Margaret Silberger, center left, president of the Wantagh chapter of the Kiwanis, was presented with citations last month by Town of Hempstead Councilman Chris Schneider, far left, County Legislator Kayla Knight and State Sen. Steve Rhoads for her selection as the Wantagh Herald’s 2025 Person of the Year. Story, more photos, page 10.
By lUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com
Gov. Kathy Hochul promised a broad slate of new policies aimed at affordability, child care, housing and public safety in her State of the State address last month. But State Sen. Steve Rhoads is pushing back, saying that many of those plans either don’t go far enough or fail to reflect the needs of Long Island communities.
“The state of the state of New York is strong, and we’re just getting started,” Hochul declared in her Jan. 13 address, highlighting priorities like universal pre-K by 2028, crackdowns on gun violence and insurance fraud, and more than
$350 million in new investments in affordable and manufactured housing.
But Rhoads, a Republican who represents Wantagh, Seaford, North Wantagh and other nearby communities, argued that the governor’s proposals often miss the mark — especially when it comes to public safety, affordability and housing.
“She is now conditioning funding on municipalities being pro-housing communities,” Rhoads told the Herald, adding that this creates unfair burdens for local governments. “Unless the entire township agrees to loosen its zoning restrictions, it won’t qualify for state assistance
By lUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com
A Farmingville man has been arrested and charged in connection to the car crash two weeks ago that killed Lindsey Parke, 19, a volunteer firefighter with the Levittown Fire Department, and another teenage passenger, authorities said.
Frank Labidi, 23, was behind the wheel of a 2026 BMW when he lost control of the vehicle while heading west on Old Country Road, near Sterling Place, in Hicksville, at around 11:30 p.m. on Jan. 23, according to Nassau County police. The car veered into oncoming traffic, struck a tree, and then slammed into a building, police said.
earlier that night, according to News 12.
smile, laugh, and willingness to help anyone will be forever missed
lEVittowN FiRE DEpAR tmENt Statement
Parke and the other passenger, Alexa Duryea, also 19 and from Levittown, were both pronounced dead at the scene. Labidi was taken to a hospital with injuries that police described as non-life-threatening. Labidi and the teens had been hanging out at an arcade
Police arrested Labidi on Friday and charged him with two counts of second-degree manslaughter and two counts of second-degree assault. Labidi was driving more than 80 mph, more than twice the posted speed limit, according to court documents, when he lost control of his vehicle. Labidi crossed into oncoming traffic, spun out, and slammed into a tree and a building, prosecutors said. He was arraigned on the charges at First District Court in Hempstead the same day. He pleaded not guilty to all charges. The crash remains under investigation and Labidi is due back in court on Tuesday, after the Herald went to press. His bail is set at $500,000 cash or a $1.25 million bond.
Parke served as a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician with the Levittown Fire Department. Her death has shaken the Levittown
Continued on page 13
Someone shared a story with me that has stayed with me, not because it was dramatic, but because it was honest. It was nearly midnight when the phone rang. It was not a stranger or an emergency service, but someone who trusted him deeply. Her voice was tired and insistent. She needed him to say yes. He sat in the dark with the phone pressed to his ear, feeling a familiar weight settle on his chest. Saying yes would have been easy. It often had been. Agreement had become instinctive, even reflexive. Yet as he listened, another image rose uninvited. His own family. Relatives who depended on him not in moments of crisis, but through steady and ongoing need. Responsibilities that did not announce themselves or wait for convenient timing. Time, presence, and care that could not be postponed without consequence. In that moment, he understood that
agreeing would mean being absent where his responsibility already lived.
Later, he reflected on a distinction that is often overlooked. Before refusal is praised as virtue, we must ask who is being refused. There is no moral equivalence between resisting temptation and turning away from responsibility. When those two are confused, harm can hide behind language that sounds thoughtful and intentions that appear kind.
We live in a culture that praises availability. Those who stretch endlessly, who rarely push back, and who say yes at any cost are often admired. Agreement is framed as generosity, while refusal is quickly labeled selfishness. That shortcut collapses the moment real
responsibility enters the room. Every yes carries a cost. Time, energy, attention, and moral focus are limited resources. Saying yes to one obligation always means declining another, whether acknowledged or not. The ethical question is not whether a person can say no. It is whether that no protects an existing responsibility or serves as an escape from it.
As he explained it, saying no to cruelty is strength. Saying no to ego can be virtue. Saying no to those who rely on you is something else entirely. That distinction is uncomfortable, which is why it is so often blurred or ignored.
In his situation, the choice was not between kindness and selfishness. It was between competing goods. Between a visible
request and invisible commitments. Saying yes would have earned gratitude and relief in the moment. Saying no protected people who would never know that a decision had been made on their behalf.
A responsible no is not vague or delayed. It rests on moral honesty and admits that saying yes would harm what already exists. This is not a lack of compassion but loyalty. In communities and work, constant agreement breeds burnout, resentment, and withdrawal. When people can say no for the right reasons, trust deepens, boundaries sharpen, and commitment becomes real. The hardest no is often to good options so essential ones endure. The true test is not courage, but who we protect by refusing them.
Rabbi Moshe Weisblum is the spiritual leader of Congregation Beth Tikvah in Wantagh.
Second graders at Mandalay Elementary brought their landform lessons to life by crafting three-dimensional islands in STEAM class.
By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com
Second graders at Mandalay Elementary School in Wantagh brought science lessons to life by creating imaginative islands as part of a unit on landforms.
In class, students have been learning about the different landforms that make up their planet. A landform is a natural, recognizable physical feature on the Earth’s surface such as a mountain, valley, plain, or plateau that makes up the terrain.
The geographic features vary in size from small hills to vast ocean basins and significantly influence local ecosystems, climate, and human settlement. This knowledge was reinforced through a hands-on project with STEAM teacher Alexa Stroh.
Second graders cut a piece of white paper in any shape they wanted to make their island, then glued it down on a blue construction paper, which represented the ocean. For the second part of the project, students took Model Magic to make 3D landforms including a coastline, mountains and plains. They could even add a body of water like a lake or a river, and then use markers to color all of the landforms the appropriate colors.
Stroh added that the final piece of the project will be the students creating map keys for their islands.
Kaya Leff, left, and Victoria PapianouAssabi shaped mountains for their model islands during the landform project.
Mandalay second grader Nico DeGaetano added a lake to his island, using blue marker to show the water.
Firefighters battled a house fire on Downhill Lane last Wednesday in frigid conditions, knocking down flames within 20 minutes and confirming that no one was injured in the blaze.
Courtesy John Scalesi
By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com
Firefighters battled a house fire on Downhill Lane last Wednesday in frigid conditions, knocking down flames within 20 minutes and confirming that no one was injured in the blaze.
The Wantagh Fire Department received multiple 911 calls around 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 28 reporting a fire at 49 Downhill Lane, according to a Jan. 30 Facebook post from the department.
Chief of Department Bill Stevens, already responding to two other active alarms, diverted to the scene and quickly transmitted a “Signal 10,” confirming a working fire with visible flames at the front of the home.
Initial reports indicated a resident might still be inside the house, prompting urgent searches by Second Assistant Chief Chris Dolley, Third Assistant Chief Rich Mongiello and crews from Ladder 1. Fortunately, the missing occupant was later located safely outside the home.
Engine 2, led by Capt. Mike Fratello, was first on the scene and secured a water source from a nearby hydrant. Crews stretched a hose line and began attacking the fire. Engine 3, under Capt. George Conaty, deployed a second line. Ladder 1, led by Andrew Nordquist, set up in front of the house to conduct search, ventilation and overhaul efforts.
Mutual aid came from Levittown, whose Ladder 621 was initially called as
the F.A.S.T. Truck—a dedicated unit for firefighter emergencies. Bethpage Ladder 3 later replaced it in that role. Additional Wantagh units on the scene included Engines 1 and 7, Squad 1, and Rescues 1, 3 and 5, along with the department’s safety officer.
Despite icy walkways and extreme cold made worse by snowmelt and firefighting water, there were no reported injuries. The fire was fully under control in about 20 minutes, and all units were cleared from the scene roughly 75 minutes after arrival.
Two households, including four adults and four children, have registered for emergency assistance through the American Red Cross, which also provided care items at the scene, according to Frederic Klein, regional communications manager. “Any residents impacted by this fire who need help with their recovery and have not already connected with the Red Cross should call 1-877-RED CROSS (877-7332767) and select Option 1,” Klein wrote in an emailed statement to the Herald. While the home sustained significant fire damage, the situation could have been far worse, officials said. Nassau County fire marshals and the police arson squad responded to investigate the cause, as is standard procedure.Bethpage, North Bellmore and Massapequa departments stood by at Wantagh’s Station 2 with backup apparatus—but were soon called to additional alarms that followed during a busy night for area fire crews.
THURSDAY
February 12 10 AM - 2 PM
AFA Barbara Rabinowitz Education & Resource Center
149 Schleigel Blvd., Amityville
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.
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.
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.
By ANDREW COEN sports@liherald.com
Wantagh’s boys basketball team closed January in solid footing for a February playoff berth thanks to some clutch plays on both ends of the court.
Facing the prospects of a three-game losing streak to close the month, Wantagh rallied from a late seven-point deficit for a 41-39 win against Mineola on Jan. 28 when senior forward Carter Loughman sank the winning shot with three seconds remaining. The sequence was set up by Devin Paccione tying the game with 35 seconds left before picking up an offensive charge on defense.
The comeback win moved Wantagh to 5-3 in Conference IV with four games remaining.
“It was a big win because it took some of the pressure off since now we only need to win one out of the next four to make the playoffs,” said fifthyear Wantagh head coach Matt Simeone. “We’re also in a good spot to finish in second place,”
Sophomore guard Vinny Napolitano led the Warriors with 16 points in the Mineola win including three 3-pointers. Senior forward Joe Nicholson also stepped up big with 11 points.
The Warriors are positioned for a playoff push thanks to another close win in a 46-44 home victory against Lynbrook on Jan. 6 hitting a big three with 20 seconds left. Loughman led the way with 15 points with Napolitano and Nicholson also cracking double figures with 13 and 12 points, respectively.
Junior guard Luke Gonsowski also delivered in the Lynbrook win with 6 points. Simeone said Gonsowski, who is also a standout football player at wide receiver and defensive back, has emerged as a key defender this winter.
“We were looking at him more as a bench role player and he has stepped into a starting role this year,” said Simeone, who has also coached Gonsowski in football as an assistant coach. “He has stepped up to the plate and become a great defender.”
Wantagh hosts Floral Park, which is unbeaten in Conference IV at 9-0, Fri-
day at 5:45 p.m. in a rematch of 59-46 loss on Jan. 9 in which the Warriors trailed 39-26 entering the fourth quarter. Nicholson scored 21 points to help keep Wantagh close for much of the game.
The Warriors regular-season home finale is on tap for Monday at 5 p..m. against Plainedge, which Wantagh dominated in a 52-27 win on Jan. 12. The regular seadon concludes on Feb. 12 at Valley Stream South, who edged Wantagh 51-47 on Jan. 15, in a game that could
decide who earns the second seed for the Nassau Class A playoffs.
With the playoffs fast approaching, Simeone’s team is focused on peaking at the right time and trying to exceed last year’s near-run to the county finals that ended in a 61-56 semifinal loss to Floral Park.
“We want to get better each week,” Simeone said. “We want to be playing our best basketball at the end of the year come playoff time.”
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.
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.”
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-
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.
Iresult 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.
f you want to protect 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.”
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
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.
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.
By LUKE FEENEY lfeeney@liherald.com
Margaret Silberger and Terrence Murphy were honored for their selection as the Wantagh and Seaford Herald’s 2025 Person of the Year last month by local leaders.
Silberger, a 74-year-old retired nurse and current president of the Wantagh Kiwanis Club has dedicated herself to improving the lives of others, whether by comforting patients at their hospital bedsides or by organizing community food drives and beach cleanups. She credits her decades in nursing for being the foundation for her community work.
“Her lifelong commitment to volunteerism and civic engagement has made a lasting impact on my hometown of Wantagh and its residents,” County Legislator Kayla Knight wrote in a Jan. 29 Facebook post. Knight, alongside State Sen. Steve Rhoads and Town of Hempstead Councilman Chris Schnedier presented each honoree with a citation.
Murphy, 70, is the longtime commander of Seaford American Legion Post 1132. He joined the Army shortly after graduating from Seaford High School in 1973. He served in German until 1976, after working as a mailman for several years, he returned as a judge advocate general in the Army Reserves for 24 years, until 2015.
“From serving our nation at home and abroad to strengthening Seaford’s civic life and honoring our veterans, Terry has spent a lifetime giving back,” Rhoads wrote in a Jan. 24 Facebook post. “Guided by the values he learned growing up in a large Seaford family: responsibility, fairness, and community.”
Murphy, the current commander of Seaford American Legion Post 1132, has been involved with the legion for the past 30 years.
Murphy received his citation at the legion post, located on 2301 Penatiquit Ave. in Seaford. Silberger was honored in her house–at the corner of Pine Street and Walters Avenue, where she has lived for over five decades.
in helping to promote that.”
He pointed to the Town of Hempstead — which includes both Wantagh and Seaford — as an example. If Seaford were to identify land for affordable housing, Rhoads said, the town as a whole would have to ease zoning restrictions to qualify for state support. That, he argued, is a “disincentive” that could stop good projects from moving forward.
On the subject of affordability, Hochul supported eliminating taxes on tips and cracking down on staged car accidents that inflate insurance premiums. She also proposed expanded child care access — including pilot programs for 2- and 3-year-olds and a push for universal pre-K statewide.
“There’s one thing that every family in New York can agree on, the cost of childcare is simply too high,” Hochul wrote in a release announcing the proposal, arguing that it has been a cornerstone of her agenda. She also wrote of her pride in working with leaders statewide “to make this a reality, turning that foundation into a concrete roadmap that will transform the lives of working parents and kids across our state.”
Rhoads agreed that there is a real need for more affordable child care, but criticized Hochul’s rollout of the program. Last month, alongside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, she announced plans to help the city fill the holes in the existing 3-K program and launch a program to provide free child care for 2-year-olds, known as 2Care.
The state would provide $73 million in the first year to support 2,000 2Care seats in what Hochul called “high-need” neighborhoods. The second year would bring a $425 million investment to add 10,000 more seats, with the program expanding over two more years to reach an estimated 55,000 children.
Rhoads acknowledged that he woud be open to exploring a similar program on Long Island, but added that any child care plan would need to clearly outline who is providing the care and how quality and safety would be maintained. He argued that under the current proposal, his constituents get the short end of the stick.
“My Nassau County residents, who
gov. Kathy Hochul, shown above at last month’s Long island association Breakfast, delivered her State of the State address in January as well.
are struggling to provide child care for their own kids,” Rhoads said, “are now providing free child care for New York City residents.”
On public safety, Rhoads offered one of his strongest critiques of the governor, contrasting her focus on policing and gun regulation with his party’s Save New York agenda, which prioritizes reversing criminal justice reforms enacted in recent years.
“It comes back to prioritizing public safety over the rights of criminal defendants,” Rhoads said. He called for restoring judicial discretion in setting bail, rolling back elements of the state’s Raise the Age legislation and amending discovery rules that he claims are overwhelming district attorneys and leading to more cases being dismissed on technicalities.
While Rhoads credited Hochul for certain aspects of her plan —including more funding for school aid and mental health services, and reversing pandemic-era unemployment insurance policies that hurt small businesses — he argued that, overall, her economic vision puts too much burden on taxpayers.
“The state budget has increased by $89 billion since 2019,” he said. “That is a 53 percent increase in the last eight years.” He blamed that spending — along with rising mandates and taxes — for what he called an affordability crisis driving people and businesses out of the state.
Rhoads said that the Save New York proposal would phase in what he described as “the largest personal income tax cut in the history of New York state,” exempting the first $50,000 in income for individuals and the first $100,000 for families. The plan, he added, could be funded without cuts, just by limiting annual state budget growth to 2 percent.
“We’re not talking about a $200 or $300 rebate check,” Rhoads said. “We’re talking about putting $6,000 in the pockets of the average New York state homeowner, every year.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, a Republican and Hochul’s presumptive opponent in this year’s gubernatorial race, also sharply criticized her address. Blakeman accused Hochul of failing to act during her time in office, particularly on child care.
“Kathy Hochul, you’ve been governor for four years,” he said at a news conference after her speech. “You haven’t done anything about child care. Now you’re talking about child care.”
Blakeman also blamed Hochul for population and business losses, saying, “There’s a reason why hundreds of thousands of people have left the state under your tenure.” He argued that New York needs “leadership in solving people’s problems.”
Additional reporting by Roksana Amid.
community and neighboring towns such as Wantagh and Seaford, where her dedication to public service was widely known and admired.
Family, friends, and hundreds of firefighters attended her memorial service at Thomas F. Dalton Funeral Home in Levittown on Jan. 28. Fire departments from across Long Island paid tribute to her with written statements or by posting a photo with a red line with Parke’s name and the date of her death.
“Her smile, laugh, and willingness to help anyone will be forever missed — along with the cupcakes and cookies she always left for us,” the Levittown Fire Department wrote in a statement on Facebook. “Lindsey was a talented, hard working and passionate young woman, and taken from us far too soon.”
Neighboring fire departments also paid tribute to Parke. “Sincere condolences to the Parke family and our friends from the Levittown Fire Department on the tragic and untimely passing of Firefighter Lindsey Parke,” the Wantagh Fire Department wrote in her honor. “Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this most difficult time.”
Duryea was remembered on Saturday with a memorial service at Charles J. O’Shea Funeral Home in Wantagh. She was described as a loving big sister to her three younger siblings, and that she left behind a legacy of love, strength, friendship, and devotion to family.
According to an obituary posted by the Charles J. O’Shea Funeral Home, Duryea “was kind, sweet, and compassionate, yet strong-willed and full of personality.” The obituary described her as having “a creative spirit” and remembered her for “the endless love she gave so freely.”
Several officials also shared their support for the Parke family. Anthony D’Espostio, the inspector general for the U.S. Department of Labor and former member of Congress, expressed his condolences to Parke’s family, writing in a Facebook post that “Lindsey’s smile, her laugh, and her selfless willingness to help others left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her.”
D’Esposito, a former chief of the Island Park Fire Department, where he served for more than 26 years, added that it is incumbent that the “Long Island community remember her dedication,” and “honors her legacy.”
“Her dedication to the Levittown community will not be forgotten,” State Sen. Steve Rhoads, who represents Levittown, Wantagh and Seaford, wrote about Parke. Nassau County Legislator Kayla Knight echoed similar sentiments, describing Parke’s service as the pinnacle of “courage, selflessness, and professionalism.”
The local community began crowdfunding for both families following the deaths of Parke and Duryea. As of press time, more than $36,000 has been raised through GoFundMe for Parke’s family and nearly $25,000 for Duryea’s family.
Duryea’s GoFundMe page was created by Levittown resident Dorothy Neftleberg-Jackson and is designed to help her parents, Jessica and James Duryea, assist with funeral and memorial expenses, as well as the unexpected costs that come with the loss of a child. Parke’s page was organized by Levittown resident Christine Scarry.
“Lindsey was the most selfless and caring person anyone knew,” a Jan. 24 post by Scarry read. “She was a go-getter and the strongest person that we all needed in our life.”
West Bank Wings Blazin’ Buffalo Potato Skins
Chili Meatballs
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.
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.
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.
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.
Avocado Dip
Billy Stritch and Friends celebrate Judy Garland
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
9
Residents of all ages are encouraged to learn how to spot, react and avoid scams at this upcoming seminar at Levittown Library. 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
10
Seaford BOE meets Seaford Board of Education holds its next meeting. Stay up to date on district issues.
• Where: 1590 Washington Ave., Seaford
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Contact: (516) 592-4000
The Wantagh Library once again hosts IRS-Certified AARP TaxAide Foundation tax preparers who are available for assistance. This program is aimed at low to moderate income taxpayers with simple tax returns that can be prepared in less than one hour.
Taxpayers with complicated tax returns (more than 12 documents) or out-of-scope subjects will be advised to seek professional tax preparation assistance as will those with incomes exceeding $100,000. Taxpayers must bring Social Security Cards for everyone listed
‘So don’t
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
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.
on the tax return (this includes any dependents), valid photo ID, last year’s tax return and all tax-related documents.
• Where: 3285 Park Ave.
• Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., through April 7
• Contact: wantaghlibrary.org or call (516) 221-1200
FEB
11
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
• Time: Noon-4 p.m.
• Contact: mahjonggCBT@yahoo.com or (516) 785-2445
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 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
• Where: The Paramount, 370 New York Ave., Huntington
• Time: 8 p.m.
• Contact: ticketmaster.com or paramountny.com
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
Valentine’s Evening with Jimmy Webb
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
FEB 12
Play Mah Jongg and Canasta every Thursday at Congregation Beth Tikvah. Snacks and drinks are provided. $5 contribution.
• Where: 3710 Woodbine Ave., Wantagh
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 FEB
Nassau County Museum of Art hosts a special benefit concert. Renowned songwriter-composersinger Jimmy Webb warms everyone up with a performance of his legendary hits, followed by a champagne and dessert reception, also exclusive evening access to the magnificent” Real, Surreal, Photoreal” exhibit. Limited availability, RSVP soon. $250 per person.
• Where: 1 Museum Drive, Roslyn Harbor
• Time: 8-10 p.m.
• Contact: nassaumuseum.org or (516) 484-9337
Having an event?
Items on the Calendar page are listed free of charge. The Herald welcomes listings of upcoming events, community meetings and items of public interest. All submissions should include date, time and location of the event, cost, and a contact name and phone number. Submissions can be emailed to kbloom@liherald.com.
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.
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 tradi -
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.
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.
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.
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.
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) 23, 6 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.
Town of HempsTead scHool:6 seafoRd Ufsd
LANG FAMILY HOLDINGS LLC 32,580.79 65274 00190
Town of HempsTead scHool:23 wanTagH Ufsd
Name Parcel Group Lot Amount
JCJD REALTY INC 22,085.92
56 H 08980 898-901
CHISHOLM RUTH LIFE ESTATE 1,544.31
56 H0700050
SESACK A D & A M 2,185.93
56 H0800860
GREIG JENNIFER SKELLEY 17,471.37
56 H1000070
POSNER DANIEL & JAYME 18,509.80
56 H1100450
WALLIS JAMES A & CATHRINE 18,198.22
56 H1300400
MAGGIE’S SIGNATURE HOMES, LLC 10,737.27
56 Y 00170 17,38
WANTAGH 3208 LLC 7,627.28 56156 02080
OROURKE HEATHER MARY & DENGLER 2,246.61 56252 01180
DE MAILLE LEA ELLEN 16,467.55 56267 01960
FAYMAN LYUDMILIA 18,163.65 56269 03060
MUNDY TRUST 9,205.18
56280 00070 7,44
DECOSTA CHARLES & CARMEN 20,374.22
56280 00270
JLEM ASSOCIATES II LLC 32,454.20
56286 00180
BRAUM MEYER TRUST 26,110.72
56410 03280
PRINCE NANCY & HOWARD 21,299.29
56410 04040
3341 BELTAGH AVENUE LLC 10,441.10
56462 00600
3341 BELTAGH AVENUE LLC 41,090.52 56462 00610 1358 WANTAGH AVENUE LLC 21,061.86 56462 00620
1378 WANTAGH AVENUE LLC 27,162.90 56462 00630
ARTEMIOU GEORGE V & VASOULA 21,160.85 56494 00090
OBRAY JAMES & REBBECA 11,393.53 56498 00300
VIRGILE RICHARD W & MARY J 6,702.89 56507 00160
PATEL SAURABH B & BARAI MANSI 2,853.58 56507 00170
IBRAHIM MENNATALLAH 5,702.32 57006 02100
TOWNSEND CHRISTINE ELLIOTT LIFE 18,028.18 57011 00750
PRICE ROGER LE & PRICE JOYCE LE 5,801.72 57023 00520
CAMPODONICO ADRIAN A & SILVANA 8,986.01 57033 05550
SEGERDAHL PAUL & ELIZABETH 24,671.12 57033 05640
ALBANESE ANNE 20,849.37 57038 00580
CLARK MARY & TIA 5,765.10 57090 00860
3408 PARK AVE CORP 4,439.53 57092 00040
GEFFNER JONATHAN & LINDA 16,502.13 57099 00320
KEO ARUNROAT 4,476.29 57100 10110
SCHMAELING RICHARD & ROSEMARY 19,686.65 57110 12530
PICCIONE SEBASTIAN 4,028.21 57112 07670 767-768
WALTER RENATE E LIFE ESTATE 11,956.35 57133 02230 223-224
FRANCIS JR IRVING 5,502.52 57259 00150
FONTANA DIANA 2,524.10 57272 00170
KENNEY JOSEPH & JANE 2,251.73 57302 00390 1420 POULSON STREET, LLC 10,601.11 57302 00430
WILLIAMSON
63004 00880
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
HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK TREND
NEW YORK POST
UNIONDALE BEACON Dist 1002
HEMPSTEAD BEACON, NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
UNIONDALE BEACON Dist 1003
EAST MEADOW HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEIGHBOR NEWSPAPERS
NEW YORK POST
Dist 1004
Dist 1005
Dist 1006
Dist 1007
Dist 1008
Dist 1009
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
NEW YORK POST Dist 1010
BALDWIN HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST Dist 1011
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE NEW YORK POST
OCEANSIDE TRIBUNE
OCEANSIDE/ISLAND PARK HERALD Dist 1012
MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE NEW YORK POST
VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE Dist 1013
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
VALLEY STREAM HERALD
VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE Dist 1014
FIVE TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
FIVE TOWNS TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU HERALD (FIVE TOWNS)
NEW YORK POST Dist 1015
FIVE TOWNS JEWISH TIMES
FIVE TOWNS TRIBUNE
JEWISH STAR
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER
NEW YORK POST Dist 1018
GARDEN CITY NEWS
GARDEN CITY TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW YORK POST Dist 1019
EAST ROCKAWAY TRIBUNE
LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
ROCKAWAY JOURNAL
Dist 1020
Dist 1021
Dist 1022
Dist 2005
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
EAST ROCKAWAY TRIBUNE
LYNBROOK/EAST ROCKAWAY HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
ROCKVILLE CENTRE HERALD
ROCKVILLE CENTRE TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW HYDE PARK FLORAL PARK HERALD COURIER
Dist 1023
Dist 1024
Dist 1025
Dist 1026
Dist 1027
Dist 1028
Dist 1029
Dist 1030
Dist 1031
Dist 1201
Dist 1205
NEW YORK POST
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SEAFORD HERALD CITIZEN
WANTAGH HERALD CITIZEN
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
VALLEY STREAM HERALD
VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE
MERRICK HERALD
MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
THE NASSAU OBSERVER
MALVERNE/WEST HEMPSTEAD HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
LONG BEACH HERALD
LONG BEACH TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
MERRICK HERALD
MERRICK/BELLMORE TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
VALLEY STREAM HERALD
VALLEY STREAM/MALVERN TRIBUNE
ISLAND PARK TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
OCEANSIDE/ISLAND PARK HERALD
EAST MEADOW HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW YORK POST
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
Dist 2002
1016
1017
Dist 2009
Dist 2010
Dist 2011
Dist 2122
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
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 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
Dist 3004
Dist 3006
Dist 3008
Dist 3009
Dist 3011
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW YORK POST
MINEOLA WILLISTON TIMES
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NASSAU ILLUSTRATED NEWS
NEW YORK POST
BNH
FRANKLIN SQ/ELMONT HERALD
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
FRANKLIN SQ/ELMONT HERALD
Dist 3015
Continued from previous page PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com PUBLIC AND LEGAL NOTICES… To place a notice here call us us at 516-569-4000 x232 or send an email to: legalnotices@liherald.com
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE NEW YORK POST
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE Dist 3017
HICKSVILLE/LEVITTOWN TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST THE NASSAU OBSERVER Dist 3018
BETHPAGE NEWSGRAM
MASSAPEQUA POST
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE SOUTH BAYS NEIGHBOR - N. MASSAPEQUA
JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
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
GLEN 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
Dist 3012
Dist 3013
Dist 2003
Dist 2004
MANHASSET PRESS
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
ROSLYN NEWS TIMES
MANHASSET PRESS
Dist 3014
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SYOSSET ADVANCE
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SYOSSET ADVANCE
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE
JERICHO NEWS JOURNAL
NASSAU COUNTY WEBSITE
NEW YORK POST
SYOSSET JERICHO TRIBUNE
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 other alternative formats. For additional information, please call (516) 571-2090 ext. 13715.
Dated: February 05, 2026 THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER MINEOLA, NEW YORK 1334601
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE OF SALE
SUPREME COURT
COUNTY OF NASSAU, WILMINGTON SAVINGS FUND
February 5, 2026 —
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
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
SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF NASSAU MCLP ASSET COMPANY, INC., -against-
CHRISTINA 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
LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the WANTAGH FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the twenty sixth day of January 2026, subject to permissive referendum as provided for by the General Municipal law. An extract of the resolution is as follows: The WANTAGH FIRE DISTRICT has by appropriate resolution established a certain capital reserve fund designated as the Capital Reserve Fund, established pursuant to Section 6(g) of the General Municipal Law, in an account for deposit of said Capital Reserve Fund entitled, “The Wantagh Fire District, Section 6(g) General Municipal Building and Grounds Capital Reserve Fund”; and; in which account is sufficient funds to accomplish the purposes herein after set forth, namely, 2026 Informational Technology Infrastructure Upgrade Capital Project including labor, material, inspection and delivery, incidental expenses, advertising, and attorney’s fees, in order to maintain the efficiency of the Wantagh Fire District in the discharge of their duties in preserving the lives and property of the residents of the community and the said project is deemed in the best interest of the residents of the Wantagh Fire District. The resolution further provides that there be transferred from the present Capital Reserve Fund entitled, “The Wantagh Fire District, Section 6(g) General Municipal Building and Grounds Capital Reserve Fund” of the Wantagh Fire District a sum not to exceed One Hundred and TwentyFour Thousand ($124,000) dollars and
the District Treasurer is authorized to effect such transfer from time to time as necessary for the project. This resolution is subject to a permissive resolution and shall not take effect until thirty (30) days, as provided by the General Municipal Law.
Dated: January 26th 2026
By order of The Board of Fire Commissioner Brendan J. Narell Superintendent 158211
LEGAL NOTICE
NOTICE IS HEREBY
GIVEN that a resolution was duly adopted by the Board of Fire Commissioners of the WANTAGH FIRE DISTRICT, Town of Hempstead, County of Nassau, State of New York, on the 26th day of January 2026, subject to permissive referendum as provided for by the General Municipal law.
An extract of the resolution is as follows: The Wantagh Fire District has by appropriate resolution established and maintains a certain capital reserve fund, established pursuant to Section 6(g) of the General Municipal Law, in an account for deposit of said Capital Reserve Fund entitled, “The Wantagh Fire District, Section 6(g) General Municipal “Firematic Equipment and Apparatus Capital Reserve Fund “ in local banks; in which account is sufficient funds to accomplish the purposes herein after set forth, namely, the Shop Equipment Project (labor, material, inspection and delivery), including incidental expenses, advertising, and attorney’s fees, in order to maintain the efficiency of the Wantagh Fire District in the discharge of their duties in preserving the lives and property of the residents of the Community and the said project is deemed in the best interest of the residents of the Wantagh Fire District. The resolution further provides that there be transferred from the present Firematic Equipment and Apparatus Capital Reserve Fund of the Wantagh Fire District a sum not to exceed Fifty Thousand ($50,000.00) dollars and the District Treasurer is authorized to effect such transfer from time to time as
necessary for the project.
This resolution is subject to a permissive resolution and shall not take effect until thirty (30) days, as provided by the General Municipal Law.
Dated: January 26th 2026
By order of The Board of Fire Commissioner
Brendan J. Narell Superintendent 158212
LEGAL NOTICE
Wantagh School District
Transportation Notice
Wantagh School District parents are reminded that state law requires a written transportation request annually from parents or guardians of students who plan to attend private or parochial schools. Applications must be submitted prior to April1 st for the school year beginning in September. However, first time enrollers in a private or parochial school shall be permitted to submit their application by June 30th, and new residents moving into the district have 30 days after establishing residency to submit their application. Transportation applications for the 2026- 2027 school year are now submitted electronically on our website at www.wantaghschools. org by using the Services and Transportation links. If you need assistance, please contact the Wantagh UFSD Transportation Office, 3301 Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793, at (516) 765-4155. January 2026 158210
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 CASE NO. 21527 RESOLUTION NO. 84-2026
Adopted: January 27, 2026
Councilmember Muscarella offered the following resolution and moved its adoption: RESOLUTION ESTABLISHING AND SETTING ASIDE CERTAIN PARKING 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
To Place A Notice Call 516-569-4000 x232
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.
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
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
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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” in the
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ATTENTION:
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.
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.
RobeRt Cummings Multi-Media Marketing Consultant
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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
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.
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.’
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.
chasing.
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
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
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
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
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.
