day gift, a tradition that continues today.

5

Valentine’s Day is celebrated differently around the world.

While many countries celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14, traditions vary widely. In Japan, it is customary for girls to give chocolate to boys, while boys return the favor a month later White Day. In Finland and Estonia, the holiday focuses more on friendship than romance and is often called “Friend’s Day.” In some cultures, Valentine’s Day is less commercial or not widely celebrated at all. These differences show how the holiday has been adapted to fit local customs and values.

Long Island’s fragile drinking water system

Experts explain what lies beneath the surface, and detail the threats to our crucial aquifers

By JORDAN VALLONE, WILL SHEELINE & ABIGAIL GRIECO of the Herald Community Newspapers

First installment in a series about water.

On Long Island, we’re not talking enough about water.

From the drops coming out of our taps to the waves breaking along both shores, myriad water-related issues have the potential to impact Long Islanders’ day-to-day lives.

The water system is not a single pipeline or policy, but a web of underground aquifers, aging infrastructure, coastal ecosystems — and policymakers — that together determine who has access to clean, affordable water — and who faces the greatest risk when that system begins to fail.

This series will break down how Long Island’s water system works, from aquifers to coastal bays, and clarify how policy, infrastructure and governance shape access to clean, affordable water. It will also examine the environmental pressures facing that system, from contamination and climate change to the health of bays, fisheries and drinking water supplies.

Through global reports that demonstrate the rapid growth of freshwater use over the past century, and interviews with environmental experts and regional advocates who connect these issues locally, this first installment examines what lies beneath the surface: the water we drink, and how contamination and access may disproportionately affect certain communities.

The sole source beneath Long Island

In order to understand Long Island’s relationship with drinking water, it’s essential to understand where the water comes from. The island relies on aquifers, underground layers of sand, gravel and clay that store billions of gallons of water accumulated over tens of millions of years. More specifically, Long Island relies on three: the Upper Glacial, the Magothy and the Lloyd (as well as a fourth, significantly smaller one, the Jameco).

These aquifers together are designated a single-source aquifer system by the Environmental Protection Agency, which means that “your groundwater supply is provided by an aquifer that serves at least 50 percent of your water needs,” according to Sarah Meyland, a former professor at New York Institute of Technology.

Meyland explained that both Nassau and Suffolk counties rely on this single aquifer system for 100 percent of our freshwater, whether it comes from a tap, shower or sprinkler. While this has meant that Long Islanders have had access to clean, easily accessed drinking water for decades, the aquifers, particularly in Nassau County, have one major downside.

“This aquifer needs to be particularly well protected, because if you damage it,

or if you ruin it, you don’t have any other source of water,” Meyland said.

“And that’s exactly the situation Long Island is in. We don’t have a secondary backup source of water.”

Since the federal government began measuring water usage in Long Island’s aquifers in 1900, roughly 5 percent of drinkable water has been consumed or lost due to salinization, the process by which freshwater is turned into saltwater. It occurs in aquifers due to overpumping, as water is taken out faster than it is replaced, causing saltwater from the Long Island Sound and the ocean to fill in the missing volume.

tion of the aquifer system is already nonfunctional, Queens is barely better, and both now get their water from the New York City water system, which pumps freshwater in from upstate. Nassau is well on its way to following them; the difference is there is no municipal entity to bail Nassau out.

RISING TIDES

as of 2021, the United States withdraws the third-highest amount of freshwater from underground globally, roughly 444.4 billion cubic meters per year.

A key conclusion from the university’s report put the crisis in simple terms: “The world is already in the state of ‘water bankruptcy.’” In many basins and aquifers, long-term overuse and degradation, the report says, means that “hydrological and ecological baselines cannot realistically be restored.”

What areas are more affected?

If Long Island continues on the same path of aquifer depletion without any intervention from state authorities, such as the Department of Environmental Conservation, Meyland said, Nassau County will suffer more than Suffolk within the next 50 years.

“It’s about a third of the size of Suffolk with roughly the same number of people,” she said. “The Town of Brookhaven is the same size as the county of Nassau. So Nassau County will continue to experience saltwater intrusions. That’s going to put pressure on virtually all of the water suppliers along the north and south shore.”

Meyland singled out Long Beach as an area that would likely lose its entire local water supply because of saltwater intrusion to the Lloyd Aquifer, the only aquifer the city draws from.

The vast majority of the used water is consumed by private sprinklers and irrigation systems, many of which are automated to water yards and home gardens. According to Meyland, Long Island has the highest per-capita water use of any community from New York to North Carolina, and the vast majority of that use occurs from spring through fall, when sprinklers turn on and swimming pools fill up.

There is no known way to create new water, or to speed up the natural replenishment process. Desalination plants, which remove salt from water, are becoming more common globally, but they are expensive projects, according to Meyland.

“It’s like a bank account,” Meyland said. “The water, the money coming in, needs to be at least equal to the money going out.”

Water bankruptcy

While a 5 percent loss may seem inconsequential, the real problem is there’s no way to efficiently and cheaply replenish that loss. And the damage is not evenly distributed: The vast majority of the loss takes place in Brooklyn, Queens and Nassau, which have not effectively stewarded their portions of the aquifers.

Suffolk, which has the lowest population density of the four counties, has proactively monitored and managed its water intake and outflow for years, leaving its portion of the aquifers “a system in balance,” as Meyland described it.

She pointed out that Brooklyn’s por-

The issues impacting drinking water supply are not unique to Long Island. According to a report released by the United Nations University last month, the world is entering an “era of global water bankruptcy” — a new, formal definition of a reality for billions of people. The report called for a “fundamental reset” of the global water agenda, as irreversible damage pushes sources of fresh drinking water beyond recovery.

“This report tells an uncomfortable truth: Many regions are living beyond their hydrological means, and many critical water systems are already bankrupt,” said the report’s lead author, Kaveh Madani, the director of the UN University’s Institute for Water, Environment and Health.

Numbers published by Our World In Data, a nonprofit publication that uses data to explain global issues like poverty, disease and climate change, showed that

“They will have already been forced to look for other sources of water, whether they make arrangements from New York City, or they make arrangements and buy water from some of their neighboring water suppliers,” Meyland explained. “I’m sure there will be a lot of pressure to desalinate water, but that will be very expensive.”

On the North Shore of Nassau County, she said, areas of the Great Neck and Manhasset peninsula, including Sands Point, are at risk of losing their supplies of water, also due to salinity. And their options are limited, she added, because some of these communities are already piping water from other parts of Long Island.

Water suppliers are aware of the risk the future holds, Meyland said, but it is unfair to put the burden on them to fix the situation. “They are not at fault for what is happening to the water supply for coastal communities,” she said. And water supplies are not only depleting on Long Island, but they are also contaminated.

The Environmental Working Group affiliated with Citizens Campaign for the Environment, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to advocating for stronger environmental policies in New York and Connecticut, released a report in 2025 showing that a least 189 New York water systems — primarily serving residents of Long Island — detected high levels of toxic so-called “forever chemicals,” or PFAS, in tap water.

The report showed that 702,000 residents in Nassau County and 122,200 resi-

Detailing the threats to L.I.’s drinking water

dents of Suffolk have elevated levels of PFAS in their water supplies. Some particularly vulnerable communities include those serviced by the Lynbrookbased Liberty Utilities, the Water Authority of Western Nassau and the Hempstead Town Water District.

What can be done?

According to Adrienne Esposito, executive director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment, geography and land use play a major role in why some Long Island communities experience more severe water quality issues than others.

“The biggest driver for water quality in the marine environment is land activity,” Esposito said, noting that polluted stormwater runoff, fertilizer use and marine debris all flow from developed areas into surrounding bays and waterways.

Highly populated and heavily developed regions — particularly along the South Shore — generate greater amounts of runoff, which carries excess nitrogen from lawn fertilizers, bacteria and debris into nearby bays. That nitrogen fuels algae growth, which depletes oxygen levels and can lead to fish kills and damage to shellfish populations.

Aging infrastructure in some coastal communities continues to pose challenges. Esposito pointed to the Long Beach’s sewage treatment plant, which discharg-

es roughly 5 million gallons of wastewater per day into Nassau County’s Western Bays. While the wastewater is treated, Esposito said the facility is old and in need of major repairs.

The Western Bays have been among the most degraded areas, in part due to decades of treated sewage discharges and runoff from surrounding communities. Marine debris, including plastic bottles, cigarette butts and food packaging, often originates farther inland, and makes its way through tributaries before washing into coastal waters, Esposito said.

On the North Shore, in areas that still rely on septic systems, groundwater contamination presents another challenge, as pollutants can leach directly into aquifers and nearby waterways.

result of years of advocacy and scientific review.

In addition to regulating water systems themselves, Esposito highlighted a first-of-its-kind state law, passed in 2019, that limited the amount of 1,4-dioxane allowed in common household and personal care products. The law was phased in over several years and was fully implemented in 2023, reducing the amount of chemicals entering wastewater systems in the first place.

our waters and public health, sometimes you have to speak out

AdrIenne d’esposIto Executive director, Citizens Campaign for the Environment

Esposito pointed to several major policy changes that have reshaped how New York addresses water contamination, particularly by emerging chemicals like PFAS and 1,4-dioxane. She noted that the state now has some of the nation’s strongest drinking water standards for these chemicals — standards that are fully implemented across Long Island’s public water systems, the

Esposito also emphasized the importance of preventing pollution at its source, rather than relying on expensive treatment systems after contamination occurs. Citizens Campaign has spent several years advocating for legislation aimed at reducing packaging waste, a significant contributor to marine debris found in Long Island’s bays and waterways.

One of the most significant steps underway is the long-awaited redirection of treated sewage from the South Shore Water Reclamation Facility, in Bay Park, away from the Western Bays and into the Cedar Creek ocean outfall pipe — a nearly $600 million project more than a decade in the making. The change is expected to dramatically improve

water quality in the Western Bays once the Bay Park Conveyance Project is completed.

At the local and state level, municipalities are also tapping into grant programs designed to reduce stormwater pollution. These initiatives fund upgrades to stormwater systems, filtration devices that remove nitrogen and bacteria before runoff reaches waterways. Environmental organizations, including Citizens Campaign, Operation SPLASH and the Nature Conservancy have played a key role in advocating for these measures through long-term collaboration and public pressure.

Looking ahead, Citizens Campaign plans to launch a new marine debris prevention campaign this spring, focused on public education and outreach, emphasizing that litter discarded anywhere on Long Island can ultimately end up in coastal waters. The organization is also continuing its push in Albany for legislation aimed at reducing packaging waste and monitoring contaminants entering waterways through wastewater systems.

Residents can make a difference, Esposito said, by limiting fertilizer use, properly disposing of trash and supporting redevelopment over construction on green spaces.

“We encourage people to get up, show up and speak up,” she said. “If you want to protect our waters and public health, sometimes you have to speak out.”

Parents help engineer wind-powered boats

“One of the reasons we started Super Science Saturday was to make sure that our young people get really excited about science, engineering, STEM and all the different types of careers,” district Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil explained.

Students put their homemade sailboats to the test on lunch tables, where they were blown toward a finish line by adults wielding hair dryers, mimicking the wind, as other participants timed them. The goal was to tweak second versions of the boats to make them sleeker, and faster.

Rick Wolfsdorf Jr., a science specialist at California Avenue Elementary School, who enjoyed watched the students mull the aerodynamic challenges, said, “They figured out what was wrong, and they went back and kept going with their parents to modify, make changes and improvements, to find the engineering design solutions.”

“There’s a few different bases, a few different designs that they can do,” added Michael Guardino, a science teacher at Uniondale High School. “Our only job here is to facilitate their discovery.”

As part of Uniondale’s effort to engage students in science, technology, engineering and math — or STEM — activities beyond the classroom, the Sailboat Challenge is one of many participatory events the district offers throughout the year.

“When they experience it hands-on, as opposed to reading textbooks and hearing lectures,” Wolfsdorf said, “when they actually do the science and experience it, they’re much more into it, and it really engages them.”

When they checked in, each participant was given a bag containing worksheets and coloring pages related to the activity, along with snacks, markers, water and “Forces Make Things Move” by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley. The book helped students connect scientific vocabulary and concepts to the Sailboat Challenge. They brought their school-provided iPads to participate in learning games, including a trivia game,

Kahoot, that reinforced the scientific concepts of force, motion and design.

“We believe that reading as is a foundation of everything that we do,” Darrisaw-Akil said. “Vocabulary, and academic vocabulary, are really important to building students’ content knowledge and experiences.”

Students were given a cardboard french fry basket, 12 inches of tape, two straws, half a sheet of paper and scissors to create their boats and some stickers to decorate them with. Teachers encouraged them to try out their designs, observe the results and, based on the outcome, make changes to improve in their second “sail” down the lunch table.

Eight-year-old Camylla Kukowski’s favorite part of the activity, she said was, “Recreating the boat and trying new things and taking advice from others.”

The parents were also encouraged to take part in the fun by helping their child read “Forces Make Things Move.”

Trisha Townsend, who was spending some quality time with her son, said she appreciated “spending time with my son on a Saturday, getting to do activities that he probably wouldn’t get to do with me if we didn’t have an activity like today.”

Though it was the district’s idea to create Super Science Saturdays, teachers and staff willingly volunteered to help educate and guide students through scientific challenges, fostering and encouraging creativity and curiosity.

The district has two more Saturdays scheduled later in the school year, on March 14, at Smith Street School, and on May 16, at Grand Avenue School.

Hofstra med students take unique cooking elective

which have included protein intake, food allergies, weight management and pediatric nutrition.

Executive Chef Russell Ficke, a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, leads the hands-on cooking at LIJ Valley Stream. Ficke has worked for Northwell Health since 2004, and came to Valley Stream in 2021, after 17 years at Syosset Hospital. He has been involved with the Culinary Medicine elective for five years.

“I think it’s great that … they know that we can help them help patients,” Ficke said of the medical students. “That’s what I really like about it, that I’m making a difference in my own little way through the back end.”

During the session two weeks ago, students prepared dishes aligned with the pediatric nutrition module, including butternut squash and white bean quesadillas, cauliflower mac and cheese, sweet potato fries, spaghetti squash pasta, hidden vegetable hamburgers, peanut butter and banana rollups and sautéed Swiss chard.

Cooking in a functioning hospital kitchen allows students to observe large-scale food preparation, offering them insight into how hospital food service operates while they work independently or in small groups on their own dishes. LIJ Valley Stream prepares meals from scratch and sources vegeta-

bles locally when available. Students shared the dishes they prepare as part of the course experience.

Student Eusha Hasan took part in Culinary Medicine while applying to internal medicine residency programs,

having completed his undergraduate education at the University of Pennsylvania before enrolling at the Zucker School. The course, he said, allowed him to apply nutrition concepts discussed in patient cases directly to cook-

ing and future patient education.

As a self-described novice cook, Hasan found the session at LIJ Valley Stream accommodating to students with varying culinary skills.

“[Ficke] was more than willing to teach us at all levels,” Hasan said. “Me being on the very more basic, rudimentary level, and that, while some of my other classmates were more advanced, and he was able to modulate his teaching based on that.”

Student Maia Pavlovic took the course to learn more about holistic medicine, her interest shaped by her personal experience living with Type 1 diabetes. After completing her undergraduate studies at the University of Florida, she has conducted research in infectious diseases, autoimmunity, diabetes and endocrinology at various research centers in different parts of the country. Culinary Medicine, Pavlovic said, increased her confidence in addressing food and nutrition as part of patient treatment plans, and reinforced the value of multidisciplinary care involving dietitians.

Sheridan said that the long-term goal is to expand nutrition education beyond an elective format and integrate the culinary coursework more broadly into the medical school curriculum. Northwell Health plans to open a dedicated teaching kitchen in the future.

J.Goy/Herald

A growing girls wrestling program, winning titles

By STACY DRIKS sdriks@liherald.com

Uniondale’s girls wrestling team celebrated a inaugural Nassau girls wrestling dual meet championship, but for coach Timothy Godo and his wrestlers, the real story goes far beyond one thrilling night on the mat.

In just its second season, the program has quickly become one of Nassau County’s fastest-growing and most successful

teams, offering female athletes an opportunity that didn’t exist in the district before.

“This win is really just the first step,” Godo said after Uniondale secured the Section VIII team county championship with a dramatic 34–30 victory over Long Beach, decided in the final bout of the night.

“Last year we ended up winning the individual county championships, which was great for us as a first year program,” Godo said. “It’s another step in the right direction.”

The match, held at Long Beach Middle School, wasn’t just another meet — it was historic. The event marked the first-ever Dual Meet Championship in Nassau County girls wrestling, featuring Uniondale, Long Beach, Roosevelt and MacArthur high schools. Uniondale and Long Beach advanced to the finals, with Uniondale clinching the inaugural title.

Uniondale started its girls wrestling program last winter. With support from athletic director Pete Cardone and Superintendent Monique Darrisaw-Akil, the district committed to offering girls a full varsity team rather than a club.

“With their help we were able to do that (create the program),” Godo said.

Nearly 30 wrestlers joined in the first season. This winter, interest grew to about 45, with roughly 35 still active late into the season. For the school, the sport is growing at a rapid rate.

Unlike other schools with combined teams, Uniondale’s roster is entirely homegrown.

That growth mirrors a wider trend. Countywide participation in girls wrestling jumped from just over 100 athletes last season to roughly 350 this year — a 50 percent increase.

Godo explained, “We just have a staff committed to helping kids become better people. The boys and girls programs support each other. It feels like one big family.”

Godo, who also coaches the boys team, credits that support for the girls’ early success. Several Uniondale wrestlers competed in offseason tournaments, and two traveled to Fargo, North Dakota, for national competition. Many plan to train yearround.

The season isn’t over. Individual county championships are next, where wrestlers compete for spots in the state tournament. Several Uniondale athletes are ranked among the top in their weight classes. Even more promising is the growth at the younger level. Godo said they are planning on making a middle school wrestling team.“That’s what will really cement the sport,” Godo said. “If girls start wrestling in seventh and eighth grade, they come to high school with a foundation already in place.”

With only a few seniors graduating and more underclassmen expected to return, the team in building up.

“These girls tried something new, and they found something they love,” Godo said. “That’s what this program is really about.

STEPPING OUT

Big game, big flavor

Score from kickoff to crunch time

By Karen Bloom

It’s the biggest sports day of the year — and a perfect excuse to throw a bash that’s almost as exciting as the game itself. The Super Bowl on Sunday isn’t just about touchdowns, commercials and the halftime show: it’s about friends, fun and food that’s worth a victory dance.

Sure, the game on the big screen is the main event, but let’s be honest — some of the best plays happen around the snack table. Wings, dips, even desserts are all part of the strategy to keep your fans happy (and maybe even sneak a second helping before halftime). When it comes to dessert, fuss-free is the way to go. An array of cookies, brownies and dessert bars will satisfy the sweet tooth. You can take your dessert table to the next level by icing your treats in team colors. Here’s your playbook for scoring big with game-day treats that’ll make your party a championship-worthy hit.

West Bank Wings

No football party is complete without a generous serving of wings. Try these Asianinspired chicken wings, with a spicy Creole twist.

• 3 pounds chicken wing pieces

• 1 tablespoon oil

• 2 teaspoons Creole Seasoning

• 1/2 cup pineapple juice

• 1/4 cup cane syrup or molasses

• 1/4 cup ZATARAIN’S® Creole Mustard

• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic

• 3/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

• Chopped fresh cilantro

• Sesame seeds

Preheat oven to 450°F. Toss chicken wings with oil and Creole Seasoning in large bowl. Arrange wings in single layer on foil-lined large shallow baking pan.

Bake 35 minutes or until wings are cooked through and skin is crisp.

Mix remaining ingredients, except cilantro and sesame seeds, in large skillet. Bring to boil on high heat. Reduce heat to low; simmer about 15 minutes or until sauce is reduced by a third and is a “syrup” consistency. Add wings; toss to coat with sauce. Transfer wings to serving

platter. Garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Cajun Buffalo Wings

Here’s another zesty take on the footballwatching favorite.

• 2 1/2 pounds chicken wing pieces

• 1/2 cup any flavor Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce

• 1/3 cup ketchup

• 2 tsp. Cajun seasoned spice blend

Bake wings in foil-lined pan at 500 °F on lowest oven rack for 20 to 25 minutes until crispy, turning once.

Mix Buffalo Wings Sauce, ketchup and spice blend.

Toss wings in sauce to coat.

Tip: You may substitute 1/2 cup Red Hot Sauce mixed with 1/3 cup melted butter for the Wings Sauce.

Alternate cooking directions: Deep-fry at 375°F for 10 minutes or broil 6-inches from heat 15 to 20 minutes turning once.

Blazin’ Buffalo Potato Skins

This the ideal game day snack! Seriously, it’s a crowd pleaser.

• 3 pounds small russet potatoes

• Olive oil cooking spray

• 1 cup shredded reduced-fat or regular Monterey Jack cheese

• 1 cup shredded rotisserie chicken

• 1/4 cup buffalo wing sauce

• 1/2 cup chopped Blue Diamond Smokehouse

• Almonds

• 1/2 cup light sour cream

• 1/4 cup sliced green onion tops

Preheat oven to 450 F and line baking sheet with foil.

Rinse potatoes and pat dry; pierce with fork or sharp knife. Place in large microwave-safe bowl; cover and microwave high for 15 minutes or until potatoes are soft when gently squeezed. Remove and let cool slightly.

Cut in half and scoop out potato leaving 1/4inch rim of potato inside skin. Place on prepared baking sheet and spray both sides of potato skins liberally with cooking spray; bake for 15 minutes to crisp.

Sprinkle equal amounts of cheese into each skin. Stir together chicken and wing sauce and spoon over cheese. Top with almonds and bake for 5 minutes more. Add dollop of sour cream to each and sprinkle with green onions. Serve with and additional wing sauce, if desired. Makes 6-8 servings.

Sweet Chili Meatballs

Round out your lineup with this tasty addition to your game day spread.

• 1 pound lean ground turkey or ground beef

• 1/3 cup Japanese panko crumbs or bread crumbs

• ¼ cup cilantro, finely chopped

• 3 green onions, chopped

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely minced

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

• 12 ounces Frank’s RedHot Sweet Chili Sauce, divided

Preheat oven to 350° F.

Mix ground meat, panko crumbs, cilantro, green onion, ginger, egg, salt and 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce. Form into one-inch meatballs. Place meatballs on lightly greased baking sheets.

Bake 20 minutes, turning once halfway through. Put meatballs in slow cooker or Dutch oven to keep warm, pour remaining sweet chili sauce over meatballs. Gently stir to coat meatballs and serve.

Bacon Avocado Dip

Game day requires guacamole. Try a new twist on the must-have dip.

• 1 large avocado, peeled and mashed

• 1/2 tomato, seeded and chopped

• 1/3 cup Blue Diamond Jalapeno Smokehouse

• Almonds, chopped

• 1/4 cup diced red onion

• 3 strips cooked bacon, roughly chopped

• 2 tablespoons sour cream

• 1 teaspoon minced garlic

• Juice of 1/2 lime

• Salt and pepper, to taste

In small bowl, mix all ingredients. Serve with tortilla chips or other favorite dippers, such as carrots, bell peppers and broccoli.

Billy Stritch and Friends celebrate Judy Garland Judy on TV! This concert shines a long-overdue spotlight on a unique chapter of Garland’s legendary career: her 1963–64 CBS television series. It’s a look at Garland’s iconic talent through the lens of her landmark 1963-64 weekly television broadcasts. Renowned entertainer and music director Billy Stritch leads this dazzling tribute that brings together a stellar lineup of jazz and Broadway favorites including acclaimed vocalists Gabrielle Stravelli and Nicolas King. The Judy Garland Show lasted only nine months and the star saw its cancellation as a devastating failure. Stritch sees it much differently, noting that the show’s 26 hours of concert material capture a crucial era of her life and legacy as one of the greatest entertainers of all time. These terrific performers revive the unforgettable music, intimate moments and sheer star power that defined the show.

Saturday, Feb. 7, 8 p.m. $58, $48, $38. Landmark on Main Street, 232 Main St., Port Washington. Tickets available at landmarkonmainstreet.org or (516) 767-6444.

Feel the beat with Step Afrika!

The acclaimed dance company visits Hofstra University with a high-octane performance, Step Afrika! 101. Since its 1994 founding, Step Afrika! has been recognized as a cultural ambassador for this percussive dance tradition rooted in African American communities and historically linked to Black Greek-letter organizations. Their signature style fuses precise footwork and rhythmic movement with contemporary African dance, AfroBeats and popular music, in a powerful celebration of culture and community. Everyone is encouraged to clap, stomp, and join in calland-response moments that make the show feel as communal as it is electric. In keeping with Step Afrika!’s emphasis on service and community, it’s requested to bring non-perishable food items or basic toiletries to benefit the Hofstra Pantry and the Mary Brennan INN.

Sunday, Feb. 8, 3:30-5 p.m. Free admission. John Cranford Adams Playhouse, South Campus, Hempstead. For more information, visit hofstra.edu/academics/culturalcenter or call (516) 463-5669 or email hofculctr@hofstra.edu.

Your Neighborhood CALENDAR

FEB

Emotions at Play with Pixar’s Inside Out

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

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

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

FEB 6

‘So

don’t stop me now’

Little Readers Club

Each Saturday the John J. Byrne Community Center hosts storytime and activity club for children with big imaginations and parents looking to nurture a love of reading. Sessions feature interactive storytelling, themed crafts, puzzle games and a kid-friendly snack break.

• Where: John J. Byrne Community Center, 800 Jerusalem Ave., Uniondale

• Time: Noon-2 p.m.

• Contact: byrnecenter.org or (516) 554-8124

Uniondale Legislative Forum

The Uniondale Council of PTAs hosts a Legislative Forum to unite families, elected officials, and community leaders in a discussion about education, safety, and support services in the Uniondale School District. The event is open to all civic associations, partner organizations, and residents. Zoom conferencing is optional but will only be available for viewing.

• Where: Uniondale High School, 933 Goodrich St.

• Time: 6 p.m.

• Contact: Text or call (347) 612-1575

Trauma Workshop

Trauma can echo across generations. This in-person workshop explores how intergenerational trauma affects the BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) community and how art creates a safe, powerful entry point for healing. Participants examine the history behind inherited trauma, how it shows up in daily life and relationships, and how creative

Monster Jam Freestyle Mania

See the world’s best drivers tear up the dirt and show off crazy skills and all-out racing in fierce headto-head battles of speed and skill when Monster Jam roars into UBS Arena. Get ready for the event that will change everything you thought you knew about freestyle. Monster Jam trucks team up with Freestyle Motocross bikes to deliver gravitydefying skills and thrills. It’s an adrenaline rush not to be missed.

• Where: 2400 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont.

• Time: Noon and 6 p.m.; also Feb. 15 and Feb. 16

• Contact: ticketmaster.com

FEB

16

Pete’s Blue Carpet Catwalk

Queen-mania rolls on. Almost Queen returns to the Paramount stage with their homage to the beloved band. They don’t just pay tribute to the legendary band, Almost Queen transports you back in time to experience the magic and essence of Queen themselves. The band — featuring Joseph Russo as Freddie Mercury, Steve Leonard as Brian May, Randy Gregg as John Deacon, and John Cappadona as Roger Taylor — is “guaranteed to blow your mind” with iconic four-part harmonies and expertly executed musical interludes. The band’s authenticity shines through in their impeccable attention to detail and genuine costumes, while their live energy and precision captivates fans of all ages with an unforgettable concert experience. Almost Queen’s concerts are a true testament to the band’s love for Queen’s music. The carefully curated setlist featuring Queen’s best-loved songs, like “Somebody to Love,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” “Fat Bottomed Girls,” and “Radio Ga Ga,” along with lesser known tracks. And of course, no Queen tribute concert would be complete without classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Will Rock You” and “We Are the Champions!” It’s no wonder fans keep coming back for more.

expression helps clients access what words often cannot.

Attendees gain practical, artbased strategies to support early-stage healing and guide meaningful, culturally responsive conversations.

• Where: 925 Jerusalem Ave., Uniondale

• Time: 1-4 pm

• Contact: RSVP to tinyurl.com/hhptherapy or email info@byrncenter.org

FEB

7

‘Inside Out’ Headquarter Hats

Join in some creative fun relating to Long Island Children’s Museum new exhibit. Disney and Pixar’s “Inside Out” focuses on Riley’s emotions Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust and Fear. Come explore your many emotions and craft an interchangeable hat to display which emotion is “in charge” throughout the day at the drop-in program.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: Noon-2 p.m., also Feb. 8

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

Nassau Reptile Expo

Explore more than 175 tables of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and related supplies from breeders and vendors across the region.

• Where: Cradle of Aviation Museum, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., Garden City

• Time: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m.

• Contact: NassauReptileExpo.com

Paint Night

FEB

9

Stop by Uniondale Public Library for a Lunar New Year themed painting session.. Samantha, a guided painter, shows beginners how to create a festive horse painting. $3.25. Registration required.

• Where: 400 Uniondale Ave.

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: uniondalelibrary.org

Book talk

FEB

12

Karine Jean-Pierre, former White House press secretary and senior advisor to President Joseph R. Biden Jr., visits Hofstra University to discuss her two books published last year, “Moving Forward: A Story of Hope, Hard Work, and the Promise of America” and “Independent: A Look Inside a Broken White House

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

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

Outside the Party Lines.” Copies of both books will be available for purchase, and her talk will be followed by a book signing. Advance registration is required.

• Where: John Cranford Adams Playhouse, Hofstra University South Campus, Hempstead

• Time: 11:15 a.m.- 2:45 p.m.

• Contact: events.hofstra.edu to RSVP

FEB

14

Lunar New Year program

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

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

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

Walk the blue carpet as a VIP to celebrate Long Island Children’s Museum’s premiere performance of Pete the Cat! Dress your best, smile for the paparazzi, and take a picture with Pete! A special youth emcee will be interviewing VIPs on camera. Gain exclusive access to Pete’s Groovy Lounge for refreshments, enjoy the opening day performance of the show and take home a fun swag bag! You’ll even get to meet the cast after the show! For Pete the Cat, life is an adventure no matter where you wind up. So the minute the groovy blue cat meets The Biddles, he gets the whole family rocking. Join Jimmy and Pete on an adventure of friendship, all the way to Paris and back in a VW bus! $16 ($14 members), $20 theater and catwalk experience only.

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: Starting at 11:30 a.m.

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

Having an event?

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Investigation at NUMC for alleged $1B shortfall

By JORDAN VALLONE jvallone@liherald.com

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

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

The alleged Medicaid scheme

In late 2024, Nassau University Medical Center and its parent company accused the state of withholding $1.06 billion in Medicaid payments. At a November press conference, hospital officials said NUMC, one of three public hospitals in the state, serves a high share of Medicaid patients.

Because of the large number of Medicaid patients, the hospital receives federal funding through the Disproportionate Share Hospital program and the Upper Payment Limit program — both Medicaid programs authorized under the Social Security Act. In order to receive payments from the federal government, states — in NUMC’s case, New

programs should be distributed.

York — must contribute their assigned share, commonly referred to as the state share or non-federal share, to hospital funding.

Typically, the state share matches the federal contribution.

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

Letter to Dr. Mehmet Oz

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

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

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

state required the hospital to fund its own non-federal share.

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

Throughout 2025, a restructured board was implemented at the Nassau Health Care Corporation and NUMC, due to provisions that passed in the state’s budget in May. These changes ousted former leadership who brought allegations against the state.

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

Comer wrote that four members of Congress from New York wrote to U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy, Jr. and the Acting Administrator for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Stephanie Carlton and “requested clarification on the obligation of states, including New York, to ensure timely and complete DSH payments to NUMC and other eligible hospitals.”

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

Public Notices

LEGAL NOTICE PUBLIC NOTICE OF COUNTY TREASURER’S SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that I shall, commencing on February 17, 2026, sell at public on-line auction the tax liens on real estate herein-after described, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party-ininterest in such real estate shall pay to the County Treasurer by February 12, 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 per cent per six month’s period, for which any person or persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code. Effective with the February 17, 2026 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.nassaucountyny. gov/526/County-Treasurer

Should the Treasurer determine that an in-person 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.

The liens are for arrears of School District taxes for the year 2024 - 2025 and/or County, Town, and Special District taxes for the year 2025. The following is a partial listing of the real estate located in school district number(s) 2, 1 in the Town of Hempstead only, upon which tax liens are to be sold, with a brief description of the same by reference to the County Land and Tax Map, the name of the owner or occupant as the same appears on the 2024/2025 tentative assessment roll, and the total amount of such unpaid taxes.

IMPORTANT

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 FROM THE 2024/2025 TENTATIVE ASSESSMENT ROLLS AND MAY 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.

RDUA

343320200500

343320200530

343320200570

RDUA PARCEL 11 LLC

343320200580

RDUA PARCEL 11

343320200590

RDUA PARCEL 11

343320200600

RDUA PARCEL 11

343320200640

RDUA PARCEL 11

343320200660

RDUA PARCEL 14 LLC

343330100500

RDUA PARCEL 14 LLC

343330100660

RDUA PARCEL 14 LLC

343330100670

RDUA PARCEL 14 LLC 581.88

343330100680

RDUA PARCEL 14 LLC

343330100690

RDUA PARCEL 14 LLC

343330100700

RDUA PARCEL 14 LLC

343330100710

RDUA PARCEL 14 LLC 694.38

343330100720

RDUA PARCEL 14 LLC

343330101000

RDUA PARCEL 7 LLC 3,466.98

343330200150

RDUA PARCEL 7 LLC 605.05

343330200190

RDUA PARCEL 7 LLC 525.65

343330200200

RDUA PARCEL 7 LLC 803.60

343330201210

RDUA PARCEL 7 LLC 588.53

343330202250

RDUA PARCEL 7 LLC 793.62

343330203250

CALVARY TABERNACLE INC 2,179.49

34338 00060

RDUA PARCEL 12 LLC 1,035.17

34338 00080

RDUA PARCEL 12 LLC 839.95

34338 00120

RDUA PARCEL 12 LLC 3,946.76

34338 00200 20,23,34-36,112

RDUA PARCEL 12 LLC 1,445.47

34338 00370

PEKICH PETER A & MEDCOR HOLDING 30,722.40

34338 01130

RDUA PARCEL 4 LLC 1,048.42

34339 00160

RDUA PARCEL 4 LLC 912.75

34339 00520

RDUA PARCEL 4 LLC 1,028.59

34339 00530

RDUA PARCEL 4 LLC 1,058.35

34339 00540

RDUA PARCEL 4 LLC 479.32

34339 01520

RDUA PARCEL 4 LLC

34339 02350

RDUA PARCEL 4 LLC 882.98

34339 03040

RDUA PARCEL 4 LLC 876.37

34339 03080

RDUA PARCEL

03100

03160

03380

Public Notices

WILLIAMS WILLIAM C & EDITH 5,002.82

34491 02440 244-246

SOLIS RAMON M 2,528.19

34496 03420 342-343

GRAY LAURETTA & GILFORD 2,104.57

34496 03440 344-345

SENAT EUGENE & ADONIA 5,544.65

34500 02930 293-296

HOLY TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH 340.63

34504 07430 743-745

HEMPDALE LLC 10,523.17

34506 01340 134-135

NETTLES MARIAN 3,229.26

34508 04520 452-455

350 UNIONDALE CORP 25,442.36

34510 07590 759-760

350 UNIONDALE CORP 7,258.03 34510 07630

350 UNIONDALE CORP 7,085.60 34510 07640

LEACOCK HARCOURT & F 2,522.76

34511 00450 45-46

114 HAMILTON LLC 870.79

34523 00340 34-37

2M1 REALTY LLC 1,543.46

34523 07480

LIFE BY THE U INC 1,419.08

34542 00230 23-24

PERKINS EDDIE POOLE & WILLIE 4,338.67

36041 00460 46-47

RASHEL REALTY CORP 25,833.15

36075 02500 250-254

DAVIDSON WAYNE & PAULETTE 3,869.80

36076 03440

WARNER ERNEST & WARNER MARK 9,727.68

36080 00270 27-29

RUSSELL-ARBOUET CHERYL 925.08

36086 01070

NUZZI ANTHONY & LUCILLE 3,021.01

36086 01130

CASWELL SONIA 900.27

36086 01870 187-188

PARHAM RANDOLPH & BERNICE 815.55

36087 01560

KARAS BOGDAN 1,897.21

36096 00120 12-13

DABREAU BARRY 7,982.08

36096 01210

LIVINGSTON LETTIE MAE 954.55

36101 00970 97-103

LETLOW CHARITY L TRUST 9,706.68

36102 02820

PETERS CLARENCE & CONSTANCE 681.86

36103 03200

MATTHIAS VINCENT & LINDA 8,402.72

36104 03550 355-356

HOUSTON JR ROBERT & BERNETTE 1,414.15

36104 05550 555-556

VICTOME PATRICK & SABINE 8,646.25

36105 04090 409-414

SPENCER ANDREA SCOTT & E 951.43

36105 04330 433-435

HANIFF DANNIELLE & KIM B 4,672.16

36106 01260 126,174

EVELYN DANILO & EVELYN NISHKA 10,442.76

36106 07710

MALLOY FAMILY TRUST 3,511.78

36107 02450 245-247

SORTO ALEX 4,723.32

36108 05020

UNIONDALE EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTE 527.88

36110 02000

AUGUSTIN RACHEL & AUGUSTIN NATH 1,393.59

36115 01690 169-170,268

REILLY PATRICIA ANN 9,843.52

36117 01720

LENNARD BLANCA 3,145.01

36117 02880

HENRY JUANITA 2,088.15

36121 00080

HOFMANN TRUST 5,671.90

36122 00110 11-12

WILINGTON SAVING FUND SOCIETY F 4,215.88

36122 01460 146-147

GALLER(WILL) CARL A & JOAN 11,773.80

36128 00580 58,174-175 DOUGLAS MELVIN & SHIRLEY 11,964.09

36128 01580 158-160 CARASCO LOUIS 12,834.03

36128 05390

36130 02680

36133 05030

Public Notices

50043 01420

50048 00440 44-45

A BELL & R 3,511.78

50050 00100 10-11

50051 01430

50110 01650 165-167

50122 06930

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 Soldier’s 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 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) 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 rate of interest and penalty 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 percent of the amount from which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety percent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety percent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten percent 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 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 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.

This list includes only tax liens on real estate located in Town of Hempstead. Such other tax liens on real estate are advertised as follows:

TOwn OF HEMpSTEAd

Dist 1001

Dist 1002

Dist 1003

Dist 1004

Dist 1005

Dist 1006

Dist 1007

Dist 1008

Dist 1009

1010

1011

1012

HEMPSTEAD BEACON,

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK TREND

NEW YORK POST

UNIONDALE BEACON

HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

UNIONDALE BEACON

EAST MEADOW HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS

NEW YORK POST

BELLMORE HERALD

MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS

NEW YORK POST

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS

NEW YORK POST THE NASSAU OBSERVER

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN

WANTAGH HERALD CITIZEN

BELLMORE HERALD

MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

BALDWIN HERALD

HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

FREEPORT HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

BALDWIN HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

OCEANSIDE TRIBUNE

OCEANSIDE/ISLAND PARK HERALD

MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

FIVE TOWNS

Public Notices

Continued from previous page

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

VALLEY STREAM HERALD

VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE

Dist 1031

ISLAND PARK TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

OCEANSIDE/ISLAND PARK HERALD Dist 1201

EAST MEADOW HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW YORK POST

Dist 1205

MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER

NEW YORK POST

Town of norTh hempsTead Dist 2001

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW YORK POST

Dist 2002

Dist 2003

Dist 2004

Dist 2005

MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW YORK POST

BNH

MANHASSET PRESS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

ROSLYN NEWS TIMES

MANHASSET PRESS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

PORT WASHINGTON NEWS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER

Dist 2006

Dist 2007

Dist 2009

Dist 2010

Dist 2011

NEW YORK POST

MANHASSET PRESS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

PORT WASHINGTON NEWS

GREAT NECK NEWS RECORD

JEWISH STAR

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW YORK POST

MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW YORK POST

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW YORK POST Dist 2122

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS

NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER

NEW YORK POST Dist 2301

GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

THE NORTH SHORE LEADER

Dist 3004

Dist 3006

Dist 3008

GLEN

Dist 3009

Dist 3011

Dist 3012

Dist 3013

NEW YORK POST

SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE

LONG ISLAND PRESS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

THE NORTH SHORE LEADER

LONG ISLAND PRESS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

THE NORTH SHORE LEADER

COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

OYSTER BAY GUARDIAN

GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

OYSTER BAY GUARDIAN

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SYOSSET ADVANCE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SYOSSET ADVANCE

SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SYOSSET ADVANCE

SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE

Dist 3014

Dist 3015

Dist 3017

Dist 3018

JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE

JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE

HICKSVILLE/LEVITTOWN TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

THE NASSAU OBSERVER

BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM

MASSAPEQUA POST

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

SOUTH BAYS NEIGHBOR - N. MASSAPEQUA

THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3019

BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

Dist 3020

BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SOUTH BAYS NEIGHBOR - BETHPAGE

THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3021

BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SOUTH BAYS NEIGHBOR - BETHPAGE

THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3022

MASSAPEQUA POST

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SOUTH BAYS NEIGHBOR - FARMINGDALE

THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3023

MASSAPEQUA POST

MID-ISLAND TIMES

GLEN COVE HERALD GAZETTE

GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST THE NORTH SHORE LEADER

CiTy of lonG BeaCh Dist 5028

LONG BEACH HERALD

LONG BEACH TRIBUNE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

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.

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY, BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR CITIGROUP MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST 2021-A, Plaintiff, vs. CARLOS H. MARTINEZ, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on March 11, 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 19, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 124 Lawrence Street, Uniondale a/k/a Hempstead, NY 11553. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 44, Block 66 and Lot 19. Approximate amount of judgment is $543,602.36 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #615119/2023. Cash will not be accepted.

Scott H. Siller, Esq., Referee

#607926/2023. Pursuant to judgment of foreclosure and sale entered March 26, 2025, I will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on February 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. premises k/a 582 Liberty Street, Uniondale, NY 11553 a/k/a Section 50, Block 386, Lot 2. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York, known and designated as Lot #2 in Block G-3 on a certain map entitled, “Map of Purdy Terrace Homes, Inc., Section1, located at Uniondale, Nassau County, New York, dated April 1945 made by William E. Debruin, Civil Engineer, Hempstead, New York and filed in the office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on Dec. 31, 1945, as Map #4289. Approximate amount of judgment is $458,725.17 plus costs and interest. Sold subject to terms and conditions of filed judgment and terms of sale. BRIAN J. DAVIS, Referee. HILL WALLACK, LLP, Attys. for Pltf., 261 Madison Ave., 9th Fl. Ste. 940, New York, NY 10016. File No. 017511-04224 -#102723 157936

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 other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 13715.

Dated: February 05, 2026 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER MINEOLA, NEW YORK 1334635

Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 25, 2026 at 2:00 PM. Premises known as 711 Park Avenue, Uniondale, New York 11553. Sec 50 Block 418 Lot 16. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Approximate Amount of Judgment is $586,278.38 plus interest, fees, and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No 009001/2015. The foreclosure sale will be conducted in accordance with 10th Judicial District’s Covid-19 Policies and foreclosure auction rules. The Referee shall enforce any rules in place regarding facial coverings and social distancing. If proper social distancing cannot be maintained or there are other health or safety concerns, then the Court Appointed Referee shall cancel the foreclosure auction.

Foreclosure Auctions will be held “Rain or Shine.”

Jane Shrenkel, Esq., Referee File # LHFJN017 157940

100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY on February 25, 2026 at 2:30 p.m.

ALL that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, situate, lying and being at Roosevelt, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, known and designated as Section 55 Block 494 and Lot 70.

Said premises known as 191 HUDSON AVENUE, ROOSEVELT, NY 11575 Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment and Terms of Sale. Index Number 611525/2022.

MERIK ROY AARON, ESQ., Referee Terenzi & Confusione, P.C. Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 401 Franklin Avenue, Suite 304, Garden City, NY 11530 {* UNIONDALE*} 157850

Dist 2315

JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE

Town of oysTer Bay Dist 3001

GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

THE NORTH SHORE LEADER Dist 3002

GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SEA CLIFF - GLEN HEAD HERALD

THE NORTH SHORE LEADER Dist 3003

JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

SOUTH BAYS NEIGHBOR - N. MASSAPEQUA

THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3024

GLEN COVE OYSTER BAY RECORD PILOT

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

SEA CLIFF - GLEN HEAD HERALD Dist 3203

LONG ISLAND PRESS

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST

ROSLYN NEWS TIMES Dist 3306

MASSAPEQUA POST

NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE

NEW YORK POST THE NASSAU OBSERVER

CiTy of Glen Cove Dist 4005

Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 157816

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT. NASSAU COUNTY. WILMINGTON

SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, AS TRUSTEE OF UPLAND MORTGAGE LOAN TRUST A, Pltf. vs. SERGIO D. VERA, et al, Defts. Index

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT NASSAU COUNTY LIMOSA, LLC, Plaintiff against ANGELA LATTA, et al Defendant(s) Attorney for Plaintiff(s) Fein Such & Crane, LLP, 28 East Main Street, Suite 1800, Rochester, NY 14614. Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered April 16, 2024, and amended on January 24, 2025, I will sell at public auction to the highest bidder at North Side Steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court at 100

LEGAL NOTICE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU. EMIGRANT BANK, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER WITH EMIGRANT SAVINGS BANK LONG ISLAND, Plaintiff- againstERIC E. MCDOUGALL a/k/a ERIC MCDOUGALL, et al Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on November 26, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court “Rain or Shine” located at

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU U.S. BANK NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS LEGAL TITLE TRUSTEE FOR TRUMAN 2016 SC6 TITLE TRUST, Plaintiff AGAINST MICHAEL CARROLL, ET AL., Defendant(s) Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered January 22, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the North Side steps of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 23, 2026 at 2:30 PM, premises known as 617 Wellelein Road, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being at Uniondale, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section: 36 Block: 140 Lot: 19. Approximate amount of judgment $700,140.60 plus interest and costs.

5,

Public Notices

Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #011317/2011. Oscar A. Prieto, Esq., Referee Tromberg, Miller, Morris & Partners, PLLC 39 Broadway, Suite 1250 New York, NY 10006 25-001120 88303 157860

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURTCOUNTY OF NASSAU

U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR RCF2 ACQUISITION TRUST, Plaintiff, AGAINST JOSE H. JIMENEZ, et al.

Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a judgment of foreclosure and sale duly entered on November 14, 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 March 2, 2026 at 2:30 PM premises known as 634 Hillside Court, Uniondale, NY 11553. 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 piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York. Section 36, Block 153 and Lot 659-661. Approximate amount of judgment $626,749.24 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment. Index #005245/2014.

Oscar Prieto, Esq., Referee, Aldridge Pite, LLPAttorneys for Plaintiff40 Marcus Drive, Suite 200, Melville, NY 11747 158067

Certificates, Series 2004-FF8, Plaintiff AGAINST Ana Yanez

a/k/a Ana M. Yanez

a/k/a Ana Maritza Yanez, Juan Yanez

a/k/a Juan A. Yanez, et al, Defendant(s)

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 17, 2016, I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, North sides of the steps, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 27, 2026 at 2:00 PM premises known as 950 Ditmas Avenue, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the County of Nassau, State of New York, SECTION: 50., BLOCK: 452, LOT: 7. Approximate amount of judgment is $401,125.43 plus interests and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 010573/2014. For sale information, please visit Auction.com at www.Auction.com or call (800) 280-2832. Roger H. Hausch, Referee FRENKEL LAMBERT WEISS WEISMAN & GORDON LLP 53 Gibson Street Bay Shore, NY 11706 01-067521-F00 88198 158008

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS OWNER TRUSTEE FOR CASCADE FUNDING MORTGAGE TRUST HB13, Plaintiff, vs. EDGAR PEREZ, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF ESTHER VINA GONZALEZ PEREZ, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 17, 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 March 2, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 646 Macon Place, Uniondale, NY 11553. All that certain plot,

piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being in the Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 50, Block M-02 and Lot 23. Approximate amount of judgment is $361,113.36 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 600570/2022.

Stephanie S. Goldstone, Esq., Referee

Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 251653-1 158065

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 16-2026

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 27th day of January 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 16-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Local Law No. 16-2026, to amend Section 192-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead by the addition of a location into subdivision “X” thereof, in relation to gross weight restrictions upon commercial vehicles using certain town highways in Roosevelt. Dated: January 27, 2026

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 158197

SPACES FOR MOTOR VEHICLES FOR THE SOLE USE OF HOLDERS OF SPECIAL PARKING PERMITS ISSUED BY THE COUNTY OF NASSAU TO PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS.

WHEREAS, pursuant to Resolution No. 73-2026, adopted January 13, 2026 a public hearing was duly held on the 27th day of January, 2026, at the Town Meeting Pavilion, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the proposed establishment and setting aside of a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons, in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, all as set forth in said resolution; and WHEREAS, after due consideration, this Town Board finds it to be in the public interest to establish and set aside a certain parking space for motor vehicles for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons; NOW, THEREFORE BE IT

RESOLVED, that in accordance with Section 202-48 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, the following parking spaces be and the same hereby is set aside for the sole use of holders of special parking permits issued by the County of Nassau to physically handicapped persons:

EAST ATLANTIC BEACH

MOHAWK AVENUEeast side, starting at a point 240 feet south of the south curbline of Beech Street, south for a distance of 16 feet.

(TH-616/25)

ELMONT

237th STREET - east side, starting at a point 118 feet north of the north curbline of 116th Avenue, north for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-641/25)

TERRACE AVENUEwest side, starting at a point 495 feet south of the south curbline of Atherton Avenue, south for a distance of 18 feet.

(TH-644/25)

GARDEN CITY SOUTH

WHITEHALL ROAD

SOUTH - east side, starting at a point of

285 feet south of the south curbline of Ardsley Boulevard, south for a distance of 22 feet.

(TH-605/25)

ROOSEVELT

RONALD PLACE - east side, starting at a point 459 feet south of the south curbline of East Fulton Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-597/25)

UNIONDALE

LAWRENCE STREETwest side, starting at a point 269 feet south of the south curbline of Westbury Boulevard, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-596/25)

SOUTHERN PARKWAYnorthside, starting at a point 455 feet west of the west curbline of Uniondale Avenue, west for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-625/25)

WANTAGH

BAYVIEW AVENUEeast side, starting at a point 187 feet north of the north curbline of St. Regis Street, north for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-599/25)

WOODBINE AVENUEsouth side, starting at a point 340 feet west of the west curbline of Express Way, west for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-600/25)

WEST HEMPSTEAD

BARBARA LANE - west side, starting at a point 213 feet south of the south curbline of White Star Avenue, south for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-608/25) and on the repeal of the following locations previously set aside as parking spaces for physically handicapped persons:

FRANKLIN SQUARE

THIRD AVENUE - north side, starting at a point 84 feet east of the east curbline of Fourth Street, east for a distance of 20 feet.

(TH-35/11 - 6/14/11)

(TH-592/25) ; and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk shall enter this resolution in the minutes of the Town Board and shall

publish a copy of this resolution once a newspaper having a general circulation in the Town of Hempstead and shall post a copy hereof on the signboard maintained by her, and file in her office affidavits of such publication and posting. The foregoing resolution was seconded by Councilmember Schneider and adopted upon roll call as follows:

AYES: SIX (6) NOES: NONE (0) 158200

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that pursuant to N.Y. Constitution Article 9, N.Y. Town Law, and N.Y. Municipal Home Rule Law, as amended, the Hempstead Town Board will hold a public hearing at Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, on the 10th day of February, 2026 at 10:30 in the forenoon of that day, to consider enacting Chapter 153 of the Hempstead Town Code to be entitled “Cat and Dog Litter Registry”. The proposed local law is available at hempsteadny.gov, on the bulletin board at Town Hall as of the publication of this notice, and on file in the Office of the Town Clerk of the Town of Hempstead, Hempstead Town Hall, 1 Washington Street, Hempstead, New York, where the same may be inspected during office hours.

ALL PERSONS INTERESTED shall have an opportunity to be heard on said proposal at the time and place aforesaid.

Dated: January 27, 2026

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 158203

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 10-2026

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 27th day of January 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 10-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 10-2026, to amend Chapter 202 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include and repeal “REGULATIONS & RESTRICTIONS” to limit parking at various locations.

Dated: January 27, 2026

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 158191

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 11-2026

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 27th day of January 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of

Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 11-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 11-2026, to amend Section 202-1 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include & repealing “PARKING OR STANDING PROHIBITIONS” at various locations.

Dated: January 27, 2026

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY Town Clerk 158192

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD LOCAL LAW NO. 12-2026

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, pursuant to Article 9 of the New York State Constitution, the provisions of the Town Law and the Municipal Home Rule Law of the State of New York, both as amended, a public hearing was duly called and held on the 27th day of January 2026, by the Town Board of the Town of Hempstead, on the proposed adoption of Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 12-2026, and following the close of the hearing the Town Board duly adopted Town of Hempstead Local Law No. 12-2026, to amend Section 197-5 of the Code of the Town of Hempstead, to include “ARTERIAL STOPS” at various locations.

Dated: January 27, 2026

Hempstead, New York BY ORDER OF THE TOWN BOARD OF THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD

JOHN FERRETTI

Supervisor

KATE MURRAY

Town Clerk

158193

OUTSIDE SALES

EDITOR/REPORTER

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

Richner Communications, publisher of Herald community newspapers has an excellent opportunity for a FT/PT Customer Service Clerk in our busy Circulation Department. Basic customer service and administrative responsibilities include: heavy computer work, answering phones, making phone calls, entering orders, faxing, filing, etc. STRONG knowledge of EXCEL a must! Knowledge of DATABASE maintenance or postal regulations a big plus. Qualified Candidates must be computer literate, able to multi-task, dependable, reliable, organized, energetic, detail oriented and able to work well under deadlines. Salary Range is $17 per hour to $20 per hour. For consideration, please send resume & salary requirements to: circulationassociate@liherald.com

CLEANER PART-TIME

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

DRIVERS WANTED

Full Time and Part Time

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

DRIVING INSTRUCTOR

Company Car/ Bonuses. Clean Driving Record Required, Will Train. Retirees Welcome! $22 - $27/ Hour Bell Auto School 516-365-5778 Email: info@bellautoschool.com

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

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

MAILROOM/ WAREHOUSE HELP

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

MULTI MEDIA ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

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

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

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

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS

FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE

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A House You'll Call Home

Welcome to this beautifully updated and spacious 5-bedroom, 3 full bath expanded Ranch in Hewlett Harbor! The most desirable section of the Five Towns! Low taxes, no Sandy damage and no flood insurance required! Step into an atmosphere enhanced by brand-new wall-to-wall windows that fill every room with natural light and custom-built blinds. The primary bedroom offers a private ensuite bath with a triple door closet. The eat-in kitchen is newly renovated with gorgeous countertops, modern new appliances, a wine cooler, and a butler’s pantry with additional counter space for effortless entertaining. A mudroom with ample storage provides the perfect spot to keep seasonal and holiday items neatly organized and out of the way. There are two additional updated bathrooms, new air conditioning and gleaming hardwood floors flow throughout the home. The second floor is a private oasis, complete with two bedrooms and a full bath, and a stand-up attic for extra storage. The outside is beautifully landscaped with oversized fenced-in backyard. There is plenty of room for a pool, hot tub, outdoor fireplace, swing set, and even a basketball hoop. The ultimate space for entertainment and relaxation. Enjoy new siding, a newer roof under 10 years old, freshly installed pavers, and a beautiful patio that’s perfect for gatherings or outdoor relaxation under the stars. Well water for sprinklers. Don't miss the opportunity to make it your Home sweet Home! Schedule your private tour to view this beauty.

How do we keep our home livable during renovations?

Q. Do you have any suggestions on how we can guarantee our house won’t be damaged while we have a renovation done? We’re doing a lot of work to add a back family room and a second floor. Our house is a cape that already has a second floor, but we want a full second floor. Everyone we spoke to called it a dormer, but we read your column in which you clarified that a dormer is pushed out through the current roof and a second floor is the whole thing, so we know. We want to stay on the first floor, and even though we’ll get a POD for the driveway, we’re concerned about staying on the first floor. The contractor showed us the plastic curtains he uses, but is there anything else? Our daughter has asthma, and we’re very concerned.

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A. It’s tough to guarantee that dust won’t get in, since there are many ways dust travels and the average home, without any air filtration, usually get dusty, anyway. I have seen countless projects with zippered air curtain separations, sealed at the walls, floors and ceilings — even double curtains separated by 4 feet to create a vestibule, with a fan drawing air to the outside just before people open the first zipper. This is called a negative air method, and the fan should only be turned on when someone is about to enter the vestibule from the clean side, because if the fan is left on, it’s drawing air from the dusty side to the clean side.

Several clients purchased boxes of disposable booties to slip over shoes to keep from tracking in dust and dirt. If you have carpeting or just want to protect your finished floors, it’s best to have the walking paths covered in plywood and heavy plastic. Lift the plastic and fold inward to discard periodically, or vacuum with a brush attachment so as not to suck up the plastic. Also, if the path is highly trafficked, it will tear and may be slippery from the booties and dust, so monitor the surface and how affected it will be.

Sometimes just a smooth fiberboard, without splinters, is best. One client even used a spray bottle to spray the air and then the booties before discarding them in a plastic bag. Unfortunately, some people did not completely understand the air flow issues, and left their exterior windows open in the clean areas, adjacent to where the work was being done, allowing the dust to float in through the windows from outside.

Depending on how much you want to spend, there are elaborate portable units with high-efficiency particulate air, or HEPA, filters that will rid the air of a large amount of dust as well as less-visible matter such as pollen. You may want to consult your child’s doctor for advice about filtered respirators, or whether it’s a good idea for her to be there during the construction at all. Good luck!

© 2026 Monte Leeper

Readers are encouraged to send questions to yourhousedr@aol.com, with “Herald question”

Cleaning Services

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OpiniOns

Extremist green policies have made electric rates soar

Anew report issued by our Center for Cost Effective Government confirms that progressive policies implemented by New York’s Legislature designed to tackle climate change have caused energy rates in the state to skyrocket, with few environmental benefits.

In fact, these policies increased electric bills by roughly 50 percent in the six years since their implementation.

In 2019, Albany enacted a sweeping law, the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act, imposing mandates seeking a 40 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. It also calls for 100 percent renewable electricity use by 2040.

But recently, New York’s government has been quietly telling the utilities to slow-walk the decommissioning of gasfired power plants. And after the November election, Gov. Kathy Hochul officially retreated from the unrealistic mandate requiring electric heat in new buildings until a lawsuit on the issue concludes.

The state’s progressive policies

included numerous initiatives many now regret, including shutting down nuclear plants; refusing to frack in New York; refusing to approve natural-gas pipelines; requiring all new buildings be heated with electricity; imposing carbon penalties on utilities, passing costs to consumers; and mandating that all cars be electric by 2035.

OIronically, New York’s carbon footprint wound up being worse after passage of this bill, while electric rates soared. Curtailing natural gas had devastating consequences, both economically and environmentally. It was the transition from dirtier coal and oil to cleaner natural gas that dropped U.S. greenhouse emissions by 14 percent from 2005 to 2019, while emissions were increasing worldwide. Rates are slated to increase further, with the New York State Electric & Gas company saying it will charge 23.7 percent more in 2026, while National Grid is seeking increases that could raise bills upstate by $600 a year. And Con Edison is seeking increases that would increase average gas and energy bills more than $150 higher than in 2020. This reduced supply is exacerbated by the enormous energy required for the A.I. revolution. Large companies at the forefront of A.I. innovation put

immense strain on the grid. A.I. data centers are becoming large energy users, outpacing even electric vehicles in their power demand growth.

verly ambitious initiatives have had negative consequences worldwide.

Overly ambitious policy initiatives to shut down traditional power generation and replace it with less-reliable wind and solar energy have resulted in significant negative consequences worldwide. In Germany, an optimistic energy transition plan involved shutting down nuclear plants. In 2011, Germany’s 17 nuclear reactors generated over 33 percent of the country’s electricity. Their shutdown led to a return to fossil fuels. Consequently, greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on foreign energy sources actually increased.

These extreme policies have been mirrored in California, resulting in electric costs that are roughly 50 percent higher than the national average and gasoline costs that are 47 percent above the average.

The typical residential customer in New Jersey, which also promulgated extreme green policies, saw an increase of 17 to 20 percent last year. One resident of Clark, N.J., claimed that her bill rose from $174 in June to over $300 in July — this despite New Jersey’s Public Service Electric & Gas having told her

to expect an increase of 17 percent. Even once-touted wind projects are losing their luster when they come under greater scrutiny. According to NY Energy Ratings, “Developers are looking for a way to pay for the mounting costs of new wind energy projects. They have even asked the [Public Service Commission] to increase New York electric rates.” This is estimated to result in an increase of 4 percent, or $4.67 per month for ratepayers. Some projects are costing double what they were expected to.

Billionaire Bill Gates, who previously sided with the climate doomsday faction, has tempered his position, noting that the trillions of dollars being funneled to climate initiatives could be better spent relieving worldwide poverty. Are you a better person if you pay an arm and a leg for extreme green policies that will have little impact on reducing the carbon footprint decades down the road? Or is it more cost-effective to concentrate those funds on saving lives today, via better health care and economic opportunity, while simultaneously investing in innovations that can provide cheaper, cleaner energy over a rational, gradual period of time?

Steve Levy is president of Common Sense Strategies, a political consulting firm, and has served as Suffolk County executive and as an assemblyman. He can be reached at steve@commonsensestrategies.com.

We can make our school cafeterias safer

in recent years, we’ve seen stories on the news of everyday heroes who have saved the lives of choking children. There have been incidents all over Long Island, from Elmont to East Setauket, yet New York does not currently require cafeteria monitors to be certified in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the Heimlich maneuver.

My new bill, SS6127A, known as Stella’s Law, would correct this oversight. The legislation is named in honor of Stella Tsimis, a teacher’s aide in the Connetquot school district who, in February 2023, saved the life of a 7-year-old boy in the school cafeteria by performing the Heimlich maneuver on him while he

was choking.

Tsimis received the New York State Liberty Medal for saving the boy’s life. The Liberty Medal is the highest civilian honor awarded by New York state, and is presented only for extraordinary, heroic and life-saving acts.

Tsimis’s actions that day highlighted the need for all adult cafeteria monitors in school cafeterias to be trained in and hold current certifications for first aid, CPR and the Heimlich maneuver, to help ensure the safety of the children who eat there. Requiring the First Aid for Choking poster to be displayed in all school eating areas further supports this goal by providing clear, life-saving instructions that can be followed in an emergency.

such posters, but it’s important for teachers, monitors and staff to be able to successfully intervene in an emergency.

s taffs need to be trained in first aid for choking and the Heimlich maneuver.

Many rescuers have learned the Heimlich maneuver in school health classes, workplace training or even from

Stella’s Law would ensure that personnel are trained, and that informative posters showing the Heimlich maneuver are displayed where students are at the greatest risk of choking. The instructional posters help make sure students are not fearful or afraid if a choking emergency occurs, because they understand this life-saving technique.

There are many resources available in your community. Organizations like the American Red Cross and the American Heart Association hold classes to help people be prepared for such emergencies. We hosted our first CPR-Heimlich maneuver training in cooperation with the West Babylon Fire Department on Jan. 24.

In 2024, a Patchogue-Medford math

teacher, Chris Schiefer, came to the rescue of one of his students. Schiefer noticed the student choking on a gumball and quickly went into action, performing the Heimlich maneuver and helping to dislodge the obstruction. After making sure the student saw the nurse to confirm he was all right, Schiefer turned the incident into a learning opportunity by teaching his students about the Heimlich maneuver and pointing out a chart on the wall demonstrating how to handle a choking incident.

This was a great effort made by a responsible educator, but we should have standard training in place, as well as step-by-step signage for school staff, so they can be frontline administrators of these life-saving techniques.

Please contact your local school district, state senator or Assembly member and encourage them to support Stella’s Law, and to make our schools safer.

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lOut of practice, but not out of resolve

ast week, for the first time in three years, Long Island was forcefully reminded that winter isn’t just a suggestion. The Jan. 25 snowstorm dumped more than a foot of snow, whipped it around with high winds and then sealed it in place with a deep freeze, making it the most significant storm in these parts since Jan. 29, 2022. For a region that had grown used to mild winters and more rain than snow, it was a rude, icy wake-up call.

Within hours, schools and businesses were closed, and familiar streets transformed from wet pavement to skating rinks masquerading as thoroughfares.

Snow shovels were unearthed from garages, boots were rediscovered in the backs of closets and many residents wondered, “Wait, how do we do this again?”

The storm highlighted the dedication of emergency workers and the importance of preparation, but it also revealed something else: After a few relatively snow-free winters, Long Island was a little out of practice.

Emergency crews, plow drivers, sanitation workers, police officers, EMS personnel and other essential workers put in long hours in harsh and dangerous conditions. Their efforts kept major roadways passable and ensured that critical services remained available. These people don’t get snow days, and Long Island is better off because of it.

Elected officials also moved quickly. Roads were treated with pre-storm brine to prevent ice from bonding to

letters

pavement. Hundreds of plows were deployed across towns and villages. Gov. Kathy Hochul sent more than 100 members of the National Guard to assist with snow removal, including on major parkways that thousands of drivers rely on every day.

County Executives Bruce Blakeman and Ed Romaine, in Nassau and Suffolk, respectively, declared states of emergency, helping streamline coordination and resources.

Many residents noticed and appreciated responders’ efforts. Social media was filled with thank-yous to plow drivers and sanitation crews, often described as “the backbone of the operation.” Credit where it’s due: Without their efforts, the storm’s aftermath would have been far worse.

Still, once the snow stopped falling, patience began to melt, unlike the ice. Complaints poured in about side streets that weren’t plowed quickly enough, leaving cars stuck and neighbors frustrated as snow hardened and became virtually unmovable. In some areas, plows managed little more than a single narrow lane, pushing snow into piles that quickly froze into what might as well have been concrete barriers.

The storm’s heavy mix of snow and sleet didn’t help. Parked cars made matters worse. Town officials, including in Oyster Bay, pointed to vehicles left on streets despite parking restrictions as a major obstacle to proper plowing. And then there was the Long Island tradition of shoveling snow into the street

Our foreign policy ‘is heading in the wrong direction’

To the Editor:

I read Peter King’s opinion piece last week, “What did Trump gain by badmouthing Denmark?” about the administration’s various foreign policy accomplishments and failures during the first year of President Trump’s second term. I agree that the approach that’s being taken in regard to Greenland is not wise. Our current treaty with Denmark gives the United States great leeway for the use of Greenland’s territory for U.S. bases in the defense of the U.S. and our NATO allies.

I feel that our foreign policy in general is heading in the wrong direction. The “America First” policy that’s being promoted by the administration is doing great damage to our peaceful relationships around the world. We may have the greatest military in modern history, but we live in a complex world. We need to preserve NATO and make sure that treaties established at the end of World War II remain strong. We need cooperation, not condemnation of friends.

I agree that we need secure and safe borders, and

— illegal, counterproductive and, in Nassau County, potentially a $200 mistake.

All of this slowed cleanup, especially when you consider the scale of the task. The Town of Hempstead alone is responsible for clearing roughly 1,200 miles of roadway. That’s not a quick lap around the block — it’s a marathon in snow boots.

Snow removal is a team sport. Municipalities can plan routes, deploy equipment and send alerts, but residents have to do their part, moving vehicles, following restrictions, staying informed and resisting the urge to dump snow where plows just cleared it.

After three quiet winters, Long Island’s collective snow-day muscle memory had weakened. The key takeaway from Jan. 25 is that the storm exposed gaps while providing a muchneeded refresher. Main roads were cleared. Most neighborhoods were eventually serviced. Emergency operations held up under pressure. With better coordination, clearer communication and stronger public cooperation, the next response can be even smoother. Snowstorms on Long Island are inevitable, and we should be ready for them. If everyone — from county and state governments to towns, villages, businesses and residents — gets back in practice, the next big storm can be met not with surprise and frustration, but with confidence, coordination and maybe even a little less slip-sliding around.

The political distraction industry — and its cost

something’s wrong. It’s hard to put a finger on it. We live in a political world, and something about the way that world slides between the foreground and the background of daily life just seems off — not dramatic, not mysterious, just persistently wrong.

That unease has a source.

Contemporary politics now functions within what can fairly be called a political distraction industry. Large, highprofile controversies generate a media fog that draws our attention toward whatever is loudest or most immediate, while steadily pulling our focus away from decisions that more directly shape our lives.

In any given week, we may be urged to fixate on the latest scandal, to listen to conflicting stories about exploding motorboats off the coast of South America, to dissect executive orders that change little in practice, to scroll through a flood of presidential social media posts, or to follow lawsuits filed theatrically against judges and officials with no realistic chance of success.

Each story is framed as urgent. Each demands our attention. It’s hard to keep up, and it’s harder to see through the fog of information to discern things that may be far more important.

This isn’t an accident. Distraction has become a strategy.

The incentives aren’t difficult to see. Media outlets compete in an overcrowded attention economy. Social media platforms reward speed, outrage and repetition. Political fundraising thrives on alarm. Issues and decisions are boiled down to simplistic either/or choices. Complexity doesn’t travel well. The most consequential changes tend to arrive quietly, already dressed as routine.

w here every problem is a ‘crisis,’ and every disagreement ‘unprecedented.’

The result is a loss of perspective. Minor controversies swell into national emergencies, while decisions affecting housing costs, public education, health care access, environmental protections and local governance are made quietly. We debate the tone of a speech while overlooking the budget it obscures. We argue about personalities while the machinery of government is adjusted — often in ways that prove difficult to reverse.

It’s no secret: a distracted public is easier to manage than an attentive one. Constant motion prevents sustained

LeTTers

those who illegally entered our country should be dealt with through our justice system. But I hope that the constant rhetoric we see daily in our news media starts to abate, and that cooler heads prevail. We need the direction of our politics, and our policies, to return to a sense of normalcy.

JErOME I. rOSEn Hewlett

Where have all the plows gone?

Editors’ note: The following letter was sent to the Herald on Jan. 29, after last week’s issues went to press.

To the Editor:

It’s frustrating that nearly five days after the significant snow we had on Jan. 25, our neighborhoods, thoroughfares and side streets are still not cleared. Did the plows come? Yes, they did. Main roads have been cleared. But who’s responsible for the mess left behind along Hempstead Turnpike, Franklin Avenue and other highly traveled streets that could certainly benefit from another pass of the plow?

Why are cars forced to park next to huge mounds of snow that haven’t been removed? The plows should still be out there, helping to widen the streets. Instead I’ve seen multiple town highway trucks with plows removed.

An example is Goldenrod Avenue in Franklin Square, which leads to both Washington Street School and H. Frank Carey High School. During school hours, Goldenrod is almost impassable, whether you’re driving north or south, because it

scrutiny. Constant conflict fragments potential coalitions. Attention jumps from flare to flare, rarely lingering long enough for consideration of the most basic questions: What has actually changed? Who benefits? What precedent has just been set? Distraction works in part because it enlists us. We share the clips, repost the provocations, argue over headlines designed to provoke argument. It feels like engagement, but reaction isn’t the same as agency, and outrage — however understandable — doesn’t substitute for influence. Even our political vocabulary has been thinned by overuse. Everything is a “crisis.” Every disagreement is “unprecedented.” When every day is framed as an emergency, real emergencies become harder to recognize. Fatigue follows. People disengage — not because they don’t care, but because constant alarm is mentally exhausting. There is no need to tune out — but there is a need to slow down. When a story breaks, a few stubborn questions help restore a sense of scale: Does this materially change how power is exercised? Does it affect people’s rights, safety, or economic security? Will it still matter a year from now? If not, it may be worth keeping an eye on — but not

has at least 4 feet of snow sticking out into the street on both sides.

Why are all the corners leading to crosswalks not cleared? This is a safety issue. Are people expected to climb a snow mound to get to businesses on Hempstead Turnpike?

If the curb outside a store is still piled with snow and the crosswalk at the corner of that street isn’t cleared, how are people expected to get to the store? Businesses are clearing their own sidewalks, but it seems that curbs, corners, crosswalks and some bus stops are orphans of the storm.

When talking to the Town of Hempstead Highway Department, I was told they are only responsible for “residential areas.” They did offer to put in a “ticket” to replow Goldenrod Avenue. I was told that the state Department of Transportation is responsible for large thoroughfares like Hempstead Turnpike and Sunrise Highway. I called the DOT, and an employee repeated “from curb to curb” when I asked what snow clearing they were responsible for.

It seems to me that during these storms, the town, as the “first responder” agency, funded by our tax dollars, should do more to make traveling in our community easier — especially since the town isn’t responsible for plowing main thoroughfares. Why can’t they send crews out to dig out street corners and crosswalks when a storm is over? If we’re expected to take our kids to school, go to work and go about our daily lives, we should get better assistance from the town in order to return to our normal routine.

ELIzABETH MUrPHY Franklin Square

chasing.

The normalization of continuous distraction carries a cost most of us have experienced without quite naming it. The news and social media flood the airwaves with stories and endless commentary about the latest nasty thing the president has said about a celebrity — who insulted whom, who clapped back. Meanwhile, we hear only a sidebar about a court decision that permits the administration to empower ICE agents to arrest U.S. citizens as though they were undocumented immigrants, the decision mentioned only briefly before disappearing from coverage. One story dominates our attention for days; the other slips past almost unnoticed. Again, the imbalance is not accidental. Distraction isn’t merely noise, but leverage. The point is not to stop us from seeing anything at all, but to keep us looking in the wrong direction long enough for other, potentially more consequential, decisions to settle into place. By the time our attention shifts back, the argument is over, the paperwork is filed and the change is treated as a fact rather than a choice. What is lost is not awareness, but the chance to intervene at the moment when our scrutiny might have made a difference.

Michael Blitz is professor emeritus of interdisciplinary studies at the City University of New York’s John Jay College of Criminal Justice.