Wantagh Herald 01-29-2026

DEADLINE MARCH 2ND

An essential school to watch Page 3 laughing for a good cause Page 11

Luke Feeney/Herald

Wantagh High School was one of many schools closed Monday, in the aftermath of the storm.

Storm shutters Wantagh, Seaford

Snow, wind and bitter cold halt classes and activities in both school districts, and close businesses as well

By lUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Schools and libraries in Wantagh and Seaford were closed Monday, after Sunday’s storm brought heavy snow, high winds and dangerously low temperatures across Long Island.

The National Weather Service’s winter storm warning ended Monday morning. Crews at both school districts were shoveling and clearing snow as the districts prepared to welcome students back on Tuesday morning. Wantagh and Seaford received around eight inches to as much as a foot of snow.

Hempstead Town Supervisor John Ferretti said before the storm that the town was

fully mobilized to keep roads clear and residents safe — including in Wantagh and Seaford. He urged residents to stay off the roads if possible to allow plow operators space to work safely and efficiently.

Snowfall began early Sunday and continued into Monday, according to the National Weather Service. Communities like Wantagh and Seaford saw a mix of snow and sleet, which made for slick and icy roads. Winds and blowing snow reduced visibility throughout the storm, and sub-freezing temperatures were expected to linger for days.

The town is responsible for clearing more than 1,200 miles of roadway and dozens of commuter and municipal parking lots. Crews prepped plow trucks, loaders and salt

Tech updates are focus of BOE meeting

By lUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

The Wantagh Board of Education received an update from Perry Curry, the district’s director of technology, on planned upgrades to technology infrastructure, cybersecurity and data privacy in all five district schools at its Jan. 22 meeting at Wantagh High School.

Curry opened her presentation uniquely, by playing a two-and-a-halfminute song she wrote about classroom learning with technology on Suno — an artificial intelligence tool with which users create song based on words they give to A.I.

Y ou have to eat the bad vegetables first.

PERRY CURRY Director of technology, Wantagh School District

Curry’s song, she said, was meant to highlight the advancements made by A.I.powered learning programs and their potential as educational tools for students. After it played, she emphasized A.I.’s ability to recognize educational programs used in the district without being told what they were. “It understood what each of those programs did,” she said. “It did it itself.”

“We’re also able to call across the district,” Curry said. “If I had a teacher who was having trouble in Wantagh Elementary, I could pick up the phone and call the classroom. It’s been a game-changer for us.”

There were security camera upgrades at the middle and high school, and additional firewalls — a digital security system, which acts as a barrier between a trusted internal network and untrusted external networks such as the internet — was installed at Forest Lake, Mandalay and Wantagh Elementary School, she added.

Looking to the future, more fiber runs, which used to transmit data, voice and video signals at high speeds over long distances using light pulses

Several upgrades are already in place, according to Curry, including a new network connection to Wantagh Elementary for disaster recovery, a districtwide public address system and new classroom phones that allow external calls among all five schools.

Continued on page 12

things to know about PunXsutawnEY PhiL

By ANGELINA ZINGARIELLO

America’s most-known groundhog

azingariello@liherald.com

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

n Phil’s “birthday” and origins

Phil does not have an actual, documented birth date recognized by zoological or veterinary records. No scientific or reliable registry shows the exact date this specific groundhog was born. Instead, the day that Phil appears each year, Feb. 2, is symbolically treated as his “birthday” because that is Groundhog Day, the annual event when he is presented to the public to make his traditional weather signal. The idea that the same animal has been making predictions since the late 19th century comes from folklore maintained by the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club, which plays up the legend that Phil is “immortal” and survives by drinking a mythical “elixir of life.”

n Phil’s diet and what groundhogs eat

There are no official records documenting a unique favorite food for Phil himself; the Groundhog Club does not publish a food preference list for him. What scientists and wildlife experts do know is that groundhogs are primarily herbivores. In nature, they eat a wide range of vegetation, including grasses, clover, leaves, vegetables, fruits and other plant matter, and build up fat before hibernation. Groundhogs may occasionally ingest small invertebrates such as insects or snail larvae, but this is rare and incidental; their diet is overwhelmingly plant-based. Because the species’ eating habits are documented across North America, it can be inferred that Phil, as a groundhog, feeds on the same sorts of plants and greens.

n Why he is the “official” groundhog

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

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

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

HERALD School

Wantagh Middle earns ‘Schools to Watch’ honor

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

Wantagh Middle School has once again been named a “School to Watch” — a prestigious honor that highlights excellence in academics, equity, and student support.

The redesignation, awarded through the national Essential Elements Schools to Watch program, comes three years after Wantagh Middle first received the recognition in 2023. Since then, the school has made improvements in several areas flagged in the original report, including team collaboration, data use and emotional wellness.

“This recognition is a testament to the work of our entire school community — teachers, staff, students and families,” Principal Anthony Ciuffo said.

Ciuffo and Assistant Principal Rachel Quattrocchi led the 46-page redesignation application, which focused on four core pillars: academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, social equity and organizational structure.

In response to feedback, the school strengthened its grade-level teaming model, assigning all special-area teachers to teams and appointing team leaders to guide weekly “glows and grows” meetings focused on student progress. Science teacher Christen Bellucci now oversees all team leaders to ensure consistency across grades.

The school also adopted a Multi-Tiered System of Supports, or MTSS, to help tailor instruction and support based on student data. Two MTSS coordinators work closely with teachers to assess academic and social-emotional needs for every sixth, seventh and eighth grader.

Wantagh Middle’s social-emotional learning program was also revamped, now guided by two coordinators and

supported by a monthly calendar of advisory prompts to foster meaningful conversation.

The redesignation process included a site visit from educators who met with administrators, teachers and students. Ciuffo and Quattrocchi, now certified evalua-

tors themselves, said the biggest benefit of the program is the network it provides.

“We’re part of this group of middle schools around the state that are looking to support each other,” Ciuffo said.

Town honors life of Martin Luther King Jr.

By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com

The clock tower at the top of Hempstead Town Hall was lit up and shined colors of red and green as a tribute to the life, legacy and values of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

The inaugural lighting took place on Jan. 15–the same day King was assassinated—and it was attended by residents as well as elected officials. King Jr. was a pivotal American Baptist minister, activist, and political philosopher who led the Civil Rights Movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. He championed racial equality and social justice through nonviolent civil disobedience, organizing key events like the 1963 March on Washington.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day was created on Nov. 2, 1983, when President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law. It was first observed as a federal holiday on Jan. 20, 1986, and is celebrated annually on the third Monday of January.

“The values Dr. King stood for — unity, service, and equality — are values that continue to guide our community today,” Town of Hempstead Supervisor John Ferretti said. “Lighting the Hempstead Town Hall clock tower for the first time in recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is a powerful and lasting way to honor his legacy and reaffirm our commitment to bringing people together.”

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News briefs

Cedar Creek Park in Seaford was bustling Monday as families from Wantagh, Seaford and Levittown came out to enjoy the first snow day of the season.

Residents enjoy snow at Cedar Creek Park

Cedar Creek Park in Seaford was bustling Monday as families from Wantagh, Seaford and Levittown came out to enjoy the first snow day of the season. Children and adults alike made the most of the wintry weather with sledding, snowboarding and friendly snowball fights throughout the day. The

259-acre Nassau County park, located off Merrick Road, is a popular destination year-round. It features athletic fields, tennis and basketball courts, dog runs, an award-winning playground, and a paved path that connects to Jones Beach. –-Luke Feeney Luke Feeney/Herald

Local alumni earn fall dean’s list honors

Several Wantagh and Seaford High School alumni earned spots on their respective universities’ dean’s lists for the fall 2025 semester, recognizing their academic achievement at institutions across the country.

From Seaford, Julianna Marie Sparacio was named to the dean’s list at Furman University in South Carolina. The honor is awarded to full-time students who earn at least a 3.4 grade point average on a 4.0 scale.

Two other Seaford graduates, Kimberly Nagengast and Samantha Summers, made the dean’s list at Susquehanna University in Pennsylvania. The recognition is given to students with a GPA of 3.4 or higher who complete at least 12 semester hours.

At Quinnipiac University in Connecticut, both Wantagh and Seaford students were well represented. From Seaford: Michael Bogovic and Dylan Paccione were named to the dean’s list. In addition Wantagh High School alumni Emma Ambrosino, Alex Bonanno, Brody Bozzo, Samantha Cortes, Caden LiCausi, Kyra Loiacono, Matthew Natof, Rachel Rissland, Robert Terrana and Ava Tomeo were named to the fall 2025 list.

To qualify for the Quinnipiac dean’s list, full-time students must complete at least 14 credits and maintain a GPA of 3.5 or higher with no grade below a C.

AFA Health Screening Day

THURSDAY

February 12 10 AM - 2 PM

AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center

149 Schleigel Blvd., Amityville

TAKE ADVANTAGE OF:

Memory screenings to help identify early signs of cognitive changes

Blood pressure screenings to support cardiovascular health

Balance screenings to assess fall risk and mobility

Information on other health screenings and resources for older adults

All screenings are free and will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointments are required.

Contact the AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center at 631-223-4000 for more information.

SPONSORS

spotlight athlete

MEAGHAN CAMPBELL

MacArthur Senior Basketball

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

games to watch

Thursday, Jan. 29

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

Boys Basketball: Farmingdale at Uniondale 5 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Friday, Jan. 30

Boys Basketball: Clarke at Carey 5 p.m.

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

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

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

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

Boys Basketball: Kennedy at MacArthur 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 31

Girls Basketball: Westbury at Uniondale 10 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Nominate a “Spotlight Athlete”

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

MacArthur is legit title contender

By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com

MacArthur’s girls basketball team entered the final week of January with an unblemished record powered by a collective offensive juggernaut.

The Generals moved to 14-0 overall and 7-0 in Conference AA-1 with a 67-32 win at Long Beach last Friday on the strength of a career high 32 points from senior Gabby Nicolini. The 14 wins have produced five different leading scorers in seniors Meaghan Campbell, Nicolini, Caitilin Kilian and Ysabelle Perillo along with freshman phenom Brianna Peduzzi.

“They just want to win and they don’t care who scores,” said 12th-year head coach Dave Radtke. “We’re averaging about 15 to 20 assists per game.”

The Long Beach blowout win marked the Generals eighth victory by 20 points or more and fifth by over 30. Campbell, a versatile center/power forward, had a big all-around game with 14 points and seven blocks.

Campbell, a Vassar College commit, became the first player in program history to record 1,000 career rebounds in a 75-39 win against New Hyde Park on Jan. 14 in which she registered a doubledouble with 23 points and 17 boards. The Vassar College-bound Campell, who is also nearing the 1,000-career point milestone, had a rare quadruple double in a 57-36 victory at Calhoun on Jan. 5 with 10 points, 15 rebounds, 10 assists and 10 blocks.

Radtke said Campbell along with the other starting seniors of Nicolini, Kilian and Perillo have displayed strong chemistry from having players together since they were youths at the CYO level.

“They know what each other is doing before they do it,” Radtke said. “They are a special group.”

Peduzzi has also been a bright spot in the starting lineup in her first season on varsity after starring on the Salk Middle School team as an eighth grader last year. She tallied a career-high 17 points in the Calhoun win and co-lead the Generals in scoring with 15 in a 71-37 triumph at Great Neck South on Jan. 8.

Senior Gabby Nicolini scored a career-high 32 points last Friday as the Generals stayed perfect with a win at Long Beach.

MacArthur dominated on both ends of the court in a 68-14 win at Jericho on Jan. 17 led by 17 points from Perillo. The Generals recorded shutouts in three of the four quarters, which Radtke said underscores how its strong defense has empowered its offense throughout the undefeated run.

“We’re averaging about 63 points a game but what really gets us going is our defense,” Radtke said. “Wer play straight zone and we press a lot.”

The Generals will look to continue

their winning ways at Bellmore JFK for a 6:46 p.m. tipoff Friday before hosting Calhoun Monday at 7 p.m. MacArthur will then host Great Neck South on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m.

The Class AA playoffs will commence in the third week of February, and Radtke is expecting stiff competition from Garden City, South Side, Manhasset and Mepham.

“The playoffs this year in our section are going to be wide open,” Radtke said. “It is going to be very competitive.”

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Future doctors learn pain, addiction care

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

uncomfortable or difficult to discuss.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BUSINESS EXPO & WORKSHOPS

Winter weather impacts classes, roads

spreaders, and staged equipment at strategic locations across the township. Throughout Sunday evening and Monday morning, salt was applied on roads and plows worked throughout both days.

Drainage areas and known flooding trouble spots were inspected and cleared ahead of the storm. The town also organized shift rotations to prevent operator fatigue and maintain 24-hour coverage throughout the storm.

Residents were urged to move parked cars off the street during snow removal operations, and to report unplowed streets by visiting hempsteadtown.com/ storm. Both Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman and Gov. Kathy Hochul declared states of emergency.

The Long Island Rail Road ran on a modified Sunday schedule, and operated on a regular Sunday schedule on Monday. It was scheduled to return to a normal schedule on Tuesday, after the Herald went to press.

Crews worked to keep trains moving with equipment on hand to be able to respond quickly as conditions warranted. De-icing trains ran to keep third rails clear of snow and ice, while crews were strategically positioned throughout the system helping to keep switches clear and operable. Switch heaters were activated to prevent track switches from freezing using natural gas burners and electrical heating elements.

PSEG Long Island urged residents to stay away from downed power lines, and to avoid standing water or slush. The utility also warned against using generators or gasoline-powered equipment indoors or near windows or vents. Larry Torres, the senior director for emergency preparedness and logistics for the utility, told CBS News that fewer than 800 PSEG customers lost power on Sunday, and added that crews were working to restore any remaining outages.

Blakeman also issued a statement regarding travelers stranded abroad, saying some were “being taken advantage of with price gouging and a lack of accommodations for families who are unable to return home from foreign countries. I am alerting our federal officials and asking that foreign governments are warned to protect our citizens until it is possible for them to return home.”

Kiwanis clubs unite to support foster children

By ABIGAIL GRIECO agrieco@liherald.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Curry details upgrades across all schools

instead of electricity, are planned for more efficient communication in the case of emergency, alongside upgraded battery backups. Plans for camera upgrades at all three elementary schools are also being finalized, according to Curry.

In May 2019, district servers were infected by ransomware — malicious software that locks systems unless a ransom is paid. The virus corrupted software installed on computers districtwide, including Adobe Creative Suite and Microsoft Office, according to a 2019 report in The Warrior, the high school’s student news website.

“I still relive May 2, 2019,” Curry said, referring to the day of the attack, and she outlined cybersecurity improvements the district has made since then. They include tabletop response exercises, staff training, partnerships with Nassau BOCES and the county district attorney’s office, as well as participation in federal cybersecurity programs. She also noted the implementation of multifactor authentication, mandatory email encryption, and regular penetration testing of district systems.

“You have to eat the bad vegetables first,” Curry said, referring to the infrastructure and compliance work that comes before students’ use of technology. “This is where the heart of what we do is.” She pointed to broader uses of tools like Brisk — an A.I. platform that integrates with programs like Google Chrome to generate feedback, adapt to student needs and support learning materials — and School AI, which provides real-time student data and personalized teaching tools.

Newer interactive white boards will be installed, and there will be reviews of the effectiveness of current student instructional software, Curry added. She also highlighted the new three-grade cycle for student

the Wantagh Board of education was updated on planned upgrades to technology infrastructure, cybersecurity and data privacy across all five district schools by perry Curry, the district’s director of technology.

Chromebooks — with students getting their first devices in second grade, new ones in sixth grade and final one in ninth grade.

Beyond classroom technology, the board also addressed a different kind of tech during the meeting: electronic bikes. Last year there were several fatal and severe e-bike accidents on Long Island, including the deaths of a 14-year-old in North Bellmore and a 15-year-old in New Hyde Park, and the critical injury of a 13-year-old in East Islip.

After those accidents, “We took a much closer look at our policy,” Superintendent John McNamara explained. The district, he said, consulted with the Nassau County Police Department, and “they really informed us of all the significant restrictions for, real-

ly, anybody under 16 to be on an e-bike.” The updated policy was placed on the agenda and approved later that night.

More than 30 student musicians in grades five through 12 were honored at the beginning of the meeting for their participation in the Nassau Music Education Association’s 2026 All-County Festival and the Long Island String Festival. The performances took place earlier this month, at the Tilles Center for the Performing Arts at LIU Post, in Brookville.

“Those rehearsals are grueling, but our students did an amazing job,” Kelly Jones, the district’s director of fine and performing arts, said. “You should be so proud of your accomplishments.” The board’s next meeting is Feb. 3.

STEPPING OUT

‘Metamorphosis’ unleashed

South Shore Symphony reinvents familiar melodies — and itself

By Abbey Salvemini

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

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

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

Pete Correale

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

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

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

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

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

• Saturday, January 31, 7:30 p.m.

• Madison Theatre, 1000 Hempstead Ave., Rockville Centre

• Tickets available at madisontheatreny.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CALENDAR

JAN 29

On Exhibit

Nassau County Museum of Art invites visitors into a world where reality is uncertain, dreams take shape, and the line between fact and imagination disappears. Works in “Real, Surreal, and Photoreal” challenge what we see and what we believe. Before abstraction took the spotlight in the mid-20th century, American artists captured the world as they saw it. This exhibit explores how artists across generations have reimagined “the real” in strikingly different ways. Works from both American and European artists are featured. On view through March 8.

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: Ongoing

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

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

JAN

30

A Cappella Festival

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

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

• Time: Varied, through Feb. 1

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

Michael Carbonaro

• Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh

• Time: Noon-4 p.m.

• Contact: mahjonggCBT@yahoo. com or (516) 785-2445

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

Scam seminar

FEB

9

JAN 31

Lunar New Year Celebration

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

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

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

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

FEB

1

Amazing Animal Encounter

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

• Where: Museum Row, Garden City

• Time: 1:30-2 p.m.

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

Talking art

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

• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor

• Time: 3 p.m.

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

FEB

2

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

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com

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

Church, 245 Stewart Ave, Garden City

• Contact: (516) 652-6878 or audition.info@lics.org

FEB

3

Wantagh BOE meets

Wantagh Board of Education holds its next meeting.

• Where: 3200 Beltagh Ave.

• Time: 8 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 592-4000

FEB

4

Long Island Choral Society Audition

The Long Island Choral Society is looking for new members for the final concert of their 97th Season. The Spring 2026 concert features Franz Schubert’s Mass in G. Auditions are by appointment only. If you love to sing consider auditioning to be part of this treasured Long Island tradition. For additional information about the Long Island Choral Society, visit lics.org.

• Where: Garden City Community

Bingo at Temple B’Nai Torah

Temple B’nai Torah hosts weekly bingo with prizes, progressive games, and refreshments every Wednesday and Thursday.

• Where: 2900 Jerusalem Ave., Wantagh

• Time: Wednesdays, 10:30 a.m.1 p.m.; Thursdays, 7:15-10 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 221-2370

Game time

FEB

5

Play Mah Jongg and Canasta every Thursday at Congregation Beth Tikvah. Snacks and drinks are provided. $5 contribution.

Residents of all ages are encouraged to learn how to spot, react and avoid scams at a seminar at Levittown Library. Prior RSVP is required, but the event is free.

• Where: 1 Bluegrass Lane, Levittown

• Time: 7 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 882-0630 or rhoads@nysenate.gov

FEB

10

Seaford BOE meets

Seaford Board of Education holds its next meeting.

• Where: 1590 Washington Ave., Seaford

• Time: 7:30 p.m.

• Contact: (516) 592-4000

Students learn about the science behind weather

Seaford Harbor Elementary School third graders had the opportunity to watch science come to life with a special guest leading the way.

Samantha Augeri, of Sam’s Weather School, spent more than an hour with students on Jan. 16—showing them equipment forecasters such as an anemometer to measure wind speed and a barometer for air pressure. Students also had the opportunity to touch a popped weather balloon.

Augeri, worked for networks such as Fox 5 and News 12 over the course of her Emmy-winning career. She announced her departure from News 12 last December after 15 years at the station. Her program featured several experiments; at one point she put water in a jar, placed an index card on top and turned it upside down only for no water to escape–highlighting how a tight seal works.

She also used dry ice and boiling water to make a cloud that spun

Harbor Elementary School on Jan. 16.

like a tornado, in addition, students got to sit on a wooden board that hovered off the ground when attached to a leaf blower. At the end of her visit, the students became the meteorologists and stood in front of a green screen

to give the five-day forecast.

Harbor Elementary Teacher Carol Rindos explained that the third grade science curriculum focuses on weather and climate. Rindos, who coordinated Auger’s visit,

added that the presentation taught students about clouds, storms and the water cycle and enhanced their knowledge of the world around them.

— Luke Feeney

January 29, 2026 —

LEGAL NOTICE

NOTICE OF SALE

Public Notices

SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON

SAVINGS FUND

SOCIETY, FSB, NOT IN ITS INDIVIDUAL CAPACITY BUT SOLELY AS TRUSTEE FOR BCAT 2020-3TT, Plaintiff, vs. ANNA HARRIS, ET AL., Defendant(s).

Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee’s Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on November 26, 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 858 Mayer Drive, Wantagh, NY 11793. 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 51, Block 346 and Lot 22. Approximate amount of judgment is $518,884.67 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index # 612827/2022. Cash will not be accepted.

Christopher Vatter, Esq., Referee Knuckles & Manfro, LLP, 120 White Plains Road, Suite 215, Tarrytown, New York 10591, Attorneys for Plaintiff 157784

LEGAL NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE OF NASSAU COUNTY

TREASURER’S

SALE OF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

Notice is hereby given that commencing on February 17th, 2026, will sell at public online auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by February 12th, 2026 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property.

Such tax liens will be sold at the lowest rate of interest, not exceeding 10 percent per six-month period, for which any person or

persons shall offer to take the total amount of such unpaid taxes as defined in Section 5-37.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code.

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

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

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

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

Nassau County does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to or access to, or treatment or employment in, its services, programs, or activities. Upon request, accommodations such as those required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) will be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in all services, programs, activities and public hearings and events conducted by the Treasurer’s Office.

Upon request, information can be made available in Braille, large print, audio-tape or other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 1-3715.

Dated: January 22, 2026

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

Mineola, New York

TERMS OF SALE

Such tax liens shall be sold subject to any and all superior tax liens of sovereignties and other municipalities and to all claims of record which the County may have thereon and subject to the provisions of the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts. However, such tax liens shall have priority over the County’s Differential Interest Lien, representing the excess, if any, of the interest and penalty borne at the maximum rate over the interest and penalty borne at the rate at which the lien is purchased. The Purchaser acknowledges that the tax lien(s) sold pursuant to these Terms of Sale may be subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or may become subject to such proceedings which may be commenced during the period in which a tax lien is held by a successful bidder or the assignee of same, which may modify a Purchaser’s rights with respect to the lien(s) and the property securing same. Such bankruptcy proceedings shall not affect the validity of the tax lien. In addition to being subject to pending bankruptcy proceedings and/or the Federal and State Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Civil Relief Acts, said purchaser’s right of foreclosure may be affected by the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act (FIRREA),12 U.S.C. ss 1811 et seq., with regard to real property under Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) receivership. The County Treasurer reserves the right, without further notice and at any time, to withdraw from sale any of the parcels of land or premises herein

listed. The Nassau County Treasurer reserves the right to intervene in any bankruptcy case/litigation where the property affected by the tax liens sold by the Treasurer is part of the bankruptcy estate. However, it is the sole responsibility of all tax lien purchasers to protect their legal interests in any bankruptcy case affecting their purchased tax lien, including but not limited to the filing of a proof of claim on their behalf, covering their investment in said tax lien. The Nassau County Treasurer and Nassau County and its agencies, assumes no responsibility for any legal representation of any tax lien purchaser in any legal proceeding including but not limited to a bankruptcy case where the purchased tax lien is at risk. The rate of interest and penalty at which any person purchases the tax lien shall be established by his bid. Each purchaser, immediately after the sale thereof, shall pay to the County Treasurer ten per cent of the amount for which the tax liens have been sold and the remaining ninety per cent within thirty days after such sale. If the purchaser at the tax sale shall fail to pay the remaining ninety per cent within ten days after he has been notified by the County Treasurer that the certificates of sale are ready for delivery, then all amounts deposited with the County Treasurer including but not limited to the ten per cent theretofore paid by him shall, without further notice or demand, be irrevocably forfeited by the purchaser and shall be retained by the County Treasurer as liquidated damages and the agreement to purchase shall be of no further effect. Time is of the essence in this sale. This sale is held pursuant to the Nassau County Administrative Code and interested parties are referred to such Code for additional information as to terms of the sale, rights of purchasers, maximum rates of interest and other legal incidents of the sale. Furthermore, as to the bidding, 1. The bidder(s) agree

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

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

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

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

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

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF NASSAU, U.S. BANK TRUST NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, AS TRUSTEE OF THE IGLOO SERIES IV TRUST, Plaintiff, vs. DONALD PERILLO, ET AL., Defendant(s). Pursuant to an Order Confirming Referee Report and Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly entered on June 18, 2025, I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction on the front steps on the north side of the Nassau County Supreme Court, 100 Supreme Court Drive, Mineola, NY 11501 on February 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m., premises known as 32 North Millpage Drive a/k/a 32 Millpage Drive, Bethpage, NY 11714. All that certain plot, piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements thereon erected, situate, lying and being at Bethpage, Town of Oyster Bay, County of Nassau and State of New York, Section 49, Block 177 and Lot 16. Approximate amount of judgment is $636,443.38 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index #603235/2023.

Robert Gordon Litt, Esq., Referee Friedman Vartolo LLP, 85 Broad Street, Suite 501, New York, New York 10004, Attorneys for Plaintiff. Firm File No.: 223993-1 157922

LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

Pursuant to New York State Town Law Article 16, New York State Public Officers Law Article 7, and the Town of Hempstead Building Zone Ordinance, NOTICE is hereby given that the BOARD OF APPEALS of the Town of Hempstead will hold a public hearing in the Town Meeting Pavilion, Town Hall Plaza, One Washington Street, Hempstead, New York on 02/11/2026 at 9:30

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

THE FOLLOWING CASES WILL BE CALLED STARTING AT 9:30 A.M.

85/26. - 86/26. LEVITTOWN - William H. & Donna M. Robinson, Variance for proposed senior residence each separate dwelling area exceeding 800 sq. ft. in total floor area; Variance, rear yard, construct 2nd story addition attached to dwelling., W/s Cord La., 220.85’ S/o Halter La., a/k/a 14 Cord La. 92/26. WANTAGHMichael Onufrey, Variance, lot area occupied, construct front porch extension & roof over attached to dwelling., W/s Atlantic Blvd., 180’ N/o Byron St., a/k/a 2418 Atlantic Blvd. 93/26. WANTAGHGus Tsiorvas & Ann Monsees, Variances, lot area occupied, side yard, side yards aggregate, maintain 2-story addition, 2nd story addition & roofed over open porches all attached to dwelling., W/s Beech St., 120’ N/o Byron St., a/k/a 2424 Beech St. ALL PAPERS PERTAINING TO THE ABOVE HEARING ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION AT THE BOARD OF APPEALS, TOWN HALL, 1 WASHINGTON STREET, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550.

This notice is only for new cases in Levittown & Wantagh within Town of Hempstead jurisdiction. There are additional cases in different hamlets, towns and villages on the Board of Appeals calendar. The full calendar is available at https://hempsteadny.go v/509/Board-of-Appeals

The internet address of the website streaming for this meeting is https://hempsteadny.go v/576/Live-StreamingVideo Interested parties may appear at the above time and place. At the call of the Chairman, the Board will consider decisions on the foregoing and those on the Reserve Decision calendar and such other matters as may properly come before it. 158016

LEGAL NOTICE

SUPREME COURT OF

THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU MCLP ASSET COMPANY, INC., -againstCHRISTINA T. EHL A/K/A CHRISTINA T. LOPINTO, ET AL. NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to a Final Judgment of Foreclosure entered in the Office of the Clerk of the County of Nassau on October 22, 2025, wherein MCLP ASSET COMPANY, INC. is the Plaintiff and CHRISTINA T. EHL A/K/A CHRISTINA T. LOPINTO, ET AL. are the Defendant(s). I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction RAIN OR SHINE at the NASSAU COUNTY SUPREME COURT, NORTH SIDE STEPS, 100 SUPREME COURT DRIVE, MINEOLA, NY 11501, on March 3, 2026 at 2:00PM, premises known as 7 EAST COURT, BETHPAGE, NY 11714; and the following tax map identification: 46-341-9. ALL THAT CERTAIN PLOT, PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND, WITH THE BUILDINGS AND IMPROVEMENTS THEREON ERECTED, SITUATE, LYING AND BEING IN BETHPAGE, TOWN OF OYSTER BAY, COUNTY OF NASSAU AND STATE OF NEW YORK Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index No.: 610215/2024. Kenneth Lawrence Gartner, Esq. - Referee. Robertson, Anschutz, Schneid, Crane & Partners, PLLC, 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 310, Westbury, New York 11590, Attorneys for Plaintiff. All foreclosure sales will be conducted in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines including, but not limited to, social distancing and mask wearing. *LOCATION OF SALE SUBJECT TO CHANGE DAY OF IN ACCORDANCE WITH COURT/CLERK DIRECTIVES. 158041

AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com

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

Help Wanted

CIRCULATION ASSOCIATE

Full Time/Part Time

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

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

EDITOR/REPORTER

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

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

MULTI MEDIA

ACCOUNT DEVELOPMENT

Inside Sales

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

OUTSIDE SALES

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

Eligible for Health Benefits, 401k and Paid Time Off.

Please Send Cover Letter and Resume with Salary Requirements to rglickman@liherald.com or Call 516-569-4000 X250

PRINTING PRESS OPERATORS

FT & PT. Long Island Herald has IMMEDIATE openings for Printing Press Operators in Garden City. We are

HomesHERALD

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Keeping indoor air clean

Q. Every winter I get terrible colds, and this year I got a postcard from a company that cleans air conditioning ducts. Does this help? I’m concerned about stirring up more dust. What else can I do except buy one of those portable air cleaners?

A. These days, with all the requirements for home energy savings, airtight homes and pressurized air testing, homes are much more likely to have impurities in the air. Homes used to be built with alkali-laden plaster, which mold couldn’t live on. People wore sweaters, because windows leaked cold air and homes were cooler. It seems that modern materials and methods actually brought on more sickness.

Real Estate

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

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

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

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

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

© 2026 Monte Leeper

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

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What did Trump gain by badmouthing Denmark?

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

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

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

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

If we simply allow Greenland to

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

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

except the U.S.

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

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

cessfully than at any time in recent memory.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Health care reform is a failure from top to bottom

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

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

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

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

Talive.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

History’s lessons demand lifelong vigilance

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

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

Eight days later was Holocaust Remembrance Day — another solemn day of commemoration. Each year on Jan. 27 — the date of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in 1945 — we pause to reflect on one of history’s darkest chapters and reaffirm our responsibility to remember. The day commemorates the 6 million Jewish men, women and children murdered by the Nazi regime during World War II, along with millions of others, including Roma, people with disabilities, political dissidents, members of sexual minorities and others who were targeted and killed.

Remembrance days such as these are often accompanied by moments of

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Yorkers deserve more retirement investment options

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Framework by Patrick Baker

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

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

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

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

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

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